Steaming 1968 Vol.12 No.3

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Vol. 12 No. :3

STEAMING Price 3/6

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NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB

OFFICERS FOR 1968 President M.B.E., Hon.C.F., Roswell Vicarage, Near Chelmsford Essex. Tel.: Roxwell 644 REVD. PHILIP WRIGHT,

Vice-President ARTHUR NAPPER. ESQ

ANTHONY HEAL., ESQ.,

Chairman Baylins Farm, Knotty Green, Beaco,,sfield.

Vice-Chairman and Editor J. CRAWLEY. EsQ., Field House, Turvcy, Bedford. General Secretary E. A. FILLMORE, ESQ., 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow, Middx. Membership Secretary: D. B. EHLEN, EsQ., 2 Abbot Close, Basingstoke, Hants. Treasurer : 1. H. HOBBS, ESQ., 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, 30 Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berks. TECHNICAL SERVICES AND SPARES SECTION BRIAN ORAM, ESQ., Bourne House, St. Mary Bourne, Andover, Hants. (Tel.: St. Mary Bourne 2601

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS J. P. Mullett, Esq. Montagu Motor Museum Messrs. Avcling Barford Ltd.

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AREA NOTES BEDFORDSHIRE We were all disappointed at the start of the rally season to hear that our committee member Alec Ibbott of Bedford, owner of the Fowler BB Ploughing engine No. 15339 Reg. No. DO 1927, would be unable to lake his engine on the road owing to the discovery of five broken firebox stays. However, thanks to the help of various club members, particularly Ted Pentlow and his son Robert, and his own not inconsiderable efforts, the stays were successfully replaced and a satisfactory hydraulic test carried out in time to allow the engine to attend the Club's rally at Houghton Conquest, I am pleased to be able to report that the other ploughing engine in the Bedford district, that of R. W. Ruff of Wilden, Fowler BB No. 14383 of 1916 Reg. No. NM1284 was finished in time to attend the Spring Bank Holiday rally at Pirton. It has had a new fire box, tubes, tender and a large piece of plate replaced in the outer shell around and below the fire hole. Noteworthy as this job is, the part which surprised me was that although it was not decided to replace the complete tender until the last Tuesday afternoon that the engine was in the works, the engine was reassembled and in steam on the road to Pirton by the following Saturday. Surely an impressive example of what skill and the right equipment can achieve. This year our rally was in the hands of the newly appointed rally secretary Cyril Norman, the society's treasurer. The result was that when the weekend 21/22 September came along we were able to enjoy a rally which establishes a tradition we hope to be able to build on. Due to other attractions on the site and to the state of the ground, which was rather soft although it was a fine weekend, the usual ring events were not the main focal point of the rally. Two ploughing engines, Fowlers Nos. 14383 and 15336 belonging to Ron Ruff and Alec Ibbott respectively were giving a very workmanlike demonstration of Steam Ploughing in an adjoining field with a seven furrow anti balance plough belonging to Charles Roads of Orwell, Cambridgeshire. Also not far away two shire horses were at work with a plough which created considerable interest. The horses belonged to Mr. and Mrs. R. Clark of Colchester. Two of our members were presenting their engines for the first time in preservation. John Dowland, our chairman, with his 6 nominal horse power Fowler single cylinder slide valve sprung traction engine No. 11357 of 1908 Reg. No. NM 219, which has been 10 years under restoration. Roy Ward, a recent member, presented his father's Aveling & Porter slide valve Compound roller No. 8753 of 1916 Reg. No. MKP 137. I am left with happy memories of a weekend well spent and look forward hopefully to next year's event. An engine to leave this area is John Crawley's Burrell Showman's "William V" No. 3610 of 1914 Reg. No. J 6857 8 N.H.P. This has been sold to Alan Barber of Chelford, which is near Macclesfield. A start has now been made on the complete overhaul of John's other Showman's engine which has stood at Bedford for some years. This is Burrell No. 3865 of 1921 Reg. No. DH 2507, owned when in Showland use by Pat Collins of Bloxwich and known as "No. 1", This is a full scenic engine and has a crane turret. David Philpots' Aveling & Porter single cylinder slide valve 10 ton Roller No.8837 of 1918 Reg. No. NO 1221 reappeared this spring after waiting some time to have expert firebox repairs and to be retubed. In the meantime the tubes in his Clayton & Shuttleworth traction engine 7 N.H.P. Single Cylinder Slide Valve No. 48154 of 1917 Reg. No. NM 1161 had got rather old so last winter with the help of another Luton engine enthusiast Ken Drew he replaced them with new ones. He also replaced the four stay tubes which seem an unusual feature of this type of Clayton boiler. D.P.

CORNWALL Although traction engines have been out of use for regular commercial purposes for many years, they are more often encountered on Cornish roads in 1968 than they were in the early 1950s. "The Gladiator" has again carried out her usual engagements at Perranporth, Falmouth, Chacewater, Redruth and a

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Burrell Scenic " Quo Vadis'' No. 3938 heads the line-up at the Beaulieu Rally this year. The Japanese Flag in the background is one of many National Flags flown around the ringside to indicate the countries represented in the Motor Museum.

Foster Tractor No. 14514, built in 1926. Also at Beaulieu this year.

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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

INSURANCE for Steam Vehicles Special Terms for Club Members Write to :

TENNANT, BUDD & RODERIC PRATT LTD. (Incorporating Choisy Simson Ltd.) 92 Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.3

STEAMING

Willingale (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., 11 in. o.d. x 10 g., li, in. o.d. x 10 g., 2 in. o.d. x 10 g., 21 in. o.d. x 10 g., 21 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 facilities. 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. WIC1CFORD, ESSEX 45 minutes from London. 15 minute car ride from Chelmsford, Basildon, Southend, Billericay.

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few other places and in addition to raising funds for maintaining the engine and Messrs. Anderton and Rowland's organ in excellent condition the owning club has been able to contribute over £1,000 to charities during the past few years. Another engine often seen on the local roads is "Keeling"—Mr. G. Alford's Burrell. This has demonstrated threshing at Falmouth, it has collected threshing machines from various sources and towed them to Redruth district where Mr. Alford lived and now that he has moved to Chacewatcr the engine has been moving the threshing drums to his new address. "Keeling", like " Trevithiek " (which belongs to G. Symons of Camborne), participates in many local events and both engines have become familiar sights at carnivals. J. H. Trounson's Marshall " The Whale " attended a carnival at Redruth in the evening immediately after the rally ring events on August 17th and another carnival in the same town together with "The Gladiator", "Trevithick" and "Keeling" in October. "The Whale" was then steamed to Messrs. Argall's at Truro for repairs to tank and ash-pan. Another excursion for "The Whale" was to the rally field to tow McLaren 547 home to Coombe as a slight drip was observed from the latter engine's firebox crown and it was considered unwise to steam her until the cause had been found and rectified. The necessary repair (a minor one) will soon be carried out. The route chosen for the tow included the very steep hill out of Portreath where, I am told, "The Whale's" exhaust beat was well worth hearing. As usual, just before the rally there were many last-minute rushes and at least four of these are worth special mention. R. I. Gunn had carried out very extensive work an his Fowler Plougher and it was steamed for the first time after restoration to working order only a day before the rally. A few final adjustments were then made and the engine appeared ready on the rally morning and was in steam ready to proceed to the field when gauge glass trouble developed and the greater part of the day was spent in rectifying this. However, thanks to the untiring efforts of her owner the engine arrived on the field in the late afternoon and was able to fully participate in the Sunday events. Only a week or two before the rally, W. D. I. Gunn, of Manaccan. bought a Wallis & Steevens Advance roller from the Fairbourne Railway Company in Wales. In the extremely short lime available the engine was brought to Cornwall, many minor adjustments made and was inspected and insured in time to be present at the rally. The third outstanding effort was that made by Mr. Gilibard. Repairs had been carried out to the firebox of his "Cressing Temple" after a boiler inspection shortly before the rally date and these repairs were only completed Ihe day before the rally but by travelling through a very wet night the engine and its crew arrived at the field at 3 a.m. Lastly, some trouble developed with Mr, Ingleby-Oddy's Armstrong Whitworth roller but thanks to the concentrated efforts of her crew the engine arrived before the end of the first day's event. The work which goes on behind the scenes cannot be realised by the thousands who are given an enjoyable afternoon but the organisers of these events are deeply grateful to all those who devote so much time and effort to a hobby which gives so much pleasure, interest and instruction to so many people. C.P.G. HERTFORDSHIRE This was the second time that the Herts. Steam Preservation Society had held a rally at Pirton. This year the weather was slightly better than last Spring Bank Holiday and the gate receipts were also better. Besides our regular 'Menders there were a few visiting engines from more distant parts, Barry Freeman brought his Double Crank Compound Burrell Traction No. 3923 of 1923 Reg. No. EW 3026 up from Ford End in Essex and drove it very spiritedly in the ring events. Len Brooks of Romford presented his Fowler Tiger Showman's Tractor No. 14798 of 1917 Reg. No. U 5313 and drove its lights and provided power for an organ in the quiet effortless fashion of steam properly employed. A more distant visitor was the very nicely restored Sentinel 54 Wagon No. 9075 of 1935 Reg. BEV 467 of Messrs. Brook, Hirst & Marsden, of Holmworth. Yorks., which was on its way home from the Brighton Vintage Commerical run. It surprised us by winning of all things the slow race. Several engines have arrived in Hertfordshire and one or two have left in the recent quarter, also one or two have changed hands within the county.

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Tommy Redburn's rather derelict Showman's "Pride of the Shannon" has arrived in the north west of the county en route from Ireland to Enfield. This is Fowler 15658 Class R3 of 1923, illustrated on page 50 of Steamings' Showman's engine issue Vol, 12 No. 1. the engine was the only Fowler sent out with an exciter dynam❑ between the chimney and cylinder block, Alan Vickery of Redbourn, Herts., who together with his wife Owns two Aveling & Porter Rollers No.. 6319 and 11493 has acquired a Wallis & StecYens Roller from Durringlon, Wilts. It is No. 2357 of 1898. Reg. HO 6139. Alan now has the front roll oil' and has removed the tubes to allow a start to be made on boiler repairs. It is laid out after the style of an "Expansion" type engine as regards cylinder castings and motion but the second set of valve rods and expansion links is now absent. Tommy Redburn has purchased a further engine from Ireland. This is a Marshall Convertible roller. I will try and make a fuller report on this when details ..re to hand Tom Halls of North Minims has disposed of the Foden 6 ton Wagon No. 11892 of 1924 to a gentleman in the Ipswich area. The wagon was in a partly restored condition and the boiler had been completely overhauled. I think this engine should give its new owner the basis for a very serviceable vehicle. Ken Drew of Luton has bought an Aveling & Porter roller from Derek Petty of Berkhampstead, Herts., owner of Aveling & Porter No. 10677 of 1923 Reg. No, PD 6410, well known locally for its attendances at our rallies and those of our Westerly neighbours, the Chiltern Traction Engine Club, Ken's roller is No. 11347 of 1925, another piston valve roller of 8 tons with a full length canopy. He is restoring this at Fensom's well known yard at Friars Wash. At the time of writing work is in progress to build up the tube plate and to replace the lower part of the smokebox. My description last time of the 10 ton Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 7963 included an unfortunate mistake which crept ill unnoticed when these notes were typed. The owners name should have read T. W. (Peter) Hudson and not the rather dutch version that appealed in Nita. By the way, I hear this engine has now been in steam. D.P. EAST KENT Engine news in the area includes the restoration of two Aveling & Porter engines owned by Mr. Harry Pp:, of Lidsing, the arrival of a Fowler 12-ton roller to the area from Farnham, in Surrey, and two of the very few Babcock & Wilcox rollers that exist. The two Avelings in question had stood idle for 15 years in Mr. Pye's yard until preserved by R. & E. Langley. of Gravesend. during the last 12 months. 1. Aveling & Porter Double Crank Compound Traction No. 5862. "Emma", formerly a convertible, was supplied as a roller new to Mr. J, Morris, of Smarden, Kent, in 1905. Purchased in 1918 by Mr. W. Hooker, of Langley, Nr. Maidstone, and then sold to Mr. William Pyre, of Lidsing Nr. Gillingham, in 1920. It was decided in 1935 to convert the 13-ton roller to a traction, the wheels being made specially at Aveling's works and a new smoke box was fined. During the time it was used as a roller, a long period was spent rolling the runways of nearby Detling Aerodrome, and, ironically, the rally held at Detling in May of this year was the first time it was shown to the public. "Emma" has since steamed over 200 miles to and front rallies in Kent and Sussex after the boiler had been retubed, the only major repair job needed. 2. Aveling & Porter Double Crank Compound 10-ton Roller No. 6378, "Elizabeth", which was supplied new to Kingston on Thames Corporation in 1907 and used by them until returned to Avelings in part-exchange for another roller circa 1921. It was purchased in 1923 by Mr. William Pye from Avelings. A bad leak was discovered in the tender which has been patched up with fibreglass and the water pump renewed. "Elizabeth" was awarded third prize in the class for rollers at Detling. 3. Fowler Double Crank Compound 12-ton Roller No. 18503, supplied new in 1931 to The Mechanical Tar Spraying and Grouting Company, of Caversham, Reading; a large part of its working life was spent in London. Sold by tender with other similar rollers to a contractor at Swindon, it was purchased in 1964 by the present owner, Mr. Colin Tucker, of Bexleyheath, and kept by

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An unusual view of Wallis & Steevens Compound Road Locomotive No. 2644, taken at the works when new.

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him on a farm near Farnham, in Surrey, until brought by low-loader to a farnt at Luton, Chatham, in time for the rally at Bredhurst. The writer and a colleague, Mr. W. May, had made the necessary arrangements for the roller to be kept permanently at Luton for Mr. Tucker and helped him to get it ready in lime tor the rally. The two Babcock & Wilcox rollers attended the Bredhurst rally due to the many hours' work put in to make this possible by "Jock" Murray and "Smokey" Shepherd. Jock spent many hours on the B. & W. 6-ton Roller No. 95/4009. "Toby", and steamed from Borough Green, the home of Richard Pierce, the owner, to the rally, a distance of 12 miles. "Smokey", not able to attend with his usual Wallis & Steevens Advance Roller, put in a great amount of his time to enable the B. & W. 10-ton Roller No. 95/4013 to attend a rally for the first time. He steamed from Southfleet, the home of the owner, Mr. F. Barker, of Hook Place Farm, to a farm near the rally site a few days before the rally and a distance of about 15 miles. Both B. & W. rollers are single-cylinder, and originally new to Mr. W. W. Buncombe, of Highbridge. Somerset. Another roller in the care of the writer and Mr. May is an Aveling & Porter ll-ton single-cylinder roller owned by Mr. Raymond D. Wickham, of BrenchIcy, Nr. Tonbritige. Up to the time of writing, an application of thick oil on all exposed parts and the freeing of the motion which was nearly solid is all that has been possible to carry out. The roller No. 8097 of 1913, "Moby Dick", at one time was a part of the fleet owned by Eddison's and later years owned by the late Chris Lambert, from whom Mr. Wickham purchased same. It is hoped to get steam up in the near future, but the boiler, which was rettibed a few years ago, requires relagging and a new chimney fitted, which, with other items, are with Mr. Wickham, already painted in Aveling's colours. We regret the passing away of our oldest member, Mr. John Young, of Chelsheld, Nr. Orpington, aged 85 years, on Sunday, 7th July, 1968. He was better known as the owner of the Foden road locomotive "Sandy McNab", which he was working on at the time of his death. The funeral was held at Chelsfield Church on Friday, 12th July, the Club being represented by the writer, Mr. Walter May and Mr. Richard Pierce. F.J.B.

LANCASHIRE Our Club continues to meet monthly at Leigh (Courts Hotel), where some very interesting lectures have been given on various subjects of mechanical interest. Engine news in our Club since the last report consists of the following:— Peter Startup, of Knutsford, has acquired Burrell Showman's "Princess Royal" No. 2879, reputed to be in sound condition. He had some hard luck, however, with the boiler inspector, as the safety valve was not fully lifted by the time the specified pressure was reached—this caused him to miss our Burtonwood rally. Jim Bostock, of Macclesfield, has been carrying out extensive work on the cylinder block of his Fowler TE (Russian type)—his boiler is sound, however, and still carried full W.P. The name of George Coles, or Stretford, is now proudly displayed on a brass plate on the tool box of 1913 Clayton & Shutlleworth agricultural TE No. 46059, which he acquired earlier this year from A, Deans, Hertfordshire. This engine is in fine condition, with full 180 lb./sq. inch pressure insurance. The writer has just spent three days. as second man, including a 21-mile trip by road, on this engine and it goes really well, still on strakes, too! Britlsons (Road Maintenance Contractors), of Neston. Wirral, have recently dispersed most of their equipment as follows: Sentinel S.4 tar tanker to David Webster. Fowler roller and DG 4 tarsprayer to Lloyd Jones Brothers, Llanfir DC Ruthin. Burrell RL to Liverpool City Museum (not yet on display).

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Pat Kelly has parted with his S.4 Sentinel to Mr. Torn Varley, of Gisburn, Yorkshire, who collected the "load of bits" some of which had been overhauled, and turned out with a very nice wagon some seven or eight months later N.C. THE LINCOLNSHIRE STEAM ENGINE PRESERVATION SOCIETY Most of the Society events, since the last News Letter, have been out-of-doors affairs, and the first of these was one which occurred too late to be included in our previous issue. This event was the appearance on Anglia T.V. of Mr. J. W. Swingler's Ruston Hornsby Traction 115100, at work with a set of Messrs. Maddison Bros. threshing tackle, during the early part of Spring, and many notable personalities were to be seen on the screen, There were four major Rallies again this year in the County, which are the subject of separate reports, and these were well attended by many owners, while on the other hand, some of our members have exhibited as far away as Rugeley and Derby. A fortnight before the Carrington Rally was held, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Smith, of Kirton Holme, were hosts to the Society and other visitors, when they held an Open Day at their home. In addition to the display of veteran tractors and cars, four full-sized steam exhibits, these being the Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction 47408, Fowler 12-ton Roller 17287, Mann's Tractor 1425, the Wallis & Steevens Simplicity Roller 7939 and Clayton Portable 50010. During the early Spring, the Nottingham Corporation Water Department were the hosts to the Society when a visit was made to the Papplewiek Pumping Station to see the magnificent James Watt type pumping engines, built in 1882. These machines are in very fine condition and well worth the long journey to see them. At the close of the Rally season, Mr. and Mrs. E. Riggall, of Mawthorpe, once again held a Thrashing Party at their home, and three sets were in use, Mr. Riggall's Foster Portable 14737, Mr. H. A. Palmer's Ruston Proctor Portable 29011 and Mr. J. Swingler's Ruston Traction 115100, being in use on the respective thrashing machines. Other engines in view were Mr. J. W. Hebden's Clayton & Shuttleworth 48162, Mr. J. Smith's Wallis Roller 7539, Messrs. Maddison Bros.' Ransomes Traction 26475, Mr. W. Payne's Aveling Tractor 9228, Mr. R. E. Dale's Fowler Tractor 18635 and Marshall Traction 85890, Mr. E. Riggall's Fowler Tractor 18640, Mr. A. Fearnlcy's Fowler Tractor 14406, Mr. E. Riggall's Marshall Roller 79767, Mr. A. Dowlman's Fowler Roller 16979, Mr. A. Windley's Fowler Showman type Tractor 21221, Messrs. Epton's Foster Showman type Tractor 14639, the two Fearnley-owned Sentinel Wagons 1465 and 9086, and Messrs. Brook, Hirst & Marsden's Sentinel 9075. A number of organs were in play, and also several attractive working model traction engines. The weather for this event was not very kind, but quite a large crowd turned up for the Sunday part of the proceedings, and it was dry enough to hold a parade of engines following the service held by the Rev. G. S. Hoare, of Old Leake. Another outside event which also suffered, as a result of bad weather, was the Party held on September 21st at the home of our President, Mr. J. H. Rundle. However, it was possible to inspect the Brown & May Showman type Road Loco 8742 (AU 4705), the Foster Tractor 13149 (FE 1216), and the recently restored Savage Centre Engine 894. Also on view was the 71-inch gauge model railway with its garden track, and Mr. Rundle and his son conducted the members on a tour of his engineering shops during the afternoon. This year has seen another fine conversion job from Messrs. H. Smith & Son's workshop at Old Leake. This is Mr. A. Windley's Fowler 21221 (CVO 734), which now appears as a Showman's type Tractor. At the time of writing, we understand that two more machines are to be converted during the forthcoming months. Mr. K. H. Langdale, of Habertoft, has now sold his Aveling & Porter Roller 10695 (PR 1083) to Mr. R. E. Dale, of Wold Newton, and the old Marshall 10-ton Single 34042 (BE 8185) which was with Taylor & Coulbeck, of Cleethorpes, has now gone to an owner in Worksop. Another Marshall Roller is reported as having changed hands, but more details are awaited. Mr. P. Auger has now got his Marshall Roller 86104 (FW 2355) re-assembled following a boiler and fire-box overhaul, and it is now in fine form.

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Burrell 8 h.p. Showman's Engine No. 2650 when owned by Pat Collins of Bloxwich.

Aveling & Porter Roller No. 4604 when owned by A. Pannett Ltd. of Brighton. Seen at work at Seaford in 1954.

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Another engine in the news is Messrs. L, Thorpe & Son's Burrell Traction 2425 (Ali 5319). This machine was at one time owned by Mornement & Ray, the well-known dredging contractors, and when found by Mr. Thorpe was in a scrap-yard, with part of a rear wheel already cut up. The fabrication of the replacement wheel must have been a work of art, because little trace of the work is visible, in fact the complete job is excellent, so much so that it is hard to imagine this engine ever being at work at all. The first big appearance it made was at Carrington Rally, where it stood alongside Mr. R. Pratt's Burrell 2479 (AH 5239), a single crank compound, where an observant viewer could note that both engines had the round type front axle—something rather rare in our area. Only three engines now seem to be in fairly regular use in the county at the time of writing, and these are Mr. H. Warner's pair of Fowler B.B.I, type Ploughers 15154/5 (FX 6823/4), now working on Autumn cultivation at Welby Pastures, with the Storer Bros. driving, and the Louth U.D.C. Fowler Roller 18875 (AFW 301). This machine can still be seen from time to time at work, although the rumour has it that it may soon be replaced. F.S. MIDLANDS The rally season for Midland enthusiasts opened on Sunday, 19th May, with an annual event held outside the City of Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry. The engine attendance was down on last year but included, I believe for the first time, a Fowler ploughing engine, 13B1 No. 15142 (Reg, No. BP 6125), built 1918, owned and worked by Mr. J. Collins, Inkberrow, Worcestershire. An annual event is the steam meet organised by Arthur Hilbert Smith at Oldberrow, Nr. Henley-in-Arden. This year, on June 8th, as the engines were put through their paces, an opportunity was made for Society members to try their hand at driving and steering. Those engines present were Jack Marshall's Ransomes, Simms & Jeffreys Agricultural Engine No. 15012 (Reg. No. 4034) " The Countryman ", Tom Brown's Fowler Road Roller No. 21629 (Reg. No. FF 4913), Arden Steam Group's Ruston & Hornsby Road Roller No. 114059 (Reg. No. CI 4853), and Arthur Smith's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3669 (G. 6470) " Nero In addition to these, Arthur Smith's Bagnall narrow gauge locomotive " Lady Luxborough " was in operation until the late evening. Two engines from Warwickshire attended the Banbury Steam Society's Steam Fair at Bloxham on June 29th and 30th. They were Frank Lobb's Burrell Showman's "Sparkie" and David Walker's Burrell Showman's "Princess Marina". In addition, one or two members of the W.S.E.S. drove engines at the fair. On Sunday, 14th July, W.S.E.S. members were invited to the home of Brian Goodchild at Weston-under-Wetherly. On arrival one could see our Chairman, Dick Blenkinsop's Aveling & Barford Road Roller No. AC 624 (Reg, No CVC 979) steaming up and down the drive. Dick, with the help of Phil Weaver, had driven the engine from Radford Semele to Weston the previous day. There was also a 71 in. gauge miniature live steam railway in operation owned by Dr. D. Bates of Canley, Coventry, using a scale Vale of Rheidol 2-6-2T as motive power. In addition to these attractions there was Brian's own 2 ft. gauge tailway operated by petrol and diesel locomotives. The main event in this year's calendar was the Rally held at Hockley Heath which turned out to be a splendid affair with engines, in addition to those listed in the programme, supporting this gathering held on July 27th. One weekend early in August, Jack Marshall's Ransomes Agricultural engine was in action pulling tree stumps in a field used as a car park at the 14ock1ey Heath Rally. "The Countryman' presented a wonderful sight in the sun, doing a job of work as she was intended to do years ago. The annual Ancient and Modern Fair was held at Stratford-upon-Avon during the week 17th-24th August. The engines on display—Frank Lobb's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 1945 (Reg, No, CF 3355) "Sparkle", built in 1896, and

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Ray Sanders Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 33505 (Reg. No. BJ 4308) "The Rambler", built 1919. The old-time fairground machinery present consisted of Hatwells Brothers three-abreast gallopers and Percy Cole's Gondolas. On the first day of the Stratford Fair, Jack Marshall's Ransomes travelled under its own steam by road from Hadley Heath to Stratford-upon-Avon to attend the Round Table children's sports day, The engine had to pass the Fairground on its way over Clopton Bridge to reach its destination. After giving trailer rides to the children in the afternoon, the engine then returned to the Children's Recovery Hospital where it was stabled prior to its ultimate

return later in the month. On Bank Holiday Monday. September 2nd, five engines, plus Arthur Smith's "Lady Luxborough", supported Henley-in-Arden's Annual Carnival, Unfortunately, very heavy rain prevented the engines from giving trailer rides, so a static display was arranged. However. "Lady Luxborough" was fully occupied giving rides to members of the public right up until the close of the carnival. P.J.C.

N. STAFFS & CHESHIRE The Club's Annual Rally, "The Midland Festival of Steam", was once again a first-class event. The new site, on the Staffordshire County Show Ground, had every amenity and is the type of site that large events of this nature now require, as present-day spectator attendance figures demand full facilities, The varied exhibits to appeal to all the members of the family, again were enjoyed by the non-steam enthusiasts, who by far make up the largest section of the paying public.

Another scheme which this Club is pioneering is the "Steam Engine Driver of the Year" competition, and this helps to retain the crowds and attract more spectators on the Saturday evening of the week-end. Members' engines have made some good road journeys throughout the season to attend rallies. One notable trip was that of the Fowler Roller 17487 (LG 2251) 6 n.h.p. Compound, belonging to David Hallam, that steamed from Sudbury, Derbys., to the Market Bosworth Rally and back. Once again, Jim Dakin took his famous compound Foster "Winnie" 12539 (MA 5730) on the long trip from Goostrey down to Church Stretton. The Showman's Burrell "Rajah" 3509 (0 6469) made a quick trip right across the heavily built-up area of the Black Country to attend the Kinver Festival. The return trip through Tipton. Wednesbury and Walsall was made easier by the assistance of Cliff James as steersman, who not so many years ago was working the big Fowler Crane Engine all over this area. Three engines supported the Hazeigrove Show, on the outskirts of Manchester. These were the Sentinel Super Tractor No. 5558 (PD 1854), es Griddles of Liverpool, the DCC Burrell T.E. 3746 (MA 5733), belonging to the Club's Chairman, Mr. R. D. Howie, J.P., and for its first appearance after rebuild, of Jim Dakin's Poster "Winnie" 12539 (MA 5739). This engine during the last winter has been completely stripped down to the bare firebox and boiler and cylinder block, and repainted and reconditioned, mainly by its owner and his sons, William and Steven, and is now one of the fi nest engines in existence. The Fowler Compound Roller No. 18663 belonging to Sue and. Eric Brown is gradually being rebuilt at the Nicholson's yard and is beginning to look

very smart. J.P.S. SOMERSET

Commercial steam is still seen, if one is lucky, from time to time, as Messrs. W. J. King & Son Ltd., of Bishops Lydeard, still use the odd Burrell roller or two, However, as far as the rest of their still large steam fleet is concerned, it remains—like the Chinese—inscrulable, The other large roller firm, namely W. W. Buncombe of Highbridge, still have a few rollers left in preservation and have actually re-purchased one of their old rollers from W. Muxworthy of

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Devonshire. This is a 3 shaft, 6 ton Babcock and Wilcox roller No. 95/4011, new in 1927, and now on loan to the Bicton Gardens Countryside Museum at East Budleigh, near Exmouth, Somerset County Council disposed of their last two steam rollers in 1967. Wallis & Steevens "Advance" No. 7929, based at Martock, was sold to G, King of Mark, to keep company with his Sentinel S4 type waggon No. 9192. Unfortunately, on the way home from Martock to Mark there was a mishap involving a fracture of the front forks. The other County Council roller was Aveling & Porter DCC/PV No. 11833, based at Bridgewater. This was sold to Mr. Tucker of Taunton, and now keeps company with Mr. G. King's old Sentinel D.(34 Waggon No. 8784. A Gloucestershire firm, Road Rollers Limited, now own a beautifully restored Aveling single of 1892, No, 2957 Reg. No. MA 9867. This was seen proceeding through Bedminster, a suburb of Bristol, one day in September with a diesel roller for company (in the rear of course!), and then through "the centre", and then the main shopping centre at the height of the mid-day rush. Around Bath there are two new engines. Terry Sherburne of Bath has purchased Clayton & Shuttleworth roller No. 48946 from Buncombes and has entered it at one or two rallies, although pump trouble en-route to Yeovil prevented it from taking part at that rally. At Canterton J. and V. Gould purchased S4 type Sentinel No. 9032 from Jim Hutchens and have restored it very nicely indeed. Some miles away at Coxley, near Wells, Mr. Barnes is restoring an ex W. W. Buncombe roller, Aveling & Porter No. 5467. An engine concentration has built up in recent years in the Cheddar—WestonSuper-Mare area, In Cheddar itself, Bob Say has a pair of Fowler Class B131 ploughing engines, ex Bamford & Evershecl Nos. I5210/1. One lives at Cheddar and the other spends quite a hit of her time at Chew Stoke, where she did some stump-pulling last April. At the foot of Cheddar Gorge, at the Motor Museum, can be seen, on loan from W. Vaux of Ilchester, a 2 h.p. Tuxford portable No. 1131, and also a newcomer, Burrell tractor No. 3626, owned jointly by D. W. Gough of Cheddar, and D, G. Blackford of Cherhill, Wilts. It was purchased from Norfolk earlier in the year and was the tractor on which Michael Thexton of Wroughton, Swindon, spent a deal of his time a few years ago. Four or five miles away over Mendip at Upper Langford is another nucleus of engines. Having sold the enormous Aveling & Porter roller No. 8717, ex Linlithgow District Committee, to Brian Maggs of Compton Dando, Bob and Ken Hobbs purchased a pair of BBL Fowler Ploughing engines and tackle from Neville Melittlish of Chipping Norton, Nos, 15218/9. No. 15219 has been fitted with a new smokebox and restoration is to proceed this winter. This engine attended rallies at Yeovil, Comerton and Weymouth this year, Ken also owns a Type AC Aveling roller No, 14125, which he used commercially up to a year or so ago. Bob owns Foster Wellington tractor No. 14046, which has been converted to a roller, but has all the parts to convert it back, and, in partnership with Bill Lee, a Foster S.C, traction engine No. 12544, which they bought at an auction at Peterchurch, Hereford, earlier this year. Bill Lee is the owner of Marshall Class 5, three shaft S.C./1).V. roller No. 82389, which he bought from J. Vines of Hardwick, Olos,, but was owned before that by R. Woolley of Bucknell, Salop, and came, a long time ago from Devonshire, Across the vale from Upper Langford, at Wrington, there is news of another roller, an Aveling, but details are not as yet to hand. South, now; a few miles to Banwell, where Jim Emn3erson is putting the finishing touches to Burrell Showman No. 2342 "Vanguard" as time allows. This engine, is thought to be the oldest restored Burrell Showman, as it was new in 1900. Over Banwell hill into the Loxion valley at Barton near Winscornbe, Keith Vigus's Garrett portable Type WSII, a s.c,fp.v. job has been in steam again after many heavy repairs, Restoration has been slow, and has involved complete re-tubing, including six screwed stay tubes, 3 in, thick, new smokebox and ring, and replacement of the feedwater heater, which was absent when purchased. Luckily, an old drawing was kindly made available by Messrs.

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Garrett, and the patterns duly made, and casting was carried out at a Bedminster, Bristol, foundry. Then followed the making of two tube plates, the fitting of 36 brass tubes, 14 in, long, and ultimate assembly. The wonder was that it worked! The stable mate of the Garrett, Armstrong Whitworth roller No. 10R17, ex Denbighshire CC., has had a new smokebox welded on at James & Crocked115s works at Durrington. The smokebox is a neutral extension of the boiler barrel, and was found to be too far gone to be patched. When the engine was steamed, there was found to be an amazing loss of steam, and consequent power, past the piston valves. These are to be removed and the liners examined. As it stands, the engine would not pull even a damaged skirt off an over-cookcd rice pudding! At Weston-Super.Mare the (almost certain) oldest Marshall portable in this country is being restored. This is No. 3255, new in 1874 to the Cornwall Railway Co., then to the G.W.R, and subsequently British Railways. It was used for a great many years in a railway sawmill at Bathampion, near Bath. It was re-boilered by Marshall boiler No. 39815 in 1902, and still has its wooden fore-carriage, and, when at Bathampton, the twin horse-shafts were still on the wall! Also at Weston, Mr. Kinsey has just purchased Aveling Roller No. 10272 from the auction in October at R. Woolley's, Bucknell. This is an ex Cardigan C.C. roller. South now to Wembdon, near Bridgwater, and here we have said a very sad goodbye to a very old friend, the D-type Foden "Little Lady" No. 13444, owned jointly by Jack Chappell and Ruben Smith. This has been sold to Mr. Brooks of Harold Wood, Essex, and so she thus returns to her native county, as she was new to John Sadd of Maldon The other two engines at Cokerhurst Farm, Jack's S.C.C. Burrell No. 2767, and Don Betty's Wallis et. Steevens "Simplicity" roller No. 7382, the first of this type turned out at Basingstoke are very much alive and kicking. At Milverton, Alec Chambers has purchased from Devon C.C. a D.C.C. Marshall roller No. 74744 with overhead slide valves, and John Coe, at nearby Fitzhead, has purchased a derelict Burrell traction engine from Edwards of Swindon as a companion for his Fowler Class D2 Road Locomotive No. 12899 on which he has lavished an enormous amount of work. This engine was new to Carmarthen C.C. (Surely Somerset is becoming a rest home for elderly Welsh ladies!). Dennis Chappeil's stud of engines at West Buckland has decreased by one. He sold his beautiful little Burrell roller, complete with Burrell-Rutty scarifier, No. 3965 to Osmond Goring of Coaley, near Dursley, Glos. Dennis is now working, as time permits, on the little Garrett Showman's tractor No. 32762, ex George Rogers & Sons, Amusement Caterers, of Chipping Sodbury, Glos. One of the Somerset cc, rollers which stayed in the county is Aveling & Porter No. 9370 Class RIO owned by Rex Raynor of Langport. This roller was new in 1921 to Glutton R.D.C, so it has never left the county since new. Another engine from the county to visit the works of James & Crockerell's at Durrington is the Burrell Special Scenic Showman's engine No. 3483 "Perseverance II" owned by James Gilbey of Compton Pauncefoot. She was steamed up to Durrington early in the year and is now undergoing extensive boiler repairs. Both of James engines will, with the return of "Perseverance" have undergone the "Durrington" treatment. His other engine is the Burrell Showman tractor No. 3192 "St. Bernard"—Somerset's ambassador to many parts of the country. Rallies in the county this year have both been very successful with Camerton in June and Yeovil in July, Both were graced with fine weather, but the Yeovil event, staged by the Somerset T.E.0 , suffered indirectly from the terrible floods of two days before. A notable summer event in Bristol is the Midsummer Carnival at the Memorial Ground, with Bernard Hill's fun fair. This year a few engines were present including Spencer Green's superbly restored Fowler Roller from Thornbury, Glos. The Somerset Traction Engine Club, apart from organizing the Yeovil Rally. have other events during the year. These include a social evening at the Nags Head Inn, Thornfalcon, Taunton, on the first Monday of the winter months,

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an annual dinner in October, and a steam party the weekend prior to this. The steam party this October was held at the home of the Club Chairman, Keith Vigus, and the Club Secretary, his wife, Pamela, at Winscombe. It was a perfect October day with Garrett portable 33007 and Armstrong roller No. 10R17 in steam. Bob Hobbs very kindly brought Foster No. 12544 over from Upper Langford, and Doug Howells, much to everybody's pleasure, brought his Merryweather pumping plant all the way from Monmouth. K.M.V. SOUTH YORKSHIRE NEWS I understand that four of the Standard Sentinels are still working in Messrs. Brown Bayley Steels Ltd., Sheffield, and the exciting news is that yet another one of those withdrawn is being completely rebuilt, and it is said that this will be better than the one already completed, so it should be worth seeing,

Messrs. Carr Bros. of Sheffield have completed a strenuous rally season with their roller, an Aveling & Porter compound Piston Valve No. 12467, Reg. No. RF 6437, having set out with the intention of competing in all the Yorkshire rallies, from Doncaster in the south to Masham in the far north, doing nearly 500 miles in the season, and completing 46 miles one day, and over 30 the next to visit the furthest north, which was Masham. They had the satisfaction at the end of the season in winning the new Aveling shield at the Wilsic Hall Rally, A Marshall roller has been acquired by a Shirebrook enthusiast, but details are not yet available, The Fowler tractor "Sir Douglas", ex Mr. Windley of Mareham le Fen, Lines., has been purchased by Mr. Woodbine, Sutton Wood,

Chesterfield. Another Marshall roller has been purchased by Messrs. Carr Bros., Sheffield, and this is No. 40207, Reg. No. CA 4775, a compound slide valve

engine. The Fowler Showman's Road Loco "King Carnival II" has been purchased by J. Connor & Son, Grindale, Bridlington. C.K.B.

THAMES VALLEY This summer has again included a full programme of engine activity. Members have been prominent at the Bloxham Rally, Chiltern Rally, Appleford Rally, Seend Rally. Woodcote Veteran Transport Rally, and Egham and Thorpe Royal Agricultural Society's Show and T.E. Rally. John M.orrington represented the Club at a School Fete at Tilehurst with his Fowler Roller 15988,

"Constance". Engine restoration continues. Two Fowler G.P. engines that appeared at the latter end of 1967 have had a good run this summer. Arthur Hall and Vic Redding have put 1 in. thick rubber tyres on their Fowler 7459 "Endurance", this has not detracted from the appearance and it has improved the riding qualities of this "block" engine. During the winter Fred Simmonds has refitted the canopy on his Fowler 13140 "Volunteer". The canopy that was on the engine when Fred started restoration looked just like a barn door with a bit of 3 x 1 round the edges! Fred borrowed a genuine Fowler canopy angle iron, made some more like it and built an authentic Fowler canopy on "Volunteer". In this area, where G.P. engines rarely have canopies, she looks both smart and

distinctive. Making her first appearance at an event in the south of England at this year's Woodcole Rally was the Fowler Class R3 Showman's type Engine No. 15653 "Renown". This engine was built for John Murphy in the North-East and was used with his Scenic Railway for many years and later with the Noah's Ark, Murphy's being the only commercial user. Over the last five years "Renown" has had major boiler repairs and has been extensively rebuilt. She was painted, lined and lettered by Club member James Williams, of Tadley. Her first journey on the road for many years was the 23-mile run to Tadley which she completed without incident, not even a spanner being called for on the journey. "Renown" is perhaps a little unusual. She is decorated, wheels included, in a rich shade of royal blue and lined with black, gold leaf, light blue and yellow. She left Fowler's works in grey undercoat and during her twenty years on the

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fairgrounds she was at various times royal blue and also black. The canopy is white, inside and outside, except the name boards, which are blue. The name boards carry the word "Renown" with scroll work at each side, the lettering being of the type used on engines in the days of the scenic railways. The front end of the canopy is deep with lures on the lower edge. This board is richly scrolled and includes a commercial AA badge identical to the badge that was carried in the engine's working days. She carries no twisted brass—she never has. As one enthusiast was heard to remark, "She is such an imposing engine that you don't miss the brasswork". Other special features, which were inclUded in Murphy's original specification, 8 in. face flywheel, two injectors, no pump, and the Thompson-Walton "Feast" crane which has to be refitted to the tender. Another notable "first time" was at the Seend Rally, in Wiltshire, where Chris Barber's Tasker Showman's type tractor made its debut. It stood derelict for about twenty years before being purchased by our Chairman, Peter Barber, and restored for his son. The complete history of this engine is not yet known, but it was in use on fairgrounds for many years. She now carries the name "Little Jim II" ("Little Jim" was a similar engine that used to travel alongside Peter's "Prince of Wales" when with Jennings Bros.). "Little Jim II" is painted blue and retains a very nice large brass works plate on the motion cover. Her first appearance within the Club area was at the Egham Show, where the spectacle of the two Showman's type engines present, both painted blue, did much to destroy the wrong impression that abounds, that Showman's type engines must be maroon with primrose wheels. Bill McAlpine has added to his collection by purchasing Burrell No. 4000 "Ex-Mayor". Built to the special order of Triby, the Midlands showman, she has single drive to the rear axle (as the earlier Burrells had) and was called "Ex-Mayor" as she was purchased the year after her owner had been Mayor of his local borough. G.R.H. WALES AND BORDER COUNTIES Since our last notes there has been some activity in the area. Messrs. Lloyd-Jones Bros., of Llanfair-byffryn-Clwyd, have been out with the Tasker B2 Tractor No. 1611. They attended the Flint & Denbigh Show with the Tasker, also their late Foster drum; this outfit caused a great deal of interest in the showground and will, I hope, become a regular feature at this event. Mr. D. C. Hackett, of Bridstow, near Ross-on-Wye. has added another engine to his collection. this being Burrell Road Loco No. 2646, a 7 h.p. 3-speed sx.e. She was fully rebuilt at Burley by Dennis Smith. of Church Stretton, some years ago and is in good order. The engine was low-loaded home to Bridstow after Church Stretton Rally by Jesse Vines, of Hardwick, Cilos. At long last the Ransomes 7 h.p. Single No. 31136, owned by the writer, has been out and about, its first public appearance being at a school fete at Rummy, near Cardiff, in July. Following this, the engine made a rather .short notice appearance at Ross Rally, being low-loaded there and back. The Ransomes had been entered for Church Stretton this year and was in fact driven there from St. Mellons under her own steam, towing the living van and water trailer, a distance of 98 miles. The journey was carried out with little fuss and bother, the only mechanical fault being a small crack in the return pipe from the pump, but a temporary repair was soon carried out to enable the engine to continue, In spite of being minus boiler lagging. the coal consumption for the journey was very light, about 16 cwt. of best Welsh for the whole trip and about 9 miles to a tank of water. Being the only engine at Church Stretton an steel, she did much useful work on the morning of the rally in getting the rubber-tyred engines and rollers on to the field which, owing to several heavy showers, had become very slippery al the entrance. This was the iiist journey that this engine has ever done on the road and the silence of the road gears was much commented on, so the efforts of this year will at least have taken the burrs off the cogs ! ! ! I.J.

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Fowler A.A. Ploughing Engine No. 15257 taking water when working in Lincolnshire in 1949.

Fowler A.A. Ploughing Engine No. 15351. Photographed in 1948.

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WARWICKSHIRE Later in the month on September 26th Jack Marshall's Ransomes Agricultural Engine together with the Society's threshing drum attended the annual Forest of Arden Ploughing Championships held at Little Alnc. Conditions were far from ideal but this did not prevent a group of devoted enthusiasts from operating the drum during the day. Within two days events held at the weekend attracted considerable number of enthusiasts to the West Midlands. The first event was a Stearn Engine Rally held on 28th September at Pack ington Park midway between Coventry and Birmingham organised by Coleshill & District Round Table, reported elsewhere. The second event was a "Festival of Steam" held on 29th September at Tyseley M.P.D., Birmingham, having been jointly organised by 7029 Clun Castle Ltd. and Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd. The main attractions were main line steam locomotives having travelled nom var i ous preservation locations. There were three locomotives normally stabled at Tyseley: ex-B.R. 4-6-0 7029 Clun Castle, ex-L.M.S. 4-6-0 5593 "Kolhapur" and ex-L.M.S, 45428. In addition to these locomotives from the Severn Railway Preservation Society were 2-8.0 No. 48773, ex-G.W.R. 0-6-0 3205 and ex-G.W.R. Railcar No. 22. The Dowty Group, Ashchurch, sent ex-G.W.R. 7808 Cookham Manor, also 4-6-2 4472 Flying Scotsman arrived from Doncaster with a train packed with en-

thusiasts to visit the Open day. As well as main line locomotives there was a fine display of steam road locomotives which are listed below: Foden "D" Type Tractor No. 13784 (Reg. No. UX 9728) (1932). Fowler Showman's Road Locomotive No. 14948 (Reg. No. EB 4999) "Prince of Wales" (1918). Burrell Tractor No. 4084 (Reg. No. FK 3564) "Busy Bee" (1927). Foster "Wellington" Tractor No. 14608 (Reg. No. PN 5629) "Ikan-opit" (1930).

Foden Wagon No. 848 (Reg. No. DD 4894) (1904), Foden Brewers' Dray No. 1742 (Reg. No. M 2128) (1908). Burrell Showman's Scenic Engine No. 3909 (Reg. No. NR 965) "Winston Churchill" (1922). Foster Showman's Road Locomotive No. 14502 (Reg. No. XC 9862) "Victory" (1921). 1'. Hunt's 98-key Marenghi Fairground Organ was in action to entertain the crowd estimated at 20,000 for the day's admissions. All the well known preservation society and trade stands were in evidence and business was brisk I understand, A memorable day despite the heavy rain during the proceedings. P.J.C.

WORCESTERSHIRE Saturday and Sunday, September 14th and 15th, was the occasion for the Worcester Model Railway Club to hold a large exhibition in the Barnshall Restaurant with 20 working model layouts in operation.

In steam outside the entrance to the exhibition was Henry Netherway's Aveling & Porter Roller " Councillor Billie " No. 3781. Stan Symmonds of Leigh Sinton, Nr. Worcester, has removed the front forks from his Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 7967 and is busy retubing her, Frank Hall has had his Burrell 5 ton Tractor No. 4084 (the last one made by Burrell's of Thetford) in steam and out of the Museum of Science and Industry in Newhall Street. Birmingham. where she has been an exhibit for some time. She was taken for a trial run around the nearby streets on September 11th preparatory to attending a steam event at the Tysley goods yards.

It is believed that Eric Middleton's " Winston Churchill " will be there too.

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Rumour has it that the Rev, Coley of Headless Cross, Redditch, Worcs , has purchased another engine from Ireland. Les Lambe of Bromsgrove has brought seveval over recently, but I am told he did not bring the Rev. Coley's one over. Eric Middleton's Fisher Humphries portable engine No. 1806 is having a new smokebox and tubes fitted at Hartlebury. I am told that D. D. Price of Pershore has added yet two more organs to his collection. These, they say, are from Germany. Eric Middleton's D Type Foden Tractor with large solid tyred rear wheels No. 14084, ex C. James, Kingswinforti, was steamed up for the first time for more than a decade last Sunday, September 8th. David Walker has attended several local Midland Rallies with his beautifully restored Burrell Showman's Road Loco No. 3847 "Princess Marina". Mr. Walker says he has now covered a large mileage on this his first summer out on the road and that he is delighted with the performance of the engine. The Walcroft Bros, and Mr. Lamb of Pershore are progressing very well with the rebuilding of the Garrett Tractor No, 33419 BJ 4201 that was purchased completely dismantled from Liverpool. They also have a very interesting Allen & McLellan Patent Steam Hoist there, No. 295, and dated 12/9/1894, In addition there is a Fisher Humphries Portable engine No. 1642 and two ex North Wales Quarry De Winton small rail locos. Mr. Hopwood of Besford Bridge, near Pershore, has purchased a very large Robey boiler on wheels. The writer has not seen it, but is told it is doubtful if it ever had any motion work on it at all. D. D. Price of Pershore and his brother at Hayley Green, Halesowen, Worcs., have advertised their two Ransomes Simms & Jeffries Agricultural Engines Nos. 26475 and 27524 for sale. The Marshall portable No. 36382 that was at Northwick Road, Worcester, and owned by L. E. H. Harper, has been sold but he does not know to whom. Repairs are going on slowly with several engines which include the ex Pembroke Dock Prototype Marshall Universal roller No. 80224 at Romsley. Worcs., and the Brown & May Tractor No. 8130 at Hartlebury. This tractor —converted to a roller—is owned by W. Stacey of Bridgnorth, who has advertised his Aveling & Porter roller. The Millward Bros. Garrett Showman's Tractor "Rob Roy" No. 32981 13.1 3282 did not attend the Birmingham Rally in May this year because it was found at the last moment that there was a badly cracked axle box housing. Fortunately Les Lambe of Bromsgrove was able to supply a replacement from his large stock of engine spares. At the same time the springs were retempered and new thrust bearings made and fitted. Two weeks later the engine attended Willenhall Carnival and the crew say there was a great improvement in the "ride". Whilst the Garrett was at Willenhall their Foster Showman's engine "Victory" No. 14502, XC 9862 was attending an event at Blackheath. Later this engine went to Stafford Rally and powered Tom Hust's mighty ex Pat Collins organ there on the second day. Owing to heavy rain several of the engines that attended the old time steam fair at Kinver had to be hauled out of the mud, the Millward Bros. Garrett Tractor together with a snatch block and heavy timbers put the matter right without tdo much trouble, A Steam Exhibition was held at Tysley Goods Yard, Birmingham, and I am told rides could be had up a short length of track behind Alan Pegler's famous "Flying Scotsman". The Millward Bros. 5 ton Ruston-Proctor Tractor "Lincoln Imp" No. 52607 HP 2201 has had heavy repairs done to the boiler, bunker and transmission. Most of the work has now been done and it will be good to see her on the road at after all this time. Their Burrell Showman's engine "Majestic" No. 3890 CR 6645, ex J. Herbert, Southampton, has also had a certain amount of work done on her which includes stripping all the old worn tyres from the wheels. J.L.T.

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Fowler Roller No. 16971, Registration No. /N1970. Owned by J. Walsh. Seen at the Stradhally Rally.

Fowler Traction Engine No. 15736, built 1925, Registration No. M12229. Seen at the Stradbally Rally.

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THE STRADBALLY RALLY by STEVE NEVILLE In our ancestral home at Saffron Walden we have always reckoned that one newspaper reporter in the family is quite enough, and since it is my brother who enjoys this enviable position it would be he, and not I, who would have made the better job of reporting the two Rallies enjoyed by some of us this year in Ireland. I say this because a professional man would not have been carried away by the country and its people so as to forget to take any notes of the engines taking part . . . all I can really remember about the engines is that there were some good ones, which together with Mrs. Bill McAlpine's Burrell Tractor "Pous Nouk Nouk" and the redoubtable Scenic Burrell "Prince of Wales", made a fair show for an Irish half-crown. Be this as it may however, for the story is not so much about the engines themselves, but the place in which they live. The engines are much the same as our own . . . mainly Ransomes, Foster, and Fowler, with the occasional smattering of Burrell, Manna, Sentinel, Aveling and all the usual. The Rally itself was organised in the same way as the common or garden English effort, with Beer-in-the-bucket, Musical Chairs and the beer-tent closed on Sunday by mistake. Even the toilet arrangements were very much up to the English Rally standard and everything else, on the face of it, would appear to be the sort of thing where only the enthusiast travels more than twenty miles to have a look. But this was Ireland after all, and there are certain magical powers which take over when new things happen in the Emerald Isle, and things that appear as mundane in the picture books wear a completely different coat when seen with the naked eye! The first thing that strikes English visitors to Ireland is the freedom of the place . . . freedom to eat when one is hungry, drink when one is thirsty, to thump and get thumped, to use one's power of argument as a defence against driving misdemeanours, to go where one pleases and to beg when one is broke. The second great attribute of the Irish is their wonderful hospitality to the stranger and their gratitude for his custom. This can only be realised by personal experience, and it is this quality of charm, coupled with the fervent national pride which makes the visitor sorry when he has to leave. A few days in Ireland, even on business, is like a breath of fresh air, but a whole fortnight, with steam all the time, is like paradise after living for years in the strained business atmosphere that our own land now offers us. At first, I had called off going to Stradbalty Rally as we were very busy with Summer work, and I could not sec how a fortnight's holiday in the middle of the harvest was compatible with making a profit, and already I had reluctantly turned down a kind offer of a fare-paid passage with "Prince of Wales". As things happened however this was not to be so, and I suspect that the "Little People" were influencing me, for at Seend Rally, immediately before the Irish jaunt, I was to witness the distressing sight of Peter Barber, Mark Abbott, Jim Lowther and others, making their final arrangements and saying "See you there"! On returning from Seend, the influence grew stronger, but still I resisted the temptation, and on the Tuesday I thought it would do no harm to make just a tentative enquiry about air flights from Aer Lingua. The number was obtained almost immediately after lifting the phone, and as it buzzed I thought, and outwardly hoped that a passage at such short notice would be impossible, especially just before a Bank Holiday. In vain, however, for the little girl at the other end was having none of it. "Of course," she said. "How many tickets would you be wanting, now." I explained that my enquiry was only tentative, and that I would ring back. "Sure it is," she answered, "but you must be letting us know by tomorrow lunchtime." It seemed that all was predestined, and there was no getting out, but there was still the question of how I was going to move "Lord Lascelles" that weekend if I went to Ireland. Several folk, including Ginger Bill the steersman, would take a dim view of this, having had already made their arrangements. I would have to speak to Ginger Bill, who would no doubt proffer vociferous objection which I would have to obey, and thus get off the hook! Ginger was working in the yard at the time, painting something if I recall, and the suggestion was awesomely

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Aveling & Porter 8 ton Roller No. 10617. Built in 1931. Owned by the Irish Steam Engine Preservation Society.

Marshall 6 n.h.p. Traction Engine No. 17287. Built in 1889. Seen at the Slradbally Rally.

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placed before him. The discussions were deep and serious, and very persuasive. The objections, as expected, were vociferous, almost raucous, with the final result that he finished up in another seat of the aeroplane ! I could not win . . . Ireland it had to be, but for five days only including the weekend, or so I hoped. We left Saffron Walden on Thursday afternoon to arrive at Birmingham Airport, 107 miles distant, at 4.10, giving us ample time to buy tickets, etc., for the 5.5 plane to Dublin, where we arrived at 6.00. After Customs at which we explained that we had little more than a few old socks, we went straight to the car-hire department, where we found that the hiring of even a donkey-cart was impossible owing to the holiday, but there was still the occasional bus to Stradbally ... "Which leaves at about 8 o'clock on every evening except tonight". That's fixed it, I thought, for a night out in Dublin, but even this was not to be, for a voice from the wilderness of a big bushy beard was suddenly heard to say "I wonder if you chaps would like a lift to Stradbally?" Behind the beard was a publican from Reading who I had met before, and outside the door was a shining mini, all set for the expedition into

the interior. It seemed that those "Little People" had really turned on the heat . . . they were determined to get us drinking with the Prince of Wales gang, and sure enough, by 7.45 we were in the lounge bar of the Pedigree Inn at Ballickmoyler, with the engine making light in the yard ! What more could they have done in 5 hours? At the pub, we heard stories of the journey across, and how our good friend Mr. Gram had instructed the Captain of the ship on the delicate subject of organ transportation. The previous evening had been occupied with a trial run in Santry, near Dublin, which by all accounts had been highly successful, but not having been there, I cannot report on that part of the proceedings. The pub threw us all out at midnight, and somebody took us to a hotel in nearby Athy where a well earned night's rest served to put us in good fettle for the morning. We booked our room for five nights, when, as I thought, we would be returning home, and took a taxi back to the pub, where the first job was to liven things up with a Guinness or two. Jim Lowther and Mark Abbott were preparing to drive the Burrell to Stradbally, about 7 miles, while Peter Barber made various intricate arrangements with the Public Relations Officer in connection with the Rally. Myself and Ginger Bill found that our seats on the roof were not too comfortable and hitched a lift with Brian Oram's musical Fordson, to arrive at Stradbally in time for a liquid elevenses in the revered company of John Crawley, Arthur Mills and Desmand Smith, who at the time were warming up for the greatest feat of ringmastering ever accomplished by that worthy team. Things were certainly on the move now, and after this preliminary thirst-quenching we wandered down to the field . . a magnificent stretch of rough grass within the grounds of Stradbally Hall. there to meet Mr.

and Mrs. McAlpine, Charlie Pollard and company who, with the help of Colonel Kidd, were testing out beer-pumping machinery under the instruction of trained engineers from Messrs. Guinness. Needless to say, we offered assistance where we could, and the rest of the day was spent in pleasant relaxation. Saturday was classed as an "Arrival Day", and as far as I can recall it was not very busy for us, being mainly spent in cleaning and messing about, with occasional visits to Kavanagh's Bar to discuss various important things such as the weather, which, incidentally, was absolutely perfect for the whole proceeding. Mr. Barber was busy collecting engines on his low-loader, and on this particular day he journeyed miles to Co. Wexford to pick up a Marshall engine, taking the Public Relations Officer with him to guide the monster and presumably keep him on a straight course. There remains doubt to this day as to whether this was the case, as we saw nothing of him until about midnight, When I met him on a narrow bend on the road between Athy and Stradbally with lorry, Marshall and everything else, travelling at high speed in the opposite direction to ourselves in Mr. MeAlpine's tractor unit, which we had borrowed

for personal transport. Fortunately we missed, and so did he! The Sunday and Monday were the Rally Days, and what a wonderful rally it was. Colonel Charles Kidd, mentioned earlier, must take the credit for this. and indeed for much of the steam preservation movement in Ireland. An engine owner himself (he owns a fine Foster agricultural engine as well as a Mann's tractor). he works day and night in his endeavour to set up a national steam

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Jack Tynan with the President's 1916 Mann Tractor

Charlie Pollard (left) c. Steve

Col. Charles Kidd (left), President of the Irish Steam Preservation Society and film star Noel Purcell who opened the Rally.

Noel Condell (right), the Paddock Marshal, discussing problems with Assistant Field Manager Pat Leonard.

Vice-President Harry Co. with Fram

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ompares lubricants with Neville.

ride!! (on engine) talking Graham.

Leo Tector with his Fowler D.C.C. No. 15736, new to him in 1925.

Bill and Jill McAlpine at the door of their Palatial Showman's Living Van.

Des Smith (left) arranging Ring Events with Arthur Mills.

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museum in Ireland, and his efforts are showing tremendous results. Already there is a permanent covered collection at Stradbally, and every year it grows a little more. The Rally helps to finance these endeavours with the assistance of the Irish Government, and the dream is slowly being realised. Charles Kidd spares nothing t❑ enable folk to enjoy these pleasures with him, and it was certainly a pleasure for us to have been able to have helped him. The Rally needs little reporting, save that it was a jolly good show, graced on the Sunday by no less than film-star Noel Purcell, who many of us will recall as The Admiral in "The Iron Maiden". I cannot imagine that the part presented him with very much difficulty! The crowds were wonderful, entering into the spirit of the thing from beginning to end, and surprisingly responsive to our usual appeals t❑ "Keep behind the ropes", The weather was fantastic what more can one say?

Perhaps the greatest difference between an English Rally and the Irish cairnterpart is the carry-on in the village after the event. This takes the part of a miniature beer-festival and continues until the small hours, Every pub in the place is literally crowded with people, and even the shops are open until folk have gone home. On most nights there was marquee dancing, and it was al one of these where I was supposed to have taken the floor to the tune of a song called "Yummy-Yummy-Yummy". Quire honestly I remember nothing of this, but being Ireland, I cannot deny it. I must confess that I did go to the dance. for it was there that I recall laughing at one of our contingent who in his ignorance of local affairs, tried to persuade some innocent girl to join him in a dance which would have been acceptable but for the fact that the tune was the Irish National Anthem? Needless to say the festivities were brightened on each evening by "Prince of Wales", which in conjunction with one of Mr. Oram's fine organs, made a wonderful sight, and was greatly appreciated by everybody. The day after Stradbally was uneventful in that it was a "day of rest" when most respectable Englishmen went home. It will be recalled from earlier in this account that I should have gone with them, but not being particularly respectable, I didn't. A few telephone calls back to the office and the bank sorted things out satisfactorily and guaranteed some wages for those on our firm who do all the work. After dealing with these necessary formalities and bidding our friends farewell we returned to the fold at Stradbally to see what was doing, only to find that nobody really wanted to go where anyone else wanted to go, and only one vehicle, a Land-Rover, was available. There was, however, some degree of mutual agreement towards the idea of driving out to find a derelict McLaren engine, followed by a good dinner in Kilkenny in the evening. This was what happened, but although the McLaren was found it was all in bits and the ladies would not allow us time to sort out the owner. No records were made as a result, save that it was a three-shaft engine of pre-1900 vintage. A further trouble was car-sickness brought on by trying to ride nearly a dozen people in a closed Land-Rover on a hot day, and the effects of this rather spoiled the dinner at Kilkenny, which in all other ways was excellent. The following day presented a much better state of affairs in that the menagerie had to be moved to a place called Celbridge, not far from Dublin, where an organ recital had been arranged for the Irish Georgian Society in the grounds of Castletown, reputed to be the largest house in Ireland. This was the first time I had seen the full circus or the road, and most impressive it was. The train consisted of James & Crockerell's low-loader carrying the "Prince of Wales", Mr. McAlpine's special Foden six-wheel rigid carrying "Pous-NoukNouk" together with Jim Lowther's Merryweather Fire Pump and other accoutrements, Mr. McAlpine's tremendous caravan, mounted as an articulated trailer on a large Foden unit, Brian Oram's musical Ford Thames lorry towing "La Cascade" behind, with Mrs. Oram's Triumph car and the Land Rover following up in the rear, When we arrived at Ce!bridge some hours later it was found that the allotted site for the organ recital was quite useless in that the entrance was far too small for "Prince of Wales" to enter, and for a little while it was not difficult to sense a whiff of pandemonium in the Irish air. Jim Lowther, driving the low-loader, was feeling a little tired after struggling up a labyrinth ❑ f narrow lanes t❑ get to the place. known incidentally as "Connolly's Folly", only to find that he couldn't get in or even turn round to get back,

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Marshal Traction Engine No. 49865. Owned by Neville Bros. Registration No. /F5943.

Fowler Roller No. 17492. Built in 1928, Registration No. U12066.

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since the maze petered out into a dead end once the folly was reached. I was driving the rigid at the time, and did not know what Jim then knew, and in perfect innocence drove into the system myself, only to meet Jim on his return . . Brian Gram had actually taken his organs into the Folly, having himself had difficulty in backing a four-wheel trailer through the gate with a lorry, and not unnaturally he was hardly full of the joys of spring when he realised that there would be no power. All in all, a pretty kettle of fish, resulting in a mutual desire to take the whole lot down to the gates of the Stately Home and dump it there regardless! This was in fact done after a lot of sweating and swearing, but the first sight of the sheer magnificence of Castletown House caused most of us to forget our tribulations completely. It is one of the grandest Georgian houses I have ever seen, well proportioned and more or less unaltered by passing generations. Externally it appears to be in excellent condition . . . the masonry is clean and naturally grey, and the main block of the house, looking over its well kept lawns and park, seems to command its surroundings with a steadfast elegance, with smaller wings, completely symmetrical, extending its power over surrounding trees from either end. A wonderful place indeed and yet, it would seem, completely unloved by the Irish as being a relic of days that they would care to forget. Fortunately for Cast!mown, it is now in the hands of the Irish Georgian Society and Mr, Desmond Guinness, and I feel sure that their love of beautiful things will ensure its protection until such time as the unpleasant memories are healed by the ages. But back to the story, which is by no means finished: All seemed well on our arrival at the palace gates, and nobody seemed greatly perturbed, We therefore set forth to stoke up the "Prince", position the organs and get on with the job, in its new and better location. The Georgian Society had let off the house that evening for a large private party, but we were a good way distant on the lawns outside, and nobody really thought that the two events would interfere with each other. How wrong we were! The good lady who was throwing the party was furious . . , who arc these tinkers? Whatever is going on here? etc. etc. etc. The Secretary of the house, Mr. Guinness and a few others came roaring down the front steps shouting "Stop, stop for goodness sake stop . , all hell is let loose in there, and she is refusing to pay!" But too late, for half her guests, including sonic very wellknown pop musicians, were already dancing to the organ music and saying how grand it was! Mr, Guinness himself was soon enchanted, as was the Secretary. The good lady had to submit to this, with the eventual result that a jolly good evening was had by all until the shut-down at some ridiculous hour in the morning. Most of us slept the night at Leixlip Castle, home of Mr. and Mrs. Guinness, who entertained us in a manner that had never been known. What a day • one I shall always remember. The next day, Thursday, was to be spent on the road again, en route to Antrim, in Northern Ireland, for the Rally there on the Friday and Saturday. This event was to be organised by the Ulster Branch of The Irish Steam Preservation Society, but more about this later. On the face of it, there seemed to be no reason as to why we should not have made Antrim that night, even allowing for Customs delays, which are inevitable. One thing we did not reckon as being the cause of any major delay was a projected short stop in Dublin to play the organ in front of the Russell Hotel, which we had agreed to do during conversation with the owner on the previous evening against his bond that a "jar or two" would be provided. The short stop proved to be a long one, as the "jar or two" comprised a vodka and caviar reception with a vengeance, followed by the most exotic meal I have ever sat down to, It was quite out of this world, and all in exchange for a tune or two on Brian's organ with a bit of steam around the place. Despite all, however, we did get over the border that evening, even if we never made Antrim! I had never been to Northern Ireland before, and with the lunchtime effects now beginning to wear off, I recall popping into a pub and above the bar, under a Union Jack, was a television set, pushing out some ghastly rubbish about breathalysers, safety belts, lung cancer and all the usual. That was the end of that, I thought, but once again, 1 was wrong. We stopped at a hotel in Newry that night, and made steps fairly early on the Friday morning to get to Antrim in time for the commencement of the

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Rally. The Antrim Rally was most pleasant, and reminiscent of the small and friendly type of event that we used to have in England some ten years ago. It was completely informal and very friendly, with a small but appreciative crowd. The field comprised an enclosed lawn in the grounds of Antrim Castle. now a public park, but neatly maintained. Everything about the function was relaxing arid interesting, and as a first attempt at an engine rally in Ulster, I feel that the organisers deserved tremendous credit.

The crowd was larger on the Saturday, as would be expected, and the event went with a good swing, finishing at about 9.00 in the evening. I paid a visit to Belfast Transport Museum in the morning, which was well worth while. Charles Kidd, Bill McAlpine and a few others called in at the Railway Locomotive Sheds on the way to the museum but were apparently ejected. Yours truly, being experienced in such matters, waited until the Foreman had gone for his lunch, and received an enthusiastic reception from various fitters, who as well as giving me a good look around the place, fixed me up with a working timetable of steam locomotive movements during that same evening, which in

turn proved most useful for all of us, in that we arrived "en masse" at Antrim Station after the rally in time to see several steam-hauled special passenger trains returning from Derry. The sight of a small Derby-built tank engine thundering a ten-coach train non-stop through a station is a sight now forgotten in our island, and what a stirring sight it is. Sunday in Ulster is not everybody's cup of tea, and certainly it did not appeal to the majority of our little community, since the pubs are shut all day. We thus set sail for our next destination, which was a delightful spot called Lough Rhynn, in Southern Ireland, about eighty miles south-west of Belfast. The purpose of the visit was to provide the usual steam "son et lumiere" session at the first public opening of Lough Rhynn House, which was the private residence of another well-known member of the Irish Georgian Society. Lough Rhynn is a small house, basically Georgian with extensive Victorian additions,

and not dissimilar to many of the smaller "stately homes" found in England. The house, however, was not the main virtue of the place so much as its arcadian setting, so quiet and so peaceful and in every way comfortable, Our hosts were obviously pleased to see us. and the evening started in fine style with a 101-gun salute of champagne corks, aimed with great accuracy to miss the chandelier by Mr. Charlie Pollard, who was appointed butler for the evening. The champagne was followed by a delicious meat of paella and fruit salad, which in turn was chased down by a short organ recital by "Shereremd" on

the lawn. Members of the Society then treated us, and themselves, to a traditional performance of "Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber" in a marquee erected for the occasion, and the excellent acting, coupled with the expected repartee from the audience, engraved our memories with a souvenir from Ireland that I expect will be remembered for the rest of our lives. The party then settled down to organ music and general frolics for the remainder of the evening, thus providing a fabulous finish to our tour of "public performances" The next day, Monday, was the start of the run-down with the return run to Belfast, As would be expected, the departure was fairly late and the journey uneventful. Someone went ahead to book us in at a hotel in Monaghan, but a prior refreshment stop in Bellerbet resulted in the booking being cancelled mice the menu had been studied. It was here that I was served the largest steak I had ever seen. It was so large that no portion of the plate was visible. and I had to dig through at least an inch and a quarter of exotic tender meat to even touch the porcelain. Jim Lowther had a similar dish, and after a challenge as to who would finish first, we downed the lot inside half an hour. I forget who finished first, but after washing down with a few drops of medicine, the thought of driving a lorry one more yard was quite out of the

question. i left our party in the morning, since we had to catch our plane from Belfast at 2.00, but I am told that all arrived home safely, if not promptly. As readers may gather, this was a fabulous holiday, the great thing being that all was so spontaneous. The only things planned in advance were the Rallies themselves, and even these were unbelievably successful. A millionnaire could not have enjoyed a holiday so much as we did; thank you, Ireland, thank you so much.

Brown & Snodin Roadside Excavator in the travelling position.

A

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THE ROADSIDE EXCAVATOR (Brown & Snodin's Patent) Many "extra" fittings which have been used on Aveling & Porter road rollers, such as the Marrison and Price Scarifiers and the Van Putten Water Sprayer, have "caught on" and almost become part of the standard machine. Other fittings, however, due to various reasons, have only enjoyed a limited success. Amongst the latter was the Brown & Snodin Roadside Excavator (or Verge Cutter) which was manufactured by Aveling & Porter in the mid 1920's. The appliance could be fitted to any type of road roller and took only a few minutes to connect or disconnect, A simple frame was attached to the rear end of the roller and the excavator could therefore be transferred from one roller to another. It was fitted to two RIO type Steam Rollers (nos. 3114 and 4574) and to an AR8 type Steam Roller (No. 4552). It was also probably fitted to Steam Rollers types C, D, E and F, to Crude Oil Rollers Types Q and R, and to a Barford & Perkins THD Motor Roller. The attachment was designed for expediting the work and reducing the cost of excavation in the widening of roads, particularly where the widening consisted of adding only a few feet of carriageway to the existing road. It consisted of a mouldboard which was attached to a vertical plate, connected to a trunnion on the hind axle by means of a channel drawbar. A vertically mounted tine attached to a stay bar gave a clean and straight edge to the side of the excavation. The attachment, which was springloaded, was raised and lowered by means of a handlever. A pair of lifting legs were fitted on which the machine could stand when adjustments were being made. It was claimed that, in one operation, it could cut away the verge 18 in. wide and up to 24 in. high at the rate of 30 lineal yards per minute. It could be adjusted to excavate below road level for foundation work and, when the verge was not more than 18 in. above road level, this operation could be carried out simultaneously. The cost of excavation, it was claimed, was reduced by two thirds when using the machine as compared with manual labour. Sufficient excavation could be done in half an hour to keep a gang of men employed

for a day in removing the excavated material. The excavator overhung the hind wheel of the roller on the near side and was thus clear of traffic. When travelling to and from the site, it was disconnected from the hind axle, fitted with a pair of road wheels and hauled behind

the roller. Although it looked a bit "Heath Robinsonish" the idea behind it seems quite good.

THE 1969 'SPECIAL' ISSUE OF STEAMING It is intended that the forthcoming " Special " should deal with Showman's Tractors. Any reader who has photographs suitable for reproduction, or maker's Line Drawings of Tractors or would be prepared to submit suitable articles arc asked to contact the Editor as soon as possible

at Field House, Turvey, Bedford.

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The Brown & Snodin Road Excavator in the working position.

Brown & Snodin Excavator cutting below road level.

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THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM RALLY The public turned out in numbers, despite the overcast sky, to support this annual rally held outside the Museum of Science and Industry. The number of engines was down on last year but exhibits included the now familiar 98-key Marenghi Fairground Organ owned by T. Hunt. Inside the Museum one could hear the Draaigorgel Dutch Organ " Astrid ", owned by K. Redfern of Manchester and inspect a working model fairground exhibited by the Tarleton Brothers of Feckenharn, Considerable interest was shown in the two steam powered cars in the rally. The first, a converted Bradford-Jowett van owned by J. A. Harding of Sutton Coldfield, the second a steam buggy (Austin-Merryweather) owned by L. V. Nelson of Solihull.

Other engines present were as follows: Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Agricultural Engine No. 15012 (Reg. No. NO 4034) "The C........tryman” (1903), "wned by J. Marshall of Hockley Heath. Burrell Showman's Scenic Engine No. 3909 (Reg. No, NR 965) "Winston Churchill" (1922), owned by E. Middleton of Hartlebury. Foden Timber Tractor No. 11783 (Reg, No. TT) 37.36) "Matilda" (1924), owned by E. Middleton of Hartlebury. Foster Showman's Road Locomotive No. 14502 (Reg. No. XC 9862) "Victory" (1921), owned by R. F. Millward of Halesowen. Foden Wagon No. 848 (Reg. No. DD 4894 (1904), owned by R. G. Snodin of Solihull, Foden Brewers' Dray No. 1742 (Reg. No. M 2128) (1908), owned by R. G. Snodin of Solihull. Fowler Agricultural Engine No. 11699 (Reg. No. AB 9028) "Pride of Hanley Castle" (1909), owned by N. Melhuish of Chipping Norton. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3669 (Reg. No. G 6470) "Nero" (1915), owned by A. D. Smith of Oldberrow. Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 10893 (Reg. No. NX 6283) (1924), owned Spinks of Walsall. by Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Traction Engine No. 42035 (Reg. No. ANG 193) (1932), owned by J. Vernon of Newbold Vernon. Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3847 (Reg. No, CL 4483) "Princess Marina" (1920), owned by D. L. Walker of Sutton Coldfield. Wallis & Steevens "Simplicity" Roller No. 7940 (Reg. No. OT 8512) "Susie" (1927), owned by A. Herbert of Redditch. Foster "Wellington" Tractor No. 14608 (Reg. No. PN 5629) "Ikan-opit" (1930), owned by J. A. Crabtree of Sutton Coldfield. Foden "D" Type Tractor No. 13784 (Reg. No. UX 9728) (1932), owned by J. A. Crabtree of Sutton Coldfield. Fowler 11131 Ploughing Engine No. 15142 (Reg. No. BP 6125) (1918), owned by J. Collins of Inkberrow. P.J.C. THE BREDHURST RALLY This, the second annual rally to be held at Bredhurst, Nr. Gillingham, Kent. on Saturday and Sunday, 27th and 28th August, was organised with the minimum of expense and all engine owners had- unanimously agreed to travel to the rally under their own steam without any appearance money being paid or prizes awarded. This was also to be a lest as to whether the East Kcni Traction Engine Club should carry on as such or cease to exist, owing to the

financial position of the club after the similar rally at Bredhurst in 1967. The Committee and members are grateful for the support they received and with the right ingredients of engines in steam with arena events, organ music. veteran cars and vehicles and all the fun of the fair combined to make this a

success, total attendance over the two days was estimated at between 6,000 and 7,000. The engines on show, all of which had steamed to the rally, were as follows: 1. Marshall S.C. G.P. engine No. 56125 (Bill Monday, Chairman of E.K.T.E.C., of Lower Rainham).

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2. Aveling & Porter D.C.C. Traction, formerly a roller'No. 5862 "Emma" (H. Pye & Son, Lidsing, drivers R. and E. Langley of Gravesend). 3. Aveling & Porter D.C.C. 10 ton Roller No. 6378 "Elizabeth" (H, Pye & Son, Lidsing, drivers R. and E. Langley). 4. Fowler D.C.C. Road Loco No. 14754 "Endeavour" (Richard and William Pierce, Borough Green). 5. Babcock & Wilcox S.C. 6 ton Roller No. 95/4009 "Toby" (Richard Pierce, driver Jock Murray). 6. Babcock & Wilcox S.C. 10 ton Roller No. 95/4013 (F. Barker, Southfleet, driver Smokey Shepherd). 7. Wallis & Steevens S.C. Agric. Engine No. 7769 "Councillor" (Alec and John Card, Tonbridge). 8. Burrell S.C. G.P. Engine No. 2819 "Validus" (Malcolm Hobbs, Birchington. 9. Marshall S.C. G.P. Engine No. 59435 (Malcolm Hobbs). 10. Fowler D.C.C. 12 ton Roller No. 15902 (Malcolm Hobbs). 11. Fowler D.C.C. 12 ton Roller No. 18505 (Colin Tucker, Bexleyheath). Two rollers Babcock & Wilcox No. 95/4013 and Fowler No. 18503 were attending a rally for the first time. A [railer loaned by Mr. Harry Pye was doing a roaring trade over both days giving rides to children and adults, being towed by various engines and at one time by a roller. Also very popular with a waiting list was the request for the any member of the public to try his hand at steering an engine for a nominal sum of 2s. 6d. A demonstration of threshing was given with a 1909 Marshall drum loaned by. Harry Pye, powered by his Aveling "Emma" on the Saturday and by the Burrell `Validus" on Sunday, the job that it had carried out for many years when owned by James Penfold of Arundel, Sussex. On Sunday members of the Austin 7 Club of Southend and the Morgan Car Club of Hastings attended, also two commercials from Worthing, a 1938 Bedford, HME 440 (J. Threadgold) and a Scammell 1947, HUV 526 (Mr. Matthews). All owners will be presented with a plaque to commemorate attending the rally. Another welcome visitor on the Sunday was Claude Jessett of Hadlow Down, Sussex, who kindly brought his Limonaire "Silver Cherub" fair organ and, as always, delighted the ears of all present. The fun fair was presented by John Forrest which included juvenile chairs with 46 Key Chiappa which were united after 15 years as the chairs were sold to Fred Ward at that time.

THE CAENBY CORNER RALLY. August 17th and 18th, 1968. This year saw the second Rally to be held at this venue, by the Lincolnshire Spastics Society, and high hopes were entertained by all concerned for an even more successful event than the one held last year. Unfortunately, these hopes were dashed when heavy rain began to fall on Friday evening, and this continued on the Saturday morning for some time. A number of engines, rollers and wagons were already on the site, prior to the rain, and these were soon

Is your membership up to date ? Please check your membership card, and if necessary forward your subscription of 30/- to D. B. Ehlen, 2 Abbot Close, Basingstoke, Hants. to avoid missing future " Steamings ".

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bogged down on'the wet land. By mid-day on Saturday the rain had stopped, and a few more engines spudded up and pulled on the field, but to avoid excessive damage to the field, about half of the entries parked on the approach road through the car park. Prominent amongst these last mentioned was Don Robinson's Burrell Showman's Road Loco 3334, "The Bailie", which was generating power for his 89 Key Gavioli Fair Organ. The Lady Monson, who is the President of the Lincolnshire Spastics Society, opened the Saturday proceedings and made a tour of the Engine Park and Fairground on foot. The only Ring Events possible were the appearance of the Burton Hunt, and the Royal Air Force Pipe Band, both giving a very colourful performance, and although conditions were bad underfoot and intermittent rain fell during the remainder of the day, a surprisingly large crowd turned up. Much interest was aroused by Mr. J. W. Hebden's Clayton Traction 48162, fully spudded, pulling out many of the bogged-down machines, and an emergency water supply had to be undertaken by Mi. Roy Wellhead, using Mr. A. Windley's Fordson tractor and a trailer tank lent by Mr. F. Clements, transhipping his many loads from Mr. E. Liversidge's Sentinel Tanker at the main gate. By Sunday morning, the rain had passed on and sunshine had dried out the ground enough to hold a few Engine events in the Ring. Miss Lincolnshire Chronicle attended, and rode round the Ring in Mr. A. Toyne's gipsy caravan, towed by one of the engines, before handing out plaques to exhibitors. Amongst the static exhibits, Messrs. Screcton Brothers Gallopers could be seen in the Fair Ground and an interesting display of Model Engineering was on show in a marquee. Over a dozen organs were in play, and Mr. Theo. Kook's "White Ruth" could be seen making its first appearance at this Rally. Mr. E. Flear's set of threshing tackle was in position near the Ring, on the belt to Frank Strange's Marshall Traction 61880, although this last mentioned, when setting to, the machine had to be set to the engine rather than the engine to the machine. F.S. THE CARRINGTON PARK RALLY. June 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1968. The fifth Annual Rally to be held at this venue took place on the Spring Bank Holiday week-end, by courtesy of Mr. J. Ward, and was held in very favourable weather, as opposed to last year. Saturday was mainly a day of setting up by exhibitors, but Sunday brought a very good attendance indeed, although Monday saw a rather smaller crowd, owing no doubt to counterattractions at a number of other nearby places. Miss Tulipland performed the opening ceremony and presented plaques during the parade of engines. The engine display was a comprehensive one, and six Showman type machines were to be seen. Amongst these was the Fowler 11108 (YA 92). "Dreadnought", now owned by Mr. S. Leverton, of Quadring, and during its absence from rallying this last two years, has had a lot of repair work done upon it. There were three more Showman's type appearing in connection with fair organs, and these were Don Robinson's Burrell 3334 (GA 2168), "The Bailie", with his 97-key Gavioli; Messrs. Epton's Foster 14639 (BWV 338). "John Michael" with the F.pton-owned Marenghi 87-key instrument; and Messrs. Waling's Foster 14589 (UT 2109), "Lord of the Isles", with their Chiappa organ. The two other engines in this section were conversions, Fowler 21221 (CVO 734), "Sir Henry", converted by Messrs. H H. Smith & Son, of Old Leake, to the order of the owner, Mr. A. Windley. of Mareham Ic Fen, and alongside, Mr. H. Sharpc's Garrett 33818 (131 5323), "Wendy", which was converted by Mr. R. J. Heugh. of Boston, sonic two years ago. General purpose types were represented by Mr. R. Pratt, of Long Sutton, with his Burrell S.C.C. 2479 (AH 5239), and next to him a new face in the shape of Burrell 2425 (MI 5319). This is an 8 n.h.p machine of 1901, and was used by Mornement & Ray for dredging work. It was rescued at the last minute from cutting up by Mr. L. Thorpe, of Gedney, who, with his son, has done an excellent job of restoring it. The next four on the line were old attenders in the shape of Messrs. W. H. Fowler & Sons' Clayton & Shuttleworth 47013 (BD 5483), Tom Simpson's three-shaft Foster 2373 (DO 2050), Frank Strange's

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Marshall 61880 (FL 3942), and Mr. H. Thorlby's AIlchin 1499 (AY 9494). Messrs. Maddison Bros.. of Fulstow, came next with their recent purchase, Ransomes 7 n.h.p. single-cylinder 26475 (E 5122), and the group was completed by Jim 1-lebden and the Clayton & Shuttleworth 48162 (Cr 8260). Messrs. Robert Crawford & Son, of Frithville, had the 6-ton Robey Wagon (MY 318) on show and also the Foden "Sun" type Tractor 13730, complete with the Foden-built trailer which was used by the opener for her tour of the arena during the opening ceremony. The well-known Yorkshire wagon contingent, comprising of Mr. W. Fearnley on Foden 13120 (VM 4536), Mr. R. Fearnley with Sentinel 1465 (AW 3321), Mr. H. Parkin with Foden 12364 (TW 4207) and Mr. G. E. Ashton with Sentinel 8694 (YG 746). were present in the wagon line. Tractors were four in number, and started with Mr. W. Payne's Aveling & Porter 9228 (C.1 4159), followed by two more conversions by Messrs. Smith, these being Fowler 18635 (WX 7696), owned by Mr. R. E. Dales, of Wold Newton, and Mr. E. Riggall's Fowler 18640 (WX 7697), both originally 8-ton

rollers and now looking very smart as single-cylinder tractors. Mr. F. A. Smith's Kirton Holme Collection was represented by the Mann's Tractor 1425 (W 7075), "Little Jim". To complete the line-up came five rollers, firstly our host's big Marshall Class "S" 12-ton single-cylinder 79597 (FU 4764), still in occasional use on the Carrington Estate, another Marshall, Mr. E. Riggall's 10-tanner 76797 (FU 1327),

"Mary", and next to these was Mr. J. H. Smith. of Great Steeping, with the Wallis & SU:evens 10-ton single 7539 (BE 9360). Only two of these Wallis rollers are now left in the county, the other one being used from time to time on farm roads in the Gainsborough district, but is not in rally condition. An example

of post-war roller building was shown in Aveling Barford A G. 757 (FRM 960), owned by Messrs. Waling & Son, of Wisbech. and last, but by no means least, Mr. and Mrs. K. H. Langdale's Aveling & Porter 10-tonner 10695 (PR 1083), "Kon Tikki". Engines at work during the event were Mr. E. Riggall's Foster Portable 14737, driving a Foster thrashing machine, Messrs. Maddison's Ransomes 26475, belted to a baler, and our Society President, Mr. J. H. Rundle, had his Savage Centre Engine 894 running a planing machine, and the organ engine at work with a model chaff-cutter. Mr. W. Dorman's Atlantic Railway and Gallopers were in the Fairground, and a display of models and vintage cars and lorries was also to be seen. F.S. THE DETLING RALLY

The annual two day farming fair and steam engine rally organised by the Kent Young Farmers Association was held on the County Show Ground at Dolling, Nr. Maidstone, on May 25th and 26th. This was to be one of the largest number of Traction Engines and Rollers seen at a rally in the South East-23 being present. The details of these were as follows: 1. Wallis & Steevens "Advance" Roller No. 7962 "Smokey", owned by Tom Tilbury, Dartford, driven by "Smokey" Shepherd. 2. Foden D.C.C. Road Locomotive No. 4752 "Sandy Macnab", owned by John Young, Chelsfield. 3. Aveling & Porter D.C.C. Traction No. 5862 "Emma". 4. Aveling & Porter D.C.C. 10 ton Roller No. 6378 "Elizabeth", owned by Harry Pye, Licking, Nr. Gillingham. 5. Babcock & Wilcox S/Cyl. 6 ton Roller No. 95/4009 "Toby", owned by Richard Pierce, driven by "Jock" Murray. 6. Fowler D.C.C. Road Locomotive No. 14754 "Endeavour", owned by Richard and William Pierce, Borough Green. 7. Fowler D.C.C. B131 Ploughing Engine No. 15347 "Churchill", owned by Don Eastwood. 8. Fowler D.C.C. Road Locomotive No. 9456 "Jess". 9. Burrell D.C.C. Scenic Showmans Road Loco No. 3285 "King George V".

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10. Burrell D.C.C. Road Locomotive No. 3941 "The Badger". 11. Allchin S/Cyl. Traction No. 3251 "Royal Chester". 12. Garrett D.C.C. Tractor No. 34461 "Victoria", owned by Don Eastwood, Horsmonden. 13. Clayton & Shuttleworth S/Cyl. Traction No. 46823 "Dusty", owned by John Naylor and Peter Fagg, Maidstone. 14. Foster D.C.C. Show Tractor No. 13036 "Pride of Acrise", owned by George Marsh, Acrise. 15. Marshall D.C.C. Traction No. 53176 "Boadicea", owned by P. Comfort, Deal ; formerly owned by George Marsh, Acrise. 16. Wallis & Steevens S/Cyl. Traction No. 7769 "Councillor", owned by Alec and John Card, Tonbridge. 17. Marshall S/Cyl. Traction No. 56125, owned by Bill Monday, Rainham, Chairman East Kent Traction Engine Club. 18. Fowler D.C.C. Traction No. 9924 "James Penfold", driven by W. Newell, owned by R. Whitehead, Tonbridge. 19. Burrell S.C.C. Traction No. 2819 "Validus", driven by Alec Ovenden and the writer, owned by Hobbs and Debling, Birchington. 20. Marshall S/Cyl. Traction No. 59435, and driven by Alan Jones. 21. Fowler D.C.C. 12 ton Roller No. 15902, driven by Joe Ball. 22. Aveling & Porter S/Cyl. 12 ton Roller No. 6893, owned by G. Birch, Sellinge. 23. Fowler S/Cyl. 6 ton Roller No. 10932 "Doris", owned by R. Metcalf, Hailsham, Sussex. Events on the Saturday were curtailed owing to rain which started before midday and turned the engine space and entrance to the arena to a quagmire. Attendances were kept down and the organisers struggled to keep going in trying conditions. Several rollers and engines came to gad by getting bogged down and had to be winched out. Sunday proved to be a great success and the number of cars and people increased greatly. The number was estimated at 9,000. A full list of events were carried out which included The Grand Parade which was held over until all engines could be present. Obstacle Races, Slow Race, Back to Back and Musical Chairs. The commentary was carried out in an excellent manner by Richard Pierce, the Steam Engine Section organiser on both days. The condition of some were of a high standard and although the judges had a difficult job to place several engines nobody present could have any doubts as to one which would steal the show, namely Don Eastwood's Fowler BBL Ploughing Engine No, 15347 "Churchill", which has been completely repainted and lined out. Built in 1919, the engine now looks as new nearly 50 years later. Two organs attracted much attention, the Mortier Dance Organ-101 key —which belonged to the late David Barlow, and the "Silver Cherub" fairground organ presented by Claude Jessett of Hadlow Down, Sussex, which has been rebuilt by Chiappa of London and now much larger than in its original form, Colin Martin of Higham operated his 5 in. gauge model railway with a fine G.W. engine and provided rides and enjoyment for hundreds of children. F.J.B.

Car badges were in short supply during the summer. Supplies are now available from F. G. Upton, 30 Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

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THE HOCK LEY HEATH RALLY The third Hockley Heath Rally was held on 27th July 011 a fine sunny day. from this it would appear that "third time lucky" holds true, The proceeds from this event were to be given to a local church for its restoration fund. A combination of good weather, engine numbers and members of the public helped to make the day a success. There was an increase in the number of engines on display this year, including one or two breaking new ground by appearing in this part of Warwickshire. Some of the engines had travelled long distances by road under their own steam to the rally held. One engine arrived late at night on the Sunday prior to the rally, having steamed from the Midland Festival of Steam at Stafford. Some of the engines took part in ring events ranging from barrel rolling to musical chairs and ladies' steering competition. Engines of the showman type stood generating in splendour, whilst lack Marshall's engine gave a demonstration of threshing, winching and saw-bench work during the afternoon. Arthur Smith's "Lady Luxborough" had been low loaded from Oldberrow to run on a temporary track giving rides in two "custom-built" carriages. The 13irmingliam Society of Model Engineers also exhibited a 5 in. gauge miniature live steam railway for the public to travel on. There was a model exhibition tent, Preservation Society stand, trade stands, village stalls and a veteran motor cycle display. I would like to take this oppor. !unity to thank all those members of the W.S.E S, who worked in preparation for the rally and helped on the day. Unfortunately, towards the end of the proceedings Tom Brown's roller had a broken eccentric strap cause damage to the steam manifold. giving rise to clouds of steam. The second mishap of the day occurred when one of the Foden wagons blew the safety valve gasket. After the steam pressure had been reduced and the fire dropped, a new packing piece had been cut and fitted, allowing the wagon to travel on its homeward journey.

Despite this a happy and successful day was had by all. Details of the engines attending are given below. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3669 (Reg. No. G 6470) "Nero" (1915), owned by A. D. Smith of Oldberrow. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 1945 (Reg. No. CF 3355) "Sparkie" (1896), owned by F. Lobb of Shipston-on-Stour. Ransomes Sims & Jeffries Agricultural Engine No. 15012 (Reg. No. NO 4134) "The Countryman" (1903), owned by J. Marshall of Hockley Heath. Fowler Road Roller No. 21629 (Reg. No. FF 4913) (1937), owned by T. D. Brown of Hockley Heath. Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3847 (Reg. No. CL 4483) "Princess Marina" (1920), owned by D. Walker of Sutton Coldfield. Marshall Road Roller No. 82096 (Reg. No. RF 2836) "Titan" (1927), owned by Rev. F. A. Coley of Headless Cross. Ruston & Hornsby Road Roller No. 114059 (Reg. No. CJ 4853) (1921), owned by Arden Steam Group of Henley-in-Arden. Foster Showman's Road Locomotive No. 14502 (Reg. No. XC 9862) "Victory" (1921), owned by R. F. Millward of Halesowen. Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 32981 (Reg. No. BJ 3282) "Rob Roy" (1917), owned by F. R. Millward of Halesowen. Foden Wagon No. 848 (Reg. No. DD 4894) (1904), owned by R. G. Snodin of Solihull. Foden Brewers' Dray No. 1742 (Reg. No. M 2128) (1908), owned by R. G. Snodin of Solihull. Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 12088 (Reg. No. NK 5769) (1928), owned by Dr. Yarburgh of Beoley. P.J.C.

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THE NORTH HYKEHAM RALLY. June 15th and 16th, 1968. This year saw the tenth Annual Rally to be held at North Hykeham, and once again the event was favoured with line weather. The Rally was opened by Mr. Norman Vaughan, who was accompanied by Miss A.E.I. on a journey round the ring in a Ruston & Hornsby car, one of only two known to exist. On the Sunday, Miss A.E.I. and Miss Anglia together did a tour of the exhibits and met a number of engine owners. In the Fairground section there were three large Steam Rides to be seen, and these were Mr. Harry Lee's Twin Yachts Messrs. Ashley's Gallopers, and Messrs. Screeton Bros.' Gallopers, whilst the Organ section had a wide variety of instruments in play, ranging from Mr. A, E. Dowlman's 89-key Marenghi down to Mr. A. Windley's Miniature Dutch type Barrel Organ. The Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society had a number of its machines on show and these were supplemented by a large crowd of privately-owned cars and lorries. There was a good attendance of model engineering to be seen on the ground, and over the two days a good crowd of spectators attended the event. A large selection of engines was to be seen in the Park, and several newcomers were among them, as well as many former exhibitors, which it is always a pleasure to welcome. Don Robinson's Showman's type. Burrell 3334 (GA 2168), "The Bailie", was at the entrance, generating for the Gavioli, and next was another Showman type not seen for many years at this venue. This was the Fowler 11108 (YA 92), "Dreadnought", and now owned by Mr. S. Leverton, of Quadring. The next in line was a newcomer, appearing in the county for the first time in its life, Mr. S. Neville's restored Burrell Special Scenic 3886, "Lord Lascelles". Two previously unseen engines appeared in the G.P.T. section, and these were the 1903 Marshall 38977, a 7 n.h.p. single, and owned by Mr. G. Love, of Worksop, and Messrs. Maddison Bros.' Ransoms 26475 (E 5122), also a 7 n.h.p, single. The Ransoms Traction 27512 (R 6244), owned by Mr. W. Kitchen, of Tickhill. was unfortunately unable to attend. Two new Showman type tractors were exhibited, and these were Mr. J. Stubbins's Foster 14431 (FE 3217), "Robin Hood", and Mr. A. Windley's Fowler 21221 (CVO 734), "Sir Henry", this being a conversion from a 8-ton roller. Amongst the Roller section three newcomers could be seen, and these were Mr. T. Allwoods Aveling 8-ton single 10059 (R 7464), beautifully restored and a prize-winner; following this was the Eddison Plant Hire Co.'s exhibit, the Aveling Barford A.C.606, of 1946. and driven by Mr. W. Scott. and lastly Mr. R. Booty's Robey Tandem Roller 46935 (CZ 2432), appearing unrestored, and mounted on a lorry, before work began on it. It was nice to see our Yorkshire friends once again with their wagons, this year bringing another owner to swell their ranks in shape of a Sentinel S4 9075 (BEV 467), and owned by Messrs. Brook, Hirst & Marsden, of Holmfirth. The water supply was managed. as in other years. by Mr. G. E. Liversidge with the Sentinel S type 8992 (Ti 4148). Mr. J. Blagg made a late appearance with his McLaren Road Loco, 1424 (BE 7518), after having sonic trouble with new third shaft bearings, which he and his mate were able to rectify and enabling them to attend their tenth Rally at Hykeham. At the end of the engine park were three static machinery exhibits, and these were Mr. J. Swingler's Ruston & Hornsby Traction 115100 (DO 2953) on the belt to his set of Ruston-built thrashing tackle, Mr. H. A. Palmer's Ruston Proctor Portable 29011 belted to a heavy saw bench, and lastly Mr. E. Flear's Clayton & Shuttleworth machine and chair cutter, being driven by Frank Strange's Marshall Traction 61880 (FL 3942). F.S.

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THE P'ACKINGTON PARK RALLY On Saturday, 28th September, the first steam engine rally organised by Coleshill & District Round Table was held in Packington Park, Maxstoke

Lane, by kind permission of Lord Aylesford. As the site is off the A45 midway between Coventry and Birmingham a good attendance was expected but the weather of the previous week did not help this. The movement of engines were limited by the wet ground conditions. Arthur Smith's "Lady Luxborough" was in use, making its last public appearance prior to permanent track being laid near Henly-in-Arden. The steam cars owned by J. A. Harding of Sutton Coldfield and L. V. Nelson of Solihull where in evidence

and much admired during the afternoon. Mr Dunsan Price's 60-key Hooghuys Organ attracted considerable attention during the afternoon as it was powered by one of the Showman's engines. An interesting exhibit was a horse drawn Merryweather Fire Engine No. 1788, built 1885, and owned by Sir Alfred Owen, C.B.E. Also the Bentley Drivers' Club and the Vintage Motor Cycle Club provided a static display of cars and motor cycles. Details of engines seen is given below: Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3847 (Reg, No. CL 4483) "Princess Marina" (1920), owned by D. Walker of Sutton Goldfield. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3669 (Reg. No. G 6470) "Nero" (1915), owned by A. D. Smith of Oldberrow. Foster Showman's Engine No, 14502 (Reg, No. XC 9862) "Victory" (1921), owned by R, F. Millward of Halesowen. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Agricultural Engine No. 15012 (Reg. No. NO 4034) "The Countryman" (1903), owned by J. Marshall of Hockley Heath. Foster Agricultural Engine No. 14593 (Reg. No. FE 9179) "Fiery Elias" (1927), owned by Rev. E. R, Boston of Cadeby. Garrett Tractor No. 33986 (Reg. No. BJ 5601) "Victor" (1920), owned by A. Tinghay of Atherstone. Foster Agricultural Engine No. 14418 (Reg. No. LVN 891) "Viscountess Rhondda" (1920), owned by J. Daysh of Stretton-under-Fosse. Ruston & Hornsby Road Roller No. 114059 (Reg. No. CJ 4853) (1921), owned by Arden Steam Group of Henley-in-Arden. Marshall "S" type Road Roller No. 82096 (Reg. No. RF 2836) "Titan" (1927), owned by Rev. F. A. Coley of Redditch. Aveling-Barford Roller No. AC 624 (Reg. No. CVC 979) (1938), owned by R. J. Blenkinsop of Radford Semele. Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 12342 (Reg. No, UT 4405) (1929), owned by K. Guys of Evington, Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 9027 (Reg. No. BD 5641) (1918), owned by M, J. Lee of Nuneaton. Fowler Agricultural Engine No, 12761 (Reg, No. 397 TRO) (1911), owned by R. Carey of Hinckley. Fowler Road Roller No. 15935 (Reg. No. NX3268) (1924), owned by A. J. Barton of Kenilworth. Foden Steam Wagon No. 848 (Reg. No. DD 4894) (1904), owned by R, G. Snodin of Solihull. Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 9267 (Reg. No, KE 1290) "Emma" (1918), owned by G. Henton of Norton-Juxta-Twycross. Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 14129 (Reg. No. WD 2760) (1931), owned by Messrs. Smith, Oakden & Henton of Norton-Juston-Twycross. Foden "D" Type Tractor No, 13784 (Reg. No. UX 9728) (1932), owned by J. A, Crabtree of Sutton Coldfield. P.J.0

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REDRUTH RALLY-17th and 18th August, 1968 The West of England Steam Engine Society's thirteenth rally took place near Redruth. On the Saturday the attendance was under 7,000 compared with nearly 12,000 last year when the rally was a one-day event. A much larger attendance was anticipated for the Sunday but this did not materialise, the crowd numbering about 8,000. This, however, gave those present more room to move around and a better chance of seeing the ring events. Probably the glorious weather on the second day adversely affected the attendance—our Cornish rallies have a more serious competitor for patrons on fine days than any other rally in the country has—our incomparable beaches are within such easy reach. Sunshine, sand, surf and sea are a tremendous attraction, Another disadvantage this year was the strike by television engineers which prevented any advertising of the rally by that medium. Heavy rain fell during the Ftiday and Saturday nights but by the following afternoons the rally field which is on the high ground, was sufficiently firm to allow all events to proceed as planned. In his opening remarks the Revd. H. G. Tucker mentioned his great pleasure in seeing Burrell 4040 in the parade as this was the first engine he saw working in his boyhood. As usual, most spectacular event in the ring was the tug o' war between engines and spectators. This year the McLaren Plougher again performed but shared honours in pulling against about 400 men and boys with a newcomer— Mr. R. I. Gunn's Fowler Plougher. Each engine also competed with a huge diesel recovery vehicle with six-wheel drive, named "Fred" and owned by H.T.P. Motors of Truro. The engine wheels dug pits for themselves and there was no decisive victory for engines, humans or "Fred". The holes in the ground were later levelled out by Mr. True's roller. Numerous preservation society stands, trade stands, fairground amusements, a passenger-carrying railway, threshing demonstrations and two organs provided something for everyone but special mention should be made of the display of models in a large marquee by the Perranporth Model Engineering Society. No less than thirty-five engines were present, including the following making their first appearance at Redruth: Fowler Roller 18075 (CV 1662), owned by Messrs. R, Dingle & Sons. Fowler Ploughing Engine 15195 (FX 6821), owned by Mr. R. I. Gunn. (This engine was exhibited last year but not in steam.) Wallis & Steevens Advance Roller, 8 tons, Maker's No. 8030 (Reg. No. OU 3787), purchased by Mr, W. D. 1, Gunn of Manaccitn, Helston, only a Few days before the Rally and in rough condition as bought from the Fairbourne Railway in Merioneth, Wales. Wallis & Steevens 7685 (HO 5587) 7 n.h.p. single traction, originally an "expansion" type. "Nellie". built 1919, owned by Mr. S. Hubbuck, Shillingstone, Dorset, who is completing its restoration. Other engines attending the rally were: Burrell 3159 (CO 3823) S.R.L. 7 n.h.p. "The Gladiator", The Gladiator Club, Redruth. Foden 2104 (WR 6985) S.R.L. "Prospector", Dr. W. R. Dyke, Rilla Mill. Garrett 33353 (BJ 4236) Tractor "The Chough", B. H. Broad. Pentewan. Fowler 15657 (FX 6661) S.R.L. "Iron Maiden", W. G. Hawkins. St. Issey. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries E 409 Portable, W. G. Hawkins. Wallis & Steevens 7640 (BL 8236) Tractor, W. G. Hawkins. Robey 43165 (FE 9350) Express Tractor "Barbara", W. 0. Hawkins. Wallis & Steevens 8095 (GOU 537) Advance 10 Ion roller "Amy", R. Dingle & Sons. Marshall 38024 (TA 629) G.P. "Cressing Temple", G. R. Gillbard, Callington. Burrell 3121 (NO 1310) G.P. "Keeling", G. Alford, Redruth. Ruston & Hornsby 169167 (TL 5452) G.P. "Trevithick", G. Symons, Camborne. Clayton & Shuttleworth 46817 (YA 2095) converted to traction from roller, E. D. Solway, Marazanvose, Truro. McLaren 1552 (BD 5504) Plougher "Hero", C. F. and R. A. Daniel and R, I. Gunn, Redruth. Marshall 43345 (AF 3520) G.P. "The Countess", R. H. Jennings, Bissoe, Truro. Aveling & Porter 5683 (TA 2433) 12 ton roller, J. C. W. Jones, Camborne.

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Armstrong Whitworth 10R19 (FJ 2795) Roller, G. Ingleby-Oddy, Mount Hawke Aveling & Porter 10190 (FX 8654) 8 ton roller "Joy", R. W. Haynes, Mogan, Redruth. Garrett 34789 (YB 7841) Tractor "Queenie", Miss E. M, Rule and A. J. Rule, Treswithian Downs, Camborne. McLaren 547 (BD 5448) O.P. "The Mac", C. P. Gregory, Coombe, Camborne. Aveling & Porter 5541 (PP 581) Roller "Bo Peep", Mrs. P. E. D. Pettitt, Carn Brea Village, Redruth, Aveling-Barford AH 162 (JHX 174) Roller "Omega", V. R. Carveth, Redruth. Marshall 69303 (NM 340) G.P. "Titan", M. Leath and M. Pearce, Camborne. Foden 13454 (KX 3340) Tractor, G. J. Lynch, Newton Tracey, Barnstaple. Aveling & Porter 9096 (AF 6001) G.P. "Jubilee', A. T. Hooper, Liskeard. Burrell 4040 (TT 7917) 14 ton Roller, D. Courtier, liaytor, Devon. Marshall 62121 (TA 3624) G.P. "The Whale", J. H. Trounson, Redruth. Fowler 12693 (FJ 1850) Road Loco. "Brunel", F. W. Alford, St. Just. Burrell 4060 (RL 5549) 10 ton Roller, H. James, Newquay. Marshall 75826 (AF 6015) 12 ton Roller, J. Nicholls, St. Just. Garrett 34659, Portable, Lello Bros., Hayle. Among the many well-known steam enthusiasts attending the rally were two veterans, Jim Lewis of Yeovil and Albert Arnold from the Isle of Wight, each nearly eighty years of age. The love of steam lives on. C.P.G. WADEBRIDGE RALLY-22nd and 23rd June, 1968 In 1967 the Cornish Traction Preservation Club's rally was held in the car parking fields adjacent to the Royal Cornwall Showground. In spite of the damage to the fields owing to. wet weather the Show Society was so satisfied with the re-instatement of the fields that part of the actual Showground was made available to the Club for 1908. With such advantages as excellent approach from the main Wadebridge to St. Columb road with ticket offices and turnstiles at the entrances, hard roads and concrete loading ramps, several permanent buildings and other covered accommodation and good toilet facilities, the site was ideal. Engine and car entries were the highest in the Club's history but unfortunately the weather ruined a fine effort. Heavy rain fell throughout the Saturday and although most engines were in steam there could be no movement and the al tendance was very small. The weather improved for the Sunday and the field dried out enough to permit of limited movements and some events took place. Attendance was good on the second day arid a very enjoyable afternoon was spent as there were many attraciions in addition to the steam engines—a fun fair, many veteran and vintage vehicles, some stationary engines, preservation society stands and, most oustanding of all, a large building housing a varied collection of old-Lim mechanical apparatus, including a working water-wheel. This building was full to capacity throughout the rally and no doubt revived many nostalgic memories. The re-appearance in Cornwall of the collection of small steam engines which belonged to the late Mr, B. Parsons was a •very welcome sight. Mounted on a trailer on which a vertical boiler supplies the steam, the collection had been lent to the Cheddar Museum but had been neglected while there and sonic members of the C,T.P.C. must have devoted a lot of lime and effort to restore the exhibit in time for the rally. Engines making their debut at the rally were two Avelings and a Fowler. Aveling & Porter 8401 (AF 3427) is a six n.h.p. compound Iracrion belonging to F. W. Weeks of Canworthy Water, Launceston. His father bought the engine when new and it spent its working life threshing and sawing until 1945 when it was abandoned in a field, There it remained unprotected for nearly twenty years until Mr. Weeks decided to restore it, This has been an almost complete re-build and it was almost impossible to believe that the engine at the rally was the one seen in the field al Canworthy a few years ago. The other A. & P. mentioned is an eight-ton roller named " 'Obby 'Oss" maker's No. 11216 (TT 4018), new to the Newton Abbot U.D.C. in 1925. It belongs to G. Armstrong-Evans of Trebullett, Launceston, who has recently restored it. It is a piston-valve single with balanced crank—a very attractive engine. Fowler 12 ton roller No. 18075 (CV 1662) was delivered new to Redruth Station in 1930 for Messrs. R, Dingle & Sons, Stoke Climsland, It is a singlecylindered machine has been restored by John Stephens.

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The other engines attending the rally were: Burrell 3121 (NO 1310) 8 n.h.p. single G.P. "Keeling", owner G. Alford, Redruth. Burrell 3816 (AF 3518) 5 n.h.p. compound "Cornish Maid", C. H. Parsons, Wadebridge. Robey 43165 (FE 9350) Tractor "Barbara", W. G. Hawkins, St. Issey. Fowler 15657 (FX 6661) Showman's "Iron Maiden, W. G. Hawkins. Fowler 7942 (TA 626) 5 n.h.p. single "Jonah", W. G. Hawkins. Burrell 4060 (RL 5549) Roller 10 ton single, H. James, Newquay, Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries. E 409 Portable, 4 n.h.p. single, W. G. Hawkins. Wallis & Steevens 8095 (GOU 537), 10 ton Advance Roller "Amy", R. Dingle & Sons. Aveling & Porter 6093 (D 2800) Tractor "Barnard Castle", Mrs. Sleeman, Quintrell Downs. Newquay. Ransomes, Sims and Jeffries 38088 (DO 6883) 8 n.h.p. compound G.P. "Enterprise", J. W. Coad, Bodmin. Aveling & Porter 10045 (FX 8405) 10 ton Roller "An Goff", E. H. Lander, St. Miuver, Wadebridge. Burrell 4040 (TT 7917) 12 ton Roller "Kate", D. Courtier, Haytor, Devon. Burrell 2417 (AF4393) 6 n.h.p. S.C.C. Traction "Britannia", R. G. Phillips, St. Austell. Burrell 3159 (CO 3823) 7 n.h.p. S.R. Loco "The Gladiator", Gladiator Club, Redruth. Ruston & Hornsby 169167 (TL 542) 6 n.h.p. single G.P. "Trevithick", G. Symons, Camborne. Clayton & Shutticworth 46817 (YA 2095) 5 n.h.p. convertible, now in traction form, E. D. Solway, Marazanvose, Truro. Foden 13454 (KX 3340) Tractor, G. J. Lynch, Barnstaple. Wallis & Steevens 7640 (BL 8236) Tractor "Victor", W. G. Hawkins. McLaren 1552 (BD 5504) Plougher "Hero", C. and R. Daniel and R. I. Gunn, Redruth. Marshall 69303 (NM 340) 8 n.h.p. G.P. Single "Titan", M. Leath and M. Pearce, Camborne. C.P.G. THE WILSIC HALL RALLY Owing to the usual ground not being available in May, this event had to be put back to August, which unfortunately meant that several of our usual friends were absent, owing to the harvest season, but nevertheless a very line turn-out was present. especially in the steam Wagon class, there being no less than three Fodens and eight Sentinels present, ►dith most types represented. Newcomers to this Rally were the Burrell Showman's No; 3334 "The Baillie" owned by D. Robinson, Lincoln, Foster No. 14410 "Oougdale" owned by B. E. Ragsdale, Gringley on the Hill, Fowler Roller No. 16175, cx Derbys C.C. and now owned by 1. K. & J. Barraclough. Thryburgh, Rotherhani, Sentinel No, 9075 "Holmevalian" owned by Messrs. Brook, Hirst and Marsden, Holmfirth, Sentinel 9003, ❑ wned by T, Varley, Gisburn, Lanes„ and Sentinel No. 1286. owned by Messrs. Brown Bayley Steels Ltd., Sheffield, the latter having been completely rebuilt after working for 50 years in their works. Although the weather was not kind, being very dull, we were fortunate in having no rain, and a full programme of events was run on both days, the Sentinel of T. Varley having real tussles with those of Fearnleys and Ashton, and a friendly battle of "The Rosen" ensued, most of the honours going to

Lancashire, Burrell Showman's No. 3334, "The Baillie", D. Robinson, Heighington, Lincoln. Manns Tractor No. 1260, U.4298, L & W. Cole, Leeds. Fowler Tractor No. 14406, "Pandora", A. Fearnley, Castleford. A. & P. Tractor No. 9288, "Barbara", W. Payne, Auckley, Doncaster. McLaren R. Loco No. 1421, "Capt Scott", J. Blagg, Whitwell. Marshall G.P. No. 38977, "King John", G. J. Love, Worksop. Marshall G.P. No. 79441, J. H. Selby, Epworth, Doncaster. Fowler G.P. No, 14910, "Dorothy", J. Massey & Son, Harlington. Foster G.P. No. 14410, "Dougdale", B. E. Ragsdale, Gringley on the Hill.

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R.S. & J. G.P. No. 27512, "Dreadnought", W. H. Kitchen, Tickhill. Foster G.P. No. 2775, FW 3333, M. Burr, Killamarsh. Burrell Roller No. 4070, "Charlie", J. Dickenson & Sons (Emley) Ltd., Doncaster, Fowler Roller No. 16175, NW 8198, I. K. & J. Barraclough, Thryburgh. A, & P. Roller No. 12467, RF 6437, D. Carr & I3. Mettam, Sheffield. Fowler Roller No. 10386, MA 8203, P. G. Rawson & Son, Bawtry. C. & S. G.P. No. 44103, J. Beeby, Rempstone. Foden Tractor No. 12782, "Angelina", L. V. 13rooksbank, Heddon, Foden Wagon No. I 31 20, W. Fearnley, Castleford. Foden Wagon No. 12364, H. Parkin, Castleford. Sentinel Wagon No. 1286, Brown Bayley Steels Ltd., Sheffield. Sentinel Wagon No. 8992, "Prince", G. E. Liversidge, Doncaster. Sentinel Wagon No. 9075, BEV 467, Messrs. Brook, Hirst & Marsden. Holmfirth. Sentinel Wagon No. 8694 YG 746, R. I. Rhodes, Brotherton, Knottingley. Sentinel Wagon No. 9308 DDC 838, G. E. Ashton, Brotherlon, Knout ngley. Sentinel Wagon No. 9003 VE 9963, T. Varley, Gisburn, CI i theme, Lanes, Sentinel Wagon No. 1465 AW 3321, R. Fearnley, Castleford. Sentinel Wagon No. 9086 SE 4013, L. FearnIey, Castleford. Organs 89 Key Gavioli, D. Robinson, Heighington, Lincoln. 89 Key Gavioli, Screeton Bros., Barton on Humber. 46 Key Verbeeck, Norman Dean, Castleford. 46 Key Limonaire, A. G. Bennett, Aberford. 46 Key Chiappa, J. D. Hadfield, Sheffield. 46 Key Chiappa, H. Lee, Bradford. 46 Key Chiappa, H. Bishton, Nottingham. 36 Key Veretto, J. D. Hadfield, Sheffield. 35 Key Verbeeck, M. Coats, Sheffield. A fine model railway was operated by Jack Wakefield and Don Proudlock, of a large model of an Atcheson, Topecka and Santa-Fe express locomotive, as built by Messrs. Baldwins Works in America during the 1920's, being a 4-4-2. WOODCOTE RALLY. The fifth annual one-day event was again an unqualified success. Some 150 entries included engines, veteran and vintage cars, commercials, motor cycles, cycles, etc. etc. The engines present were (1) Fowler single-cylinder Plough Engine "Noreen", built about 1872 (she came under her own steam), W. Tame and E. A. Fillmore. General Purpose Engines: (2) Fowler 7459 "Endurance", A. Hall and V. Redding; (3) Fowler 13140 "Volunteer", F. Simmonds; (4) Allchin 669 "Bess", C. C. Russell; (5) Allchin Compound, C. Rickards; (6) Marshall 55437 -Elizabeth" W. E. Hazel; (7) Ransomes 41046 "Ivanhoe", J. Newton and P. Wyatt; (8) & Steevens 7248 "Pedlar" S. Love; (9) Wallis & Steevens "Eileen", owned by F. Upton, driven by W. Manning in place of his own Wallis & Steevens; (10) Wallis & Steevens 7664 "Wildfire", L. Palmer, driven by W. Clark; (1l) Ruston-Proctor 33471, M. 'Fhex ton. Skean Roller: (12) Fowler 15988 "CAmstanee", .1. Morrington. Showman's: (13) Fowler 15653 "Renown", A. & R. Hawthorne & Sons, first appearance since restoration; (14) Burrell 3192 "St. Bernard", J. N. Gilkey; (15) Burrell 3458 "Defiance". Shipman & Barker; (16) Burrell 3631 "Kathleen", J. Lawrence. Road Engines: (17) Fowler 15632 5-ton "Tiger", A. C. Napper; (18) Robey 5-ton 37657 "The Guv'nor", M. Harmsworth; (19) Foden "D" type 12852 "Early Bird", R. Adnams; (22) Burrell 3807 2-speed 5-ton, A. D. Fowler. Two fair organs were present. The fair included steam-driven Gallopers, 1875 overboats and an original Noah's Ark. The Reading "Evening Post" Challenge Cup far the most merit-worthy privately owned and restored vehicle (all classes) was awarded A. & R. Hawthorne & Sons for their entry, the Fowler "Renown". Burrell "Defiance", Fowler's "Endurance" and "Volunteer" were awarded tankards for restoration and preservation. G.R.H.

STEAMING

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Solicit enquiries for items they can supply for Steam Engines, amongst same are :— BOILER TUBES CHIMNEYS WITH OR WITHOUT BRASS OR COPPER TOPS INJECTORS, GAUGES, ETC. PACKINGS

PAINTS

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ENGINE AND CYLINDER OILS All enquiries will receive prompt and careful attention

LIST OF BACK NUMBERS AVAILABLE From THE EDITOR, JOHN CRAWLEY, FIELD HOUSE, TURVEY, BEDS.

1/6 Vol. 2 No. 4 2 /Vol. 3 No. 3 2 /Vol. 3 No. 4 2/Vol. 4 No. 2 2 /Vol. 5 No. 3 2/Vol. 5 No.4 Vol. 6 No. 1 (Traction Engine Special Issue) 4 /2/Vol. 6 No. 2 Vol. 6 No. 3 2 /Vol. 7 No. 1 (Steam Roller Special Issue) 5 /6 3 /Vol. 7 No. 2 Vol. 7 No. 4 3 /Vol. 8 No. 1 (Tractor Special Issue) 5/Vol. 8 No.2 3 /-

Vol. 8 No. 3 3 /3/Vol. 8 No.4 Vol. 9 No. 1 (John Fowler Memorial Issue 11 /Vol. 9 No. 2 3 /3/Vol. 9 No. 3 Vol. 10 No. 1 (Heavy Haulage 11/6 Issue) 4/Vol. 10 No. 3 Vol. 11 No. 1 (Portable Engine Issue) 11(6 4/Vol. 11 No. 2 4iVol. 11 No. 3 4/Vol. 11 No. 4 Vol. 12 No. 1 (Showman's Engine Issue) 21/Vol. 12 No.2 4/-

Prices include Postage and Handling Charges

STEAMING

EASTERN BOILERWORK LIMITED 6 GOLD STREET, SAFFRON WALDEN, ESSEX Are now able to undertake a limited number of TRACTION ENGINE REPAIRS All of our work is guaranteed and up to Insurance Company standards. EXPENDABLE ITEMS SUCH AS BOILER RINGS, PACKINGS, OILS, COCKS & VALVES ARE READILY AVAILABLE. Why not write or telephone us

We shall be pleased to answer any queries. TELEPHONE :

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SPUN COPPER & BRASS CHIMNEY TOPS OF ALL TYPES Please send Sketches and Sizes to THE ORIGINAL Chimney Top Makers for a quotation without obligation.

JOHN LEVICK LIMITED ESTABLISHED 1840

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ALMA STREET ASTON, BIRMINGHAM 6 TEL. 021-359 4881

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BOOK REVIEW "THE PHANTOM FLOTILLA," by Peter Shankland. Collins, 30/-. I found this book very difficult to put down. It is an epic story of world war one which has not been told before. In 1915 the German Navy had supremacy on Lake Tanganyika; there was no route to which the enemy could be engaged and the natives were in danger of being influenced against us. It was decided to take two armed launches from England, some 4,000 miles by sea, nearly the same distance by rail, and to be towed on trailers through unexplored territory by traction engines supplemented by teams of oxen, for a further 120 miles. Two road locos, a Burrell and a Fowler, were enlisted into service, their ten-ton trailers were designed to carry their wood-fuel but in the end they took the actual boats when the trailers taking the latter collapsed. The driver of the Burrell was British and the Fowler was driven by a native. We only know that the former's name was Harrison—how nice if some reader could supply personal details of the man! The engines were equipped with special fire guards and the ashpans were specially designed to carry some water because of bush fire risks. The very first bring: collapsed and the Fowler had to rescue the Burrell by cable. What a moment for the drivers who knew that some 149 further improvised bridges had still to be crossed On one particularly steep gradient 32 oxen were attached to the Burrell and the engine whistles were used to frighten the animals into harder pulling. The whole journey must have been one of the strangest assignments ever given to the Royal Navy. Ultimate success awaited the party, but I have said enough to ensure that steam fans could do worse than get hold of the book. Engine pictures feature the cover jacket and there are excellent photos, perhaps the most unique one being that which shows 150 native women, each carrying a gallon water jar on their heads, laboriously filling the water tanks of the Burrell. PHILIP A. WRIGHT.

THE TORDEX' self binding case for your back issues of

' STEAMING 9

Designed to hold two years of the recent issues (Three of earlier years) The Spine is Gold Blocked

with the name " STEAMING " Every page opens flat Each binder is despatched in a box

PRICE 18/- Post paid from

F. G. UPTON, ESQ. 30 Windsor Road Maidenhead, Berks.

202

STEAMING NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB CONFERENCES OF AFFILIATED CLUBS AND RALLY ORGANISERS

Twenty-two representatives of the N.T.E.C. and its Affiliated Clubs met at the G.W.R. Royal Hotel, Paddington Station, on Saturday, the 12th October, 1968, under the chairman of the N.T.E.C., Mr. Anthony S. Heal. This conference enjoyed the presence of Mr. Hitchins, a barrister briefed by the firm of Messrs. Joynson-Hicks & Co., the club's solicitors. Mr. Hitchins gave his views on four matters which were causing a little anxiety to the club officials. These were (a) the club's position in law if a local authority chooses to prohibit engines with straked wheels on the roads under its control; (b) whether engines of any kind are allowed on motorways; (c) the rights of an engine owner towing equipment when he is told to leave the road by the police because his slow pace and combined length constitute an obstruction; and (d)

a driver's legal position should he find it necessary to stop and coal on a clearway and is accosted by the police for doing so. On the whole Mr. Hitchin's opinions were favourable to the club's interests, but he emphasised that what he said would need confirmation or otherwise after further consideration. Mr. P, G. C Barber, the N.T.E.C. representative on the Historic Vehicle Club Joint Committee, spoke of the weight of legislation descending from the Ministry of Transport and of the new Plating Regulations which are of chief concern to the club. He said how anxious the Ministry are to further the movement for preserving engines, and to that end it was very pleasing to know that all steam vehicles not being used for the carriage of goods are excluded from the Plating Regulations. Members asked questions about the minimum age for persons in charge of engines, the number of persons on an engine at any one time and whether the old smoke regulations still applied. The answer given to the first question was that it was covered by licence, to the second that it was a rally organiser's responsibility and to the third that the old smoke regulations still exist. On the subject of lectures, raised at the previous conference, Mr. Fillmore said that he had been unable to raise a panel of lecturers and that the demand for lectures had not been pressed. There was a very regrettable announcement by the chairman to the effect that this would be the last conference at which Mr. Eric Fillmore would act as Secretary. The date arranged for the next conference will be Saturday, the 1st March, 1969, at 11.30 a.m., at the same place. In the afternoon the RALLY ORGANISERS CONFERENCE was held at the same address, but most of those at the morning conference were there too, in all 44 representatives. Mr. Anthony Heal was in the chair. After the chairman had welcomed all present, especially those who had travelled a long way, Mr. Barber presented a preliminary list of rally application for 1969, and to it was added a number of other dates from the audience, making a total of 47 applications to date. Mr. Barber proposed amendments to the club's Code of Practice for all N.T.E.C. approved rallies. These embraced the nature of barriers, admission charges and the insurance of models in steam. The question of admission charges provoked a lively discussion. Mr. Barber thought that the Traction Engine movement was now maintaining some 60 profitable rallies a year. However, everything is becoming more expensive and the discussion covered such costs as appearance money and coal allowances, and on the income side, car and personnel entrance charges and fees from showstands and caterers. Questions were asked about educating owners in the use of smokeless coal, about signposting at rallies, insurance against ground fire in a dry season, whether to resist applications from owners who have over-converted their engines and how to avoid the clashing of dates with veteran car rallies. This lively and good humoured conference ended at 4.30 p.m, with a strong vote of thanks to Mr. Heal for his admirable chairmanship.

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FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale.-1910 7 h.p. S/C Marshall. Current boiler certificate. Hydraulic test last year. New smokebox, tubes and lagging. Full history available. Owner leaving country, C. D. Peel, "Foxfield", Mill Lane, Crondall, Farnham, Surrey, Member of Club prepared to signwrite any engines or organs free of charge at weekends, in the Kent area. Contact R. C. Browning, 86 Rainham Road, Chatham, Kent. Wanted.—Burrell 3 speed engine, any condition. Full particulars and price required to J. Johnson, 43 Hoole Lane, Banks, Southport. No air pollution from modern steam cars, no gears, switch on start. Petrol cars cause 60.6% of dangerous air poisons in the U.S.A, (70% in California). Traction engines, steam lorries, steamboats and stationary engines all described. Magazine with coloured brochure, many picture, 5/6 ($0.70). Steam, Kirk Michael 3, I.O.M., G.B. Wanted.—Aveling & Porter Roller in first class conditions with current boiler inspection and insurance certificate, Must be mechanically sound and fitted with scarifier. Send details and photograph with purchase price to "Steaming Box 1", Field House, Turvey, Bedford. For Sale.—Wallis & Steevcns makers boiler transfers, taken from an original copy, suitable for tractors, tractions and rollers. Price 30/-, Apply to Stephen Hubbuck, Glenroy, Shillingstowe, Nr. Blandford, Dorset. PHILIP WRIGHT'S THREE BOOKS, "TRACTION ENGINES", "OLD FARM IMPLEMENTS" and "OLD FARM TRACTORS", can still be obtained from any bookseller. They are all published by A. & C. Black at 25/-. Wanted.—For Class 'S' Marshall roller 12 ton sic built 1926: (1) Spring loaded cylinder relief valves, two: (21 Boiler blow-down cock; (3) Exhaust pipe complete (cylinder to nozzle); (4) Cylinder end with metallic packing gland and nut shrouds; (5) Water lift hose (26 ft. of II in. bore armoured rubber); in. dia.; (7) Drawbeam. fixing centres at 32 in.; (I) Wire rope, 50 yds. of (8) Bevel gear cover for Allen 2 tine scarifier. also tines and wedges..—J. S. Stansfield, The Green. Brightwalton, Newbury, Berks. Every Traction Engine hook currently in print normally available from stock. Send S.A.E. for list B.L.10. Also list of colour slides, or send 2/6 for simple slide and free lists, Black and white postcards also available. Second-hand books bought, sold and exchanged. "Fairground Architecture," 78/6 post free. "God Speed the Plow—the Coming of Steam Cultivation to Gt. Britain," 80/- post free. "Traction Engines at Work" (new book), 8/- post free. "The Development of the English Steam Wagon," 66/- post free. 2nd edition of "A Century of Traction Engines,- 44/- post free.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcotc, Reading. For Sale.—Brass horn, would suit steam wagon or veteran motor vehicles.— G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. Traction Engine Calendar 1969. Containing 6 Sketches of various types, Tractor, Traction, Ploughing and Showman's Engines. Well designed art production. Price 6/6 post paid from J. W. Yates, 88 Ampthill Road, Flitwick, Bedford. For Sale.—Fowler Ploughing Engine 13.13.1, 16 n.h.p. In running order and good mechanical condition. Sound Rope, Retubed. New Smokebox, Tender. Firebox needs attention to stays. Reasonable offers invited (and accepted) as present storage space no longer available and owner moving from district : 29 C.harnham Street, Hungerford 2553, Berks.

Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., 32 Brereton Road, Bedford.

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