This evocative 2” scale model of the Fowler A7 traction engine was shown  by R Simpson at a National Model Engineering and Modelling Exhibition at Harrogate, before the event moved to Doncaster.

The Fowler 7HP was the mainstay of agriculture from the end of the 19th century until the 1930s and the arrival of the early petrol tractors. The Fowlers were used for general haulage, threshing, sawing and, in fact, almost anything that needed power from a belt to drive it.

The engine quickly became very popular for threshing as they were big enough to be capable, but not so big as to be awkward in the average stackyard. Single cylinder engines were the favourites for threshing as they governed better than compound engines at low pressures. Also, it could take an extra 20 minutes raising steam to get to the higher pressure required by the compounds for normal running.

MJ Engineering has produced designs and castings etc for 1:6 and 1:4 scales. Both scale models are very powerful for their size. The 2" version being easily able to pull its driver and an adult passenger, or two children. The 3" scale model will cope with its driver and six or seven children.

The models were scaled from works drawings, so they are authentic. Aluminium castings are available for the wheel rims.

The 2" engine weighs just over a hundredweight; the 3" engine is nearer to three and a half hundredweight.