Vol. 3 No.. 2 April, 1959
THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE.CLUB I '6 . • ...V.!
-Ali,1.0
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NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Chairman : THE REVD. PHILIP A. WRIGHT, M.B.E., Hon.C.F. The Vicarage, Woodford Bridge, Essex. Vice-Chairman & Editor : J. CRAWLEY, EsQ., 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. Secretary : H. BONNETT, ESQ., 24 Torrington Road, Perivale, Greenford, Mdx. Membership Secretary : J. G. HUTCHENS, ESQ., A.31 Café, Tricketts Cross, Ferndown, Dorset. Treasurer: E. W. EDNEY, EsQ., 33 Portsmouth Road, Horndean, Hants. In charge of Club Tles, Badges, etc.: R. A. MOULES, ESQ., 38 Hermitage Walk, Snaresbrook, London, E.18.
EVENTS FOR 1959 May 9th—ANDOVER RALLY. Secretary: Gordon Howell, 5 The Crescent, Weyhill Road, Andover. May 9th—SILSOE MAY FAIR. A number of engines and an organ will be present. Parade through village (11 miles south of Bedford). Secretary: D Smith 112 Station Road, Flitwick, Beds. May l8th—NEEDHAM MARKET CARNIVAL. Class for Steam Engines. Secretary: F. E. Morris, "Hillbrow," Stowmarket Road, Needham Market, Suffolk. June 6th—WOODTON RALLY. Secretary : E. J. Edwards, 396 Unthank Road, Norwich. June 13th—AP PLEFORD NATIONAL CLUB RALLY. Secretary: H. Bunnell, 24 Torrington Road, Perivale, Greenford, Middx. June 20th—MORETON (ESSEX) GRAND FETE. Traction Engine events. July 11th—EAST ANGLIAN RALLY AT STISTED. S. W. Neville, 57 Secretary : Landscape View, Saffron Walden, Essex. July 11th—NORTHLEACH, GLOUCESTERSHIRE RALLY. Secretary: C. T. J. Nichols, 73 Parkend Road, Gloucester.
July 11th & 12th—REMPSTONE RALLY. Secretary: J. T. Beeby, Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Nr. Loughborough. July 18th—TBEDFoRDsi-nliE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY 150TH SHOW. Parade of Engines through Bedford, finishing up on the Showground where they will be on display. July 8 h—CAMBORNE RALLY. West of England Steam Engine Society's Fourth Rally. Secretary : Mr. V. H. Carveth, Barncoose, Redruth, Cornwall. July 25th—STOWUPLAND FLOWER
SHOW. Traction Engine event under the auspices of East Anglian Traction Engine Club. Entry Forms from R. G. Pratt, " Wentlea," Chapel St. Mary, Ipswich, Suffolk. July 25th—TAUNTON RALLY. July 25th—KEGWORTH CARNIVAL, Secretary: Norman Brown, 30 Borrowell, Kegworth, Nr. Derby. August 8th—CITY OF WORCESTER SHOW AND GYMKHANA. Secretary: T. Grieves, 1 Hylton Road, Worcester. August 15th—PADDOCK WOOD, KENT. September 5th (provisional date)— CRAN BORNE RALLY, DORSET. Traction Engines only this year. Will the Secretaries of any Rallies not included in the above list please send full details to the Editor before the 1st June, 1959. This will enable details to be included in the July issue of Steaming.
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EDITORIAL IN this Editorial it would perhaps be a good idea to say a few words about Steaming. Marty members have written to say how much they like the new layout and particularly the cover illustration of the last issue, so perhaps I should explain that we intend to change the cover photograph yearly. It is also our intention to ensure that each issue contains a reasonable number of illustrations. The most important thing about any journal is the standard of the material it contains, and we would like to see some of our more experienced members contributing technical articles ; in most cases these are men who have spent a lifetime with steam. This would not only help the new engine owners, and by new, I mean people like myself who have owned engines for only a comparatively short time, but would also explain many of the intricacies of the steam engine to those who are not lucky enough to be owners but, nevertheless, are keenly interested in " steam ".
Since the last issue of Steaming, thanks to the many write-ups given to us in agricultural papers and magazines, there has been a considerable increase in the sale of this journal to non-members, which is a very good thing, proving that there is the need for a journal of this kind to cover our hobby. I would therefore appeal to those members, and to the non-members who read our journal, to come forward with articles of technical knowledge which will help to enhance our journal's reputation. We would be glad to sub-edit any article submitted should the author so wish and help in any way possible. Would those of our members who are not in a position to write technically, please continue to send in those delightful reminiscences about the trials and tribulations that they have been up against with their engines. After all, we have a large membership, and the variety of our material will be the spice of our life.
FROM THE CHAIRMAN (Philip Wright's Column) WE offer our sincere sympathy to Secretary Harold Bonnett upon the " Home Call " of his mother in Lincolnshire. He has had a very worrying time lately. May I appeal, too, for fair play for him? We are all prone to put on to a " willing horse," and I happen to know that some most unreasonable letters have reached Harold in recent months. I get a lot of these myself, but of course Parsons always do ! Members will recall the kind offer made at the A.G.M. by the Revd. R. C. Stebbing to edit Steaming. At the time our Vice-Chairman John Crawley offered to help and to a find a local printer. Subsequent circumstances made it imperative for Mr. Crawley to get out the last issue himself, and Mr. Stebbing felt it best for Mr. Crawley to become Editor especially as he lives so near to the printer. We nevertheless hope that Mr. Stebbing will find time to pass on some of his wealth of technical knowledge by contributing to our columns.
My own book Traction Engines will definitely be published this autumn and will contain a large number of illustrations. I will be able to give exact details in the next issue of Steaming so please do not write to me about it. I do hope our efforts to hold a Rally at the old Crystal Palace site will go through. Thus far the L.C.C. have been most co-operative. Historically it will be a fitting place, and probably the nearest we shall ever get to the Metropolis.
* Mr. Dawson, a radio expert from Sudbury, Suffolk, has made a very fine colour film of the Thetford Unveiling of the Burrell Memorial and of the Rally which followed this event. The film with a tape-recorded running commentary is available to outsiders and should not be missed. Committee members were delighted and surprised after our recent meeting to see a fine colour film brought along by Jack Wharton and taken by a friend of his. There were glimpses
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of two or three Rallies, and then we saw Jack's magnificent Showman's Burrell leaving Olympia and proceeding home through London's traffic via Shepperton Film Studios. Mile after mile she kept a good pace and treated some of the impatient drivers with the contempt they deserve. Most sensible people have welcomed our safety restrictions. There have been some criticisms on the grounds of imposing financial burdens on owners. I felt that way myself until eighteen months ago when I changed my mind. I now look at it like this, either a person can afford to run a traction engine or not! If he does so and wants to take it where vast crowds are assembled it is his plain duty to make all possible effort to see that she is safe. I have seen engines at Rallies which were a menace, and I have seen one or two accidents which but for the grace of God could have be come moat serious.
I state emphatically that we cannot he too careful, and that cost must be put aside when we consider the safety of the public. It only requires one serious accident causing injury or fatality to put paid to Rallies for all time. As I have so often said, there is such a thing as " metal fatigue," and not one of these engines is getting any younger.
* A copy of the Weekly News (Auckland, New Zealand) has been sent to me. There is an excellent feature article on traction engines and threshing " mills " of long ago. In addition there is a page of excellent photographs depicting a Rally at Ashburton which attracted 20,000 people! There were twenty-nine engines and rollers, one steam truck, two steam cars .and " several strange cycles ". They made an impressive line-up, and the day terminated in a re-union of some 250 engine driverc.
FROM THE SECRETARY THE 1959 Rally season, with all its hard team work, hopes and fears, will soon COMFIleflee. So far as the Club is concerned we are to take a joint part at North Weald, run Appleford wholly as a club event, and there are plans in hand at the moment to promote a club rally in September at the Crystal Palace. The L.C.C. seem very keen to have us at the Crystal Palace, and although the site available is on the small side, I feel we have a splendid opportunity in front of us. Admission to the club rallies of Appleford and Crystal Palace will be free to all N.T.E.C. members on presentation of a current membership card at the gate. Members of clubs affiliated to us will also be admitted free on production of their club cards. Although I tried hard to arrange a rally this year in Lincolnshire (a County once rich in traction engine builders and users), inability to obtain a site at Belton and subsequently the restrictions of the club's new boiler safety rule have militated against the idea. It will be of interest to see what effect the insistence of boiler inspector's certificates has on engine attendance at this year's rallies. One very encouraging thing is that at least
three outside organisations have decided to apply the same safety rule. at Elicit rallies. Whatever hapnens, in the interests of safety, we intend to stick to our guns until everyone is marching behind the N.T.E.C. flag in this respect. After many years of affiliation, the East Anglian Traction Engine Club has decided to discontinue its connection with us. Personally, I very much regret this, and hope we shall soon come together again, as I have always tried hard to foster the best and friendliest relations between the two clubs. If any member would like to help as a steward at the Club's rallies, would he please write to me. H. BONNETT Orders will be welcomed for the attractive Ties, Scarves, Vehicle and Lapel Badges of the Club at the following prices : Club Tie, 18/6, post free. Club Scarves or Squares, 50/-, post free. Lapel Badges, 3/3, post free. Car and Engine Badges, 15/- for the first and 10/- for each subsequent badge on each order, post free—temporarily out of stock. All remittances should be made payable to National Traction Engine Club.
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A Few Words and Pictures on STEAM PLOUGHING HISTORY BACK in the middle of the last century, Mr. John Fowler started investigations with regard to a cheaper method than tile drains for draining agricultural land and, in 1850, he took out a patent for a Mole Drainage Plough which was operated by means of a windlass worked by horses. In 1853 he determined to use steam and his first attempt was a combined engine, windlass, and drainage plough
fordshire, who persuaded Mr. Fowler to construct for him a windlass and other tilling apparatus which he had at work on his own farm. It was in 1856 that, with the assistance of Mr. Wm. Worby, the first plough suitable for steam cultivation was produced by Messrs. Ransome and Sims, Orwell Works, Ipswich. This plough, the first of its kind, was at work on 10th April, 1856, on a farm at Nacton.
Savory's patent engine of 1861, made by Robey & Co., of Lincoln. in one carriage, adapted to travel over the land winding itself along to a fixed anchorage. The windlass was placed in front and driven by the gearing of the crankshaft of the engine, while the plough was attached behind. This was soon abandoned as being far too heavy. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, 9th Edition, the John Fowler Drainage Plough was exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Show at Carlisle in 1855 and was seen by a Mr. W. Smith, of Wolston, Bed-
In the same year a patent was taken out for this plough in the names of John Fowler and Wm. Worby. Also in that year, John Fowler took out a patent for a Steam Plough Engine which consisted of an engine on a frame with a separate boiler on wheels connected by a flexible pipe to the engine. The engine had two drums, one to haul the plough or mole drainer across the field, and the other to move the engine from one completed drain or furrow ready to make the next drain.
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RANSOMES C SIMS' ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE
Fo-w- TJER,'s PATENT STEAM PLOUGHING APPARATUS. IIIICSOMES & SIMS, having been engaged in the development and manufacture of the above Patent Machinery since its earliest commencement, have much pleasure in recommending it as simple, durable, and remarkably effective. The superiority of this patent system over all other systems hitherto brought before the public is conclusively shown by the List of Prizes awarded to it (see page 28), by the Reports of the Societies awarding those Prizes see pages 34 and 35), and by the Letters from gentlemen using Fowler's Patent Tackle (see pages 36 and 37). The following description will sufficiently explain the wood cuts on pages 26, 27, 28, 29, to render thy system perfectly intelligible, but R. & S. will be happy to furnish more detailed information on application. " Fowler's Patent Steam Ploughing and Cultivating Machinery consists of a Combined Engine and Hauling Drum (see page 28), at one end of the field, and a self-propelling perpetual Anchor and Pulley at the other (see page 29, figure 1); both moving slowly along the headland, so as to be always opposite• to the work, while the Plough traverses up and down the 'land between them, being pulled by an endless wire rope. Instead of coiling upon a barrel, the rope is gripped by passing round grooves on a drum ; which method of hauling the rope has been attended with the best results; for the speed of the implement and the strain on the rope being thus steady and equal, the rope is able to bear a heavier load than when subject to the jerking motion of winding upon its own irregular coils. As no reserve of rope is required upon the barrel, and the two plies run parallel across the field, the shortest possible quantity of rope is required for any given length of furrow. The grooved drum with vertical axis is carried underneath the boiler, by means of a light braoliet framing, and is driven by toothed gearing and an upright shaft- from the engine crank-shaft. There are also two pulleys, ono at each end of the boiler; and the rope is so led round the drum and pulleys as to make two three-quarter turns round the• drum ; which is found to be quite sufficient to prevent the rope slipping, though pulling with the whole force of a ten or twelve-horse engine. In case of the implement striking upon a rock, or other firm obstacle, however, the rope will slip in the grooves, and thus prevent breakage, The whole additional weight to the Engine is only about 15 cwt. "The Plough (page 26, fig. 1) 'consists of two sets of 'plough-bodies attached to a long beam-frame, the set at one end pointing towards the set at the otiMr end, and all balanced upon a central axletree and pair of large wheels. The ploughman rides upon the tail of the implement, steering accurately by altering the 'lock' of the main wheels with a worm-and-rack motion, On arriving at the end of the furrow, the implement is made ready for the back journey, without being turndd round, simply by pulling down the end of the frame which was in the air, and then directing the course of the plough into the next' line of work. The wooden beams are so made as to be adjusted to any breadth of furrow, and the ploughs on either side can be raised or lowered at pleasure. For subsoil trenching the Cotgreave irons (page 27, fig. 1) are added, which bring up the subsoil and lay it upon the. furrow-slice. The same implement serves as a scarifier, by removing the ploughs and attaching O. light frame to. the beams, fitted with grubbing-tines. Also, by taking off the breasts from the plough, leaving the ploughshares on, and adding a short blunt breast (or sham mould-board) to each sham, and setting the - coulter to' cut the middle of the furrow-slice, a wonderfully effective scarifier is made. The whole of the land is cut, with a perfectly level bottom, and the broken soil is lightened up in the least manner possible. The implements carry a short reserve of rope, and the means of adjusting the quantity of rope to any varying length of furrow. The Engine is fitted with a pitch-chain and the requisite gear for propelling itself front field to field, or along common roads, with only one or two horses in the shafts to steer."
STEAMING
A NSONIES s S111S- ILLUSIP,ATED 0.11'.11.06
31
UP. 1860.
FOWLER'S PATENT STEAM PLOUGHING APPARATUS,
, Aftr •••';"-•
1. 1 4:7
PATENT SELF-MOVING -ANCHOR.
BALANCE SCARIFIER. This engraving repreeente the Balance Plough, with the plough bodies removed, and ecariAer irons attached to the trams Instead. This has been found a moat efficient tool; breaking up hard lend, steadily and easily, to any required depth. Instead of attaching scarifier 'roue, the breasts only may be removed, and abort, blunt, mouldboards substituted, wheal et cue operation, a moat perfect fallow may be made.
ROPE PORTER. 'the_ above hewing shows the rope running over the }We Porter Shawl as at work
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Old roundabout tackle and original McLaren engine which is still in existence in Kent.
Early engine with a clip drum for working the plough rope, and a winding drum below for warping the engine along headland. Made by Kitson's of Leeds.
Double drum ploughing engine as exhibited at R.A.S. Wolverhampton Show, 1871. A self-moving anchor was employed at the opposite side of the field.
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THE FIRST STEAM PLOUGH, A.D 1 :5
X'..9(09
Siewm-
,,/ ..y.4%,/,....e./00)
freig..66y M dAn./ 1.6./ 4 irwl
, Are
,
,e 41/17--M4
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The double engine system.
Later in the same year John Fowler took out a further patent for the engine and boiler combined in one machine. Besides Messrs. Ransome & Sims, Messrs. Kitson, of Leeds, also made engines for Mr. Fowler, and it was not until 1860 that Mr. Fowler founded his own works at Leeds. The Encyclopcedia Britannica says that by March, 1873, Fowler's were turning out annually one hundred sets of tackle for the home market and some fifty or sixty for overseas. There is no doubt that steam ploughing owed almost everything to the invention and successful manufacture of wire ropes. In the early days wrought iron ropes had to be used, but these were not particularly successful as they are readily injured by bending, and chafed rapidly whenever they were allowed to drag along the ground.
Many attempts were made to get over the drawback of iron ropes and Messrs. Ransome & Sims catalogue of 1860 illustrates what it calls a " Rope Porter " which was simply a sheath on wheels and which prevented the rope coming in contact with the ground. A Mr. Savoury took out a patent in 1861 for a ploughing engine with a large vertical drum which was an effort to avoid sharp bends in the rope and this engine was made by Messrs. Robey & Co., of Lincoln. The first steel wire ropes were very brittle, but eventually the manufacturers succeeded in making really pliable steel ropes which no doubt contributed greatly to the success of the steam plough industry. Between 1857 and 1863, Mr. John Fowler took out a large number of patents for various implements, especially with regard to the winding drums and the rope guide pulleys.
A very early engine fitted with a clip drum. The plough has a self-adjusting arrangement to take up slack rope and a self-moving anchor was employed on the opposite side of the field.
STEAMING
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A portable engine and windlass. The windlass has a winding drum so that it can warp Itself along the headland, and a clip drum for operating the plough rope. An anchor was employed on the opposite headland.
Oil every moment— not once a week protects the slide valve and makes it glide sweet !
MECHANICAL LUBRICATORS Consult . . . BRITISH MANZEL OIL PUMP CO. Durranhill Engineering Works Carlisle Tel. 21418
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FROM THE CLUBS ANDOVER AND DISTRICT Arrangements for the Andover Rally are well in hand, and there will again be a model engineering tent and a 3+ in. gauge passenger hauling model railway. Anyone who has suitable models, especially of traction engines, and who would be prepared to lend them, are asked to contact the Rally Secretary whose address appears at the foot of these notes. Engine entries are coming in well, and it would appear that the necessity of having a current boiler report has not so far made any difference although it is expected to cut down the entries a little. It is hoped that the Burrell Showman's Engine " The Masterpiece," built in 1897, will put in an appearance and this will be her first rally. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3887 " Prince of Wales " will again be present and will take up her usual position in the town on the Friday night where she will be running her lights and helping to advertise the following day's events. For anyone who is not sure of the location of the Rally ground there are details available from the Rally Secretary. Any owner of an engine with a current boiler test certificate who would like to bring it to the Rally should drop me a line and I will be only too pleased to forward the necessary entry forms. Rally Secretary, 5 The Crescent, Andover, Hants. BEDFORDSHIRE Meetings have been held regularly throughout the Winter at the King's Arms, Bedford, on the first Monday in each month. The Annual Dinner of the Society has been arranged for the 22nd May at Bedford. John Boutwood, of Clophill, Beds., has recently purchased a Sentinel wagon for preservation. Croydon County Council Steam Roller No. 2185, built in 1886, has just been fitted with a new firebox at the works of Messrs. Gowers. The roller was stripped down and the boiler and firebox complete with smokebox and cylinder was delivered by road to Bedford. Considering the
age of this roller it was in a remarkable state of preservation and speaks highly of the care and attention it has had bestowed upon it by the Croydon County Council. From Pat Webb of Enfield comes news that the brothers Henry and Gerald Plastow, also of Enfield (they are our most far-flung members), are progressing with the overhauling of their Burrell Tractor No. 3718 which is being converted to a Showman's Tractor. New bearings, new cleading plates, and a full-length canopy have been fitted, and twisted brasses and solid rubbers have been carefully put away awaiting their turn to be fitted. Since the Woburn Rally, Pat, who owns the Burrell Tractor 4072, says that he has only been out once on his engine and this to advertise a scout bazaar. Many of our members are preparing their engines for their first event of the season which is a Parade of Engines and a get-together at Silsoe, near Bedford, in support of the local church. Whilst this will not be a rally in the true sense of the word, we hope to muster nearly a dozen engines and a Showland Organ. Their will be a number of engine events and we look forward to meeting many of our friends. J.C. NORFOLK CLUB At a recent meeting held at Tacolneston, it was decided to form the Norfolk Steam Engine Club. Road conditions, frost spikes being illegal, reduced attendance, but interest has been aroused all over Norfolk, and it is expected that many members will be enrolled at the Woodton Rally, an event successfully held for some years. Its sponsor, Mr. G. C. Howlett, is Chairman of the new club. (See events for 1959). NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE & CHESHIRE A 1908 Mann steam tractor has been purchased by a group of our members from Pickering in Yorkshire. This tractor, which weighs five tons, is known as " Tiny Tim," and it is planned to steam it a part of the way home. Arthur Wedgwood has been busy renovating a Savage Centre Engine supplied to an Essex customer
STEAMING in 1897 and now the property of Mr. Tom Alberts of Bolton. A new exhaust system had to be made, with a Foden-type silencer, and with 35 lbs. on the gauge and a brake on the flywheel the fire is lifted off the grate. The engine will be properly painted and lined out, making it a fit companion for Mr. Albert's Marenghi Paladium Organ. A.W. NORTH OF ENGLAND John Anderson and Philip Ogden are both busy preparing their respective Fodens for the forthcoming rally season, the result of this being that very little work has been done on " The Dolphin," their Scenic Burrell Showman's Engine. Mr. Stafford of Houghton-leSpring has now acquired a second Sentinel " S " Type Wagon. Mr. Liversedge of Doncaster has also acquired another " S " type Sentinel together with a Super Sentinel. Mr. Fearnley of Castleford has recently purchased Fowler Tiger Tractor No. 1406 from Shropshire, and he tells me that it is in excellent condition. The last Fowler Tiger Tractor to be built was No. 20967, and this has just been purchased for preservation from a firm at Glossop and has now been moved to its new home at Penrith. Mr. Hunt of Leeds has acquired the 5 n.h.p. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3849 " Marshal Foch." This engine has been very nicely restored and is now resplendent in gleaming new paint together with all the twisted brass work. Foden Steam Wagon No. 14074 ex. Norman E. Box is now being reconditioned by Messrs. E. Wood of Yeadon, Nr. Leeds, for further duty as a tarsprayer. P.O. REMPSTONE The Rempstone Traction Engine Rally forwarded a donation of £175 to the Royal Midland Institution for the Blind at Nottingham and a local donation of £6, making a total of £181, from the 1958 Rally. Messrs. Beeby Bros. have had one of their Fowler Single Cylinder Ploughing Engines sterilizing soil for three days at the end of February. Aveling & Porter Steam Roller No. 8956 has recently been purchased by Beeby Bros. from Loughborough Corporation. This was towed to
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Rempstone by Peter Van Houten of Hathern with his Foden Tractor No. 13196. Leicester University Rag was held on 6th March. This was attended by C. Grice of Old Dalby with his Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15441 and by E. A. Sage of Leicester with his Fowler Showman's Engine No. 14424. John Blagg of Whitwell, Worksop, Notts., has been sterilizing with his McLaren No. 1421, hedge pulling with his Marshal 36575, and steam roiling with his Compound Marshal Roller. John Reynolds of Tickhill, Doncaster, has been pulling electricity cables out of the ground with his Fowler Road Locomotive No. 15323. The Burrell Showman's Engine " The Bailee ", late of Messrs. Silcocks of Warrington, was recently steamed up by John Beeby after he had re-tubed her for John Robinson her new owner. J.B. WEALD OF KENT Brian Pitts of Horley has recently purchased Burrell 3657, a 6 n.h.p. Genera] Purpose Single Crank Compound Traction Engine. Work has already commenced with the removal of the lagging in preparation for a boiler inspection. Wallis and Steevens Oil Bath Roller No. 7601, formerly owned by Hammett Plant Service of Woolwich, has been bought by a North Kent demolition contractor and is at present on loan to Frank Greasley who is using it to roll a car park at Erith. Another rolling job has just been completed at Erith, this time by an Aveling & Porter Roller which has now returned to its yard at Paddock Wood. John Butler of Tonbridge is stripping the boilers of his wagons for inspection, and in the case of his Yorkshire wagon, for repair. D. Eastwood of Horsmonden has recently bought a portable engine for preservation, details of which are not available at the time of writing. R.W. WEST OF ENGLAND. Following tradition, the West of Ene]and Steam Engine Society's next Rally will be opened by a member of the cast of the BBC radio serial " The Archers ". On 18th July next the opener will be Chris Gittins, who
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GEORGE TIIURLOW & SONS LIMITED
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
All enquiries will receive prompt and careful attention
STEAMING plays the part of "Walter Gabriel," and all who attend the Rally will have an opportunity of meeting this famous radio personality. The new venue for the Rally will be about midway between Camborne and Hayle, just off the A30 road. In addition to allowing room for car parking, this field is much more accessible by road as no one-way traffic schemes are necessary. Motorists (and drivers of engines) will follow the main A30 road until within two hundred yards of the field. For those arriving by train the location is ideal as the field is close to Gyinear Road Station on the main Paddington to Penzance line, and all trains, including the long-distance expresses, stop there. Last year Mr. J. Hutchens brought two of his engines to our Rally all the way from Ferndown, a distance of nearly two hundred miles each way, and we look forward to seeing some more of his collection this year. But we are expecting two enp,ines from an even greater distance this year and their owners intend to steam them all the way—one from nearly three hundred miles away and the other over three hundred miles ! The Aveling & Porter Roller (10187) at Coombe has been receiving a great deal of attention at week-ends during the winter from her joint owners, M. Pearce and M. Leath. Practically everything detachable except rolls, shafts, flywheel and cylinder block have been removed for cleaning, polishing, etc. With lighter evenings approaching, re-assembly will proceed more rapidly, and what is now little more than a boiler and firebox on wheels will become a very fine roller in time for " the day ". At Hayle, Mr. Collinson is further embellishing " Prince " (Garrett Tractor No. 33353) by chromium plating hub caps, controls, etc. and repainting. As the engine's home is close beside tidal salt water, the plating will serve a very useful purpose in checking corrosion. Mr. Collinson's partner, Mr. G. Clark, has bought the Robev Tandem Roller (No. 48869) from W. Powell and it has been steamed to Hayle recently. One of our W.E.S.E. members, Mr. G. L. Tribe of Bratton Fleming, has acquired Mr. Balkwill's Aveling Traction. The engine is still at Upton Pyne where some necessary
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repairs will be carried out before it is steamed to its new home. (formerly King " " Millenium known as " Ponto ")—Burrell 6 h.p., number unknown—now belonging to Mr. E. Mewton, has been sawing wood at Chacewater. Burrell 2877 " His Majesty " has changed hands and is about to undergo repairs at Highbridge for its new owner who lives in that town. This engine formerly belonged to Charles Heal, the well-known Bristol amusement caterer, and has been standing in a yard at Bedminster for several years. The Foden Showman's Engine No. 2104 " Prospector " has been purchased from its owner in the North of England by Dr. Dyke of Callington. It is widely known that the writer's Burrell (2662) " Attraction " developed firebox trouble last Summer. The extent of the wastage is not known, but as the box is the original one and now fifty-five years old it is not thought advisable to consider repairs. Several enquiries have been Tecei-ved as to the ultimate fate of " Attraction ". She will not be cut up or sold and, as I wish to keep her complete as she now is, no parts will be available as spares for other engines. This engine served her first owner well for thirty-two years and her second owner for about twelve years. She was used for threshing and hauling in West Cornwall and had had only one year of idleness when I bought her eight years ago. For me she has done some very useful work in removing tree stumps, consolidating roadways and, most important of all, she started the interest in the West which has resulted in the preservation of many other engines and the formation of the West of England Steam Engine Preservation Society. Many of the engines which will be seen at Camborne on 18th July, 1959, owe their existence to " Attraction," and although she will have to be towed, I hope that she will take her place among them. 2662 has earned her retirement. A few surplus copies of last year's Camborne Rally programme are still available. A copy is offered free to anyone sending a stamped and addressed envelope to C. P. Gregory, Coombe Caravan Camp, Camborne, Cornwall. C.P.G.
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STEAMING
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Sir, I recently came across a Ransome's Sims & Jefferies Portable No. 13999 in a small woodyard in Berkshire. She was not in steam, but is obviously used regularly. I would be interested to know the approximate age of this engine. Can anybody help ? Yours, G. R. HAWTHORNE. Dear Sir, It would be interesting to learn if any of your readers remember a Burrell Traction Engine earlier or about the No. 468. My father, who had many ermines, had the one of this number. I do not know the date of manufacture, nor do I know where or when he bought it, as this was before my time. She was not new then, because she was lying on her side in a deep ditch at the time, and this would be about 1884. I imagine the date of manufacture to be about 1873. The engine was single cylinder, general purpose type, two speeds, compensating gearing, but it was not of the locking type. This was a great disadvantage on soft ground, more so because she had not a rope drum. Changing the gear was done by sliding either the small or large pinion, on or off the end of the crankshaft by hand. The position distance of either one or the other, was taken up by placing a thick leather collar, which was fitted with two steel strips, wide enough apart to enable it to slide along the one and only feather key. The cylinder was not steam jacketed, and the guide bars and crosshead were very similar to the later type Burrell. The governors were very much the same as those fitted by Ransome's round about 1902. She was a light engine weighing about 8+ tons, and would rear like a racehorse when pulling a load in a soft place. I have seen her with all spuds on, take a set of threshing tackle up a highway that had deep wheeltracks, with her front wheels well off the ground, for a distance of two and three hundred yards at a stretch. In 1904 a new firebox, front end of boiler barrel, new tube plate, new
tubes and smokebox, etc. were fitted ; shortly after that she was sold to a farmer and this is the last I saw of her. Believe it or not, this engine was driven most of the time by a deaf and dumb man, and apart from him getting drunk at times, he never got into any trouble. Yours faithfully, ALBERT E. DEANS. R. H. Clark in Chronicles of a Country Works, records 468 as an 8 h.p. Portable (date 1870). The few engines built around that time were chain driven. Very few geared engines are recorded (532 being the first) up to 1876.—Ed.
* Dear Sir, I spent my life with engines, beginning about 1908, and I am writing this to let people know the conditions under which I and others had to work ; there was not much glamour in it. The first machine we were allowed to drive for the contractors was a roller, usually bought secondhand from a council because of the repairs that were needed. Often we had to take them out to earn the money to pay for repairs, and what scrapheaps they were! A water tank that would carry you four miles if it didn't leak, no brakes, you depended on the reversing lever to hold you on a hill, and sometimes it didn't! I've been run away with more than once, so have plenty of others if they speak the truth. Then wages for these bundles of trouble were 20/- a week (some firms 22/-). One firm had cards printed to be signed when you had to wash out the boiler. The payment for this two or three hours' dirty wet work was a shilling, with a threat of prosecution if you signed the card and didn't do the job. From rollers you had a season on steam ploughs. Here the hours were daylight to dark and you depended on the acreage money for a living, the basic rate being 15/- a week for the foreman and 13 /- for the two drivers. The rates per acre were 3d. for ploughing, 1}d. for harrowing; and 2d. for cultivating : this money was held by the firm till the end of the season, so if you didn't finish the
STEAMING season you lost your bonus. What the men used to do was to put up an excuse such as clothes to buy, or a heavy doctor's bill to pay, get as much as they could and chuck the job. If you struck a wet season and had days standing you would lose all round. Then perhaps you would get a job hauling with a road loco. Here the reward was 28/- or 30/- a week, no overtime and no help if you were summoned for the hundred and one petty crimes you committed, smoke, frightening horses, or standing too near a bridge taking water. Some firms paid 6d. an hour: try standing 100 hours on John Fowler for 50/-
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NEWS FLASHES LIMERICK A sad photo of engines for sale in the County Council yard at Rothkertie comes from Mr. Brian Brislane: two, he writes, are in good order, Fowler T.E. 14931 and A. & P. roller 10247. The others in the photograph arc Fowler T.E. 14960, Aveling rollers 110150 and 10882, and Fowler T.E. 14881 and roller 16299. He fears all
are destined for scrap, there being too few enthusiasts to save them. Another photograph shows a derelict Sr Burrell T.F.at Pnrtrnn, Co. Tipperary.
(lovely). Then the steam wagon came
HERTFORDSHIRE
along and men had to work all the hours God made. Wages in London (1913) with some firms were 45/- and no overtime ; mine were 38/- and 84 hours' overtime. I was best off, but
Wallis & Steevens T.E. No. 2932 has been bought for preservation by Messrs. B. Parsons and H. Green of St. Albans.
you would be poking about all over the country on dark nights with just Iwo oil lamps on the smokebox.
YORKSHIRE Mr. Frank D. Woodall writes that
been ditched more than once. Acetylene lamps were just coming in, but not all owners would buy them. When you met the headlights of a
ear you were just blinded. Then came the war of 1914 and wagons and traction engines were commandeered. I went with them for five years, driving Fowler's, McLaren's, Clayton's, Garrett's, Burrell's, etc. Then coming home I found my job gone and had to take anything. Please don't think I'm having one long moan. No, I grew up with them and I have lived to see them go. We have now something better taking their place (diesels), with a comfortable cab (not a furnace in front of you—how many times in hot weather have drivers laid the money on a counter in a pub and been asked if they had taken it out of the fire), fair wages and hours. If we had today's conditions now we are retired, we should be well off. Yours, " ENTHUSIAST."
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Our thanks are due to Messrs. Aliens of Oxford for the article " Steam Ploughing " and to all those members who have contributed to this issue, and not least to the support of our advertisers. Editor.
he and his friend Mr. S. Bentley hope to run their Foden T.E. at Earby Gala on 30th May. He has learnt that at least twelve Foden T.E.s are still to be found in Tasmania.
AFFILIATION At a recent meeting of the committee it was agreed that in future the annual subscription for affiliation would be £2 2s. Od. per club irrespective of the number of members in the club. These members will be entitled to free admission, upon production of his membership card, to Rallies organised by the Club. The journal Steaming will be supplied at a special price of ls. per copy, post free, dispatched in bulk to the Secretary of the Affiliated Club. Orders, together with remittance, should be sent to the Editor, at 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Each member receives each issue of the journal Steaming as published and is admitted free of charge, upon production of his membership card, to the Rallies organised by the Club. Small advertisements are free to members. The annual subscription is 15s., which should be sent to the Membership Secretary, A31 Cafe, Tricketts Cross, Ferndown, Dorset.
42
STEAMING
Haverhill Agricultural Contractors (Late Arthur Baldock Ltd.)
Limited
STILL HAVE AVAILABLE A LARGE QUANTITY OF SPARES FOR STEAM ENGINES, PLOUGHS, ETC. MOSTLY NEW
Enquiries Solicited
HAVERHILL :: SUFFOLK Telephone 35-330
WE NO LONGER BUILD STEAM ENGINES
BUT WE STILL
WITH DIESEL ROAD ROLLERS
WALLIS & STEEVENS LTD. BASINGSTOKE
STEAMING
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FOR SALE AND WANTED Burrell 7 h.p. S.C.C. Traction Engine No. 3307. This is a double drive engine, sprung and is in excellent mechanical condition with good paintwork. R. C. Stebbing, Tacolneston Rectory, Norfolk. Two Burrell Locomotive Front Wheels, 441 in. diameter X 9 in. face, less tyres and bushes. One Front Axle, 54 in. between shoulders with journals free from scores. One 180 X 720 " Avon " Press-On Rubber. Unused. Offers and particulars to C. Nichols, 73 Parkend Road, Gloucester. The Midland Steam Boiler Inspection and Assurance Company's Record of Steam Boiler Explosions for the year 1876. Also one part of " The Practical Dictionary of Mechanics," circa 1880. Offers to J. Crawley, 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. Ransome 7 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Traction Engine, overhauled and tested some years ago and since stored under cover in shed. Also Marshall 12 n.h.p. Portable Engine, same condition. James Graven & Sons, Ely, Cambs. Tel. 2209/2602. Biniell 5 n.h.p. Compound Traction Engine No. 4055. Built 1927. In excellent mechanical condition. Price £175. R. Stanbrook, The Hostel, Silsoe, Beds. Clayton & Shuttleworth Single Cylinder Traction Engine, in fair working condition. £40. D. G. W. B a rham, Rawl inson, Rolvendon, Kent. Thirty-two New Boiler Tubes for sale. 2 in. diameter X 63 in. long. Price £32 carriage paid. P. Ogden, Burtree House, Hutton Sessay, Thirsk, Yorks. Dear Sir, I believe that many members of your club will be interested to know that we are at the moment making a collection of Tasker engines, including steam rollers produced by our predecessors Messrs. W. Tasker & Sons Ltd. In due course the museum will be open to the public and we shall look forward to receiving visits from your members, but we do not anticipate that this will be until 1951 at least, and therefore it is not possible for us to welcome visitors at the moment.
Atkinson Steam Wagon wanted. Any age or condition. Details of whereabouts to : R. A. Whitehead, 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent. Solid Rubber Tyres wanted for Foden Tractor. Size 1050 x 160 mm. Section (850 mm. fitting). Condition and price to P. Ogden, Burtree House, Hutton Sessay, Nr. Thirsk, Clarke's " Steam Engine Builders of Norfolk ". I am continually being asked for a copy of this hook by an old steam enthusiast, If anyone can help please contact me : Rev. P. A. Wright, The Vicarage, Woodford Bridge, Essex. Information wanted as to the whereabouts of Foster Showman's Engine " Princess Marina ". It has been reported that this engine has been cut up. Can anyone confirm this please ? R. F. Millward, Lodgefield Farm, Lodgefield Road, Halesowen, Worcs. Maker's catalogues, leaflets and inqtru,tinn hnnlcc ‘.-.nte‘t for enllpYtinn Details and price to J, Crawley, 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. Press-On Tyres wanted (Rears) for Foden "D " Type Tractor. 6 in. or 7 in. wide. Circumference 13 ft. 6 in. Details and price to G. Howell, 5 The Crescent, Andover, Hants. Will anyone knowing the whereabouts of a scrap Fowler S./C. Traction Engine from which parts may be purchased please send details to J. Crawley, 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. It has occurred to me that some of your members may know the whereabouts of a Tasker engine ; if so I should appreciate it if they would let me know the Serial Number and the name and address of the present owner. I will let you know in due course when this collection is ready for inspection so that you can mention it in your magazine. Yours sincerely, for Taskers of Andover (1932) Ltd. A. B. FULLER, Chairman and Managing Director.
D.M. water treatment
Whether he is ' nursing' a boiler of an Ocean Liner, or a Power Station, for a living, or tending a traction 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 of corrosion which result can only be prevented by efficient water treatment. Consult
HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD.
BY APPOINTMENT TO H.M. THE QUEEN
'M D.M. HOUSE, JESMOND ROAD, Oaf 0, NI, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE, 2.
Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., Greytriars Walk, Bedford
SPECIALISTS IN ORGANIC WATER TREATMENT