Steaming 1961 Vol.5 No.4

Vol. 5 No. 4 October, 1961 1

- a1

STEAMING *

1N JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB ' 16

94

STEAMING

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. Fl A. Fiumoae, 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: H. ORR-EWING, ESQ., 8 Robert Close, Randolph Avenue, London. Boiler Records Officer: J. R. BONSOR, ESQ., 6 Rokeby Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex.

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION On tht 16th December the Club will be taking a Stand at the Exhibition being held by the Norbury Transport and Model Railway Club at St. Stephen's Church Hall, Winter-

bourne Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. This should prove of interest to our members and will provide a gettogether just before Christmas.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Aveling Barford Ltd. Butser Turf and Timber Co. Ltd. J. P. Mullet, Esq. Ransome Sims & Jefferies Ltd. Richard Preston, Esq. J. Wilkinson, Esq.

STEAMING

95

EDITORIAL YET another successful season is now rapidly drawing to its close. That our hobby is still gaining ground and new members amongst the public cannot be denied. Rally attendances this year are in most cases substantially up on last season, and the number of engines appearing, many for the first time at rallies, continues to surprise us all. I think this is a healthy picture providing we keep the safety angle well in mind. Generally speaking most people seem to appreciate engines and treat them with the respect due, but what does surprise me is that in many cases the offenders are men who have had dealings with engines nearly all of their working lives. It seems that all reason goes literally to the winds as soon as they mount the footplate in front of a crowd of spectators, as they seem unable to drive an engine unless the whistle is being almost continually blown and the regulator open wide, all the more

amazing when one realises that more often than not they are not even in the ring. Personally, I think the driver who moves a large engine slowly, and with infinite skill. little or no noise or fuss, I am sure impresses the man in the street far more, but then that is only my opinion. There is an article elsewhere in these pages which should give food for thought on this matter. It is always very difficult Tor me when writing this editorial for the October issue to wish all of my readers a Happy Christmas, usually because it is around the beginning of Sentember and Summer is still very much in evidence. But do it I must, as our next issue will not appear until late January. this issue incidentally will be a special on Traction Engines so please any old photographs, articles, memories of yesterday. PleaRe let me have: them as I have already started work on the rough lay-out. A nanny Christmas to you all. JOHN CRAWLEY.

FROM THE CHAIRMAN (Philip Wright's Column) My first very sad duty this time is to record the very great loss our Club has sustained in the passing of Ernest W. Edney our wonderful Treasurer. Always quiet and unobtrusive, many did not know him until the Club was in dire straits in 1957 and there was a strong body of opinion in favour of closing down the Club. Ernest Edney not only took over the task of Treasurer (bills poured in for over a year afterwards), but he generously gave the Wallis & Steevens engine for competition which put the Club well and truly on the right side, and it is a tribute to Mr. Edney that we are in a far different financial position today. He was generous to everybody, and I recall his help at the Woodford Bridge Rally in 1959 ; he stayed the week-end in Woodford and attended our church on the Sunday. He was a great Christian and churchman in fact and was a Sidesman at Blendworth, Hants., where the funeral service took place on September 8th. The Club was represented by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hutchens, Mr. Eric Fillmore and myself. The church was packed and there was a wealth of floral

tributes including one from the Club. Our sympathy goes out to the widow and family. The Club has also lost a wonderful veteran member in Mr. Fensom, Snr., who had a lifetime in steam. I hope our Editor who knew him better than I did will pay tribute to his memory. Essex Steam Ploughing has been recorded from time to time, but thus far I don't think we have ever mentioned an enthusiast at Thurston's Farm, Stambourne, near the SuffolkEssex borders. Here Mr. Harold Jackson has a pair of Fowler engines which have been in the family for the past 44 years. It was on Armistice Day, 1918, that these two A.A. engines arrived at the little station at Great Yeldham. Mr. Jackson's father had bought them new and for some years did contracting. In those days it was common to work them from 3 a.m. to darkness, and they did 18 to 20 acres a day, a good week might get some 100 acres done. When the going was better they have done 24-25 acres in a day. Mr. Jackson is unusual in one respect, he refuses to regard using them today as just a

96

STEAMING

display of antiquity . . . many who saw the Appleford demonstration this year did view it as that and no more. In contrast Mr. Jackson says, " I wouldn't be without them . . . the maintenance in time and cost is a great deal less than necessary for the

heaviest caterpillar tractor manufactured today ". Please do not ask me to do any commentaries in 1962. If I can get to a Rally or Demonstration I shall hope to get around and just talk to folk.

FROM THE SECRETARY By the time these notes appear the Club will have held its Annual General Meeting, so marking the end of another year. As you know under the Club constitution all officers and committee retire each year, so that a new committee will have been elected. No doubt many of the present members will be serving again, but we have one vacancy created by the untimely death of our Treasurer, Mr. E. W. Edney. Elsewhere is an obituary to him, suffice it here to say that he was probably the best friend the Club ever had. It is interesting to reflect that in this year 1961, examples can still be found of steam serving a useful commercial purpose. Isolated examples of rolling can be found without much difficulty, whilst dredging and cultivation with the big Fowlers has been carried out in a number of places. This Club has always been to the forefront in campaigning for public safety and had much to do with insisting on adequate insurance of

engines at rallies. It seems that these events are now tending to include demonstrations of various types of the application of steam power ; very good things as many of the present generation have never seen engines " at work ". But I would emphasise to organisers of events the necessity for providing adequate safety precautions. To have these activities going on in their own surroundings is one thing, but with the public milling about, many of them unaware of the possible dangers present, is quite another. May I close by expressing my thanks to all those members who have assisted me throughout the year. This has always been most generously and willingly given and has gone a long way towards what has been, I trust, the smooth working and administration of the Club's affairs. Finally may I take this opportunity of wishing all members and their families a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. E.A.F.

BOOK REVIEW The Arbroath Affair, by Ian Fraser. Demy 8vo. 41 Pages and 17 Plates. Price 7s. 6d. Published by T. Buncle & Co. Ltd., Arbroath, " This book has been produced in order to place on record the story of a somewhat amazing and unprecedented affair which from a small beginning grew to become a case of first importance to every private individual interested in operating a steam locomotive be it on road or on rail. " The extent to which a lighter vein has permeated the whole affair may not be generally realised. Here in Arbroath there has been a ' party' which has enthralled and entertained

a large proportion of the populace. " There should be no quarrel with regard to the modest sum for which this book is offered as several of the illustrations seem to come well with in the category commonly referred to as priceless! " The limited bibliography on the traction engine contains some major works, but as vet there is none that attacks the subject from an angle of light relief. That such a ray of light should penetrate the deepening twilight of the steam locomotive is a matter for satisfaction and is doubly so when the facts are no mere fiction but as true as life."

STEAMING

97

THE LATE ERNEST EDNEY

Ernest Walter Edney was born at Lovedean, near Horndean, in 1901, and came to Bedford in the years just prior to the first World War to learn engineering at the works of the old Saunderson Tractor Company. After the outbreak of war he returned home to assist in the running of his father's farm. Upon cessation of hostilities he started a haulage and threshing contractor's business in which he employed the steam engine as his prime mover. Later the two sides of the business were separated, the haulage side using Foden wagons and the threshing side both Burrell and Marshall engines. About this time he began to do a considerable amount of timber haulage for which he used Foden tractors. Eventually he decided to dispose of the threshing business, starting in its place a firm specialising in the supply of high grade turf for parks, bowling greens and sports grounds. This was run under his own name until 1933, when it was formed into a limited company called the Butser Turf and Timber Company Ltd. and with the formation of this company the steam engine gave way to its internal •combustion engined opponent. In 1946 he commenced farming some 300 acres at Privett, near Alton. Later in 1951 he went into partnership with his son and commenced farming on 500 acres. During the last few years they had made several additions, and at the time of his death consisted of over 1,000 acres. But like so many of us, Ernest Edney had steam at heart, and in 1956 purchased a Burrell traction engine for preservation. It was about this time that he became aware of our Club in which he was soon to play such an important role.

Sufficient be it to say that due to a number of reasons, the main cause being the bad weather at a number of Club Rollies, we found ourselves in a position where it was obvious that a drastic remedy would be needed to put the Club on a sound financial footing. Many members were in favour of throwing in the towel, but not so our Treasurer who by that time was Ernest Edney. He immediately purchased and donated to the Club a Wallis & Steevens traction engine to be raffled for Club funds, as a result of which the Club was put in a very sound position from which it has never looked back. The thanks therefore are due from us all, those who had the pleasure and honour in serving with him and of those members who now enjoy the benefits of our Club with which the name of Ernest Edney will always be coupled. Our deepest sympathy for Mrs. Edney and son John in their sad loss.

98

STEAMING

FLYWHEEL STRESSES BY GEORGE S. LEA

AT Rallies, it is gratifying to see that a more common-sense attitude is now prevailing in the events which are organised for our engines and that these are now becoming more in keeping with the dignity and majesty which our engines present, thus doing away with the flat-out speed events for which these noble beings were never intended.

This stress is usually determined by using the formula: R X N' X '00034 X W S— 2 X 3'142 where R is the Radius of wheel in feet, N = number of revolutions per minute, W= Weight of flywheel in pounds and S= the stress on the rim in pounds.

This over-speeding, aria it is easy to overspeed an engine when in a law gear, may look very spectacular to the casual onlooker, but it only creates stresses which metal, even when it was new, was never intended to bear, especially in the flywheel arid crankshaft, so it may be just worthwhile to have a look at some of the facts concerning these components.

Taking as an example, we can have an engine travelling along at a very normal 300 r.p.m. and having a flywheel of, say, 10 cwts. with a diameter of the usual 4 ft. 6 ins. Then S 2.25 X 300 X 300 X '00034 X 1120 2 X 3'142 = 12,240 lbs., taking it to the nearest approximate figures. This is almost a force of 5+ tons trying to escape from the wheel and it surely must make one feel considerate for it ; especially when the reversing lever is thrown over and steam is given on to the back side of the pistons at these revs., it certainly should make one ponder just how that 51 tons feels about it!

We all know that the duty of a flywheel is to act as a reservoir for energy, storing it when the engine effort is excess of the average amount required and restoring it when the resistance becomes preponderate. In other words, it can be simplified by using the expression of making for smoother running. Concerning our tractions, these were designed, not only to be a prime mover, but also to take tip the duty of a power plant on belt work. Indeed. the de.sieners of Thp aoriritlinr11 types had the latter use more in mind than the former and, by means of a heavy flywheel, the fluctuations in engine speed which would otherwise occur could be brought to a minimum, depending on the weight and velocity of the flywheel. Given a good set of governors, the aim was to keep this fluctuation to a minimum and the best designers tried to work to a maximum allowance of : Driving machinery (e.g. Threshing), 4% ; Generating electricity (e.g. Showmen), 2%. From this, we can see that the heavier the wheel, the more even in action is the engine ; but, of course, everything has its price in this world, and the heavier the wheel, the more is the stress that is built up into it, due to centrifugal force.

As further food for thought, can we take an example of a road engine, say a Fowler with a third speed of 10:1 ratio and 7 ft. wheels, travelling at 12 m.p.h. which is not an altogether unheard of speed ? We would thus have thc angina turning ovar 480 r.p.m. and, again, using our formula we would get a stress figure of approx. 31,334 lbs. or approx. 14 tons! It will, of course, be appreciated that the formula used can only give an approximate result as there are several other factors which should be taken into consideration. For instance, the distribution of the weight in the wheel, whether it has a heavy boss or an extra heavy rim and the proportions of the spokes or disc section if a solid wheel. But it does give us a good guide as to what we are dealing with. For further interest, the piston speed of the Fowler, having a 12 in. stroke, would be 960 ft. per minute and that, I think you will agree, is

STEAMING getting a move on! Certainly, all cotters have to be securely in place. Taking our ordinary G.P. agricultural engine with a 10 in. stroke, at 300 revs., we have a piston speed of 500 ft. per min. and at 400 revs. this is 667 ft. per min. A 12 in. stroke engine at the same revs. gives us 600 and 800 ft. per minute, respectively, whilst a tractor or wagon using a 7 in. stroke (e.g. Foden) gives us 467 ft. per min. at 400 revs, and 700 ft. at 600 revs. For a spoked flywheel, to provide for a safety factor, it is generally understood that the circumferential speed should not exceed 80 ft. per second, in which case the safe number of revolutions per minute are obtained by using : 1530, N= where D = the diameter in feet. Again taking our agricultural engine with its 4 ft. 6 in. flywheel, we

99

1530 have N = — ' which gives us 340 revolutions per minute, and for an engine with a 4 ft. 3 in. wheel the safe speed is 360 revolutions. It was not, however, for nothing that on engines used extensively on road work that a solid flywheel was usually fitted, as on the later engines was invariably the case. It was not just a case of progressing from a spoked flywheel with a sheet steel disc to cover up the spokes, but to have a wheel which was stronger, albeit more expensive to make, but it was said, allowed an approximate increase in safe speed of up to 15%. Using this factor in conjunction with our accepted formula, for a wagon with a 2 ft. flywheel, we thus obtain a safe maximum of 879 revs. and the safe maximum piston speed of 1,000 ft. per minute, this taking into consideration that the crank is balanced and that all cotters and bearings are impeccable.

Aveling & Porter No. 1760 after restoration seen here at a recent Exhibition at Crystal Palace. The Rt. Hon. Reginald Moulding, P.C., M.P., President of the Board of Trade (left) seen here chatting about it with Aveling Barford Chairman Mr. Edward Barford, M.C.

100

STEAMING

GEORGE THURLOW & SONS LIMITED

STOWMARKET

SUFFOLK

•phou, : STOWMARKET 585 (3 lines)

*

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

All enquiries will receive prompt and careful attention

STEAMING

101

RALLY REPORTS ALTON TOWERS Weather and attendances were both up to expectation for the weekend of July 1st and 2nd and the events on both days were well supported.

Improved arrangements in the

Superintendent Engineer of

John Fowler & Co. The first fairground organ to attend at Alton Towers was the Verbeeck (ex George Ryan's Steam owner P. Swindlehurst) Yachts,

which, powered by the same owner's

paddock and arena entrance allowed unrestricted movement both to the engines and crews and the visitors,

Burrell Road Locomotive No. 3509, provided musical selections between the events.

new position for the railway track and the exhibition marquee near to the drain drive and car park to the mutual advantage of the members and

THE REMPSTONE RALLY This took place at a different venue this year at the nearby farm of Mr.

whilst the Model Society found their

their supporters. A portion of the hard tarmac was also marked off for the use of the model traction engines

and their owners and this also proved to be of benefit. A new note of variety was intro-

duced into the programme of events,

some of which whilst not quite fulfilling the hopes of the organisers certainly proved that the more practical use of the engines there is in

the programme the better, and this point will by no means be overlooked in future events. The committee were also pleased to welcome our National Chairman —The Rev. Philip Wright, M.B.E.— and several other well-known guests connected with the National Movement, to the Rally which was opened

on Saturday by Mr. N. W. Bertenshaw of the Birmingham City Museum and Art Gallery, and on Sunday by the North Staffs. &

Cheshire Club's President, Mr. Dennis Bagshaw. The Alton Towers Museum was well represented on the field by the McLaren Road Locomotive No. 1623 " Goliath ", the 6 h.p. Fowler Single Cylinder, the Aveling Tractor No. 6093, and the Barrows &. Stewart Portable No. 542, and though not in steam, the Fowler B.6 Compound Stump Puller No. 17107 purchased earlier in the year, very understandably in view of her history, came in for a great deal of attention in the

engine shed in the Museum where restoration work on her is proceeding rapidly. No. 17107's well-known visitors included her former owner, The Rev. Philip Wright, and the man who, more than any other, inspired her construction, Mr. Alf Pepper, veteran

John Jenks. The weather on the Saturday was terrible, but on the Sunday it kept fine, as a result of which the largest crowd ever attended. The Rally was opened by Mr. Jenks and the trophies were presented on the Sunday by Mrs. Jenks, Jnr. The prize for the engine travelling the greatest distance under its own steam to the Rally was

awarded to Steve Neville on his Maclaren Road Engine, No. 1652. Thirty-five engines took part this year.

REVESBY ABBEY TRACTION ENGINE RALLY On Saturday and Sunday, 17th and 18th June, a Rally was held at Revesby Abbey. This event was

opened on both days by Mr. Michael Shaw, who plays the part of Mr. Grenville in the Radio serial "The Archers ". The usual types of events took place and proved very popular with the spectators and competitors

alike, over thirty engines being present. WEALD OF KENT Entries this year were down to fourteen engines, of which six were owned by non-members of the Weald

of Kent Club, but in spite of this luke-warm support the event was a success and attracted a good attendance. As in previous years Jimmy Jupp brought his Aveling Tractor " Lorna " No, 11997 (1928), steered by Mrs. Jupp, and in spite of tyre trouble on the road he turned up in time to take part in the events. Entry No. 2 was Wallis Advance No. 7972 (1928),

owned by Fordyce Bros. of Orpington

102

STEAMING

and driven by Mr. J. C. Shepherd. Since last year this engine has been thoroughly reconditioned, involving extensive repairs to the firebox and complete repainting and lining, the painting and lining having been done by the driver. This engine won the trophy for the best engine in Class I (engines other than agricultural traction engines). Third was Mr. T. Redburn's D-type Foden Tractor No. 13068 (1926), already well-known at rallies. This arrived on his veteran Scammell lowloader and the unloading was almost event No, 1 so great was the attention it attracted. The next entry was Fowler G.P. No. 9924 (1904), owned by Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Whitehead, driven by Mr. W. Newell and Mr. G. Stolton. No. 5 should have been Mr. Rostron's Allchin, but it had trouble on the road with the differential and did not arrive. No. 6 was his Burrell three-speed Road Engine (5 h.p.) No. 3941 (1923): this was formerly Lord Co wdray's estate engine. Next came a Foden Wagon No. 13848 (1931), owned by Mr. J. C. Butler. arid this year complete with all bodywork, windscreens and equipment. It has taken him eighteen months to recondition this wagon, in beaveen other commitments, and the result was worth the effort. The wagon was followed by an engine in which Mr. Butler has a share, Arm strong Whitworth Roller No. 10/R/35, driven by Mr. J. Woods and his grandson Vaughan Scott. This is the Pn oine which was involved in an accident at Paddock Wood in 1959 when owned by Mr. D. Eastwood, in which the forecarriage head had a piece knocked out of it. This has since been repaired (during Mr. Eastwood's ownership) and since December last, when the engine was acquired by Messrs. Butler, Rostron and Whitehead, the boiler has been reconditioned, front tube-plate built up, smoke-box rebuilt and bottom tubes renewed, new lagging put on and the redecoration of the engine commenced in its original colours (a medium ochre). Nos. 10 and 11 (No. 9, Mr. G. S. Corkran's Burrell was an absentee) were Marshalls No. 59435 and No. 84562 (1912 and 1929 respectively), owned by Mr. David Harding of Edenbridge, driven respectively by the owner and by Mr. W. Chandler.

The newer engine, a 6 h.p. single G.P. engine, was the winner of the elegance competition for agricultural engines. Nos. 12 and 13 were nonstarters (Mr. Eastwood's Burrell and Fowler respectively), and No. 14 was Messrs. Boughton's famous Foden wagon, too well-known to require any further description here. No. 15 was to have been one of Mr. Woodham's Advance rollers but, as noted elsewhere, the owned died shortly before the rally and the engine could not appear. This was followed in the programme by a nonsteaming exhibit, a Shand Mason fire engine sent by the Kent Fire Brigade, and this in turn by Mr. John Drew's Wallis oil-bath Roller No. 7572 (1921) looking very smart. Finally came two rollers, the first a very interesting Fowler six tonner (No. 19032), owned by Mr. E. Pragnell and driven by Mr. F. Seaton. This engine went new to the Dutch East Indies and was later repatriated and used by the Mechanical TarSpraying Co. of Reading. It is still in regular commercial use by its owner. The second roller was Marshall No. 74399 (1921), owner Mr. C. M. Rostron, driven by Mr. M. Lugg and Mr. W. S. Love. Events included a grand parade and musical chairs, etc., and a very well done demonstration of timber loading by Messrs. W. Newell, W. Clifton and G. Jenner using Fowler No. 9924 and the assistance of Mr. G. Stolton and Mr. J. Barker. Mr. Harding gave a display of threshing and haling with his two Marshalls. but a torrential downpour of rain cut out some of the other events which it had been hoped to include. R.A.W. THE WOBURN RALLY I SEE on reading through the reports of the Woburn Rally for 1960, that it starts with the comment that " they do things big at Woburn ". As far as the rally was concerned this year was " even bigger "; altogether 76 engines were present ; by far the largest gathering to date in this country. One big difference also— good weather at least on the Monday when the main programme of events took place. But first I must mention that we were honoured with the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, our hosts for the week end, who

STEAMING welcomed all present to their magnificent home. With its ideal location almost in the centre of the country the Woburn Steam Week-end has become a sort of Mecca for Traction Engine enthusiasts who come from far and wide. Space will not permit a list of any sort—indeed a list of 37,000 names would look rather silly in these columns, even if I knew them. But in earnest conversation were the party from Durham with those from Cornwall, whilst East Anglians discussed points with those from Yorkshire. To me this social side makes the visit worth while even without the engines. But what of the engines. As one walked along the carefully drawn up lines in the engine park one was struck by the variety and profusion of types and makes—an excellent opportunity to make comparisons. With so many present it is difficult to pick out any for special mention, but one or two did arrest my attention. Two Crane engines present and one, the Ransome of Mr. Evans of Tring with its steam steering gear. The immaculate Marshall "Universal " roller of Mr. George of Enfield—the first time I had seen this type at a rally. The Sentinel tractor of Mr. Powell of Mold which brought back memories as this engine spent much of its working life in my home town.

103

A full programme of the usual events was run in the arena on Monday which provided most of the engine owners present with an opportunity to show off their steeds and to demonstrate their own ability (or lack of it) as drivers or steersmen. All who took part agreed it was most enjoyable and 1 feel the public were well entertained by their efforts. At various times also demonstrations were given of ploughing, cultivating and mole draining by steam power ; these proved most popular and gave these magnificent big engines a chance to show their abilities, whilst elsewhere a threshing drum and baler were working. Before closing mention must be made of the touching and thoughtful little ceremony organised by Sgt. D. Taylor in laying a wreath on the local war memorial. Several of the engine owners contributed and the party travelled by engine from the rally site to the adjacent village. I have not listed the individual engines—there were so many of them. But those who are interested may obtain a programme giving details of this memorable event and the engines attending by sending a remittance for 1/- to the Editor, who was also the hard-working organiser of this great event, Mr. John Crawley, Field House, Turvey. Bedford. E.A.F.

NEWS FLASHES The Revd. Stebbing writes from Tacolneston, Norfolk, to say that four sets of tackle have been working in Essex this autumn. Mr. Walter Keeling has his 18 h.p. engines at Bulphan Fen: these are Nos. 13880/1 new to Lord Rayleigh in 1917, Nos. 14726/7 have about finished the season's ploughing for their owner, Mr. Harold Jackson of Topesfield, which were new to his father in 1918, and Nos. 15236/7 are being preserved by Mr. Alan Bloom of Bressingham and the Revd. R. C. Stebbing respectively. They were new to E. W. Baldock & Son of Haverhill in 1917. A considerable acreage of mole and ordinary ploughing has been completed by Mr. Philip of Castle Hedingham with Nos. 15362/3.

more familiar as John Patten's " Lion " and " Tiger " (1919). Although all these engines, 18 h.p., were built within a short period, the pairs show quite a number of interesting differences. The fourth Essex set to work is the BBI Nos. 15226/7, owned by Taylor Bros. of Wimbish. Keith Vigus writes from Bristol to say that Somerset County Council still own the following Rollers: Aveling & Porter No. 5119 (Reg. No. YA830), Aveling & Porter No. 6458 (Reg. No. YA831), Aveling & Porter No. 6905 (Reg. No. YA832), Aveling & Porter No. 9370 (Reg. No. YA 1177), Aveling & Porter No. 10072 (Reg. No. YA3783), Aveling &

104

STEAMING

Porter No. 11833 (Reg. No. YC29), Marshall No. 53351 (Reg. No. Y9936), and Wallis & Steevens " Advance " No. 7929 (Reg. No. 0T4812). Peter Gledhill writes from Paignton, Devon, to say that Aveling & Porter No. 9074 10 ton S.C. (Slide Valve) Roller (Reg. No. FX7061) ❑f Devonshire County Council was recently working near Slapton Sands in Devon. Aveling & Porter No. 7641 (Reg. No. FX6996) that Peter reported in the last issue as working near Mortonhampstead has now moved on to Postbridge on the main road over Dartmoor. Marshall Roller No. 77474 (Reg. No. TC6142), a 10 ton single cylinder roller belonging to R. Dingle & Sons Ltd., is at work on the new road from the Tamar Bridge. G. J. Bishop writes from Leicester giving information ❑f engines he found in Jersey on a recent holiday. Ransome Simms & Jefferies No. 15740, Marshall Roller No. 81451, Robey Portables No. 1872 and No. 40033, and two French portable engines, the details of which he was unable to get. He goes on to say that the Ransome is believed to be the sole remaining traction in the Channel Islands. Bernard Fielding writes from Liverpool to say that two aged Aveling & Porter rollers seen at work in North Wales during September were N. 4232 (Reg. No. CA4520), Denbighshire C.C. No. 31, on A.5 near Bettws-y-coed, and No. 6573 (Reg. No. CA6333), Denbighshire C.C. No. 5, near Ruthin. Wallis & Steevens Roller No. 7805 (Reg. No. EY3009) is in pieces on the quayside at Port Dindewic, North Wales. The Spenborough U.D.C„ Yorkshire West Riding, has a Fowler Roller No. 15854, date 1923 (Reg. No. WT1568). This was seen at work recently at llirkenshaw, on the main Leeds-Halifax road, with gleaming brasswork and red paintwork, Unidentified rollers seen recently were a Robey tri-tandem, at work on M.1 near Dunstable, and two rollers (derelict?) at side of A.5 between Coewen and Bettws-y-coed.

Christopher Edmonds writes from Owlswick to say that two engines attended the High Wycombe Show on September 2nd ; they were Burrell's No. 2426 (S.C.C.) (Reg. No. BL4843) owned by Christopher and No. 2505 (S.C.C.) (Reg. No. CF3354). Jack Peirson writes from Darlington to say that he and Jack Wakefield have recently purchased Marshall 10 ton Roller No. 74648, a single cylinder, built in 1921 (Reg. No. SP6292), from West Cumberland. They have also purchased a Ransomes 10 h.p. S.C. Portable Engine No. 27162, built in 1917. Both engines are in good order and they intend to steam the roller home, some 100 miles. N. R. Marshall writes from the Isle of Wight to say how grateful he was for the help afforded him by so many fellow enthusiasts without which he says he would never have got his engine to Cranbourne. H. Poole of Kendal writes to say that he recently saw two ploughing engines on low-loaders belonging to Wrekin Transport Co. (presumably from Shropshire) going South. The engines were dismantled and appeared to be semi-derelict. One enTine had the Reg. No. NO747. He goes on to say that he naturally wondered where they were going, as if they were for preservation it struck him that they would be a job for life. If not, he was wondering how the high cost of their transportation could be justified. These would be Fowler B.B. Ploughing Engines Nos. 14266 and 14267, Reg. Nos. NO747 and NO748. They are converted to diesel traction and belong to Bomford and Evershed.—Editor. John Champion writes from Northampton to say that he saw the following rollers whilst on holiday in Devon and Cornwall. Aveling & Porter No. 10046 (Reg. No. FX8405), Eddison Plant Hire, seen at Treswilliam, Truro ; Aveling & Porter No. 4837 (Reg. No. TA6120), seen near Tarrington, owned by Devon County Council ; Aveling & Porter (no number) (Reg. No. TT9449), at work road widening near Cullompton, owned also by the D.C.C.; and Aveling & Porter No. 7024 (Reg. No. TA2657), seen stand-

STEAMING ing at Launceston, belonging to the Cornwall County Council. E. J. Saxby writes from Welling, Kent, to say that whilst holidaying on the Continent he saw the following engines employed at work. At Bulle, Switzerland, Wallis & Steevens Advance No. 8040 ; near Gallirate, a Ruston Proctor No. 51345 ; near Casale, Garrett No. ' 28403 ; and on the other side of Casale a 1927 roller built by Ernesto Breda of Milan, No. 674. R. D. Gent writes from Much Hadham, Herts., to say that he was very interested in the January special issue of Steaming dealing with steam wagons and could any reader give ' details of the fate of the Articulated Foden Wagon built for Fred, later Sir F. Hiam, of Cambridge. This was fitted with a special body for transporting produce from Prickwillow, near Ely, to the London markets. Any information would be most welcome. M. Carroll writes from Dublin that the Mayo County Council have invited tenders for the following Steamers : Four Marshall Compound Traction Engines, all piston valve type, only one of which bears a work number, No. 78369. Four Fowler Compound Rollers Nos. 16316, 16317, 16318 and 16319. Two Fowler Compounds, Russian type, Nos. 14940 and 14939. One Fowler Compound Road Engine, No. 12707. One Wallis & Steevens Roller S.C. No. 7818. One Aveling & Porter Roller S.C. No. 8154. ' A Marshall Compound Traction Engine No. 78371 is being overhauled by the Mayo County Council for presentation to a local technical school for instructional purposes. G. Doherty writes from Co. Louth to say that the Monoghon County Council had two rollers for sale. These are Aveling & Porter No. 5476 (Reg. No. BI1) and Aveling & Porter No. 7638 (Reg. No. BI9). These were purchased by the Hammand Metal Company and will eventually be cut up by them. They appeared to be in good order. Outside the town of Navan in Co.

105

Meath there is a Fowler 7 n.h.p. Traction minus works plate and a Wallis & Steevens Traction No. 7159. This is the smallest engine that I have ever seen. The Meath County Council have three Fowler Rollers for sale, these are : Fowler 10 ton Compound Roller No. 17289 ; Fowler 10 ton Compound Roller No. 15904, both in very good order ; and Fowler 17 ton Roller in fair order minus her maker's plate. This is a very big roller. He goes on to say that he and some fellow enthusiasts have tendered for these and hopes that they will be lucky. The Essex County Council were offering the following Aveling & Porter Steam Rollers for sale by tender during the month of August: Aveling & Porter No. 8837, built in 1917, and standing at the E.C.C. depot at Kelvedon. Aveling & Porter No. 9102, built 1920, and standing at the E.C.C. depot at Shelley House, Ongar. Aveling & Porter No. 10346, built 1922, and standing at the E.C.C. depot at Thorrington. All three are 10 tons and fitted with scarifiers. (Further details, new owners, etc., would be welcome.—Editor.) Seen by the Editor whilst recently holidaying on the Continent: A Single Cylinder 16 ton Roller, built 1929, by Maison Albaret of Rantigny, No. 997. This was in a contractor's yard anproximately 2 kilometres south of Limoges. It was possible to understand by less conventional means that they had between 20 and 30 steamers, one of which was an Aveling & Porter which was very highly regarded. Further south was a 1924 Single Cylinder Portable, No. 154. built by Societe Francaise de Material Agricole et Industriel of Vierzon. This engine appeared to have been in steam fairly recently, and although rusty, seemed in good mechanical order. Ten kilometres north of Brire, at the side of the road, was a derelict Portable, No. L8443, built by Brouhot & Co.

106

STEAMING

1910 Aveling and Porter 14 h.p. Compound Ploughing Engine No. 6817. Owned by J. K. Gandy, of Northorpe, Lincs.

Chris Thompson's McLaren Showman's Engine No. 1716 " Miracle" at Apperley Bridge, Yorkshire, in 1936.

STEAMING

107

T2st1COL

1924 Aveling and Porter Compound Roller No. 10939, belonging to Newcastle-on-Tyne Corporation, involved in an accident in Gluehouse Lane in 1936.

The Ransome Sims & Jelleries Crane Engine No. 31066 seen here at the Ransomes works where it was employed. This engine re-appeared at the Woburn Rally this year.

108

STEAMING

CLUB NEWS ANDOVER On the 23rd September, the Annual Dinner of the Andover Rally took place. An attendance of 150 gives a good idea of the popularity of this event. The various awards were presented by His Worship the Mayor of Andover. This was followed by a film show recalling the Andover and Appleford Rallies. ' On November 4th there is to be a Procession of Engines through the main streets of Salisbury, A Father

Christmas Parade, organised in conjunction with one of the large stores.

It is hoped that between six and eight engines (and Father Christmases7— Editor) will be taking part. BEDFORD The 1961 Woburn Rally is now

well behind us but it is interesting to note that even though this year we

had an all-time record attendance of and good engines, seventy-five, weather on the Sunday and Monday,

the overall attendance was not more than one hundred different from last year's 37,400. It would seem that this is the best figure we can expect to attract to such an event at this

time of the year. There has been plenty of steam activity amongst our members. Arthur Mills' Burrell Showman Engine No. 3949 " Princess Mary " has been in steam on a number of occasions driving his organ for different

recitals that Arthur is always giving. Jack Fensom's home at Flamstead

was beginning to look like the backyard of an engine factory. I think at one time there were fifteen engines sheltering at this haven, either on the way too or returning from the Woburn Rally. John Dowlands' Fowler No. 11357 was unable to be present at Woburn due to last minute trouble. She has now been retubed and is on the last stage of completion. Many people at Woburn were surprised to see that John Crawley's Fowler Showman's Engine No. 15657 " Kitchener " was bearing a new nameplate, " The Iron Maiden," so perhaps a few words explaining this would be of interest. Pinewood Studios are making a full length film called " The Iron Maiden ", featuring this engine and

starring James Robertson Justice, Eric Barker, Sidney James and various other stars. A similar film to " Genevieve "—which dealt with the

story of veteran cars. A number of location shots were taken at the Woburn Rally although the main filming will not begin until next year. Our Monday meetings continue to be well supported and we cordially invite any enthusiasts in the Bedford area on the first Monday of each

month to come along to the " King's Arms," St. Mary's Street, Bedford, at 7.30 p.m., where they will be more than welcome.

J.C.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE A new Club to cover the County of Buckinghamshire is in the course of formation as this issue of Steaming goes to press. It is understood that this has come about due to a proposal from Mr. Bill Utton who has recently moved

to High Wycombe from Somerset where he was Secretary of the Somerset Club. Further details will be given in the January issue. EAST ANGLIA The East Anglian Traction Engine Club has enjoyed a most successful summer. Following its policy of running several smaller rallies in place of one large one, the club has held events at Stisted, Chatteris and Kelvedon. Stisted Rally was held on June 10th at Gower's Farm, Stisted, Braintree, by kind permission of W. McMillan, Esq. The meadow was iron hard. scarred by generations of Friesians, and the weather, forcast as " bright

neriods and showers," turned out to be a bitterly cold wind plus occasional drizzle, despite which we

thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. By Friday evening several engines had blasted their way up past Stisted Mill and onto the field, where they were pressed into service ironing out the bovine excavations. The arrival

of Stan Smith on his beautiful little Aveling & Porter Compound Roller enabled the job to be given a professional touch. Perhaps the most exciting moment was when a stove pipe chimney of obvious Thetford

STEAMING ancestry was seen above the hedges, and revealed itself as being attached to Roy Swain's Single Crank Compound Road Locomotive, formerly owned by William Keeling, and attending its first rally. The gathering of engines was an excellent one, considering that the Rally was held in the heart of Burrell country. The Secretary was suitably delighted to see two handsome little Aveling rollers, that belonging to Stan Smith, and Charlie Brown's fascinating Aveling Barford, ex Staines Borough Council. A gathering was nhserved fnllnwing Stan Hill's newly acquired Sentinel wagon, and no doubt Les Smith endured the usual asinine questions as he put his new 3 in. scale Wallis & Steevens through its paces. Colin Stubley's Allchin was, as ever, immaculate, Bert George's Aveling Showman's engine drove the Chiapa organ, and Peter Prose's Mann tractor gilded about on its new rubber tyres. (Not rubbers, mark you—rubber tyres!). John Goddard's and Dan Crittall's road locomotives were a magnificent slight. For the rest, they were our old friends, which we almost seem to take for granted ; Bob Pumfrey's Ruston, 011ie Taylor's Fowler, Mr. Hadley's Burrell, Ben Taylor's Aveling, Jim White's Burrell, Arthur Clarke's Garrett and Charlie Brown's McLaren, all tried and trusted machines without which no Essex rally would be complete. The afternoon's programme followed the usual pattern: Jim White and " CrankPr " umn the Ninciral

Chairs, R. Hadley and " Einem Resnice " were victorious in the Anchors Away, and 011ie Taylor and " Ada " carried off the honours in the Obstacle Steering. Bob Pumfrey won the Setting to Drum contest after a close battle with Jim White. Chatteris Rally took place on July 1st. There was some difficulty in arriving at a suitable date for all parties concerned—the Rally was held in conjunction with the Chatteris Branch of the Friends of Doddington Hospital Association—and we would like to apologise to those people who were led to believe that the event was to be held in August. The rally was perhaps the most distant ever from the E.A.T.E.C. womb in Essex, and consequently was to all intents and purposes a Cambridgeshire Rally. A most pleasing selection of enginry

109

attended. George Desborough and Ron Deamer in particular had put in a good deal or effort to ensure that engines arrived, and their excursions were not entirely without incident.

One hears tales of leaking tubes and of injector failures, but these contretemps mercifully occurred within walking distance of licensed premises, so permanent damage was sustained! July 1st was, it transpired, the hottest day of the year. and Anglia

Television's cameraman took advantage of the sunshine with excellent results. The Matron of Doddington Hospital officially opened the proceedings by ceremonially cutting a ribbon across the ring entrance, and thereafter things went off with a swing. The Aveling tractors predominated, and nobody was really sil rprised

when our President, the Rev. Stebbing, won the Parsons' Race! Outside the ring, W. Chamberlain's Lirnonaire organ made merry, and

Peter Coulson and the McLaren tractor took care of the kiddies' rides. After an enjoyable day, which raised altogether some £550, nearly two-thirds of which went to charity, the rally closed at 6.30 p.m. The last meeting of the season was held at Kelvedon, Essex, on September 16th. A friendly, unpretentious gathering run by local members, notably Arthur Clarke and Charlie Brown, it proved once again that the big rally is not always the most P 11

commentary Neville's Stephen helped in no small measure to enliven

and enrich the proceedings. The last race of the day was between a Renault of venerable age and George Swann on the Aveling tractor . . . as befitted a Traction Engine Rally, " Invicta " romped home despite some priming trouble, to provide us with our last sight of steam on the rally field for another twelvemonth. Engine happenings have not yet receded far enough into the mists of time to be worth recording in full, but the next Steaming will contain news of most goings-on in East Anglia. One last event which must be mentioned however was the presence of two Burrell Showmen's Road Locomotives, " Dragon " and " Lord Nelson ", at the Cambridge Midsum-

110

STEAMING

mer Fair, and T. G. Clarke and Dick Taylor are to be congratulated on arranging for coal smoke once again to waft across Midsummer Common. C.G.H. HAMPSHIRE AND DORSET On August Bank Holiday, Downton, near Salisbury, held its Annual Carnival. There were nine engines in the parade. These were: Fowler Showman Tractor " Tiger " No. 14412 ; Wantage " Constance " No. 1389 ; Sentinel Timber Tractor " Old Bill " No. 8777 ; Foden Wagon "Dorset Rambler " No. 6350 ; Foden Tractor " Dorset Wanderer " No. 13832 ; Gordon Howell's Foden " D " Type Tractor " Mighty Atom " No. 14078 ; Mr. Loader's Wallis Tractor No. 7801 ; Mr. Dibbens' Wallis Traction No. 7102 and " Boxer " Old's Wallis " Boxer's Beauty " No. 7115 from Braishfield. Mr. Old's Wallis Traction " Boxer's Beauty " attended the Romsey Show on September 6th and was on view at Messrs. Rolfe's premises in Romsey recently in connection with the firm's celebration of fifty years of business. The engine stood among a display of vintage and sports cars and modern army vehicles on the forecourt. In Southampton's Carnival Procession we were fortunate in getting tour engines this year. Next year the committee hope to stage a special entry for engines, with cups and prizes. The entries were Mr. Sparrozw's two Fodens, " Dorset Wanderer " and " Dorset Rambler ", Mr. R. Bailey's Garrett Showman No. 33987 from Amesbury. This engine was on its low-loader with the belt on, generating coloured lights, and attracted quite a sensation as we proceeded down the main street. The other engine was Mr. J. Dennett's Garrett Tractor No. 33296 " The Hampshire Rose ", recently re-rubbered and running extremely well. Built originally for the Ministry of Munitions in 1918. the tractor is now in good condition. In Eastleigh's Carnival we had Gordon Howell's Foden " Mighty Atom " and John Dennett's Garrett " The Hampshire Rose ". Cranborne Festival was held on September 2nd. A good show of engines were present, including Fowler The Lion " No. 19782, Burrell Tractor " St. Bernard " No. 3193,

Fowler Tractor " Tiger " No. 14412, Fowler " Princess " No. 12255, Burrell General Gough " No. 3888, R. Bailey's Garrett No. 33987, Foden's " Dorset Rambler " No. 6350, " Dorset Wanderer " No. 13832, " Little Lady " No. 13444 and " Mighty Atom " No. 14078, Garrett " Earl of Eldon " No. 28758, Wallis & Steevens No. 7801, No. 7102 and " Sheaf of Arrows " No. 7294. This last engine has now gone down Exeter way. Mr. Hutchens brought the Wantage No. 1398 and a surprise visitor the Maclaren " Boadicea " No. 1652. The Fowler " Princess " went out and brought back a Ransome that had come to grief. On December 2nd there will be a show of models including fairground and circus items at the St. John's Rooms, Kings Park Road, Southampton, from 10 o'clock on the Saturday morning. It is hoped to have a showman's engine present and in steam on a nearby site. J.A.F. NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE AND CHESHIRE The Club's winter programme will include a talk by the well known Staffordshire historian, one of the five authors who collaborated under the joint pseudonym of " Manifold " in the production of the history of the North Staffordshire Railway, Dr. J. R. Hollick of Ashbourne. A visit to the School of Signalling, British Railways, Victoria Station, Manchester, social evenings and film shows, and a New Year Party. The monthly social meetings are now held on the first Friday evening in the month at The Crown Hotel, Red Street, Chesterton, Newcastle, Staffs. (Phone: Newcastle (Staffs.) 51968). All N.T.E.C. and affiliated Club Members welcome. S.L.W. COUNTY OF SALOP. The formation of the County of Salop Steam Engine Society, which was mentioned in the last issue of Steaming, has now been completed. The long term aim of this body is to establish in the county a permanent museum for Steam Road Vehicles. The object in the meantime is to foster interest in Steam Powered Transport. The club has successfully run its first rally which was held at Church Stretton on August Monday and attracted some 8,000 people.

STEAMING Entries were very gratifying and consisted of 17 engines and 16 veteran cars. The car section was organised by Mr. E. Pilkington, of Ludlow, who deserves special mention for the most excellent display that he arranged. Run on conventional lines the ring event consisted of seven items, sup porting attractions included a very nicely set out fair by Messrs. Decks of Whitby, a Model Engineering Exhibition by Shrewsbury & District Model Engineers and Mr. F. Kinnaird of Clun. A miniature railway was operated by • Society member E. Langford and the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society co-operated with their Publicity Stand. Various trade exhibits and pony and donkey rides all helped to make up a day's entertainment for the public. The list of engines is as follows : Fowler Showmans Road Locomotive " Supremacy " No. 15375 (1919) Rishrsp Rrnc R,,r1Py • Showmans Road Locomotive " Queen Mary " No. 15319 (1919), W. M. Salmon, Llandrindod Wells ; Clayton & Shuttleworth Tractor No. 49008 (1926), W. M. Salmon, Llandrindod Wells ; Garrett Tractor " Countess " No. 32969 (1916), W. A. Bishop and Sons, Burley ; Garrett Tractor No. 32981 (1916), F. R. Millward, Halesowen ; Ruston & Hornsby Tractor No. 52766 (1918), W. Griffiths. Much Wenlock ; Ruston & Procter Traction Engine No. 52266 (1918), D. W. Smith, Church Stretton ; Tasker Traction Engine No. 1718 (1916), N. Wheeler, Craven Arms ; Ransomes, Simms & Jefferies Traction Engine No. 15609, G. Lee, Shrewsbury ; Ransomes, Simms & Jefferies Traction Engine No. 27524 (1918), V. E. Nash, Plealey ; Aveling & Porter Steam Roller No. 9264 (1923), V. E. Nash, Plealey ; Marshall Roller (converted from Tractor) No. 65650 (1912), J. Garman, Presteigne ; Super Sentinel Tractor (converted from Waggon) No. 6693 (1926), A. Williamson, Endon ; Sentinel D.G. Tractor, Messrs. James & Son, Kingswinford ; Sentinel S.4 Waggon (rebuilt at Bucknell) (1936), R. M. Woolley, Bucknell ; Fowler Road Locomotive No. 15787 (1924), R. S. Phillips, Birtley, Church Stretton ; Aveling Tractor " Herefordshire Belle " No. 9225 (1920), C. F. Smith, Hereford. Recent engine movements in the district include the purchase by Mr. Nash (Plealey) of Aveling Roller No.

Ill

9264 and the sale of Aveling P.V. Single No. 10564 by Messrs. Bishops to S. Price of Horderley whose premises incidentally occupy what was once Horderly Station on the now defunct Bishops Castle Railway. Buttington Road Rolling Company recently offered for sale three of their rollers, one of these Clayton Single Cylinder No. 40668 has been purchased by Mr. G. Minshall of B ridgenorth who together with his brother J. Minshall, late owner of Garrett " Everest ", will set about restoration of this nice example of Messrs. Clay ton's work. Apart from re-tubing and re-lagging the engine seems to be in very fine order. The other two rollers advertised have both been sold and it is understood that the Fowler, also a single cylinder, is in preservation at Dawley, Salop. Mr. D. Hackett of Ross-on-Wye sends some very interesting notes about two engines he has recently purchased, these being Wallis 3 Ton Tractor No. 2811 (1905). New to S. Smith of Newport, Salop, this tractor was subsequently purchased by Mr. Dobbs of Longhope. Glos, and used until 1930 or thereabouts for hauling timber. From this date on it stood in a shed unused until purchased by Mr. Hackett in August, 1961. The other engine is a very unusual make, namely Messrs. Eddington of Chelmsford. It is a portable of about 10 h.p. The year and number are unknown, but it is thought to have been constructed about 1880. Mr. Hackett purchased this machine from Ti acerc

T-Tnroingirst,

ra A h.rguim.r.nlr

If any member has any photographs of either of these engines or any further information would they please contact Mr. Hackett at Ashe Farm, Bridstow, Ross-on-Wye. The yard at Burley contains enough engine work to last well into next Summer and beyond. Both Burrells are still undergoing the treatment and the Marshall portable and Allchin traction have to be completed by Messrs. Bishop so hands here are well and truly full. Garrett Tractor No. 33373, late Corfields of Abermule and recently re converted from roller, has now left Burley and has been purchased by Mr. Pettifer of Bromyard. This has, in fact, taken place whilst these notes are being written, the engine being transported on a low-loader. It looks rather odd at present, having been fitted tem-

112

STEAMING

porarily with half a smoke-box just to carry the front end until it reaches its new home. Seen passing through Church Stretton, September 15th in a southerly direction, a very rusty load of engine on a low-loader. No details as information was secondhand. D.W.S. SCOTLAND On the 22nd April, 1961, fourteen Scots enthusiasts met in Edinburgh and gave their support to the proposed Scottish Traction Engine Society. This was a late hour for such a body to arise, for scores of engines of all types, including unfortunately some unique examples, have been scrapped here even since the beginning of amateur interest in them in England. English enthusiasts are often at a loss to understand this apparent apathy, but fail to appreciate that the traction engine remained in commercial use in England till a much later date than it did north of the Border. Many Scots engines in fact, were sold off at giveaway prices at the end of the war and took the high road south, where they were to work for several years longer. Most would have been rubbered by their Scots owners, and were in consequence in good condition, not having been dirled to bits by steel shod wheels on modern hard roads, like the engines they were to replace. Some indeed are still with us, and some, like " Sandy Macnab " for instance, have become very well known. In Scotland there has thus been a much longer period between the time when engines were still relatively commonly seen on the roads, and the present, when amateur interest in them is at last quickening to a marked degree. A result of this can be seen in the ranks of this Society, young members are relatively few. The Society is alive to this however, and seeks to bring its aims and activities before the public as soon and as frequently as possible. At the first Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh on 7th October it was announced that our numbers then stood at forty-two, while a further two interested gentlemen came forward at the meeting. The first edition of the Society's magazine had also been distributed, and had aroused favourable comment. A SubCommittee was set up to investigate

how a Rally or a number of attendances of engines at Agricultural Shows could best be arranged for 1962. Undoubtedly the most important step taken at the meeting however, was the adoption of the Committee's recommendation that we affiliate ourselves with the National Traction Engine Club. Both bodies should undoubtedly benefit by this move, and we look forward to a long and happy association with the N.T.E.C. and the other Societies allied with it. It gives me great personal pleasure to contribute to Steaming for the first time, on behalf of the S,T.E.S., and I hope that there will always be progress for me to report in the future. At present there are about thirtyfive steam propelled vehicles known to be in appreciative hands in Scotland. To those south of the Border this will not seem a large total, but, if numbers are lacking, diversity is not. We are proud that at least three of this number are Scots built, while among the others are a Burrell of 1893 and a Fowler of 1938. It is hoped that still more engines may yet be rescued, and, as there is still a steady flow of newcomers to our ranks, there seems no reason why this should not be achieved. In seven months our horizon has brightened considerably, and we look forward with a greater confidence. I.W.M. THAMES VALLEY " Steam Evenings " are very popular with our members. In July we held our third event of this nature. The following engines were steamed from Appleford to Sutton Courtenay and there lined up on the village green while their drivers and the visitors repaired to the local. Fowler Traction Engine No. 15710 and Mashall Traction Engine No. 37690 (Arthur Napper) ; Wallis & Steevens Traction Engine No. 7370 (W. Tame) ; Wallis & Steevens Tractor No. 7872 (R. Jolly) ; Burrell Steam Engine No. 3489 (S. J. Wharton) ; Burrell Tractor No. 3458 (Shipman and Barker) ; Marshall Traction Engine No. 73901 (Hamish and Ann Orr-Ewing) ; Fowler Roller No. 14674 (Ron Hawthorne). On Bank Holiday Monday many members had engines at Didcot Carnival, Hurst Show, Littlewick Green Show and the Woburn Rally.

STEAMING In September we held a " Steam Afternoon " at Hatchgate Farm, Hurst, by kind invitation of Shipman and Barker. Here we had Shipman and Barker's Burrell Tractor, Hamish and Ann Orr-Ewing's Marshall, Arthur Napper's Fowler, and P. T. and L. Palmer's Wallis & Steevens No. 7664 showing their paces in a field that had a good gradient—we heard some lovely music—while near by Ron Hawthorne's Fowler Roller " Busy Bee " lived up to her name by " busying " herself on a piece of newly-laid farm road. Mrs. Barker brewed tea and fried sausages in the living room, and a good time was had by all. Just before the football season opened " Busy Bee " was invited to roll the pitch at Hurst. As this was a job previously done by diesel she accepted with joy. The total steaming time was 5 hours and the coal consumption 24 cwts. This was our first " job " since " Busy Bee " retired and provided owner and mate John Marrington with plenty of rearend-first driving practice (back to the boiler and left hand on steering wheel, of course!). The Royal East Berks. Show on September 30th has arranged demonstrations of ploughing by horses, two engine steam tackle, vintage i.c. tractors and modern tractors. Our club has been invited to put on a parade of engines. It is expected that the following will be present: 1898 Wantagc Traction Engine No. 1348 (J. Hutchens), the only Berks. built engine ; !°,37 Tlac..14m Engine No. 15391 (S. J. Wharton) ; 1913 Burrell Traction Roller No. 3458 (Shipman and Barker) ; 1919 Fowler Portable Engine No. 15436 (J. Hutchens) 1920 Fowler Traction Engine No. 15710 (A. Napper) ; 1920 Marshall Traction Engine No. 73901 (H. Orr-Ewing); 1921 Wallis & Steevens Traction Engine No. 7664 (P. T. and L. Palmer). The Borough of Slough have a 1935 Wallis & Steevens " Advance " Roller No. 8082 for sale, also a 1920 12 h.p. Portable by Marshall Sons & Co. Ltd. No. 1426). It is hoped that these will be purchased for preserva Lion within our area. G.R.H. WEALD OF KENT The principal event in the quarter just ended was the Weald of Kent

113

Rally at Penshurst on 19th August which is written about in greater detail elsewhere. The death occurred in July of the oldest Weald of Kent member, Mr. Henry Woodham of Catford, at the age of 81. Mr. Woodham was a well-known public works contractor in south-east London for many years and at one time employed as many as two thousand men. In recent years, however, he had confined himself to the road rolling part of the business, mainly with diesels. He had, however, seven steam rollers (two Rustons and five Wallis & Steevens) at the time of his death. The company is being carried on by his daughter Miss K. Woodham. Mr. M. K. Turk, of Bearsted, near Maidstone, has sold his Allchin 7 h.p. single to a purchaser in the Isle of Wight. The engine is No. 1415 (1905) and is springless. Mr. Turk is looking for a G.P. engine or a road engine on springs. Wallis & Steevens ten ton Advance No. 7947 (0T6259), belonging to H. Minto & Co. Ltd., of Maidstone, was sold on 7th September as a consequence of the liquidation of the owning company. The engine was built in 1927 and was at work until a day or so before the sale. The new owner is Mr. E. Pragnell of Godstone, Surrey, who intends to use the roller in his business of road contractor. With the removal of Mr. C. M. Rostron's Burrell No. '3941 and Mr. M. V. Pink's Clayton No. 36336 the yard at Horsmonden, scene of steam engine activities for over eighty years, is now empty of traction engines. In fact the only steam engine left there is the ex Hastings Corporation Aveling Roller No. 11980, owned by the present tenant of the yard. The Burrell is now kept at Hildenborough and the Clayton is at Fred Pegden's establishment at Elham. R.A.W. WEST OF ENGLAND On the whole the West has enjoyed a glorious summer this year, but on the one day and at the one place which mattered most to any of us, a freak storm ruined the proceedings. For two days before the West of England Rally two heavy steam rollers were engaged to level the rally field where, during the previous wet winter, cattle had left deep holes and ruts. The long spell of fine weather

114

STEAMING

which followed had so solidified the ground that even the rollers were unable to make much impression. The morning of July 22nd dawned

bright and in the field at Mount Hawke the sun shone on many assem-

bled engines, some bearing such distant place-names as Ferndown, Reading. Amersham and Houghtonle-Spring. More local entries arrived during the morning and everything seemed set for the best rally so far

held in the West. But by mid-day

rain began to fall. This deterred many intending visitors and the day's attendance was probably under 5,000, resulting in a considerable loss to the organising Society. Rain fell steadily until after the opening by Bill Payne, " Ned Larkin " of " The Archers ",

who then rode around the arena on Marshall No. 38024 " Cressing Temple ", owned and driven by Mr.

Gillbard of Callington. This engine

led the Grand Parade, during which Mr. J. H. Trounson gave an interesting, informative and amusing com-

mentary. By this time most of the spectators except the " true believers " had sought shelter in the many tents and musical chairs was performed before a very depleted audience.

Heavier rain made it impossible to carry on and the other events were

cancelled. Strange to say, the weather improved in the evening and good

weather has continued in Cornwall until a week or so ago. Stranger still, on July 22nd, sunbathers and

swimmers were enjoying a fine afternoon at Porthtowan, only two miles

from the rally field. It seems that the freak storm affected only a very

small area of which Mount Hawke was the centre. As nearly forty engines attended the rally, space would not permit a list being given here, but some programmes are available and any applicant can have one by sending a stamped and addressed envelope

(41d. stamp, envelope size 6 in. by

Their owners made us very welcome not only by showing us their engines but by general hospitality and in some cases by giving great help in finding accommodation. This was not easy in August. The Somerset Traction Engine Club's Rally was held near Taunton on July 29th and attracted about twenty engine entries, an organ belonging to Mr. D. Chappell, Tidman and Savage organ engines and an interesting assortment of vintage cars and motor-cycles. At the village festivities at Coads Green, Launceston, on Bank Holiday, two engines were present. They were Marshall No. 38024 and Aveling & Porter No. 9096, both compound

tractions. Among the models was the 3 in. to 1 ft. Foden, owned by

Mr. G. J. Armstrong Evans. Last year at Redruth the police insisted that the Carnival procession

should take a shorter route avoiding

the main street of the town. This resulted in smaller takings and very little could be given to the charities for which the event was organised, so the carnival was abandoned this year. For several years up to seven steam engines have taken part in the procession. Mr. G. Symons took his Ruston & Hornsby No. 169167, now named " Trevithick ", to Hayle for that

town's carnival. To mark the quin-centenary of Kingsbridge Fair, celebrations were held in August, and Mr. B. D. Camp

drove his Burrell from Modbury to

Kingsbridge to participate. Being the only steam engine in that part of Devon (which is known as the South Hams) it attracted a lot of attention. While in Dr. Dyke's possession, until two years ago, this engine was known as " All Shook Up ", but her name

is now " Pride of the South Hams ". She is Burrell No. 3034 (Reg. No.

9 in.) to C. P. Gregory, Coombe, Camborne, Cornwall. After the rally, " The Gladiator "

AF3580) and is a 6 n.h.p. singlecrank compound.

organ to Portreath where it provided music throughout the evening. The West was well represented at

soil sterilising at Drayton in Somerset, arrived at her new home at St. Issey, Wadebridge, on a low-loader, having been bought by Mr. G. Hawkins. Burrell No. 2651 " Challenger ", belonging to Mr. W. H. Jonas, was in steam waiting for the new arrival and performed the offloading, afterwards pushing the

took Messrs. Anderton and Rowland's

the mammoth rally at Woburn and

all agreed that in spite of the distance it was a well worth-while week-end. Afterwards a party of four made a

tour of the Eastern Counties where many interesting engines were visited.

Late in the evening of July 31st the McLaren plougher which had been

STEAMING plougher to a suitable parking place in the yard, and the few who had gathered to watch the operation settled down to examining the newcomer and talking about steam in general. The party broke up at midnight when the strains of the National Anthem floated across the yard from a shed in which Mr. Jonas had started up his organ! In July, Marshall No. 69303 (8 n.h.p. single) was transported to Camborne from Stoke Climsland, and was towed from Camborne to Coombe by Mr. J. H. Trounson's " Whale " (Marshall No. 62121). Within a couple of weeks No. 69303 was almost completely dismembered, the tender, smoke-box, most of the motion, axles and the wheels were removed to give access to the fire-box and boiler front end on which repairs have since been carried out. The engine is in the open and, apart from borrowed welding equipment, the only plant available consists of two jacks, some heavy timber, chains, spanners and the sheer determination of the owners, Messrs. M. F. T. Leath and M. Pearce. to restore this engine to good workine condition. In connection with this an advertisement appears elsewhere in this issue. The Wallis & Steevens expansion engine No. 7294 " Sheaf of Arrows ", used until recently on Lord Cranborne's estate in Dorset, has been bought by Mr. D. E. Dicker of Whimplc, near Exeter. During three weekends after appearing at the Cranborne Rally she was steamed to ‘vITI Lin! tile by bet l Lew owner with the help of Messrs. A. G. Coombes and G. Glover. The Garrett wagon which formerly belonged to the Cornwall County Council and later to Mr. S. Jewell of Sladesbridge, Cornwall, is now among Mr. Hutchens' collection at Ferndown. His " Suffolk Punch ", at the same yard, is being re-tubed. Mr. H. Lander has bought a 10 ton Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10045 from Messrs. Eddisons, and steamed it from its last place of work near Truro to St. Minver where it forms the centre-piece of his lawn! A Fowler 10 ton single cylinder roller has been bought by Mr. C. H. Wills of Redruth from Messrs. Dennis of Braunton, N. Devon. The Garrett Tractor No. 33353 " Prince ", which has had several

115

owners lately, has made another move. Now she is owned by Mr. B. Broad of Par and is being completely re-built by him. ' From Mr. Badcock of Littleham I learn that Mr. J. Leete of Bideford has bought Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8601 (Reg. No. TA5317) from Mr. J. Murch of Umberleigh, and intends to use it on the roads and parking places around his factory. The roller was last used at Torrington, at Torridge Vale Dairy, and .since being acquired by Mr. Leete has had a third speed fitted and a re-paint. As their drivers retire, the Devon C.C. rollers are being withdrawn from service and are in danger of being cut up. This fate recently befell Marshall No. 32251 of 1898— a good engine. Anyone wishing to own an engine should seriously consider a roller while the opportunity exists. While on holiday in Cornwall in the summer, two N.T.E.C. members came across an engine on a roadside verge. After an external inspection they parted the side-sheets and found the owner quietly enjoying a cigar while sitting on the coal in the tender. There are many less satisfying ways of spending an afternoon! C.P.G. WORCESTER The City of Worcester held their annual two-day show on Pitchcroft, Worcester, on August 11th and 12th, which included once again a rally of steam propelled vehicles and traction anninac The engines werc steam on the Friday and the rally took place on the Saturday afternoon. The engines in attendance were as follows : Burrell 8 h.p. Scenic Showman's Road Locomotive "Winston Churchill " No. 3909 (1922), Reg. No. NR965, Mr. Eric Middleton, Hartlebury, Worcs. Fowler Agricultural Traction Engine " Little Mary " No. 11246 (1907), Reg. No. BL4831, Mr. Eric Middleton, Hartlebury, Worcs. Foden Steam Tractor " Matilda " No. 11788 (1933), Reg. No. TD3236, Mr. Eric Middleton. Burrell 6. h.p. S.C.C. Agricultural Traction Engine " Lady Burrell" No. 2147 (1898), Reg. No. BL4716, Mr. J. L. Thomas, 5 The Drive, Rushwick, Worcs.

116

STEAMING

Fowler 5 h.p. Road Locomotive " Monty " No. 19338 (1932), Reg. No. RX8106, Mr. Frank Hall, Tybridge Street, Worcester. Garrett 4 h.p. Steam Tractor No. 33074 (1917), Reg. No. BJ3451, Mr. Frank Hall, Tybridge Street, Worcs. Garrett 4 h.p. Steam Tractor No. 32981 (1917), Reg. No. BJ3282, Mr. Roy Millward, Halesowen, Worcs. Garrett 6 h.p. Traction Engine " Olive " No. 29764 (1911), Reg. No. AC9326, Mr. F. C. Lambe, Bromsgrove, Worcs. Ruston Proctor 4 h.p. Tractor " Lincoln Imp " No. 52607 (1921), Reg. No. HP2201, Mr. Robert Millward, Halesowen, Worcs. Burrell 7 h.p. Agricultural Traction Engine No. 1127 (1884), Reg. No. AD8988, Mr. G. Tyler, Worcester. Sentinel Steam Tractor (no number), Reg. No. ARE195, Messrs. James & Sons, Kingswinford. Sentinel Steam Wagon No. 8784 (1933), Reg. No. YD8587, Mr. G. B. King, Cameley, Temple Cloud, Bristol. Six engines took part in the Droitwich Carnival Procession on Saturday, July 1st, after having attended the Feckenham Ox Roast and Carnival the previous Saturday. Several of the " Hartlebury " engines also took part in the Stourport Carnival Procession in September. Mr. Eric Middleton's Scenic Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive

" Winston Churchill " attended the Rempstone Rally on July 15th. Mr. Roy Millward's Garrett Tractor No. 32981 and Mr. C. James' Sentinel Tractor attended the Church Stretton (Shropshire) Rally. Mr. Frank Holl's Burrell 4 h.p. Steam Tractor " Lord Burrell " No. 4048 (1927) has been taken to the City of Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry in Newhall Street for preservation. Mr. Walker, of Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, has purchased Burrell 6 h.p. D.C.C. Road Locomotive No. 3847, Reg. No. CL4483, from near Newcastle-on-Tyne for preservation. Mr. Walker tells me he intends fitting a new fire-box, canopy, dynamo, bracket, exciter, etc. This engine bears the A.G.E. plate as well as Burrell's plate and is named " Princess Marina ". It is spring mounted, 3 speed, and though listed as 6 h.p., would appear to have a 7 h.p. locomotive boiler and the 8 h.p. Burrell wheels, but I may be wrong about this! Mr. Eric Middleton's most recent acquisition, the Savage 5 h.p. Electric Light Engine No. 537, has now been fully restored in all its glory. The City of Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry in Newhall Street, Birmingham, is to have a " Live Steam " week-end on Saturday and Sunday, 30th and 31st December. J.L.T.

THE LATE T. C. FENSOM THE death of Thomas Charles Fensom, father of our well-known committee member Jack Fensom, took place in hospital at Bedford on the 8th August. He was 88 years of age. Mr. Fensom was well known, not only in his native Colmworth, but throughout Bedfordshire, for his interests in agricultural contracting. He was a senior partner of T. C. Fensom & Son, the agricultural contracting firm. When Mr. Fensom's father died in 1889, Mr. Fensom, although only 14 years of age, took over the family business and helped to support his family. It was through his extensive efforts that the business has expanded

to its present size, although Mr. Fensom's only son, Jack, has been in charge of it for the past four years. He was not only a founder member of the Agricultural Contractors' Association of Bedfordshire, but was its first Chairman and later held the office of President. He was a President of the Bedford Gun Club, and Vice-President of the National Association of Traction Engine Owners and Users. Mr. Fensom also took a lively interest in local government and was Clerk to the Colmworth Parish Council for 18 years. He leaves a widow, Mrs. Jane Fensom.

STEAMING

FROM OUR MEMBERS

117

Richard Preston, Esq.

Marshall 7 n.h.p. 2 speed Traction Engine, driven by Dick Preston, seen here after jack-knifing on ice near Guisbrough, Yorks., in 1930.

Dick threshing near Stokesley, Yorks., in 1928, with a 7 n.h.p. Ransome Single Cylinder Traction.

118

STEAMING

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Holmesdale, 82 Kidderminster Road, West Croydon, Surrey. Dear Sir,—I was particularly interested in the Steam Wagon issue of Steaming. The development of the Foden steam wagon made very exciting reading, especially as I worked on one, as a boy, in 1924. I think that the following anecdote, Which is true, would not be out of place in this letter, since we are both interested in steam. The tale goes as follows : Towards the end of March, 1924, on a Thursday afternoon, I went over to Coulsdon to help on an old Foden wagon. It was a 5-tonner, chain-drive, pivot steering, fitted with solid rubber tyres throughout. Open body, no trailer. The cruising speed was eight miles an hour. We left at half-past two, with a full load, 4 tons of coal. The load included 2 ton of anthracite in I cwts. and the remainder in 2 cwts. The driver reached a little country lane, very narrow, and was

about to turn the wagon right round so as to facilitate unloading. Then I don't know what went wrong, but the wagon ran back suddenly into a bank, and went down, with a full load. The anthracite was on the back, or tail end, and had to come off first. The banking gave way, and she went down heavily. We were about a hundred yards from the house, and according to the Law, a man is not allowed to carry 2 cwt. of coal, dead weight, for more than forty yards. At least, no doubt it has happened, but there was no financial compensation if you hurt yourself. The driver made no attempt to get out with a full load. As it chanced, there was a light lorry close by, and I had to help unload the coal and transfer same to the lorry. When the wagon was empty, she got out fairly easily. However, in December of that year, the same wagon had a load of cement, and in turning, got stuck broadside-on across a narrow road, jammed against the kerb on one side and the rear wheels sunk in a leat or trench on the other side. This

The Power Packed (6.7.2s.) Manzel Cylinder Lubricator Ever thought of fitting a 3-point Lubricator giving a separate feed to each port face and a gocd oiling to the steam itself ? Consult British Manzel Oil Pump Co. Durranhill Eng. Works CARLISLE 21418/9

STEAMING does sometimes occur when a water main has to be laid and a trench is prepared. I heard that the wagon was there all night. They got it away by jacking it up. I'm afraid that the driver did not take the trouble to examine the surface of the trench, which had been roughly filled in with soft, wet clay. Anyone with sense would have expected it to go down. The most sensible way was

119

to keep the wagon more or less in the centre of the road, where the surface was good, and unload from that position, thus missing the dangerous trench. But I'm afraid some drivers were obstinate, and I didn't think to tell him. Well, Mr. Editor, I hope that this interests you. Yours sincerely, RONALD G. HELLYAR.

FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale.—Front fork for Marshall 11 ton Steam Roller. Steering chain (new) for Aveling & Porter 11 ton Roller. Numerous spare parts, new and secondhand, to fit Marshall and Aveling & Porter 11 ton Roller. Water lifts (new). Gauge glasses, all sizes (sound). Fusible plugs, standard (new). Few spare parts for Ruston &. Hornsby Roller.—J. T. Beehy, Wymeswold Rd., Rempstone, Loughborough, Leics. Wanted.—Front axle, wheels, etc. for 4 h.p. Aveling Convertible, now only fitted as Roller. Other makes of tractor parts might do.—J. M. Baldock, Hollycombe House, Liphook, Hants. For Sale.—Aveling 8 ton Piston Valve Roller, No. 11980 (1927). Clean boiler report, good working order, nice paintwork. Preservation or work only (no scrappers).—H. Roe, Station Yard, Horsmonden, near Tonbridge. Tel.: Horsmonden 229. Price £200 o.n.o. For Sale.—One new 1 positive injector, one set tube expanders, 21-21, and one set tube expanders, 21-2-1. Both equal to new. Offers.—R. Bateman, " Wayside," 82 Harmondsworth Lane, West Drayton, Mddx. For Sale.—Burrel Compound Portable, No. 2363. Clean, sound, good working order. i101).—J. Bryant, Pakenham Windmill, Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk. Tel.: Pak. 277. Wanted.—Set of link pins for piston an Foden 6 ton Tractor.—G. Howell, 5 The Crescent, Andover.

Wanted.—For 8 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Marshall Traction Engine : Brass chimney top, inside diameter 14 in.; one pair shock springs for steering chain turn-buckles crankshaft bearing, drive side, two halves, 5 in. wide. —M. Pearce, 3 Praed Cottages, Kehelland, Camborne, Cornwall. For Sale.—Set of four coloured prints. Size 91 in. by 51 in., plus a 2 in. border. These have been specially printed for framing with special attention being paid to the colour accuracy. The engines depicted are Fowler Showman's Engine " KitchFowler Single Cylinder ener ", Ploughing Engine at Work, Thornycroft Lorry and Marshall Traction at Work on the Drum. Each set in envelope with stiffener. 15/- post paid from I. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. For Sale.—Any owners of Fowler Ploughing Engines which require new tender back plates should contact me if they have trouble in getting these made as I have recently had the die block made for getting the right shape.—J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. Wanted.—Details and price of Fowler Ploughing Living Van, Implements, etc. to help make up representative set of equipment.— J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. Wanted.—Ratchet boiler tube expander for 2 in. tubes.—Pearson, 137 Pilkington Avenue, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire.

D.

water treatment

W. NUJ H 0 1. h. Aran:t. me.11t 'Cent NI

fol

tr.t r. 115.Pe.va n r

l'4

ATI341.

I 1.1T Elontesir r ,

-

li *WI 001011ft 4.--. . 1_

allikilahh- la

11.1.52!. .•

Burrell 8 n.h.p. D.C.C. No. 3949. " Princess Mary", built in 1923 - fo r 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 or corrosion which results can only be prevented by efficient water treatment.

olAY/ 0 4.

Consult :

:( 1:1

Iv HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD. THE PRIORY BURNHAM • BUCKS.

BY APPOINTMENT TO N.H. THE QUEEN

SPECIALISTS IN ORGANIC WATER TREATMENT •

Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., Greyfriars Walk, Bedford