From about the 1850's steam powered engines were used for haulage of big loads on the road and for agriculture. They were large and slow but important to local economies.
During the late 19th and early 20th Centuries UK roads were overused with broken and unconsolidated surfaces. When cars appeared the surfaces needed to be made more durable. Tar Macadam was laid as the solution. Vehicles like this, 'steam roller' were used to roll out the macadam and flatten the surface. It differs little from the original traction engine except the wheels are huge, heavy rollers rather than lighter grippier wheel designs used to pull heavy loads. In fact many of road contracting companies contracted out steam engines with interchangable wheels to do either haulage or rolling. Steam rollers were used until late into the 20th Century with one recorded as being used on the M1 Motorway. Some local authorities were still using them in the 1970s. The 'steam roller' lasted much longer than the haulage steam engine because of its suitability for the job of road surfacing.
In the UK these old curiosities are much prized objects. They have been rebuilt and lovingly restored. They are shown at summer shows and events all over the UK. They are fabulous vestiges of our past kept alive by wonderfully enthusiastic individuals who dedicate a great deal of time to these curiosities.
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so enjoyed the information on this engine and the photo and processing are outstanding. your choice of b&w is spot on - so fitting for the subject. looking at this makes me think we could us these for our vermont roads.
Bestest drag racer of all time,i used to live in Lincoln during the sixties and they always had a traction engine rally every summer the field was full of them big smelly beasts to a small boy, but fabulous wonderful reminder thank you...
I have provided more information on this 'steam roller' in response to questions. Thanks for your great comments. Enjoy!