Anthony Coulls of Shildon County Durham receives a Restoration Award for the restoration of a 1926 Marshall “Universal” steam roller which aims to recommission and reassemble the steam roller which has been in store under cover since 1985. The roller is owned by an older gentleman and the ambition is to get it back in steam during 2023 so the owner can see his name on the roof sides and share this rare engine at rallies and events.
The Marshall Universal was the ultimate development of the steam roller. With a high speed enclosed twin cylinder engine unit, precision steering and adjustable back axle and wheels, it was designed to roll tarmac and be a serious contender to challenge the motor rollers. This particular steam roller was the very first of the Marshall Universals and was the prototype, initially being fitted with steam steering. There are only 6 remaining in existence now, and none are in operation in steam in the public domain. It also happens to be the first steam roller that the applicant drove, as an 8 year old!
The engine is currently stored and has been partly dismantled for statutory boiler examinations. It has been re-registered for the road and all DVLA paperwork prepared in readiness for it being moved to County Durham for work and recommissioning. A new water tank has been made but has yet to be fitted.
The Marshall Universal prototype is very unusual and has not been seen in public for 37 years. I believe it deserves an award so that people can see an example of the ultimate steam roller in terms of technical development, but also so the owner is able to see the engine in operation again in his lifetime. The involvement of keen young people in our local steam crew - both men and women under 30 and in their teens - is also important for skills transfer and retention. Of particular note here is the determination to ensure that Anthony’s 17 year old daughter Charlie, who is studying an agricultural apprenticeship but has a burning love of things mechanical including tractors and steam engines, will be fully involved in the restoration and running of this fascinating engine.