Wagon Steering box

[M_Walters]

Originally Posted by 8_10 Brass Cleaner

I was under the impression that the wagon was cut up into at least two sections after the picture Michael posted. The steering box would be very prone to damage in its position.

When I first saw the remains of the wagon in about 1970 it had been cut into many more parts than just two. As I recall the following parts were missing: chassis, steering box, controls apart from the regulator, springs, brake rods, prop shaft and the front axle beam had been cut out. Another fact that you might not be aware of is that the differential worm and wheel were replaced with a differential from a Yorkshire WJ 6 wheeler. This had the effect of gearing the wagon up; if my memory is correct the original axle ratio was 6.25:1 and the replacement is 4.5:1. The reason it was replaced was that the original bronze wheel broke up when it was taken out of the rear axle for inspection. The rear axles on the Yorkshire and the Fowler were both products of Kirkstall Forge.

With regard to the steering box I would say that trying to replace on a like for like basis of what is there now would be futile since it is not heavy enough for the job. I don't know what to suggest other than something from a similar size of steam wagon.

It has just occurred to me that the wagon that was cut in two would be the Sentinel DG6P that Tom had. That was purchased from Hardwicks along with the back end of a Super on the occasion that we went there to try to find the remains of a Fowler wagon that they had cut up many years before.