An eminent early preservationist, John Crawley was able to amass an enviable photographic archive of steam traction engines and road rollers in their working days, of which this Aveling & Porter selection formed just a part. Organiser of over eighty steam rallies, John saved up to thirty steam traction engines for preservation from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s, at a time when they were considered not much more than worthless scrap. Indeed, he became the first owner of no fewer than twenty-two of them.
Utilising this incredible and unique collection of images, most of which are previously unpublished, Colin Tyson tells the story of this important manufacturer and iconic British brand.
- John Crawley was a major figure in the early steam
preservation scene - organised over eighty rallies; served as consultant to the
British Transport Commission, advising on what should be earmarked for
preservation at the National Railway Museum in York; founded the Bedford Steam
Engine Preservation Society (today one of the largest and most active in the
country); chairman of The Fairground Society; president of the Road Locomotive
Society
- Colin Tyson is the editor of Old Glory, the largest
preservation/vintage vehicles magazine in the country
Rare and previously unpublished images from a renowned
collection
Major British manufacturer - formerly the largest producer
of steam rollers in the world
