Garrett 4" 7NHP Agricultural Steam Engine

I am currently building a 4" (1/3rd) scale model of a Garrett steam traction engine. The project was started in January 1999 and is likely take a number of years.

For Sale - building news - hints and mods. Updated 22/2/2001

Established in 1778 at Leiston in Suffolk by Richard Garrett, a bladesmith and gunsmith, Garretts grew to become one of the most famous engineering works in the country, and throughout the world where many of their products were exported.His grandson, Richard Garrett III was in charge of the business by 1836 and promoted a rapid expansion, especially of the manufacture of agricultural machinery for export. The firm became a limited company in 1897. At its peak, there was a workforce of over 2,000 and in 1913 a new works adjoining Leiston railway station was built to increase capacity. Despite a serious fire in 1913, the old Town Works site continued in use. Infact it was Garretts who actually produced the last few Burrell engines as part of the A.G.E. empire. The first Garrett traction engines emerged from Leiston in 1857, and over the years they were to build innumerable 7 nhp single cylinder traction engines, 4 nhp road rollers, portables, road haulage tractors, steam wagons and some splendid showman's engines. The last Garrett traction engine was built in 1931, and although the company enjoyed a new lease of life manufacturing box making machines, lathes, foundry castings and even washing machines, it finally closed its works in 1980 after two hundred years in existence.

The Long Shop museum in Leiston today provides an appropriate tribute to the firm of Richard Garrett & Sons. The Long Shop was built by the firm in 1853 as one of the world's first flow-line production assembly halls. It now houses a collection of the firm's products, in the site where they were made. The museum is open from the beginning of April to the end of October, Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 5:00, Sunday 11:00 - 5:00. The Long Shop Museum, Main Street, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4EJ : 01728 832189