A FENLAND TRACTION ENGINE BUILDER C J R Fyson of The Mount Works, Soham
Richard Fyson the founder of the business, started as a millwright repairing and later building windmills and wind-pumps. As wind-pumps were quickly becoming obsolete and being replaced by steam engines, so Fysons moved with the times and became involved in the installation and maintenance of steam pumps – so essential for keeping the Fenland free from floods. At the same time, he became an agent for several agricultural machinery manufacturers.
In 1891 a portable engine was completed with varying reports as to its size but probably an 8nhp. The boiler was hand rivetted, but the cylinder came from a scrapped engine. It was used by a local farmer for threshing and it was last heard of driving a stone crusher in the 1920s. Encouraged by the success of the portable and the increasing demand for engine repairs, it was decided to enlarge the premises to include a foundry.
Most of the engines when completed were used by Fysons in their own contract threshing business, some hired out and some later
