'Vol. 3 No.
,lulu, 1959
iol oo#%._eiri1Plorttillbramlf ..0004itir .
THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
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STEAMING 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, Esp., 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 Ties, Badges, etc.: R. A. MOULES, ESQ., 38 Hermitage Walk, Snaresbrook, London, E.18.
EVENTS FOR 1959 July 18th—BEDFORDSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY 150TH SHOW. Parade of Engines through Bedford, finishing up on the Showground where they will be on display. July 18th--,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 3rd—CHURCH STRETTON CARNIVAL, nr. Salop.
August 3rd—HANNINGTON RALLY, nr. Northampton. Secretary : J. Bennie, Grange Farm, Hannington, Northants. August 8th—CITY OF WORCESTER SHOW AND GYMKHANA.
Secretary: T. Grieves, 1 Hylton Road, Worcester. August 15th—PADDOCK WOOD, KENT. Secretary: K. A. Whitehead, 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent. August 29th—WooDFoRD, ESSEX. Secretary: Revd. Philip Wright, The Vicarage, Woodford Bridge, Essex. September 5th—CRANBORNE RALLY, DORSET.
September 19th—CRYSTAL PALACE N.T.E.C. RALLY. Secretary: H. Bonnett, 24 Torrington Gardens, Perivale, Greenford, Middx. Will din Co.-vote-114er of nws, Prilllfe
planned for 1960 please send provisional details to the Editor as soon as possible.
ANNUAL DINNER The Annual General Meeting of the National Traction Engine Club will take place at the Mecca Restaurant, Bucklersbury House, Walbrook, London, E.C.2, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, 31st October, 1959. This will be followed by the Annual Dinner at the same address. Tickets price £1 each can be obtained from : E. A. Fillmore, Esq., 34 Northwick Park Rd., Harrow, Middx.
The Restaurant is within two minutes' walk of the Bank, Cannon Street, or Mansion House Underground Stations. There are good car-parking facilities, and buses pass the door. It is suggested that perhaps members would like to bring their wives, who could spend the afternoon at the theatre and join their husbands for the dinner in the evening.
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EDITORIAL WITH this issue of Steaming we extend our friendship to yet another club that has affiliated to us, namely " The Norfolk Steam Engine Club," the President of which needs no introduction to many of our members, being the Rev. C. R. Stebbing. During the last few months I have received a large number of letters saying that the April issue of Steaming has not been sent to them. I thought therefore a few words describing the plan of distribution would make things easier all round. Steaming is only sent out to paidup members or to non-members who take out an annual subscription. The list of paid-up members is sent to me by the Membership Secretary, so if you don't get' your Steaming first check that you have not overlooked your subscription and write to Mr. Hutchens who will then notify me if a mistake has been made, so that I can- send you your copy and amend my list accordingly. With this issue we include news items from individual members, and
we invite everybody to send in engine movements and items of interest on a postcard so that engine activities from all over the country are recorded in our pages. It is with pleasure that I hear of three new books soon to be published dealing with traction engines. A review of these will appear in these . pages in due course. First, the book by our Chairman, Traction Engines—their Romance and History, to be published in the autumn by A. & C. Black. Secondly, A Century of Traction Engine& by W. J. Hughes, to be published also in the autumn by Percival Marshall and Co. Ltd. Finally, The English Traction Engine, by Ronald H. Clark, to be published by Goose and Son Ltd., of Norwich, in the very near future. These will I am sure be of great interest to all of us, and the support the publishers receive will no doubt influence them with regard to further publications covering our interests.
FROM THE CHAIRMAN (Philip Wright's Column) I MUST apologise to the large number of people to whom I have had to say " No " when they have invited me to attend their Rallies and give a commentary. As you know Saturdays are also popular days for marriages, my population numbers 6,500, and I am single-handed of course. It would therefore be quite impossible for me to attend, quite apart from the expense of long-distance travel. In addition I have several other commitments, viz. the Essex Show Committee work, etc., The London Carthorse Parade Society, and I am still a Territorial Officer and Senior Chaplain to the A.C.F. I can now give some concrete details about my book Traction Engines their Romance and History. Messrs. A. & C. Black hope to bring out the book early autumn. It will cost 21 /, and will have a colour picture of a Fowler Showman's engine on the dust-jacket as well as being the frontispiece. In addition there will be forty photo illustrations and
twenty drawings (the majority of these will be my own pen and ink sketches). It will be the first comprehensive book on the subject to include, Portables, Traction Engines, Rollers and Steam Waggons with a review of the clubs and a glimpse at the future. A month or two ago I made a whilwind tour in my native Suffolk, and called at Messrs. Ransomes' where there is still steam interest ; I found a similar story at Messrs. Garrett's of Leiston, and after a quick , visit to Friston Windmill (one of the very few still working) I came on via Diss to Stanton where I called on Messrs. Tripp, Batt & Co. (formerly Sturgeon Brothers) and discovered a few new replacement parts for Burrell and Fowler engines. I think club members may like to know of this fact. Among my numerous interesting letters is one from Mr. R. Bateman of West Drayton (incidentally he
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managed to get to Appleford). He refers to a big old Fowler which I discovered through Mr. W. Parris' kindness a few years ago in the plant yard at Messrs. W. & C. French of Buckhurst Hill. During the last war Mr. Bateman drove this engine, on stump-pulling along the banks of the River Roding which divides my parish from Greater London ; and on similar work at Wantage, Huntingdon and Wisbech at which latter place she pulled piles out of the River Nene. He says, " She was a wonderful tool of tremendous power, twice it broke the 12 in. rope in steady pulling, and on two occasions broke the holding-down-bolts. She weighs 18 tons, is 10 n.h.p., but 100 indicated h.p., her wheels are 7 ft. by 26 ins., and her outside width is 10 ft. 6 ins. The special rope is 100 yds. long and weighs 10 cwt., with a breaking-strain of 80 tons." This engine was built for overseas and is illustrated in one of my Fowler catalogues. Mr. A. C. Styles, Plant Manager of Messrs. French, will show any interested member this unique engine. Now that the first Charles Burrell has been commemorated, we might think of that great humanitarian and engineer John Fowler. After all, he did establish the permanency of mechanical land cultivation after strenuous resistance from fellow Britishers! Strange to say, it was help from overseas which put him on his feet, even after he had successfully ploughed by steam power in 1849. The construction of the Suez Canal in the 1860's came at a time when Fowler had lost his own large
fortune (and that of his wife) in developing the steam-plough. In 1863 the Khedive of Egypt and Ferdinand de Lesseps requested Fowler to supply mechanical equipment for the canal. Three years later 150 sets of single engine S.P. tackles had been delivered from Leeds and greatly helped in the cutting of the canal. Fowler died when only 32 years of age! Please book the date—Saturday, 29th August—when the Rally takes place at Broadmead Meadow, Woodford, in aid of my own Church Restoration Fund and Organ Fund. I acknowledge with deep gratitude donations towards Rally expenses from Messrs. C. T. Prior, £10 ; W. Parris, £5 ; W. Keeling, £5 and Whitlock Bros., £1. In addition, there have been many kind offers from members to send engines. The site, though smaller than we sometimes have, is flat. Messrs. W. & C. French are supplying water and also lending their adjoining brickyard for car parking. The meadow is served by No. 10 bus, which also links up with Woodford (George Lane) tube station. The Wanstead and Woodford Borough Council are loaning the site, and the Mayor (Councillor G. C. E. Dixon) will open the proceedings at 2 p.m. Congratulations to two club officials on splendid restoration work on their two magnificent old-timers. I refer to Mr. J. Hutchen's Fowler ploughing engine (you must see her paint-work) and John Crawley's sixtyyear-old Thorneycroft steam wagon ; most beautifully restored.
FROM THE SECRETARY FATHER TIME, impartial as ever, has cut out from our ranks another member who had spent almost a lifetime driving steam road locomotives. Committeeman Fred Barker of Welwyn, Herts., died early in May after a longish period of poor health. Many will miss his ready help and advice on traction engine matters, and we all sympathise with his son and widow in their sad loss. The Rector of North Weald in Essex has recently sent a cheque for £50 in appreciation of the part the
club took in the Traction Engine Rally and Fate held on the 30th May to raise funds for restoration of the North Weald churches. In many ways the club does much good work. Copies of the Appleford programme may be obtained from me at 1 /- each post free. Finally we welcome back on to the Committee Charles Durrant in place of J. L. Champion who has had to resign due to domestic upheavals. H. BONNETT
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STEAMING WITH '3489' By JOHN HIRONS
" GEORGE VI," a 6 h.p. Burrell Showman Road Locomotive No. 3489, owned and driven by Jack Wharton and steered by the writer, started 1958 with the usual annual removal of all mud lids, fire bars and washing out the boiler ready for the inspector ; this was followed by the reassembly and general clean-up ready for the Appleford Rally which we went to and, as with all journeys, under her own steam. This Rally, of course, as will be remembered, was filmed by the B.B.C. " Tonight " team.
British Food Fair, the idea being that as the theme was of the fair, the engine was to stand in the main hall as a symbol of by-gone days on the fairground. As it was required for us to draw into Olympia between eight and nine in the morning, it meant spreading this seventy-mile journey over two days, and our original plan was to draw in a car park in Woodlane for the night, leave the caravan and take the engine on to Olympia in the morning. This, however, did not quite work out. We left Witney about 10 a.m., but
Burrell " George VI" en route to the Food Fair at Olympia
We then attended the Northleach Rally which was held in the most appalling weather ; we incidentally won the Beddingfield Trophy for the best maintained engine. This was followed by the Woburn Rally. For those of you who are interested in speed, we actually averaged 16 m.p.h. over eleven miles on this trip. In the middle of August we set forth on a trip to Olympia, where the engine was due to appear at the
after about eighteen miles there was a terrific bang followed by a violent wobble on the caravan. We discovered that the wheel rim had split wide apart. Fortunately some of our friends from Thame came to our rescue, and eventually found another wheel in Oxford and helped us fix it. We had unfortunately lost many valuable hours. Our next stop was Thame (having done about twentyfour miles) for water and a very wel-
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come cup of tea from Mrs. Bob Castle. It was now 5 p.m. and was pouring with rain when we left for High Wycombe. We picked up water there, and pressed on as the light was fading, and eventually made the outskirts of Gerrards Cross by dark where we pulled on a lay-by still twenty-eight miles from Woodlane. At the break of dawn, all set for our dash to London, we had a friendly chat to a speed cop while we waited for enough
(London traffic with a steam engine). Time of arrival, 9 a.m., through the side entrance, round some of the stands that were being erected, up the centre of the main hall, on to its place in front of the Adison Road entrance. During the next two weeks prior to the opening came the task of cleaning the Burrell as she had never been cleaned before. It was a pity she could not be exhibited under steam, but the complications were
hick Wiwi-tun and the Ci ctiy Jung filtrUrt g tri Situ Ppert o. rt Stau70,; light to enable us to continue. Our next stop was for water near Northolt, on up Western Avenue through some of the thickest traffic we had ever experienced with the crowds making their way to work. On arriving at the car park in Woodlane we met opposition from the attendant who told us they did not have showmen there and tried to direct us to Wormwood Scrubs. However, Jack kept the Burrell gently going forward whilst we explained our presence. Having uncoupled the caravan, we set out for Olympia via Shepherds Bush, again another experience which we had not had before
too great to be practicable, so it was decided to wire the canopy lights to the mains. During the exhibition we were overwhelmed with admirers and interested people, among them a member of the British Lion Studios at Shepperton who wanted a showman's engine in a film about to be produced. Arrangements were made to take the engine to Shepperton after the Food Fair. So on the Sunday following the fair we arrived at Olympia to prepare for the trip to Shepperton Studios, but snags arose as to how we could get the engine out. After long arguments and some
STEAMING
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officials looking the other way, it was decided to light her up inside. The smoke was not too bad, but it was noticed that the workers who should have been up in the cat-walks were missing. Steam was raised in about three-quarters of an hour, and with 150 lbs. we manoeuvred out of the building. Great care had to be exercised owing to the cellars. Out once again into the street with the help of a policeman, we then made our way to Woodlane to collect the caravan, take on more water from a hose-pipe and fill up with coal, and at about mid-day all was set, so back through Shepherds Bush for the third time on to Hammersmith Broadway and out for Twickenham, Richmond and a short stop at the local, and on to Sunbury, then Shepperton, arriving about 3 p.m. There the Burrell was sheeted up, a quick wash, and back to London to collect our car and return to Witney. The next stage was the following week-end to take the engine to the film location point into a meadow at Windsor, and this we did. During the following weeks Jack managed on his own, as it mostly involved moving the engine from one position to another for the various fairground shots. There were, however, some shots on the road with the Burrell
pulling a trailer with Jack dressed as Eddie Grey's stand-in who is the engine driver in the film. For those of you who think filming is all fun, it means having steam up by 8 a.m. every day not knowing whether it will be required then, or not at all, but ready to move at a minute's notice. Some scenes are shot as many as ten times before they are porfcctccl , 61V unhitching, turning round, hitching back up, returning to the original position, and starting all over again, and this went on until 11 p.m. some ..J.J.ELLC.t; LLL
:11V
lat,
nights. During this time it rained nearly every day, and there is no need to describe the difficulties of moving an engine on rubbers around on this meadow. The only redeeming feature was that it was not necessary to clean the brass, as the arc lamps reflected on it. Ott the completion of the location
filming we took the engine back to Shepperton for the filming on the silent stage, and once in position it was not necessary to have it moved again until the shooting was finished. The film, incidentally, is called " Clown in Clover," with Shirley Eaton, Michael Holliday and the Crazy Gang. How much of the engine will be seen I do not know, but any way a film with a cast like this will be well worth seeing and is due to be released soon. The next move was to take the Burrell back home, the biggest snag being that it was November and the days very short. However, we arrived at Shepperton on Saturday morning, filled up with coal and water, and had lunch in the canteen while the engine made steam. We eventually set out about 2 p.m. through Staines, Windsor (race day above all days), to Maidenhead, which we just made by dark, where we pulled on to the side to camp. Next morning we were on the road by 7 a.m., picked up water, and headed on through Reading. At Pangbourne we had a short meal and took on water, then to Wallingford, Abingdon, water at Marcham, and so back to Witney. By 4 p.m. we had rubbed the engine over with an oily rag and seen her put safely away. So ended the 1958 season with some VL•11114.4 00. During the winter months every minute of spare time is put in on the never-ending task of renovating this and other engines.
THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Membership 151- per annum. 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.
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FROM THE CLUBS BEDFORDSHIRE Regular monthly meetings continue to be well supported by our members. On 9th May the Society organised a small Rally at Silsoe, near Bedford, in aid of the Silsoe Church Restoration Fund. There were eight engines present and a Showland organ. We were blessed with fine weather and everybody appeared to be enjoying themselves. On 22nd May we held our first Dinner of the Society, there being over ninety members and friends present. The general feeling was that the evening was a great success. The next event to be organised by the Society will be the Parade of Engines through Bedford High Street on Saturday morning, 18th July, which is the second day of the Bedfordshire Agricultural Society's 150th Show. It is unlikely that there will be any ring events other than a parade, but the engines will be in steam all day. Individual members continue to work on their engines, John Dowland is pressing on with his Fowler Traction No. 11357 but still has a lot of work before him and it is unlikely that he will steam her this year. John Crawley's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3610 has now been rerubbered and work is continuing with the removal of rust and old paint prior to painting. The 12 h.p. McLaren Ploughing Engine which he purchased on holiday last year down in Devon has now arrived in Bedford (on a low-loader) and is awaiting its turn for restoration there. Unfortunately there will not be a Woburn Rally this year, and it looks rather doubtful if we shall ever be able to hold another rally there due to the ancient drainage system which suffered last year from the weight of the sixty-four engines parading round the ring. Our President, who is most keen to help us, has promised to try and find us an alternative site within the estate that would be suitable. Recently two Aveling Rollers Nos. 11670 and 12181 were observed on flat trucks at Bedford sidings where they had been shunted due to the breaking of the front fork pivot on 12181 and becoming an insecure load. These rollers were seen passing
through Woburn Sands Station by one of our members who is quite sure that they were all right, so it would appear than somewhere between these two points the damage must have occurred. I.C. NORFOLK The club's Rally took place at Woodton on 6th June, some twentysix engines being present. Proceedings were somewhat dampened by the news of a mishap to the Rev. Stebbings' Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 13422 " Sunshine ". He had just left his home en route for the Rally when the rear axle broke, thus causing the engine to block the road. It then appears that the engine was cut up on the spot as the police were anxious for the road to be cleared with the least possible delay. Mr. Cushing of Thursford has now finished his Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3827 " Victory " which was recently moved to his home yard. During May he had his Burrell Traction Engine No. 4081 " Fearless " and his Centre Engine at a function in Fakenham. NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE AND CHESHIRE Plans for the club's first Rally on 4th July are, at the time of writing, well in hand, although by the time this appears in print the great day will have come and gone. At the moment we have ten engines entered, including the club's Mann Tractor " Tiny Tim," a famous Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3509 " Rajah " (ex Bostock & Wombwells), a Foster Wellington Tractor, five Sentinels and two Fodens, one tractor and one wagon. Members of the Veteran and Vintage Club have been invited to attend, and this should produce a number of interesting vehicles. A full account of the Rally will appear in the next issue of Steaming. S.L.W. REMPSTONE John Beeby has been cultivating with a Single Cylinder Ploughing Engine and one Diesel Conversion on an estate near by. Cyril Grice has also been at work
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Derelict Fowler Ploughing Engine, No. 2861. with his Compounds cultivating near motive) which has been purchased Leicester. from the Hay-on-Wye district. There Henry Challand has sold his Sen- is a lot of work to complete before tinel Wagon and has added to his col- this engine will be ready for the road. lection a 5 h.p. Roller which has The usual tubing job, re-lagging, new recently been seen at work. smoke box flange ring and smoke box Mr. Dorman of Bunny is burning door complete re-paint and all the the midnight oil completing his Bur- minor jobs. Rollers seen at work in this district rell Showman's Engine No. 7612 " Dreadnought " which he hopes to include A./P. No. 14091 on road have ready for the Rally on 11th making at Clyro. A./P. No. 11208 near Llowes, RadJuly. Mr. Stisland of Watnall has bought norshire and a further steamer, numan Aveling & Porter Roller which he ber unknown, has lately been at work near Clifford in Herefordshire hopes will be at the Rally. The usual Carnival and Engine Mr. D. Yarnall of Lincoln has also at Church Stretton, cct. Will thi6 king puiLliaNk.A.1 Stuk.uu. from the Breadon Quarries in Derby- Salop, on August Monday, when we hope to have several engines, a small shire. Mr. Toyne of North Hykeham, display of models and steam railway D.W.S. Lincs. has purchased H. Epton's in operation. Ruston & Proctor Traction Engine. WEALD OF KENT J.B. SALOP AND HEREFORDSHIRE Since the last notes appeared three Fowler Tiger Tractor No. 14406 further engines have passed from has been sold to an enthusiast in the active service into preservation. North of England and is rtow only Clayton & Shuttleworth Single Cylina few miles from her birthplace. The der Traction No. 46823 (new 1914) journey from Shropshire to Yorkshire has been bought by Mr. S. C. Wells of Leigh, near Tonbridge from Mr. was made under her own steam. Garrett Tractor " Everest " has David Barham of Rolvenden on changed hands and has left our com- whose, estate it had provided the power for a sawmill since 1951. pany to be stabled at West Kirby. Replacement engines include Bur- Originally delivered to Terry & Sons rell S.C.C. 2646 (7 h.p. Road Loco- of West Mailing it passed in 1926 to
STEAMING a second owner in the same place and from thence in 1929 to Mr. Wellban, a farmer of Otford, near Sevenoaks, from whom it was purchased by the late Mr. Lambert in 1949. He, in turn, sold it to Mr. Barham in 1951. Restoration is now in progress. Mr. Ernest West of Burgess Hill, Sussex has sold his two Wallis & Steevens Rollers (an oil bath and an Advance). The former has gone to Mr. Sid Drew of Redhill and the latter (No. 8104) to Mr. T. W. Eady of Heathfield. Both these rollers are in first-rate order. Preparations are in full swing for the Paddock Wood Rally on 15th August. Entry forms may be obtained from the Secretary, R. A. Whitehead, 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent. This year the club is following the lead of the National Club and insisting on boiler inspections. Fowler No. 9924 (compound general purpose). owned by the Secretary and his wife, is now completed apart from new lagging. During the past eighteen months it has been fitted with a new smoke box and the gearing has been stripped down and -reconditioned where necessary whilst new slippers have been put into the driving frame. Mr. Malcolm Rostron's Allchin " Royal Chester " has also been undergoing an extensive renovation including many new firebox stays, new tubes and new lagging, together with repainting throughout, and it is hoped it will be finished for the rally. WEST OF ENGLAND For the benefit of intending visitors to the West of England Rally near Camborne who will be travelling by train, the station near the rally field is GWINEAR RoAD—not the unpronouncable name given in the last issue of Steaming ! Those travelling by road will find the route adequately sign-posted by the R.A.C. In addition to a wide variety of engines, fairground enthusiasts will be interested to know that Messrs. Anderton & Rowlands amusements are expected to be present, also Alf Whitelegg's Steam Gallopers complete with Organ and Savage Engine. This is believed to be the only remaining steam-driven ride in regular use, and it attracted a lot of attention at the rally last year and again at the recent Whitsun Fair at Red-
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ruth. The locally owned " Gladiator (Burrell 3159), which will be fifty years old in December, will be operating Anderton & Rowland's fine Organ as usual, and Capt. Dixon's immaculate " Centaur" (Burrell 2894) will again attract many admirers. A very interesting showman's engine making its first appearance will be Dr. W. R. Dyke's Foden " Prospector," recently brought from Yorkshire and now undergoing treatment by the Doctor and Mrs. Dyke. The engine which Dr. Dyke drove to the rally from near Callington last year, " All Shook Up " (Burrell 3034), has been sold to Mr. B. D. Camp in South Devon. The West was well represented at Andover on 9th May when at least thirty people made the long journey to the rally there and spent a very enjoyable afternoon in fine weather. " Andover" seems to be as much a social occasion as a steam engine rally—it is the meeting-place of so many steam " fans " that by the time old friends have been met and new introductions are over, the engine events are also over! One afternoon is not nearly long enough. At the conclusion of the afternoon's events, some of the West of England party visited Michcldcvcr, accompanied by friends from London and elsewhere. A convoy of nine cars proceeded through the narrow lanes to Mr. Hillary's place where two interesting engines, a Burrell and a McLaren wore inspected. Unfortunately, these engines are deteriorating in an open field, and we all hope that their owner can be persuaded to let them go to someone who will restore them before it is too late. Atter spending the night in Andover, some of the party made detours to visit engines on the return journey on the following day. Engines visited included Foden 3384 "Wattle Pollock " at Salisbury, MacLaren 1038 at Fordingbridge (her owner, Mr. Bailey, very kindly had this engine in steam for us when we arrived there), several engines belonging to Mr. I. Hutchens at Ferndown, others belonging to Mr. Harris at Organford, Mr. D. Hunt's "Endurance " at Sherborne and Mr. L. J. Caseley's collection at Trent. It was between two and three o'clock on Monday morning when some of the !party got home —the usual time of return from engine-hunting expeditions. C.P.G.
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CITY OF WORCESTER SHOW Friday and Saturday, August 7th and 8th, 1959 PITCHCROFT (The Racecourse) DISPLAY OF TRACTION ENGINES AND STEAM PROPELLED VEHICLES FRIDAY, 711{ AUGUST, 1959 TRACTION ENGINE RALLY WITH USUAL COMPETITIONS SATURDAY, 8TH AUGUST, 1959 Enquiries to :
T. GRIEVES, Hon. Secretary, 1 HYLTON ROAD, WORCESTER Telephone No.: WORCESTER 5841
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 Tel. 21418 Carlisle
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FROM OUR MEMBERS From Member H. Bluring of Basingstoke comes news that Mr. Hutchens' Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15436 will be at the Basingstoke Carnival on the evening of 9th July. From Member R. Daniels of East Runton, Norfolk comes a press cutting of an advertisement by the East Suffolk Council asking for tenders for: 10 ton Garrett Roller, 1924, Reg. No. BJ9844 (out of service) ; 10 ton Burrell Roller, 1928, Reg. No. RT4058 (out of service) ; 12 ton Ruston & Hornsby Roller, 1919, Reg. No. BJ6603 (out of service) ; 10 ton Burrell Roller, 1924, Reg. No. BJ9516 (in use). News of the subsequent fate of these rollers would be welcome, together with the makers' numbers. From Member K. A. Brooks of Anstey, Leicestershire comes a photograph of the road sign " Steam Engine Water " which is situated on the A50 near the Anstey-Glenfield roundabout and which might be useful to engines attending rallies in this area. He also says that any engines travelling that way can easily get water at Kirby Muxloe, Glenfield, Anstey, Thurcaston, Quorn-row, Barrow-on-Soar and Loughborough. (In 1956 I had need of water from the spot with the " Steam Engine Water " sign and had great trouble in getting sufficient water to lift, although I must admit it was during a very dry time of the year.—ED.) Memher W nowthwaite of Penrith tells us that two of his engines, Aveling Rollers Nos. 11558 and 11064, are both at work for the Cumberland County Council. He also tells us of the Burrell 7 h.p. DCC No. 4053 which he has acquired from near Liverpool, steaming it home some 102 miles which he thoroughly enjoyed. Member H. Green of St. Albans writes to say that on 18th May there were four very well-groomed engines at Needham Market Carnival, being M. Collyer's Tractor No. 33818, G. E. Milligen's Sentinel Wagon No. 9151, R. Pratt's Ransomes Tractor No. 23266 and R. Pumfrey's Ruston & Hornsby No. 113043.
42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent. 24th June, 1959. The Editor, Steaming. Dear Sir, I feel I cannot let " Enthusiast's " letter in your last issue pass without commenting that he appears to be one of those chronic moaners which our race produces in such profusion. What he is doing, of course, is to lay at the door of the steam traction engine all the social injustices of their era and I feel that equally one might have drawn a similarly gloomy picture of conditions in many other occupations (particularly the building trade bedevilled by casual labour). The truth is that many men still in our midst have been with steam forty years and more and refuse to change to anything else. I can introduce lam to three such men, still driving steam rollers, among my own acquaintances. I can also name a sturdy character who removed the canopy from the Fowler which he owned and drove because " it rattled and it was hot in the summer ". These, however, were men. By the way, if " Enthusiast " earned five pounds a week between the wars he was doing very well and getting probably the equivalent of twenty pounds today. During the same period a building tradesman counted himself lucky if he averaged fifty shillings a week the year thrnlush
Yours faithfully, K. A. WHITEHEAD. AFFILIATION TO THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB The Annual Subscription for Affiliation is £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 the Rallies organised by the Club. The journal Steaming will be supplied at a special price of 1 /- per copy, post free, dispatched in bulk to the Secretary of the Affiliated Club.
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STEAMING
THE 1959 ANDOVER RALLY The Rally was opened in perfect summer weather by Lt.-Comdr. Hunt, a well-known member of the Road Locomotive Society. The opening ceremony was performed on the footplate of the magnificent Fowler Plough Engine No. 15436 " Princess Mary," which is owned by Mr. J. Hutchings of Ferndown. With Lt.Comdr. Hunt was Mr. A. Pepper of Messrs. Fowlers of Leeds, who we all know very well. After the opening ceremony the grand parade of all the engines look place, together with the fifty-five veteran and vintage cars. After the parade the usual events were run off for the various classes and types of engines, drivers cooperating in fine style by being ready and waiting at the start. Musical chairs and a tug-of-war and ladies' steering race were amongst some of the events, and several ladies from the crowds surrounding the ropes tried their skill at steering the engines between drums and bales of straw. At least one drum was flattened, and most volunteers found turning the wheel was an energetic business compared with modern cars. Of the fresh entries to this Rally was the Fowler• Plough Engine No. 14712, 14 h.p., owned by Messrs. C. Reeves and P. Quihampton of Mottisfont, Romsey. This engine, to.gether with Wallis & Steevens' Single No. 7115, owned by R. Old of Braishfield, Romsey, were driven to the Rally the day before, arriving late in the evening. The excuse was given that " there were too many refreshment houses and frequent stops were made to lubricate both engines and men ". A pleasant surprise was had early in the afternoon when a six-wheeled Foden Diesel Wagon arrived carrying a well-cared for Foden five-ton Steam Wagon owned by Mr. T. H. Sparrow of Ferndown, Dorset, This wagon was new in 1916, is completely original, and has been restored to almost new condition. This is one of the very few solid-tyred chain drive pivot axle steering Foden wagons left in existence. Mention must be made of several
engines listed in the programme which did not appear: The Garrett Tractor No. 33486 " Queen of Great Britain," owned by Mr. Miller of Bristol ; this was due to a breakdown in the low loader en route. The " Robey Express " Tractor No. 43165, owned by Mr. J. Hutchings of Ferndown, had to be left at its base due to split feed water pipe. The Burrell Single Crank Compand No. 3399, owned by Mr. T. Branch of Winchester, was left along the roadside a few miles from Winchester owing to poor steaming qualities of the coal. The Burrell Showman Engine "Lord Nelson," owned by Mr. C. T. Nichols of Gloucester, was all ready to make the journey but both driver and fireman who had been under the doctor were not really well enough to stand up to such a journey. The Shand Mason Fire Engine owned by Mr. Turner of Parkstone appears to have stolen the show once again, and remarks from spectators were " Why not more Fire Engines? " Another quite novel feature was the 2k in. scale model of a Traction Engine owned by Mr. E. Baughan of Wimbledon ; this was to be seen pulling its trailer, oftimes loaded with small children, about the field. Also on the field was a model Engineering Exhibition by the Andover Model Engineering Society, who run and organise the Rally, and a 31 in. gauge miniature railway by Southampton Model Engineering Society. RESULTS Winners of the events were: Obstacle Races (Gear Tractors)-R. Bailey of Durrington (Garrett). Egg and Spoon Race—M. Loader of Bournemouth (Fowler " Princess "). Musical Chairs—J. Harris of Poole (Fowler " Tiger "). Women's Steering Competition— Miss Harris of Poole (Fowler " Tiger "). Push and Pull—H. Toomer of Durrington (Fowler " Alfred") and A. Napper of Appleford (Fowler " Tommy "). Tug-of-War—H. Toomer (Fowler " Alfred ") beat A. Napper (Fowler G.H. " Tommy ").
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THE 1959 APPLEFORD RALLY
As has now become customary, the club's principal rally of the year was held on Mr. Arthur Napper's farm at Appleford, Berkshire, on the 13th June. Nineteen engines attended and a varied programme was run off during the afternoon. The events were started with a few words from " Mrs. Peggy Archer " of the B.B.C., alias Miss Thelma Rogers, who then completed a lap of honour round the arena with Mr. Napper on his Marshall " Old Timer ".
As Mr. L. Parris and his Burrell Traction No. 4094 were featured in the edition of the magazine Model Engineer dated 11th June, it was arranged that they should show their paces in a lap of honour.
Although Engine Rallies have now been held at Mr. Napper's instigation at Appleford for some years, it fell to the club's Membership Secretary, Mr. Hutchens to be the first to bring a ploughing engine there. It was arranged, therefore, that a demonstraDuring the Grand Parade of all the tion of its power be shown to the engines, the club's Chairman gave public by having its wire rope out to mechanical details about and a haul three " dead " tractions up the resume of the working life of each arena. This it did with comparative engine. Then followed Musical ease, bearing in mind the weight Chaim which was very narrowly won hauled totalled approximately 15 by the Fensom Brothers and their tons ! Garrett Tractor " Patricia". As a possible gimmick to attract the local public, six Pony Gymkhana Three heats with three engines to Events were run off during the aftera heat were then run off in the Ob- noon by the local Pony Club and stacle Steering Contest for Tractions, after the final of these, a Final the heat winners being Nos. 3, 9 and Parade in the area by each engine 19. The final, run off later in the was completed. afternoon, was won by a mere halfThis report would not be complete length by Mr. Upton on his W. & S. " Eileen ' from Mr. Parris on his without a special mention of the Burrell " King George V " at the club's Chairman, who acted throughsecond attempt, the first being judged out the afternoon as commentator, and by the Ring Steward, Mr. Durrant as and Committee men, Mr. Priorwas Mr. Wharton. The former a dead heat. working ceaselessly all day behind the scenes to see that the administraAs there was a preponderance of fractions in the entries, it was decided tive side of the rally proceeded --/bils! the 1pt1,-r dirt of 1_ to Lold a Back•to Mich Cciatc.st with four pairs of engines, each pair being wart work in getting out the printed joined by a 6 ft. length of cord, the programme and posters in good time object being to complete the course bearing in mind the tremendous diffiwithout breaking the cord. The win- culties with which he had to contend ners proved to be Mr. Lawrence and due to the strike in the printing inMr. Grover with the Fowlers, Nos. dustry at the time. Mr. Wharton also arranged that a prize, the book 3 and 15. Chronicles of a Country Works, be Although only three tractors were given to the holder of the lucky numin attendance, they were duly entered bered programme. His daughter, for the Steam Polo. Each steersman Paula, charmingly drew the winning was given a mallet and football, and number and presented the prize to it was his job to keep control of the club member Mr. Lambe. Incidentball to the top of the arena. Once ally, a few copies of the programme again the Fensom Brothers showed are still available and may be obtheir paces by winning from the tained from the Secretary upon his Greywood Central Railway Syn- receipt of 1/, A.J.M. dicate's Garrett "Joyce ".
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STEAMING
HOMEWARD BOUND By D. W. MITCHELL A FINE sunny Saturday in July, 1958 found us at Forton, Lancashire, for our first view of Mr. Pennett's recently acquired Burrell. This proved to be a G.P. 7 N.H.P. S.C.C. No. 3218, built 1910. Originally on springs it is now unsprung front and rear, but with rubbers and a full-length canopy. It was turning over quietly as we drew into the yard, with 50 lbs. on the clock and a brisk fire. After looking the engine over, we were eager to have a trial run and so shunted up and down the yard several times, after which the new licence was affixed, and we turned out into the main road. About two miles were covered and everything seemed to be in reason• able condition ; although the pump was very temperamental. Opportunity was taken to try the waterlift at a nearby stream. Arrangements had now to be made for the journey home, some fifty-five miles to Burley-in-Wharfedale. Many items had to be planned, not the least being coal and water supplies. We had noted water-points at six to seven mile intervals over the entire route, so felt fairly confident on this point. Mr. Ball, the previous owner, kindly offered to light up for us early the following Saturday. July 12th came along, and after an early start we were at Forton by 7.15 a.m. Once again the fire was already lit and the engine well on the way to making steam. Oiling round commenced, at the same time the fire was built up ready for a prompt start. This was not to be however, for as the pressure increased, the gauge glass started blowing at the bottom nut. On tightening this the leak became worse, the washer apparently being perished. The glass was removed after shutting the taps, but these were found to be leaking so badly that it was impossible to fit the new washers. There was nothing else for it but to throw out the fire and await the fall in pressure. The coal had next to be got aboard, so the bunker was filled and then a couple of sacks stacked on top, a further two being tied on to
the footboard. The glass was eventually fitted and steam raised again. On running the engine light the pump could not be persuaded to lift under any circumstances, so it was decided to make a start relying solely on the injector. It was 10.15 a.m. when we drew out of the yard and set our boiler front towards Caton, where we would join the main Morecambe-Keighley road. It was after about two miles that the sound from the pump altered and we found that it had lifted water. On clearing the by-pass however, the gland leaked very badly, all the water being lost on to the footplate. New packing helped very little, the ram being badly worn, so we opened the by-pass and pressed on as before. A rather annoying incident occurred just before our first water stop. Unseen, one of the sacks on the footboard became loose, scattered coal on the road, then finally fell off altogether. Not until it was run over by the rear wheel did we realise that anything was amiss, but on stopping we found the bag well and truly crushed and a trail of coal behind us for about fifty yards. Water was taken without incident, while we ate our sandwiches. Replenished, we were off again, now gaining confidence as both the engine and crew settled down. No difficulty was experienced making steam, in fact the engine steamed very freely throughout the entire journey. On many occasions hills were climbed with the damper almost closed, injector on, yet still with a simmer from the safety valves. After a further fourteen miles the injector packed up, so now we were without both injector and pump. We drew into a side road and found that the delivery cone had worked loose, and dropped into the bottom of the injector. This righted, we were clear of trouble for the remainder of the day, and took water at seven or eight mile intervals. It had apparently been Gala Day at the village of Bentham, as a number of flags and streamers were' still hung across the main street when we rumbled through at 7 o'clock in the evening.
STEAMING The Burrell chimney top just cleared the first of these and " chuffed " them high into the air. The remainder suffered a similar treatment, all finally trailing along the top of the canopy. By lightingup time we were at the bottom of Buckham Brow so it was here that the engine was left for the night. It is now several years since the northward climb of Buckham Brow caused alarm amongst motorists, and even longer since the disabled were assistea by a steam wagon from the nearby lime works. We, however, were travelling southward and faced a more gradual grade, so that by 10.30 a.m. on the Sunday morning we were climbing towards the summit in top gear. The weather was less favourable than the previous day, being very damp and misty. The descent was made cautiously in bottom gear, brakes hard on, firehole door open and with the boiler well filled. At the bottom, water was taken from the famous " Ebbing and Flowing " Well. The roughest section of the journey was now behind us so we were able to continue quietly through Long Preston and Settle before having dinner, eaten this time as we parked alongside a diesel roller. Next stop was at Gargrave, again for water, which now left us about four miles to Skipton where the engine was to be stabled for the night. The roads were now very much busier
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and the weather quite warm and bright. This was not to last, for as we approached Skipton we ran into a very heavy rain shower. We were rather uncomfortable while it lasted, but it helped to clear the normally busy main street, which we negotiated without trouble. It was 5.15 p.m. as we rolled into the yard where the engine was to rest for the night. Monday brought a change in the crew. Mr. A. Mitchell continued with the engine but had a new steersman. Mr. Bennet was to meet them en route. They started away at 12 noon, but it was soon evident that the injector was again going to give trouble, in fact on the tong climb from Skipton the water level could not be maintained. Eventually, a stop had to be made and the injector uncoupled. This time the water inlet was choked solid with old packing, which must have been drawn in from the tank. By now a fair amount of water had been wasted and a fresh supply was required without delay. Luck was in as an " uncharted " stream was found just after leaving Ilkley. As the engine was to be kept at Burley Woodhead, the steepest climb of the journey now lay ahead. With the safety valves blowing and bottom gear engaged, 3218 just cleared the low bridge at the foot of the hill, and then with regulator opened wide it parted the trees as it chuffed up the hill to its new home.
EDITOR'S LAMENT Getting out a news-sheet is no If we print jokes, people say we are silly. If we don't, they say we are too serious. If we clip things from other magazines, we are too lazy to write them ourselves.
If we don't, we are too fond of our own stuff. If we don't print contributions, we don't appreciate true genius. If we do print them, the page is filled with junk. Now, like as not, someone will say we swiped this from some other magazine—we did!
" STEAM PRESERVATION " This is the title of the Journal of the East Anglian Traction Engine Club. Although the first issue was duplicated, it is intended to print subsequent issues. This will be available
to non-members at 7/- per annum or 1/9 per copy, post free, from: S. W. NEVILLE, 57 Landscape View, Saffron Walden, Essex.
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STEAMING
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FOR SALE AND WANTED Atkinson Steam Engine wanted. Any age or condition. Details of whereabouts to : R. A. Whitehead, 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent. Makers' Catalogues, Leaflets and Instruction Books wanted for Collection. Details and price to : J. Crawley, 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. Wantage Steam Tramway Photographs available. G. R. Hawthorne, 5 Abbotswalk, Reading. Steam Engine Literature of any description wanted, also a Club Engine Badge. G. R. Hawthorne, 5 Abbotswalk, Reading. Wanted-32 tubes 2+ in. O.D. For McLaren Ploughing Engine. Length 90 ins. Details and price to: J. Crawley, 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. Wanted—Light Steam Tractor or Traction Engine to replace " Clementine," Mascot of the Royal School of Mines. Good condition on rubbers for use in Central London. Good home guaranteed. Details and price to : R. Basham, Royal School of Mines, London, S.W.7.
Wanted—Maker's Manual for Marshall Traction Engine. Condition and price to: Lloyd Jones Bros., Agricultural Contractors and Engineers, Llanfair D.C., Ruthin. Castings and Drawings for 3 in. scale 6 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Burrell Traction Engine. Please send S.A.E. for list. " Lion " Engineering Co., 81 Linden Gardens, Enfield, Middx. Wanted—Steam Tractor, 4 n.h.p. to 6 n.h.p. 3-Speed preferred but not essential. Details to : W. Dowthwaite, Hutton Grange, Skelton, Penrith. Wanted—Illustrated Catalogues and Booklets of Steam Wagons built by Garrett, Allchin, Foden and Foster. Details and price to : W. Hellyar, " Holmesdale," 82 Kidderminster Road, West Croydon, Surrey. Wanted for Preservation—Mann Steam Tractor. Would be interested in Burrell 3-Speed or Wallis & Steevens Oil Bath Tractor. Condition and price to: C. L. Banham, Runhall, Norwich.
THE WINCHESTER RALLY On 6th June a very successful rally was held at Chilcomb, near Winchester. Some fourteen engines were present and the event was well patronised. A welcome surprise visitor was the Showman Garrett No. 33486 " The Queen of Great Britain " which had made the journey from Bristol on a low-loader. That muchtravelled Foden " Mighty Atom " -.au.. Till. ;,,Lu iivy iu Hth I Lt.) bring in a Garrett No. 33380 for Mr. Napper. This latter engine was not in steam. Before the parade of the engines, judging took place. Three wellknown personalities of " steam " were the judges, these being Messrs. A. C. Napper, L. L. Baker and A. Thain. A magnificent cup, given by Mr. L. L. Baker, with the original Traction Centre Engine of George Baker's engraved on it, went to the G.P. Wallis & Steeven No. 7115 which has been working in the neighbourhood on tree-stump pulling and land clearing. Owned by R. " Boxer " Old of Braishfield, near Romsey, it was originally Smith's of Kings Sombornc
and later went to Hatley's for sawmill work. After the parade the usual rally features were held. In the meantime the three Showman engines, all with lights running from their canopies, were generating, grouped around a very neat organ, a 46 key model, from Hayling Island. This organ, believed to be German, was owned by Mr. anti had been tuned and repainted by Chiappa Ltd. It played remarkably well, and its repertoire of music was excellent. Another attraction for " steam " fans was a fine portable boiler driving two organ engines on either side. A Savage No. 3 Size No. 770 (1900) and a No. 2 Size (built 1885). Shown by two young enthusiasts Messrs. Macey and Rogers of Dorchester, the whole " set-up " packing into a small van. A very well-deserved effort which attracted quite a lot of attention. Unfortunately heavy rain came on just after three o'clock, and this put paid to an otherwise excellent rally. J.A.F.
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HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD.
BY APPOI NTH; NT TO H.M. THE QUEEN
D.M. HOUSE, JESMOND ROAD, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE, 2.
Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., Greyfriars Walk, Bedford
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