We are pleased to announce a significant new exhibit for the Oil and Stationary Engine section at this year’s Rally. Visitors will have the opportunity to view a rare piece of Dutch machinery that was secured for preservation just days before it was scheduled to be dismantled for scrap.
On November 12th 2025, a monumental piece of Dutch engineering was sitting on death row. Just two days before it was scheduled to meet the gas axe and be weighed in for scrap, it was purchased, rescued, and preserved. Today, we are proud to confirm that this incredibly rare 1957 Stork Ricardo diesel engine will be exhibited at this year’s Shrewsbury Steam Rally.
A 5-Tonne Behemoth
This 141HP, three cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine is an absolute monster, tipping the scales at a staggering 5 tonnes. To transport and display such a colossal piece of iron, the engine has been ingeniously mounted onto the chassis of a DAF truck, creating a fantastic visual contrast between vintage maritime power and modern commercial transport.
The Only One in the UK
Remarkably, this is the only known Stork engine currently residing in the UK, making it a truly exclusive attraction for our visitors. Before its rescue, the engine spent its working life powering the Ebenhaezer, a traditional Dutch barge built in 1926.
Rich History on Display
The physical engine is only half the story. The exhibit comes with lots of history, including links to WWII in 1940, as well as a treasure trove of historical documentation that survived alongside it, such as ownership deeds for the barge and comprehensive factory technical data sheets for the engine (albeit printed in Dutch!).
Whether you are a die-hard stationary engine enthusiast, a fan of maritime history, or simply love a good preservation success story, be sure to head over to the Oil Engine section to see this magnificent survivor in the metal!