Vol. 8 No. 2 Spring, 1964
2/6
Lit2tINIAVO •
THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB'
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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 S. 0. HARRISON, ESQ. ALAN DUKE, ESQ. J. P. MULLETT, ESQ. J. A. FIGGINS, ESQ.
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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CLUB NEWS An invitation is to hand from the Organising Secretary of the Egham & Thorpe Agricultural & Horticultural Association who hold their Annual Show at Runnymede on Saturday, 29th August. Any of our readers who would be interested in attending with a traction engine should get in touch with our Secretary, Eric Fillmore, who will make the necessary arrangements. A recent letter from the County Museum of Worcestershire has advised that they are forming a section to include Vintage Commercial Vehicles. It seems that they are anxious that either a roller, wagon or traction engine, preferably with local connections should be exhibited, and to this end have enquired if any of our members would be interested in co-operating with them. The Curator is Mr. K. J. Barton. Recently the Club has been active in securing the preservation of certain items from the College of Technology of the County Borough of West Hartlepool. It appeared that there was a Sentinel gas fired boiler and a small vertical compound steam engine which were in danger of being scrapped. The authority concerned was willing to permit preservation provided an order could be obtained from a responsible organisation, and a member of the Club in the locality appealed for assistance. The appropriate order was given and these items have now been secured. In this several members in the North Eastern area co-operated. As a result of views expressed at the last Annual General Meeting the Club has set up a Rally Sub-Committee which has been very active in endeavouring to publicise Rallies and other events as much as possible and, to a lesser degree, to sort out the somewhat congested annual programme. Whilst some success has been achieved for 1964 in enabling Organising Secretaries to alter their dates to prevent some clashing, it is hoped to carry this a stage further for 1965. Lists of events actually fixed have been prepared and so far these have been sent to over 150 bodies for information purposes. Many letters have resulted which should do much to encourage an even wider public to attend these events. These lists have been based on the information regarding Rallies which appears from time to time in the "Diary of Events " in our magazine, the majority of them having been confirmed by the Organisers. In the April issue of the magazine Coining Events in Britain which is published by the British Travel & Holidays Association, an article appeared by Mr. W. Siddle entitled " Getting up Steam ". This was aimed at publicising our various events and much of the material appearing therein came as a direct result of negotiation by this Club with the Directors of this publication. This has resulted in a number of enquiries regarding events. The most interesting of these are an approach by a large coach operator who wishes to run regular outings to Rallies, and also one from the Editor of a Dutch technical journal who wishes to run a series of articles on Traction Engines. Our Chairman has just returned from touring the battlefields of both world wars in Northern France and Belgium with a party of boys. The Rev. Philip Wright's long association with boys' clubs and his untiring efforts on their behalf are second only to the devotion with which he carries out his parish duties. Whilst not dealing with our first love a mention must be made of a reproduction of one of Terence Cuneo's paintings just put on the market showing " Evening Star ", the last steam locomotive to be built for British Railways. Details of this are under the Sales column. It is to be recommended, and perhaps this firm might be persuaded to market another print dealing with road engines. Who knows! Recently I was shown some rather good paintings by a Mr. John Robb Webb of 7 Buckswood Drive, Gossops Green, Crawley, Sussex. Mr. Webb, whose grandfather was personal confidant to Mr. Alfred Aslett, General Manager of the old Furness Railway, and it was through reading in grandfather's paper that his interest in all forms of steam have developed. If anyone wants a painting of their own engine, I would suggest contacting Mr. Webb.
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DORMOUSE ENGINES By NATURALIST During their working lives the winter was usually the busy season for most " traction engines " (using the term in its widest sense) and it was probably ❑nly those belonging to some travelling showmen that were put away for the winter. The threshing engine probably had the worst of it, struggling in and out of stackyards when conditions were at their worst, their slack season, if any, coming nearer midsummer. Ploughing engines had to stop when the ground got too wet or frost prevented progrm, but in the drier parts of the country they were idle for only short periods in mild winters. Rollers, working on water-bound macadam roads were hard at it all winter, for it was more economic to utilise naturally falling water to bind the road than to haul it in a watercart. It was only the more general use of concrete and tar in
roadmaking that reversed this position. Steam wagons tended to be in more regular work all the year round, depending upon the trade in which they were engaged. Today, however, it has to be accepted that most engines do hibernate during the winter to a greater or lesser degree, and need to be awakened in the spring if they arc to attend rallies or ❑ther summer events. Although some fortunate owners are able to winter their engines in a substantial shed it is the more common practice to sheet the engine securely in a sheltered place outdoors. Showman's engines and others with good canopies arc quite well protected by side curtains reaching below the level of the rear hubs, but for rollers and tractions without cabs it is as well to arrange a ridge-pole from the safety-valves to a temporary support in the bunker to keep the sheet at a suitable slope in run the. rain off, and to allow air to circulate beneath it. This latter point is important as otherwise under certain atmospheric conditions the motion-work will "sweat " and get just as wet as if no sheet had been used at all. Naturally chimneys and safety-valve pipes will have been securely covered with a lid tied down by a piece of old sheet arranged to take in the brass or copper top. On first removing the sheets in the spring the owner may well be appalled at the sight of his negine. All the grease and oil applied in the autumn will have attracted a layer of dust, any parts missed, or subsequently rubbed dry, will have rusted, and spiders may have spun their webs in the most unlikely places. Not infrequently the chimney will be found to have rusted, or it may show signs of flaking. If this is the case it should be dealt with first, well cleaned off and repainted before the rest of the engine is touched, for being the highest part it is inevitable that the dirt from it will go onto the engine. This process can be extended to the smokebox if required. For the same reason the underside of the cab, if any, should be cleaned at an early stage, and if repainting is decided upon this may be done at once, for unlike more exposed parts the threat of a spring shower need not stop the work. Any spots of paint falling on the engine may be wiped up at once,
but if they fall on thickly greased parts no harm will result. Still working downwards the whole engine may be cleaned. Parts which have been thickly greased and can be seen to be in good order may be left alone until near the time when it is planned to steam the engine, but all painted surfaces may be wiped clean with soft rag, using a little paraffin or diesel fuel to remove the grease. If paraffin is used to clean brightwork it should be wiped quite dry and lightly oiled afterwards, for paraffin will soon rust any steel on which it is just left to dry. Although the freshly wiped engine may look very good indeed, it may be found that when she is dry she has a very dull appearance and is in need of a coat of varnish. If this is to be applied all traces of oil and grease must first be removed with clean soft rag and white spirit. It may well be that the engine is in need of a complete re-paint, but even on a small engine that is a considerable task and outside the scope of the present notes. For a temporary improvement, however, as when steaming home a newly purchased engine, or going out on a job of work, remarkable results can be obtained by wiping her all over with a little clean machine oil. Motor oil is not suitable for this purpose as it leaves either a blue colour or a white deposit. For the same reasons it should not be used for the lubrication of a steam engine other than in an emergency when no other oil is available, when it may be used for bearings, but never in the cylinders.
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Burrell 8 h.p. 3 speed Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3291 when owned by Pat Collins of Bloxwich. Built 1911
Burrell 8 h.p. 3 speed Showman's Road Locomotive No. 2722 "Pride of the Road" when owned by Mrs. Crow. Built 1905
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Rusty patches on brightwork will need the attention of a little fine emery, unless the part can be taken off and immersed in a de-rusting solution. The maintenance of highly polished motion-work, cab-stays and other parts is a major problem to many owners. There is no doubt it does look very showy and those who have time to spare to maintain it, and are able to keep their engines at or near their places of residence, do well to polish every part that calls for it. Many owners have other commitments and are forced to leave their engines unattended for weeks or months at a time. For them sound paintwork may be better than neglected brightwork. It should be remembered that if a part is polished, and then allowed to become heavily rusted, and is then polished up again, considerable metal is removed each time, and so the alternation cannot go on for ever without the part becoming considerably reduced in size and strength. Motion work which has been kept well oiled will acquire a nut-brown colour, and then, if still oiled, remain stable. While this may horrify the purist, the owner with limited time at his disposal may be better advised to leave his motion in this state and attend to more pressing matters. It may not look so good but it will be coming to no harm, while the highly polished example will be reduced to a pitiful sight of bright red rust in a few days of damp weather if the oilseal once fails. The prudent owner will steam his engine in good time before his first engagement to permit of any repairs or adjustments which may be shown to be necessary. The firebars and ashpan will be replaced, and the mud-doors put hack according to the marks put on them when they were taken out, so that they go in the right way up. All clacks, non-return valves, pump valves and injector parts which were taken out as frost precautions will be replaced, and the pleasure gauge will be put back on. The boiler may then be filled with water so that the gauge glass shows at least two-thirds full, and even if the tank is not to be filled, some water will be put in it to allow the pump and injector to be tried. A small fire may then be lit, but this should be fed slowly so that the engine is perhaps twice her normal time coming into steam. Careful watch is kept for any signs of leakage into the firebox from tubes or stays, although the appearance of a few drops of water from the smokebox door as the boiler first warms up may not be of moment as it is common to find some condensate in tubes and chimney. Should a serious leak develop the fire must be drawn, but some seepage around mud-doors is to be expected and as they are warmed up the nuts will require to be tightened gently. Flange joints formed on the outside (e.g. the dome-plate) should not be tightened under pressure if seen to leak, for if a stud is sheared off pressure will be released and the operator may be badly scalded. Meanwhile the engine may be oiled up and pulled over by hand to ensure that it is free to turn. It is assumed that the driver is familiar with the lubrication requirements of his engine, but now is the time to attend to all those points which call for only occasional lubrication and no possible point should be passed over. Steering gear, including " twiddley-handle " if fitted, chains, forecarriage turntable and front axle pivot all need their share. The brake gear, including the brake shaft across the tender and the thread of the screw will have to be seen to. The oil-holes in the glands must be found, and a little extra fed to the slidebars, while all wicks should be taken out and a drop poured straight down to the bearing to give it a start. The enclosed differential of a Burrell and some others will want its quota, as will the compensating gear of a Fowler, and the gears will want a specially good doing with graphited grease. As soon as sufficient steam is available the drain cocks may be opened and the engine allowed to tick over quietly to warm the cylinder. If a displacement lubricator is fitted this may be filled and opened generously to feed excess oil into the cylinder for the first few minutes in case there are any dry places, but if there is only a mechanical lubricator this may be turned by hand some 41) times to gain the same effect. As the steam pressure rises the pump and the injector may be tried, a careful inspection being made while each is working to ensure that no pipe or fitting has been damaged by frost. Finally, after checking that there is nothing in the way the engine may be put in gear and moved about the yard. If the new licence disc has been fitted she may be exercised on the road to be sure that all is well.
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Unless the engine attends a large number of events, or travels long distances to them it is not usual to re-pack the glands every season. If the rods are badly worn or the packing hard, however, this must be done. It is common to find that glands do blow a lot when the engine is first steamed after a long period of idleness. They may take up when properly warm, or may need just tightening. As a general rule it is a bad practice to put new packing on top of old, although it may have to be done if a bad blow develops after leaving home. Newly packed glands often require the addition of another ring of packing after a few hours' use. If all is found to be in order the fire may be allowed to die out and the tubes can then be swept. When she is cool the firebox can be cleared out, the smokebox swept, and a little oil or grease applied to the brightwork. She may then be sheeted up and left as ready as she can be except for a final clean up just before the event. Although it must be accepted that after six months of idleness defects may appear in an engine which was apparently quite sound when last steamed, the most important contribution to springtime preparations is the careful and methodical manner in which the engine was put away last autumn. It is at that time that any defects which have become manifest should be remedied, while they are fresh in the owner's mind and time to obtain the materials and do the work is likely to be less pressing.
Steam Traction Engine RALLY ELHAM, Nr. CANTERBURY (On B2065)
Whit Monday, May 18th, 1964 Commencing 1.30 p.m. Gates open 11 a.m.
Steam Engines in Action, Vintage Cars, Go Karts, Heavy Equipment, Pipe Band and Highland Dancing, Amusements, Refreshment and Licensed Bars. Organised by the Elham Village Hall Association.
Secretaries : A. D. Campbell, Oriel Cottage, Elham, and Kingsley Dykes, Ottinge Court, Elham.
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A NEW SERVICE FOR ENGINE OWNERS By BRIAN ORAM As you may remember at the Annual General Meeting I suggested that the Club should start a Spare Parts and Technical Advice Section, and after some considerable thought your Committee have decided to go ahead with this plan and have asked me to run it on your behalf. The starting of the Spares Section in any event is necessary now because many builders of steam engines and boilers are either going out of business or scrapping spares and tools without any thought of a possible sale to members of the National Traction Engine Club. A case in point is that of Messrs. Wallace & Stephens of Basingstoke where everything has been scrapped including drawings. To make new parts is extremely expensive as I have found. To make the Section work I shall need to have as much information as possible so that I can pass it on to interested members as and when they ask for it. This should include the name of the part, manufacturer's name, and if possible the type of engine or boiler together with part number. In addition I would like to have information about tools which may come up for sale, especially stay taps and similar items of small equipment. In addition to a Register of existing spare parts which members are willing to sell, I shall gradually collect information about firms willing and able to repair engines and boilers as well as casting new parts and machining. This information may be of more use to new members with engines than those who have operated them as a business in the past. However, I have heard that even some of the old steam engine operators have had some difficulty in obtaining spares. Only firms which are recommended to me by members will be placed on this list. In the south I have already contacted a number of firms who are prepared to accept work of this nature, and these firms I can personally recommend. For those of us who lack some knowledge on some item on running our engines I am hoping to have a number of real steam engineers who will give their services. It is obvious that I shall accumulate information about engines which are for sale, and in this connection I have seen a Marshall 12 h.p. twin portable which is now available, the firm at which it is having replaced it with more modern equipment. I also know of a Burrell Devonshire 12 ton roller and a number of others. There must be many other engines scattered around which ought to be preserved. It may be that potential buyers could be put in touch through the Spares Section with the owners of engines wishing to sell for some reason or other. In this case I would also like to have information about the last boiler report, and at the least when this was done, for there is a legal liability on us all to have our boilers independently inspected by our insurance company each year whether we like it or not if the boiler is to be used. There is of course a snag, as always. As the membership subscription is only a year it has been decided that we shall have to make a small charge of 5/- for each enquiry in which the Club can help. If the information is not available then the 5/- will be returnable. The Club, however, will not accept any legal liability whatsoever in any deal made between members and others. This small charge is to cover the actual running costs to the Club, such as postage, paper, envelopes and the many other items or out of pocket expenses which it will have to carry. We had hoped to be able to dispense with this charge, but with the Rally Co-Ordinating Committee and the many other expenses which the Club is having to carry now, and others which I exnect it will have to carry in the future, this small handling charge has been decided as being fair on those wishing to use this facility.
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It may be that a member will hear of items which he will be unable to buy, in which case I would ask him to contact me, giving me a list of the items, and I will endeavour to find one or more buyers within the Club so that the parts can be saved from the scrapheap. This goes also for tools and equipment. Please therefore send me information on the following: Spare parts generally : Engines liable to be scrapped or are in a condition to be scrapped ; Plant machinery and small tools which may be available or bc-a);-ne available ; Manufacturers' drawings (these can be photo-copied) ; Manufacturers' parts lists ; Any other information which will keep engines running ; and address your letter to me: Brian Oram, Bourne House, St. Mary Bourne, Andover, Hants. Before closing I feel that I must stress two points, the first 1,:ing that the Club will only put two parties in contact with each other, and it is for these parties to come to an arrangement with each other, and the second is that the Club and its Officers will accept no legal liability whatever in deals which may be made. In short, the Spares Section is a " clearing house " for informaiton, but that it will endeavour to spread its information as widely as possible and will not confine itself entirely to spares as such.
GEORGE THURLOW & 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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Foster Traction Engine No. 14561 when owned by T. Grooby, of West Pinchbeck, Lines.
Tasker 8 h.p. Traction Engine No. 1236, Reg. No. H.O. 6132. Built 1903 Threshing ut "Broadlunds," home of the Earl Mountbatte:n
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AREA NEWS EAST ANGLIA As is well known, engines are probably more concentrated in East Anglia than anywhere else, and whilst we might be envied by some folk on this count, the situation provides a veritable headache when it comes to reporting on their activities and movements. Notable changes of ownership are those conferred upon " Admiral Beatty," the ex Stanley Thurston Foster Showman's engine, from Mr. Desborough of Chatteris, to Mr. Paisley of St. Ives ; Stan Burgess of Haddenham has purchased a veritable wreck of a Showman's Burrell from Mr. Darby of Sutton. This engine has lain in a half-dismantled state, exposed to all elements, for many years, and was well shot even before that, but then, we know of Stan's capabilities in this line. A very old single-cylinder agricultural Foster now resides at Mr. Shuttlewood's yard at Great Lcighs. This engine belongs to Mr. Driscoll of Brentwood, and all credit to him for saving it, since many would not have bothered on account of its condition, despite its being one of the type with Starke valve gear. Our main rally for 1964 is at Haverhill, on Whit Sunday and Monday, which will be preceded by an arrival day on Saturday. The Saffron Walden Festival procession, in which a few engines will participate, is planned to take place in that town on the same Saturday, so that anyone interested may sec engines on the road from Saffron Walden to Haverhill that evening. The writer's engine " Boadicea " is planned to appear at both of these events, although this scheme may be shattered by non-completion of an extensive winter overhaul. At the time of writing, the boiler is just ready for hydraulic lest, but re-assembly and painting are not even started. Finally, may we in East Anglia wish all readers a good season's " Steaming " S.N. and express a hope that you may meet us at some of our events BEDFORDSHIRE Our annual dinner took place at the Halfway House, Dunstable, on Saturday, 25th April. Our guests included Major Rev. Philip Wright, M.B.E., Chairman of the National Traction Engine Club and his wife, Mr. Eric Fillmore, Secretary of the N.T.E.C. and his wife, Mr. Robert Peacock, J.P., Chairman of the Bedfordshire Agricultural Society and Mr. John Smith, Chairman of the General Purposes Committee of the National Trust. Altogether 234 guests, members and friends sat down to dinner, a record so far for our Society. After dinner Mr. Jack Barnnew showed the film " The Iron Maiden " which was much appreciated. Aveling & Porter Roller No. AC 14113 (1937) Reg. No. TM 8871 has been working on the side of the Al at Sandy rolling in a lorry park for a road side cafe and filling station. This roller, ex-Bedford Corporation, now belongs to a Luton contractor. At our last monthly meeting we were entertained to a slide show by Mr. Bargh, Secretary of the South Yorkshire Traction Engine Club, which was very much appreciated. This year we are again staging our annual rally over the August Bank J.C. Holiday at Woburn Abbey. COTSWOLD It is with regret that I have to report the death on Easter Monday of Thomas Tucker from Stonehouse, owner of the 6 h.p. S.C. Fowler No. 9230, at the early age of twenty-two. His health had been failing for some time previously. The Fowler has now been acquired by Mr. R. Willcox of Whiteshill, reassembled, and since steamed several times. It has been moved to Messrs. Arthur Brunsdon's yard at Ryeford. Mr. Willcox's Foster Single, 6 h.p. No. 12544, has now been fitted with its new back axle and bearings, and it is a relief to see it on four wheels again I Work continues on painting and reassembly of the motions, pipework, etc. It is hoped to steam it later in the season.
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Two of our area members have recently acquired living vans to go with their engines, namely John Plaister from Swindon (Marshall No. 71837) and Michael Thexton from Wroughton (Burrell Tractor No. 3626). Both vans are ex John Allen & Ford. Neville Meihuish of Chipping Norton has recently added to his collection a very late type Aveling-Ruston steam roller, built 1946. This came from Tipton, Staffs., and is in running order. At present I cannot supply the maker's number or registration number, but I hope to give these in the next area notes. It is a P.V. Single of about 8 tons in weight. There has recently been some activity in a gravel pit at Fairford, where Messrs. Edwards of Swindon have a number of derelict engines. Three of these have recently been stripped for spare parts, namely: Fowler 8 n.h.p. 3 speed D.C.C. Road Locomotive No. 9177 (Reg. No. AD8930), ex Arthur Brunsdon of Ryeford, Stonehouse, Glos. Burrell S.C.C. "Devonshire" No. 3031, ex A. H. March of Umberleight, Devon. Burrell D.C.C. 6 n.h.p. No. 3739, also ex A. H. Murch. A further three engines have been sold, these being:
Davey Paxman 7 n.h.p. S.C. No. 19413 (Reg. No. KE2701), which has gone to Dorset. Robinson & Auden 6 n.h.p. S.C. No. 1376 (Reg. No. AD8889), which has gone to Ely. This engine was ex A. G. Grimmett of Laverton. Glos. (near Broadway), but was latterly used for steaming pig food at Leckhampton until about 1955. Burrell " Devonshire No. 2909 " The Cornishman ". new to Parsons of St. Columb, latterly A. H. Murch of Umberleigh. It is not known where this engine has gone, but perhaps it will soon come to light in somebody else's area notes! Other engines still at Fairford include: Wallis & Steevens Expansion Engine No. 7684, 6 h.p. Wallis & Steevens S.C. No. 7227, 6 h.p.
Wallis & Steevens Expansion Engine, 8 h.p. Robey S.C. No. 29313, 7 n.h.p. Fowler S.C., 7 n.h.p. Fowler D.C.C., 7 n.h.p. Fowler D.C.C., 6 n.h.p. Fowler S.C., 6 n.h.p. (2). Fowler 8 ton D.C.C. Roller. Ruston Proctor S.C. No. 33189, 7 n.h.p. Aveling & Porter Rollers, 7 assorted types, both S.C. and D.C.C., P.V. and S.V., 6, 8, 10 and 12 tonners. The Davey Paxman mentioned above has already been given much attention by its new owner, Mr. D. Thompson of Maiden Newton. and has been rendered steamable. The basic condition of the engine is excellent, the main trouble being missing fittings, clack boxes, water gauges, injector, etc. The engine has not yet been painted, but it is amazing the difference a wipe over with oil makes, not to mention the fitting of a chimney and the removal of bramble bushes! I was recently privileged to drive this engine, and was most impressed with the regulator, which made the engine very easy to handle, and shunt, even at full pressure, which is more than can be said for a great many engines. R.C.J.W. DEVON As a result of the mild and somewhat dry winter, in sharp contrast to that of 1962-63, good progress has been made on engine restoration in both the Exeter area and in the northern part of the county. Our member Mr. D. E. Dicker at Whimple has been making great efforts on his Wallis Traction No. 7294, and all the topworks are now in position, wheels replaced and the engine off blocks, so that the first and eagerly awaited trial steam-up is likely any day now, and it is hoped the engine will be able to attend the Devon Club's Rally on June 6th at Umberleigh (on the A377) although possibly the paintwork will still be incomplete. The writer's Burrell Roller No. 4018 is awaiting new tubes and overhaul progresses leisurely between other jobs, though at the moment work on several of the other engines on the field has had to be temporarily suspended. due
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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. SPECIAL CHEAP DAY RAIL FARES.
Rally Secretary : JOHN CRAWLEY, FIELD HOUSE, TURVEY, BEDFORD.
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to the presence of several thrushes nests situated on back axles and in
tenders! As the number of nests has shown an increase in recent years, one can only assume that our feathered friends much prefer to establish themselves annually in steam driven machinery in preference to more orthodox
places! After a very long spell inside the Devon County Repair Depot at Pinhoe, 10 ton S.C. Aveling No. 7641 (Reg. No. FX6996) was returned to service in mid-March, re-tubed and re-lagged, and is at work on the A30 about three miles out from Exeter, westwards. Another Devon C.C. Roller not seen for some time, 10 ton Aveling No. 11599 (Reg. No. 9449), has turned up in the Exe Valley near Hampton, where it was noted at work on March 16th. On Easter Monday, several members spent an enjoyable day in North Devon when Mr. J. Muxworthy steamed his beautiful Compound Aveling Roller No. 6165 across to Bretton Flemming, where Mr. George Tribe will complete the lining out of the paintwork, and on arrival at Bratton, Aveling Traction No, 6407 was in steam and ready to depart in the reverse direction for Mr. Muxworthy's farm where a few small jobs will be attended to on the motionwork. The Aveling had just ascended the steep hill up to the village and was preparing to turn into the main street when a thoughtless elderly woman motorist suddenly reversed her shiny modern tin box into the path of the engine, very fortunately without serious results to anyone concerned, though the rear end of the car suffered somewhat from the effects of I1 tons of solid machinery on the move! After this annoying incident, an enjoyable run followed down through the beautiful Bray Valley to Mr. Muxworthy's farm, where the party was able to see the latter's latest acquisition, a pretty little 6 ton S.C. Babcock Roller No. 95/4011 (Reg. No. YB7978), ex Buncombe's, and already undergoing reconditioning. The day was rounded off with an admirable tea and followed up by some very interesting slides of A.G.C. various engines. EIRE Iu January, 1964, Fowler Compound Steam Roller No. 19101, ex Drogheda, Co. Louth, Corporation, was bought by Patrick Maguire of Towinalli, Drogheda. Co. Louth, for preservation. This roller is in good order and the new owner already has a few jobs on hand for it to do. Aveling & Porter S.C. P.V. Steam Roller No. 10617, ex Dublin County Council, was donated on permanent loan to the Transport Museum Society, Dublin, and was driven in February, 1964 under steam through the main streets of Dublin to the Mansion House where it was on show during a
Do It Yourself Exhibition.
Also on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, 1964, this roller, driven by Stanley Mason and E. Doherty, took part in the Annual St. Patrick's Day Industrial G.D. Parade through the main streets of Dublin.
NORTH STAFFS. & CHESHIRE It is with deep regret that I have to write of the recent death of two of our keenest members, loss Wedgwood and Jack Sandham. Both were well known throughout the country. loss Wedgwood was in the family steam haulage and brick business in the Potteries at the turn of the century, and after the closure of that concern, continued to drive steamers until his retirement. For a long time he drove the Burrell " Dolphin ", and Fowler's " Princess Royal " and " Victory " for the late W. S. Davies. In retirement he often accompanied his nephew Arthur Wedgwood on trips with Foden wagons. Jack Sandham travelled extensively in his capacity as head sales representative for Messrs. Bamford of Uttoxeter and called on many N.T.E.C. members. His records of the whereabouts and details of practically every engine in the country are probably the most complete that exist. He appeared regularly at our rallies with his very fine Burrell Road Locomotive "City of Exeter" No. 3395 (Reg. No. F11536). Monthly meetings at the Crown Hotel, Chesterton, have been full of interest. We had a fine illustrated lecture on the Stafford firm of Bagnall's, locomotive builders, given by one of our junior members, Alan Baker, who had put a lot of rcacarch and preparation into trio subject, and brought alone his 7.! in.
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The first experimental Burrell 5 ton Overtype Steam Wagon fitted with Ackerman steering
The second Burrell experimental 5 ton Overtype Steam Wagon fitted with chain steering and double chain drive
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WHIT SUNDAY 86 rviONDAY llth and 18th May, 1964 REFRESHMENT TENT LICENSED REFRESHMENT GATES OPEN 10.30 A.M.
STEAMING gauge Bagnall Contractors Tank Locomotive, At a previous meeting we had had an enlightening talk on valve gear from Mr. Baker (Snr.).—lt runs in the family! The same two members latterly assisted with the delivery of the Latest engine acquisition—the Fowler 2 speed General Purpose Engine No. 9507 (Reg. No. WMI41)—which has been purchased by Mr. Wooliscroft ❑f Buxton from The Alton Towers Co. With father driving and son steering. the thirty mile trip over very hilly country and narrow lanes was safely accomplished,
the Fowler's first road journey for over ten years. Preparations for the Club's two Annual Rallies are going smoothly ahead. Both are two day events at ideal roomy sites and are combined with country fairs and attractions organised by the local village committees. The first is on the same ground as last year at Bellamour Park, Colton, Nr. Rugeley, July 18th and 19th. and the second is at a new venue at Messrs. Samuel Jackson's farm, Wistaston Corner, Nr. Crewe, on September 5th and
6th. Messrs. Jackson's were at one time the largest steam contractors in Cheshire, and still undertake any type of work on engines. Our first event of the season will be at Congleton Carnival on Whit Saturday, when it is hoped to parade a dozen engines and an organ. Cheshire members had a get-together on Easter Monday at Goostrey. Engines in steam were Alan Barber's Foden No. 2654 (Reg. No. E5684) and Burrell "Stanley Monarch". Jim Dakin's Foster No. 12539 (Reg. No. MA5730) and John Alderson's Burrell No. 4030 "The Dolphin ". Burrell 7 h.p. S.C.C. No. 2706 (Reg. No. TB2845) was moved from Ashbourne to Cheadle recently. She had stood in the field so long that the local farmer had tied sacking round the steering chains to prevent his sheep getting ❑il on their fleeces. The journey was completed in the dark on what seemed t❑ be the blackest night of the year, with the help of "Rajah's" oil lamps and
the glow from the ashpan. Arthur Wedgwood arrived in time on his advertising tour with his Foden Wagon No. 5218 (Reg. No. M7287) and called on Mr. Bestwick who was working on his 1908 Stanley steam car. A visit t❑ a local silk mill to see a horizontal tandem compound mill engine produced the gift of a spare mechanical lubricator for the Foden, and arrangements set in motion to
preserve the mill engine, if possible at Birmingham Science Museum. The writer's Ruston & Proctor Portable Engine No. 52074 has taken over nursery sterilising duties from the Burrell No. 3509 (Reg. No. G6469) and the extra steam available has meant that all work has to be carried out at the double. Work is progressing on restoring a vintmge Showman's living van. thotieht to be one of Orton & Spooner's, to go behind " Rajah", for the family to use J.P.S. at Rallies, etc.
SOUTH AND WEST WALES Things are very quiet at this time of the year, mainly due to the storm and tempest of our climate. But during a break in the icy draught I ventured into the very beautiful and rugged countryside of Brecknockshire, to visit the yard of Eddisons Plant Hire of Brecon, where stand four Aveling & Porter rollers: 8 Eon No. 10393 (Reg. No. FX358). P.V.S.C,; 6 ton No. 8794 (Reg.
No. FX7043), S.V.S.C., Eddisons No. 254 ; 8 ton No. 10240 (Reg. No. FX8716), P.V.S.C., Eddisons No. 373 ; 10 ton No. 10126 (Reg. No. FX8651), P.V.S.C., Eddisons No. 354. Mr. Glyn Evans, who is in charge of the yard, was away when I called, but his wife told me that a few days before I called a roller was given away to a local orphanage. Two of the rollers are in good order, but the other two would need a good tidy up before they could run again. Whilst passing through Ross-on-Wye the other week I pulled up outside Llewelyns, the transport people. As the yard was closed for the day I could only peer over the wall where I saw Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10278. This is the roller with the belly tank mounted lengthways under the boiler, looking very sorry for itself, minus pump and canopy, in a rather rusty state. (Reg. No. BP9007.)
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Burrell 5 ton double crank compound Showman's Tractor No. 2982 when owned by Walter Payne. Built 28th March, 1908
Burrell 6 h.p. single crank compound Showman's Road Locomotive No. 2471 being prepared for road test after leaving Burrell's paint shop. Built 20th April, 1902
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Readers may be interested to know that the other roller at the yard, Aveling & Porter No. 3781 (which was locked indoors when I called), is reputed to be the first mechanically propelled vehicle that Henry (later Sir Henry Rolls) ever drove. Whether this is true or no I could not say. For more information on Aveling & Porter No. 10278, see Mr. K. M. Vigus' notes in " News D.J.H. Flash " (Steaming, January, 1964 issue). WEALD OF KENT Mr. D. Eastwood of Horsmonden has spent the winter renovating his Burrell Showman No. 3285, ex Forrest of Dartford, and has re-tubed the engine and done a considerable amount of work to the motion as well as a repaint. His Fowler Road Locomotive No. 9456 has undergone similar treatment and was steamed for the first time since the work was done on Sunday, 12th April. Fowler Plougher No. 3778, owned since new by Thomas Wood & Sons of Crnelcenhill, near Swanlev, Kent, has been bought for preservation by Mr. R. A. Whitehead. The engine is reputed to have been built in 1878 and has been rebuilt from a single to a single-crank compound using a Burrell block. It has tank steerage. It has been unused since 1953 but is complete and in fair order. As its last duties were soil sterilising it has had n❑ need for a drum for many years and this has unfortunately been removed and scrapped. However, a replacement has been obtained and will be fitted in due course. With it went Wallis Single G.P. No. 7769, of 1923. Mr. W. S. Love, Secretary of the Road Locomotive Society, has taken on the restoration of the engine, which needs new tubes and repairs to the smokebox. Both this R.A.W. engine and the Fowler arc now in 'fonbridge. WEST OF ENGLAND In the January issue of Steaming, among the many interesting items contributed from Devon "A.G.C." made reference to the two Sentinels recently sold by the Teignmouth Quay Company. I am now able to add a little more. The 5.4 Wagon No. 8850 (Reg. No. FJ9248) is now at St. Minver. near Wadebridge, having been bought by Mr. H. Lander and transported thence from Teignmouth and steamed from the road to its present resting-place. Although shabby, there is little wrong with the vehicle which has a current boiler certificate. The brakes need attention and Mr. Lander hopes to attend to this in time to drive "The Lion " to the Rally on August 22nd. It is thought that the other Sentinel, "The Elephant ", has been added to Mr. Baldock's collection at Liphook.—Can anyone confirm this? On February 17th I saw Wallis & Steevens 10 ton Advance Roller No. 7920 travelling through llchester from Yeovilton en route to a road repairing job on the A303 near Martock. The roller appeared t❑ be very well cared for and belongs to Somerset C.C. The driver was evidently a " steam " man, although employed by the Council he was well acquainted with Messrs. Buncombes' rollers and seemed to have known individually many of the traction engines which used to work in Somerset. Among them he mentioned " Queenie "—Miss Rule's Garrett tractor which left Ilchester for Camborne in 1958. I wonder how many of the present diesel roller drivers are so interested in other firms' or peoples' engines ? Near Penzance a heliport is being constructed from which a service of helicopters will be maintained with the Scillies. A Marshall 10 ton S.C. Roller No. 77474, belonging to the contractors Messrs. Gray. Conoley & Co.. is engaged on the work and is being driven by Mr. George Symons of Cambornc who is the owner of Ruston & Hornsby No. 169167 "Trevithick ". I was interested to note that No. 169166 is now preserved in Scotland, and these were, I understand, the last two of that make. There has been little activity of a spectacular nature lately but behind the scenes work continues on many engines, in particular near Lands End, where Mr. Alford's Fowler is nearing completion after a very thorough overhaul— practically a re-build. At the A.G.M. of the Cornish Traction Preservation Club all officers were re-elected. Their Rally (the fourth) will he held on June 20th near last year's venue.
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All the officers were re-clecied also at the West of England Steam Engine Society's A.G.M. Miss Anne Cullen (Carol Grenville of the radio serial " The Archers") will open this year's Rally near Redruth on August 22nd. In order to prevent congestion at the field entrances, car parking will be free and among the engine entries some interesting newcomers are expected. For the benefit of visitors to Cornwall, here are some of the functions at which Burrell No. 3159 " The Gladiator " will be providing current for Messrs. Anderton & Rowland's organ Redruth Whitsun Fair, May 16th and 18th ; Evening Concert, Redruth, May 17th ; St. John's Ambulance Garden Feter, Bodmin, June 13th ; C.T.P.C. Rally, St. Eval, June 20th; Chacewater Carnival, July 4th ; Sunday evening Concert, Chacewater, July 5th ; Perranporth, each evening, July 18th to 25th ; Falmouth, each evening, August 1st to 8th ; and
West of England Rally, Sinns Barton, Redruth, August 22nd. "The Gladiator" will tow the organ from Perranporth to Redruth on July 27th and from Redruth to Falmouth on July 31st. f regret having to record the passing of two gentlemen who were well known to many readers of Steaming. Mr. Baden Parsons was a founder-member of the West of England Steam Engine Society in 1955 and of the Cornish Traction Preservation Club in 1961. He was a committee member of the latter organisation and missed only one meeting—that which was held just before he died. On a large trailer, Mr. Parsons assembled a fine collection of small steam engines supplied with steam from a vertical boiler mounted at the end of the trailer. Other exhibits included relics ❑f the steam age such as old county licence plates, lamps, etc., and with all the little engines working this " travelling museum " created great interest at all the rallies held in Cornwall. The trailer was towed to and from the rallies and around the arenas by Burrell No. 3816 " Cornish Maid ", owned by Mr. C. H. Parsons, brother of the deceased. Their father was at one time Cornish representative for C. Burrell & Sons and, judging by the predominance of that maker's products in the county, he
must have served the firm well. Mr. Ewart Bawden of Camborne was also a founder-member of the West of England S.E. Society. It was he, with the help of Mr. S. G. Richardson, who made possible what was described as one of the finest exhibitions of Model Engineering in the country, held at the early Camborne Rallies. Several years ago, owing to failing health, Mr. Bawden was advised to discontinue this arduous work, and as no one among the model-making fraternity could be found who could organise the exhibitions, this feature of our rallies lapsed. However, Mr. Bawden continued to serve the Society in many other ways, and he was also Treasurer of The Gladiator Club. Both he and Mr. Parsons will be sadly missed at future events—they both contributed so much. C.G. WORCESTERSHIRE The Tipton (Staffordshire) Council have recently sold their Aveling-Barford S.C. P.V. 6 ton roller which was new in 1946. Her number is AG785 (Reg. No. MRF245). This beautiful machine was sought after by a number of people, but Mr. Melhuish of Chipping Norton was fortunate in securing the machine for, I am told, the sum of £200. The first engine to be steamed at Hartlebury this year on March 8th was
Mr_ Eric Middleton's Fowler "Little Mary" to drive the generator to continue welding repairs on the bunker of Mr. D. Walker's Burrell Showman's engine " Princess Marina " and also to weld a replacement ashpan for Burrell Crane Engine No. 3197. It was a beautiful afternoon and everyone enjoyed themselves. Work is being carried out at Halesowen by the Millward Bros. on their Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 32981, all lagging has been removed for replacement and also in preparation for a boiler test. The front tank has also been repaired. The dynamo, which is the correct type fitted to the Showman's tractors made by Garrett's, has been completely stripped and rebuilt, including armature test, field coils rewound, new bearings fitted and
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finally repainted. The extensive brasswork has been restored. A pulley was required, so Mr. T. G. Hunt of Griffin Foundry. Oldbury. Worcs., cast and machined a new one to suit. The Millward Bros. are very grateful to him for the assistance given here. The Foster Showman's Engine No. 14446 " Leader '', 10 n.h.p. Scenic. owned by Mr. T. G. Hunt, which is at the Midland Rolling & Haulage Co.. has already had most of the repairs carried out. Mr. Hunt hopes she will attend at least one event this coming season. The Burrell Showman's Engine " Rover - No. 3471 (Reg. No. J3471) is having a complete overhaul of the top motion. It is hoped that this beautifully turned out engine will attend this year's Birmingham Science Museum Rally on Sunday, May 24th, in Newhall Street. • Also at the Griffin Foundry is Mr. Hunt's 98 key Marenghi organ which is ex Collins' Scenic Railway. The organ has been completely rebuilt at the foundry by Mr. Hunt. The ornamental frontage and carved work are now in the finishing stages and we hope to hear this instrument playing soon, Garrett Tractor No. 33986 (Reg. No. unknown), which worked for many years for Sadlers, Haulage Contractors. of Stourbridge. and then for many more years with Messrs. James & Sons of Kingswinford, has recently been sold to a miner somewhere in Warwickshire. I am informed that " Kitty," the 1913 4 h.p. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8384, which was the only roller I remember working in my area of Worcestershire and which when sold was converted to a tractor by Mr. Hammond of Astley, Stourport, Worcs., has recently been sold. The 10 ton Wallis roller of Messrs. James & Sons of Kingswinford was seen being driven through Audlam, Wordsley, during the first week in March on its way to another job. This roller has recently been re-tubed and is kept very busy indeed. The Sentinel D.G. tractor owned by Mr. C. James, being stored at Hartlebury, is being extensively overhauled by Mr. Ted Proctor of Tamworth, who has spent his life with Sentinels of all types. The two Garrett tractors at Hartlebury are being repaired. The first one, Mr. Frank Holl's Reg. No. B.T3451 has had a new smokebox fitted. The other. belonging to Mr. Eric Middleton, a 1912 version No. 27673 (Reg. No. HP2200) " Conqueror ", is being overhauled by a young enthusiast from Worcester. Several engines were steamed at Hartlehury on Easter Monday, including my own 6 h.p. S.C.C. " Lady Burrell ", in readiness for their journeys to the Birmingham Rally in May. The Herefordshire County Council Aveling & Porter roller mentioned in the last issue of Steamino as working near my home at Ridgway Cross is still there, and the driver Mr. Link says he will be busy there for two years. Having now visited the yard of Messrs. C. H. Lambe & Sons of Charford, Bromsgrove, I report as follows : From their yard the 6 h.n. Burrell D.C.C. No. 3812 "Haig ", which came from Castle Caerinion in Wales, has been sold to Mr. Geo. Bowkley of Upner Hatherall Farm, Tenbury Wells, Worcs.; the former owner, Mr. F. C. Lambe, has found he has not the time to restore further this engine and it is understood that Mr. Geo. Bowkley, who purchased the Evesham Borough Council roller last August, will finish the restoration of this handy-sized engine of the agricultural type. The Clayton & Shuttleworth Wagon No. 48347 has been acquired by a Mr. Crawford of Lincolnshire who, with his son, will restore this vehicle which needs considerable body and wheel repairs. A recent acquisition at Lambe's yard was a Fowler 6 h.p. D.C.C. road locomotive which came from Mr. Bearam of Wolf's Castle, near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Unfortunately no number or date is available as the engine is in rather a dilapidated condition owing to exposure to the weather in addition to re-tubing a lot of work will need to be done on her including re-lagging. Other engines in the yard include the Burrell Showman's " Lady Pride of England " ; a 12 ton Aveling roller which is having a new H.P. piston fitted ; two smaller rollers namely a Garrett and an Aveling.
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*it WOBURN PARK RALLY August Bank Holiday Week-end
Saturday, 1st August ARRIVAL DAY Gates open 10.30 a.m. Engines will be arriving, others will be in steam for inspection. Showman's Engines making light and organ recitals until early evening.
Sunday & Monday, 2nd & 3rd August RALLY DAYS Gates open 10.30 a.m. GRAND PARADE COMMENCES 2 P.M. Caravans, tents, etc. cannot be parked on the Estate, but there are many suitable places within easy reach. Refreshments will be available on all three days. Engines will be in steam regardless of weather conditions. Any further details from the Rally Secretary : JOHN CRAWLEY, FIELD HOUSE, TURVEY, BEDFORD.
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It is understood that the Burrell Showman's engine and Mr. F. C. Lambe's Foster Agricultural Engine No. 14564 (Walter Gabriel's engine) will be at the Birmingham Rally in May. Another local Worcestershire steam engine enthusiast, Mr. Gordon Limb, Stationmaster at Barnt Green, Worcs., was featured in the Bromsgrove Messenger on April 11th. He is shown standing by his Ransome Tractor No. 36220 of 1926. Mr. Limb has re-tubed this engine and has steamed her a few times since he found her on a farm near Rugby last year. A few weeks ago the Bromsgrove Messenger also featured the local Urban District Council's Aveling roller in an article on its future on the front page with a photograph of the roller and the driver Mr. Alf Burden. The Council's spokesman said there was no intention of disposing of the roller and that it would be kept for odd jobs for some years to come. Mr. J. J. White and his daughter Margaret have recently completed overhauling the Ransomes Simms & Jefferies Portable Engine No. 14329. This engine is a 5 h.p. and left the works in 1902. It was acquired from Mr. J. Vines of Hardwicke, Gloucester, in 1959. J.L:1'. YORKSHIRE Our member, Mr. G. Gray of Stannington, Nr. Sheffield, has purchased the Robey Compound Traction Engine No. 35548 (Reg. No. unknown) which has been lying at Ughill, and a start has been made on the reconditioning of this engine. Mr. J. Wooliscroft of Buxton, Derbyshire, has purchased the Fowler which was advertised for sale at Alton Towers, this is No. 9507 (Reg. No. NM141) of 1902 vintage, and was succegsfully steamed home over three week-ends, and is now being brought into peak perfection by Mr. Wooliscroft, who is a keen model engineer, and in previous years has often run his model engine on the portable track at Alton Towers Rallies. He is arranging a small Steaming Party in a field just off the main Buxton to Ashbourne road on the 14th June, quite near to the Bull i' the Thorn Hotel, and one or two local enthusiasts will he taking their engines along to the "christening" party, so this will be an opportunity for Derbyshire lads to see some local engines. Mr. Martin Burr of Killamarsh has purchased Foster No. 2775, 1903 S.C. vintage, from a scrapyard in Lincolnshire, and due to the rear wheels being unsafe. This was overcome by substituting a heavy lorry axle for the rear wheels, and was successfully towed home, where a start was made on restoration. The boiler and firebox were found to be very good after standing for several years, and now the lighter nights are here work is proceeding apace. Mr. W. Payne of Auckley, Doncaster, is now the owner of Aveling & Porter No. 9228 (Rog. No. C.I4159) (ex lack Hardy of Pickering), and this engine has been given the treatment in Mr. Liversidgc's yard at Doncaster ; a pump has been fitted and a start has been made on repainting in readiness for the Wilsic Hall Rally at Whitsuntide. Mr. F. N. Dean of Airedale, Castleford. has purchased the 4 h.p. Fowler No. 15732 (Reg. No. PT832), built in 1923 as a roller, and formerly owned by P. R. Bates of Durham. and has named the engine "Sir Douglas ". Photographs have appeared in the local press regarding it, several being quite amazed that an undertaker should be interested in steam engines. Another of our members, Mr. M. Ward of Papplewick, Nottingham, has purchased a Garrett Tractor No. 29781 of 4 n.h.p.. built 1912, first registered in 1926, and has made a start on rebuilding. I regret to report that Mr. Ward suffered a great loss by the death of his wife recently in a car crash, and we extend our sympathies to him in this great loss. Another loss to the engine world is the recent death of Mr. J. H. Sandon of Uttoxeter, who owned the Burrell G.P. Engine No. 3395 (Reg. No. RII536), 6 n.h.p., built in 1911, which carried the name and coat of arms of the "City of Exeter ". Again we extend our sympathies, especially to our neighbouring club, the North Staffs. and Cheshire T.E. Club, of which he was a staunch member. The Wallis & Steevens No. 7774 (Reg. No. CT6081), 7 n.h.p., built in 1923, which was purchased by Mr. W. H. Fletcher and Mr. C. A. Jones of Clowne, Derbyshire, the night before it was due to he cut up, has now been rebuilt, and made its first outing recently. The lagging remains to be done, and a start
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has been made on a three-quarter cab. and it will be making its Rally debut at Wilsic Hall at Whitsun. As all this has been accomplished in a back garden, great credit is due to the way they have overcome all obstacles. Mr. J. D. Hadfield of Sheffield has been working on the little 46 key Chiappa organ he purchased from Weston-super-Mare. and hopes to complete it in time for our Rally. Mr. J. Bird has also been hard at work on his organ, which he purchased as a " load of firewood some time ago, and has mounted it on a low-loading trailer, and he also hopes to complete his organ in time for the Rally. Mr. J. W. Blagg, owner of the McLaren " Captain Scott 1918, Reg. No. BE7518, Eng. No. 4121, Compound, has also been hard at work on re-tubing his engine and other small repairs in readiness for the start of the Rally season. Mr. J. Reynolds of Tickhill, Doncaster, has also been re-tubing his Fowler No. 15323 (Reg. No. HR3697), 3 speed Compound, built 1918, and getting ready for the " fray ". It is understood that a young 16-year-old enthusiast from Leicestershire recently purchased the last of the Derbyshire County Council rollers, which had been standing for some time in the Council yard at Duffield, Nr. Derby, but further details will be given later. On Thursday, March 26th, the South Yorkshire T.E. Club were given a talk on " Unusual and Historical Traction Engines by Mr. W. J. Hughes, the author of traction engine books, which was illustrated by black and white slides, and nearly 100 members turned out for this interesting talk, which was followed by colour films of the 1963 Wilsic Hall Rally and the " Steaming Sunday ", and a further film by J. W. Blang showing engines at work. The Rally and Steaming Sunday films are complete with sound and commentary, and are the work of two or our members, Mr. Leather and Mr. Hague, who received a great ovation for their painstaking efforts. On Saturday, April 4th, I attended the Film and Slide Show at Bicker, Lines., together with several of our members, and the village hall was crowded with enthusiasts, who were given an excellent programme of films, slides and organ music, and the refreshments were a sight to behold, having been arranged by Mrs. Dawson who must have been burning the midnight oil to put on such a lavish treat. Don Robinson's 89 key Gaviola organ is attending the Wilsic Hall Rally (ex Peter's Golden Gallopers) and has been reconditioned by local member Mr. Rowland Hill of Wentworth. A small Rally was held at Denby Dale on Easter Sunday and Monday to raise funds for the world's largest nie which is being made in aid of local charities. The pie dish is being specially made by Kitson's Engineering Works in Leeds, will be 18 ft. long by 8 ft. wide and 18 ins. deep, and will cost £250. Into the pie dish will go 't 900 lbs. of beef and 1.750 lbs. of potatoes, topped by a crust made from 1,300 lbs. of flour and half a ton of lard to make the world's largest ever pie. The first big nie was made in 1788, followed by others in 1815, 1846, 1896 and 1928. It is hoped to stage a procession of engines, with a Showman's engine towing the pie, later this year. G.K.B. / S.C.B.
PHOTOGRAPHS Copies of the photographs on pages 65, 75 and 78 are available, price 1/3d. each, post paid. This offer applies until the 1st of June. All orders are held until this date when they are ordered in quantity. Orders cannot be accepted after this date. THE EDITOR, HELD HOUSE, TURVEY, BEDFORD.
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NEWS FLASHES George Fensom writes from Markyate that whilst delivering a load of timber to Millwall Docks earlier this year he saw four steam roller type living vans awaiting shipment to Skopje, Yugoslavia. They had been presented by the Round Table of Oxford and are believed to have once belonged to John Allen & Co. Ltd. of Oxford. John Wykes writes from Altrincham that he recently saw Fowler Roller Reg. No. CK3584 lying derelict in the yard of Thomas Croft at Preston. It Was last steamed in 1956. In the yard of S. T. Rosbotham at Bikerstaffe, Ormskirk, was Fowler 10 ton Roller No. 18655 (Reg. No. TF2260) and Burrell Compound T.E. No. 3695 (Reg. No. TB2740). The latter, last licenced in 1963, was beginning to look a little rough. S. G. Nickolls writes trom Barnet to say that his father has recently purchased Burrell 5 ton Tractor No. 4072 " Tinkerbell " (ex Webb, ex Lambert). His friend A. J. Bolton acquired the Sentinel Tractor No. 5644 " The Elephant " from Teignmouth and had it brought up to Barnet last October. Alan Bloom writes that at a recent evening gathering they had steam up in the following engines: Fowle'• Ploughing Engine No. 15236. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 2701 " Black Prince ", Burrell Steam Roller No. 3962, and his Tidman's Centre Engine the number of which is unknown. At the moment all of his spare time is being snent on doing up the Sentinel Timber Tractor recently acquired from Jack Wharton. Dick Blenkinsop writes from Leamington Spa that mention was made in Modern Transport last year of the fact that five Robey articulated wagons were still in use in Ceylon. These wagons have been ,doing an average of 20,000 miles a year each and are a familiar sight at Colombo harbour where they haul drums of coconut oil to the quayside for shipment. They are regarded as smoking anachronisms even in Ceylon where bizarre transport is part of the local scene, but they are kept going at a considerable expense which is still cheaper than paying the import duty on a 12 ton diesel chassis and cab which makes the price of such a vehicle £4,250. Stephen Philip writes from Peterchurch, Hereford, that he has acquired Fowler 10 ton Roller No. 13453 of 1912 from The Buttington Road Rolling Co. Ltd. R. Nixon writes from Hatfield that S4 Sentinel No. 9016. owned by Mr. E. Shone, is progressing in its restoration. The new light alloy cab is nearing completion and should be almost identical to that on Messrs. Fearnley's S4 No. 9086 with the doors set further back. The writer's S4 No. 9277 made an eventful short trip in October. Aftri• going less than 100 yards a Packing on the throttle assembly decided to blow and steam brakes applied. This brought the vehicle to an abrupt halt—too abrupt, in fact, as the steam brake valve staved open. After freeing the brake valve one of the brake cylinder pistons locked on and took quite a bit of effort to free it. The only thing to do was to turn back and sort the system out, so now the brakes at least have been overhauled. Derek Rayner writes from Rothwell near Leeds to say that Green's Roller No. 2007 Reg. U8432 is in the yard of J. W. Hinchcliffe Ltd. of Kirkstall Road, Leeds 3. This used to belong to Leeds Corporation and was No. 42 in their fleet. It is in rather a rough state but it is thought to be restorable and could possibly be purchased for this purpose. John Wykes writes from Hale. Cheshire, to say that Samuel Jackson's of Wistasion have just sold their last pair of Fowler Ploughing Engines. These have been purchased by a Wolverhampton firm. Our apologies for the two mistakes (there may have been more) in the January issue. The drawing on page 22 was obviously " offside" and not nearside,. The top illustration on page 46 should read Wallis and Steevens not Tasker.
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A BURRELL :COMES TO •GRIEF The year, 1902 ; the engine, a 6 n.h.p. S.C.C. Burrell of about 1897, owned by George Ewens, Petersfield, started from Petersfield with three trailers containing 6,000 bricks, bound for Haslemere. All went well, except on one hill where the engine would not grip the road, and the load had to be roped up the hill. They arrived in Haslemere and delivered their load, and then stopped at the " local ", partaking a certain quantity of beer. Meanwhile, as their story goes, some children removed the safety key from the differential pin. After a while they arrived, feeling much better, to begin the journey home! They climbed a rise, ran along the level for about a quarter of a mile ; all this time the differential pin had been working its way out, and finally fell out at the descent.
The hill starts with a gentle slope with banks on each side, drops away steeply and then levels out under a railway arch. The crew, being in a rather merry condition, did not notice the engine gaining speed. Had they been sober they would have seen that the motionwork continued at the same speed, and yet the engine was speeding up. They could have checked her speed by brushing the bank. It was too late when they realised that something was wrong, they panicked and jumped off. The engine gained speed and was doing about 25 miles per hour when it hit the tree. As the engine overturned the front axle smashed off, also the chimney and safety valves. You can imagine the noise! The engine was only six years old, she was sent back to Burrells and sold for old iron, the price £80, as against a new price of £560. Some loss!
NEW MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY As recorded in the last issue, John Bonsor, of 6 Rokeby Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex (Telephone No.: BUC 8483), has taken over the duties of Membership Secretary from Jim Hutchins as from 1st January, 1964.
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REVIEW The Traction Engine prints by Messrs. Hugh Evelyn must surely be known by •now to all enthusiasts, but recently we were shown a set of companion prints dealing with Railways. There are 10 prints in the set which covers locomotives from the G.N.R., L.B.S.C., L. & S.W.R., Highland Railway, Midland, N.E.R., G.W.R., L. & Y.R. and the L.N.W.R. These are all finished in the pre-grouping colours and should certainly be of interest to all enthusiasts even those that are not railway minded as the detail and finish of these are first class These are available from Messrs. Hugh Evelyn Prints, 85 Lower Sloane Street, London, S.W.1. Price 7/6d. each or 45/- for the set of ten. Postage extra nn less than 7 prints.
Tilly The Traction Engine. By A. L. Frost. Pictures by Phyllis Ladyman. • Price 10/6d. 30 pp. Printed in four colours. Published by Methven & Co. Ltd., 11 New Fetter Lane, London, E.C.4. An excellent book for children in the 4-8 years of age group. The author explains in suitable language the building of a traction engine and describes the major components. Then the engine is ptit to work, retired and replaced by a combine harvester. .4 T e engine is purchased, restored and attends rallies. all most excellently des ibed and illustrated. Asking my youngest son his opinion of the book hi, nswer was, "Thank goodness the engine has not got a face on it " with which I heartily agree. It is a well produced book and is to be thoroughly recommended to our future engine owners.
The Power Packed (6.7.29) Manzel Cylinder Lubricator Ever thought of fitting a 3-point Lubricator giving a separate feed to each port face and a good oiling to the steam itself ? Consult British Manzel Oil Pump Co. Durranhill Eng. Works CARLISLE 21418/9 SINGLE FEED LUBRICATOR Only LIS I2s. Od.
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DIARY OF EVENTS
16th May.—Acton Carnival, Veteran & Vintage Vehicles, including a Steam Section. Secretary: Mr. Stringer, 2 Gibbons Road, Acton, W.3. 17th & 18th 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.—Woodton, 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, Lines. 24th May.—Birmingham Science Museum Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: G. Wilding, Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry, Newell Street, Birmingham, 3. 30th May.—Ely Agricultural Show. Secretary: A. E. Vyse, Owen Webb House, Gresham Road, Cambridge. 30th & 31st May.—Redbourn Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: J. J. Mayes. 45 The Broadway, Potters Bar, Middx. 6th June.—Umberleigh Traction Engine Rally, Nr. Exeter. Secretary: A. Atkin, 12 Fir Terrace, South Molton, N. Devon. 13th & 14th June.—North Hykeham Traction Engine Rally, Lincoln. Secretary: D. H. Yarnell, 10 Clint Lane, Navenby, Lincoln. 20th June.—Andover, Hants. Traction Engine Rally. Howell, 5 The Crescent, Andover. Hants.
Secretary: Gordon
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. 20th June.—St. Eval Traction Engine Rally. Secretary : George Hawkins, Tredinick House, St. Issey, Cornwall. 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, Wymcswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough. I 1 th July.—Horsham Carnival and Traction Engine Rally. Secretary : G. H. Shorrocks, 7 Oliver Road, Horsham, Sussex.
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11th &12th July.—North of England Club Rally. Venue to be announced. 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. 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, Lines. Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: Miss E. Smith, Chapel Road, Old Leake, Boston, Lincs. 18th & 19th July.—Wragby, Wakefield, Yorks. 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 and 3rd August.—Woburn Traction Engine Rally. 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 Digits; 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.—Redruth West of England Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: M. J. Pearce, 31 Trevu Road, Camborne, Cornwall. 22nd & 23rd August.—Market Bosworth Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: R. A. Lees, 14 St. Catherine's Avenue, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton, Warks. 28th, 29th & 30th August.—White Waltham Old Time Fair and Steam Week-end. Secretary: J. L. E. Smith, Shottesbrooke Park, White Waltham, Maidenhead, Berks. 5th & 6th September.—Wistaston Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: S. L. Wedgwood, 173 Congleton Road, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. 19th & 20th September.—Kelvedon Traction Engine Rally. Secretary: R. D. Smith, Inworth, Kelvedon, Essex. 17th October.—National Traction Engine Club Annual General Meeting followed by the Annual Dinner.
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FOR SALE OR WANTED For Sale.-6 ton Fowler Roller and Ruston Hornsby Portable. Both in excellent condition.—S.A.E. for particulars to : G. Eadv, Barklye Cottage, Broad Oak, Heathfield, Sussex. Phone: West Burwash 345. For Sale.—Set of new Pickering Governors. £12 10s. Od. or near offer.— Ray Barratt, 82a Oundle Road, Thrapston, Nr. Kettering, Northants. For Sale.—Advertiser can supply new Superheater Coils and Boiler Joints for all Sentinel Wagons and Tractors.—R. Nixon, 24 Georges Wood Road, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Herts. Wanted.—Drawings. plans, etc., of Fowler Class A9 (7 n.h.p., D.C.C., 2 and 3 speed) Traction Engines (built about 1920), also Crankshaft, Flywheel (covered in), Third Gear and other ancillaries to convert 2 speed Class A9 to 3 speed.—Please write to : Glenn, 54 Beach Croft Avenue, Tynemouth, Northumberland. Wanted.—Perch complete for Aveling & Porter Tractor. or pattern for same.—J. R. E. Driscoll, 32 St. Charles' Road. Brentwood, Essex. Wanted.—Pair of Brass Oil Burning Engine Lamps.—Gerald Adamson, Dickinson Farm, Lowton, Warrington, Lancs. Wanted.—Mann Steam Cart or Tractor. Must have single eccentric reversing gear.—Particulars to : Crowther, Riddings, Long Preston, Skipton, Yorks. For Sale.—Aveling & Porter 1921 Steam Roller. As new. Also Aveling & Porter Convertible Steam Roller. Needs re-tubing. Can be done by vendor if required. Also Clayton & Shuttleworth Portable. Good order. Serious offers only.—Rhodes, " Pentewan," Cramhurst Lane, Witley, Godalming, Surrey. Phone: Guildford 69214. Wanted.—Engine makers' Nameplates. etc. Paper rubbing of script name " Clayton ".—Anthony Beaumont, " Waynefleet," South Wootton, King's Lynn. For Sale.—Aveling & Porter Steam Roller No. 9283 (Reg. No. NX360). Perfect condition. Excellent worker. Boiler certificate available. 14 ft. Living Van and Water Cart if required.—John Inman Pocklington, Esq., Reasby Road, Snelland, Nr. Lincoln. For Sale.—Set of Traction Engine Lamns. In good condition. Offers.— L. J. Casely, Rigg Lane Farm, Trent, Sherborne, Dorset. 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 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale.—Rear Rolls (17 in. wide), Front Roll and Fork Scarifier. Very Good Tender, Flywheel, Crankshaft, Gears, etc., to fit Aveling & Porter 8 ton " C " Type Single Cylinder Piston Valve Roller. If not sold will be scrapped. —Box 1, " Steaming ". For Sale.—" Evening Star " (2-10-0). The last steam locomotive built for British Railways. A reproduction of the superb painting by Terence Cuneo. Price 30/-, including postage, packing and tax.—James Haworth & Bro. Ltd., Rossendale Works, Chase Side, Southgate, N.14. 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 2/6 per set of six (post paid), from: J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. For Sale.—Sentinel owners: 5 /- and a photograph of your particular Sentinel will bring you a pen and ink drawing, approx. 6 in. square, drawn from the photograph. Send s.a.e. for sample drawing (6 in. X 6 in.).— Robin K. Procter, 72 East Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs. in. For Sale.—Set of two coloured prints, size 41, in. X 3+ in., plus a border, Foster Showman's Tractor and Clayton Traction Engine. Price 5s. 6d, (including postage).—J, Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford,
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For Sale.—Set of four coloured prints, size 9+ in. X 5f 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 I5s. Od. (post paid), from J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford. 8 ton Aveling & Porter Comp Steam Roller, 1925, in good order for sale £150. Wanted set of Fowler traction engine wheels, rears about 5 ft. 6 in. diameter. Front wheels axle and perch bracket if possible. T. Tate, 18 Flexbury Gardens, Harlow Green, Gateshead, 9.
WANTED The loan of old Ploughing Engine Pictures for use in Steaming. This side of our interest in steam has been neglected and we would like to remedy this. Scud to : J. CRAWLEY, FIELD HOUSE, TURVEY, BEDS.
Hugh Evelyn Prints A companion set to the well-known Traction Engine series
OLD RAILWAY LOCOMOTIVES Size of
prints 10 in. X 17 in. approx .
ACI Great Northern I, 1870 (green) AC2 London Brighton & South Coast 214, 1882 (ochre) AC3 London & South Western 563, 1893 (olive green) AC4 Highland 103, 1894 (olive green) AC5 Midland 118. 1897 (maroon) AC6 Caledonian 123, 1886 (blue) AC7 North Eastern 1463, 1885 (bright green) AC8 Great Western 3440, 1903 (dark green) AC9 Lancashire & Yorkshire 1008, 1889 (black) ACIO London & North Western 790, 1892 (black) Price per print 7s. 6d. price per set of 10 prints 45s.
HUGH EVELYN PRINTS 85 LOWER SLOANE STREET, LONDON, S.W.I
BY APPOINTMENT 10 N.M. 1111 001111
Consult :
HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD. SPECIALISTS IN WATER TREATMENTS AND DESCALENTS
THE PRIORY • BURNHAM • BUCKS:
for
am. water treatment ,
Garrett "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