New Zealand - Traction Engine - Mangahao, Shannon - Mr Eggleton uses his traction engine to move a boiler from Shannon to Mangahao to the new hydro works. - It is thought that the boiler was used to pump air into the tunnels being driven into the rock during the construction of the power station. - circa 1920 A traction engine - A steam-powered tractor used to move heavy loads on roads, plough ground or to provide power at a chosen location - The name derives from the Latin tractus, meaning 'drawn', since the prime function of any traction engine is to draw a load behind it - They are sometimes called road locomotives to distinguish them from railway locomotives – that is, steam engines that run on rails. - Traction engines tend to be large, robust and powerful, but also heavy, slow, and difficult to manoeuvre - Nevertheless, they revolutionized agriculture and road haulage at a time when the only alternative prime mover was the draught horse. (Reference: Wikipedia) --------------------- Image source: Traction Engine – Unknown circa 1920, No Known Restrictions https://manawatuheritage.pncc.govt.nz/item/48a10dd0-4f40-484d-bc9c-66bba9ecc85f