The steam roller is an unmistakable vehicle that has been the cornerstone of road building across the world since the mid-19th century.
Classic models were and still are used to flatten highways during their construction and are synonymous with the golden age of steam in the UK. While the famous steam trains dominated the rails, breaking all kinds of records for transporting passengers across the length and breadth of the nation, the steam rollers were paving the way for a brighter future in transport. If it wasn't for these giants of engineering the UK may not have seen the expansive motorways that are so prevalent today.
They also play a significant part in popular culture, with both steam and road rollers featuring heavily in the classic 1971 British film Dad's Army. They have been responsible for vanquishing a considerable number of foes in Hollywood films with Judge Doom, the villain in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and Vincent Ludwig, portrayed by Ricardo Montalban, in The Naked Gun both meeting their ends by being run over by a steam roller.
These instances alone show that the classic vehicles still hold a place in the public's heart and now collectors could own a scaled down version for themselves. Thanks to Mamod, people can purchase either a pre-assembled model or a kit so that they can create the steam roller for themselves.
Mamod's 1312 Steam roller is a product of a certain distinction that has been hand crafted using the very best British-made materials. It is a striking model complete with a working funnel and green engine, as well as the unmistakable red and silver rollers. The company describes it as being "a superbly realistic model of an early road roller".
It measures in at 285 x 150 x 185 mm and has a total weight of 1,940g and is the perfect gift for older steam enthusiasts as well as the younger generation. However, while the finished article will no doubt take pride of place in the home of any collector it cannot match the satisfaction of putting the model together.
Mamod offers the 1312 Steam roller in a kit version so that buyers can enjoy assembling the product and then have the joy of saying "I did that". The 1402 Steam Roller SR1AK also comes with a canopy, which is fixed on top of the model, and is also marginally bigger than the pre-assembled version.
The company lists the kit at measuring, once completed, 600 x 290 x 80 mm and weighing a slightly heavier 2,600g. The product can bring together fathers and sons to craft the model into full working version. As with any Mamod product, buyers can be safe in the knowledge that they are picking up a quality product that has been lovingly assembled in the company's premises in Smethwick, West Midlands, and made from the very best materials.
The pre-assembled 1312 Steam roller is available from the company's website for £146.00 while the kit is only £176.00.