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History
of Nayler Steam Tractor
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When the
Ross-on-Wye Steam Engine Society was formed 36 years ago
they did not have far to look an emblem. The Nayler Steam
Tractor was locally made in Hereford, and the makers,
trading as Watkins Nayler, were still in operation. With
the consent of the company, the Naylor 5 Ton Steam Tractor
was adopted by the Society, and has appeared on letter heads
and publicity material etc ever since. |
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Naylers
are believed to have been formed in the 1870s and commenced
construction of Steam Wagons in 1903, and between that date
and 1905 are known to have made at least 3 under-type
vehicles. After this phase they turned their attention to
the overtype design and built about ten of these, all of
which were "wagon-type" tractors except two, which were true
load carrying wagons. |
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The style
and design of the Nayler was very similar to that of the Foden, a fact which did not escape Mr Foden for he
eventually engaged in litigation against Nayler and company,
forcing them to change their design slightly. |
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The stubby locomotive
boiler fitted to the Nayler contained fifty or so tubes and
was slightly larger in grate area and heating surface than
the contemporary Foden. The engine, mounted on top of
the boiler, had cross-compound cylinders of 4 1/2 in7 in H.P.
bore and L.P. bore with a common stroke of 7 1/2 in. Steam
was supplied to the engine at 225 psi, the usual speed being
400 rpm. The drive to the rear of the engines which
caused considerable trouble. The first design extended
nearly to the smokebox and was almost identical to the Foden
design, necessitating the change mentioned earlier. |
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notable feature of the Nayler was the design of the wheels.
These were built up of steel plates with punched out holes
an fitted with iron tyres. Naylers also supplied these
wheels for use on trailers and other wagons etc. A
large water tank was mounted behind the cab of the tractor
with a metal railed galley to hold sacks of coal, towing
gear, etc. |
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Sadly no known Nayler steam
vehicle survive, though there are several oil engines, pumps
and saw benches in existence. Also Hereford has some
man hole covers with the Nayler name cast in them still to
be seen in the streets of the city. |
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Welland
Steam Rally 