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Vol. 8 No. I January 1964

SPECIAL STEAM TRACTOR ISSUE

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NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB

OFFICERS FOR 1964 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. R. BONSER, ESQ., 6 Rokeby Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex. Treasurer : H. ORR-EWING, ESQ., 8 Robert Close, Randolph Avenue, London, W.9.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS THE ROAD LOCOMOTIVE SOCIETY. S. 0. HARRISON, ESQ. ALAN DUKE, ESQ. MESSRS. WALLIS & STEEVENS LTD. J. P. MULLETT, ESQ.

J. WILKINSON, ESQ. R. COLLIS, ESQ. MESSRS. PERCIVAL MARSHALL. MESSRS. AVELING BARFORD LTD.

COVER PICTURE:

Wallis & Steevens 3 ton Single Cylinder Tractor.

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CLUB NEWS Commencing with this issue several changes have taken place, not least being an alteration in the lay-out of the pages. In place of an Editorial, Chairman's Notes, Secretary's Notes, etc., etc., it is intended to replace these features with Club News, as many of our members feel that whilst the affiliated clubs are well catered for through the Area Notes, a page should be set aside for Club News items, and so here it is. All news, good or bad, is welcomed, so please send it to the Editor. At our last Committee Meeting, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hutchens handed over their arduous job as Joint Membership Secretaries to Mr. John Bonsor. We arc all delighted that Jim is remaining on the Committee, where his support for all good causes and where his extensive experience in reconditioning engines is invaluable. During his term of office as Membership Secretary over a thousand new members have joined the club, and this alone speaks for the worth of the work which both he and his wife have done for the club. The Club Annual General Meeting and Dinner has been fixed for Saturday, 17th October, 1964, and will be held at the same venue as in recent years. Our sympathy to Cyril Nicholls of Gloucester on the recent sad loss of his wife. We also record the death of our member Harold Line of West Lodge, Northants., who died in early December. A mention of Raynham Day was crowded out of the last issue it should be recorded however. On 14th September over sixty traction engines were steaming on the park in front of historic Raynham Hall, many of our club members having brought them from long distances. There were also about a hundred vintage and veteran cars, tractors and fire engines, together with a fine show of models. Additional exhibits were nine steam organs, gallopers, miniature railway, weaving, pottery, horse shoeing, basket making and weaving were demonstrated. There were displays of art, guns. veteran cycles, farm relics, and old maps. Horse ploughing, steam cultivating and threshing were also demonstrated. The growth of the club continues, as reflected in the membership figures taken from the last five A.G.M. minutes. In 1959 we had 856 members , in 1960 953, in 1961 1,082, in 1962 1,113, in 1963 1,441—a steady increase which we must maintain. These figures do not include affiliated clubs. A recent new member to the club is Mr. D. MacDonald of 69 Cricklade Avenue, Streatham Hill, London, S.W.2. His particular interest is a model traction engine which he is building, but not being an owner of a full size traction engine he is anxious to assist an owner in renovation or renairs preferably in Kent or Surrey. Owners get various offers of help, but this is one with a difference. Mr. MacDonald is a professional engineer and boiler fitter, who has spent the last thirty years in the maintenance of machinery and is still engaged in boiler work. Owners should contact him direct. His many friends will wish a speedy recovery to Mr. William Parris of Moreton who is recovering in Epping Hospital from two severe operations . His has been a life of steam, for at fifteen years of see he was driver in charge of a threshing tackle. In recent years he has reconditioned many engines. The Railway Enthusiasts' Club of Farnborough is well known for its varied and active pursuit and study of matters of transport. Their support of the traction engine rallies is well known in the South of England. Recently they have been holding an exhibition of historical transport relics and document s in Guildford, Surrey, under the title of " On the Move". The exhibits were mostly lent from museums in southern counties, forming a fascinating and well set out display in the Guildford House. in the High Street. It would be appreciated if rally secretaries after their rallies are over could send the Editor a copy of their programme, as it is most useful when including rally reports and tracing numbers of certain engines. We arc still wanting area correspondents to keep us in touch nationally with all engine news and movements. If you are interested in helping, drop a line to the Editor who will be very pleased to hear from you. The recently introduced club badges are proving very popular and some types are already nearly out of stock.

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'TAINT ALL HONEY BY JACK HAMPSHIRE " If 'tis anything I hate, Guvnor," said old Joe Barnett to me, "'tis washing out a boiler on a cold Sunday morning." And putting a grimy forefinger to his cheek, he squirted a vicious stream of tobacco juice at a I in. spanner lying on the ground. This was followed by an outburst of language which could well have shocked a London bargee. At this unfortunate moment my father came within earshot. "Joe," said he, " that's no language to use in the boy's hearing." The boy of course being me. I had only a month or so previously left school, and was acting as general factotum to everyone in the yard, until the time came for me to leave home to serve my apprenticeship with another firm as a steam engineer. " I reckon as 'ow he'll hear a lot wus than that afore he's much older, Boss," said Joe. And, thinking back, how right he was! At the time of which I write, things had got into a mess in our threshing world. 'I he 6 h.p. single cylinder Clayton traction had developed tube trouble, and had been brought back to the yard fur re-tubing. Thus it came to be that the Burrell tractor was taken off road work, and brought into the yard for her governors to be fitted, in readiness to take over threshing duties while the Clayton was out of commission. Old Joe had been washing out the boiler of the Burrell tractor that morning in question, and having done so, had replaced all mud doors, filled the boiler with water, and screwed down the filler plate at the top of the steam chest. A bundle of firewood was placed in the tender, and general preparations were made for my brother to drive her away first thing on Monday morning. My father meanwhile had detailed me to go as mate to my brother, and to tend the engine when threshing, whilst my brother attended the sacks. Old Joe was to go ahead to the farm where the threshing machine stood to prepare everything for our arrival, and to act as feeder on the machine. At six-thirty on Monday morning I was at the yard, and had the fire going in the Burrell ; Cyril, my brother, arriving a few minutes later. Father, of course, being a strict timekeeper, was always first in the yard, and I remember now Cyril being torn off a strip for arriving late. It was an awful morning. Real November weather. With a slight fog, a touch of hoar frost, and of course still dark at that hour. Soon after 7.30 she was lightly blowing off, and Cyril was standing on the belly tank filling the mechanical lubricator. My father and I stood close behind him, waiting for him to finish oiling up, when father noticed a wisp of steam coming from under the filler plate. " Pull those nuts down," said father to Cyril, " or you won't see for steam." " Yes." said Cyril, and picking up a -11 in. spanner, he climbed back onto the tank and gave a pull at one nut. Alas, the stud broke, and in a split second all hell was let loose. With a deafening roar as if all the lost souls in purgatory had gone mad, the escaping steam, all 200 lbs. of it, caught my brother fully amidships and blew him clean off the tank, to fall to the ground, taking father and me with him. It was pandemonium in top gear. The roar of steam made it impossible to hear anything, and the expanding steam in a cold atmosphere made it absolutely impossible to see anything. This, coupled with the fact that all three of us having been knocked to the ground, had destroyed all sense of direction. It became all too apparent to me that only by a miracle could ally of us ever find the engine again. Vaguely I remember walking round in ever-widening circles trying to locate her, and when at last I did, I found father already there, doing his stuff with the clinker shovel, withdrawing the fire. After what seemed an eternity the roar of steam ceased. We were then able to remove the filler plate, and renew the broken stud. A n• ew joint was made, the boiler topped up with water, and the fire relighted. By now it was well past mid-day, and by the time steam was raised again it was nearly 2 o'clock, But father insisted that we went on to the farm and got set to the machine, ready for next day's threshing.

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Fortunately the farm was only four miles away, the farm itself lying about half a mile off the main road. It was the usual type of farm approach, just a muck track, which meant speed or paddle " drill " the whole of the way. To add to our misery it started to snow. By the time we had reached the machine it was a raging blizzard. The farmer, of course, had long since given us up, and had dispersed the threshing gang, leaving only old Joe, Cyril and myself to get everything finished. By the time all was done it was nearly 5 o'clock and quite dark, except for the ghostly outline of everything in the snow. With the snow still falling, the prospect of a four mile walk home was not a pleasant one. But Cyril, always the optimist, said, "You follow me, I know a short cut," and proceeded to lead us out of the stack-yard and across the fields. In silence we trudged through the snow, our hats pulled well down, our coat collars up to keep out the biting wind. Suddenly old Joe stopped. " Where the 'ell's Cyril gone ? " he said. We turned to listen. Then came a cry for help mixed with a long string of cuss words. " Where the 'ell be you got to ? " asked Joe. " Down here you old fool!" shouted Cyril. Peering in the direction of the sound, we saw just his head and shoulders protruding from a dark patch in the snow. Joe and I grabbed him under the arms and pulled him out. The stench that came up with him was appalling. He had fallen through the rotted boards covering the farm cesspool. The remainder of the walk home was a veritable nightmare, with bitter wind, snow and the pungent aroma of distilled essence of farmyard Chanel No. 5. Even to walk on the windward side of Cyril was enough to choke one. As we neared our house, I was sent on ahead to warn mother of the impending pillar of stench which was about to descend upon our Home Sweet Home. At this point I will leave my readers to imagine her horror when Cyril entered the house. And with this thought: What ever profession you may follow—'taint all Honey and Roses—is it!

GEORGE MURLOW & SONS LIMITED

STOWMARKET • SUFFOLK 'Phone : STOWMARKET 585 (3 lines)

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

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AREA NEWS THE CHILTERNS Member D. V. Steynor, of Lane End, has purchased the 6 ton Convertible Aveling Compound Roller No. 6319 (Reg. No. BP7501) of 1907 from Mr. A. G. Vickers, of Worthing, Sussex. It has been repainted maroon, and during this winter, a new cab, gauge fittings and other renovations will be carried out. The 1893 Aveling 10 ton Roller No. 3278 (Reg. No. DW357) has been sold by Mr. S. Barlow to a new home in the Isle of Wight. Burrell S.C.C. 7 n.h.p. Traction Engine No. 2505 (Reg. No. CF3354), belonging to Jim Sarney, of Flackweil Heath, has been at work recently timber hauling and wood sawing in the village. Altogether about three acres of a building site were cleared, and it is pleasant to know there are still jobs to which a "steamer" is still suited. Back in September a Steam Party was held at a farm in Wycombe Marsh. Engines present included John Crawley's Burrell Showman's No. 2877 "His Majesty ", Jim Sarney's Burrell Traction, Chris. Edmonds' Fowler 6 ton Roller No. 15973, Francis Grover's Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 9170, and Robin Brazil's 4 ton Wallis & Steevens Roller of 1900. The last official steam event of the season was a run from Chartridge to " The Plough " at Hyde Heath. Our Chairman, Mr. de Emilie, headed the procession with his newly-restored Wallis & Steevens Expansion Traction Engine of 1917, followed by Percy Turner on his Fowler S.C. 7 n.h.p. Traction Engine of 1903 "Farmer's Friend ". Next came Francis Grover on his Tractor which now bears a new nameplate over the smokebox " Shamrock ". Mr. Ernest Grover drove Mr. Brazil's Wallis 4 ton Roller from Amersham to loin us at midday. The Club recently held its A.G.M. at Amersham, and we were all pleased to learn that the Club stands in a very favourable financial position and that membership is now well over the hundred mark. The following evening was the Pettigroves' social evening. Some excellent films were shown and approximately 60 people were present. Messrs. Pettigrove have promised to once again be present at our Annual Rally at Chartridge with their set of Gallopers and fine 89 key Gaviali Organ which has C.L.E. recently been completely overhauled. COTSWOLDS As might be expected at this time of year, things are at present rather quiet. There are rumours, however, that someone in the Thornbury area has acquired an engine, and there is a possibility of a portable engine in the area hitherto uncharted. I hope that some positive information about these will be available for the next issue's notes. The last engine in steam in the area was Joe Poweli's beautiful Garrett Tractor No. 33738 "Lord Raglan ". which was given an airing round the Ashton Keynes area in November, before being put away for the winter. At Sheepscombe, A. C. Canton's Aveling & Porter S.C. P.V. 6 ton No. 10563 (Reg. No. DD2068), has been steaming again after a couple of years of idleness, and put away under cover. This engine was new in 1923 to Stroud R.D.C. Despite the demise of the firm of Barnes Bros., of Southwick, Wilts., there was still plenty of steam to be seen in their former yard lust before Christmas. On parade were: Garrett 7 n.h.p. S.C. Agricultural No. 29027 (Reg. No. 1-1R3924), ex-Barnes Bros.; Fowler 8 ton S.C. Rollers No. 18652 (Reg. No. TK4285) and No. 18874 (Reg. No. TK5449) ; Aveling & Porter 12 ton S.C. P.V. No. 10555 (Reg. No. YA5591), ex-Paignton U.D.C. All the above are the property of the new owner of the yard, Mr. E. C. Hine, of Shaftesbury. Aveling & Porter 8 ton S.C. S.V. No. 5590 (Reg No. CH3282), owner not known ; Aveling & Porter 10 ton S.C. S.V. No. 14003 (Reg. No. KR480), Type A.E., owner Derry Thompson. of Maiden Newton, Dorset. Also in the yard was a nice Marshall threshing drum owned by, Mr. Hine. At Stonehouse, work is progressing as weather allows on the writer's Foster Single S.C. No. 12544. A new back axle has been made to replace the one bent when timber hauling three years ago. New bronze bushes for the

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bearings have also been made and fitted. Sundry other minor repairs, such as patching the tender, new pump ram, overhaul of pressure gauge, etc., are also under way, and a good start has also been made on repainting in the original livery of dark Brunswick green, lined red, white and yellow, with red wheels lined white, and very pleasing it looks. The Triumph, Burrell No. 3917, is at Whiteshill at present, and is also undergoing attention. New valve spindles are to be fitted, new fairteads for the wire rope, also the cylinder is being relagged. After the worst of the winter is over, it is hoped to renew the canopy before the summer's steaming. R.C.J.W. DEVON Engine changes in the region have been most interesting. About midOctober, the Wallis & Steevens 6 h.p. Single Cylinder Traction No. 2918, for so many years derelict at Liddaton, near Launceston, was finally liberated from its jungle of vegetation and removed by low-loader to Kingsbridge, South Devon, by Mr. H. To!chard. Although this engine is very rough outwardly, it is not considered beyond restoration, in fact its canopy has undoubtedly prevented it from becoming completely derelict. Further along the coast, the Teignmouth Quay Co.'s two Sentinel engines, the 8.4 Wagon No. 8850 (Reg. No. F19248) and the unique Shunting Tractor No. 5644 (Reg. No. 757C71) have finally left their quayside duties for less vigorous lives, the former going to Nottingham and the famous " Elephant " down to Cornwall. Another steam roller to leave Dingle's yard in Cornwall is Burrell No. 4041 (Reg. No. 1.10793), a 12 ton S.C. machine new in December 1926 to W. Etworthy & Co., of Tiverton, Devon, and as the engine has been bought by two Exeter partners, it will not be many miles from its old haunts of years ago. Although it has been disused for several years and is externally shabby, it has an excellent firebox and boiler, and the added benefit of a full-length canopy, being thus much more of a proposition than the remaining six Burrells left in Dingle's yard, all 10 ton S.C. machines and all now very dilapidated, several being quite beyond any hope of restoration, which is a great pity. For the record, the six survivors are Nos. 3986, 3987, 3999, 4005, 4060 and 4069 (Reg. Nos. AF9293, AF9294, RL74, RL574, RL5549 and RL9960 respectively). Incidentally No. 4041 was originally built as No. 4016 but remained at Burrell's and eventually came out numbered 4041. Now, after a lapse of 37 years, No. 4041 stands close to the writer's own No. 4018, which was undoubtedly on Burrell's production line at the same time. A Burrell re-union to be sure! On the same day that Dingle's delivered No. 4041 to Exeter, they returned to Cornwall via Buncombe's of Highbridge, transporting a Clayton & Shuttleworth Compound Roller about which our Cornish contributor " C.P.G." can probably give us more details. Dingle's also moved one of their former rollers during November, when the big 14 ton Compound Fowler No. 21833 (Reg. No. CRLI10) was noted in their works yard en route to a new owner in Gloucester, from Rowe & Co., of Redruth. Several months ago, news came to hand of a " converted traction engine " in a Dorset sawmill in the Dorchester area. Investigations during late October led to an estate sawmill at Winterborne Whitechurch, and the engine turned out to be a 7 h.p. S.C. Marshall. minus its tender and rear wheels, threshing machine wheels being fitted to the rear end on a stout axle passing across the lower half of the firebox and beneath the hornplates, the whole unit being fitted up as a portable engine. A unique adaption indeed! With tall extension chimney incorporating a delightfully arranged damper on the top controlled by chain and rod, this machine presented us with a spectacle quite out of the ordinary! Hearing that it was due to be scrapped within days (electricity now powering the mill), the management was approached and a deal hastily concluded, and on Saturday, 16th November, three members went to the sawmill, removed the surrounding roof and one end of the shed and winched the engine out onto the roadway, from where she was collected by low-loader and delivered to Exeter three days later. Although the engine is unlikely to regain full traction engine status again, it is hoped to steam it from time to time, which will no doubt provide us with a novel experience—that of firing a traction at ground level! The engine is, as stated, a 7 h.p. S.C. Marshall

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No. 34803 (Reg. No. FX6536), built in 1900, and latterly in the ownership of F. C. Hole, contractor, until the sale of his engines in 1949, after which No. 34803 was cut down and installed in the sawmill, and as such is now probably the only surviving engine of Hole's fleet. Not many weeks before the above engine was saved, an even bigger " removal job was undertaken by a group of our Exeter members. During the course of his work. Mr. D. E. Dicker, Cim Whimple, was visiting the old Henley's Cider Works at Staverton, near Totnes, and found therein a magnificent huge Marshall 16 h.p. Double Cylinder Semi-Portable Engine No. 62198, which used to drive the apple-crushing plant for only about three months of the year. The factory had closed down some twelve months previously and the machinery was in process of being cut up, and enquiries revealed that the engine too was in line for scrapping. Feeling that such an act of sacrilege ought to be prevented if at all possible. Mr. Dicker made immediate contact with Messrs. Whiteways, the owners, who much to his surprise offered him the engine at a figure one would blush to mention! Later, when we all viewed the engine's position, its huge chimney (over 20 feet tall in one section, I0 feet the lower half!), and the fact that it was without wheels, it certainly presented a challenge and not a few headaches, but, undaunted, it was agreed that we should all have a go and try and save the engine. How we got the chimney clown and the engine out from its shed with half-inch to spare each end of the crankshaft, and with a flywheel higher than the doorway, plus all the ❑ther intricate problems involved, is definitely another story] Suffice to say that the Marshall was triumphantly " rolled " out into the works yard and conveyed back to Exeter by low-loader in grand

style, collecting a considerable quantity of twigs and branches on the upperworks and widening some rather narrow country lanes around Staverton on the journey home! Fortunately, being a semi-portable, No. 62198 had a pad under the boiler which would take a portable engine forecarriage, and so the writer's ❑wn Marshall Portable No. 70948 was temporarily relieved of this, which was then taken by lorry to Staverton, together with a Field Marshall Diesel Tractor which was to later winch out No. 62198, the firebox end supported on baulks of timber and riding on rows of steel tubes. After this effort, our chaps consider they could undertake the removal of a beam engine with ease! A visit by several members to Mr. J. Muxworthy's farm near South Mohan on 9th November was rewarded by seeing his beautifully restored Compound Aveling Roller No. 6165 (Reg. No. MD441I) in steam and followed with a couple of runs along the road before darkness fell. As well as being most painstakingly repainted in Aveling's colours. the engine is also in very fine

mechanical condition, which speaks well for the care which the previous owners (Buncombe's of Highbridge) lavish upon all their steam stock. At Riverside Garage, Kings Nvmpton. Mr. H. Sterner is progressing slowly

with the overhaul of his little Foster Wellington roller, which is being converted back to tractor form, as originally, whilst at FRgesford. Mr. F. Stenner is also progressing with his S.C. Ransome's Traction No. 15127. Mr. .1. N. Gilbey's little Burrell Tractor No. 3192 (Reg. No. CR6229) " St. Bernard" was noted passing through South Melton early in November en route from Yeovil to Anpledore, North Devon, where it has since received

attention at the hands of the well-known Mr. Sid Hill, ❑f the Torridge Welding Co. Devon C.C. Compound Aveling Roller No. 4873 (Reg. No. TA61201 has been busily engaged rolling on a big road improvement scheme just out of Bideford, whilst another Council Aveling. No. 9032 (Reg. No. TA2663), was seen working on a new housing estate road in Plwripton, South Devon. on 15th November, in well-kept condition. Messrs. Glossop's old S.C. Aveling No. 4988 (Reg. No. FX69381 did a rolling job in St. Thomas, Exeter, in mid-November, actually the forecourt of a new public house, but on the several occasions that the writer visited the engine, in steam, the driver was

absent!

A.G.C.

EIRE During the month of November, 1963, a meeting was held in Dublin to see what new members we could find. The meeting followed a letter which was sent to quite a good few news-

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papers in Ireland, and as a result it introduced us to other fellow enthusiasts with a common interest. At the meeting, Colonel Kidd, of Ballylynan, Co. Laois, suggested that he and his friend Mr. Condell, of Stradbally, Co. Laois, would steam their engines at a future date for the benefit of all present. As a result, on 26th December, myself and a number of friends went to Colonel Kidd's place and there saw the Ransome Sims & Jefferies 6 h.p. Single Traction Engine No. 43014 in steam. This is a lovely engine and is a credit to the owner. We then went to Mr. Condell's place and there saw his Burrell S.C. Compound Traction Engine No. 3296 also in steam. This engine is also in lovely order. Also on that day we inspected the Ransome Sims & Jefferies 6 h.p. Compound Traction Engine No. 42032, owned by Mr. O'Gorman, Garage Proprietor, of Athy, Co. Kildare. Mr. O'Gorman is a keen enthusiast, and his engine is a popular attraction at the local agricultural show as he is the Ransomc agent. Another friend, Mr. Stanley Mason, of Dublin, has bought an Aveling & Porter Convertible Roller No. 6795 and a Burrell Single Crank Compoun d Traction Engine No. 3092 (Burrell's Irish Engine on ring on smokebox door). Mr. Mason has also recently purchased a Sentinel Steam Lorry in good order and converted to burn turf. As he has yet to get it home and steam it, further details will follow for the next issue. G.D. NORFOLK " A vintage year." This was the opinion of the Chairman of Norfolk S.E. Club, Mr. G. R. Howlett, at the Annual Dinner held in Norwich on October 26th. There had been two rallies at Woodton and Bressingham and an influx of over seventy new members. Unfortunately, not all those who wished to attend the dinner were able to come. The accommodation at the Maid's Head Hotel was filled to capacity, and though 109 sat down to dinner, several who had been late in applying for tickets were disappointed. Apart from a speech from the Chairman, Miss Neale the retiring President spoke of how proud she had been to become the first woman to fill such art office in any Club. Having been associated with engines from early childhood she spoke of the old days, evoking nostalgia from a good many of those present. Afterwards an official film of the Woodton Rally was shown. Earlier in the evening, the A.G.M. had been held. at which members expressed opinions affecting the Club's future policy. Ono outcome was the decision to accept responsibility for the whole of Norfolk, to include if possible a third rally for 1964 to be held in the north of the county. Mr. Dick Joice, who was largely responsible for the highly successful Raynham Day last September, said it might not be possible to repeat this for 1964. He said there had never been any wish to form a breakaway club for North Norfolk and hoped that the Norfolk Club would cover the whole county. It was decided to hold the Woodton Rally as a two-day event on Whit Sunday and Whit Monday. The Bressingham Rally was fixed for August Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday. This would again be in conjunction with the Gardens at Bressingham, but a third rally for North Norfolk would have to be discussed by a full committee of all concerned. Mr. Howlett was again elected Chairman and Mr. Knights was praised for his admirable work as Secretary, which he agreed to continue. Alan Bloom, who was elected President for 1964, again offered to put on an " evening in steam " at Bressingham for members, late in January, 1964. N. STAFFS. & CHESHIRE Monthly meetings on the first Friday of the month are held at the "Crown Hotel ", Chesterton, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, Geo. Lea has started work on the restoration of the veteran Fowler No. 6376 (Reg. No. J6235) single cylinder. A lot has to be done to get this engine into a trim condition, but she is a fine example of the early agricultural engine. The other Cheshire Fowler, the " Russian " model No. 14958, is receiving attention in the very capable hands of Jim Bostock, who cut his teeth on traction engines many, many years ago.

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The Club's Mann Tractor No. 1287 has had boiler repairs completed and is now being moved to more suitable quarters for rebuilding. Arthur Wedgwood's immaculate Foden Wagon No. 5218 (Reg. No. M7287) continues to hit the headlines all over the country on its advertising tour. Jim Dakin's Compound Foster No. 12539 (Reg. No. MA5730) " Winnie" is being reassembled after having new second shaft bearings fitted and tender and horn plates repainted and re-lined. A 1'0 volt dynamo has been adapted to drop onto a mounting on top of the cylinder block. This engine is in great demand at local village events and will now be able to supply evening illumination. The first outing will be on May 9th at Goostrey Gymkhana and evening barbecue, when " Winnie" will be assisted by Burrell No. 3509 J.P.S. " Rajah ". NORTH YORKSHIRE I am pleased to say that, perhaps partly due to the successful Pickering Rally of 1962, there has been a tremendous upsurge of enthusiasm in this area, as evidenced by the number of new owners acquiring engines in 1963, and this is very welcome to the small band of enthusiasts who have kept the flag flying in this large county for the past ten to twelve years. Most prominent amongst these is Mr. " Monty " Thackray, of Old Mahon, who, early in the year purchased Fowler Showman's Engine No. 14862 " Excelsior " from the well-known model engineer Mr. Douglas Miller, of Brighouse. The engine has been renamed " Evening Star ", and this winter has undergone an extensive refit including re-grinding of crankshaft pins and journals, and the fitting of new second shaft brasses, in an attempt to reduce'the well-known Fowler " ring ". She joins a small fleet of veteran and vintage cars and also a steam fire engine, and Fuden D type Tractor No. 13762 (Reg. No. VN2911) purchased some years ago from North Riding County Council. Also this year " Monty " bought two Fowler steam rollers from Dumfries County Council, these being 13 ton Compound No. 16439 (Reg. No. SM5I21), subsequently sold to the Joint Secretary of the Pickering Rally committee Mr. Frank W. Carrington, and II ton Compound No. 18507 (Reg. No. SM8332), also since sold to a new member of the ranks in Leeds. Both these rollers are fitted with FowlerWood tar-spraying gear and three-quarter canopies, and No. 18507 has traction engine type rivetted steel wheels with double-tee rings. Another engine has returned to its own county in the shape of Burrell 5 h.p. S.C.C. No. 3918, bought by G. Dawson & Sons, of Bicker. at Haigh's sale near Emlev. Huddersfield, and purchased this year by a farmer, Mr. L. C. Bvass, of Little Wcighton, near Hull. Later in the year the same owner bought Foster Showman's Engine No. 14632 (Reg. No. AAIJ370) " Success together with an organ, from Dowlman & Son, of Sloothby, Lines. Also owned by Mr. Byass is the ex East Riding County Council Aveling Roller 10 ton P.V. Compound No. 11200. These are all stored under cover. Phillip Ogden sold the Fowler 12 ton Compound Roller No. 1603'1 (Reg. No. N W7277) which he bought by tender from Bingley U.D.C. in 1962 to another new enthusiast, Mr. Bill Milner, of Darlington. He has also purchased this winter ex North Riding County Council Aveling Roller S.C. No. 8754 (Reg. No. VN2370), but is still hoping to find a Wallis Advance to add to the stable. Mr. A. Walker, of Scarborough, bought during ►he summer Aveling Type AL Tractor No. 12115 from D. H. Yarnell, of Lincoln. which he has since converted to Showman's style. Another engine move this year is the purchase for preservation by Mr. Chilvers, of Selby, of the old Fowler 2 speed Compound Road Locomotive No. 9381, which was new in 1902 to John Smith's Brewery. Tadcaster. This engine still retains the rather small front wheels fitted originally to a perch bracket mounted under the boiler to give the engine an extra good turning lock, increased by allowing the wheels to turn almost under the boiler. These are now mounted on a perch bracket in the conventional position under the smokebox. This engine is maintained by Mr. Jack Hardy, of Ulleskelf, who has a very old photograph of the Fowler with perch bracket under the boiler and with original spoked flywheel, which was replaced by the present block type when the engine was repaired following a runaway down hill many years ago.

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Jack Hardy has disposed of his Aveling Tractor No. 9228 (Reg. No. CJ4159), seen at many rallies in the North and Midlands during past years, to an enthusiast in the South Yorkshire area, and has replaced it with a Fowler single cylinder G.P. Engine (No. in the 12,000's) bought from the Southern Counties last autumn. Other engine news from the area is that Mr. M. Brewer's recently acquired Robey Tractor No. 33957 (Reg. No. FE5043) has, since the Harewood Rally, been undergoing " the treatment " at Messrs. Fearnley's yard at Castleford, which includes re-tubing and re-pinning of the motion work. At Crayke, near Easingwold, Mr. Ted Meadowcroft has his ex-W.D. Fowler No. 14948 " Prince of Wales " installed in the local chapel, suitably converted into a heated workshop, with overhead crane, where he and his son Alan toil far into the winter nights with hammers and welding torch. They are carrying out an extensive rebuild including conversion to 3 speed, with an extra fast gear (actually an overdrive), mounting on rubbers, and full Showman's fittings. Over near Hull again, Haltemnrice have their roller up for tender. This is Marshall 10 ton S.C. Pision Valve No. 84620 (Reg. No. WF2388), which still has its original iron rims tinplated, and it is hoped that she will go for preservation locally. Also in the same area, in a specially built room, together with one of the organs from Cloebury Mortimer, is the wood and fibre glass model of the " Iron Maiden " used in the film, which one has to touch to be convinced that it is not its famous namesake—even the paint on smokebox and chimney appears to have been heat-blistered and painted over many times. Early in December the Pickering Traction Engine Rally Committee held a Dinner at Helmsley, at which there were some hundred and twenty guests including those two redoubtable steam-propelled wanderers Steve Neville and Brian Pitts who, some four months earlier reached their most Northerly point so far by attending the Pickering Rally. P.O. SOMERSET One of Messrs. W. I. King's Burrell rollers, the D.C.C. No. 4062 (Reg. No. Y139360) " Lorna Doone ", in rally condition almost, was seen at work on a private road in Muserove Park, Taunton, on 12th October, and a surprising development at their Bishops Lydeard depot recently was the pulling out of several of the derelict Foden wagons from amongst the trees and undergrowth, where they have stood derelict since before the war! Numbered amongst them is an example of a Fodcrn Speed Six, hardly recognisable as such (Reg. No. LG4815), and another rarity is a 6-wheeled Overtype Wagon No. 13274 (Reg. No. LG5441. the remainder being the normal 4-wheel overtypc wagons. In spite of their appalling condition, none can be purchased. and those recently pulled from the bushes were hurried packed into a new building, to continue their dereliction tinder cover and behind locked doors! A hapnier " fate" has been the lot of Armstrong Whitworth 10 ton Roller No. 10817, which has been purchased by Mr. K. M. Vigus, of Winscombe, and which will ultimately be a stablemate to his Garrett Portable No: 33007. Mr. Rex Raynor, of Langport, has acquired the former Somerset C.C. 12 ton S.C. Aveling Roller No. 9370 Mee. No. YAI177), which he wrote about in the correspondence column of the last :Wanting, and has in turn disposed of his little Marshall Roller converted Tractor No. 74962 (Reg. No. YA2197) to an enthusiast in the Bristol area. Early in December. the Somerset C.C. nut out tenders for a 10 ton S.C. Aveling Roller No. 6905 (Reg. No. YA832), which had worked for many years in the Dulverton-Simonsbath area of Exmoor. and it is understood that she has been purchased by Mr. C. T. Shears, of Exeter, well known for his collection of early motor buses and vintage cars and commercial vehicles. News is hist to hand of a new engine owner in the county, a Mr. Sharman, of Othery, near Bridgewater, who has purchased a Marshall traction engine from Kent, but details of the engine are still awaited. Finally, some news from neighbouring Dorset, which rarely seems to get a mention in Steaming. The last Eddison steam roller surviving at their famous "Dorchester Steam Plough Works", a 10 ton S.C. Piston Valve Aveling No. 10510 (Reg. No. PR509), finally departed for Grantham, and a children's

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playground, during September, after lying disused for over four years. Two traction engines paraded in a fete at West Bay, near Bridport, during August, these being the veteran 1895 S.C. Burrell No. 1840 (Reg. No. YA2481) from Litton Cheyney, and the Garrett Tractor No. 33632 (Reg. No. TB3740) "Joyce ", which many will recall as being a performer at past Andover and Appleford rallies, and now in preservation at Bridport. Mr. J. Miles, of Charminster, has recently purchased a 7 h.p. S.C. Marshall Traction No. 36033 (Reg. No. NK2524) from a farm near the village of Organl'ord, and Mr. D. Thompson, of Maiden Newton, Dorchester, owner of the ex-Somerset C.C. Wallis Advance Roller No. 7876 (Reg. No. H06473) is understood to have just acquired a Davey Paxman traction, but again, A.G.C. further details are still awaited. SOUTH & WEST WALES Robert Wynn & Sons, of Newport, have now fully restored and painted their Fowler Road Locomotive No. 15463 (Reg. No. DWI212), and the engine was used in the recent centenary procession of Wynn's through Newport. The engine is a 7 n.h.p. Little Lion of 1920, and was the last engine bought by Wynn's. It was for many years in store at Cardiff, and must surely be one of the few " one only " owners left. The engine is preserved with an 1890 boiler earl iage. They are both on display outside Robert Wynn's yard awaiting this year's rally. Mr. Iwan Jones, of St. Mellons, Cardiff, has recently bought for preservation Wallis & Steevens Advance " 5 " Type Roller No. 8070 (Reg. No. 0U7354). The engine was new to Cardiff City Council in December, 1930, where it worked for 25 years ; it was then sold to a large civil engineering concern and used on various new roads in Wales. Restoration work is well under way, and I can safely say that the engine will be as good as new when Mr. Jones has finished. Mr. Hawkins, of Pontygwmer, has purchased ex-Glossop's Sentinel No. 8070 (Reg. No. TE9662). ex-Glossop's No. 170. Upon steaming, it is understood that about 100 lbs. appeared on the clock before a tube went. The boiler and engine unit arc now removed and is to receive specialist attention from R. M. Wolley, of Bucknell. I have just heard of a Showman's engine, thought to be a Burrell 8 n.h.p., being scrapped recently in South Wales. Number, etc., are as yet unknown. D.J.H. THAMES VALLEY Jack Lawrence has been out generating light with his Burrell Showman's Tractor No. 3631 " Kathleen ". His one-night stands included Dinton, Clifton Hampden, Appleford and Great Milton. At our Chairman's Steam Party in October, Fowler No. 15710 "Tommy ", Marshall No. 37690 " Old Timer ", and Foden No. 13238 (Arthur Napper), and Fowler single cylinder P.E. of 1870-80 (no number) were in steam during the afternoon. Jack Lawrence and " Kathleen " arrived and after tea, kindly provided by Mr. and Mrs. Napper, stood on the village green generating to a late hour. Member A. R. J. Piper, of Ashmore Green, is a fair organ enthusiast, and on two occasions he has entertained us to recitals on his trumpet barrel organ and 46 key Chiappa which are maintained in most beautiful condition in a disused chapel. Peter Barker toured Reading in December with Burrell No. 3458 "Defiance ", helping collect money for the Round Table Christmas Appeal. The first social meeting of the winter was held at "The Fox and Hounds ", Gosbrook Road, Caversham, Reading, on the first Monday in December, and it proved so successful that we have decided to make it a regular event. Members, and in fact anyone interested, will be welcome on the first Monday every month. Our member Michael Reid is the landlord of " The G.R.H. Fox and Hounds " and always has a welcome for steam men. WEALD OF KENT The area is in the dormant condition associated with the time of year but nevertheless a few activities are still going on. One of the rollers owned by the executors of the late Mr. C. M. Rostron

STEAMING 13 has changed hands to a local farmer who was a friend of Mr. Rostron. The roller concerned is Marshall No. 74399 (formerly Leicestershire C.C. and C. W. Lambert). Another of the engines formerly owned by Mr. Rostron, Allchin No. 3251 " Royal Chester ", which is at present housed at Mr. D. Eastwood's farm at Horsmonden, has undergone repairs to the differential. Mr. Rostron experienced bother with this on the way to Penshurst Rally in 1961 and had made a temporary repair, but the renewal of the sheared bolt necessitated the almost complete dismantling of the rear axle assembly. However, this is now done and the engine has been put together again. The Wallis Oilbath Tractor No. 7289, owned by Mr. R. A. Whitehead, has been transferred from the farm to a local engineering works where a new front tube plate is to be fitted. A new smokebox was temporarily fitted to make the engine towable, but this will have to come off again to enable the new tube plate to be put on. Mr. H. F. Gabb has purchased a Fowler steam plough living wagon in a somewhat run-down condition. He intends to restore this as a foil to his Ruston Traction No. 36828, with which it will share the yard. When complete, the van may be used as an extra spare bedroom for house parties. The two rollers formerly owned by Mr. E. Pragnell, of Godstone, have been bought by Mr. T. W. G. Eady, of Heathficld. They are 6 ton Fowler No. 19032 and 10 ton Advance No. 7947, ex-Esher Urban District Council and later H. Minto, of Maidstone. The fairly regular appearances of Mr. I. C. Butler's Foden wagon in Tonbridge have led some anonymous reporter with more enthusiasm than experience to inform the editor of a national periodical on vehicle preservation that a " fire " engine on solids is regularly used in Tonbridge. So our fame spreads. R.A.W. WEST OF ENGLAND Members of the Plymouth Railway Circle were invited to Coombe ❑n the 12th October and about thirty travelled from Plymouth to Redruth, where they were met at the station by Mr. J. Warren with his Sentinel wagon suitably equipped with bench seats. Thus the party was steam-propelled through Camborne to the foot of a hill near Coombe where the arrival of the Sentinel was greeted by whistle blasts from the four engines waiting there. After introductions and a quick preliminary inspection of the engines, " Gladiator ", " Trevithick ", " Bo Peep", " The Mac " and the Sentinel proceeded slowly up the hill with the visitors from Plymouth riding on or clinging to the tenders or else taking pictures from the roadside. I noticed that one railwayman who was trying his hand at steering found that he could not negotiate corners as easily as with a locomotive on rails! Mr. R. Morse made recordings of the procession up the hill, hoping to play them to Mr. Mewton (owner of " Millenium King ") who had been confined to bed for a long time. Unfortunately, Mr. Mewton passed away without being able to hear them. At Coombe, quite a crowd had gathered and a leisurely inspection of the engines was made. Another engine in steam and quietly ticking over was the Marshall " Titan ", her first steaming in public since restoration, and the afternoon sunshine enabled all to sec what a very fine job has been accomplished. Other engines present but not in steam were "The Whale", " Highwayman ", the Robey tractor " Little Glutton ", the Aveling-Barford roller " Omega " and " Attraction ", all of which although cold and silent attracted attention. Among the spectators were some students from Africa attending the Camborne School of Mines who had never seen a traction engine before. They were intensely interested and used all of their available film to record the scene for later showing to their friends back home. After Cornish pasties and tea the Plymouth party boarded the Sentinel and were taken back to Redruth where, at Murdock House, an appreciative audience listened to an interesting talk on the history of railways in Devon and Cornwall. Many pictures and historical relics were exhibited. Richard Murdock's name will be familiar to most readers of this journal owing to his early experiments with steam propulsion around Redruth. He was also the inventor of gas lighting and the room in which the meeting was held still has some gas lamps. A few days after the " steam-up " at Coombe, the event was shown with appropriate

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commentary on B.B.C. television, when the various engines showed up quite well. Thanks are due to the engine owners and crews for contributing to an enjoyable afternoon and to Mr. T. E. Opie who did the lion's share of the organising. The annual Boxing Day " steam-up" at St. Issey took place as usual. The big McLaren plougher "Hero ", the Fowler Tiger "Firefly" and the Sentinel S.4, all belonging to Mr. G. Hawkins, were in steam. Visitors were able to see the greatly enhanced appearance of the organ on which Mr. Jonas has done such a colossal amount of restoration. Mr. Deacon, of Wadebridge, already the owner of two Robey Tandem rollers and a Wallis Expansion engine, has added another to his collection. This is a compound Fowler 8i ton Roller No. 19050 (Reg. No. CV5630), ex R. Dingle and Sons, and is complete with scarifier, differential and canopy. Another newcomer to Cornwall is a fine 8 n.h.p. single Burrell, No. 3121, general purpose engine, purchased by Mr. Afford of Minions several years ago but only delivered to its new home in December. This engine appears to be in good condition and was formerly owned by Mr. J. Keeling of Billericay, Essex. In the last issue of Steaming I mentioned that Mr. Solway, of Marazanvose, had bought the Clayton & Shuttteworth compound traction, No. 48279, or rather, what was left of it. Since then he has bought a 10 ton Clayton & Shuttlewarth compound roller No. 46817 (Reg. No. YA2095) from Messrs. Buncombe, of Highbridge. Mr. Solway's original intention was to use some of the roller's motion, bushes, etc., to replace those missing from No. 48279. However, as the roller was practically complete and in good order, and as the parts were not interchangeable, the roller engine being smaller than that of the traction, Mr. Solway decided to convert the roller to traction engine and keep No. 48279 as she is until a later date when he hopes to find parts to complete her. Before the roller left Highbridge the scarifier and front rolls were removed for another customer and an axle and wheels from a portable were fitted to the smokebox to facilitate loading and off-loading. Mr. Solway has now removed these and has fitted a Clayton axle and wheels retrieved from the relics of a similar engine to No. 48279 at Canworthy Water belonging to Mr. Weeks. The front part of the smokebox of the Canworthy engine has been welded to the smokebox of the roller and we are confident that this engine will be present as a traction engine at the next West of England Steam Engine Society's Rally near Redruth an August 22nd. The Late Mr. Mewton, to whom I referred earlier, was associated with traction engines nearly all his life and the knowledge he had acquired was shared with anyone who sought his advice. The writer is one of many who will always be grateful for help so willingly given. Mr. E. Mewton (" Neddy ") started driving at an early age for the late Mr. G. Carlyon, of Mount Hawke. Amongst the engines driven was a 2-speed single-drive Burrell 8 n.h.p. road locomotive known as " Lorna Doone ", hauling coal and materials for the Explosive Works near Hayle during the First World War. For the same contractor he later drove a 7 n.h.p. Fowler called " Millenium King " and when this engine was scrapped he acquired the brass nameplate which had been attached to the Fowler's chimney by a brass strap. Later still he went into business on his own account as a threshing contractor and used a single-cylindered Fowler to the chimney of which he attached the nameplate. After some years he took over a butcher's business at Mount Hawke and when the Fowler was scrapped the nameplate was again retrieved. At about this time (early 1950s) the engine preservation movement was starting and before long, Mr. Mewton like many others have done, regretted having disposed of his engine. He became one of the early members of the West of England Steam Engine Society and not only a member but a friend and benefactor also. When the Burrell " Ponto " became available he bought her from the executors of the late Mr. Matthews, of Summercourt, carried out many improvements to the engine and added the " Millenium King " nameplate to her chimney. In July, 1962. Mr. Mewton was making a slow recovery in hospital from an operation, but so keen was he to see the rally at Mount Hawke that two doctors took him by car to the field for the afternoon as they considered that this would be more beneficial than any other prescription, and no doubt it was. Mr. Mewton made a partial

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recovery and was able to be present and direct operations when his Burrell did some tricky manoeuvring in narrow, crooked lanes to pull and push John Luxton's Armstrong-Whitworth roller into a yard at St. Agnes. On occasions such as this the help of such men of experience was invaluable. After being confined to his bed for several months, Mr. Mewton passed away in November, sadly missed by his many friends, who extend their sympathy to his widow and family. C.P.G. WORCESTERSHIRE Standing in the yard of Messrs. C. H. Lambe & Sons, Charford, Bromsgrove. is an Aveling & Porter 12-14 ton roller, piston valve, compound, No. 12088, new to Coventry Corporation in 1928, which is to be disposed of. Another Aveling & Porter, slide valve, compound, A.F. type, No. 14077, new to Coventry Corporation in 1930, left this yard in September for a new owner, Mr. Stan Simmonds, of Leigh Sinton, Nr. Worcester. It is understood Mr. Simmonds hopes to use the roller on a local County Council contract job near his home. These two rollers were until quite recently used by a firm of coal factors near or in Coventry to level their coalyard. A third roller, a Fowler 10 ton single, slide valve, No. 15851, formerly owned by the Royal Borough of Leamington Spa Corporation, was sold to Mr. Hodgetts, of Hereford, following its appearance at the City of Worcester Traction Engine Rally in August, driven there and back to Bromsgrove by Mr. Alf Burden, the driver of Bromsgrove's steam roller which is still in use. A fourth roller, an Aveling & Porter 6 ton compound, slide valve, new in 1911, stands in the yard partly dismantled, and needs repairs and re-lagging. having a good box and tubes. A Foster " Wellington " Tractor No. 14514. made in 1925, is under cover and has been fitted with a new smokebox and canopy and has been partly finished as regards painting, and awaits re-lagging now that the two new side tanks have been fitted. A recent arrival at this same yard was a Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive " Lady Pride of England " No. 2625, built in 1904, 7 n.h.p., new to W. Buckland, of Coventry, to use with a set of gallopers. Later, Geo. Billings, of Leicester, travelled the engine for thirty years. and after standing idle was bought by A. Kimpton & Sons who, after removing the rubber tyres which were useless on the light fenland soil, used her for threshing. Later a Mr. Bates restored the engine and took her to several rallies. The present owners purchased the Burrell from Messrs. Gill & Dudman, of Hemel Hempstead. and she arrived at Bromsgrove in November. Here also stands another Foster. a 5 h.p. compound " Little Gem " model agricultural traction engine of 1926, No. 14564, which has been beautifully restored by her owner Mr. Fred Lambe over the last two years. This engine, which figured in the B.B.C. " Archers" programme, made the sound recordings and was filmed at Pulberrow, Worcs., outside the " Bull Inn " (see News of the World, December 15th) when " Walter Gabriel " took his engine to the village of " Ambridge " with Ned Larkin. This engine made its debut at the Worcester Rally this year, and has since been to a hospital fete as well as a farmers' show at Haglev. Worcs. The same owner hag a Burrell 6 h.p. compound slide valve agricultural engine No. 3812, of 1919. next on his list for preservation. 'This engine stood for many years at Castle Caerinion halt on the Welshpool-Llanfair narrow gauge railway line and has been at Bromsgrove about four years now. Lastly, a Clayton & Shuttleworth 5 ton wagon of 1919, originally on steel hub centres and rubber tyres carried on wooden felloes. is in need of reconditioning and was acquired from a Mr. Evans. of Talgarth, Brecon, who owned the wagon from new. Her number is 48347. A trip to see Mr. Eric Lawrence, the agricultural contractor, of Malton. near Malvern, produced the news that his large 7 h.p. single cylinder Ransome Road Locomotive No. 26925 (gee. No. AY9704) has been sent by him to Burley (to Messrs. Bishop Bros.) for complete reconditioning. Perhaps when the Ransomc returns he will also send his Burrell that i have driven to Worcestershire Show and back—the Devonshire engine " Pride of Hants." there too! Mr. Gordon Limb, the Barnt Green stationmaster, has been seen around the lanes near his Romsley home with his 1926 4 n.h.p. Ransome tractor following retubing and general repairs at Millward Bros, Lodgefield Farm,

STEAMING

Halesowen, Worcs., and is now stored near the owner's home. Mrs. Limb is also a keep supporter, and who helped her husband on the restoration work, sometimes accompanies him. It is Mr. Limb who is seen at all the Midland area carnivals and rallies driving Mr. Eric Middleton's Foden tractor " Matilda ". Without Mr. Limb and the Foden's help with water, I would not be able to get my 1898 6 n.h.p. S.C.C. No. 2147 Burrell " Lady Burrell " to Birmingham or Worcester Rallies each year. A frequent event to he seen recently at Hartlebury is electric welding generated by Fowler S.C. agricultural engine No. 11246 (Reg. No. B1.4831), 6 n.h.p., " Little Mary ", which is used to drive a 250 amp. generator off a Lister set. This engine, fitted with typical Fowler governors, responds beautifully to the fierce make and break of electric welding, turning over at about 60 or 70 r.p.m. The reason for the welding is repairs to the front and rear tanks of David Walker's Burrell " Princess Marina " No. 3847, which as recorded in detail in the last issue of Steaming, is completely dismantled for firebox replacement by Midland Rolling & Haulage Co. Ltd., South Yardley, Birmingham, the boiler having been taken there several months ago. Assisting in the repairs at Hartlebury is Burrell crane engine No. 3197 (Reg. Nn. AR8954), 7 n.h.p., new to Screen Bros. of Oldbury, Worcs., which is very useful in moving the large pieces around D. Walker's engine. A second crane engine, also stored at Hartlebury, is Fowler Big Lion No. 17106 " Duke of York " (Reg. No. KD2826), 10 n.h.p., ex Edward Box. The two Wallis & Steevens rollers of C. James, 6 ton No. 7975 (Reg. No. 013228) and 10 ton No. 8099 (Reg. No. AOU941), both being of the " Advance " type, are still hard at work every day in the Brierley Hill, Staffs. area on road repairs. Mt. T. G. Hunt, of " The Griffin " Foundry, Oldbury, Wares., who possesses no less than four Burrell Showman's road locomotives, two of which are ex Pat Collins, being " The Griffin " No. 2804, 1906, 8 n.h.p.; " Wait and See " No. 3910. 1921, 7 n.h.p.; " Majestic " No. 3890, 1921, 7 n.h.p.; and " The Rover" No. 3471, 1913, 6 n.h.p. In September a fifth Showman's engine arrived at the foundry, it being Pat Collins' Foster Showman's Road Locomotive No. 14446 (Reg. No. DH4593 " The Leader No. 2 ", 10 n.h.p., Scenic, new in 1921. Each of Pat Collins' engines at the foundry have now had new fireboxes fitted in recent years. The Millward Bros.. of Halesowen, being keen Foster Showman's enthusiasts, have spent most week-ends since its arrival in September putting the " Leader " in running order. Mr. Hunt rewarded their labours by asking them to steam the engine from the foundry to the Midland Rolling & Haulage Co. for smokebox replacement. I am informed that since starting these notes the member of Bromsgrove has acquired a Garrett Tractor No. 31193 (Reg. No. BJ1659) of 1913, which was converted to a roller by its late owner Mr. Corfield, of Abermule. The Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 32981 (Reg. No. BJ3282) " Rob Roy ", new in 1917 and owned by the Millward Bros., has now returned home to Halesowen after visiting Kinver Carnival, Church Stretton Rally, Worcester Rally, Mr. Middleton's Steam Past and the Hagley Agricultural Show, where it joined Mr. Fred Lambe's Foster Compound and Mr. Eric Middleton's Foden " Matilda ". The Ruston Proctor Tractor No. 52607 (Reg. No. HP2201) " Lincoln Imp", which was found and restored by the late Horace Bentley and now also owned by the Millward Bros., has been driving a small generator doing welding repairs to Mr. Limb's Ransome. The last Evesham Borough Council roller, an Aveling & Porter single cylinder piston valve No. 10416 (Reg. No. NX2702), stayed a few nights in Worcester on its way to Tenbury Wells, Worcs., driven by its new owner Mr. Geo. Bowkley. An Aveling & Porter 14 ton roller owned by the Herefordshire County Council—their No. 3, Engine No. 9166 (Reg. No. C.14526)— is working near my home here. Two of Messrs. Bomford & Wilkins, of Binton, Stratford-on-Avon. Fowler ploughing engines have passed my house. They are 16 h.p. B.B. models Nos. 14381 and 14382 (Reg. Nos. NM557 and 558), new in 1914. They have been dredging at Boddenham, Hereford, and are two of a fleet of fourteen ploughing engines still more or less usable.

STEAMING

AVELING & PORTER STEAM TRACTORS The A veking & Porter compound Steam Motor Tractor was designed to work under the heavy motor ear regulations, one man only being required to operate it with a suitable trailer. The boiler was usually of the " Belpaire type with a square top over the firebox giving maximum steam capacity and exceptional support to crankshaft bearings. The tractors were usually fitted with the Aveling & Porter improved arrangement of laminated steel springs to both axles, two speeds, large tanks, winding drum and steel wire rope, three pinion differential gear, pump, injector and water lifter and hose.

Aveling & Porter Class " L" Tractor No. 14161 (Reg. No. SM9984). New in 1933 to Dumfries County Council.

LEADING DIMENSIONS OF THE AVELING " L " TYPE TRACTOR Cylinder Diameter Cylinder Stroke ... Crankshaft Diameter ... Driving Axle Diameter ... First Intershaft Diameter Driving Wheels ... Front Wheels Boiler Tubes Grate Area Heating Surface ... Indicated Horse Power Brake Horse Power ... Working Pressure Actual Weight, Empty ... Actual Weight, Working Order

.11

*44 •••

•••1, • 1•1 .1 I 6•• •••

.11 •• • ••• •••

••4 ••• •••

41 in. & 6+ in. 8 in. 2+ in. 4 in. 3 in. 5 ft. dia. X 12 in. wide 3 ft. 4 in. X 5 in. 1+ in. (27 in number) 3 sq. ft. 63.4 sq. ft. 24 at 225 revs. 19 at 225 revs. 200 lbs. per sq. in. 5 tons 15 cwt. 6 tons 15 cwt.

STEAMING

AVELING & PORTER STEAM TRACTORS

The Aveling & Porter 3 ton Tractor first introduced in 1904.

Aveling & Porter Class " M" Tractor No. 10820. New in 1925 to Pickfords Ltd.

STEAMING

AVELING & PORTER STEAM TRACTORS

Aveling & Porter Class SGND Compound Superheated Tractor No. 8026. New on the 12th March, 1914, to S. Frampton of Farnham, Surrey.

The SGND Compound Superheater Tractor Aveling & Porter Engine No. 8026 was despatched from the Rochester Works on the 12th March, 1914, to S. Frampton, of Old Park Farm, Farnham. It was basically a GND Motor Tractor fitted with a superheater, the superheater coils being located in the specially shaped smokebox which gave this machine a rather unorthodox appearance. The smokebox was semi-circular at the bottom and rectangular at the top. The superheater coils, ten in number, were made from I in. bore seamless solid drawn steel tube, the headers for the coils being made of cast steel. In order to reduce heat losses, the boiler lagging was extended to cover the smokebox. Technical particulars of the machines were as follows : Cylinder Bores ... Cylinder Stroke ... Crankshaft Diameter Intershaft Diameter Driving Axle Diameter Driving Wheels Front Wheels

...

41 in. & 7 in. 8 in. 21 in. 3 in. 4 in. 5 ft. dia. X 12 in. wide 3 ft. 4 in. dia. X 5 in. wide 11 in. (27 in number) 4 sq. ft. 63.4 sq. ft. 26 21 180 lbs. per sq. in.

Boiler Tubes ... Grate Area Heating Surface ... ... Indicated Horse Power Brake Horse Power Working Pressure ... The extras fitted were: Half-length Awning. Governor. Water Elevator. Winding drum with 50 yards wire rope and compensating gear. 4•4

•.4

STEAMING

A veling & Porter Class "GND" Tractor, No. 6898. New 1909 so The Metropolitan Water Board.

The Canal Haulage Locomotive (see drawing opposite) This machine, as its name implies, was for canal barge haulage and was designed in 1908. The front end was of the orthodox traction engine design but the back end closely resembled the Aveling & Porter MTD Tandem Steam Roller, except that it had two traction engine wheels instead of a roller. The final drive gearing was mounted on the outside of the driving road wheel, both driving road wheels being set well in to reduce the overall width of the machine. The winding drum was located in the centre of the hind axle, the rope passing out at the back between the two road wheels.

LEADING DIMENSIONS OF THE CANAL HAULAGE LOCOMOTIVE Overall Length Overall Width Overall Height Front Wheels Driving Wheels

... ... ,..

...

11 ft. 11 in. 5 ft. 8 ft. 5 in. 3 ft. 3 in. dia. X 5 in. wide 3 ft. 3 in. dia. X 12 in. wide

CANAL HAULAGE ENGINE

THE AVELING & PORTER

DNINVUIS

STEAMING

BROWN & MAY STEAM TRACTOR

Nearside general arrangement of the Brown & May Steam Tractor.

LEADING DIMENSIONS OF THE BROWN & MAY STEAM MOTOR TRACTOR ... Diameter of Cylinder ... Length of Stroke ... Revolutions Per Minute when Driving on the ... ... ... Belt Diameter of Flywheel ... ... Width of Flywheel Number of Boiler Tubes ... ... Size of Tubes Tube Heating Surface ... Firebox Heating Surface Total Heating Surfaces ... ... ... Grate Area Boiler Working Pressure ... Works Test Pressure Diameter of Driving Wheels Width of Driving Wheels Diameter of Leading Wheels Width of Leading Wheels ... Speed in Top Gear Speed in Low Gear

6+ in. 8 in. 200 3 ft. 4 in. 38 li in, dia. 52.2 sq. ft. 17.15 sq. ft. 69.35 sq. ft. 3 sq. ft. 150 lbs. per sq. in. 250 lbs. per sq. in. 4 ft. 6 in. 10 in. 3 ft. 2 in. 5 in. 5 m.p.h. 3 m.p.h.

STEAMING

STAMFORD Carnival & Traction Engine

RALLY at

BURGHLEY HOUSE STAMFORD (Home of the Marquess of Exeter, K.C.M.G.)

Saturday, 27th June (ENGINES ON DISPLAY ONLY)

Sunday, 28th June (RALLY DAY)

Various Fairground Organs will be playing on both days.

Rally Secretary : JOHN CRAWLEY, FIELD HOUSE, TURVEY, BEDFORD.

STEAMING

THE BURRELL STEAM TRACTOR

Burrell Tractor No. 3119 on the firm's stand at the Royal Agricultural

Show, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1908.

LEADING DIMENSIONS OF THE BURRELL 5 TON STEAM MOTOR TRACTOR Diameter of Cylinder (High Pressure) Diameter of Cylinder (Low Pressure) ... ••• ... Length of Stroke ,.. ... ... Working Pressure Number and Size of Boiler Tubes Length of Boiler Tubes ... .•. Firebox Heating Surface ... ... ... Grate Area ... Total Heating Surfaces ... Diameter of Driving Wheels ... ... ... Width of Driving Wheels Diameter of Leading Wheels ... ... Width of Front Wheels ... Diameter of Flywheel ... ..• Width of Flywheel Water Tank Capacity ... Overall Width of Engine Total Unladen Weight ...

.. ... ... ... “O

... ...

41 in. 7f in. 8} in. 200 lbs. per sq. ft. If in. (25 in number) 4 ft. 2 in. 17'25 sq. ft. 3 sq. ft. 65'5 sq. ft. 5 ft. 01 in. I ft. 3 ft. 5 in. 3 ft. 4} in. 130 gals. 5 ft. 71 in. 4 tons 19 cwt.

0 STEAMING

THE BURRELL STEAM TRACTOR

Burrell Gold Medal Tractor No. 2932. Photographed outside the works at Thetford.

Burrell Tractor No. 2932 seen passing through Maidenhead whilst taking part in the R.A.C. Commercial Trials for which it was subsequently awarded a gold medal,

STEAMING

THE CLAYTON & SHUTTLEWORTH STEAM TRACTOR

Clayton & Shuttleworth Tractor No. 48479 (Reg. No. FE3204). New in 1920 to the Middlesborough Slag Company Ltd.

LEADING DIMENSIONS OF THE CLAYTON & SHUTTLEWORTH " LITTLE HERCULES " STEAM TRACTOR

... Nominal Horse Power Diameter of High Pressure .., ... ... Cylinder Diameter of Low Pressure ... ... ... Cylinder ... ... Length of Stroke ... Diameter of Flywheel „. Revolutions Per Minute Diameter of Driving Wheels Width of Driving Wheels ... Diameter of Leading Wheels Width of Leading Wheels ... Extreme Length of Engine ... Extreme Width of Engine ... Height to Top of Flywheel ... Speed in Miles Per Hour ... Weight of Engine, Empty ...

Single

Compound

61 in.

5 in.

— 8 in. 3 ft. 233 4 ft. 5 in. 12 in. 3 ft. 4 in. 5 in. 13 ft. 41 in. 5 ft. 31 in. 7 ft. 3&6 41 tons

8 in. 9 in. 2 ft. 9 in. 260 4 ft. 9 in. 10 in. 3 ft. 51 in. 5 in. 14 ft. 5 ft. 9 in. 7 ft. 3&6 5 tons

STEAMING

' TRACTION ENGINE IOLA.X-m 3C-i-ugr

WHIT SUNDAY & MONDAY 17th and 18th May, 1964 REFRESHMENT TENT LICENSED REFRESHMENT

STEAMING THE FOSTER STEAM TRACTOR

afr' 4 I

r4mgbr aviage .•

A F.' • t' 4..tigaig AZt02,..afi ,".L; gki Foster "Wellington" Compound Tractor No. 14378 (Reg. No. PP7306). Seen at Hitchin in 1946.

APPROXIMATE POWER AND DIMENSIONS OF THE " WELLINGTON " COMPOUND STEAM TRACTOR 14 Continuous Economical Horse Power 18 Continuous Maximum Horse Power ... 22 Emergency Maximum Horse Power ... ... 4+ in. X 61 in. ... Diameter of Cylinders ... ... 9 in. ... Length of Stroke ... ... 2 ft. 6 in. ... Diameter of Flywheel ... ... 5 in. ... Width of Flywheel ... 250 Revolutions Per Minute, Governing 5 ft. 2 in. ... Diameter of Driving Wheels ... 12 in. Standard Width of Driving Wheels ... 3 ft. 4 in. ... ... Diameter of Front Wheels 5 in. ... Standard Width of Front Wheels ... 3&6 Speeds Attainable, Miles Per Hour ... Maximum Permissible Legal Speed, Miles Per Hour 5 ... 14 ft. ... ... ... Length of Engine ... 9 ft. ... Height to Top of Awning ... 5 ft. 10 in. Width over Driving Wheels ... ... 5 tons ... ... Weight, Empty ... ... 6 tons Weight, Full, in Working Order

STEAMING THE FOSTER STEAM TRACTOR

Early Foster Tractor, No. unknown, either 3341, 3342, or 3343. (Reg. No. AA2171).

— Foster Tractor No. 14066 (Reg. No. 17 E1589). New in 1915 to C. G. Collis & Co., Kettering.

STEAMING

THE FOWLER TRACTOR

Fowler Class "T" Tractor, No. 10524 (Reg. No. U773). This tractor had three cylinders and was fitted with Firth's valve gear. It was new to the Tractor Haulage Co., of Bootle, on the 31st December, 1906. It was later returned to the works and sold to Barnby Benda11 & Co. Ltd., of Cheltenham, on 9th December, 1907. By April, 1915, it was owned by D. Wood & Co., of Yeadow, Yorks.

DETAILS OF T " TYPE STEAM TRACTOR " FOWLER THE 200 lbs. per sq. in. ... ... Working Pressure 145 gals. ... ... Tank Capacity 3 ft. 7 in. Diameter of Front Wheels ... 5 in. ... ... Width of Front Wheels ... 5 ft. Diameter of Rear Wheels ... 8 in. ... ... ... Width of Rear Wheels 2} m.p..h. ... ... ... ... Speed in Slow Gear ... Speed in Top Gear (which may be exceeded if 5 m.p.h. ... ... ... ... desired) These tractors were fitted with three cylinders, one high and two low pressures, and had the following advantages: the high pressure cylinder and the large low pressure cylinder are side by side, and the small low pressure cylinder is tandem with the high pressure and works on the same crank, the object being to increase the ratio of expansion and to equalise the power of each crank. When the starting cock for admitting high pressure steam into the low pressure cylinder is opened (to give maximum power for emergencies) the engine immediately works as a double cylinder engine, the high pressure cylinder being converted for the moment into a differential cylinder, the two low pressure cylinders working as a double cylinder engine with full boiler pressure. Further, the arrangement provides for double the number of exhaust blasts in the chimney and therefore ensures a better draught and brighter fire, at the same time further reducing the noise of the exhaust..

STEAMING

THE FOWLER STEAM TRACTOR

Fowler Tiger Tractor No. 19890 (Reg. No. UG1496), owned by Olive & Partington Ltd., and seen here at Glossop on the 17th August, 1939.

LEADING DIMENSIONS OF THE FOWLER TIGER TRACTOR ... Nominal Horse Power .. ... ... Continuous I.H.P. Maximum I.H.P. for Short Periods ... Belt Horse Power Standard ... ... Overall Length Overall Width ... ... ... ... Wheelbase ... Height to Top of Chimney ... ... Weight in Working Order ... Commercial Nett Load on Good Roads

3 29 / 33 37 / 42 23 14 ft. 2 in. 5 ft. 9+ in. 8 ft. 3+ in. 9 ft. 11 in. 61 tons 10 tons

STEAMING

THE GARRETT STEAM TRACTOR

Garrett Tractor No. 33364 (Reg. No. BH7010).

THE GARRETT STEAM MOTOR TRACTOR Diameter of Cylinder (High) ... Diameter of Cylinder (Low) ... Length of Stroke .. ... Diameter of Crankshaft ... ... Diameter of Main Axle ... ... Diameter of Hind Driving Wheel Width of Hind Driving Wheel ... Diameter of Front Wheels Width of Front Wheels ...

41 in. 6i in. 10 in. 2f in. 4k in. 5 ft. 12 in. 3 ft. 71 in. 6 in. Diameter of Flywheel ... 3 ft. 3 in. Width of Flywheel ... 5 in. Total Length of Engine ... ... ... ... 14 ft. 10 in. Total Height from ground to top of Chimney 9 ft. 10 in. Extreme Width over Rear Wheels ... 5 ft. llf in. Grate Area (ordinary firebox) ... ... 8 sq. ft. Total Heating Surface (ordinary firebox) 68.12 sq. ft. Hydraulic Test Pressure ... .. ... 360 lbs. per sq. ft. Working Pressure ... ... ... ... 180 lbs. per sq. ft. Maximum Test Load (approx. 70% cut-off) 25 b.h.p. Recommended Maximum Continuous Working Load (approx. 45% cut-off) ... ... ... 21 b.h.p. Approx. Weight, Empty ... ... ... 6f tons Approx. Weight, Working Order ... ... 7 tons Water Capacity ... ... ... ... ... 140 gals. Distance Travelled, hauling full load under normal conditions without taking water ... 12 miles Fuel Capacity of Tender ... ... 3 cwt. ... Distance Travelled, hauling full load under normal conditions without taking up fuel ... 21 miles Price of Engine (in 1920): £605 0 0. Without extras, Awning, Governors, etc.

STEAMING

THE MARSHALL STEAM TRACTOR

The Marshall 5 ton Tractor, No. unknown.

LEADING DIMENSIONS OF THE MARSHALL STEAM TRACTORS Description

Single

Compound

Boiler Working Pressure in lbs. p.s.i. Revolutions Per Minute when Belt ... ... ... ... Driving Economical Brake Horse Power when Belt Driving at above Revolu... ... tions Per Minute ... .. ... Diameter of Cylinder ...

180

200

250

20 6+ in. 9 in. 2 ft. 81- in. 5 in. 5 ft. 12 in. 14 ft. 3 in. 5 ft. 9 in. 5 2+ 4 tons 19 cwt. 5 tons 19 cwt.

20 44 in. (H.P.) 8 in. (L.P.) 9 in. 2 ft. 81• in. 5 in, 5 ft. 12 in. 14 ft. 3 in. 5 ft. 9 in. 5 2+ 4 tons 194 cwt. 5 tons 19* cwt.

8 tons

... ... Length of Stroke ... Diameter of Flywheel ... ... ... ... Width of Flywheel ... ... Diameter of Driving Wheels ... Width of Driving Wheels ... ... Extreme Length of Engine ... ... Extreme Width over Wheels Miles Per Hour, Fast Speed, about .. Miles Per Hour, Slow Speed, about .. ... ... ... Weight, Empty Weight, Full, i.e. in working order ... Gross Load, hauled under Fast Gear on good level road, and under Slow Gear up incline of about ... ... ... ... 1 in 12

STEAMING

THE MARSHALL STEAM TRACTOR The Marshall 5 ton Steam Tractor, drawn by W. J. Hughes and reproduced by permission of Messrs. Percival Marshall & Co. Ltd., of 19/20 Noel Street, London, W.1, from whom three dimensional 2 in. to 1 ft. drawings are available price 5s. 6d.

STEAMING

THE MARSHALL STEAM TRACTOR

Marshall 5 ton Tractor No. 59508 (Reg. No. AX452). New in 1912 to J. & V. Pask, of Caerleon, Monmouthshire.

The Power Packed (s psi. Manzel Cylinder Lubricator Ever thought of fitting a 3-point Lubricator giving a separate feed to each port face and a gocd oiling to the steam itself ? Consult British Manzel Oil Pump Co. Durranhill Eng. Works CARLISLE 21418/9 SINGLE FEED LUBRICATOR Only L6 I2s. Od.

STEAMING

THE McLAREN STEAM TRACTOR

,0 McLaren Superheated Tractor No,

1301. Photographed in France in 1915.

McLaren 5 ton Tractor No. 1837 (Reg, No. AAM801). New to Mr. Wiggins, of Connaught Park, Wiltshire.

STEAMING

THE RANSOME STEAM TRACTOR

Ransome Tractor No. 5003. Built 1920.

LEADING DIMENSIONS OF THE " RANSOME " COMPOUND STEAM TRACTOR 180 lbs. p.s.i. ... ... ... Boiler Working Pressure 230 Revolutions Per Minute when Belt Driving ... Brake Horse Power when Belt Driving at 20 ... above Revolutions Per Minute 4} in. & 7f in. Diameter of Cylinders 8 in. ... Length of Stroke ... 3 ft. ... ... Diameter of Flywheel Width of Flywheel 4 ft. 9 in. Diameter of Driving Wheels with Steel Tyres 12 in. Width of Driving Wheels with Steel Tyres ... Driving Wheels fitted with Twin Rubber Tyres Each 1380 mm. fitting dia. X 140 mm. 1530 mm. ... Nominal External Diameter of Tyres ... 771 mm. fitting dia. X Leading Wheels fitted with Single Solid Rubber 140 mm. Tyres 950 mm. Nominal External Diameter of Tyres ... 13 ft. 9 in. ... ... Extreme Length of Engine 5 ft. 3 in. ... ... Extreme Width over Wheels 5 Miles Per Hour, Fast Speed, about ... 3 Miles Per Hour, Slow Speed, about ... 41 tons ... ... ... Weight, Empty ... 5+ tons Weight, Full, i.e. in working order ... Gross Load hauled under Fast Gear on good level road, and under Slow Gear up incline ... 8 tons ... ... ... ... of 1 in 12

STEAMING

THE ROBEY STEAM TRACTOR

"'-***% Robey Tractor No. 37663 (Reg. No. FE2512). Supplied new on the 5th April. 1919, to E. C. Hughes, of Workinghtun, Berkshire.

Robey Tractor No. 37667 (Reg. No. FE1849). Supplied new on the 21st June, 1919, to Lee Davies & Co.. of Widnes, Lancs. Seen here in 1945 when owned by B. Hill, of Leominster.

STEAMING

RUSTON STEAM TRACTORS

Ruston Proctor 3 ton Single Cylinder Tractor.

Ruston " Linclon Imp" Tractor No. 52607 (Reg. No. HP2201), when owned by H. J. Bentley, of Worcester.

STEAMING

THE SAVAGE AND THE GREEN STEAM TRACTORS

The Savage "Little Samson" Steam Tractor.

The Green Tractor No. 2220. New in 1909 to Lanark C.C.

STEAMING

THE TASKER STEAM TRACTOR

Tacker Tractor No. 1741 (Reg. No. H02040) seen loading timber when owned by our member Francis Grover.

1904 PRICE LIST OF TASKER " LITTLE GIANT " STEAM MOTOR Al " Little Giant " Steam Motor with single cylinder ... £400 0 0 A2 " Little Giant " Steam Motor with single cylinder ... £450 0 0 131 "Little Giant " Steam Motor with compound cylinder £440 0 0 Extras to either if required: £8 10 0 ... Hauling Drum and 30 yards Best Wire Rope Governors and Equilibrium Throttle Valve (only required £6 0 0 ... when driving machinery from a belt) £8 10 0 Awning over Tender ... Forward Tanks according to requirements. Enlarged Coal Bunkers. Dynamo for Electric Lighting, as may be required. £5 0 0 ... ... Packing " Little Giant " for Shipment (nett) Trailers or Lorries for Use with " Little Giants ": T1 with removable sides, spring mounted, fitted with brake £60 0 0 ... ... ... patent axles, etc., to carry 4 tons £65 0 0 T2 with tipping arrangement to discharge load at rear ... Either Lorry can be fitted with improved back steering at extra cost. Special cash terms on application. Mb•

STEAM1NCi

LEADING DIMENSIONS AND PARTICULARS OF TASKER " LITTLE GIANT " STEAM TRACTOR Type

...

Size ... ... ... ... Overall Length ... ... Extreme Width ... ... Height to Top of Chimney ... Maximum Horse Power ... Diameter of Cylinders ... Length of Stroke ... ... Diameter of Flywheel ... Width of Flywheel ... Steam Working Pressure Hydraulic Test Pressure ... Travelling Speed ... ... Bunker Capacity, Coal ... Tender Tank Capacity, Water Capacity of Extra Tanks ... Weight of Tractor, Unladen ... Nett Load Hauled ... ...

...

... ... ...

... ... ... ... ... ...

Type

Single Cylinder Al 11 ft. 7 in. 4 ft. 6 in. 8 ft. 6 in. 22 5- in. 9 in. 2 ft. 6 in. 5 in. ;50 lbs. 250 lbs. 6 & 3 m.p.h 11 cwt. 60 gals. '.'• tons 2 cwt. 3 to 5 tons

A2 13 ft. 2 in. 5 ft. 6 in. 9 ft. 6 in. 35 6 in. 9 in. 2 ft. 9 in. 5 in. i70 lbs. 270 lbs. 6 & 3 m.p.h. 2 cwt. 90 gals. According to 4 tons 8 cwt. 5 to 7 tons

Compound

Size ... ... ... ... Overall Length ... ... Extreme Width ... ... Height to Top of Chimney ... Maximum Horse Power ,.. Diameter of Cylinders ... Length of Stroke ... ... Diameter of Flywheel ... Width of Flywheel ... Steam Working Pressure ... Hydraulic Test Pressure Travelling Speed ... ... Bunker Capacity, Coal ... Tender Tank Capacity, Water Capacity of Extra Tanks ... Weight of Tractor, Unladen ... Nett Load Hauled ... ...

Bl 11 ft. 7 in. ... 4 ft. 6 in. ... 8 ft. 6 in. ... 25 ... 41 in. & 61 in. ... 8 in. ... 2 ft. 6 in. ... 5 in. 160 lbs. ... 260 lbs. ... 6 & 3 m.p.h. ... 14- cwt. ... 60 gals. ... Requirements ... 3 tons 5 cwt. 3 to 5 tons ,..

B2 13 ft. 2 in. 5 ft. 6 in. 9 ft. 6 in. 40 5 in. & 7+ in. 8 in. 2 ft. 9 in. 5 in. 180 lbs. 280 lbs. 6 & 3 m.p.h. 2 cwt. 90 gals. 4 tons 17 cwt 5 to 8 tons

BADGES AND TIES The new N.T.E. Club Badges are available (choice of Ploughing Engine, Traction, Showman, Tractor, Roller, or Wagon) price 5s. 6d. post paid. Club Ties in Green or Blue, price 18s. 6d. post paid. From the Membership Secretary, John Bonser, 6 Rokeby Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex.

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THE TASKER STEAM TRACTOR

Tasker Single Cylinder Tractor Class Al No. 1318 (Reg. No. AA2143) when owned by E. L. Wicks, of Peru bury, Kent.

Tasker Tractor No. 1847.

New to Ayr County Council.

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THE WALLIS & STEEVENS STEAM TRACTOR

..._ • 01111160211k4::". Wallis & Steevens 41 ton Compound Oil Bath Tractor No. 2891. Supplied new to W. J. W. Pole, Bridgewater, Somerset..

LEADING DIMENSIONS OF THE WALLIS & STEEVENS TRACTORS Description Brake Horse Power ... Diameter of Cylinder(s)

3 Ton Tractor ... ...

Stroke ... ... ... ... Diameter of Flywheel ... Width of Flywheel .. ... Diameter of Driving 'Wheels Width of Driving Wheels ... Diameter of Front Wheels ... Width of Front Wheels ... Extreme Length ... ... Extreme Width ... ... Extreme Height to top of Flywheel ... ... ... Weight, Empty ... ... Speed or Speeds, Miles Per ... .. . Hour ... Number and 'Size .. of Tube Heating Surfaces ... ...

Total Heating Surfaces

17 51 in.

4* Ton Oil Bath Tractor

9 in. 2 ft. 6 in. 3+ in. 4 ft. 8 in. 3 ft. 4 in. 11 ft. 2 in. 4 ft. 91 in.

25 4* in. (High) 81 in. (Low) 9 in. 2 ft. 111 in. 41 in. 5 ft. 12 in. 3 ft. 3* in. 6 in. 13 ft. if in. 5 ft. 8 in.

6 ft. 2 tons 161 cwt. 1•125 (Slow) 2.24 (Fast)

6 ft. 11+ in. 51 tons 1.26 (Slow) 3.315 (Fast)

19 tubes 1+ in. dia. 3 tubes 21 in. dia. 2 ft. 11+ in. long 38.31 sq. ft.

43 tubes 1+ in. dia 3 ft. 7 in. long 76'6 sq. ft.

•

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THE WALLIS & STEEVENS STEAM TRACTOR

Wallis & Steevens 3 ton Tractor No. 2514. This picture shows the first production tractor built in 1901.

Wallis & Steevens 41 ton Compound Oil Bath Tractor No. 7200 (Reg. No. A A2370) fitted with W. & S. high speed governors.

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THE WALLIS & STEEVENS STEAM TRACTOR

Tasker 3 ton Single Cylinder Tractor fitted with mono-rail forecarriage.

Wallis & Steevens 4+ ton Compound Oil Bath Tractor No. 2890 (Reg. No. AA2107). New to Duke & Co. Ltd., of Plymouth.

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MEMORIES OF THE STEAM TRACTOR By CYCLIST The steam tractor really came to the fore as a result of the Heavy Motor Car Act of 1903, and then large numbers were built to the five-ton limit by various manufacturers. At the rallies which have come into being in recent years it is usually possible to see a few of these " miniature road locomotives ", but they are by no means as numerous as are the" general purpose " engines. This is probably due to the fact that like other steam-driven road engines they had practically all disappeared from our highways. They are, therefore, not very easy to come by. This is most unfortunate as the steam tractor is particularly well-suited for engine rallies—and for various reasons. Being light in weight enables it to negotiate soft ground where the big traction engine would quickly become " bogged down ". The steam tractor is also able to travel under its own steam at a moderate pace, thus eliminating the expense of the hiring of a " low-loader " or similar transport device. And a tractor is usually equipped with fore tanks which prove extremely useful these days when the once-numerous water points have disappeared as the result of these wide, modern roads now becoming so numerous. Tractors invariably are compounds, many incorporate rubber-tyred road wheels, and in a number of instances they are equipped with wire rope drum. Some fantastic mileages have been covered by steam tractors running on metal-tyred wheels: in 1961 Arthur Fearnlcy made the return trip from Castleford (Yorks.) to Woburn (Beds.) with the Fowler "Tiger" steam tractor " Pandora " so fitted! From July, 1942 to March, 1946 I was in N.M. Forces, and for over three years I served in the Middle East and Central Mediterranean areas. As a result of having written in The World's Fair since August, 1924, I had many friends in the amusement world, and the showmen and their wives used to write to me so that I would know something of the fairs I had reported in earlier years. But I was not at all happy on learning that since I left the fairs had altered considerably. The traction engine which I had admired for so long had almost entirely disappeared. and in their place were diesel engined outfits " much handier and cleaner". I returned to " civvv street " at five o'clock in the morning on Good Friday, 1946—and during the afternoon I was over at Huddersfield for its Easter Fair. What a noise those diesel generators made! The only sound from the showman's steam road locomotive when creating light and power for the roundabouts was the click-click-click as the belt-fastener passed round the dynamo pulley! And the smell of the steam engine was grand—and not at all objectionable like that of the monstrosities invented by Frederick Diesel! Of course, at the first opportunity I went to a fair so as to watch building-up operations. How awkward were those big diesel prime movers! So I suggested to showman Harry Marshall that he acquired a five-ton steam tractor for the Dodgem, as it would prove far superior on the fairground. The exceptionally short wheelbase made it extremely useful for working in space restricted by roundabouts and stalls, and the wire rope was also a necessity for winchine. etc. Provided it was used only on the actual fairgrounds there would be no need for taxation, and being light in weight it could be carried on one of the ex-R.A.F. flat trucks which were by then rapidly coming into civilian use. If a dynamo was fitted the tractor could be used for creating light and power for the Dodgem, and I concluded by saying that a well-kept steam tractor could be made to form an attraction at a fair—and that in years to come it might even be possible to feature it in a show and with a charge for admission. Little did I know that in less than ten years from then the traction engine rallies would have come into being! My first memory of a steam tractor goes back to the end of the First World War when I was almost ready for leaving what then was Grange Road Boys' Secondary School, Bradford. Yorks. Some ex-Army huts were being brought to the school for assembly by the local contracting firm of Thomas Anderton, of Edderthorpe Street. There was a Mann steam wagon and a McLaren tractor. Both engines drew a trailer, but the Mann had the advantage of

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carrying quite a lot of timber on its platform. I watched the engines at every available opportunity, and got to know the driver of the McLaren tractor. And I did not know until two or three years ago that the tractor driver was Fred Brittain, who I was introduced to at Oldham " Wakes " in, I believe, 1930, when he drove a Foster showman-type engine called " Clara " attached to Collins' Golden Dragons. I saw driver Brittain with Bates' McLaren " Magic " (and a Dodgem) in later years, and in 1940 and 41 I came across him on two or three occasions driving for Edward Box & Co. Ltd., on work of national importance. Sometimes he was with Fowler No. 10318 which in former years travelled with Marshall's roundabouts under the name of " Sunny Boy No. 2", and he stopped near Penrith with Fowler No. 17106 in order to enable me to take a photograph. On one occasion he was on a coach party from Manchester to the traction engine rally held in Lambton Park, Chester-le-Street. but I am sorry to say that poor Fred died early in 1963.

Burrell Tractor No. 2802. New in 1906 to Lord John Sanger & Sons Ltd.. o/ Henley, Surrey. Fitted with direct acting steering designed by the Burrell Works Manager. William Campbell Wilson. The fairgrounds Were a stronghold for steam. Many circus proprietors seemed to favour Burrell's " gold medal " steam tractor, and one of showmantype I remember seeing was with the Lord John Sanger concern. After the end of the First World War a few showmen acquired the American-built four wheel drive petrol-engined vehicles, but quite a tot went in for steam. A good number of steam wagons (mostly by Foden) were fitted up with dynamo, etc.. and there were also a few steam tractors. What was the smallest I ever saw was a Wallis & Steevens belonging to a showman called William Pullen, of Rotherham. It did not have a dynamo, but it had enormous fore tanks which almost hid its boiler. I doubt if its overall length was more than eleven feet! Incidentally, I was talking to showman James Arthur Pullen at a Yorkshire fair last year, and learned that it was he who used to drive this engine. It had come from the War Department I was told. Now James Arthur is a really keen steam supporter, and in later years he drove a Fowler " Big Lion " with their Steam Swings. And in 1949 he acquired a steam-driven set of three-abreast Galloping Horses. But as we

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talked of the "Wallis " another old showman came up and said how superior the modern diesels were. So James threw out a challenge by saying that he could take three loads with the Fowler No. 10924 " Beanie " (a " Big Lion") from Bradford Moor to Halifax fairground (a hilly journey of about eight miles) quicker than the other showman could undertake the trip with a modern diesel hauling three similar loads. The argument went on and became fiercer —so I deemed it advisable to get out of it, but in so doing didn't learn very much of the unique " Wallis ". Another unusual steam tractor was a threespeed used for hauling and lighting a " Whirling-the-Whirl in the ownership of a Halifax riding master called Wilfred Turner. It went by the name of " Our Hilda " and "Slipalong ". This was a Kemna "EM " type tractor, built at Dusseldorf, Germany. It was equipped with a full-length cab, dynamo, etc., and its controls worked entirely opposite to its English-built counterpart. Sam Brumby, of Warter, near York, also had a similar engine, but it did not have the full-length cab although it incorporated a dynamo. Our Darlington engine owner—Jack Peirson—took a snapshot of this tractor when it attended

Burrell Tractor No. 3540 (Reg. No. AH0171) "Gladstone". New in 1914 to G. & W. Oakes, Hollingion. Reeth (North Yorkshire) Fair one year. A Thirsk showman (John Warrington) used to have an Aveling & Porter showman-type tractor, and John Pullen (a Rotherham showman) had a Tasker showman-type tractor. Other showmen using steam tractors were Horace Hall and D. & N. Connelley, the latter being a Ruston Proctor, but both had full-length cabs and dynamos. Kit Johnson (Featherstone) also used a steam tractor, and J. W. Spencer (Knottingley) owned one of Fowler's "Tiger" tractors. Menders' lion show also had a steam tractor. A few years ago I saw a small-sized Wallis & Steevens steam roller in the ownership of Leeds Corporation, and as it featured fore tanks and a rope drum (but without a wire rope) my interest was aroused. Conversation with its driver revealed that this roller had, in fact, formerly been a tractor—and it was then owned by an amusement caterer, too! Steam tractors were frequently used by County Councils for the hauling of road stone and the driving of stone crushers. I occasionally saw one of Fowler's " Tigers " belonging to the Westmorland County Council, but those

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Burrell Tractor No. 2803 (Reg. No. AH07). New in 1905 to Lord John Sanger & Sons Ltd., of Honey, Surrey. In this view the direct acting steering had Jailed entering Torquay and a horse is being used to steer the forecarriage. which I mostly saw (and photographed) were the Aveling & Porters owned by Dumfries County Council. There was No. L12766 " June " and No. 14161 " Julia ", the names being after the daughters of the County Council's chairman. Halifax Corporation had a Marshall steam tractor forty years or so ago. At Otley, Yorks., I often watched the two-speed Foster Wellington compound tractor No. 14590 used by P. Garnett & Sons Ltd. who have a paper mill in the Wharfedale town. At Glossop, Derbyshire, there used to be four Fowler Tiger tractors belonging to Olive & Partington Ltd. who have a paper mill. Among these were No. I (Fowler No. 14805), No. 3 (Fowler No. 19890), and No. 4 (Fowler No. 20967). I even photographed one of these working in 1958. Glossop is right among the hills, and in the Spring of one year I asked one of the drivers how they had fared during the wintry weather. And they had only lost half-a-day on account of deep snow and treacherous roads! I often wish I had recorded all the engines I came across in my wanderings, for had I done so it would have been much easier writing this, instead of relying entirely on memory, except for the few tractors I actually did photograph.

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NEWS FLASHES Keith M. Vigus writes from Winscombe, Somerset, that: Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8717 (Reg. No. SX923), a S.C./S.V. engine with 4 shafts, has been bought for preservation by an enthusiast at Langford, Somerset. She is a very large roller and bears a plate "Linlithgow District Committee " on the offside motion plate, although the roller came from a contractor at Chard. Aveling & Porter 8 ton S.C./S.V. Roller No. 14001 (Reg. No. KR478), Type AC, owned by L. Cheesman Ltd., of Southwick, Trowbridge, is at work at Winford, Somerset. It is an ex Barnes Bros. roller. The following rollers were seen recently in Wales, all on one Saturday afternoon! Near Welshpool was an Aveling & Porter Type KND Convertible Roller owned by Montgomeryshire C.C. On the high pressure chest was No. 9181 and on the low pressure chest was No. 8333. Quite a Gordian Knot! In a yard alongside a railway between Abermule and Montgomery are three rollers. Clayton & Shuttleworth S.C. 4 shaft Roller No. 48813 and Aveling & Porter No. 9158, both minus chimneys looking rather derelict. On the other hand a S.C. Clayton without a visible number had obviously hem recently working. At Llewellyn's yard at Ross-on-Wye, near to the station, are two unusual rollers, both Aveling & Porter's. One is a S.C./P.V. Roller No. 10278 (Reg. No. BP9007), and is unusual in that it has a narrow belly tank running along the long axle of the boiler. This feature disrupts the normal steering arrangement, and we have instead two cotton reel arrangements on either side of the tank, the steering chains coming from these. The other roller is being overhauled and is indoors. The number is 3781 and it has a flywheel inside the hornplates, a massive headstock with very narrow front roll, and one road speed. Marshall D.C.C./S.V. 8 ton Roller No. 74450 (Reg. No. CA4258), ex Denbighshire CC., resides at Bersham Foundry. Armstrong-Whitworth No. 10/R/17 also dwelt here, and came from Denbigh C.C. also, but has been purchased by the writer for preservation. Marshall S type 3 shaft S.C./P.V. Roller No. 82389, late of R. M. Woolley, of Bucknell, Salop., has arrived at Vines' Yard. Hardwick, Glos. G. 1. Bishop writes from Leicester that on a recent visit to Hereford he was able to see the four remaining steam rollers of Hereford County Council. They are Aveling & Porter No. 11788 (Reg. No. C19720), No. 9111 (Reg. No. C14530), No. 9110 (Reg. No. C14525), and No. 9166 (Reg. No. C54526). No. 9110 is in working order and will be used for some time yet, also one other roller will be kept for spares as they find it difficult and expensive to get parts made. The remaining two are to be sold by tender. They have no records on the boilers. etc., and it is believed that they have not been steamed Tor ten years. Huntingdon County Council Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8918 (Reg. No. EW2239) (1918) has been purchased by tender by Mr. Pumfrey, of Duxford. Cambridge. William Dowthwaite writes from Skelton, Penrith, that he has just purchased Marshall Universal Roller No. 86984 (Reg. No. SY4899). This roller, built in 1933, was supplied new to I. Montieth, of Dalkieth, Scotland. lames Dawson, of Knock, Appleby, Westmorland, has just retired from the Westmorland County Council where he was the proud driver of Fowler Roller No. 15784 (Reg. No. EC3388). The roller also being due for retirement, the Council allowed Mr. Dowson to purchase it for preservation rather than let it go for scrap. D. P. Thompson, of Dorchester, writes that Burrell No. 1840 and Garrett Tractor No. 33632 attended a fete at Bridport during the summer. Barry Watson of Nuthall, Notts., writes that on a recent visit to Bridson's yard at Neston, Wirral, he noted the following: Sentinel D.G. Tar Sprayer No. 8122 just in from work ; Fowler Road Locomotive No. 15376 which was due to go out on a tree-pulling job for the County Council; Burrell Road Locomotive No. 3098 ; Marshall Roller No. 68754 ; and a Fowler Roller No. 17498 which is owned by a local enthusiast.

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WHAT IS A TRACTOR ? BY " TRACTOR DRIVER " A tractor is virtually a " baby road locomotive", and as such is enthused over and cursed with equal fluency and feeling, just like other babies. The tractor was essentially a " lawyer's engine ", and so to arrive at a more precise definition one must consider legal, as well as engineering requirements. The good old " Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896 " has long been known popularly as the " Red Flag Act", although the red flag as a legal requirement went 18 years before. It would have been much better if it had come to be called the "Steam Tractor Act ", for it was the lifting of certain earlier restrictions, especially in the matter of speed, for self-propelled vehicles under three tons in weight and drawing not more than one trailer that provided the incentive for the design of light steam tractors. There seems to be little doubt that the intention was to provide for what we would now consider as " private cars ", for the three-ton limit was too low to include any steam wagons of that date, despite the remarkable efforts of the Mann's Patent Steam Cart and Wagon Co. to build a vehicle which was a wagon to drive, but a tractor and trailer when you weighed it. However 3 ton tractors were built, designed to be driven by one man and to tow one trailer at the maximum legal speed, which although originally 14 m.p.h. was soon wittled down by the 1902 Act and various amending Orders. Several firms built these little engines, usually single cylindered, although there were a very few compounds, with two speeds, a little winding drum and everything scaled down so that they gave an intelligent newspaper reporter, writing fifty years later, every cause to describe one as a " half-size model ". Messrs. Wallis & Steevens built a number of them, and at least six survive (some as rollers) of which the best known is Dr. Romanes' " Goliath ". Taskers have one in their museum and an Aveling example survives, but when Fowler's tried to build one it had to be up to their very high standards of manufacture and so came out too heavy to be a true three-tonner. The weight limit restricted the adhesion, and the further weight limit of one ton (later T f tans) for the tare of the trailer, combined to keep the useful pay-load down, so they replaced only two, or at most three, good horses. At least two firms of market gardeners in Middlesex tried them on the Covent Garden run—about 12 miles—using their existing three-horse vans as trailers, but they were found to give no great advantage. One must remember these owners had been using horses for years and all the arrangements of the trade were geared to them. In other cases they were used for short distance haulage work between engineering works and railway stations, etc., where, driven by proper engine men they gave every satisfaction. Even so, the three-tonners were a doubtful commercial proposition and something a little larger was indicated. Rather surprisingly the Authorities agreed with this, possibly thinking that if they made small and apparently harmless engines a practical proposition there might be a reduction in the number of the very large ones which they hated so vehemently. Anyway, after curbing the speed of the three-tonner by the 1903 Act they killed it stone dead with the " Heavy Motor Car Order " of 1904 which raised the weight limit to 5 tons. This allowed a really practical tractor, and within a very short time the well-known makes of 5-ton tractor were in production— a state of affairs which was to continue for 20 years. These were such an improvement that production of 3-tonners stopped at once, and several of the smaller tractors were taken back by their makers and replaced by 5-tonners. Thus, the 3-tonner, the best example we have of a product of restrictive legislation, was in active production for only about three years, so we are very lucky to have so many of them remaining with us. The earlier 5-tonners, of which those by Burrell, Wallis and Aveling are examples, were very strictly within the legal limit, for enforcement was stringent and there needed to be no mistakes if the new form of transport was to find universal favour. As time went on, however, makers were in fierce competition to produce a tractor that would beat its rivals and in later versions the weight was somewhat higher, but as by this time rubber tyres were usual and roads were improved this did not seem to cause great concern,

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particularly during the wartime conditions. What would they have done without them ? Every stalk of hay that could be baled was going out to the front and even if homes had been available they could not have been fed. Designed for one trailer, but often hauling two, steam tractors were everywhere, hauling all sorts of W.D. stores, felling, loading and lugging in the vast quantities of limber required by the Services, struggling along in second gear with solid truckloads of road-stone, or vast mobile haystacks, and nipping back in " big wheel" with the empties while the bigger engines were getting their trucks shunted. For long-distance work the tractor could not compete with the steam wagon for normal loads, but it scored on shuttle-service hauls where two or three trailers could be used, one on the road while the others were being loaded and unloaded. For timber extraction, and at some stone quarries, they were in a class alone, for the load could be winched out from places where a wagon could not have ventured. During the great housing boom of the 1930's

Burrell Tractor No. 3190, a special 9 ton tractor supplied to the War Office. Seen in the photographs left to right are : Walker-Battell (driver), Harry Spencer (Burrell's erection shop foreman), and Harry Parlett (Burrell's head driver). thousands of houses were built on land that had been cleared of trees, scrub and roots by steam tractors, for with her front end chained to another tree a tractor would pull the largest elm out by the roots, and after it had been trimmed, load it on a carriage and take it home all in a day's work. Heavy haulage contractors often retained a tractor or two to wait upon their larger engines or to handle jobs which did not require the full power of a road locomotive. Such people tend to " think big " and a case comes to mind of such an owner's two Foster Wellingtons trotting through a sleeping London with 14 tons of machinery each, exclusive of the special trucks to carry it. Travellers tell us that in some parts of the world steam tractors built in England are still at work hauling loads three times the weight recommended by their makers when they were new, forty years ago. The tractor was essentially a road haulage engine. It was built for that purpose and designed to comply with regulations applicable only to road engines. Its use on the farm was, therefore, a secondary consideration. The earlier designs which were genuinely within the 5-ton limit were mostly too

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small for threshing, and their small flywheels made it necessary to run them at an uneconomic speed. The later ones however which, as we have seen, had grown a little, were capable of driving a thresher and trusser, and sometimes a baler, and were very handy for work on scattered small farms. Although makers went to so much trouble to keep the tractor below the

5 ton weight limit there were owners who wanted something different, fly the 1920's steam tractors could be bought cheaply, many having been displaced by petrol lorries, and they were soon recognised by Showmen as the answer to their problem of moving their numerous living vans and other light loads which did not require the services of their road locomotives, but which had, by a constant process of " keeping up with the Jones's " grown too big and heavy for horses. Tractors were fitted out with full show fittings and so could be taxed as " Light Locomotives " which enabled them to take three

trailers. Even lightweight sets of Galloping Horses were travelled entirely by tractor power. Syd Smart put the three loads of his Walker set behind a Garrett tractor, the organ following behind a light lorry, while Beach's of Maidenhead (The Galloping Boys) did the same with their Burrell. At an earlier date, before pneumatic tyres and roller bearings on the trucks made it easier, another set of gallopers went about Oxfordshire with two Aveling tractors. Remembering that two road locomotives were commonly found attending similar rides, it is remarkable what these tractors were doing in their old age. As a rally engine the tractor still retains the advantages for which it was built. Its small size and relatively high speed enables it to move on the road without interference with other traffic. Its light weight and manoevreability permit it to travel over paths and driveways without causing damage, so that it may live "within the curtilage" of an ordinary dwelling-house. It does not need a great deal of fuel and a garden hose is an adequate water supply. Further, as all the parts are relatively light, major overhauls can be undertaken

under " back-garden " conditions without heavy lifting tackle. It is not surprising that tractors are regarded as ideal rally engines and this is reflected in the prices they now fetch. Even so, let not the unwary be taken in—the tractor, despite its small size and apparent ease of handling, is not the easiest of engines to drive or fire. Its little boiler was designed for a high pressure to supply a relatively large compound engine, which is in turn designed to run at high speed. A big old threshing engine was often required to keep plodding on, despite a diet of farmhouse coal-cellar sweepings. It probably had a big firebox to allow for this, and with anything over 50 lbs. pressure it will move itself about. Not so with the tractor, for one good clinker will block half its little grate, a bit of soot in its tubes and all the heat is being used for is to burn paint off the chimney, for the tubes are short. A few minor leaks in valves and glands do not worry a big low-pressure engine but will say the strength of a tractor. A big engine can be left for some time and still be available for almost immediate use when the driver returns. The little tractor is likely to be blowing off wildly, unless the fire has gone out. When she has got a full head of steam the three-speed tractor is like a spirited horse. In bottom gear she will jump away and put a heavy-handed driver in the bunker. In top gear she may refuse to start at all, but after coaxing, will snort off at a pace which demands a competent hand on the steering wheel. High geared steering is fitted to allow for this, so on a smooth road all is well, but on a bumpy field the steering wheel may be kicked out of the steersman's hand, leaving the front wheels free to get under the boiler and bring her down on her knees. Also, that same high gear that made her difficult to start will make her just as unresponsive to stop, so if you let her take off down a steep hill in top gear you might just as well be out of cog, and done with it. But whether they were Aveling, Burrell, Clayton, Foster, Fowler, Garrett, Mann, Nayler, Ransome, Robey, Ruston, or Wallis, very few went to the scrap-man without having done a long lifetime of hard work, usually far exceeding their maker's most optimistic claims, for they were among the most successful, and certainly the most versatile of our engines. (Acknowledgement.—Most of the historical and legal details for this article have been supplied to the author by the Archivists of the Road Locomotive Society. Their assistance is gratefully acknowledged.)

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FOR SALE AND WANTED Wanted.—Reward of £5 offered for information leading to purchase of road wheels and forecarriage for Aveling & Porter Type GND Tractor. Dimensions sent if required.—J. R. E. Driscoll, 32 St. Charles' Road, Brentwood, Essex. For Sale.—One dozen assorted spuds, 61- each ; skew clack, approximately 45 degrees, ex-Burrell boiler, £3 ; Pickering governor ex-McLaren engine, needs attention, £8 ; water lifter ex-McLaren engine, £3. All carriage extra.—

Box No. 101.

For Sale.—Manzel lubricator, single feed, good condition, £4 ; two Aveling copper chimney caps, both same size, i.d. top 11+ in., i.d. bottom II+ in., in. by 4/ in. deep, one perfect, £5, one slightly imperfect, £3/10/0 ; one injector, new, unused, ordered to fit 8 ton Aveling roller, £5. All carriage extra.—Jas. Lyle, 36 Brierybaulk, Duns, Berwickshire. Wanted.—" Chronicles of a Country Works," to buy or in part exchange for Aveling & Porter roller spares catalogue. Also wanted, pump plunger, 2 in. dia., for Burrell water pump.—Jas, Lyle, 36 Brierybaulk, Duns,

Berwickshire. For Sale.—Set of two coloured prints, size 41 in. X 31 in., plus a 1 a in. border, Foster Showman's Tractor and Clayton Traction Engine. Price 5s. 6d. (including postage).—J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. Wanted.—Wallis & Steevens " Advance " Roller. Any size. Distance no

❑bject for good engine.—P. Ogden, Hutton Sessay, Thirsk, Yorkshire. Learn to operate the world's finest Bulldozers and Loading Shovels, Caterpillar 933 and D.4. This is the highest paid job in construction today in any country.—Details from The Tractor Training School, Blackpool Road, Ribblutott, Pte,lt.tii, Lams. Tel.. Piestuii 56505. Wanted. ❑rawings and photographs to purchase or borrow of Tidman Organ Engine.—S. Sutton, " West View," Beckermet, Cumberland. For Sale.—Traction engine whistle, £5, o.n.o. Also photographs, catalogues,

etc. S.A.E.—G. Cheesman, " Minadhu," Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey. Wanted.—Foden coat of arms to replace the one stolen from my Foden tractor.—Peter Van Houten, 26 Dovecote Street, Hathern, near Loughborough, Leics. For Sale.—Set of four coloured prints, size 91 in. X 5+ in., plus a 2 in. border. These have been specially printed for framing with special attention to the colour accuracy. The engines depicted are: Fowler Showman's Engine " Kitchener " (The Iron Maiden), Fowler Single Cylinder Ploughing Engine at work, Thornycroft Steam Lorry, and Marshall Traction Engine at work on the drum. Each set supplied in envelope with stiffener. Price 15s. Od. (post paid), from J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. Wanted.—Foden " D " Type Tractor. A generous price offered for a good vehicle, or would consider wagon for conversion.—E. A. Benton, " Home Farm Cottage," Ferringham Lane, Ferring, Worthing. Wanted.—Cast chimney base for 7/8 n.h.p. Foster traction or pattern for same.—J. R. E. Driscoll, 32 St. Charles' Road, Brentwood, Essex. Wanted.—Steam Tractor, conventional or Foden " D " Type. Must be in clean, sound condition with current boiler certificate.—P. S. M. Carter, 435 Penistone Road, Shelley, near Huddersfield, Yorks. Tel.: Kirkburton 2360. For Sale.—Dyson living van on good solid rubbers with handbrake on rear wheel.—Offers to R. D. Smith & Son, Inworth, Kelvedon, Essex. Tel.: Kelvedon 438. For Sale.—Set of six new coloured postcards: Burrell Showman's Engine " William V ", Fowler Showman's Engine " Kitchener " (The Iron Maiden), Foden Steam Wagon, Marshall Traction Engine, Burrell Traction Engine, and a Wantage Traction Engine. First-class value at 2s. 6d. per set of six (post paid), from J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. For Sale.—Water lift pipes, 1 I. in. dia., in 10 ft. lengths with brass couplings. Practically new.—J. T. Beeby, Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough. Wanted.—Brass chimney top of Marshall design, 101 in. inside diameter, for Marshall Universal Roller. Also wanted, brass " Brittania " for same roller.—Wm. Dowthwaite, Skelton, Penrith.

STEAMING

For Sale.—Postcard size photographs of the illustrations on pages 24, 25, 26, 48, 49, 50 and 53, are available from the Editor price 1s. Od. (post paid). • Wanted.—Chimney for Fowler 6 ton roller, one off a Tiger tractor would do. Also half-cab for same with supports. Prepared to exchange or sell the Burrell tractor chimney and half-cab at present fitted.—Apply Edmonds, Old Acres, Owlswick, Bucks. Tel.: Princes Risborough 183. Wanted.—Front wheels and axle to reconvert A. & P. roller to tractor, also Y-spoked front wheels for Foden tractor.—Baldock, Hollycombe, Liphook, Hampshire. Wanted.—Heavy Road Locomotive, or Crane Engine, around 8-10 h.p., 3 speeds and sprung, restored or in repairable condition, and preferably on rubbers.—A. Bloom, Bressingham Hall, Diss, Norfolk. For Sale.—Traction engine photographs : Burrell Showman's No. 3888 and No. 3711 ; Traction No. 2676 ; Fowler Russian Engine No. 14958 ; Ploughing Engine No. 15341 ; Foden Tractors " C " Type No. 13484 and No. 13222 ; z t D " Type Traction No. 2654 ; Wagon No. 5218 ; Garrett Tractor No. 33612. Sizes : 4+ in. X 3i. in., 9d. each (minimum of 4) ; 4+ in. X 6+ in., 1/6 each (minimum of 2) ; 81 in. X 8+ in., 3/- each. Cash with order. Price includes postage and packing.—Newton, 1 Queens Road, Chesham, Bucks. For Sale.—S.A.E. brings list of every known book on Steam Road Locomotion currently in print and available from stock. Also drawings and organ records, etc.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridlepath, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale.—Two-wheeled water cart, 180 gals. capacity, all steel construction, and in sound order. Price f10.—A. G. Vickers, 54 Cranleigh Road, Worthing. For Sale.—One dozen fire bars, 25 ins. long, 4 ins. deep. Price El—A. G. Vickers, 54 Cranleigh Road, Worthing, Sussex. Wanted.—One pair of cylinder drain cocks for Aveling & Porter Steam Roller, 12 tons, No. 8955, year 19[6. Must be in good condition.—J. T. Beeby, Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough. Leics. For Sale.-1+ in. water suction hose in 10 ft. lengths with brass couplings, in new condition. Also big end complete of Burrell S.C. (strap, brasses, cotters, keys and bolts)—J. T. Beeby, Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough, Leics. For Sale.—Marshall 54 in. Threshing Machine, in working order, suitable for preservation, on pneumatic tyres.—J. T. Beeby, Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough, Leics. Wanted.—Copy of No. 2 issue of " The World's Fair " (1904). This is the only issue missing from a complete run. Would like to buy or borrow for copying.—F. Mellor, " The World's Fair," Oldham, Lancs. Wanted.-13 in. dia. brass chimney top for Aveling traction, also "Steaming" for January, April, and October, 1960.—G. L. Tribe, Bratton Flemming, Barnstaple, North Devon. Wanted.—Complete chimney—stove pipe, cast or copper topped—for 10 ton S.C. Burrell Roller. Also can anyone loan stay tap e in. X 10 t.p.i.?— A. G. Coombes, " Appleford," Ide, Exeter, Devon. Wanted.—Old, pre-1920 4-wheeled traction hauled wooden wagon, Tasker or similar type.—Any information, whereabouts, condition, to A. G. Coombes, " Appleford," Ide, Exeter, Devon. For Sale.—Fowler 4-wheel Reversible Harrow for preservation.—Bomford & Evershed, Salford Priors, Evesham.

NEW MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY As recorded elsewhere in this issue, John Bonser, of 6 Rokeby Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex (Telephone No.: BUC 8483), has taken over the duties of Membership Secretary from Jim Hutchins as from the 1st January, 1964.

STEAMING

TRACTION ENGINE BOOKS A CENTURY OF TRACTION ENGINES

PLOUGHING ENGINES AT WORK

by W. J. Hughes

by Barry J. Finch

Royal 8vo. Case-bound. Describes the development of many different types and the work of early pioneers. Includes a really unique collection of photos, drawings and old prints. 30s. or 31s. by post.

TRACTION ENGINE PICTURES

Crown 8vo. Landscape shape. Board cover. 58 full page photos showing them at their work of ploughing, mole draining, cultivation, dredging and ditching, and includes some close-up pictures of equipment used for these operations. 3s. 6d. or 4s. by post.

by Anthony Beaumont Crown 8vu. Landscape shape (size 71 in. wide X 4s in. deep). Board cover. 60 pages of superb photographs. 3s. 6d. or 4s. by post.

TRACTION ENGINES ON PARADE by Anthony Beaumont A further series of 58 full page photos. Similar format and binding. 3s. 6d or 4s. by post.

SOME WORKING TRACTION ENGINES Compiled by the Road Locomotive Society In a larger format (size 81 in. wide X 5+ in. deep). 44 pages of photographs taken from the Society's own collection and those of their members. 5s. or 5s. 6d. by post.

WORKING DRAWINGS From the publishers of the nzagazine "MODEL ENGINEER "—detailed drawings for scale and working model traction engines! N OUR RANGE are designs by W. J. Hughes, Henry Greenly and Martin Evans—all well-known names in the world of model engineering. One of the most popular items is undoubtedly Mr. Hughes' " ALLCHIN M.E. TRACTION ENGINE ", based on the 1925 " Royal Chester " No. 3251. The prototype was the last traction engine produced by Allchin, but hundreds have since built live steam, coal-fired models to 11 in. scale from the most accurate and complete set of scale drawings available anywhere. The full set of sixteen sheets for the " ALLCHIN M.E." costs 50s. postfree—individual sheets can be purchased separately, price 3s. 6d. each.

Information of the Allchin and other traction engine drawings (I in, and If in. scale) is to be found in our current catalogue. Details of drawings for live steam locomotives, stationary engines, model boats, sailing ships. cars and workshop equipment are also included. The Catalogue of Working Drawings costs only 6d. (l0d. postpaid) from the address below :

Percival Marshall & Co. Ltd. 19-20 NOEL STREET, LONDON, W.I . * Buy " MODEL ENGINEER " for illustrated features on the traction engine rallies. Published twice monthly on the 1st and 15th price 2s. 6d.

STEAMING

DIARY OF EVENTS

25th April.—Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society Annual Dinner at Dunstable. Secretary: John Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. 16th & 17th May.—Haverhill Traction Engine Rally, Suffolk. Secretary : C. C. Woodley, 63 Sedgwick Street, Cambridge. 17th and 18th May.—Beaulieu Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: John Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. 17th & 18th May.—Wilsic Hall Traction Engine Rally, Wadsworth, Doncaster. Secretary: S. C. Butler, 48 Stowe Avenue, Sheffield, 7. 18th May.—Waodton, Bungay, Traction Engine Rally, Suffolk. Secretary: C. Knights, " Rosslea," Wilderness Lane, Harleston, Norfolk. 18th May.—Elham Traction Engine Rally, Canterbury. Secretary: A. G. Thomson, " Avalon," Elham, Canterbury, Kent. 23rd & 24th May.'—Revesby Traction Engine Rally, Boston, Lincs. Secretary: Miss E. Smith, Chapel Road, Old Leake, Boston, Lincs. 24th May.—Birmingham Science Museum Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: G. Wilding, Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry, Newall Street, Birmingham, 3. 6th June.—Umberleigh Traction Engine Rally, Nr. Exeter. Secretary : A. Atkin, 12 Fir Terrace, South Molton, N. Devon. 6th & 7th June.—North Hykeham Traction Engine Rally, Lincoln. Secretary: D. H. Yarnell, 10 Clint Lane, Navenby, Lincoln. 20th June.—Andover, Hants. Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: Gordon Howell, 5 The Crescent, Andover, Hants. 20th June.—Brettenham Park Traction Engine Rally, Stowmarket. Secretary : The Hon. C. Buckmaster, Brettenham, Ipswich, Suffolk. 20th June.—Huntingdon Agricultural Show, St. Neots. Secretary: T. B. Paisley, Manor Farm, Holywell, Hunts. 27th June.—Chartridge Traction Engine Rally. Secretary : Miss M. Dell, 109 Eskdale Avenue, Chesham, Bucks. 27th and 28th June.—Stamford Traction Engine Rally (27th, Display only). Secretary: J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. 4th & 5th July.—Rempstone, Loughborough Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: J. T. Beeby, Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough. 11th July.—Horsham Carnival and Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: G. H. Shorrocks, 7 Oliver Road, Horsham, Sussex. 18th July.—Appleford Traction Engine Rally, Abingdon. Secretary: G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading Berks. 18th July.—Cranbourne, Dorset Traction Engine Rally. Secretary : F. S. Loader, 422 Charminster Road, Bournemouth. 18th and 19th July.—Colchester Traction Engine Rally, Essex. Secretary: C. C. Woodley, 63 Sedgwick Street, Cambridge.

STEAMING

18th & 19th July.—Bellamour Park Traction Engine Rally, Rugeley, Staffs. Secretary: S. L. Wedgwood, 173 Congleton Road, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. 18th & 19th July.—Old Leake, Boston, Lincs. Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: Miss E. Smith, Chapel Road, Old Leake, Boston, Lincs. 25th July.—Ashcross Traction Engine Rally, Taunton. Secretary: J. Harding, 101 Wembdon Road, Bridgwater, Som. 25th & 26th July.—Kegworth Carnival and Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: N. Brown, 19 Borrowell, Kegworth, Derby. 1st, 2nd & 3rd August.—Bedford Club Rally. Venue to be announced. Secretary: J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. 2nd & 3rd August.—Bressingham Hall Traction Engine Rally, Diss. Secretary: A. Bloom, Bressingham Hall, Diss, Norfolk. 3rd August—Hurst Show, Nr. Reading. 3rd August.—Church Stretton Traction Engine Rally, Salop. Secretary: D. W. Smith, 44 Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton, Salop. 8th & 9th August.—Pickering Traction Engine Rally, Yorkshire. Secretary: J. R. Hardy, Ulleskelf, York. 22nd August.—Woodcote, Reading Veteran Transport Rally. Secretary: G. Rogers, Pen-y-Guent, Beech Lane, Woodcote, Reading. 22nd August.—West of England Traction Engine Rally. 28th, 29th & 30th August.—White Waltham Old Time Fair and Steam Week-end. Secretary: J. L. E. Smith, Shottesbrooke Park, White Waltham, Maidenhead, Berks. 17th October.—National Traction Engine Club Annual General Meeting followed by the Annual Dinner.

BY APPO, NTMENT TO H.M. THE QUEEN

Consult :

HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD. SPECIALISTS IN WATER TREATMENTS AND DESCALENTS

THE PRIORY • BURNHAM • BUCKS. for

myna , water treatment D.141

Cat:i'ett "Suffolk Punch" Tractor No. 33180.

Built in 1919.

Whether he is ' nursing ' a boiler of an Ocean Liner, or a Power Station, for a living, or tending a traction engine for a hobby :

For longer life and greater efficiency Engineers all over the world recommend D.M. Water Treatment. If one is using hard or soft water, the scale or corrosion which results can only be prevented by efficient water treatment. Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., 32 Brereton Road, Bedford