VOL. 11
No. 3
STEAMING The Journal of the National Traction Engine Club
SUMMER, 1967
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NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
OFFICERS FOR 1967 President : REVD. PHILIP WRIGHT, M.B.E., Hon.C.F.,
Roxwell Vicarage, Near Chelmsford, Essex. Tel.: Roxwell 644. Vice-President : ARTHUR NAPPER, ESQ.
ANTHONY HEAL,
Chairman : ESQ., Baylins Farm, Knotty Green, Beaconsfield.
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. Assistant Membership Secretary (Renewals): D. B. EHLEN, ESQ., 2 Abbot Close, Basingstoke, Hants. Treasurer : J. H. Hoses, ESQ., 6 Esher Close, Basingstoke, Hants. Editor of Newsletter : G. K. FRANKCOM, ESQ., " St. Andrew's," 77 Woodcote Valley Road, Purley,
Surrey. (CR2 3BG). TECHNICAL SERVICES AND SPARES SECTION Bourne House, St. Mary Bourne, Andover, Hants. (Tel.: St. Mary Bourne 260).
BRIAN ORAM, ESQ.,
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS J. P. MULLETT, ESQ. W. 0. SKEAT, ESQ. STEVE NEVILLE, ESQ. HALL & CO. LTD. TOM PLAISLEY, ESQ. T. T. BOUGHTON & SON. C. THOMAS, ESQ. WILLIAM HOWE, ESQ.
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AREA NEWS BEDFORDSHIRE This year the date of the Woburn Rally was changed to May, 6th and 7th from its customary date in early August in the hope of enjoying some better weather. This was not to be, and although everyone taking part did their best under very wet conditions the engines had in the main to remain static. This was very disappointing as we had looked forward through winter gloom to this, the first local rally of the season. After this our engineowning members prepared hopefully for the rallies to be held in our part of the country over the new spring bank hoiday, May, 27th, 28th and 29th. Some set out for Stanford Hall, Northants and some to Pirton,
near Hitchin, Herts. Again the weather was not of the best although I believe we were more fortunate at Pirton than our colleagues at Stanford. On the Friday evening of June 2nd, John Crawley had his Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3610 (Reg. No. 36857) " William V " of 1914 running its lights at a village fete at Odell, Beds. The engine was driven for some time at this event by Colonel Chas. Kidd, President of the Irish Steam Preservation Society, who took over from its regular driver Paddy Paddison of Stevington, Beds. On the following Saturday, June 10th, "William V" was again in action, this time helping the scouts at Kempston to raise funds. It was in addition to running its lights powering Mr. E. C. Hine's of Shaftesbury, Dorset 87 Key Limonair Showman's Organ. In addition John Crawley's 8 n.h.p. McLaren Agricultural Engine No. 127 (Reg. No. H05618) of 1882
attended the Royal Show at Stoneleigh, driven there under its own steam. D.J.P. CORNWALL
Since detailed notes from this area last appeared in Steaming several fresh engines have been seen at our rallies. At St. Eval last year, Mr. J. W. Coad's Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies No. 38088 " Enterprise " attracted a great deal of attention, being the first representative of this make to be exhibited at any rally in the South West. Mr. W. H. McAlpine brought his singlecylindered Tractor No. 25565 (Reg. No. BJ2330) to Redruth. This diminutive engine was built in 1906—the third of a total of only fourteen of this model built to conform to the 1903 Heavy Motor Car Act. Mr. J. Nicholls of St. Just, near Lands End, retubed the Marshall 10 ton single Roller No.
75826 (Reg. No. AF6015) in time for the rally, having acquired it only a few weeks earlier from Mr. A. G. Coombes of Exeter. Similarly, Mr. G. James of St. Columb, did a lot of work in a very short time to enable his Marshall Roller No. 77479 (Reg. No. AF8674) to be present. He had purchased the roller only a short time before from Messrs. Dingle & Son. Two more ex-Dingle rollers also made their first rally appearances, Burrell No. 4060 (Reg. No. RL5549) now owned by Mr. H. James of Newquav and Marshall No. 88166 (Reg. No. DCV5) belonging to Mr. H. Powell of Redruth. Another newcomer was the 4 n.h.p. R.S.J. Portable No. E409, which was supplied new to Mr. J. Crawley and exhibited at Woburn a few years ago, was later sold to Mr. W. H. McAlpine and then to its present owner Mr. G. Hawkins of St. Issey. Three more rollers have recently changed owners in Cornwall. Two Marshalls Nos. 77474 and 88096 have been bought by Messrs. H. Powell & Son of Redruth from Messrs. Conolev & Co. of Falmouth. and two partners, Mr. R. Pridham and Mr. J. Morel have bought A. & P. No. 11220 (Reg. No. RL1085) and are restoring it not far from its former home with Messrs. Dingle & Sons of Stoke Climsland. The latter engine is a 12 ton Type G piston valve single, built in 1925. Mr. J. M. Dines, formerly of Mawnan Smith, Helston, has left Cornwall and has taken his A. & P. Roller No. 10017 with him, but another engine has been brought into the country. This is a Fowler BB Plower, number as yet uncertain, built about 1918 and new to Ward & Dale of Sleaford.
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Fowler Traction Engine No. 3184 "Central". Owned by T. T. Boughton & Sons Ltd. New in 1898.
Fowler No. 3184 "Central" seen after running away down White Hill, Chesham, on New Year's Day, 1900.
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Lincs. I understand that the firm sold it and its sister plougher in 1939 for about £80 the pair and later they went to Messrs. Chivers of Histon. The next owners were Bomford & Evershed, and while in their possession their last job was dredging a lake at Hatfield House, Herts. From the latter firm's successors the three partners who own the McLaren Plougher " Hero " (C. and R. Daniel and R. I. Gunn) recently purchased the Fowler which was delivered to the Camborne district by Mr. J. Vines and off-loaded by Mr. G. Symons with " Trevithick ". The Fowler is in a rough condition at present but this is no deterrent to the three young men who have done such a colossal amount of restoration on the McLaren. At the 1967 A.G.M. of the Cornish Traction Preservation Club Mr. V. Salisbury resigned as President, a position he had held since the club's formation. Members are very appreciative of the work done by him during his term of office, and both Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury are still very actively engaged in furthering the club's interests. Mr. Rex Davey was elected as President, the other officers being re-elected. In May we were very distressed to learn of the sudden death of the club's Chairman, Mr. A. E. Barnes. He was a very capable organiser and the club's success during its formative years is in no small measure due to his efforts. The new Chairman is Mr. Sleeman. C.P.G. EIRE The last notes the Marshall Road Engine (Reg. No. IJ9240) purchased by Patrick Skelton, Dublin, was towed to the border between Northern and Southern Ireland but the customs authorities in Northern Ireland would not let the engine through as the declared value per ton of the engine did not exceed a certain figure and it would be necessary to get an Export License from London. After a long delay the necessary licence came and on Saturday, 16th June, 1967 the Marshall was towed by lorry to Dublin and is now in the owner's back garden. On a recent trip to Northern Ireland the following Steam Rollers were seen in preservation in the yard of Mr. W. J. Farrell, Contractor, Warrenpoint, Co. Down : Marshall Single Cylinder Steam Roller No. 53755 (Reg. No. SD5453) Fowler Compound Steam Roller No. 16948 (Reg. No.JI3913) ex Tyrone County Council who converted it from a traction engine in their workshops and Fowler Compound Steam Roller No. 17251 ex Tyrone County Council. In Newry, Co. Down, Northern Ireland Aveling & Porter Steam Roller No. 5312 (Reg. No. JI1553) ex Tyrone County Council was seen in a contractor's yard. G.D. HERTFORDSHIRE An engine new to this part of the world made its first appearance on the Herts. Steam Preservation Society's Pirton rally field. It was Mr. E. N. Shone's of London, N.W.7, Sentinel DG6 Tipper No. 8351 (Reg. No. RG1417) of 1930. New to William Tarse Ltd. of Aberdeen, Scotland. It was sold in 1938 to Aberdeen Harbour who used it until 1966. It had been used with its tipping body replaced by a flat platform over the rear bogie to carry heavy concrete blocks when the South breakwater was being constructed. It was exhibited in this condition and although undoubtedly a powerful load carrier on hard roads it was far from happy on wet farm land as its smooth solid-tyred chain driven rear four wheels could not get a grip and the narrow front wheels sank into the axle. It was roped out of this predicament and towed on to a hard farm road by a G.P. traction engine. Another engine new to our rallies, although it had appeared at Woburn on May 6th and 7th, was Aveling & Porter Compound Slide Valve Convertible Roller No. 6319 (Reg. No. BP7501) of 1907, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Vicary of Redbourne,
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Herts. The name Vicary puzzled us at first until we realised they were the daughter and son-in-law of Frank Pratley of Redbourne, well known in these parts as owner of the very active Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15119 (Reg. No. HR3399) of 1916. The roller was purchased in early 1967 from Mr. Sleynor of Lane End. Bucks. After the Pirton Rally, which left us dampened but relieved it was no worse, some of our engine owners attended various local events. These included Whipsnade Village Fete in aid of local old people on June 3rd, which was attended by Ray Jennings of Hatfield with his Burrell Showman's Tractor No. 3868 (Reg. No. AH824) of 1921, and Rex Goddard of Luton with his Burrell Traction Engine No. 3728 (Reg. No. NO86) of 1916. Stevenage New Town's 21st anniversary celebration on June 10th was attended by Mr. Brian Hailey of Great Wymondley, near Hitchin, Herts., with his Fowler Sprung Compound Agricultural Traction Engine No. 15466 (Reg. No. PF7364) of 1920, towing a Marshall Threshing Drum belonging to Jack Joyce of Renhold, near Bedford. They were accompanied by a modern combine from Brian's farm to illustrate farming ancient and modern. On Saturday, July 8th, another of Brian's collection of engines was active. This was Garrett Tractor No. 33380 (Reg. No. GT4565) of 1918, which attended the Hitchin Carnival. Herts. Agricultural Show on Saturday, June 3rd, at Friars Wash, was attended by Albert Fensom with his Marshall Compound Traction Engine No. 43560 (Reg. No. BD5414) of 1905, and Alec Ibbott of Bedford with his Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15336 (Reg. No. D01927) of 1918. Stamford and Amersham rallies were attended by some engine owners and members according to choice, and these rallies both proved to be wet, Amersham disasterously so. After this the H.S.P.S. presented the Park Street Rally which will be reported fully in the next issue. On the Sunday evening of the rally, July 9th, fourteen engines returned under their own steam to Fensom's yard at Friar's Wash, calling in at the " Punch Bowl " for a drink on the way. On Friday, July 14th, Albert Fensom and Rex Goddard drove Alec Ibbott's Ploughing Engine to Bedford for the Bedfordshire Agricultural Show on Saturday, July 15th, when Alec had it in steam on a Trade Association Stand. Also on this day a fete was staged at Gaddesden Row for the benefit of the local old people, which was attended by Fensom's Compound Marshall, Mrs. W. D. Fensom's S.C.C. Burrell Traction Engine No. 3126 (Reg. No. 7155) of 1910, Ray Jennings' Burrell Showman's Tractor and Rex Goddard's Burrell Traction Engine. I understand they had a good time and over £100 was raised for the old folk.
LEICESTERSHIRE AND NORTHAMPTONSHIRE The monthly meetings held at the " Cherry Tree ", Coventry Road, Market Harborough, on the last Friday of each month, continue to be well attended. Anyone interested is invited along. The T.A. Centre at Market Harborough is " home " for several engines. At present four steamers are in attendance as well as various tractors and agricultural machinery. Roger West's Aveling & Porter " E" Type Roller No. 10647 (Reg. No. PD6727) has now been retubed and had firebox repairs carried out. The engine was successfully steamed for the first time early in June. Alongside stands Mick George's Armstrong Whitworth Roller No. 10R2 (Reg. No. BD7511) in the process of being retubed. In the north of the area at Newbold Verdon, John Vernon's yard contains six engines. John has the last Ransome Compound No. 42035 (Reg. No. ANG194) and Wallis & Steevens 10 ton Advance No. 7931 (Reg. No. U15750), the latter recently restored after being rescued from a granite quarry. Another Wallis present is No. 8047 (Reg. No. 0L16002), a 6 ton Advance belonging
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to Trevor Riddle. This engine is awaiting retubing and a new smokebox. Mr. Ian Lane's Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 4000 (Reg. No. WT8606), ex " Mayor ", is also present, Jim Bennies' Foster Single No. 14422 (Reg. No. CT6708) is awaiting repair, and Tim Sage's Ransomes Single No. 42036 (Reg. No. TL2366) has just had a new smokebox fitted! Tim Sage's other engine, Marshall " S " Type Roller No. 75872 (Reg No. NR6296) has recently been employed rolling hardcore near Coalville. Fowler No. 12761, owned by Mrs. E. Sansome of Burbaye, near Hinckley, has had new gears fitted. However, I am assured that the engine retains the old familiar Fowler " ring ". The engine was not registered until purchased by the present owner, hence the late Registration No. 397TRO. Keith Cays, who owns Aveling " F " Type Roller No. 12342 (Reg. No. UT4405), tells us that prior to this year he had not taken the engine outside his home county, Leicestershire, but already this season he has steamed to Northamptonshire, Rutland and Lincolnshire. One engine in the district which still works for its living is F. Knight's Aveling Single No. 9006 (Reg. No. NM974), which still rolls farm roads at Stoke Doyle. This engine is ex Bedfordshire County Council No. 4. G.C. LINCOLNSHIRE Apologies are offered for an error in our last News Letter, when reference was made to a Fowler Tractor arriving in the Wold Newton area from West Yorkshire. This was of course, Fowler Tractor No. 15732 (Reg. No. PT832) " Sir Douglas ", and it has gone to Mr. A. Windley of Mareham le Fen, from Mr. Dean of Castleford. A couple of tiresome accidents have occured in our area of late, which, although they could have been worse, were bad enough in all conscience, for the unfortunate owners concerned. The first occurred on the eve of the Wilsic Hall Ralley, when Messrs Selby Bros. Fowler Roller No. 21632 (Reg. No. BWY847), en route for Wilsic, broke the rear axle in Hatfield. It was possible to push the roller a few yards to safety by tractor until help could be brought up the next day. On the following day a low loader arrived and carried the Fowler back to its home at Epworth. At the time of writing it is understood that a new axle has been machined locally and the roller will soon be back to work again. The second accident concerned the Ruston Proctor Tractor, maker's number not available, (Reg. No. TF8240) owner by Mr. R. W. Wells of Lincoln. Reg. was on his way to Carrington Park Rally when a small end bearing seized up. The result of this was a fractured cross-head and a broken trunk guide. A tragic accident, particularly after so much hard work has been done to bring this engine up to rally condition. However, help was at hand in the shape of John Selby's Marshall Traction No. 79441 (Reg. No. FU4677) and Reg. was towed home to Lincoln, where he was able to do a first rate repair job in time for this attractive little engine to appear at North Hykeham Rally a fortnight later. Up to date three ownership changes have been reported and these are as follows : Mr. J. F. Subbins of Nottingham has recently taken delivery of Foster Wellington Tractor No. 14435 (Reg. No. FE3210) from the North Staffs. and Cheshire area. This engine was an old Lincolnshire owned machine, one of its owners being Messrs. Epton's of New Bolingbroke. Mr. Stubbins is well known as the owner of the 8 N.H.P. Ruston Proctor Traction No. 35501 (Reg. No. BE7438) " The Muddler ". The next change concerns the old Marshall 10 ton Compound Roller No. 36258 (Reg. No. FU92). This machine was new to Gainsborough R.D.C. in 1901 and remained in their service for many years until it was bought by a farmer for use on farm road work and was later saved from being cut-up by Mr. R. Vickers of Tharesway, an ex thrashing contractor who has now sold it to Mr. H. H. Gurnhill of Saxilby.
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Third on the list comes the news that Mr. A. W. Shepherdson of Waddington has sold his Fowler 10 ton Roller No. 16665 (Reg. No. UM3917) to Mr. C. A. Parker of Lincoln, who in addition to this, also owns Foster Wellington Tractor No. 13031 (Reg. No. FE1456) " Mighty Atom ". It is very pleasant to note that two engines from this County are booked to appear at the R.A.S.E. Show at Stoneleigh Abbey and these are Mr. F. A. Smith's Mann's Tractor No. 1425 (Reg. No. W7075), one of the well known Kirton Hahne Engines, and Mr. J. Swittgler's Ruston & Hornsby Traction No. 115100 (Reg. No. D02953) which it is understood will appear with its owner's Ruston Thrashing Machine and Chaff-Cutter. Although
Mr. Swingler is not resident in Lincolnshire, his engine and tackle spend much time here and so we look upon him as one of us, trusting he will forgive the expression.
Finally, as these notes were being prepared for printing, news arrived
that the Presidency of our Society has been accepted by Mr. J. H. Rundle of New Bolingbroke. Mr. Rundle was in the Steam Trade as a Haulage Contractor and Engineer before the first World War and retired from busi-
ness only a few years ago. His son now runs the Globe Foundry at New Bolingbroke. We would like to take this opportunity of saying " Welcome" to our new President and we look forward to a long and happy association with him. F.S. NORTHERN IRELAND A Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction Engine No. 48398 which was used in a quarry for driving a stone crusher and also for driving a thrashing drum. It has now been lying out in the open for the past eight years in a farmyard near Bushmills Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. An Aveling & Porter Convertible Roller which is still working every day, at present rolling in hardcore at the site of the new University of Ulster at Coleraine, is owned by Mr. John Logan, Knockintern, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is the last remaining steam roller in his fleet of eight which he drives himself and takes great pride in her. There has also been another traction engine working in this area some months ago, a Ransomes, Simms & Jefferies Engine No. 43033. owned by Mr. H. Conde!' of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, formerly of Stradbally, Co. Laois, Eire. This engine was also at the Ballymoney Agricultural Show recently and was the centre of attraction and caused great interest when put through her paces by her owner. J.D.
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE AND CHESHIRE A very enjoyable Steam Party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Nicholson at Draycott in the Clay. Mr. Nicholson's Marshall T.E. No. 78085 (Reg. No. E9624) " Lindy Lou " is rapidly nearing completion and the high standard of paintwork and lining-out carried out by its owner is noticeable. Bob Lee's Fowler No. 15771 (Reg. No. CT8346) "George". Jim Dakin's Foster No. 12535 (Reg. No. MA5730) " Winnie, the Club Burrell Devonshire Class No. 2706 (Reg. No. TB2845) "The Admiral ", Phil Swindlehurst's Burrell No. 3509 (Reg. No. G6469) " Rajah ", Jack Doyle's Single Speed Ruston Proctor No. 51737 (Reg. No. EB8164) and Alan William's S4 Sentinel No. 8884 (Reg. No. TJ3319) all made the long trip down from the north of the area to attend. Also present were two recently acquired Rollers, Fowler No. 18663 being towed by the Foster " Winnie " from Burton-on-Trent to Dravcott, where its renovation can be carried on under
cover and another Fowler Compound Roller belonging to Samuel Jackson of Crewe, which is being restored by David Hallam. The following weekend the Burrell " Rajah " and the Fowler " George"
visited Derby for their Carnival and Engine Rally at the Municipal Sports Ground, Derby.
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Yorkshire Steam Wagon No. 44. New to Hall & Co. on 2/3/04. Seen after a mishap on the 14/4/04.
Aveling & Porter Roller No. 7752 belonging to The Arbaer Municipal Museum, Iceland.
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All these engines are now converging on Bellamour Hall, Rugeley, for the 1967 Midland Festival of Steam. The Club was represented at the Birmingham Museum of Science Rally by the Mann Tractor No. 1287 " Tiny Tim " in the capable hands of Arthur Wedgwood, with brother Stan lending a hand. Plans are in hand for the Astle Park Rally at Chelford, Cheshire on August 19th and 20th. This is an ideal site for a rally, very pleasant surroundings and plenty of room for everything. Two of the Cheshire engines, Alan Barker's Burrell No. 2336 " Stanley Monarch " and Colin Dale's Burrell No. 2950 (Reg. No. AF3532) " Little Mac " are on the road again after extensive improvements through the winter season. Individual engines continue to support local events. Brian Nicholson's Marshall " Lindy Lou " took part in the Burton-on-Trent Students' Parade, drawing a float : Showman's Road Loco " Rajah " and organ assisted in a Garden Fete at Consall Hall and Alan Williamson's S4 Sentinel No. 8884 had a trouble-free run down south to take part in the London - Brighton Historic Commercial Vehicle Run, a round trip of over 400 miles. One portable engine earning its keep is the late type Marshall, No. unknown, Steam Sterilising Engine at Silvergates Nurseries, Congleton. Its owner, Mr. Jackson, has fitted a full length canopy and 110 volt dynamo on a smoke box extension. Practically all sterilizing is done at night, with the engine ticking over working the pump and the dynamo lighting all the greenhouses. J.P.S.
NORTH YORKSHIRE In preparation for the 1967 season Dick Preston has given his famous Burrell No. 3526 "Lightning II " a minor ❑verhaul during last winter. This included retubing and hydraulic testing the boiler, fitting a genuine slow speed dynamo newly rewound and commutator skimmed, also adjustment and alignment of the gearside crankshaft bearing. This last lob is one that most three speed Burrell engines in preservation are in need of. th: resulting slackness causing to and fro movement at the crankshaft end. and thereby providing false evidence for the anti-Burrell experts to proclaim " most llurrells have bent crankshafts! " This is the one bearing that is seldom in correct adjustment, as to do so properly entails removal of a hind wheel and the gearing, and raising of the crankshaft, in order to get the brasses out. Another of last winter's engine activities in the North Riding was the hauling of a brand new narrow gauge steam locomotive, " River Mite ", from Clarkson's of York to Ravensglass in Cumberland, by the Fowler Road Locomotive No. 15649 of B. M. Stafford of Houghton-le-Spring Co. Durham. The full story of this trip has been told elsewhere, but it is worth noting that the average speeds put up, including over 75 miles on the third day. are a tribute to the ability of the engine crew, who have no commercial experience of engine driving, and yet achieved such a good average speed over some of the most difficult terrain in the country, including the surmounting of the Pennines, and the steep narrow roads of Westmoreland and Cumberland. As a matter of interest this engine was the first to have the extra fast third speed gear conversion, that many northern owners have fitted to their Fowlers in preservation. Full electric lighting for the trin was supplied by an ex W.D. Stuart Turner steam driven generator fitted to the rear canopy stays. Changes of ownership in this area include the recent purchase of the Garrett Tractor (Reg. No. BJ6180) advertised for sale in the last Autumn issue of Steaming, by Bob Walker, a retired farmer, of Kirby Sigston, Northallerton. Also the sale of the ex N.R.C.C. Aveling Roller No. 8754, which left Hutton Sessay during the winter for its new owner, Philip Priestner of Warrington, Lancs.
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John Crowther of Long Preston, near Skipton, has completed yet another pristine renovation, after two years' work, on the ex J. Sand ham Burrell Road Locomotive No. 3395. Now renamed "The Dalesman ", this engine has had a very extensive overhaul which included, in addition to the usual work, the renewal of most of the out-of-sight gearing and even the fitting of 36 new rivets in the hind wheels. Except for the fitting of moulded rubbers this 6 h.p. engine with 7 h.p. shafts and gearing, is now in its original condition, with half-length awning, and dark green paintwork with chocolate wheels, all lined in correct Burrell style. The second Castle Howard Steam Fair included this year a Traction Engine Rally, which drew the crowds so successfully that on the Sunday afternoon the showmen requested an interval, to get the people to move into the fairground. John Connor's Fowler "Tiger" Convertible Tractor No. 16365. which he bought two years ago, as a roller, from Gordon Lugg of Billingshurst, Sussex, has been fitted with a new smokebox and its original rubber-tyrcd wheels in 1966, since when it travelled many miles to rallies in the North and Midlands, often with the nearside driving pins removed and wire rope hitched to the drawbar, thereby driving through the compensating gear and giving the engine a turn of speed which had to be seen to be believed! Last winter, however, a new top gear crankshaft pinion was made, as large as Jack's ingenuity could contrive to fit. and the engine is now even faster and can keep pace with his four speed Fowler Road Locomotive. Ted Meadowcroft has also completed renovation of Marshall S.C. No. 49725 mentioned in these notes in the Spring, 1966, issue, and this was completed just in time for the Castle Howard Rally, which was the engine's first outing. Except for a successful boiler test little more has been done P.O. to the Ransomes S.C. Showman's Engine " The Rover ", which is Burrell No. 3471 (Reg. No. J3471), owned by Mr. T. G. Hunt, is at the moment having complete transmission overhaul. This 6 n.h.o. engine, minus its canopy, was lifted by the gantry crane at the "Griffin" Foundry and positioned on their big boring machine so that the crankshaft main bearings and other transmission bearings could be accurately bored out. Photographs have been taken of the engine while it was in position on the machine. The rear wheels have also been bored and bushed, driving pin holes in wheels and driving bosses have also been bored and new driving pins turned to suit. Every part is undergoing close examination for wear and with the facilities available at the works all machining and fitting is done to the hig,hest order. When all complete the transmission will without doubt, be better than when new. " Vaccu-Lug " tyres have been fitted to the rear wheels and a very neat job the firm has made of it too. ) "Princess The 6 n.h.p. Showman's Engine No. 3847 (Reg. No. CL Marina " is now almost complete. The owner David Walker of Sutton Coldfield—keeps the engine at Mr. Middleton's place at Hartlebury. One of the last of the heavier tasks done on this engine was the rivetting of new steel tyres on to the front wheels. Sixty-three rivets of 1 in. diameter were driven home during, the course of one Sunday. Mr. Middleton's forge and Lister engine driving a compressor were handy on this job for driving the compressed air gun. Rubber tyres have now been fitted on top of the steel ones. These were attached by electric welding. The current was supplied by the Fowler single cylinder Engine " Little Mary" driving a generator. The Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 32981 (Reg. No. BJ3282) "Rob Roy " recently journeyed to the "Griffin" Foundry one Sunday morning where, after being weighed (it tipped the scales at 8 tons 12 cwt.), it was taken round the back of the works where Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3910 " Wait and See " was stored in the yard. This engine is yet to be restored and is not steamable. The job of the Garrett was to manoeuvre the Burrell from amongst the store of wood patterns and nut it into the snecially built engine shed. A push pole was fetched and, although the Burrell had to be
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Foden 5 Ton Wagon No. 1846 (Reg. No. M2217), photographed at Truro Quay, circa 1920.
Wallis & Steevens 41 Ton Oil Bath Tractor No. 7415, when owned by J. C. Chipping of Ewell, Surrey.
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pulled and pushed over soft ground, the Garrett completed its task without complaint. Everyone concerned with the job thoroughly enjoyed himself. The " Garrett " excelled itself later on by undergoing an electrical steam load test. A new leather driving belt had been purchased of 5 in. width to suit the flywheel. The dynamo has had recent electrical adjustments made and the time was ripe to see if full electrical output was possible without belt slip. The motion could also be observed working at its designed revolutions of 180 r.p.m. and brake horse power output. To draw off the 85 amps. at 110 volts, which is the full output of the engine, all the canopy lamps were lit plus two ex Air ministry 1,000 watt lamps. The output was then 43 amps. The remaining load was brought on by a salt solution in a metal tank with an electrode dipping into the solution and made adjustable to increase the load. The Milward Bros. and their friend Roger Mills were very pleased with the success of this electrical test. The test was held at night and Lodgefield Farm was floodlit by the lamps lit from the engine. The solution in the tank slowly heated up as the engine laboured under full load. The driving belt proved ideal. The range of steam relics at Lodgefield Farm, Halesowen, has been added to by Robert Millward purchasing Foden 6 ton Waggon No. 13316 (Reg. No. UU1283) of 1929. It has Ackerman steering and balloon tyres. It is believed it started its life as a tar sprayer, a tar tank being fitted and heated by steam from the boiler. It is now fitted out with an ordinary lorry body. The vehicle has stood for some years in a local scrapyard. It is hoped to get it running and presentable so that it can attend Church Stretton Rally in August. R.M. gr' SCOTLAND Since Scottish notes last appeared in Steaming, the secretaryship of the society has been taken over by Harry Watson, 9 Weymouth Drive, Glasgow, W.2. We now have over one hundred members for the first time. Last winter, apart from the A.G.M., two successful social meetings were held in Bonnybridge. At the first of these Angus Mackay's MacLaren Tractor No. 1663 " Pamier " was outside the hotel in steam and well decorated with lights. Tom Holloway was out early in February with his Ruston Hornsby No. 11312 (Reg. No. MS3273) in support of the Glasgow students' charity parade and afterwards outside the Glasgow Transport Museum. Incidentally this museum is well worth a visit especially now the locomotive section with one locomotive from each of the Scottish pre-grouping companies is now open. Early May saw the first steam day at Townfoot, Uddingston. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 14007 (Reg. No. SY4144) became the property of James Drummond in the afternoon, as the winner of the Society draw. Another former Midlothian C.C. roller has also changed hands. This is Marshall No. 83452 which is now being restored at Townfoot by Messrs. Rees and Wood. Yet another Midlothian C.C. roller, Fowler No. 16270, is now believed to be in Southern England and we would be pleased to have details. Townfoot is becoming quite a centre of activity as Mr. Reid's Foster Traction No. 2728 has also recently moved there to allow work to continue. Among engine changes of which we have heard is the exchange of Fowler Tiger Tractor No. 15632 by Sandy Steele for a Foden Tractor of Arthur Napper. In the North, Mr. Edwards of Peterculter has acquired a Fowler Roller of 12 tons but we have no other details. We also hear that the old, 1899, Robey Traction No. 19433 has gone to the Aberdeen area. A few rollers are still occasionally used by Perth, Kinross and Aberdeenshire County Councils, but their numbers are declining. This is also true of the remaining working portable engines. Brownlie's of Earlston, Berwickshire, who had eight portables at sawmills around Eastern Scotland, have recently changed their policy as we hear that at least five of these are now
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out of use or cut up. Unfortunately most of these remaining portables are large ones which members seem reluctant to take on as preservation projects. Members continue to support other events, and besides Tom Holloway's Ruston Hornsby again visiting Linlithgow for the annual " Marches " Parade, James Drummond had his Fowler Timber Tractor No. 17260 " Kenmore " at the Scottish Railway Preservation Society open day at Falkirk. Also Mr. Scott Dochard turned out his Burrell No. 2389 for the Perth Show. our own Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 18826, gave practical support to the Royal Highland Show by rolling several lengths of road prior to the show. A sub-committee has been set up to investigate possible sites and arrangements for a rally in 1968. This has long been our aim, but our membership is scattered throughout Scotland and it needs a cadre in one spot to make practical arrangements. Still we are hopeful and shall keep you informed of developments. P.J.H.
SOUTH YORKSHIRE The main news from this sector has been the purchase and restoration of the Ransomes, Simms & Jefferies G.P. Engine No. 27512 (Reg. No. R6244) by Mr. M. Kitchen of Tickhill, Doncaster. Although only acquired earlier this year, after being used for soil sterilising for several years at Wingerworth, Chesterfield, during which it was allowed to deteriorate badly, its new owner must have burned the midnight oil, as it made its first appearance at the Wilsic Hall Rally at the end of May, although still requiring painting. It ran beautifully, and later journeyed to North Hykeham, Lincoln, to take part in another rally. The Foster single cylinder No. 2775 of 1903, owned by M. Burr of Killamarsh, also attended Wilsic after completion of painting, and celebrated by winning the G.P. class after three years of hard work by its owner. Arthur Fearnley of Castleford recently purchased a Crossley double-decker bus, ex Reading Corporation, and has transformed it into a transporter for his Fowler " Tiger " Tractor No. 14406, complete with turntable, and next year hopes to add living quarters on to the rear end. I understand that the Sentinels of Brown Bayleys of Sheffield are to cease running this year, but one is being overhauled and repainted and will be retained for show purposes. The others are all to be sold to enthusiasts, who have had them booked for some time now. Anther engine which has changed hands is the ex Chesterfield Corporation Roller (Reg. No. NU1917), an Aveling & Porter of 12 tons, which was
purchased from Mr. Berrisford by Mr. R. Brown for his company, Sheepbridge Equipment Ltd.; of Chesterfield. K.B.
THAMES VALLEY Of the four Fowlers mentioned in the last notes as being under restoration in this area, we are pleased to report that A. Hall and V. Redding of Bracknell have their single Cylinder Class A4 G.P. No. 7459 (1895) through the boiler tests and having steamed the engine two or three times are now adding the final touches. M. Howard and M. Woodroffe of Swindon have also done a wonderful job on their Single Cylinder Roller No. 16100 (1925) which was ex Davies Bros. of North Wales. Her first outing was to Appleford, where she looked very smart in " Fowler Black ". Malcolm and Michael still have a little work to do. The result so far does them great credit. Fred Simmonds of Bucklebury has reached the steaming stage with his G.P. engine.
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Preserve your ENGINE with the best pump in the world
MANZEL A 3 point lubricator will protect each port ' face and give a good oiling to the steam itself.
WM. COULTHARD & CO. LTD., DURRANHILL, CARLISLE
STEAMING BACK-NUMBERS Available from the Editor at Field House, Turvey, Beds, Vol.. 3 VoL. 3 VOL. 3 VoL. 5 VOL. 5 VOL. 6 VOL. 7 VOL. 7 VOL. 7 Vol_ 7 VOL. 8 VOL. 8 VOL. 8 Vol,. 8 VOL. 9 VOL. 9 \lot. 9 VOL. 10 VOL. 10 VOL. 11 VOL. 11
No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 3 No. 4 No. 1 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 1 No. 4 No. 1 No. 2
APRIL JULY OCTOBER JULY OCTOBER JANUARY JANUARY APRIL JULY OCTOBER WINTER SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER SPRING SUMMER WINTER AUTUMN WINTER SPRING
1959 211959 2/1959 2f1961 Z/2/1961 1962 4/1963 5/6 1963 3/1963 3/1963 3/1964 5/6 1964 3/3/1964 1964 3/1965 10/6 1965 3/1965 3/1966 11/1966 4/1967 11/1967 4/
TRACTION ISSUE ROLLER ISSUE
TRACTOR ISSUE
JOHN FOWLER ISSUE HEAVY HAULAGE ISSUE PORTABLES' ISSUE
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WE'VE CHANGED A FEW DETAILS
Over the past one hundred years or so, we have changed a few details on Marshall-Fowler agricultural machines. But our up-tothe-minute crawlers do have two fundamental characteristics in common with all our earlier machines: they're simple and solidly built. The 55bhp Track-Marshall crawler illustrated can easily outpull any comparably powered machine. Experience does pay handsome dividends! If you'd like details of our modern agricultural or industrial crawlers or road rollers, write for brochures to: THE MARSHALL-FOWLER ORGANISATION GAINSBOROUGH LINCOLNSHIRE TELEPHONE GAINSBOROUGH 2301
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GRAND AUCTION AND RALLY OF STEAM TRACTION ENGINES ; STEAM WAGONS ; ROLLERS ; PORTABLE ENGINES (in steam as practicable); VETERAN, VINTAGE AND RARE CARS ; SUNDRY AND MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT, SPARES, ETC. at
NEWPORT, EAST YORKS. ('Twixt Hull and Goole)
Saturday, 23R0 September Items for auction in any of the above categories are invited on our usual No Sale—No Charge basis. (Owners responsible for transport to sale-ground.) Entries should be made before Wednesday, 30th August, to be included in illustrated catalogue. Terms and conditions all entries apply the Auctioneers—
LESLIE KENT & PARTNERS 38a CONEY STREET, YORK Telephone 25265 N.B.—Items to attend under steam must comply with N.T.E.C. Code of Practice in regard to boiler inspection and insurance.
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GEORGE THURLOW & SONS LIMITE
STOWMARKET • SUFFOLK 'Phone :
STOWMARKET 3185 (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. SUCTION HOSE PAINTS PACKINGS ENGINE AND CYLINDER OILS All enquiries will receive prompt and careful attention
INSURANCE for Steam Vehicles Speoial Terms for Club Members Write to :
TENNANT, BUDD & SIMSON LTD. 92 Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.3
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Ron Hawthorne's Showman's type Fowler No. 15653 Class R3 " Renown" will not be out in time for any rallies this year. Some of the jobs completed recently include a new canopy, the fitting of an old type dynamo to replace the modern one she previously carried plus complete new electrical system, refitting the Thompson-Walton "Feast " crane as used for lifting scenic cars, new crosshead pins and new big end bearings. Jobs currently in hand are the overhaul of the differential and fitting of new bottom to the belly tanks plus the usual cleaning down to bare metal, priming and painting. Our President, Arthur Napper, has acquired Fowler Tiger No. 15632 from A. Steele of Fife. Arthur's Foden Tractor is going to Mr. Steele. Bob Adnams took his Foden " Early Bird " to the Cropredy Rally early in July, this was an area she covered in her working days. Bob and our life member, Freddie Thompson, were at the controls for the 120 mile round trip. Freddie is as fit as ever and at his best on "Early Bird". He drove road steamers for almost sixty years, retiring only 18 months ago from the local Foden Tarsprayer that is still in regular use. He started as a " Foden boy " at about 12 years old. Four engines belonging to Club members attended the Royal Show. Jack Whorton's Marshall No. 15391 (1887), Arthur Napper's Fowler No. 15710 (1920) "Tommy", Tame & Fillmore's Fowler Single Cylinder Plough Engine No. 136$ (1870) (the worll's oldest working traction engine) and Jim Hutchen's Sentinel Timber Tractor No. 8777 (1933). R.H. WALES & BORDER COUN'llES On July 22nd Mr. Derrick Hackett held a private steam party for the Welsh Steam Engine Society and friends at his farm near Ross-on-Wye. Engines in steam were Richard Hornsby & Son's 8 h.p. S.C. Traction Engine No. 6557 (Reg. No. FL2598) of 1889, Wallis & Steevens 2 ton S.C. Tractor No. 2811 (Reg. No. AD7460) of 1905, Aveling & Porter 6 ton S.C. Roller No. 10564 (Reg. No. EL7790) of 1923. and Marshall 8 h.p. Portable No. 8839 of 1881. All these engines belong to Mr. Hackett. Also present at the party was Fowler 10 ton S.C. Roller No. 15851 (Reg. No. NX3974) of 1923, owned by Tom Walker of Wormslow, Hereford. Under shelter of a barn was Aveling & Porter Colonial Type K.N.D. Tractor No, 9225 (Reg. No. CJ4160) of 1920. This engine was new to Herefordshire County Council in August. 1920, and was used for stone hauling. It then passed to C. & G. Smith, threshing contractors, of Pencombe. She then stood derelict through the war until purchased by an enthusiast in Hereford, about 1956. It appeared at Church Stretton Rally in 1961. She was then sold to a small engineering firm in Tewkesbury until purchased by Derrick Hackett in May, 1967. She is now stripped down undergoing a thorough restoration, and I've no doubt when finished she will look as superb as Derrick's other engines. Mr. Dan Howells of Monmouth had his " Steam Ford " in steam. This is a Ford van chassis with a boiler and a multitude of small steam engines driven from it. It is locally known as " the plumber's nightmare ". It has the advantage of being readily transportable and is most fascinating to watch in action. Mr. Jones of St. Mellon's, Chairman of the Society, was present with his Merryweather Valiant Fire Pump, giving a display of ancient fire fighting which became very realistic when the trailer upon which the pump stands caught fire! The weather was superb and about seventy people enjoyed Mr. Hackett's hospitality and the excellent tea provided. Indeed a day enjoyed by all. The large Burrell Semi-Portable No. 1445, which has been lying at the premises of Mr. Ivor Dobbs of 1.onghope for many years, has been purchased by Messrs. J. & C. Harris & Sons of Grendon Court, Pencombe, near Brom-
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Marshall Roller No. 62009 at work in Calcutta in 1962.
Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 6898 when owned by the Metropolitan Water Board.
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yard. The removal of this engine will be a most difficult job. It is a 12 h.p. S.C. and was new to Kemp's Sawmills of Ross-on-Wye, on 21st December, 1889, and is quite unique. Members of the Welsh Steam Engine Society enjoyed the second meeting which was held in Cardiff on June 20th. M. Dan Howells entertained us all with his "Steam Ford ", a Ford van with a multitude of steam engines of all descriptions mounted on the back and steamed by a Merryweather " Valiant" Boiler. I am pleased to report that Aveling 8 ton Roller No. 103937 has been purchased for preservation by Mr. Glyn Evans of Swindon. I expect the Wiltshire notes will cover this. The roller was late of Eddison Plant Ltd. of Brecon and spent its working life in Wales. She couldn't have gone to a better home, as Mr. Evans is a first class steamroller fitter now in charge of Eddison Plant Ltd. of Swindon. D.J.H. WORCESTERSHIRE The first traction engine rally of the season in this area was the annual event held at the City of Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry. This was held on Sunday, May 7th and an all-time record number of people and engines attended. Three engines attended from Hartlebury, they were Mr. Eric Middleton's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3909 (Reg. No. NR965) " Winston Churchill ", Mr. Neville Meluish's Fowler Agricultural Traction Engine No. 11699 " Pride of Harley Castle" and the writer's own Bunch! S.C.C. No. 2147 (Reg. Nu. B14716) " Lady Burrell ". Mr. G. T. Tyler of Worcester brought his Burrell S.C.T.E. No. 1127 and the Milward Bros., Robert and Roy, from Halesowen brought their Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 32981 (Reg. No. BJ3282) " Rob Roy". The new owners of the Ruston & Hornsby Roller Na. 114059 that stood for eight years near the writer's home brought her along from Henley in Arden. Mr. Price from Halesowen brought along his Ransome 7 h.p. T.E. No. 26475 (Reg. No. 0122) and his brother from Pershore brought recently repainted Burrell 5 h.p. Showman's Tractor No. 3926 (Reg. No. NO4999) " Margaret " now renamed " Defiance". A full report of this rally will no doubt be given by the Warwickshire Area correspondent. The exceptionally well restored large 7 h.p. Ransome Traction Engine No. 26952, owned by Mr. Eric Lawrence the Agricultural Contractor of Mathon near Malvern, has been out and about already this year. In May she attended a fete at Guarlford, Worcs, and it was indeed a magnificent sight to see her climbing up the Malvern Hills, going through the Wyche Cutting and down the other side. It is very many years since an engine has been " up and over " the Malverns, She also attended her local gymkhana in June, again giving rides on a trailer for the children. J.T.
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A SHORT BIOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM HOWE, M.I.G.E., M.Inst.F.
The nineteenth century saw the birth of many mechanical inventions, but few so revolutionised the use of locomotives, winding and marine engines as did the invention of the Reversing Link Motion, generally but erroneosly, attributed to George Stephenson. This motion, which is still used widely and considered by many authorities on the subject to be superior to the Allan, Gooch, Walschaert and other later designs, was invented by William Howe in 1842. He was then employed by Robert Stephenson in his locomotive works at Newcastle in the capacity of foreman millwright and pattern-maker. It is certain that he must also have possessed a considerable degree of mechanical skill, since he later proved to be a brilliant engineer and administrator. Howe was born in 1814 at the village of West Auckland, Co. Durham, one of the districts near Newcastle which produced so many of the early founders of the railway system. Like his friend of later years, George Stephenson, Howe received little education, and commenced work at the age of thirteen. He worked at various collieries in the district as a general carpenter until, upon reaching the age of twenty-one, he obtained employment for about nine months at the East Shildon works of Timothy Hackworth (of " Sans Pareil " fame) as a millwright and pattern-maker. In 1835 he went to Lancashire, working as a pattern-maker in Messrs. Jones's works at Newton-le-Willows, at the Vulcan Foundry then near Warrington, and at Messrs. Mather & Dixon's works in Liverpool. In December, 1835, he was married at Newtonle-Willows Parish Church, and his eldest son, George, and second son, Robert, were born while he was employed in that area.
FIG. 1. Williams's Impractical Reversing Motion of 1842 from a contemporary drawin:f by William Howe. 71,
In 1840 he removed to Gateshead, where he worked for six months at the works of Messrs. Hawks, Crashap & Co., leaving them to join Messrs. Robert Stephenson & Co. at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. While employed there, a " gentleman apprentice " named William Williams suggested the use of two eccentrics mounted on the crankshaft of a steam engine as a means of reversal (Fig. 1), and showed a sketch of his idea to a number of his fellow employees including Howe, who always acknowledged this fact. The scheme produced by Williams was, however, completely impractical, since the action of one eccentric would have invalidated the action of the other and locked it.
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Howe realised that two eccentrics would be required, but the problem was to link these in such a way that each could operate independently of the other. It was his idea of a radial slotted link, coupling the two eccentric rods, which at once made reversal of steam engines a simple, practical proposition. He discussed his invention with the Works Manager, a Mr. Hutchison, and showed him a rough pencil sketch (Fig. 2) and a wooden model of the motion which he had made. (This model has been on view in the Science Museum for nearly one hundred years.) Hutchison immediately realised the worth of the invention, not only as a means of reversal, but also as an expansion gear, and sent the drawing and model to Robert Stephenson, who was then in London. At that time, August, 1842, two locomotives (Numbers 70 and 71) were being built for the North Midland Railway Company. These were to be fitted with Dodds Wedge Motion (a means of reversal using one eccentric wedged manually in one of two positions), Howe being employed on their manufacture, Stephenson, through his Works Manager, instructed Howe to cease work on one of them and instead to have a full-scale model of his own gear made in metal (which still exists), and fit a similar one to locomotive Number 71 (North Midland Railway Number 359). This first application of the Reversing Link Motion to a locomotive took place in September, 1842. About that time there were, apparently, divided opinions as to the efficiency of the Motion, but Robert Stephenson settled the matter by adopting it, acknowledging Howe as the inventor, and instructing his cashier to make a present of twenty guineas to him. As further recognition, he appointed Howe, in 1846, to be Chief Engineer of the Stephenson Collieries and Iron Works at Clay Cross, Derbyshire, at the time of their expansion and reorganisation, in which position he spent the rest of his career. A full and correct account of the invention is given in N. P. Burgh's " Link Motion and Expansion Gear ", published by Spon in 1870, and in D. K. Clark's volume of the same period on " Railway Machinery ". In 1842 William Howe did not possess the means to patent his invention, which almost immediately had world-wide application, although an improved form was patented in 1846 in the joint names of George Stephenson and William Howe. The " Stephenson-Howe Motion " soon became associated with the name of Stephenson only, and today most engineering text-books erroneously attribute the invention to him. In the position of Engineer to the Clay Cross Collieries, Howe was placed in a more independent position, being able to devote more time to the development and practical application of his gear. It was first used for stationary engines on a colliery winding engine, designed and built by him in 1847 for the Burton-upon-Trent Ironworks, the hand-written statement of account for which still exists. In 1848 Howe designed an improved model of his Link Motion, having an adjustable head and block for taking up wear, which he applied to a winding engine at Clay Cross pit No. 4 in 1854. The first marine application appears to have been made on the " Sampson ", a " frigate of 450 h.p." built .by Messrs. Rennie & Co. for the British government. The Link Motion Reversing Gear in various forms was applied freely and universally, and, had Howe been able to patent it for himself, there is little doubt that he would have amassed a considerable fortune. He would also have avoided an embarrassing incident in 1870 when an anonymous correspondent to the columns of " The Engineer ", calling himself " Double Fork ", claimed that Williams had been the inventor of the complete Motion. Howe was content to rebut the imputation of dishonesty and to give his invention freely to the engineering world. A committee of eminent engineers completely vindicated Howe, fully substantiating his claim, and one may be quite sure that George and Robert Stephenson, with their high standards of integrity,
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would never have promoted Howe to the position he held, nor given him their personal friendship, had there been the slightest doubt in the matter. In his capacity as Engineer at Clay Cross, where he was joined later by his eldest son, George, he continued to design winding engines fitted with his gear. One of these, built in 1854 and probably the engine referred to earlier, continued in the operation until as late as about 1948 when, after exhibition during the " Stephenson Centenary " celebrations held at Chesterfield in that year, it was removed for safe-keeping to Sheffield University. Howe was a friend as well as employee of George Stephenson, and in 1846 a patent for a three-cylinder locomotive was taken out in their joint names. A hand-written description and drawing (undated)—apparently a draft patent specification for a "Self-acting Brake for Railway Carriages, by George Stephenson, Esq., Tapton House, Chesterfield ", prepared by William Howe—seems to suggest further co-operation. Primarily, this invention may well have been Howe's, since it is known that in 1849 or 1850 he designed a self-acting brake for winding engines, and, shortly afterwards, the self-acting fence used almost universally at the top of colliery winding shafts. For light relief, in 1869 he designed a tricycle, a beautifully executed coloured drawing of which still exists. Although Howe had little early education, he never ceased to improve his knowledge, working his leasure hours to become proficient in mathematics, machine design and drawing, and the examples of his work still extant show his excellent draughtsmanship.
Ftc. 2
Howe's Reversing Link Motion from his original pencil sketch dated August, 1842.
He was a member of council of the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Institute of Engineers, which he largely assisted in promoting, from the time of its formation until his death. He became a member of this Institution in 1860, and in 1862 gave particulars of a large Cornish pumping engine with wrought-iron beam, then in course of construction at Clay Cross. In the following year he contributed a paper fully describing this engine. He also gave a paper on " An Equilibrium Slide Valve " to the South Wales Institute of Engineers in 1865, and one on " Blast Furnaces at Clay Cross " to the Chesterfield Institute in 1872. He took an active part in local affairs, assisting in the formation of the Clay Cross 17th C.V.R. Volunteer Corps (in which he served as a lieutenant), the Floral and Horticultural Society, the Ploughing Association and others. Although nominally a churchman, he had little time for bigotry, being as
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happy in a dissenting chapel as a church , for; as he would say, " All roads lead to the same place". In 1871 a committee of engineers was formed at Chesterfield for the sole purpose of publicly honouring Howe as the inventor of the first practical reversing motion and to promote a testimonial fund, on the subscribers' list of which can be seen the names of many well-known engineers, businessmen and companies of the day. At a subsequent dinner, held at the " Angel Inn ", Chesterfield. Howe was presented with a gold watch (inscribed with a drawing and description of the Link Motion), a purse containing 200 guineas, and an illuminated address. It is probable that the large oil-painting of Howe, seated, by Sir Daniel MacNee (president of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1876) was commissioned about the same time. During his career at Clay Cross, William Howe and his wife, Elizabeth, lived at " Springfield House", where his signature, scratched on a windowpane, may still be seen, together with a table of his, preserved by the present owners. Howe died in his sixty-fifth year on January 16th. 1879. and was interred at Clay Cross Parish Church, where a stained-glass window, purchased by public subscription and referring to his invention, may be seen. It is evident from the contemporary account of his funeral that he was very highly esteemed, not only as an engineer, but also as a man, for it would seem that virtually the whole town of Clay Cross closed down as a mark of respect during the interment. Howe's eldest son, George, succeeded him as Engineer at Clay Cross Company, and the latter's eldest son, William (the writer's late father), held the position in his turn. It is interesting to record that the inventor's second son, Robert, emigrated to Canada, where he also became a prominent engineer. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Coke, Mills & Coke at Ankerbold, near Clay Cross, later becoming Manager of the Staveley and Netherseai (Burton-uponTrent) Collieries. Emigrating to Toronto as a comparatively young man, he became Chief Engineer of the Canadian Fire Underwriters' Association. which position he held for twenty years, gaining a reputation as one of the most capable engineers in the Dominion at the time. His work was largely concerned with water power and municipal works, and his reports on these subjects, following visits to all the major cities of Canada, largely formed the basis of the Canadian Insurance Act of that time. It may be interesting to record some of the sayings current in the family today which almost certainly originated with William Howe, the inventor, and give some indication of his character: To a workman who ventured that he thought a certain job " would do " —"There's a right way and a wrong way to do a job ; there's no ' would do ' way". To someone who suggested that Howe was putting too much care into part of a job which would never be seen—" The inside must be as good as the outside ; I've seen it ". To his wife, referring to an over-voluble and boasting visitor, when she complained that Howe had said nothing of his own achievements— "There's nothing like a loose nut in an empty vessel for making a lot of noise". To his wife when she interfered or criticised during the process of a domestic repair job—" Women and ' gaffers ' should never see a job half done ". Perhaps the writer may be permitted to comment upon the nostalgia which research on the life and times of William Howe has evoked. Today, when shoddy workmanship is rife and when business integrity is often at a low ebb, it has been refreshing to consider a period when engineers had time to design plant without pressure of production schedules ; when workmanship was as good inside as out, and when a man's word was as good as his bond.
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Burrell No. 3979 "Earl Haig" as purchased by S. A. Burgess.
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Burrell No. 3979 "Earl Haig" as restored by S. A. Burgess.
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THE REINCARNATION OF "EARL HAIG" When ►he Dacre Lacey Trophy was awarded to S. A. Burgess of Haddenham, CambS., in 1965 for his work in restoring the 7 h.p. Burrell No. 3979 "Earl Haig ", some members may not have been aware how exceptionally well deserved was this award. Few owners have started a rebuilding with less engine, and few have shown more resource in locating and purchasing the missing components. It was felt that a short account of the work would be of general interest. No. 3979 was new as a haulage engine to W. J. Taylor. Midsomer Norton, Somerset, in 1924, and was registered YA9138. By 1934 she had been purchased by Edward Symonds of Gloucester, and fitted with a Mawdsley dynamo and a long canopy. In his ownership. and subsequently in that of Symonds & Cook, she travelled extensively, visiting London fairgrounds in 1938 and 1939. After the War she was bought by Darby's Sand & Gravel Co. Ltd. of Sutton, Cambs., for use in their threshing business. On arrival she went into workshops at Mepal gravel pits for overhaul. The motion and fittings were stripped, the valves refaced, piston rods turned down and glands rebushed, the bottom row of stays were taken out preparatory to patching the firebox and the boiler was retubed. At this stage the firm decided to cease using steam for threshing and work on the overhaul stopped. The newly fitted tubes were drawn, for use in another engine which had been sold. Road wheels were replaced and one of the driving wheels put on was an odd one off a scrapped engine. The dismantled carcase of " Earl Haig " was towed away and dumped alongside the A142 on the Ely side of Sutton, where it lay for more than a decade exposed to the elements. This was the position when, in December, 1963, Stan Burgess bought the remains of the engine, and towed them to his yard at Haddenham. On taking off the covers he found the valve faces and cylinders well oiled, and the piston rods serviceable. Except for the firebox sides, the boiler and firebox were sound. Smokebox and tender required repairs. The 3 speed pinion from the countershaft was lying on the dynamo bracket, but the rest of " Earl Haig" was missing. A search round Darby's workshops produced the belly tank, crankshaft and connecting rods. Harold Darby, from the sheds behind his house, agreed to sell the brasses, motion plates, boiler fittings, boiler bands, a suitable copper chimney top and some twisted brass. After much telephoning and two visits to Swindon to see Messrs. R. Edwards & Sons Ltd., eccentric rods and straps were bought from a derelict Burrell at Fairford, Glos., and the complete gearing (with levers, bracket and guards), the countershaft, and the steering rod and wheel from " Joe Chamberlain " at Swindon. (It will be recollected that Burrell No. 3166 "Joe Chamberlain" was the unfortunate crane engine which, when the firebox went, was converted to petrol drive, with a Ford V8 engine mounted in place on the cylinder block ; shortly after this mutilation she was turned over, badly damaged and never worked again.) A suitable flywheel had been seen at Hardwicke, Glos., and safety valves at Uttoxeter, Staffs., and both these items were purchased. The original makers' plates from the valve chests and the original nameplate " Earl Haig " were recovered from Holywell. It had been observed that there was a cast-iron Burrell driving wheel centre lying in a scrapyard at March, Cambs.; the spokes and rim had been cut off and scrapped, but the centre had survived complete with its bush. Enquiry elicited that this wheel centre was the original lost from " Earl Haig ", so the bush was transferred to the odd wheel that had been substituted ; when this wiley had been restraked it became as good as the original. Smokebox door, driving pins, boiler tubes and firebars were procured from West Dertharn, Norfolk ; rubber tyres from Alrewas, Staffs.; a dynamo from New Bolingbroke, Lines.; lamps from Chatteris, Cambs.; governors and oil pump from neighbours, who were formerly steam contractors. The hub caps came off No. 387l " Western Pioneer", which had recently been fitted with brass ones.
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A few parts had to be obtained new. The chimney base, brass rings and stars and a dynamo bracket makers' nameplate were cast at Diss, Norfolk, from originals, mostly borrowed from Harold Darby. A new canopy was constructed, to dimensions measured from another engine. There remained just one missing item—the flywheel brake—which had to be improvised. A left-handed screw rod and nut from a Ransom 3 furrow plough, a handle from an old workshop drilling machine, and a fabricated shoe were the components of an excellent flywheel brake. Cleaning, fitting, assembling, lagging, rubbing down and painting took many hundreds of man hours. The result is a very fine effort and shows what can be achieved by a combination of engineering skill and persistence in shopping round for missing parts.
TRACTOR CABS The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State have drafted regulations requiring agricultural tractors to be " fitted with a safety cab marked with the approval mark ". Just in case any member may be wondering how he could fit a safety cab, which means " a rigid framework or cab designed to protect the driver . . . from being crushed if the tractor overturns", to his Burrell or Garrett tractor, we are glad to be able to report that in these regulations the term tractor " does not include . . . a steam traction engine ". That this special exemption is accorded to steam traction engines is due to timely representations made by the Committee of NT.E.C. to the Ministry when the regulations were being drafted,
THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Please note that subscription renewals (30/- per annum) should be sent, now, to D. B. Ehlen, Esq., Assistant Membership Secretary, 2 Abbot Close, Basingstoke, Hants. New members should still make application to J. R. Bonser, Esq., Membership Secretary, 6 Rokeby Gardens, Woodford Green, Essex. Tics and Badges at the following revised prices may be obtained from F. G. Upton, Esq., Sales Secretary, 24 Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berks. Car Badges (one type only) ... 50/— each ... ... Ties (blue and green) ... ... ... 18/6 each Lapel Badges, six different types (Showmen's, Plough, Tractor, General Purpose, Wagon, Roller) ... ... ... 6/— each ... ... ...
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Aveling & Porter Piston Valve Compound Roller No. 10805 when owned by the Eddison Rolling Co.
Garrett Rigid " 4" Wagon No. 35454 of 1928 when owned by the Wandsworth Car Co.
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DIARY OF EVENTS Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of these dates, but no responsibility can be accepted by the N.T.E.C. for alterations. In some cases, Rally Organisers have NOT stated that they will ensure that their rally is held in accordance wit hthe N.T.E.C. Code of Practice, which particularly requires proper boiler inspection and insurance cover. The dates of such rallies have been omitted from this list. Rallies vary considerably in size and scope ; details of any particular event can be obtained from the organising secretary with whom all correspondence should be conducted. Name and address given after the venue. * Static Shows at which no rally events as such are provided, but the engines will be in steam as exhibits with an occasional parade. AUGUST 26/27/28 Leeds & District Traction Engine Club Rally. Pudsey Show Ground, Grange Park, Calverley, Nr. Leeds. Hon. Rally Secretary : L. Fearnley, Engrs., Saville Road, Castleford, Yorkshire. 26 / 27 / 28 GADDESDEN Row, HERTS. Mr. J. J. Mayes, 23 Nunnery Lane, Luton, Beds. 26/27/28 RUNNYMEDE, EGHAM, SURREY. Mr. M. Bennett, 5 Northcroft Gardens, Englefield Green, Egham. Surrey. 26/27/28 LEEDS AREA, YORKSHIRE. (Venue to be fixed). Mr. N. Boyes, 93 Woodside Road, Wyke, Bradford, Yorkshire. 9/ 10
SEPTEMBER ANDOVER, HANTS. Mr. G. Howell, 5 The Crescent, Andover, Hants.
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
Annum c-qenezae crneetinv, and
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taicrlottemiteri, 1967
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FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale—Ruston & Proctor Tractor No. 52573 (1918). Current boiler certificate, new smokebox and tubes, good firebox. On rubbers. Full canopy. —Further details and photograph from R. W. Wells, 39 Butterly Close, Doddington Road, Lincoln. Wanted.—Crankshaft bearing for Fowler Single. To fit 3f inch shaft. Also water feed pump and eccentric strap for same.—A. D. Hall, 1 Wellington Drive, Harmans Water, Bracknell, Berks. For Sale.—Set Fire Bars for "Foden " 6 ton (new) £2 5/- ; 1 H.P. Slide Valve "Foden " 5 ton (offers) ; 11 in. Tube Expanders & Toggel (new) £2 10/- ; Whistle & Spring Valve (new) £5 ; Large No. Ferrels 11 in. and 2 in. (new) (offers).—T. Halls, 46 Somers Road, North Mymms, Herts. Wanted.—Klinger Water Column for Foden 6 ton big end brasses. Loco. type Gib Key.—T. Halls, 46 Somers Road, North Mymms, Herts. Wanted.—Reward of one guinea in return for the tollowmg tour back copies of " Steaming in good clean condition to complete sets for binding —Vol. 3 No. 1, Jan 1959 ; Vol. 4 No. 3, July 1960 ; Vol. 5 No. 2, April 1961 ; Vol. 6 No. 4, Oct., 1962, or double original price for single copies.—Charles H. Dean, 330 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire. For Sale.—New solid rubber tyres, 9 inches wide.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale.—Any T.E. book currently in print, normally available from stock.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale.—New engine record. Single Cyl. Burrell T.E. threshing. Compound Fowler P.E. " Princess " Cultivating. 12 in. L.P. 37/6 post free.— G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale.—Solid rubber tyres 9 in. wide, unused, sufficient to rubber a 7 or 8 h.p. engine. Also a quantity of used solid rubbers in Nvirious sizes.— G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. Wanted.—Copy of Steam Engine Builders of Norfolk.—Details and price to J. Harris, 46 Fernside Road, Poole, Dorset. For Sale.—Do you want a reasonably priced ink sketch of your engine ? If so write to.—A. J. Smith, Inworth, Kelvedon, Nr. Colchester, Essex. For Sale.—Foster 8 n.h.p. S.C. Traction Engine No. 14410, Built 1920.— P. W. Barlow, Glebe Farm, North Road, Retford, Notts. Wanted.-6 or 8 ton Steam Roller in good working condition. Price and full particulars to.—S. Sutton, West View, Beckermet, Cumberland. Wanted.—Photographs of Garrett and Robey Engines, preferably T.Es., Road Locos., and over-type wagons at work.—S. Sutton, West View, Beckermet, Cumberland. Wanted.—To suit Aveling & Porter "L" type Steam Tractor, one Smoke Box Door in good condition, 22 inches Diameter.—Details and price to J. Lyle, 36 Brierybaulk, Duns, Berwickshire. For Sale.—Sentinel Steam Wagon boiler.—Offers, Telephone Brown Hills 3347. For Sale.—Burrell 6 h.p. S.C.C. Engine No. 2417. Built 1901. Fitted with rubbers and new canopy.—R. Phillips, 70 Moorland Road, St. Austell, Cornwall. For Sale.—Two brand new solid rubber tyres on steel rims (Dunlop). Size 160 x 720. Approx. 61 ins. wide for rims 281 ins. £15 pain—Hadfield, 36 Normandale Road, Sheffield 6 (Tel. 24824).
BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SPECIALISTS IN WATER TREATMENTS AND DESCALENTS
Consult :
HOUSEMAN & THOMPSON LTD. SPECIALISTS IN WATER TREATMENTS AND DESCALENTS
THE PRIORY • BURNHAM • BUCKS. for
D.M. water treatment
Ransomes, Sims & Jefieries Compound Portable Engine of 1947 fitted with slide valves. 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