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• STEAMING Traction Engine News

July, 1958

One Shilling

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CONTENTS Page Editorial ... Arrangements for 1958 Boiler Insurance on Steam Traction Engines ... 1958 Andover Rally ... Taunton Traction Engine Rally Weston Park Rally Around the Counties News Flashes Correspondence Advertisements .,.

3 4 4 5 6 6 8 10 13 14

NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB GENERAL COMMITTEE AND OFFICERS (Elected 26th October, 1957)

Chairman: REV. PHILIP A. WRIGHT, M.B.E., Hon. C.F., The Vicarage, Woodford Bridge, Essex. Vice-Chairman: J. Crawley, Esq., 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. General Committee: J. R. Beeby, Esq.. Wymeswold. Rempstone, Nr. Loughborough, Leics. J. Crawley. Esq., 51 Putnoe Lane. Bedford. E. R. Deamer. Esq., Ferry House. Chatteris. Cambs. A. E. Deans, Esq., I London Road. Baldock. Herts. N. L. Dickson, Esq.. Bradwell House, 33 Collingwood Road, Witham, Essex. A. C. Durrant. Esq., 94 Leigh Gardens. Kensal Rise. London, N.W.10. J. T. Fensom, Esq., Friars Wash. Flamstead. St. Albans. Herts. A. J. Martin. Esq.. 18 Pavilion Way, Eastcote. Ruislip, Middlesex. A. C. Napper, Esq., Bridge Farm. Appleford, Bucks. C. T. Prior. Esq • Braywick, Maidenhead. Berks. G. J. Romanes, Esq.. Coombe Bank, Uckfield, Sussex. S. A. Smith. Esq., Long Green, Creasing. Nr. Braintree, Essex. R. Stanbrook, Esq. F. Upton, Esq., "The Hut," Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berks. S. J, Wharton, Esq., Minster Lovell, Oxford. Secretary: H. Bonnett, Esq., 24 Torrington Road, Perivale, Greenford. Middlesex. Assistant Secretary: A. C. Durrant, Esq., 94 Leigh Gardens, Kensal Rise, London, N.W.10. Treasurer: E. W. Edney, Esq., 33 Portsmouth Road, Horndean. Hants. Editor: 'G. J. Romanes, Esq., Coombe Bank, Uckfield, Sussex. Member i/c Club Ties, Badges, etc.: R. A. Moules, Esq., 4 Fairlands Avenue, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Subscriptions: 15/- per annum. Cover Photograph : Garrett Tractor " Samson " No. 33459, 1919, owned and restored by S. Breedon, Sheffield.

EDITORIAL The traction engine movement is going forward from strength to strength. Attendance at Rallies shows that public interest is mounting and that in spite of more rallies there is an increasing attendance and desire to appreciate our hobby. Organisers of Rallies concerned with other ancient vehicles, both in this country and abroad, are finding steam an attractive item. The Club stands in a very favourable position : it is in the forefront of Traction Engine Rallies and has accumulated experience from which the whole movement has benefitted. For example, the Government have given provisional permission for owners of engines to run their vehicles on the road without stringent inspection of brakes and steering gear : an exemption granted only to antique vehicles and bona fide members of responsible organisations who are taking their mounts to Rallies mainly organised for charitable purposes. The question was raised in Parliament through the good offices of a contemporary Association—for which the Club is most grateful —but it should be observed that all the conditions laid down by authority have already been written into the constitution of the Club from its earliest days.

The Editor is most grateful to his correspondents, some of whose letters are reproduced on traction engine explosions. He is most gratified to see the amount of interest shown in the subject. Members will have read, and we hope appreciated, the advertisements at the end of " Steaming." We are grateful for the support of the advertisers and hope that members will place their custom suitably in return. It would help materially if in any correspondence with the advertisers. "Steaming" was

mentioned. The Club is securing an International reputation. A list of Rallies, as printed in the last issue, has been sent to The British Official Tourist Association. This information was requested and is spread all over the world in Airports and principal hotel lounges. The obvious conclusion is that traction engine rallies organised on the Club lines are becoming a national tourist attraction for foreign visitors and starting to earn valuable dollars.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR 195S 5th July—Tacolneston (Norfolk)* 12th July—Northleach Rally* 12th July—Camborne Rally (Cornwall)* 19th and 20th July—Rempstone Rally* 26th July—Kegworth 4th August—Woburn* 8th and 9th August.*

City of Worcester Show. See page 15 16th August—Weald of Kent Rally, Paddock Wood*

6th September—Cranborne Rally (Dorset)* 25th October—National Traction Engine Club Annual General Meeting* White Hart Hotel, 49 King's Road, Chelsea, London, S.W.3. *Confirmed dates.

BOILER INSURANCE ON STEAM TRACTION ENGINES by J. A. SIMSON An alarming picture on the cover and a few warning remarks by the Editor, called attention in the last number of "Steaming" to the risk of Boiler Explosion and to follow up that warning. ; have been invited to comment on the insurance aspect of that potential calamity. I have neither the knowledge nor the space to deal with the engineering side of the boiler explosion, or collapse, and the legal side represented by various Acts of Parliament, most of which apply only to stationary boilers or pressure vessels used in factories and the like. The Club's committee have been considering of late the adequacy, or otherwise, of the insurance arrangements, and it is with these that I propose to concern myself now. At a recent committee meeting, which I was privileged to attend in an advisory capacity. I was informed by one of the committee that he considered a certain Policy was not worth the paper it was written on, although it purported to cover the risk of damage or injury to Third Parties resulting from the explosion of a boiler. The reason he gave for this slanderous statement was that no questions were asked about the condition of the engine when the insurance was placed and it might be in such a state that the boiler would almost inevitably explode ! If that were so. the Underwriters would obviously refuse to pay them. I want to deal with this point, because I found it fairly widely accepted by other people and it has in it an element of truth which must be exposed if we are to avoid trouble in the future. Let me revert momentarily to the Legal question. I gather that under the Boiler Explosion Acts of 1882 and 1890, the owner or user of a boiler has various obligations designed to prevent explosions. No insurance can absolve an owner from these statutory obligations. If he does not comply with them he exposes himself to possible prosecution and fine. Now, so far as Insurance is concerned, the normal Third Party cover, which is available through Choisy and Simson Ltd., includes the Due Diligence Clause which is common to all standard motor policies. This makes it a condition of the Insurance that the assured should exercise "reasonable care in seeing that the boilers or vehicles are substantial and sound." Ostensibly it provides the Underwriters with an escape if a Third Party claim resulted

5 from the failure to maintain the boiler in proper condition. From the point of view of the Club and those many enthusiasts who now follow the movement, any loophole in the cover which—in the event of a catastrophe—might expose an individual owner to a legal argument would almost certainly harm the whole Club, and all those affiliated with it. It might even cause the Authorities to put a stop to the licensing of steam engines in future, With this in mind, the Lloyd's Underwriters concerned have agreed to delete from the Third Party Insurance Certificates the Due Diligence Clause, in return for an additional 10s. premium. So far as I can see, the effect of this is to renounce any legal action they might have against the owner for inadequate maintenance. It does not, of course, absolve him from his obligation to advise the Insurer of any material fact which affects the risk. If, therefore, you are an owner experienced in the running of steam engines and with adequate facilities for testing and servicing, all you need is 10s. Od. worth of Third Party insurance. If you are an owner not experienced or without facilities yourself or having an engine whose history you do not know, you must have an expert survey (t4 10s. Od., less 20 per cent. if you are a Club member) and, having carried out the Surveyor's recommendations, you can thereafter have insurance for an annual £2.

The only safe procedure is to " act as if you are not insured." By doing that you will be fulfilling your part of the Contract between you and your insurer.

195S ANDOVER RALLY by GORDON HOWELL The Rally was opened by Lord Montague, standing on the rear wheel of entry No. I. This engine is in a wonderful state of preservation and has had an enormous amount done to it; this being the reason why entry No. 22 was not there. No 20 fell by the way with gauge-glass trouble, so was left along the roadside. This engine was towing the fire engine, No. 31, and rather than not get it there, they left the Robey and brought the fire engine in tow with a Land Rover. This is a very well kept machine and is a good sight to see in operation pulled by the two horses. These arc well trained for the job. To see them charging round the arena at full gallop with a good head of steam is a sight not to be forgotten. Arthur Napper could not use No. 8 owing to a recent fall from his horse in which he broke his leg, but was present in his car. No. 6 had tube troubles in the previous week and had to be scratched. Entry No. 14 broke a valve-spindle in the ladies' steaming event and was towed off by No. 21. Entry No. 2. on the way home on Wednesday, went to the help of an A.E.C. Matador lorry which was off the road into a deep ditch. She soon made short work of that job and went on her way unperturbed. I think the steersman of No. 10 went to sleep at the wheel on Sunday morning when going home, for they landed up in the front hedge of a private house and were stuck fast and had to get help from Andover to pull them out. The nearside pin probably failed to engage the road wheel. From all this it looks as if the aftermath of the Rally was as good as the show itself. £130 bulk of free coal was given away to competitors.

Entries. 1. Fowler Plough Engine, No. 15436, 16 h.p., "Princess Mary"; 2. Burrell 8 h.p. Scenic Showman's Road Loco, No. 3387; 4. Burrell Tractor, 6 h.p., "Red Gauntlet," No. 3798 ; 5. Garrett "Earl of Eldon," No ???? 7. Burrell General Purpose Tractor "Britannia," No. 4019 ; 9. Wallis and Steevens 7 h.p. Expansion Engine, No. 7498; 10. Wallis and Steevens, No. 7115; 11. Wallis and Steevens 6 h.p. Expansion Engine, No. 7294; 13. Wallis and Steevens, No. 7881 ; 14. Garrett Tractor, No. 33632 ; 15. Burrell 5-ton Motor Tractor, No. 3458 ; 16. Aveling and Porter Road Tractor, No. 11997 ; 17. Garrett Tractor, No. 33370 ; 18. Garrett Steam Tractor, No. 33987 ; 19. Burrell Tractor, No. 3191 ; 21. Foden "D" type Tractor No. 14078 ;

6 23. Foden "D" Type Tractor, No. 13444 ; 25. Foden Steam Wagon, No. 13138 ; 27. Sentinel D.G., No. 8784 ; 28. Wallis and Steevens "Advance" Roller. No. 8086 ; 29. Aveling and Porter Roller, No. 9380 ; 31. Fire Engine Shand Mason, No. 1842 ; 32. Wallis and Steevens "Advance" Roller, 6-ton. 33. 10-ton Burrell Single Cyl. Roller, No. 3991, and also some 40 veteran and vintage cars.

TAUNTON TRACTION ENGINE RALLY by J. GILL attended this tYCIIL Whil.11 unfortunately was marred somewhat by dull weather, but did not prevent my taking several photographs including my old friend, "King of the Belgians"—a converted showman's road locomotive, Burrell, No. 3711, present owner Mr. D. Chappell. Another showman road locomotive, Burrell No. 3483 "Perseverance II" was also present, and these two fine old veterans, side by side, with their dynamos running, brought back a touch of the old fairground atmosphere. Mr. L. J. Caseley, owner of "Perseverance II," also had his Marshall G.P. engine, No. 85890, now used for threshing purposes on the field. This G.P. engine presented a very striking appearance with her motion work chromium plated, in addition to which her general finish, including the Marshall crest, was maintained to a very high

standard. A rush of lapel badges evinced the interest of various fairground societies. and among various gentlemen present were Mr. T. E. Opie and Mr. L. Williams, respectively President and Honorary Secretary of " The Gladiator Club" (the organisation now maintaining the well known West Country showman's road locomotive, "Gladiator," Burrell No. 3159), also Capt. H. Dixon, of Paignton, S, Devon, owner of "Centaur," a 3-speed showman's road locomotive, Burrell

No. 2894. Among a very interesting collection of photographs on show, were some prints of various road locomotives on active service with the Army in the 1914-18 war. I hope to visit Camborne on 12th July and will render my report in due cou rse.

WESTON PARK RALLY by ALAN MARTIN Although the morning of May 17th dawned with low cloud and slight rain. by noon the wind had risen sufficiently to brighten the afternoon and to attract some 5,000 spectators to witness one of the best organised Club rallies. Twenty engines attended : a list, in programme number order, is appended to this report, Promptly at 2.30 p.m., the Club's Chairman, Rev. Philip Wright, M.B.E., introduced Mr. Peter Harper, a well-known local car rally driver—over the loudspeakers and Mr. Harper kindly opened the rally. It started with all the engines entering the arena so that Rev. Wright could give a brief history and interesting anecdotes about each one as it passed him. Following the exit of the engines from the arena, three heats of tractions and two heats of tractors in the Obstacle Steering competition were run off

with three engines in each heat. The finals resulted in wins for Mr, R. Capon's No. Fowler Traction, No. 11098 and Mr. Ron Deamer's A. and P. Tractor, 8809.

7 Musical Chairs followed, when all but 'two of the engines re-entered the arena. The two "missing" engines were Mr. J. Crawley's Fowler showman's road loco. "Kitchener," and Mr. Harold Darby's Foster showman's tractor, "Lord of the Isles " ; these engines had put on belts and were driving with lights, giving much interest to the lay public present. The steersman on each engine in the arena was allowed to act as runner to the oil drums centred down the arena, each time the music ceased. The result was a win for Mr. Ron Stanbrook and his Burrell Traction, No. 4055. This event attracted a great deal of interest in the crowd. The Vicar of Weston and the Vicar of Walkden (the next village) had challenged each other to a steering contest on the two Fowler ploughing engines present, which resulted in a narrow win for Weston, and Mr. S. Hill's Fowler, No. 13422, "Sunshine." The relay and ladies' steering competitions were combined so far as the tractions were concerned. Three tractions were in each of three teams, resulting in a narrow win for the team comprising Mr. R. Pumprey's Ruston Proctor, No. 60278, Mr. Albert Dean's Burrell, No. 3164 and Messrs. Fensom's Marshall, No. 43560. These engines were steered by the Misses Alison Stubbings, Jane Tillotson and Joan Samuel respectively. Of the three tractors taking part, Mrs. Albert Fensom on Garrett, No. 33991, showed very ably how a tractor should be steered, in fact could, no doubt, have shown some of the tractions' steermen too ! The final event of the afternoon was another parade, when the appreciative crowd duly applauded the winners and their favourites. This report would not be complete without my recording the fact that the success of the rally was in no small part due to the very great amount of work put in both before and on the day by the Chairman, who, as commentator, kept the crowd highly interested and amused throughout the afternoon, the Secretary, Mr. Harold Bonnett, for all his "staff work," the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Charles Durrtant, for his "staff work," and as Paddock Master and Engine Steward, also Mr. Albert Deans and Mr. John Pryor for their work at Weston before and after "the day." The Engines present were a Fowler Plougher, No. 13422, "Sunshine"; Fowler Road Loco, No. 15657, "Kitchener" ; Clayton and Shuttleworth Traction, No. 48224. "Valiant"; Marshall Traction, No. 43560, "Winifred" ; Garrett Tractor, No. 33991, "Patricia" ; Burrell Traction, No. 3164, "Dauntless" ; Fowler Traction, No. 11698 ; Burrell Traction, No. 4055 ; Fowler Tractor, No. 15629. "The Tiger"; Burrell Traction, No. 2505 ; Tasker Traction, No. 1709. "The Hertford Express" A. and P. Tractor, No. 11486, "Nally" ; Foster Tractor, No. 14589, "Lord; of the Isles" ; Garrett Traction, No. 28410 ; Ruston and Hornsby Traction, No. 113043 ; Ruston Proctor Traction, No. 50278, "Success" ; A. and P. Tractor, No. 8809 ; Fowler Plougher, No. 15781 ; Sentinel Wagon No. ???? ; A. and P. Traction, No. 5150, "Prince." * Engines present at North Weald Rally : Burrell Traction, No. 1606, "Spanker" ; Burrell Traction, No. 2051, "Lorna" ; Burrell Traction. No. 2505 ; Burrell Road Loco, No. 2789, "The President" ; Burrell Traction, No. 3106, "Princess Royal" ; Burrell Road Loco, No. 3118, "Dreadnought"; Burrell Traction, No. 3789, "Princess Royal" ; Burrell Traction, No. 3882, "Prince Charles" : Burrell Traction, No. 4049. "Daphne" : Burrell Traction, No. 4094, "King George V": Fowler Plougher, No. 13422, "Sunshine"; Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies Traction, No. 41046, "Enterprise"; McLaren Tractor, No. 1413, "May Queen" ; Fowler Road Loco, No. 15467, "Sir Douglas" ; Fowler Plougher. No. 15226, "Tiny Tim" ; A. and P. Tractor, No. 11705, "Nippy"; A. and P. Traction, No. 7898, "Margaret" ; W. and S. Traction, No. 7269. "Panther" ; Fowler Traction. No. 10373, "Ada" ; A. and P. Roller, No. 11527: Marshall Traction, No. 57304.

AROUND THE COUNTIES EAST ANGLIAN CLUB By Philip Wright Our Secretary (Mr. Norman Dickson), tells me there are several overdue unpaid. subscriptions, and requests that these be paid forthwith to either himself or Mr. Ratcliff, the treasurer. The Club's hopes are centred upon a really fine Rally at Thetford, on 12th July. Right at the very heart of the Burrell country we shall be tapping new area as far as Rallies are concerned. In the morning we hope to unveil the Burrell memorial plaque in Minstergate, Thetford. Club members gave good support to two small Rallies for Church funds —one at North Weald and the other at Moreton. Twenty-one engines came to the former, where the planning and labour had been largely borne by Mr. Laurence Parris and his staff. His cousin, William Parris, did likewise at Moreton. This makes me wish very much that I had a suitable site at Woodford Bridge, for quite soon I have to raise a huge sum, owing to the flaking of the Kentish Rag-stone with which my church is built. Miss Bray, of Wandsworth, grand-daughter of the famous Mr. Bray, of Folkestone, has sent me some greatly interesting details of his traction engine which was unique in so many ways and which was produced exactly one hundred years ago. I shall hope to use these notes as an article in either "Steaming" or "Model Engineer."

WEALD OF KENT TRACTION ENGINE CLUB By R. A. Whitehead The efforts of the club, at the moment, are directed toward the preparations for the Paddock Wood Rally which is due to take place on 16th August. Any owners of engines who are thinking of entering for the Rally are invited to apply to the secretary, Mr. R. A. Whitehead, 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge. Kent, from whom entry forms may be obtained. Entries are expected to exceed the twenty mark and at least five engines not previously exhibited at a public rally are expected to appear, including one showman's engine. Since the last notes from the district appeared, the Horsmonden stud has again been augmented. Mr. Eastwood has acquired a Burrell Scenic from Mrs. Forrest, of Dartford, a Foden tractor from Messrs. Harris, of Ashingdon, and a Fowler 7 h.p. road locomotive converted to a showman for Mrs. Smith,

of Shoreham. This latter is an old Arnold engine from Paddock Wood and has thus returned to within a few miles of its old home. It is in need of considerable repair and will probably not be touched until next winter. The two former engines have already been cleaned down and repainted. The ❑ld Aveling and Porter road locomotive, "Jimmy" (No. 4561), owned by Mrs. Lambert and kept at Horsmonden, is reported to be for disposal, for preservation if possible and, if not, for scrap. The other Aveling (No. 9010) owned by Mrs. Wilson, the daughter of Mrs. Lambert, and also at Horsmonden, is to be retubed and will then be in good order.

The 7 h.p. Davey Paxman, No. 19412, has been sold by Mr. P. Randall to Mr. Shirass, of Sevenoaks, who has had it retubed at Horsmonden and intends to exhibit it at Paddock Wood Rally in August.

9 At the time of writing these notes (31st May), the Tunbridge Wells Chamber of Trade are planning a procession of vehicles to take place on the evening of Saturday, 14th June, as part of the celebration of their centenary which falls this year. The procession will be entitled, "A century of transport," and is intended to include three or four steam vehicles, besides other types of

lorries and private cars. A fuller report will be given in the next issue.

BEDFORDSHIRE By John Crawley Arrangements for the forthcoming Rally at Woburn Abbey on August Bank Holiday Monday are well under way. This Rally is jointly organized by the National Traction Engine Club and the Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society.

This year improvements are being made with regard to handling the traffic, also it is regretted that it will not be possible to admit members of either Clubs free of charge. It is expected to have 60 engines present in steam and three Showland Organs playing. It must be emphasised that engines will be in steam regardless of weather conditions. The catering arrangemnets have been placed in the hands ❑ f a different firm and the prices of all refreshments will be at normal level and not as last year.

Finally, anyone wishing to enter their engines should contact the Rally Secretary, John Crawley, 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford, without delay.

TO-DAY AS IN THE PAST YOU CAN ALWAYS RELY ON No other name means quite the same FODENS LTD., SANDBACH, CHESHIRE

NEWS FLASHES Mr. J. Gill (member No. 905) writes from Tot- point, Cornwall, commenting on my remarks about encouraging youngsters in a lively 'steam' interest. He mentions the snags : 1. 600 m.p.h. outlook. 2. Too many counter attractions ; and 3. Lack of knowledge of steam power. He suggests that Clubs ought to have a junior section to help in these deficiencies. I have had an interesting letter from Mr. Charles Corney, of Ramsey, Hunts., who tells me that in the Fenland "Droves" in bad weather years ago, the rear-wheel clips were replaced by sections of railway sleepers bolted to the rim, even then an old driver has recently told him of a trip of 24 miles from one farm to another, taking three days with an engine and threshing tackle A report of the Baldock Rally at Weston Park will appear in this issue. In spite of cold and wet weather, a grand crowd turned up and more than justified our trying out a Rally in Herts, for the first time. I took with me a Mr. H. Marshall Smith who, although from English parentage, was making his first visit to this country (and only had nine days). 1-le is a keen model engineer among other things and was quite delighted with what he saw and thrilled with the friendliness of these chaps who mess about with steam. He lives in South Africa. News has just reached me of the fatal accident to Archie Scott Brown whilst motor-racing abroad. This well-known Cambridge racing driver opened our Rally at Saffron Walden last year and impressed us all by his kindliness and sincerity. "Steaming" seems to get everywhere, and I have had letters from America and all sorts of other places requesting information, etc. My traction engine correspondence these days, in fact, reaches fantastic proportions. During the bus strike, the "Daily Sketch" had a grand cartoon. A steam roller is towing a living van upon which are perched city men with their bowlers, umbrellas and morning papers. The driver explains to one of them, "Well, actually we don't come under buses or railways." P.A.W.

Can any reader supply information as to the whereabouts of a 1938 or 1939 Fowler, weight 271 tons, to Mr. J. Fulker, of 18 Mabel Street, Woking, Surrey, who saw the engine pulling down air raid shelters

Mr. C. L. Perkins writes of the presence of an 1896 Wallis and Steevens (No. 233) existing at Waverly Abbey Farm, Nr. Farnham, Hants. Aveling and Porter Roller, No. 1671, seen recently at Kenley in a quarry opposite the main London coastal road, Kenley, Surrey. Aveling and Porter, No. 10647 (Guildford Corporation) observed at Newlands Common, Guildford. Aveling and Porter, No. 2185 (County Borough of Croydon), has been scarifying the Purley Way, having been newly painted and well decked out. Also observed at the same spot was an overhead valve Aveling Roller, number not obtained.

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GEORGE THURLOW & SONS, LTD. STOWMARKET - SUFFOLK 'Phone : Stowmarket 585 (3 lines) Solicit enquiries for items they can supply for Steam Engines, amongst same are :— Boiler Tubes Chimneys with or without Brass or Copper Tops Injectors, Gauges, etc. Packings Paints Suction Hose Engine and Cylinder Oils.

Ewe All enquiries will receive prompt and careful attention .----1111M

12 The Transport Museum Society, hon. sec., Mr. S. C. Butler, writes that the Society has Five vehicles preserved, including one 1916 Fowler Traction engine. The Society's address is 2 Gardiner Row, Dublin, and any interested members should get in touch as further help is needed. Ed. The Limerick County Council have seven old engines put safely away in case of emergency. Aveling and Porter and Fowlers. Tipperary (N.R.) County Council still possess two traction steaming engines. Kerry County Council have put their fleet of steam driven vehicles into reserve and Westerford County Council are still using their steam vehicles. B.A.B.

Messrs. Kille & Noakes have a Fowler, No. 13135, at Wood Street, nr. Guildford, which appears to be in working order. C.L.P.

* Ruston & Hornsby roller, No. 52694, observed in the Leicester County Council Highways Dept. at Mountsorrel under repair. It is understood that the County Council find steam rollers more useful for heavy work on the new trunk road than diesel engines. B.S.W.

At Basingstoke Carnival procession on Thursday, July 10th, the "Prince of Wales" Burrell showman's engine, ex Jennings of Devizes, hopes to take part. H.B.

A LETTER FROM THE VICE-CHAIRMAN Dear Members, I feel that I owe quite a number of you apologies for not answering the many letters that I have received with the returned Raffle tickets. Many of you have enquired regarding Badges, Entry Forms for Rallies and many other things, and it has been quite impossible for me to deal with your letters. I have been receiving between 20 and 30 letters a day for the last three weeks, which has entailed many hours of burning the 'midnight oil.' At the time of writing, the Draw Tickets are still coming in, so final results will not be known until after the Appleford Rally, but there is every indication that it will be a financial success. So, please excuse me if you think you have been ignored, but short of making it a full time job, it has been quite impossible to write answers to your letters. John Crawley. 31/5/58. [Winner's ticket No. 7794, Christopher Ranford of Grayford, nr. Andover. Final figure not yet available.—Ed.]

CORRESPONDENCE Dear Sir, The cover photograph of the current issue of your most interesting magazine is certainly a warning to us all, and the sentiments expressed in your Editorial are most laudable, but may I suggest that you may have erred in supposing that explosions are quite as rare as you state ? A quick glance through the R.L.S. Special Portfolio. "Some Accidents to Road Locomotives" (which does not profess to be exhaustive) reveals details of six explosions of traction engines, three of ploughing engines, and one, as recently as 1928, of a Foden Wagon. All of these were major explosions resulting in serious injury to persons Or loss of life. A thorough search of the Society's records revealed some dozens of cases, some of which were relatively minor though all warranted a report to the Board of Trade. I know from experience that the lot of an Editor is rarely a happy one, and all too many folk are only too keen to criticise unnecessarily. Far be it from me to join them, but I should like to take this opportunity of pointing out in the most friendly manner what would appear to be a marked deviation from known historical fact, and then only do so as one entrusted with the care of the relevant records. W. Michael Salmon, Recorder, The Road Locomotive Society. Belgrave, Llandrindod Wells, Radnor.

Dear Sir, I hope I shall not cause an editorial explosion when I append a list of Ploughing Engines known to have burst (I have no record of T.E's.). Fowler No. 1106 (14 h.p. d.c.) 5/10/86 1288 (12 h.p. s.c.) 1/7/87 (at Martlesham) 2909 (14 h.p. s.c.) 1/8/13 3284 (14 h.p. s.c.) 1916 in Essex 3489 (14 h.p. s.c.) 24/4/11 3616 (16 h.p. s.c.) 1904. The last four were practically similar engines : as far as I know they had 3 ft. diameter boilers of 3/8 in. plate, and I suspect were hardly as strong as they should be after some corrosion had taken place. Later boilers of this diameter had 7/16 in. plate. I have a photo of another 14 h.p. also exploded in the same manner as the Catley Park engine, No. 3616. Aveling & Porter, No. 711 (12 h.p. s.c.?) 1905. R. C. Stebbing. Tacolneston Rectory, Norwich. Of course not I—Ed.

Dear Sir, When the engine belonging to Mr. Brown of Coggershall exploded, his son was on it and was lifted up, dropping behind the engine. The water carter was filling it up but stood till it cleared, thinking he still had the pipe in his hand. When he looked, the butt was two fields away. The explosion blew the governor 120 ft. across the field. The chap that came with me was blown along the field with his jacket over his head and his trouser legs over his knees. I have been in steam all my life, driving all sorts of agricultural engines and a Suffolk Punch, but must now go steady, as I am just 74. C. Wylds. The Street, Terling, Chelmsford, Essex.

FOR SALE Orders will be welcomed for the attractive Ties, Scarves, Vehicle and Lapel Badges of the Club at the following prices :— 18/6 each, post free. ... Club Ties ... 50/— each, post free. Club Scarves or Squares 3/3 each, post free. ... ... Lapel Badges ... (temporarily out of stock) I5/— for the first and 10/- for each Car and Engine Badges ... subsequent badge on each order, post free. All remittances should be made payable to National Traction Engine Club. Spark Arrestors made to order at a reasonable price. Apply : TAYLOR BROS., Rolling Contractors, Wimbish, Saffron Walden, Essex. A few back numbers of "STEAMING," available, price 3/- a copy, post free. Apply : Editor.

WANTED Photographs for which no payment will be made and permission for reproduction in "STEAMING" and Club publications.—Ed.

Advertisement Rates : LS per page ; L2 10s. Od. per half page. Small advertisements : 2/- per line — no charge to members.

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MECHANICAL LUBRICATORS Consult . . . BRITISH MANZEL OIL PUMP CO. Durranhill Engineering Works Carlisle

Tel. 21418

CITY OF WORCESTER SHOW Friday and Saturday, August 8th and 9th, 1958 Pitchcroft (The Racecourse)

DISPLAY OF TRACTION ENGINES AND STEAM PROPELLED VEHICLES Friday, August 8th, 1958

TRACTION ENGINE RALLY WITH USUAL COMPETITIONS Saturday, August 9th, 1958 Enquiries to : T. GRIEVES, Hon. Secretary, 1 Hylton Road, Worcester. Telephone : WORC 5841

D. MI water treatment

Whether he is ' nursing ' a boiler of an Ocean Liner, or a Power Station, for a living, or tending a tractor engine for a hobby :

For longer life and greater efficiency Engineers all over the world recommend D.M. Water Treatment. If one is using hard or soft water, the scale or corrosion which result can only be prevented by efficient water treatment.

Consult :

HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD. D.M. HOUSE, JESMOND ROAD, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE, 2.

If fit ECIINTMENT TO N.H. THE QUEEN SPECIALISTS IN

ORGANIC WATER TREATMENT

Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation. Printed by George Rose (Printers) Ltd., Church Road, Croydon.