Vol. 13 No, 3
STEAMING Price 4/(20 N.P.)
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NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
OFFICERS FOR 1970 President : ARTHUR NAPPER, ESQ., Meadow House, Appleford„ Abingdon, Berkshire. Vice-President . S. J. WHARTON, ESQ., Southern Down, Minster Lovell, Oxford. 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. EHLov, ESQ., 86 Kestrel Road, Kempshott, 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 260)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Aveling-Barford Limited. F. J. Ballard, Esq. Ronald H. Clark, Esq. Rob Gebhard, Esq. J. P. Mullett, Esq.
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THE STOOMWALSENCLUB NEDERLAND GET UP STEAM by ROB GEBHARD
•
Ruston Portable, No. 544067, Built 1938.
There they stood ! On the " Noorderveermarkt " (Northerncattlemarket) in the charming old harbourtown of Hoorn, 30 miles north of Amsterdam. Five rollers, side by side, under steam. The scent of smoke and hot oil filled the air. Also filling the air, the music of a well-known Dutch street organ driven by a portable engine. Of course On the calendar : Saturday, 12th July, 1969. A great day, especially for Ge van der Pol and the writer.
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It was only two years ago that an article about the activities of the N.T.E.C., written by me, brought us together. G6 van der Pol then already had been busy for some time making an inventory of the steam rollers still present in our country. He learned that a lot of engines had been scrapped. Others stood idle—sonic well painted as monuments, some waiting for the breaker. Action had to be taken quickly. Ge van der Pol made a " historic moVe": he bought an old roller himself : the Aveling & Porter, No. 11016 (1924), once belonging to the roadbuilding company "Hon. Mij. Wegenbouw" in Utrecht. With expert help the engine was restored into working condition. It got a name too " Pluisje", which means " little fluff " . . ." Pluisje" and her new owner appeared in newspaper articles under headlines as "G6 van der Vol, the proud owner of a roller" ; "Exceptional private hobby with eleven tons of steel "; " The newest love runs on steam " ; " A pet of 12 ton ", etc. Both were T.V. stars too. First in June, 1968, when a short T.V. programme on steam was broadcast, in which appeared the last steam roller in active duty in Holland (October, 1967) and Mr. Landman's portable (a Ruston) doing work. Then in April and May of this year the Aveling & Porter engine of Ge van der Pol was shown on T.V. Let me turn back to the club itself. After our decision to form a Dutch steam club was taken, we put out our feelers. A lot of people agreed with our plans and they encouraged us to take the first steps. After much preliminary work by a " working committee " the 10th of April this year marked the official birthday of the " Stoomwalsenclub Nederland " (Dutch steamrollersclub). The members of the " working committee " were unanimously elected as the 1969-officers of the new club. May I present them to you ? H. BOESEWINKEL,
Chairman
H. J. TE SIEPE, Vice-Chairman GFFIT,Aan, earrotary and Pliblirity nefic,r A. G. BOEREE,
Treasurer
MISS G. HOLLENBACH,
Secretary
Rally Officer P. ALBARDA, Rally Officer G. VAN DER POL,
I can well imagine that some readers will ask : " why such an accent on the steam roller in the name of the club ? First of all, there does not exist an all-inclusive translation in Dutch of the words " traction engine ". Secondly, of all the steam engines in Holland, most were rollers. Furthermore, there have been a number of portables and lately a very few steam tractors. There have not been any real showman' engines in this country—as far as we know now ! Ordinary portables were being used on such fairs. Just as the N.T.E.C., the " Stoomwalsenclub Nederland " not only sets out to preserve steam engines, but to present them too during rallies, etc. Shortly after the official start of the club we were asked by the town of Hoorn—as as always very busy in organising summer activities for tourists— to hold a " steam-day ". That request seemed quite a problem at first, because one could not at once have a number of old steam rollers ready, how great being the collaboration ! Talks, letters and a lot of telephone calls later it was arranged to have the "steam-day " on Saturday, 12th July. Early in the morning Hoorn got up steam, before the eyes full of expectation from early spectators ! Big trailers brought the engines and soon steam filled the air. The portable engine of Mr. Landman, Ruston, No. 544067 (1928), named "Taman", was coupled to the street organ " 1)e Kaasdrager" (The Cheeseporter) and then the first sound of music was heard. "Tarzan ", a well kept "pet" of engineer Mr. Glim. worked practically soundless and in a way as if the engine had just left the factory ! The five steam rollers—a sixth had transmission troubles and had to cancel its coming to Room !—were parked side by side. A good target for photographers and T.V.-men.
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Aveling & Porter Steam Roller, No. 11848, built 1927, owned by Mr. Van der Gliessen, leads the parade through the charming City of Hoorn.
Musical Chairs—The Aveling & Porter in the centre foreground is No. 11016, built 1924 and belongs to Ge van der Pol. In the left background is the German Schwartzkopf I Roller, No. 8885, built 1927.
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German. Ruthemeyer Steam Roller, No. 708, built in 1930 and owned by P. C. Zanen. N.V.. Heemstede.
German Ruthemeyer Steam Roller, No. 470, built in 1926 and owned by Te Siepe, N.V.-Zwolle.
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There were present : 1. Aveling & Porter, No. 11016, " Pluisje " (1924), owned by Ge van der Pol (since June, 1968). 2. Aveling & Porter, No. 11848 (1927), owned by A. van der Giessen (since March, 1969). Mr. van der Giessen is the second private roller owner in Holland, but not the last, we think ! 3. Ruthemeyer (German), No. 470 (1926), owned by Te Siepe N. V. Zwolle, a road construction company. 4. Rutheyemer (German), No. 708 (1930), owned by P. C. Zanen-Heemstede, a road construction company. 5. Schwartzkopff (German), No. 8885 (1927), owned by P. H. Offringa'tHarde, also a road construction company. Hundreds of tourists had gathered on the marketplace when our chairman, at eleven o'clock, waved his hand. Six steam whistles started, pushing big steam clouds into the air. People covered their ears. The steam event—the first of its kind in Holland—had begun ! Shortly afterwards the rollers lined up for the parade through the town. The majorettes did so too and then the parade began. For the few people remaining around the market place " Tarzan " and the street organ took care of with a never-ending stream of cheerful sound. A little hour later the procession returned. A period of rest followed with coal and water for the engines, bread and beer for the engineers, rally officers, etc. At two o'clock the voice through the p.a. system kindly advised spectators to stay behind the fences around the market place. A line of bright red and white barrels awaited the first contest : " the slalom ". One after the other the rollers drove there and back. Not so fast, their engineer-drivers " swinging " at their steeringwheels, to avoid the barrels. The members of the jury kept a close watch at their chronometers ! All drivers being skilled ones—so it appeared—no barrel was even touched ! This was much to the displeasure of the T.V.-men ; so with with the last participant, the overthrow of just one barrel was " arranged " ! The second contest involved "Pluisje ", a rope, 39 men and one woman (our secretary). This tug-of-war was greatly appreciated by the spectators. It did not last long as the rope broke twice. Nobody bothered about it, fun is fun ! Then another successful game with the rollers : musical chairs ! After the winner was applauded by the spectators •and after the engines had regained their pressure, the musical chair game was repeated. Not for long however this time, because suddenly " Pluisje " showed that she was really more heavy weight than her name would suggest. With one wheel she sank through the pavement. The spectators roared with laughter and little . boys ran to the spot as boys always do when something goes wrong ! Under the careful treatment of her owner-driver, Ge van der Pol, " Pluisje " pulled herself out of the hole quickly. But now, what to do to choose the winner of the game ? A solution was found : a short-distance race ! Afterwards, with all the steam power in their bodies, the rollers and the portable whistled again Co mark the end of the event, The prize-distribution was a gayful ceremony with prizes for nearly everybody ! Then the trailers took their loads for the return journey to different parts of Holland. The " steam-day " in Hoorn was very successful and received much attention in newspapers, radio and T.V. ! Even the most uncertain of all factors, the weather, had not given any problems ; good and fairly warm. " A successful rally and good steaming." So read a telegram from N.T.E.C. Chairman, Mr. Anthony S. Heal, to our new club. And good steaming it was, in Hoorn at the very first public appearance of the " Stoomwalsenelub Nederland " !
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AREA NEWS BEDFORDSHIRE An engine seen in action this year in Bedfordshire is Marshall 7 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Traction Engine, No. 52367 (Reg. No. NM182), of 1909, owned and under restoration by Mr. P. Ives of Olney, Bucks. This engine had figured greatly in the early history of our friends, Messrs. T. C. Fensom of Colmworth, Beds., having been bought by the late Mr. T. C. Fensom as his first traction engine to supplement his then only other engine, a Barrows & Stewart portable and subsequently driven by his son, the late Jack Fensom, when the engine was commandeered at the start of World War I. It had, however, stood out latterly for a number of years at Colmworth, but when loaded for delivery to the new owner, it was found to be in surprisingly good condition considering. It had, towards the end of its working career been fitted with a new tire-box. Restoration is not yet complete but it was indeed pleasing to see this worthy old engine in motion
again after so many years. Our member, Harry Wooding of 'Yardley Hastings, Northants., was the owner for some years of Ruston Proctor 7 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Traction
Engine, No. 33471 (Reg. No. EW2691), of 1907, which I believe has been reported some time back as going to Wiltshire when it was sold to Michael Thexton of Wroughton, near Swindon. He has now replaced this with the ex Bucks, C.C. Aveling & Barford, 10 ton Compound Roller, No. 14179 (Reg. No. BKX861), of 1932. This roller has a full length canopy and was, when Isaw it last, still awaiting rc-lagging. Harry has obtained this engine from
Mr. Ives, mentioned in the previous item. John Crawley has this year been seen at several rallies with his latest addition to his engine collection, Aveling & Porter Piston Valve Compound Tractor. No. 12152 (Reg. No. SC1577), ❑f 1928. Supplied new to Edinburgh Corporation who used it fur some years. It was acquired by John from Mr. Lyle of Duns, Berwickshire and is in a nicely restored condition and is htted
with a full length canopy. D.J.P.
CORNWALL The county of Cornwall consists mainly of small farms having small fields, many of them sloping steeply. consequently at the time when the two-engine system of land cultivation was being extensively used elsewhere, no such engines or equipment came into Cornwall. Now, several years since steam power has been superceded by dieeKil, we have two large ploughing engines in the county, both restored to working order. With the prospect of a suitable plough being available before long we look forward to demonstrations of steam cultivation in the near future. Unfortunately, however, we have learned recently that the owner of the Fowler Plougher. No. 15195, " Anne Hathaway", will be leaving Cornwall soon and that in due course the Fowler will follow him to Wales. Mr. R. I. Gunn (Bob) and Mrs. Gunn have been Hon. Secretary and Assistant Secretary to the West of England Steam Engine Society and both have contributed a great deal towards the smooth running of the Society and its rallies and social evenings as well as providing many informative and interesting news-letters. We all wish them every success in their new home at Towyn, where they will no doubt be welcomed by the Talyllyn Railway Supporters, to whom they are already well known. Steam engines have taken part in many activities during the summer including demonstrations of threshing, sawing, providing power for organs and lights and contributing to the interest and attendance of the public at carnivals and other charity events, The two main rallies held annually in the county are reported elsewhere. Three " mini-rallies" have also been held
in the Newquay and Wadebridge area and while these gatherings have been enjoyable affairs and have made financial contributions to the charities for which they were organised, it seems unfortunate that the word " rally " was used to advertise and describe events in which so few engines participated.
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A great attraction at the Newquay meeting at Easter was the first appearance of Mrs. Sleeman's 80 key De Cap Organ, recently purchased in Belgium where it was built about 100 years ago. Since coming to its new home, a van has been built for it and it has attended several functions powered by the Aveling & Porter Tractor, "Barnard Castle". The rich mellow tones of Mrs. Sleeman's organ have been greatly appreciated wherever heard. Last year, shortly before the Redruth Rally, Mr. W. D. L Gunn of Manaccan purchased two 6-ton Wallis & Steevens " Advance" rollers from the Fairbourne Railway in Merioneth. One was hastily made ready for the rally by using some parts from the second roller. The latter was later sold to Robin Daniel and R. Welsby of Nanstallon, Bodmin and after very extensive overhaul, including a new firebox crown, this little engine also appeared at this year's rally although much work still has to be done. Mr. W. G. Hawkins of St. Issay has acquired two fresh engines—a Fowler 6 ton Single Cylinder Roller, No. 18843 (Reg. No. EXX760), in exchange for his Wallis & Steevens Oil-bath Tractor, No. 7640 (Reg. No. BL8236), and a Ruston Proctor Tractor, No. 52573 (Reg. No. TF8240), "Lincoln Imp". The Fowler was exported when new in 1920 to the East Indies and accordingly the pressure gauge was graduated in " Atmospheres" instead of pounds per square inch. Later she was owned by John Crawley and known as " Java Lass " until her name was changed to "Princess Caroline" when she took part in the film " The Iron Maiden". So now Mr. Hawkins owns three of the engines which took part in that famous film, namely "Iron Maiden", " Princess Caroline" and the Ransomes portable which appeared briefly in the film when being towed by Mr. Crawley's McLaren Plougher. The "Lincoln Imp " is a 4 n.h.p. compound with 4-shaft 2-speed transmission and it is thought that only one other of this type still exists although about ninety were built. This example is believed to have been built for the War Office in 1918. and later when owned by Isaac Ball was converted to roller and used in Lancashire. Later still she was re-converted to tractor using her original front wheels on a Garrett axle when she was in the ownership of Mr. D. Wells of Lincoln. The Fowler 12 ton Compound Roller which, until four years ago belonged to the Truro City Council, was bought by two brothers, R. and S. Wheeler, who have since restored it to working order near Lostwithiel. Their family recently moved to Dunchideock, near Exeter, and the engine has now gone there also. In addition to film and slide shows and other indoor meetings held by the two steam preservation associations in Cornwall, some outings have been arranged and well patronised. On January 26th, nearly one hundred people travelled by cars to the Liskeard area on a trip organised by the Cornish Traction Preservation Club. The first call was at Middle Taphouse where the model engines and threshing machine built by Mr. S. W. Parse were the source of great interest and admiration. Here also is the "Devonshire" type Burrell, No. 3676 (Reg. No. HR3736), which is occasionally steamed for sawing wood but has not attended any rallies since the Camborne Rally in 1957. At that time the engine looked like new, having been thoroughly overhauled and beautifully painted and lined by Mr. Pearse, but in the exposed position in which she stands the paintwork has suffered since then and Mr. Pearse's son, Michael, is now gradually re-painting. From Taphouse the party proceeded to Dobwalls to see Mr. J. Southern's very fine steam locomotives and the extensive and very cleverly-planned 74 inch gauge layout under construction on which the locos will haul passenger-carrying trains. The third call was at St. Keyne Mill to see and hear the magnificent collection of musical instruments, including several organs of historical and antiquarian interest, in Mr. H. P. Corin's Museum. On May 11th the same Club arranged an outing by coach to Bicton Gardens in South Devon. Here, in the beautiful grounds of the estate, the visitors were able to see the old Marshall traction which, for many years, threshed for Mr. Balkwill of Upton Pyne, Exeter, and was later owned by Mr. D. Muxworthy of South Morton, also the narrow-gauge steam passengercarrying railway in its woodland setting.
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On June 29th a joint outing was arranged, again to South Devon. The West of England Steam Preservation Society's coach started from Camborne arid met the Cornish Traction Preservation Club's coach, which had started from Newquay, at Bodmin. The two partly restored Peckett locomotives of the defunct Lee Moor Tramway on Dartmoor and relics of this 4 ft. gauge system which linked the extensive china clay works to Plymouth were visited at Torycombe, where the visitors were entertained by members of the Lee Moor Tramway Preservation Society. Then on to Buckfastleigh to see the locomotives and coaches of G. W. R. origin preserved there by the Dart Valley Railway, and a leisurely journey by steam-hauled train to Totnes and back. An hour's stop was made at Plymouth on the return journey from Devon and on that glorious summer evening the seaward views from Plymouth's famous Hue rounded off a most interesting and enjoyable day. I have never seen so many people on Penzance Promenade as I did on July 27th. This was the occasion of the Cornwall Vintage Vehicle Society's "Cavalcade of Transport". A splendid display of over eighty vehicles was assembled and included bicycles, motor-cycles, cars and horse-drawn and steam-propelled examples. All w+•ere receiving attention, but the densest crowd was around the steamers—J. Nicholl's Marshall roller, G. Aldord's Burrell traction " Keeling " and G. Symon's Ruston & Hornsby traction " Trevithick ". September 21st was an extra busy day at Mawla Well, near Redruth. On most evenings and every week-end, work proceeds on one or more of the eight or nine engines normally resident there, but on September 21st several of the engines were in steam and were joined by two visiting engines, the Armstrong-Whitworth roller from Mount Hawke and "The Gladiator" with organ from Redruth. The many visitors on this, Mr. Morse's first " open day" included a large party from the St. Columb-Newquay district, members of the C.T.P. Club. Mr. Morse intends to arrange a similar event next year. Mr. R. Wood's Burrell, No. 2651 (Reg. No. AN/9840), "Challenger" is now at Appledore being fitted with new firebox and tube-plate. The motion and other removable parts are being cleaned and painted ready for re-assembly in the not-too-distant future. The next new firebox to be made and fitted at Appledore will probably be for Burrell, No. 2662 (Reg. No. AF3531), " Attraction ". This engine gave rise to the preservation movement in the South-West when early in 1951 the writer bought her from the late Mr. Abel who had, until 1949, used her for threshing in the Penzance district. From new in 1904 until 1936 the engine had worked in the Helston-Lizard district when owned by J. Penns & Sons, Contractors. By 1958 the firebox showed signs of serious deterioration and it was deemed unwise to have any repairs of a temporary nature carried out, so the engine was greased, put in a shed and laid up as at that time I could not afford time or cash for the extensive repairs necessary. Recently, when I was seriously considering the possibility of getting " Attraction" on the road again, I was introduced to Mr. D. Hattam of Redruth who showed great interest in acquiring her and after months of wavering I at last decided that it would be in the interest of all concerned if I parted with my first engine to one who was eager and able to completely restore her. A start has already been made and I am completely confident that we shall see " Attraction " taking her rightful place among the many other engines she has been directly or indirectly responsible for preserving at some future rallies. C.P.G. COTSWOLD The writer's Fowler Single, No. 9230, left the farm at Slinbridge in the middle of August to journey to Fairford Rally. My newly acquired living van, ex Bomford & Evershed, was collected at Stonehouse on the way, and engine, van and water cart then made a satisfactory journey. After a successful rally the engine was stabled at Charles Rickard's farm at Dunfield before journeying home, again without incident, apart from a tendency for the engine to prime.
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Since then the van has been left at home for painting—now well under way. Engine, water cart and traction wagon, containing sawbench, have returned to the farm. Two sawing sessions have taken place satisfactorily without any fingers being cut off, and a considerable amount of wood has been cut up for domestic use this winter. I am looking for a smallish portable to drive this sawbench as the job will probably be a regular one in future. Can anyone help here ? One new arrival, or should I say return to the district, is Aveling & Porter Roller, Type AD, No. 14174 (Reg. No. GL1281). This was purchased at a farm sale near Broadway by Mr. P. Young of Cirencester, and the engine is now at his farm in company with his Burrell S.C.C., No. 3919. A few years ago I purchased this engine from Pound's Plant of Bath and drove it home in freezing cold weather, with snow and ice, from Box to Stroud. It was later sold to Bishops of Burley. In my search for a portable engine I recently went to Colin Rogers to see the old Hornsby " D " Type, only to find it had been presented recently to a museum. It is believed that this was the oldest portable engine in the country. The number of the third Aveling Roller at Vines yard at Hardwicke, omitted from the last notes is 8301. Two weeks after the Fairford Rally a steam party was held at Charles Rickard's farm, when 4 engines were in steam. There were M. Thexton's Ruston Proctor S.C., No. 33471, C. Rickard's Allchin D.C.C., No. 1652, J. Plaister's Marshall D.C.C., No. 71837, M. Howard & Woodruff's Foster S.C. Roller, No. 16100. A barbeque was held in the evening and the event was greatly enjoyed by all. A more recent event at the same venue was some steam threshing. M. Thexton's Ruston was used on Charlie Rickard's Ransome 54 inch Thresher, but later in the day the governors developed a fault, so the engine was replaced with the Allchin which I had the pleasure of driving. A considerable number of people, mostly members of the newly formed Fairford & District Steam Club were present at this splendid occasion. R.C.J.W. CUMBERLAND The 89 Key C.;avioli owned by Zeke Myers of Longdale is now about half restored, it is being fitted with original bellows and looks like being a grand organ when completed. The 8 h.p. McLaren. No. 787, has had a nice season at Rallies and Steam Parties. Although situated in the heart of the English Lakes, Zeke has managed to get the Masham and Harewood Rallies and to two Steam Parties, one being at Beckermet in aid of local churches and the other being organised by J. Crowther of Long Preston in aid of the Village Green. Also in the Lake District a small portable engine has recently been seen near Hawkeshead, I understand that it is a 4 h.p. Marshall and is owned by the local joiner. It had at one time worked his saw-mill. He sold it about 20 years ago into the Barrow-in Furness district where it has been used for the sterilisation of soil, and has now acquired it again for preservation. Also in the Lake District is the Marshall Comp. 10.T. Roller, No. 65822 (Reg. No. A06199), owned by Dick Ransome of Torvor, this engine is now in a fine stone built shed and is to be restored as time permits. It worked all its life in Cumberland and was owned by the County Council for many years. In August W. Dowthwaite of Hutton Grange, Skelton, sold his Marshall No. 86984 (Reg. No. SY4899), "Universal". It has gone into the Crewe district and was taken down under its own steam '. Whilst at Hutton Grange this engine was transformed, it was a credit to W. Dowthwaite in every way. ❑n my last visit to Hutton Grange I saw the 7 h.p. Burrell, No. 4053 (Reg. No. TD8047), in steam for the first time. There was quite a good covering of snow but this did not deter us taking the engine for a run. I
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Super Sentinel, No. 6876 (Reg. No. K04454), built in 1927. Fitted with pneumatics in 1934.
Sentinel S4, No. 9090 (Reg. No. BKK583), built July, 1934.
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had the privilege of driving and believe me she is beautiful to handle and runs like a new engine, it is very apparent that she has done very little work. With other Club members we were given a splendid show of slides in the evening. Many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Dowthwaite for their kind hospitality. In the company was the grand old 'steam' man from Darlington, "Jack Peirson", he was with us for his 76th birthday. His love for ' steam' is outstanding, he never tires and his knowledge of engines is terrific. Early in October our Garrett No. 4 Tractor, No. 33953, " Anne " was in steam, she pulled the Robey T.E., No. 28094, and the Garrett Roller, No. 33636, out of the shed in order to empty the boilers and tanks. After washing each boiler out they were pushed back into the shed for the winter. In the same shed work still continues on the Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller, No. 11496. Many are the hours needed yet to complete it, but each week sees some advance, however little it be. Incidentally, I have been informed that on the standard Aveling & Porter rollers the lining out was black and red only, and on the `Show' finished rollers yellow was added. Although No. 11496 was turned out as a standard engine, I may add the third line. Together with my brother and member T. Robinson, we paid our first visit to Mr. Sake Johnson who lives at Coanwood, near Hexham, on 18th October. We had a most interesting day, in his yard were Aveling and Porter 8 ton, No. 10445 (Reg. No. FX9806), and Aveling Barford 8 ton, No. AH363/1947 (Reg. No. CTL225), also in his shed was a little compound Foster Tractor, No. 3145, probably made in 1906. This engine last worked at the Ladykirk Estate, Norham, near Berwick, about thirty years ago. It is having a c❑mplete overhaul, including new front tube plate, it will certainly be a nice engine when finished. Jake took us over the moors to Whitfield to see his Aveling & Porter 6 ton Roller which has been rolling a private road, its No. is 10662 (Reg. No. FX9743), built in 1922. It is very similar to T. Robinson's 6 tanner, No. 11565. We then travelled over to Haltwhistle to see an Aveling Barford 10 ton Roller, No. AD076 (Reg. No. CUP396). Jake had this engine also on a private road job and it was here from Messrs. Treloar, Haltwhistle. We then went to the yard in Haltwhistle where Treloar's have two more rollers, they were Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller, No. 4660 (Reg. No. NR2393), and Aveling Barford Roller, No. AC406 (Reg. No. CPT238), with cast wheels. It was good to see the old Aveling & Porter, No. 4660, again as we owned her over thirty years. we re-boxed her in 1938 and she worked extensively at Sellafield for M.O.W. and various contractors. To conclude I must say the surprise of the day was that when on our journey to Coanwood we caught up to a Fowler roller steaming along between Brampton and Low Row. Messrs. Trelour had bought it in Penrith from Stalkers' and were travelling it through to Coanwood. Needless to say, I donned an old coat and relieved the steersman for a mile or so. This engine impressed me very much, it was the quietest Fowler (4 shaft) I have ever heard. She had stood seven years without any attention, so of course she was rough to look at, piston rods required skimming and glands brushed to suit, and a few other minor jobs, plus cleaning and painting then she will be a useful engine. Her No. is 16236 (Reg. No. EC521). Compound 10-12 tons, ex Westmorland County Council. On our homeward journey we called at Brampton to see G. S. Cartmell's Aveling & Porter 8 ton Roller, No. 11366 (Reg. No. RM2114), he had just finished rolling the drive leading to his house and it was ticking over very nicely out of gear. This engine worked all its life in the Wigton Division of the Cumberland County Council. S.S.
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HERTFORDSHIRE As mentioned in the last contribution from Hertfordshire, Ray Jennings of Hatfield, Herts. was building a new canopy for his Burrell Showman's Tractor, No. 3868 (Reg. No. AH824), " Island Prince ", of 1921. This has been completed some time now and looks very fine indeed. All the woodwork has been replaced and the opportunity taken to lay the wiring for the canopy lights in grooves milled into the planking of the roof. The roof is skinned on top with aluminium painted white and the new name boards were taken home last winter and sign-written by the owner in a most professional manner so that they now read " R. W. Jennings. Modern Amusements ". The underside has also, of course, been painted and the ribs and principles lined out. On Sunday, 1st June, the Herts. Steam Preservation Society lost one of their founder committee members, J. R. (Dick) Barker of Edgware, Middlesex. As senior member of the committee Dick took a keen interest in the Society's affairs and presented his Burrell Engine " Victory " at many of our rallies. He died from a heart attack whilst working on the engine in the engine shed he had built on the farm of his friend, Mr. John Whittington of North Medbourn Farm, Elstree, Herts. I don't think I have ever mentioned the engine in these notes. It was bought by Dick about eight or nine years ago through the good offices of the late Jack Fensom from the late Will Parish of Moreton, near Ongar, Essex. It is a 7 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Agricultural Engine, No. 3068 (Reg. No. AH5978), of 1908. Although in reasonable condition at the time of purchase, Dick had carried out a good deal of work on the engine during his ownership. He retubed it and re-lagged it and had the wheels rubbered by fellow Yorkshireman, Ted Meadoweroft. Whilst the wheels were away up north the opportunity was taken to rebush the second shaft, the steering shaft and to repin and bush the gear change slide. Also one of the final drive pinions was built up. Another job undertaken was the addition of a considerable amount of plate work in the tender hunker. As Dick was in business as a paint supplier, the paintwork was always kept in good order and about two years ago the engine was relined. The engine has however appeared since at this year's Gaddesden Row Rally, in the charge of Dick's engine mate, Pat Millyard of Edgware ; as Mrs. Barker does not propose to dispose of the engine immediately. This year has seen the appearance of our member, A. J. Ross, of Welwyn Garden City, Herts. Aveling & Porter Single Cylinder Piston Valve 10 ton Type E Roller, No. 10596 (Reg. No. YA5385), of 1923. Bought by him about two years ago from Buncombes of Highbridge, Somerset, this engine has had a new smoke-box, tube plate fitted and been retubed. It retains its scarifier and has the " Buncombe Style " half length canopy. It has been nicely repainted and travels to rallies towing a steam roller, living van and water cart, altogether a smart turn-out. Another first time out has been achieved by Alan Bolton and John Davis, both of whom hail from London with their Wallis & Steevens Oil Bath Tractor, No. 7637 (Reg. No. H02779), of 1920. This has had fairly extensive boiler repairs carried out on it at ❑urrington. It has been fitted with rubber tyres and painted a light biscuit colour and lined out. With its oil bath engine and tall square section pannier mounted Fore tanks, this engine provides a contrast to the more usual tractor layout. D.J.P. KENT At the time of writing, another successful rally season has passed into history which for most of the time was blessed with fine weather. Several engines and crews had, during the season, travelled under their own steam to several rallies in Kent and Sussex and also Liphook in Hampshire. The record for the most miles covered would appear to go to Mr. Harry Pye's Aveling & Porter D.C.C. Traction Engine, No. 5682, " Emma " with over 500 miles to her credit and driven by the Langley Brothers of Gravesend.
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Following on close behind would be Mr. J. (Smokey) Shepherd of Orpington and Tom Tilbury of Dartford with their Wallis & Steevens " Advance " Roller, No. 7962, " Smokey ", also Peter Fagg of West Mailing with his Clayton & Shuttleworth S/Cyl. Traction Engine, No. 46823, " Dusty " and Jock Murray with Richard Pierce's Babcock & Willcox S/Cyl. 6 ton Roller, No. 95/4009, " Toby ". Richard and William Pierce of Borough Green with their Fowler D.C.C. Road Locomotive, No. 14754, " Endeavour " also covered 300 miles by attending several rallies in Kent and Sussex. Mr. Pye's other Aveling & Porter D.C.C. 10 ton Roller, No. 6378, " Elizabeth " with " Emma " attended a bonfire celebration at the Bell Inn, Fenn Street, Nr. Allhallows, on November 5th and the Pierce Brothers held a steam party at Mid Camp Farm, Borough Green on Saturday, 8th November, when their Fowler Road Locomotive " Endeavour " was in steam with their other engines, Babcock & Wilcox Roller, " Toby ", Fowler D.C.C. Class B.B. Ploughing Engine, No. 14213, which had made its first appearance since restoration at the Tonbridge Rally held in October and Marshall Portable, No. 49285. Mr. Colin Tucker of Bexleyheath, with helpers, is making steady progress with his second Fowler D.C.C. 12 ton Roller, No. 17496, which had its first outing for several years and should be completed for next year's rally season. Mr. Tucker's other Fowler D.C.C. Roller, No. 18503, attended a fete at Chatham Town Hall in conjunction with Chatham Carnival Week celebrations in August. Another engine which Mr. Tucker keeps at his home at Bexleyheath is a Burrell S.C.C. Traction Engine, No. 2909 (Reg. No. AF3517), " The Cornishman ". This was made to a special order for Mr. Charles Parsons of St. Colomb, Cornwall and supplied new to him in 1909. Unusual features include a 6" longer stroke than usual traction engine design and the rear wheels are 6' high instead of the usual 5' 6". The engine was used mostly for road haulage, which included negotiating very rough rocky tracks leading to old Cornish tin mines which had been closed, removing the boilers and then loading them on to heavy trailers. At other times it was used for hauling loads for Messrs. Anderton & Rowland, the Amusement Caterers and also for other showmen. After changes of ownership with Murch Bros. Umberleigh, North Devon, Mr. J. Vines of Hardwicke, Gloucester and Messrs. Edwards of Swindon, Mr. Tucker purchased the engine from Edwards in 1963 and has since carried out much restoration work which includes new chimney and base, smoke-box door, baffle plate of tender, floor of footplate, renewed the boiler tubes which are 11 ins. 0.D., relagged the boiler and renewed the three quarter length awning which originally was only half length, but extended by Mr. Parsons. F.J.B.
LANCASHIRE
The Club's annual traction engine rally held at Burtonwood Aerodrome last July 19th/20th was a great success, both the general public and enginemen enjoying good weather on both days. 16 engines attended and we welcomed several newcomers to Burtonwood : Burrell Road Locomotive. No. 3098 (Reg. No. MA5657), of 1909 (ex R. Bridston & Sons, Neston) ; 1920 Fowler Road Locomotive, No. 15376 (Reg. No. MA5656), owned by T. G. Bridston of Neston and used by Robert Bridston & Sons until 1967 ; 1922 Burrell 5 ton Tractor, No. 3862 (Reg. No. MA8472), owned by Jack Johnson of Banks ; 1902 Burrell S.C.C. Roller, No. 2642 (Reg. No. TB3778), owned by J. Webster of Tarleton ; 1925 Wallis & Steevens Advance Roller, No. 7815 (Reg. No. H06380) (ex Limmer Trinidad Co.), owned by W. PagetTomlinson of Warrington ; and Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 11837, owned by E. Marshall of Glazebury. But the biggest surprize was the appearance of a partly dismantled, very dirty old Aveling & Porter Roller, purchased by club member A. R. Porter of Altrincham only 3 weeks previous. It was delivered by low-loader to the rally site only two days before the rally direct from Mytholmroyd (Yorks.) where it had stood in the open for 18 months. (Previous to this it had stood in a contractor's yard for 10 years).
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Extensive renovation will be required on this roller including renewal of all second row stays, all crown stays, a new smoke-box and a complete repaint. The regulars to Burtonwood were Burrell Agricultural, No. 2003 (Reg. No. YA509), "Diamond Queen ", built 1897, owned by W. A. Briggs, Mobberley ; McLaren Agricultural, No. 616 (Reg. No. HD1493), of 1898, owned by P. V. Atherton, Bold ; Foden agricultural, No. 443 (Reg. No. 13.11142), " Victoria ", of 1899, owned by G. Adamson, Kenyon ; Clayton & Shuttleworth Agricultural, No. 46059 (Reg, No. CE7943), of 1913, owned by G. Coles, Stretford ; Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 8754 (Reg. No. VN2730), owned by P. Priestner, Moore ; Garrett Showman's Tractor, No. 33612 (Reg. No. BJ4484), "Camilla "' owned by S. Z. de Ferranti, Knutsford ; and three Fowler 10 ton Rollers-No. 17498 (Reg. No. 0E5520), "Delicia ", of 1929, owned by A. C. and K. E. Shorrock, Charley ; No. 18695 (Reg. No. TF2260), of 1930, owned by R. White, Parbold ; No. 20122 (Reg. No. TJ2626), of 1933, owned by P. Froud, Frodsham. Readers may be interested to know that Jack Johnson's tractor and John Webster's roller were both rescued from Isaac Ball's yard at Whorles (Fylde) during October 1968 in a very derelict condition, with extensive corrosion. Work started the following month to convert Jack's engine, No. 3862, from a 3-speed, 3-shaft roller into a tractor. and to restore John's roller, No. 2642. to something like its original condition. With the aid of several colleagues these two enthusiasts got down to completely stripping, cleaning and extensive repair work, and eventually rebuilding and repainting the two engines. By the end of March, only Fry': MoNitis after work began, Jack's engine was steamed out of the shed in almost ex-works condition and John's roller followed two months later, completing a most remarkable achievement in engine preservation. The next event was the Astle Park Rally in August, where the club was represented by Bill Brigg's Burrell Agricultural, No. 2003, and Burrell Road Locomotive, No. 3098, George Coles' Clayton Agricultural, No. 46095, Phil Priestner's Aveling Roller. No. 8754. Jack Johnson's Burrell Tractor, No. 3862, and Peter Fraud's Fowler Roller, No. 70177. Peter Fraud's steam party at the Hollybush Inn, Little Leigh, on Saturday, 4th October, was well attended both by club members and engines. Needless to say, a good time was had by all ! No less than eight engines attended : Aveling Roller, No. 8754 (P. Priester), Aveling Roller, No. 5199 (F. Fields). Fowler Roller, No. 20122 (P. Fraud), Wallis Advance Roller, No. 7815 (W. Paget-Tomlinson), Clayton Agricultural, No. 46059 (G. Colo), Foden Agricultural, No. 443 (G. Adamson, driven by W. Fitter), Burrell, No. 3098 (driven by P. Fraud), and Foster Agricultural, No. 12593 (Reg. No. MA5730), of 1913 (J. Dakin), with Alan Barber's 86 key Mortier organ providing the music. Following the Hollybush steam party were Jack Johnson's two very successful "steamings", in aid of charity, at Banks, near Southport on October 18th/19th and November lst/2nd, with eight engines attending both events; Jack Johnson's Burrell Tractor, No. 3862, John Webster's Burrell S.C.C. Roller, No. 2642, Tom Albert's Burrell Showman, No. 3444, " His Lordship", Tom Albert's 1912 Garrett Tractor, No. 30959, "Hilda ", Roger White's Fowler Roller, No. 18655, George Coles' Clayton Agricultural, No. 46059, Hellical Springs' Burrell Agricultural, No. 2513, Tom Varley's S4 Sentinel, No. 9003, and music was provided by Tom Alberts' magnificent 89 key Marenghi Organ. On the Sunday before the first event, George Coles and crew of three steamed the Clayton, which is still on strakes, the 30 miles from Walter Fitter's yard at Warrington to Banks in eight hours. To what was an enjoyable and eventful trip (running short of water, taking a wrong turning near Burscough, and losing a few nuts and bolts) the last two miles were covered in darkness. It was a tired but triumphant crew that arrived at Jack's that night, I can tell you News continues to come in of engine repair and renovation work : Aveling 8 ton Roller, No. 5199 (Reg. No. NX369), a single cylinder slide valve roller of 1903 with no differential, owned by F. Fields of Northwich, has been successfully re-tubed and passed the hydraulic test in time for Peter Fraud's steam party.
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Work started early last year to replace the fire-box on Walter Fitter's 1912 Foden Agricultural, No. 2312 (Reg. No. MA7770). By spring Walter, with the aid of a few club members, had completely stripped the engine down leaving only the boiler and hornplates in one piece, removed the old fire-box and tubeplate and had taken delivery of the new firebox, which was in effect just a plain box shape. Drilling out the 108 stay holes, foundation ring holes, 42 tube holes and the fire hole was soon completed, largely by Walter himself, and then the box was fitted. By June all 10$ stays were in and rivetted by hand, the new tubeplate had arrived (it, like the fire-box, was just a plain shape) and was drilled and fitted in position ready for hot rivetting, together with the foundation ring, by a boilermaker. It was hoped at this stage that the engine would make Burtonwood rally but the services ❑f a boilermaker were not available at the time. It was not until midNovember that all the hot rivetting was complete and rebuilding began, but it will be some months before " Betsy Ann " takes to the road. The writer's "dirty old Aveling" roller is not quite as dirty as it was, but it is in more pieces—only the front roll, chimney, cylinder block and boiler remaining together. The hornplates (top to bottom, inside and out), back and front spectacle plates, crankshaft and eccentrics, main gear casing and canopy supports having been painted to gloss finish. All the second row stays are in (having been bushed) to bring them back to the original thickness) and the crown stays are on the way. MI that's to be done is to lit a new smoke-box (Walter Fitter put his hammer through the old one) and to put the millions of bits back ! The Roller, No. 6544, is a 10 ton. single cylinder, slide valve engine of 6 built in 1908 and is thought to be unique amongst the Avelings in having a continuous water-feed pump. It has a differential, half length timber canopy, three tine scarifier and was first registered in 1921 (Reg. No. HD1572). Named " Little Wonder " when it started life in June, 1908, with Hampshire Bros., Road Rolling Contractors, Ravensthorpc, Yorks., it remained in service with them until 1958, then stood in their yard for ten years until sold to an enthusiast in Mytholmroyd. Restoration to ex-works condition still continues, at W. Fitter's yard, on Burrell Agricultural, No. 4078 (Reg. No. EW4904) owned by Rhoda Adamson, Steve Allsop and Russell [lodger. This engine was brought from Essex in August, 1966, and apart from a brief outing to Burtonwood rally of the same year, has been worked on ever since. It is hoped to have the Burrell completed for this year's rally and if the present standard of finish is maintained it will be a fine looking engine indeed. Andrew and Keith Shorrock of Chorley have rescued a Ruston & Hornsby portable from Brodie's Sawmill at Copal. Angus and have low-loaded it home. It's a class P.C.G., built about 1930, No. 163864, and is thought to be the only 12 n.h.p. Ruston compound in e\ istence. Some restoration work is required and a few tubes need replacing, but it should be ready for this year's rally. Eric Marshall's 1927 10 ton S.C.P.V. Aveling Roller, No. 11837 (Reg. No, EP3696), bought from a farmer in Welshpool last March, is to go to Walter Fitter's yard at Warrington to have the bent crankshaft straightened. George Coles, of 18 Braemar Avenue, Stretford, Manchester, has made a few minor repairs to his 1913 Clayton agricultural and it now stops when the reversing lever is centred ! Next job, particularly after the epic journey to Banks in October, is to fit rubbers to the wheels, if and when they can be obtained cheaply. In addition to owning Fowler Plougher, No. 15148 (Reg. No. Cf4406), Dennis Priestner of Dunham, Massey, Cheshire, has been successful in obtaining the 1923 Fowler 10 ton Roller, No. 16007 (Reg. No. MN939I) from Isle of Man Highway Board. It was delivered in late November and promptly had to be thawed out (there being an icy spell at the lime) before it could be washed out prior to steaming the following week to its winter quarters a mile away. N.C.
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LINCOLNSHIRE In addition to the major Rallies already reported in our area, this Summer has seen two additional events of this type, which although on a rather smaller scale, were none the less very pleasant. The first of these took place on Mr. B. Dobson's farm at South Elkington, near Louth, on July 26th and 27th, and was organised by our secretary Mr. M. Dawson. Engines to be seen here were Mr. Payne's Fowler, No. 14798 ; Mr. J. Hebden's Clayton, No. 48162 ; Mr. F. Strange's Marshall, No. 61880 ; Maddison Bros.' Ransomes, No. 26475 ; Mr. H. Thorlby's Allchin, No. 1499 ; Mr. J. Selby's Marshall, No. 79441 ; Mr. R. Drake's Fowler Roller, Uo. 16967 ; Mr. J. Smith's Wallis, No. 7539 ; Mr. J. Brook's Aveling 8240 ; Louth Borough Council's Fowler, No. 18867 and Mr. E. Riggall's Foster Portable, No. 14737 with chaff cutter. Fair Organs in play included Messrs. Epton's Marenghi and Mr. J. Francis's Chiappa, and several model exhibits were on show. For two rollers, this was their first Rally appearance, these were Mr. J. Brook's Aveling, No. 824U, which is a piston valve compound and was at one time in the services of Grimsby Corporation, the other was Louth Borough Council's Fowler, No. 18867, which is still in use after over thirty years' service with the local authority. The weather during the show was fine and a full run of ring events was held. The second event mentioned was held at Mr. R. E. Dale's farm at Wold Newton on September 13th and 14th and it had been hoped that most of the engines un view could be shown actually at work. Unfortunately the weather was most disappointing, but a small amount of threshing and chaff cutting was possible. Machinery to be seen here included Mr. Dale's own collection of engines, comprising of his newly acquired 1-owler Showman's Tractor, No. 14412. with other Fowler Tractor, No. 18635, nearby. His Marshall Traction. No. 85890, was on the belt to a Foster Threshing Drum and Rundle Elevator, and the Aveling Roller, No. 10695, was doing a little work on the lane. The Fowler Roller. No. 16851 and Foster Portable, No. 14661, were not in steam on this occasion. To supplement this Messrs. Maddison's Ransomes Traction, No. 26475, was at work to their threshing tackle, and in the same enclosure could be seen Mr. F. Smith's Clayton, No. 47048, running a baler, and Mr. E. Riggall's Foster Portable belted to a chaff cutter. Mr. J. Hebden's Clayton, No. 48162 and Mr. W. Payne's Fowler, No. 14798, were on the line with Mr. H. Sharpe's Garrett Tractor, No. 33818. Mr. F. Smith's Mann's Tractor, No. 1425, was able to do a little direct traction ploughing, and the show was completed by the Wallis Roller owned by Mr. J. Smith, Aveling Roller, No. 8240, of Mr. J. Brooks and Mr. A. Fearnley's Fowler, No. 14410. A quartet of Wagons attended, these being Messrs. Brook, Hirst & Marsden's Sentinel, No. 9075, Messrs. Fearnley's with Sentinels, Nos. 1475 and 9086 and Messrs. Crawford's Robey, No. 42657. As stated earlier the weather was poor and this had caused a great number of people to stay away, who would no doubt otherwise have come to see engines at work. On the 27th of September, two steaming families became united at the wedding of Mr. Maurice Fearnley of Castleford, and Carol, the daughter of our Chairman, Mr. D. Yarnell of Navenby. The Bridegroom's father, Mr. A. Fearnley, provided the bridal carriage for the couple, in the shape of the well known Fowler Tractor, " Pandora", on which they were seen, speeding from Church to the Reception. The members of this Society would like to convey their congratulations to this popular couple and wish them every happiness in their life together. F.S. SO MERSETSHIRE Ron Torr, of Gurney Slade, now has his Marshall compound, No. 52280, " Lorna", fully restored and what a beautiful job he has made of her, likewise his Marshall thresher and rack-saw bench, made by Stenner & Gunn of 'fiverton, Devon. In the same area, the Gould brothers of Camerton are restoring Garrett 4 wheel undertype wagon, new to Glover & Uglo of Devonshire and lately owned by Jim Hutchins. This wagon made an
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appearance at the Cheddar Rally in September and is thought to be the only 4 wheel Garrett undertype left. Also at cheddar, making a debut, was Foster, No. 3710, owned by a Mr. Palmer of Pilton, near Shepton Mallett and purchased by him at Richard Wooley's sale in Shropshire last year. At Burrington Ken Hobbs has bought Fowler /3131 Plougher, No. 15436, "Princess Mary", from the late W. Sparrow, and this brings the number of ploughers owned by the Hobbs brothers (Ken and Bob) to three. Their Fowler 6 furrow anti-balance Plough has been completely restored and put to use. The first outing was a bit of quiet ploughing at Chew Stoke on
Easter Saturday using Bob Sway's pair of BB1s, Nos. 15210/1. The next day, Easter Day, the set moved up to a field near Regilbury Court to do some work on some ground of a more stoney nature to get a nice shine on the mould boards. At Cheddar Bob Say purchased Burrell S.C.C., No. 3399, from Worcestershire, a Ransomes Thresher and Baler and a nice 1905 Blackstone Oil Engine on its original iron wheels. Across at Banwell Jim Emmerson has at last brought his Burrell Showman " Vanguard " No, 2342 out, and in August took her for a trip down the road to R.A.F. Locking for a steam and organ festival, and what a wonderful job he has done to this, the oldest restored Burrell Showman.
A mile or so away over the hill at Barton, near Winscombe, Keith Vigus has purchased a Ransomes clover huller, new around 1940, from the Bridgwater area to g' with the Garrett portable, No. 33007. Very recently a " Sunshine " reaper and binder has been added to the collection. A few miles away at Catcott a Mr. T. Woodward has acquired an Aveling roller from the auction held at the late Mr. L. Heard's farm at Westonzoyland earlier in the year. This roller, Reg. No. KR479, is an ex Barnes Bros. engine from Southwick, near Trowbridge. A long hop now over to Yeovil and District where Henry Fry of CIosworth has acquired a Garrett tractor in showman's trim, No. 31193, from Lambe of Broomsgrove. At Compton Pauncefoot James Gilbey's Scenic Burrell, No. 3483, Perseverance lI ", is back on the road, fully decorated and lined out after having had some very heavy repairs done by James & Crockerell at Durrington. A mile or so away at Trent, a village just over the border in Dorset, lives Mr. L. Casely, a committee member ❑f the Somerset Club. Among his pieces of machinery is a beautifully restored Foster Thresher and Burrell Road Loco., No. 3824. This engine was purchased by Mr. Casely in 1954 and this year emerged fully restored—and what a lovely sight she looks. She has been christened (in front of T.V. cameras) Lord Fisher of Lambeth" by the retired Archbishop himself who also lives at Trent.
Events in the county at which steam has been present are becoming more frequent. Gerald Peacock took his Marshall Roller, No. 74962, to the North Somerset Show at Ashton Park, Bristol, on Whit Monday. The ground was however, in such an atrocious state after a lot of heavy rain, that he had to stay out ❑n the drive. Three days later, at Shepton Mallet, an exhibition of steam tackle was a highlight of the 1969 Bath and West Show. All engines and ancillary equipment were static and included Bill Domian's three-abreast steam driven. Ron Torr's Marshall, No. 52280, " Lorna ", driving the Stenner & Gunn Rack-saw bench. Messrs. Hobbs & Lee's Foster, No. 12544, driving Mike Lawrence's Jones Baler, from Edingworth, Keith Vigus's WS II Garrett Portable, No. 33007. drawing Ron Torr's Marshall Thresher, James Gilbey's Burrell Scenic, No. 3483, " Perseverance II", E. C. Hines' Burrell Scenic, No. 3938, "Quo Vadis" and Foster Tractor, No. 14514. "Wellington " and a very old McLaren from Staffordshire. At the top of the arena was a demonstration ❑f steam ploughing, using Hobbs Bros.' Fowler, No. 15219 and 6 furrow anti-balance plough with Bob Says' Fowler, No. 15210, taking the strain at the other end.
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Early in September, Mendip Round Table organised a rally at Cheddar, in a field between the reservoir and the track of the old Cheddar Valley Bravel Line. It proved a very beautiful setting, with the Mendip Hills as a back-cloth, but even though the weather was fine, like Yeovil, spectators were not too plentiful, especially on the Saturday. Engines of note were Foden Wagon, No. 6368, " Pride of Edwin ", all the way from Sandbach, Messrs. Goold's Garrett Wagon, not yet fully restored, and a few " local " engines making their first appearance in Somerset. One of the last events which involved Somerset engines was the " Great Working of Steam Engines " at Stourpaine, Dorset. Hobbs Bros. took Fowlers Nos. 14536 and 15218 and their plough, Bob Say took his pair, Nos. 15210/1, Messrs. Sharman and Winslade their Marshall, No. 45872, from Othery, Mike Lawrence his Jones Baler, Ron Tarr his Marshall and Rack Saw, Henry Fry his Garrett Showman's Tractor, "Henrietta ", James Gilbey his Burrell "Perseverance IL" Messrs. Goold their 54 Sentinel, No. 9032, and Percy Cole, Jnr. was in charge of the famous " Gondola Switchback " which is based at Ilton, near Ilminster. K.M.V. NORTH STAFFS. AND CHESHIRE Latest engine acquisition by a member was spotted on top of Shap Fell en route from Penrith to Audley, Cheshire. This 150 mile journey by a roller compares favourably with some of the journeys we read of road locomotives completing. The roller in question is the Marshall Universal, No. 86984 (Reg. No. SYe1899) recently acquired by Bob Lee. The fine condition was commented on by the Cumberland correspondent in a recent copy of " Steaming ". Convertible Tractor, No. Another engine to change hands is the A. & 8384 (Reg. No. HT2937), " Kitty ", acquired by Jack Doyle and recently towed to the Goostrey " engine yard " by Jim Dakin's T.K. Bedford. Jack's previous engine, the very interesting single speed Ruston Proctor, No. 51737 (Reg. No. EB8164), has gone to the Swindon area. Two of the most successful events have been informal steam parties, the first earlier in the year in the south of the area, on the excellent site at Draycott. Run in collaboration with the Burton-on-Trent Vintage and Veteran Vehicle Society on their two acre level ex loading wharf there was plenty
of activity, with hedge and tree pulling, whole sheep roasting on the barbecue, beer by the barrel, or just sitting in the various living vans chatting and smoking. A vintage bus took a continuous stream of visitors to see the Society's 0.4.0 tank engine on the six miles of track over which they
have running rights. The north of the area once again had its very successful Steam Party at Goostrey later in the year, where 15 engines were assembled. Highlight of the function was the dramatic arrival, completely out of the blue, of Bob Lee with the previously mentioned Marshall Universal Roller. The Club was represented at the Crich Extravaganza by Brian Nicholson's Marshall, No. 78085 (Reg. No. E9624), " Lindy Lou", and by Brian Swindlehurst's " Verbuck " organ. " Lindy Lou " also attended the Birmingham Science Museum's Rally early in the year and a few weeks ago spent a successful weekend threshing a stack of corn. J.P.S.
SUSSEX 1969 has been a very busy year in the South with several new arrivals on the rally fields and, most encouraging, news of several engines undergoing overhauls to add to the variety. There has been on average through the summer months a rally every three weeks in the area which is probably the limit an area can take, but by cooperation between the organisers it has been possible for several owners to travel around from one event to the next leaving their engines on or near the rally grounds in between times. Engaged on the " travelling circus " this year have been the old favourites such as Tom Tilbury's Wallis &
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Tasker Tractor, No. 1741, "Little Giant", belonging to F. Honour, Amershatn Common, Bucks.
Atkinson Steam Wagon, fitted with tar heating and spraying equipment.
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Steevens Advance roller 7962 " Smokey " with smokey Shepperd at the cantrols and Peter Faggs' Clayton & Shuttleworth 46823, " Dusty ", both from Kent, who were joined this year by a newcomer in the form of Richard Weston from Wadhurst with his 1909 Ruston Proctor 36828 " Florence " traction engine which is the only one of its make active in the area. Richard Pearce's Babcock & Willcox roller, a 6 tonner of 1926, number 95/4009 also travelled extensively under Jock Murray's control including a visit to Chichester—a long way from Borough Green. A very welcome new arrival is the restored Burrell agricultural traction engine number 4048 " William the Second " owned by Michael Lugg of Billingshurst who is well known for his firm's work on engines in the area. He has spent three years restoring the engine and it must be one of the finest in Britain today as everything is immaculate. A steam turbine has been fitted to provide electric lighting for moving after dark and it includes lights on the gauges. Members of the Worthing & Southern Counties Group have been busy buying engines as well with the arrival of three of the Tasker collection ; 1296, the Horse's Friend tractor of 1903 ; 1741, a 1917 B2 tractor and 1833, a 1923 roller ; with Jack Hardwick of Ewell who intends making them steamable. Also arrived at Ewell is a Foden 5 ton wagon, 6350, " Dorset Rambler " from Mr. Sparrow's Collection in Dorset and this appeared at the Clapham Museum Open Day in October. Bob Ansell at Wisborough Green has been busy. A small Fowler Showman's tractor arrived in the Spring from Lincolnshire, being a conversion from a roller by the previous owner. This was engine 21221, a 4 n.h.p. machine carrying the name "Sir Henry" which was soon changed to "Lady Rosemary" after Bob's wife. Next to arrive was a beautiful 46 keyless Bruder organ from Mr. Barlow's collection at Cleobury Mortimer and the pair made an appearance at the Beaulieu Organ Festival. However within a few days the Fowler had been sold to a Hampshire enthusiast and the surprise ❑f the year was the arrival of Burrell Showman's 3887, " P'rince of Wales", formerly owned by Peter Barber of James & Crockerell, Durrington, Wilts. This will be a fine addition to the rally fields of Sussex. Other new arrivals include the pretty little Foster Wellington tractor, 14514, of 1922 which has the portrait of the Duke on a belly tank. This is now owned by Mr. D. Brandt of London, but is kept in Sussex, having come from Mr. Hines' collection at Shaftesbury. Alan Morriss of Nutley has acquired a pair of Fowler ploughing engines Nos. 15344/5 of 1919, from Mr. McAlpine which have been a great attraction at events as plough engines have only appeared occasionally before in the area. Richard Pearce of Borough Green also has a Fowler, No. 14213 of 1914, which made its debut at the Cuckfield event in September. Horsham Rally saw the first rally appearance ever of a Fowler 8 ton roller, No. 17470 of 1928, which has recently been acquired and restored by Jack Elliot of Wisborough Green after spending several years derelict in the hands of an enthusiast who bought it from the West Sussex C.C. when it was retired. Apart from some minor trouble with sticking valves, the engine was in excellent order despite having stood out for six or seven years. Despite all these new arrivals in one year there is news of at least a dozen further engines being prepared in the County, and as far as is known over half of these have never visited a rally yet. THAMES VALLEY Messrs. P. J. Noraway and D. J. Shearwood are currently restoring their series "F" compound Aveling & Porter Steam Roller, No. 10168. She was new on 15th July, 1921, to Devon C.C., allocated to Plympton Depot with Fleet No. 153 and worked up till a few years ago. Messrs Edwards of Swindon purchased her by tender in 1967. Ted Gale of Binfield Park has also been to Edwards' Yard and purchased two Wallis & Steevens Tractions, No. 7108 and 7227, both have been extensively robbed but one has a satisfactory boiler so it is hoped to rebuild this by further cannibalising the other.
STEAMING 175 Yet another engine to come from Messrs. Edwards into preservation in the area is Burrell, No. 3739 (Reg. No. AF3839), which has been purchased by Sam Love and brought home from Swindon to Wokingham by Sam and his Wallis & Steevens 8 h.p., Works No. 7248, " Pedler ". No. 3739 was new in 1916 to Eva & Sons, Helston, Cornwall, and is named " Pride of the West ". She was in Devon during 1939/45 and later with Jessie Vines in Gloucestershire. This engine has also been very badly robbed, much of the motion, valves and clack boxes are missing. Fred Simmons took his Fowler Traction, No. 13140, (Reg. No. Y9955), " Volunteer " back to Somerset for a week's holiday. " Volunteer " was new to Thyers of Huntshill in 1913 and she threshed all around that area for many years. Fred and his engine went first to Huntshill where an old driver still lives. After a couple of " steam-ups " Fred steamed over some of the hills that the engine steamed over for so many years to attend the Somerset Rally at Yeovil. He was impressed throughout his stay by the genuine welcome he received at every stage and enjoyed his trip as much as the Somerset folk enjoyed having one of their old friends in their midst once again. At the close of the rally season " Volunteer " was steamed into Marsh's Works, Reading, where a piece of plate, below the fire hole door, is being replaced in the outer shell and a number of stays are being replaced due to wastage. At the recent Newbury Show the big main ring attraction this year was a Pageant entitled " Farming through the Ages—from Stone Age to Space Age ". The Club provided two engines, a thresher and baler. In the cultivation section was W. Tame and E. Fillmore's John Fowler Single Clyinder Plough Engine, No. 2013, built about 1873. This tank steerage engine (clockwise to turn left) was steamed from East Hagbourne and home again. No mean feat for engine or crew. In the harvesting section our chairman, John Newton, drove Ransomes, Simms & Jefferies Compound Traction, No. 41045, " Ivanhoe", pulling the thresher and baler. Two grand engines that very proudly flew the flag of steam amongst horse ploughs, early tractors, reapers, binders, combines and milk tankers. G.R.H. WORCESTERSHIRE The Ross-on Wye Traction Engine Rally was held on Saturday and Sunday last as I write. One member of the Hartlebury crowd (as I have heard ourselves called), Mr. Mike Tromans had long been making preparations to attend the Ross Rally with his roller. It is the last Caerphilly U.D.C. roller, an Aveling & Porter 10 ton, double crank compound, No. 14061 (Reg. No. 10447), new in 1930 which he has retubed and lilted new piston rods to. Knowing the journey from Hartlebury over the Malvern Hills to Ross would take two to three days, he purchased an ex Salop C.C. living van—a Marshall—which was duly painted outside cleaned and painted inside. This together with Mr. Henry Netherway's ex Ministry Water Cart on pneumatics made up the " train". The crew consisted on the outward journey of Mr. Tromans himself, Mr. Netherway and Michael Burton, who acted as cook. The return journey was made without the able wok's assistance and I hear his absence was regretted by the driver and fireman ! Going to Ross, the first night stop on Wednesday was made on the Common at Malvern, the second night in a lay by at Much Marcie, and the outfit arrived safely with no trouble on the Friday. A start was made on the return journey on the Monday morning bright and early, and a good trip was made, so good that a car park at the British Camp on top of the Malvern Hills was reached by Monday evening Everything went well and a lay by just near Ombersley was reached on Tuesday night and home to Hartlebury only a short nine mile run on the Wednesday.
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In my report in the last issue of " Steaming " I inadvertently said that Henry Netherway's Aveling Roller " Councillor Billie " was No. 3781. This was incorrect ; Mr. Duncan Price of Pershore had two Aveling rollers, 3781 and 8550. It was 8550, an 8 ton Compound of 1915 (Reg. No. KM512) that he sold to Mr. Netherway. Mr. Netherway has been using his roller rolling large hardcore roads on a new housing estate at Poweck, near the writer's home, for Mr. Wilesmith, a well known Malvern builder and friend of Mr. Frank Holl's. It was not surprising then to find one day when I went there to take photographs of the roller doing what it was designed for—a very unusual sight in Worcestershire—that Mr. Frank Hoil himself was driving her and enjoying it apparently, yet at the same time saying with some pleasure that the owner was coming tomorrow to take over ! Mi. Les. Lambe of Blomagiove has sold his Aveling & Porter 6 11.p. Compound Convertible Tractor/Roller, No. 8420 (Reg. No. BT8884), ❑f 1914 to Mr. Tom Walker of Hereford. At a farm sale recently at Broadway, Worcs., a 1934 Aveling & Porter, No. 14174 (Reg. No. GL1281), was purchased by the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. This roller was ex Bath Corporation, ex R. J. C. Wilcox of Stroud and Bishop Bros. of Burley, Salop.
The traditional annual Hartlebury Steam Party was held on Saturday, August 16th, by kind invitation of Mr. Eric and Miss Doris Middleton at their home. The usual large crowd attended and were entertained both by the " locals " steaming everything possible and by Miss Middleton and her helpers to tea afterwards. The writer was unfortunately away and his friend, Mr. Geoff. Iken was driving on the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway, so for once at a Hartlebury Party "Lady Burrell" was not in steam. I hear from the North of our county, namely from the Millward Bros. at Lodgefield Farm, Halesowen, that they have been busy this Summer. Their friends Roger Mills and Allan Callard have been driving engines from one event to another. The two engines in question are the Garrett Showman's Tractor, No. 32981 (Reg. No. BJ3282), " Rob Roy and the Burrell Showman's Engine, No. 3471 (Reg. No. J3471), " The Rover ". After attending the events mentioned in the last notes the Garrett was driven to Stafford on the Sunday before the Stafford Rally. The journey was done during extremely hot weather and the heat of the engine was not appreciated I
On the following Friday " The Rover " was driven up to Stafford and coupled to the Garrett which had been stored at a farm about half a mile from the rally ground. "The Rover " towed the Garrett on to the ground on the Friday evening in readiness for the two-day event that weekend. Later " Rob Roy "—the Garrett tractor attended other events too numerous to mention, including the recent Packington Park Rally at Meriden. At " Lodgefiefd Farm", Halesowen, the Millward brothers have, during the Summer months and between engine events, completed further work on the Foster Showman's Engine. No. 145(12 (Reg. No. XC9862), "Victory". The valve gear has been stripped down, the low pressure valve has been surface ground and the valve port fare lapped. New stainless steel valve rods
were made and fitted. Eccentric rod lengths have been adjusted and valve events set. The Manzel lubricator has been removed and a correct Foster type fitted. An order has been placed for a new copper " bowl " for the chimney of this engine. Before the winter sets in it is hoped to steam to check the work that has been done. The writer has for several years now—ever since it was purchased—had a half share in Sentinel Model 54 1933 Wagon, No. 8843 (Reg. No. UY2112), ex H. A. L. Price, Dawley, Salop.
STEAMING
IAN ALLAN BOOKS : , _
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i
Till AGE OF THE
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THE AGE OF THE TRACTION ENGINE R. A. Whitehead A lively account of the work done by traction engines, and the colourful characters who manned them. .91" x 7"
96 pp, fully illustrated
IAN ALLAN
35/-
Terminal House Shepperton, Middlesex Walton-on-Thames 28484
STEAMING
YORK Transport of Yesteryear Fair and Auction
Saturday, 16th May, 1970 JUDGING ON THE RACECOURSE PARADE THROUGH THE CITY OF VETERAN/VINTAGE CARS, COMMERCIAL AND STEAM VEHICLES, ETC. (Valuable Prizes and Trophies will be awarded in each Class) FOLLOWED BY A
Public Auction Sale of Veteran & Vintage Vehicles of all Types (also autojumble and various surprise attractions)
All Profits accruing from this Event will be donated to Children's Charities
Further Entries for Auction or Rally are required (with photographs Catalogues of the Auction will be available from if possible). April at 10/-. Apply for these and entry forms for Rally and/or Auction to the organisers and auctioneers :—
Leslie Kent and Partners 8 Bridge Street, York. Tel. 25265
STEAMING
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
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
STEAMING
GEORGE THURLOW & 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
THE %INDEX self binding case for your back issues of
' STEAMING ' 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.
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This wagon is slowly taking shape again after having been stripped down so completely that every spring leaf has been separated and cleaned and even cross members taken out of the chassis and refitted, the crankshaft reground and now stands on four wheels with a rear axle, front axle, controls, engine, transmission, water tanks, auxiliary gear, steam brakes, etc., etc., upon which every part has been separately cleaned, repaired where necessary and in many places renewed. This is probably a six or seven year job, but at least when she takes the road, my partner and I will know that every part and nut and bolt has been cleaned, carefully examined and slowly reassembled. One day we hope to take her back to show our friends at Messrs. RollsRoyce Ltd.. Shrewsbury, where she used to haul coal for their boiler house (now demolished) when it was the old Sentinel Wagon Works. A recent visit one Sunday to the "Open Day " al these works was enjoyed by all old "Sentinel" employees and Rolls-Royce Ltd. really did make everyone welcome. J.L.T.
NORTH YORKSHIRE A number of Rallies have been held in the area this summer, the engines attending being generally the same as in previous years. But one or two of special interest are worth mentioning. First off there was the appearance at Masham Rally of the ex Buncombe's of Somerset compound S type Marshall Roller, No. 76963 (Rcg. No. YA8855), now in the hands of another new owner, Mr. Fred Bainbridge of East Harlsey, Northallerton and undergoing conversion to a rubber-tyred Traction Engine, using genuine Marshall wheels. Another engine of interest, to be seen at the Pickering Rally, was one of the famous fleet of Sentinels owned and operated to the present day by Brown, Bayley Steels Ltd. of Sheffield. This wagon, a standard model with single chain drive, new in 1916 and No. A1284, was retired from work some two years ago and completely renovated for preservation as a dropside truck. The company's large stock of spares enabled a very thorough job to be done, which included the fitting of brand new solid rubbers all round and lagging of boiler and cylinders with stainless steel. The engine came from Sheffield under its own steam and, to enable it to travel long distances between water stops, the entire load-carrying space was occupied by a water tank, but of such dimensions as not to be visible over the sideboards, so as not to detract from the appearance of this beautiful little wagon. Two unusual mishaps occurred during the summer, the first being when Harry Parkin of Castleford lost a nut from the gear-case of his Foden wagon at Masham Rally. On the Sunday evening after Stillington Rally, when several engines had left for Pickering to be held the following weekend, a loud and steady fulling was heard, four beats to a bar, and under a billowing cloud of steam, appeared Fearnley's Sentinel Super pulling up the rise into the village with Parkin's Foden in tow. Evidently the lost nut had become dislodged from its hiding place and jammed between the crankshaft pinion and intermediate shaft gear—nasty. The crankshaft was forced upwards, fracturing the bearing cap, but fortunately Harry had a spare one at home and was able to repair his wagon in time to appear at Pickering. The second mishap occurred to our famous long distance steamer Jack Connor when travelling northwards from the Midlands to attend Pickering Rally with his high speed Fowler " Belle of the Wolds ", No. 15462. Hurrying along at his normal gait, with train of living van and fuel trailer, suddenly without warning, the crankshaft sheared adjacent to the flywheel boss, and the flywheel dropped off ! Fortunately, the flywheel brake was in the form of a band under the wheel and prevented it from falling onto the road and doing any further damage. Now comes the incredible part of the story for, in true Connor fashion and without further ado, the flywheel
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was prized and levered onto the fuel trailer, course was altered for home and the faithful old Fowler steamed 80 miles back to Bridlington, like a Wallis " Advance " Steam Roller ! Recounting the tale later, Jack said the engine ran quite smoothly provided it was pulling and not just drifting. So whenever it started running jerkily he just pulled the regulator open a bit more. He said you would be surprised how much the visibility from the footplate was improved without the flywheel ! However, as we in Yorkshire all expect of Jack Connor, the crankshaft was immediately repaired in a Hull shipyard, the flywheel re-fitted and the old girl steamed the forty or so miles to Pickering just in time for the Grand Parade on Sunday—a commendable effort indeed. After country-wide rumours about fantastic price offers and the interest of a millionaire tobacco manufacturer (whose name I cannot mention !) the Clayton 6 h.p. Compound Traction, No. 48385, which was described in these notes in the Spring, 1965 issue of " Steaming ", and was advertised for sale this summer following the death of its owner, has been bought by Mr. Jack Whitwell of Stillington, York, who is also owner of 8 h.p. McLaren S.C. spring mounted Traction engine, No. 1038. Jack steamed the Clayton some twenty or so miles home, the first time it had moved for seventeen years, but on hydraulic test with lagging removed, prior to Stillington Rally, had the misfortune to break a number of firebox stays and is still stood in his shed with hind wheels and gearing removed awaiting repairs when winter comes, and work on his contracting and timber sawing business is not so pressing. The McLaren was repainted again this summer, which is twice in two years, and looks so well in its maroon livery that Jack won the cup for best kept General Purpose Engines at Pickering. Mr. C. Byass of Little Weighton, near Hull, owner of Foster Showman's " Success ", No. 14632, and Garrett tractor, No. 33295, has recently acquired from Bill Milner of Aycliffe, Co. Durham, the ex Bingley Council, ex P. H. Ogden Fowler 12 ton compound roller, No. 16031 (Reg. No. NW7277). It was steamed the eighty or so miles home by his son David, without incident except an occasional hot connecting rod bearing, due to the trimming passing too much oil and emptying the lubricator before the next water stop. Yet another engine has come into preservation in the area, in the shape of a Marshall 10 ton overhead compound slide valve roller, No. 76890 (Reg. No. PY272), which has been brought by low loader to its new home at Dalton, near Thirsk, and was steamed towards the end of September, after fitting new tubes in the three bottom rows only, for the first time for at least fifteen years. A lot of work is required on this engine, which unusually is fitted with a winding drum and fairlead, and it may have to be converted to a traction engine as the front roller bracket is badly split, presumably by frost. Readers may have seen this engine as it has stood for many years in the yard of Messrs. Sunter Bros., the well-known heavy haulage contractors, on the East side of the Kings Cross to Edinburgh main line, south of Northallerton station. No mention has been made yet about the 1969 activities of the famous Fowler Super Lion " King Carnival II ", No. 19783. This is because she has been stripped right down to the bare boiler and cylinder block and is being carefully and painstakingly rebuilt by owner, Jack Connor, as time and his other activities permit. He also has to fit in a bit of farming occasionally to provide the wherewithal to maintain his engines ! Nevertheless, she is expected to be on the road next year, and will come out as a Showman's Engine onec again, but Jack says she will come out with normal Showman's fittings as most engines were in their working days, and will not be smothered in excessive areas of brass as some engines are in these preservation days. P.O.
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THE CAENBY CORNER RALLY 16-17th August, 1969 The Lincoln Spastics Society held their third Annual Rally this year and it was the most successful one yet staged. The weather was fine and a record crowd turned up, in addition to the programme of Ring events, the organisers had engaged a small Circus to attend and also a Hovercraft was to be seen making demonstration flights on the site. On the evening prior to the rally, two Fair Organs were in play in neighbouring towns, these being Messrs. Price & Chapman's 43 key Bruder playing in Lincoln, and Mr. L. D. Hadfield's 46 key Chiappa playing in Scunthorpe, both instruments causing a great deal of interest to the passers by. In addition to these Organs a good selection of other instruments could be heard on the field, and these were, Mr. D. Robinson's 89 kcy Gavioli, Mr, K. Redfcarn's 46 kcy Dutch Street type, Mr. J. Francis's 46 key Chiappa, Mr. A. Cragg's keyless, Mrs. Hadfield's 36 key Vereto and Mr. Effield's Weber Pianola. Messrs. Screeton Bros. had their Gallopers erected on the Fairground and there was also a Model Railway owned by Messrs. Wakefield & Proudlock. Other models could be seen in a separate section and several small stationary paraffin engines were on show near by. The Engine section was well supported by a number of regular attenders, and the Event was opened by Major H. D. Marshall, well known in the area as an Engine Owner and member of the Marshall Company.
THE CARRINGTON PARK RALLY May 24-25-26th, 1969 In common with many parts of the country, East Lincolnshire had a very long wet spell during the Spring of this year. Nevertheless the Carrington Park Rally Committee went ahead with their plans for the sixth annual event and Mr. J. Ward, of Carrington Grange, again placed his ground at their disposal. As in other years the rally covers the whole of the Bank Holiday Weekend, although it is not officially opened until the Sunday. This year the ❑ pening Ceremony was performed by Miss Anglia, but owing to the wet conditions, it was not possible to stage any parade of engines, although many of the lighter machines, such as the Vintage Vehicle section, were able to move about fairly easily. During the Sunday, the ground dried out considerably and hopes for the morrow began to rise, only to be dashed by vet another downpour. On Monday morning the scene looked very grim, until the mole plough did a few runs across the field, which made walking easier, but so far as the engines were concerned it had to be a static show. The number of visitors was most encouraging. considering the weather conditions, and in addition to a good display of Steam stuff, there was a very comprehensive display of Veteran Cars, and Vintage Farm Tractors and a fairground, in which could be seen Mr. H. Lee's Steam Yachts, Mr. W. Dorman's set of Gallopers and Model " Atlantic " Railway. The largest engines on show were a pair of Showman's type Road Locomotives and these were Mr. A. S. Leverton's Fowler, No. 11108, " Dreadnought ", and Mr. D. A. Robinson's Burrell, No. 3334, " The Bailie ", the latter generating power for the 89 key Gavioli Fair Organ. In the lighter class there were four Showman's Tractors, two of which appeared with Organs. These in turn were, Messrs. Waling's Foster, No. 14589, "Lord of the Isles ", generating for their 46 key Chiappa and Messrs. Epton's Foster, No. 14639, " John Michael ", coupled up to their 89 key Marenghi. The other two machines in this class were Mr. H. Sharpe's Garrett, No. 33818, " Wendy ", and Mr. W. Payne's recent purchase, the Fowler, No. 14798, " Firefly ". The Traction Engine class fielded an entry of eight, begining with Messrs. Maddison Bros. Ransomes 7 h.p. Single, No. 26475, which has been repainted during the recent winter, next to this was Messrs. Crawford's Russian type Fowler, No. 14933, " Challenger ", which is seen from time to time on their
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stand at Agricultural Shows. Burrell's in our area are something of a rarity, even so, it was nice to see two of this make on the line, and both in immaculate condition. The older of this pair being Messrs. L. Thorpe & Son's 8 h.p. Single, No. 2425, which was at one time with Mornernent & Ray on dredging work, and the other, Mr. R. Firatt's 8 h.p. Single Crank Compound, No. 2479, which has attended this rally for many years. The next two engines ❑n the line were also old attenders, and again both were of the same make, this time Clayton & Shutticworth. The older of the pair was Messrs. W. H. & L. Fowler's 8 h.p. Single, No. 47015, new in 1915, and Mr. J. W. Hebden's well known 7 h.p. Single, No. 48162, alongside it. Mr. J. Taylor of Slcaford showed the 7 h.p. Al!chin, No. 1499, which is the only one in the county to survive to present days and is beautifully restored. From the Northern end of our area, only one attender was able to make the trip this year, that was Mr. J. H. Selby's Marshall 7 h.p. Single, No. 79441, which only a few days previously had been out running one of the family's sets of threshing tackle. The Roller class this year would have been a disappointment for an Aveling & Porter enthusiast, as none were on show unfortunately, however an Aveling
Barford was to be seen, Messrs. Waling's 8 tonner, No. AG757, and the only Post War machine on the site. Mr. R. Hugh's big Fowler Single, No. 15942, was on show with Mr. H. Sanderson of Boston at the regulator and next to this was Mr. J. H. Smith's Wallis & Steevens, No. 7539, this is a 10 ton single, and one of only two left in the county. Finally a quartet of Marshall's comprising of Mr. P. Auger's 8 tonner, No. 86104, making its debut after a full overhaul of boiler and fire-box, next the immaculate 12 ton Single owned by our Host, No. 79597, new in 1925 to the Lindsey County Council, thirdly Mr. C. E. Stone's very fine 10 ton Slide Valve Compound, No. 40047, and lastly a new purchase by Messrs. Dawson's of Frampton, No. 79420, also a compound of 10 ton size. The three exhibits in the Tractor class were all of different makes, starting with Messrs. Crawford's Foden " Sun " type, No. 13730, of 1931. This is the only one of that pattern in the country and has recently had a full overhaul in Crawford's workshops, and appeared with a Foden built four wheeled trailer. Mr. R. E. Dale's attractive little Fowler, No. 18635, was next on the
line, and this was followed by Mr. F. A. Smith's Mann's, No. 1425, of 1920. The only Wagon on show this year was Messrs. Crawford's Robey 6 tonner, No. 42657, this is a three speed model and is thought to be the only one of the type left in Britain. Our President, Mr. J. H. Rundle, presented his little Savage Centre Engine, No. 894, of 1922, which appeared for the first time last year after overhauled, and in addition to the Organs already listed, several more were in play, these were Mr. J. Francis's 46 key Chiappa, three miniature Barrel types from the collection of Mr. A. Windley and a Pianola owned by Messrs. Effield Bros. There was a well stocked Model Tent and Mr. R. Heugh of Boston presented his newly completed Model Railway complete with portable track. F.S.
HOCKLEY HEATH STEAM ENGINE RALLY On the morning of 2nd August, the day of the rally, all one could see was thick mist with no sign of the sun at all. However, things then appeared to worsen as during the last minute preparations heavy rain began to fall, luckily this was short lived as the sun fought its way through to improve conditions for the afternoon. There were numerous attractions, apart from the full size engines including a group of 3 inch scale model traction engines which performed to the crowd"s delight. The exhibition of static models staffed by B.S.M.E. members was well patronised and the Society also brought along their portable track and miniature live steamers. The " Oldberrow Light Railway " was performing valiant service with " Lady Luxborough " having little time to pause for normal servicing and coaling up. Arthur Herbert had positioned his swingboats and juvenile roundabout near to Phil Swindlehurst's 48 key Verbeck Organ. A demonstration of threshing and saw bench work was given, both
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pieces ❑f machinery being powered by Ransomes Agricultural Engines. To prove how lucky organisers were, soon after the proceedings had closed heavy rain fell again until the following morning when some engine owners experienced difficulties in driving their engines from the rally field.
Engines present are listed below : Bagnall Locomotive 0-4-OST 2' Gauge, No. 2088, built 1919, owner A. Smith, Oldberrow. Burrell Showman's Engine, No. 3669 (Reg. No. G6470), 1915, " Nero ". owner A. Smith, Oldberrow. McLaren Agricultural Engine, No. 127 (Reg. No. H05618), 1882, owner J. Mayes, Eccleshall, Staffs. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Agricultural Engine, No. 15012 (Reg. No. N04034), " The Countryman ", 1903, owner J. Marshall, Hockley Heath, Warks. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Agricultural Engine. No. 42032 (Keg. No. HI2816), 1932, owner Rev. F. A. Coley, Redditch, Worcs. McLaren Convertable, No. 757 (Reg. No. AI3029), " Apollo ", 1902, owner Rev. F. A. Coley, Redditch, Worcs. Marshall Road Roller, No. 82096 (Reg. No. RF2836), " Titan", 1928, Owner Rev. F. A. Coley, Redditch, Worcs. Aveling & Porter Road Roller, No. 8489 (Reg. No. OK58), 1915, owner I,. Watts, Lapworth, Warks. Aveling & Porter Road Roller, No. 12088 (Reg. No. WK5769), 1928, owner Dr. J. W. Yerburgh, Beoley, Worcs. Fowler Road Roller, No. 21692, (Reg. No. FF4913), 1937, owner T. D. Brown, Hockley Heath, Warks. Foden Steam Wagon, No. 848 (Reg. No. DD4894), 1904, owner R. G. Snodin, Solihull, Warks. Steam Buggy, Austin-Merryweather Conversion, owner L. V. Nelson, Solihull, Warks. P.J.C.
THE HYKEHAM STEAM RALLY, June 14-15th, 1969 Owing to the lack of suitable space in the Lincoln area, in which to hold a large Steam Event, the Committee were obliged to look elsewhere for a site. During the Spring of this year. the Newark and Notts. Agricultural Society loaned their showground at Newark, and thus the Rally was staged
on grounds far more spacious than it had ever known before. The opening Ceremony was performed by Mr. Kenny Ball, who was conveyed round the Ring on a trailer, accompanied by Rally Officers, and the riding machines of Messrs. Ashley's and Mr. Harry Lee could be seen built
up in the Fair ground which was sited near-by. The engine entry this year was a little larger than in recent years and there were a number of exhibitors that had not been seen at this venue before. An example of this was evident in the fact that eight Showman's type engines could be seen and four of these were of the full sized variety. The first three were attenders of previous years and were in order, Mr. D. A. Robinson's Burrell, No. 3334, "The Bailie", appearing with the well known 89 key Gavioli Organ ; Mr. A. S. Leverton's Fowler, No. 11108, "Dreadnought" and Mr. M. D. Thackray's Fowler, No. 14862, " Evening Star ", The fourth entry in this Class was Mr. D. L. Walker's Burrell, No. 3847, " Princess Marina", which had not appeared before at this event and was driven under
its own power from Sutton Coldfield. In the lighter Class, again four machines could be seen, Messrs. Barlow's Garrett, No. 33987, generating for their 46 key Chiappi Organ, with Mr. J. F. Stubbins' Foster, No. 14331, Mr. H. Sharpe's Gm iett, Nu. 33818, and Mr. W. Payne's Fowler, No. 14798, " Firefly ", all gathered round about.
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Bad luck prevented Mr. J. W. Blagg from making his eleventh consecutive appearance at this rally, with the McLaren Road Loco, No. 1421, and so only two of this type were shown and these were again old friends in the shape of Mr. J. Conner with his Fowler, No. 15642, and Mr. J. Massey with the cx Russian type, No. 14910. In the General Purpose Traction section there was a record show of engines by Ransomes in particular and in order of age they were : Messrs. Maddison's 7 h.p., No. 26475 ; Mr. W. Kitchen's 8 h.p., No, 27512: and Mr. J. M. Foster's 7 h.p., No. 27548. The fourth member of this group was Mr. J. Vernon's 6 h.p. Compound, No. 42035, which is believed to be the last compound to be built at Orwell Works. Other makers were well represented by the Allchin, No. 1499, owned by Mr. H. Thorlby and shown by Mr. J. Taylor; the Marshall, No. 38977, owned by Mr. G. Love and Mr. M. Burr's Foster, No. 2775, appearing after a very thorough overhaul for the first time at Hykeham. Another new visitor was the Foster Compound. No. 14564, which was recently bought by Mr. R. Baxter of Eye Green and may be remembered as the engine which appeared in the B.B.C. serial "The Archer's" some years ago. The two remaining members of the section were Mr. J. W. Hebden with his Clayton & Shuttleworth, No. 48162, who has attended every rally at Hykeham, and Mr. J. W. Swingler with his Ruston & Hornsby, No. 115100, and set of Threshing tackle. It fell to the Roller section this year to provide the motive power for the Celebrity on his lap of Honour and this job was done by Mr. J. B. Haw with his Marshall 10 ton Single, No. 87618. Of the six other machines in the group, these were as follows : Mr. J. Proctor's recently restored Aveling Piston Valve Compound, No. 10571 ; Mr. F. Clement's 10 ton Piston Valve Single, No. 10590 ; and Mr. P. Auger's Marshall 8 ton Single, No. 86104. Messrs. Beeby of Rempstone presented two machines from their collection, and these were Marshall, No. 82517, a piston valve compound and the Fowler 10 tonner, No. 19346, the last remaining member of the Roller section being the 1946 built Aveling Barford, No. AC606, a 10 ton type which is in preservation with Messrs. Eddison Plant Hire of Grantham. Mr. J. Conner had the far travelled little Fowler Tractor, No. 16365, on show and the other exhibit in this group was also by the same maker, No. 15732, now owned by Mr. S. Woodbine of Chesterfield. The only chain driven Tractor on show this year was Mr. P. Van Houten's Foden, No. 13196, of 1928, but another Foden could be seen in the Wagon Class, and this was Mr. H. Parkin 's 6 ton " overtype", No. 12364. Of the other vehicles shown here, all were of Sentinel manufacture and included Mr. G. Ashton's D.G.4 type, No. 8964, of 1932, Mr. G. E. Liversidge's S type Tanker, No. 8992, Messrs. Brook, Hirst & Marsden's S.4 type, No. 9075, and the farthest traveller to the rally, Mr. T. Varley of Gisburn, with No. 9003, " Pendle Lady". The only Portable on view was Mr. H. Palmer's Ruston Proctor, No. 29011, of 1905 and this was on the belt to a saw-bench, whilst in the same enclosure, Mr. J. Swingler had his set of threshing tackle at work. Two Merryweather Fire Pumps were working during the rally, and these were the 1908 horse drawn type owned by Mr. C. Hutchinson and the War Dept. type owned by Mr. C. A. Parker. A very good display of Fair Organs could be seen and apart from those already mentioned, the following were in play : Mr. A. G. Bennett's 45 key Limonaire, Mr. J. D. Hadfield's 46 keyless Chiappa and Vereto Barrel! type, Mr. P. Effield's Pianola, Mr. E. E. Riggall's Street Piano, Mr. J. Francis's 46 keyless Chiappa, Messrs. Price & Chapman's 43 key Bruder, Mr. K. Shemeld's 46 keyless of own design, Mr. A. Cragg's 46 keyless of own design, Mr. S. Parrott's Busker Hand type and a Pipe Organ designed and built by Mr. P. Trueman. A number of very fine models were also on show and there was a good display of Veteran Cars and Farm Tractors. F.S.
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THE MIDLAND FESTIVAL OF STEAM Once again the venue for the Midland Festival of Steam was the Staffordshire County Agricultural Show Ground. The hard roads, the arena, grandstand, permanent building and facilities make this one of the best rally sites in the county. A well balanced collection of engines, vintage vehicles of all kinds, trade stands, olde tyme fayre, organs and threshing boxes provided entertainment for all the family, with a special attraction of a Saturday evening concert by the famous Foden's Motor Works Band. Demonstrations of engines at work included " The Rover", driving Tom Hunt's giant Marenghi, " Supremacy ", driving Bishop Bros: Gasparini organ, " Rajah ", driving the " Verbuck " organ. John Mayes' very early McLaren, " The little Wonder ", on a threshing box and Mr. Palmer's Ruston Proctor Portable doing likewise—see engine details below. A word of praise should go to the committee who prepared the printed programme of the event which contained many very fine photographs and articles. Engines attending were : Burrell S.R.L., No. 3471 (Reg. No. J3471), " The Rover ", owned by T. G. Hunt. Burrell S.R.L., No. 3509 (Reg. No. G6469), " Rajah ", owned by J. P. Swindlehurst. Burrell S.R.L., No. 3847 (Reg. No. CL4483), " Princess Marina ", owned by D. L. Walke r. Fowler S.R.L., No. 15375 (Reg. No. UUP256), " Supremacy ", owned by Bishop Bros. Fowler S.R.L., No. 14588 (Reg. No. D01932), " Enterprise ", owned by F. Hackney, Fowler Showman's Tractor, No. 14798 (Reg. No. U5313), " Firefly ", owned by W. Payne. Garrett Showman's Tractor, No. 32981 (Reg. No. BJ3282), " Rob Roy ", owned by Millward Bros. Burrell D.C.C., No. 3746 (MA5733), " Princess Alexandra ", owned by R. D. Howle. Burrell S.C.C., No. 2706 (Reg. No. TB2845), " The Admiral ", owned by W. Staffs. & Cheshire Club. Foster D.C.C., No. 12539 (Reg. No. MA5730), " Winnie ", owned by J. Dakin. Marshall S.C., No. 78085 (Reg. No. E9624), " Lindy Lou ", owned by B. Nicholson. Fowler Compound, No. 15771 (Reg. No. GT8346), " George ", owned by R. Lee. Ruston & Hornsby 6 n.h.p., No. 115100 (Reg. No. U2959), owned by J. Swingler. McLaren, No. 127 (Reg. No. H05618), " The Little Wonder ", owned by J. Mayes. Mann Tractor, No. 1287 (Reg. No. FU5027), " Tiny Tim ", joint ownership. Garrett Tractor, No. 33986 (Reg. No. BJ5601), owned by A. Tingay. Aveling & Porter Convertible Tractor, No. 11251 (Reg. No. PE3617), owned by P. H. Edwards. Sentinel S.4, No. 9003 (Reg. No. VE9963), " Pendle Lady ", owned by T. Varley. Sentinel S.4, No. 9075 (Reg. No. BEV467), " Homevalian ", owned by A. Brook & Co. Sentinel S.4, No. 8884 (Reg. TJ3319), owned by A. Williamson. Foden 5 ton Wagon and Trailer, No, 5078, owned by W. M. Salmon.
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The late Colonel Charles Kidd
The late Colonel Kidd (right) presenting a cheque on behalf of the Irish Steam Preservation Society to F. G. Doherty of the Conquer Cancer Campaign. COLONEL CHARLES SAMUEL KIDD died suddenly at his home at Ballickmoyler
on Sunday, January 18th, 1970. For many years Charles had held a commission in the British Army and towards the end of the last war was attached to Field Marshal Montgomery's staff for the invasion of the Continent. After leaving the Army he joined his father at the ancestral home at Ballickmoyler, Laois, and eventually took over the running of the farm. He became well known in agricultural circles for his herd of pure-bred Fresians. He owned a number of traction engines and was instrumental in forming The Irish Steam Preservation Society of which he was made President. During the last three years he had become increasingly well known on the English scene. In 1966 he organised the first Traction Engine Rally in Ireland which was intended more as a get together of drivers and owners. Such was the attendance that a full scale rally was planned for 1967 and was so successful that it has since been held every year. Charles Kidd will be missed by The Irish Steam Preservation Society which owes him much, but more so by his many friends on both sides of the Irish Sea. To his wife, Patricia, his daughter and sons we offer our sincere sympathy in their sad loss. J.C.
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Foden 5 ton Wagon, No. 78118 (Reg. No. M8118), owned by Messrs Foden's Ltd. Clayton & Shuttleworth Roller, No. 46688 (Reg. No. EP3137), owned by Minshall Bros. Fowler Roller, No. 22596 (Reg. No. EJ5535), " Evening Star ", owned by D. Webster. Aveling & Porter Compound Roller, No. 10084 (Reg. No. RF5076), owned by Cotton Bros. Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 9024 (NT2019), owned by F. Bates. Burrell D.C.C. Roller, No. 4067 (Reg. No. WW1556), " Hero ", owned by J. Wykes. Ruston Proctor Portable, No. 29011, owned by H. A. Palmer.
REDRUTH RALLY Once again fine weather prevailed for the West of England Steam Engine Society's Rally near Redruth, the fourteenth and generally considered to have been the most successful so fat. Saturday 16th August was a fine but cloudy day and about 9,000 people were admitted. The following day was very sunny and warm and such weather tempts many to think of the beaches and the sea, which are within such easy reach, so the attendance at the rally dropped to about 8,000. The steam engine entry was the highest we have had and every one of the torty-one engines entered actually arrived and was in steam. 'to achieve this result, however, some engines, which had developed trouble on the way, were worked upon throughout the Friday night and Saturday morning. Their crews and helpers deserve our gratitude. With so many engines present and the co-operation of their owners and crews, as well as the grand efforts of the Marshalls, together with the many vintage vehicle entries, a continuous programme was maintained in the ring. Elsewhere in the field everyone was able to find plenty of interest. There were three organs, widely spaced so that neither interfered with another, threshing demonstrations, fairground amusements, a children's railway, numerous trade stands, a large and varied collection of models in the marquee of the Perranporth and District Model Engineering Society, a display by the Army including a helicopter and representatives of several preservation societies who were eager to give interesting information about such subjects as narrow-gauge railways, canals, Cornish Water Wheels and water power. For the latter interest a society has been formed recently and has already achieved good results in preventing destuction of several old and historic water wheels and other gear. The rally was opened by Mr. Jack Hampshire who, with Mr. R. Woolrich Mrs. Woolrich as crew, had driven Mrs. Hampshire's Foden all the way from Havant—well over two hundred miles. Jack's second book " Apprenticeship in Steam " was available for the first time at this rally. There could be some confusion about the title of this book as it was to have been called " Steam Apprenticeship Days " and was mentioned by that name before publication. The Author's first book " I worked with Traction Engines " was published at the Redruth Rally two years ago. After the opening announcements, Jack drove the Foden around the ring followed by " The Gladiator ", making a lap of honour " for her driver, Mr. Arthur Pethick, who is in his eightieth year. The grand parade, with commentary by Mr. J. H. Trounson, followed— a very impressive spectacle of engines, cars, motorcycles, tractors and several horse-drawn carriages including a very old public service vehicle—all lovingly restored. The latter innovation was greatly appreciated and we have been promised more entries for next year. A succession of ring events including balancin an engine on a see-saw of planks and in this Mr .George Symons demonstrated his masterly control of his single-cylindered Ruston & Hornsby by actually stopping at the point of balance. As he afterwards mentioned to me. not only does one have to get slowly to the point of balance, but if one goes the slightest bit too far, the water in the boiler will rush forwards and tilt the see-saw.
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A spectacular event was the trial of strength between about four hundred men and boys and a ploughing machine. Neither could claim a decisive victory, but the engine dug some deep holes which were later levelled by a roller. Mr. R. Morse was the commentator on the Sunday when the events followed a similar pattern. An added attraction on both days was demonstrations by an Army helicopter which showed, in the ring, how it could hover, fly forwards, backwards and sideways, and rise vertically. Rather
more versatile than our traction engines ! " Bo Peep " and " Kneeling " were kept fully occupied drawing trailers throughout both afternoons and apart from the pleasure given to their passengers, they made worth-while contributions to the funds. C.P.G.
THE W ADEBRIDGE RALLY The ninth rally of the Cornish Traction Preservation Club was held on the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Society's Showground near Wadebridge, on June 21st and 22nd. For the second year in succession it was marred by rain. On Saturday, although there was only one shower on the showground, very heavy rain all around deterred many from attending. On the Sunday frequent showers again accounted for the much smaller patronage than had been expected and as a result the Club suffered a loss of over £200. The engine entry increases year by year as also does the number of variety and other exhibits. As the Club had the use of the main ring for the parades and events, together with such permanent facilities as turnstiles, ticket offices, hard roads, seats and excellent toilet accommodation as used for the Royal Cornwall Show, this rally could have been the Club's best, but in common with several other rallies held early this year, the organisers'
efforts were defeated by the weather. Unlike some other sites, however, ample covered accommodation was available during the rain for the onlookers. An unusual feature was to have been ascents by balloon, but the rain and more especially the velocity of the wind limited this attraction to only one ascent. Engines appearing for the first time at this rally were : Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 10374 (Reg. No. NP1721), " Cheriton ", owned by Mr. G. Alford of Chacewater, who bought it from Mr. E. Hine of Shaftesbury last October. It spent its working life with Kidderminster Borough Council. Ruston Proctor Tractor, No. 52573 (Reg. No. TF8240), " Lincoln Lmp ", now owned by Mr. G. Hawkins of St. Issey. Fowler B.B.1 16 n.h.p. Plougher, No. 15195 (Reg. No. FX6821), " Anne Hathaway ". Ex Bomford & Carr of Evesham. The present owner, Mr. R. I. Gunn, bought it in a rough state two years ago. Since then he, ably assisted by Mrs. Gunn and others, have carried out a great deal of heavy restoration. The Fowler, " Princess Caroline ", is described in the Area News for Cornwall. The fifth newcomer was Super Sentinel, No. 5104 (Reg. No. CA6395), built in 1923. It was brought to the rally by Mr. J. Hutchens of Ferndown and sold to its present owner, Mr D. Courtier of Haytor, Devon. Another Aveling & Porter Roller (Reg. No. FX6932), belonging to Mr. Bashford of Ashwater, Nr. Devon, and a Tasker Tractor from Exmouth were other newcomers. The Tasker, " Little Giant ", No. 1309 (Reg. No. DV9883), was purchased at Messrs. Taskers dispersal sale by Mr. C. J. Lee of Sandy Bay Holiday Park, Exmouth and entered by the Devon Traction Engine Club. When in the Museum at Andover it was in roller form, but has since been re-converted to tractor by Mr. C. Porter of Bideford and is now used to pull small coaches giving rides at Sandy Bay and is known as " Little Jim ".
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The other engines at Wadebridge were : Burrell, No. 3121 (Reg. No. NO1310), " Kneeling ", owned by G. Alford, Chacewater, Truro. Robey Express Tractor, No. 43165 (Reg. No. FE9350), " Barbara ", owned by G. Hawkins. Fowler S.R.L., No. 15657 (Reg. No. FX66.51), " Iron Maiden ", owned by G. Hawkins, St. Issey. Fowler, No. 7942 (Reg. No. TA62b), "Jonah ", owned by G. Hawkins. This engine had just been retubed and one tube developed a fault just before the grand parade. Speedy work by willing helpers resulted in a new tube being fitted and the engine in steam again later in the afternoon. Wallis & Steevens " Advance" Roller, No. 8095 (Reg. No. GOU537), " Amy ",
owned by Messrs R. Dingle & Sons. Aveling & Porter Showman's Tractor, No. 6093 (Reg. No. D2800), " Barnard Castle ", owned by Mrs. Sleeman, Quintrell Downs, Newquay. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, No. 38088 (Reg. No. D06883), " Enterprise ", owned by Mr. J. W. Coad, Sweethouse, Bodmin. Fowler Roller, No. 18075 (Reg. No. CV1662), " Britannia ", owned by Messrs. R. Dingle & Sons. Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 10045 (Reg. No. FX8405), " An Gof ", owned by H. Lander, St. Minver. Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 10625 (Reg. No. YA5592), owned by D. Courtier, Haytor, Devon. Aveling & Porter Traction, No. 9095 (Reg. No. AF6001), " Jubilee ", owned by A. T. Ilooper, Liskeard. Aveling & Porter Traction, No. 8401 (Reg. No. AF3427), owned by F. W. Weeks, Canworthy Water. Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 11216, " 'Obby 'Oss ", owned by G. J. Armstrong-Evans, Trebullett, Launceston. Burrell Traction, No. 2417 (Reg. No. AF4393), Britannia ", owned by R. G. Phillips, St. Austell. Burrell S.R.L., No. 3195 (Reg. No. C03823), " The Gladiator ", owned by Gladiator lub, Redruth. Burrell Roller, No. 4060 (Reg. No. RL5547), H. James, Newquay. Clayton & Shuttleworth, No. 46817 (Reg. No. YA2095), owned by E. D. Solway, Marazanvose, Truro. Armstrong-Whitworth Roller, No. 10R19 (Reg. No. FJ2795), owned by G. Ingleby-Oddy, Porthtowan. McLaren Plougher, No. 1552 (Reg. No. BD5504), " Hero ", owned by C. and R. Daniel and R. I. Gunn, Redruth. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies Portable, No. E409, owned by G. Hawkins, St. Issey. Altogether twenty-seven engines and three organs were present. Nearly twenty petrol and diesel tractors, eight old stationary petrol engines, all running, and about fifty veteran and vintage cars and thirty motor-cycles were also present. Fairground amusements, trade stands and representatives of several preservation societies added to the attractions—an excellent show spoilt by the bad weather. In a recent West of England Society Newsletter, Mr. Gunn gave some interesting details of work and expense involved in getting the two ploughing engines (Fowler and McLaren) from Redruth to the Wadebridge Rally and back. The details are as follows : Crew time ... 100 man hours Support driver and Land Rover ... 25 hours Water 5,000 gallons 21 tons @ £15 per ton Coal 1 pair brass bearing shells £30 Oil ... 6 Gallons The recompense ? 2/- per mile and the knowledge that untold pleasure was given to thousands I C.P.G.
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YEOVIL RALLY, July 12th and 13th Marvellous weather—a fine collection of engines—a beautiful setting—what more could any rally organisers wish for ? These were the ingredients for the Fourteenth Annual Rally organised by the Somerset Traction Engine Club and held at Barwick Park on the hills above Yeovil. But what happened to the public ? Thin on the ground on Saturday and the Sunday gate only a good average. The two chief causes appear to be, firstly the weather, it was really too good, and it was only a few more miles to the sea and the fact that a rally (N.T.E.C. approved) was held at Bath the weekend before. It is an established fact that people "tried Bath instead of Yeovil this year for a change" and that the very hot sunny days encouraged mother, egged on by fretful children, to get father ❑ut of the queue of cars for a noisy old rally and on down to the beach. Result—the rally suffered. However those who did come voted it the best the Club has put on to date. The rally, of course, brought the usual excitements and disappointments. Fred Simmons of Stanford Dingley, near Reading, brought his Fowler back to Somerset out of sentiment. This engine was new to Thyers of Huntspill in 1913, so on the weekend before the rally, he tow-loaded her to Huntspill to show her to her old driver, then drove her on to Burrowbridge to see the old owners, then during the ensuing week took her across country to Yeovil. James Gilbey had his newley restored and redecorated Burrell Scenic, " Preservation II " on show and Henry Fry his newly purchased Garrett Showman's Tractor, " Henrietta ". John Coe of Fitzhead, after two breakdowns en-route with his Fowler Road Locomotive, finally arrived on low loader--a magnificent effort. It was a great disappointment that Mr. Casely of Trent could not get his Burrell Road Locomotive ready in time—but that's the way it goes. However he did bring his newly decorated Foster Thresher along—and what a picture she looked. It was driven at the rally by Keith Vigus's Garrett Portable. We were very privileged to have two Tasker engines present—both fresh from the dispersal sale of the Tasker Museum collection earlier in the year. A grand site was the newly decorated Shand Mason fire engine with its pair of magnificent horses, and as ever this proved an enormous attraction. Apart from these engines there were a lot of old and well loved faces, a good collection of early i.e. farm tractors and little stationery engines with the usual collection of cars, motorcycles, organs, etc. A good rally ?—A few more people would have made it a lot better Engines present were : Burrell Scenic Showman's R.L., No. 3483, " Perseverance II ", owned by J. N. Gilbey, Compton Pauncefoot. Burrell Scenic Showman's R.L., No. 3938, " Quo Vadis ", owned by E. C. Hine, Shaftesbury, Dorset. Burrell Showman's Tractor, No. 3192, " St. Bernard ", owned by J. N. Gilbey, Compton Pauncefoot. Garrett Showman's Tractor, No. 31193, "Henrietta ", owned by H. Fry, Closworth. Fowler Class D2 Road Locomotive, owned by J. Coe, Fitzhead. Burrell G.P., No. 2767, owned by Jack Chappell, Wembdon. Burrell G.P., No. 1840, owned by Messrs. Wilcox & Trott, Litton Cheney, Dorset. continued on page 197.
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OBITUARY-MR. T. W. B. ELLIS
We deeply regret to record the recent death of Mr. Thomas William Banfield Ellis, at the age of 58. Tom Ellis joined Aveling & Porter Limited in Rochester, Kent, in May 1926 and trained as a draughtsman. He served most of his career in this trade, moving to Grantham with the company in 1934 at the time of the merger with Barford & Perkins Ltd. that created the present company. His knowledge of Aveling's early products was unrivalled and in latter years he has been responsible for collating and cataloguing Company records. Overcoming the handicap of failing eyesight, he became an authority on traction engines and allied machinery and was honoured two years ago with the Presidency of the Road Locomotive Society. During his year of office, one of the duties he most enjoyed was presenting a working model of a Steam Sapper—a traction engine designed by Thomas Aveling specially for the Army that began army mechanisation—to the Royal Engineers Museum at Chatham. When the Company published " A Hundred Years of Road Rollers " four years ago, much of the content was based upon his knowledge of and researches into the products of the last century and the early years of this. Many researchers into locomotive history have consulted him and his knowledge was always readily available to anyone who sought it, from fellow expert to enquiring schoolboy. Such expertise is irreplaceable. He was an accomplished First Aid exponent and served in the Company's P.A. team since the early days of the last War. He was a member of the Company's 25 years Club and had attended the Annual Dinner only the night before his death. A bachelor, and a gentle, kindly man he will be p,reatly missed by all who kiiuw liiai. Oui sympathies are extended to his two sisters, brother and neices.
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THE EATON DISASTER BY RONALD H. CLARK There have been some very bad accidents involving traction engines and one still remembered in Norfolk occurred on Cringleford Bridge carrying what is now the All trunk road over the River Yare as this road approaches the City of Norwich. The boundary between the parishes of Eaton and Cringleford is the middle of the river and the accident happened in the centre of the bridge or half in one parish and half in the other, to be precise! A Burrell single cylinder engine had been threshing near the " Red Lion " at Eaton on Wednesday, 4th September, 1901, its owner being Mr. John Hebgin of Ringland and Easton, both in the county of Norfolk. About 4.30 that afternoon, the job having been completed, the driver Frederick Ewells of Marlingford and steersman of the moment William Nockells (also written Nockolds) spent a few minutes in the bar of the " Red Lion ", joked about a threepenny bit and then started for Barford the location of their next job with thresher and pitcher aggregating 51 tons behind the drawbar. When the Burrell was half-way over the bridge the left hand front wheel touched one of several stone blocks each side of the bridge so placed to protect the parapets. This caused the front axle to swing to the left snapping the right hand steering chain permitting the engine to crash through the left hand parapet falling inverted into the deep mud on the river bed. Ewelis and Nockells had no chance to jump clear and were pinned down as the engine twisted over from right to left. The threshing machine and elevator followed. Bad news travels quickly and in half an hour the bridge was thronged with people who had to be controlled by Supt. Lockitt aided by Inspectors Flint, Barlow and Cooper of Norwich City Police and they were supported by several other ranks including P.C. William Baker of the adjoining parish of Keswick and Edward Thrower Taylor, parish constable of Cringleford. A cursory investigation in failing light suggested the wisest course would be to leave the salvaging until the following morning. Consequently at daybreak operations started aided by a Fowler crane engine belonging to Mr. Jonah Bowles of Upper Heigham, Norwich and one of Mr. Hebgin's other engines which had arrived late the previous evening. There were also three men in a flat-bottomed boat. After these boatmen had bent-on a chain to the elevator the crane engine on the bridge soon lifted it clear and then on to the roadway after which it was then moved away. Next the forecarriage of the threshing machine was dismantled and lifted clear at about a quarter to seven. Next the engines were run on to the adjacent meadow on the Eaton side of the bridge and after chains were secured to the machine the two engines wound it across the river bed and at the second attempt—at the first a chain snapped—drew it up the bank on to dry land. Now came a deserved interval for breakfast. After breakfast chains were attached to the furthest rear wheel of the engine as it appears seen in Fig. 1, a small arc of the wheels being just visible above the water. The combined efforts of both engines in the meadow succeeded in turning the Burrell on to its side and a second attempt with the chains made fast on the far side of the submerged engine had the effect of turning it right way up. By seven this evening operations were again susnended but the stricken Burrell was now only about two feet from the bank. The next morning (Friday), operations were again recommenced but it took until three that afternoon for the Burrell to be once again high and dry. Strangely as will be seen from Fig. 2 it had sustained comparatively little damage, a contemporary report referring to the buckling of the front plate and a bend on one of the driving wheels. It was later repaired and used again. It was after the Burrell had been lifted that the three men in the boat hooked one of the bodies, that of Ewells, and it was brought ashore on the Cringleford side a few minutes after 10 a.m. followed by that of Nockells
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three minutes later. They were removed on planks into one of Mr. Taylor's carpenter's shops to await the inquest at four that afternoon. The state of the bodies was described in a contemporary report as " a spectacle terrible beyond description". The inquest conducted by the county coroner Mr. H. R. Culley was held in a front room of Mr. E. T. Taylor's private house adjoining his workshops in one of which the bodies lay uncoffined. The Rev. T. S. Cogswell was chosen foreman. George Nockells, a team-man of Bowthorpe identified one body as that of his brother William aged 35 Iasi birthday. He lodged with witness and had done various agricultural jobs about the county. He added his brother " had been along with an engine a goodish bit feeding and driving ", and had come to Eaton as odd job man to do any job required of him. John Hebgin identified the other body as that of Ewells aged about 38 years. He had been in charge of the whole set of threshing tackle. In cross examination the following information was elicited: The coroner : How many men on an engine? Two. One to drive and one to steer. Another to be in attendance on the road. Whom did you employ to steer the engine? Ewells was driver and two others arranged to steer alternately. Was the deceased man Nockolds in your employ? No sir, he was not. How do you account for his steering the engine? I cannot tell—I've heard he was steering but it was against my orders. I provided my man to do that. Did you know this man at all? I've never seen him until his body was recovered from the river. You were surprised to hear that it was another man and not yours? I was, sir. You cannot account for his being there? I cannot. Have you made enquiries? I have and from what I learn he was going with the machine to try and get a few days work. Jobbing from place to place? Yes. Can you account for his being on the machine? I cannot tell you except some arrangement was made between him and the driver but it was against my orders. Do you consider he was experienced in the work? I cannot say. Were the other two men in your employ? The other two men were. In answer to a question by the foreman Mr. Hebgin said if the driver had been looking out he could have pulled up the engine. He might have been turning round for a shovelful of coal and in that half-minute the mischief would be done. The driver had no authority to employ another man. The gearing of the engine was generally in good order, it was seven years old having been in use in Hampshire before he bought it. He also had a broken link picked up on the roadway of the bridge. He had always given instructions strangers were not to be allowed on the engine. The coroner: So you attribute this accident to want of experience on the part of the man who was steering?
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That's it—exactly. The foreman then said he was sure the jury sympathised with Mr. Hebgin and the trouble which had come upon him and asked if beer was allowed? I don't allow them any. Herbert Flatman of Scoles Green, Norwich, a baker employed by Mr. Howell of Eaton, described how he left the ' Red Lion " with Mr. Hebgtn:s gang, watched the road train ascend the slope to the bridge and then to his sorrow witnessed the accident as already recorded. In reply to a question by the coroner Flatman said there was no explosion as the engine entered the water, only a slight escape of steam visible when he had run to the scene. In reply to another question Flatman added that as far as he could see there was no reason for the steersman to draw so close to the side by reason of any other vehicle approaching. It was not until he had got to the bridge that a Mr. Wade in a pony trap was seen on the Cringleford approach to the bridge. He (Flatman) said to Mr. Wade, " They are all in ". Mr. Wade raised his hands, said " Dear me ", and drove on. Next came William Tomlinson, engine feeder, who said he heard the driver ask Nockolds if he could steer. Nockolds said he could as he had " done two seasons over at Yelverton ", and Ewells gave his consent. Tomlinson and his mate George Sherwood rode behind on their bicycles. Sherwood gave him an apple and at that moment with them fifty yards behind the engine went through the parapet. He (Tomlinson) could not say how it happened. He believed Nockolds a competent steersman and quite sober. Sherwood added Ewells had stated that he did not mind who steered so long as he knew his job. P.C. William Baker of Keswick said he searched the bodies and found Ewells's watch had stopped at 10 to 5 p.m. and his clay pipe was still clutched in Nockolds's right hand. William Ribton Spowart, medical practitioner of St. Stephen's Road, Norwich gave evidence of the injuries and post mortems. He considered Ewells was killed instantly by the sudden stoppage of heart action. Nockolds's death was due to asphyxia through immersion in water while suffering from the effects of shock. It would not be correct to say he was drowned. Death would have been very speedy and practically instantaneous.
The foreman then commented that in his view the steersman was not competent but if so, was not sufficiently so to act at a critical moment. The jury returned the verdict: " Ewells and Nockolds accidentally killed by threshing tackle on which they were riding having been driven through the parapet of the bridge into the river." They added a rider that the accident was probably caused by one of the stone projections on each side of the bridge which they considered should be removed. They expressed their sympathy to the widow and other relatives. A juror added that Ewells's widow was in very poor circumstances and it was announced that for her and the seven children £7 8s. Od. was collected at the scene of the accident yesterday. I think a little reflection will suggest that after a hard day's work both Tomlinson and Sherwood were quite happy that someone else was going to steer leaving them free to cycle behind as they pleased. As we have seen Ewells's widow was left in dire financial straits but fortuna tely Mr. Hebgin had insured all his workmen but not his engines and a public appeal was launched three days afterwards and even by 20th September £21 16s. Od. had been received although the total amount received was not publicised apparently, the cost of repairing the engine having been estimated to be about £200. It may be interesting to some readers to know that a certain junior clerk in one of Messrs. Barclay's banks in Norwich handled the accounts of the fund. This young man was Mr. R. H. Mattram, later to become famous as an author, and one of his novels S'Imnish Farm has long since been acclaimed a classic of it kind.
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The Single Cylinder Burrell after being recovered from the River Yore .
The Burrell upside down with the Threshing Drum in the river Yare after crashing through the side of the bridge.
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One small but interesting point. Ewells had obviously seen the accident happening because a detailed inspection of the recovered Burrell showed the regulator to be fully shut. Also the family of Taylor in whose premises the inquest was held, later purchased a fine two-crank compound Burrell for use in their expanding timber business. Ewells was laid to rest in Marlingford churchyard on Sunday, 9th September, at noon, his coffin being borne by his fellow workmen. He was a member of the Provincial Lodge of Oddfellows and about one hundred members attended each wearing the black sash of the order. Needless to say, the church was filled to capacity. William Nockolds was interred the next day, 10th September, in Norwich cemetery, but the time was not published in advance. Nevertheless there were two coachloads of mourners and an eye-witness concluded " the coffin was covered in wreaths ". After the accident, not of course before, the Norfolk County Council roads department debated the removal of the stone blocks on the bridge and later they managed to have them removed. It is nothing new that highway authorities even today pig-headedly retain odd hazards scattered over the countryside as any road user can testify. Cringleford Bridge fortunately is scheduled as an historic monument and for that reason a new bridge on a different alignment should have been erected years ago. It is still only eighteen feet wide between parapets! They haven't learned much in nearly seventy years!
I have devoted considerable space to this sad affair, partly because it has become somewhat of a legend and mainly because much nonsense—compiled from memories of the oldest inhabitants which are notoriously inaccurate— has even only recently been publicised concerning it, one expert telling us that two engines were involved and both racing down to Cringleford Bridge! Whilst one can perhaps smile at such phantasy, no one can forgive one informant calling the damaged Burrell a Fowell!
BOOK REVIEWS " TRACTION ENGINES AND STEAM VEHICLES IN PICTURES " by Anthony Beaumont, Published by David & Charles. 112 pp., price 45/-.
The current vogue in transport literature is the production of photographic albums covering selected subjects, and one of the more recent and probably more interesting to members is "Traction Engines and Steam Vehicles in Pictures" by Anthony Beaumont. The author may well be remembered by his connection with Percival Marshall in the production of his pocket-size portfolios of steam road engines during the period 1961-65. However, the only similarity between them and the book under review is the high quality ❑f Mr. Beaumont's photography. David & Charles, as one expects from this firm, have selected a good quality paper which does justice to the illustrations within, and these in turn are backed by an informative description of each engine depicted, together with a thumbnail history covering each type of engine. The enthusiast will not learn much from this book, I do not consider this is the aim of the publisher, but on wild winter nights one can spend many a happy hour reflecting on past summers and looking forward to the season ahead. All in all, this book is a worthy monument to the steam engine, and although the majority of photographs were taken on the rally field, we must remember that with each succeeding year the ranks of these engines are regrettably reduced by age, as are the men who drove and tended them, For those who like " albums ", this is a good example and a fair return for the 45/- asked.
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" EARLY STATIONERY STEAM ENGINES IN AMERICA " by CARROLL PORSELL, JR. Published by the Smithsonian Institution Press, City of Washington, U.S.A. 152 pp., 18 Illustrations, Price £3 from David & Charles (Publishers) Ltd., South Devon House, Newton Abbott, Devon.
"This book does not pretend to be a complete history of the American economy before the Civil War. Neither is it primarily a history of the stationary steam engine, a story which is essentially English and has been told many times from English sources. It is rather my purpose to show when and by whom steam engines were brought to America, the extent and nature of their applications here and, so far as possible, the changes they imposed upon the existing patterns of American industry."
—From the Introduction. Whilst it is appreciated that this is a book for the specialist, it is no exageration to say that this work is essential to the serious student of the development of the steam engine outside of these shores. It is significant that this book is the first history of steam engines in the United States to be published in this century.
It follows the development of the stationary engines from the first English import in 1753, used to pump water from the Schuyler Copper Mine near Passaic, New Jersey, to the thousands in use by the outbreak of the Civil War. The author describes the experiments of early inventors and the careers of numerous Englishmen who brought their skill and knowledge of steam engines to America. Carroll Pursell is an Associate Professor of History at the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a specialist in the history of American Science and Technology. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where he also earned a Doctorate after taking an M.A. degree at the University of Delaware. " DISCOVERING TRACTION ENGINES " by Harold Bonnett, published by Shire Publications, Tring, Herts. 56 pp., 30 illustrations, price 4/6. In these days, when our main complaint is that of ever-increasing prices, it is indeed a pleasure to review an excellent little booklet which so adequately covers our chosen hobby and yet costs less than a packet of cigarettes ! Harold Bonnett, who needs no introduction, must be congratulated on presenting to the layman a most readable essay of the steam engine and why we give it so much devotion. Backed by thirty well chosen photo illustrations Harold Bonnett manages to infuse the text with many little anecdotes, which as we all know, are the essence of any gathering of steam men. Despite the fact that this publication is directed at the layman, the enthusiast will not find this just a dull chronicle of facts and figures and there will be few among us who do not lay this booklet down without learning something new. Shire Publications have issued a number of similar booklets on a wide range of subjects, and in " Discovering Traction Engines " they must have one of their most successful titles and one which can only 'enhance the steam preservation movement. At such low cost no one should be without a copy which will last longer than a packet of cigarettes.
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Balancing a Burrell BY
P. OGDEN
The Crankshaft showing the new Balance Weights.
After fitting solid rubbers to Burrell 4032 last summer, I noticed a tendency to bounce on the springs, at certain speeds, in unison with the crank, which having massive webs of 3 inches wide by 51 inches thick, representing an enormous unbalanced force at speeds of over 300 r.p.m. As recorded in the winter issue of " Steaming ", I therefore decided to balance the crankshaft before the 1969 season. I took a day off from the corn harvest and went to the Bysteam Rally at Thursford, where I took measurements and made a drawing of the balance weights on Burrell 4081, " Fearless ". I then had the two weights flame cut out of a mild steel blank by a local firm, machined to fit my crank webs and welded on " in situ " by our local welding wizard Ted Meadowcroft. These arc welded right round where they fit over the web, and at the front and back edges I cut an inch deep fillet in the weights, which was filled up with weld, the joint being extended a further half inch up the web, as can be seen in the photograph, so that there is now no possibility of the webs coming loose. In fact there is a far greater cross sectional area of steel holding them on than in the two studs used in Burrell's original fitting. The original weights had a piece cut out in the centre to provide access to the nuts holding the weights on, and to allow for the lack of this in my weights they are set a quarter of an inch further onto the webs, which has the added advantage of increasing the length of the welded joint. On the completion of welding it was just possible to bear one's hand on the webs and weights, and no distortion of the crankshaft has occurred. This is further confirmed by the perfectly true running of the flywheel.
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Improvement in the smooth running of the engine on the road has exceeded all expectations and where there had previously been a vibration period in the crankshaft, noticeable at the flywheel at a certain speed, all trace of this has now disappeared. The only snag encountered was that in spite of covering all bearing brasses with high melting point grease and polythene sheet, a small amount of metal from grinding off the weld entered the gear side crank brass and, when attending a local Gala on the engine's first outing, a smear of "gold paint" on the motion plate indicated cutting of the brass. As we were leading a parade through town nothing could be done except to flush the bearing with oil. Three days were spent scraping and re-fitting the brasses the following week, and this was the biggest part of the whole job, as on a Burrell it is necessary to withdraw the whole crankshaft to remove both gear-side brasses, as they are a snug fit in the bracket. But the engine has subsequently been steamed and tested and all is now in order.
YEOVIL RALLY (continued from page 188)
Marshall G.P., No. 36033, owned by J. G. W. Miles, Charminster, Dorset. Wallis & Steevens G.P., No. 7685, owned by S. Hubbick, Shillingtone, Dorset. Foster G.P., No. 12544, owned by Messrs Hobbs & Lee, Upper Langford. Marshall G.P., No. 52280, owned by Ron Torr, Gurney Slade. Fowler Class A8 G.P., No. 13140, owned by F. Simmons, Stanford Dingley, Berks. Marshall G.P., No. 45872, owned by Messrs. Sharman and Winslade, Othery. Garrett Tractor, No. 33373, owned by S. Pettifer, Motcombe, Dorset. Foden Tractor, No. 13454, owned by C. J. Lynch, St. Johns Chapel, Newton Tracey, Devon. Engines Entered by the Devon T.E.C. were : Tasker Type A.Z. Tractor, No. 1309, owned by C. J. Lee, Littleham, Devon. Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller, No. 10555, owned by L. J. Casely, Trent, Dorset. Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller, No. 9370, owned by Rex Raynor, Langport. Aveling & Porter 10 ton E type Roller, No. 11492, owned by D. C. Stewart, Sandford Orcas, Dorset. Wallis & Steevens " Advance " 8 ton Roller, No. 8100, owned by D. Antell, Shillingtone, Dorset. Fowler Roller, No. 18625, owned by A. Field. Okeford, Fitzpaine, Dorset. Marshall 12 ton Roller, No. 74744, owned by A. Chambers, Milverton. Tasker Class B2 Roller, No. 1902, owned by S. Hubbuck, Shillingstone, Dorset. Super Sentinel Wagon, No. 5104, owned by D. Courtier, Hayton, Devon. Sentinel S4 Wagon, No. 9032, owned by Messrs. J. and V. Goold, Camerton. Garrett W.S. II Portable, No. 33007, owned by Keith Vigus, Winscombe. Shand Mason Steam Fire Engine, No. 1842, owned by W. Turner, Parkstone, Dorset. Maintained, crewed and horses supplied by E. Sampson, Harbridge, Hants. K.M.V.
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FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale.—New Books—" Waterloo Ironworks—A History of Taskers " —L.T.C. Rolt, 47/6. " A Rally of Traction Engines "—Barry J. Finch, 4/6. " Traction Engines and Steam Vehicles in Pictures "—A. Beaumont, 47/6. Any two of the above ordered together, 90/- post free. For Sale—New Book—" Apprenticeship in Steam "—Jack Hampshire, 13/-G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OCE. For Sale.—New Book—" The Mechanicals "—L.T.C. Rolt. Famous engineers : Watt, Trevithick, Stephensons, John Fowler, Churchward, Stanier, etc., etc., 33/6. S.A.E. for full list—S. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. For Sale.—Slides—Duplicate Colour Slides of Traction Engines available S.A.E. for list. Also originals, no lists but copies sent on approval for your selection. Post cards (black and white) sent on approval for your selection. Please state type or makes of engines prefered.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. For Sale.-1907 Ruston Proctor Traction Engine, recent boiler inspection and certificates. Also living-van and water cart. Details from—R. H. Weston, Oakdore House, Stonegate, Sussex. For Sale.—Authentic two-wheeled hand trucks for Merryweather Valiant " B " steam fire pumps, steel-wheeled design, dates from 1880's, £25 each, ex-works.—" Light Steam Power ", Kirk Michael, Isle of Man. For Sale.—Author's autographed copies, " Saga of the Steam Plough ", 42/and " Discovering Traction Engines ", 4/6 post free.—Harold Bonnett, 3 Ridge Side, Haw Lane, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Bucks. Wanted.—A portable steam engine to drive my sawbench, 4, 5 or 6 n.p.h. Anything considered however derelict.—R.C.J. Willcox, Plain House, Whiteshill, Stroud, Glos. For Sale.—Traction Engine Calendar, 1970, containing 4 sketches (two coloured), Ploughing Engine, Threshing Drum and Engine, Burrell Showman's and Traction Engine. 7/- post paid from J. W. Yates, 88 Ampthill Road, Flitwick, Bedford. For Sale or exchange for Steam Tractor.—Fowler 10 ton D.C.C. Roller, No. 17287, with belly tank and scarifier. Excellent condition. Tasker 10 ton low-load trailer with K /out axle and Bedford " A " diesel unit. Also 9 in. rubber tyred wheels, suitable for Traction Engine, good condition —F. A. Smith, Kirton Holme, Nr. Boston, Tel. Kirton 260. For Sale.—Showman's Living Wagon. 20 ft., 3 tons, good Channel chassis with over-riding brakes. Good pneumatics, excellent condition. Hostess stove. Offers—Dr. J. L. Middlemiss, Godmanchester, Huntingdon. Wanted for restoration.—Overtype Steam Wagon or Overtype Tractor. Cannot pay fancy price, so anything considered. Details to—Box No. 1, " Steaming ", Field House, Turvey, Bedford. For Sale.-2 Fowler differential pinions with bushes and pins, 8 teeth, 3 in. wide, almost new. Burrell combined 2nd shaft pinion and bevel gear, 14 teeth, 21 in. wide. bevel as good as new, spur pinion part worn. Burrell low-speed crankshaft pinion, 15 teeth, 21 in. wide, to fit 31 in. shaft, measuring 41 in. over the splines, part worn but very good condition. Aveling & Porter steam operated sprinkling gear, complete with cocks, ejector and all copper pipe-work ready to fit. Aveling and Porter all steel toolbox, 23 in. long, perfect undamaged condition,
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Marshall 6 h.p. internal governor spring and flywheel key-way. Fowler rear springs.—P. Ogden, " Burtree House ', Hutton Sessay, Thirsk, Yorkshire. For Sale.—Fowler Ploughing Engine spares. Valve rods, pistons and rings, firebars, etc. for Class BB. 2 second hand chimney tops for Class K7, valve rod and bottom slide bar, etc. Few spares for Class Z engines and various implement spares. S.A.E. for list to—W. H. McAlpine, Fawley Hill, Fawley Green, Nr. Henley, Bucks. For Sale.—Chimney for 6 h.p. Burrell. Almost new and with unmarked copper top. Flange diameter 141 in., Height 4 ft. 4 in. I.D. at top 13 in. Price £15, buyer collects.-1. Crowther, The Riddings, Long Preston, Skipton in Craven.
National Traction Engine Club Badges CHOICE OF SIX DIFFERENT LAPEL TYPE STEAM ROLLER STEAM WAGON TRACTOR
PLOUGHING ENGINE TRACTION ENGINE SHOWMAN'S ENGINE
All Price 6/- each, post paid. CLUB TIES In blue or green, diagonally striped in gold with a small traction engine symbol design repeated along each stripe. Price 18/6 each including postage and packing. CAR BADGES Price 50/- each post paid. All of the above are available from THE SALES SECRETARY, F. G. UPTON, ESQ., 30 WINDSOR ROAD, MAIDENHEAD, BERKSHIRE.
If for any reason you 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.
Published by National Traction Engine Club for private circulation Printed by Stonebridges Printers Ltd., 32 Brereton Road, Bedford.