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10 ton Wallis and Steevens single cylinder roller 2377 "EMPRESS OF THE SOUTH"
Steam rolling was added to the business in 1896 with the acquisition of 10 ton Wallis and Steevens single cylinder roller 2377 "EMPRESS OF THE SOUTH", delivered in February of that year.
This engine was modified in April 1901 by Seward's works engineer, George Colewell, so that it could be used as a convertible of sorts. The large cast headstock was retained over the smokebox and a perch bracket was built beneath it. Front and Rear wheels were bought from Wallis' to complete the conversion to the role of traction engine. In its later life it was nearly always used as a roller, for a further traction engine was seldom required.
Wallis and Steevens 2377 is pictured here in approx. 1902, working at the belt in its' traction engine guise. The site is in Petersfield behind a pub which was then called "The Volunteer Arms". Later the pub was renamed "The Welcome Inn", and is now no more.
2377 was finally part exchanged against a Wallis and Steevens steam wagon 7586 in 1919 along with 2819 "EMPRESS OF THE SOUTH".
Initial history based on information kindly supplied by Kevin Lockyer from his articles re. Sewards of Petersfield.
