Steaming 1961 Vol.5 No.2 by Back editions of Raising Steam and Steaming (1957-2026)

Vol. 5 No. 2 April, 1961

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THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB I6

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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. R. BONSOR, ESQ., 6 Rokeby Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex.

NEWS FLASHES William Bibby writes from Wirral to say that whilst on the Continent last year he saw a Wallis & Steevens " Advance " Type Roller at Zug in Switzerland. Also on the way there he saw a Fowler Roller with living van and water cart and later an Aveling & Porter 8 ton Roller in Germany. (Will members going abroad this year please get all details of any engines seen and send them to me ?— Editor.) A. G. Coombes writes from Exeter to say that in reply to Geoffrey Mayes' question in the October issue there is still one example of a Green's Steamroller owned by the Devonshire C.C. No. 1968 (TAW!). It would appear that this engine is the sole survivor of the four that were owned by the Devonshire C.C. Keith Vigus writes from Bristol to say that Merioneth County Council have five steam rollers in use, all Fowlers, their numbers being 16180, 21627, 21628, 21629 and 21698.

Colin Betts writes from Ilford to say that in January the Borough of Kidderminster invited offers for the sale of their Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10374. Built in 1922. This compound engine is in perfect order and from a photograph appears to be well painted and lined out. From a subsequent report it appears this roller has been purchased by a Dorset firm, Messrs. Hine Bros., who intend to put it to work. G. R. Hawthorne writes from Reading that Aveling & Porter No. 4986 (TH2658) Devon C.C. No. 1 10 ton single cylinder Roller was seen at work near Exeter. This engine was formerly Eddison's No. 110 and was known as " Man Killer " as a result of an accident in which her driver, who while reaching for an oil can, was caught up in the motion and killed. Her present driver looked very fit after many years with her. Devon C.C. have more steam rollers than steam drivers.

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EDITORIAL THE Special Steam Wagon Issue seems to have met with approval judging by the many letters that I have received. I have recently received a very interesting letter from H. T. Brown, Esq., a Director of J. B. Carr Ltd. of Tettenhall, Wolverhampton. His firm, as many of our members know, still use ploughing engines on a commercial basis for dredging and travel over a wide area doing this work. Mr. Brown tells me that they are always on the look-out for drivers as per their advertisement in this issue. He goes on to say that they are always interested in hearing from experienced men who have driven Fowler or similar types of steam ploughing engines, and also from men who may be interested in employment as learner drivers to work with their experienced gangs. Besides men that they need for regular employment, there are occasions when they may be requiring temporary drivers in certain areas for the duration of a particular contract. I would suggest, therefore, any member who would be prepared to work for Messrs. J. B. Carr Ltd. at locations near their homes and also those members who would be pre-

pared to travel to any part of the country, write to me so that I can compile a list for Mr. Brown which would enable him to contact members in whatever location they have work. Many members have written to me saying that they have received a card from me saying that their subscription has not been paid. In many cases this is due to the fact that when they are paid by banker's order unless a member advises the Membership Secretary it is not easily possible to trace these items when they arrive at the Club's bankers. As I have pointed out before, Steaming is sent out to all those members advised to me by the Membership Secretary as having paid up, so if you still do not get the magazine just check that you have advised Jim Hutchens re your banker's order. All subscriptions are, of course, due on the 31st August of each year. Finally, if writing to Jim, you may like to know that he now has good stocks of Lapel Badges at 3s. 3d. each, Ties at 18s. 6d. each, and Car and /or Engine Badges at £2 each. All post free. Your remittance for any of these items should, of course, be included with your order.

FROM THE CHAIRMAN (Philip Wright's Column) MAY I wish you all a better Summer as regards weather 7 This will help farming members, contractors and rally organisers more than anything else can do. The big Fowler stump-pulling engine has found a new home. I was not doing justice to her, and am glad to report that she is now at Alton Towers, Staffordshire, where she will be preserved and ultimately put under cover. In such a central position in England she should be seen by a large number of enthusiasts. A few weeks ago I had a letter from a Mr. John Preston who lives in Ireland. He says there is practically no interest there in steam preservation and wonders if there is a likely market in England for Irish engines

which are fast being scrapped. In my reply I said it was a pity they had not a Club such as ours and I also said it might be worth his while to enquire as to the cost of shipping engines to this country. If anybody is interested, please do NOT write to me, but drop a line to Mr. Preston whose address is Swainstown, Kilmessan, County Meath. A steam veteran Mr. Ernest Crane of Morningside, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, writes to tell me of yet another fatal accident which I have not chronicled. It happened on the Cambridge-Ely road, where an engine towing a threshing set got low with her water. The driver went to fill up at Stretham, but everything by then was red hot and the boiler burst and

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killed him. The fusible plug had been doctored it was discovered afterwards. Mr. Crane also describes the worst boiler he ever saw ! It was a big oil drum without stays set in brickwork, with furnace beneath and a hand pump for water filling, even with a home-made safety valve! It was used for steaming pig-swill. The owner told Mr. Crane that as soon as he heard the end " bonk " he opened the fire door, and when the former told him it would " bonk " once too often the owner said " Yes, I shall have to give her a scrape down before long ".

Mr. J. W. Vaughan of Welford Rugby writes telling me his late father drove for a time after World War I Chipperfield's Burrell " Queen of the Midlands," No. 228i. Subsequently they did threshing with two Allchins and a MacLaren. Just recently Mr. Vaughan has bought a Burrell Devonshire Type Engine No. 3262 and hopes to restore it fully. He also tells me that the first engine owned by his grandfather was made by Lewis of Reading—like myself

Mr. Vaughan had never heard of another of that make. I was recently talking to Halstead (Essex) Young Farmers' Club, and afterwards a member came up to tell me that his uncle Mr. C. Philp of Castle Hedingham had purchased the ploughing engines " Lion " and " Tiger " which used to belong to the late John Patten. They hope to use them this Summer in the HalsteadHedingham area. Appleford this year promises to have a somewhat " New Look ". We are hoping to demonstrate steam ploughing, cultivating and mole draining. I have written to all the farming press about this because I feel that a big proportion of the younger farmers have never seen steam cultivation at all and here is their great opportunity. Your committee are determined that Appleford shall not cease to provide its annual commemoration of what was begun as a bit of fun some eleven years ago. Little did our friend Arthur Napper and Miles Chetwynd-Stapyiton think at the time what a big thing they were beginning when they first did battle on 20th August, 1950.

FROM THE SECRETARY IN a Club such as ours where the members are spread over the length and breadth of the country, contact between us can take place only occasionally. But whenever stearn enthusiasts meet there is much to talk about and discuss. In this respect the formation of local clubs or groups has much to commend it as they can arrange periodic meetings for gossip, film shows, steam-ups, all accompanied by suitable refreshment. It seems to me that if these are held on a regular monthly basis with the venue known or announced in advance, members and visiting friends will make an effort to attend. The Bedford Club have been doing this for some years which has, I am sure, done much to strengthen the movement in that area. Recently a new local group has been formed-The Thames Valley Traction engine Club—who will no doubt be catering for those who live in this area, We wish them every success. I think it

is essential, however, that some cooperation should exist between the various groups as the movement is too small for different sectors to be pullir.g against cacl-n othcr. We have many personalities and characters amongst us. The prowess of some members is well known, and their achievements with steam in both difficult and amusing circumstances is often recounted with perhaps a little touch of imagination added in which all makes good listening. Often little is known of other spare time activities of members. It is all the more pleasant when one hears of something special in this field. Many will know Frank Upton, one of the earliest members and a loyal committee man for very many years ; many will also know of his long and unstinted service with the St. John's Ambulance Brigade. Frank has -had bestowed on him a high honour in respect of this service. He is being made a Serving Brother of the

STEAMING Brigade in recognition of his eighteen years of continuous service both directly with the Brigade and also in respect of outside activities such as entertaining and helping the older and less fortunate of our fellow men. The investiture will be taking place shortly in London, probably Buckingham Palace, and we wish Frank every congratulation on receipt of this honour. The Club is again concentrating its Rally effort this year at Appleford, which is near Abingdon, in Berkshire, on Saturday, 17th June. Since this is agricultural country we are making a special feature of the application

of the steam traction engine to the land. Special displays of steam ploughing will be staged throughout the day, whilst threshing drum and elevators will also be present driven by suitable engines. A full Rally programme will be carried out, and for those members of the family who are not so keen on engines, a Gymkhana will take place in an adjoining field. Mr. Arthur Napper has kindly placed a large area at our disposal so that there will be plenty of room for all these activities. I hope as many members as possible will make a point of attending this Rally of the Club. E.F.

FOR SALE AND WANTED Wanted.—" Steam Engine Builders of Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire," by R. N. Clark. Details of these and any other similar literature to : P. W. Settew, 29 Carisbrooke Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Wanted.—For Fowler Traction No. 11357. Pump Boiler Clack-box complete (05274), Smoke-box Door, Maker's Nameplate, Forecarriage Pushing Bracket complete (05549), Spud Box (05538), Chimney Top (05134), Front Wheel Oil Pipe Cap (05171), and Water Lift Pipe Carrier (05241).—Details and price to : J. Dowland, 18 Queens Drive, Bedford. Wanted. Copper Chimney Flare for Burrell No. 2147.—Offers to : 31. L. Thomas, 5 Minett Avenue, Rushwick, Worcester. For Sale.-110 Volt Charging Board, No. 2, 25 Amp. Still in crate. £4. One Oil Pump for Traction Engine, £2.—T. Hodgson, Blencowe House, Blencowe, Penrith, Cumb. Wanted.—Driver wanted for Aveling Porter Steam Roller. Must be experienced. Permanent position on local work.—Apply Galliford and Sons Ltd., Civil Engineering Contractors, Wolvey, Hinckley, Leics. Tel. No.:: Wolvey 333/4/5. For Sale.—Thornycroft Steam Wagon in good running order. Overhauled and repainted. Due to lack of covered accommodation I will consider reasonable offers, subject to inspection under steam.—J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford.

Wanted.—Front Wheels for Burrell Road Locomotive (4 ft. 1 in. dia.). 6 n.h.p. or 8 n.h.p. would be suitable. Also required, Chimney, Lamps, and Smokebox Dynamo Bracket.— D. C. Walker, 19 Longdon Drive, Four Oaks Common, Sutton Coldfield. For Sale.—Pair of Brand New Valve Spindles for Mann's Tractor or Cart. £10 the pair complete.—D. W. Smith, 44 Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton, Salop. For Sale.—Postcard size Traction Engine Blueprint Diagrams, 6d. each. —Particulars, s.a.e., Kimber, 19 Reynolds Place, Blackheath, London, S.E.3. For Sale.-8 ton Aveling & Porter Convertible Traction Engine. Built in 1923. Reconditioned and in good order. Fully insured. — S. Moss, Hawthornes, Westbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. For Sale.—Scrapping 8 h.p. S.C. Burrell. Many items fit S.C.C. or D.C.C. Engines. Enquiries for parts at once to : J. M. Crowther, The Riddings, Long Preston, Nr. Skipton. For (Sale.—Burrell S.C.C. 2 speed Traction Engine. Built 1907. Fully restored and in good working order. £300 o.n.o.—D. Ellor, Belle Vue Garage, Whitegate Drive, Blackpool. Wanted. — Smokebox, complete with Front Ring, Door and Maker's Name Ring for Burrell 5 ton Tractor. —M. B. Thexton, 43 Perry's Lane, Wroughton, Nr. Swindon, Wilts.

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After 82 years and twelve times round the world the grand old Lady of Oslo has retired

Reported by G. HARTMAN

SATURDAY, 1st October, 1960, was a clear, crisp fall-day. We were assembled in front of the Technical Museum in Oslo. The Museum is situated on one of the many hills surrounding the city, and from where we were standing we had a good view over the area where today's guest of honour had worked for over eighty years. She was a grand old lady, but now finally the time had come to pension her off. Not that she could not still do an honest day's work—she had been going strong until one day last June the inevitable happened to her best friend of the last forty-two years—he had to retire. They had served well together—he

guiding her, taking care of her and generally being nice to her—she paving miles and miles of streets in Oslo. In her lifetime she had covered a distance equal to twelve times around the world, a feat unlikely ever to be repeated—these youngsters they sometimes made her work with could probably outrun her for a short time, but reliability was her strong point. As long as her good friend was around and talked to her in the language she understood, she never once faltered. But now it was time to retire with all the laurels that can be bestowed on a steamroller. Then they came. First the brass band of the Oslo Roads Department

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"A march befitting the occasion . . ."

.. . So eager to get into the Museum . . ."

The fire is extinguished

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Never to roll again. playing a march befitting the occasion. The band were followed by old pensioned workers from the Roads Department—all men who had at one time or another worked with her. Now they marched with her along the last stretch of the route to her place of honour. Finally came the grand old lady herself. At the wheel was her good friend, Trygve Stromberg, who had come out of retirement especially for this last journey. The band marched up and took position beside us outside the museum, ready for the principal guest to make her entrance. An expectant hush fell as she arrived, then a shocked gasp

as Driver Stromberg was seen to be having difficulty in halting her. One got he impression that she was so eager tc get into the Museum that she was ready to go right through the big plate glass window behind us. We held our breath, but need not have worried—with her friend and companion of forty-two years at the wheel nothing could go wrong, least of all on this day of all days. She certainly was well preserved. Her brass was so well polished that it would stand up against the closest scrutiny of an old admiral. Her paint gleamed, she was covered in flowers and, as any other lady would,

STEAMING she was enjoying being the centre of attraction. Just to make sure that nobody forgot her during the following speech-making, she occasionally gave voice to a gentle chuff through her safety valve. With a few well-chosen, humorous words, His honour, the Mayor of Oslo, Mr. B. Bull, handed her over to the Museum, whose Director, Mr. Dannevig Hauge, spoke words of the warmest welcome. A little toast was drunk—that was always done in the olden days when horses changed hands, and what could be more appropriate for this beloved, glamorour ambassador for the firm having a horse as its trade-mark. Then the band started up another march, and she steamed proud and unaided to the proper entrance for grand old ladies. As she disappeared from our sight, two simple words were heard to follow in her wake : " Well done! " FOR THE RECORD Aveling & Porter single cylinder

Steam Roller No. 1457 was despatched from Rochester on the 19th July, 1878, to the order of the Municipality of Oslo, through shipping agents in London, with this specification : Weight: 10 tons. Cylinder : 8 in. bore by 10 in. stroke. Driving rolls : 4 ft. 10 in. diameter by 16+ in. by 3/ in. thick (later replaced by 5 ft. by 161 in. by 3 in. rolls). Front rolls : 3 ft. 10 in. diameter bevelled to 3 ft. 8 in. diameter by 221 in. wide by 21 in thick, tapering to 21 in. thick, with central king post (later replaced by modern cylindrical rolls, with steering fork and saddle). Crankshaft: 273- in. diameter. Driving axle : 41 in. diameter. Flywheel (solid): 4 ft. 6 in. by 5 in. wide. Safety valve : Spring balance type (later replaced by dome type).

J. B. CARR LTD. TETTENHALL, STAFFS. SPECIALISTS IN THE DREDGING of LAKES, RESERVOIRS, CANALS, ETC. Use Fowler Steam Plough Engines for dredging wide expanses, and are always interested to receive applications from experience Drivers and also Learner Drivers for employment 'Phone : WOLVERHAMPTON 52071 (4 lines)

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CLUB NEWS BEDFORDSHIRE John Dowland is continuing with the rebuilding of his Fowler Traction Engine No. 11357, which he is hoping to have at the Woburn Rally this year. John Crawley's Fowler Showman's Engine No. 15657 " Kitchener " was running around Bedford on a recent Saturday in support of a Students' Rag for Charity. He has recently purchased a 6 ton single cylinder Fowler Roller No. 18843, which was built in 1930 for the Dutch East Indies, returning in 1938, since when it has belonged to the Mechanical Tar and Grouting Co. Ltd. of Reading. Albert Deans is very busy with his arrangements for the Gt. Wymondley Rally at 'Whitson and he tells me that there should be in excess of thirtyfive engines present. Arrangements for our Annual Dinner are well in hand, and any member of the N.T.E.C. or affiliated clubs arc more than welcome to come along to the " Half Way House " (between Luton and Dunstable), on Saturday, May 13th, at 7.30 for 8. Tickets price 15s. can be obtained from J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. Our monthly meetings continue to be well supported, and we look forward to meeting anybody who happens to be in this part of the world at the " King's Arms," St. Mary's Street, Bedford, on the first Monday of each month. J.C. COUNTY DURHAM Jack Wakefield of Hetton-le-Hole has purchased a piston valve Ruston and Hornsby Portable Engine No. 163856 and a Robey Tandem Roller No. 43747. In partnership with Jack Peirson of Darlington he has also acquired a Ruston and Proctor slide valve Portable Engine No. 52591. These engines are in very good order and were working up until four months ago. J.P. HAMPSHIRE & DORSET Arrangements for the Andover Rally on May 13th are going ahead with the promise of many new entries including at least two surprise items.

The rally will be opened by Mr. Ian Fraser of Arbroath. At Bartley in the New Forest there is a Marshall Portable Engine in a saw mill which is apparently used for pleasure. At Cadnam, also in the New Forest, is another Marshall Portable in a saw mill which works for its living. The Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 14712 (N04630) " Wilbur " is still by the side of the road at Kings Somborne, Hants. J.A.F. NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE AND CHESHIRE Main topic of conversation at the last club meeting was undoubtedly the news of the arrival at Alton Towers of the Chairman's big Fowler stump-pulling engine which he has sold to our President—Mr. Dennis Bagshaw. In his letter to the North Staffs. and Cheshire Secretary on the subject of the engine, the Rev, Philip Wright explains that he decided to dispose of the engine in view of the difficulties in retaining it in his own personal ownership, and goes on to say that it seemed more sensible that she should go somewhere to stand and be looked at by by as many as possible —sometimes in steam—and that Alton Towers seemed the obvious place. Bagsha-ii, in his- G-,;,-fn corrancnts on the subject of the engine, states that it is intended to steam it occasionally in order to interest visitors, but unfortunately it is too large to ever be moved from its position in the shed. Other engine news is that two more Burrells have been added to club strength, making the total five. Mr. and Mrs. Walker of Sutton Coldfield have purchased from the North the 6 h.p. three speed compound road locomotive No. 3847, which they believe was the last Burrel built before the A.G.E. acquired the Thetford works. The other is the single crank compound " Devonshire " engine purchased from Mr. R. Rawcliffe of Blackburn at the end of last year. Works No. 2706. It has been decided to have this brought down

STEAMING direct to Alton Towers in good time for the rally. We have heard rumours of a sixth Burrell having been purchased still more recently by two new members, but at the time of writing we have no official confirmation of this. Geoff. Hayes hopes to have his Aveling roller nearer home soon. Meanwhile it is still in the expert care of Pip Atherton at Widnes, as is also Sylvia Wedgwood and Brian Bickley's Foden six-wheeler. Arthur Wedgwood continues to " press on " with his own very special Foden 5-tonner. Its re-emergence from the shed in which it has been housed in Whitefield to our certain knowledge for the past 25 years at least, will indeed be an event in the annals not only of the National Traction Engine Club but also The Road Locomotive Society as well. Boiler overhauls on the Standard Sentinel and Super Tractor at Alton Towers and Endon respectively are well advanced, but Mr. Goldstraw and Mr. Wilson have their services well booked for some time ahead, for when the Sentinels are ready, there will still be the Chairman's Foster Wellington tractor and the club's own mascot the Mann's tractor " Tiny Tim " to receive their attention before July 1st. A club with its members' engines scattered over an area bounded by Bury in the North, Sutton Coldfield in the South, Neston in the West and Leek in the East, can hardly be expected to attain that degree of concentration on maintenance and refitting such as our County of Salop colleagues enjoy in their facilities at Burley, Craven Arms, where, a few Sundays ago, on the way home from Mr. Woolley's with tubes for the " Shrewsbury Belle ", we called in to say " How do ? " All of them, including the R.L.S. President himself, were hard at work in the wonderfully compact workshop of their doyens and fellow clubmen—the Bishop Brothers. Nevertheless, we breathed a sigh of envy of the Salopians for their steam elysium, set in the delightful vale of Burley with its clear stream flowing right through the Smithy where a previous generation of Grandfather Bishops had doubtless helped to forge the weapons of the Civil War, and later, turned them back into ploughshares. The club members were pleased to

welcome as their guest speaker at the March meeting Mr. C. Weir of the School of Signalling, British Railways, Victoria Station, Manchester. His subject was the Cromford and High Peak Railway in Derbyshire which members are to visit on April 8th. Mr. Weir's talk was graphically supported by an excellent collection of his own colour slides of the railway and its famous inclines, which together with the beam engines and workshop at Cromford, will be included in the visit. Preparations are well in hand for the Alton Towers Rally on July 1st and 2nd. There will be further improvements in the engine paddock and arena, the model traction engines are to have a " parade ground " of their own, and the North Staffs. Society of Model Engineers will lay the miniature railway track adjacent to one of the main drives. All N.T.E.C. and affiliated club members will be welcome to the club marquee, but please—not all at once. Admission to the rally will be free to N.T.E.C. and affiliated club members on production of his or her current membership card to the gatekeepers. Free car park as at previous events. Some of the Cheshire members' engines will be in the Congleton Carnival Procession on May 20th. Social meeting on the first Friday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Clough Hall Hotel, Kidsgrove. All welcome. LATE ANNOUNCEMENT.—One of our members has opened a fund for the restoration of the club's steam fire engine " Gem " with a generous donation. S.L.W. REMPSTONE A social evening was held at Rempstone on Saturday, March 18th, which proved to be a very enjoyable event. In addition to a reunion of countless rally personalities. including our hosts John and Mary Beeby, the party also included Pat Whitehouse of "Railway Roundabout " fame who presented an excellent film on the narrow gauge railways of Wales and Ireland, which in turn was preceded by a film of last year's rallies together with " The Titfield Thunderbolt ". The arrangements and refreshments were to the usual high standards we have come to expect from this part of the country. j.c.

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Steam Traction Engine

RALLY (Previously at Weston Park)

GREAT WYMONDLEY, HITCHIN, HERTS.

Whit-Monday, May 22nd, 1961 Gates open 11 o'clock.

35-40 ENGINES WILL BE TAKING PART ADMISSION: ADULTS 2/6, CHILDREN 1/-, CARS 2/6 Proceeds to the Church.

Refreshments and Licensed Bar.

Organisers: BRIAN HAILEY, GREAT WYMONDLEY, HITCHIN, HERTS. ALBERT E. DEANS, ENGINEER, LONDON ROAD, BALDOCK, HERTS.

The Power Packed (611r.) Manzel Cylinder Lubricator Ever thought of fitting a 3-point Lubricator giving a separate feed to each port face and a good oiling to the steam itself ? Consult British Manzel Oil Pump Co. Durranhill Eng. Works CARLISLE 21418/9

STEAMING COUNTY OF SALOP In the last issue of Steaming reference was made to Allchin No. 1458 which is the property of N. Marshall. This engine had been standing at Leominster for a considerable while, and when taken over by her new owner it was decided that she should be driven to Messrs. Bishop's establishment at Burley for re-tubing and general repairs. Before attempting a trip on the road the engine was given a check-over and it was found necessary to fit a new fusible plug and carry out several other small jobs. Trial under steam was successful and the day for the initial run was fixed. This run was to be somewhat curtailed, but as was arranged a start was made but after travelling only a few yards it was apparent that although up to working pressure the engine would not pull the skin off a pudding. Consternation! Number one suspect was the governor and off came the dome plate. It was now clear that some person unknown (fortunately for him) had forced the valve right down into the seating and it had been done with such vigour that the valve was free of the spindle and could not be moved. All attempts to move the offending valve failed, so it was decided to push on to the nearest place where the engine could be left until the job could be carried out when the cylinder block was cold. For about a mile progress was painful, and on the slightest up grade the auxiliary had to be brought into use to make any progress possible. Fortunately a farm was near at hand, and here the engine was left until the following week-end. On the next visit the valve was set upon and with the engine cold was moved reasonably easily. Steam was raised and once again No. 1458 set off for Burley. The change was little short of astounding, the engine steaming and riding beautifully until nearing Wofferton when the top came off one of the big end oil cups on which the thread to say the least was pretty poor. Valuable time was lost searching for the wretched cap which, after the road and ditch had been searched, was found on the footboard. Change of crew and then on again, when on having passed Ludlow it was noticed that ' the chimney was on the move. Examination revealed that only the blast pipe was really holding it on,

so progress had now to be very leisurely until Burley was reached without further incident. When this engine has been completely restored it will be a very fine example of the make and we wish Mr. Marshall every success with his new charge. Burrell No. 2646 still progresses, but a setback was suffered when the main driving boss was found to be broken, this necessitating removal of the axle so that the old one can be removed and a new one made and fitted. Why, oh! why did we park so near that shed ? The shed, needless to say, had to be partly dismantled to get the axle out. We press on! Messrs. Bishop's are at present overhauling their latest roller, Aveling Type " AD " No. 14174. When the job is complete this will be a very smart and useful machine. Mr. Salmon's Fowler Showman's Engine " Queen Mary " has arrived and is now to be stabled at Burley, so the stock of engines is quite high, all types being represented from portable to road locomotive. The new front tube plate for Marshall Portable No. 8839 has been delivered, and has been drilled and set in place awaiting rivetting, after which a new smoke box will have to be fitted and restoration completed. It is hoped that most of the Salop engines will be on show at Church Stretton Carnival this year, but details are not yet to hand. Seen passing through Church Strettnn in February nn a low

loader en route for Newport was Fowler Ploughing Engine, number unknown, but belonging to Messrs. Carrs Ltd. LATE NEWS. Some very interesting information from Mr. Mathieson of Cheltenham re Burrell No. 2646. It appears that during its early life this engine was on hire during the fair season to Messrs. Marshall Hill of Bristol, when she served as a haulage engine until replaced by Burrell " Bristol City ". D.W.S. THAMES VALLEY Over seventy people were present at the film show on February 10th, 1961, in Reading. On the proposition of Arthur Napper, the Thames Valley Traction Engine Club was formed. Messrs. Napper, S. J. Wharton and

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G. R. Hawthorne were appointed to run the club for the first year. A subscription of 7s. 6d. was agreed and about fifty members have already joined. Anyone wishing to join should send to S. J. Wharton, Southern Down, Minster Lovell, Witney, Oxon. The area covered by the club is roughly Witney, Swindon, Abingdon, Reading, Maidenhead to West London. A " Noggin and Natter " was held at " The Roebuck," Reading, in March. Steam evenings have been arranged at Bridge Farm, Appleford, Berks., on Friday, April 28th, when a Fowler traction and a Fowler roller will be in steam from approximately 6.30 p.m., and at Hatch Gate Farm, Hurst, Berks., on Monday, May 29th, when a Burrell tractor, a Foden wagon and possibly other engines will be in steam from approximately 6.30 p.m. Any steam enthusiast will be welcome at these meetings. R. G. Adnams of Caversham has recently purchased Foden " D " Type Tractor No. 12852 (1927). She was at one time owned by Judds of Spencers Wood. J. H. Fisher of Burghfield has purchased and restored Foden Wagon No. 11538 (1922). She has recently passed her ten year test! The Mechanical Tarspraying and Grouting Co. have had Fowler Compound Rollers No. 15967 (NW6093) 8 tons and No. 15970 (NW6002) 8 tons at work recently. Messrs. Wirksworth Quarries TriTandem Robey Roller is still at work daily on the Maidenhead by-pass. G.R.H. WEALD OF KENT The annual Weald of Kent Rally is to take place at Penshurst Aerodrome, near Tonbridge, on 19th August. The site is a 1914-18 grass aerodrome situated about four miles west of Tonbridge on route B2027 and on the railway between Tonbridge and Redhill. There is a bus route from Tunbridge Wells. The beneficiary is to be the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. The changes in the area are not very marked since the last issue of Steaming. Arnold & Nathan are reputed to have sold their last steam roller (Aveling Barford No. 14187) to Mr. C. W. Walker of Meopham, near

Gravesend. The 12 ton Fowler No. 17077 operated by the Mechanical Tar Spraying Co. Ltd. of Reading has ceased operating for the Surrey County Council in East Surrey and has been sold to the N.T.E.C.'s former secretary Mr. H. Bonnett. Mr. J. Powys of Hastings has bought a Burrell D.C.C. General Purpose Traction from Mr. Len Page of Falmer, near Brighton, and has had it taken home by low-loader. Strictly beyond our borders but still of in-, terest is the purchase by Mr. A. G. Vickers of Worthing of Wallis & Steevens single cylinder Roller No. owned 1897), 2524 (December, throughout its working life by James Penfold Ltd. of Arundel, and latterly, in retirement, by Mr. E. W. Edney. Mr. B. Potts of Horley has recently acquired a single cylinder Fowler Traction Engine No. 11491, whilst his friend Mr. J. Skinner has bought a Burrell traction engine from a Mr. Inglis of Gatton Park Farm, near Redhill. This is a single cylinder engine No. 3064, built in 1909. R.A.W. WEST OF ENGLAND So great has been the revival of interest in steam road vehicles in Cornwall in consequence of the very successful rallies organised by the West of England Steam Engine Society, that a movement is now afoot to form a complementary club in North Cornwall to be known as the Cornish Traction Preservation Club (Secretary: Mr. G. Hawkins, Tredinnick House, St. Issey, Wadebridge). Interest in steam is still spreading in Cornwall and there should therefore be scope for fruitful co-operation between these two bodies. Among the fresh locally-owned engines will be Mr. J. Warren's Fowler No. 12693, now greatly improved in appearance by its lengthened smoke-box and general cleaning and painting. A similar Fowler (No. 12047) belongs to Mr. H. Lander of St. Minver, but this retains its original short smoke-box and protruding perch bracket, and although gradually being restored in the very limited time available to its owner, it will not be ready to make any public appearance this year. Burrell No. 3755 (AF3967) " Westward Ho " has a new owner—Mr.

STEAMING

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STEAMING

Bezley of St. Austell. She was last owned, and was beautifully restored and fitted with rubbers, by Mr. L. B. Hosking of St. Buryan and was steamed by him to St. Austell in March. The late Capt. H. Dixon's fine Showman's Road Locomotive, Burrell No. 2894 (FK1463) " Centaur " has left Paignton and is now at Ferndown, having been bought by Mr. J. Hutchens. His collection has been still further augmented by the Garrett Suffolk Punch No. 33180 (JMO300) formerly owned by Mr. F. Upton of Maidenhead. Marshall No. 38024 (TA629) " Crossing Temple "—the only compound Marshall in the West—is being re-tubed at Stoke Climsland for her owner, Mr. G. R. Gillbard of Callington. Another Marshall, No. 43345 (AF3520) " Dorothy ", having been extensively restored at Messrs. W. H. Argall & Son's works at Truro, has by now been steamed back to her owner's home near Truro. The next engine to receive attention at Messrs. Argall's is Burrell No. 3125 (AF4574) " Princess ". This is the S.C.C. which was in the quarry at Sladesbridge but which at last has been promised a new lease of life. During the last year or so, it seems that as soon as one engine has left Argall's works another is waiting to take its place. This must be reminiscent of old times to Mr. Argall, who had great experience in maintaining traction engines when they were engaged in their normal work. After a long spell of inactivity, Mr. S. W. Pearse's Burrell No. 3676 (HR3736)—a " Devonshire " type S.C.C. of 5 n.h.p.—has recently done a day's wood-cutting and a day's threshing at Taphouse, near Liskeard. On the last day of last year Messrs. M. F. T. Leath and M. Pearce bought Marshall No. 69303 from Messrs. R. Dingle & Sons of Stoke Climsland. The partners have made several trips from West Cornwall to prepare this long-neglected engine for boiler inspection, etc., and she will soon be brought to Camborne where restoration work will start in earnest. This 8 n.h.p. single-cyclindered G.P. engine was new in 1915 to Messrs. P. and W. Anderson Ltd. of Glasgow, and was fitted with aluminium bands for exhibition. Before being taken to

Stoke Climsland a year or two ago, she was standing derelict at Tubbs Mill in South Cornwall for several years after her last job of driving a stone-crusher at a quarry there. No. 69303 is in a very rough condition externally and an immense amount of hard work will be necessary, but her new owners have already demonstrated what they can do by the transformation of their roller " The Highwayman " during the past two years. The scarifier of this roller is now receiving attention, then the inside of the front roll has to be dealt with, after which A. & P. No. 10187 must surely be among the bestrestored rollers in this country. In order to keep Ruston & Hornsby No. 169167 (TL5452) in the West when it became known that Mr. R. Bray of Helston wished to dispose of her, the W.E.S.E. Society purchased the engine as no other local buyer was forthcoming at that time. Within a few weeks one of the Society's members expressed a wish to own her, and he hopes to take possession as soon as boiler inspection and other formalities have been completed. "Queen Mary " is at present in a rather remote field near Helston whence she will be steamed to Coombe within a few days as better facilities are available there for inspection, refitting, etc. While at Coombe, " Queen Mary ", the newest traction in the West, will be standing within a few feet of the oldest one, McLaren No. 547. Although the difference in age of these two engines is no less than forty-two years, they are surprisingly similar in all main features—No. 547 must have been up to date in 1894! Foden No. 2104 (WR6985) is receiving extensive mechanical attention at Rilla Mill and in North Devon work has been proceeding on Mr. G. L. Tribe's Aveling No. 6407. The large Marshall Portable No. 70948 at Parracombe Quarry, N. Devon, has been purchased by Mr. A. G. Coombes of Exeter and two partners, who hope to get it transported to Exeter at Whitsun. From Mr. H. Stenner's garage in N. Devon Burrell No. 2877 (HT3163) " His Majesty " was steamed to Exeter on April 7th, where she will be on show before returning to her home at Highbridge. Mr. Stenner

STEAMING and his accomplices, together with Mr. D. W. Emery, her owner, have done a tremendous amount of repair and restoration work and " His Majesty " will be seen in all her new glory at Andover on May 13th—her first rally appearance. On Boxing Day several enthusiasts enjoyed a very wet afternoon at St. Issey when four engines were in steam. The bad weather prevented the trip around the local lanes which had been intended, but it was a rewarding trip to St. Issey to see, hear and smell those engines in midwinter when such sights, sounds and smells are rare. (I hope that Mr. J. H. Trounson will not mind me mentioning here that the best smell he ever experienced was when he was driving his Marshall " The Whale in a lane near Coombe. In one nostril he smelt " Whale Oil " and in the other honeysuckle—the nearby hedge was covered with this fragrant flower. He described the combination of odours as " heavenly "!) Reverting to the engines in steam at St. Issey, they were " Challenger " No. 2651), " Firefly " (Burrell (Fowler Tiger No. 14798), Marshall No. 34022 and Robey Roller No. 48869. On March 10th the Truro Operatic Society very kindly lent their hall to the West of England Steam Engine Society for a lecture and show of films and slides organised by two members, Mr. T. H. Clark and Miss E. M. Rule. Over one hundred members and friends attended, and such was the interest that many did not leave until atter midnight. Slides of engines at rallies in Cornwall, Andover, Taunton, Woburn and Cranborne were followed by a talk on the Redruth and Chacewater Railway. This was given by Mr. D. B. Barton, who recently published a book The Redruth and Chacewater Railway (6s. 11d. post free from the Truro Bookshop, Frances Street, Truro). By the way, Mr. Barton also stocks a very comprehensive range of books dealing with steam. Not only did the lecturer deal with the railway's history from its early horse-propulsion days onwards, but he enlightened many of his listeners on the way of life in the mining districts of Cornwall before the coming of railways and during the rise and decline of the one which was the subject of his talk. Refreshments

followed, then films showing the development of the Cornish Pumping Engine from the early efforts of Savery and Newcomen to the fine engines such as those still working at the Severn Tunnel Pumping Station at Sudbrook. More slides followed —of local engines and of railway scenes from Wales, France and Switzerland. A large collection of photographs and various interesting relics were exhibited during a most enjoyable and informative evening. As an advance advertisement for the forthcoming availability of ITV in Devon and Cornwall an exhibition train visited many towns in the two counties during February and March. The train was hauled by the famous old G.W.R. locomotive " City of Truro "—the first engine to exceed 100 m.p.h.—arid during the two days spent at Camborne Station the engine became the meeting-place of many of the local steam-conscious fraternity. To them, the old locomotive was the centre of attraction, not the modern marvels in the coaches behind her. " Good Steaming " to all our friends for the coming season. C.P.G. WIMBISH On Saturday, February 18th, the Village Hall at Wimbish was very nearly bursting at the seams as the social evening put on by Ben Taylor and his merry men got under way. A large number of coloured slides were shown which proved very popular. Well-known personalities came from all over the Eastern Counties, far tee many 1.-3 mcntion by nam;;, but their company and the excellent refreshments made it an evening to be remembered by all those present. J.C. YORKSHIRE Messrs. Thackray & Sons of Brawby, Nr. Malton, who used to be the main steam engine and thresher repairers for the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire, have just completed a total rebuild of an engine for a customer, which has been done in the old style with properly flanged plates and hot rivets, instead of the welding and roundhead bolts of most modern repairs. The engine is Marshall 6 h.p. single cylinder No. 32092 of 1900. An interesting fact about this firm is that it was founded by the present owner's grandfather, and both he, his sons and grandsons never

STEAMING

served an apprenticeship but were entirely self-taught engineers, even making their own machine tools, of which a surface grinder and a lathe exist today. Old fireboxes, upturned, served for furnaces for forge and brass foundry, and some are still in use today for space heating the workshops. Last winter Phillip Ogden acquired a 7 h.p. Burrell single cylinder Traction Engine No. 4032, one of the few Burrell singles to be spring mounted, and after fitting new piston rings and a few other minor repairs and adjustments, she will await her turn in the paintshop behind Fowler No.

15466 which is coming on slowly after fitting of new piston rings and slide valves. The well-known northern showman's engine Burrell No. 3526 " Lightning II" has been in intermittent use all winter at a works in Stockton, where she supplies steam for heating and operating six foot large blast furnace air valves under test. Also last autumn and winter exW.D. Fowler No. 14948 and 6 h.p. Compound Burrell No. 3895 and " Lightning II " were at work cooking some of the large surplus of potatoes in the area for stockfeed. P.H.O.

GET WITH IT, JEAN A LITTLE advice to Jeanne Greenwood after reading her article " On being a Traction Engine Widow " in the October edition of Steaming. Jeanne—if you can't beat 'em, join 'cm. Our first engine, a 1916 Foden 5 ton wagon, arrived at our house in the summer of 1955, and after spending months renovating her, my husband started rallying, and for three summers I was well and truly a T.E.W. I was contemplating divorce, wondering if my husband's absenteeism almost every Saturday afternoon constituted desertion, when I saw the Light! I went shopping, bought myself a white boiler suit, and " The Dorset Rambler's " crew increased by one. After my first rally, my enthusiasm matched my husband's, the bug had bitten me. One of my most memorable rallies

was Woburn in 1958. I walked across the field in the early morning, and no exclusive French perfume worth nine guineas an ounce ever smelt as sweet as the smell of many newly lighted engines blending with the aroma of bacon being cooked on primus stoves by those who had arrived overnight. " Rambler " now has a big sister " Wanderer ", and these two engines . have attended rallies as far apart as Alton Towers in North Staffordshire to Camborne in Cornwall. We have made hundreds of friends, and had lots of fun. Try it, Jeanne. You don't know what you are missing until you have actively taken part in a traction engine rally. (MTS.) IRENE SPARROW. Tricketts House, Ferndown, Dorset.

BOOK REVIEW Traction Engine Pictures, by Anthony Beaumont. Price 3s. 6d. Published by Percival Marshall & Co. Apart from a very brief introduction, this is a booklet containing sixty-four photographs, all by the author, and featuring most of the popular makes of engines. The photographs are first class, whilst the reproduction is excellent. For 3s. 6d. this book is wonderful value, and the publishers are to be congratulated in producing a book that all members interested in our hobby can afford.

Steam Preservation. The spring edition of Steam Preservation has been recently published and without doubt is progressing at an impressive rate. This issue contains over forty pages of very interesting reading, and whilst this is the official journal of The East Anglian Traction Engine Club, copies are available price 3s. 10d. including postage from the Club Secretary, C. Hall, The Burrell, 55 Litchfield Road, Cambridge.

STEAMING

FROM OUR MEMBERS

Arthur Napper, Esq.

Arthur, age thirteen, flagman for W. J. Bosley.

Early Wantage Traction bought by Arthur at the age of seventeen. Seen at Didcot, circa 1937.

STEAMING

Burrell No. 2906 " Endurance" seen at Stratfield Saye, circa 1928. The driver is Warden Upton, the late father of our well-known member Frank Upton.

McLaren 3-Shaft Traction Engine No. 322 (Built 1888) at Corgrave, Notts., in 1916.

STEAMING

Aveling & Porter 8 h.p. Compound Road Engine No. 5322, at Nottingham in 1915.

A Clayton & Shuttleworth 8 h.p. Road Engine.

STEAMING

BEAULIEU TRACTION ENGINE RALLY 21st and 22nd May Whit Sunday and Monday

A new and important event in the year's calendar will be the first Steam Traction Engine Rally ever held at Beaulieu, home of Lord Montagu and location of the famous Montagu Motor Museum. Engines will be arriving on Saturday, 20th May, and will be in steam for inspection and parade on the Sunday. Whit Monday will be the Main Day with a full programme of ring events. Whitsun has been specially chosen not ony so that many people can spend their week-end in the beautiful New Forest or at a seaside town like Bournemouth or Southsea—both easy distances from Beaulieu—but also because it is only one to two weeks after the Andover Steam Traction Event, only 36 miles from Beaulieu. Visitors will be able to see not only the Steam Traction Rally, but also the Montagu Motor Museum, Palace House (home of Lord and Lady Montagu), the famous gardens and Beaulieu Abbey. There is a licensed restaurant and a special field for caravans during the week-end. Near by, there is a special beach for swimming and boat trips on the river will be available. Make sure to mark Whitsun a " must " in your diary. All further details from John Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford.

STEAMING

DIARY OF EVENTS MAY 13 (Saturday).—Andover T.E. Rally. Secretary : G. Howell, Esq., 5 The Crescent, Andover. 14 (Sunday).—Birmingham Museum Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: N. W. Bertenshaw, Esq., City Museum, Newhall Street, Birmingham, 3.

20 (Saturday).—Somerset Traction Engine Rally at Shepton Mallet. Secretary: G. B. King, Esq., Blacknost Farm, Camoloy, Tomplo Cloud, Bristol. 22 (Whit Monday).—Woodton, Bungay (Suffolk) Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: H. P. J. Whipps, Esq., The Garage, Woodton, Nr.

Bungay, Suffolk. 21 & 22 (Whit Sunday and Whit Monday).—Beaulieu Traction Engine Rally (Hampshire). Secretary :

Chapel Road, Old Leake, Boston, Lincs. 24 (Saturday).—Northleach Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: C. T. J. Nichols, 73 Parkend, Gloucester. JULY 1 & 2 (Saturday and Sunday).—Alton

Towers Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: S. L. Wedgewood, Esq., 58 Clough Hall Road, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. 15 & 16 (Saturday and Sunday).— Rernpstone Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: J. Beeby, Esq., Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough, Leics. 22 (Saturday).—West of England

Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: V. H. Carveth, Esq., " Barncoose," Rcdruth, Cornwall. 29 (Saturday).—Taunton Traction

J. Crawley, Esq., Field House, Turvey, Bedfordshire. 22 (Whit Monday).—Shipton-by-Benningborough (Yorks.) Traction Engine Rally. Cancelled.

Engine Rally. Secretary : W. Utton, Baghay Farm, Milverton, Taunton. 29 (Saturday).—Kegworth Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: N. Brown, 19 Borrowill, Kegworth.

22 (Whit Monday).—Great Wymondley Traction Engine Rally (Nr. Hitchin, Herts.). Secretary: A. E. Deans, London Road, Baldock, Herts.

5, 6 & 7 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday).—Woburn Traction Engine

JUNE 3 & 4 (Saturday and Sunday).— Lincolnshire Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: H. L. Spindley, Esq., 23 Westwood Drive, Swan-

pool, Lincoln. i7 (Saturday).—Appieford National Traction Engine Club Rally. Secretary: E. Fillmore, Esq., 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow, Middlesex. 17 and 18 (Saturday and Sunday).— Revesby Traction Engine Rally (between Boston and Horncastle,

Lincs.). Secretary: Miss E. Smith,

AUGUST

Rally. Secretary : J. Crawley, Esq., Field House, Turvey, Bedfordshire. 12 (Saturday).—Chatteris (Cambs.) Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: C. Hall, 55 Litchfield Road, Cambridge.

19 (Saturday).—Weald of Kent TracPcnshurst tion Enginc Rally Aerodrome, Nr. Tonbridge. Secretary: R. A. Whitehead, 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent. OCTOBER 14 (Saturday).—National Traction Engine Club Annual General Meeting followed by Club Dinner.

THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB'S OWN RALLY

APPLEFORD Nr. Abingdon, Berkshire SATURDAY. JUNE 17th, 1961 Further details from Club Secretary

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Burrell 8 n.h.p. D.C.C. No. 3949 "Princess Mary ", built in 1923 for W. Nichols.

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THE PRIORY BURNHAM • BUCKS. Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., Greyfriars Walk, Bedford

BY APPOINTMENT TO H.M. THE QUEEN

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