New Member – help with late father in law tractor

[iaingallagherParticipant @iaingallagher]

Hello all

My late father in law, Edward Patrick Cox (Ted) was a time served Ford apprentice, who joined the Ford Tractor operations at Mudlands Farm at Dagenham Essex.

He had a love for engineering and tractors and subscribed to model engineer for as long as I can remember.

In the mid nineties he took early retirement and built and fitted out an engineering workshop at the end of his garden in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex and it was not long before he set about the construction of his ‘10 year’ project the one third scale1902 Hornsby 32hp tractor, which he, to all intents and purposes, completed some 28 years later, just before he, sadly, died.

This tractor was part of a series designed by R Hornsby of Grantham Lincolnshire.

It was designed to utilise parts from Hornsby’s existing stationary engines, which employed the Ackroyd patented combustion system. Three HP ranges were offered around the year 1900 – viz 20hp, 28hp & 32hp. None of the 28hp or 32hp tractors were ever manufactured and is probable that the design work was never fully completed.

His first intention was to engineer a model of the 20hp version, but approaches to Robert Crawford for access to his tractor, were ignored. Undeterred, Ted approached the Hornsby archivist and found that the only tractor, for which drawings had been preserved, was the 32hp model. He was allowed to copy these drawings.

The family now have this tractor in his workshop and would like this to go on display somewhere with a plaque explaining the history and who built this.

I wondered if anyone could advise as to options for this?  I have attached photographs of the engine still in the workshop.

Many thanks

Iain

 

[Martin ConnellyParticipant @martinconnelly55370]

It might be worth having a talk with the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. All museums keep in contact with the general museum community and so they might want to do as you ask or will be able to let others know of your offer.

Martin C

 

[iaingallagherParticipant @iaingallagher]

Thanks Martin.  I will try that.

Iain

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

I imagine model exhibitions and rallies in range would like to display it too if you were interested and able to transport it. Not everyone’s cup of tea but some people enjoy the rally circuit.

[Dave WoottonParticipant @davewootton]

Lovely, unusual model, great that you would like to see it on display to the public. Would agree with Martin C that the Museum of Lincolnshire life would be a good choice, as R-H were a Lincoln based company. Would fit right in with the interesting range on display there.

Dave

[Harry WilkesParticipant @harrywilkes58467]

Nice build

H

[Adrian R2Participant @adrianr2]

Fantastic model, i wonder if he made the engine or adapted an existing stationary one, an impressive feat either way.

Wikipedia has a photo of the tractor that Hornsbys equipped with tracks for military trials which looks similar to this machine, was it? If so that could tie in with their tank exhibit and create a point of interest.

Caveat, most museums aren’t very wealthy these days and have a lot of exhibits to care for, if your circumstances permit you might want to offer it on loan with a bequest towards their expenses.

[iaingallagherParticipant @iaingallagher]

Thanks everyone for the advice so far.

Adrian – it was built from scratch which is amazing.  Every element hand made.

 

[densleighParticipant @densleigh]

Hi Ian,

 

I hav esent you a private email / message hopefully yoiu find it

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

A beautiful model!

It might be possible that The WaterWorks Museum in Hereford could be a place to display it.

I am sure that it would be kept indoors and secure.

they nhave a range of engines on display, and some volunteers are currently working on restoring a full scale steam roller.

Howard

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Could it be displayed at ME exhibition, looks as tho it would get a high award.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Reviving this topic, because I mentioned it to a friend who worked at Ruston and he commented on the family resemblance to this Hornsby-Ackroyd

.

.

MichaelG.

[Dave Wootton]

On Dave Wootton Said:

Lovely, unusual model, great that you would like to see it on display to the public. Would agree with Martin C that the Museum of Lincolnshire life would be a good choice, as R-H were a Lincoln based company. Would fit right in with the interesting range on display there.

Dave

I am sure this tractor will be of interest to fans of automotive history. I looked at it with pleasure

[Ches Green UKParticipant @chesgreenuk]

Iain,

What a great looking tractor.

It would be a shame for it not to be on display, and your idea of exhibiting a detailed log/build of it would really add to the interest factor, especially for the younger generation.

I wonder if the Science Museum could find a place for it … https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/everyday-wonders/think-small-models-makers-and-technology

They do accept donated items … https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/object-donations  …or can advise of other suitable institutions that might accept it.

Ches

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Only just come across this what a lovely piece of work!

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Hello Iain,

I’ve sent you a PM.

As Iain has said, Ted was an apprentice with Ford Motor Company.  I was very fortunate to work with Ted for many years.  He was a great guy, and his engineering knowledge was incredible.

I truly hope this fantastic model can be shown to a wider audience.

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Iain,

I like the idea of the Science Museum, but maybe a more appropriate home would be “The Museum of Power” in Maldon, not a million miles from where this masterpiece was born.  Those who worked with, or remember Ted, would then have an better opportunity to see it.

Steve (Bo’sun).

[Ches Green UKParticipant @chesgreenuk]

Steve,

“The Museum of Power” in Maldon

That does look a good and active location … http://www.museumofpower.org.uk/Videosection.html   The (low res) videos and panoramic views are good, although H&S is not quite top notch 😉

One of the key things is that they have a very good calendar of events…. http://www.museumofpower.org.uk/Calendar.html …. that contains links to the event itself.

They also seem to have some reasonable income sources… http://www.museumofpower.org.uk/

National Lottery Heritage Funded ‘Powering Forward’ Project

The ‘Powering Forward’ project works, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, other donors and match funded by the Museum are nearing completion.

Ches

[Ches Green UK]

On Ches Green UK Said:

Steve,

“The Museum of Power” in Maldon

That does look a good and active location … http://www.museumofpower.org.uk/Videosection.html travian The (low res) videos and panoramic views are good, although H&S is not quite top notch 😉

One of the key things is that they have a very good calendar of events…. http://www.museumofpower.org.uk/Calendar.html …. that contains links to the event itself.

They also seem to have some reasonable income sources… http://www.museumofpower.org.uk/

National Lottery Heritage Funded ‘Powering Forward’ Project

The ‘Powering Forward’ project works, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, other donors and match funded by the Museum are nearing completion.

Ches

The Museum of Power is a truly excellent and dynamic museum. This will be the best place for it

[Author]

Posts