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Vol. 7 No. 3 July, 1963
__.fiTE JOURNAL13F _
THE NATIONAL -TRACTION ENGIII&A 4
4A11°
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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, Wirnborne, Dorset. Treasurer : H. ORR-EWING, ESQ., 8 Robert Close, Randolph Avenue, London, W.9.
STEAMING BACK NUMBER SERVICE Back numbers are available as listed below, the price including postage, from the Editor, Field House, Turvey, Bedford:— October, 1958-1s. 3d. each. April, 1959 ; July, 1959 ; October, 1960 ; July, 1961 ; October, 1961 ; July, 1962-1s. 9d. each.
SPECIAL ISSUES: January, 1961, Steam Wagon Issue ; January, 1962, Traction Engine Issue ; January, 1963, Steam Roller Issue-3s. 9d. each.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS G. H. STARMER, ESQ. G. S. LEA, ESQ.
J. WILKINSON, ESQ. THE LATE D. HOLLINGS, ESQ.
COVER PHoToGRAPH—Aveling Barford No. AC624.
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EDITORIAL 13v the time you are reading this the full range of new club badges will be available. It was my intention to include illustrations of these badges in this issue but unfortunately it is not possible to reproduce them to the quality required unless they are drawn out by hand. This we cannot do, for the obvious reason the expense would not justify the end. You can be assured, however, that these badges are first class, and although they have only been available a short while it looks as though we shall soon be waiting for further supplies to come to hand. In my editorial in the last issue it was erroneously stated that these would sell at 5s. post paid ; this should have read 5s. 6d. as printed on the enclosed membership form. My apologies for this error. As a result of my appeal for new members a number have been enrolled, but nothing like the number we need, so please keep up the good work. Many of our readers I am sure have old photographs of engines taken many years ago. If you would be prepared to loan these for pub-
lishing in Sieuming we would be very grateful. Please make sure your name and address is on the back of each photograph, so that they can be returned to you immediately after use. In the diary of events of the April issue mention was made of the Club Rally at Lymington, Hampshire, but regretfully this has had to be cancelled due to difficulties encountered re the rally site. No doubt if these can be surmounted it may be possible to stage this event in 1964. One little habit which has always annoyed me and which seems to be on the increase is the way so many people, and this no doubt includes our members, climb aboard the engines without so much as saying "Do you mind ? " or " May 1 ? ". To me this is like walking up to a car parked in the High St., opening the door, and trying it for comfort. The majority of engine owners arc ❑nly too pleased to let anyone interested get up on the footplate. but they don't like to be taken for granted which I think is fair enough. EDITOR.
FROM THE CHAIRMAN (Philip Wright's Column) 1 no hope members will have good weather for their 1963 rallies, of which there appear to be a great many on the books ; so well do our engine owners set out to help various charities. Last year I had occasion to visit Messrs. Edward George and Alfred Thorogood, of Aveley, Essex. I went to get a remarkable bird-starer nearly ninety years old. This is completely automatic and goes all day when wound (clockwork), and is designed every forty minutes to fire a blank cartridge. I had it on the church stand at the Essex Show this year, where it attracted a great deal of attention and proved once again the truth of the verse from the book of Proverbs " There is no new thing
under the sun ". You see in this generations others have claimed to have " invented " this very thing. My reason for mentioning the brothers Thorogood however is this : Each of them has from time to time made delightful traction engine and steam roller models. They have, in fact, a collection of these varying from working models made of ❑ld tins to really first class metal working models, and these have never been seen in public. While on a similar subject may I mention that for the two days at the Essex Show, Mr. Leslie Smith, of Downham, Essex, had his magnificent large Wallis & Steevens model driving the beautiful scale model threshing drum (Garrett type) and attracting a
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huge crowd all the time. in another part of the showground, Messrs. Hazelmere Motors, of Waltham Abbey, had the famous Foden wagon " Pride of Edwin " in steam from
Sandbach, which helped them to win the Challenge Cup for the Best Stand. This cup, incidentally, we have won twice and once been reserve with our Church Stand at the same show. Now we have made it a permanent stand, however, it is no longer fair to enter the contest. Mr. N. G. Harris, of St. Mary's Road, Bearwood, Smethwick, writes to tell me of the two model traction engines which he has built. He tells me of the surprising vocations of folk who own steam engines. He recently
met a chemist at Ludlow, Salop., who owns a 7 ton Clayton & Shuttleworth engine. He also says that at the Birmingham Rally on May 9th this year there were fourteen engines present, among which was a Burrell Showman's engine named " Winston Churchill ", owned by Mr. Middleton, of Hartlebury, Worcester, which was in lovely condition. It is surprising the number of folk who telephone me to ask when and where " The Rally " is to be held this year, and they are astonished when I rattle off a long list of dates and places. It was different a dozen years ago ; how little did we dream that the movement would grow to such proportions.
FROM THE SECRETARY IT seems that the general pattern within the traction engine movement is for the practical side to be found mainly in the country areas ; this is as might be expected since land is at a ❑ remium in the towns and cities and our engines take up quite a lot of space. True, many owners of yards and friendly farmers offer an engine parking space for those owners who cannot keep them near to where they live, so that groups of interested people tend to form. Out of this grows a proper club serving the area around. This would appear to be a
logical development and one which we are always anxious to encourage. It is our hope that such clubs shall become affiliated to the parent body as it seems desirable that some sense of order and similarity of outlook shall be preserved. I am pleased to note that most of the local clubs are indeed so affiliated including three for the first time this year. The Lincolnshire Steam Engine Preservation Society, well known and respected for its successful North Hykeham Rallies, needs no introduction. It is nice to note an active club serving an area where so many engines were made. In the Spring of
this year the South Yorkshire Traction Engine Club was formed. Already they have got off to a good start with a successful rally near Doncaster. The third society to affiliate with us is The Fairground Society. They do, of course, cover a very much wider sphere than we do, but the showland engine is very much a part of both our interests which cannot help but to overlap in many ways. We extend a warm welcome to all three clubs in affiliating to us and trust our association will be a long and happy one. The Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held this year on Saturday, 19th October, at the same venue as in recent years, Bucklersbury House, Wal brook, London, E.C.4. and will be followed by the Annual Dinner and Presentation of Trophies in the evening at the same venue. It is honed that as many members as possible will come along to the A.G.M. as this is your chance to have a say in the conduct of the affairs of the Club. As for the dinner, come yourself and bring as many friends as you wish ; it is an opportunity to meet members and their families from all parts of the country. A
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STEAMING separate notice with dinner ticket application form will be sent to you in due course. The end of the Club year is approaching which always brings with it a large amount of work for your Membership Secretary and Treasurer
since they have to cope with the tremendous influx of subscriptions which are due on 1st September in each year. From this year it is £1 each and do not forget to put a note of your name and address when sending your remittance, E.A.F.
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
SUBSCRIPTIONS are due on the 1st September £1 (which includes " Steaming ") To Membership Secretary J. G. HUTCHENS, THE A31 CAFE, TRICKETTS CROSS, FERNDOWN, WIMBORNE, DORSET from whom you can also obtain the New Club Badges, now in stock. Fowler Ploughing Engine Badge
5s. 6d. each
McLaren Traction Engine Badge
5s. 6d. each
Burrell Showman's Engine Badge
5s. 6d. each
Garrett Tractor Badge -
5s. 6d. each
Foden Wagon Badge -
5s. 6d. each
Aveling & Porter Steam Roller Badge -
5s. 6d. each
Club Ties (Green or Blue) -
- 18s. 6d. each
New members joining now pay a subscription of £1 which entitles them to membership until 31st August, 1964.
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Anglia TV Cameras will be present at RAYNHAM DAY
of
Steam Engines Fire Engines Veteran and Vintage Cars Demonstration of Rural Crafts at
RAYNHAM HALL (To be open Saturday) (By kind permission of Lord Townshend)
SEPTEMBER 14th and 15th at 10 a.m. If you have an exhibit that you would like to bring, please contact Dick Joice, Anglia Television, NOR 07A
Open-Air Harvest Thanksgiving Service at 3 p.m. on the Sunday REFRESHMENTS AND BARBECUE Proceeds to Handicapped, Lifeboat Service and Churches
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AREA NEWS EAST ANGLIA The East Anglian Traction Engine Club started the season with a pleasant gathering at Brettenham Park, near Lavenham, in Suffolk. In sylvan surroundings a motley selection of engines disported themselves, including no fewer than five preunknown on an E,A,T.E.C. rally field. These five were Taylor Brothers' of Bildeston Garrett Agricultural No. 23992, Ken Steward's 8 h.p. Foster No. 14622, Wallis Expansion Engine No. 7690 owned by B. Marriage of Norton, Alan Bloom's Foden Wagon No. 13704, and Messrs. Bryant's 8 h.p. Clayton. Alan Bloom's vehicle, ex May, Gurney & Co. of Norwich, was particluarly welcome, as the East Anglian scrapmen seem to have had a predeliction for steam lorries. Ken Steward's Foster earned most of its bread and butter in Lincolnshire, and has only recently been brought south and restored. A proportion of the proceeds of the rally went to the hard-working Brettenham Church Restoration Committee, who are undertaking a task parallel to the restoration of a derelict engine, in their efforts to restore a mouldering ruin to its former glory. Engines continue in revenue-earning service hereabouts: George Wright's Aveling roller, one time the property of Herts. C.C., has been at work more or less continuously ; Taylor Bros. had no less than five roller out on one job, according to the E.A. Engine Detecting Agency ; Lion and Tiger, the former John Patten ploughers, have been cultivating and ploughing near Castle Hedingham. Restoration work also continues, although no new engines have come to light this quarter. Anticipated debuts this season are those of Richard Gallyon's Ransomes Agricultural and Gordon Wells' Fowell, both of them well worth waiting for. Jack Shuttlewood and Gladiator nut in an appearance at Cambridge Midsummer Fair, powering Bert George's Chiappa organ, whence the visage of your scribe could be seen neering to see why nothing happened. The said scribe amused himself the next day by rewiring the organ, after
an eN vning spent amidst singeing insulation. We look forward to two more club rallies this season ; at Chatteris on July 7th and 28th, and Ingatestone on September 21st and 22nd. Further details may be had from Derek Rule at Hinxton Street, Ickleton, Cambs. C.G.H. BEDFORDSHIRE Arrangements for our August Bank Holiday Rally are coming along very well. There should be quite a few engines attending a rally for the first time, and it would appear that we shall have an exceptional number of Showman's engines present. Harry Wooding has acquired Wallis & Steevens Steamroller No. 2524 of 1897, which he took to the Stanford Hall Rally along with his Ruston & Proctor No. 33471. Jack Fensom has recently purchased a 7 h.p. Single Cylinder Burrell Traction Engine No. 3068 from W. Keeling of Billericay. John Crawley has acquired Burrell 8 h.p. Showman's Engine No. 2877 " His Majesty" from David Emery of Highbridge, Somerset. His other two Showman's Engines Burrell No. 3610 " William V " and Fowler No. 15657 " Kitchener " steamed down to the Andover Rally and then on to the Beaulieu Rally at Whitsun. Whilst on the journey from Beaulieu to Chartridge misfortune befell the Burrell when some three miles out of Ramsey on the Andover road the edge of the road collapsed with the result that the engine slid sideways into the ditch finishing up at an angle of 30 degrees on its side. Whilst this presented a problem to get out this was easily overcome the following day when Jack Fensom arrived with three of his timber tractors. These, combined with the Fowler No. 15657 and Gordon Howell's Foclen Tractor No. 14078 were able to winch her back on her feet. The only damage sustained was to the chimney which was folded sideways due to coming up against a large diameter telephone cable ; this in turn buckled the heat shield which is attached to the chimney. A tern-
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porary chimney has been fitted, the heat shield repaired, and she was at work the following week-end making -light at a fete at Markyate. Gordon Howell has since told me that a lorry went in a hundred yards back only a few days after us. The local police, who were most co-operative and pleasant about the whole affair, saw nothing out of the ordinary, as it is a common occurrence for such " goings on " on this particular road. I was told that the road has no foundations, being built across boggy land, and that during the war when tanks came along it, it used to shake like a jelly. Take my advice, keep off the Andover-Romsey road, it will save you a lot of trouble. J.C. THE CHILTERNS Chris Edmonds recently disposed of his 6 n.h.p. Burrell S.C.C. No. 2426 to a Mr. J. Lyle of Duns and has purchased in its place a very nice little Compound Fowler 6 ton Roller• No. 15973 of 1924. Mr. Peter Warwicker, our hon. secretary, has unfortunately had to resign, owing to moving out of the area, and our new secretary is Miss M. Dell of Chesham. Mr. T. D. W. Petty of Berkhamsted has purchased an 8 ton P.V,S.C. Aveling Roller No. 11347 from " somewhere down south ", but the registration and past history of this engine are unknown. Mr. C. Dudman, owner of the ex Busby Burrell Showman " Lady Pride of England ", has purchased a 6 ton Compound Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11659 from the Barnes Bros. sale at Trowbridge. Mr. S. Barlow of High Wycombe has been using his 10 ton S.C. Aveling & Porter Roller on Council Car Park rolling duties. This engine is the most elderly that we can offer, being No. 3278 (Reg. No. DW357) of 1893. We've had a couple of club evenings, both of which were excellently attended as always, and our guest on both occasions was Mr. John Crawley of Bedford who gave us a talk on " The History of Steam Ploughing " and a really first class colour film of steam engine miscellany. A buffet supper and bar was available on both occasions.
Messrs. Boughtons of Amersham had their famous Foden Wagon No. 13138 in the London to Brighton Commercial Vehicle Run, and have now gone on their usual " globetrotting " tour round the rallies. Mr. Percy Turner of High Wycombe had his 1903 Fowler S.C. Traction Engine No. 9689 out baling earlier in the year, but at the time of writing both he and Mr. Francis Grover's Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 9170 have attended Long Crendon Fete. I must say in passing that I positioned myself at the top of Ashenden Hill and was. treated to a real " Opus in G Major " as the two engines attacked the grade! C.L.E. COTSWOLDS There has not been a great deal. of activity since the last report, except perhaps in the area of Stroud, where the writei's Burrell S.C.C. No. 2003 has been seen regularly. The first job with this engine this year was to winch a 12 ton bulldozer out of a pond, when the driver of the latter ventured too near the edge, and the bank gave way. On May 18th, the engine's 66th birthday, a trip to Stroud was organised to advertise the local hospital fete at Standish, which was held on the last Saturday in May. Once again the Burrell was present, taking an active part in the opening ceremony, and later in revenue earning service giving rides to children in the Foster traction wagon. The next engagement was Northleach Rally, held on June 29th, and the engine was driven all the way there, 30 miles, on the previous Sunday. The journey was accomplished uneventfully in 10 hours and 5 minutes, including three stops for water and a stop for lunch. The return journey was commenced on the evening following the rally, and completed the following day, much of it in pouring rain. It is oT interest to note that fuel consumption on the
return journey was about 3+ cwt. or steam coal, whilst on the outward trip about 6+ cwt. of house coal was burnt. The engine will shortly be making a still longer journey, though not under steam, to a new owner in Knutsford, Cheshire. Its replacement, Burrell 5 n.h.p. D.C.C. No. 3917 should be steaming in August, as it is only awaiting a new smoke-
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Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15244 dredging at South Kirby Colliery in Mile, 1952.
An odd pair. Fowler 16 h.p. Ploughing Engine No. 15344 and McLaren 12 h.p. Ploughing Engine No. 1541 on the road in Northamptonshire in 1962.
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box at present. It has recently been retubed, and a new ashpan and chimney base obtained, together with other minor adjustments. It is also hoped to rebuild the canopy before the winter. Mr. Tucker of Stonehouse, whose Fowler No. 8230 was mentioned previously, has not made a great deal of progress on the engine due to ill health, but what has been accomplished looks well, and it is hoped that the good work will soon be continued. Faringdon Carnival on Whit Monday was graced with two engines, Viv. Kirk's Garrett tractor from Oxford, and John Plaister's Marshall 6 n.h.p. compound from Swindon. In a beautiful Cotswold village near Cirencester, a very old Hornsby portable stands in a shed. It is of about 4 n.h.p. and has the cylinder encased in the raised firebox. There was no number plate on the engine but the owner said it had been built in 1851. Whilst it is obviously a very old engine, I am not sure whether it really is quite as old as that. The firebox appears sound but tubes and front tube plate are poor, and the smokebox would need replacement, as would some of the boiler fittings. The motions appear quite sound and are not too rusty. The wooden wheels seem to be in excellent condition, although some of the wood in the drawgear needs replacement. it has not been steamed for many years, but is believed to have attended the Royal Show in 1951 as a static exhibit. Our local rally, as previously mentioned, was held as usual at Northleach on the last Saturday in June, Unfortunately the weather was not kind, but nevertheless a good time was had by all. The usual local engines attended, but there was one newcomer, all the way from Havant in Hampshire. It was Burrell No. 3586, a 7 n.h.p. S.C,C. owned by Mr. Simmonds, and splendidly restored by him. The engine was of special interest, in having a balanced crank, disc flywheel, motion screens, and three-quarter length canopy. It also had an extended tender and two injectors, but no pump, At Wroughton. Wilts., near Swindon, is a Burrell Tractor No. 3626 (Reg. No. AI-1221), which at present is being overhauled by its owner, Michael Thexton. New tubes have
been fitted, and a new smokebox is at present awaited. Numerous minor jobs have also been done, the sort of thing with which many of us will be familiar, and repairs have also been done to the spring gear. Painting is well under way, and it is hoped that the engine will be ready for steam trials in the late summer. This engine, named " Sunset II ", was at one time operated by the Wootten Bassett showman, George Scarrett, although it was not built as a Showman's and is not now in Showman's form either. Next, it steamed pig swill near Ashton Keynes, before being purchased by a Mr. Lea, again of Wootton Bassett, who drove a saw bench with it for a number of years, until he retired, whereupon it was acquired by the present owner. R.G.J .W. DEVON AND SOMERSET The big event for Devon steam enthusiasts was the first Devon Traction Engine Rally, held on June 8th, at the Old Devon County Showground in Alswear Road, South iviolton, in glorious weather conditions. With a crowd estimated at several thousands and 15 engines on the field, this first, and long overdue, Devon rally was an immediate success, and proved beyond doubt that there is still a great interest in steam vehicles in the county, and it is to be hoped that the event will lead to greater engine preservation as a result. It is understood that plans are in being for the formation of a traction engine club for Devon, and details of this will be announced at a public meeting to be called at an early date, Of the eighteen engines entered, only three failed to put in an appearance. ❑ ne being barely three miles from the field before tube trouble caused the journey to be abandoned. This was the 6 n.h.p. S.C. Marshall Traction No. 74489, owned by Mr. N. J. Andrew of Lovacott Motors Ltd., near Barnstaple. and which has only recently gone into preservation, having formerly belonged to Mr. N. Locke of Shehbear. Mr. G. Lynch of Newton Tracy, was unable to complete assembly of his 1929 Foden " D " Type Tractor No. 13454 in time for the rally, and Mr. G. W. Glover from Crediton set out from Exeter with his beautifully restored 14 ton Compound P.V. Marshall
STEAMING Roller No. 78109 (Reg. No. TT1657) " Spirit of Lincolnshire ", but a combination of both pump and injector troubles, and a week of ill health forced him to give up near Creditor' —a great disappointment to so many weeks of hard work beforehand. The fifteen other entries were as follows: Ruston Proctor No. 48359 (Reg. No. TA2894) 11 ton Roller, on permanent hire to Barnstaple Corporation, from J. Murch & Sons of Umberleigh, and fitted with an attractive chimney that originally graced one of the little locomotives of the famous Lynton-Barnstaple Light Railway. Aveling & Porter No. 6407 (Reg. No. TA2759) " Grandsire ", compound traction, owned, and beautifully restored, by G. L. Tribe of Bratton Flemming. Burrell No. 3956 (Reg. No. RT.1978). the 7f ton tractor of Mr. Billy Moore of Putford. Aveling & Porter No. 8624 (Reg. No. KT6137), 4 n.h.p. tractor, owned by Mr. F. Shambrook of Tawstock. Messrs. Boughton's well-known Foden Wagon No. 13138 (Reg. No. AN9568). Burrell Showman's Trac-
tor No. 3192 (Reg. No. CR6229 " St. Bernard ", owned by Mr. J. Gilbey of Yeovil, Somerset. Marshall No. 75826 (Reg. No. 6015), 12 ton S.C. roller. owned by A. G. Coombes of Ide, Exeter, which engine also towed the small S.C. Ransomes Portable No. 27441, belonging to Mr. Ken Doney of Ilfracombe. Burrell No. 3794 (Reg. No. TA2130) " Defiant ", a double crank compound traction, owned by Mr. H. C. Stenner of Riverside Grange, South Molton Road, Umberleigh. Foden "D " Type Tractor No. 13444 (Reg. No. VX1440) " Little Lady", belonging to Messrs. Chappell and Smith of Wembdon, Bridgewater. T. Green's 8 ton roller No. 1968 (Reg. No. TA2431). Aveling & Porter 8 ton roller, number not known (Reg. No. TT1554). Marshall 10 ton compound overhead S.V. rollers No. 74745 (Reg. No. TA2441), No. 74744 (Reg. No. TA2443), and No. 56187 (Reg. No. TA2438), were all owned by the Devon County Council, who very sportingly allowed their drivers to bring them to the rally ; each one was in truly admir-
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PAINTS
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McLaren 7 h.p. 3 Shaft Traction Eigine No. 480 at East Drayton. N at tinghan, ,;;;, • 1`)16.
A team of German prisoners of war hay baling in 1916 with a 7 h.p. Clayton Single Cylinder Traction Engine and a Ruston Baler.
STEAMING able condition reflecting a good deal of cleaning and " brassing up " by their drivers during the preceding evenings of that week. The little Ransomes portable was steamed at low pressure during the afternoon, the first time for many years, and despite her long period of inactivity, she worked extremely well and attracted an admiring audience for most of the afternoon, during the course of which many tales and incidents concerning portables and early threshing days were recalled with nostalgia. With the welcome recent spell of warm sunny weather, steam rollers have been busy in Devon in a number of places, so that up-country steam enthusiasts holidaying in Devon can console themselves with the encouraging fact that a good proportion of the Devon C.C. fleet of over thirty steamers may well be encountered actually working or standing by. In late June Aveling S.C. No. 6889 (Reg. No. TA3522) was at work on B3220 at Winkleigh, 8 ton Aveling S.C. No. 8752 (Reg. No. TA2662) is on a big road improvement scheme on A38 beyond Haldon Racecourse, 12 ton S.C. Aveling No. 8116 (Reg. No. TA2435) is on A30 west of Okehampton, 12 ton compound Aveling No. 8487 (Reg. No. TA1463) is on A30 at Cheriton Bishop, also there is 10 ton S.C. Aveling No. 7095 (Reg. No. TA2661) which is due to return to the Central Repair Depot, Pinhoe, for re-tubing, as soon as 10 ton S.C. Aveling No. 7641 (Reg. No. FX690leaves after repairs. Marshall 10 ton S.C. No. 69274 (Reg. No. TA2432) can be found near North Tawton on the road from Honeychurch. Messrs. Glossop's veteran S.C. Aveling No. 4988 (Reg. No. FX6938) took to the road again in late May and is at present (July 1st) doing a rolling job on Haven Banks, Exeter. Not far away, in Marcus Hodges' well-known Afar& an old Robey Portable No. 39712, minus all its topworks, has recently been cut up and its four wheels fitted to a larger, more modern Robey locomotive type boiler, and this has now gone to Exton Nurseries. near Lympstone. for soil sterilising, etc. Mr. D. E. Dicker, owner of the Wallis traction " Sheaf of Arrows ", at Whimple, reports that during the course of a visit to the Hartland area of North Devon in early May, he
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found the 7 n.h.p. S.C. Marshall Traction No. 46478, at Southole, in a partially stripped condition and extremely rusty, which would seem to indicate that its resurrection forecast in Steamisg, October, 1962, has been abandoned. Several Exeter enthusiasts travelled to the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club's London-Brighton run on May 5th, which included three Fodens and Alan Williamson's Sentinel all the way from Staffordshire and on the homeward journey an 8 ton S.C. Wallis & Steevens Roller No. 7333 (Reg. No. H06341) was seen in a small scrapyard near the eastern end of the Chichester by-pass. It was complete as far as could be seen and its external condition was good. Apparently the owner refuses to sell. Somerset engine movements seem to have been very few and far between since the last notes, though it is pleasant to record the passing of Mr. D. Emmery's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 2877 (Reg. No. HT3163) into the good hands of our editor, Mr. John Crawley. Finally, can anyone enlighten the writer as to the present whereabouts and owner of veteran Burrell S.C. Traction No. 1432 of 1889, which has stood for very many years in Messrs. Braddick's yard. Station Road, Gillingham, Dorset ? Its absence was revealed when the premises were visited on the way home from Andover Rally! MERSEYSIDE The Press and T.V. recently made a feature of the withdrawal of the last steam wagon at work in Liverpool. " Yours truly " took the opportunity of agitating in the Press for a Merseyside Transport Museum, and it is gratifying to report that the Chairman of the Liverpool Museums Committee was soon in print promising that one will be established. It was later learnt that the City of Liverpool had bought the wagon for preservation (actually it is a Super Sentinel tractor, number unknown, but dated about 1926, Reg. No. KA 6147), and it is being kept at present in a hangar at Speke airport. He also announced that Liverpool have a train, and a carriage from the former overhead railway, in storage, for the proposed transnort museum. A similar Suner Sentinel tractor (Reg. No. PD1854) was in regular
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use in Liverpool up to last year. Steam wagons (and Sentinels in particular) were an every day sight in Liverpool even after the last war.
Liverpool would appear to have been their last stronghold. Sentinel tractors now in preservation, which have worked in Liverpool, include: No. 5407, now in Sheffield ; No. 6695, now near Stoke ; and No. 7527, now near Mold. It was reported in Model Engineer recently that a tarspraying job was done in Wirral this spring by Super Sentinel tnrsprayers No. 8122 and SA No. 8942, with Fowler roller No. 17500 (ex Birkenhead Corporation). by Messrs. Bridson, of Neston. B.F.
NORTH STAFFS. & CHESHIRE Informal steam parties have set the pattern for this year's local events, and give much enjoyment to enthusiasts. The first was the one given by Jim Dakin to celebrate the first steaming for thirty years of his beautifully restored Aveling & Porter Portable Engine No. 3338, ex Holman Bros. of Canterbury, and attended by the Cheshire engines. The next get-together was at Brian Nicholson's farm at Draycott-in-theClay, at which his Ruston Proctor Portable, ex Burton sewage farm, was launched. This was a working weekend, with engines pulling trees out and demolishing unwanted buildings, and the portable driving the saw. The latest event was the gathering at the Congleton works of Colin Dale, a good day's eating, drinking and steaming, finishing up with a first rate film show of members' engine films. The club's annual rally has been moved this year from Alton Towers
to Bellamour Park. Rugely, on July 20th and 21st. This is an ideal site. and a good turn-out of engines and vintage and veteran vehicles have been entered. Plenty of side shows, and engine demonstrations. A barbecue and dancing on the Saturday evening. Lots of room for living vans, caravans and tents, so it should make it a good week-end. A visit to Garrett's of Leiston secured new little end pins and bearings and valve rods for Burrell Showman's No. 3509 " Rajah ", and these together with new piston rods and motion pins have quietened her
appreciably. She now has a stable
companion in the other Burton sewage farm portable, the 8 h.p. Ruston & Proctor No. 52074. The most epic achievement was undoubtedly Alan Williamson's trip to the London-Brighton H.C.V.C. run with the Super Sentinel tractor which steamed the whole distance there and back, some 400 miles, with
various club members sharing the driving. Now that the Super is running well, work is progressing on the S4 which has been completely stripped down and rebuilt.
Several local shows and carnivals have booked our engines through the summer, but our big event of the autumn will be the Jodrell Bank Rally, which will round off the season with a bang. A fun week-end with profess!onal amusement caterers, licensed bar, and barbecue. THAMES VALLEY The first outdoor meeting of the season took the form of a joint road and river steam occasion at Reading. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert and Mr. and
Mrs. Davis and Son had their steam launch " Victoria " of 1898 in steam on the Thames and gave trips to the members present. In Wolsey Road, which runs down to the river, Bob Adnams had Foden " D " Type No. 12852 (Reg. No. RX 1719) of 1927 in steam and he also was giving trips. The launch and the Foden were
much admired, and they are both in very nice shape. In June we visited Benham Park, near Newbury, where at the mill Roy Pocock looks after some fascinating machinery. A Robey horizontal compound engine and the separate boiler that supplied the steam was seen in
immaculate condition, even though they have not worked for seven years. A water turbine that drives three cylinder radical pumps made by Merrvweather was in action and greatly admired. A small vertical engine by the Newbury engineers Plenty was also noted. The next stop was at the woodyard where a massive Robey double
cylinder undertype stationary engine was inspected. This worked up to a
few years ago, being fired entirely on ofIctits and sawdust.
The evening finished at Speen Lodge Hotel, on the A4. where we
STEAMING
Foster 10 h.p. Showman's Engine No. 12940 "Lancashire Lad". New to Wm. Mitchell in 1912.
J. COrligateS Burrell 8 h.p. Showman's No. 3404 "Kathleen Mary" at Holbeck Feast on the 4th September, 1935.
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were welcomed by the landlord who has recently acquired Ruston & Hornsby Class S.R. 11 ton Steam Roller from Woodhams of London, S.E.6. She is a 1924 engine No. 122338 (Reg, No. X1.15721). She is a very sturdy single cylinder roller and as she was in steam we heard her very lusty bark. Cecil Brown of Newbury has purchased, and got home, Aveling & Porter 8 ton Roller No. 10762. After a little detail work, a good clean and a paint, this roller will be ready for rallies, etc., but she will also get some work as Cecil has some three miles of farm road to maintain. No. 10762 was purchased from the exors. of the late W. Cross of Appleford. Their Marshall 10 ton Roller No. 89549 (Reg. No. FRX129), reputed to be built 1943, has been sold to H. Fall of Newbury, so we are told. During the winter John Marrington purchased Fowler Roller No. 15988 (Reg. No. BW7057), compound, from Edwards Bros. of Swindon. After blanking off two leaky tubes he steamed her to Reading and has made excellent progress in restoration. Tubes have been removed, the canopy has been completely retimbered and felted, and much cleaning down has been carried out. It is hoped that she will be mobile by Hurst Show on August Bank Holiday. The Mechanical Tarspraying & Grouting Co.'s fleet of Fowler compound rollers has been hard at work repairing local roads and rolling chips after tarspraying roads damaged by frost. Apart from footpath rollers, this firm relies entirely on steam for rolling. Almost all the rollers in service are the final Fowler design, left hand steerage, three shaft with differential, and in some cases a rope drum. Bob Adnams, with Foden No. 12852, and Peter Barker with Burrell Tractor No. 3458 (Reg. No. AB8795), joined veteran cars, horse-drawn vehicles and decorated floats for a parade in Reading on June 8th in aid of the Freedom from Hunger Campaign. The club has been asked to assist with engines at two shows this year, the first being at Hurst when some six or seven engines are expected on August Bank Holiday. On September 7th, Enbourne Show (just out of Newbury, Berks.), have asked us to provide a representative of the various types of engines. So
far we have Fowler P.E. No. 14712 (C. Reeves). Burrell Showman's No. 3887 (tames and Cocked11), Foden No. 12852 (Bob Adnams), General Purpose Marshall No. 73901 (Hamish and Ann Orr-Ewing), Fowler No. 15710 (Arthur Napper), and B. E. George's Chiappa fair organ. Steam threshing is being arranged and Burrell No. 3887 " Prince of Wales " will be generating light in Newbury market place on the evening of Friday the 6th and on the show field Saturday afternoon and evening. Many members remember the scene in Newbury market place on the evening before 1962 show when this very impressive engine was fully lit G.R.H. up. WEALD OF KENT Sentinel No. 9277 (owned by R. Nixon, ex N. Nicholls of Maidstone), which has wintered at Edenbridge, ahs been removed to the Hertfordshire area. As this engine is suffering from sticking steam stems it was towed away. Mr. C. Hobden or Chorley has sold his Alchine No. 1546 to a new owner at Limpsfield Chart and it has been removed there on a low-loader. Ellinghams, the public works contractors of Maidstone, have sold their Aveling Roller No. 11836, ex Kent County Counci, to a Mr. Jarrett of Maidstone. No news is yet to hand as to where it is to be kept. A belated beginning has been made on repairs to Wallis No. 7289 (owned by Mr. R. A. Whitehead) and will be going ahead as time permits. A new Amokebox has been obtained and a new front tube plate, but extensive repairs are required to the bunker and some welding is required in the firebox. These changes apart, the area does not seem to have truly recovered from the paralysing weather of last winter. Mr. H. F. Gabb has been seen about the lanes on his Ruston Single No. 36828, whilst Mr. J. C. Butler's 5 ton Foden No. 13848 has been in steam from time to time. Mr. S. Wells of Leigh has completed the re-tubing of his Clayton No. 46823, a 7 n.h.p. single of 1914, and has fitted the new smokebox and refixed the front wheels, axle and perch bracket, but all these are comparatively minor activities so it would appear that the area is fairly dormant. R.A.W,
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STEAMING WEST OF ENGLAND The pre-rally Brasso boom is with us again and evidence of it was seen at the third rally organised by the Cornish Traction Preservation Club at St. Eval on June 22nd. A fine day favoured the event, at which fifteen engines participated together with Mr. B. Parsons's travelling museum of small working engines, and a varied and interesting assortment of veteran and vintage cars and motorcycles. " The Gladiator " (Burrell No. 3159) powered Messrs. Anderton & Rowland's organ and on the opposite side of the arena " Cornish Maid " (Burrell No. 3816) supplied current for Mr. Jonas's newly-painted instrument. Both organs attracted large crowds throughout the afternoon. Engines making their first appearance at the rally were the McLaren plougher " Hero " No. 1552 (Reg. No. BD5504) and the Wallis oil-bath tractor, both belonging to the club's secretary, Mr. G. Hawkins, and a Super Sentinel (No. 6979), the property of Mr. J. Warren.
Andover again attracted many of us from the West and this year's rally was undoubtedly the best so far. The greatly increased number of engines attending is evidence that saturation point has not yet been reached in the Andover area. After the rally some of us visited Mr. Baldock's collection of rare engines and on the following day a few hours were spent at the Montagu Motor Museum at Beaulieu among the historic motor vehicles. While we were there, as if to justify our presence, " Kitchener " and " William V " arrived at Beaulieu. having travelled from Andover in readiness for the Beaulieu Rally. The very amusing and interesting film " The Iron Maiden " has been shown at several local cinemas and while being exhibited at Camborne, " Trevithick " (Ruston & Hornsby No. 169167) was ticking over near the cinema on two evenings while her bowler-hatted owner, Mr. G. Symons, was on the footplate answering the questions of spectators. This engine, belted to the 54 in. threshing drum
The Power Packed (6.7.28.) 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 SINGLE FEED LUBRICATOR
Only £6 I2s. Od.
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STEAMING
recently bought by Messrs. Leath & Pearce for ultimate use with their Marshall " Titan ", did some threshing at Lanvain Farm, Camborne, in May. The machine had been idle for a long time and there were occasional stoppages to re-fit belts and make adjustments, but no one worried about a few delays—they just prolonged the pleasure of seeing, smelling and, if one listened intently hearing, the Ruston. Mr. Symons has done a lot of work on his engine and it could not have run more silently when new. " The Gladiator " and organ again revived the atmosphere of old-time fairs at Redruth during the Whitsun week-end and provided the music for a concert at Chacewater on June 23rd after returning from the St. Eval Rally. Mr. W. H. Moore's 71 ton Burrell Tractor No. 3951 (Reg. No. RL1978) has been beautifully re-painted and visited Torrington Carnival, also the rally held at South Molton on June 8th. As our Devon correspondent " A.G.C." was present, we shall read an account of it elsewhere, no doubt. Progress continues on " Titan " (Marshall No. 69303), but was delayed earlier in the year by bad weather. Most of the strakes on the 6 ft. 6 in. hind wheels were loose and have had to be re-rivetted. The owners have not entirely given up hope of getting " Titan " to the rally on July 6th, but if it cannot be ready it can be seen at Coombe. Garrett Tractor No. 33353 (Reg. No. BJ4236) " Prince " has been completely re-built by her owner, Mr. B. H. Broad, and is now being converted to " Showman ". Apart from the wheels, the engine is beautifully painted and lined, but a lot of work remains to be done including the fitting of rubber tyres, dynamo and twisted brass, but when finished this Garrett will surely be second to none both mechanically and in appearance. Since Mr. A. T. Hooper of Liskeard bought Aveling & Porter No. 9096 " Jubilee " from Messrs. Dingles last year, he has transformed the engine's looks by re-painting and lining. She still carries the Burrell chimney top, but this is to be rectified soon and a new canopy is to b?.. fitted. McLaren No. 547 is beine repainted at last! She will be black. with orange, red and yellow lining as original. When cleaning in prepara-
tion for painting, I was able to find plenty of evidence of her colour scheme in various protected places. We welcome another engine owner to Cornwall. He is Mr. W. S. Roberts who has moved from Kent to a farm near the Goonhilly Downs satellite communication station. Mr. Roberts owns the last Garrett traction built, No. 35461, a fine 7 n.h.p. single agricultural type, and Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48226, a 6 n.h.p. single. The engines have not yet arrived in Cornwall, but they will be particularly valued as the Garrett will be the only one of its kind west of Dorset and the Cayton the only one in Cornwall except the one at Bude which is being re-tubed but will probably not be in working order for a very long time as so many parts are missing and the owner is so often away at sea with his ship. Dr. W. R. Dyke's Foden Showman No. 2104 " Prospector " has had some new stays fitted and will be on the road again soon. She will be one of many engines from near and far converging on Redruth for the West of England Steam Engine Society's eighth Rally. A larger number of engines have been entered this year, together with several large models which will parade with their full-sized sisters. Mr. R. Haynes has been rolling the field approach road with his A. & P. Roller No. 10190 " Joy ", assisted by Mr. R. Morse who has been responsible for the lay-out of the field. This year many of the heavy items of equipment needed in the field will be transported there by Mr. Warren's Sentinel. Steam replacing diesel ! Another veteran of the steam age who was well known in Cornwall and Devon passed away in May, aged 84. He was Mr. Daniel Jeffery, a native of Kilkhampton, where he had lived all his life. The huge parish church was full at his funeral, evidence of the respect in which he was held. As a boy of eleven his first work was walking ahead of traction engines. Later he drove engines for the Devon Traction Company including a 10 n.h.p. Fowler. Ultimately he owned two sets of threshing tackle and as a contractor became a familiar figure with his engines over a wide area. Mr. Jeffery retired when modern tractors replaced steam power, hut his great interest in steam engines never waned and anyone who
STEAMING could chat with him about his favourite subject was always welcomed at his home which, due to poor health, he was seldom able to leave. Mr. J. M. C. Winn of Bude was probably his most frequent visitor and kept Mr. Jeffery informed of happenings in the steam engine preservation movement. When Mr. J. H. Trounson bought Marshall No. 62121 " The Whale " from the Devon County Council in 1956, Mr. Winn suggested that Mr. Jeffery might like to drive it a short distance as it had been lying in a quarry for some time not far from Bideford. Although by then a sick man, Mr. Jeffery was eagerto drive the Marshall and was up early on the appointed day—a
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very rainy one. In spite of an extremely stiff regulator, erratic steering gear, very unreliable pump and injector, bad weather, very narrow lanes with soft verges and the meeting of traffic in the narrowest places, Mr. Jeffery showed infinite patience and good temper and persuaded " The Whale " to keep going until at dusk it entered his son's yard at Kilkhampton. There, on the following day in incessant rain, Mr. Jeffery with a few helpers worked on the engine to prepare it for its long journey to Cam borne. On the next morning he drove the Marshall out of Kilkhampton, his last journey in control of an engine. C.P.G.
BOOK REVIEWS Traction Engine on Parade, by Anthony Beaumont. Published by Percival Marshall & Co. Ltd. Price 3s. 6d. This, the second book by Anthony Beaumont, consists of 58 photographs taken at various rallies throughout the country. Whilst I have no doubt that the quality of the original photographs remain constant, their reproduction leaves a lot to be desired and is certainly not up to the standard of Traction Engine Pictures, the author's first book. I cannot help but feel that the " ship is being spoilt fur a ha'porth of tar ", and that the price could well be increased by a shilling or so if this would ensure better reproduction of the photographs which surely they deserve. Despite my criticisms I will still recommend it because it will give you a pleasant evening's entertainment, apart from being always available for reference, and after all, I doubt if you would get a better evening out for 3s. 6d. Burrell Instruction Book (Reprint). Republished by The East Anglian T.E. Club and The Fairground Society. 28 pp. Cloth bound. /IT, in. X 6 in. Price 3s., from C. Easy, 9 Hemingtord Road, Cambridge.
A reprint by photo-lithography of a 1916 Burrell Engine Drivers handbook, with ten illustrations of Burrell traction engines, road engines and steam rollers. A most interesting booklet at a very reasonable price extremely well produced. The Iron Lady, by G. N. Coulson. Published by Frost & Reed Ltd., of Orchard Road, St. George, Bristol, 5. Whilst we are reviewing this under the heading of Book Review it must be emphasised that "The Iron Lady " is a painting of Burrell Showmans Engine No. 2879, when owned by E. W. Gale & Sons, of Whittlesey. This picture, which is reproduced by the colour gravure process, measures 181 ins. by 26 ins., and is priced at 35s. 6d. The artist, G. N. Coulson, has really captured the atmosphere, and is to be congratulated upon the accuracy with which he has portrayed the Burrell. A most desirable acquisition for any home of a steam enthusiast. There is already one framed hanging over my mantlepiece.
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STEAMING
FODENS LTD. BY GEORGE E. S. LEA
As with so many of our older talent was soon recognised, for, by established firms, Fodens Ltd. had the age of nineteen, he had risen to very modest beginnings, not like so be made works foreman. many of the more modern companies, Very soon afterwards, in 1860, due floated by public subscription, but by to a dispute over expansion policy, sheer hard work, grit and determina- he being young and more ambitious, tion in the fulfilment of ideas born he decided to go to the Crewe works of an active mind which was coupled of the London & North Western to the means of conveying these Railway Company to further his field ideas, in a material form. It was under Ramsbottom and there, also to these self-same capabilities which gain experience in steam, which, unformed the success stories of our doubtedly, was to stand him in good early engineers such as Watt, stead in the future, for the railway Stephenson and Naysmith who were directors at this time, prior to the all capable of putting their theories days of the railway race to the north, into a practical form and were not were a " ca' canny " set of men, the frightened of having to take off their accent being more on reliability and jackets to do so. economy than on speed and the mere Foden's Ltd. was founded by the spectacular. late Mr. Edwin Foden, as those who In 1866, six years later, Mr. Hanrecall the firm's centenary celebra- cock, now having reached the age of tions in 1956 will already know. He retirement, sent for him to request was born in the village of Smallwood, him to return and take sole charge about three miles from Sandbach, in at the works, which he did, to buy 1841, his father being the village out Mr. Hancock in 1870, and there shoemaker. Even as a boy, he was to pursue his own policy. more given to the mechanical side of He continued with the agricultural the local farm implements, to experi- implement side, still expanding menting with small steam engines slowly, but keeping his eye on the which he fashioned himself from progress that steam was making, also various odds and ends, and to ex- experimenting himself by building perimenting with sealed containers on prototypes with which to venture, as a twig fire, timing them to see how a manufacturer, into the traction long it took for them to explode after engine field in 1880. putting a drop of water in the bot-: Following on this at the Stockport torn. Most village craftsmen of that Engine Trials, held in 1884, Mr. time, in the position of his father, Foden entered a two cylinder simple had one or two cows and these were engine. The cylinders were both of grazed on the " long field "—the 51 in. diameter X 10 in. stroke. Each roadside—with somebody to tent competing engine was supplied with them—a good old Cheshire term 20 lbs. of wood for kindling and mean to watch and look after—and 20 lbs. of coal per nominal horseit was whilst occupied with this task power. The participants had to unthat, no doubt, young Foden carried dertake the following manoeuvre: out his experiments. Leave the showground, on which they On leaving school at the age of had been parked, and enter a field twelve, he took the position of village some distance up on the road. Here, post-boy until, at the age of fifteen, they each had to couple onto a wagon having bursted the family copper which weighed. with its load, approxikettle and having had enough of the mately 44- tons. then to run round family cows, he persuaded his father the perimeter of this field, which had to let him take up engineering. had a path cut through the clover With this in view, h•e was appren- root especially for the purpose, until ticed to the firm of Plant & Hancock, the fuel and steam were exhausted. Mr. George Hancock having recently On the second day, the supply of formed the nucleus of a small engin- fuel was reduced to 10 lbs. of coal eering works and foundry at Elworth per nominal horsepower, no kindling for the repair and manufacture of wood as the boilers already had agricultural machinery. Here, his steam on them, and on this day,
STEAMING which was to be the deciding test, Mr. Foden's engine, despite being a duplex cylinder and, theoretically, not as economical as a single or a compound, did 8i laps, using 7 lbs. of coal per lap ; Fowler did 8i laps, using 9 lbs. of coal per lap, their engine being 21 tons heavier which was, of course, non-paying load ; Aveling & Porter did 91 laps, using 8.3 lbs. per lap ; and McLaren did 8 laps, using 7.5 lbs. per lap.
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respectable but comparatively small establishment at Sandbach. He has, it will be seen, fairly beaten, so far, the most eminent firms in the trade, Messrs. Fowler, Aveling & Porter, Burrell and Marshall, none of them can equal him in economy. Messrs. McLaren are better known in this trade than Mr. Foden, but their firm, too, is comparatively young. Yet their performance runs that of Mr. Foden's very close indeed. Thus we
-
Foden Twin Compound Traction Engine No. 313. There was a certain amount of illfeeling about the results, especially by the older established competitors, allocation of fuel and the system of metering it out by using the n.h.p. rating as a yard-stick being one and the fact that they had had the trial practically forced upon them being another but, quoting from The Engineer of September 19th, 1884, we get the following from the conclusion of their report: " Mr. Foden by no means takes the rank of a large builder of traction engines. He is the head of a highly
have two new men, so to speak, beating the old hands—the very thing that was foretold long since, by members of the council of the R.A.S.E., that would occur if competitive trials were permitted." That, I think, should speak for itself. I have seen an engraving of this actual engine, but during the removal at Sandbach into the new office block it has become mislaid and we are thus deprived of it for illustration purposes. Two years later, in 1886, my grand-
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father took delivery of his first Foden engine, No. 2i5, a 6 h.p. compound, by this time having had enough of the chain drive Aveling and the consequent defects of that design. This first Foden remained in work in other hands after she was sold in 1910 until 1942. She was of general design, but had the boiler feed pump mounted on the side of the boiler, a position which became standardised. This en-
the tender, there not being a section cut out by the top step. A Mr. Jess. Woods, of Northwich, had an engine of this type in work during this period, even converting it to directacting Pickering governors in 1938. Considering that it was nearly all double work, threshing and baling combined, not just threshing and elevating, especially so after 1914 and the introduction of the Ruston self-
Single Cylinder Foden Traction Engine.
gine, as all Fodens, was springmounted, using coil springs which were contained in the cylindrical boxes with adjusting screws on the top. The front of the engine was also supported by another coil spring, again contained in a cylindrical box on the leading axle, the rear wheels were 7 ft. in diameter, having 32 spokes in each and the front wheels were 3 ft. 6 in., having 20 spokes in each. Another feature of this engine was that one had to step over the side of
feed baler, no one could say that they were not long-lived, could they? It was during 1882 that Howard of Bedford had successfully patented his straw-trusser and, in 1886, also, grandfather had one of these appliances attached to a new Foden thresher at the works at Sandbach, thus taking delivery of a new set. Of course this was a local seven-day wonder, to see the straw being tied up automatically with two string bands and no assistance from human hands, the two men occupied with
STEAMING
Il l
making straw bands now being dispensed with.Mrs. hlodgkinson, the wife of the farmer at whose premises
the farmyard ducks swam, with the consequence that it was very often a pea-soup concoction (we had a much
this innovation was tried out, also left
her household duties for a while to watch the proceedings, then she turned to grandfather with, " I don't know! They always appear to be inventing something to save the men-
stronger term to stress our disapproval) which fed the boiler. A Foden was never given to priming but, fed with this stuff for a fortnight, it was inevitable if the glass was allowed to be filled to the top. Much
folk from having to work, but they never seem to bother about the womenfolk !"
of the trouble was that it was difficult to get a true reading, a trouble suffered by all engines when in this
The Foden Paten! Tandem Compound Traelion Engine. I wonder what she would say if she could see a modern housewife's kitchen fitted up with all the latest devices. During the '80's, several engines were made fitted with piston valves and, for normal road use, were highly successful. The disadvantage became apparent, however, when they were used for agricultural purposes as the water supply was usually very indifferent on many of the farms, often coming from the pond at which the cows were watered and on which
position, as the water had a tendency to syphon over the top of the glass, even when blowing down. Now, an ordinary slide valve will lift from its
working face if hydraulic pressure develops in the cylinder but a piston valve cannot, so that, should the build-up be sufficient, which could occur with an inexperienced driver, the end of the cylinder could be knocked out. So, for this reason, reversion was made to the ordinary slide valve, as also did Aveling's after experimenting with the piston valve
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on their rollers, later to supply this type, again, upon request. As we have mentioned Howard's name, let us just say a word about the balers which Mr. Foden started to make at this period, as, to begin with, these were constructed at Sandbach, but using Howard's fittings. The first type were not fitted with a horse's head, as we term it, to press straw into the baling chamber, two men having to stand on platforms, one on each side, pressing the straw down with short pikels, a highly dangerous occupation as will be appreciated. Grandfather had one of this type and one man actually did lose his hand through this operation. Another type of engine, of which only a few were made, was a tandem compound (see illustration), the low pressure cylinder being located in the base of the chimney to keep it warm as against the conventional side by side, or cross compound, arrangement. Most probably this was more or less by nature of an experiment to utilise one set of valve gear and one crank, as Burrells did with their single crank compound, but one was in use, in Cheshire, near the Welsh border until the '20's. In July, 1887, perhaps feeling that competitive exhibition was good for trade, Mr. Foden entered two engines in the R.A.S.E. Engine Trials at Newcastle, whose findings of an analysis of the waste gases of the three best engines, when equalled to pounds of coal, were : 1st—Foden 3.47 lbs. 2nd ... 12.30 lbs. 3rd ... 20.66 lbs. The two engines were a 6 h.p. single and a 6 h.p. compound, the compound showing a saving of 29.7% in fuel over the single, the compound carrying 250 lbs. in the boiler and the single 120 lbs. The Engineer was again loud in praise for Mr. Foden's products, especially concerning the workmanship of the boiler, carrying this, hitherto, unheard of pressure without any signs of a weep and in the fact that the single used only 2.5 lbs. of fuel per b.h.p. and the compound a mere 1.6 lbs. Incidentally, the boiler of the compound, or another similar one, was subjected to 400 lbs. of hydraulic pressure in the boiler shop at the works and there it was tried to rupture it by dropping weights on to it from the overhead crane, but it abso-
lutely stood up to the test. The following year, in 1888, Mr. Foden received a repeat order, and it gives me great pleasure that, among the thousands of testimonials and repeat orders received at Messrs. Fodens, this one is still a cherished possession of theirs. It reads as follows : " . . So, perhaps the best thing you will like to hear is that we are wanting another machine, which you may put in hand at once. This will be sufficient proof of our satisfaction with your machine. p.p. S. C. & J. H. Lea. Signed S. C. Lea." This machine was to replace the Marshall machine used in the portable days, it now having become obsolete in design and, with grandfather's brother having joined forces with him, they were already using one Foden thresher, so, to save any illfeeling amongst their customers, it was also the better policy to have identical machines. (The Marshall had single crank shakers and the second dresser was on the side of the machine, no provision being provided for screening the grain. There is a model of a Garrett thresher in the Science Museum at South Kensington which is very similar to the one used by grandfather.) The reason why I can remember the Marshall machine so well is due to the fact that it was stripped of its interior and used as a hen-house at Pinfold Farm where grandfather went to live. And a jolly good hen-house it made too! The firm of Foden was now making very favourable progress, indeed, so that we arc not surprised to find that they formed a limited liability company, Edwin Foden, Sons & Co. Ltd., in 1891. The sons were William and E. R. Foden, the latter breaking away from the parent company, much later, to manufacture, on his own account, the diesel vehicles bearing his initials. whilst Mr. William Foden is still governing director of Fodens Ltd., under which title the firm was run after 1902, when it became a public company. He still sits at his desk each day at a sprightly 92 years of age, taking an active interest in the proceedings, and I can only hope that I am as good as 1-1.,! at that time of life! (To be continued)
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ORGANISED BY THE BEDFORD STEAM ENGINE PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Bletsoe Rally on the A6 highway midway between Bedford and Rushdcn
August Bank Holiday Weekend SATURDAY, 3RD AUGUST Arrival Day for Tractions, with Organ Recitals and Showman's Engines making Light. SUNDAY, 4TH AUGUST RALLY DAY MONDAY, 5TH AUGUST RALLY DAY Gates open 10 a.m.
Admission 2/6
Car Park 2/6
Rally Secretary : JOHN CRAWLEY, HELD HOUSE, TURVEY, BEllkORDSHIRE
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S7 EAMING
ANDOVER AND CHARTRIDGE RALLIES TN Andover on the Friday evening before the rally day it really looked as though the clerk of the weather was about to prove his ability to disorganise all the carefully laid plans of rally secretary Gordon Howell. The sky looked very heavy and although by late evening the rain had ceased it was agreed that it would need every minute of the night and the fairly high wind to ensure that the field would be suitable for the ring events to take place. After what must have seemed a very long night came the dawn, blue sky and sunshine, although the wind was keen. Many engines were already in the field when I arrived, and the first engine that caught my eye was a newcomer making its first public appearance at a rally. This was the McLaren 8 h.p. single cylinder Traction No. 1160 " The Favourite ", owned by H. C. Mills of Alresford. Later in the morning Jim Hutchens arrived driving his latest acquisition, a Sentinel S.6 Wagon of 1934. The silence with which this vehicle moved across the field gave me a fair indication of the amount of work that had been put into the overhaul of its engine. S. Hubbuck brought along his very fine Aveling & Porter 8 h.p. Compound T.E. No. 3387 of 1894. The other engines, apart from John Crawley's Burrell Showman Engine No. 3610 " William V " and Fowler No. 15657 " The Iron Maiden " were those usually seen at rallies in this part of the world, and their condition indicated that their owners had put in a lot of work during recent months making good the ravages of an exceptionally hard winter. What is there about this event which makes it stand out against many bigger rallies ? Is it because it is the first rally of the season and proof positive that winter has really gone and the rally season is here again, or could it be the way everything is so informal with engines parked where they are left at their owners' whim. Perhaps it could be the happy, if at times slightly harrass•ed, welcome extended to both enthusiast and owner by our old friend Gordon Howell, who spends so much time and effort to ensure that things go off to everyone's satisfaction.
CHARTRIDGE this year will certainly be remembered if not for anything other than the vast amount of rain which fell throughout the day and for the condition of the field which deteriorated steadily so that by the time the Grand Parade was half-way through first the steam rollers and then the showman's engines soon found that they were stuck fast. The most amazing thing was the number of people that turned up despite the weather, and there was certainly plenty to see. The Tidman set of three-abreast galloping horses was at work all the afternoon, with the organ doing its best to restore a sense of jollity amongst the very wet riders. The power for this ride was provided by S. C. Statham's Fowler Showman's Engine No. 14425 " Carry On ", which added the finishing touch to the surrounding amusements. The majority of the engines present were well known, but mention must be made of the little Wallis & Steevens Roller No. 2656 (Reg. No. H05834) of 1900 which is owned by Robin Brazil of Amersham, and of the Fowler Roller No. 15973 (Reg. No. BW7794) belonging to Christopher Edmonds of Princes Risborough which was attending its first rally. Thanks are due to Jack Eensom and his sons Albert and George who spent so much time helping pull engines out of the mud with their Douglas Tractor Unit. John Crawley's Fowler Showman's Engine " The Iron Maiden " certainly gave the fastest and quietest run of the afternoon as it literally shot up the field on the end of Fensom's wire rope when it was being winched out on to the road. But I think the thing that I shall always remember about this rally was the youthful female amazon in pale blue jeans who spent the afternoon helping push cars into the car park and finally helping push them out through the mud on to the highway. After spending many hours at this iask. during which her appearance was gradually succumbing, she twisted her ankle and fell flat down into the sea of mud. This rally was different, because these days you seldom see a damsel in distress. J.C.
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DIARY OF EVENTS JULY 20 Appleford Rally. Bridge Farm, Appleford, Berks. Joint Secretaries : Arthur Napper, Bridge Farm, Appleford, and G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. 20 Horsham Traction Engine and Vintage Car Rally. Secretary: L. H. Bourne, 52 Comptons Lane, Hnrsham, Sussex. 20 & 21 Exhibition of Vintage Traction Engines and Cars, at Sutton Farm, Kirton End, Boston, Lincs. Secretary : F. A. Smith, Sutton House, Kirton Holme, Boston, Lincs. 20 & 21 Bellamourn Park (Rugely, Staffs.). Traction Engine Rally. Secretary : S. Wedgwood, 171 Congleton Road, Biddulph, Staffs. AUGUST 3, 4 & 5 (Bank Holiday). Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society Rnilly, at PlAtsoe, Bedford (on A6). Hon. Secretary: J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford.
5 Church Stretton (Salop.) Traction Engine and Veteran Car Rally. Secretary: D. W. Smith, 44 Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton. 17 Lymington Rally (N.T.E.C.). CANCELLED.
SEPTEMBER 7 & 8 Market Bosworth (Nuneaton) Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: Rev. Boston, Cadeby, Nr. Market Bosworth. 28 & 29 Jodrell Bank (Holmes Chapel) Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: S. Wedgwood, 171 Congleton Road, Biddulph, Staffs. OCTOBER 19 Annual General Meeting of The National Traction Club, followed by the Annual Dinner.
FOR SALE AND WANTED Wanted.—The Liveries Section of The Road Locomotive Society are most anxious to complete their collection of makers' transfers for posterity. Those still required are: Foster, Garrett. McLaren, Hornsby, Ruston Hornsby, Ruston Proctor, Alichin, Clayton, Greens, Savage, Wantage, Barrows & Stewart, Davey Paxman, and Brown & May. Anybody who can help with these or know of the whereabouts of such transfers should write to the Officer of this Section of the Society, R. C. J. Willcox, Plain House, Whiteshill, Nr. Stroud, Glos. For Sale.—Set of four coloured prints. Size 91 in. by 5:1.- 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. 157- post
paid from J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. For Sale.—Aveling & Porter 8 ton Steam Roller No. 11085. Needs retubing.—Apply: Charles Prior & Son, The Gravel Pits, Braywick, Maidenhead, Berks. For Sale.—Wallis & Steevens 8 n.h.p. Traction Engine No. 2333 of 1896. In need of boiler repairs. f100 o.n.o. If not sold will have to cut up.—Rhodes, Pentewan, Cramhurst Lane, Witley, Godalming, Surrey. Wanted.—Old photographs of McLaren and Oxford steam plough ploughing engines at work, on loan, for reproduction. Postage remitted. —L. Drage, Gt. Chishill, Cambs. For Sale.—New Burrell copper chimney tops. Send your requirements, giving dimensions, etc., to the Editor. Price will be dependent upon the number ordered from Messrs. Garrett's, who are prepared to get the original suppliers to spin a further supply if the need is sufficient.
BY APPOINTMENT TO N.M. THE QUEEN
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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. Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., 32 Brereton Road, Bedford