BUILDING THE IRON

Also known as Mr PLOD because that's what it did; day in day out moving dirt. Usually a lot more than was realised. A very strong and steady machine almost hypnotic to watch. Rated at two and a half cubic yard capacity and seen side on from a distance you would swear it was going to tip over backwards because of the overhang but that was just an illusion. When inside the machine and stood behind its six cylinder Vee form 210 HP Ruston-Paxman diesel engine there was no machinery clutter, no levery bits or rod ends to trip over; just space with plenty of room for a reasonable size dining table and chairs for the operator and crew/guests to have their lunch time chomp. It would not be unusual to find some capet layed out; side deck included. Regular operators would take great pride in their '54', which to the opeincast and motorway project crews became almost their second home giving a regular sweep with a broom due to  the hours they worked - more so perhaps than other shovels or draglines. Navvy operators took a pride in 'their 54'. As well as the dinning table you might also spot the odd china and groceries cupbpoard which inevitably led to the query about it also being the occasional overnight hostelry? I never actually saw a bed but --?? I have devoted quite a detailed chapter to the 54 in the book so if you have any mechanical questions perhaps you will find the answers there.

Gentlemen let me introduce you to:-