I had some errands to run the other day on 9 May 2014 and came across this Aveling Steam Roller, manufactured in Rochester, Kent, England in 1904 and was used until 1954. Hence, this workhorse in 110 years old. They don't make things like they way they use to. This is engineering at your bare basics. No electronics. All pure metal and mechanical. Therefore, maintenance was a breeze unlike vehicles or gadgets of today.
Located at the entrance of the Engineering Department, Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council or more commonly known as Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), KM 4, Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. This is indeed an awe sight to behold. Although no longer in use since 1954, the steam roller has been put in display for younger generations to view.
I am made to understand that the said land belonging to DBKL has been sold to a private developer, hence, it is advisable for those interested to view the steam roller, to do so before it is gone. Proposed development should begin in 2015 and there's no indication where this steam roller will be moved to.
The Engineering Department, DBKL
Address signage
Brief explanation of the steam roller. It was purchased by the Malaysian Public Works Department (P.W.D) or Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia (JKR) is the Federal Government Department under the Ministry of Works. This steam roller may have been responsible in its hay day for the flattening of road surfaces on many important roads you and I commute daily. I guess we will never know
The Aveling Steam Roller
A different angle
Rear view, some joker had the audacity to leave a packet of nasi lemak at the rear. The picture below are above, the nasi lemak bungkus is visible
Engravings on the steam roller
I guess this is the serial no
Front view of the steam roller. Judging from its shear size and weight, I doubt it would have moved fast
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