Above: Aveling and Porter’s 1871 design of steam roller,
following Aveling’s patent No. 509 of 1871. The turning point
in roller design with chain steerage, horn plates and conical front
rolls. As a result of exhibiting this roller at the Vienna
Universal Exhibition, Aveling received a decoration from the
Emperor of Austria in 1873.
Above: Photo of roadroller similar to that used in Central Park,
New York in 1869. Supplied by Aveling & Porter, Rochester,
Kent, England.
The Road Roller Association, a British organization formed in
1974, recently marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Thomas
Aveling, a pioneer in traction engine development and
manufacture.
March 7 was the date of the centenary. Advance information sent
this magazine told us that a plaque was to be unveiled on the site
of the original Aveling & Porter factory, now occupied by
Winget Ltd.
Derek Rayner, chairman of the Road Roller Association, felt that
some of our readers might wish to contribute funds to help defray
expenses for the plaque erection. Avening’s grave, four miles
away in a churchyard, is to be restored.
Aveling is credited with revolutionizing road construction with
his steam rollers, and starting mechanization of the British Army
through some of his traction engines delivered to the Royal
Engineers in 1871.
The first steam rollers in America were made by Aveling. One
went to Prospect Park, and the other to Central Park, both in New
York. Commissioners of Central Park reported that at a cost of
$10.00 a day as much was accomplished with the Aveling roller as in
two days with a 7-ton roller drawn by 8 horses at a cost of $20.00
a day.
If you wish to aid the plaque fund, send your gift to Road
Roller Association, c/o Secretary, 40, Pares Way, Ockbrook, Derby,
England DE7 3TL.
