Issuu

Nol. 3 No 4

October. 19'9

THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RACT ION ENGINE-CI-14w 1,6

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, ESQ., 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. Secretary : H. BONNETT, ESQ., 24 Torrington Road, Perivale, Greenford, Mdx. Membership Secretary : J. G. HUTCHENS, ESQ., A.31 Café, Trickctts 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.

FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale.—Marshall 7 n.h.p. compound traction 87087. Built 1933. In good condition, and recently in use for threshing and rallies.—E. W. Edney, 33 Portsmouth Road, Horndean, Hants. For Sale. Marshall Class "S" portable engine 85220. Cylinder 10+ in. bore x 14 in. stroke. Was overhauled, tested and painted some years since when it has been sheeted under cover.—James Graven & Sons Ltd., Ford Main Dealers, Ely, Camhs. Telephone: Ely 2209/2602. For Sale.—Wallis & Steevens 7 n.h.p. single cylinder spring mounted G.P. engine 7628. In good condition. Also Allchin 6 n.h.p. S.C. T.E. Fair condition.—Details : J. Jupp, 49 New Road, Ridgewood, Uckfield, Sussex. For Sale.—Burrell low speed pinion. Will the member I spoke to

at Kegworth contact me if he still requires this pinion?—J. Crawley, 51 Putnoe Lane, Bedford. Wanted. The following books: Steam Engine Builders of Norfolk. Steam Engine Builders of Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, and A Century of Engineering.—J. Thomas, 5 The Drive, Rushwick, Worcester. Wanted.—Any photograph of Foden wagon 13848 (Reg. No. RB 3525) whilst in the services of the Derbyshire County Council as a tipper, or R. M. Woolley of Bucknell as a tanker. The works plate is missing, and as this wagon in undergoing restoration its location would be appreciated. Also wanted are one pair of 850 x 160 solid rubber tyres. —J. C. Butler, 83 Judd Road, Tonbridge, Kent.

IMPORTANT Subscriptions for the coming year became due on the 1st September, 1959. These should be sent to the Membership Secretary at the A31 Café, Triekelts Cross, Ferndown,

Dorset, without delay. The list of members to be published in the January issue of Steaming will only contain the names and addresses of paid-up members.

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EDITORIAL As I am writing this Editorial it is difficult to believe that winter is around the corner and that rallies for the year are now coming to an end. In a few weeks' time the Annual General Meeting will take place and this year will be followed by a Club Dinner where we look forward to seeing many of our members both old and new. Upon reflecting over the past season I think it fairly safe to say that 1959 will prove a vintage year. The weather for the most part has given us its support. Many rallies have taken place throughout the country some for the first time,

attendances on the whole have intended to increase, and a considerable number of fresh engines have appeared from out of the blue no doubt at the cost of putting many of our members in the red. (Topical touch!) In addition to this there are three new books on traction engines due to be published this year, reviews of which we will publish at the first opportunity. As a final note, I would like to wish all of our readers my most sincere Christmas Greetings and Good Wishes for 1960. JOHN CRAWLEY.

FROM THE CHAIRMAN (Philip Wright's Column) A VERY sincere thank you to the many who came along and helped in all sorts of ways to make our rally at Woodford Bridge such a financial success for our Church Fabric and Organ Funds. I simply dare not even begin to mention names, but I must say that had it not been for the generosity of you all and for my own church folk's great work we could never have made a " do " of it at all. The long distance so many of you brought engines is something I shall never forget. In spite of it being a built-up area our attendance of 3,615 was not nearly so good as it ought to have been. Blessed with a fine day we made a profit of over £400 and I just cannot express my gratitude. I still have some programmes if anybody would like to send me the cost and postage, and I shall gladly forward copies (special price for a dozen or so). *

Organisers of rallies may like to benefit from my experience as to where certain valuable assets may be obtained. The Morley Service Co., of 8 Kings Road, Reading, for instance, do inexpensive linen posters (I used five of these) which are invaluable for displaying considerably earlier than the paper posters as a preliminary outdoor reminder of the date. The British Legion Poppy Factory, of Richmond, Surrey, stock a selection of official badges with the words

Traction Engine Rally as a border, and from the same source I was able to get tie-on numbers for engines and paddock staking, together with cards on which is printed Admission 2/6 and Ladies and Gentlemen, etc. Bromfield Sports Ltd., of High Street, Steyning, have taken the trouble to cast a nice engine design which they merge on to trophies and to plaques forming a handsome selection as prizes and awards in chrome and other finishes. In my July notes I mentioned calling in at what was formerly Sturgeon Bros. place at Stanton, Suffolk ; here I met Mr. David Wooderson who has since written me. He speaks of his experiences with a steam-ploughing set for the firm when he worked up to sixteen hours per day and often pulled the last bout with the driver holding a shovel-full of fire over the side of the engine for the cultivatorman to steer by! He ends an interesting letter by saying " This business about engines is very strange, twenty years ago I would go anywhere rather than where there was an engine, today we run all over the place to see them ". My scoutmaster Mr. Charles Woolmer tells me that when he was a young lad staying at High Easter in 1929 a man was killed by the wire

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rope breaking on the steam plough. It is too late for me to use this in my book of course, but I think it should be recorded.

* I have recently seen a very dilapidated Wallis & Steevens farm engine by the side of the road between Long Melford and Lavenham, Suffolk. Her steering wheel has gone, and rust and corrosion have been terrible in their effect. Her number is 7497. My annual camp this year was at Shorncliffe, Kent, and I seized the opportunity of looking up the Roberts family at Lydden who own not only some nice engines but some very fine photographs. I also went to see Mr. Fred Pegden, whose collection of fourteen engines is well known. His 1881 Maclaren engine and plough are unique, and I was also very taken with a fine steam fire engine.

At the time of my rally, publicity

was forthcoming from the Evening News, Daily Telegraph, and The Spectator (the latter a humorous account), together with the BBC. As a result I was again flooded with letters, one interesting request being from Messrs. North Brothers, of Grantham, Lincs., who want to purchase a full set of steam ploughing engines and implements for use there. I also heard from Miss Elspeth Maclaren who wanted to know if we still come across specimens of engines designed by her father (Henry Maclaren of the famous Leeds firm). The poor attendances at Woodford and Crystal Palace Rallies seem to indicate clearly that suburbia are not so interested in our hobby as the dwellers in more rural places. My book Traction Engines will definitely be out by 1st November. Enquiries not to myself, please, but to Messrs. A. & C. Black Ltd., Soho Square, London, W.1.

FROM THE SECRETARY As I look back over the past year I must say I feel the Club's activities have been outstandingly successful. Our rallies at Appleford, Woodford Bridge and Crystal Palace were well presented by those who gave their time and talent to organisation or field work. We also owe much to the public for their support at each of these events. What pleases me most is to know the club has a good name, because it is seldom the postman arrives with an " unpleasant " letter and there are so many with well wishes. After the Crystal Palace Rally I was especially pleased to receive expressions of appreciation from visitors. You may also be interested to know that the committee recently agreed to donate £100 to the Cancer Research Fund. Some of you may have noticed the new membership cards are made out for the year to end 31/8/60. This is in accordance with the decision at the last A.G.M. that the Club's year in future should begin on the 1st September for the convenience of our accounts. For two years now you have honoured me with the position of Secretary, but since I think this is a sufficient term of office, I have, rather

reluctantly perhaps, decided to take a break and not to offer myself for reelection at the coming Annual General Meeting. I should like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of members who have written to me at various times with interesting information about traction engines and themselves, not only from Britain, but also from India, Canada and Australia. Thanks again to each and every one of you for the friendship, help and enthusiasm you have given to me, and through me to the Club. 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. H. BONNETT.

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The author driving the late John Honeywood's 1909 Burrell 3112

Coming in November

TRACTION ENGINES by PHILIP WRIGHT The first comprehensive historical account of the Farm Engine, the Road Engine, the Steam Roller and the Steam Wagon by the Chairman of the National Traction Engine Club. With colour frontispiece, 24 photographs and 23 drawings 21s. net ADAM & CHARLES BLACK, 4 SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W.1

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Provisional Publication Date December 1, 1959

A CENTURY OF TRACTION ENGINES BY

W. J. HUGHES Member of the Newcomen Society and of the Road Locomotive Society and the National Traction Engine Club

This tells the vital story of what is probably the most fascinating of all steam engines—the traction engine—and the author has included a unique collection of drawings and photographs to delight the enthusiast. From the early period of experiment, the author pursues an intriguing course through those years of the 19th and early 20th centuries when steam reigned " Lord Paramount alone ". The first of the clan was merely adapted from a portable engine, with a pitch chain to drive one wheel, but its culmination was the proud road locomotive which unaided could move a load of 120 tons. The Boydell system, Bray's " feathering wheels," Lieut. Crompton's epic journey by Thomson road steamer, Fowler, Aveling, Burrell and other makers, special engines for export, showmen's engines, armoured engines, " convertibles," caterpillartracked engines, steam in the defence of Malta—the story of these and many more are between the covers of this book. Royal 8vo. 272 pages. 181 photographs, drawings and reproductions of old prints

30s.

Postage I s. From your bookseller, or the publishers will gladly accept advance orders. In which case please add is. for postage.

PERCIVAL MARSHALL & CO. LTD 19-20 NOEL STREET, LONDON, W.1.

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FROM THE CLUBS EAST ANGLIA Although September usually sees the end of traction engine activities throughout the country the club are extending their licence this year by holding a rally at Great Baddow, nr. Chelmsford, on 3rd October. This is not expected to be a very large affair, but it is hoped that members will be able to have a final outing before the dreaded mothballing sessions again become necessary. The two main events this year, at Stowupland and Stisted, were successful from every point of view, and a few new ideas were put into practice. One of these, involving the rendering to submission of an old Ford car, caused some indignation from some members who must have considered the whole affair rather vulgar, but in spite of this, the great body of spectators expressed nothing but approval. The smaller type of traction engine event is becoming increasingly popular in East Anglia, and members' engines have been seen at numerous fetes, galas and carnivals all over the area. Mr. H. Darby of Sutton has purchased the 8 n.h.p. showman's Burrell " Princess Mary ". This engine had the privilege of being about the last in regular showman's service, and Essex enthusiasts will certainly miss the sight of this grand old lady fighting her losing battle against " progress " to the bitter end. One can be consoled, however, in so far as the " end " is not at all bitter and we can look forward to seeing her re-enacting her part at some future rallies. She was previously owned by Messrs. Presland's, Amusement Caterers, Tilbury. Our district is not yet entirely devoid of working steam engines, and a search around the Bishops StortfordSawbridgeworth area will reveal Messrs. Patten's ploughing engines still in daily service. The effort involved in locating them is well rewarded! Messrs. Keelings of Cray's Hill have been working their engines continuous for the past two or three months, and it is now a common sight to see them on the road. The hard, dry soil is apparently too much for the plough, but the cultivator is dealing with it without trouble. Mr. R. D. Martino has informed me that due to personal reasons he

has decided to sell his Ransome compound No. 41046. The engine has had new firebox sides this year and is in excellent mechanical condition. She was bought for preservation in 1953, and has attended every East Anglian Rally and many others up to this year, when she was under repair. She thus deserves a good home! Our magazine, Steam Preservation, has unfortunately been completely dislocated due to the printers' strike, and we sincerely hope that subscribers will bear with us until we can regain topicality with the issues. This may mean that one issue will have to be discarded altogether, but it will be made up for by an increased size of S.W.N. subsequent editions. BEDFORDSHIRE The activities are now drawing to an end for this year, which has again been very successful for the Bedford Society. Although the Woburn Rally was conspicuous by its absence, we held the first Annual Dinner in May which was well supported and enjoyed by all present. This was followed by a small rally at Silsoe in aid of the local church. On 18th July the Bedfordshire Agricultural Society was celebrating its 150th Show, and we were invited to stage a Parade of Engines straight through Bedford at 11 o'clock on the Saturday morning. This we did, the parade being led by John Crawley's 1900 Thorneycroft wagon, the fireman on this occasion being our President His Grace the Duke of Bedford. (And at no time were we short of steam.—J.C.) Great interest was aroused in the town, although it was expected that many motorists had feelings of a different nature as it was well into the afternoon before the traffic returned to normal. At the Showground the engines stood in steam until 4 o'clock, whereupon a parade was made around the Grand Ring with a suitable commentary being given on each engine present. On August Monday members of the Society co-operated with the organisers of the Hannington Rally near Northampton. As details of this rally are given elsewhere in this issue,

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it is only necessary to say that this rally was very much enjoyed by all of our members. Now as regards engine news : Burrell 4055, a 5 n.h.p. compound traction engine, has changed hands and now belongs to Jack Fensom of Markyate. John Dowland is slowly getting on with the rebuilding of his Fowler traction 11357, but work is necessarily slow as so many pieces were stolen whilst the engine was derelict, and all of these are having to be replaced, which means many miles of searching with the result that much valuable time is lost. John Crawley has re-roofed his Burrell showman's engine William V, No. 3610, which amounts to the total of work carried out during the last three months. After the Bedford Parade on 18th July it was intended to steam the Thorneycroft over to Hannington for the rally on August Monday. A start was duly made, but after a few miles it was obvious that all was not well and we had to abandon ship at Milton Ernest. During the nest two evenings the engine was dismantled, and it was found that the piston rings needed replacing on the high pressure piston and both /ow and high pressure piston valves were badly worn. A new piston was cast, as it was quite impossible to think of making a ring similar to that originally fitted. Four Fordson tractor rings, .0025 over size, were fitted to the new piston, the new valves fitted and the engine re-

assembled. The following Saturday the journey was made to Hannington with no trouble and a terrific improvement on

coal and water consumption. It is hoped that in 1960 the Society will again stage a rally. the location of which will be made known in due

course.

J.C.

NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE AND CHESHIRE Our first rally was highly successful, and competitors and friends visiting Alton for the first time expressed their approval of the rally arrangements and their delight with the surroundings. Perfect weather contributed to an excellent attendance. It is hoped that next year's rally will be a two-day affair, provisionally fixed for 2nd and 3rd July.

In August the club was invited to Church Stretton, where the Salop members had their engines entered in the carnival. Phil Swindlehurst, during a recent holiday in Cornwall, obtained a dynamo for his Burrell showman's engine No. 3509 " Rajah ". Allan Williamson is making steady progress in the overhauling of his Sentinel S.4, being ably assisted by Junior Club members. The Mann tractor No. 1287 has been fitted with new steam and water pipes, new pump vain and fittings. During the coming winter it is intended to re-line her and to replace the old canopy. In November Mr. T. Bridson will be " At Home " to the club at Neston, during which films will be shown of many of this year's rallies. S.L.W. NORTH YORKSHIRE

Phillip Ogden has recently sold his interest in Burrell 4030 " The Dolphin," and this engine now belongs to Mr. Alderson of Staveley, who has recently started work on renovation. Since harvest ended he has had his Foden " Talisman " at work on the farm pulling up hedges and trees, and making small fields into large ones, and she has proved surprisingly economical for this work, averaging less than one stone of coal per hour of work over a period of several days. And speaking of economy, she travelled one hundred miles to the North Hykeham Rally in 10 hours on 31 cwts. of ordinary house coal! A newcomer to the ranks, Mr. Radcliffe of Shipton, near York, took his Fowler compound G.P. engine 14751 which he recently purchased from a farmer near Stokesley. This engine is interesting in that it is still on its original strakes and also that it is mounted on springs, but without the usual Fowler system of coupling hind axle to third shaft—all movement being accommodated in the mesh of the gears. It also has the alternative seven-inch flywheel face. During the past few years the North Riding County Council has been steadily disposing of its steamrollers, and the last two have just been sold to a firm of contractors near Richmond in Yorkshire who intend to use them for further work—they are Aveling 10 ton compound 14068 and Wallis & Steevens 6 ton " Advance " type 7848. This latter is a very

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compact and " bulky " looking roller. chased from R. Tanner of New Mills. This engine is of 5 n.h.p., has Also sold was a large quantity of A. & P. spares, if anyone is interested. three speeds, and was built in 1924. This summer a Foden D type It is in excellent working order, and tractor, number unknown, was pur- only needs new canopy and complete chased by Mr. P. R. Bates of Sunni- re-paint. Church Stretton Carnival and side Farm near Consett, Co. Durham, from Mrs. Hugill of Brompton-on- Engine Meet, held annually in conSwale, Yorkshire, who also owns the junction with Church Stretton Carnival and Sports, turned out to be 6 h.p. Burrell 1426, which is fitted with the early type Burrell spring very successful, attracting some four gear, and is in most beautiful condi- to five thousand people. All steam entries attended, and the tion throughout. At the recent Stokesley Show there list of these was as follows : Sentinel standard wagon " Shrewswere two engines to be seen in steam —Robey tractor 33957 and a small bury Belle," owned by Mr. S. Wedge2+ h.p. Ruston Hornsby portable wood of Stoke-on-Trent and driven engine, which used to belong to Mr. by Mr. Howie. Ruston tractor of 1918, driven by Bushell of Fakenham, near Norfolk. At a sale of threshing tackle last its owner Mr. W. Griffiths of Much July at Lazenby, near Middles- Wenlock. Foden steam tractor 13832 " Cymru borough, a 8 h.p. 3 speed Fowler 15462 was sold by auction for £240 am Byth," owned by Messrs. Bishop plus commission! The new owner, of Burley and driven by Mr. Les Mr. Connor, is a farmer near Brid- Bishop. Clayton tractor " Apollo," owned lington. The Great Yorkshire Traction and driven by M. Salmon of LlanEngine Committee held its Second drindod Wells. Garrett tractor " Countess," owned Annual Rally, this time at Castle Howard, Malton, one of Yorkshire's by Messrs. Bishop of Burley and stately homes, and was blessed with driven by Mr. P. Bishop. Sentinel tar sprayer, owned by R. excellent weather. Twenty-six engines attended, together with the Limonaire M. Woolley of Bucknell and driven by Mr. E. Procter. organ of Mr. Hood of Brandsby. Fowler road locomotive 15787, SHROPSHIRE owned and driven by R. Phillips of Burrell gold medal tractor No. 3786 Leebotwood. Ruston traction engine 52266, (1918) has been purchased by N.T.E.C. member Reg Wheeler of driven by its owner D. W. Smith of Church Stretton. This engine, late of Church Stretton. The engines took part in the proBeach's Amusements, was last owned by R. Willcox of Stonehouse, Glos. cession through the town, which was The engine is in very fair order, packed with visitors for the occasion. needing the usual re-tubing, new The route was approximately threesmoke-box, re-lagging and complete quarters of a mile, and terminated on re-paint. The Burrell was low- the carnival ground where the prizes loaded as far as Ludlow, from where were presented, judging having been she was propelled to her new home completed earlier. Tankards were presented to the at Burley by Ruston T.E. 52266. This was a round trip of some ten three best turned out engines, these miles, which was completed without being : lst—Garrett " Countess," owned by incident, and the arrival at Burley was during the hours of daylight. Messrs. Bishops of Burley. 2nd—Ruston 52266, owned by D. Most unusual! Restoration has already commenced, W. Smith. 3rd—Clayton " Apollo," owned by the re-tubing and new smoke-box having priority, after which will fol- M. Salmon. The rest of the afternoon was taken low the hundreds of small jobs that have to be tackled before the job is up by the usual carnival activities, the engines taking part in obstacle completed. Another new arrival in the district races and musical chairs. A good display of models was on is Fowler road locomotive No. 15787. This is owned by Mr. R. Phillips of view, some in steam, and attended by Leebotwood, Salop., and was pur- E. Langford and G. Lee both of

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Shrewsbury. The Talyllyn Railway Society brought along their publicity stand, and a miniature railway operated by Mr. Len Whittal of Shrewsbury did tremendous business throughout the afternoon. D.W.S. WEALD OF KENT Steam activities in the club's area continue to expand. Mr. Martin K. Turk of Bearsted, near Maidstone, has acquired Allchin general purpose engine 1415 (built 1906) from Dr. Green of Bexhill. After nearly a year of hard work he put the engine into good order and had it passed by the boiler inspector. This is a former Hobden engine from Chorley, and its last commercial employment was during the period of Dr. Green's ownership when it was working on loan to a demolition contractor pulling down an old R.A.F. camp. The Horsmonden stud has been further augmented by the addition of Wallis & Steevens 4 ton roller 7740, which Mr. D. Eastwood has recently purchased from Mr. E. L. Wicks. This roller was built in 1924. Whilst on the subject of Horsmonden, mention must be made of the very fine job made by Mr. C. M. Rostron and his collaborators in restoring his Allchin " Royal Chester " 3251 which is kept there. A number of (presumably) thoughtless people have commented unfavourably upon the fact that the motion is painted and not burnished, but I can assure them that this is not permanent and that there is a limit to the amount of time that even an enthusiast can devote to restoration work in a year. Mr. Brian Pitts of Horley has made further progress in the restoration of his Burrell 3657, but as he is a farmer this work has had to take second place this summer to his farming. He expects, however, to have it on the road next year. The Fowler Russian tune 14925 (of 1918) bought at Mr. Lambert's sale in 1955 by Mr. Frank Hall of Biddenden after a spell on loan to a treefelling contractor at Maidstone, has now been taken over by Mr. John Sparks of Outwood near Redhill, Surrey, who carries out land clearance and the engine is now at work stumppulling. The old Aveling road locomotive 4561 (of 1900) named " Jimmy," formerly owned by Mrs. Lambert and kept at Horsmonden, has not wan-

dered as far afield as was at first imagined. It has in fact gone no further than John Sparks establishment where it is now a stable mate to the Russian type Fowler. Mr. Cushing has, instead, taken to Norfolk a three-speed Aveling which Mr. Sparks formerly used for stumppulling.' " Jimmy " is under repair involving re-tubing and extensive plating up of the smoke-box which is in a bad way. The mishap at the club rally involving a minor collision between two rollers was reported with gusto by the local press and reached the colums of the Times, but the results were not nearly so spectacular as the reports suggested. Arnold and Nathan's Aveling Barford 14187 suffered only fractured chain guides, since repaired by plating, whilst Mr. Eastwood's Armstrong Whitworth 10R35 had a piece knocked out of the front of the forecarriage head by the sudden jolt forward of the forecarriage slider block. However, a well-known firm of welders have undertaken to make a repair and have expressed the opinion that it will be perfectly satisfactory, so when the present season of roadwork is over it is intended to have the repair executed. The engine, incidentally, went home on its own rolls after a temporary repair. A number of people have asked me for copies of the programme for the Paddock Wood Rally. There are still some to spare, and if those interested would care to send me threepence in stamps and a stamped-addressed envelope I shall be glad to forward them a copy—my address is 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent. There are also a few posters for previous rallies which may be had for the asking (and a stamped-addressed R.A.W. envelope). WEST OF ENGLAND July 18th dawned fine and sunny, and a very large crowd assembled in the afternoon. Traction engine enthusiasts came from all parts of the country, but many of the people present had no interest whatever in the engines—they came to see Chris Gittins, better known as " Walter Gabriel " of " The Archers ". Unfortunately Mr. Gittins, who had arrived at Camborne on the 17th, suffered a heart attack and was un-

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STEAMING able to be present at the rally. The great disappointment of those who had travelled to the rally especially to meet one of their radio favouritet was largely offset by the interest they found unexpectedly in the engines themselves. This was due to the extremely interesting commentary given by our Chairman Mr. J. H. Trounson, and relayed by twenty-eight efficient loudspeakers. An account of the rally appears elsewhere. Mr. Gittins is making good progress and will be heard again in " The Archers " early in October. On August Bank Holiday a village fête was held at Coads Green, near Launceston, and among the varied attractions were Foden 2104 " Prospector," owned by Dr. W. R. Dyke ; Aveling & Porter 9096 " Jubilee," owned by Messrs. R. Dingle and Sons ; and a compound Marshall 18024 " Cressing Temple" (TA 629, built 1901), owned by G. R. Gillbard of Callington. Among the models were S. W. Pearse's two fine engines, in steam, a fascinating and silent hot air engine powered by a primus stove, and other exhibits which attracted a lot of attention. After the day's main events the engines paraded the ring and were instrumental in collecting an appreciable amount for the object of the fête—a village hall. On 22nd August seven engines participated in Southgate Carnival at Redruth. Although two of them arrived too late to take part in the procession through the main part of the town they joined in later, and all seven steamed in line up the Falmouth Road to the dispersal point making an impressive sight for the spectators, many of whom were heard to remark that the parade of these veterans was the highlight of the carnival. The engines taking part were: Burrell " Millenium King," Fowler roller 21833, Marshall 62121 " The Whale," Robey tractor 41493 " Little Glutton," Garrett tractor 34789 " Queenie," A. & P. roller 5541 " Bo Peep " and McLaren 547. " The Gladiator," Burrell 3159, was operating with Messrs. Anderton and Rowlands organ at Falmouth and was unable to take part in the carnival, but as a result of her visit to Falmouth well over £100 was collected for the Cheshire Homes at Marazion. Later, " The Gladiator " and organ went to Perranporth where a further sum was raised.

Another engine, Burrell 3455 " Semper Fidelis " will soon be going to Hayle, where Messrs. Collinson and Clark will, no doubt, continue the restoration work started by Mr. J. Warren, her former owner. Mr. Warren has now bought from Mr. Hambly a most interesting little 4 n.h.p. Fowler, and steamed her home to Redruth from Callington at the end of August. In spite of a badly leaking tank, Mr. Warren's helpers were able to keep it replenished at very frequent intervals by means of a car and trailer and several churns. The Fowler's number is 7942, registration TA 626, built 1899 mainly of parts surplus to a German export order, and therefore a rare if not unique specimen of this make. During the evening of 5th September several members of our Society and some friends met at Messrs. Holman Bros. works cinema at Camborne, where we enjoyed seeing over one hundred excellent slides and listening to the descriptions of and anecdotes concerning the many engines depicted. All the pictures were photographed by Mr. John Crawley during the past year, and we are very grateful to him for giving us such an interesting show. C.P.G.

WORCESTER RALLY EIGHTEEN engines were present this year including two crane engines. The

Fnwlar " 'Mika of Vn.le "

scarlet, has a jib about 30 ft. long, and must be a most unwieldy vehicle to drive on the road. These two machines, coupled back-to-back, were wound up the field on the hawser by " Little Mary," a 52-year-old Fowler which gave admirable performances during the afternoon. So, too, did " Lord Burrell," a Burrell tractor which demonstrated the high turns of speed for which this type are well known, fairly vanquishing both the Garretts and the Aveling. Apart from the Showmen, in their usual splendour, the superb turn-out of " Olive," the Garrett traction, was a source of much admiration. The Sentinel tractor, though built as late as 1936, has the type of cab fitted to a " D.G." type wagon set well back on the chassis and a mechanical lubricator prominently displayed on the off side. J.L.C.

STEAMING

CRYSTAL PALACE RALLY, 1959 THE site of the historical Crystal Palace was the venue placed at the club's disposal by the London County Council for the last Club Rally this season. Thirteen engines took part in the various events run off during the afternoon of the 19th September before a crowd of approximately 2,500. The afternoon's proceedings were started with Sir Isaac Hayward and Mr. Reginald Stamp of the L.C.C. riding a lap of honour round the arena on Messrs. Boughton's fine Fowler ploughing engine 15408, after which a Grand Parade of all the entries was held. As a change, this was in engine size order with 3-ton and 5-ton tractors leading from the wagons, traction, 15-ton roller and showmen's road locos. During this event four very fine models were steaming around the arena towing their respective proud owners on small trailers. Five heats, in the various classes, were run off in the Obstacle Steering contest with the wagons of J. Keeley, Sentinel 9276, and Messrs. Boughton, Foden 13138 showing how quickly and easily they could complete the course compared with the road locos. of J. Wharton, Burrell 3489, and Messrs. James and Crockerell, Burrell 3887. With the aid of Boughton's plougher, a demonstration was given using the wire rope, to move A. C. Napper's Marshall traction 37690 and S. Mills' Foden tractor 13068, and once again Musical Chairs proved to

be a most entertaining event for the spectators with all the entries taking part. The eventual worthy winner was Burrell 3887. An event specially designed for the two rollers present, Croydon Corporation's 15-ton Aveling of 1886 and Messrs. Parr-Head and Clements Knowling's Wallis " Simplicity," was to flatten the old oil drums that had been used as obstacles, the Aveling to flatten three to every one by the little Wallis. The Aveling duly performed to the crowd's great delight! Finally, a Cavalry Parade with all the engines proceeding down the arena in line abreast, was run off with each one then coming round to the dais where Mr. Reginald Stamp very kindly and fittingly presented a small plaque to each engine driver. A great deal of work was put in by various members of the club's committee over the past months towards the success of the rally, particularly the Secretary, Harold Bonnett and Eric Fillmore, whilst seven owners steamed their engines considerable distances to attend, e.g. Jack Wharton who obtained a Metropolitan Police permit to travel through the City of London, the first engine permit that had been issued for approximately twenty years. I would also take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable help given throughout the afternoon by Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Whitehead, of the Weald of Kent Club, who acted as the A.J.M. Paddock Marshalls.

NORTHLEACH RALLY, 1959 THE Fourth Annual Northleach Rally was held at Upper End Farm, Northleach, on Saturday, 11th July, 1959, and as usual on a Northleach Rally morning the rains swept across the Cotswold escarpment and the outlook did not look at all promising. However, the rains cleared, the sun came out and everything was perfect for a display of the ancient iron monsters of the past, and what a sight it must have been for motorists on the busy A.40 S. Wales-London trunk road to look up on the hill and see smoke belching forth from all

variety of traction engines perched up on top of the hill. The rally was officially opened by Mr. W. H. Limbrick, O.B.E., Chairman of the Northleach R.D.C., and the commentator was none other than the Rev. Philip Wright, M.B.E., who was visiting Northleach and the Cotswolds again after some twenty-seven years' absence. Ten engines were present and various ring events took place after the grand parade, but one which was rather unique was the Special Ladies' Steering Race between :

STEAMING

Fowler Ploughing Engine of 1886 owned by Messrs. Beeby Bros. seen working at this year's Rempstone Rally.

Colin Stubley's Allchin No. 1527, built in 1911, seen here at the

Stisted Rally.

STEAMING

Miss Carol Hannis, the Cirencester Carnival Queen of 1959, on " Lord Nelson ". Miss Patricia Short, the Cirencester Carnival Queen of 1958, on " Queen of Great Britain ". Miss Ann Adams, the Rally Secretary, on " King George VI ". The event was won by Miss Ann Adams steering the very fast " King George VI," with Miss Patricia Short second on the slower " Queen of Great Britain" and Miss Carol Hannis third on " Lord Nelson ".

An unusual feature this year was the stationing of " King George VI " and " Lord Nelson " in the Northleach market place during the previous evening. Northleach market place was packed, and a team of Morris dancers also appeared to liven things up and the whole market place was a magnificent sight when " Lord Nelson " and " King George VI " put on their many lights. The attendance at the actual rally was well over 2,000. G.J.G.

CAMBOURNE RALLY, 1959 year's Camborne Rally, which was held on the 18th July, was a notable one in many respects. In striking contrast to last year, the weather was gloriously fine and the rally was held at a new site, a magnificent 23 acre field near Gwinear Road railway station. A vast and highly enthusiastic crowd poured in by road, rail and foot, and severely taxed the organisers' traffic arrangements. However, thanks to the parking space provided for cars in the main and auxiliary fields there was ample room and a most enjoyable day was had by all. The rally attracted an entry of thirty-five, but for a variety of reasons six engines were unable to turn up. However, those that did arrive was a most interesting selection and included some very rare types. Many newcomers were in evidence, including some that had never appeared at any rally before. Some of these were beautifully turned out, indeed the general standard of maintenance was commendably high. Amongst the technically more interesting engines were the following : McLaren 547, a 6 h.p. S.C. traction built in 1894. This was one of the first four-shaft engines of the make, and was driven under her own steam from Oxfordshire to Cornwall last year ; owned by Mr. C. P. Gregory, President of the West of England Steam Engine Society (which organises the Camborne Rallies). Mr. Gregory's daughter, Miss P. E. D. Gregory, exhibited another most interesting engine, a diminutive Aveling & Porter roller 5541 " Bo Peep," which was built in 1904 as a 3 h.p. S.C. tractor and later converted to a roller. In striking contrast to the THIS

foregoing was Dr. W. R. Dyke's 7 h.p. Foden showman 2104 " Prospector," built in 1910. This engine, which has 8 h.p. cylinders, is believed to be the only surviving showman of the make. Another engine of a type now almost extinct was Mr. M. B. Smart's compound Robey tractor 41493, built 1924. Mention must also be made of G. S. Corkran's very special 5 h.p. D.C.C. Burrell traction 4019 " Britannia," built 1925, and Mr. C. H. Parsons' Burrell of similar size 3816 " Cornish Maid," built in 1919 ; the last named having an especially long boiler and connecting rods. A feature of the Camborne Rallies is the mass advance, in line abreast, of all the engines at the conclusion of the Grand Parade. This most impressive manoeuvre was again repeated this year before the various events commenced. During the afternoon music was provided by " The Gladiator " driving the famous Anderton and Rowland grand organ ; a demonstration was given of threshing by steam ; a model railway gave rides to children of all ages ; Messrs. Anderton and Rowland's fair provided amusements, and a great display of trade stands catered for every taste. The growing popularity of the Camborne Rallies is demonstrated by some of the extremely lengthy journeys that were undertaken by engine owners this year. Two of the most meritorious were Messrs. Stafford's trip from one end of England to the other in steaming their magnificent Sentinel tractor from Co. Durham, and the journey of over 300 miles from Sussex undertaken by Messrs. G. S. Corkran and J. Hampshire on a two-speed Burrell traction. J.T.

STEAMING

PADDOCK WOOD RALLY, 1959 THE organisers were fortunate in having a fine Saturday after one of the few unsettled weeks in this splendid summer. The attendance was twenty-four engines compared with twenty-eight last year, the absentees being Mr. R. Wickham's Aveling roller kept away by a damaged rear roll being under repair; Mr. N. A. Nicholls' S.4 Sentinel, absent as a result of its owner having spent several weeks away from home with the consequence that he was unable to prepare it for the boiler inspector; Mr. Keeley's 5.4 unable to be present because its owner was taken elsewhere by business ; Messrs. S. and J. Drew's Wallis roller and Mr. F. Greasley's Marshall traction engine kept away by pressure of work on their respective owners ; whilst Marshall 66001 owned by Mr. V. Dunnett and Fowler 9924 owned by the Secretary both set out but developed minor troubles which prevented their arrival. Having dealt with the absentees it is now pleasant to record those that did arrive. Mr. Frank Gabb's beautifully restored Ruston & Procter 36828 (of 1907) stood alongside Mr. Giles Corkran's Burrell " Britannia " 4019 (of 1925), veteran of his monumental trip to Camborne, whilst next to this

again stood Mr. John Butler's Foden wagon 13848 buit in 1931 appearing for the first time at a rally and still in the midst of restoration This wagon was new to Derbyshire County Council. Continuing along the line, Mr. Ted Shirras' Davey Paxman " Drumtochtv " 19412 (of 1919) was next to Mr. Malcolm Roston's newly restored Allchin " Royal Chester " 3251 (new in 1925), with Mr. Jimmy Jupp's much travelled Aveling tractor " Lorna " on its left. " Lorna " was new in 1928 (Works No. 11997). After a gap there was Messrs. H. Woodham & Son's Advance roller 8016 (of 1926) still in commercial use,

the winner of the elegance in the commercial class, and brought thirtyfive miles to the rally under its own Dower, flanked by Mr. David Harding's Marshall 59435 (of 1912). There followed a group of six all owned and entered by Mr. D. Eastwood of Horsmonden: Aveling tractor 9170 (of 1921) ; Foden tractor 12370 (of 1926) ; Fowler road loco-

motive 9456 (of 1902) ; Burrel showman's engine 3285 (of 1911) ; Aveling tractor 6093 (of 1906) and Garrett portable 35426 (of 1930). Next to these were two Foden's (road loco-

motive 4752 (of 1914) and tractor 13266 (of 1929)) the property respectively of Mr. John Young and his son John both well kept and the big

engine last year's elegance winner, with next to them Mr. Michael Pink's Clayton 36336 (of 1904) winner of this year's elegance competition. Following this came another

commercial entry Arnold & Nathan's Aveling Barford roller 14187 (of 1937) ex Haslemere Urban District Council next to Allchin 1415 (of 1906) owned by Mr. Martin Turk. Messrs. T. T. Boughton & Son's Foden wagon, well known all round the

South of England, occupied the next place, while the last three places were

filled by another Eastwood trio, Wallis roller 7740, a 4-tonner built in 1926, Garrett roller 34461, a converted tractor built in 1924, and Armstrong Whitworth roller 10R35 (of 1923). A Shand Mason steam fire

engine was sent by the Kent Fire

Brigade, but owing to an insurance difficulty it could not be steamed. It was, however, exhibited on the field with two firemen in attendance well versed in its history who spent most

of the afternoon answering spectators' questions. The /law urac marrerl hy a rn11;c;nr.

between Arnold & Nathan's Aveling and Mr. Eastwood's Armstrong However, no one was hurt, but some

damage was done to the chain guides of the Aveling and the fore-carriage head of the Armstrong. Both, however, left the ground the following day on their own rolls, the Aveling under its own steam and the Armstrong being towed. As noted elsewhere, both are to be repaired. Needless to say the event received con-

siderable publicity in the local press as a result of this accident, the most lurid account being written by a re-

porter who was not even present. It is only fair to say, however, that other accounts were reasonably fair and

factual. One reporter became so interested in engines that he rode back to Horsmonden on " Royal Chester," receiving on the way a lesson in engine driving.

R.A.W.

STEAMING

WOODFORD RALLY, 1959 THE many willing helpers from the Chairman's parish and from the club resulted in a very happy and successful rally at Woodford on 29th August. Nearly 4,000 spectators attended and, as a result, a useful sum was raised for the restoration work needed to be completed at the Chairman's lovely little church of St. Paul, Woodford Bridge. The afternoon's events were started by the Mayor of Wanstead and Woodford, who thoroughly enjoyed his lap of honour round the arena steering Jim Hutchens' fine 16 h.p. Fowler plougher 15436 " Princess Mary ". A Grand Parade of all the sixteen engines opened the proceedings and this was followed by two heats of the obstacle steering event for the tractions. In the subsequent final of this event, George Matthews drove his W. & S. 7296 " Panther " to victory. The one heat in this event for tractors was won by George Swann driving Taylor Bros.' A. & P. 7898 Margaret ". In view of the presence of " Princess Mary," the ring stewards, Chas. Durrant and the writer couldn't resist putting on a demonstration of power. Two pulls were arranged, the first with three " dead " tractions and the second with four, a total weight in excess of 50 tons! This second pull was made with no fuss at all on the

part of " Princess Mary " to the great delight and applause of the crowd. A Beer-in-the-bucket contest followed with heats for the tractions and tractors. Again George Matthews and " Panther " showed their capabilities, whilst Albert Fensom and the Garrett 33991 " Patricia " did likewise with the tractors. The two wagons that attended were not forgotten, they showed their paces to the crowd. In each of the two events in which they competed, Mr. Keeley's Sentinel S.4 just managed to beat Messrs. Boughton's Foden 6tonner. Musical chairs proved once again to be a very popular event with the drivers and spectators, and was very narrowly won by Mr. Keeley's Sentinel. The final event of the afternoon, a cavalry charge, consisted of a dozen engines advancing up the arena in line abreast, and at the top turning off one at a time to pass the dais where our Chairman's wife charmingly presented each driver with an engraved plaque as a memento, and in appreciation for coming to the rally ; in several instances, a considerable distance, e.g. Jim Hutchens from Ferndown, Dorset, and Jack Wharton and crew who had steamed Burrell 3489 " King George VI " from Witney, Oxon. A.J.M.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor of Steaming. Dear Sir, Will you please give me a little space in the next issue of Steaming to reply to Mr. Whitehead's criticism of my letter published in the April issue which I signed " Enthusiast ". I do not mind criticism as long as it's fair and made without personal remarks. What I do object to is a person like Mr. Whitehead making an addition to my letter out of his own imagination. I would like him to read my letter again then he will see I made no statement about wages after 1914 yet he states I was getting £5 a week. If he or anyone else is interested, after the 1914-18 war it

was very hard to get a job, drivers both steam and I.C. had been taught by the army in thousands. At last I found a job driving a 8 h.p. road loco. every day, load 30-40 tons, wages £3 5s. Od. Wages only varied a little until the second world war was well advanced, then we in the road haulage were awarded £4 12s. 6d., afterwards increased to £4 16s. 6d., and I believe it was Is. 8+d. an hour overtime. Where does £5 a week between the wars come in? Mr. Whitehead, I see, admires MEN, now be one yourself and admit your mistake. Yours, " ENTHUSIAST."

STEAMING

NEWS FLASHES J. N. Walton of Kirk Michael, Isle of Man, writes to say that there are a number of rollers, portables and traction engines for sale on the island which will be scrapped unless purchasers can be found. Among the most interesting is a German compound traction engine which, although not in working condition, is in a very clean state. It is thought that this engine could be bought for £15. Transport to Liverpool would cost £8 3s. 7d. per ton, plus 2s. 6d. per ton " dues ". If anybody is interested they should contact Mr. Walton at the above address without delay, they can be assured of his full help, the purchaser to make his own arrangements from Liverpool. C. Edmonds of Owlswick writes to say that Aveling compound roller 12020 is at work on the B.488 near Stoke Hammond, and that it is to be offered for sale by tender in approximately six months. H. Bluring of Basingstoke tells us that lie spent a very pleasant day at

From our Chairman comes news that Mr. A. G. Wallis of Albridgc has just sold his Wallis & Steevens 7155, built 1910, to P. Mason of Wickham Market, Suffolk.

Belgrave, Llandrindod Wells, Rads. 1 1 th September, 1959. To the Editor of Steaming. ENGINES IN LONDON EXHIBITION 11A U.S. Dear Sir, The very interesting account in your recent issue of Mr. Wharton's troubles at Olympia prompt me to recall what may well have been the last previous occasion on which an engine entered one of the big London halls, albeit as long ago as 1939. I was back-boy with W. Beach's Burrel " Conqueror " and three empty trucks, and we went to fetch the Gallopers home from what proved to be the last " Worlds Fair " held at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. The engine and trucks were admitted to the hall as a matter of course, and after shunting, the engine stood quietly on one side while we pulled down the ride. When we had done, I went with dear old Bill Stevens to open her fire and I re-

member quite plainly him saying that we were " not supposed " to make too much smoke in the hall, but it was patently more a matter of common sense and courtesy than regulations. The old engine (she was over curly years oid then) duiy left the hail with three loads of ride and had been " flashed up" sufficiently inside the hall that we did not have to stop for steam once on the road. She was the only engine I saw there that year, possibly because it was January and most firms had only one tractor taxed, but at least engines did work as a matter of course into the hall right up to the last fair there. The ride was also steam driven, and had a huge flue supplied by the hall fitters extending from its chimney right up to a hole in the roof of the hall. We removed the ride from beneath this and left it dangling from the roof on wires. Thuswise is excitement caused by what was commonplace twenty years ago! Yours truly, W. MICHAEL SALMON.

Downton Carnival on August Monday where there were eight engines taking part in the proceedings. From Ian Fraser of Arbroath comes the good news that he has succeeded with his appeal against the Town Council's decision not to allow him to build an engine shed alongside the new house that he is having built. From P. A. Mathieson of Cheltenham comes news that Aveling & Porter roller 11236, Reg. No. NX 8887, built 1925, and owned by the Warwickshire County Council, was at work at Edgehill during September. Two other rollers seen at work were the Fowler belonging to Banbury Corporation seen near Chipping Norton and another make not mentioned on the new by-pass at Kidlington, Oxford.

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