Traction Engine at English Electric Co., Stafford

Description:This Pickford's traction engine named ‘Atlas’ is pictured towing a turbine generator stator frame out of the east end of 101 Bay, before the very large 168 Bay (adjacent to the A34 Lichfield Road and the Queensville Bridge) was built in 1948. The Stafford factory was renowned for its electrical products including generators, transformers and switchgear. During the Second World War the factory also made armoured vehicles and precision instruments to aid the war effort. The buildings, including those in the background were camouflaged with paint (known as disruptive paintwork) to make it difficult to view from aerial attack.

Atlas a 16 ½ ton, heavy road locomotive, registration number VM 2110, was built in 1928 by John Fowler & Co. in Leeds. Initially in service with Norman E Box of Manchester and sold to Pickfords around 1930. Atlas worked on heavy haulage in Stafford and the UK. Over the years Atlas has been preserved and appeared in heavy haulage displays, rallies and steam fairs. During the ownership of James Hervey-Bathhurst of Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, Atlas was driven by Fred Dibnah in one of his television series.

Acknowledgement: Thank you to Mr Chris Coates for the above information on Atlas. This image is taken from a glass negative donated to the Staffordshire County Museum by Alstom Power, Lichfield Road, Stafford.

Siemens Brothers purchased the land in 1901 and built the factory and offices which were ready to start production in 1903. In 1918 Siemens merged with several companies, including Dick, Kerr and Co., to become The English Electric Co. Two years later in 1920, The English Electric Co bought the Stafford Works. The English Electric Co. merged with GEC (The General Electric Company) during 1968 and the Lichfield Road Site became part of GEC Power Engineering Ltd. On 22 March 1989 became part of GEC ALSTHOM, an Anglo French Joint Venture. On 22 June 1998 this in turn became part of ALSTOM with global HQ in Paris and on 2 November 2015 the Stafford Grid and Power Businesses became part of GE (General Electric, an American Company).