Issuu

Vol. -6 Ny. 3. - • 1962/

JOURNAL OF • THE. NATIONAL TRAtTiON ENGINP CLUB

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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. HUTCHENS, 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.

DIARY OF EVENTS JULY 28 Taunton Rally (Ash Cross). Secretary: G. Sweet, Dartmouth, Over Stratton, South Petherton, Som.

11 Veteran Vehicle Rally at Buckhurst Hill. Secretary : P. Glazebrook, 24 Titchfield Road, Enfield, Middlesex.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

4, 5 & 6. Woburn Traction Engine Rally.—Cancelled.

15 Raynham Rally, Norfolk. Secretary, Dick Joice, Anglia TV, Anglia House, Norwich.

6 (Monday). Church Stretton Traction Engine Rally. Secretary : G. Hurdley, Esq., 163 Watling Street, Church Stretton.

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.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS J. WILKINSON, ESQ. T. 0. HUNT, ESQ. THOMAS WOOD & SONS LTD.

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EDITORIAL like to thank all those readers who have taken the trouble to fill in the Questionnaire which was included in the April issue of Would those readers, Steaming. especially engine owners, who have not yet returned their form please do so as it is hoped to publish a list of members, and engines owned by members, sometime in the future. The Questionnaires which have been returned make extremely interesting reading. All the information given will be treated confidentially. I hope to give an overall summary with the next issue. As the contents of Steaming in the I WOULD

the future will be influenced by the opinions expressed, it is vital that all members should fill in the form or else it will be very difficult to complain later that there are too many articles of one kind and not enough of another. Many of you must have been very surprised to see the old cover illustration return on the last issue. In our printers' move to their new premises the cover block was damaged and as the original was not readily available to make a new one, they used the old block to avoid delay.

FROM THE CHAIRMAN (Philip Wright's Column) As the Hastingwood Rally appears to be the only one I shall have attended this year I hope I will be forgiven for writing about it—for one thing it was a Rally with a difference and also one of the best I have ever known. We set out deliberately to attract totvndwellers from the nearby Harlow new town. Readers will recall two previous attempts to attract townsfolk which did not achieve their object. I refer to Woodford Rally and Crystal Palace Rally, both in 1959. At Hastingwood we were lucky in having the organising genius of Inspector Alan Southgate of Harlow Police, together with a grand site offering every facility on the farm of Messrs. Laurence and Victor Parris who were towers of strength in every way. The previous Saturday 1,200 children were told about the Rally in Harlow Odeon and were shown slides, after which they marched through the town to a central spot where Laurence Parris' famous 1932 Burrell was in steam. Programmes and Rally tickets were on sale weeks before the event. It was a lovely day (Whit Saturday) for the Rally, and the course was magnificently marked out, all the stakes were painted white, there was ample tentage, a grandstand, and

straw bales surrounding the Grand Ring. After opening the event with prayer, we introduced Huw Thomas of television fame who declared the event open, and whose TV cameras were recording all the afternoon for a programme " Here and Now ". There were twenty engines present (we did not want more), and smokeless fuel was used (I said it was a Rally with a difference). The engines were as representative a group as could be found anywhere and varied from Laurence Parris' 1932 engine to his cousin William's 1897 Burrell which had been reconditioned from scrapyard level. Most exciting event was the obstacle race which was won on a re-run after a dead heat, wherein subsequently Arthur Napner's " Old Timer " (1902 Marshall) very narrowly beat " Princess Royal ", the 1909 Burrell owned and driven by Harry Parris of Moreton. We were delighted to have Arthur with us for the first time in Essex, and there was tremendous applause when this pioneer in steam racing received his tankard from Dick Walker, former West Ham centre-half and now chief scout for the Spurs. Harry Parris won the musical chairs event and the beer race. Huw

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Thomas and his interviewer Vivian Campbell had a go and the ladies' race was again an attraction. Interspersing these steam events in the Grand Ring was a series of various show-pieces. Dead on time the Essex Hunt paraded the ring by permission of Dudley Ward, Esq., M.F.H. The Essex Yeomanry gave a classic field gun display and Mr. Walter Gilbey brought in the famous Gilbey coach and [our. This firm are returning to their native Essex for in Harlow building is progressing on their new warehouse and office block. Riding on the coach were the Carnival Queens of Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Hoddesdon and Bishops Stortford. Highlight of the afternoon's comic element was reached when " Miss Steam " made her personal appearance. Miss Steam turned out to be Police Sergeant Tom Hodgson, and her dignified approach ended in a flour and water battle between herself and her retinue. A surprise item was the arrival of an " Eastern Prince complete with Harem "—a wellstaged hoax indeed. gnriety crth.-11 brought some extremely interesting machines, which included a horsedrawn steam fire engine, another ancient fire engine, several veteran cars and lorries, and a steam organ which played throughout the day. Around the ground were several trade stands, a display of old farm implements by Mr. T. Gibb and myself, a miniature grand ring in which were many model engines (where Mr. L. Smith of Downham was giving

rides on his big model traction engine), and a passenger-carrying railway from Chelmsford Society of Model Engineers. A children's fair was open. Epping Silver Band played during the tea interval, and a memorable day ended with a display of marching by the Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment who finally Beat Retreat and accompanied the singing of " Abide with me ", after which came homegoing prayers and Blessing. Ten thousand people came, a bus shuttle service operated from Harlow, and most of all the programme was rigidly adhered to just as printed. An interesting letter reaches me from Mr. John Felstead of Welling, Kent. He recalls early threshing days when a driver Jabez Clarke was in command at East Bergholt, Suffolk. This bearded driver used to cook steak on the engine as threshing proceeded and was ready for it when the dinner-break came. Even in those days in this pretty bit of Constable country Mr. Felstead says artists used to come along and paint the threshing scene. At this year's Essex Show we staged a parade of old machinery. Very prominent in this was " Spanker ", the Burrell No. 1606, built in 1892, and owned and driven by Mr. T. White of Great Leighs and thought to be one of the oldest Burrells in use. She drew a drum and baler around the Grand Ring.

FROM THE SECRETARY THE end of the Club year is approach-

ing and with it a large amount of work for your Membership Secretary, Jim Hutchens. He has to cope with the great influx of subscriptions which, as you all know, are DUE ON lgr SEPTEMBER each year. So send your remittance without delay and remember to put your name and address in the envelope. It is surprising how many subscriptions arrive without any clue as to the sender. And if you have to wait awhile for a reply, do not worry ; Jim has his living to earn too, but he will get through them as soon as he can.

The Annual General Meeting of the Club will take place this year on Saturday, October 13th, and will again be held at Bucklersbury House in the City of London, commencing at 4 p.m. This will be followed by the Annual Dinner in the evening. The general procedure will, therefore, be much the same as in previous years. It is hoped that as many members as possible will come along to the Annual General Meeting as this is your chance to have a say in the conduct of the Club. As for the dinner, this is not a stag party ; the ladies are particularly welcome. I

STEAMING am afraid many of them get left out a bit with the engines, but there are quite a few who take more than a passing interest in them and there are several lady owners too. Unfortunately we have run up against the ever present rise in prices, so the cost of the dinner will be 25/- each this year ; we have been lucky to have been able to keep the price steady in recent years though, so cannot grumble at this small increase, A separate notice and booking form will be sent you in due course. I have recently been looking through the list of rallies ; there seems to be more than ever, I have a note of no less than thirty-two, and there are probably others of which I have not heard. We do arrange a certain amount of publicity on a national level ; this is given to all events of which I am notified. But it starts early, usually in November,

so perhaps local secretaries would let me know as soon as they have dates fixed. Incidentally, we have just received a new supply of lapel badges from the manufacturers, so if there are any members who would like one, send 3/6 to Jim Hutchens, he will do the rest. It is a nice enamelled badge in maroon and yellow, with pin fastening ; it can be used as a brooch as well. Early in May a number of Committee members, led by the ViceChairman and Secretary, paid an unexpected visit to the Chairman's church at Woodford Bridge where we attended evensong. To say he was surprised would be putting it very mildly. Woodford Bridge has a delightful church and the service was much enjoyed by all of us that attended.

The Sounds of Traction Engines are one of their many attractions Some of these sounds, recorded at Appleford before the 1959 Rally, are now available on a new record in the ArgoTransacord series. This new record, " STEAM TRACTION ENGINES ", is a 7 inch E.P., No. EAF.38, available from all good record shops at 13s. 5d. (including tax). " STEAM TRACTION ENGINES " is a new addition to the long established Argo-Transacord series of Railway Sounds. Details of the new record and of others in this series are given in mailing list T.A., gladly sent on request.

THE ARGO RECORD COMPANY LIMITED 113 FULHAM ROAD - LONDON, S.W.3

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AREA NEWS BEDFORDSHIRE The news that the Woburn Rally has had to be cancelled for this year will no doubt disappoint many people who looked forward to this long week-end as a part of their annual holiday. A number of our members were present with their engines at the St. Neots Show on June 16th. This year a number of our members were at the Bedford Agricultural Show with their engines on Saturday, July 14th. John Boutwood recently had a spot of bother with his Burrell Tractor No. 3191, when she ran away with him on Wilstead Hill as he was attempting to change gear. Jack Fensom has been pressing on with his Burrell S.C.C. No. 3126 (Reg. No. BJ7155). THE CHILTERNS On March 16th we had our first real social meeting at Tring, and over thirty of us were present for what proved to he a very enjoyable evening of slides by Mr. Dickens. Mr. Crawley was to have entertained us, but owing to his illness he was not able to come. Members were able to get to know one another, and so a very enjoyable time passed all too soon. We welcomed a number of Thames Valley members and friends, whom we are always pleased to see. Our Chairman Mr. Bill Utton has very unfortunately had to resign, and so Mr. T. L. de Frain has now taken this post post with Robin Brazil as Vice-Chairman. The club stands in a good position with membership now totalling fifty-seven. During March several engine owners took their engines for a jaunt to " get the cobwebs off ". One such trip was made by Chris Edmonds on his Burrell S.C.C. No. 2426 (Reg. No. BL4843) " Majestic " up to Mr. Pettigrove's yard near by and spent the afternoon hauling loads up from the field for re-painting. Although the ground was soft in places and the loads were no toys, " Majestic " played with it till dusk. On another occasion Dick and George Pettigrove started their magnificent 89 key Gavioli Organ and gave several of us a grand recital.

The sight and sound of this organ brought a tirst breath of warmer days to what was otherwise a cold and wet March evening. Recently Mr. Edmond's Burrell has undergone a complete re-paint ready for the season's events. Mr. Grover of Hyde Heath has finished the repairs to his 1920 Aveling & Porter Tractor INTo. 9170 (Reg. No. KN9352), and she really is a tilde beauty now all decked out with new paint and lining and neat new smokebott. His Gist tun of any length with her was to Long Crendon Carnival on June 23rd. Mr. Turner of High Wycombe accompanied him to this annual event with his Fowler Single No. 9698 (Reg. No. HR4732). These two engines have now moved to Mr. de Frain's yard at Chartridge. Mr. de Frain has purchased and has renovated Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller No. 3278 (Reg. No. DW357) of 1893. The other " permanent resident " in his yard is perhaps a cross between a ploughing engine and an outsize portable, which was made up by Houghton's of Amersham for export, but which never left this country. Stephen Hubbuck has purchased the fine old Aveling of 1914 which is an 8n.h.p. Spring Mounted Traction No. 3387 (Reg. No. HKS817) from Pegden Bros. of Kent, and looks forward to having it in a local carnival on June 30th and also down to the Horsham Rally. Mr. Davis of Prestwood has disposed of his Compound 10 ton Aveling Steam Roller (No., etc. again unknown) to the Douglas Engineering Works of High Wycombe who intend to retube it and put it to use. He has disposed of his Fowler Compound Ploughing Engine No. 15138 (Reg. No. HR3398) of 1917. He hopes to purchase another roller to replace the Aveling but at present he still has his little Burrell Tractor " King George VI ". The last Bucks. C.C. steamer was out at work near Thame during March. This is the P.V. Compound No. 11804 (Reg. No. PP7833) which is an Aveling. She was run back in Aylesbury depot during April following the development of a leak under the lagging. Now the good news comes

STEAMING that she's to be retubed and completely overhauled and painted and put to use again for another five or ten years to the delight of her driver Reg. Bunce who literally wouldn't drive a diesel if he was paid! The Council recently issued tender forms for the other two Avelings at Park Street and a Fowler Compound at Padbury, but no news as yet as to who has what! However, information has reached me to the effect that the 1924 Wallis 10 ton " Advance " is being overhauled on Wooburn Green R.D.C. and is to be put to work shortly. On May 25th we held another social evening at Tring when John Crawley came over from Bedford and kept us all enthralled with his slide showing. Mr. Grover also showed his film of his Fowler Traction Engine which is now of course owned by Mr. Turner and his Foster " Matilda ". Again it was a very enjoyable and interesting evening. Other engine news to hand is that Boughton's Steam Wagon No. 13138 (Reg. No. HR3399) has been on hire to the Guinness Brewery Co. and has been repainted by them. Member Brian Parry of Watford has purchased the Fowler Compound Traction No. 11353 (Reg. No. NK 910) of 1907 from Mr. George Evans of Wigginton. Mr. Evans has disposed of his Ransome Crane Engine No. 31066 (Reg. No. PV4943) to Mr. Baldock of Liphook, Hants. Mr. Jack Lawrence has finished his Burrell Tractor No. 3631 " Kathleen " and had it at the Northleach Rally. She really looks well. Our second event for this year will be an August Monday Rally at Chartridge, near Chesham, so if anyone would like to bring an engine we should make them very welcome. Finally several of our members attended the Whit Monday Rally at Gt. Wymondley, near Hitchin, including Mr. Edmond's Burrell and Jim Sarnev's Burrell No. 2505 (Reg. No. CF3354), both steaming over eighty miles there and back. C.L.E. DEVON AND SOMERSET Since the onset of lighter evenings and slightly more tolerable outdoor working conditions around the beginning of May, the restoration of several engines in Devon has been

resumed with a great deal of vigour at the expense of certain mealtimes and reduced sleeping hours, but with the added pleasures of locally produced cider in place of hot soup whilst on the job! At Upton Pyne, Mr. G. W. Glover's 1924 12 ton Marshall Compound Roller No. 78109 (Reg. No. TT1657) is in the process of being painted and lined in her original colours as far as possible, the writer's large Marshall Portable is also now mostly in primer and reassembly of wheels and fittings is imminent, and a start has been made on repainting Mr. Balkwill's 1894 Marshall 6 h.p. S.C. Traction No. 23368 (Reg. No. TA2758) for static preservation, her working days now being over, although she is still capable of being steamed at low pressure. At Whimple, Mr. D. E. Dicker has made considerable progress in the extensive overhaul of his Wallis Expansion "The Sheaf of Arrows ", although she will not be in steam probably until next year. May 30th saw the arrival at Upton Pyne of the Garrett Type " W.S." Portable No. 33007, which has been bought for preservation by Mr. K. M. Vigus, and which was successfully steamed on June I6th and again on the 20th after being idle for several years. The engine is in good order generally and it is hoped that she will be in steam at the Somerset T.E. Club's Rally at Ash Cross, Taunton, on July 28th. Mr. G. W. Glover recently located two little known about Aveling rollers in the area S.W. of Exeter. A fanner near Chapford owns a 10 ton S.C. S.V. Aveling No. 5853 (Reg. No. ?) and a large estate in the Drewsteignton area possesses a 10 ton S.C. P.V. Aveling No. 11216 (Reg. No. TI' 4018), thought to have been one of the last Eddison rollers in Devon, and believed to have been owned at one time by Newton Abbot U.D.C. Whilst in the course of searching for these two rollers, Mr. Glover learned of a Foden wagon that existed at North Bovey until as recently as 1958, when, most regrettably, she was scrapped upon the change of ownership of the farm. No details are at present known, but enquiries are continuing. Furthermore, a usually reliable source has reported that Messrs. Pearse, scrap merchants, of

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Exeter, cut up a Robey traction engine near Morchard Bishop, again as recently as 1958. Perhaps someone in the North Devon area can shed

more light on this intriguing report, which gives rise to the possibility that not every surviving engine in Devon has yet been located. Another traction lost to the West since the last few notes is Marshall 7 h.p. S.C. No. 75592 (Reg. No. TA 4453) called " Pride of Chudleigh ", which was owned by N. Locke, at Hay Farm, Shebbear, at which place she was cut up earlier this year. Although she was in very rough out ward condition, she was considered not beyond restoration had anyone been given the chance at a fair price. Mr. Locke still owns another Marshall, 6 h.p. S.C. No. 74489 (Reg. No. PX8067?) called " Maggie ", and she is also now in very bad condition through exposure. Incidentally, the nameplate " Pride of Chudleigh " originally g raced Foden 6 h.p. Traction No. 834 of

1905, which was in the ownership of W. R. Hellier of Exeter and Chudleigh Knighton until 1912, when presumably the Peden was disposed of and the name transferred to the late

Marshall No. 75592, which was believed to have been in Hellier's ownership some_ years afterwards until the sale of his engines in 1919. Holidaying enthusiasts penetrating Devon's north-west corner can find a sadly derelict 7 h.p. S.C. Marshall No. 4647$ (believed Reg. No. YA 3242) at Southole, not far from

Hartland. This Marshall is one of two at one time owned by A. Richards & Sons of Colyton, E. Devon, and the second Marshall also still survives, in rundown condition, stored in W. J. King's premises ai Bishops Lydeard, Somerset, this one being No. 74614 (Reg. No. TA1937). Earlier this year, 10 ton Marshall S.C. Roller No. 77474 (Reg. No. TC 6642) arrived at Newton Poppleford, E. Devon, from its last job on the Tamar Bridge approaches, and has since been working for Messrs. Gray, Connolly & Co. Ltd. (a Litton Cheyney, Dorset firm) who, it is believed, have ac4uired the engine from Dingles of Stokeclisland. The engine sports "L" plates front and rear and her condition outwardly is not so good now as when she arrived.

Devon County Council 12 ton Aveling Roller No. 8487 (Reg. No. TA1463), which has been at the Exeter repair depot since January, was steamed back to Crediton depot during June, but as a diesel roller has replaced her in Crediton Division her future is obscure. 10 ton Aveling S.C. S.V. No. 7641 (Reg. No. FX

6996) arrived at Exeter early in June and now stands outside the repair depot with lagging removed, revealing a wasted smokebox, and a decision on whether repairs will be undertaken is now awaited. Aveling S.C.

No. 7095 (Reg. No. TA2661) was put to use again during May on roadwidening near Bow, after spending months of idleness at Capplestone. During the week following on from Andover Rally, the writer spent a few days in Sussex and ono day in the Isle of Wight, where Alichin No. 1415 (Reg. No. AP9077) was seen at 1-laven Street, the derelict Wallis Expansion No. 7090 (Reg. No. DL2846) in the quarry near Arreton, Mr. K. Gosden's nicely restored S.4 Sentinel Wagon at Freshwater, and a 5 h.p. S.C. Marshall Traction No. 52121 undergoing extensive restoration near Ryde. Also near Ryde are three steam rollers belonging to Westridge

Construction Co. Ltd. (the last remaining rollers on the island ?). They do not appear to have been used for some years but are in reasonable condition, and are 8 ton Wallis Advance No. 7935 (Reg. No. 0T5327), S.C. Aveling No. 10626 (Reg. No. DL3128), and a 10 ton Compound

Aveling No. 12502 (Reg. No. MW 5835).

Amongst numerous engines seen in Sussex, probably the most interesting, and unfortunately, rather neglected, was the little Brown & May S.C. Roller No. 8130 (Reg. No. BP9887), ex Carter Bros. of Wisborough Green, and it is understood her future is uncertain—a great pity. Also seen near this village was a well-kept West Sussex C.C. 6 ton S.C. Marshall Roller No. 79669 (Reg. No. PX2690), and almost the only steam roller encountered in commercial use during the journey from Devon to Sussex and back, a sure indication of the steady disappearance of steam from roadworks, etc. during recent years. A.G.C.

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Come to the Largest Ever

RAYN HAM DAY RALLY Over 80 Steam Engines Fire Engines Veteran and Vintage Cars RURAL CRAFTS STEAM PLOUGHING AND ;THRESHING

To be held in the Beautiful Grounds of

RAYNHAM HALL By kind permission of Lord Townshend ON

Saturday and Sunday ISth and 16th September at 12 noon TED MOULT WILL BE THERE

Open Air Harvest Thanksgiving Service 3 p.m. SUNDAY PROCEEDS TO HANDICAPPED, LIFEBOATS AND CHURCHES

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EAST ANGLIA repairs, No. 103, owned by H. Darby of Sutton, should be ready by SepThe first signs of summer have stirred tember, and No. 108, owned by G. the noble citizens of East Anglia from their winter slumbers to an Wells of Dagenham, is now being re-painted. activity the vigour of which is absoWe look forward to one more lutely unprecedented. Our winter series of meetings, rally, at Kelvedon, on September 22nd, and also to the appearance of which produced several papers of our reprint by photolithography of a original research eventually to be Burrell Drivers' Instruction Book, published in the revitalised quarterly copies of which, at 3s. 6d. including Steam Preservation, gave way to a postage, will shortly be available rally season during which, in default of any signs of rising sap—and, far from C. Easy, 9 Hemingford Road, more important, steam pressure—we Cambridge, which gentleman will also be pleased to forward the current ran Haverhill Rally in the cold, wet issure of " S.P." at 3s. 6d. to anydays of late May to cheer ourselves body interested. C.E. up a bit. Haverhill Rally, our first two-day event, produced several newcomers to HAMPSHIRE the rally scene ; Graham Turner's Southampton Corporation have FowelI, miraculously welded up, now scrapped their last Steam Roller, painted up, and generally dolled-up the Wallis " Advance " No. 8066 to the nines, found its way on to the (Reg. No. OU6305). She is at the field just as the first day's events were Elm Street Depot. drawing to a close, whilst Beavis Mr. Lucas' Burrell Roller (No. brothers' Ransomes S.C. No. 18504 4025 (Reg. No. PR6641) " Pride of could have been seen oozing steam Dorset " has recently been retubed at from the ashpan the previous evening Martin, where Fowler No. 19782 —not bad going, two engines out (Reg. No. UB9763) "The Lion" is. first time. and only one leaky tube Burrell No. 3413 (Reg. No. CR between them ; such is the stuff of 5826) " The Philadelphia ", at one which Boadicea was made! A score time owned by W. Smith of South, or so other engines performed, inampton, is now well greased and cluding a very ancient Aveling roller, under cover at Gussage. No. 4403. and one of Taylor Bros.' - I hope to have several engines in ploughing engines, and provisional Southampton's Carnival Parade on estimates put the crowd at around Saturday, July 28th. The parade ten thousand. leaves the Common at 6.30 p.m. Our Model Fairground, Circus and Ely Rally, breaking new ground, Road Engine Exhibition will be held took place on June 23rd, and here a at St. John's Hall, Kings Park Road, slightly smaller gathering of engines Southampton, on Saturday, Septemthundered over the draughty levels of Witchford aerodrome to the ultimate ber 29th, opening at 10.30 in the morning. benefit of the Tower Hospital, Ely. J.A.F. The rally over, all concerned adIRELAND journed to Midsummer Common, Cambridge, where a joint E.A.T.E.C./ On Whit Monday, with steam Fairground Society display of engine enthusiasts E. Bothwell (who owns and organ took place under the Fowler Roller No. 17289, ex Meath watchful gaze of Sgt. Dick Taylor. County Council) and J. Boylan, we Fowler Showman's Engine No. pulled home the Aveling & Porter 14425 " Carry On " stood at the Steam Tractor No. 9317 Compound. Cambridge Midsummer Fair supply- It is now in E. Bothwell's yard, and ing power to the 46 key Chiappa we will shortly be putting in a new Organ owned by B. George of set of tubes and some other work Enfield. before she will be ready to steam. Several of the East Anglian She was lying out for four or five Fowells are nearing the completion years, and as you can imagine is not of their restoration, in fact No. 93, in the best of order. owned by Mills & Turner of HauxAnother enthusiast, Patrick Mallon ton, has already attended three rallies, of Knockbridge, Dundalk, with the No. 97, owned by T. Paisley of Holy- help of E. Bothwell, steamed home well, has been back to its makers for on Friday and Saturday, June 22nd

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Ransomes, Sims & Jegeries 6 h.p. Traction Engine No. 26978 seen at Kenilworth in 1917.

Aveling & Porter 5 ton Wagon Type F.G.P. (Reg. No. DC212).

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and 23rd, 1961, Patrick Mallon's Garrett Steam Tractor No. 33374. This is a lovely engine and is in very good order. The owner P. Mallon is a fitter by trade and ex the Great Northern Railway works in Dundalk, and he is going to restore his engine to her original splendour. My own Ransome No. 42012 is still at work steaming and the money she will earn is going to buy more engines for preservation. Also, on Whit Monday, after getting the Aveling & Porter home, we went to Drogheda to see the Clayton & Shuttleworth Single Cylinder Traction Engine No. 43173 which the owner had steamed for our benefit. G.D. NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE AND CHESHIRE After an unusually quiet start to the dub year, activities again got into top gear when three engines representing the chill appeared at the Birmingham Science Museum Rally on May 20th. These were J. Dakin's Foster No. 12539, Wedgwood's Standard Sentinel No. A2307, and the Foden 5 ton Steam Wagon No. 5218. The latter appearing in public for the first time virtually in chassis form and with only a temporary water tank rigged up for the occasion, Arthur Wedgwood having worked literally night and day at it in the limited time at his disposal to get it roadworthy, and although it was brought from Whitefield to Birn►ingham on the club's newly acquired Foden low-loader it nevertheless returned to Whitefield under its own steam, the first part of the journey coupled to the Sentinel as far as the chairman's home and the second part entirely unassisted save by a very enthusiastic band of supporters who joined the " party " and incidentally, the club, at Rugeley Waterworks where, thanks to one of this same happy band, the son of the Waterworks engineer, both engines were temporarily accommodated. The previous week-end J. Dakin's Foster was out in company with C. Dales' Burrell S.C.C. No. 2950 touring the Potteries with a road van and trailer advertising Congleton Carnival which took place on Whit Saturday, June 9th, and proved to be a Gala day indeed, vast crowds in perfect weather (summer came to N.

Staffs. and Cheshire district that week-end and has hardly been seen since) watched the procession through the town in which nine of the club members engines took part. Prior to this, the Foden works 5tonner, driven by Tom Cooke and fired by Gordon Bennett, took part in the H.C.V. Club's first London to Brighton Rally, the departure from the British Museum of Transport at Clapham at approximately 10.00 hours on Sunday, May, 13th, being a most impressive affair, and although Foden No. 6368 was the last to arrive on Brighton Promenade (it was passed en route somewhere near Reigate by Jim Hutchin's D.G. Sentinel Tractor—the only other steam vehicle in the rally), it was deftly steered into second place in the awards by Tom Cooke. Following close on Congleton came the club's big date with the Alton Towers Rally on Saturday, June 30th and Sunday, July 1st. Once again record attendances ,were recorded, especially on Sunday, on which day summer again made a brief but impressive reappearance in the northern hemisphere. Twentyfour engines were assembled in the new paddock (twenty-five if one includes, as one must, Irene Sparrow's 4 inch scale model engine which, running faultlessly and impressively throughout the two days, bore eloquent testimony to husband Bill's fine work on it since last year). Newcomers this year, in numerical order on the programme, Burrell S.C.C. No. 2950 (C. Dale) which was awarded the Wm. Foden Challenge Cup, Burrell D.C. Compound No. 3746 (R. D. Howle), Foster Compound Agricultural Engine No. 12539 (J. Dakin) which received a special award, Foden Compound Traction Engine No. 1174 (J. E. Foden), Foden 5 ton Steam Wagon No. 5218 (A. Wedgwood) special award, and Foden D type Tractor No. 13222 (Geo. S. Lea) model engineer tankard. Other award winners, W. D. J. Sparrow retains the Ferranti Trophy for a further year, with Mr. H. Hearn coming second in this section with Boughton Foden 6 tonner No. 13138. Ronald Fearnley also retains the Wedgwood Trophy for the longest distance travelled under its own steam with the Super Sentinel No. 1465.

STEAMING A Wedgwood's award was in recognition of his outstanding work on the Foden 5 tonner No. 5218, in the restoration of which he has not only worked most of the time singlehanded, but has done so after travelling fifty miles from his home at Blackpool to the engine and usually after a day's work in his commercial job. This little wagon still, incidentally, on wooden-spoked wheels and stripped to the chassis, with its remarkable acceleration and turn of speed, not to mention silent running, was a joy to watch both in the paddock ticking over and taking part in the events in the arena. The other Fodens made a fine show too as did the Sentinels, the Standard No. A2307 still in the process of a general overhaul and renovation yet running quietly and impressively being in marked contrast to the sleek and impeccable lines of the Fearnley " Super " and the D.G. Wagon of Tom Ward, and of course no Alton Rally is now complete without the familiar figure of G. E. Liversidge driving the S.4 Tanker to and from the other engines and the nearest bulk water supply, of which, at Alton incidentally there is no lack. G.E.L.'s services in fact, as unofficial water carrier, have this year been officially recognised by the club in a small present to him. The Burrells now make quite an impressive quintet in the engine bays, but S.C.C. No. 2706 will most certainly require a great deal more restoration work by the club members before next year's event takes place. A sister to assist 'er (and a big one at that) can now be the claim of FOster Wellington Tractor No. 14431 now that J. Dakin's 6 h.p. No. 12539 has put in an appearance. Alton Towers own McLaren No. 1623 continues to lend the impression of dignity, size and strength to the proceedings though at one time, on the first day, the latter was not too much in evidence, steam pressure being very slow in rising. So much so that certain facetious Ffestiniog Railway Society members present at the rally took the chance when the parade commenced on Sunday to Pass up to Goliath's crew a 2 cwt. bag of D.S. steam nuts with an appropriate comment! P. Swindlehurst's Burrell No. 3509 and the Verbeeck Organ again de-

lighted and enthralled the visitors with that authentic fairground touch one now only encounters at a traction engine rally. The club will again be represented with engines at Rempstone, Church Stretton and possibly also at Worcester, though as the latter will come in the same week-end as the Leek (Staffs.) Agricultural Show which has been revived this year and at which N. Staffs. and Cheshire Club have been allocated an area, entries from this club to appear on the well-known Riverside Racecourse on August 10th and 11th will be very limited. The club continues to hold the usual social meetings on the first Friday evening in the month at the Crown Hotel, Red Street, Newcastle, Staffs. All members welcome to attend these meetings at which filmshows, members' own evenings, and later in the year talks including one by committee member Mr. S. A. Baker on valve gears and settings will be held. S.L.W. COUNTY OF SALOP The Foden 5 ton Wagon No. 5078, which was operated by Bristow Bros. of Hereford from the time of its purchase at a W.D. sale after the 1914-18 war until 1931, was recovered during the Whitsun period by W. M. Salmon and his Clayton tractor. Since 1931 the Foden had been lying in a sandpit where it had been used to drive a crusher, the wheels having been set in concrete. The outward trip of thirty-five miles was accomplished before noon on the Saturday, the wagon then being roped out of its " grave ", the concrete in which it was embedded having previously been chipped out by hand. The return trip was made to Burley without incident the following day. Mr. Salmon estimates that restoration will take several years. Minshall Bros. decided to steam their Clayton roller from Chetton, near Bridgnorth, to Church Stretton, where it will be more accessible for Mr. J. Minshall to complete the restoration ; this journey of twentyone miles was also completed in the day again without incident and is now the first arrival for the Church Stretton Rally on August Monday! . It is now planned to enter Allchin No. 1458 for the rally, Mr. Marshall having decided to stable this engine at Burley instead of taking it to the

STEAMING

South of England as was stated in the last issue of Steaming. Ruston No. 52266 has had rubber tyres fitted, her owner considering it will be much kinder to the engine than travelling her on the strakes as the road surfaces of today are so hard. Needless to say it will also be much kinder to the driver and it is hoped that only one chimney will be apparent instead of the usual multitude that seem to appear when one is under way! A further " new " engine in the Salop area is Garrett Traction Engine No. 29764 of 6 n.h.p. and built in 1911. This engine has been purchased by Mr. Painter of Shrewsbury from Mr. F. C. Lambe of Bromsgrove. The condition of this engine is very good indeed and she makes a very fine spectacle on the highway. We wish Mr. Painter every success with his new steed. R. Wheeler is making progress on his Burrell tractor, but she will not be out and about this season. D. W. Smith's S.C.C. Burrell has been abandoned for the present but not forgotten, and work will recommence on this engine when the Ruston has been laid up for the winter months at the premises of her former owner at Hay-on-Wye. The two Fowler Showmen's engines at Burley arc receiving attention from time to time as circumstances permit and should appear in all their glory in time for the fally. One point re the rally: will any owner wishing to bring an engine to Church Stretton on August 6th please contact Mr. Salmon at Belgrave, Llandrindod Wells, Radnor, preferably before July 14th, 1962. ❑n Easter Sunday a party of steam engine enthusiasts gathered at Burley to witness the steaming of Marshall Portable No. 8839 built 1881. The official ceremony was performed by Mrs. B. C. Hackett, grand-daughter of the original owner—Thomas Lewis of The Holme, Lyonshall, Herefordshire—who opened the regulator and set the flywheel turning again after a lapse of some twenty-five years. Great credit is due to Messrs. Bishop Bros. who have restored the engine from what was literally a heap of scrap to its present working condition. The boiler test was satisfactory and the lagging is now in place, so after painting and lining she will be

fit to make her first public appearance at Church Stretton Rally. According to the makers, this engine is believed to be the oldest Marshall Portable in preservation in this country and the second oldest in the world. D.W.S. SCOTLAND Much has happened since writing my last notes for Steaming and it will be necessary to touch only the more notable points. The Fowler Tractor No. 17260 " Kenmore " which, as stated last time was due to arrive any day, is now in fact at Shilford having made the journey from Burrelton in Perthshire by low-loader. She was successfully off-loaded and shunted into position by Fowler 8 ton Roller No. 21635 " Cavalier " and the work of extracting the old set of tubes has been started. " Cavalier ", one of the writer's engines, has herself received a bit of attention recently. A pinhole developed in one of the lower tubes and it was found possible to replace this by removing the roll only from the fork leaving the fork in place, while the valve setting has also received attention. She is now a lot more docile than formerly. Work on the writer's Aveling Tractor No. 9183 " The Pirate " is still more or less at a standstill but work on Tom Holloway's 6 h.p. Compound Ruston No. 113812 is getting along well. She has had a new set of tubes and thirty new stays fitted and some new pins made for the rear spring scissors. She is now more or less back on her feet but the next job to be tackled is the casting and fitting of new bushes to the front wheels. Over at Motherwell Jimmy Houston has recently been refitting his front end after having had the perch bracket turntable bearing renewed. This entailed some heavy machining on the parts and the work was actually done in Fife so that Burrell No. 3385 has not been sitting on her front wheels for quite a few weeks. Jimmy tells me however that other cleaning work on motion and cylinder block has been kept going meantime. Word has just reached me that our newest member, Mr. Smith of Edinburgh, whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, has purchased Burrell 8 h.p. Single No. 1694 from W. Forrest & Sons of Bonnvbridge, also the former owners of Jimmy Houston's Burrell. This is the oldest traction

STEAMING engine known to us to exist in Scotland and was one of Burrell's exhibits at the Highland Show at Edinburgh in 1893 so is an engine well worthy of preservation. She has only been used occasionally by her former owners in recent times and externally looks in rather rough condition. In actual fact, however, she is basically sound although she will need a new chimney and some new plating on the tank. This engine was involved in a hoary accident near Auchterarder in Perthshire many years ago when working for her original owners, Messrs. Raines & Co. of Stirling. She ran away down a bank and terminated her gallop by bringing up smartly in a sideways direction, pushing the hub of her off-side hind wheel out through the spokes in the process. Close inspection shows that the spare wheel supplied by Messrs. Burrell is not an exact replica of the original. However, as one cannot see both sides at the same time, this detracts little from her appearance. We certainly all wish her well in her new lease of life, certainly with no encores of this performance! J. G. Barrack's 6 ton Foden Wagon No. 11444 Hicha Latidie out as usual at this year's North of England Rally and again showed the flag south of the border. Quite a number of Scots enthusiasts were there as well, but owing to trouble with my car the writer did not manage to attend. Our own member, Mr. Willie McConachie of Tarland, Aberdeenshire, kindly agreed to turn out his four engines on June 23rd for the benefit of members of this Society, and as two of J. G. Barrack's engines were also present quite a spectacle was laid on for those members who took the trouble to travel to this rather remote area. This was not a full-scale public Rally though it is hoped that in the future it will be possible for this Society to hold one, but notwithstanding the writer feels sure that all those who attended were well enough entertained. The engines present were Willie McConachie's 8 h.p. Piston Valve Compound Aveling Traction Engine No. 11037, his Foster " Wellington " Tractor No. 14289 " Olive ", his Type B.2 Chain-drive Tasker Tractor No. 1911, and his 8 h.p. Single Fowler Traction No. 11695, and J. G. Barrack's " Hielan' Laddie " and 7 h.p. 3-speed

Fowler Road Locimotive No. 13138 " Finella ". Most members had their turn at all the throttles, and I noticed one ex engine owner in particular enjoying himself immensely on the footplate of " Finella ". Three tugo'-wars were staged, first between the big Aveling and " Finella ". For all the latter's greater size and apparent power, Tom Aveling just sat there and refused to be moved while " Finella " was made to prance after more than one pull. The little Foster then went on the pole with Barrack's Foden and grimly held on to the hard ground although she never looked like pulling the Foden away. The Tasker then joined the lists with the Foden and much to the surprise of the writer who was driving the Tasker, succeeded in successive pulls to drag the Foden away with wheels spinning and then with wheels locked. Afterwards members were entertained at the farm and I am sure all members will agree that the hospitality offered was of the very best. A second social meeting held by the Society took place at the Royal British Hotel, Perth, on May 5th, and about thirty-six members and friends were present: a very creditable turnout considering the distance that many had to travel to get to this central point. First of all a colour film taken by our member Sir James Morrison-Low was shown. This covered the jnlirney of the Sneiety's Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15405 from Guardbridge to Cults Mill in Fife after having been purchased for preservation. All agreed that this was a very well shot film indeed and Sir James earned applause for his efforts. Next was shown a Mickey Mouse cartoon, during the showing of which the writer at least, gained knowledge of some facets of steamroller driving which had hitherto escaped him. This was followed by a commercially available film shot at the 1960 Andover Rally. A showing of members' colour slides, a break for tea, and some photographs of show engines shown by epidiascope by Bill Oswald of Kirkcaldy completed the evening, which was commonly credited as being highly successful. A few news points may be of interest in closing. Fowler No. 16400, a Perth and

STEAMING

Burrell 'Showman's Engine No. 3849 (Reg. No. TA905) belonging to T. 0. Hunt & Son, of Adel, Leeds.

Fowler Road Engine No. 8473 belonging to W. Bland, of Cosforth, seen on Newcastle-on-Tyne Quay.

STEAMING

Peden 5 ton Wagon No. 7228 belonging to Claude Raynor, of West Bridgford, Nottingham.

Burrell Showman's Engine No. 4030 "The Dolphin" seen at Bury, Lanes., on June 15th, 1940.

STEAMING

Kinross County Council 10 ton Roller, has been at work recently in widening operations at Meigle. Aveling 8 h.p. Single Cylinder Convertible Traction Engine No. 7792 (as roller) is now for sale by Aberdeen County Council at their Aboyne Depot. This engine is in very good order despite her age and was always very smartly turned out when working, with all bright work polished. Aberdeen Corporation (Harbours Dept.) are still using their S.4 and D.G.6 Sentinel Wagons, and on Thursday, 21st June, the latter was seen in steam at the breakwater transporting concrete blocks and driven as usual by our member Geo. Stuart. I.W.M. THAMES VALLEY The past months have seen quite a lot of work on various engines. Jack Lawrence had his Burrell Showman's Tractor No. 3631 ready to come to Appleford in 1961 but blew a tube on the way. Retubing was put off till winter and the finishing touches were added before she appeared at Northleach Rally. Bob Adams has worked steadily on Foden D-type No. 12852. He had

her on the road in May, but she is now jacked up in the shed, her back " boots " having gone to be " resoled ". All being well, " Early Bird " will be at Appleford this year. We have been asked to send engines to Hurst Show on August Bank Holiday. A substantial cheque will be paid to attenders. Write to Ran Hawthorne if you can come. On September 29th we will be cooperating in Reading M.E. Exhibition with perhaps two engines in steam and a display of photographs, etc. Bill Tame has decided to sell his Wallis & Steevens Expansion No. 7370 and devote his time to heavier stuff. I understand that if not sold in the meantime, she will be auctioned at Appleford Rally on hily 21st. Our first steam evening consisted of a run to Sutton Courtenay and back by Arthur Napper's Marshall and Fowler Traction Engines. The second one saw two Burrell 5 ton Tractors Nos. 3458 and 3355, belonging respectively to Shipman & Barker and A. Price, taking the country lanes one evening to Lands End (Yes, we have one in Berk

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STEAMING shire !), right by the G.W.R. line about one mile west of Twyford. Your Hon. Secretary has been very busy at. home as a consequence of moving house during the winter. However, " Busy Bee " has been out for an airing and earned herself a little coal money by rolling a parking lot for a local garage. G.R.H. WEALD OF KENT No new engines are known to have entered the area nor any to have left during the present quarter. One or two have changed hands ; Mr. W. Chandler has sold his Fowell Traction No. 98 to Mr. A. G. C. Cave of Bromley ; Mr. V. McG. Dunnett is reported to have sold his Marshall G.P. Engine No. 66001 to an unknown buyer in Sussex ; and the Marquis of Abergavenny has sold the 1929 Aveling P.V. Single Roller No. 12427 from his estate at Eridge Park to a local scrap metal dealer from whom it passed to the writer and thence to Mr. C. M. Rostron. It is now in a coal merchant's yard at Hadlow, near Tonbridge, a situation oddly suggestive of a rabbit lodged in a lettuce bed. The Wallis Oil Bath Tiactor No. 7289 of 1912, for malty years derelict in Mr. L. B. Searle's yard at Horsham, has been bought by Mr. R. C. L. Whithead and may eventually be restored by the ButlerRostron-Whitehead syndicate, but it is very derelict and comes low down in the queue. The Armstrong Roller No. 10 /R / 35, owned by the latter trio, together with the Fowler Compound Traction No. 9924, owned outright by Mr. R. A. Whitehead, and the Paxman Single G.P. Engine No. 19412, owned by Mr. E. Sherrox, have been dislodged from the paddock at Leigh, where they have rested for a number of years, by building developments, and have found refuge on a farm at Tonbridge in company with Mr. C. M. Rostron's Burrell No. 3941 and the Wallis No. 7289 mentioned above. Other interesting happenings include the removal of an old Cornish boiler from the indoor swimming bath at Tunbridge Wells to make way for a modern boiler. This provided heat to warm the bath water and a temporary replacement had to be found. For a few days the Corporation's Wallis & Steevens Advance No. 7790 stood in, but although the

designed capacity of the boiler was just sufficient it could not produce the quantity of steam required without the effect of the exhaust so Mr. D. Eastwood's Garrett Portable No. 35426 took over and has ten weeks' work to do. (At the time of writing seven have gone by). In the last few weeks the Armstrong Roller and Mr. J. C. Butler's Foden have been leading a useful life at work on the farm laying a new base in the stackyard, the Foden No. 13848 carting the hardcore and the roller punching it down, which, with an all-up weight of nearly fourteen (tuts, it does with some case. Later this summer it is intended to revert to steam for the threshing, using Fowler No. 9924 which last threshed in 1955. Another steam engine that has been at work in the Tonbridge area is Wallis Advance No. 7907 (ex C. Walker, Mespham & Loaland Ltd. of Maidstone and now reported to be owned by II. Camps, builder, of Tunbridge). This has been roadmaking on a new housing estate, driven by Jack Dadswell, a steam man of long standing and a former Foden driver. Mr. R. D. Wickham has made a start on the rehabilitation of his Aveling Single Roller No. 8097 " Moby Dick " of 1913, an exEddison -engine later owned by Tunbridge Wells Corporation and Mr. C. W. Lambert. The engine was in commercial use until two years ago when the driver, Bob Hatch, had to retire as a result of chronic asthma, but has not been- used since. Now N.T.E.C. member Martin Williams is working on it in his spare time and hopes gradually to repair and repaint the engine. Mr. J. Drew has sold his Wallis Roller No. 8023 " Simplicity " to Mr. Fred Pegden of Elham who wanted a roller small enough to roll cricket pitches without recourse to what " C.G.", in an earlier issue of Steaming, called the " infernal corn,motion engine ". Work on the Mann's Wagon No. 1120, owned by Messrs. J. C. Butler and R. A. Whitehead, has been principally on • the boiler which has had .the firebox and front tube plate out. Butt welded • patches have been put .on the outer plates of the firebox water spaces next to the two foot-

STEAMING

plates, new stays have been put• in, Chacewater Carnival Procession and a new front tube plate and tubes was headed by three traction engines Millenium King," " The Whale " have been fitted. Work has stopped at the time of writing as the boiler and McLaren No. 547. " The makers are doing it on a " spare Gladiator " and the Marenghi Organ time basis " and have now had an were much appreciated during the week and further engagements for this influx of other work. engine and organ are as follows: R.A.W. July 21st, Rally at Mount Hawke ; WEST OF ENGLAND July 22nd to 28th, Every evening at About 4,000 people attended the Perranporth ; August 4th to 11th, Cornish Traction Preservation Club's Every evening at Falmouth ; August second Rally at St. Eval on June 18th, Redruth Carnival ; and August 23rd. Nearly fifty vintage and 20th to 25th, Model Engineering Exveteran cars took part. hibition at Redruth. The Robey Express Tractor " BarSeveral other engines are expected bara " was being transported to St. to take part in the Carnival at RedEval, but the low-loader had mech- ruth which is being revived this year. anical trouble near Launceston and " Lord Nelson " will be an added was unable to get to the rally in attraction at the Liskeard Show on time. However, Mr. G. Hawkins has July 14th. bought the Robey from Mr. J. From Mr. Badcock some North Hutchens of Ferndown and we expect Devon news : to see it at the West of England Steam Mr. W. Moore is repainting his Engine Society's Rally on July 21st. Burrell 71 ton Tractor No. 3951 " Lord Nelson " and " Old Bill " (Reg. No. RL1978) and hopes to made their first Cornish Rally appear- complete it in time for a Carnival at ance at St. Eval and the Aveling- Hartland. To resurface Bideford Barford Roller had not been to any Quay before too much traffic was rally before, having been derelict in about, three large rollers, two Mara quarry near Bristol until steamed shalls and an Aveling, were lit up at from there to St. Eval during the three o'clock one Monday morning past week-ends. and all were rolling at four o'clock. Steam engines attracted much To see three steam rollers on one attention at two West Country agri- job would surely have justified an cultural shows—G. Hawkins had his early rise! McLaren plougher in steam at the C.P.G. Royal Cornwall Show at Wadebridge and at the Bath and West Show at WORCESTERSHIRE Taunton J. Chappell's Burrell demonA number of our members partistrated silent power in contrast to the cipated in the City of Birmingham diesels on nearby stands. Rally held on May 20th. Mr. H. P. Corin has bought a Eleven engines were present, five fourth engine! This is the Foden of which were newcomers. They Wagon which belonged to Mr. F. were : Shambrook in North Devon and it is Aveling Porter 10 ton Roller No. being extensively overhauled before 8956 (Reg. No. AY9690), owned by being brought to Cornwall. J. Beeby of Rempstone. Andover attracted several from the Fowler Compound Roller No. West as usual and on the return 15698 (Reg. No. 8W6179), ex Banjourney several of us were enter- bury Corporation, now owned by tained royally by Mr. and Mrs. Bun- L. V. Nelson of Solihull. combe at Highbridge where, among Foster Single Cylinder Traction nearly thirty rollers, three hours Engine No. 14593 (Reg. No. FE9179), passed about as quickly as minutes. owned by A. J. Barton of Kenilworth. Then we were welcomed at Wembdon Foster Traction Engine No. 12539 where Mr. and Mrs. J. Chappell (Reg. No. MA5730), owned by J. showed us a marvellous collection of Dakin of Goostrey, Cheshire. curios of all descriptions as well as ' Foden 5 ton Wagon No. 5218 the engines which are kept there. The (Reg. No. M7287), owned by A. little Wallis " Simplicity " is now Wedgewood of Black pool. Garrett Traction Engine No. 29764 being reassembled after extensive overhaul and should be ready for has been sold by Mr. Lamb to a Mr. Painter of Shrewsbury. Taunton Rally on the 28th.

STEAMING Arrangements are now in hand for the Rally at Worcester Racecourse on August 10th and 11th. On Whit Monday a number of our members attended a Carnival Procession at Kinver, nr. Kidderminster. J.L.T. YORKSHIRE T. Green's Roller No. 2007 (Reg. No. U8432), a Single Cylinder machine, ex Leeds Corporation No. 42, is still in a scrapyard at Kirkstall, where it has been for at least two years ; this roller was overhauled and repainted in the winter of 1955/56, but is now showing the effects of the weather, most of its three-quarter cab now being missing. Its Compound sister engine No. 2021 (Reg. No. U8431), Leeds Corporation No. 41, was scrapped about 1956, until which time the two engines often worked together in the city. An enthusiast in the Wakefield area is understood to have bought Sentinel S.4 No. 8970 (Reg. No. WJ8985) for preservation. This wagon was new to Duncan Gilmour's Brewery, but spent much of its later life at Hoyland, near Barnsley, in use as a

cab was removed and the chassis shortened, a hydraulic tipping body being fitted. Conversion to diesel was later considered, but after removal of the boiler the job was shelved. Sentinel DG4P No. 8693 (Reg. No. YG746) is now with Mr. Alderton's collection at Staveley, near Knaresborough. This wagon was new in 1932 to Sugden's of Brighouse, being No. 9 (or IX) in their fleet. By 1939 it had passed to Messrs. W. & J. Glossop, who used it as a tar-sprayer (No. 119) until 1955, after which it stood in disuse at Hipperholme and was " cannibalized " for spares. Mr. G. E. Hall of Kirkburton, near Huddersfield, still uses his Fowler S.C. Roller No. 18877 (Reg. No. WX6358) " Rambler ", which is in beautiful condition. Mr. Hall's two Burrell rollers, which had not been used for some years, have recently been sold. No. 4047 (Reg. No. WU 8157) " Rover ", an S.C. engine, has been scranpcd, but No. 4067 (Reg. No. WU1556), D.C.C., "Hero ", is now owned by Mr. F. Popple of Scunthorpe, who had it at Lincoln Rally on June 16th.

dumper, for which wori,most of the

R_. RS.

THOMAS WOOD

SONS CROCKEN RILL SIOLEY KENT

/9\ fek Od "410

Sentinel Wagon No. 8930 (Reg. No. AKP655) belonging to Thomas Wood & Sons Ltd., of Crockenhill, Swanley, Kent.

STEAMING

BOOK AND RECORD REVIEW BOOK REVIEW Old Farm Tractors, by Rev. Philip Wright. Colour frontispiece. 48 photographs and drawings by the author. Price 25s. Published by Adam & Charles Black, Soho Square, London, W.1. Strictly speaking, this book comes outside the scope of this journal, but for two very good reasons it is intended to bring it to your notice. It is of course written by our Chairman, and those of you who have read his previous books Traction Engines and Old Farm Implements will be delighted to find that the development of the tractor has been dealt with in the author's same easy manner. The second reason is that this is the first book to deal with this subject, and as many of our members eventually had to give way to the tractor to keep up with the times, the trials and tribulations of these early machines make interesting reading. World War I with its U-boat menace is shown to have given the greatest impulse to tractor builders, culminating with the importation of the first Fordson tractors in 1917. All the important Tractor Trials down to 1930 are described in detail and their results noted. The mechanisms of the old tractors are discussed, their divergences noted, and so too is the variety of the work they did.

STEAM PRESERVATION THE summer issue is now in the hands

of our printers. This issue contains a special photograph supplement of the little known Fyson engines which were built at Soham, Cambs. As well as the photograph supplement there is a list giving details of all Fyson engines, size, owners and, where known, their ultimate end. This is as far as is known the first published list and is the result of two years' research. Supplies of this special issue will be limited and copies can be obtained from C. Easy, 9 Hemingford Road, Cambridge, for 3s. 10d. (including postage). RECORD REVIEW LAST issue mention was made of the

magnificent recording put out by Arthur Mills of Rushden of his 89 Key Gavioli Organ. With this issue I am pleased to bring to your notice a Traction Engine Record marketed by The Argo Record Company, of 113 Fulham Road, London, S.W.3. The recording was made at the Appleford Rally in 1959 and on it you hear a number of very well-known engines, ranging from a showman's engine to a tractor, not forgetting a ploughing engine and a number of different types of traction engines. This new record is a 7 inch Extended Play, and is priced at 13s. 5d., including tax, at which price I would recommend it to all enthusiasts.

"STEAMING" BACK NUMBER SERVICE Back numbers are available as listed below, the price including postage. 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.

STEAMING

WANTED-A GOOD MATE BY MICHAEL SALMON " A GOOD setter is worth another loader," or so I was taught when as a schoolboy I started leading the horses carting out the white sludge which the Fodens brought from Merton. It was some time before they would trust me to set a cart at the great white heaps so that all three of the daymen working there could shovel conveniently. It is the same with engines. A good mate is worth more than is often realised. An average driver, with a good mate, can do more than the most outstanding driver with no mate, or a poor one. Even so we are sadly lacking in good mates among our engines today. Everyone who has to do with engines seems to want to be a driver, and the mate's job is neglected and sometimes regarded as an inferior sort of occupation. This should not be so. The mate can be a very great help to a driver, especially when traffic is heavy, and in some jobs is really the more important man. Besides. on anything other than trunk running he spends more time on the ground and so gets more chance to see and hear the engine from all sides, rather than being confined to the footplate. Mate's work falls into two quite different phases ; on the road and when shunting. On the road a mate does tend to be what his name implies, but this should not mean that he just steers, or just fires (according to the type of engine), but he should do all he can to assist the driver, and under today's conditions, see that the minimum of inconvenience is caused to other traffic. At a water hole the mate should see to the hose, unroll it, ensure it is under water—on the shovel if required, and if the water hole is a convenient one on the same side as the water lift he will work the steam valve too, so leaving the driver free to attend to any oiling or adjustment which may be required. Where the water is on the wrong side, however, it is usually better for the mate to set up the hose, and the driver to see to the steam valve. While the water is lifting both men can amuse themselves wiping down the boiler and any other parts needing it, feeling wheel-hubs for signs

of heat, or checking bolted-on rubber for evidence of loose bolts. When on a long run with spare coal on a trailer, the mate should check the bunker level as he gets down, and take every opportunity of working a bit more forward so that special stops for this purpose can be avoided. If this involves walking to the back of the train, he will, of course, glance at each coupling as he goes by to satisfy himself that all coupling pins, cottars and drawbars are safe, and he will feel any trailer hub which may be suspect. A mate's badge, or staff of office, should be the BLOCK. As a matter of habit he will drop a block under the downhill side of the driving wheel at each stop, i.e. in front or behind according to whether the grade is down or up. Tt is better to put a block down a few times when it is not required than to forget it on the very occasion the engine tries to move when there is no-one on the footplate. The block for a road engine should be big enough to hold the engine on a reasonable slope; the bigger the wheel the bigger thd block needs to be. A piece of 4 in. X 3 in.—often quite adequate for a trailer wheel on a hard road, is not sufficient for the rear wheel of a traction engine ; neither is a spud sufficient, as has been demonstrated quite recently. Naturally the mate should see that any block he puts down is picked up again before moving off, but the engine block should not be picked up without first making quite sure the driver knows this is being done, as otherwise he may change gear after the block has gone. A block should NEVER be put under the front wheel of an engine as broken steering chains can result. The mate should see to his own comfort ; a sack or something similar to sit on if there is a seat, and his issue of rag or waste for wiping his hands, turning hot cocks and wiping down the engine. Not all engine work is straightforward running along the road, and indeed, there would be little to attract some of us if it were so. When shunting, wriggling into awkward places, or roping any load the mate

STEAMING

really comes into his own. Indeed, under these conditions, if both members of the crew can drive with reasonable competence it may well be better for the more experienced man to act as mate, with the other driving to his instructions. Remember that under showground or heavy haulage conditions it was usual for the owner, or a foreman of some sort, to be on the ground to supervise, and then the driver and mate remained as such. Under our conditions today this may not be so and it is usually more satisfactory for the man on the ground to be in charge as he has a better general view of what is happening. When coupling up to a trailer the mate should hold the drawbar up in good time so that the driver can see where the eye is, but once the eye passes out of the driver's view beneath the bunker it is up to the mate to call out some guidance. " Back a yard !"; " Back a foot !"—give the driver more idea than a vague " Come on!" Once the pin is part-way in it is required to call, " Forward on the pin" or " Shake back on the pin ". From the footplate of a big engine the driver cannot see the coupling, and to stand there heaving and cussing until he gets down to see what is going on only wastes time and temper. Often it is not practicable to back straight onto the drawbar and a chain is used. The ring end can be on one of the side pins of the engine, leaving the middle one free for the drawbar when it has been drawn up straight. The hook of the chain should be passed through the drawbar eye upwards from underneath ; it will then be easier to get off, and less likely to come out if the drawbar rubs along the ground. On working engines it was common practice to swing the hook end of the chain up to the bunker top where it would hang conveniently when not in use. Many old engines have little grooves in the top of the bunker from this cause, but showmen, and others concerned for their paint would not tolerate this practice, as the writer learned quickly during his first day as mate on show tackle. When there is more shunting to do the chain may be looped over the top of the pin ; otherwise it can be taken off and put away.

When coupling up a trailer at an angle to the engine the mate should always stand on the side of the bar where there is most room. If he is in the more confined space and the engine overruns by the smallest amount he may get squashed. This is another reason for insisting that an inexperienced mate picks up the bar in good time so that the driver can see, before closing up, that the mate is on the proper side. It is not very likely, unfortunately, that the engine drivers or mates of today will require to couple up trains of trailers. There are two ways of doing this. One is to draw the second trailer up as closely as may be behind the first and insert a chain. It is then fairly simple, on a hard road, to draw straight and shunt back to eliminate the chain. The other way is to use a chain hooked to the body of the second trailer to draw it up behind the first, steering it by hand. Neither of these operations should be attempted on a down grade, but a slight up grade can be helpful. Many traction wagons had ringbolts on the front corners for this purpose. Again the driver will not be in a position to see what is happening and precise instructions should be called to him. The same job can be done by propelling the second truck into place with a pushpole from behind, but this is a bit cumbersome and rarely done in practice. If, however, the pushpole is being used on the front of the engine, especially a showman's engine, it should be coupled to the engine first and then moved up to the truck, as that way the driver can often see the free end. It is not good for the nerves to drive up to a fixed pole with a couple of men huddled under the dynamo plate. The coupling pin should be held by its handle if it has one, and if not with the thumb and first finger. On no account should the fingers stray round the back and get pinched between the pin and the bunker. Before uncoupling a trailer, see that it is properly blocked up, with blocks both before and behind the rear wheel if there is any doubt as to the slope of the ground. A trailer should NEVER be blocked by the front wheel as the forecarriage can swing and the wheel pass clear of the block. Smaller blocks can be used for trailers than for engines, but as

STEAMING before it is a good plan to block up whenever and wherever a trailer is left as a matter of habit, even where there is no apparent risk of the trailer running away. Trailer brakes? Well, unless you do know they work it is safer to drop a block down. The gentle art of making a trailer " strike "—or go in directions other than directly towards the engine, may be conveniently mentioned in connection with roping, and there are so many variations on that theme that it had better be left for another time if our Editor agrees. Having collected the load we may assume it is required to pull out on the road. The mate should go ahead on foot with a red flag if there is one, and " see the engine out ". The driver will pull to the gate and wait for his mate to advise him that the road is clear. The mate should then stand where the driver can see him, but should watch that side of the engine opposite to the steering so that the driver is not required to move to and fro across the engine. Once the engine and train has started to move out, any traffic which appears

should be flagged down, but as soon as the engine is plainly visible to other road users the mate can return his cyc to the gateposts, especially the one on the driver's blind side. It is essential with a big load that the driver can assume, in the absence of any cry from his mate, that he can keep coming as he is. Thus if a gatepost goes on the blind side it is more likely to be the fault of the mate than the driver. Finally you get home. The driver is tired. You have only been doing all the work, so you are not supposed to be tired. While he sees to the fire and perhaps wipes the motion over, you will have wiped down the boiler and motion covers yet again, got the sheets laid out ready to put up, squared up the water-dandy if there is one, and perhaps oiled round the brasses if she is to stand several days. At a recent rally an event was devis,:d to represent, as nearly as may be, part of a day's work with an engine. It was noticeable that the crew that won included a professional driver—as mate!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 58 Rickmansworth Road, Pinner, Middx. June 2nd, 1962. Dear Sir, I have just completed a 2,100 mile trip in Southern Spain and Portugal and came across various steam engines. These are the details : On that terrible road C433 between Medina Sidonia and Arcos-de-laFrontera, a heavy roller from a Bilbao works in use—the property of Province of Cadiz Public Works Department. On another poor road C420 between Campanario and La Coronada two rollers were working side by side, one a " Terrestre y Maritima " of Barcelona origin, the other Aveling Porter No. 12112. Seeing the brass horse of Kent I stopped to look, and found that this was actually a diesel roller dolled up as a steamer, normal funnel, twin flywheels very " forward " and no boiler, also it had been assembled by a firm of engineers in Madrid. The workmen all downed

their baskets in which they carried the road stones, and running the engines side by side, grouped on them for their photograph. These belonged to the Province of Badajoz Public Works Department. The next was Fowler Roller No. 17485 at the village of Ramacastanas, to which point a new road has just been made, avoiding the town of Arenas-de-San-Pedro. This roller gave shade to three sleeping dogs and one puppy, and was surrounded by hundreds of sheep and a group of shepherds with their blankets over their shoulders. The Province of Avila Public Works Department owned this one. None of the photographs are good enough for reproduction. The camera had previously been dropped and it transpired a little later that a leaf in the shutter had been loosened and since come out, causing light leaks and fogging on most photographs. Yours faithfully, STEPHEN

STEAMING

NEWS FLASHES On April 17th, Terence Wilde, 17, of Ashton Road, Golborne, was fined £10 and disqualified from driving for a year at Wigan for taking and driving away a steam roller without the owner's consent. Peter Gledhill writes from Devon to say that Messrs. Dingles Marshall No. 88146 (Reg. No. DCV4) 12 ton Single Cylinder Piston Valve Roller, which was built in 1938. is at work near Plymouth. L. R. Youd writes from Backwell, near Bristol, to say that Messrs. W. W. Buncowles of Highbridge have recently purchased the Weston-superMare Marshall Roller No. 76963 (Reg. No. YA8855) that was mentioned in the last issue of Steaming. Tony, Crosby of Stockport writes to say that in May he saw Fowler Rollers No. 17950 (Reg. No. CYY 424) and No. 17951 (Reg. N. EGP 359), both owned by the Mechanical Tar and Grouting Co. Ltd. of Reading, at work 11 miles south of Marlow, rolling the A404. On May 19th he inspected the Aveling D.C.C. Roller No. 10317 (Reg. No. FX9412) presented to the Borough of Dorchester for 'the children's playground by Edison Plant Ltd. On May 21st he saw Marshall Roller No. 88166 (Reg. No. DCV5), built 1938, at work on the Forder Valley Road. Aveling Roller No. 8752 (Reg. No. TA2662) 8 ton Single Cylinder, owned by Devon County Council, seen at work on Haldon Moor during May. Aveling 10 ton Roller No. 11699 (Reg. No. TT9449), was seen working on the A38 five miles south of Wellington at the end of May. K. M. Vigus writes from Bristol to say that Aveling Porter Single Cylinder Roller No. 8832 (Reg. No. HR 4386), owned by James & Crockerell of Durrington, Wilts., was at work at Upavon, Wilts., during May. Aveling Porter Single Cylinder Slide Valve Roller No. 9093 (Reg. No. NK9344), is at work at MarehamLe-Fen, a mile or so from Reevesby Abbey, Lincolnshire. It belongs to

the Winton Construction Co. Ltd. of Louth. Just outside Grantham, near Barkstone, also in Lincolnshire, are two rollers on a road-widening scheme. One is a Fowler Compound No. 16665 (Reg. No. UM3918), with a plate bearing the name W. J. Kitchen, Saxilby, on the nearside motion cover. The other is an Aveling Barford Single Cylinder Piston Valve type No. AC606 (Reg. No. DTM538). C. R. Thomas writes to say that the Burrell Showman Engines No. 3159 " Gladiator " and No. 3443 " Lord Nelson " and the Anderton & Rowland organ attended the Redruth Whitsun Fair. R. T. Pearson writes from Sutton Coldfield to say that Fowler Roller No. 21698 (Reg. No. FF4910), Merioneth C.C., was recently seen parked at Llanelltyd, nr. Dolgelley. At the yard of Messrs. Davis Bros. of Dolgelley he saw Wallis & Steevens Advance Type Roller No. 8030 which is still in regular use. Also in their yard was Fowler 8 ton Compound Roller No. 17587 (Reg. No. FF3007). Their Fowler Roller No. 17586 (Reg. No. FF2994) was at work road widening at Tal-y-bont on the A.496 near Barmouth. Peter Kenyon writes from Gainsborough to say that the following rollers have been operating in North Lincs. this spring: Marshall No. 76796 (Reg. No. FU1326), Aveling No. 9283 (Reg. No. NX360), and Aveling No. 10590 (Reg. No. BB 6961), and these are owned by the Lindsey County Council. From Alan Bloom of Diss comes news that he has restored the following engines since last autumn. Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15236, which had stood for a number of years at Duces Scrapyard, Cambridge ; Foden Wagon No. 13708, built 1930 ; and a Marshall Traction Engine which should be completed in a few weeks. A very interesting article entitled " Royal Show Machinery of a 100 Years Ago ", written by our Chairman, appears in the June 20th issue of Farm and Country.

STEAMING

FOR SALE AND WANTED Wanted.—Photographs of Garrett Steam Wagons, all types.—Lomas, 9 Williamson Road, Whaley Bridge, Near Stockport. Wanted.—Good prices paid for Catalogues. — Traction Engine Anthony Beaumont, South Wootton, Kings Lynn. For Sale.-3 Cock Water Gauge, 5 / 16th in. Glass. As new. 45s.— E. Crane, " Morningside," Hurstpierpoint, Sussex. Wanted.—New or undamaged. Cast iron king-post guide block for steering head on Fowler D.H. 10-12 ton Roller. Width, 71 in. (at top). Length, 6* in. + flanges. Depth, 7 in. Flanges, 1 in. wide. 5 in. dia. hole.—R. T. Pearson, 137 Pilkington Avenue, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, Warwicks. Wanted.—Instruction Book for 1934 Sentinel S.4 Wagon. To purchase or borrow.—J. M. Baldock, Hollycombe House, Liphook, Hants. Wanted.—Volumes of

Implement

and Machinery Review, from 1875 to

1913. Needed to fill out my collection on Agricultural Engineering now housed at the University of California Library. Will pay going prices for complete volumes in good condition. Unbound copies of complete years available.—F. Hal Higgins, P.O. Box 214, Davis, California, U.S.A. Wanted.—Showman's Engine and Tractor or Small Road Engine. Condition immaterial providing firebox sound or repairable. State price and details.—A. Bloom, Bressingham Hall, Diss, Norfolk. For Sale.—Quantity of Fowler Ploughing Engine Spares, AA and BB, for sale as a whole.—J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds. For Sale.—Two 38 X 7 pneumatic tyres, one flap, suitable for Foden wagon, etc. Excellent condition. Offers.—G. W. Glover, Westwood, Crediton, Devon. Wanted.—Can anyone kindly loan stay tap, ig in. dia., 14 t.p.i.?-13, E, Dicker, "Wymcot," Whimple, Exeter, Devon.

Wanted.—Pump Spares for Sentinel S.3, 1933.—K. Gosden, " Kenmare," Queens Road, Freshwater, I.O.W. For Sale.—Set of four coloured prints. Sizc 94 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 " 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. 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. For Sale.-29 in. curved nameplate for dynamo bracket of Burrell Showman. Also circular plate for smokebox door of Garrett Tractor. £4 each.—R. A. Whitehead, 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent. For Sale.—Set of Six Coloured Traction Engine Postcards. ls. 9d. (post paid).—J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. Wanted. — Two Safety Valve Springs for 7 h.p. Ransome T.E. 51 in. long, 2,1 in. diameter.—G. J. Beavis, Green Hedge Farm, Stapleford, Cambs. For Sale.—Wallis & Steevens Single Cylinder 10 ton Roller. Firebox and Retort needs relagging to make good job. — J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford.

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 ca only be prevented by efficient water treatm,mt.

Consult

liwriki4."` HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD. ti THE PRIORY

BURNHAM • BUCKS.

J.ss

Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., 32 Brereton Road, Bed ford

SHE AEFOrNTMENE TO M.H. THE QUEEN

SPECIALISTS IN ORGANIC WATER TREATMENT