Wallis & Steevens Advance 6 Ton Steam Roller
"Wilma" 1929 Wallis & Steevens Advance 6 Ton Steam Roller Serial No: 8030. Wallis & Steevens of Basinstoke Hampshire, who's business could be traced back to the 1840s were an important manufacturer specialising in steam traction vehicles, road rollers and road making equipment. When the Wallis & Steevens 'Advance' type of Steam Rollers were introduced in the early 1920's, a new standard of Steam Roller design was set, makers who did not adopt them soon ceased Steam Roller production or became extinct. The 'Advance' design combined many features which were a significant factor in keeping the Steam Roller a viable competitor for the internal combustion powered rollers which were beginning to be a serious threat to traditional steam roller design. The double high-pressure arrangement of the cylinders with inside actuating piston valves, gave better economy and exceptional performance together with a very speedy transition from forward to reverse, these features, became very important with the transition from traditional road-making methods as tar and bitumen products were used in greater quantities. Other feature much appreciated by steam roller drivers, were the worm and wheel steering and sprung cambering rolls. Many of the 'Advance' type of Steam Rollers continued to give valuable service right up to the 1960's, some were used in the construction of the "M1" Britain's first motorway. |