Traction-Talk - c.1880 Atkinson 5-Ton Traction Wagon

For sale is our c.1880 wooden-wheeled 5-ton traction wagon built by J. Atkinson & Co. of Leeds.

This traction wagon was originally built as part of a batch for hauliers J. Nall & Co. Ltd of Manchester Road in Bolton. Nall's had a pair of Aveling crane road locomotives and a fleet of Atkinson (Preston) steam wagons. It was used by them until 1929 when the whole J. Nall fleet was bought out by the LMSR.

We recovered the wagon from a farm in Wem late in 2014 and have recently finished a complete ground-up restoration. This includes much replacement woodwork and metalwork, fully rebuilt wheels with new tyres, spokes and felloes and considered, conservational repair of existing components. It has been fully painted in oxblood red linseed paint to match the original livery over a zinc phosphate hardwood primer.

The wagon has a sprung drawbar, and is fully sprung all round, including a 'helper' spring on the fore and hind axles to assist when heavily laden. This makes for a very smooth ride for the trailer and passengers alike.

We have recently done a few 'shakedown' runs of the traction wagon including a circa 20 mile road run around Eastnor Castle and Ledbury, and a series of road runs to local events and rallies behind traction engines. The wagon tows very nicely indeed.

The wagon is an imposing item and stands around 7' tall. It is approximately 16' long and 6' 6" wide. It certainly looks the part behind large agricultural engines or road locomotives, and would suit an early engine very well indeed. The axles are stamped with the dates 1879 and 1880 giving the year they were made for stock.

We are looking of OIRO £16,500 for the traction wagon and delivery can be arranged, but we would consider a trade against a 3-5hp portable in running condition. Viewing is welcomed and can be arranged in the Loughborough area of Leicestershire.

Any enquiries or questions, please contact Ed on 07854 707435 or Simon on 07811 714665.

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