Yesteryear Collection - 1894 Aveling and Porter Steam Roller

Built by Aveling-Porter at their Rochester, Kent works this 15 ton single cylinder steam roller developed approximately 40 hp with a boiler pressure of 125 lbs/sq.in. (8.789 ks/sq.cm). Many of these 15 ton rollers were exported and County Councils and contractors used them in Great Britain.

1987 saw the release of the (Y21-3) 1894 Aveling & Porter Steam Roller of James Young & Sons.
It was painted emerald green with a red front roller housing. The model was pretty unique in that it was the first model since the Sunbeam motorcycle & sidecar to actually have fully functional steering. The model was mostly of diecast construction except for the roadwheels, engine brightwork and the canopy roof supports were made from plastic.

Livery: (Tampo)
'JAMES YOUNG & SONS EDINBURGH' in yellow on both canopy fascia's.
'INVICTA' in black on gold scroll and gold rampant horse on front roller pivot housing.
Black on gold inscription plates within yellow and black borders on both sides of valve box.
Yellow and black coachline borders to both sides of cab and on outer 8 spokes of rear wheels.
Yellow coachline to front roller main housing.

Variations/Rarities: The Aveling & Porter usually had "Matchbox", "Limited Edition" and "Macau" inscribed on the underside of the roof but a very small quantity have been found with a completely smooth inner roof casting. These are considered to be rare.
The little known Aveling & Porter with white tread to the rollers is also quite a rare piece that was made very early as it is also missing the inscription from the inside of the roof.

The model was recoloured and re-released as Fred Dibnah & Sons Steeplejacks roller "Betsy" which was a limited edition model and it was packaged in a special box.

A Code 3 model was issued for the 36th Great Dorset Steam Fair held in 2004.


James Young & Sons, Edinburgh	Pale and mid grey solid front rollers & rear wheel tyres	The little known Aveling & Porter with white tread to the rollers is also quite a rare piece that was made very early as it is also missing the inscription from the inside of the roof		Fred Dibnah's 'Betsy' (Matchbox Collectibles YY021B/SB)

Information as from "The Yesteryear Book 1956-2002"
Issue	Year of Release	Colour	Canopy	Fire Box	Smoke Box/Front Roller Pivot	Smoke Stack	Plated Parts	Front Roller Housing	Front Rollers/Rear Wheel Tyres	Front Roller Wheels	Driving Wheels	Inscription Underside Canopy	Baseplate	Rarity	Box
1	1987	Emerald green body & boiler	Milky white	Black	Black	Black with gold rim	Gold	Bright red	Pale grey solid	Emerald green 5 spoke	Emerald green 16 spoke	None	MATHCBOX © 1987	ER	O
2		Emerald green body & boiler	Light grey	Black	Black	Black with gold rim	Gold	Bright red	Mid grey solid	Emerald green 5 spoke	Emerald green 16 spoke	None	MATHCBOX © 1987	ER	O
3		Emerald green body & boiler	Light grey	Black	Black	Black with gold rim	Gold	Bright red	Mid grey solid	Emerald green 5 spoke	Emerald green 16 spoke	MATCHBOX LIMITED EDITION MACAU	MATHCBOX © 1987		O
Rarity: D - Difficult; S - Scarce; R - Rare; VR - Very Rare; ER - Extremely Rare
Box: O - Large red and gold 'Special Limited Edition'