1901 Burrell Compound Traction Engine

SteamX, 1/16 scale

Reviewed by Zack Sex

F i r s t L o o k

This latest release from Ukrainian 3D printing company ScaleX represents a great leap forward in scale, size, and sheer detail. The 1901 Burrell has been beautifully designed by husband-and-wife team David and Amanda Jones in collaboration with ScaleX. David, an aircraft technician by profession, was responsible for the 3D scanning and digital engineering, while Amanda—an award-winning modeller and published photographer — focused on the intricate details and historical accuracy. This passion project began in 2025 and combines their considerable talents to produce an outstanding kit.

The 1901 Burrell is a single-crank compound traction engine built by Charles Burrell & Sons at St Nicholas Works in Thetford, Norfolk. Its distinctive single-crank arrangement, designed by Frederick Burrell, represents one of the earliest surviving examples of the type, preserved in remarkably original condition. These engines were widely employed in threshing and sawmilling, and the kit's colour schemes and extensive decal sheets—three A5-sized sheets in total—allow the modeller to depict the Burrell at various stages of its long working life.

The model represents the engine Old Dutch, faithfully reproduced from the beautifully restored full-size machine owned by Ian Holt. During the 1990s, Old Dutch also gained television fame with appearances in the hugely popular series Heartbeat, familiar to UK audiences for its depiction of rural Yorkshire during the 1960s.

Preparation is refreshingly straightforward. The 3D-printed parts are attached to well-designed print frames that separate cleanly with minimal effort, making cleanup quick and uncomplicated. Construction is broken down into a logical series of sub-assemblies, most of which are finished in traditional Burrell green, brown, or black, with polished brass and copper fittings providing welcome visual contrast.

ScaleX has also included a wonderfully evocative figure depicting a farmer casually leaning against the engine, adding scale and character to the finished display. Three drain pipes are represented by supplied lengths of copper wire, while the only real decision left to the modeller is whether to present the engine in immaculate show condition or with the soot, grime, and honest wear of a hard-working machine.

Whichever route you choose, this impressive large-scale Burrell is destined to become a must-have for anyone with an interest in classic agricultural machinery or the golden age of British steam power.

Production is limited to just 500 kits, and, by all accounts, a 1:35-scale version is expected to follow at a later date.

Highly Recommended

Zack Sex

Thanks to ScaleX for the sample www.scalex.art

Thanks to ScaleX for the samples www.ScaleX.art