The foster Wellington
parts acquired by David in 1986
David purchased this small collection
of original Foster parts around 1986 for a Foster Steam tractor
that had been reduced to a pityfull pile of bits. The origin
of the engine was traced to be that of the Fosters New Light
Steam Tractor's that was especially designed to work under
the motor act. Indeed this was one of the first Wellington
steam tractors. This engine was delivered without any form
of drivers canopy.
Much work was done, researching
the history, obtaining drawings, making pattern's for replacement
castings, and of course the manufacture of a new boiler, the
task is enourmous.
A copy of the original Foster GA Drawing
This GA and lots of other drawings
were used to re-build the engine.
Main components of the boiler
ready for assembly!
The boiler is of a fully welded
construction that uses traditionally flanged backhead and
throat plates to re-create the effect of the original. The
design uses nine large threadded side stays in the firebox
sides to attach the horn plates to the boiler. The horn plates
are bolted to the boiler with fastners that are prepared to
look like riveting.
Cylinder casting pattern set
with core boxes
The cylinder is cast from a set of traditionally
crafted pattern's and core boxes. All of the steam passage
ways and valve ports are cast in during manufacture using
the the same method as Fosters did in the early part of the
last century.
Fully machined Cylinder block, ready for fitting
to the boiler!
Full size traction engine wheels
were usually built by casting the iron hub over the spoke
and rim assembly. This used to allow the hub to be bored and
finished to complete the wheel. This is not practical in modern
day engineering and the wheels are generally made up from
several parts. The Rims are rolled from strip and welded,
the tee rings are usually strip rolled on edge. All this is
then assembled by welding the tee rings in the outer rim.
