* STEAMING * -raiMra-
Traction Engine Engine News
April 1957
One Shilling
CONTENTS Editorial
page 3
1957 Arrangements
3
C. M. R.
4
Restoration of a Ruston
5-6
News Flashes
6-7
Steam Up
8-9
Appleford Halt Timetable Around the Counties
9
10-11
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINIA; CLUB GENERAL COMMITTEE AND OFFICERS (Elected 24th November, 1956)
CHAIRMAN: E. R. DEAMER, Esq., Home Farm, Caxton, Cambs.
GENERAL COMMITTEE: J. T. Beeby, Esq., Wymeswold, Rempstone, Nr. Loughborough, Leics. I. Crawley, Fsq., 51, Pornoe I ane, Redford. Norman L. Dickson, Esq., Bradwell House, 33, Collingwood Road, Witham, Essex. A. C. Durrant, Esq., 94, Leigh Gardens, Kensal Rise, London, N.W.I0. J. T. Fensom, Esq., Friars Wash, Flamstead, St. Albans, Herts. A. Dacre Lacy, Esq., 5, Stanhope Row, London, W.I. Alan J. Martin, Esq., 18, Pavilion Way, Eastcote, Ruislip, Middlesex. A. C. Napper, Esq., Bridge Farm, Appleford, Berks. Dr. G. J. Romanes, Coombe Bank, Uckfield, Sussex. S. A. Smith, Esq., Long Green, Cressing, Nr. Braintree, Essex. F. Upton, Esq., " The Hut ", Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berks. S. J. Wharton, Esq., Minster Lovell, Oxford. Rev. Philip A. Wright, M.B.E., Hon.C.F., The Vicarage, Woodford Bridge, Essex.
Two members to be co-opted by the Committee.
J. S. H. Ward, Esq., Thorpe Lee Engineering Works, Egham, Surrey. (Co-opted) (Chairman, N.T.E. & T.A.).
Secretary Frank Stephens, 52, Bedford Row, London, W.C.I.
Treasurer: E. W. Edney, 33, Portsmouth Road, Horndean, Hants. Membership Secretary: Gerald Shipman, 14a Neville Street, London, S.W.7. Editor: Dr. G. J. Romanes.
Public Relations Officer: A. Dacre Lacy, Esq.
Member i/c. Club Ties, Badges, etc.: Harold Bonnett, Esq., 24, Torrington Road, Perivale, Greenford, Middlesex. Lapel Badges
3/3 each
Car & Engine Badges
15/0 „ I
Club Ties
18/6 „
Club Scarves or Squares
50/-
plus postage
„
Cover Photograph:—Wallis & Stevens 5 ton oil-bath Tractor No. 7637 owned by D. A. Kilburn. Taken at Pulborough Rally on Ilth August 1956, by A. J Martin,
3
EDITORIAL The Club's function with regard to Rallies of Traction Engines is to promote them and support them seeing to it that they are run safely and efficiently. The proceeds, after deduction of legitimate expenses, are to go CO charities. The Club exists to give pleasure to those interested in Steam Traction (in the widest sense) Engines,togive contributions to our less fortunate neighbours. it does not take profits or subsidies from rallies. Several rallies are proposed for the coming season. May we have stories or reports of them so that those who cannot attend can have some idea of the entrants, events and results.
1957 ARRANGEMENTS *Andover, Finkley Farm *Appleford Bridge Farm ... *Hertfordshire ... *Saffron Walden ... Rempstone , Wymesivold Rd. *Elsworth Northumbrian East Anglia Chester le Street ... Camborne, Cornwall Kegworth West Sussex Basingstoke
I Ith May 8th June 8th June 15th June 29th-30th June 6th July 13th-14th July 13th July 13th July 20th July 27th July August September
*There has been official confirmation of the dates of these rallies. We regret to say we have received no confirmation of the dates of the other rallies shown above and appeal for such Information to be sent in as soon as possible.
4
COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT Report of a Committee Meeting held on the 12th January, 1957 at 52 Bedford Row, W.C.I. Meeting commenced at 2.30 p.m.
Mr. Deamer in the Chair: fourteen members present. It was reported that, so far as can be seen, the Club has 820 members. Many matters were discussed about putting our house in order. Accurate The last issue of this journal lists of paid up members are being compiled. was sent out on the old lists and may well have been received by some who have forgotten to remit their current subscription. This and future issues will only be sent to those who are entitled to them. Any injustice in this direction will, of course, be put right with apology when the member furnishes the necessary evidence. It was decided that "Steaming" was one of the important off-season features of the Club and as such should be maintained and expanded. The last issue cost £45 to print: envelopes cost £2.0.0 and postage 1:7.1 4.0. It does not need much calculation to sec that a I0/- subscription will not cover die costs of foul issues of the journal alone. There also has to be taken into consideration the overheads of the Club—office expenses, telephone, proportion of rent, etc.
It was agreed to run a rally at Appleford on the 8th June, 1957 on the grounds that It Is a place accessible by train and perhaps by an arranged bus from Didcot. The local committee responsible being: A. Napper, F. Upton, F. Welkins, A. Dacre Lacy, J. Wharton, J. Lawrence & T. Prior. G. Shipman, secretary.
Mr. John Crawley told the committee of the possibility of running a rally at Woburn Park. He had been in touch with the Duke of Bedford and could give some facts. For a rally to be held on a Bank Holiday the Club would receive £50 plus £10 in respect of each engine entered. No doubt the owner would take the latter sum. Refreshments for drivers would be provided and there
would be free entry to the grounds for the membership. The Club would have to provide the stewards and run the rally. This scheme was approved and Mr. Crawley was asked to continue the arrangements on the Club's behalf. He was asked to form a local committee to run the event. The Ellsworth Rally was considered. It was decided to defer arrangements until later owing to fuel rationing. The site is far from routes of public transport and the committee felt that it would like to have the experience of other events, whose dates fall earlier in the season, before committing the Club further. After consideration of various other items the meeting closed shortly after
5 p.m.
5
RESTORATION OF A RUSTON Part IV by Denis W. Smith In April of 1956 the Ruston was steamed up and found to be roadworthy once again; later In that month the second journey with her was made. This was from Bucknell to the premises of Messrs. W. A. Bishop & Sons at Burley near Craven Arms, a distance of some twelve miles which was covered without incident. On reaching Burley one the first jobs was to renew the smoke-box flange ring; when this was completed the valve chest cover was removed together with all of the motion work. Bolter and firebox were thoroughly cleaned down and all the old paint removed; the whole was then degreased and repainted. The colour scheme is green with red wheels. Brass boiler bands were fitted in place of the steel ones and this alone made the engine look much smarter. Whilst cleaning and painting had been going on, the dismantled motion work had been taken home and burnished up and the cylinder and valve chest covers machined to give a polished surface. Our friends, Messrs. Bishop, very kindly made and fitted a new valve spindle in place of the old one which had, over the years, assumed the shape of a carrot! It may be added that the valve was refaced whilst the opportunity presented itself. The year was now passing by rapidly and as it was desired to enter the engine in Bridgnorth carnival in August work was speeded up. The engine was awarded second prize in the carnival so our efforts were not in vain. On our return from Bridgnorth we attended a small village sports and carnival held at Wistanstow about five miles from Burley. The journey was accomplished at "rally speed" and we arrived just as the procession was about to move off. We had no sooner got moving when some faint hearted internal combustion machine gave up the ghost right in front of us and delayed our progress still further; whistles are useful things! The return journey was not quite such a rushed affair and after being photographed in Craven Arms we proceeded back to Burley. The next big date was the day on which we set out to Pencombe, near Bromyard, a distance of twenty-seven mites, to bring back the Fowler "Tiger" tractor which had been purchased earlier. The outward trip commenced at 7.30 a.m., and our route lay through Ludlow, Stockton Cross, Steensbridge and Bredenbury. The arrival at Pencombe was at about 6 p.m. on the same afternoon—a good run with no "incidents." Two days later our friend, Mr. J. Minshall, who is also an engine owner, took us over to Pencombe in his van and on arrival we immediately "lit up" the Ruston and got to work on the Fowler as a few small jobs had to be completed before the homeward trip started. I should mention here that owing to the very poor state of the Fowler's smokebox it was decided to push her so as to avoid any undue strain. it was about 10.15 a.m., when the return trip was started and with the Ruston puffing lustily we proceeded in stately procession down the narrow Herefordshire lanes. Riding qualities of the Fowler are excellent and after an hour or so on the footplate of the Ruston it was quite a revelation to take over steering duties on the smaller engine.
6
Our plan, whenever we take the engine on the road, is for one of us to drive and steer whilst the "mate" attends to the fire and keeps the water level in view. At each water stop "driver" and "mate" change jobs. On this trip, of course, Ruston's driver had to make up his own fire and watch the water in the glass and it was rather odd when one was steering the Fowler to look around and see the Ruston, apparently thundering along on its own, and suddenly a head would appear for a few seconds over the spectacle plate to check up on the general direction, and just as suddenly disappear, to be followed by a puff of smoke from the chimney. However, this stoking whilst in motion helped us on our way and we made good progress until nearing Ludlow when we had to proceed rather more cautiously owing to a heavier volume of traffic and a steep hill followed by a very narrow bridge over the river Teme. Once across the Teme there begins a climb up one of the main thoroughfares called Old Street and immediately there commences a very steep drop down Corve Street. Imagine the driver's consternation on nearing the top of the hill and its narrowest part to see a large load of timber coming up Corve Street! We got safely by and commenced the descent of the hill and it was on reaching the bottom that a hold-up occurred. In the excitement of passing through this busy town the fire had been somewhat overlooked and we had to stop for a short while to raise full pressure by which time it was dark. The lamps were lit and once again, at full steam, we went on our way. One more water stop remained and it was after this a very annoying incident occurred. The lift pipe, a new one, worked out of its strap on the footboard and in the darkness went unnoticed and later was entangled in the hind wheel and completely ruined. Fortunately, we had enough water to complete our last five miles and we arrived back at Burley without further incident and feeling quite pleased with our day's endeavours. This was to be the engine's last outing prior to being "put up" for the winter and at present the Ruston is drained off with fire bars removed and all polished parts greased. She is sheeted up and in apparent hibernation as no further painting can be done until the Spring. Work is now proceeding on the Fowler—but that is another story.
NEWS FLASHES Dick Preston of Potto, North Yorks, has just got a beautiful Burrell 7 h.p, Showman's 3526 "Lightning 11"—she is painted green—the ❑ld N.E.R. colours. We were down there yesterday; he had a steam party for some six of us steam men and a large turkey dinner after with Lightning II outside making lights. What a sight it was! He has a contract, (if the snow keeps off), we're loading bricks between Darlington and Ambleforth College.— There is a Burrell 5 ton tractor 3397 "Cock of the North" delivering laundry in Sunderland. It is hauling a 5 ton Cox van. Tax per annum on a light locomotor is £55 but for a 7 h.p. S.E. hauling bricks it is £48 a quarter. —J.L.M.
Mr. B. W. Gorringe, a farmer of Brighton, has made use of his 1919 Wallis & Steevens expansion engine for threshing during the fuel shortage.—J.J.
7
Mr. S. L. Wedgwood of Bury, Lancs, in an article to the Teignmouth Post & Gazette says that our Club would be interested to know if the Teignmouth steam waggon (Sentinel) used in a carnival in 1930 is still in existence.—F.S.
* A big prize is rumoured at Rempstone Rally this season. Word has reached us that the donor of previous prizes is aiming higher than ever. This popular rally seems to be heading towards even greater successes.—B.N.
*
Jr
JI
At the forthcoming Hatfield Festival the organiser, Mr. J. E. McComb, 4 Wigmores South, Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, would like to include a traction engine obstacle race as an attraction. The date, 8th June, 1957; the charitable object National Association of Mixed Clubs for which it is hoped to raise £1,000. Any available engines should get in touch with Mr. McComb who would be grateful to their owners for technical assistance and advice.—Ed.
John C. Butler. Tonbridge. Owns an S.4 Sentinel flat platform lorry bought from Bill Selby at Newbury. In running order and now being repaired and repainted.— Frank Gabb, Hildenborough, Nr. Tonbridge. Owns a 1907 Ruston bought last autumn from P. G. Kingsnorth of Great Chart, near Ashford. At present stripped right down for cleaning and relagging and renewal of four tubes and several broken stays.— W. G. Harding, Edenbridge. Has recently bought an old Marshall general purpose traction from a brick maker near Hellingly which he is having repaired at Arnolds of Paddock Wood.— Arnold & Nathan Ltd. of Paddock Wood have bought an A. & P. steam roller from Hardwicks of Ewell (ex Haslemere Council).— A. Minto Ltd. of Maidstone have bought a Wallis & Steevens Advance roller by tender from Esher Urban District Council and have had it at work on a road widening scheme in Tonbridge.— Tunbridge Wells Corporation have recently spent £200 or so on their Advance steam roller so presumably intend to keep it at work. Last autumn it worked in Tonbridge on hire to the Tonbridge Urban District Council who were, at the time, unable to hire an oil engined roller.—R.W.
*
*
*
Make a note of 15th June, the Saffron Walden Steam Festival, to be held on the runway of Little Walden Airfield. Further details from Miss Cliff Sandons Farm, Ashdon, Saffron Walden.- Ed.
8
STEAM UP by Major Rev. Philip Wright, M.B.E. Until about six years ago traction engines seemed almost a dead letter; they were being sold for a song and cut up for scrap. At that time Dr. Giles Romanes and Mr. Arthur Napper evolved their now famous 'Duel' and traction engine racing as a sport had begun. Since that time thousands of people have assembled all over the country to watch the veterans do their stuff, and large sums have been raised for charities. In addition, large numbers of engines have been reconditioned and values are on the up grade once again. In June 1955, for instance, I was one of several hundred people who assembled at Horsrnonden in Kent where twenty-five engines, mostly under steam, were sold by auction. They had been the property of the tate Chris Lambert, an enthusiast who had spent a lifetime in steam. These made good prices, the top figure being reached by a 1928 Burrell which was sold for E300. Buyers included professional men and the event was televised. There are excellent books on the development of steam power and always the Science Museum to visit. Steam road vehicles encountered bitter opposition and so development over the years proceeded mainly with the heavy slow speed traction engine for agricultural purposes and haulage. Last year was the centenary of the famous John Fowler whose application of steam power to the land was a wonderfully inspired contribution. From 1858 onwards development was rapid, chiefly due to the work of firms like Aveling, Burrell and Garrett together with Messrs. Ransomes of Ipswich who, in 1842. had built a self-propelled steam engine. The writer's first introduction to steam was via the threshing machine and a 1909 Burrell, formerly owned by my late Uncle John Honeywood in Suffolk, has been given a new lease of life by Messrs. Norman Dickson, Stanley Smith and Gerald Dixon, keen club members. In the Boer• war traction engines were used for transport and driven by junior N.C.O.'s wearing spurs! In World War I, I recall Jim Whitton of Wickhambrook leaving his traction engine to drive a railway loco during the rail strike with a Cambridge undergrad as fireman! On May 19, 1927, a demonstration took place on a field at Chadacre to test tractors in a new role—that of mole-draining. The tractors then made a mess of it and the late Spencer Debenham went off home and got out his Burrell which soon showed the way. Apart from traction engine rallies it is interesting to note that quite a few engines are still being used for their former work. Messrs. Presland's Amusement Caterers of West Tilbury, still use one for haulage and driving a dynamo—quite an exception among showmen of 1957. Steam ploughing is still done by Messrs. Charles Cole and Paul Wiseman, (both Essex farmers), and Messrs. John Patten of Bishops Stortford. A few weeks ago I went over to Billericay where Messrs, George and Walter Keeling had fetched out one of their many traction engines and were threshing on a client's farm and making an excellent job of it. Messrs. W. & C. French of Buckhurst Hill still use a number of steam-rolls and there are quite a large number of these in general use in the West Country. Last Summer I was surprised to find a set of Fowler ploughing engines at work dredging the historic Bourne Millpond at Colchester. Built in 1918 and at work ever since these 16 H.P. Compounds were in good fettle: their driver, after having let me 'have a go', said they had four more similar sets in regular work dredging up and down the country; the owners are Messrs. Kerr of Tettenhall, Staffs.
9
Mr. William Parris of Moreton. has reconditioned a large number of ❑ld neglected engines and his most recent effort has been an 1897 Burrell which came from the scrapyarel of Mr, Robert Duce at Coldham's Lane, Cambridge. I photographed her the other day and she now steams well and is fit for anything. Speaking of photographs, one of our club members, Mr. Charles Durrant, who lives at Kensal Rise has about two thousand photographs taken over the last twenty years, as well as makers' catalogues and illustrations. These are most valuable records and should not be destroyed as there are so few left to us. To sum up these rambling notes, it would appear that the interest in the newest "sport" has been largely responsible for arresting the disappearance of the traction engine. I hope we shall, for long years, hear from time to time the familiar musical "dufter-duffer" as these grand old-timers proceed ❑n their lawful journeys.
TIMETABLE FOR APPLEFORD HALT PADDINGTON
DIDCOT
APPLEFORD HALT
9.15 9.45 11.05 11.25 11.45 12.45 1.45 3.25 4.38 5.5 6.5 6.45 7.30
10.23 11.15 12.17 1.06 2.13 2.55 5.09 6.13 6.18 7.36 8.49
10.54 11.31 12.51 1.40 1.35 2.25 3.51 5.26 6.35 6.40 7.58 8.46 9.36
APPLEFORD HALT
DIDCOT
3.16 4.19 5.22 6.40 7.24 7.33 8.50
3.48 4.28 5.35 6.52 8.18 9.26
OXFORD
3.51 6.36 7.31
5.30 5.55 7.15 8.30 9.10 9.25 10.45 APPLEFORD HALT
to
12.3 1.43 3.16 4.19 5.22 6.40 7.33
11.45 1.25 2.56 4.0 5.0 6.20 7.13 APPLEFORD HALT
PADDINGTON
to
OXFORD 4.10 6.55 7.51
10
AROUND THE COUNTIES BEDFORDSHIRE Woburn Rally, organised by The National Traction Engine Club in conjunction with the Bedford Engine Preservation Society. This Rally will take place at the historic Woburn Abbey, the home of His Grace the Duke of Bedford, on August Bank Holiday Monday. Woburn Abbey has many advantages as a site for a rally, being 44 miles from London, 20 miles from St. Albans, 14 miles from Luton and Bedford, 64 miles from Birmingham and 20 miles from Northampton. The house itself, which is one of England's stately homes, is situated in a beautiful park of 3,000 acres with a unique collection of over 2,000 animals, mostly deer and bison. The children are catered for with a pets corner and various other amusements, all of which will help to make a successful day for those members of the family who are not " Steam Minded ". Further details will be announced in " Steaming " at a later date. Bedford Agricultural Show and Engine Parade It is regretted that due to circumstances beyond the control of the Show Authorities, the Traction Engine Parade will not take place as previously announced. The A.G.M. of the Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society took place on Monday, March 4th, 1957 ; 16 members being present. It was announced that His Grace the Duke of Bedford has consented to become the Society's President. Activities amongst the members were as follows : W. Inskip, of Clifton, recently steamed his Ruston Proctor, No. 33471, to St. Neots to take a load of farmers to a local dinner, considerable interest being aroused. Fensomes Garrett, 33991 and Marshall, 43560, are at Markgate well sheeted down. Burrell tractor, 3689, " Sunrise ", is at present at Markgate being retubed by its owner, who lives at St. Albans. Fowler, 11698, belonging to Richard Capon, of Southill, has been used around the farm once or twice during the winter on stump pulling. John Crawley's Fowler, 15657, " Kitchener ", is at Stagsden, where work is proceeding on repainting and rewiring the underside of the Canopy. Burrell, 3610, " William V ", is at the works of Mr. Gower, where she is awaiting a hydraulic boiler test, together with a number of minor repairs. In September, 1955, 18 steam rollers were noted at the Cardington Depot of the Eddison Plant Co. In March, 1957, only 7 remained, being as follows : Avelling and Porter, Nos. 10774, 10598, 10780, 10454, 10772 and 10695, together with Wallis & Steevens Advance Roller No. 7889. Most of the missing rollers were cut up locally, although two at least were exported to Jugoslavia. J. C.
EAST ANGLIA We hope before long to have the memorial plaque set up In Thetford to the honoured memory of Charles Burrell. This is long overdue, and I think something similar ought to be done about the late lohn Fowler, whose centenary last autumn was marked by a Memorial Lecture in London. In spite of the wet autumn, Messrs. John Patten, of Bishop's Stortford, did several hundred acres of steam ploughing and cultivation. A pair of 1918 Fowler ploughing engines dredged Colchester's famous Bourne Millpond a few months ago. They form one of five sets still doing this work tor Messrs. Kerr, of I ettenhall, Staffs. Recently, Mr. William Parris, of Moreton, Essex, bought an 8-h.p. Burrell, No. 2051, single cylinder from Messrs. Robert Duces' scrapyard in Coldhams' Lane, Cambridge. She was derelict, but he has made his usual marvellous reconditioning job of her and she now steams well and is fit for anything. She will be worth looking at if she comes to any rallies this year. In spite of petrol rationing, 153 members of the East Anglian Club attended the Annual Dinner in January. Mr. Springett, Chairman, paid tribute to the work of the Secretary, Mr. Norman Dickson, and other officials. We had speeches from Dr. Giles Romanes, Mr. Ronald Clark, Mr. Frank Stephens and Major Rev. Philip Wright. Just before Christmas the Keeling Brothers, George, Jack and Walter, of Billericay, Essex, used one of their many traction engines to do some threshing for a customer. I went over and found a group of enthusiasts there : these brothers own eleven engines ! " Veteran and Vintage " is the title of a new magazine. P. A. W.
Mr. H. Bonnett reports that he still has considerable stocks of Club colours and badges. The rally season is approaching and if you are wearing something to show your membership you will be sure to make new friends and to help the club membership. Place your order now.
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FOR SALE BURRELL 7 h.p. Compound Single Crank General Purpose Type, thoroughly overhauled and repainted. In first class condition, appearance practically as new. A. E. DEANS, London Road, Baldock Herts, Tel.: Baldock 2239
WANTED Stealin car in running order, not too old, capable of towing a trailer for transport of vintage motor cycles to rallies. J. Jones, 30 Pennyhill Lane, West Bromwich, Staffs.
Advertisement rates: £5 per page: £2.10.0 per half page. Small advertisements: 2/- per line—no charge to members.
Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation. Printed by Harkwell Press Ltd, 5 Hanway Place, London W I