Steaming Summer 2016

STEAMING The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust Vol 59

No 3

Summer 2016

Preserving our heritage with steam on the road www.ntet.co.uk STEAMING

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STEAMING

The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust

President: Andrew Semple Vice-Presidents: Charles Daniel, Dick Blenkinsop Chairman: Anthony Coulls, 1 Vaughan Street, Shildon, County Durham DL4 1LD (01388) 772213 chairman@ntet.co.uk Vice Chairman and Engine Owners’ Section: Bob Siddall, Stud Farm House, Castle Hill, Carlton-on-Trent NG23 6QR (01636 821991) engines@ntet.co.uk Vice Chairman and Technical Services Unit: David Smith, Yew Tree Cottage, 98 The Ridgeway, Astwood Bank, Worcs B96 6NA (01527) 893427 tsu@ntet.co.uk General and Company Secretary: Jo Hurley, Alicoustie, Old Fen Lane, Scrub Hill, Lincoln LN4 4XD (07540) 367220 general.secretary@ntet.co.uk

Membership of the National Traction Engine Trust is open to all of those who, whether they are engine owners or not, have a genuine interest in the preservation of self-propelled steam road vehicles, portable engines and associated equipment.

The annual subscription rate is £30 (£35 to those outside of the EU). The Trust’s magazine Steaming is sent free to members during the early part of January, April, July and October. Other benefits of membership include very advantageous terms for boiler and other insurances, advice on technical matters and access to the excellent Driver Training courses.

Full details of the Trust’s activities, officers, news items and many other aspects of information can be found on our website at www.ntet.co.uk

Membership Secretary: Lisa Crankshaw, PO Box 10348, Hinckley LE10 9FB (07935) 312695 membership@ntet.co.uk

FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR

Treasurer: Julie Smith FCA, Yew Tree Cottage, 98 The Ridgeway, Astwood Bank, Worcs B96 6NA (01527) 893427 treasurer@ntet.co.uk Rally Organisers’ Section: Lance Jackson, Mangerton, Lea Cross, Shrewsbury SY5 8HR (01743) 860091 rally.chair@ntet.co.uk Rally Authorisation: Jo Donkin, 16 Wiltshire Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 0EY (01689) 27468 rallies@ntet.co.uk Public Relations and Communications: Matt Shipton, Roadmenders Cottage, 20 Gloucester Road, Stonehouse GL10 2HG (07807) 616320 public.relations@ntet.co.uk Commercial Section: Stuart Gray, 9 Walnut Way, Ickleford, Hitchin SG5 3XT (01462) 431848 commercial@ntet.co.uk Steam Apprentice Club: Elaine Massey, 21 Down Close, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 6NS (020) 8248 6570

The Steam Apprentice Club is the junior section of the NTET, formed to support youngsters up to the age of 21 in learning about and appreciating road steam. To find out more please contact the chairman (see left) or visit www.ntet.co.uk/sac NTET Sales offer a large selection of traction engine reading and other items: see the advert on page 16.

Sales Officer: Kathy Smith, The Cottage, Main Road, New Bolingbroke, Boston, Lincs PE22 7JU (01205) 480836 sales@ntet.co.uk

NTET General Council: Bob Garnett, Kevin Munn, Tony Seddon, Joe Black, Paul Davis, Dan Brothwell, Bob Allison, Nick Bosworth, Kevin Mills, Guy Debes, Paul Cook, John Gilbert, John Wharton, Colin Hatch, Charles Cribbes, Mark Waite, Bill Evans, Reg Mattless, Kathy Smith

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Three miles from where I am sitting the combines have started harvest, but you could be forgiven for thinking that summer has passed us by this year.

As the printers pull their hair out waiting for me to press the “send” button, I am recovering from a simply brilliant weekend at Rempstone helping to celebrate their diamond anniversary. Some super engines, a great atmosphere despite the rain and friends old and new - just what it’s all about.

Rain also got those of us who went to Gaydon for the first member’s day back in May. It was unfortunately a foul day, though thanks to the large hard standing we had a pleasant time chuffing round on the Ruston watching the rain stream from the edges of the canopy. Big thanks to Lisa

for pulling it all together, and hopefully we can arrange similar happenings at different locations in the not-too-distant future.

The picture above was captured by Malcolm Ranieri during a rare sunny interlude - it shows Martin Shepherd’s 5 horse Burrell The Badger and road train arriving at Gaydon. A lovely engine which, like me, has its roots in West Sussex.

A big thank you again to all contributors to this issue; it simply wouldn’t happen without you. The deadline for the next Steaming is 23rd September 2016. I am, yet again, going to bang the drum for the Steam Plough Club’s 50th at York on Sept 8-11; I will be there with Dreadnought so please do come and say hello.

Front cover: Elsewhere in this magazine you can read the Editor’s experiences of a week spent in the brilliant surroundings of Beamish museum. The occasion was their Great War Steam Fair - here, raising steam in the station yard, Foden 10320 takes centre stage as 4086 and Marshall 65650 lurk in the background. (Paul Cook) Editor: Kevin Mills, 2 Fydell Row, Morcott, Oakham, Rutland LE15 9DJ (01572 747594) steaming@ntet.co.uk Steaming Around: Dan Brothwell, 214 Stapleford Road, Toton, Nottingham NG9 6GB steamingaround@ntet.co.uk Steaming magazine is published quarterly. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NTET. Published by the National Traction Engine Trust Ltd, 4 Church Green East, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 8BT Printed by Holbrooks Printers Ltd, Portsmouth PO3 5HX

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TRUST NEWS

From the chairman

Anthony Coulls 2016 is now nearly half way through and it’s time to look back and look forward, a bit like the Greek God Janus. It does us good to celebrate what we’ve done, but is most important to fix our sights on the future, particularly now, with some of the planned changes to the Trust gathering momentum.

For many of us, the season kicked off at Beamish in April, and there was a strong Trust presence although not an official one. Many friendships were made and some good contacts in the intention of making the Trust truly National. Some of these will hopefully bear fruit later in the season when Steam it Sunday comes around.

The Trust unit has been out & about, at Strumpshaw and Fawley Hill, and at the latter event, we presented our Patron Bill McAlpine with a card and copy of The Steam Scene Vol.6 – which Anthony Coulls presents our patron, Sir Bill McAlpine with a copy of The Steam Scene Vol. 6 at Fawley Hill in May. Lady McAlpine looks on, as does Burrell 4000 - of course, once part of Bill’s own collection during the 1960s and 1970s. (Colin Harris) 4

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he admitted he hadn’t got around to buying yet.

In honour of his 80th birthday, we also intend to commemorate the occasion with a Bill McAlpine trophy at the AGM, awarded to someone who has gone out of their way to assist in the field of traction engine preservation and not necessarily a traction engine owner.

Reflecting on the contributions of others, it was terribly sad to lose Doc Giles Romanes, our member Number 2. His contribution over more than 6 decades to steam preservation is incalculable and we have lost a link with the

TRUST NEWS early days of the NTEC the like of which we will never see again.

We’ve had our first members’ day at Gaydon, which was a good flag waving exercise and set the mould for us to have further events like it for our members – though the emphasis for our small team is quality, not quantity. Thanks to Lisa & Paul Crankshaw and their helpers for pulling the show together.

Matt Shipton is pressing on with PR and the profile of the Trust is very high on Social Media, both Facebook and Twitter. He is also working on future plans and Steam Fair FM is moving into the spotlight again. A positive of the PR side and the Engine Owners’ meeting is the number of people (even non-members) posting on the internet showing the rear end protection on their road trains.

The two visits for the AGM have been arranged and agreed upon, and a small group of us is discussing practical arrangements - see the announcement elsewhere in this issue.

The driving course went well as well, though numbers were a little down. Already thoughts are crystallising for 2017. A number of driving competency assessments have taken place in various parts of the country too.

With the future in mind, we have been working on how we would like the Trust to look in 3 years time. At the AGM, I will propose the size of the Council is limited to 21 members and that the voting procedure is changed to become an individual ballot with papers issued in advance with the annual report and candidate statements, which themselves will reflect what the person can bring to the Trust. As a move towards this, voting at the 2016 AGM will be on voting slips at the meeting rather than a show of hands. In addition the Strategic Direction I would like us to follow will be published in Steaming next issue. I’ve done a number of talks on the work of the Trust this spring and

A study in concentration at the Trust’s Driving Course, as Paul Davis relates some trailer towing experience to a group of trainees. (Kev Mills)

want us to concentrate on going forward together rather than going off in all directions and shooting ourselves in the foot as has sometimes been the case.

What’s in the past belongs in the past, and whilst we can learn from it, we need to make sure that we are an organisation that is fit for the future. Not just in terms of procedures and plans, but in our mind set and people who are ready and able to run a charitable Trust with all of the obligations that brings. It is the latter aspect of people that concerns me most – we really do need new officers to step up to the plate to help us function. You all know the people who want to stand down, and so far – with one exception, that of Commercial Officer – we have had no offers, despite the advert in these pages. Is it the perception of the Council that we need to work on? What can we do to encourage help to come forward? What can you give to the Council and work of the Trust?

In my view, the need for a new Treasurer to take on Julie Smith’s duties is vital. Without a sound, stable and understanding hand on the finances we cannot function.. Please do think about this and the other posts and talk to me about it if you can help or know someone who might be interested.

Above any other matter – that of

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TRUST NEWS Neil Urquhart Steve Ravenscroft *Chris Morgan *Matt Alcock Ryan Berry Charles Stimpson

*Scholarships

Tony Harrington and Wallis & Steevens 7248 - a big old 8nhp Expansion machine - pass the British Motor Museum during the NTET’s first Members Day in May. (Malcolm Ranieri)

succession is more important that ANYTHING else at present. We’ve a good team assembling itself at present, and that is our strength, along with our high profile. Steam it Sunday will soon be with us, are you going out to play on 2nd October? Why not tell Matt Shipton of your plans and we can make it part of the publicity around the date? chairman@ntet.co.uk

Engine Owners Section

Bob Siddall A very successful Driving Course was held in fine warm weather on 7th and 8th May. Congratulations to the students who took part:Advanced

Intermediate

Foundation

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Max Green Andrew Currie Christian Tyrell Graham Atkinson Mike Lee *Andy Rimmell Simon White Chris Cox Stephen Cotton Chris Hewitt Ian Haycock *Keith Allen Adam Curtis Howard Atkins Martin Wright Ulrich Janz

Unfortunately the numbers were considerably down on last year and with that in mind Ted Tomlin from Vintage Spirit is writing an article for that magazine which will be modified for submission to Steam Railway to attract some of the younger railway volunteers. Malcolm Ranieri was also present for Old Glory.

Our thanks must go to Vicki and Joe Black who did the organising and handed over to Andrew Semple when the arrival of Charles Black was delayed.

Again many thanks to the lecturers, in particular Steve Barraclough who has taken over from Trevor Daw, although Trevor was present both days, and also Dave Wothers who was lecturing for the first time. List of lecturers: Bob Siddall, Robin Drury, Andrew Hawkswell, Dave Smith, Colin Hatch, Steve Barraclough, Dave Wothers, Andrew Semple, Paul Davis.

Thanks also to the engine owners for their participation and help, together with their crew: Babcock & Willcox roller Toby - Bob Siddall Burrell traction engine Keeling - Dave Smith Fowler K7 ploughing engine Linkey - Mark Jones Marshall roller Goolie - Neil Urquhart Foden traction engine - Richard Hesbrook Wallis & Steevens Expansion engine Pedler - Tony Harrington Fowler roller Jessica - Daz Wardell Foster traction engine Sprig - John Bosworth McLaren road locomotive Mr Tweedie - Richard Morris Garrett traction engine Lucy - Paul Davis

Finally, the biggest thanks goes to the Davis Family without whose organisation and hospitality the course would not be as successful as it is. The Davis Family have invited us back next year so the

course will be held on Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th May 2017. The course fees will be held at the same level as this year i.e. £230, £80 for SAC (13-15) and £115 SAC (16 – 21). There is also a discount of 15% if you pay for 2 years at the same time. engines@ntet.co.uk

Gaydon in Steam

Lisa Crankshaw Monday 2 May started off as a bright and sunny morning. All was quiet across the grounds of the British Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Then several traction engines disrupted the peace and our first Members Day had begun!

Set up on the main arena at the front of the museum, we had a nice big area for engines to move around in. With our “Refreshments Marquee” (Lisa & Paul’s caravan and awning) at one end all was ready. Our engine line up for the day was: Wallis traction Pedler owned by Tony Harrington Burrell road loco The Badger owned by Martin Shepherd Burrell traction Keeling owned by David & Julie Smith Ruston Roller owned by Brian Knight and brought along by Kev Mills 6” Burrell owned by Trevor Ives Stanley steam car owned by Alan Stevens Aveling piston valve roller Pegasus bought in by Rob Walker Simon Atkins and his daughters with the help of Dan set up the Mamod track which is just great fun to watch! That was until the weather turned and the gazebo had to come down before it was blown down!

Members came from as far away as Devon to be part of the day. A discounted entry to the museum had been arranged for the NTET and SAC members, which was taken advantage of by most.

Some of the a General Council members were also there to talk to people.

Then the rain came. Luckily Dick Blenkinsop and Trevor Daw helped by going over old times and making people laugh (probably quite unintentionally) Those who did stay, stood in the “Refreshments Marquee” drinking tea and chatting.

It was a great getting to know you time.

Even though numbers were not high, everyone who came enjoyed themselves and met people they had never met before. There are more members days in the pipeline, so one may appear somewhere near you!

Thank you to all those who bought engines and volunteered help - I really appreciated it all.

Steam It Sunday

As outlined in the last issue, the Trust is promoting Sunday October 2nd 2016 as ‘Steam It Sunday’.

All engine owners and crews are encouraged to steam up and enjoy the day with family, friends and complete strangers. The aim is to shine a bright light onto the hobby and bring our wonderful machines to the public.

Dan Brothwell has now arranged for a batch of Steam It Sunday plaques, to fix to the front of your engine on the day. They are now in stock at NTET Sales for a bargain £6 each, including postage.

Pattern Register

Richard Semple Work continues on updating the Trust’s pattern register. For those unfamiliar with this scheme, the NTET hold an extensive database of casting patterns and their whereabouts, putting members in touch with each other to assist with their projects.

This has proved a very valuable service to several members in the past, and as we are all in it together, any costs that can be saved has got to be a bonus.

The register can be viewed online at www.ntet. co.uk/owners-drivers/pattern-register. My contact details are below - please do get in touch if you have patterns you would be willing to either lend, or use to have items made for fellow members.

Richard Semple Linden Lea Lydham Bishops Castle Shropshire SY9 5HB (01588) 630664; semplerich@aol.com

BESTT - Boiler & Engineering Skills Training Trust

Gordon Newton We have now successfully carried out a pilot ‘Washout & Examination’ course and a pilot ‘Riveting’ course to the BESTT modules.

We are now organising a second course for ‘Washout & Examination’ and ‘Riveting’. Places are now available for these courses. Please send your enquiries to - enquiries@bestt.org.uk BESTT is also inviting suggestions for courses that would be of interest to railways, traction engine owners and marine engineers in the Heritage sector.

Following the success of the ‘HLF-Skills for the Future’ programme. BESTT is now qualified to create modules to suit your needs. For suggestions please use the above email address. g STEAMING

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Breakdown & Recovery Scheme

Authorised Water Extraction Scheme As we went to press, David Smith of the TSU was able to confirm a major step forward with his long-term quest to broker a deal for members to extract water from hydrants legally and economically. Below follows the press release some of you will have seen online already; we thank all of those who have already expressed interest, and ask for a little patience while the CNT scheme is set up online.

As many people will be aware, for some considerable time the National Traction Engine Trust has been working hard to try and find a way in which owners and crew can legally and equally as importantly, affordably extract water from Fire Hydrants. It’s a path of negotiation that has often met with frustration, but we are delighted to be able to announce that we are now in a position to introduce the ‘Authorised Water Extraction Scheme’ for steam vehicles on the road.

The scheme has been negotiated by David Smith, Head of our Technical Services Unit and Richard Coffey, Managing Director of Aquam Water Services, who now have sufficient water utility companies on board to proceed with the first phase of a 2 phase scheme.

Phase 1 is ‘Calm Network Training’ or CNT. This will be a FREE to NTET members on-line training and examination facility administered by AQUAM and the NTET. The successful candidate will recieve an AQUAM Calm Network Training Certificate.

The NTET are hoping to initially attract large numbers of members to the Scheme and that this initial ‘bulk training’ period should be concluded by end 2016. This will showcase the interest in the scheme to the water industry.

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Phase 2 is the launch of the ‘Authorised Water Extraction Scheme’. This will be the actual working of the scheme deatails of which will follow.

We openly encourage all engine owners and crew members who are members of the Trust to register for the online training, via hydrants@ ntet.co.uk – it will cost you nothing, yet will lead to you being able to extract water from hydrants nationwide without the need for metered equipment, or fear of prosecution. All we need at this stage is your contact details and of course membership number. You will be sent details and a link to the online training and examination in due course.

Chairman of the National, Anthony Coulls commented, “We are delighted to be working with the water industry on what I believe is perhaps the most important single positive development for the road steam world in my lifetime. Any engine crew taking water from a hydrant over the last three decades will have done so with one eye over their shoulder for the water authority. It must be stressed that this is being driven by our friends in the water industry and we all owe them every cooperation as the scheme progresses” The NTET is aware that there will be plenty of engine owners and crew members who are not members of the Trust who might wish to take part in phase one of the scheme (every person with their hand on the stand pipe will need a CNT Cert. – which is free). We openly invite you to join us to take advantage of Phase One of the Scheme, contact our membership secretary via membership@ntet.co.uk quoting ‘ntet-hydrants’ and she will happily welcome you on board.

Further details about the launch of the Scheme about how Phase 2 is to work will follow in the coming weeks and months.

With member benefits high on the Trust’s agenda, it was felt that we ought to remind members of the really rather good Breakdown & Recovery Scheme that we offer for both engines and private low loaders....

The NTET scheme is run in collaboration with PRP Rescue Limited and the AA. The scheme is open to owners of steam propelled road going vehicles and owners of low loaders when used for hauling vintage vehicles.

The Trust works very hard to bring ‘added value’ schemes to its members. This Breakdown & Recovery Scheme is no exception. It is unique and is tailored to meet the specific requirements of those members who operate their vehicles on a limited, personal budget.

Who should join this scheme?

Consider the following questions: • Do you mainly transport your exhibit to venues using a low-loader or do you ‘road’ your steam propelled vehicle?

• Have you ever wondered how you would deal with a roadside emergency when out with your vehicle?

• Do you rely on favours to get your equipment home when problems prevent you from using your usual mode of transport?

• As a low loader owner, have you ever wondered how you would meet the cost of recovery from a motorway?

• Would you like to see the NTET doing more for you as a private owner of an engine or low loader?

• Would you invest in a tailor made, low cost recovery scheme that gets your equipment

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home to your own front door?

If you answered Yes to any of these questions then membership of this scheme is a must for YOU!

The potential costs of a breakdown Usually, an individual can’t obtain the benefits of ‘group commercial vehicle recovery services’, even on a ‘Pay As You Go’ basis. You have to be in business or registered with a recognised trading organisation. So, if you don’t have access to recovery facilities then consider these facts: •

Just to get a mechanic to your vehicle could cost £100 or more • £500 might get you moved about 4 miles off a motorway • Attendance for a tyre repair, excluding the cost of the tyre, could cost between £100 and £250 • A lift and tow up to 15 miles could set you back around £450 - £550 • A lift and tow up to 400 miles round trip could set you back between £1,550 and £2,200 If the police insist on arranging g STEAMING

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TRUST NEWS a recovery for you when your vehicle is incapacitated, then the sky’s the limit.

The NTET Breakdown & Recovery Scheme covers the cost of the above and much more.

By employing the customer and business expertise of the appointed Service Provider our members can be assured of prompt and friendly but efficient service. In addition, the costs incurred are to agreed and published scales.

Scope of the Scheme To help keep the actual cost to members as low as possible the NTET has negotioated access to the recovery fund operated by PRP Recue Limited. The fund is used to meet the cost of legitimate bills submitted by the AA’s Large Vehicles Recovery scheme having repaired or recovered a broken down low loader or recovered a broken down steam propelled vehicle.

Members are invited to subscribe to this fund on an annual basis. They can opt for one of two levels of service: Gold or Silver.

Gold Service provides full recovery of your vehicle from anywhere on the mainland UK to anywhere on the mainland UK - open to Low Loaders and to Steam vehicles.

Silver Service will get your vehicle recovered to a ‘safe place’ of your choice, usually within a 25mile radius. - open to Low Loaders only.

Trailers and equipment usually towed behind the steam vehicle can be included in the scheme at a small additional cost per item.

How the Scheme works When a vehicle breaks down the driver uses a special telephone number to set into action the Breakdown & Recovery Services operated on behalf of the NTET by the PRP Rescue Limited. This service is designed to meet specific requirements of the NTET members.

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Steam vehicles: In the event of a Steam Propelled vehicle mechanically breaking down to the point of being immovable under its own power the Scheme will meet the cost of recovering of the vehicle, and any trailers which are included in the scheme.

Transportation of any attendants or crew members is at the discretion of the Agent affecting the recovery. Immobility caused by poor quality coal or lack of coal, lack of STEAMING

water, an accident or a breach of the law will not be covered. Other conditions apply, see application form for details.

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From David Collidge’s Collection

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Low Loaders: In the event of a low loader breaking down a fully equipped heavy vehicle ‘breakdown rescue’ van will normally attend in the first instance and attempt to get the vehicle going. It is reckoned that about 95% of all breakdowns are repaired by the highly trained crews of the ‘rescue’ vans. The Scheme will meet the cost of attendance of the ‘rescue’ van but will not pay for any materials used, e.g. fuel,oils, filters, tyres etc. If the vehicle proves to be unrepairable at the roadside a heavy recovery vehicle is despatched to the site.

The Scheme will pay for the recovery of the vehicle and its payload. Immobility caused by an accident, failure of a roadside safety check or a breach of the law will not be covered. Other conditions apply, see application form for details.

Cost of Scheme Membership The NTET is very much aware of the effects of rising costs on the rebuilding, maintaining and exhibiting of vintage steam propelled vehicles.

The annual membership fees of this scheme has been set at extremely attractive rates. These low, low rates cannot be obtained anywhere commercially outside of the NTET. The annual fee reflects the type of vehicle covered, Steam or Low Loader, and the level of service required, Gold or Silver.

Gold Cover for steam vehicle - £135.00 Gold Cover for HGV - £275.00 Silver Cover for HGV - £165.00

Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3497 May Queen is seen with a very good load of stone in tow, not long after delivery from Thetford in July 1913 to Thomas Everton Junior of Droitwich. The Burrell was commandeered for war work just a few months later, crossing the channel to work in France. A hundred years later, the engine’s travels continue - she is currently on holidays in New Zealand!

STEAM THRESHING DAY at BARDWELL WINDWILL

- A traditional steam working - Guided windmill tours - Freshly baked refreshments - Exhibitors and campers welcome - Entry £1

SATURDAY EVENING AUGUST 20TH - ALL DAY SUNDAY AUGUST 21ST BARDWELL IP31 IAD

The NTET is the first vintage steam related organisation to care for its members in this way.

Given the very affordable cost of membership combined with the expertise of a prestigious Service Provider, on call 24hrs, a day can you really afford not to be in the scheme?

How to Join Remember this scheme is exclusively for members of the NTET. Contact: insurance@ntet.co.uk to obtain further details from the NTET’s Insurance Officer, or download a Steam Vehicle or Goods Vehicle application form from the Trust website at www.ntet.co.uk/breakdown-recovery STEAMING

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STEAMING PAST Our magazine 25 years ago...

The Trust News section of the Summer 1991 Steaming reported that Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology was going to be holding six evening classes on theory and practice of traction engines with the option to follow this up with a one day practical session. The tutors were going to be from the County of Salop Steam Engine Club. Presumably the club would have seen some payment for this so perhaps other clubs may want to think about exploring arranging something similar in their areas. This could perhaps tie in with the NTET’s own course, the first of which was also reported on in this issue, for those unable to get to the Midlands for a whole weekend?

Many members will be familiar with Esmond Kimbell’s book “The Complete Traction Engineman”. This issue included an article by his younger brother Ken titled “The Incomplete Engine Driver’s Mate”. Ken related the trial and tribulations of having to get up before his brother to prepare the engine and drum for the day’s work then getting the train together and moving on to the enxt job when all threshing had been completed. Notes from Esmond stated that he was nearly 21 at the time, Ken 18 and that Ken only stuck the job for a few weeks.

The Hackbridge Accident has been covered in various books and magazines over the years.

Alan Martin’s article clearly set down all the facts. Rudd’s were moving the third of three transformers from Hersham to Barking using their Fowler 14921, Coulson’s Fowler 9904 on the front and Hickey’s Burrell 3489 on the rear.

Coming down the second hill in Seven Hills Road, Cobham the over 100 ton weight if trailer and load overpowered the two Fowlers and pushed them into a ditch. Coulson’s Fowler was badly damaged and took two days to retrieve. Rudd’s was unscathed and retrieved within a day. The journey recommenced three days after the accident with the Burrell joining the Fowler on the

STEAMING Advertise your rally, business or event in

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front and one of Rudd’s Scammell artics on the rear. To supplement Alan’s article Roger West provided one himself on Rudd’s trailer.

Lyndon Shearman wrote on “Pleasures from a Portable”. At that time he had owned his 1868 2 1/2HP Brown and May for 10 years. At that time he had driven stone crushers, corn mills, cake crushers, turnip choppers, pumps, dynamos, threshing drums and saws. Clearly the enjoyment endures as he still owns and rallies the engine and has gone on to drive more diverse equipment including a compressor for a diving world record attempt!

Stuart Gaines Published quarterly and widely read in the traction engine movement.

Contact steaming@ntet.co.uk for more information.

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READING & VIEWING FODEN CENTENARY BOOK

National Traction Engine Trust Annual General Meeting 2016

The 2016 AGM of the NTET will be held on Saturday, 19th November 2016 at the The Hilton Hotel, Leicester.

Some fantastic visits are being arranged and a special rate has been agreed with the Hilton, which can be booked directly by telephoning 01162630066 quoting referenct GNTET. Formal notice of the meeting, along with the Agenda, Report and Accounts, together with the names of those standing for election, and an Appointment of Proxy form, will also be distributed to all members with the October Steaming.

Any member may submit a Motion for discussion at the AGM. All such motions must be in writing, and signed by a proposer and a seconder, stating their respective Trust membership numbers.

Under Article 16 of the Trust’s Articles of Association, items for discussion must reach the General Secretary, Jo Hurley, on or before 8th

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October 2016 in order that they can be published in the Agenda.

Members retiring by rotation, after their three year term of office, are:- Andrew Semple, Robert Siddall, Lance Jackson, Dan Brothwell, Paul Cook and John Gilbert. All are eligible for re-election.

A nomination form is published below and may be cut or copied from this magazine, or even written out on plain paper.

All nominations should be sent to the General Secretary, Jo Hurley (address below and inside rear cover) and must be received on or before 8 th October 2016.

The names of the nominees will be included in the published Agenda to be distributed with the October magazine.

Those standing for election will be required to provide a brief introductory profile of about 150 words, outlining themselves and their interests.

Jo Hurley, General and Company Secretary

The origins of the Foden Centenary Book go back to 1956, when the centenary was celebrated of the founding of the famous Cheshire-based commercial vehicle and oil-engine manufacturer, Fodens Limited.

To mark the occasion, in July 1956 several events were planned including a massive parade of Foden steam and diesel vehicles, from Elworth to The Common in Sandbach. Also planned was a Fun Day on Foden’s sports field to be followed by a Grand Concert and dance in the evening, culminating in a firework display. It was also planned to publish a book recalling 100 years in existence, but for reasons unknown, the book was never published.

After laying dormant for sixty years the original text was accidentially discovered at John Sandewrson’s premises in Smallwood, near Sandbach. John is an avid collector of Foden memorabilia. It has taken compiler, ex-Foden employee Julian Hollinshead, some two years to re-draft and prepare the book ready for publication.

After a personal message from William Foden, Governing Director of Fodens Limited, the book tells the story of the company through four phases. The First Phase concentrates on agricultural implements, portable steam engines and the Foden traction engine. Beginning with Edwin Foden’s early life, the chapter goes on to include the patenting of his compound steam engine in 1880 and the formation of the limited company, Edwin Foden Sons & Co. Ltd. in 1887.

The Second Phase features the Foden steam wagon from the prototype in 1897, the War Dept. Trials of 1901 to the introduction of the C type steam wagon. The Third Phase describes the development of the oil-engined vehicles, beginning with lorry Number One, which was sold locally to Samuel Jackson & Sons of Wistaston.

Also covered is the development of the trucks

through the 1930s and after the War with the introduction of the FG range, and it also includes the company’s products at work in many countries of the world. The Fourth Phase concentrates on the remarkable FD series of two-stroke engines, introduced in 1948 and which found use powering commercial vehicles, marine vessels, generators, stationary winching and pumping engines.

This interesting, fascinating and very readable little book, measuring 8” x 6”, contains 60 pages plus cover with a profusion of B&W photographs.

A copy costs £10 plus £2 P&P for UK buyers (£5 for overseas) and all proceeds with be equally donated to the North West Ambulance and Christie Hospital. The book can be bought online at www.thefodensociety.co.uk or by post from Julian Hollinshead, 6 St John’s Way, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 2LY. Alan Porter

THE TRACTION ENGINE REGISTER 12TH EDITION 2016 Since 1966 the Register has become an institution in the road steam world. The 12th edition commemorates fifty years since the first and contains over 2,000 revisions since the 11th edition was published four years ago.

Complied

by Brian Johnson and published to the usual high standard by the Southern Counties Historic Vehicles Preservation Trust, the latest edition lists 3,826 engines in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland within its 112 perfect-bound pages. The vibrant nature of our hobby means locations and other details are often out of date immediately, but Brian welcomes corrections and additions to tractionenginereg@btinternet.com.

Already your editor has been reaching for it while writing captions!

You can buy your copy from our very own NTET Sales - see the advert elsewhere in this issue.

Kev Mills g STEAMING

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REVIEWS THE STRONACH-DUTTON ROADRAIL SYSTEM OF TRACTION Produced by the Narrow Gauge Railway Society, this very interesting book chronicles the system devised

by Frank Dutton, whereby an adapted road vehicle is guided by the track of a light railway, but keeps its driving wheels on the ground while hauling railway wagons on the track. Author R. G. Cash explores many different takes on the idea, with the Yorkshire and Sentinel conversions being of especial interest to us road steam chaps.

Well worth the £6.95 cover price; order yours from the NGRS via their website at www.ngrs. org or from Lawson Little, 1 Archers Drive, Old Bilsthorpe, Newark, Notts NG22 8SD. Kev Mills

FRED: THE COMPLETE SERIES This DVD box set includes the 1979 BBC documentry that propelled Bolton steam roller owner and steeplejack Fred Dibnah into the public eye.

Produced by Don Haworth, the award-winning documentary Fred led to a eightepisode series screened in 1982.

This forms the remainder of the DVD footage and jolly interesting it is too.

For members in the North West the films will be particularly nostalgic as many of the engines and characters of the 1970s and 1980s rally scene are captured on screen.

The set is produced by Simply Media and can be purchased from their website for £17.99 - www.simplyhe.com

A traction engine journey in 1975 Part one

Jeffrey Shackell The following notes have been taken from a hand written booklet dating from 1975. I am grateful to Harry Moore for making this diary log available for reproduction in Steaming by the late Mrs Betty Moore of the journey of Fowler A4 general purpose engine no. 9698 Farmers Friend from Aylesbeare in Devon to Nettlebed in the Chiltern Hills for the NTEC 21st anniversary road run in 1975…and back!

So sit back and picture the scene in July 1975 of a Fowler traction engine about to set off on a 275 mile round trip towing a showman’s living van and 2 wheel water cart. This was attended by a truck and a van to carry coal, water and other supplies for the journey. A look back then of a time before the Internet, mobile phones, Facebook, of pubs now long gone and roads and road numbers changed beyond recognition. Petrol was just 73 new pence per gallon and the Common Market referendum had just been held.

Thursday July 3rd George had ‘Farmers Friend’ in steam ready for when the BBC photographer and interviewer came about 5.30 pm. Drove her down to the workshop and back with Roy steering. Decided the exhaust note was wrong so took out the bolt in the chimney and all was well but delayed our departure from 6.00 until 7.20pm.

No fanfare there to see us off but many friends including The Hatswells and Trish and John (our daughter and son in law) and the Vinnicombes.

Roy Padley who filmed it all from the back of the Land Rover. Went through the village and West Hill and Ottery, stopped going up by the church with Ken driving and George steering. Nearly to Alfington and into one of John Vinnicombe’s fields for the night. Roy and Richard pitched their tent next to the van.

11.45 - oh..welcome bed!

Friday July 4th 6.00am - Roy and Richard lit up, we had ‘sixties’ tea and bread and butter. 6.30 - steaming up and away, Ken and Eric.

8.00 - breakfast Roebuck pub, took water at hydrant.

10.10 - top of Rawridge took water from truck, engine nearly out, George and Richard, Eric and I

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went for water from Shell garage who made us welcome.

11.30 - caught them up in Marsh and pulled in just over the bridge. Roy Padley got on the engine to film her so I took his car with Ruth. George and Ken were in the truck.

1.00 - pulled into the back drive of the Eagle Tavern and had a Ploughmans lunch.

2.20 - pulled out of tavern, Eric and Roy. Ken and Richard came in the back of truck and we found hydrant outside Horton church.

3.15 - engine took on water.

4.00 - through Ilminster to big gates, topped up Eric and Richard.

5.00 - pot-shop lay-by.

6.00 - arrived at toilets and took water from the stream and filled tank with pump.

8.15 – Just finished a meal when Jack Miles arrived and took men to the pub. Then Tony came and Alan Fry called in.

Saturday July 5th Eric’s Birthday 8.00 - rolled out from toilets with Ken and George on the engine.

9.00 - through Ilchester.

9.15 - pulled into Yeovilton cafe for breakfast and the postman called… 10.30 - pulled out as before, saw Pam. River Cam at Sparkford to fill engine.

12.45 - Arrived end of dual carriageway before Wincanton –dinner.

1.40 – rolled out, Roy and George. Richard with us to get water in Wincanton, saw police and arranged for them to go through stopping to let traffic pass.

2.30 - I got supplies and found a hydrant, Richard and Ruth had fun with the hydrant but eventually got water.

4.10 - caught them at Hunters Lodge and pulled in road junction to fill up, engine went on & Roy came with us. Truck wouldn’t go so Roy ran nearly a mile to catch them and bring George back.

5.00- engine arrived at the car park at Zeals toilets. We were back at Hunters Lodge g STEAMING

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garage getting a chap out from Wincanton garage with jump leads (cost £4) to start the truck as George had got the petrol through but battery was flat. Rang John, David answered and left a message for him to bring portable welder as soon as he could.

8.30 - pick up arrives with truck and John and the welder, he also brought a new battery, which he put on. George got welding the rubber back on the nearside hind wheel, Jack Miles arrived with some relation in tow and sat and talked on the steps until George had finished welding then took them to the pub. Ruth & I walked up later on. Slept really well away from the traffic.

Sunday July 6th 8.00 - left Zeals, Ken and George driving.

9.00 - up steep knapp 2 miles from Mere into layby for breakfast.

10.00 - left with us still doing the washing up. Eric and Richard went for water from hydrant at the garage on the Salisbury Road.

10.45 - filled engine from tank outside Little Chef.

Bourton Hill down 1/8, offered cup of coffee each on return run.

11.40 - Stopped on the top of the hill to clinker out and take on water. John West and Jeff Howell caught us up with more coal and fan-belt, also Tony in Traveller where he’d slept the night.

12.00 - moved on to about halfway down the hill into lay-by removing the road blocks to get onto new piece out of the way.

12.45 – lunch.

2.00 – rolled out, Eric and Roy on engine. self and Ruth in truck, John and Richard in van, took on water from hydrant in side street of lay-by and followed engine through over the bridge and went on to top of the hill by Wyle to wait for them.

She came up the hill like a bird signing.

Party of riders came over in a Land Rover with two bottles of beer for the driver and steersman, 3 Frenchies with them. Ruth and I went on to find 18

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water and our nights parking place and went round the dual carriageway outside Countess twice before finding one right up on the top overlooking Bulford Camp.

4.00 - went back to Stonehenge to give them water and collect, Ruth got in the van with Ken and Tony came with me. We tried to get water from the Avon but had the hose on wrong! When engine came I got on and started the tea with Ruth and left Tony, John and Richard to get the water, Tony got soaked in the process!

We had to ration everyone to one piece of bread each to leave enough for our breakfast. The others left in the Transit to pick up the Traveller and who should arrive but Jack Miles and friend Arthur.

Monday July 7th 7.10 - rolled out from Bulford, I went on to find hydrants and back at top of Quarley Hill to fill her from tank. George came with me and we got water from hydrant in Fyfield.

8.50 - took water at Weyhill, we tried unsuccessfully to get coal in the yard there.

9.50 - Robin Hood car park, both pulled in together. I’d got supplies; water cart drawbar needed welding so did that before breakfast.

11.30 - pulled out having filled everything at hydrant there, Eric and Jeff were on the engine.

12.00 - took water at lay-by.

12.30 - found beautiful spot with river and shady trees and trout and beautiful birds so went paddling. Saw them stopped outside the pub!

Eventually they came down and took on water from the stream.

1.30 - pulled in opposite Little Chef, Longparish and had dinner there with lorries nearly blowing us over.

2.30 - battened down window with crooked nails and continued to Bullingdon Cross and left into Newbury Road stopping in dip of dual carriageway to take on water from tank.

4.00 - found hydrant as you come into Whitchurch so pulled them in and we filled everything. Very slow through Whitchurch, narrow and steep and heavy vehicles going both ways. Jeff came with me and we found a big wide grass verge just through Litchfield and pulled them in there for the night as they were low on water and coal.

7.30 - after tea chaps went off to get water at hydrant in Litchfield and got a puncture, Eric came back for tools and got a lift both ways. I washed, dried and did ironing and did some sewing. They eventually came back with bottles of beer, up to

now very hot particularly between 2 and 4pm.

Tuesday July 8th 3.00 - tremendous thunderstorm and then heavy rain eased off about 6.30 so Eric got fire lit as he was afraid of bogging down.

8.20 - rolled out to picnic area at Beacon Hill, George and Jeff left to get coal from Newbury, Eric saw to engine and I got breakfast.

11.00 – George and Jeff returned with 7cwt of coal at £2 a bag - breakfast at last.

11.50 - rolled out, Jeff and I found hydrant on Newtown common and filled the tank.

12.35 - they arrived and filled from the tank.

1.30 - through Newbury, took on water from tank just on Reading Road.

2.30 –lay-by near Midgham turning 5 miles from Newbury when we had 20 minutes rest with beer and took on water from tank.

3.50 - pulled into Emerald Lady pub for fill up, I’d been shopping in Theale and only just made it, we scoffed a whole lardy cake before moving on.

5.00 - took water just over M4 bridge before tackling Tidmarsh, Pangbourne and the toll-bridge.

Weight limit 10 tons, toll 1p per wheel, we paid 10p for 14! Through Whitchurch and started on the hill before we realised that we had a really steep and winding one. Changed into small wheel outside post office, blocks held thank heaven and she got away alright and went up splendidly. Poor Eric nearly died of fright when round every corner was another and steeper than before. Took water at top and let her stand to cool off a bit.

6.45 - pulled in to Ran Hawthorne’s but he wasn’t there but came in to see us about 10.30.

Wednesday July 9th Men up raking out and cleaning the engine thoroughly got a fire going gently. Rain early on but then nice until about 12.30 – showers. I slept until 9 then got breakfast had a walk round and a shopping spree. They went off to view the field and get petrol while I cleaned up the cooker and got lunch at about 2pm while ‘Farmers Friend’ got steam up.

4.00 - pulled out of Ran Hawthorne’s, through Checkendon and Stoke Row taking water there from tank, into lay-by on the main road.

6.00 - pulled a bit of fruit tree down on wide verge opposite field and decided to turn right

round and try getting into the field.

6.30 -in successfully by backing a few times.

Thursday July 10th Went to Wallingford and then to try and find some coal, found the coal yard behind the pub and hung about for a time until Arthur Napper came and made himself known and offered to arrange for us to have coal at Didcot next morning. In the afternoon I caught a bus to Wallingford and did 2 lots of washing and got fresh meat and fruit etc while the men cleaned the engine and outside of the van. A few more people arrived on the field including Jack Wharton and ‘King George V1’. Eric and Jeff went up to the pub and Jack etc. brought them back and came in for a chat.

Friday July 11th Men went off to get coal and the tyre which had to have new inner tube and were away practically the whole morning so I washed my hair and the rest of the clothes. Blowing nicely and sun at times so was nearly dry by dinner time, had a roast dinner and then started cleaning the windows and polishing the inside. More and more engines arriving, Arthur Napper and Bill Maynard brought in ‘Old Timer’ and cleaned her up. Dennis Brandt had brought his Foden wagon and drove off with the low loader for something else. The Daniel brothers came with their ploughing engine etc, etc. Ran Hawthorne came steaming down on ‘Busy Bee’ and failed to negotiate the turning and got grounded on the scarifier and had to be jacked up.

Several people came over to the van including Mr. Spencer-Green and his sister!

Continued in the next issue...

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ENGINE PROFILE Opposite page, top - Burrell 4010 is seen about to turn into the sawmill ready for unloading, in or around July 1936. The picture was taken by Stuart Johnstone, who used to write for The World’s Fair.

Below is the Burrell as she stood in May 2016, following major mechanical work described on the following pages and with a superb paint job well under way by Adam Meredith.

Edward Brown All photos from author’s collection

ENGINE PROFILE

B U R R E L L 4 010

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Burrell works No. 4010, a 5nhp 3 speed double crank road locomotive was supplied new to Henry Workman, sawmiller of Woodchester, Gloucestershire in April 1925 and is believed to be the last new traction engine delivered to the county. The Burrell replaced a Garrett 4CD steam tractor, No. 32775 that Workman’s had new in 1915.

The sawmill was started by George Workman in 1795 in North Woodchester, but would later move when a second mill built at South Woodchester in about 1870 and the business was further developed by his sons Henry and Francis Workman.

The sawmill was driven by a large PaxmanLentz stationary steam engine, this drove line shafts to various saws in the main building.

The mill also had railway sidings running from the Nailsworth branch line, on these sidings for unloading and handling the timber were two mobile steam cranes built by Stothert & Pitt of Bath. These could cross the A46 and into the storage yard, the traffic being stopped my a man with a red flag, collect the logs and carry them back across to the mill for processing.

Much of the timber for the mill was felled on the Ebworth estate near Sheepscombe, as well as the Horsley and Kingscote Woods. These woodlands all of which were owned by the sawmill were renowned for the quality of the Beech they produced, earning them many awards.

It’s in these woodlands that Burrell 4010 would have worked during the 1920s and into the late 1930s, extracting round timber and hauling it back to Woodchester for sawing.

In addition to the engine the mill also relied on

teams of horses for the haulage of timber; they were more suited to the difficult terrain where the engine would have bogged down.

It was during the late 1920s that my Grandfather Denis Brown began hauling timber for the Henry Workman sawmill after relocating to Woodchester from Crowborough, Sussex where he had worked in partnership with his brother.

Initially Denis relied on steam tractors for this timber work, one of which was Foster 14064, a well travelled tractor. It been in the family firm from the time they were still in North Yorkshire before moving to Sussex, and then on to Woodchester.

As the work load increased in the 1930s, Denis with help from the sawmill invested in more modern methods of haulage and a petrol Latil timber tractor along with matching pole trailer was purchased.

This outfit was replaced by a second Latil, this time Diesel (CDG 703 still in our ownership today) and it proved more than adequate for the supply of round timber for the sawmill, and by January 1941 the out of date Burrell was sold on to Jesse Vines, the well known engine dealer from Gloucester.

Jesse had the engine for only a short time, and around August 1941 the engine was sold on to agricultural contractors and dealers Murch Bros

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Above - 4010 outside the entrance to Henry Workman’s mill in the mid to late 1920s.

Below - Looking rather worn out, 4010 is seen at St. Wenn, Cornwall in the ownership of Chapman Bros. The bike is for the driver to get home - note she has now lost her belly tank and gained the Marshall front wheels.

22

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of Umberleigh, Devon. The engine was used by Murch for sawing and threshing .

After a short time the engine was sold on again, going to Chapman Bros, an agricultural contractor of St Wenn, near Bodmin in Cornwall. They traded a Marshal traction engine for the Burrell and used it for threshing through the war years and into the late 40s.

To carry out this work Chapman’s removed the belly tanks and motion screens, as happened to a number of road locos.

Also by this time the engine was fitted with much smaller diameter Marshall front wheels -the reason for this is unknown, although possibly as the result of an accident .

Chapman Bros would be 4010’s last commercial operator and the engine was sold into preservation around the early 1950s, to Reg

Tonkin of St Eval, Cornwall.

Whilst in his ownership Reg Tonkin gave 4010 the name ‘’Empress Of Cornwall’’ and added showman’s fittings after he had acquired them from Burrell 3660 that had been cut up earlier.

Reg attended the early West of England steam rally’s with the engine from 1956 and into the 1960s but later 4010 would spend a number of years laid up in Cornwall until 1977, when it was sold to Martin Burr from Sheffield.

The engine by this time was terribly worn out, not only from the heavy timber work it had carried out commercially but also from the salty Cornish sea air.

Martin soon began restoration work, fitting a new firebox, barrel, rebuilding the tender and other worn parts. He took the engine to a few steam rallies whilst still partially restored.

We made contact with Martin around 2008, explaining to him of our connection to the Henry Workman sawmill, and we were able to make a number visits to see 4010.

It was during August 2014 we received word from Martin that he was selling

4010 outside the entrance to Henry 4010 inside the mill yard surrounded by teams of horses and workers of the sawmill, taken during mid-late 1920s.

4010, this an opportunity not to be missed and after negotiations we purchased the engine from Martin later that month and it returned to Woodchester after being away since the early 1940s (our premises occupies part of the old

g

Laid up in Tonkin’s yard during the 1970s - by now the Burrell needed a new firebox and boiler barrel.

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ENGINE PROFILE

R e s t o r a t i o n o f 4 010

The original owners’ plate as removed by Jesse Vines in the 1940s. We were lucky to find it in an auction a few years ago and it will now be reunited.

Above is another picture taken during the lay-up in Tonkin’s yard. The showmans fittings from 3660 can clearly be seen - note also the very worn strakes on the rear wheels, showing just how hard the engine had worked.

Below is 4010 on the day she returned to Woodchester, following many years with Martin Burr at Sheffield.

Henry Workman sawmill site).

We are continuing the restoration work and hope to have the engine ready for latter 2016 . Work completed includes making the correct large diameter 3’ 10’’ Burrell front wheels, new front axle, rear axle, restoration of the back wheels, new final drive and spur gears as well as painting. New belly tanks are also now under way.

I would be very interested in hearing from anyone who has anything they can add regarding the engine or its history.

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We had intended to use the engine as it was for a while but after a short trip back to her working day haunts, it was clear that she was in no fit state to go anywhere. The back axle, gears and pin holes were just too badly worn .

So we decided to crack on and start to dismantle the engine.

The flywheel centre was machined and a new centre boss fitted; new correct size front wheels have been made along with the new front and rear axles. Seemingly small jobs like finishing the top of the bunker took a huge amount of work to get right. We also had to have new diff, second shaft and final drive gears.

James Cummins and crew at Universal Steam Engineering have done most of this work and he has now started on the front tanks. As we went to press the new gears had been fitted up, along with the painted and lined gear guards.

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ntetshop Many books, DVDs and other items of interest to traction engine enthusiasts are avaliable from the Trust Sales section. Members are urged to take advantage of this service (which also benefits Trust funds) for troublefree and economical shopping. Mail order, via the address at the bottom of the page, is now joined by our online store at www.ntet.co.uk/shop Traction Engine reading

Allens of Oxford Jonathan Brown 50 Glorious Years: The story of the County of Salop rallies Preserved Steam Powered Machines Hanavy Threshing Days William R Anderson Traction Engine Museum Guide Herberts of Dorchester Kay Townsend The Steam Age Traction Engine Register NEW Threshing Machines Trevor Gregory Steam at Southbrook (NZ) The Story of the Invicta Works history of Aveling & Porter Michael Lane A Life With Steam Joe Challis Driving and Operating Traction Engines Mike Dyson Portable Engines Trevor Gregory Thomas Green & Son John Pease

£27.00 £19.50 £9.99 £9.99 £8.50 £8.50 £9.99 £8.95 £27.95 £23.00 £30.00 £27.00 £25.00 £24.95 £18.00

European Traction Engine Register - 4th Edition £10.50 Flying Scotsman - A Legend Reborn £7.99 British Steam Fair Engines Derek Wheeler £12.99 Jack Hampshire classics Memories of Steam Rallying £7.95 Road Locomotive Society Archive series The Traction Engine Archive Vol. 1 £17.00 The Traction Engine Archive Vol. 2 £26.00 The Traction Engine Archive Vol. 3 £22.00 Photographic albums The Steam Scene Vol. 6 R. J. Blenkinsop £20.00 Traction Engines At Work in Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Ely Mike Dyson £19.95 The Great Dorset Steam Fair 1989 on Paul Stratford £14.99 Sentinel Works Photos Vol. 2 £20.00 26

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Malcolm Ranieri Nostalgia Collection albums Burrells of Thetford £5.99 Aveling & Porter of Rochester £5.99 Fowlers of Leeds £5.99 Garretts of Leiston £5.99

DVDs

The Stanley Steamer Introduction to Boiler Maintenance & Inspection Steam in the Furrow Burrells of Thetford Fowlers of Leeds Aveling & Porter of Rochester Fred Dibnah Remembered Fred Dibnah Volume II Trust Items

£13.50 £8.00 £17.00 £9.95 £9.95 £15.95 £8.99 £6.99

60th anniversary Road Run programme 60 Years of the NTET Steaming binder, 12 copies (Up to Vol.23) Steaming binder, 12 copies (From Vol.24) NTET Members Badge NTET 2000 showman’s badge NTET traction engine lapel badge NTET Foden wagon badge NTET steam roller badge NTET road locomotive badge NTET navy cap

£2.50 £5.00 £7.00 £7.25 £2.60 £3.50 £3.50 £3.50 £3.50 £3.50 £9.50

To claim UK post free purchase, just do the following: w Write your name, address and order w Enclose your current NTET membership card w Make cheques payable to National Traction Engine Trust w Send your order to:

CORRESPONDENCE WHERE ARE THEY NOW? I have recently re-joined the NTET after an absence of over 25 years. In my youth when I lived in South Devon, I worked with and assisted a number of engine owners in the Newton Abbot area, with frequent excersions into east Cornwall as well, for road runs around the Tamar Valley and surrounding areas.

As some of these gentlemen are no longer with us or have moved home, retired or disposed of their various engines - I am wondering what has become of some of these machines, of which I have such fond memories. Does anyone, therefore, know what has become of the following engines?

Wallis & Steevens Advance roller 8065 (OU 5979); Burrell roller 3986 (AF 9293); Fowler roller AAF 704; Fowler roller 18070 (YC 8375 ex. W. J. King); and Wallis traction engine 8052 (OU 7435), ex. Jim Snell, which I believe is still in the Torbay area?

Another engine I encountered at the first rally I ever remember attending at Much Marcle in about 1969 or so, was an Aveling tractor registered CJ 4160. I have a photograph of myself and mother standing by it; the name on the canopy was D. C. Hackett of Ross-on-Wye - is it still around this area?

Also at around this time my uncle Alf Hinde ran a farm near the village of Bosbury in Herefordshire, where I spent many very happy holidays indulging in the work of a traditional mixed farm. My uncle had a contractor friend who lived nearby and I believe called Eric Lawrence. He had a lot of old agricultural

machinery, one item of which was a Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies traction engine. One day my uncle took me to see it in steam, and I was treated to a ride on it around the lanes of Eric’s farm.

I was about 9 or 10 at the time and it was an unforgettable first close encounter with an engine in steam, which had just been seen by the boiler inspector if I remember correctly. Does anyone know where this engine is, or if it still exists even?

It would be pleasing to hear what happened to the above mentioned engines. I hope nothing ‘nasty’ has befallen any of them!

Paul Johnson Minehead, Somerset •

Using our shiny new office copy of The Traction Engine Register, we can deduce that Wallis 8065 now lives in Kent; Burrell 3986 is in Cornwall (and in fine fettle); Fowler 18070 can be found in the Portsmouth area; Jim Snell’s old Wallis traction East Lothian Star is indeed still rallied by friends in the Torbay area; Aveling & Porter KND tractor 9225 (CJ 4160) is now in the Weald of Kent, after many years rallying in the home counties; and Fowler 19570 (AAF 704) a former Dingles 10 tonner has reportedly moved to the Bedale area, having lost its front rolls and gained a ‘tractor’ front end. Can anyone add any more on the above, or the mystery Ransomes? Get in touch via the editorial addresses - Editor

NTET Sales, Mrs K M Smith The Cottage Main Road New Bolingbroke Boston, Lincs PE22 7JU Card purchases (£10 minimum) can be taken over the telephone - tel. 01205 480836 after 7pm. Non-members or overseas members add 10% for postage.

sales@ntet.co.uk www.ntet.co.uk/shop STEAMING

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Scenes from the engine yard - on the left we see Steve Arrowsmith’s 1882 McLaren 127 with the Mann wagon 1120 of Peter Lyons in the background, while above, editor Mills does a bit of polishing as Munkie sweeps the tubes on Ruston Proctor 43680. (Becca Mills)

7 days at Beamish..

The Great War Steam Fair 2016

THE CAST Kev Mills, your narrator Brian Knight, gentleman engine owner Chris ‘Munkie’ Morgan, crew and entertainer Rob Maude, crew and chef Paul Cook, photographer, occasional polisher Village Queen, Robey 5 ton tractor 33957 The Ruston roller, 10 tonner 43680 28

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The Beamish adventure began for us in April 2015; we were fortunate to have been invited to the Great North Steam Fair with Village Queen and had a wonderful time. The four days passed by all too quickly and when the museum’s Historic Events Officer, Paul Foster, waved us off with the words “Will you come back next year?” - that really was the icing on the cake.

In fact, so keen were we to return to Beamish that when news reached the Steaming HQ of a pre-1919 theme to 2016’s event it wasn’t long before I had emailed the two Pauls – messrs.

Foster and Jarman – offering both Village Queen and the other engine in the fleet to meet the age criteria.

Sure enough, in January an invite appeared from Paul inviting us to the museum’s Great War

Steam Fair. Excellent!

Focusing as the name suggests on the First World War, Beamish were inviting pre-1919 vehicles to fit in with this theme with an obvious emphasis on the military but also careful choosing of road steam engines which were not only the right age but would look “right” in the amazing setting of Beamish. So it was quite a compliment to not only be invited back but also to have the Ruston roller accepted too.

The Ruston is one of my favourite engines.

She was shopped out from Lincoln in 1914, having been built two years earlier for stock, to Zachariah Fairclough, rolling contractor and entrepreneur of Clacton-on-Sea. In 1935 she moved to B. J. Aldridge & Sons of Pulham St Mary, Norfolk, where she worked right up until

sold for preservation to Brian’s grandad Alf in 1962. She has been on the same premises ever since; a few local rally appearances in the sixties, a restoration by Brian’s dad Ron in the 1990s including a new firebox and only two public appearances since. She rolled the new factory site for Knight Farm Machinery and has had the occasional steam up in the yard, but the Beamish trip was set to be the first public outing for 14 years.

With two engines we needed more crew and fortunately had no shortage of willing volunteers.

My regular steersman Chris ‘Munkie’ Morgan had caught the steam bug badly and was keen to experience Beamish, while Yorkshireman, Land Rover aficionado and all-round vintage enthusiast Rob Maude was also up for it – and being exRAF he is superb with the polishing cloths. We also planned to enrol top snapper Paul Cook who was going to be at Beamish for the duration g STEAMING

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BEAMISH 2016 round to point towards the A1 and the far North East. An old stomping ground for Village Queen, but the furthest north the Ruston would have ever gone – and only the third time it had ever been on a lorry.

Mary Margaret, Marshall 8nhp single 17134 of 1889, on the final stretch of the trip in to Beamish.

(Paul Cook)

and making up the rest of the ‘Rutland Steamers On Tour’ were the respective families of Brian and myself; two rented cottages were to provide accommodation. We were all looking frightfully organised…

The months leading up to the event soon turned into weeks; tools and spare packings, jointings, etc were boxed up; sheets dug out and lighting up wood bagged. A couple of weeks before the off I gave the Robey a washout and had a steam up test run with both engines. No real problems; a couple of blocked wicks on the roller to change, the usual odd gland to nip up and a good clean required.

Before we knew it, it was the weekend before ‘B-Day’ and it was time to get loaded. We figured there was room on the low loader for both engines and Brian’s Carrimore trailer, and so with some careful loading we got all three on, securely fastened down and the old Daf turned 30

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Day 1 - Monday Dogs in kennels; tacho in lorry; travel mug of tea in cupholder. Let’s go!

My lovely wife Becca and our little lad Archie drove up in the car, following me as far as Ferrybridge services before zooming ahead to pick up Munkie from Newcastle airport; he was flying in from Dublin after a boozy weekend with Willi Cutit Junior.

At Ferrybridge I lit the fire in the Robey, attracting plenty of attention from fellow truckers.

My plan was to use it to pole the roller into position when we landed at the museum and also unload the Carrimore trailer. After another cuppa I threw some coal on the fire and hit the road again.

The A1M turned into the A1 and just past Leeming Bar I pulled over to check the load and have a fire up – and as soon as I opened the firehole door I noticed a very slow, yet highly depressing drip from the fusible plug! My first reaction was to blow both gauge glasses down both full, and checking by closing the cocks and reopening convinced me there were no blockages.

Look in the box again - hmm, hard to tell, but looks like it may be dripping from the threads?

Time to weigh things up. The drip really wasn’t too bad; the boiler was full to out the top of the Klinger gauge and anyway, beside the A1 was no place to consider desperate measures like throwing the fire out. I shut the damper and carried on.

All loaded up and ready to go - Robey, Ruston and Carrimore trailer. (Kev Mills)

Past Scotch Corner and before long we were off the A1 and following the brown tourist signs to Beamish. I stopped at Pelton as I could see the safeties on the Robey just about to lift and filled the boiler right up until the injector knocked off; like a Burrell, this is perfectly safe on the Robey as the steam takeoff is on the backhead, so you won’t fill it to priming level. This knocked the pressure back a bit and also gave me piece of mind for the very steep hill down to the museum’s back entrance – it would be mighty embarrassing to fully drop the plug while on a low loader!

We pulled in and were met by the everwelcoming James West, regular driver at the museum’s railways and also driver of a beautiful Fowler traction engine that he had brought down from Aberdeenshire for the event. Rob and Brian soon arrived shortly followed by Becca and Munkie – unloading went without a hitch, and the plug drip got no worse but would obviously need sorting before the event began on Thursday.

With impressive diplomacy, family plans for the Tuesday were slightly altered and we agreed to meet early the next morning to whip the plug out.

For the meantime, dinner and the pub called.

Munkie getting intimate with the Robey’s firebox. (Kev Mills)

Day 2 – Tuesday Up with the lark, Rob, Munkie and myself piled into the Transit van for the five minute journey to the museum, pulling in just in time to see Brian’s Land Rover parking up.

Our engines looked a picture that morning, sheeted up in the brilliant surroundings of the old station yard. A cliché maybe, but it really is like stepping back in time. This immediately put us in a good mood and, breaking out the spanners, decided it was worth a go accessing the plug from the footplate, before going to the filth and effort of removing ashpan and firebars.

Steam tractors are not blessed with the roomiest footplates but the Robey boasts a decent sized cut-out, which meant the smallest member of our gang (Munkie) could lay down and reach inside the box to unscrew the plug… a sterling effort!

With the plug out there was a tell-tale - for want of a better word - tiny crack through the lead. Hmm! Fortunately Brian had been shopping; a local builder’s merchants supplied some lead and flux, and we figured that we ought to be able to find some facilities on site to do a bit of melting.

We trudged up the hill to the museum’s highly impressive workshop complex where our request for some gas to use was met with plenty of enthusiasm. In no time at all Brian had re-leaded

the plug and, after more Munkie footplate/ firebox acrobatics, it was back in and the boiler filling from a hosepipe. We lit up and retired to the museum town for a welcome cup of tea; with a bit of steam on the clock everything was dry as a bone, so we congratulated ourselves with more tea and went our separate ways – all done and dusted by 12.30.

That afternoon we piled in the car and Transit for a foray to the National Railway Museum’s Locomotion at Shildon – an excellent place to visit with some truly beautiful railway engines tucked away. We had heard tale that a certain Victorian Marshall traction engine was on the road that day, winding their way from Shildon to Beamish and we planned to catch them up.

Well – we kept following those strake marks but it was on the museum’s doorstep before we encountered them. The engine was the interesting little 3 shaft 6nhp single from 1893, built for Issac Ball, now owned by Alex Haywood and in the custody of our very own chairman Anthony Coulls. Ant had a good gang assisting him and the little short-wheelbase Marshall made the journey without a hitch. After watching them tiptoe gingerly down the hill - the Marshall has no brakes at all, and is a 3 shaft - a good chinwag in the museum yard we left them to it and retired to our digs for the evening.

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Day 3 – Wednesday Bad day for me – woke up with a killer migraine and spent most of the day trying to sleep it off. Rob and Munkie went into Durham, finding the real-life version of Mrs Wainwright’s shop in Last of the Summer Wine in their quest for period attire. The boys did look good though!

By afternoon I was feeling better and we popped down to the museum to see what was happening and to give Archie a walk round.

Radio contact with Rob, Paul and Munkie revealed they were eagerly awaiting the arrival of another engine by road, and we rocked up just in time to see it. Michael Davison’s lovely 1889 8nhp Marshall single Mary Margaret was in the capable hands of Phil Doran, Andrew Cook and Richard Snowden and looked a fine sight with Photographer at work - Paul discovers that Brasso isn’t as good as it used to be as the Ruston raises steam.

(Becca Mills)

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very pretty engine indeed. It was shaping up to be a great few days.

Brian, Rob and Munkie prepare the Robey for a day’s steaming - in the background, Mark Allan’s Fowler 11594 raises steam in the Beamish RDC shed. (Becca Mills)

living van and water cart in tow.

There was now a real buzz; engines everywhere, and what variety too. Some were familiar, others not so. Steve Arrowsmith’s 1882 McLaren 127 had a rare low loader ride up from Staffordshire and looked very different with the rubber tyres removed. Viewers of the BBC’s The Living And The Dead will have by now seen one reason why!

Up from Sussex was another Mac, Neil Gough’s 10nhp road loco 1332 Gigantic, an engine which has had a complete transformation both mechanically and cosmetically. In the WD livery representing a ‘Ministry Mac’ it does look superb and with the matching Foster traction wagon played a key part in the event’s theme.

Really catching my fancy was a delightful Foden 5 tonner that I had never seen before.

Henry Netherway is the proud owner and restorer of 10320 and I liked it so much, I’ve put it on the front cover of this issue.

In the gloom of the ‘Beamish Rural District Council’ engine shed James West was busy preparing Fowler 11594 and showing his crew for the week around her – two reprobates from our local area no less, Jamie Jennings and Emily Pumfrey. Jamie, a true Burrell man, looked surprisingly at home on the Johnny Fowler but there was no missing the longing look in his eyes when Alfie Cheyne arrived with Semper Fidelis – a

Day 4 – Thursday Period dress is highly encouraged by the Beamish organisers which is why our rented kitchen looked like the set of Peaky Blinders that morning. I have to say – Munk and Rob looked great, and I’ll have to up my game if we are lucky enough to be invited back!

That early morning in the Beamish engine yard was fantastic; a wonderful atmosphere as engines were unsheeted, accents from around the country chatted and smoke gently rose into the air from a seriously impressive variety of road steam. The roller was literally ready for the match so she was soon singing away to herself as Paul, Munkie and I gave her a good clean – but over in camp Robey all was not well, with the fusible plug wet on the fire side. It was soon out and a tiny crack in the lead spotted where it hadn’t ‘taken’ – Brian soon had it sorted and the roller was used to shunt Village Queen closer to the hosepipe.

As they raised steam, Munkie and I ventured out onto the museum circuit. This involves a fairly steep climb from the fairground and events field onto the town, which isn’t a problem (we love hills) but it is cobbled.

Very gently in slow wheel with both pins in, the roller grabbed its way to the top and into the main street, which was already thriving with visitors.

After wobbling through the town the road smooths out for the remainder of the circuit, which includes a great hill climb up through the trees on

Gently does it as the Ruston climbs up the cobbles into the town. (Becca Mills)

Pockerley Bank. The old Ruston sounded terrific!

The road begins to drop down past the visitor’s entrance, running along the top of the pit village before curving round and back to the town.

I must apologise to all those with rubber tyred engines who got stuck behind us tip-toeing across the cobbles; they really are harsh on g a roller, especially one with a bit of slack in

Billy Treloar’s highly impressive Fowler B5 road locomotive 8726 of 1901 rests while the crew enjoy a quick cup of tea. (Paul Cook) STEAMING

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BEAMISH 2016 team give the engine crews a free hand to go wherever they want (within reason). They are keen to exploit some photographic opportunities however and that evening word reached us that a rather fine pantechnicon would be available for haulage the following day with Village Queen. This set Mr Cook, in particular, rather giddy.

Strakefest! The crews of three strake-shod agricultural engines line up in the pit yard. From left: Emily Pumfrey, James West, Jamie Jennings, Craig Watt, Anthony Coulls, Steve Foxton, Steve Kowal, Chris Arrowsmith, Steve Arrowsmith and Paul Massey. The engines - Fowler 11594, Marshall 23885 and McLaren 127. (Paul Cook)

the headstock like ours! However this is a small price to pay when you step back and take in the view, which is just what we did.

With drab-painted Ford Ts, pre-WW1 petrol lorries, other engines (often with trailers) and Beamish’s own buses and trams parading through the town it really was a sight to behold.

Motorcyclists as well... and I did a double take at one rider before realising it was Dave Main from Sussex, Aveling roller owner and a fine fellow I have known since my Steam Apprentice Club days getting in the way with various engines. Great to have a catch up, even if it was a bit of a shock realising we were talking and laughing about events that happened nearly two decades ago.

After a good first day we retired for the evening via the pub – but not before watching Chris Arrowsmith get the old McLaren stuck by the fairground. Fortunately Gigantic – or Ginormous as it was christened – was on hand for a swift recovery.

Day 5 – Friday Another day in paradise - and no problems this morning. The two warm engines were in steam quickly and we made our way through the town and up to the Waggonway, somewhere I’d not really explored on our first visit to Beamish.

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This is a popular parking up spot for engines and I nestled the Ruston alongside Richard Hesbrook’s fine compound Foden and the Marshall tractor 65650 owned by Neil Thompson from Wales.

The Waggonway tells the story of the birth of railways and has some superb (working) full-size replicas of Locomotion No.1, the Steam Elephant and Puffing Billy, all housed in a really rather splendid engine shed. The rides behind one of these relics are very popular.

We also ventured down into the Pit Village for the first time that week. This is steeper than you think; water in the bottom nut and watching carefully for signs of a slip. Again it is another marvellous spot for taking pictures. The attention to detail with the pit workers’ cottages have to be seen to be believed and I especially like the home workshop in the garden of one of them. There is also a rather good chip shop down here which is understandably popular.

The climb out of the village gave the opportunity for a bit of showmanship from the engine crews.

We watched several climbing out, the singles shouting loud and clear as they cleaned their tubes and Ginormous blasting out making the noise only a big McLaren can. And then – highly impressive – Billy Treloar’s ex-Boar War Fowler road locomotive took the hill effortlessly and with some speed too.

With no organised parades as such the Beamish

Day 6 – Saturday Oh dear – the cobbles have taken their toll on the old Ruston. Nothing serious, mind, just a few nuts and bolts to nip up as she raised steam. In the space of a few days we had probably quadrupled the mileage she had covered since being rebuilt in 1996, so what did we expect?!

My parents were up from Sussex for the weekend which meant Becca could join me for a lap or two on the roller while nan and grandad babysat. Very nice it was too!

The Pantechnicon had been prepared by some of the Beamish staff and at around 11am was manhandled out of the stable yard into the main street, ready for hitching on to the Robey.

Well, it looked a real picture – appreciated by both the engine crew and many of the photographers. James West in particular was very pleased as he had been trying to make this

happen for some time; our thanks to all!

The day passed, like the rest of the week, very enjoyably – I was fortunate to have a play with Chairman Coulls’ steed which brought back happy memories of a steer or two on Peter Fagg’s Victoria many years ago. I also experienced “hell” as Mr Arrowsmith called it by riding on the old Mac on the cobbles; my, those strakes give a nasty ride! And it wasn’t much nicer on the smooth roads.

Other highlights included Matthew Sheldon’s Foster tractor looking right at home and pretty as a picture in the Beamish fairground; the two black Fowlers of Billy Treloar and John Wright dominating the main street as the crews replenished themselves with tea and cake; and the superb sound of the Clayton & Shuttleworth 5hp traction Louise climbing up out of the pit village in top gear. Lovely!

That evening, James West masterminded a photoshoot starting in the pit village and moving up into the town. It really was excellent fun; I went and put the roller to bed before the town shoot and was rewarded by being given the Fowler single agricultural Prosper Gem to manoeuver for photos. I really have a ‘thing’ for old Fowler tractions and am really grateful to James for this little play. It did nothing to dampen my g Ready for a spot of removals. Brian eases the pantechnicon out into the town street. (Paul Cook)

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Two McLarens - running, temporarily, without its flywheel after a crack was discovered is the 5nhp 1642, new to the Admiralty in 1918 and now much enjoyed by the Woodward family from Cheshire. Alongside is the mighty 10nhp 1332, looking very much the part in WD livery applied by owner Neil Gough following the extensive overhaul, which included a brand new cylinder casting. (Paul Cook)

Crews at Beamish...

Clayton & Shuttleworth 5nhp traction 38742 tours the site with living van in tow; owner Anthony Lister is at the regulator. (Becca Mills)

The editor sizes up Mark Allan’s Fowler R class agricultural 11594 during the Saturday evening photoshoot. (Paul Cook)

enthusiasm! Some great pictures came out of the evening and it was particularly nice to see Rob Tyler’s Fowler Tiger tractor (still on strakes) hitched onto the pantechnicon.

it; she sounded lovely, almost like she was saying goodbye. Unfortunately my lorry obviously didn’t want to go as it had sunk into the soft asphalt!

It took a tow from the Robey and Graham Brothwell’s ERF to get the wagon moving, after which loading was painless. All too soon it seemed everything was chained down, the car park empty and the museum silent. We went to the pub for a final evening of reflection before the trip home in the morning.

It has been difficult to try and get across the flavour of the event; I keep recalling conversations and engines I’ve not mentioned, like the super WD Foden tipper and the 5 horse Mac running without her flywheel to seemingly zero adverse effect!

Hopefully the pictures will do the talking. Huge thanks to Beamish for having us at this event to remember.

Beamish Museum, Beamish, Durham DH9 0RG www.beamish.org.uk; 0191 370 4000

Day 7 – Sunday Almost the end of a truly brilliant event – it seemed modern life was peeping at us on the horizon but we were determined to make the most of the final day. I could have almost got away without relighting the roller; there were a few embers glowing away in the corners when I took the lid off the chimney and peered into the firebox.

Both engines completed circuit after circuit before mid afternoon, when we were allowed to make our way up to the low loaders.

After unloading on Monday, we had hidden the lorry up in Beamish’s main car park, well out of sight and it had now been joined by several others.

Getting to them involved a sharp climb up past the museum offices and the old Ruston single loved 36

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Becca Mills points her camera at some footplates

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STEAMING AROUND

Edited by Dan Brothwell

NOTE: The information within this section is only as accurate as what we are provided with. Any discrepancies are purely incidental and I will try to ensure accuracy where possible. Contributions are welcomed - steamingaround@ntet.co.uk Contributors to this issue: Andrew Goddard, Jeffrey Shackell, Bob Moorman, Anthony Cowell, Michael Pumfrey, Andrew Phillips, Martin Johnson, David Warren, Ian Durling, Thomas FieldsPattinson, Kevin Lean, David Bosworth, Dr Allan Marchington, David Llewellyn.

Cornwall Following a couple of years of less favourable weather conditions, this year’s Trevithick Day was more fortunate with a bright although chilly day being experienced, something more typical of that experienced during its previous 32 years. The event occasionally clashes with the Bank Holiday weekend being held on the last Saturday in April and although there had been serious debate in respect of potentially bringing forward the date by a week, the turnout of the public in attendance certainly vindicated the decision to stick with the usual date.

The event held in the streets of Camborne has followed the same broad format since its inception with the intention of celebrating Richard Trevithick’s pioneering inventions. Dances take place through the streets during the day with various musical interludes at a variety of locations and a wide range of historic transport with in addition a funfair taking centre stage.

For steam participants the day starts with a procession into the town, this year a newly constructed road was utilised and the engines made a fine sight in the early morning sunshine as they travelled en mass towards the town centre from their overnight stopping point, again at the

The Lions roaring... David Eves’ stunning recreation of Fowler B6 Super Lion class showmans’ engine 19989 Onward is seen alongside 20223 Supreme at Carters’ Steam Fair, Pinkneys Green. (Paul Cook)

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Carn Brea Leisure Centre.

Being the season opener there is always something different to be seen, be it an engine new to the area, a change of livery or an addition or removal of a canopy etc. This year was to be no exception with there being a number of engines attending the event for the first time.

Amongst the engines attending for the first time, now resident in the ‘heart’ of the town came Connor White & family’s Aveling & All eyes were on Knowl Hill in May as John and May Keeley’s collection Porter E-type steam roller 12081 came under the hammer. Making a record price for an unrestored Evelyn. This was to be the engine’s steam roller was the wonderful Fowler 17950 of 1930, ex-Mechanical Tar Spraying & Grouting Co of Reading. (Chris Morgan) first public appearance since taking up residence in the county during Fowler steam roller 22596 Evening Star the last the latter part of 2015. Two further steam road going vehicle built by this innovative Avelings were making their first appearances at manufacturer based in Leeds. the event, Guy Alexander’s 10-ton steam roller A further pair of Fowler steam rollers in 11446 Seagry which steamed up to the event from attendance were Jim Wilkinson’s 10-ton example ‘down west’ on the Friday, whilst the Ralph family’s 18075 Britannia, another making its debut, whilst fine 8nhp traction engine 6890 King Edward was diminutive by comparison was the Hawkins family’s in unfamiliar territory having spent much of its 6-ton T3 example 18843 Princess Caroline. life in Ireland. A trio of well-travelled Aveling & Porter rollers in attendance were Stephen Hawkins’ At the other end of the scale a forth Fowler in attendance was the Daniel brothers’ BB1 ploughing 9008 George, Steve Corbett’s 9128 Major and engine 15163, once more in the company of their Alan ‘Pasty’ Caple’s 10594 Hercules. One further McLaren ploughing engine 1552 Hero. Whilst Aveling in attendance was Trystan Jones’s steam mentioning McLarens a restoration project from the tractor 9183 The Pirate which accompanied his other side of the world was also to be found, this Foden D-type steam tractor 13762 down from being the ‘guts’ of direct ploughing engine 771 Wales for a second consecutive visit to the event. which has been brought across to Cornwall from On a busy Friday afternoon a further trio of New Zealand so that it can be given an extensive engines were to be found heading to the event overall by local firm Sam Henwood Engineering. by road from the west of the county. Another A trio of Marshall S-type rollers were to be attending for the first time and again making its found comprising Ian Burley’s 89543 Ultimate debut within the county was Jeremy Bawden’s dating from 1943, the Thomas family’s 88096 10-ton Wallis & Steevens Advance steam roller Hilda and sister engine 88097 Toby owned by 7878 Little Wonder. The engine in the company of Chris Smith, which lead the parade this year Treve Nicholls’ 8-ton example 8069 Tess certainly having been awarded the Stuart Solomon made for a pleasant and quite unusual sight. Also Memorial Trophy for the best engine at last g travelling with the pair was Paul Wood’s lovely STEAMING

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during both the summer and winter months and during this time has been able to raise the funds to once more put on a full scale rally, something which they’ve found impossible for the last 7 or 8 years.

Unfortunately prior to that time they’d suffered from what had become very much unpredictable weather conditions in the prime holiday month in Cornwall, August, the first weekend of which had become their established date within the rally One of three Cheshire-based steam rollers undertaking an extended tour calendar. The younger this summer is Garrett 34084, seen here at Chipping in May. (Phil Steer) members of the club had been keen to re-establish the rally and during the second May Bank Holiday weekend, year’s event. The parade in recent years has having been gifted much more favourable taken in ‘Camborne Hill’ which Richard Trevithick weather conditions played host to a very much ascended on Christmas Eve 1801 with the Puffing enjoyed event, back to the scale of a full size Devil but this year the route took the engines back traction engine rally on their previous rally field through Trelowarren Street, the main street of the town for the first time for over 10 years, this having at Tredinnick and it was as if the event had never been away. been the route used prior to that time.

One of the highlights of the event was the Other engines in attendance were Wyon working section. It is 3 or 4 years since steam Hawkins’ 8nhp Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies traction ploughing took place in the county and this always engine 38088 Enterprise whilst a portable engine seems a shame when the redoubtable Daniel from the same manufacturer was Raymond brothers, who have been active from virtually the ‘Scooby’ Hoskin’s 19439. A trio of Burrells in start of the preservation era, are still very much attendance comprised another engine resident to the fore rallying their pair of ploughing engines within the town, the Menear family’s Burrell steam McLaren 1552 Hero and Fowler BB1 15163 roller 4040 ‘Forty Forty’, Steve Syms & family’s widely throughout the country. Here the engines 3-speed traction engine 3816 Cornish Maid and were able to be put through their paces, whilst in Dave Goodwin’s showman’s road locomotive 3159 an adjoining field their later internal combustion The Gladiator. ancestors in the form of vintage tractors were put Dr. Dyke displayed one of the White steam cars through their paces. from his collection, a very nice 1910 Tonneau. Last Back in the main field, Steve Syms had his Burrell but certainly not least amongst the road steam traction engine 3816 Cornish Maid belted to his engines was the replica of Richard Trevithick’s Foster thrashing machine whilst the Club’s President 1801 Puffing Billy which always attracts a great Wyon Hawkins was working a saw-bench with his deal of attention although not taking part in the Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies traction engine 38088 afternoon parade this time around.

Enterprise. Also in this area and put to work with The year sees Cornwall’s second oldest traction the Ireland brother’s Goodwin Barsby stoneengine club entering its 56th year. The Cornish crusher was the ‘star’ of the show from a steam Traction Preservation Club has in recent years point of view, venerable 1891 Fowler B1 single staged a variety of steam ups and road runs 40

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cylinder traction engine 6376 owned by Chris & Lo 8069 Tess.

Further steam rollers that reside within a quarter Sawford of Merrymeet near Liskeard. This one of the oldest Fowler traction engines to survive having of a mile of the rally site were another engine owned by Wyon Hawkins, T3 class Fowler steam been new to Townsend & Sons, West Auckland, roller 18843 Princess Caroline classed as a 6-ton County Durham and having spent most of its life in example and which co-stared in the film ‘The Iron the North of England before being brought to the Maiden’. Son Stephen the club’s Steam Secretary Westcountry by its former owner Martin Chedgey was displaying his much larger 10-ton Aveling & from over the border in Devon. The engine was Porter roller 9008 George whilst also local to the appearing at its first ever rally having been area was a similar sized engine 10824 Smokey recently returned to steam for the first time in over owned by the Killen family. Three further 10-ton seventy years.

Aveling & Porter steam rollers in attendance were A couple of portable engines were also to be the Morcomb family’s 6165 Margaret II, Alan found in the working area, John Boyling’s German ‘Pasty’ Caple’s 10594 Hercules and Steve Corbett’s built Floether 8785 and Francis Hambly’s Ruston 9128 Major. Two further steam rollers were Ian & Hornsby 52591. A good selection of vintage Burley’s late Marshall S-type dating from 1943, tractors were also to be found here including 89543 Ultimate and Jim Wilkinson’s single cylinder Francis’s lovely Hart Parr 15-30 and a nice pair Fowler 18075 Britannia. of Olivers. Two further agricultural engines in A trio of showman’s style tractors were to be attendance were Tyrone James’s single cylinder found in the entertainment area, those of David Marshall 34022 Little Audrey and Dave Tremain’s Boyling with Fowler showman’s style tractor 14798 Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies 42013 Sister Wendy.

Firefly and the late Charlie Williams’ family with By far the most prevalent engine type within the the Garrett showman’s style tractor 34706 which county is the steam roller which survived in such was sold as a derelict roller some twenty years good numbers being that it tended to be the last back as part of the Philp family’s sale at Castle type of engine to have been found working for its Hedingham in Essex. The trio were completed by living. The dominant contractor in the area was R. probably Cornwall’s most famous engine, Dingle & Sons of Stoke Climsland with their former g engines still being very much to the Another engine from the Keeley collection was out in new ownership a fore. Chris Smith’s Marshall S-type fortnight later at Lord & Lady McAlpine’s rally at Fawley Hill. Wallis & roller 88097 Toby certainly covers a Steevens 10 ton roller 7799 basks in the sunshine. (Chris Morgan) lot of miles on the road each year particularly since it has had its rubber tyres fitted whilst returning to the rally scene during last summer was Tyrone James and family’s Burrell A class roller 4060 Pride of Newquay.

Also formerly part of the R. Dingle fleet was Mort Betty’s Wallis & Steevens Advance steam roller 8095 Amy whilst a similar engine was Treave Nicholls’ STEAMING

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the club will continue apace over the coming years.

Derbyshire Over the recent months, two new engines have moved to the area. Garrett showmans tractor 33486 Queen of Great Britain is with Karl Hayes of Clay Cross and Fowler D2 showmans road locomotive 9971 Candyfloss is now with Johnathan Smith of Wessington.

Elsewhere in the district Alex Baker has been busy carrying out restoration works to Aveling & Porter roller 11171 Jenny.

In Smalley, it’s been a hive of activity with Garrett 4CD tractor 33986 Queen Mary or more commonly known and remembered as Anker. The Bosworth Boys’ have been extremely busy dusting off the cobwebs. In April it successfully passed a hydraulic test and is currently awaiting a steam inspection.

Matthew Sheldon was employed in making some new guards for the engine, these have now been fitted. Nick Bosworth has been busy making new piston rods and the motion is now partly assembled, he has also been occupying himself making the cladding sheets including a form tool for making the The Seddon family and Aveling & Porter agricultural 8401 of 1914 took to the road in May, covering the 90 miles from manhole cladding shroud. Tiffer has been their home to the Anglesey event - and then roading back busying himself with his ever trusty paint again. Great fun and stunning scenery! (Tony Seddon) brush, and of course all of the restoration one which has been a regular on the local rally works is being overseen by John Bosworth. circuit since the earliest days of preservation, It is hoped to see the engine out and about later Dave Goodwin & family’s Burrell showman’s road this year. Foster 14410 Sprig passed her boiler locomotive 3159 The Gladiator. test and is ready for yet another rally season. The Other steam vehicles included Mike James’s first outing was the NTET driver training weekend lovely 20hp Stanley steam car, whilst a long in May, where engine and crew were reunited with distance visitor from Bedfordshire was Ted former stable mate Marshall ‘S’ type roller 82842 Saunders presenting his lovely half-size Fowler Goolie. road locomotive. Another nice miniature steam vehicle was Jeff Green’s 4 ½” scale Foden tractor Devon enjoying its first rally season in the county.

Kivells’ sale at Sandy Bay saw three engines A fine exhibit within the vintage car section and from the Lee family depart to pastures new. probably the oldest was Heather and Thomas Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3689 of 1915 went Hoskin’s 1926 Citroen Model B12 this one having to Nottinghamshire for £200,000; Fowler D2 local connections and the registration number showmans engine 9971 made £155,000 moving to RL 5564 having been registered new by Cann, Derbyshire; and £160,000 secured Foden traction Medland & Co of Bude.

9052 which is moving back to it’s working day All in all the efforts of this hardworking group haunts north of the border. certainly paid off and in doing so paid a fine tribute to those that have served the club over the County Durham years. We certainly hope that the rejuvenation of The annual steam fair at the North of England 42

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been away still carrying vintage green paintwork.

Open Air Museum, Beamish is now regarded as Other new engines included Steve and Chris one of the best in the country, with an invitation to Arrowsmith’s venerable McLaren traction engine attend being prized among engine and vintage vehicle owners.

127 of 1882 up from Staffordshire, Foden 7 n.h.p. traction engine 1310 which spent its working days This year’s event held over four days from the in Tasmania and Fowler War Department liveried 7th of April onwards was a commemoration of B5 8726 which came back from South Africa. the First World War and attracted over 18,000 The only steam roller this year was Ruston Proctor visitors. The weeks leading up to it saw exhibits 43680 of 1912 which has seldom been seen out in gathered up from as far away as Surrey, West recent years, and had never before ventured any Wales and the North of Scotland, all of which further north than Lincoln. Its current home is with dated from 1918 or earlier. A good proportion Brian Knight at Stamford who also brought Robey of these had military connections or carried steam tractor Village Queen for a second visit as War Department liveries including Foden steam was Neil Thompson’s Marshall tractor 65650 from wagon 7768 and McLaren 10 n.h.p. road Aberystwyth. locomotive 1332 Gigantic which came along with Other steam wagons present were the Ward a matching WD traction trailer. There was also an family’s Yorkshire 117 and Standard Sentinel unprecedented collection of WW1 vintage army 1488, Mann 1120 Nobby and Foden 10320 which trucks of different makes, many with drivers and had once again come up from Herefordshire, also passengers in period costume. Also dressed in this style were the team at work with Michael Davison’s 4086 which is now with Ed. Wright in Co. Durham.

All these along with many more visiting exhibits saw bench powered by his 1889 Marshall traction were able to take advantage of the authentic engine 17134 Mary Margaret. Three engines surroundings of different parts of the museum down from Scotland at Beamish for the first time and the 2 mile road which encompasses the site. were Mark Allan’s superb R class Fowler 11594 Thoughts now turn as to how to make next Prosper-Gem which was accompanied by a g matching Fowler traction trailer owned by Alfie Cheyne, who had Burrells at Bressingham A fine pair of compound - double crank also come south with his recently compound in Burrell speak - rollers from the St. Nicholas Works, seen at Bressingham’s road steam gala in May. On the right is their own 10 ton restored Burrell road-loco 3455 3993 of 1924, with the Charles Burrell Museum’s 4061 of 1927 on Semper Fidelis along with a Foden the left. (Paul Cook) trailer - and the Cook family from Fife brought 1918 built Fowler BB ploughing engine 15138 Mistress which was part of the Matthews collection in Canada prior to its return to the U.K. It looked very much as if it had never STEAMING

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year’s fair even better!

Essex The Saffron Walden Crank Up took place in brilliant sunshine and high temperatures on 7th & 8th May. New for this year were a couple of working demonstrations, with Keith Honour’s Marshall portable (which was repatriated from Chile) sawing wood and the Pumfrey family’s Ruston, Proctor 50278 running Barry Peacock’s Davies baler. Attending the Crank Up for the first time were EATES Chairman Andrew Waling’s Foster showmans tractor 14589 Lord of the Isles, and the Worbey family’s Garrett steam wagon 30826.

In total, 14 full size engines attended, as well as Bernard Green’s Stanley steam car, and almost as many miniature engines including, on Sunday, the Steam Apprentice Club’s Burrell Lady Sylvia.

Once again the Essex Young Farmers Club organised their excellent one day show on 24th May at Roxwell near Chelmsford. This event always features a selection of steam engines organised by Howard Smallbone. Engines attending included Barry Freeman’s DCC Burrell 3923 Jessie and Marshall threshing drum, and Edward Carr’s SCC 2921 Violet with his Powell baler. 2319 Finem Respice was the third Burrell there, in the care of Les Vince. Ruston, Proctor

were represented by the Pumfrey Family with 50278 Success, while Trevor Ellis did his bit for Fowlers with Bonnie Lass, No. 19546, an engine that is younger than the owner! Jim Thompson took his 1925 Aveling & Porter 11236, which is now fitted with rubber tyres, and Will Childs drove over with his Aveling Barford AC 621 Lady Helen. The full size line-up was completed by Mike Retman’s Sentinel tractor 9593. Miniature engines included Case and Burrell examples, and the Downs family had their Savage No.638 John Bull doing the job it was designed for in the centre of their gallopers.

Kent Chatham Dockyard held its usual rally over Easter, which was well attended by the public despite the weather being less than good. Sunday there were some heavy showers along with spells of sunshine, but Sunday night and Monday storm Katie paid a visit making it very windy resulting in a reduction in visitors and exhibitors.

There was a small road steam entry this year, but a good selection; down from Lincolnshire for the second year were Marshall 10 ton roller 79597 of 1925 and the little Wallis & Steevens 3nhp tractor 2758 of 1904 painted in Pickfords livery, Bill Giles brought Burrell 7nhp SCC traction engine 2386 of 1901 up from Woodchurch for the first time.

They were joined by Ian Gilbert’s much travelled 3nhp Foster tractor At July’s Hollowell event a superb gathering of Allchin products took place. Here the eldest survivor, Stephen Hubbock’s traction 669 of 1890, John Boy 14739 of 2007 and from rubs shoulders with 10 ton roller 1187 of 1901 - a machine unseen for the Dockyard Steam Centre were many years. (John Maund) Colin & Vicky Hazlehurst’s Aveling & Porter 8 ton roller 10399 of 1922 and the Hopper family’s Marshall portable 20146 of 1891.

There was again an old time fair giving free rides including a set of gallopers powered by “City of Cardiff” a Tidman centre engine of 1918.

One of the Dockyard’s steam cranes was in steam being used as a giant “hook a duck” trying to pick up large wooden ducks, when I watched it Colin Hazlehurst was doing 44

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a good job of knocking them over!!

Also two of the resident railway engines were in steam moving up and down the track from time to time.

There was an annual road run from Hadlow to a pub at East Peckham in April, some of the regular local Three of the portables line up in John Keeley’s yard for the final time.

From left, Ransomes 44042, Aveling & Porter 3338 and Robey 49116. engines were joined by Sentinel (David Warren) tractor 9097 of 1934 steamed over for the day from Hadlow Burrell showman’s tractor The May 3453 of 1913 Down in Sussex. A new build Ruston owned by the Downs family was brought from Proctor SD 3 ton tractor Warrior showing number Essex. Roy & Ruth drove over from Essex with 30640 was driven 20 miles to the pub; it was Fowler road loco Nightmare 12754 of 1912, Bill built by Colin Dix of Ross-on-Wye in 2014 but is Giles drove his Burrell traction engine 2386 of now owned by Richard & Lisa Pelham from Sussex 1901 up from Faversham during the week and who are pleased with it. Bill Giles steamed his the following week-end drove to Hadlow Down in Burrell 7nhp traction engine 2386 of 1901 over Sussex along with Martin Jones driving his Aveling from Chatham Dockyard and Roger Luck and & Porter converted crane engine 8632 of 1915.

Mark Fisher drove Fowler traction engine 9691 of Mark Fisher brought his parents’ Fowler 9691 1903 from Hadlow towing Roger’s 1910 Clayton of 1903 up from Hadlow, while they were on & Shuttleworth Traction trailer freshly painted in Cleghorn Brothers livery to match the Fowler. David holiday in Australia researching the engine’s history. John Gilbert drove the family Foster tractor Rushton also arrived in his large Stanley steam car.

14739 of 2007 from nearby Wilmington and A rally was held in Dartford the second weekorganiser Colin Wheeler’s Foden 5 ton wagon end of May attended by 8 full size road engines 7536 of 1917 was also driven from Wilmington, and a large quantity of model steam engines, having only just been put back together after one, a half size Burrell tractor, was driven from winter maintenance including removing the water near Rochester during the week and then back tank to replace the bottom half which involved again on the Sunday afternoon a round trip of removing the body to gain access. The rally is held some 30 miles taking 5 hours each way. The rally in Dartford Park which is owned and run by the is held on the Saturday with the full size engines council, unfortunately somebody forgot to unlock staying overnight at a local farm and then doing the water hydrant, luckily, a small river runs through a short road run around the town on Sunday to the park so we were treated to the unusual site of commemorate the fact that Richard Treverthick engines filling up from the river, not a common site is buried in the town. Engines attending were Endeavour Fowler 7nhp road loco 14754 of 1920, at rallies! g STEAMING

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- Chris Harrison’s Fowler road loco from Ulverston and Hughie Winterbottom’s Sentinel S4 from Oldham. Another notable long distance visitor was Michael Davidson and his team who brought early single cylinder Marshall Mary Margaret along with Marshall made rack saw bench and for the 3 days converted round tree trunks into fencing posts. The Fowler roller of Graham Morrison shared transport with John Out for a run on Drive it Day - Aveling & Porter 8 ton D type roller Millington’s Garrett roller from 12468 of 1929 climbs out of Foxton village, deep in the heart of Leicestershire. (Kev Mills) Cheshire, Mike Wilkinson’s Foden showmans engine Prospector along with Richard Straughan’s Sentinel 8 wheeler completed the line up.

Two engines have recently been bought by Kent On both Sat and Sun evening engines ventured residents from auctions; Kevin Daniels has bought into Chipping village for a social get together in a Aveling & Porter 8 ton C type roller 10465 of beautiful setting.

1922 from Sussex, the roller was new to Eddisons, based at their Epsom depot as fleet number 437, Leicestershire the roller is complete but in need of restoration.

After the Easter event at Quorn on Loughborough’s Roger Luck, our local portable fan, has bought Great Central Railway, Brian Wainwright took Aveling & Porter 8nhp portable 3338 of 1894 Marshall roller 79087 back to an old haunt of the from the Keeley sale. It was rallied in the late 1960’s - Market Harborough. This Ex-Leicestershire 1970s but has not been steamed for many years CC machine which now lives in Lancashire was all due to the need for boiler repairs. It is claimed those years back owned by Tom Burton. A nostalgic to be the only Aveling & Porter portable in the country, there being only a couple in the rest of the trip around the town saw many former destinations visited including Tom’s old home on Burnmill Road. world.

It was back in November 1967 that a young Mick George, now owner of Armstrong Whitworth roller Lancashire 10R2, took his test on the Marshall, Mick recalling Chipping steam rally took place over Spring bank an incident outside Harborough railway station holiday weekend. Of the 10 engines attending, with the station master. five roaded into the event including ex WD Foden A guest visitor at the Welland Valley Yard this of Mike Wilkinson in the care of Eddie Atkinson, summer is Aveling F type roller 12342, an ExBrian Wainwright’s Marshall roller, Anthony Cowell’s Burrell tractor, and long distance travellers Hinckley Council machine. It has been reacquired 46

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by Keith Gays who now lives in Yorkshire. Keith first acquired the Aveling back in 1966 and was at that time living in Leicestershire. During Peter Jacobs’ ownership 12342 received a new boiler and firebox at Fred Dockrays’ premises.

In early May, Phillip Bates & Caroline Arrowsmith took their Aveling roller 11240 to a wedding reception at the Yew Lodge Hotel in Kegworth, the steep incline into the venue proving something of a challenge.

Mark Johnson has made and fitted a new bearing headstock to Wallis & Steevens roller 7784 belonging to Barry & Mary Johnson. The Wallis made a fine sight and sound on both journeys over the hilly Charnwood Forest.

Stripped for repainting is Fred Dockray’s Foster showmans style tractor 14431. The muchanticipated return of Fred’s Marshall roller 76116, Ex Weston-Super-Mare Council to the rally scene may well still be on hold for 2016. It does not seem that long ago, but the Marshall was last out and about in 1988.

This year Rempstone Steam & Country show are hosting their 60th Anniversary event at Turn Post Farm, Wymeswold. It is hoped that there are to be some fresh exhibits in attendance along with some of the usual suspects.

Anniversary. An added bonus is free entry to the Strumpshaw Steam Museum, which features an extensive collection of traction engines and rollers, as well as working beam engine, organs, and the 1938 speedway ride that has recently returned to operation, which was operated by the Presland family in Essex for many years.

The museum hosts a number of events during the year, visit their website for further information: www.strumpshawsteammuseum.co.uk

Norfolk The 24th annual Strumpshaw Steam Rally was a great success. Following the sad passing of William Key last year, organisation of the event passed from Paul Worbey to Mike Curtis, aided by a team of museum volunteers. There was a good selection of around 40 engines, with demonstrations of wood sawing and stone crushing, and the return of a ‘playpen’ was popular with many engine drivers. As usual, a number of engines drove to the event under their own steam, including the Wyeld family with their Foden 3534 Monarch, and Simon Bean’s Aveling tractor 7898.

Also travelling by steam, and making a debut at the event after a long restoration, was the Aveling R10 roller 6692, owned by Steve Bush. The miniature steam section was also well supported, with a particularly strong entry of 6” scale engines including some stunning showman’s engines.

Strumpshaw is a very traditional rally, and a nice touch is that steam engine crews are treated to lunch each day. It is good to hear that the event is set to continue, with next year marking its 25th

Oxfordshire Work continues on several engines in Oxfordshire, many affected by metal moth.

Burrell Showman’s RL King George VI and Burrell traction Brenda, Tasker showman’s tractor Little Jim II and Stan Lewendon’s Garrett tractor are deep into boiler repairs. Elsewhere Patrick Edwards is working on repairs to Burrell showman’s 3555 The Busy Bee. Balanced against this was the welcome sight of Fowler showman’s 20223 Supreme now reunited with its full length awning and showman’s fittings which made a superb sight on the road and at Carters’ Pinkneys Green Steam Fair.

Plans are well advanced for a bumper selection of engines to appear at the West Oxon Steam and Vintage show to be held in July. This popular event has grown in size in recent years and is held on a very good site on the A415 at Ducklington near Witney. A long distance traveller will be Chris Arrowsmith’s Foster tractor Ikanopit making a return visit g

Nottinghamshire In the area David Shelmerdine has been busy carrying out the restoration works to Fowler BB1 ploughing engine 15442 Lion. It is hoped that the works are to be completed later this year.

The Brothwell’s Ruston & Hornsby 115100 has been readied for the forthcoming rally season.

Rob Tyler of Whatton In The Vale has recently taken ownership of Burrell 3689 Sunrise. Despite the fact Rob is very much a devoted Fowler man, we’re certain that the Burrell will make an excellent partner to Fowler T3 15288 Mr Blower - both engines being superb examples of steam tractors still remaining on their steel shod wheels rather than being rubbered.

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Borders on July 9th and 10th, details on the STES website.

Shropshire A busy winter within the County with much work undertaken to the Goddard family engines. Burrell 2512 has had a retube and hydraulic this last winter, work was completed on the family’s recently acquired Burrell tractor 2876, which has already done Fowlers’ vision of the future? We may never know what the Steam Plough Works’ longer-serving shop floor workers thought of the several miles on the counties roads, internal combustion-powered motor ploughs, but we may have the following a complete refurbishment rare opportunity of comparing one with the steam variant. In early which has included major boiler July 17621 of 1929 left its home of 29 years at Armley Mills, Leeds, bound for a new custodian. It is booked to appear, alongside 32 repairs, new tender, new gears, steam ploughing engines, at the Steam Plough Club’s 50th anniversary and being returned to original bash - the Celebration of Steam Cultivation - at the World Ploughing specification, without showmans Championships, Crockey Hill, York on September 8-11. (Chris Morgan) fittings. Sentinel DG4 8571 has had a new regulator box, cast and on the road from Rempstone rally in Leicestershire. machined after the old one failed on last year’s final outing.

Scotland All three engines together with Ian Cooper’s The Scottish Traction Engine Society held their Aveling roller, Neil Williams’s Aveling traction first event of the season at Trossachs Pier on Loch engine Valentine, Brian Allison’s Aveling tractor Katrine in the company of the Steamship Walter Oberon, Steve Milns’ Aveling convertible roller Lady Scott and members of the Steam Boat Association Hesketh, Hedd Jones’s Marshall tractor Mascot and of Great Britain. This low key experimental event Arial West’s Marshall tractor Moonraker, took part attracted Sandy Mair’s full size Fowler 16276, in a Steam party organised by Arial to celebrate Jimmy Houston’s one ton tractor Tigger (in the his 30th birthday. A road run to the local pub was care of Summerlee Museum) plus miniatures enjoyed by all, a really great local event. representing Burrell, Tasker, Sentinel and Foden and a miniature railway. The format was very Staffordshire relaxed and despite very modest publicity, there Congratulations are due to the Durling family for was a surprisingly good attendance. the successful completion of their Coast-to-Coast Proceedings opened on the Friday evening with road run with Aveling L type tractor 11486, a social get together on board the Walter Scott, in order to raise money for the Wolfson Cystic where road steam fraternised with maritime steam, Fibrosis Centre at Nottingham University Hospitals. and the following day several STES members were All funds raised from the venture went to the NUH seen “doon the watter” on Walter Scott or one Cystic Fibrosis Centre Appeal. of the several small steam launches. The site was The journey of approx. 400 miles was completed ideal for road runs on the quiet lochside road, within a week, departing St. David’s RNLI station although a little tight for large vehicle access. on the morning of Sunday 19th June and arriving Pictures are copyright and courtesy of P.J. Johnson. at Lowestoft RNLI station on the evening of Friday The next STES event is at Kirkcudbright in the 24th June.

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Another Klondyke Mill resident has also been in the news. Steve Arrowsmith’s 1882 McLaren general purpose engine 127 landed itself a starring role in BBC1’s new supernatural thriller The Living And The Dead. In the first episode the Mac was set up cable ploughing – with roundabout tackle driven from the flywheel.

Elsewhere within Staffordshire Tom FieldsPattinson has been busying himself with Aveling tractor 9435 Nessie. The boiler stays have been finished tapping, along with foundation ring patch screws fitted. Tom is now on with knocking stay heads up and then will be on to fitting boiler tubes.

It is hoped soon that the cylinder and motion works will be beginning to move towards the boiler for fitting.

Suffolk Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries traction engine 31298 Garioch Queen returned to her birthplace at Ipswich as part of the Ransomes Jacobsen stand at this year’s Suffolk Show. Barry Peacock from Ely, who has owned the engine since 1979, believes this is the first time she has been back since new in 1919.

Allan Marchington & family have purchased Foden D type tractor Early Bird 12852 of 1927, and the Beeby plougher Fowler 2013 built 1873 from the Keeley Auction. When Allan & family collected the engines, Ashley Bond was kind enough to present Allan with the polished nameplate for Noreen which had been removed from the chimney base of the engine some years earlier. Allan is looking forward to getting both engines back in steam in due course. In addition to the purchase of these two engines, Allan has also recently purchased the Ex. Pat Collin’s “Wonderland” Organ from Bill Hunt.

The Pirate – which is now undergoing dismantling for boilerworks - Burrell showmans 3288 Nancy, Burrell showmans 3890 Majestic, Foden tractor 13762, Fowler traction 9225 Pride of the Wye, Fowler roller 19053, Garrett showmans tractor 33566, Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies traction engines 15609 Lady Diana and 27524 Jessie, and Sentinel DG4 8084.

Good weather during early summer saw a number of engines out in Pembrokeshire. Jeff James took his Foster traction 12394 of 1919 to his local village event at Freystrop, Richard Scourfield took the family’s recently re-built Marshall traction 44977 of 1906 to a very busy Scolton Manor show and Hywel Mason’s Ransomes traction 42032 of 1931 has been out and about.

In the workshops Richard continues the extensive re-build of Clayton and Shuttleworth crane engine 45333 of 1912 and ,with all the gearing being made from new, extensive use is being made of the very detailed and accurate original works drawings, all the items being of large and heavyduty construction.

Andy Doncaster is busy with his recently bought Aveling roller 8036 of 1913 with a new tender in the pipeline and some work on the gearing anticipated.

Burrell 3262, a fine example of the classic Devonshire engine design, has been a regular on the Welland Valley rally scene for many years. She is seen here on parade at this year’s Hollowell rally. (John Maund)

Wales Abergavenny Steam was held once again over the bank holiday weekend, the following engine were in attendance: Advance Traction engine 7891, Aveling & Porter tractor 7271, Aveling & Porter roller 8548 Britannia, Aveling & Porter tractor 9183 STEAMING

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LOOKING ON

with Allan Lloyd

The report in the last issue of Steaming about the Trust stand at the NEC in February for the Restoration & Classic Car Show made for very encouraging reading, and for two reasons. Firstly this is just the sort of thing that we must do in order to take our message about the interest and fun that traction engines can provide to a wider, agnostic audience. For far too long we have been an inward-looking movement playing to our own supporters, who, like many of the participants, are an ageing and dwindling group.

I’ve said this often before – we are no longer in the nostalgia market, and must now pitch for the attention of a broader history/novelty/discovery/ fascination interest. This we can only do by reaching out beyond our traditional core market and claiming our place (an important one) in the wider world of preservation and living history. The second point was that this show display involved some of our keen and able younger generation; this in itself sent a clear if unspoken message the steam engines are not at all just the preserve of backward-looking old fogeys, but are something offering challenge and excitement to all ages. This was a first-class effort all round – let’s have much more of the like. Perhaps the November Classic Car show at the same venue might be considered another opportunity in a year or two’s time? oOo My thoughts turn to two recent, but apparently unconnected events. The first of these was the sad passing of Doc Romanes, the last of the founding 50

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LOOKING ON members of the traction engine preservation hobby. So much has been said about his life and contribution to our cause that it ill befits a mere latter-day bystander like me to try to add anything of substance, save to say that I found him a gentle, kind and friendly man upon whose shoulders the cloak of great wisdom lay lightly and well. However, I shall always be deeply grateful that I have been around at a time when he, along with several other of the pioneers were still fully involved with engines and eager to pass on to youngsters like me not just advice and encouragement, but wonderful stories of engines and enginemen in their working days.

Arthur Napper, Jack Wharton, George and Albert Fensom, George Cushing – I enjoyed conversations with all these and many others and never failed to learn something from them. So my point is this; that generation is gone, and with it the chance to learn first-hand from it. It is now down to us and our contemporaries to take up the mantle of ‘senior statesmen’ of the movement and with it the duties of leadership (in a voluntary group such as ours, perhaps the word guidance would be better) and pass on our collective knowledge to younger enthusiasts. Continuity ensures succession, and succession ensures future success.

The other recent happening to make me think was the Keeley sale. Eagerly awaited and almost universally attended (except, regrettably, by me), it was the most significant dispersal sale for quite some years. Several noteworthy points arose from the proceedings, which seem to indicate the way things are heading. Out of fifteen engines, only one made more money than the top tractor (and that a semi-derelict!). The brand name that secured the strongest bidding through a range of categories was Foden. Amongst the steam engines, the outstanding performers were the two rollers, with Jumbo’s Wallis now holding the record for the highest price yet seem at auction. (The Mechanical Tar Spraying and Grouting Co. T3 also broke the previous record).

Both rollers appear to have secure futures in their true, intended guise – there was a time not long ago when both such machines would have been plum targets for conversion. Clearly one can interpret these raw results in a number of ways, but to me they hold little pointers about the way preservation generally is going. Like any social activity the sands are always shifting and trends appearing, and it always helps to get a sense of the direction of that shift.

When I was a newcomer to the preservation scene in the ‘80s, the auction sales that everyone went to were those of the users, rather than the collectors.

King, Beeby, Price, Philp – these were the names that drew us all in our droves to memorable days out. Of course there were collector’s sales, stretching right back to the Lambert dispersal as Horsmonden in 1956, but the ones that fired the imagination three decades later were the last wave of contractors’ clearouts. Now those have all gone (unless there is something we don’t know about still lurking out there!), and it is the turn of the great collectors like JK to take centre stage.

So what’s the link between these two happenings – the death of the last original instigator of our wonderful hobby, and the final dispersal of possibly the greatest collection of “preservation stuff” yet assembled? It is that both signal in their own ways the passing of time and the changing face of collecting and treasuring not just traction engines but the broad sweep of what we lump together as “preservation”. If this change is evolution, then go with it; if it is decline, then fight against it to save what we love. oOo And Finally... My daughter’s headmaster summons me to his study (a call which, in my schooldays, would have required blotting paper down the trousers).

The great pedagogue greets me: “Mr Lloyd, you

know about these things”, whereat he show me the photograph which illuminates this column. It is, as you can see, a Wallis Patent Motor (oilbath tractor to you and me), carrying a County of Southampton (it wasn’t officially called Hampshire until 1959!) registration dating it to 1910, which would put its works number in the 71xx series. No doubt a knowledgeable RLS type will provide chapter and verse on this. The scene is outside the village school at Castlemorton, a settlement on the Worcestershire side of the Malvern Hills which lends its name to a large tract of common land stretching almost from Rye Cross all the way to Welland. The load on the traction wagon appears to be bricks, and the clothing and general ambiance of the scene suggests that it is pre-war. Is that the schoolmistress’s own boy sitting in his uniform looking rather serious while she supports him with her right hand? And whose is the pushbike propped against the wall? Surely no Edwardian lady, certainly not one with the status of the village schoolmistress, would ride a gentleman’s machine? The name on the side of the wagon and on the engine’s gear guard appears to be that of Alf Peters, and the address is given as Castle Moreton (note that it was spelt as two words a hundred years ago). The name Alf Peters rings a loud bell from many years ago, but I cannot find the reference that I am sure I have seen somewhere. It might be that he drove 2894 Pride of Worcester for Strickland when that engine was new. Can anyone refresh my memory?

Please, Sir. I’ve finished my prep. Can I go now?

Behind the scenes Away from the caravans and marquees of the rallyfields, the home bases of many engines can offer a scene barely changed from working days. Above we see the yard of the Welland Valley club at Market Harborough, and a trio of rollers - Burrell 4025 and Aveling 12342 have just arrived back from their Drive it Day jaunt, while Aveling 11366 rests under her sheets. A few miles away and several months earlier we see a pair of Fowler BB1 ploughing engines being prepared for a day’s work - 15452 already has her fire lit, while the driver of 15182 is busy having a final sweep of the smokebox.

(Both - Kev Mills)

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