Vol. 12 No. 9
STEAMING Price 3/6
ODMVPaN AltikISMMeigNITS
I
MEW
•
ftigitfLititt
STEAMING
126
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
OFFICERS FOR 1968 President REVD. Pinup WRIGHT, M.B.E., Hon.C.F.,
Koxwell Vicarage, Neat Clielinsfuld Essex. Tel.: Roxwell 644. Vice-President ARTHUR NAPPER, ESQ Chairman ANTHONY HEM, 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 ;load, Harrow. Middx. Membership Secretary :
D. B. EHLEN, ESQ., 2 Abbot Close, Basingstoke, Hants. Treasurer:
I. H. HOBBS, Esp., 6 Esher Close, Basingstoke, Hants Editor of Newsletter : RAN HAWTHORNE, " Cleveland," 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, Berks. Sale of Ties and Badges :
F. G. UPTON, 24 Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berks. TECHNICAL SERVICES AND SPARES SECTION Andover, Hants. (Tel.: St. Mary Bourne 260).
BRIAN ORAM, ESQ., Bourne House, St. Mary Bourne,
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS J. P. MULLETT, ESQ. R. GRIFFIN, ESQ. R. GEBHARD, ESQ. JOHN FOWLER & CO. (LEEDS) LTD. D. A. WADDINGHAM, ESQ.
STEAMING
127
AREA NOTES BEDFORDSHIRE I am pleased to start these notes with news of the continuing good work being carried out on our Chairman John Dowland's Fowler 7 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Sprung Agricultural No. 11357 (Reg. No. NM219) of 1908. The outer firebox plate was found some time ago to be weakened due to corrosion behind the axle boxes. The repair of this posed a problem as the firebox itself had been replaced about 1945 and done little work since. However, a very sound repair has been carried out by removing the back of the firebox to expose the outer plate from both sides so that a new piece of plate could be rivetted and welded into the place of the defective piece, after which the
inner part of the firebox was replaced and welded into position and re-stayed. In addition to this a new tender has been made. Work now progresses with the hundred and one jobs which follow on major restoration work of this kind. It is hoped that the engine will attend its first rally this year. Mr. Philip Bath of Roxton, Beds., has bought a Marshall Single Cylinder Agricultural Engine No. 76756 (Reg. No. BT6447) of 1923 from Mr. Dawson of Sawtry, Hunts. I understand extensive repairs are being carried out on this engine. Mr. R. W. Ruff of Wilden, Beds., is having a new firebox in his Fowler B.B. Ploughing Engine No. 14383 (Reg. No. NM1284) of 1916. To see the engine all in pieces and the old firebox cut out is a very impressive sight, and brings home to one the tremendous amount of work that was put into these imposing engines.
Peter Coulson of Alconbury, the owner of the nice little McLaren Tractor " Bluebell " No. 1837 (Reg. No. AAM801) of 1936, has obtained a Wallis
& Stcevens Advance Roller from Messrs. Bristows Tarvia, contractors, of Grantham, Lincs. New in 1935 to Barry Corporation in South Wales, it went to Lincolnshire in 1958. It is No. 8096 (Reg. No. ACG760). I understand Peter has some rolling work for it to do on his farm roads. Our member, Roy Ward of Houghton Conquest, has bought a roller as a Christmas present for his father Mr. A. A. Ward. It is an Aveling & Porter Slide Valve Compound No. 8753 (Reg. No. MKP137) and is thought to be a 6 ton. It was found at Messrs. Flettons Ltd. brick works at Water Eaton, near Bletchley, Bucks. It is fitted with a scarifier, no pump, but two injectors. As purchased, it lacked nearly all its fire bars and the lagging was missing, although the brass bands have been found. The cylinders were open to the elements as the covers were off, but these have been found and replaced. The roller has a full-length canopy. It was first supplied to the War Department and sold by them after some years' service as its relatively recent registration number suggests. A lot of time has been spent wire-brushing and painting with primer, and recently the engine has been tried in steam. D.P. CHILTERNS Derek Petty was approached last autumn by a local artist to move his Aveling roller into a suitable position to have a picture painted of it. Derek duly obliged and the artist set to work, producing a very attractive result in water colours. The painting was shown in a subsequent art exhibition in Berkhamstead and sold for £12. Unfortunately it was described in the catalogue as " Mr. Petty's Traction Engine", but we have yet to see evidence of cross plates on the hind wheels! During February, some twenty-five club members left Amersham by coach to visit the Science Museum at South Kensington. Probably, of all the exhibits studied, pride of place went to the G.W.R. locomotive "Caerphilly Castle" and an 1871 Aveling. All too soon the afternoon passed and the coach arrived to take the party home. A stop was made on the return trip for a meal at the " Peggy Bedford ", near London Airport, thus rounding off a most enjoyable outing.
128
STEAMING
7 n.h.p. Fowler Traction Engine No. 13135 when owned by L. M. Langford & Sons of Worplesdon, Surrey.
7 n.h.p. Al!chin Traction Engine No. 1438 when owned by Shackclolh Bros. of Gt. Snoring, Norfolk.
STEAMING
129
Mr. Claypole Smith has fitted a new awning to his Marshall compound roller, thereby bringing her back to original condition. The awning was made to the original Marshall drawings and is therefor correct. The death is reported of Mr. G. Evans of Prestwood. A former threshing contractor well known in the Wendover area, Mr. Evans used to come to most of the club's rallies, although he was not a member. Unfortunately this means another member of the old school who was brought up with steam has passed on, taking with him a lifetime's experience. Don Harding steamed his Aveling Roller No. 9008 from Wiggingion to Pirton for the H.S.P.S. Rally at Whitsun. Don successfully made the 29 mile trip in one day, in spite of almost continuous rain. The appearance of the wet and black-faced footplate crew in their oilskins was described by one observer as " looking like a nigger minstrel lifeboat crew! " G.F.A.G. CORNWALL Probably the event in Cornwall which aroused the widest interest among steam enthusiasts throughout the country was the removal from Indian Queens in Mid-Cornwall to Yorkshire of " Nancy ", Burrell No. 3288. " Nancy " had last been steamed in 1928 and forty years of neglect had taken their toll, so much so that to the surprise of the many people who had gathered at Indian Queens on 12th November to watch the proceedings, she left her resting-place in one piece when " Iron Maiden " winched her out. Bearings had been oiled in readiness by her former owner, Mr. Brewer, but there was very limited movement in the steering. However, by slow and carefully planned manoeuvring the old Burrell was towed across the rough and rainsoaked ground to a lane. Here she was pushed on to a low-loader for her long journey to Yorkshire. " Nancy " is now owned by Mr. Drury and is being restored for him at Mr. Meadowcroft's works—a colossal undertaking. While Mr. Meadowcroft ' and helpers, with Mr. Jack James at "Iron Maiden's " controls were towing and loading " Nancy ", Mr. Drury was almost continually filming, and as it was a sunny day he should have a splendid pictorial record of the day's activities. Mr. John Sawle of St. Agnes recently bought the 8 n.h.p. portable which until a few years ago was used for soil sterilization near Liskeard. Early in December the portable was towed from Dobwalls to Mr. R. Morse's premises at Mawla Well, Red ruth, by Mr. G. Alford's Burrell. " Keeling " has recently done a day's threshing at Breage, near Helston, for Westward Television. The portable is now partly dismantled for repairs and is being re-tubed. Mawla Well has probably been the scene of most restoration work during the past few months. Both of the ploughing engines are having attention— the McLaren is being re-tubed and bearings re-fitted and the Fowler looks as if it is being re-built! Progress continues on Mr. D. Solomon's Clayton & Shuttleworth. A new trunk guide has been cast at Hayle and this is being machined at Camborne by Mr. G. Richards. At Coombe, near Camborne, Messrs. M. Leath and M. Pearce are fitting a fresh axle with compensating gear to their roller "Highwayman" which originally had a plain axle. The differential gear was removed from another A. & P. roller at Stoke Climsland before the roller went to a children's playground where the advantages of a differential would not be appreciated. There has been some steamrolling in Cornwall during the winter. Mr. J. Nicholls has been active on Penzance Promenade and in the Lands End area. and in the Camborne-Redruth district Mr. Haynes' " Joy " and one of Mr. H. Powell's Marshall rollers have been busy. Mr. Armstrong-Evans of Trebullet, Launceston, has bought a Garrett Tractor No. 34684 of 1925, and this is reputed to be in good condition. Mr. W. Ciad's Ransomes traction has had some firebox stays renewed and will soon be fit for the road again. At Canworthy Water, Mr. Weeks is making headway with his Aveling traction, and I understand that this engine may be seen in steam before very long.
130
STEAMING
"Countess," Marshall No. 43345 (Reg. No. AE3520), which, while owned by Mr. Dunstan was kept at Coombe, has been bought by Mr. Jennings of Carnon Downs and was steamed to her new home after the 1967 Redruth Rally. Together, Messrs. Jennings and Dunstan carried out a lot of work on this engine at Coombe. but progress should be more rapid now that so much travelling is avoided. Another engine which has departed from Coombe is Mr. Smart's Robey " Little Glutton ", although in this case no change of ownership is involved. " L.G." is now accommodated nearer to St. Ives where she will be be more conveniently accessible for re-assembly and painting. Mr. J. Sawle sold the Armstrong-Whitworth roller to Mr. Inglebv Oddy of Porthtowan, and this engine rolled some ground at Mawla Well to make a hard standing for the Fowler plougher. " Omega," AvelingBarford No. AH162 (Reg. No. JXH174), has been bought by the W.E.S.E. Society's treasurer, Mr. V. H. Carveth. " Omega" was the last large roller supplied to a British customer in 1948. Originally belonging to the Great Western Railway, she worked on railway bridges and approach roads in the London district until bought by a quarry owner near Bristol. In 1962 she was bought by the writer and steamed to Camborne. A few essential repairs and adjustments were carried out in the limited time available, but since Mr. Carveth acquired the engine only a few months ago, her appearance has changed and "Omega" now shows evidence of much activity. The engine will remain at Coombe. Mr. H. P. Corin has sold his last engine, Burrell Roller No. 4040, to Mr. D. Courtier of Haytor. S. Devon, but the engine is still in Cornwall at St. Teath. Although Mr. Corin has no steam engines to exhibit, he has a wonderful collection of organs of all descriptions and many other musical instruments, many of historical value, housed in a splendid new museum where most of them can be heard as well as seen on almost any day. His premises are situated between Liskeard and Looe, and will well repay a visit. I understand that there has been some confusion about the location of rallies in Cornwall. The West of England Society's Rally has been held near Redruth for several years and this is the rally which is often referred to as the Camborne Rally, no doubt because it originated near Camborne. It will again be held near Redruth this year on 17th and 18th August—a two-day event for the first time. C.P.G. DEVONSHIRE Readers will remember that the last area notes were just in time to include brief news of the disposal of a further nine steamrollers from the Devon County Council fleet (which leaves twelve engines only at the time of writing) and many people will by now have heard of the unexpected high prices most of the nine rollers commanded, and although the report in the January " Newsletter " of " engines reaching the £800 mark " was somewhat exaggerated, they did in fact go for prices well in excess of what many enthusiasts anticipated, the best of them going for well over £300 each. Six have remained in Devon, one has gone to Somerset, one to the Isle of Wight and one right away from the area, up to Lancashire. One of the directors of Sandy Bay Holiday Camp, near Exmouth, purchased the Marshall 10 ton Compound 0.H./S.V. Marshall No. 74745 (Reg. No. TA2441) for use on various jobs on the camp, as well as being an attraction for holidaymakers. A retired steam engine driver is resident on the site and the engine has been entrusted to his care, so its future good condition is assured. Not far away. at Iludleigh Salterton, Lympstone Builders Ltd. have a very similar Marshall. but a Convertible, No. 56187 (Reg. No. TA2438), which they intend to use commercially again on their various housing estate projects. Over in E. Devon, Mr. Sid Spiller of Ridgeway Farm, Sidbury, was successful in obtaining another of the Marshal's, again a Convertible. No. 68955 (Reg. No. TA2I2) of 10 tons, which was in a rough ext-rnal condition after spending several years disused on art isolated hilltop landing near the sea at Instow, N. Devon. The engine has since been re-roofed. re-lagged and steamed, and re-painting is in progress. Nearer Exeter, Mr. G. W. Clover obtained a nice little 8 ton S.C./S.V. Aveling No. 9032 (Reg. No. TA2663) from the Plympton division
STEAMING
THE LATE BILL SPARROW When Bill Sparrow was born in Greenwich, in May, 1907, his father was the driver of a Foden 5 ton steam wagon, and at the age of eight, when most small boys spend their week-ends at sport, Bill would go and help his father to wash out the boiler, chop wood, and get the coal up ready for Monday morning. He left school at 13, by which time his father had several engines, and Bill had the job of driver's mate on one of them. At 17 he was a driver, and with his uncle as mate (who was three months older than he) he drove a succession of engines and trailers all over the country for the next ten years. As diesel replaced steam, Bill started his own haulage business, which he carried on until 1945, when he moved north to Birmingham and started a Foden Sales and Service -depot. In 1955 he brought home a heap of rusty metal and rotten wood, which rally goers now know as the " Dorset Rambler ". During the following four years, until! illhealth forced him to retire, he worked long hours on this engine, and when, in 1959, he moved to Ferndown, she was joined by the 6 ton " Dorset Wanderer". The last nine years of his life was devoted to his Fodens, and he worked on them until he could no longer walk across to his engine shed!
131
132
STEAMING
depot near Plymouth. which is in need of one or two tubes being replaced but which is otherwise in good order. Messrs. Buncombes of Highbridge, Somerset, purchased the 12 tint I.:unwound slide valve Aveling No. 8487 (Reg. No. TA1463) which had lain for some years derelict by the roadside near Morchard Road Station, and which had been fairly heavily robbed of many parts in the meantime. (This engine was not sold to a local farmer as was previously erroneously reported.) Buncombes obtained this engine for breaking for saleable parts only, but Mr. Glover was able to re-purchase the engine within hours of it being dismantled and had it transported back to Devon again for storage and eventual repair. This roller was originally new in 1915 to Crediton Rural District Council before being taken over by Devon C.C.. hence Mr. Glover's efforts to save this roller of " local " interest from an undignified end. Considerable rebuilding and replacements of missing and broken parts will be necessary in due course, and if anyone can assist with any engine spares whatever for this type and class of Aveling would they kindly contact Mr. Glover at "Wixon ", Buller Road, Crediton. Devon, who would be most pleased to hear from anyone offering information or sources of parts. The other disposals were a 10 ton compound O.H./S.V. Marshall No. 74744 (Reg. No. TA2443) which went to Mr. Chambers of Milverton, Somerset, being steamed home from Branford Quarries, North Devon, and being probably the best of the batch. Aveling compound convertible No. 7838 (Reg. No. TA2436) went furthest afield, and was noted in Buncombes' Highbridge yard during February awaiting transport northwards to its new owner in the Warrington area of Lancashire—perhaps our Sieaming correspondents in this part of the country will keep us informed from time to time of future progress and restoration of this interesting engine. A 10 ton Aveling S,C./S.V. roller without canopy, No. 9074 (Reg. No. FX7061), in good order, was purchased by a firm of civil engineers near Exeter for further work romrnercially, •.nrl has been steamed once or twice in their yard since being brought from Kingsbridge where it last worked. This roller featured on Westward T.V. at the time the nine engines were advertised for disposal. The final engine to go was also the last single cylinder slide valve Marshall roller in the county fleet, No. 69274 (Reg. No. TA2432), of 10 tons, which was transported across to the Isle of Wight on 29th January en route to its new owner at Chale, near Ventnor. Mr. Fred Hollis. This engine had remained unused but complete in a quiet lane near Iddesleigh. Hatherleigh. since 1965, but since its disposal was advertised in November. certain items of brasswork were carefully taken off the engine without authority, before the owner could arrange removal from its isolated position—a deplorable Practice which one hones wilt not be rot-mated again on any future engine disposals. In snite of this regrettable incident. Mr. Hollis informs me that he has since been able to reolace almost all the fittings that were taken and not already recovered, has re-tubed and boiler tested the engine and reminting is in progre.ss, so that this very fine example of the single cylinder Marshall roller will make a valued addition to the growing number of engines being preserved on the Isle of Wight. In addition to the aforementioned engines, the Devon C.C. have also disposed of one other steamroller. this being the last 10 ton compound Marshall of the trio of three with consecutive numbers (74744/5/6). The engine concerned is No. 74744 (Reg. No. TA2442) which was acquired by Exeter Rotary Club and other organisations jointly and nresented to the Royal School for the Deaf and Dumb in Tonsham Road. Exeter. as a static exhibit in a " playground " recently formed in the grounds of the school. The engine was brought on from Tavistock depot on the Devon C.C.'s low-loader on 12th February where it had been standing derelict for several years and had been robbed of most fittings during the meantime. reducing it to little more than a boiler on wheels, although it still retained its brasstopped Marshall chimney and a canopy. The flywheel and crankshaft had been taken out previously for use on a sister engine in the South Molton division. On 1st March the engine was taken on its last journey to the
STEAMING
Fowler Class K7 Ploughing Engines Nos. 15270 and 15271 (Reg, Nos. BW4385 and BW4384), New in June, 1919 to Jos. Griffin of Bruen Grange, Oxon.
A veling & Porter Traction Engine, number unknown. Believed built in 1877 and fetched from the makers by Mr. H. Harrison, seen on engine, to Worrendale Farm, Londesborough, near Market Weigh ton.
133
134
STEAMING
school, and as it could not be got into the grounds through the narrow entrance behind the school buildings, a giant crane was engaged to lift the engine bodily over a 10 ft. wall and swing it into position on a previously prepared concrete pad, a 1943 petrol Fordson tractor also being installed in the same manner. Quite a crowd of interested spectators assembled to witness this event, which was also covered by Westward T.V., the local and county press, and, needless to say, the writer, who happened to be " passing " at the time! Another steamroller to end its days as a children's plaything is Messrs. Dingle's 12 ton compound S.V. Aveling No. 8547 (Reg. No. CF3352), which is not in working order and has stood derelict for some years in the firm's yard at Stokeclimsland. It is being presented to an organisation in Plymouth for installation in a playground within the city. At least four steamrollers arc now playground exhibits in the West Country, the other two being a Robey tandem roller at Tavistock and a piston valve Aveling single at Dorchester, which is still in very good shape after seven years in the hands of Dorchester youngsters, who must be more docile than many of their fellow beings! Mention of R. Dingle & Sons recalls that they have now cleared their Stokeclimsland yard of all remaining derelicts with the exception of a 14 ton compound P.V. Marshall No. 88097 (Reg. No. DAF499), two Marshall P.V. single portables Nos. 84480/81, a Garrett P.V. single portable No. 34193. and a large Clayton & Shuttleworth portable less all topworks, No. 47928, all of which are in an advanced state of dereliction. The. firm have preserved their well-known Wallis " Advance " No. 8095 (Reg. No. GOU537) and a 10 ton S.C./S.V. Fowler No. 18075 (Reg. No. CV1662) on which restoration is progressing slowly. The engines sold off earlier in the year were a late type piston valve Marshall single No. 88146 (Reg. No. DCV4) built in 1937, which Mr. G. W. Glover bought. as a companion for hiS COM pound radial valve gear Marshall No. 78109 (Reg. No. TT1657), both 14 ton rollers, although the former engine is in need of extensive repair and restoration after many years of disuse, firstly near Penzance and, since 1962, in the yard at Stokeclimsland. Messrs. T. T. Boughton & Sons of Amersham, Bucks., acquired two Burrells and two Fowlers in rusty and partially stripped condition, these being Burrell 10 ton singles No. 4005 (Reg. No. RL574) and No. 4069 (Reg. No. RL9960) and Fowler 10 ton singles No. 16044 (Reg. No. AF7718) and No. 17483 (Reg. No. CV1454). Mr. " Nat " Clifford of Doccombe, Moretonhampstead, bought the last derelict from the yard, an Aveling S.C./P.V. 12 ton engine without canopy, No. 10981 (Reg. No. AF9604), which has arrived at Exeter for storage whilst its owner is abroad for a period. Mr. Clifford had earlier passed on his Marshall 10 ton single roller No. 75476 (Reg. No. AF5727) to a Mr. Ellis of Chagford, but little work on it has been attempted to date. One of Dingle's former rollers, sold back in 1959 to Cornwall, is 14 ton Burrell S.C. No. 4040 (Reg. No. TT7917), which has had one or two owners since and has now been purchased by Mr. David Courtier of Havtor, Newton Abbot, from Mr. Corin of Mylor, near Truro. At the time of writing the engine is still in Cornwall, awaiting transport to bring it back to its native county, being originally owned by Trewins of Bradworthy, N.W. Devon. Buncombes of Highbridge have sold a 10 ton compound Clayton & Shuttleworth roller to two enthusiastis near Kingsbridge, where it was steamed and off-loaded on 9th January. Details of the engine are not immediately to hand but restoration is in progress. I hope to have more news of this interesting engine for the next lot of notes. After some years lying semi-dismantled in South Molton Road garage, the late Mr. H. Stenner's Foster Wellington convertible roller No. 13088 (Reg. No. FE1125) has been taken on by a new owner at Hatherleigh, and departed under tow on its rear rolls during March. We look forward to seeing this engine emerge as a tractor in due course, as I understand this is the intention of the new owner, to complete the conversion during restoration.
STEAMING
135
Aveling & Porter 8 h.p. Traction Engine No. 1617 of 1880 (Reg. No. NO3585). Engine fitted with wooden front cycle. Seen here when owned by C. H. Cole of West Tilbury, Essex.
Foster 5 h.p. "Litle Gem" Traction Engine No. 12462 (Reg. No. NT118), when owned by R. M. Woolley of Backnall, Salop.
136
STEAMING
Mr. Kenneth Stenner has been carrying out further repair work during the spring on both his Ransomes traction No. 15127 and also his little 5 h.p. Brown & May S.C. portable No. 8262. Work on the writer's Burrell D.C.C. roller No. 4018 is about to start again after delay during the spring due to moving house and "outdoor effects" such as the living van and Marshall portable, etc.! Restoration work also continues slowly on Mr. Jim Muxworthy's Burrell road loco No. 3593, and on the little 8 ton Aveling compound roller No. 5853, jointly owned by a group near Exeter, who hope to have the engine re-assembled and steamable during the summer. Messrs. King's of Bishops Lydeard have had their well-known double crank compound Burrell roller No. 4062 (Reg. No. YB9360) " Lorna Doone " at work again on further stretches of A38 road improvements. The last steamroller owned by &micas-A County Council, an Aveling 8 ton compound P.V. No. 11833 (Reg. No. YC29), was purchased by a Mr. Tucker, car and commercial vehicles dealer, in East Reach, Taunton, and was seen during April sheeted down on his premises, along with the red Sentinel DG4 No. 8784 (Reg. No. YD6587) which has not moved since it arrived from Mr. G. B. King's sale in March, 1966. Finally, Chapperton Sawmills, near Barnstaple. North Devon, have put their very large Robey double cylinder portable No. 37871 back into use again after several years' idleness, and it now works regularly most weekdays with the Marshall colonial type semi-portable NO. 88105—probably the last West Country sawmill to use steam power regularly. A.G.C. HERTFORDSHIRE Our member, Reg Saunders of Stotfold, has acquired an Aveling & Porter Roller as a companion to his Fowler Single Cylinder Slide Valve Roller No. 17560 (Reg. No. TM4782) of 1923. It is a Single Cylinder Piston Valve No. 11675 (Reg. No. RK8041) of October, 1926. New originally to West's of Redhill, it has a half-cab but the scarifier has been removed. It also had the pump missing, but this is being replaced with the help of parts provided by Luton County Borough Council from a similar roller languishing in a children's playground. Reg's Aveling was found in a sand and gravel pit at Waterford, near Hertford. Since getting it home under its own steam. the lagging has been removed and the boiler seems in a reasonably good condition. A new chimney has been obtained and the smokebox has been patched. T. W. (Peter) Housden of Ickleford. near Hitchin. has bought a Wallis & Steevens Advance Roller from Messrs. Bristows Tat-via, contractors, of Grantham, Lines. It is an older sister engine to the one mentioned in the Bedfordshire notes bought from this same firm by Pete Coulson of Alconbury, Hunts. It is a 10 ton No. 7963 (Reg. No. OT739), first registered by Barry Corporation in South Wales on the 27th March. 1928. I understand there are some parts missing, including a big end brass set and a front roll bush. Mike Goodman of Brookmans Park, Herts.. owner of Fowler AA Ploughing Engines "Wayfarer" and " Wanderer" Nos. 15563 and 15564 respectively, has acquired another ploughing engine, this ono from Hardwick's of Ewell, Surrey. It is a Fowler Class 134 14 n.h.p. Compound No. 11637 (Reg. No. 1-IK9843) of 1910. It was re-boxed in 1936 and the boiler which has the lagging off seems to be in reasonable condition. However, the motion has seized solid, and quite a bit of brass has been robbed including the upright shaft bearings (the upright shaft transmits power down to the winding drum from the crankshaft). This engine is fitted with two speed winding gear. The rope is missing from the drum which is of 450 yards capacity. It is thought to be the only one of its class remaining in England although a pair are preserved in Germany (Nos. 12136 and 7). This class (134) ceased to be built by Fowlers in 1912. when it was superseded by the BB class in 1913. This engine was at one lime in the Chris Lambert collection. D.P.
STEAMING
137
Aveling & Porter Roller No. 4711, built 1901, seen at the premises of " Kon. Mij. Wegenbouw N.V." in Utrecht, Holland. The M registration means it was licensed in the Province of Gelderland..
N.T.E.C. member G. V. D. Pov V.D. seen with his Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11016 of 1924.
138
STEAMING
IRELAND The Aveling & Porter Steam Roller No. 5312 (Reg. No. J11553) mentioned in Summer, 1967 notes was purchased by G. Doherty and P. Mallon, and on Monday, 30th October, 1967, was steamed from Newry, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, to P. Mallon's yard at Knockbridge, Dundalk, a journey of 18 miles. This roller is a Compound Type RC10 and was despatched to Tyrone County Council on the 31st July, 1903, from Grantham. The manufactured weight was 12 tons 7 cwts. No differential gear is fitted as this was an " extra " fitting and was only supplied if asked for by the customer, according to a recent letter from Aveling's. On Thursday, 1st February, 1968, a steam threshing was held on Mr. G. Speirs' farm at Burtown, Athy, Co. Kildare. A Foster 7 n.h.p. traction engine and a Ransome 4 ft. 6 in. heavy mill were used. A second day's threshing took place on Saturday, 3rd February, 1968, at Colonel Kid's farm, Co. Carlow, using a Ransome single traction engine. Both events were very well attended. The Ulster Branch of the Irish Steam Preservation Society also held a successful day's steam threshing on Saturday, 14th October, before an invited audience of 400 people. The engine used was Harold Cordell's 6 h.p. compound Ransome traction engine. This year's Annual Rally to be held in Stradbally, Co. Laois, will be a four-day event from Friday, 2nd to Monday, 5th August inclusive, and promises to be a wonderful show. It is intended to open a permanent museum for steam vehicles in Stradbally later this year, and further details will be included in the next issue. G.D.
EAST KENT With the news that the East Kent T.E. Club had suffered a considerable loss in finance after the Bredhurst Rally last year, a meeting of members was called on 23rd April and in consequence a new committee was formed and all present were unanimous in their determination to continue with the club despite the financial setback. They all offered their support and gave their approval for another rally to be held on 27th and 28th July at the same site at Bredhurst, which was again offered to the club by kind permission of the owner, Mr. H. Foulds. All engine owners present promised to attend and were prepared to make their own way and forego attendance money in ❑rder to hold the rally with the minimum amount of expense. The newly appointed Secretary is Mrs. H. Monday, Milton House, Lower Rainham, Kent. Engine activity continues to occupy owners and enthusiasts alike in readiness for the coming season. Mr. H. Pye's two Aveling & Porter engines which had stood in his yard for fifteen years have now taken on a new lease of life and look smart in their repainted and refurbished condition. The 10 ton Roller No. 6378 " Elizabeth " is now back home, having spent the winter at Gravesend where a new water pump was fitted and other smaller items renewed. The roller had steamed both journeys, a distance of about 15 miles each way, which was very good considering the time it had stood in the open. The other engine, No. 5862 " Emma ", is having the boiler re-tubed. Mr. Don Eastwood has had his Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15347 completely overhauled and now looks as new as when it left the makers. He has added another engine to his collection by purchasing Aveling & Porter S.C. Traction No. 6601, which is of an unusual design, the cylinder being on the left-hand side of the head. Aveling & Porter made several engines with this design for special duties. This engine has attended several rallies during the
STEAMING
139
Foster Traction Engine No. 2958 (Reg. No. CJ4171) when owned by R. M. Woolley of Bucknall, Salop.
r--
•xtir.-.
•
6 n.h.p. Burrell Traction Engine No. 1127 when owned by C. J. Collins of Quarry Pit Farm, Domston, Worcs.
140
STEAMING
Fowler Compound Traction Engine No. 14761 Roadless Tractor. Photographed on the loth necember, 19/3.
7 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Foden Traction Engine No. 824 when owned by J. Shepardson X Son of Seamer, Yorks.
STEAMING
Old Motor &The Tramway Museum Society
Presents a
Kip)
TRANSPORT
MLR
lJ
xtvi sausiffasaus
-- ~' "''' ( THIS EVENT IS SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS ) ~
11111TAGE CAILS VIN
COMMIERCffAIL, VIEIRMLIES
VINTAGE MOTOR CYCLES, FAIR ORGANS
FLEA MARKET P---gISALE OF MOTOR JUMBLE &RELICS a-4 nom.
d -2n 1st T SEP AT THE TRAMWAY MUSEUM,CRICH Nr AMBERGATE DERBYSHIRE, 8 MILES FROM M1 MOTORWAY
2pm-9pm, ADMISSION 5 Shillings
Children 211,Car Park One Shilling
STEAMING
WiWingate (Eng.) Supplies LIMITED ESSEX HOUSE 375 HIGH STREET, LONDON, E.15 Tel.: 01-534 8242/3 (After 5.30 p.m., Braintree 1508)
Boiler Tube Stockists To B.S.S. 3059/1, Lloyds Tested In stock at our Battlesbridge Warehouse we have 200 tons of Boiler Tube in the following sizes: 1 in. o.d. x 10 g., 1+ in. o.d. x 10 g., 11 in. o.d. x 10 g., 2 in. o.d. x 10 g., 21 in. o.d. x 10 g., 24 in. o.d. x 10 g., 3 in. o.d. x 10 g. We also carry a good stock of Joints, Valves, Gauges, Tube Expanders, Firing Tools, etc. We will also cut and swell your tubing for you, and re-tube your boiler if you have not got the necessary equipment or facilitim
This work is always carried out by our skilled and experienced boilermakers. Because we accumulate large quantities of short ends (3 ft.-6 ft.), we can sell at reduced prices to traction engine enthusiasts. Next time you require any of the above facilities or equipment please do not hesitate to telephone us. We will be pleased to supply you, or simply offer advice.
Warehouse: STATION APPROACH BATTLESBRIDGE, NR. WICKFORD, ESSEX 45 minutes from London. 15 minute car ride from Chelmsford, Basildon, Southend, Billericay.
STEAMING
GEORGE THURLOW & SONS LIMITED
STOWMARKET • SUFFOLK Th0/1C :
STOWMARKET 3185 (3 lines)
Solicit enquiries for itents 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
BEDFORD STEAM ENGINE PRESERVATION SOCIETY
HOUGHTON CONQUEST TRACTION ENGINE RALLY SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 21st & 22nd SEPTEMBER, 1968 AT HILL FARM, HOUGHTON CONQUEST, BEDS. (5 miles South of Bedford. Signposted from A.6 and A.418)
Gates open 10.30 a.m. Demonstrations of Steam and Horse Ploughing Many Types of Engines - Organs - Steam Driven Gallopers Trade and Society Stands Full Ring Events and Demonstrations on Both Days Licensed Bar and Refreshments Hon. Rally Secy.: C. J. NORMAN, 16 Rye Crescent, Cople, Bedford
STEAMING
INSURANCE for Steam Vehicles Speoial Terms for Club Members Write to :
TENNANT, BUDD & RODERIC PRATT LTD. (Incorporating Choisy & Simson Ltd.) 92 Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.3
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
141
last three or four years since being restored by Mr. Gammon of Elham and is now to be completely rebuilt by Mr. Eastwood. Mr. John Young of Chelsfield has had a new set of tubes fitted to the boiler of his excellent Foden Road Locomotive No. 4752 "Sandy Macnab " which is featured in the book Traction Engines in Retirement. Richard and William Pierce of Borough Green have been busy with their Fowler Road Locomotive No. 14754 " Endeavour ". which has been overhauled, repainted and lined out, also their Babcock & Wilcox 6 ton Roller No. 94/4000 " Lionheart " which, under the care of ".lock " Murray, has also had the same treatment, and both are a great credit to all concerned. A new member, Mr. Tucker of Bexlcyheath, is the owner of a Burrell G.P. Traction and two Fowler Rollers, one of which he is hoping to arrange transport from Swindon to Mr. Pye's farm at Lidsing, near Gillingham, where it will be a welcome addition to his own engines. F.J.B.
LINCOLNSHIRE The members of this Society were saddened to learn of the passing of a much respected friend, Mr. Robert Pumfrcy. He had been a keen supporter of many of the county steam events, since the early days, and it was rare to find a rally in the area without one of his engines on show. His cheerful presence and helpful manner will be much missed by all those who knew him. Over the recent months there has been a fair number of engines and rollers changing hands, and also we have two new arrivals to the area. The first IS n Robe-y Tandem Roller No. 16935 (Reg. No. 2432), bought by Mr R. E. M. Booty of Barton-on-Humber from Mr. Spence of Moira, Northern Ireland ; this is of 1933 manufacture and is the last but one of this type to be built at the Globe Works. The second arrival is a traction from the West Midlands, a Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 26475 (Reg. No. E5122), and now owned by the Maddison Bros. of Fulstow ; this is a single cylinder engine of 7 n.h.p. On the outgoing side. it was recently announced that Mr. H. A. Palmer of Papplewick. Notts., had bought a Ruston Proctor Roller from Mr. G. Sleight of Waltham, and this was the compound of 11 tons, No. 50735, new in 1913 to Louth (Lincs.) U.D.C. and sold to Mr. A. Crisp of Ludford in 1939. It was sold to Mr. Sleight at the time of Mr. Crisp's retirement from business. The other roller owned by Mr. Sleight has now also been sold, and this was an Aveling & Porter piston valve compound (number not yet available). This machine has gone to Mr. C. E. Stones of Butterwick, near Boston. Another departure recently has been the Fowler Tractor No. 15732 (Reg. No. PT832) "Sir Douglas -. which was sold by Mr. Phillipson of Alvingham to an owner in the Chesterfield area. An exchange of rollers is the nest item, and it concerns Messrs. J. B. Haw of Bassingham and R. .1. Hough of Boston, Mr. I-law now owns the Marshall No. 87618 (Reg. No. JL2172) and Mr. Heugh has acquired the Fowler 12 ton single No. 15942 (Reg. No. WY8058). The Marshall, according to a " checkweigh " some time ago, is a 10 tonner, and was new in 1935 to Holland (Lines.) County Council, thereafter spending the whole of its working life in the Spalding area until it became redundant in the early 1960's. The Fowler may be better remembered by some readers as " Ralph", and was new in 1923 to the late Mr. James Stafford of Clayton West. It was used for contract work up to its late owner's retirement in 1956. Mr. Haw bought it in 1960, and has made a very thorough job of preservation on it. Another ex-James Stafford machine figured recently in our area, and this was the Fowler 10 ton compound No. 16979 (Reg. No. WW1442) "Dorothy ". This one was new in 1924, and like " Ralph " spent the whole of its working life at the same place, also being the roller Mr. Stafford himself drove for
142
STEAMING
Aveling & Porter Single Cylinder 8 ton Roller No. 7065 (Reg. No. MD4517). Photographed when owned by the Corporation of Ealing.
Aveling & Porter Compound Roller No. 5383 (Reg. No. TL1613) when owned by Stamford Corporation.
STEAMING
143
many years. It was bought for preservation by Mr. D. H. Yarnell of Navenby in 1965, and has now been sold to Mr. A. E. Dowlman of Sloothby. From Mr. D. Bainborrow of Scampton comes the report that he has sold his Marshall 10 ton piston valve Roller to Mr. H. H. Gurnhill of Saxilby, and from close by in North Hykeham, Mr. Reg Wells tells us that his attractive little Ruston Proctor Tractor has also been sold, but no buyer's name was given. The Ruston Proctor is No. 52573 (Reg. No. TD8240) of 1918, and was in the service of the makers as works machine for the first few years of its life. Later on it worked in the Isle of Man, returning to the mainland in the mid-1930's to Isaac Ball of Preston, who converted it to a roller. Mr. Wells bought it in 1963, and did a complete overhaul and restored it to original condition. Latest news from Messrs. H. H. Smith and son Bernard, is that they have completed the conversion work on Fowler Rollers No. 18635 (Reg. No. WX7696) and No. 21221 (Reg. No. CV0734). Meanwhile, as these notes go to press, many county owners are making final preparations to their engines in readiness for the rally season. F.S.
N. STAFFS. & CHESHIRE Three engines took part in the Staffordshire County Show on 22nd-23rd May. The S4 Sentinel Waggon No. 8884 (Reg. No. T13319), painted in its owner's livery and carrying a load of five tons of corn, had the genuine agricultural flavour, whilst the Marshall No. 78055 " Lindy Lou " and the Burrell 6 h.p. D.C.C. No. 3746 (Reg. No. MA5733) brought back memories of steam threshing to the farming fraternity. Several rollers have been acquired during the winter by club members. The Uttoxcter based Staffs. C.C. Aveling & Porter No. 8316 (Reg. No. E5335) has gone to Mr. Hallam, near Burton-on-Trent), whilst another Aveling & Porter No. 9024 (Reg. No. NT2019) has been acquired by a Uttoxeter member from a Black Country coal merchant! Bob Lee's Fowler 8 h.p. Compound Traction Engine No. 15771 "George" now has a stablcmate in the form of Marshall Single Radial Piston Valve 6 h.p. Roller (Reg. No. JR8580). Another roller recently arrived is Peter Cauley's Ruston-Hornsby 10 ton S.C., details not yet known, which is at present stripped right down for the full restoration treatment. The famous (or infamous) Foster Compound Traction Engine No. 13539 (Reg. No. MA5730) " Winnic", belonging to Jim Dakin, could be seen standing as just a boiler, firebox and cylinder block only a few weeks ago, but is now well on the way to erection as one of the finest engines in existence. The need for a still larger site has forced the club to find somewhere else on which to hold the 1968 Midland Festival of Steam, and have fortunately been able to use the Staffordshire County Show Ground on 20th and 21st July, 1968. This year's Festival of Steam promises to be larger than ever and will continue the club's policy of providing something of interest to all members of the family, with all types of vintage transport, old farm machinery, old lime fair, farm tractors, in fact, the lot! Several engines found themselves away from home when the foot and mouth epidemic hit Cheshire. Burrell S.R.L. No. 1509 (Reg. No. G6469) " Rajah " and Burrell 6 h.p. S.C.C. Tractor No. 2950 " Little Mac" were at a Chelord farm ready for the 5th November festivities. " Little Mac" was still there in Spring, 1968, whilst " Rajah " returned home to Leek on Boxing Day. J.P.S.
144
STEAMING
THAMES VALLEY At our Annual General Meeting the Club Trophies were presented as follows: The Golden Gallopers Cup for the Preservation of Showman's Engines to Harry Lee, our most distant member, for the excellent work he does by preserving and operating his unique steam engine the steam yachts machine. We were glad that Harry was able to receive the cup himself. The Harold Lines Cup for Attendance at Appleford Rally was awarded to Bob Adnams for the regular support he has given. Bob's business is such that he can only attend a few rallies, but he hasn't missed an Appleford for years. He is never late and his Foden is always clean. The Fowler Shield for the Preservation of Fowler Engines was presented to Arthur Hall and his son-in-law Vic Redding of Bracknell for their great effort in restoring their Fowler No. 7459, new 1895. " Endurance ", as she is now named, had stood derelict for about twenty years. The work of restoration was undertaken out of doors. The acclamation that greeted each presentation indicated the members approval of the committee's awards. Peter Barber was re-elected Chairman, John Newton was elected ViceChairman, David Fowler re-elected Hon. Treasurer, Ran Hawthorne re-elected Hon. Secretary, Robert Dever elected Membership Secretary, Dick Betts elected Badge Secretary, and Wally Dell with the foregoing form the Committee for 1968. Malcolm Howard and Michael Woodroffe of Swindon have purchased a second Fowler roller. She is Compound No. 15964 (Reg. No. WY7912), a Class T3 engine new 16th April, 1921 to Guisley (Yorks.) U.D.C. and fitted with belly tanks for tar-spraying. Another Class T3 Fowler to come into preservation in the club is No. 15970 (Reg. No. NV6092), ex Mechanical Tarspraying and Grouting Co. of Reading. She is now under restoration in the hands of M. Smith of Twyford. During the winter months members have been hard at work on re-builds or attending to those numerous little jobs that crop up on engines that are " on the road ". In February, Sam Love did five or six week-ends' work with his 8 h.p. Wallis & Steevens and 1904 Wallis & Steevens drum. Charles Rickards had a day's threshing in March, using his Allchin No. 1652 and Ransome 54 in. threshing machine. On Easter Monday, a number of members went to the Cholsey-Wallingford branch, near Didcot, to see the G.W.R. Society's No. 1466 0-4-2 tank engine and auto coach in action. A grand breath of steam. The Mechanical Tarspraying & Grouting Co.'s Foden tarsprayer has been at work again (May, 1968). Built in 1929, she is the last steam Foden in commercial use and is not for sale. G.R.H. WALES & BORDER COUNTIES Since our last notes several engine movements have taken place, two further steamers having been purchased from Messrs. Robt. Bridson & Sons of Neston, Wirral, by Lloyd-Jones Bros. of Llanfair D.C., Ruthin. These are Fowler 10 ton Roller No. 17500 and Sentinel D.G. Waggon No. 8122. These have been purchased for further work and in fact the Fowler has already been out on contract for some weeks. Another purchase from Neston, is a sawbench by William Allchin of Northampton, which has already done some sawing using the Tasker B2 Tractor No. 1611 as power. Recent conversation with Mr. Glyn John of Porthcawl revealed that work has again started on his Fowler 7 h.p. Single Traction (ex Fairford Gravel Pit). After a considerable amount of work had been done the engine has stood out in the open almost a year without a cover. but at least it is
STEAMING
Sentinel Tipper No. D2262. Photographed in 1947 when owned by
Wandsworth and District Gas Coot puny.
Scale Drawings (1) Burrell 8 n.h.p. Scenic Road Locomotive, gear side, flywheel side, end and rear elevations to 1+ in. scale. £1 5s. Od. (2) Foster 7 n.h.p. Class " LR " Road Locomotive, gear side, flywheel side, rear elevation and plan to 11. in. scale, front elevation to 2 in. scale. £1 10s. Od. These drawings were used in the Special Showman's Issue of " Steaming' in reduced form. G. F. A. Gilbert, 51 St. Mary's Avenue, Northchurch, Berkhamsted, Herts.
145
146
STEAMING
heartening to hear of work being restarted with a view to completion this time. Mr. Richard Evans of Penderyn, near Aberdare, has been out at work with his Aveling 12 ton Single Cylinder Roller. This was a private job at the works where he is employed and consisted mainly of a dry gravel surface to the car park and works yard. This suited the Aveling well, the very hefty bark being heard some miles away! The Ransomes Single No. 31136 owned by the writer is now almost ready for steam after a very complete re-build. The boiler has been re-tubed. firebox plates built up where required, new smokehox, new tank top, motions all overhauled, piston rod skimmed up, new neck bush for piston rod, new water gauge fittings extended past the third shaft, and injector fitted, etc., etc. It is hoped to attend a few events this year, but painting, etc. will have to wait for a later date. A new resident in this area is M. R. Elvy of Pontypool. This gentleman is the owner of an Aveling tractor and the presence of this engine in our area will be a most welcome addition. There was a large crowd at Mr. Philos' dispersal sale near Ross-on-Wm last October. Engines sold were Foster 6 h.p.S.C. Traction No. 12544 (Reg. No. AW9377) of 1910, which went to Messrs. Hobbs' Bros., near Bristol : and Fowler 12 ton Compound Roller No. 13453 (Reg. No. EP3138) of 1912, which went to Mr. Gammond of Old School Lane, Hereford. Mr. Philps has since purchased Aveling & Porter 12 ton S.C. P.V. Roller No. 11519, of 1926, from Maddison Bros. of Fulstow, Louth, Lincs. Mr. Derek Hackett of Bridstow, near Ross-on-Wye, is making good progress with his Aveling tractor. It is a K.N.D. Colonial type No. 9225 (Reg. No. C14160), of 1910. She is now almost complete after a thorough strip-down and re-build. Messrs. Robert Wynn & Co. of Newport had their Fowler road locomotive in steam recently at a model engineering exhibition held by the St. Mellon's Model Engineering Society, many of whose members are in the local Welsh Steam Engine Society. The Fowler is 7 h.p. Compound No. 15463 (Reg. No. DW2121), of 1920. I.J. /D.J.H.
WARWICKSHIRE The winter season of the Warwickshire Steam Engine Society's indoor meetings began in October at a new venue, namely the Globe Hotel, Warwick. The meeting took the form of some of the latest B.R.B. films shown by Bill Sargent. The films ranged in subject matter from the Vale of Rheidol to the mechanics of latest B.R. " blue" electric locomotives. Late October was the last time that Jack Marshall's engine was brought into action, when tree felling and pulling was tackled in the churchyard and drive of Umberslade Church, Hockley Heath. This proved to be a somewhat arduous day for those concerned as working space was restricted due to the location. However, steam reigned supreme and a good job was carried out. The Society's November meeting was an illustrated talk entitled " Steam on the Canals" given by Mr. C. R. Weaver, based on research carried out jointly by Messrs. C. P. and C. R. Weaver. This was a most interesting and enlightening evening for all who attended. The talk dealt with the first steampowered inland waterway vessels and progressed through to their heyday and final demise. We were privileged to see the original photographic slides taken between 1897 and 1910 by H. R. de Salis of Fellows, Morton and Clayton fame. These slides depicted steam-powered vessels working on the canals during this period and were a result of a trip by de Salis when he travelled over a great deal of the inland waterway system as it then existed. A very worthwhile evening. Thank you, Rodney. The morning of 11th November was fine and sunny in " Shakespeare's country " as Frank Lobb steamed his Burrell Showman's Engine "Sparkle "
STEAMING
147
Garrett Roller No. 34084 (Reg. No. BJ7045) when owned by East Sugulit County Comic:11.
Marshall 12 ton Roller No. 88360 (Reg. No. DR0890). New on the 19th March, 1938, to the Borough of Watford.
148
STEAMING
to Stratford-upon-Avon. The purpose of this autumnal ride was to convey Father Christmas through the streets of Stratford to a department store. After this mission was completed, Frank then drove his engine to the Children's Recovery Hospital on the outskirts of the town. ❑ n the first Wednesday evening of December the Rev. " Teddy " Boston was the guest speaker of the Society when he gave an illustrated talk on the revival of the Isle ❑ f Man Railway. "Teddy", who was so closely concerned with the re-opening of the line, related amazing and interesting personal anecdotes whilst showing colour films and slides of the engines and lines involved. The first Annual Dinner of the Society was held in the new year on 5th January at the Globe Hotel, Warwick, when fifty-two members, wives and friends sat down to dinner. Following the excellent meal the Society's photographic competition was judged. and the theme was " Steam in 1967 ". Members were shown all the entries of colour slides and black and white prints, then the winners were announced and the prizes presented. After this a
film show depicting some of the Society's visits and activities in 1967 was given before members reluctantly went home. The February meeting entitled "Steam in the U.S.A." was given by our
Vice-Chairman Dick 131enkinsop. The format was a talk illustrated by colour slides of main line locomotives and threshing engines taken at Steamtown, Bellows Falls, Vermont, which Dick visited on a recent business trip to the U.S.A. After an interval far refreshments we were shown the results of
five years' hard work. Again using slides, Dick showed how, stage by stage, his Aveling & Barford roller had been painstakingly rebuilt and renovated. It was a really interesting evening and we hope to see more of this engine in the near future. At the March meeting members were treated to an entertaining and interesting evening when Jack Hampshire, author, marine engineer, engine restorer and one-time steam engine proprietor talked to them. He related the story of his journey with G. S. Cockran and his engine " Brittania ", a two speed 5 h.p. D.C.C. Burrell Traction Engine No. 4019, from Eastbourne to Camborne and back, to attend the West of England Steam Engine Society's Rally in 1959. After this Mr. Hampshire answered questions raised by members resulting from stories they had read in the book I worked with Traction Engines. Arrangements were made for the Society to visit the surface installations at Coventry Colliery, Keresley, on 9th March. We saw two steam winding engines, one built by Markham of Chesterfield and the other by Robey of Lincoln, plus other ancilliary steam plant. Also available for inspection were three ex-G.W.R. outside cylinder 0-6-0 pannier tanks, Nos. 1501, 1502 and 1509, of which No. 1502 was in steam. The two remaining locomotives were in the shed out of use. Our thanks to Rodney Weaver for organising the visit and to the N.C.B. for permission to do so. The third Annual General Meeting of the Society was held on the 3rd April at the Globe Hotel, Warwick, the main business of the evening being to elect Society officers and committee members. Mr. Gus Palmer resigned, after being our Chairman since the inception of the Society, and I would like to take this opportunity to place on record our thanks to him for giving up his time to the Society. Once the formalities had been discussed and completed a lighter vein was pursued when Jack Marshall showed a film of his Ransoms agricultural engine outings in 1967. Then John Gaskins showed a film featuring the last day of Cromford & High Peak, the Longmoor Military Railway Open Day and the last of the Bullied Pacifies in service. In contrast to the weather of the preceding week, on sunny Saturday, 6th April, a small group of Society members visited steam plant in Staffordshire. In the morning our first call was to a pumping station at Rugelcy, operated by the South Staffordshire Waterworks Co. Here we saw a horizontal pumping engine built by John H. Wilson & Co. Ltd. of Liverpool
supplied with steam from two Danks Lancashire boilers. Then en route to Pipe Hill Pumping Station we passed a roller " preserved " in a children's playground in Lichfield. At Pipe Hill we saw two 270 h.p.
STEAMING
149
Leyland F2 Wagon No. F2/72/1682 (Reg. No. KB8716). Phutog,tiphed ui Liverpool in 1946.
Atkinson Tractor No. 266 (Reg. No. CK3382), built 1920. Photographed in Liverpool in 1946 when owned by J. Bibby & Sons.
150
STEAMING
Allchin 7 n.h.p. Road Engine No. 1427 (Reg. No. NK3184).
Clayton & Shattleworth 7 n.h.p. Traction Engine No. 39581 (Reg. No. NO4108) when owned by L. V. Robinson of Southminster, Essex.
STEAMING
151
tandem compound condensing horizontal pumping engines, one was built by Hathorn Davey & Co. Ltd. of Leeds and the other by Ashton Frost & Co. Ltd. of Blackburn in 1915. In the afternoon on the way to Clay Mills Sewage Pumping Station, Burton-on-Trent, as we passed Staffordshire C.C. depot at Lichfield, from the coach we could see one of their steam rollers sheeted up. On reaching Clay Mills we then explored the bounds of steam engineering, where the piece de resistance are four identical compound rotative beam engines built by Gimsons of Leicester in 1885. A pleasant and interesting day was spent by all those who participated, and our thanks go to the authorities concerned for allowing us to visit their premises. The last indoor meeting of the season was held at the Globe Hotel on the 1st May and took the form of members showing their films and colour slides. The evening started with fairground organs and showman's engines, ranging on to rallies, auctions of steam machinery, railways, in fact any aspect of steari motive power was shown. News of engine movements in the area are to hand. Frank Lobb of Shipston-on-Stour has bought from Messrs. Edwards of Swindon Marshall 10 ton Compound Roller No. 35978 (Reg. No. TA2434), built 1902. This engine was built as a convertible and I understand it is Frank's intention to rebuild the engine back to a traction engine in due course. This engine is referred to in Steaming, Vol. 10, No. 2, Spring, 1966. Engines owned by Society members will be appearing at the Museum of Science and Industry Birmingham Rally on 19th May, but details will be given in the next notes. P.J.C.
WORCESTERSHIRE The first rally of the 1968 season around this area was held on the Oxlease at Gloucester on Saturday and Sunday, 27th and 28th April. The Annual May Fair held in the streets in the City of Hereford was attended early in May by Mr. Eric Middleton's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3909 " Winston Churchill " for the purpose of opening the fair and bringing back a touch of nostalgia or reality to it. As reported in the Autumn, 1967 issue, Mr. Stan Simmonds of Leigh, near the writer's home, has sold his large 14 ton Aveling & Porter ex Coventry Corporation No. 1 Roller to Mr. Hervey Bathurst of Eastnor Castle, near Malvern. I am told there are 13 miles of roads to repair on the estate. Mr. Simmonds has purchased from Redditch the Wallis & Steevens Advance Roller No. 7967. Mr. Mark Rigg of Feekenham, Worcs., has removed his Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15148 from Hartlebury to Berkshire, where he is now living. Mr. L. Lambe of Bromsgrove informs me he has purchased several engines from John Harkness & Co. of Belfast. One is Garrett Tractor No. 33545 (Reg. No. BJ4384), new in June, 1919, and now sold to E. J. North of Telford, Surrey. Mr. Lambe has also purchased one of only two built 6 h.p. " Express " Road Locomotives No. 27946. new 29th December, 1909, also to John I-Iarkness & Co. This he thinks is the longest used commercially engine. Mr. Lambe has also purchased another Garrett Tractor from a director of Union Cartage Co. of Liverpool (also ex-John Harkness & Co.). This engine was completely dismantled by the gentleman in Liverpool and delivered to Mr. Lambe in this state. It has been sold to a Mr. Wallcroft of Pershore, Worcs., who has repaired the firebox, reassembled the engine, and had her in steam. Rubbers are now being fitted. The ex-Corfield of Abermule Garrett Tractor, converted to a Roller, is being rebuilt as a Tractor by Mr. Lambe. The Humphries 6 h.p. Portable Engine No. 1642 offered at Mr. Lambe's large sale of engine in July, 1966, has been sold to Mr. Wallcroft of Pershore.
152
STEAMING
The Universal Model Marshall Roller No. 80224, which stood for so many years in a yard near Pembroke Castle (five years that 1 know ot), has been purchased by Mr. B. Dunn of Romsley, Worcs. and Mr. Hearle of Hall Green. Unloading and manoeuvring into position for restoration was carried out by Mr. Gordon Limb of Romstey with his Ransomes, Sims and Jeffries Tractor. The old roller is not in as poor condition as she appeared to be in when at Pembroke, meanwhile the job of restoration, unhurried though it may be, goes steadily on. There are four Class " LR " Foster 7 n.h.p. Showman's Engines left out of the many which were made by this well-known firm in Lincoln up to about the year 1934. In view of this the Millward Bros. of Halesowen did not think their chances of obtaining one of this type were very good. In September, 1956, Roy Millward had actually purchased at a figure of £165 the Foster " Princess Marina" of Drakeley's Amusements, Birmingham, from the man who had purchased all their previous engines for scrap. The completion of the sale, however, was stopped by Mr. Drakeley, who stipulated that the engine must be scrapped. A second chance to obtain a Foster Class " LR " came last November, when No. 14502 " Victory " was offered for sale (but at a price considerably more than " Princess Marina "), Robert Millward this time being the buyer. The deal was settled and the engine low-loaded to Halesowen within a few days. Throughout the winter " Victory" has demanded the attentions of the three Millward brothers and their friend Roger Mills. Some thousands of man•hours have been spent doing heavy repairs to enable the engine to attend its first rally at Birmingham Science Museum on l'hh May. The biggest tasks were the complete stripping of the motion which ran very " loose", the making of new little end bearings, machining the big end bearings, refitting eccentric sheaves, main bearings, rebuilding slow speed pillion, making and fitting new brake arms and brake block assemblies for rear brakes. Solid rubber tyres have been fitted all round. The dynamo has been sent away for complete overhaul, but is not yet refitted to the engine. It is fortunate that the engine had a new firebox fitted in 1943 which was not steamed until 1965! Brian Tolworthy of London was its first owner in preservation, who also did some heavy repairs and fitted the canopy. The engine gave no trouble on its journey to the Birmingham Rally apart from a big end bearing which had been white metalled and had settled a little during the journey to Birmingham. The brasses were removed and closed a little before the return journey. The engine was used by Mrs. Bird and then by Flanagan's, both amusement caterers, in the London area until just after the outbreak of the Second World War. The 1929 Foden Steam Wagon No. 13316 (Reg. No. UU1283) has been sold to a gentleman in the London area. Some very enjoyable journeys were had with her, but she had to go because of " Victory " making its appearance. David Walker, the owner of Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3847 (Reg. No. CL4483) 6 n.h.p. " Princess Marina ", which has been Under repair and restoration at Mr. Eric Middleton's for the last seven yearS, is to be congratulated on making an appearance with her at the Birmingham Rally. She travelled up under her own steam and Mr. Walker says they had an excellent journey. He is indebted to Mr. Middleton, who carried out some very difficult machining operations in the field. Some clever set-ups were to be seen from time to time, for example machining of horn plate bearing holes, also trueing up brake rings, etc. were carried out after the boiler came back from having a new firebox, smokebox, tubes and dynamo bracket fitted to it. He has now taken the engine to a temporary accommodation nearer his home at Sutton Coldfield. J.L.T.
STEAMING
Burrell Tractor No. 3554. Photographed in 1946 when owned by J. P. Hallett of Northchurch.
Garrott Tractor No. 33141 (Reg. No. B17721), built 1917, when owned by H. Cotton & Son of Swilland, sugolk.
153
154
STEAMING
BOOK REVIEW " FAIRGROUND ARCHITECTURE," by David Braithwaite. 196 pages. 9 in. X 9 in. 75/-. Superb is a word not often used in book reviews, but this adjective aptly describes " Fairground Architecture ", which once opened is indeed a difficult book to put away. The author must be congratulated on compiling what is without doubt the most complete history of the world of the travelling showman ever produced, and one which is destined to become the standard work on the subject for many years to come. Written in an enthralling manner, every facet of fairground life is covered, from the early history of travelling fairs to the present day, with individual chapters on Rides and Sideshows, Transportation and Construction and Decoration, etc., concluding with a most fascinating glossary of fairground
terminology. Every chapter is fully illustrated with carefully chosen photographs, many of which originated from fairground personalities, and have never before been seen in print. With the rapidly passing years memories tend to fade and it is certain that had this book not been written many factual and first hand accounts of the fairground scene in the days of steam would have been lost for ever. In any book of this kind, dealing with what is after all, a highly specialised subject, the occasional error can be forgiven, however to an engine enthusiast the most noticeable being the description of Foster Showman's Engine " Success ", as a Burrell, which after all is not such a serious crime, and in no way detracts from the excellence of the book. I for one will, as a result of David Braithwaite's patient research, next visit a fairground with a far greater interest and understanding of the many various aspects which go to make a fair the attraction that it is. To sum up, this is indeed a book for the enthusiast and historian alike, and although at 75/- it may appear expensive, the old saying " that you get what you pay for" certainly applies and I am fully confident that in a few years' time you will have to pay a much higher price for your copy than is being asked today.
" A CENTURY OF TRACTION ENGINES," by W. J. Hughes. David & Charles. 42/-. During the nine years since this book was first published it has become recognised as a standard work covering most fully the history of the steam road locomotive in all its many and varied forms. Written in a most readable manner, the text is supported by 181 excellent illustrations, many of which are probably unique, the reader being transported from the conversion of the portable engine to a self-propelled vehicle, through the many early experiments to the heyday of steam propulsion on our roads and in the field, culminating in the classic form which we know today, and which many examples are happily still with us. In keeping with current methods of reproduction, this reprint is produced by the lithographic method, which in the past has been subject to criticism for its quality, but David & Charles must be congratulated for their obvious efforts to uphold the high quality of the original. No steam enthusiast should be without a copy of this work on his bookshelf, and if you are one who failed to secure a copy of the original, the reprint represents excellent value for money by present-day standards. As a second chance to obtain such a book is all too rare, this presents a golden opportunity for the more recent members of our fraternity to fill a much-needed gap in their collection of literature on the steam road locomotive.
STEAMING
155
FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale.—Aveling 6 ton Single Cylinder Roller. Current boiler certificate available for inspection. Re-tubed and new bearings in roller this year. Full canopy, differential, spare fi rebars and patterns, several additions and tools, complete with 150 gallon water cart. £525. In excellent order. Owner getting too old. Will be steamed by appointment.—G. M. Burnand, Thirtover House, Cold Ash, Newbury, Berks. Tel.: Thatcham 3253. For Sale.—Set of four postcards of John Fowler Plough Engines Nos. 17756 (Reg. No. V08987) and 17757 (Reg. No. V08988), Class K7, built 1933, last for U.K. At work at the Sewage Farm, Nottingham, April, 1968. 6/- the set, post free.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale.—Bniler tubes, all sizes If in. to 21 in., ex-B.R., used but in excellent condition. Chain of all types, suitable for hauling, towing, lifting, etc. Wire rope in new condition, various sizes, in long or short lengths as required.—Iwan Jones, " Fowler," 55 Meadvale Road, St. Melons, Cardiff. For Sale.—Books: " A Century of Traction Engines," W. 1. Hughes. The second edition of this " standard work " is now available from stock. 43/6 post paid. The long awaited " Fairground Architecture," D. Braithwaite, is also available. This has already been described as " a classic ". 78/6 "Engines at Work," is expected in July. 8/- post free. New list B.K.10 available. S.A.E. please.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale.—Record : 12 in. L.P. " Threshing and Cultivating by Steam Power," S.C. Burrell and Compound Fowler. 41 /6 post free, Colour Slides: Sample slide and list, 2/6. List free. S.A.E. please.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale.-12 in. L.P. featuring the sounds of Burrell Traction Engine No. 3106 and Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 14380. Record No. Abbey 607. Mono.—Available from your local record shop or the distributors, Eames Ltd., 24 Tudor Road, Reading, Berks. For Sale.—New 6 in. wide solid rubber tyres. Manufactured by the Avon Rubber Co. Ltd. Now available.—For details write: P. G. C. Barber, Messrs. James & Crockerell Ltd., Durrington, Wilts., or S. J. Wharton, Messrs. S. J. Wharton Ltd., Minster Lovell, Oxford. Wanted.—Double face value paid for back issues of Steaming : 1960, Vol. 4, No. 3 ; 1962, Vol. 6, No. 4.—J. II. IIobbs, 6 Eshcr Close, Basingstoke, Hants. Wanted.—Traction wagon suitable to tow behind traction engine. Must be period vehicle mounted on either iron or solid rubber tyred wheels. Or would be grateful to receive information leading to the discovery of such a truck.—Details to : W. A. Briggs, " Oak Lea," Moss Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire. Telephone: Mobberley 3140. Wanted.—Steaming issues No. 2, Vol. 5 and No. 4, Vol. 6, in good condition, to complete set for binding. Also collector will purchase any early literature on traction engines and steam waggons.—Please send price and particulars to Charles H. Dean, 24 Church Lane, Acklam, Middlebrough, Teesside. For Sale.—Flintshire County Council has for sale a 1922 111 ton Fowler Steam Roller, which is available for inspection at the Council's Road Depot, Chester Road, Mold, by arrangement with the Divisional Surveyor at that address (Tel. No.: Mold 3865). The successful tender will be responsible for the removal of the roller.—Offers, in writing, in a plain sealed envelope-endorsed " Sale of Steam Roller ", to be sent to the undersigned by not later than 26th August, 1968: T. M. Haydn Rees, Clerk of the County Council, Shire Hall, Mold, Flintshire.
Published by National Traction E.oginc Club for privaia circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., 32 Breton Road, Bedford