Sandstone has had a large Ruston Stationary engine in the “to do” line for many years and now, thanks to the assistance of Danie Pretorius, Curator of Sandstone’s Stationary Engine Museum, this magnificent engine is to be rebuilt for eventual use as a pumping engine for an irrigation system at Sandstone.
As with many items acquired by Sandstone, its origins are unclear but thanks to Derek Rayner of Old Glory magazine in the UK, we made contact with Ray Hooley who is the acknowledged expert on such engines and has a comprehensive file on them. He identified the engine from its serial number which is still on an attached plate as
Ruston 8HR 432563, rated 47hp/290rpm, which was sold to agent Hubert Davies - and was despatched from Lincoln to Johannesburg on 12. 9. 1957. Hubert Davies were the Ruston agents for South Africa, based in Johannesburg.
The engine will be moved to Johannesburg for the restoration where Danie has a suitable team to assist with the operation.
Sandstone’s good friend, Andy Selfe, will also be following the restoration as the subject matter for an article in Stationary Engine magazine in the UK.
Our photo gallery shows the engine at Sandstone in the open shed storage area and then after being moved nearer to the workshop area for inspection. An initial strip shows much dirt and hard work ahead! We shall be posting regular updates as the restoration is in progress