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Foden Steam Wagons and Tractors

Between 1898-1901 the War Office and the Liverpool Self-Propelled Traffic Association organised comercial vehicle trials. From these trials emerged the overtype wagon, with the engine over the boiler.
This particularly British design, which dominated the market for the next twenty five years, was initially produced by Mann and Foden. A number of other manufacturers brought out overtype wagons but Foden remained the leading producer.

The five ton overtype wagon is most probably the most wellknown of the Foden steam wagons. As stated on the previous page, it was in great demand from the War Department and consequently produced in great numbers.
The only drawback was the proportion of the total length which was taken up by the boiler and cab, thus reducing the load carrying capacity. This led to the demise of the overtype in the mid to late twenties as hauliers became more demanding with regard to the size of load which could be carried on one vehicle.
Both the 5 and 6 ton models came out on solid tyres, but the Road Traffic Act of 1930 caused a number to be converted to pneumatics.

Foden Wagons Click on the Works No. to see a picture, if it is not in a new window use your browser "back" button to return to this page.
Works No. 2876 Reg.No. M 3631	'Emerald' A 5 tonner built in 1911. Photographed in Sussex 1994
Works No. 8304 Reg.No. BY 7646	'Cheshire Pride' 5 tonner built in 1918. Photographed at Astle Park, 1998
Works No.13848 Reg. No. RB 3525	'Lady Catharine' 5 tonner, built in 1931. Photographed at Onslow Park, 1998
Works No.11208 Reg. No. YA 7952	'Lorna Doone 6 tonner built in 1924. Photographed at St. Agnes, 1993
Works No.12388 Reg. No. TU 3113	'King William' 6 tonner built in 1926. Photographed at St. Agnes, 1993

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Foden Tractors Click on the Works No. to see a picture, if it is not in a new use your browser "back" button to return to this page.
Works No.12770 Reg.No. Fn 9060	C type tractor Built in 1927, converted to tractor in 1930. Photographed at Bromyard 1998.
Works No.13454 Reg.No. KX 3340	'Samantha' Built in 1929 and later converted to tractor Photographed at Welland, 1998
Works No.13784 Reg. No. UX 9728	D type timber tractor, 8 tonner built in 1931. Photographed at Onslow Park, 1998

Besides creating the need to convert to pneumatic tyres for tax purposes the Road Traffic Act was also the reason why a number of wagons were cut down to form tractors.
The first two examples in the table on the left are of this type.

As this site is a development area I would be grateful if you would please email any comments or questions to me at e.jones@cae-coed.zetnet.co.uk .


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