3 inch scale Mann 6 ton "Express" steam lorry

An unusual model, a Mann 6 ton "Express" steam wagon in 3 inch scale. Despite its modest weight the original must have been an imposing machine - this quarter size model runs out at over seven feet long and tips the scales at around a third of a ton!

Mann's Patent Steam Cart & Wagon Company Limited was formed at the very end of the nineteenth century to produce a range of steam wagons, taking over from an earlier company founded by James Hutchinson Mann in 1874 which produced traction engines, steam rollers and portable engines.

The wagons were successful, produced mainly in 3 and 5 ton form and much used by local authorities and commercial operators. In 1924 the company launched a highly sophisticated wagon with fully enclosed cab, transversely disposed twin cylinder poppet valve engine and shaft drive.

Whilst a technical tour-de-force, it was not a commercial success. By 1926, two years after its launch, the company was in financial trouble. By 1929 it had closed.

An older model, stripped for overhaul it has not been steamed since being reassembled. Whilst dismantled, the opportunity was taken for the club inspector to conduct a full, cladding off hydraulic test for which we have certification. Since arriving with us the boiler, with all fittings, has had a 1.5xWP test, with certification issued.

The engine runs on air in forwards gear, although showing little enthusiasm for running in reverse. The steam brake is not connected and the drive shaft covers are only loosely fitted.

We'd regard this as part way between a project and running restoration. In the absence of a published design or drawings, it's very much one for the more experienced steam man, but with the potential to produce an interesting - possibly unique in this scale - wagon closer in size to a 4 inch than 3 inch scale model.