Steam Lorries

Steam power led the transport revolution in England throughout the 19th century, but was crippled on the road network by punitive legislation. As the century turned, the laws were altered in such a way that allowed the development of the English Steam Lorry or Wagon into a viable transport proposition. For the best part of four decades, the steam lorry was a major player on the transport scene, being developed into a highly technical machine designed to beat competition from the petrol and diesel lorry as well as fighting the onslaught of further laws in the 20th century. The most advanced machines were efficient and very fast. Made by a variety of builders, including the famous Sentinel company of Shrewsbury, who built waggons with a double ＂g,＂ and Foden, of Sandbach, steam lorries came in many shapes and sizes. This book looks at their birth, and the operation and engineering that set them aside from the traction engine and steam roller. It concludes by looking at how you can get involved.

Anthony Coulls is Senior Curator of Rail Transport and Technology at the National Railway Museum, York. He is the author of several books and articles.