A 1971 Atkinson Borderer still working hard in Dorset

Posted by Chris Graham on 30th April 2024

Joseph Lewis discovers, as a birthday surprise, a busy 1971 Atkinson Borderer that’s still working hard in Dorset today.

Photography: Gareth Buscombe

Atkinson Borderer: This locomotive is an Andrew Barclay No. 2157, and was moved from Chippenham to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

One of the pleasant surprises for my birthday occurred during a visit to Haynes Motor Museum near Sparkford, in Somerset. Upon arrival, we passed an older appearance tractor unit at nearby Garrett Commercials.

Gareth’s own Burrell A Class 12-ton roller.

This turned out to be the 1971 Atkinson Borderer owned by Gareth Buscombe and family from Kington Magna. This Borderer was new to NI Trailers at its Heysham Depot when the colours were black. The vehicle was one of a batch of three (MRN 380, 381 and 382) and this is the only one of the group to survive. Gareth purchased his Borderer from County Durham.

Gareth Buscombe’s 1971 Atkinson Borderer.

During a recent restoration, new pistons and liners were fitted, together with a new clutch.

Gareth with his family in Somerset having just arrived back from the 2023 Welland Rally.

Gareth uses his Borderer with a low-loader trailer to transport a 1916 Burrell steam roller. and was keen to highlight some of the other loads he hauls for friends. His next project is a 1953 Scammell MU.

A Caterpillar D8 owned by Mark Farwell was transported to the Swanage Road to Rail Rally.

This feature comes from the latest issue of Heritage Commercials, and you can get a money-saving subscription to this magazine simply by clicking HERE