The Classic Machinery Network

Yes looks the business , arebn't they similar to the old steam cranes with bodywork off.

Yes looks the business , aren't they similar to the old steam cranes with bodywork off.

All cranes of this type are of the same construction regardless of make Most have twin drums running in opposite direction the each other.I have been lucky enough in my working life to have worked on steam cranes and diesel electric.Some steam rail cranes were given a Maclaren power unit when they were refurbished.The ones I worked on were 12 tonners.But we had a 75 ton Cowans Sheldon for breakdown and recovery work.
Martyn

Hi Dave,
Looks like a first class restoration job, great photos too.
It must be an early Smith, is it a 2/10?
All the Smiths I worked on (from about 1950 on), had the engines the other way round, with the radiator behind the opperators position and drove the machinery through a 2 speed gearbox.
Thanks for this post.
Fred

Hi Martyn - It was at Joe Meaths (?) open day / steam party between the river 7 , M4 and M5, so it may be one of his jobs as i understand he restored a steam crane a couple of years ago. The site is were they hold Cheffins Bristol auction nr Easter Compton ?.

Sorry Fred no info no model was given with it but when ive looked closely the plate on the under carriage said "10 PA carriage" so it may be a 10 ? Its a Fowler engine in it.


Also seen a Smith Front Shovel recently (Ill have to find photos & then post them later)

I'm pretty sure it's this one, a Smith 12.

@BulldozerD11, may I use your photo's for my website?
The photograph below stands already on my website.

Hello,
Here are a few photos of a Smith 26 which is still in working order and currently for sale. Its a bit far away though, unless you're in Newzealand that is.
Fred

They are a long way of and probably can't be identified. c1959

I had a super 11 grab crane on a barge for several years in the 1960's. powered with a 3LW Gardner. My B.I.L. started in business with a little Smith 8 P2 Petter engine with dragline and skimmer. Is that machine being restored sporting a Fowler 2 stroke??

namyar wrote:............... Is that machine being restored sporting a Fowler 2 stroke??

Hi Ray if it is the one i posted several photos of a few posts back then it definitely has a Fowler engine (name was cast into some of the parts), But i could no say what type it is - I had quick look for a plate but could not see one.

Dave