Issuu

Vol. 4 No. 3 July, 1960

THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB 16

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NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB

Chairman: THE REVD. PHILIP WRIGHT, M.B.E., Hon.C.F. The Vicarage, Woodford Bridge, Essex. Vice-Chairman and Editor: J. CRAWLEY, ESQ., Field House, Turvey, Beds. Secretary

E A. FILLMORE, ESQ., 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow, Middlesex. Membership Secretary (including Ties and Badges): J. G. HUTCHENS, ESQ., A.31 Café, Tricketts Cross, Ferndown, Dorset. Treasurer:

E. W. EDNEY, ESQ., 33 Portsmouth Road, Horndean, Hants. Boiler Records Officer: J. BoNsER, EsQ., 14 Broomhill Road, Woodford Green, Essex.

MFM_RFRCTTTP (IF TT-TF NATT(INAT 'FRAC-MIN FNC;INF 1111 IS OPEN TO ALL PERSONS WITH A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE PRESERVATION AND OPERATION OF AGRICULTURAL, ROAD AND PORTABLE STEAM ENGINES. OWNERSHIP OF AN ENGINE IS NOT ESSENTIAL. SUBSCRIPTION 15s. PER ANNUM, WHICH INCLUDES THE CLUB JOURNAL STEAMING AS PUBLISHED, AND FREE ADMITTANCE TO RALLIES ORGANISED BY THE N.T.E.C.

1 Ji EVENTS FOR 1960

JULY 16 & 17—Rempstone (Leics.) Rally. 23—Gt. Stukeley (Hunts.) Rally. 23—Kegworth (Derbyshire) Rally. 23—Pulborough (Sussex) Rally. 23—Taunton (Somerset) Rally. 30—Woburn Arrival Day. 31—Woburn Demonstration Day.

AUGUST 1—Woburn Park (Beds.) Rally. 1—Church Stretton (Salop.) Rally. 20—Penshurst (Kent) Rally. SEPTEMBER 3—Gt. or Lt. Baddow (Essex) Rally. OCTOBER 15—National Club A.G.M. & Dinner.

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EDITORIAL REPORTS from rally organisers are

now coming in and it would appear that with very few exceptions the attendance figures are still increasing partly due no doubt to the fine weather which attracts people to all forms of outdoor entertainment. A word of warning, perhaps, would not be out of place, but it is quite obvious to anyone that if the number of rallies continues to increase then the attendances will reach the point where a decline will set in, and as so many rally organisers know only too well and in some cases to their cost it is essential to have the public support, otherwise the expenses of staging even a small rally becomes financially difficult. The various clubs and societies up and down the country should get together, decide upon the number of events to be run, and plan the locations in such a way that they do not cut across each other. Only a very few years ago, when serving on a fete committee, I well remember the horror on the faces of my fellows when I offered to bring

along my Showman's engine " Kitchener " to make light and to be of general use apart from it being an added attraction. " Oh, but you can't have that smelly thing here, it would not be in keeping with this event and in any case the horses would not put up with it." You can therefore imagine my disgust when recently asked to organise a Traction Engine Rally in conjunction with a Gymkhana. These people, like so many others, now want to jump on the band wagon, but let us be careful or it might be that in the not too distant future our posters will read Traction Engine Rally and Stock Car Racing, which would be a sure indication of the failure of our hobby to hold the public's imagination and the organised rally as we know it today would become a thing of the past on account of the expense of staging such a show, and our engines would only take the ring as objects of ridicule to compare with the nasty, noisy and horribly smelly later products of man's imagination.

FROM THE CHAIRMAN (Philip Wright's Column) I WRITE this as we reach more than half-way stage in the Rally "Season "; and my feelings are very mixed indeed. For instance, the Club can feel disappointed at the lack of support at Appleford quite apart from a wet morning, and where the gate will not have paid expenses. On the other hand, we still hear of good rallies for charities and still smaller gates at others. I want to make my own position quite clear, and am asking organisers please not to invite me to do the "Commentary" next year. It has become far too much like a one-man-band and there are other more competent people about to do this job. I just cannot afford to go up and down the country, and would prefer to go to a Rally and see the engines close at hand and have a word with owners and drivers. One point I must make ... Whoever you invite to commentate, for heaven's sake see that there is decent loudspeaker equipment. Each time I

have found a " free of charge " system on the ground it has been a miserable failure. This even applies to systems lent by the R.A.F. This is false economy, if only on the lowest level of a possible accident or occurrence where it is specially important to get a quick message over to the crowd. An adequate system has to be hired, and if organisers grudge the money then they should not be running a rally. PLEASE don't ask me for next year, Saturday is a day when weddings occur and there is always the next day to be faced. Furthermore, I have been appointed Mayor's Chaplain, and have found my diary to be impossibly full. SUFFOLK SHOW. I mentioned in the last issue our plans for the Suffolk Show. Subsequently the East Anglian Daily Times commissioned an article from me on the subject of steam and the six engines in particular (see last issue for details). They illustrated

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this with excellent pictures of five out of the six, and I was sorry that our old friend Mr. Nicholls' was crowded out. We had two real hot days for the show and decent crowds around the demonstration ring where the engines showed their paces. I want to thank the owners for the superb way these engines were turned out and kept ticking over for two days. On the Thursday we had a special thrill which enables us for the first time to put our hobby "Under Royal Patronage ". The Duke of Gloucester spent some time with us, asked me lots of questions, and after he had asked whether they could go faster, I got Bob Pratt of Ipswich to give a top gear run with his fine Ransome tractor " Backhus-Boy ". I then suggested to the Duke that he ought to get an engine for his sons (the Princes) to play with. He said : " What about my gateways and gateposts ? I have too much respect for them." THRESHING WITH A PORTABLE, I had a great thrill the other week when I journeyed to Ford Hall, Long Melford, where an old pal Jack Wallace was threshing a fine stack of Canelle wheat wanting some good straw for thatching. A Garrett drum was making a good job of it and was being driven by a Portable. Yes, Messrs. Bryant and Sons had brought down from Pakenham Mill their 1902 Burrell Compound Portable and she drove the drum. Messrs. Bryant, by

the way, own and regularly work the beautiful Tower windmill at Pakenham which many of you have seen on TV as a feature and as an interval signal. "COUNTRY LIFE" AUTUMN NUMBER will contain an article which I have written on our hobby and which will be illustrated. OLDER MEMBERS OF THE CLUB will remember Colonel P. C. Garrett (whose ancestors ran the famous firm at Leiston, Suffolk) attending our first dinner in London some years ago. He is now Far East representative for Rootes motor export division and has recently written me. Ile wants to re-join the Club and writes from Hong Kong, where he has found some old Aveling rollers in use as well as a chain-driven Sentinel. From Australia comes a letter from Mr. J. P. Elwell who recalls the pleasure that Messrs. Parris' engines gave him as a lad in the EppingHarlow district where he once lived. During May in Birmingham they held a Traction Engine Rally actually in the city streets. The rally was arranged by the city's department of Science and Industry. " OLD FARM IMPLEMENTS " is the title of my new book which Messrs. Black are bringing out during this coming Autumn. It will be a companion volume to Traction Engines and will have many sketches and photographs of things which have held my interest for a lifetime.

FROM THE SECRETARY THE end of the club year is approaching. This is a period of hard work and some anxiety foi the Membeiship Secretary and Treasurer since annual subscriptions will be due again on 1st August. It is always difficult to remember just when one's subscription is due, particularly if you happen to belong to more than one club. So in order to help get over this, the committee has decided to introduce as an alternative to sending in subscriptions each year ; payment of them by banker's order. It is hoped that all members who have a bank account will make use of this method of payment, which will also save the officials concerned an immense amount of work.

Elsewhere in this issue is a suitable form of banker's order all ready for you to enter the name and address of your bank and to sign. So why not fill it in now. Please note one alteration on the form, the club bank is Waterlooville, Hants., not Horndean as stated ; the form should be altered before use. One further thing, would you please send the order to Mr. Hutchens (he will send it to your bank), so that he will know to expect subscriptions direct from them ; alternatively send a note to him- that you have instructed your bank manager. The annual general meeting of the club will be held this year on Saturday, October 15th, at the same venue

STEAMING as last year, Bucklersbury House, Walbrook, London, E.C.2, and will be followed by the annual dinner in the evening. The general procedure will, therefore, be much the same as last year. It is hoped that as many members as possible will come along to the A.G.M. as this is your chance to have a say in the conduct of the club. As for the dinner, come yourself and bring as many guests and friends as you wish. Later on, probably at the beginning of September, each member who has paid his subscription for 1959/60 will receive separate notification to

which will be attached an application form for dinner tickets. Your request for seats then please, not before. The price of the dinner will be £1 per head. The club trophies will be presented during the evening and it is hoped also to include a film show. The car badges I mentioned in the last issue should be delivered soon. The price has been fixed at £2 each, post free. To those who have already ordered from Mr. Hutchens, please do not worry, you will get yours in due course. In the meantime he is awaiting orders if you have not already sent yours in.

THE APPLEFORD RALLY It is generally thought that the inclement weather early in the morning put off many would-be spectators from attending this year's rally, but nevertheless the 2,500 to 3,000 who did come to Bridge Farm were rewarded with a fine afternoon during which the twenty-two engines present took part in a varied and interesting number of events. It is generally thought that from the point of the number and varying types of engines that attended and the events run off that it was the best of the many rallies that have been held over the past seven or so years at Appleford. After the opening ceremony, performed by Mr. J. Wilder, the wellknown local ex-steam contractor, a commentary was given about each engine as it passed the Chairman, Rev. Philip Wright, during the opening grand parade. The obstacle steering contest for the tractions was then run off in two heats with three engines per heat, and a new and most popular innovation was that each engine had to haul a threshing drum and baler. The bark from each traction's exhaust could be heard afar, and the steersmen were certainly kept busy making sure that none of the oil-drum obstacles was even " kissed " by any of the twelve wheels in each " train ". In the final, run off later in the afternoon, J. Lawrence, driving A. C. Napper's 1920 Fowler No. 15710 " Tommy " just beat F. H. Grover driving his 1903 Fowler No. 9698. A similar contest for the geardriven tractors, running light, resulted

in a win for A. Price on his 1912 Burrell No. 3355. The faster types of engines were given their opportunity to show their paces. In the events for Sentinel wagons and Foden tractors the winners were J. Keeley in his S.4 No. 9276 and W. D. J. Sparrow in his Foden No. 13832 respectively. The ever-popular musical chairs was narrowly won by F. Upton's 1919 W. & S. Traction No. 7683. During the afternoon two new events for Appleford were carried out ; these were trailer rides for the kiddies and a fairground organ recital. These were carried on outside the main arena and obviously met with much approval, for G. R. Hawthorne in his 1922 Fowler 10-ton Roller No. 14674 and W. H. Tame on his 1914 W. & S. Traction No. 7370 were kept busy hauling trailers all the afternoon to the accompaniment of many shrill and happy shrieks from the youngsters, whilst Messrs. Gill & Dudman's 46-key Chiappa organ, driven by steam supplied from A. G. Evans' 1920 W. & S. Tractor No. 7641, brought back happy memories for . those a little older. The beer-in-the-bucket contests resulted in a further win for J. Lawrence amongst the tractions, and the Greywood Syndicate's 1919 Garrett No. 33632 gaining the honours amongst the tractors. The cavalry parade, with all the engines proceeding up the arena in line abreast, made a fine sight for the appreciative spectators and brought

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the afternoon's planned events to a pleasant finish. Special mention must be made here of Mr. and Mrs. Hutchens' magnificently restored 1900 8 n.h.p. Wantage Traction No. 1489 which made its debut at this rally. It was undoubtedly instrumental in attracting numerous persons to Applcford, and the writer is certain that they will have found their journeys there

very worthwhile! The rally's committee are indeed grateful to the owners, willing helpers, etc. who supported the club's one promotion in 1960, and only regret that several members of the club's main committee were absent, as were also many ordinary members. They missed a very happy and thoroughly enjoyA.J.M. able day.

SKEGNESS RALLY This is a year of many rallies and one of the most successful " first times " was the two-day event held on Skegness airfield on June 18th and 19th. Apart from a short storm on the Sunday the weather was good if a truffle too hot for the drivers. It is the only rally of which I am aware, that included the entry, even if unscheduled, of a glider. Twenty-nine engines actually attended, which included one portable ; a most interesting 2 h.p. engine by Tuxford (No. 1238). Also present were two ex-fairground organs, an 87-key Gavioli of Mr. A. E. Dowlman and an 89-key Marenghi of Messrs. H. Epton & Sons. These provided music throughout most of the proceedings on both of the days. During each afternoon a full programme of events usually run at rallies was undertaken. The Grand Parade was led by the Foster 65 b.h.p. Showman engine " Success " of Mr. A. E. Dowlman ; on the second day this was steered by none other than the original owner Mr. Mellors, of Hibble & Mellors, Nottingham. Impressions of the rally itself seemed to have been the enormous flat grass area of the airfield, the excellence of the engine turn-out and the fact that the engines themselves seemed to fall into three distinct groups, i.e. six showmen, eleven agricultural, six wagons (all Sentinel), the balance being two road engines, two rollers and one tractor. Many of the engines steamed in under their own power, some coming from distances like Keeley from Reading and Stafford from Durham. The judges had a most difficult task in deciding the winners of the various classes as the general standard was

the highest they had ever encountered. After much deliberation the trophies were awarded as follows : Showman Class : Burrell No. 3878 " Island Chief ". J. Epton, New Bolingbroke. Agricultural Class : Marshall No. 66182 (7 n.h.p., S.C., built 1914) " Prince Andrew ". Messrs. George Dawson & Sons, Bicker. Road Engine Class : McLaren No. 1421 (8 n.h.p.) " Capt. Scott ". J. W. magg, ry IIILWG11.

Tractor Class : Mann No. 1425 (4 n.h.p., built 1920) " Little Jim ". Mr. F. A. Smith, Kirton Holme. Wagon Class: Sentinel No. 1465 (built 1921) "Super ". A. Fearnley & Sons, Castleford. Roller Class : A. & P. No. 11793 (10 ton compound, built 1927). J. Hebdon, Little Steeping. Engine travelling longest distance under own steam to rally: Sentinel No, 9278. B. M. Stafford, Houghtonle-Spring. For the record, in addition to those already mentioned, the tollowing were present : Showmen : Foster No. 14632 " Success ", Foster No. 14589 " Lord of the Isles ", Burrell No. 3093 " Dreadnoght ", Burrell No. 2879 " Princess Royal ", and Fowler No. 11108 " Dreadnought ". Agricultural: Fosters, Nos. 14625, 2821 and 13200 ; Marshalls, Nos. 76751 and 45689 ; Burrell No. 4037 ; Ransome No. 26995 ; Clayton No. 48162 ; Ruston Hornsby No. 113043 ; and Robey No. 42675. Road Engine and Roller: Fowler No. 15323 and Wallis 7539. Wagons : Sentinels, Nos. 9031. 8992, 9086 and 9276.

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GEORGE TIIURLOW & SONS LIMITED

STOWMARKET - SUFFOLK 'Phone : STOWMARKET 585 (3 lines)

Solicit enquiries for items they can supply for Steam Engines, amongst same are:-BOILER TUBES CHIMNEYS WITH OR WITHOUT BRASS OR COPPER TOPS INJECTORS, GAUGES, ETC. PACKINGS PAINTS SUCTION HOSE ENGINE AND CYLINDER OILS

All enquiries will receive prompt and careful attention

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The Sale of the late John Patten's Equipment THE sale of the effects of the late John Patten was divided into two parts, the engines, steam ploughing and cultivating tackle, and other farm machines being sold at Hall Farm, Little Hadham, on Tuesday, 28th June, and the workshop effects the following day in the works yard at Dane Street, Bishops Stortford. Eight ploughing engines were lined

Fowler No. 14384

work gleaming. Feeling , ran high among the crowd and bidding was brisk until scrap price was passed. " Prince " went for £310 to Mr. Jack Branch, of Cambridge, and it was a relief a few minutes later to see " Princess " knocked down to the same buyer for £10 more. Thus this fine-looking pair has been kept together and it is to be hoped that they

Princess" at work during the summer of 1959,

up and all were in steam at the time of sale. Three pairs of A.A.s. " Lion " and " Tiger ", " Darby " and " Joan ", " Windsor " and " Sandringham ", appeared to be in good condition for their age, and many interested persons had the chance to run them before the sale. They were, however, all sold to Hardwick, of Ewell, for prices between £170 and £255. It seems likely, therefore, that they were all in steam for the last time. At the end of the row came " Prince " and " Princess ", a pair of B.B.s. They were a picture, with burnished flywheel rims and bright-

will remain active for some time. They had been working up to a few days before the sale. Four engines described as " incomplete ", really little more than boiler shells on wheels, went to Ewell between £64 and £86. Three Fowler ploughing vans were sold between £22 and £41, and a large number of ploughs, cultivators, steam harrows, dredging scoops, and combined cultivator, roll and harrow all on one frame were on offer. Odd lots of interest to steam men included the usual items from a lifetime collection of a big contractor but much was beyond further use.

STEAMING It is understood that Mr. Patten left no close relations and that the apparent almost indecent haste with which the sale was arranged was in

accordance with a will which, after making provision for certain old retainers, required that all effects be sold and the proceeds devoted to

charity. Credit is surely due to the men who arranged the engines and saw to it

that even those which had been idle

for some time were presented with well-blacked chimneys, polished tops, and looking as their late owner would have had them look. The engines were: 15362/3 " Lion " and "Tiger", 15358/9 "Darby" and " Joan " 15364/5 " Windsor " and 14383/4 and " Sandringham ", " Prince " and " Princess ". The derelict engines had lost their number plates, and were not readily identifiable.

THE METHUEN RALLY New Zealand An historical pageant of farm machinery in aid of school improvements funds was held at Methuen, M id-Can terbu ry, New Zealand. The day was fine and sunny, and the setting was close to the foothills of the Southern Alps. Twenty-one traction ermines took part, the majority of them having travelled 25-35 miles to the grounds the previous week. One of the highlights was the presence of a 8 h.p. single cylinder Fowler, No. 6649, which had been reconditioned by Clarrie Long of Pendarves after having stood under trees for over twenty-five years. It was landed in New Zealand in 1896 for the late Mr. W. Harrison, and did a great deal of ploughing for him pulling ten furrows. Mr. Harrison put a third speed on the engine giving it a top speed of a proximately 15 m.p.h. Taking part were the following

engines: Fowlers : Nos. 6649, 10320, 10590, 12696, 12920 and 12921. Burrells : Nos. 2621, 3130, 3165, 3348, 3519 and 3522. McLarens : Nos. 1108, 1428 and 1719. Aveling & Porter No. 7172. Robey No..29857.

Marshalls: Nos. 57591, 57913 and 60139. Foden No. 664. The slow race was won by the Foden. The potato race was very exciting with Martin Pearson's McLaren No. 1719, Allan Waller's Burrell No. 3348 and Bob Hawkins' 10 h.p. Burrell No. 3130 racing for the honours. A potato race between the latter and a go-cart gave the Burrell a comfortable win. In mid-afternoon while the engines circled the grounds a commentator

gave a description of each engine and a bit of its history to the crowd around the ring. After circling in pairs the engines came down the centre of the grounds four abreast in a grand parade. There was also

balancing on a log—very like seesawing and quite tricky. The general public were quite impressed by a threshing display—one wooden mill and six tin mills in action at the same time, prolific smoke and dust. Small children who had never seen anything like it had a wonderful time in

the straw which was later baled and sold. The day was a great success and was enjoyed by all. Members are hoping to have a N.F.B. field day next October.

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THE THORNABY RALLY THIS rally was held in the centre of Thornaby Aerodrome on a fine but very windy week-end, and this no doubt contributed to the poor public attendance. The engines present were all very well turned out, quite a number appearing in new paint-work. One of the most striking exhibits was the beautifully restored Foster Showman's Electric Lighting Set mounted on pneumatic tyres and with a small Gavioli barrel trumpet organ fitted above the forecarriage in front of the dynamo. The state of the paintwork and brass and steel parts was well up to the high standard expected from owner George Flynn. The number of this little Compound Foster is 3643 and was new in 1908. As regards the ring, undoubtedly the highlight was provided by the officer-in-charge of a small recruiting unit on the rally field who no doubt, tired of all the attention focused on the engines and so little interest in the recruiting drive, turned to the sergeant in charge of a nearby Scammell rIrlyp rerovery tractor and said, " We'll go into the ring and pull all these engines out of the field." However, he underestimated, as did most of the onlookers, the legendary power of steam, as with whistle blowing and

chimney snorting, Meadowerof t's ex W.D. Fowler No. 14948 proceeded to haul the Scammell steadily out of the ring through the exit gate, all wheels spinning with the tyres nearly on fire. The look of surprise and incredulity on the face of the sergeant driving the Scammell was well worth seeing as he clearly thought his juggernaut was master of anything on wheels. The following engines were present: Burrell 7 h.p. Showman's " Lightning II " No. 3526 ; Burrell 7 h.p. D.C.C. 3-speed No. 3526 ; Burrell 7 h.p. S.C. No. 1426 ; McLaren 6 h.p. S.C. No. 1105 ; Marshall 7 h.p. S.C. No. 51483 ; Fowler 8 h.p. Compound No. 14948 ; Fowler Ploughing Engine S.C. 8 h.p. No. 13910 ; Burrell 6 h.p. D.C.C. No. 3895. Tractors : Fowler No. 15625 ; Burrell No. 3397 ; A. & P. No. 12766 ; Garrett No. 35225 ; Burrell No. 3618 ; Foden No. 11444 ; Foden No. 13218 ; Foden D Type No. 13222. Wagons : Foden No. 13120 ; Sentinel No. 1463 Super ; Sentinel S Type No 9056 Sentinel S Type No. 9278 ; Sentinel S Type 6-wheeler No. unknown. Portables : Foster No. 3643 ; Ruston & Hornsby 2 h.p. No. unknown.

THE ANDOVER RALLY ENTHUSIASTS who take their pleasure in driving, maintaining, building or renovating, and those who just enjoy seeing, those grand old veterans which once graced the roads of Britain, came in their thousands again to the Andover and District Model Engineering Society's Annual Traction Engine Rally on 14th May, 1960. The crowd was well up to the figures of any previous rally and the growth in popularity of this event was commented on by Mr. Fred Shadwell, of Over Wallop, the wellknown Hampshire farmer, broadcaster and comedian, when he performed the opening ceremony.

There were twenty-five steam engines altogether in the Grand Parade —tractors, showman's engines, steam wagons, and steam rollers—with a 1904 fire engine leading the field. Among the new engines at Finkley for the first time was a 1920 7 h.p. Fowler agricultural engine No. 15506, owned by Mr. L. J. Box of Oxenwood. A 1931 Foden tractor No. 6350, owned by Mr. W. D. Sparrow of Ferndown, Dorset—this has been completely renovated by him, with many modifications which were not standard when new. Derick Kilburn was along with his Wallis tractor No. 7637, which had the unusual feature of a small dynamo mounted on the

STEAMING cylinder block. Although not a " show " engine, this is useful for running lights while standing at fairs. Another new entry was an Aveling & Porter tractor of 1912 No. 7612, by Mr. B. E. George of Enfield, in fact this was its first rally and it looked really smart in its new coat of paint. The longest distance travelled by any engine to the rally, this again a newcomer, was the Foden tractor No. 13196 from Loughborough, owned by Mr. P. Van Houten. This was driven all the way under its own steam, the latter part of the journey, i.e. from Appleford, being done on the morning of the rally. Mr. Hutchins had three engines, but a last minute snag prevented him bringing the " Wantage " which was expected to have made its debut at Andover. Most of our usual friends turned up with their engines, but bad luck seemed to be with two, Mr. King had tube trouble with his Sentinel D.G. No. 8784 and although he got to within seven miles of the field he had to turn for home, and Mr. Jupp had a gauge frame break at Billinghurst and he had to call it off. This year two engines were running lights on the forecourt of Andover Town Hall, both Garrett tractors, one by Mr. W. J. Miller of Bristol, the other by Mr. R. Bailey of Amesbury, Nos. 33486 and 33987 respectively. Among the duties of the Rally Secretary was that of going into Andover and towing to the field the Garrett " Queen of Great Britain " No. 33486 which had a siezed big end and bent con rod. This was quickly got to the field behind the Foden " Mighty Atom " No. 14078, the conrod removed, taken back to Andover, straightened in a press and refitted, so that the engine could take part in the afternoon's events. Just one more thing to help the day's proceedings along. While

patrons were not studying the conditions and features of the old cars and engines, they filtered in and out of a large marquee where the Andover Model Engineering Society had on display over forty models of traction engines, locomotives and stationary steam engines. One of these models was of a complete threshing machine with elevator, made by Mr. R. Palmer, of Freemantle, Southampton, and a delighted audience gathered outside the tent when Mr. Palmer demonstrated it working, powered by a single cylinder model engine by Mr. E. Baughan of Wimbledon. The weather again was most kind and a bright sunny day must have been exactly what all the photographers wanted, although things looked very doubtful the day before with rain for most parts, clearing a little towards the evening. The following are the engines which attended : Shand Mason Fire Engine No. 1842 ; Fowler Plough Engine No. 15436 ; Fowler Plough Engine No. 14712 ; Fowler Single Cylinder Agriculture No. 15506 ; Fowler No. 15710 ; Sentinel S.4 Wagon No. 9276 ; Garrett Tractor No. 33486 ; Fowler " Tiger" Tractor No. 14412 Burrell Tractor No. 3191 ; Burrell Tractor No. 3355 ; Foden 5-ton Wagon No. 6350 Foden 6-ton Wagon No. 13138 ; Foden "C" Type Tractor No. 13196 ; Paden Tractor No. 13832 ; Foden " D " Type Tractor No. 14078 ; Wallis & Steevens No. 7115 ; Wallis & Steevens Tractor No. 7637 ; Wallis & Steevens No. 7881 ; Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 7612 ; Garrett Steam Tractor No. 33987: Garrett Tractor No. 33632 ; and Taskers 10-ton Roller No. 1927. Also present was a Burrell and a Fowler Roller together with an S.4 Sentinel, the numbers not being given. G.H.

THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Membership 15/- 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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THE GREAT YORKSHIRE RALLY This year the rally was held on Whit Monday in fine weather and was well attended. Water for the engines was carried by Liversedge's S Type Sentinel No. 8992, which has been fitted with a very large tank making it a most useful vehicle to have at rallies. The water was pumped out by a double cylinder locomotive steam car engine which was fitted with Stevenson link motion and screw-type " notching-up gear ". Music was supplied throughout the day by Bill Hood's Limenaire organ which was in fine tune. The usual events were held and the engines were supplemented by veteran and vintage cars and motorcycles. A White steam car, well known in Yorkshire, was also present, and ❑ne of the joint owners, an equally wellknown character, was heard during the afternoon grumbling about the low speed to which he was restricted when in the Grand Parade making it necessary for him to repeatedly turn off the burner and then having to relight it to keep the boiler pressure from rising above 1,000 lbs. per

square inch. The following engines were present: Meadowcroft's Fowler ex W.D. No. 14948 ; Preston's Burrell " Lightning II" No. 3526, and the only Showman's present ; Rockliff's Marshall 6 h.p. S.C. No. 87003 ; Meynell's Fowler 7 h.p. S.C. No. 12170 ; Connors' 3-speed Fowler traction No. 15462 and Garrett tractor No. 33295, recently bought from Norfolk ; Wakefield's high-speed Burrell tractor No. 3397 ; Mitchell's Fowler " Tiger " tractor No. 15625 ; Fearnley's Fowler " Tiger tractor No. 14406 ; Beeforth's Burrell tractor No. 3618 ; Hardy's A. & P. Colonial-type tractor No. 9228 ;Thompson's Foden tractor No. 13218, converted from a sixwheeled wagon ; Fearnley's Foden wagon No. 13120 ; Stafford's Sentinel tractor No. 9278, converted from tar-spraying wagon ; Liversedge's Sentinel S type wagon No. 9031 ; Liversedge's Sentinel S type tanker No. 8992 ; Fearnley's Sentinel S type wagon No. 9086 : and last but not least Fearnley's well-known " Super " Sentin.:1 No. 1465. P.O.

AND FOUR ENGINES CAME TO TOWN EACH year London has an Easter Parade. This is organised by the London Publicity Committee of the British Travel and Holidays Association in conjunction with the London County Council and has been held in recent years in Battersea Park. Each year the parade, which takes the form of a procession, has a theme. This year it was road transport, with particular emphasis on self-propelled vehicles from 1875 to 1940. We were honoured with an invitation to enter steam vehicles in various groups. So, four engines came to town. They were: Thorneycroft Steam Wagon No. 39 " Dorothy ", of John Crawley, of Bedford. Burrell Showman No. 3489 " King George VI ", of Jack Wharton, of Minster I,ovell.

Wallis & Steevens Traction Engine No. 7683 " Eileen ", of Frank Upton, of Maidenhead. Garrett Tractor No. 33991 " Patricia ", of Jack Fensom, of Flamstead. The day was fine and sunny, attracting an immense crowd of over 135,000 people, surely the biggest single crowd ever to watch our engines. The procession itself, which included many decorated floats illustrating the secondary theme of the " Fashion and Tailoring Trades ", was three miles long. It was split into two, each making a double circuit of the 11 mile route. The sight of Frank Upton's Wallis towing a London bus of 1927 to get it started at the beginning of the procession will remain for a long while. F.A.F.

STEAMING

WOBURN PARK RALLY August Bank Holiday Week-end Entry forms were sent out in early June, and anyone who has not received one and would like to bring his engine along should contact me by telephone without delay. All are most welcome. It was originally hoped that as this is to be the last big rally of this type (hat we intend to stage it might be possible to put on the field one hundred engines, but due to the time of year many owners are tied up with their harvesting. However, it would seem that our previous record of sixty-five engines should be handsomely beaten. The biggest disappointment is the news from Mr. Pegden of Eltham, Kent, that he will not be able to bring the Single Engine Ploughing Tackle as he had promised due to a commitment that has cropped up in his business that will not allow him the necessary time. This is a great pity as all the posters had already been printed, stating it would be giving demonstrations on the Sunday. The special trains on Sunday and Monday will leave Euston at approximately 10.20 a.m., calling at Harrow and Wealdstone, Watford Junction, Wembley Central and Willesden Junction. As accommodation will be limited, it is advisable to book at once. Full details as to exact times of departures and return times in the evening can be obtained from Euston or the stations concerned. Accommodation near by is now almost fully booked, and intending visitors will have to stay in the surrounding towns which are quite convenient. Just to refresh your memory, here is the week-end programme again: SATURDAY, 30th JULY. Arrival day. Gates open 12.30 p.m. Showman's engines and organs will be at work during the afternoon and evening on the rally field and not in the village as before. SUNDAY, 31st JULY. Demonstration day. Gates open 12.30 p.m. Many of the engines will be in steam, others will be undergoing their final cleaning ready for the ring events on the following day, whilst some engines will be at work giving demonstrations of the work for which they were built. AUGUST MONDAY. Rally day. Gates open 11.30 a.m. A gigantic parade of engines will start the ring events, which will consist of both new and the old favourite events. Engines will be in steam regardless of weather conditions out of fairness to those people coming very great distances. Refreshments at popular prices will be on sale on all three days. Finally, if you have any queries, write to me and I will do all I can to answer them.

FIELD HOUSE, TURVEY, BEDFORDSHIRE.

JOHN CRAWLEY, Woburn Rally Secretary.

STEAMING

THE LINCOLNSHIRE RALLY

Alt Pepper (late of John Fowler's (Leeds) Ltd.) seen tit the Lincoln Rally discussing a point of interest with Jim Smith, of Robertstown. This the second Lincolnshire Rally was held at Hykeham on the last week-end in May. The weather was excellent and no doubt was responsible for helping to attract over 12,000 people. W. Rigby, M.I.M.E., the Managing Director of William Fosters, the well-known firm of Engine Builders, performed the opening ceremony, this being acknowledged by the engines in the approved manner. The grand 89-key Marenghi organ, belonging to H. Epton & Son, attracted many admirers, playing melodies old and new. One of the most interesting engines was the 2 n.h.p. Elston, built by the late G. Elston of Welby. This was the seventh engine that he built, and must be one of the smallest engines ever made. The engines present were as follows: Fowler Ploughing Engines Nos. 14197 and 14198.

Burrell Showman's Nos. 3878, 2879 and 3334, Fowler No. 14962 and Foster No. 14589. Road Locomotives included McLaren No. 1421, Fowler No. 15323 and Burrell No. 3257. Traction Engines were represented by Marshall No. 52540, Foster No. 12394, Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 44103, Ruston & Hornsby No. 113043, Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48162 and Robey No. 42675. Steam Wagons were Sentinels Nos. 1465, 9086, 9031 and 8992, and one Foden Wagon No. 13120. Chain-driven Tractors were represented by Foden No. 13784. Steam Rollers were Aveling & Porter Nos. 8241 and 9416, and Marshall No. 86104. Finally the Steam Tractors present were as follows : Garrett No. 33459, Foster No. 14378, Aveling & Porter No. 12115, Foster No. 13031, and Mann No. 1425.

STEAMING

H. Epton & Sons Burrell No. 3878 "Island Chief" seen at the Lincoln Rally.

The Fearnleys enjoying a leisure moment talking steam at Lincoln,

STEAMING

R. W. Wells' 7 n.h.p. Foster No. 12394 at the Lincoln Rally.

CLUB NEWS BEDFORDSHIRE Our regular meetings continue to be well patronised despite the warm summer evenings. A number of the club's engines attended the Weston Park Rally on Whit Monday, some of these going on to St. Neots for the Huntingdonshire Show. The engines present at this event were as follows : Garrett tractor No. 33991 ; Marshall No. 43560 ; Marshall No. 69269 ; McLaren tractor No. 1837 ; Fowell No. 95 ; and Burrell road locomotive fitted with a crane No. 1876. The Fowell spent the afternoon driving a threshing drum, much to the interest of the crowds present. Work on McLaren ploughing engine No. 1541, belonging to John Crawley, is proceeding, and she will be re-tubed in time to make her first Burrell Tractor No. 3488, belonging to Shipman & Barker, is now at Gowers for a new fire-box. J.C.

YORKSHIRE Phillip Ogden has recently acquired a Fowler Compound G.P. Traction Engine No. 15466, 2-speed, mounted on springs and with many extras such as 7 in. flywheel face, half-cab, rim brakes and belly tanks. The paintwork is original and the engine has only had one owner since new. It has been in regular work for forty years, ending up in a sawmill where it finished work last March. In early June the only two steam rollers working in the North Riding were seen at rolling on the ThirskYork road. Both these engines were Fowler 10-ton rollers, their numbers being 15853 and 15598, the latter being unusual in that whilst it is a four-shaft engine both the crankshaft pinions are out on the crankshaft end. These engines are both fitted with Fowler-Wood patent tarspraying gear and belong to Messrs. Woods of Yeadon, near Leeds. P.O.

STEAMING NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE AND CHESHIRE Messrs. Charnley & Davidson having now ceased to operate their Liverpool service depot for " Steamers," the task of servicing and maintaining the few remaining Sentinels in the Liverpool area has now fallen upon our member, Mr. Torn Bridson and son George in their wellequipped workshop at Neston. The other day when we arrived to work on our own Sentinel under Mr. Bridson's supervision, we found them both hard at work on the United Africa Cumnany'J fine " Supei " No. 5407. This is undergoing a complete overhaul including boiler repairs and when finished will be followed to Neston by the other three Sentinels owned by this famous Company who have announced that they wish them to be kept in efficient working order as long as possible. Members will, I am sure, agree with me in saying they could not have placed them in better hands. Mr. George Bridson, himself a trained Sentinel apprentice of C. and C., is now the fourth generation of the engineering family whose fine traditions of individual craftsmanship must surely now be unique in this age of mass production and automation. Just previous to the arrival of the United Africa Super Sentinel they had overhauled the ex Birkenhead Corporation Fowler roller and retubed the boiler. Arrangements are now well in hand for Alton Towers, seventeen engines and some twenty-four veteran and vintage cars will be on parade on July 2nd and 3rd. Our Chairman finally persuaded Mr. Dennis Bagshaw to have " Goliath " steamed and brought round to the rally area. Amongst the cars are some very interesting examples of the 1910-20 period, including a " Prince Henry " Vauxhall which served as a staff car during the 1914-18 war, and a 1912 Renault Brougham with a coachbuilt body, so we are informed, high enough for its dignified and venerable owner to ride about in it without having to remove his top hat. And we are certainly looking forward to soe;ng all three of the wonderful pre1914 Daimlers rebuilt by the Daimler Apprentices Motor Club who are entering them. S.L.W.

COUNTY OF SALOP This season's activities have commenced with a trip from Burley to Moccas by Tasker No. 1718 to bring back Foster Portable No. 14661. The Tasker made the outward trip of thirty-six miles comfortably in the day, and on arrival at Moccas drew the portable, a 10 h.p. engine, out from its resting place to a position where the twa engines were left until the return trip could be started. The return to Burley was made in two stages. each trip taking about half a day. The portable is now safely at Burley awaiting attention. Wotk is proceeding on Fowler "Supremacy " to get her ready for Church Stretton Carnival on August Monday. The Ruston has also been set upon and varnished all over after having been given a good clean round. It is astonishing how dirty an engine gets just doing nothing! It is hoped that this engine will put in appearance at Worcester Show this year, and as this is the week after the Church Stretton event it is going to be somewhat of a rush to drive her to Worcester and be ready for the Saturday rally. The Burrell tractor and the singlecrank compound are now awaiting tubes and the fitting of new smokeboxes. - These jobs will be attended to during the coming winter months as progress is now somewhat retarded by the activities necessary to be ready in time for the two rallies. Messrs. Bishops have had two of their steam rollers working recently, one at Church Stretton and the other around Craven Arms. As these notes are written the 6-ton Aveling has been sent to a job in Ludlow. Shrewsbury Model Engineers were entertained at Burley on Monday, 27th June, and two engines were in steam on this occasion, the Tasker and the Ruston. Ransome No. 15609 was shunted into a position more favourable to work upon by its owner Mr. Lie who is endeavouring to get it ready for 3rd August. A further roller has been noted working in the area, this being Salop County Council's Aveling No. 11573 engaged on re-surfacing at Bromfield. D.W.S.

STEAMING

WEST OF ENGLAND As a result of the West of England Steam Engine Society's decision that each engine taking part in our future rallies must have a satisfactory boiler inspector's certificate several engines have been stripped for examination and are now being re-lagged in readiness for July 16th. As well as some more rollers, two more traction engines in the West have been lost. The Marshall No. 38239 mentioned in the last issue of Steaming has since been cut up. By now the same fate has probably befallen Fowler No. 11029, the 7 n.h.p. compound 3-speed road locomotive until recently owned by South Crofty, Ltd. and occasionally used at their mine near Redruth. On examination her firebox was found to be thin--and the cost of extensive repairs could not be justified. The writer is one of those sentimentalists who thinks that every effort should be made to prevent the final act of cutting up of engines, especially unusual specimens. Even if they can never be steamed again they are a source of great interest, and interest will increase with the passing of time as survivors become fewer. It is probably not correct to state that no two engines were identical, but there are so many detail variations that almost every engine still in existence merits consideration for saving as a static exhibit. Burrell No. 3399 " Pride of Hants." had a very short stay in Cornwall. She has been transported from Hayle to the Midlands. Redruth's Whitsun Fair was well attended as usual, but there were two disappointments for many of the visitors. The three-abreast roundabout owned and operated by Mr. Alf Whitelegg was present with its organ playing, but the source of power was electricity instead of steam. A concealed motor was coupled by belt to the flywheel of the Savage engine which until last season had been in regular use. Messrs. Anderton and Rowland's organ was not operating on Whit Monday owing to a faulty windpipe, but " Gladiator " was quietly ticking over and generating current for her own coloured lights. On June 25th three engines participated in Chacewater Carnival, these being the two Burrells, "Gladiator" and " Millenium King " and the

Fowler Compound Roller No. 21833. Several of our members made the annual trip to Andover, and after a very enjoyable afternoon at the rally the party proceeded to Petersfield where Mr. Seward's beautifully kept engines and engine relics were admired. The outstanding engine was a 3-shaft Marshall of 1885 (No. 14272), H05913—a 6 n.h.p. single with square chimney base, round eccentric rods and a feed-water heater. The engine is very clean and protected by a thin film of oil, and is worthy of a place of honour in the Science Museum. The other engines were Fowler No. 7453 (H05911), a 6 n.h.p. compound, agricultural type, a Fowler Showman's 2-speed road locomotive "Sir John Fowler " No. 9394 (YA44) and the Savage engine which originally powered a set of 4-abreast gallopers owned by Mr. Jim Noyce. The remaining exhibits in Mr. Seward's " museum " included name-plates, lamps, decorative brass and many other objects associated with traction engines. Everything was in spotless condition and we regretted the very limited time at our disposal as there was so much to be seen. From Petersfield our party went on to Haslemere where we were able to see Mr. Jim Noyce's gallopers, now converted to three-abreast, in action. The tremendous amount of decorative painting on this large roundabout and its organ has been beautifully executed by Mr. Noyce, and with over 3,000 coloured lights it made a grand sight. Our party stayed at Billingshurst overnight and visited Mr. G. Lugg's premises on the following morning. Instead of one morning we should have had a couple of days there— there were no less than nineteen engines to be seen. some in almost immaculate condition, others in various stages of repair and a few which were awaiting attention. The next engines visited were in Hampshire and although everything seen was of great interest, probably the most interesting was McLaren No. 127, a large single-cylindered 3shaft engine, supplied to the estate on which it is still sawing, in 1882. Next to Ferndown to see Mr. Hutchens' collection. We were most impressed by the restoration of his Wantage No. 1389, a singie•cylindcred engine of 8 n.h.p. Surely no

STEAMING agricultural engine painting has ever excelled that of this Wantage! Mr. Hutchens and his helpers have done remarkable good work before, on the Fowler Plougher for instance, but with the Wantage they have surpassed their previous efforts. We hear that this engine sounds as good as she looks, and we are hoping to see her at our rally on the 16th, together with several engines not previously seen and a demonstration of sawing by Mr. S. W. Pearse's 6 in. model " Speciality ". Our thanks are due to Mr. Gordon Howell and his committee for making the Andover meeting such a friendly rendezvous for steam enthusiasts. In spite of the distance, Andover attracts us every year and gives us an opportunity of visiting many interesting engines " on our way home "! We also appreciate the kindness of the various owners and custodians of engines we have visited and hope that we in the West will have many opportunities of being likewise helpful when any enthusiasts visit this part of the country. One great boon has been conferred on us by the internal combustion engine—it has enabled us to visit distant examples of the motive power displaced by it. C.P.G. WORCESTERSHIRE On Sunday, May 15th, the Birmingham Corporation held a Traction Engine Rally in Newhall Street outside Ihe Museum of Science, and Industry, and a record crowd visited the museum (so the attendants say). The engines, which had come up to Birmingham for the day all by road, were Mr. Eric Middleton's famous 8 h.p. Burrell Showman's Engine " Winston Churchill " No. 3909, from Hartlebury ; Mr. Frank Holt's Burrell 5-ton Tractor " Lord Burrell " No. 4084, from Worcester ; Mr. Lambe's 6 h.p. Garrett Road Locomotive " Olive " No. 29764, from Bromsgrove ; Messrs. Daysh & Barlow's Foster 7 h.p. General Purpose Traction Engine " Viscountess Rhondda " No. 14418, on her way from Hartlebury to Leicester ; the ex Bostock & Wombwell's Burrell 5 h.p. Showman's Engine " Nero " No. 3669, from Henlev-in-Arden ; Mr. C. H. James' huge Fowler Super Lion 10 h.p. Fowler Crane Engine " Duke of York " No. 17106 (ex Norman

E. Box), from Hartlebury ; Mr. Eric Middleton's Foden D Type Tractor " Matilda " No. 11788, from Hartlebury. The Ruston & Hornsby Compound Roller (C1485) with Bamford & Evershed scarifier No. 114059 has recently been purchased from Mr. Mathews of Bringsty, near Bromyard, by Mr. A. C. Maund of Bransford, near Worcester, for reconditioning. The Burrell " Devonshire " Agricultural Traction Engine " Pride of Hants." No. 3399 (AH5446) has recently been purchased by Mr. Eric Lawrence, of Malton, near Malvern, from Mr. Collinson, of Hayle, near St. Ives, Cornwall, and was brought up on a low-loader by Mr. Lambe, of Bromsgrove. I spent all day Sunday, May 8th, driving this engine around Mr. Lawrence's field, and apart from one or two repairs needed the engine is in good order and has recently had a boiler test. Fowler S.C. Roller No. 15851 (NX3974) was recently seen at Messrs. Aston's sawmill, Newbridge Green, Upton-on-Severn, Worcs., bearing a long brass plate on the offside " Royal Leamington Spa Corporation ". My own Burrell 6 h.p. Agrictultural Traction No. 2147 (1898) is being carefully checked over in readiness for the two-day Worcester Show and Traction Engine Rally. J.L.T. WEALD OF KENT Preparations for the Club Rally on 20th August are in full swing. Entry forms may be had from the Secretary, R. A. Whitehead, 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent. This year the club are insisting on a full certificate of fitness for the boilers of all entries. The emphasis this year is to be on the social rather than the competitive nature of the rally, and the events will be framed to give effect to this. New arrivals in the club's area included Marshall 6 h.p. General Purpose Engine No. 84562 built in 1929. She has been bought by Mr. D. H. Harding of Edenbridge from Mr. L. Drewitt of Chichester. This engine was formerly owned and operated by Tester Bros. of Edenbridge. At the rally it will be driven by Mr. F. Tester who is one of the partners.

STEAMING

CITY OF WORCESTER SHOW Friday and Saturday August 5th and 6th, 1960 PITCHCROFT (The Racecourse) Display of Traction Engines and Steam Propelled Vehicles FRIDAY, 5TH AUGUST, 1960

Traction Engine Rally with the usual Competitions SATURDAY, 6TH AUGUST, 1960 Enquiries to : T. GRIEVES, Hon. Secretary, 1 HYLTON ROAD, WORCESTER Telephone No.: WORCESTER 27686

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

STEAMING Mr. C. M. Rostron has now bought Wallis 8-ton oil bath Roller No. 7802, for which he was reported in the last notes to be negotiating. The boiler has been subject to a full survey and passed at one hundred per cent fit. Restoration is now in hand and it is hoped to have the roller at the rally. The Mechanical Tar Spraying Co. of Reading have two Fowler rollers stationed at Godstone. The smaller (No. 19032) is a 6-tonner and is at present under repair, but the larger is at work spraying and rolling for the Surrey County Council. Unfortunately 1 have not met this roller and have no note of its number. Member D. Eastwood had his big Burrell Scenic (No. 3285) out at the Whit Monday fête at Brenchley which was held in aid of the Royal

Agricultural Benevolent Institution which is to be the beneficiary from the proceeds of our rally. He also had out his Savage centre engine which has been overhauled and now looks splendid. The rally this year is being held at Penshurst Aerodrome, near Tonbridge ; this being an old grass drome constructed in the 1914-18 war. The nearest station is Penshurst on the Tonbridge-Redhill line, easily reached from London Bridge or Victoria, changing at Redhill. Similarly by changing at Redhill it can be reached from Brighton, Eastbourne and many parts of Sussex and Surrey, whilst also accessible from all over Kent by changing at Tonbridge. Gates open at 11.30 a.m. and the events begin at 2.30 p.m. R.A.W.

THE WIMBISH RALLY Undoubtedly this can be claimed the most successful of the so-called " small " rallies, and a lesson can be learnt by this and other clubs that its success was entirely due to the tremendous support and enthusiasm put into it by everyone locally. Then, too, as with the rally at Woodford Bridge last year, the object was to raise funds for the local church. The support given by the thirty-four owners who brought their engines was entirely due to the cause, and, as many advised. because no specific club was involved. Is there a moral or a lesson to be learnt from this ? After the grand parade, musical chairs was held for a limited number of entrants, viz. the showmen's engines and road locomotives present. The eventual winner was J. Archer's Burrell No. 3295 " Princess Royal ". An event held for what is thought to be the first time, was a winding race in which W. Keeling's Fowler No. 13881 and T. T. Boughton & Sons' Fowler No. 15139 each had to haul un the arena on their wire ropes a 10-ton traction. No. 13881 hauled up

G. liviaallews. W. «, S. No. 7801 and No. 15139 hauled A. Clarke's Garrett No. 32936. In each of the two events Boughton's were the winners, but it must, of course, be recorded that their engine is a Class BB and as such is any way geared slightly faster than Keeling's Class AA engine. During the afternoon Taylor Bros.' Class BB Fowlers were demonstrating mole-draining and cultivating to a large section of the very interested crowd. The obstacle contests were won by H. Parris on Burrell Traction No. 4094 and G. Swann on Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 7898. The main musical chairs event was won by P. Frost on his Burrell Traction No. 2505. The final competitive event of the afternoon was an obstacle contest for the four rollers present, which greatly amused and interested the spectators. Norman Taylor on Taylor Bros. Aveling & Porter 8-tonner No. 11556 proved; to be a worthy winner. A.J.M.

STEAMING

NEWS FLASHES Christopher Edmonds writes from Owlswick to say that there is a Burrell S.C.C. No. 3665 at Highfield Nurseries, Barnham, near Bognor, used for soil sterilizing and removing old fruit trees. The owner, he says, will not sell. G. Lillywhite, at the Manor Road Garage, Angmering-on-Sea, has a 9 ton Compound Marshall Roller, a 13 ton Compound Marshall Roller, a 5 ton Compound Fowler Roller (ex West Sussex County Council), and two Compound Marshall Traction Engines in good condition. Mile Ash Nurseries, just north of Angmering railway station, has a Barrows & Stewart Portable and a Robey Portable both employed on soil sterilizing.

Jack Peirson writes from Darlington to say that the number of the

Marshall traction engine recently purchased jointly with Jack Wakefield of Helton is 84921, Reg. No. UP3325. It is a 6 h.p. Compound, rubber shock spring-mounted engine, fitted with two injectors. For the last ten years it has been at work in a saw-

mill. K. M. Vigus writes from Dursley to say that Aveling & Porter Roller No. 6458, owned by Somerset County Council, is at work at Wedmore in Somerset. G. Doherty writes from County

Louth, Eire, to say that he has just

purchased a Ransome, Sims & Jefferies Compound Traction Engine No. 42012. He goes on to say that in addition to the Burrell No. 2644 mentioned in his last letter he has found the following engines: McLaren No. 757 (Convertible), Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 43173,

Wallis & Steevens No. 2955, and another McLaren No. 1447. (Further

details of these engines would be appreciated.—Editor). In a later letter he says that he has found a Ransome, Sims & Jefferies traction engine in a shed near Dundalk. It is a Single Cylinder No. 22648 and appears to be in good

condition. F. Howling writes from Kings Lynn to say that two Fowler ploughing engines, Nos. 15137 and 15347, belonging to The Draining and Dredging Company of Kings Lynn, have been working at the Lynn Sugar Factory dredging a six-acre pit and

that they will be at work until July. The same firm, he says, also own a 6 ton Marshall Compound Roller No. 72049 which is in regular use. Colin Betts writes from Romford that he also saw a Marshall roller

belonging to the Dredging and Construction Company of Kings Lynn at work on the quay. This was No. 72096, Reg. No. 13E5066. W. G. Powell writes from New Brighton, Mold, to say that he has just purchased Super Sentinel No. 7527, Reg. No. MP5939, for preservation, and hopes to have it ready for the rally season next year.

Ron Stanbrook of Silsoe writes that he saw Aveling & Porter Piston Valve Roller No. 14179, Reg. No.

BKX861, at work midway between

Banbury and Stratford-upon-Avon. M. Green writes from St. Albans that during the latter winter months of 1959 two Fowler ploughing en-

gines, Nos. 15182/3 (H05868/9), were driven from Kingswalden Park to Hatfield Park to commence a dredging job on the River Lea. During the operations No. 15182 was joined on the south bank by another Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15194 (FX6820), which had been standing with her sister engine, No. 15195 (FX6821), in a nearby woodyard. The job was completed early in 1960 and No. 15194 rejoined her sister back in the woodyard and Nos. 15182/3 departed to an unknown destination.

The Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10423 (FX9710) which had been

standing derelict at Messrs. C. H. Linton's yard at Wheathampstead has now been broken tin for scrap.

Messrs. C. H. Linton still operate another Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10261 (FX8794), and it is now working in the Luton district. The two steam rollers operated by the Borough of Willesden have recently had their routine boiler inspection and will return to normal service. The rollers are a Wallis &

Steevens " Advance " No. 7785 (OR3539) and an Aveling & Porter No. 12442 (MY102). L. J. Oates writes from March that Messrs. Derek Crowel, Contractors, of Manea, Cambs, are about to break up an Aveling & Porter 10 ton

Roller No. 5589 (XD8052).

STEAMING

FROM OUR MEMBERS

2. J. T. FENSOM, Esq.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fensom with Garrett Tractor No. 33991, photographed a Bluelcsiune Leys, Emiitte Sifeel, Mintingdon, in 1925. r

Mr. T. C. Fensom (front left) and Mr. Jack Fensom on the right, photographed at Kimbolton Park in 1920 with Garrett Tractor No. 32682.

STEAMING

THE WOODTON RALLY NORFOLK Steam Engine Club's Annual Rally at Woodton Old Hall improves—particularly in the quality of engines—year by year, and the 1960 event on Saturday was no exception. " We have a wonderful display, with several fresh faces among the 30 entrants," the Club Chairman, Mr. G. C. Howlett, said. " The quality improves each year and the restoration work that has been carried out on some of the engines is something to be marvelled at." Looking round at the steaming giants on parade on the field next to his house, Mr. Howlett said he doubted if a finer collection had ever been assembled before at one time in Norfolk or East Anglia. He added that the club had been formed for only eighteen months, though there had been two rallies at Woodton before that. Membership stood at about 150 and the Chairman hoped this would soon increase. " Our enthusiasm is really great, but we are a little short on numbers," he remarked. Membership carries with it a number of advantages, including free entrance and car parking at various rallies. In spite of the clouds the afternoon remained fine, and a crowd about the same size as last year, when 5,000 people from all parts of East Anglia attended, enjoyed a full programme that brought out the skill of the rally competitors. For the first time some competitive events were run on a handicap system to give the bigger engines that were not so manoeuvrable a better chance against the more nippy and smaller machines. There was good reason for making sure everything was extra smart this year, for a challenge cup was there to be won for the first time, given to the club by Mrs. G. Neale. of Swaffh am, in memory of her father, the late Mr. John Wilkin, of Litcham. Mrs. Neale said her father's favourites were Burrell machines. It was not surprising in the light of that when she picked a 1927 Burrell as the cup winner for the first time. It was a popular choice, for the engine entered for the rally by Mr.

G. Cushing, of Thursford, Fakenham, was in first-class preservation and trim. Mr. W. Jeanes, of Wrentham, who was driving it, said it was bought in Kent two years ago. He learned a little more of its career through a chat with Mr. Alfred Simpson, of Thetford, who has memories of driving the Burrell through the streets of London. The engine was the last one built at the Thetford works of the firm. Mr. Simpson was employed there and took it to London when it was sold. It was the first time he had seen it since 1927 when he visited Woodton on Saturday. In London the Burrell had been unloaded from the train at Mile End and Devonshire Street goods station. From there it was driven to the Agricultural Hall at Islington for the Smithfield Show. " I was towing a Garrett six-wheel steam wagon and a four-foot-six threshing machine. We made a very pretty picture, and I should think the whole population of London stopned to watch as we went past," Mr. Simpson recalled. Oldest engine at the rally was a newcomer, an 1892 Burrell that a year ago was a heap of rust on Knettishall Heath between Thetford and East Harling. Entered by Bryant & Sons, Pakenham Mill, Bury St. Edmunds, it showed little sign of having been cast aside from 1946 until 1959. " We had to clear the undergrowth and cut down alder as high as the engine before we could tow her home," said the steersman, Mr. Michael Bryant. " We hired a steam cleaner to clean her un and got rid of the oil and sawdust (the engine used to drive a saw bench durine the war) that was caked on, found there were no leaks when we put water in, oiled her, lit the fire and away she went. After all those years she did not needing anything doing to her." And in the opinion of the driver, Mr. Leonard Hayward, of Honington, the engine was pretty good. He said that, having had a lifetime of experience with steam, beginning when he was sixteen and continuing now he is sixty-eight. Mr. Hayward also echoed the opinion of Mr. Howlett, that there

STEAMING was " some really good stuff here today." An increase in the number of steam rollers was noticeable, one of them a 1929 Wallis & Steevens model entered by Mr. Walter Vincent, of Cotton, Stowmarket, causing interest with its unusual boiler. A small machine built mainly for rolling footpaths and drives, its boiler was tilted back at a marked angle. Mr. Vincent said it was known as a " Simplicity roller, but in fact it was not so simple. " It's a tricky little machine to use, though I wouldn't part with her—unless T could get another steam engine," he said. The engine still earns its keep doing various jobs, and Mr. Vincent will be

rolling a football pitch shortly. Many old favourites were again at the rally, including several Garrett engines and a selection of Burrells, Aveling & Porters, Marshalls, Ruston & Proctors, and a Fowler. Two model engines and some veteran cars also took part. The immaculate Burrell Showman of Mr. H. Whipps, of Woodton, again drew an admiring audience, while another of the same breed of Showman did a good trade pulling trailers full of youngsters round the ground and past the sideshows provided by the committee of Woodron Village Hall at the invitation of the club.

LEND US YOUR PUSHPOLE By W. MICHAEL SALMONS Yes, " Lend us your. pushpole " ; it is so often a cry of the driver of a disabled engine, or of a Good Samaritan who is prepared to assist non As such it is usually a difficult request to refuse, yet, all too often, a pushpole is handed over, never to be returned in its original form. Even with experienced men in charge, pushpoles do get bent and broken ; with inexperienced drivers they very frequently suffer. Invariably this is due to " pinching " the pole against the coupling when the two engines get out of line. It may be helpful therefore to see how this happens. The case of the towing and shunting of a dead engine will be considered. Similar operations with a trailer, threshing drum, etc. will obey the same laws, but the dead engine represents the most awkward case owing to the large part of the weight bearing on the rear wheels. Also for most of us today, it is the more common case. To tow an engine along the road on a stiff pole sounds the simnlest of nnerations. On the level and uphill it is. As long as the dead engine is steered to within a yard or so of the track of the live one no harm will be done. The tensions in the bar will tend to correct any steering errors, even to the extent that on most surfaces an engine with its steering

locked straight would tow in some sort of a fashion. Trouble occurs as soon as the pushpole comes into COMPRESSION. This can happen when stopping on the level, when descending hills, or when pushing the dead engine during shunting movements. It will be apparent that the very force, which in the towed engine tends to keen it in line, will, when reversed, tend to thrust it further out of line. In either case the sideways effect of the pushpole is resisted by the resistance to sideways movement of the front wheels. This is generally not very high, owing to the small proportion of the total weight of the engine which rests on the front wheels, and it is reduced to a very low figure indeed on greasy muddy surfaces. Thus at all times when the pushpole is in compression it is very important to keep the two engines as closely in line as possible. When descending hills it is wise to use the dead engine's brake, or put her in gear, despite the obvious competence of the leading engine to hold her, to reduce the " push " in the pole and so prevent this tendency for the front end to slide over to one side. The commonest case of this is when entering a gate, when the camber of the road will act as a considerable gradient on the rear wheels. As the

STEAMING

engines are bound to be at an angle to each other on the turn the dead one may rear over quite suddenly and damage pushpole and gatepost. This can easily be prevented by use of the brake. If this is not serviceable the towed engine should be steered on a slightly smaller circle than the live one, and the driver should take things very steadily indeed to give the towed steersman every opportunity, and in particular should avoid checking suddenly when on the curve. When a dead engine has actually to be pushed. as in the confines of a yard, it is essential to try to keep the pushpole in line with both engines if possible, and if not, then in line with the one whose front coupling is in use, On rough or slippery ground it may be better to couple the engines back to back, when advantage may be taken of the triple rear couplings to keep the pole lined up. Now let us suppose that despite all care, the pole has got to an acute angle and the two engines are obviously in danger of closing up. Any movement of either may lead to disaster. What should be done ? When shunting, the first thought should be " Block up ". Block the rear wheels, between the engines so that they cannot come together. The live engine may then be cased away and uncoupled. After getting her lined up the pole may be coupled up again and operations continued. If you are being chased down a hill by a dead engine and the pole

is getting badly out of line you are in an unenviable position. It may be possible to edge out in the right direction to correct the alignment, and the crew of the towed engine should try to bring their charge into line, and at the same time to apply any brake-power they may have. Under no circumstances should the leading engine be checked suddenly, and on a short slope such as a camber or hump bridge it may be possible to keep out of trouble by accelerating slightly so as to reduce the compression in the pole. However on all but the shortest hills this may be a rather desperate expedient, but has been used to give time for the brakes of the towed engine to be applied. Finally make sure that the pole you are using is adequate for the type of engine to be towed, and that the coupling pins are adequate and not excessively fatigued. Stresses in the pole and pins during towing can be very severe between two such heavy vehicles. A light pole which had towed an engine 100 miles behind a Land Rover failed at once when used for the same engine, but behind a road locomotive. Breakaways have occured in the past, sometimes without a lot of damage, but with modern traffic we just cannot afford to risk such an event. When travelling any distance on the road a safety chain should always be rigged in addition to the pole. And when the job is done, don't forget to take the pole back.

BOOK REVIEW Whilst it is appreciated that many of our members are interested purely and simply in Traction Engines there are others who appreciate all forms of Steam Engines, and for that reason we would mention the book Locomotives I Have Known by the late J. N. Maskelyne, published by Percival, Marshall and Company, Ltd., at 42/-. This book is the work of an expert who not only knows his subject in-

timately but has made it a part of his life. With each type dealt with there are line drawings revealing details which will be of the utmost value to the Model Maker and invaluable to the student of the locomotive. Without doubt this work will rank as one of the leading reference books in the years to come when the Steam Locomotive will be only a memory.

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FOR SALE AND WANTED Wanted. — Square-faced Lantern (right hand) for Burrell Showman's Engine, any condition, pair would do. Made by Eli Griffiths " The Meteor ". Dr. J. Middlemiss, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland. Wanted.—A Road Engine. Fowler " Big Lion " preferred. Ploughing Engine or Post-1925 Traction Engine considered. Details, price, etc., to P. G. Gledhill, 41 Whitley Road, Paignton, Devon. Wanted.—Eight rubber tyres, not less than 30 ins. inside iron band to be cut and expanded for rear wheels about 61 ins. over strakes. All one height but might be two widths. £15 offered subject to approval.- C. F. Smith, 11 Commercial Road, Hereford. Phone 4609. For Sale.—Armstrong Whitworth Roller (10-ton), No. 10 R 35. In working order. Can be seen in steam by appointment. D. Eastwood, Road Contractor, Horsmonden, near Tonbridge. Phone: Horsmonden 280. For Sale.—Marshall Tractor 11 in. Brass Chimney Top. New. £5. R. G. Pratt, Capel St. Mary, Ipswich.

For Sale.—Photographs of the Sale of the late John Patten's eight Steam Plough Engines on 28th June, 1960, at Little Hadham. Selection of 24 photographs. Postcard size 1/6. Half-plate 2,/-. All post free. List sent on application. H. Bonnett, 24 Torrington Road, Perivale, Greenford, Middx. For Sale.—Steel Cable for Traction Engine, full length with eye. As new. A. E. Deans, Agricultural Engineer, London Road, Baldock. For Sale.—Set of 6 Engine Lamps in good condition. A. E. Deans, Agricultural Engineer, Baldock. Wanted.—Any Makers' Catalogues on Steam Wagons, Traction Engines or Showman's Engines. c/o. Steaming, Field House, Turvey, Beds. Will the member who lives in the Birmingham area from whom I purchased a spare set of firebars last year please contact me as I have lost his address. J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds

SHAGGY HORSE STORY By S. L. WI-I-Ka-worm Members may or may not have heard the one about the gent on his customary walk in the country being addressed from the adjacent field by an old horse who requested to know the time and then proceeded to give his life story to the amazement of our walking friend. Staggering into the local hostelry (No, Uncle Tom, it was not the one where the Bedford Society hold their monthly gathering!), he managed, after fortifying himself with a pint, to gasp out his incredible story to the characters standing at the bar, at the end of which, one particularly hard-boiled type said nonchalantly, " And did he tell you he won the Derby in 1913? " " Why, yes," said our friend with even more amazement." " Well he's a liar," said the H.B.T., " he came in fourth."

Yes, we've heard it, but what has it all to do with Steaming 7 Well, only tonight I have been informed by some perfectly truthful junior members of the club that during their search for an engine they encountered an old horse who curled up his top lip and laughed at them, and would indeed have taken a playful nip at them to help them on their way had he been given the chance. After this they found an equally playful mule, and at the end of this (almost literally), an 1898 Foden traction engine, a McLaren of about the same date, and a Foden rigid type chassis 6wheeler. And if you don't believe this shaggy horse story either, look amongst the " Ads " of The Model Engineer for the 23rd June!

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Burrell 8 n.h.p. D.C.C. No. 3949 " Princess Mary", built in 1923 for W. Nichols. Whether he is 'nursing' a boiler of an Ocean Liner, or a Power Station, for a living, or tending a traction engine for a hobby :

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

Consult:

I FA II( HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD. THE PRIORY #011 ,0 BURNHAM • BUCKS. Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd. Greyfriars Walk, Bedford

BY APPOINTMENT TO N.M. THE QUEEN

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