Vol. 13 No. 2
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NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
OFFICERS FOR 1969 President: ARTHUR NAPPER, ESQ., Meadow House, Appleford„ Abingdon, Berkshire . Vice-President . S. J. WHARTON, EsQ., Southern Down, Minster Lovell, Oxfoid. Chairman: ANTHONY HEAL, ESQ., Baylins Farm, Knotty Green, Beaconsfield.
Vice-Chairman and Editor : J. CRAWLEY. ESQ., Field House, Turvey, Bedford. General Secretary: G. F. BECK, ESQ., 127 Greensted Road, Loughton, Essex.
Membership Secretary : D. B. EHLEN, ESQ., 86 Kestrel Road, Kempshott, Basingstoke, Hants. Treasurer: J. H. Hones, 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 Bourne House, St. Mary Bourne, Andover, Hants. (Tel.: St. Mary Bourne 260)
BRIAN ORAM, ESQ.,
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS WALTER SOWDEN, ESQ. J. L. THOMAS, ESQ. F. H. GILLFORD, ESQ.
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AREA NEWS THE CHILTERNS Since the last area notes appeared in Steaming quite a few interesting events have occurred locally. Our Chairman, Robin Brazil, has now completed the restoration of his Sentinel wagon, ably assisted by Francis Grover. amongst others. The wagon, No. 8109 of 1929, has been named "The Chiltern Hundreds", and appeared at our Great Missenden Rally. Its registration is YC7914. Meanwhile, Francis Grover himself has been working on his Tasker 132 Chain-drive Tractor No. 1928 or, coincidentally, 1928! This has been mechanically overhauled and repainted in maroon livery, anti a cab of authentic Tasker design has been fitted in place of the one that was on when the tractor was purchased. This interesting engine was bought from a Mr. Clark of Wormley, and carries a 1960 registration 932GR0. The history of the tractor is still being traced, and no doubt a good reason will emerge for the comparatively late registration. At the end of last year, member " Bunnie " Smith did a day's filming with his Marshall 8 ton Roller No. 76116 of 1923. The roller was used in a television advertisement for Esso petrol which was shown on ITV earlier this year. In March of this year, the recently formed model engineering section of the club held an exhibition in Amersham. Some forty models of all types and sizes were on show, and the exhibition was a notable success which we intend to repeat at a suitable date in the future. Activities started in earnest in May. On the 13th, six of our engines took part in a procession at Beaconsfield to mark the 700th Anniversary of the Charter Fair. The previous week-end, the 10th, saw thirteen local engines making up a Steam Fete at West Wycombe, which was held in aid of The Samaritans. Bad weather unfortunately spoiled the fete on the Saturday. but the weather improved on the Sunday, so the fete opened on that day too, although this had not been advertised. We believe that The Samaritans did well out of this event. Naturally, the most important event in the year for us was our Rally, which was again held at Great Missenden, on 5th and 6th July. Twenty-six engines took part, including several newcomers, which are always welcome. Good weather on the Saturday ensured a most successful day's rallying, but sadly the weather on the Sunday was poor ; " rain stopped play " after a late start and only a few events were run. Even so, attendance was surprisingly high, and both the club and the local school swimming pool fund have benefited. The following were the new engines we welcomed to the rally: David Newton's Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8064 of 1913 (Reg. No. NK 1102). a single cylinder 8-tonner, only partly restored and at its first ever rail), ; another Aveling Roller, No. 11085 of 1924 owned by R. Green of Haddenham, which was also not quite completed and making its first rally appearance; and, apart from the Tasker and Sentinel mentioned above, two new Fowler rollers were provided, this time by Messrs. Boughtons of Amersham Common. These were No. 17483, a single cylinder machine of 1928 vintage, and No. 15702, a compound built in 1920. Both these rollers were recently purchased for preservation from a Scottish owner. Talking of Boughtons reminds me that their famous Foden Wagon No. 13138 of 1928 was not at our rally this year, due to the unfortunate illness of regular driver Harold Hearn—we wish him a quick recovery. The rally was completed by historic motor vehicles. a model exhibition and a miniature railway. Demonstrations were given of the Wallis quick-reversing action by Ken Brown on David Davis' roller No. 7922 of 1927, and Boughtons Fowler " Black Jack " drove a threshing drum each day. A few bales of straw were fed through for effect. Boughtons two Fowler ploughing engines were used in a demonstration with the wire rope, and the Tasker tractor ran round the arena to show its speed and manoeuvreahility. In all, we think we had a successful and enjoyable day for both enthusiasts and laymen alike. This brings us up to date with Chiltern news for the time being, but there will no doubt be further developments to report in the next issue. M.W.L.
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Allchin 6 n.h.p. Com pound Traction Engine No. 1529 photographed at Cranbrook, Kent, in 1920.
Burrell Road Locomotive No. 2641. Built 27th January, 1904. A double crank compound, 3 speed spring mounted engine that was exported to South Africa.
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THE COTSWOLDS Once again, not a great deal to report from this area. My own Burrell Road Locomotive No. 3917 is on loan for the season to Mr. Pat Smith of Bridgend, Glamorgan, whose own Fowler No. 15371, a 7 n.h.p. Road Locomotive, has not been ready for a number of commitments in the area this summer. Mr. Smith has also purchased two threshing drums from Mr. Vines of Hardwicke and several Fowler ploughing engines from the yard at Bidford-on-Avon. My Fowler S.C. 6 n.h.p. No. 9230 (Reg. No. NP3049) is now on the road after several years in store in the garden. It was intended to go to a show in Bristol on the Spring Bank Holiday, but the wet weather prevented this, as in trying to get the engine out of the garden I got well and truly stuck in the mud and I had to leave the engine for over two weeks until the ground was harder. Even then considerable difficulty was experienced in getting out of the hole the engine had dug. Eventually, however, we were successful. and with my restored water-cart the engine has since migrated to a friend's farm down in the vale where we have been grubbing out apple trees and other sundry stumps and hedges. A large pile of wood is now building up which it is hoped to saw by steam in the autumn. At nearby Coaley, Osman Goring has re-assembled his Burrell Roller, ex-Dennis Chappell, following boiler repairs. This 8 ton S.C. machine should be steamable by the time these notes are read, and is unusual in having a Burrell-Rutty scarifier which can be used in either direction. At Sheepscombe, the little 6 ton S.C. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10563 (Reg. No. DD2068) belonging to Mr. Canton, has been steamed and cleaned up after languishing at the back of the yard gathering dust for the last five or six years. This roller was originally Stroud R.D.C. and later Gloucestershire County Council. The other ex-Stroud R.D.C. roller, a Fowler compound, also passed via Gloucestershire County Council to Mr. Canton, but was unfortunately sold for scrap about thirteen or fourteen years ago. It ended up in the gravel pit at Fairford like so many other engines from round here. This was a larger machine of about 8 or 10 tons numbered in the 11000 series. I have heard rumours that the small Ransomes portable formerly at Webb's Wood is now in the Stroud area, but cannot confirm this or give further details as yet. There have been no engine changes at Mr. Vine's yard at Hardwicke for some years now, Burrell Road Locomotive No. 3809, Fowler Road Locomotive No. 12902 keeping company with three similar D.C.C. Aveling rollers, No. 5697 ex-Gloucestershire County Council, No. 8585 ex-Gloucester Corporation and another whose number I cannot recall which came from Devon. R.C.J.W.
CUMBERLAND Mr. R. Bagot of Levens Hall has recently acquired a 3 h.p. Fowler S.C. Tractor No. 18640/31. No further details at present. T. Robinson's Aveling & Porter 6 ton Roller No. 11565 (1926), together with S. Sutton's Garrett No. 4 Tractor No. 33953 (1920), attended the Summer Fair on Saturday, 5th July, organised by the New Wyndam School, Egremont. The weather was very nice, and about four thousand people attended. Progress continues slowly with the Aveling & Porter 10 ton P'.V. Roller recently acquired by Suttons from F. Greggaind of Maryport. Many months of work still lie ahead, but how satisfying it is however slow the progress. A 89 key Gavioli Organ has recently been acquired from Butlins of Filey by Zeke Myers of Langdale. It is completely taken down and is to be rebuilt. This will certainly be a lovely job when completed and is the only organ known in the north-west of England. S.S.
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IRELAND C. Burrell & Sons Single Crank Compound Traction Engine No. 2644, ex-L. Lamb of Darver, Dundalk, which has been lying for some time, was recently bought for preservation by Mr. .1. Dillon of Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park, Ilford, Essex. Mr. Dillon, a native of Monasterboice, Drogheda, Co. Louth, intends to return home in the future and restore this engine. Aveling & Porter Compound Steam Roller No. 5312 of 1903, owned by G. Doherty and P. Mallon, is at present rolling an avenue for a local farmer. My new address: " Artoney," Louth Village, Dundalk, Co. Louth. G.D. KENT Engine activity in the Garden of England during the last quarter has been mostly the movement of several engines from rally to rally under their own steam, and the journeys for these in some cases necessitated two or three days' travelling. The fact that a rally was not being held at Detling this year gave cause for engine owners and crews to go further alieki, and several members of the former East Kent Traction Engine Club attended the rally at Acrise and afterwards the rally at Elham which is about three miles distant. Smokey Shepherd and Tom Tilbury had travelled with their Wallis & Steevens " Advance " No. 7962, the Langley Bros. with Mr. H. Pye's Aveling & Porter Traction Engine No. 5862, and Peter Fagg with his Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction Engine No. 46823. After Elham, rallies in Sussex at Hadlow Down, Polegate, Westergate and Horsham were on the list to attend. Mr. Birch of Sellindge, Nr. Ashford, who had purchased Aveling & Porter D.C.C. Roller No. 14072 from Edwards of Swindon in very poor condition, has done an excellent job of restoration during the winter, as was evident when shown at Polegate. This roller was originally owned by Dorset County Council and had stood in Edwards' yard for many years. Another engine which had stood at Edwards' yard and considered by many would-be buyers as being past it, has been purchased by Mr. W. Shipwash of Ash, Nr. Sandwich, Kent. This is a rare engine, a Wantage S.C. Traction Engine. A considerable amount of work will be necessary, with repairs or renewal for smokebox, firebox, tender, boiler motion, etc., but Mr. Shipwash is determined to carry out what is necessary and deserves much credit. Richard and William Pierce of Borough Green with their Fowler D.C.C. Road Locomotive No. 14754, Jock Murray with Richard Pierce's Babcock & Wilcox 6 ton Roller "Toby ", Alec and John Card of Tonbridge with their Wallis & Steevens S.C. Agricultural Traction Engine No. 7769, and Mr. D. Harding of Edenbridge with his Marshall S.C. Traction Engine No. 84562, attended the Rolls Royce Car Club Rally at Penshurst Place on 11th May, and for the first time engines have been present at the Kent County Show held at Detling on 9th and 10th July. These were Mr. Don Eastwood's Burrell D.C.C. Scenic Showman's Engine No. 3285 " King George V ", Garrett D.C.C. Tractor No. 34461 " Victoria ", and Garrett S.C. Portable No. 35426, Pierce Bros. Fowler D.C.C. Road Locomotive No. 14754, Mr. Harry Pye's D.C.C. Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller No. 6378, and Bill Monday's Marshall S.C. G.P. Engine No. 56125. Richard and William Pierce are making steady progress with the Fowler D.C.C. Class BB Ploughing Engine No. 14213 which they purchased earlier in the year from Mr. Trevor Waspe of Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. F.J.B.
Foden Compound Traction Engine when owned by T. Forth of Stanton, Yorkshire, in 1944.
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LINCOLNSHIRE
Over the last few months a number of engines have left the area, and up to the time of writing, those reported are as follows. The Fowler 10 ton
Compound Roller No. 16979 (Reg. No. WW1442), owned by Mr. A. E. Dowiman of Sloothby, has been sold to a buyer in South Yorkshire. This machine was new to the late Mr. J. W. Stafford of Clayton West. and remained with lime unlit 1965, when he sold it to Mr. D. H. Yarnell oT
Navenby for preservation. Another Fowler from the Stafford business has
also left us, and this was No. 18640 (Reg. No. WK7697). This was originally an 8 ton roller of 1931, and was lately owned by Mr. E E. Riggall of Mawthorpe, who had it converted to a very attractive tractor. It is understood that it has now been sold to Mr. Bamford of Uttoxeter. The third sale reported is also of a Fowler, this one being No. 21221 (Reg. No. CV0734). and owned by Mr. A. Windley of Marcham le Fen. Readers may recall this machine during its life with Mr. H. Challands of Collingham, when it appeared at a number of rallies in original form. Mr. Windley bought it in 1967, and had it converted from an 8 ton roller to a very smart little showman's type tractor, and it appeared for the first time in this guise at the 1968 Carrington Park Rally. This engine has been sold to a buyer in the South of England. Visitors to Messrs. Crawford's of Frithville may remember seeing a pair of Fowler ploughers Nos. 15412/3 (Reg. Nos. CT8726/7). These are Class 11131 of 1919 and were new to the Ministry of Agriculture, but by 1921 were at Sleaford with Messrs. Ward & Dale and were still in their service at the time of their sale in 1939. They spent a few more years at work in the Torrington district, and some time in the early 1950's came to Frithville. This pair has been bought by Mr. R. E. Dale of Wold Newton, and at the present moment are being overhauled by Messrs. H. H. Smith of Old Leake. It is hoped to have one ready to be on show at Mr. Dale's Rally in September. Pleasing news comes of another rescue, this time concerning a Marshall traction in the Gosberton area, by Mr. A. S. Leverton of Quadring. This is a 7 h.p. single cylinder engine and is thought to be No. 51025 (Reg. No. D02056). Another Marshall in the news is No. 74871 (Rog. No. RE9002). owned by Mr. H. H. Gurnhill of Saxilby. This was originally a 10 ton compound roller, fitted with 3 speeds, springs and belly tank, and with a sister machine, was new to the Lindsey County Council. Mr. Gurnhill has
spent some considerable time in recent months rebuilding this interesting machine as a road locomotive, and is now nearing completion.
News of other engines under repair is rather scarce at the moment, although the recent winter saw Mr. D. A. Robinson's Burrell No. 3334 (Reg. No.
GA2168) " The Bailie " fitted with a replacement set of rubbers to the rear wheels, and my own Marshall Traction Engine No. 61880 (Reg. No. FL3942)
fitted with a full set on front and rear, which has made a considerable difference to the riding qualities on the road. Engines recently at work include Messrs. Selby's of Epworth with their Fowler Roller No. 21632 (Reg. No. BWY847), and Marshall Traction Engine No. 79441 (Reg. No. FU4677). The Marshall was, of course, on the hell to one of their thrashing sets, and this was again a golden opportunity for photography and tape recording. The Fowler, on the other hand, has been much in use of late, and unfortunately broke the second shaft whilst on one job. Luckily it was possible to get a new shaft machined locally and it was soon back to work. Another set of thrashing tackle still in fairly regular use in North Lincolnshire, is one owned by Mr. E. Flear of Kirton Lindsey. This set is in very nice condition and can be seen at local rallies from time
to time. As these notes were being prepared, the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society
staged their Centenary Show, and a display of veteran farm equipment was on show. Amongst this was a set of thrashing tackle on loan from several members. The engine was Mr. F. A. Smith's Clayton & Shuttleworth 6 h.p. Compound No. 47048 (Reg. No. CE7685), the drum was a Foster or 1918 and loaned by Mr. E E. Riggall of Mawthorpe. and the elevator was a Hayes Pattern by Clayton & Shuttleworth and owned by Messrs. Maddison Bros. of Fulstow. F.S.
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SOUTH YORKSHIRE AND DERBYSHIRE The main changes in this area concern two Fowler engines, the first being Fowler " Tiger " Showman's Tractor No. 14798 (Reg. No. U5313), which was purchased earlier this year by Mr. W. Payne of Auckley, Doncaster, from Mr. Brooks of Harold Wood, Essex, and has already attended several rallies in this area. The second engine is Fowler No. 21647, an unusual G.P. engine in having double width tee rings on the front wheels, which was bought from Ireland by Mr. G. Farnsworth of Gildingwells, Worksop, about three years ago. and has now been sold to Mr. E. A. Twigger of Eastwood, Notts., who made his first appearance with it at the 1969 Rempstone Rally. As befits one of the last two Fowler G.P. engines built, a start has been made on bringing it up to mint condition, and several people have remarked that it is one of the quietest engines they have ever heard. The name of this engine has also been changed from "Kinsale" to " Little John". The very old and delapidated Green's roller which has stood at Chapel en le Frith for many years, has been purchased by Mr. S. Woodbine of Sutton Spring Woods, Chesterfield, who has now dismantled the major part of it. and I understand that it will probably need a complete new boiler. Registration number and engine number of this are not known at the moment. Together with the engine was a very old and unique type of road breaker, which was towed behind the engine and consisted of two arms similar to a railway points lever, which are actuated by a crude cam system. The Aveling-Barford Roller No. AC14167 which was purchased by Mr. Booker of Coal Aston, Nr. Sheffield from the sale at D. Woolley's some months ago, has again been sold, but no details are yet to hand. Mr. J. W. Blagg, owner of the McLaren Road Locomotive No. 1421 (Reg. No. BE7518) "Captain Scott", has recently completed fitting a new back axle and bushes to his engine, in time for the Rempstone Rally, so these should be nicely run in by now. Mr. W. Fearnley has recently completed the retubing of his Foden Steam Wagon No. 13120 (Reg. No. VM4536), and keeps doing general work on his Yorkshire wagon, which he is rebuilding. Mr. A. Fearnley has also been busy this last winter in fitting a full width cab to his remarkable transporter, ex-Reading Corporation Crossley doubledecker bus, which now features an electric drive to the turntable and ramps 'n carry his beautiful little Fowler " Tiger" Tractor No. 14406 (Reg. No. G.14338) " Pandora". This enables him to travel a little further afield with more comfort. G.K.B.
THAMES VALLEY W. E. Hazel of Stanford Dingley has purchased the Ruston & Hornsby 10 ton S.C. Roller No. 122338, new 1924, from the Spen Lodge Hotel. Newbury. Mr. Hazel also owns Marshall Traction Engine No. 55437 " Elizabeth ", so he has put the Ruston in the care of Mick Perry who has done quite a bit of work on the motion and has steamed her to Applefonl and Woodcote rallies. Mr. Hazel's farm is becoming the traction engine centre for the Southern Berkshire area, as in addition to the Marshall and the Ruston, Sam Scutter stables his Marshall 8 ton Roller No. 74450 " At Last", and Fred Simmonds stables his Fowler S.C. Traction Engine No. 13140 of 1913 (Reg. No. Y9955) "Volunteer ". In the dutch barn one can see Mr. Hazel's thresher and Fred's Fowler ploughing engine living van which is under restoration. " Volunteer" was new to Thyers of Huntshill, Somerset. One of the original owner/drivers is still very active and takes a keen interest in engines. Fred decided it would be a nice gesture to take the engine back to Somerset, so he low-loaded her down to Huntshill and spent the week with the folk
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down there steaming the engine the thirty-three miles over the hills to the Somerset Rally at Barwick Park where, as during the week, he received a most enthusiastic and cordial welcome. " Volunteer" was then low-loaded home in time for the Appleford and Woodcote rallies. Our Club and National President Arthur Napper has had to have the lagging off his Marshall No. 37690 of 1902 (Reg. No. BH7373) " Old Timer " as she was due for a hydraulic test. The test has been successfully passed. the boiler is now re-lagged, and " Old Timer ", the engine that won the first-ever traction engine race in 1950 and so " started " rallies, is all set for her twentieth season of events. Mick Smith of Twyford completed the restoration of his Fowler Class T311 Roller No. 15970 (Reg. No. NV6092) and now named "Carole ". Mick has had this ex-Mechanical Tarspraying & Grouting Co. roller at a number of events, and has been very pleased with the way she steams and handles Sentinel Waggon No. 9163 was new in 1938 to Clark & Butcher, Millers. of Ely, then was with North Thames Gas Board until 1951, and is now owned by Perkins, Meek, Davies & Harding of Brimpton. Restoration is more or less complete and the waggon is entered for the Woodcote Rally in August. James Williams of Tadley has put in a tremendous amount of work on his Gallopers. The centre engine has been away for major repairs. including a new box, smokebox, front tube plate and tubes. Since it returned home the motion has been completely overhauled, the engine test steamed and replaced in the centre truck. The platforms, steps and many other parts are being renewed. The decoration is being carried not in a genuine old time fashion. When we see this machine in 1970 it will be "second to none". Mr. Williams, a Thames Valley and N.T.E.C. member, is already hooking places for the Gallopers at rallies and similar events in 1970. He has bought a Scammell tractor to haul and light the machine ; the centre engine will, of course, be used to drive the machine and the 87 key Gavioli organ, Any rally or steam fair organisers wishing to book this machine should contact our Secretary. Ran Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading (Telephone: Checkendon 484). Four engines from the Reading/Bracknell area attended the Banbury Society Rally on 28th/29th June. Ran Hawthorne's Fowler Class R3 Showman's Type Engine No. 15653 " Renown" went up from Woodcote ; Sam Love with Wallis & Steevens S.C. Traction Engine No. 7248 " Pedlar", complete with thresher and baler, went from Barkham ; Arthur Hall and son-in-law Vic Redding took 'Fowler S.C. Traction Engine No. 7459 of 1895 from Bracknell ; while Dick Woodruff and Bailey took the Wallis & Steevens Oil Bath Roller No. 7730 of 1928 all the way from Ascot. All four went under their own steam. The Banbury folk had further support from the other end of our club area—Swindon—in the form of Charles Rickards' Allchin Compound Traction Engine No. 1652 (Reg. No. EB4838) of 1914. Howard & Woodroffe Fowler S.C. Roller No. 16100 (Reg. No. FFI779), E. Haggard's Aveling & Porter No. 10762 (Reg. No. MF4008) of 1923, and John Plaister with Marshall 6 h.p. Compound Traction Engine No. 71837 (Reg. No. DD2007). On Saturday, 4th October, we will be holding a Model Traction Engine Exhibition at the Scout Hut. Crays Pond. Woodcote, Ni. Reading. We have a good selection of models already. but would be pleased to have entries from other clubs and individuals. Two or three full-size engines will be in steam in the grounds. Car parking is free. Admission 2/-, Children 6d. Light refreshments available. Opens at 2 p.m. On Saturday, 1st November. we are staging a Bonfire Night Steam Party. This will be in a forty acre field al Warrick], Nr. Bracknell. The attractions include bonfire, fireworks, engines in steam, organs and fair, as well as the usual catering facilities. Eight engines were present last year. The sub-committee responsible, now having a bigger field, hope to increase this. Engines will be arriving and in steam from early afternoon. The bonfire will be lit about 6 p.m.
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WALES AND BORDER COUNTIES I am sorry to say that I have little area news to hand, apart, that is, from
first-hand observations.
A recent visit to the yard of Lloyd-Jones Bros. of Llanfair-Dyftryn-Clwyd, Nr. Ruthin, found all the steamers owned by them sheeted in the yard and out of use. The reason for this sorry slate of affairs was due to the " credit squeeze and the resultant general lack of roadworks to employ the rollers and " Sentinel " tar sprayer. A few private jobs have been done recently, including some tar-spraying,. and let us hope that this shortage of work is only temporary and that better things will soon be on the way. Conversation with Mr. J. H. Jones of Ty-Croes, Anglesey, at the Lancashire Rally at Burtonwood, revealed that progress is being made on the Mann Tractor No. 1325 owned by him, and work has reached the stage where the boiler is almost ready for tubing, etc. Most of the mechanical work on this
tractor has now been done, including overhaul of the topworks, new piston
rings, etc. Ransomes 7 h.p. Single No. 31136, owned by the writer, has been busy at work for much of the recent spell of fine weather on timber work, this being extraction from the wood and also driving a large rack-bench for converting same. The engine spent all her working life on this work before coming into my possession and is therefore quite at home. However, almost twenty years have elapSed since 1 myself have done any of this work, but one soon gets back into the swing of things again! In February last this same engine led the University Rag Parade through the City ❑f Cardiff, the first steam road engine to travel on the streets of the city for many years. The weather on his particular day was very cold indeed, the drips from the pump gland had formed into a 2 ft. icicle by the end of the day, and the occupants of the trailer being towed by the engine were also in a somewhat similar state of " cold storage"! I.J. WARWICKSHIRE The Society's Second Annual Dinner was held on 3rd January, 1969, at the Castle Restaurant, Warwick. Some fifty persons, including members and guests from New Zealand and South Africa, enjoyed a fine meal whilst talking over steam topics. The after-dinner speaker was Mr. John Crawley, who gave us an insight to the film industry as a result of making "The Iron Maiden This film was shown at our December meeting, and our thanks to the committee for organising a splendid evening. At the February meeting the Rev. Fred Coley took us across the water to Eire for colour sides of engines surviving there, albeit in varying states of preservation. One film shown of particular interest depicted the unloading at Fred's home in Redditch, of two engines which he recently purchased in and shipped across from Eire. Details of the engines concerned were given in the Worcestershire notes of Steaming, Vol. 12, No. 4. The March meeting took the form of a mixed bag of films and slides, subject matter ranging from rallies and fairground equipment to continental railways and steam rollers. The evening ended with a light-hearted photographic quiz organised by Tom Charman. On 7th March, a small party of Society members travelled to London to see steam installations and visit The British Transport Museum, Clapham. The first port of call was to the Kew Bridge Works of the Metropolitan Water Board. The stationary engines inspected there had not worked for some twenty years although still in first class condition. They included a 65 in. engine manufactured by Maudslay, Son & Field of Hayle; a 70 in. Bull engine built in 1855 by Harvey & Co. of Hayle ; and an early 64 in. engine by Boulton & Watt in one engine house. In an adjacent building there were two fine Cornish engines, both supported on Doric cast-iron columns. These engines were a truly impressive sight, being a 90 in. engine built in 1846 by Copperhouse Foundry of Hayle in contrast to a 100 in. engine built in 1869 by Harvey & Co. In addition to these engines we saw a
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small collection of photographs and works plates of engines, since scrapped, used by the water board at their other works. We then travelled to the Museum of Transport, Clapham, where numerous buses, tramcars and locomotives are on display. May I recommend a visit to this haven of historic transport relics, especially in view of its uncertain future. After lunch we moved on to Tower Bridge to meet our guide for the afternoon, who told us the brief history of the bridge. Firstly, we were taken to one of the control cabins at road level, where the sequence of events involved in a " lift " were explained. Then, by hydraulic lift, we were taken to the suspended pavement between the two towers. After taking photographs from this vantage point some 130 ft. above the river, we returned to road level and walked to the engine house. Here we saw the motive power plant, comprising two twin tandem compound engines supplied, when the bridge was opened in 1894, by Sir W. G. Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. to provide and maintain hydraulic pressure utilised to open and close the bascules. As a standby unit there was a cross compound engine of 1941 by Vickers-Armstrong. The engines and engine rooms were spotlessly clean, a credit to the engineers working there. Unfortunately a " lift " did not take place during our visit. Our thanks to Rodney Weaver and the authorities concerned for making the day a success. On Sunday, 4th May, the second Steam Fair organised by the Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd. and 7029 Clem Castle Ltd., was held at British Rail's Tyseley Motive Power Depot, Birmingham. This event, on a dull rainy day which brightened in the afternoon, attracted an estimated 12,000 attendance. There was plenty of steam in action, namely the three main line locomotives in preservaion 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. 4-6-0 5428, the latter was named " Eric Treacy " in a special ceremony the previous day. A local industrial 0-4-OST Bagnall No. 2653, built 1943, was on display in steam ; this locomotive is in daily use at Dunlop Co. Ltd., Erdington Factory. During the morning Alan Pegler's 4-6-2 4472 " Flying Scotsman " arrived from Nottingham with a trainload of enthusiasts. In addition to the main line locomotives, a selection of road locomotives were on display. Placed strategically on either side of and supplying power for Mr. T. Hunt's 98 key Marenghi Organ was his Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3471 (Reg. No. J3471) " The Rover ", built 1913, and Mr. E. Middleton's Burrell Showman's Scenic Locomotive No. 3909 (Reg. No. NR695) " Winston Churchill ", built 1922. Two other showman's engines were present, those of Mr. D. Walker, Burrell No. 3847 (Reg, No. CL4483) " Princess Marina ", built 1921, and Mr. A. D. Smith's Burrell No. 3669 (Reg. No. 66470) " Nero ", built 1915. The Burrell 5 ton Tractor No. 4084 (Reg. No. Fk3564) " Busy Bee ", built 1927, from Birmingham Science Museum was there with Mr. R. Snodin Foden Steam Waggon No. 848 (Reg. No. DD4894), built 1904. A miniature live steam railway was in operation to give rides to the children, and most of the preservation society and trade stands were present. In all, a good show with plenty to keep one's interest. The now annual Steam Gathering for W.S.E.S. members was organised by Arthur and Hilbert Smith, taking place on 21st June, at Oldberrow, Nr. Henley-in-Arden. Weather conditions were not ideal, although it did brighten later in the afternoon, much to the pleasure of the photographers. Arthur Smith's Bagnall narrow gauge locomotive " Lady Luxborough " was performing valiant service hauling Iwo recently refurbished carriages late into the evening. Arthur's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3669 " Nero " was in steam generating power for the lights positioned at points about the field. Jack Marshall travelled from Hockley Heath with his Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Agricultural Engine No. 15012 " The Countryman ", as did Laurence Watts with his Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8489 (Reg. No. OK58), still in process of renovation. A surprise visitor in the afternoon was Peter Frowley,
STEAMING
A RALLY OF TRACTION ENGINES by Barry J. Finch (with an introduction by Rev. Philip Wright)
A book to delight all enthusiasts More than 180 magnificent photographs 7" X 9j."
IAN ALLAN
128 pages
45s.
Terminal House Shepperton, Middlesex Walton-on-Thames 28484
STEAMING
FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale.—" Discovering Traction Engines." Author's autographed copies 4s. 6d., post free.—Harold Bonnett, 3 Ridge Side, Haw Lane, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Bucks. Wanted.-2 in. X 2 in. colour slides of all engines and old showland rides. Bought or exchanged.—J. E. Lloyd, 5 Victoria Terrace, Leedon, Leighton Buzzard, Beds. Wanted.—Fowler and Sentinel catalogues required to purchase or on loan. —G. K. Bargh, 17 Ramshaw Road, Unstone, Sheffield. S18. 5 DG. For Sale.—An 80-year-old showman's living van with front door, 16 ft long, in very good condition. Ideal for rallying.—M. Ward, Honey Knab Lane, Oxton, Notts. Tel.: Oxton 669. For Sale.—Aveling & Portei 10 lull S.C. S.V. Roller No. 4747. Located in Wales. Needs detail attention, recent firebox.—G. Hayes, 74 Lonsdale Road, Thurmaston, Leicester. Wanted.—Photographs or any information on Ruston & Hornsby Single Cylinder Steam Roller No. unknown (Reg. No. MA7868).—John Wykes, 5a Cecil Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire. Wanted.—Traction Engine, any make, in poor condition or even derelict engines considered. All letters answered. Ready cash available.—R. K. Etty, 59 Knights Way, Brentwood, Essex. For Sale.—Copper chimney top, 13 in. diameter at top. As new. Suit 5 h.p. Burrell.—Box No. 1. Wanted.—For Aveling & Porter 10 ton P.V. No. 11496: boiler feed pump, water level indicator, N/S hind wheel 18 in. wide, also suction union nut for water lifter 5 threads to 1 in.—S. Sutton, West View, Beckermet, Cumb. For Sale.—New book—" Waterloo Ironworks," a history of Taskers of Andover by L. T. C. Rolt. Due for publication on 26th August. 48/-, post paid.—R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote. For Sale.—Large steam syren hooter, 24 in. high X 21 in. diameter organ pipe, complete with lever operated valve. Brand new and unused. Also smaller version of above, If in. diameter pipe. Very old but in excellent order and god note. Brand new chime whistles, "Savage" type steam syrens, organ whistles, etc. 3 h.p. horizontal twin flywheel engine by Bradford Gas Engine Co. Ltd., hopper cooled. " Wico" magneto. Will run on petrol, paraffin, propane, butane, T.V.O. Brand new and unusued. Very economical when at work. Wire rope, all sizes and lengths. In new condition. Steam fittings of all types. All brand new and unused.—I. Jones, "Fowler," 55 Meadvalc Road, St. Mellons, Cardiff. Wanted.—All kinds of literature, catalogues, etc., on Sentinel Steam Wagons, also Sentinel news.—G. K. Bargh, 17 Ramshaw Road, Unstonc, Sheffield. S18 SDG. Wanted.—Colour slides of Sentinel Steam Wagons and Tractors (all types from "Super" 1923 onwards) at work or in preservation. Only good quality unobstructed rally photographs considered. Mso Sentinel catalogues or literature and any odd copies of pre-war transport magazines featuring Steam Wagons. Sensible prices please, young enthusiast enlarging collection on limited budget—Details to R. M. Collis, 39 Lulworth Drive. Roborough, Plymouth. Devon.
STFAMTNG Wanted.—For 1910 6 n.h.p. Wallis & Steevens Traction Engine, a complete or incomplete set of spuds for rear wheels. Also large railway pattern oil can with a long spout. Capacity 1-2 pints.—Burge, " E.venleigh," Threshers Road. Crediton, Devon. For Sale.—Back toolbox (wooden); one scarifier tine, 204 in. X 1) in. X 11 in.; Fowler wheel scraper plate for 10 ton roller ; rear axle with keys and locking pins and gap washers, 4 in. dia. X 671 in. long ; back pin (towing), 1.2f in. long X 11 in.; pump plunger rod (Fowler). I1 in. dia. X 114 in. long ; and various other items for water pumps.—M. T. Howard. 73 Croft Road, Swindon, Wiltshire. Wanted.—Crankshaft for S.C. Aveling & Porter Steam Roller No. 11129, 1925, P.V., 10 tons, 6 n.h.p.—C. Maddison, Assurity, Fulstow, Louth, Lincs. For Sale.—Large quantity of 2 in. boiler tubes X 8 ft. long, swelled one end +th. New. 18/- each.—J. Wharton, Southern Down, Minster Lovell, Oxford. For Sale.—Leeson lowloader, 15f ft. well, Scammell coupling, knock-out back axle. Fitted new tyres 1968. Complete with loading winch. £250.— Jessett, Bracherlands, Hadlow Down, Uckficld, Sussex. For Sale.—Marshall Portable Engine No. 38318 of 1900. Details from— Major R. G. Browne, Swinburne, Capheaton, Northumberland. For Sale.—Showman's four-wheeled living wagon, 22 ft., on ex-Army Eagle chassis. 10 X 50 X 13 lyres. Six berth. Well fitted, calor gas and electrical. Gas cooker, paraffin refrigerator, and solid fuel fireplace. Would suit traction engine owner. Price £150 or near offer. Can be viewed and inspected at " Brent Cottage," Welsh Harp. Hendon, London, N.W.9 (Phone; Mill Hill 3179).—A. Lorenzo Crick (Member, The Fairground Society), as above. For Sale.—New Book. A Century of Service—Eddison's, an illustrated history, by R. A. Whitehead. Heartily recommended. 23s. Od. post paid.— G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. R98 OSE. For Sale.-1905 Wallis & Steevens T.E. etched in black on copper. Every detail, absolutely authentic. 9 in. X 6 in. framed, ready for hanging. 27s. 6d. post paid.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. R98 OSE. For Sale and Wanted.-2 in. X 2 in. colour sides, bought, sold or exchanged : also black and white postcard photographs of engines.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. R98 OSE. Wanted.—Colour slides of Scottish, Cumberland and North East England and Wales engines in preservation by collector.—G. K. Bargh, 17 Ramshaw Road, Unstone, Sheffield. S18 5DG. For Sale.—Wind vane. Perfect scale, fully detailed ciral, cut-out. Burrell S.C.C. Traction Engine, 28 in. long, 19 in. high, black finish. Pivot hole and balanced. New. Made by advertiser. £20 carriage paid. Collection preferred.—Anthony Beaumont. Castle Rising Road, South Wootton, King's Lynn. For Sale.—New solid rubber tyres on steel hacking. When opened out, are 62+ in. long X 5 in. wide X 2i in. of rubber on I in, steel backing. Further details of these and other sizes—J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford.
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INSURANCE for Steam Vehicles ALL STEAM VEHICLE INSURANCE Renewals and Accounts are now being dealt with by MRS. V. M JESSUP, 41 Combe End, Crowborough, Sussex. Telephone : Crowborough 5902 (during business hours only, please).
Speoial Terms for Club Members
TENNANT, BUDD & RODERIC PRATT LTD. (Incorporating Choisy & Simson Ltd.) 92 Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.3
GEORGE TIMULOW & SONS LIMITED
STOWMARKET • SUFFOLK 'Phone :
STOWMARKET 3185 (3 lines)
Solicit enquiries for items they can supply for Steam Engines, amongst same are :— BOILER TUBES BRASS OR COPPER TOPS FOR CHIMNEYS INJECTORS, GAUGES, ETC. PACKINGS
PAINTS
SUCTION HOSE
ENGINE AND CYLINDER OILS All enquiries will receive prompt and careful attention
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driving from Redditch, Rev. Fred Coley's Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Agricultural Engine No. 42032 (Reg. No. HI28:16). This was the first opportunity for many present to examine this engine, one of the last of its type manufactured, in comparison with "The Countryman ", one of the earliest known to be in existence. Throughout the gathering refreshments were serve], our thanks to the Smith family for their hospitality. News of engines in the area has been geared mainly to making them ready for the coming rally season. Jack Marshall and a group ❑f friends spent many winter evenings at Rookie}, Heath working on his Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Agricultural Engine No. 15012 (Reg. No. N04034) putting rubber tyres on all the wheels. Proof of their effectiveness was given when the travelling time on the road to attend the Birmingham Museum Rally in May was reduced and the ride much smoother for the engine's crew. Also at Hockley Heath, Tom Brown has had a number of firebox stays renewed and a repaint for his Fowler Road Roller No. 21629 (Reg. No. FF4913) in readiness for his appearance at Birmingham Museum Rally. At Brueton Park. Solihull, two Fowler Ploughing Engines, No. 14694 (Rog. No. MA5128) and N o. 14695 (Reg. No. MA5129) "Hilda ", owned by Construction & Excavation (Tettenhall) Ltd., have been at work dredging in preparation for a new sewage scheme under contract to Solihull Borough Council. WORCESTERSHIRE Faster week-end saw much activity at Mr. Eric Middleton's at Hartlebury where several engines were unsheeted after the long winter, mud lids, etc. fitted, and filled up with water ready for the 1969 season. Sunday, 20th April, saw the writer's Burrell 6 h.p. S.C.C. No. 2147 (Reg. No. BL4716) in steam after the long winter, mainly to be sure she was all right for Sunday, 1st June, when The Stephenson Locomotive Society were entertained at a Steam Party given by Doris and Eric Middleton. Unfortunately the ground was too wet to move the engines, but everything steamable was in steam. Sunday, 18th May, was the annual Birmingham Science Museum Rally, which undoubtedly will be reported upon by the Warwickshire area representative, but Worcestershire engines in attendance were: Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3909 (Reg. No. NR965) " Winston Churchill " (1922). Owned by Mr. Eric Middleton of Hartlebury, Worcs. Foden Timber Tractor No. 11788 (Reg. No. TD 3236) " Matilda " (1925). Owned by Mr. Eric Middleton of Hartlebury, Worcs. Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 32981 (Reg. No. BJ3282) " Rob Roy " (1917). Owned by Mr. F. R. Millward of Halesowen, Worcs. Burrell Gold Medal Tractor No. 4084 (Reg. No. FK3564) (1927). Owned by Mr. F. Holl of Worcester. On permanent loan to the Museum. Burrell 8 h.p. Showman's Roal Locomotive No. 3471 (Reg. No. J3471) "The Rover " (1913). Owned by Mr. T. Hunt of Oldbury, Worcs. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries D.C.C. Traction Engine No. 42032 (Reg. No. HI2816) (1932). Owned by Rev. F. A. Coley of Headless Cross, Worcs. McLaren Corvertible No. 757 (Reg. No. AI3029) (1902) with rolls and wheels. Owned by Rev. F. A. Coley of Headless Cross, Worcs. Marshall 14 ton Compound " S " Type Roller No. 6490 (Reg. No. RF2836) (1927). Owned by Rev. F. A. Coley of Headless Cross, Worcs. Wallis & Steevens 3 h.p. Simplicity Roller No. 7940 (Reg. No. OT8512) " Susie " (1927). Owned by Mr. A. Herbert of Redditch, Worcs. Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3669 (Reg. No. G6470) " Nero " (1915). Owned by Mr. A. D. Smith of Oldberrow, Worcs. Mr. E. A. Small of Droitwich brought his model Burrell showman's engine and the Tarleton Bros, from Feckenham, Worcs. took their wonderful working model of a complete fairground as they also did to Eric Mildleton's Steam Party.
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Burrell 6 n.h.p. Double Crank Compound Road Locomotive No. 2665. Built 30th June, 1904.
Jennings' Brown & May Showman's Tractor No. 8199 "Little Jim". Seen in Cook's Paddock at Sheplon Mallet, Somerset, during Sheplon Show week. Date unknown.
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Mr. Eric Laurence of Mathon, Nr. Malvern, attended the local Mathon Gymkhana with his recently rebuilt Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries 7 h.p. Traction Engine No. 26952. Mr. Frank Roll has been rolling with Mr. Henry Netherway's Aveling & Porter 8 ton Compound Roller No. 8550 (Reg. No. KM512) at Vowick, Nr. Worcester, for a contractor on a new housing estate. She still hears the plate. on her side "John White & Sons, Contractors, Minster-on-Sea, Isle of Sheppey, Kent " and the nameplate "Councillor Billie". The Old Time Steam Fair at Stratford-on-Avon drew large crowds on the week-end I 1th, 12th and 13th July, and then all the steam driven rides moved on to Tewkesbury for four day Steam Fair there on 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th July, which was held there this year instead of at Kinver. Anyone with any engine news about engines in Worcestershire please contaut J. L. Thomas, - The Sentinel Register," Minett Avenue, Rushwick, Worcs. During the wintertime most engines are drained off and oiled up until the spring when, all being well, they are prepared for the corning rally season. But the wintertime is the time when most of the he'.ivier repairs are done. A case in question in the Halesowen area is Mr. Gordon Limbe of Romsley with his Ransomes 5 ton Tractor No. 36220 (Reg. No. VE2496) built in 1926. The smokebox on this engine was getting thin and it was decided to fit a new one. The job was carried out by Mr. Limbe and two friends, Brian Dunn and Mr. Hearle. Both of these people own the Marshall Universal Type Roller No. 80224, es-Pembroke Dock, which is stored near Mr. Limbe's. This roller has just passed a boiler inspection and found O.K. The Ransomes smokebox job was completed and the engine is running again. During all the years that the interest in traction engines has been with us there has never been a meeting place for preservation enthusiasts in our area. The Millward brothers decided to rectify this by using their establishment " Lodgelield Farm " as a meeting place or "Natter Nite" as they call it. These meetings were held on the last Friday in each month and were a great success and enjoyed by all. The attendance was around two dozen each time, the senior ;Mender being Frank Holl of Worcester, well known for a lifetime spent with traction engines. Each " Natter Nile" started about 7 p.m. and went on until well after midnight. Pork pie,. sandwiches, cakes and of course lashings of tea were served up. and I think I can safely say the whole thing was a huge success. Mr. T. G. Hunt's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3471 (Reg. No. J3471) "The Rover" is now running again after a complete overhaul. This engine looks very well and runs perfectly too. Mr. Bill Hunt (Mr. T. G. Hunt's son) drove the engine to its first event where it accompanied Mr. T. G. Hunt's famous 98 key Marenghi organ. Also standing by the organ was Mr. Eric Middleton's Burrell Scenic Showman's Engine No. 3909 (Reg. No. NR965) "Winston Churchill". Unfortunately Mr. Middleton himself was not able to attend, having sprained an ankle a few days beforehand. The Millward Bros. Garrett ShoWman's Tractor No. 32981 (Reg. No. 013282) " Rob Roy" was driven to the Birmingham Science Museum Rally by Roger Mills and Alan Callard, and after Birmingham went on to Walsall where it was left in readiness for the Willenhall Carnival procession which was held on 14th June. On the Friday evening, 20th June, Roy and Robert Millward took "The Rover" from the Grillin Foundry. Oldbury to Mr. Arnold Rowe's farm at Bloxwich in readiness for the rally to be held on his ground the following Sunday. The Millward Bros. took turns in driving the engine on the journey and they say she runs beautifully—just like driving a car after her overhaul. When she was at Bloswich Rally 'she provided power for Mr. Hunt's organ. which she did with no fuss or bother, just a smooth constant supply of electricity. Properly fitted hearings, well turned valves, plus Mr. 'ram Hunt's pet endless driving hell all contribute to the way this engine runs. J,LT,
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" MARVELLOUS MONSTERS" EXHIBITION OF NEW PAINTINGS BY A. W. CHESHER It is many years since we first reviewed in Steaming an exhibition of paintings by Mr. A. W. Chestier, the retired farmer, who started painting twenty years ago to record the various types of traction engines that he recalled having seen used in agriculture and for haulage during his lifetime. He is now 72 and despite his age and disability, his recent work, on exhibition at the Portal Gallery, Grafton Street, London, W.I, during July and August, shows engines at work on the farm, in the fields and on the roads as they were half a century and more ago. Mr. Chesher has a photographic memory coupled with wide knowledge and experience of his subject. His eye for gay colour and amusing detail, gives life to his work. His early paintings merely portrayed the machines themselves, but in his later work, each painting tells its own story of the part played by the traction engine in the history of agriculture and transport. Three pictures illustrate the development of steam ploughing. The earliest. a scene in 1860, shows a portable engine driving a windlass to operate an antibalance plough by means of cable and pulley blocks. In the same field. ten years later, the portable engine has been replaced by a pair of single cylinder Fowlers. Another ploughing scene shows a pair of Burrell single crank compounds with side-mounted cable drums at work. Threshing, hay baling, corn carting, timber hauling and many other country scenes are all recalled in this exhibition. "The Fair is coming to Town" shows a couple of showman's engines, hauling their gaily painted loads over a bridge, to bring entertainment to the rather drab little town with its grey stone houses. and " Passing Wootton Church " depicts the showman's engine " Medina " with two trucks. The work of traction engines in war time is depicted in two paintings, " Army Hay Baling Outfit, January 1919" shows a W.D. Fowler in a snowy scene manned by some muffled up, chilly looking soldiers, while another shows a Wallis "Expansion " engine surrounded by soldiers and Land Army girls, winching out a hay wagon from a muddy farmyard. Perhaps the largest and most elaborate work that Mr. Chesher has hitherto attempted is " Dispersal Sale, 1927 " in which some twenty traction engines (including a pair of single cylinder Fowler ploughing engines), portable engines and threshing drums arc shown, lined up in rows, ready to he sold by the top-hatted auctioneer. The drama of the auction sale, with its associated human tragedy and comedy, are contrasted with the calm and stately bearing of the magnificent engines. It is a theme that appeals to Mr. Chestier and he has returned to it again in this, one of his most important works. Like the engines he portrays, his paintings are now very much sought after, and they have more than trebled in value during the last five years. A.S.H.
If for any reason ybu do not receive your copy of Steaming, please do not write to the Editor as despatch is arranged by the Secretary, address inside front page.
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THE BECKERMET STEAM PARTY The weather was lovely again for this event on 7th June, when upwards of two thousand people arrived in the little village overlooking the Irish Sea. In addition to former years, we had a beautiful showman's engine in attendance ; this was Fowler No. 15116 " Bertha ", newly painted and kindly brought by Mr. R. Bagot of Levers Hall, Nr. Kendal. This engine really impressed everyone, and was the first showman's engine to be in the village for many years, the last one being Burrell No. 3555 " Busy Bee" which we sold in the 40's. Also present was Mr. Bennett's 45 key Limonaire organ, who travelled overnight a distance of 150 miles to be with us. This was the first time that we ever had a fairground organ in the village, and it most certainly attracted the crowd as it played a wonderful selection during the afternoon and evening powered by "Bertha". Another very nice engine, Ransome 6 h.p. Compound No. 24585 " Northern Star", owned by Messrs. Staffords of Houghton-le-Spring, Co. Durham. arrived by low-loader. It drove a Ransome thresher 54 in. medium, the set being once owned by the late W. Whitfield of West Auckland. The same crew were in charge as brought the new miniature locomotive " River Mite " from York to Ravenglass with the Fowler No. 15649 " Providence" three years ago. The third visiting engine was 8 h.p. MacLaren No. 787 of 1903, owned by Zeke Myers of .Langdale. This is an engine which in two years has been transformed. Zeke is a newcomer to the engine world, but there is great credit due to him as she is a grand old engine, looks well, runs well, and by Jove, " can she bark "I The other three engines in steam were Sutton's Garrett No. 33953 " Anne " (1920), Garrett No. 33636 " Madge" (1919), No. 4 tractor converted to roller, and Robey No. 28094 "Edwina " (1908), also Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller No. 11496 (1926) which is being reconditioned for preservation. There was also a large choice of models, in particular there was the beautiful working three-abreast set of Gallopers owned by W. Stables of Illverston. a 4 in. scale working model of a Burrell Agricultural Traction Engine owned by R. Bagot of Levers Hall; also a 3 in. scale working model of a Burrell Traction Engine owned by Chas. Wilson of Clifton, Mr. Penrith. The tea was as usual in the old goods shed now used as Sutton's engine shed. Much is due to the ladies who had a hectic afternoon catering for such a large crowd, and everyone seemed to enjoy the buffet tea which included the old-fashioned Cumberland dish " Rum Butter". To round oll' the day a parade took place through the village led by " Bertha " in charge of Sid Sutton, followed by " Anne" steered by Anne his daughter and driven by W. Dowthwaite, and Robey " Edwina " driven by John Simpson (over 70, who drove for Sutton's many years) and steered by Charles Sutton. 'The other four engines took tip the rear, and the seven of them were a marvellous sight winding their way up the. narrow village street. Both BBC and Border Television cameras were in attendance, and Jake Kelly of BBC drove the Robey "Edwina". To cater for the children, Mr. John Evans who was in the district brought an electric Juvenile Ride. and Mr. Alf Broughton had a Candy Floss Stall. Both are Glasgow showmen and have had numerous engines in the past. one in particular being Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 8809 " Flower" which Sutton's bought from him in the 30's. This engine was sold to Mr. R. Deamcr in the 50's. S.S.
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Savage 7 n.h.p. Traction Engine No. 367.
Built 1886.
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The Explosion of a Savage Traction Engine Boiler near Thetford Mr. Henry Garrod of Rowley Farm, Hi'borough, Norfolk, was a tenant farmer, who did some contract threshing for his neighbours. In July, 1886, he purchased a new 7 h.p. Savage Traction Engine, No. 367, with a wrought iron boiler and firebox, and for the next ten years he drove the engine himself. About 1896 he took on a driver for three or four years, and then engaged Elijah Dorling, who had been employed on Lord Amherst's estate as an engine driver. On 23rd November, 1909, Dorling finished threshing for Mr. Henry Bloy at Chalk Hall, Langford. At about 3 p.m. he had just stoked up his fire anti, helped by Mr. Bloy and his son, John, was engaged in coupling up the tackle preparatory to moving off, when the firebox crown of the Savage engine collapsed, folding down the firebox sideplates. Through this aperture the contents of the boiler escaped with explosive force, scattering the fire. The engine rose bodily three feet off the ground, and broke the front axle on landing. Mr. Henry Bloy and his son were both severely injured and scalded, the father in the face and the son about the head and the calf of his leg ; Dorling was scalded about the face. The scattered fire set alight and destroyed the threshing machine and also three stacks of hay and one of straw. The following June, on the 16th and 17th, the Board of Trade held a Formal Investigation, under the Boiler Explosions Acts, 1882 & 1890, at the Crown Hotel, Mundford, and the result was published as Report No. 1950. After describing the construction of the boiler, the report listed the repairs which had been done to it. The firebox had been patched three times and the boiler retubed once or twice. These repairs had been done satisfactorily by two outside firms. The boiler had never been insured, or inspected by a competent person, throughout its 24 years of use. The only examinations had been done by Mr. Garrod, who " appears to have had experience with this kind of boiler for the past 40 years, but what that experience was, it is difficult to say, for if he had any real experience he never applied it as he ought to have done, by having the boiler tested from time to time, or by having it examined by some competent person ". The working pressure of the boiler had always been 125 lbs. per square inch. In view of its age and weakened condition, it was considered that the working pressure should have been reduced. The safety valves had been slicking and Mr. Bloy's son had seen the steam pressure gauge at 1 q/ Ihs, shortly beam the explosion. This was admitted by ❑orling. The pressure gauge survived the explosion and had been found to be reading quite accurately. The wreckage was examined by Mr. Coomber, an Engineer-Surveyor of the Board of Trade, who found that: (a) The firebox had been in a dangerous condition, with stays corroded and some broken, and these appeared to have been broken for some time. (b)
There was a flaw in the inner firebox front plate about 31 inches long, and this flaw left only about Tio inch of solid metal.
(c) The safety valves had both set fast and appeared to have been stuck for some time. There was no way to relieve the over-pressure of the boiler. From the dents and cuts in the valves, considerable force had been used on previous occasions in lifting them. (d)
The fusible plug had been replaced by an iron bolt, and this had been done some years before the explosion.
The firebox had collapsed because the pressure in the boiler went beyond that which it was capable of standing. The immediate cause was the gross negligence of Dorling, who knew that the valves had been in the habit of sticking continuously, but had not told Mr. Garrod about them, nor that he
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Remains of the threshing drum.
Overall view of remains of drum and engine No. 367 from nearside rear.
Close-up of remains of the drum and engine No. 367 taken from the offside rear.
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STEAMING
had replaced the fusible plug with an iron bolt. " Mr. Garrod, however. is not at all free from blame, for although Mr. Coomber does not think the explosion would have occurred at the time it did, but for the sticking of the safety valves, yet the firebox was in a dangerous condition, and Mr. Garrod ought not to have worked a boiler for 24 years without taking any precautions to have it examined or tested, or in some way satisfying himself that the boiler was in a safe condition to work." In view of the loss he had already sustained, and in view of his help and frankness at the enquiry, Mr. Garrod was not ordered to pay any costs, but he was reminded of his responsibility in the future of having his boilers inspected periodically by competent examiners.
BOOK REVIEW "WATERLOO IRON WORKS" (A History of Taskers of Andover, 18091968). L. T. C. ROLT. Published by David & Charles. 45/-. To many people who use our overcrowded roads the name of Tasker means little more than the name on the trailer in front of you in a traffic jam. However, to the enthusiast the name is more associated with the famous " Little Giant " steam tractors and wagons; a few examples of which are happily still with us. Although a company history, Mr. Rolt in his usual manner has produced a most readable and interesting book in which the era of the steam engine receives its due coverage. Fully illustrated with well chosen photographs and line drawings, the history of the company is covered from the early days of its founder Robert Tasker, and includes an account of the riot by local countrymen against the industrial farm machinery which was threatening their livelihood—redundancy is not just a twentieth century disease! Probably the best known Tasker tractor was that known as "The Horse's Friend " and used by the R.S.P.C.A. to assist horses haul heavy loads up a hill in the Crystal Palace district of London. this being the subject of one of the interesting photographs. The latter chapters of the book concentrate on the period of trailer design and construction, and again include a number of most interesting photographs. The chapter on the design and building of the prototype "Queen Mary " trailer for the R.A.F. will be of special interest to enthusiasts who must have known them so well during the war years. To sum up, Waterloo Iron Works can be recommended to all who study the history and development of the steam engine, and fills a much needed gap on the bookshelf of all enthusiasts. C.J.N. "THE FAMOUS THURSTONS, 1868-1968." G. W. ESSEX, M.B.E., M.I.E.E. Published by The Fairground Society and available from Arthur Mills, Express Dry Cleaning Works, Wellingborough Road, Rushden, Northants. Price 12s. 6d. including postage and packing. A book for the fairground enthusiast, The Famous Thurstons is a wellwritten account of the lives of one of the well-known travelling showman's families covering as it does four generations of the Thurston family. To the engine enthusiast there is little to interest, but to the lover of the fairground the carefully chosen photographs coupled with a very well-informed narrative provide excellent value in return for the modest price asked. Printed on good quality paper, the twenty-four pages are bound in stout board covers. and for a book which must have a limited appeal the publishers must be congratulated on producing such an informative and well-presented history. C.J.N.
STEAMING
BOROUGH OF SPENBOROUGH
Sale of 1924 Fowler Steam Road Roller Offers arc invited for the above 121 ton Roller which is in good working order, together with a spare set of new tubes and full set of fire bars. Re-tithed December, 1965. Enquiries to view to be made at the Highways Depot, Dewsbury Road, CleckheatOn, Yorkshire. Tenders in sealed envelope marked " STEAM ROLLER " to Borough Engineer, Spenborough Town Hall, Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, by 31st October, 1969. K, H. CHORLTON, Town Clerk.
Preserve your ENGINE with the best pump in the world
MANZEL A 3 point lubricator will protect each port face and give a good oiling to the steam itself.
WM. COULTHARD & CO. LTD., DURRANHILL, CARLISLE
Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., 32 Brereton Road, Bedford.