Dodds and Son of Holmes Engine and Railway Works, Rotherham
c.1838 Isaac Dodds may have built the first locomotive for the Sheffield and Rotherham Railway
c1842 The firm was established by Isaac Dodds who took over part of the works of S. Walker and Co.
1843 Dodds was visited by a 'Rail-road Director of Massachusetts' (Elias Hasket Derby), simply describing him as 'Mr. D', in Rotherham. Derby wrote: 'He shows me drawings of his eccentrics, and valves, which he states save one third the fuel, and repairs of engines, and are most simple in their design and construction, and which I purpose to introduce in America. This gentleman appears to be a man of genius and benevolence; he shows me a solid chilled wheel, and a switch that does not admit of accidents - both of which he has patented - a press for straightening rails, and an improved description of soap. He is also engaged in reclaiming five thousand acres of moss, by covering it seven inches deep with sand, which he introduces by rail-way ....'[1]
1849-1868 Built railway locomotives and completed around seventy. [2]
1850 Thomas Weatherburn Dodds was taken into partnership by his father, with whom he re-opened the Holmes Engine and Railway Works, Rotherham.
1867 The firm was in the hands of the receiver. The works closed.
1927 See Aberconway for information on the company and its history.