SAMSON - A UNIQUE AVELING SHOWMAN’S ENGINE - ON TWO COUNTS PART 2

During 2020, David decided that he wanted to purchase another engine and discussed this with his family which, by then, included two very competent engine crew - daughters Hayley and Sophy. He wanted something which was not ‘main-stream’ - a road loco, perhaps and because of the engine the family already had, possibly a Fowler - but it had to be somewhat unusual and different.

He knew, of course, that a Fowler road loco was the epitome of many enthusiasts’ dreams but also since there are quite a large number of them around and they do command a relatively high interest and an appreciable amount of money, becoming an owner of the right example to suit him would be potentially ‘difficult.’

The Aveling therefore became of interest in this respect but because of the word ‘conversion’ that is seemingly one which both David and his daughters have heard quite frequently over the years, there was some reluctance to proceed in the direction of that engine. He’d been thinking about this for some time and his Fowler came to be parked next at the Chester-le-Street rally in Co Durham in July 2021, and he duly admired her. At that time, he was told that this engine was still for sale but on enquiring about it very soon afterwards, he discovered that had already been sold and was heading to Switzerland - but was still available. David had originally dismissed the Aveling since it appeared to be a ‘showman’s conversion.’