The Northampton and Lamport Railway CIO is the proud owner and custodian of a real piece of Northampton's history - Allchin Road Roller No.1131, also known as ‘The County Borough of Northampton Highways Department No.1‘.
No. 1131 was built in 1899 by William Allchin at the company's 'Globe Works' by the River Nene in Northampton (in Cotton End).
This roller was built for Northampton Borough Council was used by the Highways Department for road-making and street repairs until the 1960s. After retirement it took part in the Northampton Carnival Parades each year. Unfortunately, sometime in the 1970s, the roller fell into disuse and was left in a dismantled state in one of the Council’s yards.
In 2009 No,1131 was donated to the Northampton & Lamport Railway. Thanks to funding from the National Lottery, restoration was swift and the Allchin was back in working order by the end of 2011.
Over the last 11 years the roller has been in action at many of the Railway's events. It has also travelled to steam rallies, both in the County and further afield, bringing joy to many people.
As with all steam powered traction, every 10 years they have to have a full strip down and comprehensive overhaul before they can be granted a new boiler 'ticket'. No.1131's last ticket ran out in early 2022, which means it is not currently allowed to steam.
This is where you come in!
We really need your help to fund the Allchin's overhaul and see this beautiful, fantastically important and well-loved piece of Northampton's local history back in action for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
We need to raise £10,000 to complete the work.
Whatever you can spare, it will make a real difference to seeing No.1131 back in action soon.
Thank you.
If the total funding requirement is not met, completion of the overhaul will be delayed indefinitely. Any funds received over and above the target amount will be used for the long-term upkeep and maintenance of the Roller (including its support vehicles and maintenance facilities).
