As the new century passed its first quarter mark, building projects burgeoned and old cities propped up their existing infrastructures. To make this reconstruction possible, miles and miles of sewer pipe were laid under roads and properties. As more residences rose, as cities began to spread outward, and as indoor plumbing became more and more common in remote areas, it became essential to lay more and more pipe throughout the land. Carrying a load of drainage pipes to its next site is a 1919 Garrett Steam Wagon owned by Rainford Pottery Ltd. This important steam-powered vehicle was manufactured by the venerable firm of Richard Garrett & Sons Ltd, which was founded in 1778, but didn't introduce its first steam wagon until 1904. By the late 1920s, Garrett had become part of the Agricultural & General Engineers combine (which included such legendary manufacturers as Aveling & Porter, Ltd. and Charles Burrell & Sons, Ltd.). The combine agreed that each of the companies' vehicles would be produced at Garrett's Leiston, Suffolk plant, while the vehicles would retain their individual brand names. The vintage 1929 Garrett steam wagon is re-created in a magnificent replica by Matchbox exclusively for the Age of Steam II Collection.

(1998)

Scale: 1:59