Vol. 6 \o. 2 ,April, 1962 -•••••••••"
-STEAMING *
THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE" i6
•
46
STEAMING
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
Chairman : REVD. PHILIP WRIGHT, M.B.E., Hon.C.F., The Vicarage, Woodford Bridge, Essex. Vice-Chairman and Editor: J. CRAWLEY, EsQ., Field House, Turvey, Bedford. General Secretary : E. A. FILLMORE, ESQ., 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow, Middx. Membership Secretary (including ties and badges): J. G. HuratEms, ESQ., A.31 Cafe, Tricketts Cross, Ferndown, Wimborne, Dorset. Treasurer: H. ORR-EWING, ESQ., 8 Robert Close, Randolph Avenue, London, W.9. Boiler Records Officer : J. R. BONSER, ESQ., 6 Rokeby Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex.
FOR SALE AND WANTED Wanted.—Pump Spares for Sentinel S.3, 1933.—K. Gosden, " Kenmare," Queens Road, Freshwater, I.O.W. Wanted.—Big " G " for Garrett Tractor Smokebox. Willing to exchange similar " G " for use on Traction Engine.—J. R. E. Driscoll, 32 St. Charles Road, Brentwood, Essex. For Sale.—Pair of Fodell Front Wheels and Axle, 4 ft. 1 in. diameter, as fitted to 8 h.p. Traction. In good condition but have holes for bolting rubbers.—Walker, 19 Longdon Drive, Four Oaks Common, Sutton Coldfield. For Sale.-12 ton Piston Valve Marshall Roller in good order. Built 1943.—Details: Dennis Cross, Forge Garage, Appleford, Berks.
G. Chapman, of Hockley, Essex, writes to say that he has just recently purchased Sentinel S.4 No. 9023, built 1934, Reg. No. AKR958, from Pegden Bros., of Elham, Kent. Wanted.—Meteor Headlamps for Burrell Showman's Engine.—Walker, 19 Longdon Drive, Four Oaks Common, Sutton Coldfield. Wanted. — Two Safety Valve Springs for 7 h.p. Ransome T.E. 5+ in. long, 2+ in. diameter.—G. J. Reavis, Green Hedge Farm, Stapleford, Cambs. For Sale.—Set of Six Coloured Traction Engine Postcards. ls. 9d. (post paid).—J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. Continued on page 70
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS J. WILKINSON, ESQ. J. P. MULLETT, ESQ. J. R. E. DRISCOLL, ESQ.
STEAMING
47
EDITORIAL WITH this issue I have so many apologies to make that for once I hardly know where to start. Firstly, my apologies for the lateness of the January issue. This was due to a number of reasons connected with the contents of the journal, but before this issue could be mailed out I contracted pneumonia which kept me out of action until the beginning of April. Conseqeuntly my proof reading was done under considerable strain, with a resultant number of errors of which I must mention at least two. The cover illustration and article on page 13 refers of course to a Ransome, Sims & Head Traction Engine, and the illustration of the rear cover is of course the Burrell Traction Engine No. 4055 belonging to Albert and George Fensom of Flamstead. There are no doubt others, but the most important apology must go to my many readers whose letters appear to have been ignored. I can assure them this
is not the case, but the smallest mail I have received on any one day was six letters and on two occasions eleven, the result being that I was nearly eighty letters in arrears at one time. I only mention these facts to give you all a reason for not having been able to answer every letter unless it was necessary. With this issue you will find a questionnaire. It will help with advance planning of the magazine to receive many of these forms back duly completed. It is hoped to publish a list of members and engines sometime in the future. Many thanks to those of you who have so kindly sent me get-well-quick letters during my illness. Finally, my apologies for the lateness of this issue. When my " copy " was ready, our printers had started to move their works with consequent delay but I am hopeful that the next issue will appear on time. EDITOR.
FROM THE CHAIRMAN (Philip Wright's Column)
I CAN safely say that the majority of our members, even the very keen ones, have become accustomed to viewing steam as having had its day from a commercial standpoint. This month I can disillusion them in no uncertain manner, for I can write of a British firm still building brand new PORTABLE engines for the overseas market. I refer to the famous old firm of Robey's of Lincoln, whose publicity manager Mr. E. F. Needham has kindly complied with my request for details. He tells me there are actually four portable steam engines under construction at this very time. They are single cylinder 10f in. X 14 in. size, for which there is quite a demand abroad where indigenous fuel is still available. He even sends a current illustrated price list of portable engines. An impressive feature to my mind is the fact that they differ so little in design from the early ones which this famous firm used to make. This goes to show just how very good they were from the first!
The boilers are of the familiar locomotive multitubular type, and special fire boxes can be fitted to burn fuels other than coal. A steel plate chimney with spark arrestor is fitted. Disc-type wheels are offered and there can be either tractor draw bar, horse shafts or even oxen poles! The engine is constructed to be independent of the boiler so that there are no working strains and stresses put upon the boiler. The cylinder has piston valve and rings, and the crankshaft is of the slab type long enough to carry a pulley on the opposite end to flywheel if desired. At the base of the crankshaft carriage is an oil bath into which a ring dips and bears on the upper crank. Governors are Pickering type with safety gear in case the governor driving belt should break. Some models have disc wheels, and there are also semi-portable types of engines in which the wheels and underworks are left out and the smoke-box is supported on a round steel plate pedestal which also forms the feed tank whilst the fire-box is
48
STEAMING
mounted on an ash-pan. Besides the single cylinder in four sizes, there are listed double cylinder engines in four sizes and compound engines in three sizes. Mr. Needham has one other mutual link with the writer ; he, too, is an Army Cadet Force officer and has put in over thirty years' service in Lincoln. Rally organisers in London and the Home Counties who are anxious to attract youngsters to rallies might well contact the editor of What's On, a booklet issued from time to time and which lists attractions which could interest children and young folk. Address Aldermans, London Road, Knebworth, Herts. In the recent edition they mention the Hastingwood Rally. Congratulations to Mr. Willie M'Conachie and his son on a round trip of 600 miles with a traction engine. He has five engines on his farm at Tarland, Aberdeenshire, and took his engine from his home via Perth, Newcastle, Sunderland, Chester-le-Street and home again. I am indebted to Mr. Peter Nunn of Frank Nunn & Sons, Elmswell, and
Kenneth Suffolk for a copy of the Nunn story. This traces the history of fifty years' service given by this engineering firm to farmers. It relates among many other interesting things how that in 1919 the firm acquired a sttt of Fowler ploughing engines and tackle. These are pictured, and the story relates that later on Frank Nunn spent a lot of money converting these engines to diesel oil drive to eliminate cartage of coal and water. Using a water tank as a fuel tank, they could run a fortnight without re-fuelling. Subsequently they were outmoded by heavy crawler tractors. Mr. R. L. Eccleston is head of a large art department in a Birmingham Secondary Modern School. He has encouraged his pupils to study functional design items such as warehouses, docks, watermills, windmills, and the like. They are now doing a good deal of research in steam traction. We welcome him as a new Club member. I hope my new book Old Farm Tractors will be out by the time this is printed. I think this will be the first time the tractor has been treated historically.
FROM THE SECRETARY ELSEWHERE in this issue will be found much information and many remarks regarding the future and, in particular, the impending rally season ; so far I have been advised of no less than twenty-seven events. Some of these have not, at the time of writing, gone beyond the project stage, whilst others are already receiving entries ; again, some are large and some are small, but one thing stands out in that they are well spread throughout the country so that most enthusiasts should be able to reach at least one event. I have been thinking over the past and previous years' activities and reading through a number of back issues, and cannot anywhere recall any mention of the Club trophies. We possess a fine collection of no less than seven trophies which are either competed for or awarded annually at the discretion of the committee and presented to the winners at the Annual Dinner in October.
Those who have attended these dinners will know what a magnificent show these trophies make, but I feel it is wordi while ineniioning 1110111 and their current holders. The earliest days of this Club, and the organisation of rallies as we know them today, are commemorated in two fine cups presented by Mr. Arthur Napper. It will be recalled that Mr. Napper initiated our present rallies by accepting a challenge from Mr. Miles Chetwynd-Stapylton to a race with traction engines at Bridge Farm, Appleford, in the early 1950s. These cups are awarded, one for tractors and one for tractions, to the winners of obstacle races at a suitably chosen rally, usually that at Appleford itself. These were won last year by Messrs. J. Harris of Poole and F. Upton of Maidenhead. The " Dacre Lacy " Cup, presented by Mr. Dacre Lacy who had much to do with the running of the Club in its early days, is awarded annually for
STEAMING the winner of a musical chairs event ; at present it is held by Peter Barker of Hurst, near Reading, who proved last year to be faster across the turf than allcomers at Appleford. The " Curtis " Trophy, which takes the form of a Silver Rose Bowl, is awarded each year for some outstanding individual effort, and is held at the present time by Mr. D. Davis of Prestwood, Bucks., for his stupendouse effort in driving his Fowler ploughing engine single-handed from his farm to the Appleford and Woburn Rallies. Surely few journeys of such length can have been undertaken in recent times by such an unwieldy machine. The " Choisy & Simson " Cup, presented by our official insurance brokers and very good friends (now Tennant, Budd & Simson), is awarded annually for an outstanding effort in preservation. This is always most difficult to decide, but your committee felt that during 1961 the Marshall traction engine owned by Jack Wharton of Minster Lovell was a clear and outstanding example of this type of work. The " Golden Film " Trophy takes the form of a large shield with small
49
surrounding shields on which to record the names of the various winners. This year it was presented to Messrs. T. T. Boughton & Sons Ltd. of Amersham, Bucks., for their considerable support of rallies through, out the country. There are few events at which their fine Foden wagon has not appeared at some time or another, and their ploughing engines too are quite well known on the rally field. I must emphasise that Messrs. Boughton also give great assistance and advice from their considerable experience to all who seek it. The most recent of our trophies is a magnificent Rose Bowl presented to the Club two years ago by our ViceChairman and Editor, Mr. John Crawley. He specifically requested that it be presented for outstanding service to the Club throughout the preceding year. Its first holder was our Chairman, the Rev. Philip Wright, and for the current year Mr. Jim Hutchens was selected. He puts in an enormous amount of work as Membership Secretary and carrying engines about on his transport ; in all these things we must also remember the assistance given to him by Mrs. Hutchens. E.A.F.
The Power Packed (6.7)?.!s.) 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
50
STEAMING
AN AWKWARD LOAD IN 1921 Previous to the advent of the mobile crane and articulated lowloader, the owners and users of traction engines were called on often to carry out haulage and handling of heavy awkward loads, boilers and heavy machinery. The firm of E. W. Maundrell, The Foundry, Caine, Wilts., general engineers and threshing contractors, did many such jobs. After the 1914-18 War Yatesbury Aerodrome became redundant and was sold — hangars, huts, etc. Messrs. C. & T. Harris & Co., bacon factors, of Caine, in 1921 purchased one hangar. The question of haulage to Caine five miles away then arose. Maundrells of Caine were consulted re haulage of doors and roof princinles 84 ft. long and 11 ft. high weighing just over 2 tons each. These principles were made on the site and are of laminated type flat timbers about 2 in. thick bolted together with hundreds of bolts. Trying to lift them from the base was hopeless as
they buckled in all ways. A wire rope was placed over the arched part and securely fixed to the ends; they were then lifted from the top and were easy to handle. A crane type gantry was fixed to the smokebox of an Aveling & Porter single cylinder spring mounted traction engine 7 ft. diameter hind wheels (number not recorded). These principles were then picked up one at a time and placed on a boiler truck capable of carrying loads of 30 to 35 tons. This boiler truck, made at Caine foundry, was so arranged that it could be used as two separate bogies with locking plate to each. It was used for many long heavy loads and boilers, including six Lancashire boilers for Messrs. Harris. Six principles were loaded at a time, and bolted together with long screwed rods and plates to form one solid load. Long oak draw-poles were coupled to ends of load, the hind one fixed to the load when in transit. The
The 20 ft. by 14 ft. doors being hauled by 6 h.p. Aveling & Porter Road Engine No. 2504 of 1890.
STEAMING
51
The 84 ft. long roof principles seen en route to Caine behind 6 h.p. Aveling & Porter Road Engine No. 2504 of 1890. hangar had to be re-erected at Caine station as a receiving and despatch depot. At Caine the main road runs north and the station road from this runs south, thus forming a very short turn. Here the load was pulled on a little way, the engine uncoupled and coupled up on the other end, and journey resumed, the draw-pole at back being fixed to load. The same
operation was required at the station entrance. The doors of the hangar were 20 ft. by 14 ft., and the police requested they be carried up on end. They were carried between 2 R.S.J.s and bolted together with long screwed rods and plates in the same manner as the principles and carried on the same bogies.
STEAMING, BACK NUMBER SERVICE Back number are available as listed below, the price including postage. April, 1957 ; July, 1957 ; April, 1958 ; October, 1958-1s. 3d. each. April, 1959 ; October, 1959 ; July, 1959 ; April, 1960 ; October, 1960 ; July, 1961 ; October, 1961-1s. 9d. each.
SPECIAL ISSUES January, 1960, Showman Engine issue ; January, 1961, Steam Wagon issue ; January, 1962, Traction Engine issue-3s. 9d. each.
52
STEAMING
AREA NEWS ANDOVER Arrangements for the 1962 Rally are now almost complete and we look forward to meeting friends, both old and new, on the 12th May. Any engine owner who would like to bring his engine along to the Andover Rally should contact the Secretary at 5 The Crescent, Andover, without delay. Tasker Roller No. 1927 belonging to Watson & Haig, of Andover, has been out rolling, driven by Gordon Howell. This engine will soon be reaching retirement, when it will go into Tasker's Museum at Andover. G.H. EAST ANGLIA One slight change in E.A.T.E.C.'s working hierarchy resulted from ll'e Annual General Meeting, when Reg. Brown, to whom we confidently entrust our future stability, took over the office of General Secretary and factotum from Chris Hall who, in his turn, assumed the office of Editor lett vacant by the departure of Stephen Neville for Dum Dum Junction and all stations to Calcutta. Engine activity has been at a very low ebb. At a club meeting recently we had the pleasure of seeing seven or eight engines, although it might be as well to confess that six of these were of less than one nominal horsepower! Steam Preservation, the club journal h now rea•ssuracd publication at quarterly intervals, and at 3s. 10d. per copy, including postage, represents excellent value for money. A year's subscription costs a mere 15s. Mr. Easy. at 9 Hemingford Road, Cambridge, is distributing the magazine. This year's rally season has at length been finalised. Our main rally is to be at Haverhill, in the extreme West of Suffolk, on Saturday and Sunday, May 26th and 27th. The site is just out of Haverhill town on the B.1057 Haverhill-Saffron Walden road. Mr. Arthur Mills' magnificent organ will be present together with the usual superb specimens of enginry to be found in East Anglia, and as usual the club will impoverish itself by giving away vast quantities of coal to engines attending! Anyone wishing to bring an engine will be
made very welcome, and should contact Mr. Brown at 54 Hall Street, Soham, Ely, Cambs. Other rallies will be at Haddenham. Cambs. on June 23rd, and Kelvedon, Essex on September 22nd. C.G.H. BEDFORDSHIRE Meetings at the " King's Arms continue to be well patronised by our members. Slide and film shows have been given by members and have proved extremely popular. Jim Bennie has recently steamed his Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15336 to Braefield, in Northants., where it will share lodgings for a time with George Gares' Fowler No. 10855. Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 14383 " Prince" has been bought from Cambridge Market by Mr. Ruff of Wilden, Beds. John Crawley has just purchased Aveling Porter Tandem Roller No. 6530 (Reg. No. NM291), cx Borough of Luton. This roller has been badly lobbed of all pipcwork, crankshaft, brasses, injectors and water gauges, and the help of any member knowing of suitable spare parts or who could lend a parts catalogue would be much appreciated. Details of any other Aveling Tandem Rollers (horizontal boilers) known to exist would be most welcome. Nteve Neville has already reported No. 8445 in Calcutta which is still in daily use. Fowler Showman's Engine No. Iron (The " Kitchener " 15657 Maiden) is now almost repainted and relined, and will shortly be replaced in the paint shop by Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3610 " William V ". This engine, like John's Fowler, has been given the once-over at the works of T. C. Fensom & Son of J.C. Col mworth. THE CHILTERNS Since January, the movement in this area has gained strength, and membership at the time of writing stands at forty-six. Although this last month •or so things have been pretty quiet, there are one or two items of interest. Member Geoffrey Wheeler is at present doing a series
STEAMING
53
of " cut away line drawings of en- repair it and put it to use. The gines for the Eagle magazine. So far other one, the 8 ton Compound Piston he has completed and had published Valve No. 12020 of 1924 will be a Scenic Burrell Showman " Pride of shortly up for tender. George Evans, the Morning " with the cab sides of Wigginton, has sold his 10 ton reading " Daniels Modern Amuse- S.C. Aveling No. 9008 (B.C.C. No. 5) ments on Tour ". While the drawing and purchased the 10 ton S.C. Aveand detail came out well, Mr. ling of 1919 from the Wing depot. Wheeler expressed disappointment at This has been out of use for some the reproduction of the colour, which years. The Wooburn R.D.C.'s Wallis instead of the intended deep maroon Advance Roller is now officially beof the true Burrell, it came out a lieved for sale. light scarlet. He is also to do a The next event of our calendar is Savage centre engine, an Aveling a social evening and slide show by compound roller, and a Fowler Mr. John Crawley, Vice-Chairman of threshing engine, based, he tells me, The National T.E. Club. This is to on the single cylinder Fowler of 1903 be held at the Rose and Crown Hotel owned by Mr. Turner of High Wy- at Tring on 25th May, and is an combe, No. 9698 (HR4732). We feel event to which we look forward. This year the club is running an this is a great effort, as apart from the obvious interest to those of us informal "Steam Party" and this already acquainted with steam, it will be taking place on the Shardloes goes a long way to make them known Estate, just north of Amersharn, but to youngsters who had most likely the date has still to be finalised. Finally, as the start of the season never seen one. Mr. Grover is hard at work on his gets nearer, may we take this opporlittle Aveling Compound Tractor No. tunity of wishing all rally organisers 9170 (KN9352) of 1920, and it fitting and engine owners and drivers, it up with a new smokebox rolled by wherever they may be, all the very Boughton's, of Amersham, together best and Good Steaming for 1962. C.L.E. with a general " once-over " and repaint. It stands in Mr. de Fraine's COUNTY OF SALOP yard at Chartridge. Jim Sarney, of Flackwell Heath, is Arrangements are well in hand for waiting for the hydraulic on his Bur- the County of Salop Steam Engine rell S.C.C. No. 2505 (CF3354) of Society's second Engine Rally which 1902, and meanwhile is fitting it with is to take place at Church Stretton, new feed pipes in copper and a two- Salop, on August Monday, 1962. It tone whistle of gigantic proportions. is hoped that this will be an even On 20th January a number of our better event than last year's and it is members enjoyed a slide show and anticipated that several more engines social evening given by Mr. George will be present. Any engine owner Dawson and Mr. Jason Martin, of who would like to participate in the Bicker, in Lincolnshire. Over three rally can obtain entry forms and full hundred views were shown, mostly of details from M. Salmon, Esq., " Beltheir local engines and rallies. Those grave," Llandrindod Wells, Rads. A present will remember it as a most number of cups and awards have enjoyable evening. been donated for the event and all Mr. P. Coxall and Mr. S. Hubbuck classes will be catered for. Special are working week-ends on an old attention has been given to the parkWallis single cylinder 7 n.h.p. of 1917 ing of cars as last year conditions reconditioning it for the owner. It were somewhat hectic, to say the is in a bad way, but the writer can least. This time, however, an adremember seeing it three years ago, jacent large field has been booked as and the difference is quite amazing. a car park. In addition to the steam However, at present they are " count- vehicles a Veteran Car Rally is being ing the cost " of a new smokebox arranged and full details of this are and other repairs, but hope to get it available from E. W. Pilkington, Esq., steamable sometime this year. Spring Cottage, Steventon. Ludlow, The 8 ton S.C. Aveling of 1930, Salop. If it is anything like the dispresumed for scrap due to an area play this gentleman arranged last of the boiler plate being condemned, year we are in for a real treat. has been reprieved by an enthusiast Local engine news is rather hard to from Warwickshire who intends to come by at this time of year, espe-
54
STEAMING
cially as the weather has been so bad and has brought restoration work almost to a halt. In spite of this the two Burrells at Burley have received attention from time to time and as these notes are being written the new driving boss has arrived for 2646 ; it should not be so long now before this engine is back on her wheels. The Clayton roller belonging to Minshall Bros. has had some new stays fitted in the firebox and has successfully undergone her boiler test, The new tagging is almost complete and when this is done the engine is to be driven to Church Stretton for the final restoration work and repaint. The workmanship on this particular roller is very fine and great credit is due to Messrs. Clayton & Shuttleworth in this direction. Messrs. W. A. Bishop are at work on their rollers Fowler No. 19047 and Wallis No. 8082 and both of these should be available very shortly. This firm have almost completed the Marshall portable for Mr. Hackett of Ross-onWye and have also fitted a new smokebox to Mr. Marshall's Allchin No. 1458. This engine will soon he ready for her long journey to the South of England where Mr. Marshall will complete the restoration. A trip from Burley to Penypark, near Hay-on-Wye, is planned for Ruston No. 52266 later on in the year ; this will take the engine back to the premises of her former owner Charles James. The object of the exercise is to bring back a Ruston portable engine purchased by D. W. jainco. MC. JOUrniry. Smith Lula. will be after the rally and it is hoped it will be a nice leisurely run with plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful Herefordshire countryside from the engine's footplate ; this latter position would seem to be the only place left from which one can do any viewing whilst on the roads nowadays if one is not to be in mortal dangeti from attack by motor! D.W.S. It is with regret that we record the death of Jim Fulker, of Woking. Jim was one of our earlier members, and although he had been a semi-invalid for the past few years, he still did what he could to advertise and support our rallies.
SCOTLAND Owing to marriage, illness and the sale and delivery of one of the writer's engines, all following closely on the heels of each other it was just not possible to produce any Scottish notes in time for the last edition of Steaming. I intend, however, to bring things up to date now. In early December our member, Tom Holloway, purchased a 6 h.p. Compound Ruston Hornsby Traction Engine No. 113812 from J. G. Barrack of Aberdeen. J. G. Barrack had cleaned and painted this engine and fitted a new cab and chimney but for the job to be done right some heavy repairs were necessary. It was therefore decided to bring the engine to Shillford Mill, the writer's " country works ", so that this work could be dune rather than take her to her new owner's own yard at Cambuslang. When she arrived at Shillford on Pickford's low-loader just before Christmas she was off-loaded by the writer and John Fowler No. 21222,, an 8 ton roller. The hind axle has since been drawn, the tender removed and at the time of writing boiler repairs are still in progress. The Fowler just mentioned, one of two 8 ton rollers bought by the writer from Ayr County Council last June, has since been sold to fellowmember Harry Mackie of Kilsyth, Stirlingshire. In the few fair bl'nks between the onslaughts of everything that the elements could fling at us she was steamed the thirty odd "s to her new howic in two stages in January and February. At Shillford at present there are thus new three engines, the writer's Aveling tractor "The Pirate " under repair, Tom Hollway's Ruston likewise, and the 8 ton Fowler No. 21635 " Cavalier ". Any day now we should have word of the impending arrival by low-loader from Burrelton in Perthshire of Jimmy Drummond's 5 h.p. Fowler tractor No. 17260 " Kenmore " which will also require " the treatment " on arrival. The happiest news just now is the recent purchase in the nick of time by Society members of the Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15405 which has lain for many years by the roadside at Edenside in Fife. So far as is known, this was the last intact ploughing engine left in Scotland and was the No. 2 engine of a pair new
STEAMING
STEAM TRACTION ENGINE
RALLY GREAT WYMONDLEY HITCHIN ' HERTS.
Whit-Monday, June 11th, 1962 at 1.30 p.m. Gates open 10.30 a.m.
OVER 50 ENGINES AND A NUMBER OF FAIR ORGANS WILL BE TAKING PART 24,500 people attended the Rally at Wymondley last year Near bus stop, with good service Good approaches. Four entrances to site, and a large area for car parking Refreshments and Fully Licensed Bars Organisers ALBERT E. DEANS, Engineer, London Road, Baldock, Herts. BRIAN HAILEY, Great Wymondley, Hitchin, Herts.
55
56
STEAMING
to Sam Hird of Stonehaven. Ian Fraser, our President, Sir James R. Morrison-Low and the Hon. Vere Cochrane, her new owners, may not be prepared to be responsible for this engine permanently and it is hoped that a single person may be prepared to take her over from them. Joint ownerships always have their problems and these gentlemen have their own engines which require looking after but their joint effort has, in the meantime, saved this fine engine from certain destruction. She was steamed the twelve miles from Edenside to Mr. Cochrane's farm at Cults Mill on Sunday, 1st April, accompanied by an entourage of members and friends from all over Scotland come to witness the event. She was driven by the one-time driver of the No. 1 engine of the set, Mr. George Willox, and steered by Ian Fraser. George was obviously enjoying himself and attacked the long bank from Dairsie to Cupar with verve and a good throttle opening. At 12 miles per hour the chimney gave up the ghost and fell on to the footboard, and it was in this truncated condition that the engine eventually reached Cupar, looking, as Ian Fraser put it, " more like a Gresley Pacific '". Friends were around though and the local engineering shop were soon doing a welding job which was sufficient to enable the Fowler to finish her journey very little the worse. The first social meeting of the Society was held in Glasgow on 7th December and was an encouraging t"^ro.. A:1"V= such cvcnt is planned for 5th May. when it is hoped to show, among other films. one taken of the ploughing engine's journey. As a result of the fact that so many members' engines are at present under repair, the committee did not see that it was possible to assemble a sufficient number of engines at a central spot in Scotland to warrant the organisation of a full scale rally. Accordingly, the staging of one of these events has again been held over. It is hoped, however, to hold smaller " meets " throughout the country where members can see the engines belonging to some of their fellows in steam. One which will definitely take place will be at Willie McConachie's farm, Mill of Wester Coull, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, on 30th June.
Bill Barrack of Aberdeen and Willie McConnachie, Jnr., will be at the North of England Rally at Blayden in June with the Barrack's 6 ton Foden " Heilan' Laddie " and there is expected to be a good turn out of Scots members at that venue to cheer them on. I.W.M. N. STAFFS. AND CHESHIRE Manchester Students' Rag Day Parade included two members' engines, Jim Deakin's Foster No. 12539 and Alan Williams' Sentinel Super Tractor No. 6695, and was headed by Tom Albert's Showman's Burrell. Enormous crowds watched the event, and one of the highlights was the chime whistle on the Foster. which really roused the Albert Square pigeons. Our Chairman Mr. D. Howell has acquired the Burrell Agricultural Engine No. 3746 from George Lea, who has replaced it with Foden D Type Tractor No. 13222. The very well known Fowler Road Locomotive " Atlas " is now at the home of Uttoxeter member Ted Trubshaw, and will soon be housed in very palatial quarters. Burrell No. 3509 " Rajah " has just finished its annual soil sterilising duties. The club now has its own lowloader, which will be a great boon to the widespread members. Record attendances are expected at the Annual Rally at Alton Towers, 30th June to 1st July. We are hoping to have at least nine engines participating in Congleton Carnival on Whit Saturday, 9th June. Alan Barber's venerable S.C.C. Burrell " Stanley Monarch " has had the full treatment from the Cheshire members, and will make a fitting companion for his Foden Agricultural Engine. We are hoping to see Mr. Bestwick's 1911 Stanley steamer car running around the streets of Leek any time now after its usual winter retirement. The Staffs. C.C. Single Cylinder Green's Roller has recently been rolling the road built on the old Manifold Light Railway track. J.P.S.
STEAMING WEALD OF KENT In the past quarter activity has been most limited. The first and saddest news to record is the death on 1st April at the age of seventyeight of Thomas Newell, of Westerham, for many years the owner of steam tractors for timber hauling and in his early days the driver of traction engine-hauled pantechnicons in the furniture removing business. He will be greatly missed, but the Newell link with steam is carried on by his son, Bill, who drove one of his father's engines for a number of years and who is well known to those who attended the Weald of Kent rallies and their predecessors at Horsmonden. The last remaining Horsmonden engine, Aveling 8 ton Piston Valve Roller No. 11980, of 1928, has been sold by Mr. H. Roe, the present owner of the business, to Mr. G. T. Cushing, of Thursford, Norfolk, but at the time of writing still stands at Horsmonden. Work on the restoration of Mann Wagon No. 1120 by its joint owners (Messrs. J. C. Butler and R. A. Whitehead and Mrs. R. A. Whitehead) is pressing ahead. By courtesy of a local engineering works the owners have been able to proceed with the renovation of the chassis. working on Saturday afternoon in the firm's shop and using their plant. In view of the deplorable weather this has been a great advantage over working in the open, and the use of the machines has been a considerable asset. Simultaneously work has been proceeding on the boiler Which is at a boiler repairers in South East London, and by the time these notes appear it is expected to be back at Tonbridge to rejoin the chassis. Visitors to Edenbridge who have been disappointed at the slow apparent progress on Garrett Undertype No. 35464 will be encouraged by the information that all is not so quiet as might be imagined. The bent chassis member has been straightened and a large amount of shed work has been done on such things as the superheater header and the assembly of replacement parts. Work has been delayed, too, as it so often is, by the distressing necessity of earning a living, but with the advent of, we trust, better weather, external results should begin to show again. R.A.W.
57
WEST OF ENGLAND The three organisations operating in Cornwall in the interests of steam engine preservation have recently held their Annual General Meetings. The first A.G.M. of the Cornish Traction Preservation Club took place on January 26th at Wade. bridge and was well attended. With a membership of about sixty the club starts its second year with a credit balance of nearly £150, due chiefly to a small but successful rally at St. Eval last June. This year's rally will be held in the same splendid field on June 23rd—not on the 16th as previously announced—and some very interesting veteran and vintage vehicles, both steam and i.c., will be present. The retiring officers were thanked for their services and were re-elected. They are: President, Mr. V. Salisbury ; Chairman, Mr. A. E. Barnes Hon. Treasurer, Mr. H. R. Richards ; and Hon. Secretary, Mr. G. Hawkins, Tredinnick House, St. Issey, Wadebridge. The A.G.M. of the West of England Steam Engine Society wac held at Redruth on March 13th. Due to the freak storm which ruined the 1961 rally a considerable loss was sustained, but this was reduced by the generosity of several engine owners who declined to accept the mileage payments due to them for the attendance of their engines. The officers were re-elected and are: Chairman, Mr. J. H. Trounson ; Hon. Treasurer, Miss E. M. Rule ; Hon. Secretary, Mr. V. H. Carveth. 9 Barncoose, Redruth : and President, Mr. C. P. Gregory. The seventh rally will be held on July 21st near Mount Hawke, just off the main A.30 road between Bodmin and Redruth. The large field available this year will accommodate car parking as well as the rally, trade stands and Messrs. Anderson and Rowland's Fair. As the Taunton Rally will take place on the following Saturday, what about some of you engine owners from afar bringing your proud possessions to the West of England Rally on the 21st and to the Somerset event on the way home ? Last year Messrs. Starfords' Sentinel did the journey from Co. Durham and Fattens came from Amersham, Reading and Ferndown. In 1959 a steel-straked Burrell (No. 4019 " Britannia ") was steamed all the way from Hailsham, Sussex, by
58
STEAMING
her owner, Major G. S. Corkran and his mate, Mr. J. Hampshire, to attend the Camborne Rally, so it seems that nothing is impossible to those who have the time and the inclination. If any owners who are thinking of displaying their engines in Cornwall will contact the writer (at Coombe, Camborne), suggestions regarding routes, watering places, etc. will be given gladly. The Gladiator Club's A.G.M. was held at Redruth on March 27th. Here again the retiring officers were given another term of office. They are: President, Mr. T. E. Opie ; Chairman, Mr. G. Richards ; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. R. E. Bawden ; and Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. Warren, " Lambessow," Cam Brea Village, Redruth. A very successful year was reported and during 1961 no less than fill had been given to charities, the income to the club being derived chiefly by operating Messrs. Anderton and Rowland's fine organ at various engagements. " The Gladiator " (Burrell No. 3159) will again be powering the organ at Redruth Whitsim Fair. The club held their first annual dinner at Camborne on February 16th when about 100 members and guests spent a most enjoyable evening, entertainment being provided by local artistes and recordings of organs. Already this year the Cornish Traction Preservation Club have held three open meetings, all well patronised by members and friends. Films were shown at Wadebridge in January anti rvialt-ii, and 5lilIG5 at St. Columb in February. The slides were chiefly of steam engines, local and distant, and during the screening, in spite of the number of people present, there was hardly a sound in the room, a sure indication of the great interest aroused. Now engine news. Wallis & Steevens "Simplicity " Roller No. 7832 (H06472) owned by Mr. D. Betty and normally kept with Mr. J. Chappell's engines near Bridgwater, is expected to be ready for the Taunton Rally. This little 3 ton roller is believed to be the first of this type built and, unlike the later "Simplicity" models was permanently in gear. Messrs. Buncombes of Highbridge, who have overhauled the boiler and firebox, have modified the transmission so that it can be disengaged. This very unusual and in-
teresting engine was built in 1926 and formerly belonged to Messrs. Glossop at their Exeter depot. Ruston Proctor Portable No. 51421 (12 n.h.p. single) is now at Temple Cloud Sawmills. near Bristol, where it might be put to further commercial use by its owner. Mr. A. F. Osman. It was towed by a lorry from Colyton Sawmill, S. Devon, pneumatic-tyred wheels having been substituted for Ruston's original iron wheels for the journey. Burrell No. 1840 (1895), a 6 n.h.p. single which stood derelict near Martock until last year, has since been restored and steamed by her new owners, Mr. Ron Willcox and Partner, of Litton Cheney, Dorset. The Burrell's last owners were the amusement caterers Messrs. P. W. Cole & Sons, and before that she threshed in the Crewkerne-Merriott district of Somerset. Fowler No. 7396 (TA551I). a 10 ton roller bought last year from J. Dennis & Sons, Braunton, by a scrap merchant at Redruth. has been cut up by him in spite of his knowing that there were several potential customers who would have preserved her if given the chance at a fair price. Mr. J. Warren of Cam Brae is in the news again. His Fowler No. 12693 (FJI850) 3 speed 5 n.h.p. compound road locomotive has been sold to Mr. W. F. Alford, a farmer who lives near St. Just, not far from Lands End, and is due to be steamed westward early in April. While in his posses.ic.n, Mr. Warren And his son Dennis have worked hard on this Fowler, and her new owner intends to continue the good work. The S.4 Sentinel No. 9087 (FJ9904), for many years almost hidden by bushes at Tresillian, near Truro, was towed to Cam Brae a few weeks ago, having been bought by Mr. Warren. In June, 1935, this Sentinel was supplied new to Messrs. G. Haywood & Son of Exeter and shortly after the war was steamed to Tresillian for Mr. A. Roberts who, however, did not use it and sold it to Mr. D. Cotterell of St. Erth early in 1960. By this time the weather had taken its toll of the bodywork and apart from the chassis little remained except the cab. Mr. Cotterell removed a few parts and intended a complete restoration, but owing to other commitments he was unable to make progress and the
STEAMING
59
Sentinel changed owners again last " Lord Nelson " was transported to Mylor by Mr. J. P. Vines, and as month. Now there is every prospect of it having a new lease of life. soon as she had been off-loaded, was Burrell No. 4040, a very fine 14 ton steamed around the local lanes in-, single cylinder roller with differen- eluding a trip down the lanes to the tial, winding drum and w.p. of 200 " local ". C.P.G. p.s.i., is now standing beside the Sentinel at Cam Brae where she is YORKSHIRE being re-tubed for her new owner, Several steamrollers have been Mr. H. P. Corin of Flushing. The noted in use in the West Riding reBurrell's last owner was Mr. W. N. cently ; in the Dewsbury area, workThomas of Four Lanes, who bought ing on new housing estates, etc., are her in 1960 from Messrs. R. Dingle Fowler D.C.C. No. 19353 (YG914), & Sons. Mr. Corin was mentioned ex W.R.C.C. No. 60, now owned by in the last Steaming as he had bought Everhomes Ltd., and Fowler S.C. No. Burrell No. 2417. This is actually 17022 (VVW4017), also ex W.R.C.C., a 5 S.C.C. although it is quoted in No. 39, and now owned by F. " Chronicles " as being a six. It has Mitchell, of Ossett. the double-ended horizontal regulator The Keighley Council Diesel Rolhandle usually associated with a six or larger. A new front tube plate ler is away for overhaul and their steamer has been in regular use, this has been made and fitted, re-tubing being Fowler No. 19204 (YG4747), and a few repairs arc progressing, 10 ton D.C.C. engine. and the engine will soon be steamed Among the engines preserved in to Mylor from Messrs. Argalls at Truro where the work is being done. Yorkshire, Messrs. A. & D. W. Mitchell, of Skipton, have been fitting But Mr. Corin's third acquisition arrived at Mylor on April 3rd. This new piston rings in their Fowler Tiger is the famous scenic Burrell No. 3443 Tractor No. 15625 (U7148), whilst the Tiger, No. 14406 " Lord Nelson ". She was new to other " local Messrs. Anderton & Rowland in (CJ4338) " Pandora ", is being over1913 and registered in 1921 at Ply- hauled with the usual thoroughness mouth when traction engines were of its owner, Mr. A. Fearnley, of included in the Road Traffic licensing Castle ford. scheme and had to carry individual Fowler Aireborough U.D.C.'s identification plates as were already D.C.C. Roller No. 15964 (WY7912), obligatory for cars and motor-cycles. built as a tar-sprayer and still retain" Gladiator " was registered at the ing its belly tanks (now used for same time and place and carries the water), was to have been sold after next number, " Lord Nelson " has its regular driver retired, but an exI-Y-13SM a d " (MI rija tr‘r " C111501 rr.1-1;ng rirhfpr h c talr,n over the Another Bristol amusement caterer post and the steamer reprieved and in use again. used " Lord Nelson " for a while and in 1954 she was bought for preservaAnother U.D.C. still using a tion by Mr. C. T. J. Nicholls of steamer is Spenborough, whose Gloucester. Mr. Nicholls made a Fowler S.C. No. 15854 (VVT1568), grand job of restoration and added a also with belly tanks, is driven by steam-operated horizontal double- enthusiast Jim Smith, who is restoring acting Weir-type pump with very an Aveling tractor in his off-duty neat copper pipe connections on the hours. top of the nearside fore-tank. This What the newspapers claim to be engine was greatly admired when she visited the Andover rallies. The last the West Riding County Council's time she was in showland use in " last " steamer (at least the third to be so described in the Press!), is Cornwall was in 1938. Now, twenty-I at Ingleton, this being No. 58, five years later, she will stand at the based yet another Fowler No. 18635 two Cornish rallies, near her oldi (WX7696), an 8 ton S.C. engine, companion "Gladiator " again, re, similar to those which went to Java. minding many of the far-off days Mr. J. C. Alderson, of Knareswhen these two, together with others, of Anderton & Rowlands' fine fleet„ borough, has been using his Burrell quietly and efficiently performed the Showman No. 4030 (FA2316) " The Dolphin " to drive a mill whilst the work for which Burrell's built them.
60
STEAMING
mill boiler was repaired. Previously, 'Mr. Alderson has used his Marshall S.C. G.P. No. 54587 (A15781) " Pride of the Road " for this job, but extra machinery now requires the extra power of the bigger engine. Just over the border in Lancashire,
Messrs. R. 8t..T. Howarth, of Rochdale, are working at Littleborough with their Green's S.C. Roller No. 1978 (U9647) "Hilda", which is in good external condition. R.B.S.
A NEW FAIRGROUND ORGAN RECORD Mtistutat Arthur Mills of Rushden, Northants., has recently in conjunction with the City of London recording studios marketed a magnificent long playing record of his wellknown 89 key Ciavioli Organ. Sixteen tunes are featured, including such favourite.; as Sons of the Brave,
King Cotton, Baby Face, and The Robert E. Lee. Copies of this record may be purchased from Arthur Mills, at The E\ press Dry Cleaning Works, Wellingborough Road. Rushden, Northants. Price fl 17s. 6d. (plus 2s. 6d. postage and packing).
STEAM PRESERVATION THE spring issue of Steam Preservation, the journal of the East Anglian
Traction Engine Club, has just made its welcomed appearance. This is a well-produced journal of 40 pages dealing with engine news and articles. The chief criticism is the fact that reference is made throughout to the President, Chairman, Secretary, etc., while nowhere is the information
given who these gentlemen are. Only a small point, but one that needs attention. There are a number of photographs, all of excellent quality and well reproduced. Copies of this journal may be obtained from C. Easy, Esq., 9 Hemingford Road, Cambridge. Price 3s. 10d. (post paid).
STEAMING
DON'T FORGET .THE
BEAULIEU TRACTION ENGINE
RALLY 10th and I 1 th June Whit Sunday and Monday
This Rally was so successful that it is again being held at Beaulieu, home of Lord and Lady Montagu and location of the famous Montagu Motor Museum. There is a licensed restaurant and refreshment tent in the 1? alh, field. Beaulieu is in the middle of the New Forest, an ideal place to spend your Whitsun holiday. There is something for the whole family in addition to the Rally. Visit the Montagu Motor Museum, Palace Ho-use, the Gardens and the Abbey. Further details from John Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford.
61
62
STEAMING
L?2CgtrEVM2
Green Bros. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3089 " His Majesty ".
Fowler Roller No. 15478, built in 1920, working on a new section of road in Djakarta, Indonesia, December, 1961.
;17
STEAMING
Foden Traction Engine No. 417, belonging to T. Forth, Esq., of Stanton, Yorkshire, photographed in 1944.
Morley Bros. Fowler Showman's Engine No. 13091 at Stanley Lane Ends, Near Wakefield, on June 22nd, 1939.
63
4
STEAMING
GEORGE THURLOW & SONS LIMITED
STOWMARKET 'Phone :
SUFFOLK
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
65
NEWS FLASHES P. H. Stevens writes from Somerset to say that Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller No. 6165 (Reg. No. MD4411)) has been working in the Broadmead area of Bristol on extensive road alterations. G. H. Stevens writes from Swanage to say that during a recent holiday he visited the island of Ischia in the Mediterranean and was surprised and delighted to find Aveling & Porter Roller No. 5390 at work there. A. G. Vickers writes from Worthing to say that he has just acquired Aveling & Porter Roller No. 6319 (Reg. No. BP7501) from Keymat's of Horsham. Mr. F. N. Coxhill writes for information on two steam rollers which he used to see between 1915 and 1917 in the Bletchley and Stoney Stratford areas. He is quite certain they were not of British manufacture. Any reader who can be of help should send details to the Editor for publication in the next issue. P. G. Gledhill writes from Paignton to say Aveling & Porter No. 9032 (TA2663), D.C.C. 147, a 10 ton single cylinder slide valve Roller, is working on road improvements on the A.38 road, just outside Twybridge in Devon. The Devon County Council is in fair condition, with a plain chimney, canopy, and in green livery. The unusual feature is the front tank, which has been painted in G.W.R. chocolate-brown and lined. Aveling & Porter No. 4988 (FX 6938), the 10 ton S.C. Roller of W. & J. Glossop Ltd., Exeter, which I mentioned earlier, is working again near the city centre. The little 8 ton D.C.C. Burrell No. 4061 (H0945), which was new 21/1/27 to Edwin Harris & Son and currently owned by Kings Asphalte Ltd., of Exeter, is still in their yard near St. Thomas' Station. Mr. King intends to move her to Bishop's Lyebard in Somerset, to join his other steamers. At the moment No. 4061 stands in the open and is rusting badly. Both Wallis & Steevens "Advance " No. 7878 (H06482) of Torquay Corporation, and Aveling & Porter No. 10555 (YA3591) of Paignton Corporation are working at the moment.
Paignton's roller has recently been overhauled and will remain in service at least until her driver retires in four years' time. A 10 ton S.C. (P.V.) roller, she has 150 lb. pressure (against 140 lb. normal) and a patent Aveling & Porter scarifier attached to the rear axle, with two tines on either side, a massive but effective object. Her rolls are in superb condition and look almost new, and she is generally in rally condition. A. G. Evans of Wiggington, Herts., has just acquired Burrell Showman's Engines Nos. 3804 " The Pride of Hefts " and 2701 " The Black Prince ". The latter has been lying derelict at Ewell for a number of years. Mr. Evans has also acquired a Fowler Road Engine No. 8903, Davey Paxman Portable No. 11692, and a Merryweather Fire Engine No. 2042. Roger West of Kettering writes that : Banbury Council have disposed of then Fowlei Roller No. 15698 to the Birmingham area (for preservation ?). Mr. E. W. Smith of Raunds Manor Brickworks Ltd. has Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11147, NM6088, ex Beds. C.C., for preservation, and also Foster No. 14736 which is still used for powering the brickworks (a 65 h. p. portable). Charles Gregory of Camborne, Cornwall, has lust purchased an Aveling Barford Single Cylinder Roller. This is No. AH162, piston valve single cylinder, Type W, built in 1948 for the Great Western Railway Company.. The Registration Number is JXH174. This roller was last owned by Joseph Coles & Son Ltd. of West Town, Backwell, and has stood in their quarry at Backwell since 1960. Mr. Gregory hopes to steam it home as soon as possible. The note in the July, 1961, Steaming concerning Allchin Portable No. 723 is not correct. The engine is still intact (12th February, 1962) at the yard of John Redden, Scrap Merchants, of Wellingborough, albeit minus chimney, motion and flywheel, etc. Other occupants at present are Aveling & Porter No.
66
STEAMING
6793 (BD5643) and Aveling & Porter No. 11542 (RP2925), both ex Northants. C.C. rollers, and the former literally up to its canopy in scrap. Ex Beds. C.C. rollers here were Aveling & Porter No. 14029 (TM6672), which came here early in 1961 and has recently ben resold (for preservation ?), and Aveling & Porter No. 10992 (NM5134), which was cut up early in 1961 after being maltreated by a firm of contractors to whom it was on hire. Also owned is Aveling & Porter No. 10718 (TM3825), at present in the yard of Eric James of Broughton, ex Kimbell roller Aveling & Porter No. 10220 (PC9716), was cut up early in 1961. In another yard in Wellingborough they had a vertical boilered wagon chassis, minus only bodywork and cab, which was recently cut up. Eric James also has in his yard Northants. C.C. roller Aveling & Porter No. 11701 (RP3645), supposedly for repair for the county, together with his own Clayton Shuttleworth traction and Ransome portable. Gallifords of Wolvey are at present using the Aveling & Porter Roller No. 14029 (WD2760) on road works at Humberstone, Leicester, and it appears in very good condition. The two rollers mentioned in October, 1961, Steaming as possibly derelict by the A.5 in N. Wales were Fowler No. 17498 (GE5520) and Fowler No. 15489 (CA6327). The former belongs to Scientific Roads Ltd., Queensferry, and the latter is Denbighshire C.C. No. 120. Incidentally, Denbighshire have many steam rollers still at work: I saw six on road sites that day. K. M. Vigus writes from Bristol that the sole surviving steam roller of Gloucestershire County Council is at present languishing in Crom h all depot, near Wotton-under-Edge. This is the 15 ton 4 shaft S.C. slide valve Aveling & Porter No. 3675 (Reg. No. AD8752), built in 1896. She had not been used since 1960, and as she has no canopy, is beginning to look a little the worse for wear. Somerset County Council roller Aveling & Porter D.C.C. piston valve No. 11833 (Reg. No. YC29), No. 62 of the council fleet, is at present in the council depot at Cambridge Batch, near Flax Bourton, on the Bristol-Weston-Super-Mare road. It is said that she may be at work later
this year between Bath and Bristol. Aveling & Porter No. 6458 S.C. slide valve roller (Reg. No. YA831), of Somerset C.C., is in a small yard near the railway bridge on the Wedmore road at Cheddar. Weston-Super-Mare Corporation have just disposed of their last steam roller. It is Marshall No. 76963 (Reg. No. YA8855), D.C.C. piston valve, 4 shaft, 12 tons in weight, and fitted with Allen scarifier. It has been sold, it is believed, for further use. It is in very good external condition, being kept in a shed at the depot. It was last in use last autumn. J. R. E. Driscoll writes to say that on a recent visit to Indonesia the town council of Djakarta own and still use the following engines : J. A. Maffei 10 ton D.C.C. Roller No. 9088, built 1925 ; Ruston Hornsby S.C. 6 ton Roller No. 160335, built 1930 ; Ruston Proctor D.C.C. 10 ton Roller No. 16843, built 1911 ; H. Lanz S.C. 6 ton Roller No. 39558, built 1921 ; Ruston Proctor Portable S.C. No. 41714, 7 n.h.p., built 1911 ; Fowler S.C. 6 ton Roller No. 15478, built 1920 ; Ruston Hornsby 6 ton Roller No. 113063, built 1921 ; Ruston Hornsby 7 ton Roller No. 154511, built 1929. G. Doherty writes from Co. Louth that the two Meath County Council Fowler rollers have been sold by tender. Mr. P. McGuiness of Dundalk now owns Fowler Compound Roller No. 15904 and Mr. E. Bothwell of Ardie Fowler Compound Roller No. 17289. The latter, which is equipped with tar-spraying equipment, is at present out at work. A scrap metal dealer at Portadown, Co. Armagh, has two Fowler Rollers, Nos. 17075 and 162.38, both fitted with tar-spraying equipment, and Aveling & Porter Roller No. 7986, all of which are in good order. He goes on to say that there is a court case pending over the Brown & May traction engine that was illustrated in the last issue, as it would appear that some scrap machinery was being cut up in the same area and a start was made on the engine before the owner was able to stop them. As far as it is known some of the spokes were cut out of the rear wheels and also one of the front.
STEAMING
67
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR spent much of his time since repairing steam-engined road vehicles of different makes, mostly wagons and cars, I thought it might be a good idea to let him. So here goes from now on: I think it was a very good article by " 26 " and very practical, and it should cover most of the restoration work except boiler work on restoring engines today with the limited means and equipment available to most of the restorers, but I should like to make a few comments with regards to my own experiences. It is exactly fifty years ago since I started in Manns Works at Hunslet, Leeds. For the first six months I was in the boiler shop rivet heating, working on the hydraulic rivetting machine, rivetting boilers, wheels, etc. I was thirteen years old then, and started work at 6 a.m. and had to travel three-and-a-half miles to work for the princely sum of 4s. 6d. per week, plus a few pence piecework money. They ask my brother and I if we would he hound apprenticed until we were twenty-one. We said yes, but I said not as a boiler maker but as a fitter. Mr. Mann agreed, and I was switched into the repair shop. I had to start at the bottom, and one of my main jobs was fitting fire-hole doors, fire-bars and ashpans, etc. However, I was not long before I was doing more important jobs, and being young, I was quick to learn. We used to get big —nerhaps a few notes in Steamine— jobs in such as leW fileboXeS, littic an'd would request anyone who is injobs and rush jobs, and also other terested in Lancashire to contact me makes of wagons to repair. To men" Meadowcroft," Waddington, Nr. tion but a few, Foden, Coulthard, Clitheroe, Lanes., or in Yorkshire to and once an over-type Sentinel, but contact Mr. A. 0. Hunt, 1 Farrar I did not see any Sentinel name on it Lane, Leeds, 16. only Alley & McLellan, Glasgow. It D. K. SHIPLEY (Dr.). was very much like a Foden, only it 3, Lawnswood Gardens, seemed larger to me. However, to get on, let me say here Leeds, 16. March 12th, 1962. and now that " 26 " could have walked straight into Manns repair Dear Sir, I was much interested in the article shop, especially during the first war " Traction Engines under Repair " in years, and he would have been a good the January, 1962, issue of Steaming asset as good men were hard to get then. He would have found that his by " 26 ", and noted that he invited comment and criticism by older work would have been much facilimembers of the Club. I showed the tated by proper equipment, such as article to my brother, and he said he an overhead travelling crane and the would like to comment, and as he full backing of a machine shop, served his time in a steam wagon smith shop, brass finishing shop, etc. repair shop, namely Manns, and has and he would have got through his
DURING the past twelve months I have been exploring the extent of engine interest in the North of England, particularly in Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire. The results of my survey indicates that there is a nucleus of interest and also a number of engines in preservation in the area. Subsequently I arranged a meeting of all interested parties at Waddington, which was quite well supported. After a lively discussion the following points were agreed : (1) That efforts should be continued to form a Society covering the Counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire and holding meetings in both Counties. (2) That the Society should not be confined to Traction Engine Preservation but to Steam Preservation in general. It was pointed out, for example, that there are many excellent examples of stationary mill engines in the area, which are however slowly disappearing. (3) That as a " booster " to encourage interest, a number of traction engines would attend this year's Agricultural Show at Clitheroe on Saturday, July 28th. Although it is hoped to arrange some events for the engines, it must be pointed out that this is not primarily a traction engine rally. I would be grateful for any publicity which you could give me to assist in the formation of a Society
68
STEAMING
work quicker besides making a better difference it makes to the performjob. ance of an engine and also to coal As an instance, just after the out- and water consumption if the valves break of the 1914-18 war, the Manns are only h in. out. wagon owned by my father and his Piston and ring fitting. Here brother, was sent in to get a new again he mentions fitting rings to firebox fitted, and this job was com- worn bores with stop peg in the pleted in one month from driving in grooves to stop rings turning. We to driving out. My brother and I did not do that. When the bores worked on this job with two other were worn to that extent we adopted fitters, and I wonder if this is a re- the same procedure as we did with cord, as I think it certainly was for the slide valves. We had a handManns. boring machine which fastened on His remarks regarding engine fit- the studs at the front end of the ting and valve setting, etc. are very cylinder, and the cutting tool was much correct, but I would just like to worked by hand and it was just as add one or two points here regarding good as machine bored. This method facing slide valves and cylinder faces. saved taking the cylinders off the He mentions using a long scraper and boiler barrel which entailed a lot of taking good cuts of the cylinder face work. Perfect piston and ring fitting when the faces were in bad condition dos restore new performance to the which they often were. We had at engine and makes for good economy. Manns a hand-shaping machine Regarding fitting new pins to link which fastened on to the cylinder motion there is one point I would cover studs. The cutter could be like to stress. That is, the pin should Noriced by hand lever and it could not go in the hole before hardening make as good a job as an ordinary but should only just enter, as it will shaping machine. It was only neces- be found that it will shrink at least sary then to lightly scrape and finish a thou. after hardening and then after off to the face plate. This should fit polishing with emery cloth it will go inside the cylinder and be large in without slack, otherwise it will be enough to cover all ports. Also, loose. Another point to watch is please note, surface plates should be that when assembled, and the rekept in wooden cases and surface versing lever is in full forward notch, greased after use. It is most im- the die in the link is not striking the portant that the intersection between top of the link when running, as this the ports should have no hollow will cause the reversing lever to rock snots, as this would result in a direct ackwards and forwards and wear blow-through, live steam to exhaust, the notch. It should be about e in. and would cause heavy fuel and clear, and this can be done by having water consumption. the rod that couples the reversing Regarding valve setting, his remarks lever to the rocking shaft jumped up are about right, but he forgot to slightly after heating up. mention that when setting, the reEccentric sheaves on crankshaft versing level should be in forward should be checked for quality, espenotch, for forward running. Reverse cially the forward eccentric on high notch could generally be ignored as pressure cylinder, as if this is worn this would ordinarily take care of it- much it will cause loss of valve self. His remarks about allowance travel and affect the valve setting, for expansion would probably be besides having the liability to breakabout right for a long-boilered trac- ing the strap. It should either be tion engine, but on a wagons in. replaced by a new one if detachable, may be a little bit too much and which they generally are, or turned T.1-L, , in. may be enough. In any case, down and a ring fitted on either with to get accuracy it is possible to set pegs or welding. the valves with steam up, but this The crankshaft on a compound depends on the steam tightness of have sometimes a nasty habit of the regulator valve. If there is no bending. This will show itself up by blow-through at all, the covers can the main bearings jumping and runbe left off and valves set when hot, ning hot if tightened down. It is a and then no allowance for expansion matter then of having it straightened. would be needed. This is the best This is a case then of where the smith method, as it is surprising what a and turner comes in, the smith to do
STEAMING the straightening and the turner to check it in the lathe to make sure it is true. This is rather a difficult job, but it can be done. " 26 " is right about filing oval bigend journals. I have seen it done many a time, but only one man used to do it, and he was a leading fitter with much experience and there was never any trouble with them after he had done them. I once tried it on a petrol engine in a Dennis lorry. Just as " 26 " says, about 1924, I thought I had made a lovely job of them, but the bearings did not last long and the crank had to come out to be reground, so do not try it on a fast running engine. " 26 " was right—hammer and chisel, file and scraper, were our chief weapons and there was an art in using them, but there should also be added calipers, both inside and outside, odd legs, small steel square compasses or dividers, feeler gauges, steel rules, centre punch and marker, Micrometer gauges were not necessary for us, but we had to use standard gauges, both male and female, for bushes and shafts, etc., and these were made to micrometer limits. Also we had to be capable of reading and working to drawings, and when working on many different types the drawings had to be followed exactly, then if anything did go wrong, which was not often, the fitter could say I have followed the drawing and could then pass the buck back to the drawing office. I have not seen any mention in
69
Steaming or by any member of the Traction Engine Club of the Mann & Charlesworth traction engine. I think they made about six of these just before the turn of the century, about 1898. I had the good fortune to work on one of these about 1914, a general purpose single cylinder engine about the same size as most G.P. engines. I think that it would be very much similar to a Maclaren, square gear shafts, cast iron bored guide, open at sides, etc. Manns followed Maclaren practice pretty closely on their overtype engines, and I was very much impressed with the sweetness and silence when it was running out of gear. I think it came from a farm at Monk Fryston, near Selby, and I never heard anything further about it after it left Manns. I hope that this contribution may be of some benefit to engine restorers. Yours sincerely, W. COLE. P.S.—I should qualify my remarks about valve setting with steam up. This would apply mainly to engines with outside slide valves, such as Barrens, etc. It would be difficult, if not impossible, with engines with inside valves. Also my remarks regarding Manns following Maclaren design: this applied only to the 5 and 6 ton overtype which were in the majority. Other types such as the 3 and 4 tonner, 5 ton carts and agricultural tractors all had inside slide valves, which differed from the Maclaren.
BOOK REVIEW PLOUGHING ENGINES AT WORK, by Barry J. Finch. Published by Percival Marshall & Co. Ltd. 58 pp. Price 3s. 6d. This book is in fact a collection of some fifty-eight of Barry Finch's best photographs covering Ploughing, Mole-draining and Cultivating. The standard of reproduction is excellent in a work of this price, and without doubt will find its way into the hands of all true enthusiasts.
The only criticism that can be offered is only one make of engine is dealt with ; this is perhaps understandable as the photographs have all been taken during the last year or so. To the newcomer to our hobby it will explain the system of working this type of equipment in a easy to understand way, while to the old hands it will recall many experiences of past years. Summing up: Wonderful value.
70
STEAMING
FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale.—Foden wagon chimney cap. Unused. 10 in. i.d. at top. £5. Carriage extra. Foden " D " type eccentric rods, links and die blocks. As new. Few other spares for this type. Offers. Aveling 3 in. bore piston valve liner. Valve, spindle and rings. Part Nos. F.581 ; F.1446 ; H.2846 ; F.579. Unused. £15 complete. Carriage extra. Aveling W/L gauge cocks. Unused. 2 hole fixing, 2+ in. pitch. £2 set. Other spares available. Ask details. —Ian W. Muir, The Mill, Shelford, Neilston, Renfrewshire. For Sale.—Aveling 6 ton Roller No. 10564. Good working order. Ideal preservation engine.—Details and price from D. W. Smith, 44 Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton, Salop. For Sale.—Marshall 5 ton Tractor converted to Roller. Runinng order and current boiler certificate.— Further details from B. J. Garman, Yew Tree Cafe, Highclere, Newbury, Berks. Wanted.—Employment (unpaid) required as driver or second man by professional engineer on tractor, traction or road locomotive at forthcoming rallies. Would like to steam engine to rally anywhere within sixty miles' radius of Oxford.—John Stansfield, Henrietta Farm Cottage, Cheavely, Newbury. Wanted.—Merryweather single cylinder steam fire pump. Ex W.D. 1914-I8.—L. Drage, Gt. Chishill, Cambs. For Sale.—Foster Wellington Tractor No. 14378. In good, clean condition, on steel wheels with boiler certificate, or would part exchange for good spring-mounted Traction Engine.—F. A. Smith, Kirton Holme, Boston, Lincs. Wanted.—The following books by R. H. Clarke : Chronicles of a Country Works, A Century of Engineering, Steam Engine Builders of - Norfolk, Steam Engine Builders of Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Steam Enpine Builders of Lincolnshire.—F. A.
Smith, Kirton Holme, Boston, Lincs.
Wanted.—Firebox door and Invicta sign for Aveling Roller converted from 5 ton Tractor.—A. G. Vickers, 54 Cranleigh Road, Worthing, Sussex. For Sale.—Quantity of Fowler Ploughing Engine Spares, AA and BB, for sale as a whole.—J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds. For Sale.—Ransome Sims & Jefferies Crane Engine No. 31066, as seen at Woburn Rally last year. £350. —A. G. Evans, Lodge Way, Chesham Road, Wiggington, Nr. Tring, Herts. For Sale.—Fowler Compound Traction No. 15466, 7 h.p., spring mounted, 2 speed, extensively renovated. Boiler insured. One previous owner. £380.—P. H. Ogden, Burtree House, Hutton Sessay, Thirsk, Yorks. Wanted.—Any Shafts or Gearing for 7 h.p. Burrell. Also Burrell 5 h.p. 3 Speed Traction. Can anybody tell me the whereabouts of Burrells Nos. 3930, 4048 and 4051.—P. H. Ogden, Burtree House, Hutton Sessay, Thirsk, Yorks. For Sale.—Set of four coloured prints. Size 9} in. by 54 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 " Kitchener ", Fowler Single Cylinder Ploughing Engine at Work, Thornycroft Lorry and Marshall Traction at Work on the Drum. Each set in envelope with stiffener. 15/- post paid from J. 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. For Sale.-1916 Clayton 7 h.p. S.C. Traction Engine. Price £250.— D. Knight, Esq., Old, Northants. For Sale.-1923 Wallis Advance 8 ton Steamroller, with good boiler and mechanically overhauled. New tubes and in preservation.—Apply R. Brazil, " Mapleton," Potter Row, Nr. Great Missenden, Bucks.
71
STEAMING
DIARY OF EVENTS A number of the dates given here have been altered since appearing in the last issue of "Steaming".
MAY 12 Andover Rally. Secretary: G. Howell, 5 The Crescent, Andover. 20 Birmingham Science Museum (Newall Street). 26/27 Haverhill Rally, Suffolk. Secretary: R. Brown, 54 Hall Street, Soham, Cambs. JUNE 2/3 Revesby Abbey Rally, Nr. Boston, Lincs. Secretary: R. A. Roberts, Revesby, Boston, Lincs. 9 Hastingwood Rally, Nr. Harlow, Essex. Secretary: Inspector A. Southgate, The Police Station, Harlow. 9/10/11 North of England Rally, Birtley, Co. Durham. 10 / 11 Beaulieu Rally. Secretary: J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. 11 Gt. Wymondley Rally. Secretary: A. E. Deans, London Road, Baldock. 11 Woodton Rally, Bungay, Suffolk. 16/17 North Hykeham Rally, Lincoln. 23 Northleach Rally. Secretary : C. Nicholls, Park End Road, Gloucester. 23 Haddenham (Cambs.) Rally. Secretary: R. Brown, 54 Hall Street, Soham, Cambs. 23 St. Eval (Cornwall) Rally. 30 June/ 1 July Alton Towers Rally. Secretary: S. L. Wedgwood, 58 Clough Hall Road, Kidsgrove, Staffs. JULY 7 Wimbish Rally. Saffron Walden, Essex. 7 Dennis Motors Gala, Guildford. Vehicles and Engines.
14/15 Rempston Rally. Secretary : J. Beeby, Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough. 14 Horsham Park Rally (Sussex). Secretary: L. H. Bourne, 52 Comptons Lane, Horsham, Sussex. 14 Brettenham Park Rally (7 miles from Stowmarket). Secretary: R. G. Pratt, " Wentlea," Capel St. Mary, Ipswich. 21 Mount Hawke (Cornwall) Rally. Secretary: V. H. Carveth, 9 Barncoose, Redruth, Cornwall. 21 Appleford Rally, Abingdon, Berks. Secretary: A. Napper, Bridge Farm, Appleford, Berks. 28 Taunton Rally (Ash Cross). Secretary: G. Sweet, Dartmouth, Over Stratton, South Petherton, Som. AUGUST 4, 5 & 6. Woburn Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: John Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. S'trettor. ada-y). C',hurc.th Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: G. Hurdley, Esq., 163 Watling Street, Church Stretton. 11 Veteran Vehicle Rally at Buckhurst Hill. Secretary: P. Glazebrook, 24 Titchfield Road, Enfield, Middlesex. SEPTEMBER 15 Raynham Rally, Norfolk. Secretary, Dick Joice, Anglia TV, Anglia House, Norwich. 22 East Thorpe, Kelvedon, Essex. Secretary: C. G. Hall, 55 Litchfield Road, Cambridge.
These dates are published in good faith and the Editor cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or last minute cancellations.
D.M. water treatment
Burrell Traction Engine No. 4055, built in 1927, owned by Albert and George Fensom. •. 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. Consult
II
„
HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD.
BY APPOINTMENT TO N.M. THE QUEEN
4;
THE PRIORY BURNHAM • BUCKS. Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., 32 Brereton Road, Bedford
SPECIALISTS IN ORGANIC WATER TREATMENT