GWR Route: Banbury to Wolverhampton

Leamington Spa - New Station: gwrls221b

This close up of image 'gwrls221' shows what appears to be Ruston Bucyrus excavator undertaking what would have been demanding work if excavated in 1853. The labourers to the right are dressing the sides of the excavation because these early wire-rope operated excavators did not have the finesse of the hydraulic machines seen today.

Rustons were a British engine manufacturing company which had diversified into a number of related areas including machinery for excavationg. As the financing of new models was becoming too expensive they sought amalgamation with American excavator interests. The firm of Bucyrus Erie in South Milwaukee was looking for expansion in the European market.

They specialized in this field and were building an attractive range of machines that were complementary to the Lincoln products. The forces were joined and the new Company of Ruston Bucyrus Ltd., was born on the 1st January 1930. The Lincoln factory was to benefit from the new American designs, and Ruston engines were to be used throughout the R-B range. The new company flourished as can be seen via the 'oldengine' web site.

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