About us – Steam Traction World

Steam Traction World – Where Precision Engineering Meets Heritage

At Steam Traction World, we create kits designed for enthusiasts who may have limited access to engineering facilities or machine tools, allowing everyone to bring the heritage of steam to life.

Each of our boilers, whether made from copper or steel, is crafted with exceptional care and precision—silver soldered (brazed) throughout for copper, or expertly welded for steel. To ensure your safety and peace of mind, every boiler is hydraulically tested to twice the working pressure, embodying the highest standards of British engineering.

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING ENGINES – LARGE SCALE FULLY MACHINED KITS

Innovation Rooted in Tradition

While we are deeply rooted in tradition, we are also committed to innovation. Steam Traction World continuously improves our designs and regularly introduces new engines, always focusing on quality and value for money. We understand that time is precious, and our goal is to help you accomplish something truly special in the time you have—to build not just an engine, but a lasting connection to the heritage of steam.

Join us, and be part of a community that values precision, respects tradition, and is passionate about keeping the legacy of steam alive for future generations.

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Protecting Heritage, Delivering Excellence

Steam Traction World is a proud, privately-owned UK company with a global reach. From our state-of-the-art 11,000 sq ft facility in Daventry, England, we ship our multi-award-winning products to steam enthusiasts all over the world. Our purpose-built engineering site is the heart of our operation, featuring a large machining area equipped with both CNC and manual machines, a specialised boiler shop for both copper and steel, an extensive stores and packing area, and a dedicated assembly space for our control engines.

This facility isn’t just a factory; it’s where we safeguard the heritage of steam traction by ensuring every part of our engines meet the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. With over 1,000 customers worldwide, we’ve made this historic hobby accessible to many who, for various reasons, could not pursue it before.

Our Top Sellers

The Burrell

The Foden

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FREE Factory tours available to book now!

Book a factory tour at our Daventry facility and experience the heart of Steam Traction World. You’ll get an up-close look at our machining areas, boiler shop, and assembly lines, and meet the craftsmen who bring our precision-engineered engines to life. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to steam, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the world of steam traction.

Book your tour today and see the magic in action!

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Join a Community of Passionate Enthusiasts – why not sign up to our forum

We’re passionate about keeping this heritage alive, and we know you are too.

That’s why we keep our community informed and engaged, encouraging you to share your journey, ask questions, and connect with fellow enthusiasts on our lively Steam Traction World FORUM.

Join us, and become part of a tradition that’s as strong, proud, and enduring as the steam engines we all love.

FAQ’s

Who are Steam Traction World?

Steam Traction World is a leading manufacturer of fully machined, large-scale steam traction engines in kit form. We provide enthusiasts with everything they need to build their own steam engine, preserving the heritage of steam while making it accessible to a global audience.

What type of engines do you offer?

We offer a range of steam traction engine, including agricultural engines, road locomotives, and steamrollers, all based on iconic designs from the golden age of British engineering. Our engines are available in various scales, such as 2″ (1/6th scale), 4″ (1/3rd scale) and 6″ (1/2 scale) to suit different levels of experience and space.

How do the kits work?

Our kits are delivered in a series of stages, with each kit containing all the components needed for that stage of assembly. The parts are fully machined and ready for you to assemble, paint, and personalise. We provide detailed instructions and colour images to guide you through every step of the process.

Do I need any special tools or engineering skills to build the engines?

All our engines come as ‘fully machined’ kits. We are the ‘old fashioned’ machinist, and you are the equivalent to the ‘fitter’. Each kit is designed to be assembled, with our support, using hand tools only, such as spanners, files, Allen keys etc. No machine tools (lathes, mills, welders for example) should be required as everything comes just requiring fettling, de-burring, hand finishing, final fitting and assembling, plus painting in your choice of livery.

We do recommend the use of portable hand held tools (like a drill, grinder, power file etc) to assist with fitting and speeding up the cleaning process but these are more to make the cleaning up quicker and easier than a necessity. All parts are supplied unpainted with any fasteners required are also supplied.

All our boilers come fully assembled and hydraulically tested to full British standards. Detailed and comprehensive assembly instructions and Isometric drawings are supplied with every kit plus we also offer a full telephone and email support service to all our customers.

How long does it take to complete an engine?

The time required to complete an engine varies depending on the scale and complexity of the engine, as well as your personal pace.

Depending on the complexity of the engine (or ancillary products) kits range from 2 to 36, with each kit typically requiring about 25 hours to complete. However, the process is designed to be enjoyable, allowing you to invest as much time as you like – putting in 30 hours per kit, for instance, can lead to noticeably enhanced results. The fastest completion time would be around 12 weeks from start to finish, if building all kits in succession.

Do you offer support during the build process?

Yes, we offer extensive support to our customers. Along with the detailed instructions included in each kit, we encourage you to join our Steam Traction World FORUM, where you can ask questions, share progress, and connect with other enthusiasts. Our team is also available to assist you directly with any questions or concerns.

Can I visit your manufacturing facility?

Our facility in Daventry, England, is a state-of-the-art engineering site where all our kits are designed and produced.

Interested in a particular engine? Why not see how it’s made!

If you’re considering one of our steam traction engines, why not take the next step and see the craftsmanship in person? Join us for an exclusive factory tour where you’ll witness first hand how your chosen engine is brought to life.

Meet the team, explore our manufacturing process, and get a closer look at the meticulous detail that goes into every Steam Traction World product.

How do I purchase an engine?

You can purchase our engines directly through our website. Many engines are available for purchase over a fixed period, with kits arriving at regular intervals. This approach allows you to ‘build as you buy,’ spreading out the cost and workload.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship our kits to steam enthusiasts all around the world. Shipping costs and times may vary depending on your location. Please contact us or check our website for more details on international shipping.

Can I purchase individual parts or replacement components?

Yes, we offer individual parts and replacement components for our engines. If you need a specific part or have damaged a component, please contact our customer service team, and we’ll assist you in getting the parts you need.

How can I stay updated on new releases and news from Steam Traction World?

To stay informed about our latest engines, events, and news, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media. We also post updates regularly on our Steam Traction World FORUM, where you can join discussions and stay connected with the community.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept a variety of payment methods, including major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. For engines purchased over time, we offer flexible payment options to suit your needs.