Steam powered Road Rollers were used by road making crews to flatten the road bed and the top surface in much the same way as diesel rollers are used now. Crews would live in their living vans which they would tow behind the engine between tasks.
Hollycombe has two steam rollers, Wallis & Steevens Simplicity roller (Christopher) of 1932 and David of 1921.
Christopher is an unusual design with a sloping boiler to ensure the firebox remamained covered with water at all times (otherwise it could melt). Only 15 of these engines were built. David is a typical steam roller of its days and has been working on Hollycombe's roads and driveways since 1961.
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