Grantham Matters has caught up with Wyndham Park steamroller restorer Peter Tye to see how he’s getting on.
After delays due to Covid he tells us,
“We’ve fitted the flywheel on this week and starting the copper pipework.
There’s still the front end to do, it will definitely be out next year”
Aveling and Porter 10392 “Calcifer” Number 414 was purchased by Eddisons on 20 September 1922 and with number 415 (another C type) the pair cost Eddisons £1385 according to an Eddison 1948 fleet list.
In 1966 it was was presented by Eddison to Wyndham Park, Grantham.
The eight-ton roller became a popular feature in the play area where children enjoyed clambering over it.
But it was removed following an injury to a child who fell from it. A council spokesman said it was difficult to defend any court action taken by parents and it was removed for scrap.
Mr Harris, who took it to his workshop and set about restoration hoping for help from other enthusiasts, but they lacked a skilled boilermaker.
The solution provided by Swindon businessman Peter Tye, assisted by a boilermaker and engine restorer, ensure the original aims drawn up in 1999 will be met.
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