Fowler 7453, Albert

After using the engine it was found that the Fowler was breaking wheel spokes at an alarming rate, and others were coming loose in the hub. Fowlers were informed and replacement rear wheels were dispatched, but the new items were of a smaller diameter than standard. To this day, the engine retains the very individual appearance given to it by these smaller rear wheels. On the notes from the Fowler works there is an entry for the replacement rear wheels, it reads, “July 9th/03 1 Pair of hind road wheels 5′ – 6″ dia x 1′ – 4″ wide. Bored 4 3/4″ without brake ring.”

The engine was economical and powerful, and used little water and coal compared with other engines. It was often used to pull a threshing drum, elevator and living van up a local hill called “Hawkley Hill” which it attacked successfully non-stop in top gear. This is a hill that is considered steep even today and has a sharp hairpin bend halfway up.

We even have photographic evidence of 7453 being used on haulage duties at the Nightingales Brickworks, The Causeway, Petersfield. A fascinating picture kindly given to us by Derek Leech.

During the 1920’s, threshing was still the backbone of Seward’s business, and the Fowler covered the area between Hindhead, Liss, Hawkley.

7453 was retired in 1933 and spent the years until 1969 being polished, oiled and greased with affection by her owner.