Wallis and Steveens 6 Ton Advance

On behalf of the owners we are pleased to offer for sale this delightful Wallis and Steveens 6 Ton Advance roller, No. 7861 built in 1926. Well-cared for in its current ownership the engine is offered as a complete ready to rally outfit including a practical water cart, you could quite literally road this one out of the yard and be confident you have everything you need.

An easily recognizable engine the Advance roller was developed in the early 1920s as a solution to rolling Tarmac, the design offered equal weight distribution over the rolls and with the twin-high fast reversing engine meant a smooth surface finish could be achieved. Not only was the Advance good at the job in hand the design also makes for a practical and easy to use roller. We have had a play on these rollers at rally’s before but it was only when spending the full day with the engine you realise just how user-friendly they are, all controls fall to hand and are easy to use, the geared steering is precise and light, the rear opening makes for easy access without having to clamber up a large tender, when steaming up you don’t even have to get up onto the engine to fire it as can be done from the ground. Overall, I was really impressed and in particular thought for anyone who may struggle with mobility the Advance could be a great option, being a 6 tonner the engine isn’t intimidating for new-comers to full size steam.

The engine underwent an extensive overhaul and boiler work in the early 2000s, this included a new firebox, barrel and front tube plate. Boiler reports state the boiler has remained in very good condition with healthy thickness readings throughout. Copies of the reports are available to genuinely interested parties. The engine runs at 140psi and is water fed through two Gresham and Craven auto-lift injectors, both of which worked perfectly every time we used them.

As noted above the engine comes with pretty much everything we can think you will need to enjoy including:
• Water cart
• 4 custom fitted heavyweight tarpaulins
• Chimney cover
• Fire tools (poker, tube brush, shovel, ashpan rake)
• Lukenheimer whistle
• One pick up hose
• Safety valve blanking plate for future hydraulic tests
• Wheel Chocks
• Towing pin and fork lock-pins
• Photocopies of Wallis & Steevens Advance parts book and promotional material
• Photo library of extensive restorations performed in the early 2000s
• Vinter’s spanner for difficult to access nuts

Overall, this is a cracking little roller that is a pleasure to steam and drive, we are sure she will provide the new owners many years of enjoyment as she has done the current ones. The engine is with us and viewing is welcomed by genuinely interested parties, we would be happy to consider all steam and vintage vehicles part exchange and if required finance can be provided by our specialist partner. UK wide delivery is also available so distance is no trouble!

For further information or to arrange a viewing please do not hesitate to contact us.