Steaming 1970 Vol.14 No.1

Vol. 14 No. 1

STEAMING

THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB

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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 : C. C. AyES, 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hants. Treasurer: J. H. HOBBS, ESQ., 6 Esher Close, Basingstoke, Hams. Editor of Newsletter: RAN HAWTHORNE, " Cleveland," 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, Berks.

Sale of Ties and Badges: F. G. UPTON, 30 Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berks. TECHNICAL SERVICES AND SPARES SECTION Bourne House, St. Mary Bourne, Andover, Hants. (Tel.: St. Mary Bourne 260).

BRIAN ORAM, ESQ.,

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS BRITISH LEYLAND MOTOR CORPORATION LTD. JACK WHARTON, E,SQ. R. GEBHARD, ESQ. E. C. SIMPSON, ESQ. F. J. BALLARD, ESQ.

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AREA NEWS CHESHIRE During the winter Alan Barber's Burrell Scenic No. 3610 " William V " was fitted with a new smokebox, which was quite a heavy job as there are quite a lot of rivets to knock out. A word of advice to owners of engines which have baffle plates fitted to the smokebox, remove them and check for corrosion behind, as you may get a shock when the thickness of the smokebox is checked! Andrew Barber's Burrell S.C.C. No. 2336 has been repainted, lined and lettered ready for the summer. At Goostrey, Dick Wood is still plodding away at his Aveling Roller with a hope that it will be ready for Astle Park Rally, and Jack Doyle has had considerable work done on the boiler of his Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 8384 and is now reassembling enthusiastically. Activity in steam commenced on May 16th when a Steam Party and Barbeque was held at Lower Withington Parish Room which was a great success, engines running a steady shuttle service for thirst quenchers to the " Red Lion ". Engines present were: Jim Dakin's Foster No. 12535 " Winnie " ; Phil Phelps' Ransomes No. 27461 " Derry "; Bill Briggs' Burrell S.C.C. No. 2003 " Diamond Queen "; Jim Bostock's Fowler Russian-type No. 14958 " Marina "; Andrew Barber's Burrell S.C.C. No. 2336 " Stanley Monarch "; S. Z. de Ferranti's Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 3362 " Camilla "; F. Hackney's Fowler Showman's No. 14588 " Enterprise "; J. Wooliscroft's Fowler No. 9507 ; and Alan Barber's Scenic No. 3610 William V ". The event was a great success and over £100 was raised for the Village Hall. On June 7th the following engines attended the Burma Star Celebrations in Crewe Park: Alan Barber's Burrell Scenic No. 3610 " William V " with Mortier 86 key Fairground Organ ; Jim Dakin's Foster No. 12535 " Winnie "; Dan Howell's Burrell No. 3746 " Princess Alexandra "; Steve Crawley with his Marshall Series M Tractor was accompanied by his two pals Bernard and Harold with their Marshall's Series 2 ; Bob Leigh's Marshall Universal Roller No. 86984 ; and Capt. Hollinshead's Rushton Proctor S.C. " Tulip Queen ". Jim Dakin and " Winnie " attended the Cheshire Show at Hooton and generated for the Mortier organ on Thursday afternoon, and being an agricultural show a great deal of interest was shown. On Saturday, lune 13th, " William V" plus Monier organ and " Winnie " were together lending " tone " at a Donkey Derby for Smallwood Village Fete. Once again a substantial sum of money was raised towards a Village Hall Fund. A.B.

CORNWALL Several engines in the county have changed owners since the last report. The semi-derelict Burrell of unknown number, which has been at Mr. Morse's Farm Museum at Mawla Well for several years, has been sold for restoration to Mr. H. Grenfell of Truro. Mr. G. Hawkins has sold his Ruston Proctor Tractor No. 52573 to Mr. R. Ansell of Wisborough Green, The well-known Ruston Hornsby No. 169167 previously owned by Mr. G. Symons has been sold to Mr. J. Sawle, the engine now requiring heavy firebox repairs. Ono of the last engines to be used as a workhorse in Cornwall has retired into preservation. This is Aveling & Porter No. 4255 " Queen Victoria ", of 1899, and she has until now been used to drive a rack bench. She is an interesting example of one of the earlier engines, being a convertible and having the valves set above the compound cylinders. Her new owner, Mr. M. S. Hynd of Callington, purchasd this engine only a few days before the Redruth Rally, and with the help of friends was able to have the boiler inspected and tested in time to attend the rally.

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In July a rally was held at Plymouth and several engines from Cornwall attended. Two engines made the journey from Redruth. One was the Burrell Stowman's Engine No. 3159 "The Gladiator which, with Anderton & Rowlands 98 key Marenghi Military Band Organ, covered the seventy or so miles to Plymouth in one day. The other was the McLaren Ploughing Engine No. 1552, which continued its journey from the Wadebridge Rally to Plymouth, covered nearly fifty miles in one day and at times hauling two living vans and a large four-wheel fuel trailer. For fifteen years the 98 key Marenghi Organ has been on loan to the Gladiator Club of Redruth and has accompanied their Burrell No. 3159 at many venues in the West Country. Unfortunately this duo is soon to be broken up as the organ is to be returned to the owners Messrs. Anderton & Rowlands. However, the club hope to have another organ by next year. A mention was made in the previous issue of Mr. R. I. Gunn's pending marathon journey to North Wales with his Fowler BRl No 15195 His trip was eventful from the beginning, a live steam joint had to be remade on the second day, poor steaming and soft tarmac hindered his progress, and on the fifth day his troubles came to a head when the engine slipped away on a hill and turned over on her side. Neither Mr. Gunn or his steersman Mr. Hattam were seriously injured, and by early the following morning with the help of a large recovery vehicle and crew the engine was back on her wheels. The journey was continued on a low-loader and repairs to the engine are well in hand. Two traction engine trucks have recently changed hands in Cornwall, one, an Aydin* & Pnrter has been purchased by Mr. F. W. Weeks of Launceston. and the other, built by Mr. Weeks' great uncle, has been purchased by the West of England Steam Engine Society. Work continues on Mr. R. D. Woods' Burrell Showman's Engine No. 2651 "Challenger", the new firebox is in situ and is partly stayed. Mr. D. E. Hattam makes progress with his Burrell S.C. Compound No. 2662 " Attraction ", most parts have been cleaned, some by shot blasting, and several coats of paint have been applied to them to give a superb finish. He has decided to have a new tender constructed as well as a firebox for this engine, which will be restored to as near the original design as possible. The restoration of Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48279, owned by Mr. D. C. Soloman, is almost complete, and a trial steaming is to occur in the next few months. The Robey of 1923, has returned to Coombe Tractor No. 41493 "Little Glutton Caravan Camp where Mr. Gregory is to continue rebuilding this interesting little engine. As a closing event to a successful season Mr. R. Morse held a steam day at his Agricultural Museum item Redruth. Several resident engines were in steam and two came for the day. One, Burrell No. 3159 "The Gladiator brought Anderton & Rowland's 98 key Marenghi to provide music, the other non-resident being the large Armstrong Whitworth Roller No. 10R19. R.A.D. & C.F.D. COTSWOLDS During the past year Bert Canton from Sheepscombe has been out and about a number of times with " Dorothy ", his Burrell 5 n.h.p. Road Loco No. 4093. Since the orevious year the engine has been rubbered to make for easier travelling. A number of rallies have been attended, with the engine always travelling under her own steam. Bert's Aveling & Porter Roller, a 6 ton P.V. S.C. No. 10563, originally Stroud Rural District Council, and later Gloucestershire County Council, was sold last spring to Messrs. Wallcroft of Pershore. Readers of these notes about a year ago may recall that I was looking for a portable engine to drive my saw bench. In reply to an advertisement, Messrs. Pearson of Darlington offered me a 6 n.h.p. Marshall "S - type No. 85246 of 1930. The trip up north to inspect this engine was made in April, when I also called at Hawkshead in the Lake District to see another Marshall. also "S" type with piston valve and Pickering governors. This one was of 4 n.h.p., and was No. 84963 of 1929.

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It transpired that both engines were purchased and eventually transported back to Stonehouse. The larger engine was in good working order, and has recently been sawing on two half-days and one whole day, giving every satisfaction. The smaller engine, although basically very sound, needs painting as it is very rusty, and re-assembly, as it was partly dismantled. Such items as a new chimney, base for same, ashpan, etc. are at present receiving attention, and it is hoped that the job, including repaint, will be complete by next summer. About a week after this spending spree up north, a local farmer rang me to ask if 1 still wished to buy his Ransomes portable. I had been trying to buy this little known engine, tucked away in a barn near Birdlip, for some time, but with no success. However I contacted a friend of mine, Roy MacLellan, who often steers my tractions, and he purchased it. It is of about 5 or 6 n.h.p. and in excellent basic order. No maker's number anywhere, but dates from about 1886, being identical to the Ransomes of that date in the special portable engine edition in Swan:lug awhile ago. I have a Ransoines catalogue of 1891, and the design is quite different. This was fetched home without incident by the " Field Marshall " tractor, and has since been renovated, including new tubes, smokebox repairs, and relagging. Also repainted, and a few missing fittings added supplied most kindly by Derek Hackett. Shortly after this I was offered yet another portable by Derek, namely the old 5 n.h.p. Hornsby " D " type at the late Ivor Dobbs' sawmill at Longhope. Couldn't refuse such a rarity, so this too was acquired. The engine was still inside the sawmill, access to which was dreadfully overgrown since the mill had been derelict for many years. The " Field Marshall again came to the rescue, the portable being winched out with snatch blocks on sundry trees, on a truly vile wet day. Since the front wooden wheels and forecarriage had been removed and were unserviceable we had to improvise here. Fortunately an axle with wheels was found lying around and pressed into service. We eventually hauled the engine up through the undergrowth, and no sooner had we got on to the main A.40, right across a double while line, when one of the back wheels partially collapsed. After the initial panic, the engine was oh so gently eased forward and a sound piece of wheel came into play. Then a skid-pan was put under it and the whole towed down the road to a lay-by where it was loaded on a low-loader for transport back to Stonehouse. So far I have done little to this one except remove the remains of the old chimney base, smokebox, and sundry fittings. Boiler lagging, when taken off, revealed a boiler shell, all hand rivelted, looking literally as new. Quite unbelievable. At present the wheels have been sent away for rebuilding and shortly we hope to remove the tubes. The Fowler S.C. No. 9230 was not used at all until prepared for the Cromhall Rally in September. Unfortunately the weather was so bad that we did not take it, but for practical purposes took the " Field Marshall " which proved most useful pulling out bogged tractors, rollers, lorries, etc. Osman Goring of Caen has now finished overhaul on his 8 ton Burrell roller, and has been in steam round the local lanes a number of times. First rally attended was the wet one at Cromhall, hardly a good start, as the whole week-end was spent stationary with wind all round. Numbered 3958, this engine has a Burrell-Rutty scarifier. Also in evidence around Stonehouse, and also at Cromhall, was Angus MacLellan with his Aveling & Porter 12 ton Compound Roller No. 8601 (Reg. No. OT4392). This engine was new to Southampton Corporation, but worked latterly with a contractor in Devonshire before being acquired by Mr. Vines of Hardwicke a few years ago. Mr. MacLellan purchased the engine from Mr. Vines earlier this year, and has done a lot of work on it this summer. Joe Powell of Ashton Keynes attended Fairford Rally with his beautiful Garrett tractor " Lord Raglan ". Incidentally every single engine at this rally arrived and departed under its own steam—not a single low-loader on the field.

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Joe is pressing on slowly with the very old Brown & May portable of 1872, which he is restoring as a stationary exhibit, as the boiler and firebox are past renovation. His more modern (1930) Marshall portable has been sawing again as usual at this time of year, providing logs for the house. This is a 6 n.h.p. slide valve engine which he acquired! a few years ago from John Plaister, who in turn had bought it in the wilds of Wales. Unfortunately, Mr. Niblett of The Knapp, Brinscombe, owner of Aveling & Porter 8 ton S.C. P.V. Roller No. 11870, passed away last winter. His engine is still standing on the hillside above Brinscombe, and I expect it will eventually be sold. R.C.J.W. CUMBERLAND The major event of the summer was the Steam Party at Beckermet, and included among the engines present was the Fowler "Tiger " Tractor No. 14805 which was acquired recently by Z. Myers of Langdale from J. Dowson of Knock, near Appleby. Early in the year Chris Greatley's Fowler Compound Roller No. 18507 was seen rolling in Seascale. The Garrett Roller No. 33636 (Converted No. 4 Tractor), owned by Sutton's, has been working for four months for the Borough of Whitehaven. A very well-known 6 h.p. McLaren No. 1105 has come back to W. Dowthwaite's of Skelton, Penrith. Mr. Dowthwaite used this engine many years on threshing and has now acquired it for preservation. He is at present doing a few minor repairs. Owing to illhealth work on the Aveling & Porter 10 ton I.P. Roller No. 11496 is progressing very slowly. It was hoped to complete it by the year end but that now seems impossible. S.S.

Foden 7 n.h.p. Traction Engine No. 2132. Built 1911.

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DEVON For the first time since the engine preservation movement began in Devon the county has had three separate rallies this year—in North Devon (Chivenor), South-West (Plymouth) and East Devon (Exmouth)—all three events drawing large crowds in good weather conditions, with Chivenor (June 6th and 7th) undoubtedly taking the honours for the most perfect week-end in this respect. One could not have wished for anything better from the Met. Office! The change of venue from the former Umberleigh site to the R.A.F. airfield proved to be well justified, and although the airfield is, unfortunately, scheduled to he closed down by the Air Ministry in 1972, it is confidently hoped that at least next year's event can be staged again at this site. Twentyone engines attended, and included several entries from our neighbouring counties of Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset, and a long distance entry S.4 Sentinel No. 9277 (Reg. No. DKN689) all the way from the Southampton area. For several engines it was their first public appearance and included two of the former Devon County Council roller fleet, a 10 ton Marshall Compound with overhead slide valves No. 68955 (Reg. No. TA212) and 10 ton Aveling S.V. Single No. 9074 (Reg. No. FX7061), the latter being purchased only a month or so previously from an Exeter contractor who bought it in November, 1967 but did not use it commercially as was intended at the time. It appeared in unrestored condition but is in good order, in fact it was driven from Exeter to its present owner's home at West Hill, Ottery Si Mary, without any trouble, so should restore well in due course. The writer's Burrell D.C. Compound 8 ton Roller No. 4018 (Reg. No. PR4449) made her first rally appearance also, travelling from Eggesford to Chivenor with caravan and trailer containing Mr. Ken Stenner's veteran Titan tractor, returning to Eggesford after the rally on the following Monday. Two days later the journey back to my home commenced, with ex Eddison water cart and ancient fourwheeled haulage wagon in tow, good progress being made after a delayed start from Eggesford. By dusk the outfit had passed through Exeter and was about four miles from home, the last leg of the journey being completed on the Saturday morning—a round trip of some eighty-four miles from start to finish. It was an interesting and enjoyable journey, with only one isolated thundery shower to spoil the otherwise perfect weather throughout the trip. On July 18th and 19th the Devon Club's second rally was staged near Plymouth in conjunction with the " Mayflower '70" celebrations, the site being at Chelson Meadows, not far from the well-known National Trust property of " Saltram House ". Although not quite up to Chivenor's brilliant weather week-end, it remained dry and there was again a large crowd on both days to sample the delights of a past age, with twenty-eight engines and numerous tractors, cars, commercials, motor cycles and stationary engines and machinery, etc. An outstanding newcomer to the rally scene making its first appearance was a 1923 Clayton & Shuttleworth Convertible Roller No. 48835 (Reg. No. YA7417), which was purchased for preservation in 1968 from Messrs. Buncombe's of Highbridge, Somerset, and has since been extensively overhauled and beautifully repainted by its three enthusiastic owners, Messrs. T. Noyce, E. Tanner and G. Perkins of Kingsbridge—a great credit to them. Another engine which evoked much interest was the Goold Bros. immaculately restored 1931 Garrett QL end-tipping Wagon No. 35465 (Reg. No. CV5166) from Camerton, Bath, which was owned from new until 1949 by Messrs. Glover & Uglow of Callington, not many miles from Plymouth— a firm still very much in evidence in the West Country. The writer remembers seeing this wagon in use with Cornwall County Council (then fitted with a tar tank on the body) as late as 1956, so possibly she was the last steam wagon to work commercially in the West Country. She languished in a quarry near Wadebridge for some years before going to Dorset and was in a delapidated state when eventually taken in hand for overhaul. The result is another outstanding piece of restoration from the Camerton stable. A former R. Dingle & Sons roller, derelict for many years at their Stokeclimsland yard, was another newcomer, 12 ton S.C./P.V. Aveling No. 11220 (Reg. No. RLI085), now owned by Mr. Pridham of Gunnislake. This was another engine on which one could see that much effort had gone into the

Aveling & Porter Single Cylinder Steam Roller, owned by the Isle of Ely County Council, pauses for the photographer circa 1914. The driver is a Mr. Stephen Smith.

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excellent finish of the paintwork, although exterior restoration was not quite complete at the time. The third major steam event of the season was the highly successful rally organised by the Crediton and Exmouth Round Table Committee and held over the late August Bank Holiday week-end in an attractive setting midway between Exeter and Exmouth. New corners included the well-known ex Whitelegg's Burrell Showman's No. 3711 (Reg. No. TA3067) " King of the Belgians", which has spent the last fifteen years in Somerset in Mr. Dennis Chappell's ownership, and was acquired a few weeks before the rally by Mr. C. J. Lee of the Sandy Bay Holiday Park, near Exmouth. Devon has been without an example of a showman's locomotive since the late Capt. Dixon's Burrell No. 2894 " Centaur" departed to Dorset in 1961, and it must be a source of great interest and delight to many people in the county that Mr. Lee has been able to bring back this fine engine to its former territory once more. Another of Mr. Lee's engines, a former Devon C.C. 10 ton Compound O.H./S.V. Roller (a convertible) Marshall No. 56187 (Reg. No. TA2438), appeared nicely restored in traction engine form, providing the county with an example of a Marshall that has existed hitherto only in its roller version. A most creditable restoration was to be seen in the ex City of Truro Fowler 10 ton Compound Roller No. 18873 (Reg. No. CV3579), which has been painstakingly restored by brothers R and S. Wheeler of Dunchideock, near Exeter, since being acquired in 1964. Here again the engine has been completely dismantled, renewals and repairs to various parts have been undertaken, and reassembly and repainting have produced another excellently preserved engine. Absent from the rally scene in the county this year has been the late Harold Stenner's Burrell 6 h.p. Compound Traction No. 3794 (Reg. No. TA2130), which was sold to Mr. Philp of Herefordshire in May in spite of interest being shown by several prospective local buyers. Also in the North Devon area, the two steam engines that have worked for a number of years in Messrs. Chappell & Walton's Sawmill at Chappleton, near Barnstaple, have been taken out of use. The Marshall S.C. overtype semi-portable No. 88105 is to be retained as a standby source of power, but the large double cylindered Robey Portable No. 37871 of about 12 h.p. is being disposed of, and at the time of writing (September) several enthusiasts have shown an interest in saving the engine from being scrapped. The Robey was at one time owned by the Devon County Council and worked in Parracombe Quarry (now closed and demolished) until the late 1950's, and had as a companion the Marshall 10 h.p. S.C. Portable No. 70948, which the writer purchased from Parracombe in 1961 and which is slowly being worked on. Both engines worked the crushing plant machinery from opposite ends of the building. It is the writer's hope that both the Robey and the Marshall will face each other again at some future event! Nut many miles away, at Bratton Flemming, I understand that Mr. George Tribe has removed the firebox from his 1907 compound Aveling Traction No. 641)7 (Reg. No. TA2759) preparatory to re-boxing the engine. Working mostly single-handed and in the open, he is surely demonstrating great enthusiasm and determination towards rejuvenating this fine old engine. An engine of which little has been heard about for some time is the Foster Convertible Roller No. 13088 (Reg. No. FEI125), acquired in 1968 by Mr. A. Norman of Hatherleigh from the late Harold Stenner. The engine has since been completely stripped down and overhauled, and reassembly is now taking place, during the course of which the Foster will be restored to its original configuration as a tractor, To this end the owner was fortunate in being able to obtain genuine Foster front wheels and axle and one hind wheel. The other hind wheel fitted was not of Foster pattern and so was dismantled and carefully altered and rebuilt to match the other so that now both wheels are of correct pattern—a job which has involved many hours of hard work but the result is most satisfactory. Many ❑ther repairs and renewals have been attended to during the rebuilding and 1971 should see the Foster's first outing which, judging from the standard ❑f paintwork so far applied to the engine, should rival anything we have seen emerge in the county so far!

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At the beginning of September the Devon County Council offered for sale by tender a further batch of redundant steam rollers and other surplus plant. Six rollers are involved, and as these notes are due before the successful tenderers are known, individual fates and owners will have to wait until the next issue, but it is confidently expected that all six will pass to an assured existence, and judging from remarks made by a Devon C.C. spokesman earlier in the month half the enquiries up to that time had come from Cornish enthusiasts(!) as well as from other parts of the country. Four are stated as being in "working order " and two others have " parts missing ", the rollers concerned being Aveling No. 7024 (Reg. No. TA2657), 8 ton S.C./P.V., Fleet No. 113 ; Aveling No. 12089 (Reg. No. U06509), 10 ton Compound S.V., Fleet No. 172 ; Aveling No. 11047 (Reg. No. TrI554), 8 ton S.C./P.V., Fleet No. 135 ; Aveling No. 6889 (Reg. No. TA3522), 12 ton Compound S.V., Fleet No. 123 ; Aveling No. 9402 (Reg. No. TA2440), 12 ton Compound S.V., Fleet No. 124 ; Marshall No. 78150 (Reg. No. TT1856), 14 ton Class " S " Compound with radial valve gear, Fleet No. 133—the latter engine heing one of the two with parts missing, suffering at the hands of brass thieves last year whilst parked in a 'Flyby. Another former county roller purchased in 1965, 10 ton Aveling Single No. 7095 (Reg. No. TA2661), has been progressing slowly at Thorverton, north of Exeter, where its owner Mr. F. Sharland has re-tubed and generally tidied up the engine and repainted it in more or less its former owner's colours, greatly improving its appearance from the neglected and rundown state at the time of purchase. We hope to see it out and about during 1971. Down by the coast at Seaton, in East Devon, 10 ton ex Eddison Aveling Single No. 10574 (Reg. No. PR205) now sports a canopy, unfortunately rather too narrow and thus somewhat detrimental to the engine's exterior looks, but the paintwork has seen some attention in places and the roller generally appears to be in sound order, although I have heard no reports of its being steamed during the last two years at least. Various other engines are in varying stages of overhaul and restoration round and about the county, whilst others lic dormant and forlorn awaiting their " resurrection day!" at some future time, so prospects for 1971 and beyond augur quite well. For most of us the spectacle and sheer enjoyment of the Dorset Club's " Great Working of Steam Engines " held at Blandford in late September— surely the finest event of its kind in the rally calendar since the Great Steam Fair at White Waltham—brings the curtain down on another successful season's activities with our engines and equipment, and providing enough lively and stimulating discussion and gossip for the darker months ahead to keen all of us echoing the sentiment expressed at the end of the club's programme: "Here's to the next time! "

ISLE OF WIGHT All the Isle of Wight engines have taken part in some activity during the summer although unfortunately it has not been possible for them all to gather in one place at any one time. It has been unfortunate that Mr. Taylor of Albany Farm, Newport, has not enjoyed the best of health over the last few months. He is the oldest of the Island engine owners and has been in hospital for some time during the season. He is showing an improvement however, but he tells me that when he attains sufficient strength he has to enter hospital again for a further operation. Consequently his Marshall 6 h.p. S.C. Engine No. 52121 "Faithful " has not taken part in perhaps as many events as she might otherwise have done. His son, however, with an enthusiastic helper, has taken the engine to the Whitson Vintage Vehicle gathering at Carisbrooke, the annual St. Mary's Hospital Nurses Fete and the Isle of Wight Agricultural Show.

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10 n.h.p. McLaren 3 speed Compound Traction Engine No. 771. Built 1903 and exported to New Zealand where it was used for direct ploughing.

Another view of E. C. Simpson's interesting McLaren No. 771 showing the rack type steering gear.

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Fred Winters' Allchin 7 h.p. S.C. No. 1415 " Havenstreet Queen " has attended several functions. She began the season with the Whitsun Vintage Machinery Parade at Carisbrooke, she was present at the St. Mary's Hospital Fete and again at the Isle of Wight Agricultural Show. Two of the Island carnivals have been graced by her presence, both the Newport and Ryde event. Her owner tells me that she is running as good as ever again this year, and she makes an interesting exhibit wherever she goes. The writer's Ransomes S.C. Traction Engine No. 42013 "Sister Wendy " is now completely restored and has made her first appearance at several Island functions this season. On June 20th she made her first journey to Shorwell to the annual Village Fete, taking in tow her companinn thresher a Marshall machine. At this event painting was only completed as far back as the firebox, the rear end being very drab in comparison. Much work had been done on the Marshall machine to have this ready for this event, but only the priming coat was applied in time. The organisers however pressed for the appearance of both engine and thresher so the complete set was taken, where she puffed away successfully all the afternoon creating much interest. By the beginning of July "Sister Wendy's " restoration had been completed, and on the 4th she attended a charity fete in her own village. Here she hauled a large four-wheeled trailer in which rides were given to fare-paying passengers, making one circuit of the field per trip. She was kept very busy at this all the afternoon and evening, the rides proving extremely popular.

At one time there was counted as many as forty persons on the trailer, and at the end of the day it was found that she had used four hundredweight of coal!

By the time of the Isle of Wight Agricultural Show on July 16th the painting of the Marshall threshing machine was completed, and the writer's Ogle elevator was added to the threshing set which then steamed the ten-anda-half miles to the show in three hours. The whole set was running in the show field by 10 MM., and throughout the day a considerable crowd of interested onlookers watched the machinery in action until the closing down at 8 p.m. It was a beautiful day and the threshing tackle, as may well be imagined, looked well in the brilliant sunshine. Since her return from the show on the following day "Sister Wendy " has not been out of her shed, but it is hoped that the threshing gear will do some actual threshing in the fall as three acres of wheat have been cut by the binder and stored for this purpose. The writer would like to add that he is extremely pleased with the performance of this engine which he feels sure must be in excellent condition as she has taken all the Island hills on her route to the show in fast wheel. F.E.H.

KENT In an area where there is not such a concentration of engines as in others news is not so easy to obtain, but with the rally season in full swing some owners are on the move with their engines travelling to rallies most week-ends. Peter Fagg with his Clayton & Shuttleworth S.C. General Purpose Engine No. 46823. Tom Tilbury's Wallis & Steevens " Advance " Roller No. 7962 and Smokey Shepherd can boast at having attended Liphook and Fontwell Park, near Chichester, rallies by this method.

Changes of ownership have been reported and these include a " new " owner in Mr. Jack Clark of Miers Court Farm, Rainham, who purchased an Aveling & Porter S.C. Tractor No. 11480 from Mr. George Marsh of Acrise. The tractor had previously been purchased from Edwards of Swindon as a roller in poor condition and Mr. Marsh had done a superb job converting it to a tractor. As the original registration could not he traced the registration of a 1933 agricultural tractor, which was the first one Mr. Clark had purchased, was transferred a few days before the Gillingham Rally. Mr. Clark has also purchased a 1916 Ransomes Sims & Jeffries threshing drum, which has always been kept under cover, from a friend at Headcorn.

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Engines formerly in the ownership of Mr. Malcolm Hobbs of Birchington have also changed hands, having passed through Mr. Marsh of Acrise, i.e. Marshall S.C. General Purpose Engine No. 59435 has been sold to another "' new" owner, Mr. Brian Coleman of Beckenham, and Burrell S.C.C. Agricultural Engine No. 2819 " Validus" is now in the ownership of Mr. J. McIntosh of London. At the same time Mr. Marsh purchased Garrett S.C. Traction Engine No, 35461 from the widow of the late Mr. W. Roberts. Mrs. Marsh informs me that their Acrise Rally, which was held this year on a now site and at a later date than other years, was the best one to date so

far, and will most probably be held the same time next year. The Foden D.C.C. Road Engine No. 4752 "Sandy Mcnab", formerly owned by the late Mr. John Young of Chelsfield, has been purchased by Mr. Bob Ansel] of Wisborough Green, Sussex, and he has stripped it down to the last nut and bolt prior to it being sand-blasted and converted to a showman's engine. This was new in 1914, used by Codona's Amusements of Scotland in 1920, and eventually came into the ownership of Adams Bros. of Dumbarton after changing hands several times. Mr. John Young purchased it from Adams Bros. in 1947 and was used by him for threshing mainly in the Hundred of Hon peninsular in Kent until superseded by a Fordson Major tractor, but the engine was kept in superb condition by Mr. Young and shown at several rallies until his death in 1968. Mr. J. N. Sumrnerfield of Bromley and his friend have purchased an old Aveling & Porter Roller No. 3430 of 1894. Very little information is known other than the roller was last steamed by W. C. French Ltd., but an illustration of a very similar roller is on page 189 of A Century of Traction Engines by W. J. Hughes. The only apparent difference being that the feed pump is on the near side whereas the illustration shows this on the off side. At this year's Kent County Show, held at Detling, near Maidstone, on July 15th and 16th, the following engines were present: Mr. Don Eastwood's Burrell D.C.C. Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3285 " King George V " and Garrett D.C.C. Tractor No. 34461 " Victoria ". Richard Pierce's Fowler D.C.C. Class BB Ploughing Engine No. 14213. Bill Monday's Marshall S.C. General Purpose Engine No. 56125. Mr. Jack Clark's Aveling & Porter S.C. Tractor No. 11480 " Jack Supreme " which was driven by Roly Bird assisted by his father.

Also present was a Foster 4 ft. 6 in. threshing drum owned by the writer and Mr. Wally May. Mr. COlin Tucker's Fowler D.C.C. Roller No. 18503 with Mr. Jack Clark's Aveling & Porter S.C. Tractor took part in Chatham Town Carnival Procession on August 5th.

Mr. Clark's tractor also attended a school fete on July 4th and another on September 5th giving children rides on a trailer. F.J.B.

LANCASHIRE Club members have had a busy 1970 season, starting early in the year with a Steam Party at Banks, Southport, over the Easter week-end, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Host was Jack Johnson, and once again Jack and his helpers put on a grand show. Engines in steam were Jack's Burrell Tractor, John Webster's Burrell S.C.C. Roller, George Coles' Clayton Agricultural, Roger

White's Fowler Roller, Tom Varley's Sentinel S4 Wagon and Tom Alberts' Burrell Steam Road Locomotive "His Lordship " which was generating for his 98 key Marenghi Organ. Visitors also paid great attention to two other engines, both being under repair. George Howard's Burrell Tractor No. 3808, built in 1919, was having a new firebox fitted as well as a complete overhaul and repaint ; and Pat Kelly's Burrell S.C.C. Agricultural No. 3695 " Lord Derby ", of 1915, was undergoing a complete repaint and having attention to the firebox. Much interest was also paid to Jack's large collection of old farm implements.

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Two days prior to this event (on Maundy Thursday) George Coles set out from Swinton, near Manchester, en route for Banks. About nine miles out near-disaster struck when the firebars buckled and collapsed into the ashpan. Fortunately George was able to get to the farm, at Lowton, of club member Gerald Adamson before steam ran out. After borrowing the firebars and some spares from Alan Porter's Aveling roller (these, incidently, fitted perfectly into the Clayton firebox) the journey to Banks was completed on Good Friday without further incident. Next event was an Old Tyme Fair held at the Derby School, Bury, Lancs., on Saturday, May 30th, when three club engines attended—Jack Johnson's Burrell, George Coles' Clayton and Tom Alberts' Burrell Showman's Engine and Marenghi Organ. The day after this event George Coles was on his travels again. this time heading for Andrew Shorrock s home at Chorley, enroute for Corkerham and the Mnre.ramhe Ray Traction Engine rinh's Steam Party on June 7th. Jack Johnson also attended the steam party with his Burrell tractor, travelling up on the Saturday evening after attending a Charity Fete in Leyland. John Webster was to have attended, too, with his Burrell roller, but unfortunately developed bearing trouble and had to return to Banks. Burtonwood Rally was out next event on Saturday and Sunday, July 11th and 12th, and proved to be our best rally ever, particularly on the engine side. A full report is featured elsewhere. Three weeks after Burtonwood, Eric Marshall organised a Week-end Steam Party at Glazebury. Apart from his own Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11837, of 1926, Eric had support from club members George Coles with his 1913 Clayton Agricultural ; Walter Fitter with his 1910 Foden Agricultural •' Keith and Andrew Shorrock with their two engines, 1929 Fowler Roller and 1930 Ruston & Hornsby 12 n.h.p. Portable ; and Jack Johnson with his Burrell Tractor. On August 15th/16th several club members attended the Annual Rally at Astle Park, Chelford, and were: George Coles (Clayton agricultural), Walter Fitter (Foden agricultural), Bill Briggs (Burrell agricultural), Denis Priestner (Fowler roller), Peter Broud (Burrell road locomotive), Eric Marshall (Aveling roller), and Phil Priestner (Foden wagon and Aveling roller). Although weather and ground conditions were atrocious (on the second day) and hardly suitable for rallying, enginemen and crews appeared to enjoy the week-end. At Lower Whitley, near Northwich, two weeks later the club, in conjunction with Lower Whitley Village Committee, organised a Steam Engine Party over the Augusi Bank Holiday week-end. Vv'tiii aiuna evunis (grand parade, blindfold steering, tug of war, balloon bursting), a display of vintage motor vehicles and side shows, this was in effect a " mini rally ". Eight engines attended: Aveling & Porter Roller No. 5199 (F. Fields), Clayton & Shuttleworth Agricultural No. 46059 (G. Coles), Foden Agricultural No. 2312 (W. Fitter), Fowler Roller No. 20122 (P. Frond, driven by Andrew Shorrock as Peter was away at the Crich Tramway Museum with Burrell Road Locomotive No. 3098), Aveling & Porter Roller No. 6544 (A. R. Porter), Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8754 (P. Priestner), Foden Wagon No. 13764 (P. Priestner), and the surprise arrival on Monday morning of the Foden Agricultural No. 2654 owned by H. Barlow of High Legh. While the outdoor activities were going on considerable indoor work on engines was taking place. George Coles' Clayton agricultural was rubbered while at Banks after the Easter Steam Party there. With the aid of Jack's hydraulic press the small rubber wheels accumulated by George over the winter were first flattened, then cut, and with the aid of a hydraulic fork lifter were opened out before being bolted to the wheels. Although the speed hasn't increased, the ride is now much better. In May, work had started at Walter Fitter's yard to replace all second row stays, all crown stays and to fit a new smokebox to Alan Porter's 1908 Aveling & Porter Roller No. 6544 (Reg. No. IID1572). By the end of June (only three weeks before Burtonwood Rally) the roller was ready for the hydraulic

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test, which was passed when a pressure of 240 lbs. per sq. in. for 41 minutes was applied. There followed a hectic tw❑ weeks of rebuilding (including welding the new smokebox on) to get "Little Wonder " ready. With two days to go she was successfully steamed and was able to attend. Whilst all this was going on, Walter was working on his own engine, Foden Agricultural No. 2312 (Reg. No. MA7770). Having successfully steamed the Foden at Easter, the next requirments were a canopy and a repaint. The canopy was made and fitted, the old paint was then stripped off and the whole lot repainted and finally lined out. This engine must now be one of the soundest agriculturals in existence. Gerald Adamson's 1899 Foden Agricultural No. 443 (Reg. No. DJ1142) also appeared in Walter's yard, just before the rally, for attention to several tube plate rivets which were leaking. When the front bogie had been cut away and the rivets exposed, a local boilermaker soon replaced the offending rivets. This engine, too, just made Burtonwood, for two tubes blew during the steam test three days before the rally. However, a bit of fast work by Walter enabled them to be replaced and the front bogie, etc. refitted with a day to spare. The latest member to purchase an engine is Phil Priestner of Moore who bought his second engine, the Foden tarsprayer, from The Mechanical Tar Spraying and Grouting Co. Ltd. of Reading, in May this year. On arrival at Moore, Foden No. 13764 (Reg. No. TF3106) was stripped of its tarspraying equipment and prepared for the hydraulic test. Once passed, work went ahead on rebuilding and converting to a wagon. This, too, made Burtonwood Rally. At Dunham Massey, near Altrincham, the 1923 Fowler roller of Dennis Priestner passed the hydraulic test in July, unfortunately too late to appear at Burtonwood. Re-lagging with slate lathes, followed by fitting of new boiler cladding was completed, however, in time for the roller to appear at Astle Park Rally in August. The week after appearing at Burtonwood Rally the Aveling roller of Alan Porter was steamed home from Waiter Fitter's yard to Dennis Priestner's farm. This trip was not without incident, for apart from having to stop to raise steam, the big end bearing seized, then steam ran out again, and further on the big end and little end adjusting keys dislodged themselves and shot out over the road. The twelve mile trip took no less than seven hours and, because of no lagging, five hundredweights of coal was used! Not surprising, the first job was to lag the boiler with slate lathes and have new boiler cladding cut and rolled. Unfortunately it was not ready in time for Astle Park Rally. However, work didn't stop, and the roller appeared at Lower Whitly two weeks later with boiler and chimney fully painted. It is with deep regret that I have to report the passing away of Mr. Gerald Adamson of Lowton on Monday night, September 7th, 1970, after several months of illhealth. Gerald was one of the founder members of the club, and supported it whenever he could. He will be greatly missed, not only for his guidance, but for his willingness to give assistance whenever he could. A.R.P.

LEICESTERSHIRE After the much regretted death of Cyril Grice of Old Dalby, Leics., his four engines were put up for auction. His two Fowler Plough Engines, Nos. 15441 and 15442 (Reg. Nos. CTH177 and CTH178) have been bought by R. E. Dale of Wold Newton, near Louth, Lines. The Aveling & Porter Roller No. 9416 (Reg. No. NN1958) was bought by an enthusiast in Rutland. The Allchin Tractor No. 1105 (Reg. No. FP1024) " Ellen " was bought by a dealer and resold shortly after.

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Very fine weather brought capacity crowds to the rally both days, and ring events kept going without any lulls in proceedings were supported by most of the thirty-seven engines which attended. As usual at Rempstone was the demonstration of power by Beeby Bros. pair of 1870 Single Fowler Plough Engines, ably supported by Chris Dabell's 1921 Fowler Compound Plough No. 15426. To complete the quartet Beet/ Bros. brought along their Fowler Compound Plough Engine converted to diesel, and though it was an interloper in a steam event it caused great interest alongside a large number of agricultural tractors which had an event of their own. Steam cultivating in a field set aside gave the visitors a taste of what these engines could do when they earned their living.

LINCOLNSHIRE Two society visits took place in June, the first being to Mr. A. Bloom's home at Bressingham, where the members and their ladies were able to enjoy all the hospitality that this lovely place has to offer. Later in the same month we attended the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Palmer at Papplewick to see his Ruston Proctor collection. Visitors to rallies in this part of the country will no doubt have seen the beautifully restored portable engine of this make. This is No. 29011 of 1905, and it spent over sixty years of its life with the Burton-upon-Trent Corporation. Mr. Palmer is also the owner of one of the very rare Ruston Proctor compound rollers, this one being an 11 tonner, No. 50735, new in 1915 to the Louth (Lines.) U.D.C. where it served for nearly twenty-five years, and the third member of the collection is the single cylinder traction engine which is stripped ready for work to dart. in addition, we were shown wood Mr. Palmer's well-equipped workshops, and later on the ladies served an excellent supper which rounded oil a very enjoyable visit. Since our last notes in this journal quite a number of engines have changed hands, and the first ones recalled seem to be Fowler Ploughers Nos. 15154/5 (Reg. Nos. FX6823/4) which were for many years in the service of Mr. H. Warner of Welby Pastures. They were sold at auction in September of last year and were moved by road to their new home soon after. The journey took two week-ends to complete, and for the first leg of the journey the new owner had to contend with torrential rain and consequently only a few people ventured out to see these two engines and their tackle leaving the area for the last time. Although we were sorry to sec the last working set at ploughers leaving Lincolnshire, it was good to know that they were joining the well-known collection of Messrs. J. E. Conner & Sons at Grindale and that they will still be kept for their work. In the spring of this year, Mr. R. E. Dale of Wold Newton bought another pair of ploughers ex the late Mr. C. Grice of Old Dalby. This pair, Nos. 15441/2 (Reg. Nos. CT4677/8), was new to A. G. Richardson of Kelsby, Lines., and these engines have already appeared at work during a rally at Wold Newton this summer. Messrs. Crawford's of Frithville have bought two more Fowler's in recent months, the first of these being No. 14402 (Reg. No. BW2374), a showman's type tractor, and No. 17107, which visitors to Alton Towers will remember seeing on show there. It is a 10 n.h.p. stump pulling engine, and believed to be the only one of this kind extant. The early summer saw the departure of the Wallis & Steevens 10 ton Single Cylinder Roller, owned for some years by Mr. J. H. Smith of Great Steeping. This is No. 7539 (Reg. No. BE9360), and was in use for many years by the Lindsey County Council. The new owner is Mr. B. Wright of Kirkby in Ashficld, Notts. Another newcomer to the area is the Marshall 7 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Traction No. 78085, ex Mr. B. Nicholson of Draycott, Derbyshire, and bought by Mr. A. E. Dowlman of Sloothby. Meanwhile Mr. A. S. Leverton of Quadring reports that he has brought home the old Marshall Traction which he rescued locally some months ago, this being also a 7 n.h.p. Single, No. 51025

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Two welcome appearances after overhaul occurred this summer, the first one being the Brown & May's Showman's type Road Engine owned for many years by our President, Mr. J. H. Rundle, Snr.. and restored by the firm's workshop. Although it was without dynamo, or rubbers on the road wheels, those people who saw this engine during recent years were astounded when it appeared at the Carrington Park Rally, and it reflected great credit on all the people who have had a hand in the restoration of this rare machine. It is No. 8742 (Reg. No. AU4705) and is a 6 n.h.p. compound, the only one known to be in existence. The other engine mentioned was Fowler Plougher No. 15413 (Reg. No. CT8727), owned by Mr. R. E. Dale of Wald Newton, and restored for him by Messrs. H. H. Smith & Son assisted by Mr. R. King. This machine has been fully restored and fitted with a new firebox, and at the time of writing it is understood that the sister engine, No. 15412, is now in the process of similar work. F.S.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE John Beeby's yard at Rempstone had taken on quite a busy aspect with the following engines awaiting overhaul or are in the process of restoration. David Crawley's Aveling & Porter No. 12152 (Reg. No. SC1577) is having attention to its top works. Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 8030 (Reg. No. KT150), purchased by J. Woodward of Papplewick, Notts. from Norfolk in a very rough condition, has received a wonderful restoration at the hands of John Beeby and his merry gang, and though entered for the Rempstone Rally could not be completed in time. Jesse Swingler, owner of Ruston & Hornsby Traction Engine No. 115100 (Reg. No. D02953), when time permits is working on his Foster Showman's Tractor No. 12509 (Reg. No. UX6727). Mr. Swingler purchased this engine as a roller from Mr. Collins of Great Ponton, Grantham, Lincs. D.C.

SURREY I have taken on the job of dealing with engine news in this area, but as you can see from my address I live to one side of the county. If any other member has some news of engines in Surrey I would be very pleased to include it in the notes. My address is Keith I3rothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Foster 8 n.h.p. Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3642 " Maude ", of 1908, owned by Messrs. J. & F. Rose of Rose's Pleasure Parks, Chertsey, is nearing the completion of its restoration. This engine has been restored to its original specification, only the copper Foster chimney cap—which was added after 1908—having been retained. When I saw her at Chertsey in the summer she was not quite finished, because the brake gear and injector still had to be reassembled. " Maude " is painted in deep red-brown, with yellow road wheels, and lined out in yellow, gold and black. The painting, which is beautifully done, is the work of Mr. Joe Ephgrave of Ashford. The Rose family intend to exhibit the engine at their fairs when they can find a suitable trailer to transport her. The engine was built (converted?) for Rowly's Bioscope Show in 1908, but soon after was purchased by the late Mr. Jack Rose. " Maude" worked sets of bicycles, gallopers, chair-o'-planes and a scenic up to her last showland job at a black-oui fair at Maidstone during the second world war. Before going into store she helped demolish bombed buildings in London.

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At the National Rally of Boats at Mil!mead in Guildford during the weekend of August 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th three steam road vehicles were present. They were Sentinel No. 5509 (Reg. No. P1)1701), of 1924, a three-way tipper owned by L. Burberry of Aldershot. She has been restored to the colours of her late owners, Westmore Ltd, of Newport, Isle of Wight, and she last

worked commercially in 1933. An Avcling & Porter Roller No. 8974 (Reg. No. 13P6887), of 1919, was also present. She is owned by William Lees of Godalming.

J. North's Garrett 4 h.p. Showman's Tractor No. 33545 (Reg. No.- 13.14384) " Pride of Surrey ", of 1919, was the third engine on show. She has been converted to a showman during the last two years. " Pride of Surrey " provided the power for an organ also owned by Mr. North of Tilford, Stirrey. K.B. THAMES VALLEY This summer has seen the appearance of James Williams' steam driven three abreast Savage gallopers. Jim has worked on his machine almost runtime for eighteen months and has brought it to a condition second-to-none. The gallopers have been at rallies at 1-lungerfurd, Thame, Bloxham, Woodcote and further afield. they arc entirely steam driven and do not carry electric

drive at all. One of our founder members Jack Wharton is of course Chairman of the Banbury Club but still very much a Thames Valley member. We have followed the rebuilding of "Supreme" with great interest, and the emergence of this munificent Fowler at Blaxham was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the year. As a club we co-operated with rallies at Hungerford, Thame, Appleford. Woodcote and Kiiowl Hill, also various fetes and charity events.

Peter Jagger of Henwick Manor, near Newbury, has restored Marshall Portable No. 86161, of 1931, to her original condition. This engine was new through Baker's of Compton to Barlow's Sawmill at Hermitage, near Newbury. She worked there till 1953, and is a 10 n.h.p. single cylinder engine. At the invitation of the Leeds & District Club our Secretary Ran Hawthorne and Jack Wharton took their Fowler showman's type engines " Renown " and " Supreme " to the Harewood House Rally over the August Bank Holiday week-end. This rally has been described as the premier rally in the country ; &I... CyvZr u it is h.1,1 at tit, nvuw JI ,oialty und thio 45,000. The day before the rally " Supreme " was taken to Fowler's works at Hunslet. The engine and crew received a very warm welcome. One of the current models of their internal combustion tractor was brought out and photographed alongside the engine. Apart from her journey to Scotland when she went to Road Engines & Kerr Ltd., and her journey south in the early fifties, this was " Supreme's " first visit to Yorkshire since she was built in 1934. " Renown ", in her working life with John Murphy's Scenic, became one of the best known engines in the north. Her crew at Harewood had a neverending stream of visitors who remembered her during the twenty years she travelled the northern circuit. Tony Bryan of nearby Knaresborough, who drove " Renown " from 1922 to 1928 and had not seen her for forty-two years, was soon found a boiler suit when he arrived. He then steered his old engine round the grand parade. Afterwards, when " Renown " was driving lights, the crew stood aside and for a couple of hours the old gentleman was once again " in charge ". We compliment the Leeds Club on their enterprise in bringing two engines two hundred miles and are proud of the fact that two of our engines were selected as their first long distance visitors. R.H.

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ULSTER In view of the excellent weather which had prevailed at the two previous years' rallies, the overcast sky at kandalstown, Co. Antrim, did not at first indicate a large crowd for the 1970 Ulster Rally held on July 17th and 18th. This year the rally was somewhat earlier than in past years :so that it would take place during the traditional " twelfth fortnight" holiday period, and it was perhaps this which accounted for the sizeable crowd on both days.

Twelve engines, most of which are unknown outside our own rally field, attended. They were: Ransomes Sims & Jeffries Compound Agricultural Engine No. 43033 (Reg. No. MI3719, built 1935. Owner: H. Condell of Ballymoney. Marshall Road Roller No. 78563 (Reg. No. IW2573), built 1911. Owners: S. Crawford and B. Dorman of Lisburn. Foster S.C. Agricultural Engine No. 14636 (Reg. No. J17021), built 1936. Owner: W. Patterson of Strabane. Aveling & Porter Light Road Locomotive No. 9405 (Reg. No. IA2500), built 1920. Owner: G. Lammey of Glengormley. Wallis & Steevens SK6 " Advance " Road Roller No. 7834 (Reg. No. H06399), built 1925. Owner: J. Mcllfatrick of Kilrea. Super Sentinel Wagon No. 8714 (Reg. No. KG1123), built 1932. Owner: J. Wallace of Ballycastle. Ransomes Sims & Jeffries S.C. Agricultural Engine No. 33156 (Reg. No. IJ5747), built 1922. Owners: J. and T. Wasson of Carnmoney. Fowler Compound Road Roller No. 15965 (Reg. No. IA6195), built 1923. Owners: J. and T. Wasson of Carnmoney. Wallis & Steevens S.C. Agricultural Engine No. 7008, built 1908. Owner: W. J. B. Wilson of Carnmoney. Aveling & Porter Agricultural Engine No. 6890 (Reg. No. IW3565), built 1908. Owner: M. Glover of Moneymore. Marshall Tractor No. 85556 (Reg. No. PN5494), built 1930. Owners: J. Stevenson & Co. of Ballymena. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3295 (Reg. No. TA544), built 1911. Owner: 0. Bennett of Portlaoise. We were especially glad to welcome the last three of the above engines ; the Burrell, " Princess Royal " by name, was " passing through " having been bought by Mr. Bennett from Mr. A. Steele of Fife, Scotland, while the other two were attending their first rally, having been extensively restored for their owners by Mr. Freddie Forrest. Supporting attractions included vintage motor cycles, vintage internal combustion tractors, a model aircraft flying display and a miniature steam railway. Unfortunately we were without an organ this year, since the one we expected was not available for reasons beyond the owner's control. In his opening speech Lord O'Neill, to whom we are very grateful for the use of the rally field, expressed the hope that in years to come Shan's Castle would become a " steam centre " for Ulster. Off the rally field it is reported that Wilmer Bryce, William Law, Robert Patterson and John Wallace are all working steadily on their respective engines, and we can hope to have most of them grace our rally field next year. John Wallace has sold his Wallis & Steevens Agricultural Engine (Reg. No. BZ811) to an English buyer. Robert Patterson has purchased the only known "Irish " Burrell in the country. Harold Condell's Ransomes made the two hundred mile journey to Co. Laoise to take part in the rally at Stradbally. Harold is in the unusual position of being President of both the Ulster Branch of the Irish Steam Preservation Society and the section of the society based on Stradbally. The past year has been a lean one for threshings with only three held, while the only other exhibition activity was the appearance of George Lammey

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with his Aveling Road Locomotive at the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland Open Day at Whitehead on June 27th. In conclusion, a word of thanks is due to Edmund Flack, who has resigned as 1.S.F.S. 'Ulster Branch Secretary, for his hard work over the past two years, and a word of welcome is due to Mrs. B. Boyd who has agreed to fill the post temporarily. Mrs. Boyd's address is Ballywindland, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. H.W.C.

WARWICKSHIRE At the eleventh Traction Engine Rally to he held outside the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry on May 10th some fourteen engines were on display, and of these three were owned by W.S.E.S. members. These were Town Brown's Fowler Road Roller No. 2162') (Reg. No. FF4913), of 1937 ; Neville Meluish's Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 11448 (Reg. No. NP7791) of 1926 ; and Jack Marshall's Ransomes Sims & Jelferies Agricultural Engine No. 15012 (Reg. No. N04034) " The Countryman ", of 1903. Apart from full-size engines there were a number of model traction engines and three steam cars, two of recent manufacture. and the third was a 1904 TurnerMiesse still capable of a good turn of speed. One week later at the Festival of Transport held at Tyseley steam road engines took their place amongst railway locomotives and historic cars. The engines present were as follows: Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3471 (Reg. No. 13471) " The Rover". of 1913 ; Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3847 (Reg. No. CL4483) " Princess Marina ", of 1920 ; McLaren Convertible/Traction No. 757 (Reg. No. A13029) " Apollo '', of 1903. On May 31st some forty members of the W.S.E.S. and friends travelled by coach to Norfolk, firstly to visit Burrell's Works at Thetford, where scenes of adulation were witnessed and recorded for posterity. The party then moved on to Bressingham Gardens, Diss, where they were greeted by Alan Bloom who made them very welcome, A number of traction engines were in steam, in addition to the railway engines kept there. The trip proved very successful and the weather was kind to us. Stratford-on-Avon Edwardian Steam Fair was held on the second week-end in July. A number of fairground rides and organs were in operation, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia for ail who attended. A number of showitiati's engines were present to provide power for items of equipment requiring it. They were Frank Lobb's Burrell No. 1945 (Reg. No. CF3355) " Sparkle ", of 1896 ; Ray Sanders' Garrett No. 33505 (Reg. No. B14308) "The Rambler ", of 1919 ; Sashams of Redbourne Fowler No. 14425 (Reg. No. DP4418) " Carry On ", of 1916 ; and Edwards & Son of Swindon Burrell No. 3651 (Reg. No. HR3964) "Earl Kitchener " of 1915. Although the site will not be available next year, I understand that plans are afoot to organise a similar event on an alternative site. Hockley Heath Steam Engine Rally was held on the first week-end in August when the weather again was suitable and help to make the event successful. Details of this rally appear elsewhere in this issue. A new event in the calendar took place on August Bank Holiday week-end at Alcester in the form of a Land and Air Gala. Six engines were present, two were of particular interest, the first being Phil Swindlehurst's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3507 (Reg. No. G6469) " Rajah ", of 1913, and the second being Rev. Coley's McLaren Showman's Road Locomotive No: 1623 (Reg. No. DH2482) " Goliath ", of 1917. The latter engine has been recently repainted and overhauled and was making its debut at a public rally under new ownership. An engine until recently owned by Rev. F. A. Coley of Redditch, namely Ransomes Sims & Jefferies Agriculture Engine No. 42032 (Reg. No. HI2816), of 1932, has been sold to a Mr. Penzer of Broom.

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WORCESTERSHIRE Activities by the Millward Bros. and assistants at Lodgefield Farm, Halesowen, began in February with the acquisition of a large Marenghi fairground organ which was complete and still on its original truck with wooden wheels. The organ (ex Woolls Bros. of Cardiff) was low-loaded to Lodgefield Farm and after much jacking and winching was eventually manoeuvred into a barn there. Engine movements this year have been centred on the Garrett Showman's Tractor " Rob Roy", No. 32981 (Reg. No. BJ3282), built in 1917, and the Foster Showman's Engine " Victory ", No. 14502 (Reg. No. XC9862), built in 1920 Various ports of call for " Rob Roy " after attending the Birmingham Science Museum Rally include a steam day held at Hilton Valley Railway in Shropshire and Willenhall Carnival in Staffordshire. The " do " at the Hilton Valley Railway was on Saturday, June 6th, the journey there being made the previous evening, with one pick up for water. The engine was driven by Roy Millward and steered by Alan Callard. After spending the day at Hilton Valley they set off with " Rob Roy" and made their way out of Salop into Staffordshire for the carnival at Willenhall. Incidentally, on the journeys made by them this year, they have been pulling a new trailer behind " Rob Roy ". This is of three tons capacity, with drop sides, and is fitted with pneumatic tyres. They have painted, lined it and sign-written it in showman's colours. Willenhall Carnival day arrived, and after raising steam, the first part of the show was the street parade which was about four miles long! Then on into the Memorial Park where for the rest of the day the engine drove a fairground organ and of course its own lights. In attendance with the engine on this occasion were the three Millward Bros., Roy, Robert and Eddie, also Alan Callard, Roger Mills and Andrew Healey. They all are keen on engine " operating ". On July 16th, 17th, 18t€► and 19th another engine of the Millward's was at Tewkesbury Steam Fair. This was their Foster " Victory". This engine having had further restoration work done, is looking much better now. The crew this time was Roy Millward, Robert Millward, Alan Callard and Andrew Healey. The weather was favourable on all four days and the Foster showman's engine proved to be an interesting exhibit in itself being of unusual make. A good time was had by all. Mr. Gordon Limb tells me he has taken Mr. Eric Middleton's Foden Tractor " Matilda " to Pershore Rally on March 28th, Birmingham Rally on May 10th, Stafford Rally on July 19th/20th, and also Bishops Castle Rally for the Autumn Bank Holiday. The runs so far completed he says were accomplished without incident, in fact he says his travels are not worthy of note—they just light up, set off, get there, sizzle and return, to use his own words. J.L.T.

If for any reason you or any of your friends do not receive your copies of Steaming, please do not write to the Editor. Contact C. C. Ayes of 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire.

The rebuilt Leyland Steam Wagon.

N

D NI PIVRI S

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23

APPEARANCE OF LEYLAND STEAM WAGON Apprentices of Leyland Motors Limited have just completed rebuilding the only known surviving Leyland Steam Wagon. The vehicle, found derelict in Northern Queensland, Australia and shipped back to England, dates from the period at the end of the first world war. The wagon is believed to have worked all its life on the logging camps around the Mareeba-Port Douglas area. Its last known public appearance was in a street procession at Mareeba in 1951. Time and the elements had played havoc with the exposed areas of the chassis but other items like the engine and gearbox were in remarkably good condition. The machine had obviously worked very hard during its life for the original Leyland boiler—renowned for its long life—had been replaced by a Clarkson unit. The task which faced the apprentices under Supervisor Les Smith was no mean one, for all records and drawings were destroyed soon after Leyland ceased making steam wagons forty-four years ago. Hours of studying old catalogues and photographs produced answers to the many queries. Restoration work commenced in January, 1968 and fitted in around the normal apprentice training schedule. The wagon was finally completed on May 21st, 1970. The Dunlop, Renolds and Fox Bros. (Sheffield) companies assisted in the restoration. First public showing of the wagon was on Saturday, June 6th, when it took part, along with many other Leyland vehicles, in a cavalcade at the Leyland Festival.

HISTORY OF LEYLAND MOTORS' STEAM At the start of the 19th century Elias Sumner was the village blacksmith at Leyland. His business was handed down from father to son until in 1882 it came into the hands of James Sumner. James inherited the Smithy, which in reality was a small engineering concern. It boasted lathes, a steam hammer and the capacity to produce iron and brass castings of up to half a ton and half a cwt. respectively plus many debts and much horse-shoeing equipment. Already an advocate of steam-powered road vehicles, James severed his last connection with horses and devoted all his efforts to powered machinery. Even as a young man James was investigating the application of steam power and sometime between 1880 and 1884 he built his first steam wagon. It would be difficult to fix the date of this pioneering effort any more firmly, as the construction of the vehicle was a spare time job carried out at week-ends and evening, James was aided by his younger brother William and it should be remembered that they had to make their own drawings and patterns for casting. When eventually completed, the vehicle, a five tonner bore a strong resemblance to steam wagons of a later date. It was put to work carrying coal from local pits to Stannings bleachworks in Leyland. The wagon worked intermittently for a year or two but was not a commercial success. It did however make one spectacular trip from Leyland to Ormskirk with James driving and William acting as red flag boy. The journey took from Friday morning to Monday evening, during which time the unfortunate pair had to answer a police summons for leaving the broken down wagon unattended on the Saturday night. On its return to Leyland the wagon was taken off the

24

STEAMING

road permanently but served as a stationary power source for a local sawmill. Eventually the chassis was dismantled, but even then the boiler had a useful life of many years supplying steam to the Sumner works. Even the enterprising Mr. Scanning suffered for his enterprise in supporting the development of the steam wagon. At the first County Council election in the district he stood as candidate only to be defeated by Boothman the Liberal who contested the election on an anti-steamer platform. The shabby treatment of those interested in, or associated with the pioneering efforts of road traction in the mid-Victorian era, set a tune to which many future legislators were to dance. But in defence of the Victorian it should be pointed out that the majority acquiesced and even applauded the persecution of what was to them a small and eccentric minority. James' next venture was the conversion of a small two-seat tricycle to steam propulsion using a small twin cylinder engine and an oil-fired boiler. Repeatedly the police pointed out the need for a man with a red flag to precede the vehicle and ultimately a bench of local and one suspects sympathetic magistrates, were forced to impose a fine of one shilling on the young inventor for his repeated refusal to recognise the red flag act. Shortly after his inheritance of the family business James was presented with a large and ancient lawnmower to which he fitted the twin cylinder power unit from the ill-fated tricycle. The combination proved to he a great success and the machine went on to secure first prize and a silver medal at the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show. Recognition followed. Rugby School bought one of the first machines and placed the stamp of approval on James' efforts. Following Rugby School's lead, came orders from numerous other public schools and cricket clubs. Though still handicapped by " red flag " legislation. James could not forget his horseless carriages and in 1895 installed one of his lawnmower engines in a three-wheeled car (in which two passengers sat in front and the driver sat to the rear of the centrally mounted oil-fired vertical boiler) for a Carlisle biscuit manufacturer Mr. Theodore Carr. The vehicle worked well and an improved model for the same enthusiast was produced in the following year. Lawnmowers, however, were still the small company's bread and butter, and two models were catalogued each similar in appearance but having different roller widths. Even in those clays, optional extras were available. the lawnmower owner could purchase, at an extra charge, a pumping attachment which to quote the catelogue was " most useful in the event of fires, etc." Increasing business meant that more help and capital were required and by now outsiders were well aware of the potential growth of the small l a nd-based concern. T. C..-milth:l .' Co . a Preqtrm eneineering firm, took a 60 per cent interest and a company named J. Sumner was formed. The connection of the Spurrier family with the firm commenced when a Mr. George Spurrier of the Stott Company of Manchester (agricultural engineers) took over the Coulthard interests. On August Bank Holiday, 1896, George's brother Henry (Henry the second) returned from the U.S.A. where he had been working as a railway draughtsman. With steam in his blood. Henry took an interest in his brother's activities, and soon after his arrival joined James Sumner to combine ideas. The passing of the 1896 Act repealing the " red flag " was all that was necessary to set the stage for their joint development of steam-powered road vehicles. A van was already in building when that same year the Lancashire Steam Motor Company was formed. The Spurrier brothers' father (Henry Spurrier the first), a retired businessman cum farmer, was persuaded to put up the necessary money, and the partners were Henry the first, Henry the second, Mr. George Spurrier and Mr. James Sumner. Premises were taken in Herbert Street. Leyland and the Company then employed about twenty men, whose working day started at 6.15 a.m. with a one hour break at mid-day, work ceasing at 5.45 p.m. On Saturday morning they finished work at 11.45 a.m., and on Monday mornings, in order to give the men every opportunity to recover from week-end activities, work did not start until 8 a.m. For this week's work the standard rate of pay for engineers was 28s. Od. For the shrink fits to the spring chairs on a steam wagon axle the turner worked to the thickness of a piece of brown paper. For a driving fit, they worked to the " inch full" and for a running fit to the "inch bare",

STEAMING

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STEAMING

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INSURANCE fn r

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).

Special Terms for Club Members

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

STEAMING

DON'T MISS YOUR COPY OF ENGINES AT WORK

ENGINES AT WORK Price 9/- post paid Over 200 illustrations previously used in Steaming between 1959 - 1969

A CHANCE TO ACQUIRE ILLUSTRATIONS FROM ISSUES LONG OUT OF PRINT

Available from the Editor at :

FIELD HOUSE, TURVEY, BEDFORDSHIRE

STEAMING

THE TORDEX' 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 181- Post paid from F. G. UPTON, ESQ. 30 Windsor Road Maidenhead, Berks.

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

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25

It was men such as these who succeeded in completing the fledgling company's first steam vehicle before the end of 1896, a 30 cwt. steam van with an oil-fired boiler and two cylinder engine which developed from 10-14 h.p. The drive was taken from spur gears on the crankshaft to a second motion shaft and thence by chain to a separate compensating shaft and a chain final drive to the rear wheel which had steel tyres. Three forward speeds were provided, all with separate friction clutches and levers. Henry Spurrier the second drove it out of the works and took it, with the aid of William Sumner. to the 1897 trials organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, who offered a prize of £100 for the best motor van to carry a load of ❑ne ton over the set course. Out ❑f four entries in the competition, which was held near Crewe in Cheshire, the van was the only one to complete the course. However, the £100 prize was withheld on the grounds of insufficient entries, although the award of the silver medal for best performance did offset the disappointment to some extent. The next effort was a bigger and better vehicle to carry three tons, but the company found itself handicapped by legal weight restrictions, a problem which was to recur. When built. ihe van was found to be considerably overweight, and in fact had to be rebuilt. In that same year the vehicle was also successful at the trials organised by Liverpool Self-Propelled Traffic Association. The emitting publicity from trials stimulated business and orders began to come in. Fox Bros. & Co. of Wellington, Somerset, bought the three-tanner and thus became the Company's first real customer. They used the van for carrying wool to and from their mills. In a letter of September 3rd, 1908, Mr. S. H. Sparkes, manager for Fox Bros.. wrote to Commercial Moro• : "The Leyland lorries also serve ❑ur weaving shed at Cullompton, twelve-and-a-half miles from here on the road to Exeter, where we have ninety broad looms running and another shed at Wiveliscombe (seven miles) on the Minehead road, ►with sixty looms there. I consider it ►would have been practically impossible to have worked the Cullompton business in a satisfactory way either by horse or rail." By 1908 Fox Bros, had four steamers in operation, and as a result of their early operating experience it was decided finally that coal and coke and not oil should be the boiler fuel of the future. During the next few years the Leyland Company participated in many trials tip and down the country, in fact some of the medals gained in these early successes are still in the Company's possession. Official recognition of their efforts came in 1900 with the placing of an order for Royal Mail vans, and in the same year a steam bus was built for the Dundee Motor Omnibus Company. The firm was gaining ground and by 1902 the small Herbert Street works were no longer adequate. Land was purchased and work was started on a new factory on the first three acres of what is now the present Leyland Motors Limited North Works site. In 1903 the concern was registered as a private company with a capital of £50,000. Mr. C. B. Nixon, who was later to become chairman of Leyland Motors and today lives in active retirement, was company secretary. Mr. Nixon can fairly claim to have been in at the birth ❑f road haulage and was no stranger to commercial vehicle operation when he accepted the post of company secretary. As early as 1899, he had registered a business under the title of the Manchester Motor Transport Company Ltd. The year 1903 marked a great step forward with regard to official thinking on the self-propelled vehicle. The Motor Car Act of that year was passed by Paraliament providing for the registration of road vehicles by counties, imposing a speed limit of twenty miles per hour and abolishing previous unladen weight limits. Power was given for vehicle weights and other requirements to be controlled by Ministerial Order and the first Construction and Use Order duly followed. The employees of the works now totalled about 160. The current steam wagon was a four-tonner known as the model " B ". Its boiler had a working pressure of 200 lbs./in.2 and employed vertical fire tubes. Whilst the compound horizontal engine in unit with its two-speed gearbox developed 35 h.p. at 450 r.p.m., two forward speeds were provided, one giving a road speed of 5-6 miles per hour and the other a road speed of 2-6 miles per hour. To date thirty-nine steam wagons have been delivered and production in 1904

Parts of the Leyland Steam Wagon as it arrived from Northern Queensland, Australia.

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added a further thirty-three. Many of these machines were still running a quarter of a century later. The steam lawnmowers had by now been relegated to the background, although a full size replica using an original engine is kept at Leyland. A new era had commenced, for it was in 1904 that the first Leyland petrolengined experimental vehicle was produced. Known as the " Pig ", it was loathed by the men brought up on steam, but even in those far off days it marked the beginning of the end for steam road haulage. These were years of constant shifting of thought. Designers were free to interpret as they would without any known standards to guide them. Some concepts have stood the test of time, while others were quickly discarded. It was also a period when users had to be convinced of the economic benefits of mechanically propelled transport. The Company's early literature and catalogues were at great pains to point out the obvious advantages of mechanical transport by means of exhaustive and well-reasoned data on comparative costs. In 1905. for example, figures supplied by Ley & Sons. Millers of Preston, were published to prove that their steamer cast them £6 10s. Od. a week to operate and that similar work done by horses would have cost £10 4s. 2d. The steamer worked for a total of 562 days out of a possible 578, and during that time ran 9,930 miles loaded and 4,380 miles empty. carrying 13.966 tons of produce. Maintenance costs over a two-year period were £50. The drivers weekly wage was 30s. Od. and coke fuel consumed at the rate of 11 tons per week cost 12s. Od. per ton. By 1905 a wide variety of bodywork and specialised municipal vehicles were being offered. Tipping wagons (screw tip) were already commonplace. Vans were nearly as common as platform vehicles and several municipalities. including London's Chelsea and Wandsworth Boroughs, were placing orders for a high-sided tipping body interchangeable with a 1,000 gallon tank for street watering purposes. Despite the Company's early involvement with petrol-engined vehicles, steam wagons still formed the larger proportion of production as follows: Petrol

Year

Steam

1905

25

16

1906

30

27

1907

36

17

1907 proved to be a year of reconstructions, Coulthards of Preston, who th.rs Rcqii iciti on of their interrick in the nripinal Sumner Company had gone on to achieve notable successes with their own steamers in trials both at home and in the U.S.A.. were bought out. The name of the newly-formed Company was changed to Leyland Motors Limited and Mr. C. B. Nixon joined the board of directors. One basic steam chassis which could be supplied with a wide variety of body styles was catalogued. Known as the class " H ", it had an overall minimum length of 18 ft. 9 in., was 6 ft. 9 in. wide and 8 ft. 9 in. high over the chimney. The engine change speed and compensating gear (differential) were quoted as " being self-contained in a dust-proof and oil-retaining casing". The 35 h.p. engine was fitted with improved constant lead valve gear and Flat-Stone's Metal Valves, working on renewable faces. Two forward speeds of 2.75 and 5.5 miles per hour were rovided and the compensating gear could be locked when both wheels ecame positive drivers. A small but significant improvement took place in the construction of bearings which, with the exception of the crosshead and connecting rod, were of a bushed pattern (of sufficient diameter and length so as to dispense with adjustment for a considerable period). Renewal was simplified by the adoption of standard bores and tolerances machined at the works, which did away with the need for much hand scraping and filing. Splash lubrication was arranged to ensure adequate supply to all moving parts, and the Company claimed that " wherever possible steel stampings are used and case hardened and ground pins and jaws are used throughout". The boiler (an original 1900 design) was built to operate at a safe working pressure of 200 lbs./in.2 Standard wheels at that time were of a composite pattern, the driving wheels of 3 ft. 6 in. diameter by 10 in. width and the steering wheels

sine

b

A view of the renovated Leyland Steam Wagon chassis showing the wheels with original tyres.

N> 00

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STEAMING

3 ft, in diameter by 6 in. width. The grain of the wood of which the fellos were made ran parallel with the hub of the wheel instead of at right-angles to it as was the more common practice at that lime. By using the former arrangement, it, was possible for the Leyland Company's wheels to be pressed up to any degree of tightness without fear of the weldless steel tyres becoming " feline bound ". The Company claimed that it held " large stocks of best English seasoned timber for wheel making, owned one of the largest hydraulic tyre presses then in existence, and were agents in Lancashire for the Polack Solid Rubber Tyre ". In 1909 no fewer than six variations of the class "1-1 type chassis were available, including one with extra strong frame, springs, etc. to carry an 8 ton load. There were also two new additions, the class "F which was essentially an 8 ton, class "H" fitted with a new engine and larger boiler, having 100 sq. ft. of heating surface, as against the 81 sq. ft. of the smaller unit. Late the previous year the company had shipped two steam wagons to the East Coast of Africa to an order from the Crown Agents for the Colonies, Eitted with flat-platformed bodies these wood-burning machines had balloon-type spark arrester chimneys. all steel colonial wheels, and may well have hastened the development ❑f the larger boiler, as wood fuel has

considerably less heating value than coal or coke. The other newcomer was the class " K " 3 ton chassis, and differed from the heavier machines in having gear rather than side-chain drive. The chassis itself was that of the petrol-engined X2 model into which was fitted the standard (small) vertical fire tube boiler. The engine was a forward mounted single acting threecylinder unit. A condenser was fitted in place of the normal radiator and to quote from the catalogue which showed the vehicle complete with bus body " The machine has been got out for special service where the petrol engine is unsuitable". In addition to prime movers, the Company also undertook

the design and manufacture of suitable draw-bar trailers of both flat and tipping type, these being 12 ft. 6 in. overall length. By 1910 the designations had again been changed and were now as follows: 3 ton gear driven wagon.

KX class

5 ton gear driven wagon

K class

6 ton gear driven wagon

KW class

5 ton chain driven wagon

H class

5 ton chain driven hand tip wagon

H class

5 ton chain driven power lip wagon

H class

5 ton chain driven municipal lip wagon

H class

5 ton municipal street tank, 1,000 gallons

H class

5 ton municipal street tank, 800 gallons

H class

5 ton municipal tip wagon and tank, 1,000 gallons

H class

5 ton municipal tip wagon and tank, 800 gallons

H class

Several gear driven wagons had already been sold, including at least one 6 ton to unit Messrs. Greenall Whitley & Co. Ltd. of St. Helens and a 3 ton to Jos. Orrell & Co., Carrier, of Darwen, nr. Blackburn. As already mentioned, the KX, K and KW gear driven steam wagons chassis were all with the exception of the steam engine boiler and condenser standard petrol chassis. Engine power was transmitted direct to the rear wheels through a dog clutch on top speed. In low gear, selected by a right hand change speed lever, the drive was taken through two pairs of hardened and ground spur wheels running on ball bearings and fully immersed in oil. To quote a contemporary catalogue: "The power is transmitted by a propellor shaft encased in a tube to the back axle. Thrust is taken by the Leyland patent spherical thrust block to the frame. The axle proper is a very heavy forging, dropped in the centre to carry the light cast steel gearbox. The wheels are bushed and ride on the axle proper which takes all the weight. Driving shafts pass freely through the hollow axle to the wheels. Front axle: the Ackerman or fixed axle beam system

Another view of the Leyland chassis showing work proceeding on the boiler fittings.

O NI N VH IS

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is adopted but the hubs of the wheels are of large bore so that the king or pivot pin can be placed directly in the centre of the wheel in line with the wheels vertical centre line. This design, now adopted on all our motors, reduces wear and tear and makes steering easier. The feed water tank is of 75 gallons capacity fitted behind the rear axle and arrangements are made to render exhaust steam invisible so as to comply with local government board regulations. Wheels of all steel or composite construction can be fitted." To improve the traction of steel-shod wheels which steamers continued to use for many years, a compromise was found in the "Spurrier Patent NonSkid ". Although solid rubber tyres were available, the heavy overall weight of the steamer and the consequent short life of the tyre, plus the high cost (about £230 in 1913) made them uneconomical for steam units. In the Spurrier Patent Non-Skid " design, rubber blocks were bolted to smooth steel tyres on the driving wheels. The blocks, made in sections, were so arranged as to stand about half an inch proud of the permanent steel tyre. In this way die iubbei blocks compressed by the vehicle's weight whilst carrying only a small percentage of the wheel's loading provided the additional adhesion required on snow-covered or icy roads. Intended to be temporary aids to winter driving, they could nevertheless be left permanently fitted, lying below the wheel rim and brought into operation by means of a hand screw. Since vehicle operation had in those days not developed into any particular pattern. let alone the exact science it is today, the Leyland Company was certainly not averse to helping its customers. Thus we find them in 1913 arranging to insure customers' vehicles, for which service the vehicle's owner paid an annual premium of £15 per vehicle. Nor was the Company idle as operators in their own right. In 1910 it had secured a large contract for the carriage of long-distance mail in the South of England. The fateful year of 1914 opened with the securing of a further contract to carry the LondonSouthampton mail. It was, however, to be the Company's last venture in the operating field. Far more important was the War Oflice call for the petrolcngined 3 ton subsidy model which later became known as the RAF type and set the seal on Leyland's reputation. Leyland Motors (1914) Ltd. was founded with an authorised and issued capital of £400,000. Henry Spurrier the first was Chairman and Henry the second. Managing Director. Other directors were Mr. Arthur Spurrier, Mr. James Sumner and Mr. C. B. Nixon. The oganisation they controlled now employed a total of 1,500 persons. In December of 1914, with all available space at Leyland being pressed into War service and production output divided between the needs of the Army and Royal Flying Corps, the Company negotiated the purchase of an empty cotton mill in the nearby town of Chorley, to which steamer production was to be transferred. The. actual opening of Cho:ley Works in May vw, it' not spectacular, was certainly noisy, when an odd convoy of three halfcompleted steam wagons arrived on tow in Grime Street, Charley, together with the nucleus of the steam wagon department from Leyland. With a force of six fitters, one apprentice and two labourers, the Chorley Works was in business. First to complete the three steamers (the last new ones to be built until after the Armistice) and thereafter to act as repair depot and maintenance depot for the great number of steamers already in service. Very soon the ancilliary trades arrived from Leyland and a machine shop was set up in what was originally intended to be a weaving shed. Incidentally the mills' horizontal steam engine, which, well preserved, can still be seen at the Charley Works. By the end of 1915 Charley Works had grown to seven flourishing departments, including Tool Room, Maintenance, Bodybuilding and Painters. Office stall were but three in number, occupying one room about 15 ft, square divided into two parts, one of which was the Manager's office. One telephone was considered to be sufficient to meet the needs of the fledgling factory. The whole aim at this time appeared to be one of expansion and extension, and although the labour force was constantly expanding, the manpower needs of the armed forces began to have their effect. Production had to be geared to the amount of available skilled labour and in 1917 female labour was introduced for the first time in the machine shop. By the end of the War, Chorley and steam seemed poised for a great future. Orders for steam vehicles had been accumulating and the factory had become

STEAMING

32

a well ordered unit in its own right. However, no reference was made to steamers in the Company's data sheet current from the 1st August, 1919, and it was not until data sheet number 3 current from 1st January, 1920 that they were again offered for sale. Three 5 ton chassis, standard, hand tip, and mechanical tip, were available, together with two 6 ton vehicles in standard and long form and an 8 ton (Liverpool) type at prices ranging from £1,250 to £1,350 for the (Liverpool) wagon. In August of 1920 prices had risen by approximately £100 on all steam chassis, and by the end of the same year the Company were able to offer hydraulic tipping gear (in addition to hand and mechanical) ❑ n 6 ton standard, 6 ton long, and 8 ton (Liverpool) steamers. Data sheet number 6 issued in June, 1921, showed considerable reductions in price. A complete chassis and tyres complete with tipping gear when ordered, was obtainable from £900 (standard 5 Ion) up to £1,095 for the 8 ton (Liverpool). By 1923 the internal combustion engine was moving ahead of steam and demand was growing for the lighter and faster petrol chassis, and in addition to steamers. the Charley Works were now building fire engines. By the 1st May with the issue of data sheet number 8, although petrol chassis prices remained steady, those of steamers were again reduced, as was the number ❑ f models available, and the 5 ton standard hand tipper had by this time been discontinued. From 1st January, 1925, the Steam Wagon entry on the Company's data sheet had been reduced to a single paragraph: " Early delivery can be made of Standard Leyland Steam Wagon Models of 5 and 6 ton capacity. Special prices will be quoted on application." The wheel had turned almost full circle and the last data sheet to carry that simple epitaph to the Leyland Steamer was issued on 1st July, 1926 The bestial grunting pig so despised by the steam men of Leyland had had the last laugh. Shortly afterwards the issue of the 1926 data sheet, all spares and partly completed

chassis in stock at Chorley were sold to the Atkinson Company at Walton-leDale, Preston, who were themselves steam wagon builders. This Company set up a spares and service organisation for the owners of Leyland steamers alongside that of their own vehicles. So the steamer at any rate for Leyland was dead, despite detail improvements, the fitting of solid rubber tyres on cast metal wheels and the refining of engine (poppet valves, etc.) and transmission, it could not keep pace with the internal combustion engine.

LEYLAND STEAM HISTORY IN BRIEF 1880-1884 James and William Sumner build experimental wagon. 1884-1896 Went on to produce a steam tricycle and steam car, but principally steam lawnmowers. c. 1895

T. Coulthard & Co., Engineers, of Preston, take 60% interest in conipany called J. Sumner.

1896

Stott Co. of Manchester take over Coulthard interest. Mr. George Spurrier looks after Stott interests. His brother Henry joins Sumner in his experiments. Lancashire Steam Motor Co. formed.

1897

30 cwt. Steam Van only entry to complete Royal Agricultural Society trials at Crewe—awarded Silver Medal.

1898 1900

3 ton wagon gains £100 1st prize at Birmingham trials.

1902

Contract for Royal Mail Vans—first Steambus built. Move from Herbert Street to site of present North Works.

1903 1904

Registered as a private company. First petrol-engined chassis built.

1907

Name changed to Leyland Motors.

STEAMING 1910 1914

Production running at high level (about 100 a year)—wide range. Company name changes to Leyland Motors (1914) Ltd. Begins work on big petrol vehicle contracts for W.D. Steam wagon production transferred to Chorley but curtailed due to war.

1919

Leyland Motors Limited formed.

1920

Steamers again in production—wide range offered. Steam wagon sales begin to decline—range reduced.

1921

33

1922-1924 Steam wagon sales begin to decline—range reduced, No catalogues issued—simple statement "Early delivery can be 1925 made of Standard Leyland Steam Wagons". Production ceases. Parts passed to Atkinson's of Walton-Le-Dale 1926 who set up service network. Probable number of wagons produced: 800-1,000, of which a considerable number were exported.

The Late JAMES WILLIAM ARMSTRONG C.Eng., F.I.Mech.E. After a lifetime of service with a former traction engine manufacturer, Mr. Armstrong recently died at his Lincoln home aged 69. He worked for over fifty years with Rustons and became Chief Service Engineer with responsibility for technical advice to overseas customers. Mr. Armstrong began his career as an engineering apprentice at the Sheaf Iron Works of Ruston, Proctor & Co. Ltd., and at the io Russia to scivicc traction, early age or portable and oil engines. This was during the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, when there was little in the way of local repair facilities and much depended on the inventiveness of the man on the spot. He could recall how a good or bad harvest in the Argentine would affect the sales of threshing sets from Lincoln, in contrast to the later specialisation on diesels, boiler-making and more recently, industrial gas turbines. His accurate memory of events and knowledge of Ruston products made him an obvious choice for assisting Bernard Newman in the preparation of the Company's history One hundred years of good company. His keen interest continued into retirement and he attended several traction engine rallies, sometimes as spectator, sometimes as judge. Much of his time in later years was spent on the lengthy task of cataloguing the Ruston Hornsby archives and assisting the librarian in answering the increasing number of enquiries from traction engine and oil engine owners. Those who knew him will remember the advice he gave so freely and the great pains he took to sort out technical queries. His death will be a sad loss to the traction engine movement. We extend our sympathy to Mrs. Armstrong.

IT

Built in 1934.

ECHANICAL & ELECTRIEAL

Fowler Showman's Road Locomotive No. 20223.

M

ELIWINEERING

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" SUPREME " BY JACK WHARTON Fowler Road Locomotive No. 20223, built by John Fowler & Co. of Leeds in 1934 to the special order of Mrs. A Deakin & Sons, Showman of Brynmar, South Wales, was used as a showman's engine until 1940 when it was commandeered for demolition and heavy haulage. All the show fittings were removed, also the dynamo plate and the crane which was cut ofr. The cab was also shortened. It was last used by Messrs. Road Engines & Kerr Ltd. of Glasgow for hauling locomotives from the North British Locomotive Works to the docks with the Burrell " Simplicity ". It was bought by Mr. Lindhurst in 1951 and driven down to Chichester. and was later purchased by Mr. J. Hardwick of Ewell. Mr. Wharton purchased the engine in 1958, which was delivered by low-loader to Minster Lovell, This engine was the last of four Fowler "Super Lion " class and was also the last showman's steam engine to ever be built. Being 10 h.p. it was one of the most powerful. Fowlers were instructed by Mrs. Deakin to build the finest engine they had ever built regardless of cost. All the fittings which were normally brass were chrome plated, A separately driven 12 volt dynamo to provide road light was also very unusual for these engines. When fully loaded with coal and water she weighs 22 tons. The electrical power is provided by a 110 volt, 499 amp dynamo. This used to provide current for Deakin's Radio Cars (now called dodgems). The restoration has taken over 12 years, involving over 20,000 hours. Every part except the cylinder block was removed. During reassembly every part was examined and if found in any way worn or damaged it was rectified or replaced. The major replacements were the complete crane turret, the dynamo plate and platform, all the bearings, for many of which wooden patterns had first to be made to provide castings. Most of the shafts had to be re-machined. All the link motion bearings were ground out and fitted with new hardened and ground pins. The link dies were also renewed. The valve seats had to be hand scraped which took over 120 hours. New valves, valve rods and piston rods were also fitted. The flywheel had to be bored and sleeved to take up the slackness on the crankshaft. The whole governor assembly was made up as this was also missing. The rear wheels are fitted with new pressed on rubber tyres. These were found in Manchester arid together with the wheels had to go to Southampton for a press big enough to press them on. All the twisted brass and knobs including the whole front cross assembly had to be made to Fowler's drawings. This also applies to the complete cab and some of the uprights and crossmembers. All the rear spring gear was overhauled, and the front wheels rebushed. All the chrome pipes and fittings had to be carefully filed and polished prior to chroming to remove the extensive damage which these parts had suffered. The dynamo was removed from the engine in 1940 and was used on Deakin's Scammel tractor for many years, but thanks to Mrs. Deakin the dynamo is now back in its original position. This of course had first to be completely dismantled, cleaned, reinsulated and tested. The rear drawbar plate was renewed as the old one was beyond repair due to the excessive loads the engine had pulled over the years. Of course many hours were spent in cleaning off years of dirt and burnt on oil. This also applies to the painting ; coat after coat was applied and rubbed down until the finish was good enough for the final coat, the gold leaf and varnish.

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This engine could not have been restored to such detailed originality had it not been for the help of Mr. All Pepper of John Fowler's, for it was he who personally supervised the building of this engine in 1934. Not only did he give us the benefit of his years of experiences with Fowler's but also acquired for us practically every detailed workshop drawing that was used in its original construction. It is with great regret to all of us who have worked on this engine that AIf Pepper did not live to see the completed restoration as this engine was the climax of his career. Alf passed away some five years ago. It is therefore as a tribute to him and the steam engine builders, also to Mrs. Deakin who we are glad to say is still with us, that we restored this engine as best we could, and hope it will remain as a permanent record of the steam era of Britain. SOME INTERESTING DATA Nominal H.P. 10 Bore 7 in. X 12 in. Stroke 12 in. Working Pressure 200 p.s.i. Tested Pressure ... 350 p.s.i. for z hour Continuous Indicated H.P. 70-80 Maximum Indicated H.P. 125 Belt H.P. 4.. ... 48 Length ... 22 ft. 3 in. Width ... 7 ft. 11 in. Weight ... 22f tons Gross Average Load 32 tons Total Water Capacity ... 500 gallons Distance between Water Pick-up 20-25 miles Coal Capacity ... 7 cwt. Approx. Coal Consumption 8 miles to 1 cwt.

National Traction Engine Club Badges CHOICE OF SIX DIFFERENT LAPEL TYPE STEAM ROLLER STEAM WAGON

PLOUGHING ENGINE TRACTION ENGINE

TRACTOR

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.

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RALLY REPORTS THE BECKERMET STEAM PARTY, 1970 Once again we were favoured with lovely weather for this event which attracted three thousand people. As in other years the venue was the Station Yard overlooking the Irish Sea, also the Windscale and Calder atomic site. Being situated in this rather remote corner we were privileged in having some very great engine owners who weren't afraid of the Pennine Range. A fortnight before the day Harry Wakefield arrived with his beautiful 6 h.p. Ransomes Traction Engine 2 C/S No. 24585 " Northern Star" all the way from Houghton-le-Spring, Co. Durham. The following Saturday Zeke Myers arrived with his Fowler " Tiger" Tractor No. 14805 direct from Knock, near Appleby, About 10 o'clock on the morning of the party in came the Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3526 "Lightning". Her owner, hick Preston of Potto, near Northallerton, soon had the belt on and commenced generating for the Limonaire 45 key Organ. Soon after the arrival of " Lightning " a new engine to the district came in on a semi low-loader, this was Hal Bagot's little Fowler Tractor No. 18640 Enterprise " from Levens Hall, near Kendal. Other engines present were McLaren 8 h.p. Traction Engine No. 787. au ned by Zeke Myers of Langdale Aveling & Porter 6 ton Roller I.P. No, 11565, ileW 1926, owned by T.I. Robinson of (;leator : Fowler 10 ton Roller 2 QS No. 18507, new 1930, owned by C. Greatley of Seascale: Garrett No. 4 Tractor No. 33953, Garrett 8 ton Roller No. 33636, Rabey 5 h.p. Traction Engine No. 28094 and Aveling & Porter 10 ton I.P. Roller No. 11496, owned by Sutton's of Beckermet. There was also a very nice 4 inch scale model Burrell type in steam from R. 0. Bagot of Levens Hall. No. 13 entry in the programme was a Series 3 Marshall Diesel Tractor, owned by S. H. Ashton of Hornby, Lancaster. Mr. A. Bennett of Aberford again arrived with his 45 key Limonaire, and together with the 89 key Gavioli owned by J, Tennent of Askrigg were very much appreciated. During the evening the engines took part in the parade through the village together with a few vintage cars. To complete the day Dick took " Lightning II " on to the village green and generated for Alf 13ennetes Limonaire. This was appreciated by many people, both old and young, and the weather being ideal and darkness falling it was a picture never to be forgotten. S.S.

THE BURTONWOOD RALLY The Lancashire Traction Engine Club's Annual Rally held at Burtonwood Aerodrome on Saturday and Sunday. July 11th and 12th, proved to be the best rally ever, particularly on the engine entries. No less than four different types of steam wagon attended, a rare occasion indeed. -Tom Varley of Gisburn has made a fantastic job of restoring his 1917 Yorkshire Steam Wagon No. 940 " Pendle Queen "• 'the finish of the paintwork and meticulous attention to detail is really magnificent. Leyland Motors, too, have made a good job of restoring their 1918 Leyland Steam Wagon. All that remained of this wagon was the boiler, gearbox and wheels when it was found near Perth, Australia, two years ago. The other " new " wagon was Foden No. 13764, built in 1930, owned by Phil Priestlier of Moore. This was also restored to beautiful condition. Bringing the total of wagons to six were the Sentinels of Tom Varley (No. 9003 " Pendle Lady "), Messrs. Brooke, Hirst and Marsden of Holmfirth (No. 9074 " Holmvalian -) and D. Webster of Ludlow (No. 8942). The agricultural engines were led by Burrell S.C.C. No. 2003 "Diamond Queen " of 1897 (W. A. Briggs of Mobberley). followed by 1898 McLaren No. 616 (P. Atherton of Bold), 6 n.h.p. Foden No. 443 " Victoria " (G,, Adamson of Lowton), 7 n.h.p. Foden No. 2312 " Elizabeth " (W. Fitter of Great Sankey), and 1913 Clayton & Shuttleworth S.C. No. 45059 (G. Coles of Stretford). Road locomotives were represented by Fowler No. 15376 (R. Bridston of Neston) and Burrell No. 3098 (P. Froud of Preston Brook), with the tractors

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of Jack Johnson, Burrell No. 3862, and S. Z. de Ferranti, Garrett Showman's No. 33612 " Camilla ". Aveling & Porter was the prominent name of the steam rollers. Oldest of the Ave.lings was No. 5199 of 1903 (F. Fields of Northwieh), followed by No. 6544 Little Wonder" of 1908 (A. R. Porter of Altrincham). No, 7632 ❑f 1910 (F. and A. Dibnah ❑ f Bolton), No. 8754 of 1914 (P. Priestner of Moore), and No. 11837, a 1926 p.v. 'Tiller owned by E. Marshall of Glazebury. Andrew and Keith Shorrock headed the list ❑ f Fowlers with their " heavy ten " Roller No. 17498 " Delicia ", next was Roger White of Parbold with No. 18655 and Peter Froud with No. 20122. John Webster with his 1902 Burrell S.C.C. Roller No. 2642 completed the line-up. Final entry in the list of twenty-five was the only portable on show, the massive 12 n.h.p. Ruston & Hornsby No. 163864, owned by A. and K. Shorrock of Chorley. Fine weather enabled the large crowds to enjoy the arena events on both days, as well as the display of vintage motor vehicles and the extensive display or old farm implements presented by Jack Johnson. After the final parade on the Sunday the club awards were presented and went to: Leyland MotorA. Best Steam Vehicle at the Rally ; Phil Priestner (Foden wagon), Runner-up; John Webster, Best Club Engine and Best Roller ; Walter Fitter, Best Agricultural. Two organs: attended, the 48 key Mortier of Alan Barber and the 89 key Gavioli of Len Coles.

THE CAENBY CORNER RALLY This was the fourth Annual Event to be run by the Lincolnshire Spastics Society, and on the first day a record number of people attended. However, strong wind and showers on the Sunday took its toll of the crowd, but even so the number attending was encouraging. For the second year Messrs. Yelding's Circus was in attendance. and on the fairground Messrs. Screeton Bros. Golden Gallopers were built tip whilst close by was Mr. J. Bach's set of nineteenth century ❑verboats. The miniature section was housed in its own tent, and Messrs. Wakefield & Proudlock's model railway was again a popular attraction. The engine side was well represented, and quite a number were old friends who had exhibited at this venue before. Mr. S. W. Neville's Burrell Showman's type No. 3886 was at work alongside Screeton's Gallopers, and Mr. D. A. Robinson's Burrell No. 3334 was powering his Gavioli Organ. The other engine in this class was Mr. W. Payne's Fowler No. 14798 " Firefly ". W. Wage In the road locomotive section we were glad to welcome Mr. with the big McLaren No. 1421 making his first apearance, and another new race in this section was provided by Mr. H. H. Gurnhill with the Marshall 5 h.p. Compound No. 74871 of 1923. This engine was supplied as a " convertible" and was Familiar to many as a roller, but few people had previously seen it as a road engine. Mr. .1. Massey made up the trio wills the Russian type Fowler No. 14910 Of 1917. Seven general purpose engines were on show, these being Mr. J. Taylor's Allchin No. 1499 ; Mr. F. Strange's Marshall No. 61880 ; Maddison Bros. Ransoms No. 26575 ; Mr. W. Kitchen's Ransomes No. 27512 ; Mr. B. Ragsdale's Foster No. 14410 ; Mr. J. Selby's Marshall ; and Mr. J. W. Hebden's Clayton No. 48162. In the road roller class all but one were old attenders and this was Mr. G. Turner of Holdingham with his newly restored Aveling & Porter 10 tonner No. 6343. The other members of this section were Mr. F. Clements' Aveling & Porter No. 10590 ; Mr. R. Drake's Fowler No. 16967 ; Mr. P. Auger's Marshall No. 86104 ; Mr. J. B. Haw's Marshall No. 87618 ; and Messrs. Eddison's Aveling-Barford No. AC606. Three wagons were in attendance: Mr. G. E. Ashton's Sentinel No. 8964 ; Mr. G. E. Liversidge's Sentinel No. 8992 which was carrying out the duties of water tender ; and Messrs. Crawford's Robey " Overtype " No. 42657. The line-up was completed by Mr. E. E. Riggall's Foster Portable No. 14737 and Mr. E. Flear's set of thrashing tackle.

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The musical section was represented by Messrs. Epton's Marenghi ; Mr. A. Cragg's 46 Keyless ; Messrs. Price & Chapman's Bruder ; Mr. D. Hadfield's Chiappa : Mr. S. S. Mortimer's 65 Key Dutch Scenic ; Mr. A. Bennett's Limonaire ; and Mr. P. W. Barlow's Keyless Chiappa. F.S.

CARRINGTON PARK RALLY 24th and 25th May, 1970 Mr. J. Ward of Carrington Grange one again kindly loaned the Park grounds as the venue for the seventh annual event to take place. The rally was greatly helped by fine weather, and a good turn-out of engines and organs were on display, Five engines in the showman's class were to be seen on the grounds, these being Mr. R. E. Dale's recently purchased Fowler Tractor No. 14412 and Messrs. J. Dawson & Son's Garrett No. 33818. Of the other three mentioned, these were appearing with their owners respective organs, and were as follows: Messrs. A. Waling & Son's Foster Tractor and Chiappa Organ ; Messrs. H. Epton & Son's Foster Tractor No. 14639 and Marenghi Organ ; and Mr. & Mrs. D. A. Robinson's Burrell Steam Road Locomotive No, 3334 and Clavioli Organ. 'the first machine in the traction engine class was the recently arrived Fowler 10 h.p. Compound Stump Pulling Engine, which has been bought by Messrs. Crawford of Frithvillc, from Alton Towers. This is No. 17107, and was the largest engine in the section. Only one other compound engine was to be seen at this point and this was Mr. R. E. Baxter's Foster No. 14564, making its first appearance at this rally. The other exhibits were the Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48162, owned by Mr. J. W. Hebden ; Messrs. Maddison Bros. Ransomes No. 26475 ; Messrs. Fowler & Son's Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 47015 ; F. Strange's Marshall No. 61880 ; Mr. R. Pratt's Burrell S.C.C. No. 2479; Mr. J. Taylor's Allchin No. 1499 ; and Mr. J. Swingler's Ruston & Hornsby No. 115100. The tractor section fielded four entries this year, and Mr. S. Woodbine's Fowler No. 15732 was the engine which covered the longest road mileage to attend the event. Mr. Woodbine and his helpers arrived on the Saturday evening after travelling almost eighty miles—a very good effort. Mr. W. Payne had his Aveling & !Yoder No. 9228 on show, and Mr. F. A. Smith was showing the Mann's Tractor No. 1425. Messrs. Crawford's provided transport for the Opener in the form of the smart Foden " Sun " Type No. 13730 and trailer The only wagon entry this year was also from Messrs. Crawford's, this being the very rare Robey six-tonner No. 42657. Four of the five rollers were attenders of previous years, these being Mr. P. J. Auger with his Marshall No. 86104, Messrs. Waling's Aveling Barford No. AG757, Messrs. .1. Ward & Son's Marshall No. 79597, and Mr. R. J. Heugh's Fowler No. 15942. The fifth entry here was the recently rebuilt Aveling & Porter No. 6343, owned by Mr. G. Turner of Holdingham. Mr. B. Wright had a 3 h.p. Vertical Bed Engine of 1876 and powered from the boiler of Mr. Woodbine's Fowler, in steam, and Messrs. J. H. Rundle & Son had the 1922 Savage Centre Engine No. 894 also in steam. It was Messrs. Rundle's who provided the biggest surprise to the rally visitors this year when they presented their Brown & May Showman's Road Locomotive No. 8742 (Reg. No. AU4705). This machine is the only one of its kind known to exist, and lay behind the Rundle's works for many years. Although the restoration was not fully complete, it is at a very advanced stage, and much interest was shown in this rare engine. Two sets of thrashing tackle were on display, Mr. E. E. Riggall's set comprising of the big Foster Portable Engine No. 14737, with Foster drum and Hayes pattern elevator, and Mr. J. W. Hebden's Marshall drum. Thrashing was done on both days using Mr. Hebden's machine and Marshall Engine No. 61880. A baler was also in use, being run on one clay by Mr. J. W.

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Swingler's Ruston Engine No. 115100 and the following day by Messrs. Maddison Bros. Ransomes Engine No. 26475. The miniature department gave a really excellent show both on the field and in the display tent, and in addition to this, there was a good show of veteran cars and farm tractors. Besides the fair organs already mentioned, Mr. P. W. Barlow had his 1920 Chiappa Organ in play, and visitors were also able to see and hear Mr. R. Turlingham's " Die Kleine Balder" making a first appearance at this venue. F.S.

THE GILLINGHAM RALLY (MEDWAY STEAM FAIR) The area at Gillingham in Kent known as The Great Lines was so named because of the lines of tents which covered the area when soldiers were camped there during the Napoleonic wars. On Saturday and Sunday, 16th and I7th May, a regiment of people estimated at 12,000 attended the opening rally of the season which was held on the Great Lines, by kind permission of the War Department who are still the owners of the land, but always open to the public except for one day each year when all rights of way are closed. The rally was sponsored by the Medway Standards Football Club, and because of its great success the organisers said that this would most certainly become an annual event. This was only the second rally to be held in the Medway Towns and, as on previous occasions, most of the engines which attended had to travel great distances. Pat Westgate with Mrs. Westgate had travelled from Polegate in Sussex with his Ruston & Proctor S.C. General Purpose Engine. Les Birch had travelled from Sellindge, near Ashford, with his Aveling & Porter Compound Roller, whilst Richard Pierce with his Fowler Compound Ploughing Engine and David Rushton with his Aveling & Porter Convertible Roller had travelled from Borough Green, near Sevenoaks. Several local firms and businesses who had trade stands and preservation societies which included the Great Western Railway and Locomotive Club of Great Britain all did very well on both days. Forrest's fun fair, which included their famous three-abreast gallopers with Gavioli organ in good tune, was also very popular. Other organs present were the giant 101 key Mortier Dance Hall Organ which was originally owned by the late David Barlow and the Bursens Arburo Rainbow Dance Organ owned by Mrs. Jessett of Hadlow Down, Sussex. Both were in very good tune and a constant source of interest to old and young alike. A full list of engine events were carried out on both days, which included grand parade, musical chairs, obstacle races, slow race, tug of war and beer in bucket races. In the tug of war on the Saturday, between two and three hundred people never gave the Fowler roller driven by Wally May any leeway at all, and pulled it half-way across the arena with the regulator fully open. Again on the Sunday an equal number of people had similar success with Richrd Pierce's BB compound ploughing engine which had cleats fitted to the rear wheels.. The engines present were as follows: 1. Aveling & Porter D.C.C. 15 ton Roller No. 14072, owned by Mr. Les Birch of Sellindge, near Ashford. 2. Aveling & Porter S.C. 12 ton Roller No. 6893, owned by Mr. A. Birch and son of Sellindge, near Ashford. 3. Marshall S.C. General Purpose Engine No. 56125, owned by Mr. A. G. (Bill) Monday of Rainham. 4. Wallis & Steevens " Advance " Roller No. 7962 " Smokey ", owned by Mr. Tom Tilbury of Dartford. 5. Clayton & Shuttleworth S.C. General Kirpose Engine No. 46823 " Dusty ", owned by Mr. Peter Fagg of West Mailing.

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6. Ruston & Proctor S.C. General Purpose Engine No. 36823 "Florence'', owned by Mr. P. Westgate of Polegate, Sussex. 7. Fowler D.C.C. 12 ton Roller No. 18503, owned by Mr. Colin Tucker of Bexleyheath. 8. Aveling & Porter D.C.C. 10 ton Roller No. 6378 " Elizabeth ", owned by Mr. Harry Pyc and son of Lidsing. 9. Fowler D.C.C. Class 1313 Ploughing Engine No. 14213, owned by Pierce Bros. of Borough Green. 10. Aveling & Porter D.C.C. Convertible 8 ton Roller No. 6943, owned by Mr. David Rushton of Camberwell, S.E.S. 11. Aveling & Porter S.C. 5 ton Tractor No. 11480 "Jack Supreme", owned by Mr. Jack Clark of Miers Court, Rainham. "Jack Supreme" was purchased a few days before the rally from Mr. George Marsh of Acrise, who had converted it from a roller. The roller was in poor condition when he purchased it from Edwards of Swindon in 1968, The engine was used on the Sunday to give children rides towing a small trailer. The commentary on both days was carried out in excellent manner by Mr. Johnny Mayes, Chairman of the Herts. Steam Preservation Society, who with Mrs. Mayes had travelled from Luton in Bedfordshire, and the duties of Ring Marshal were carried out by the writer ably assisted by his son. A church service was held on Sunday morning by the local Salvation Army Band with several engines lined up on one side of the arena. F.J.B.

HAWERBY PARK RALLY 13th and 14th June This was the second time that a Steam Event has taken place at this venue, and once again Mr. R. E. Dale of Wald Newton kindly loaned his land for this purpose. As opposed to last year, we were treated to a week-end of sunshine, and this really brought a large crowd on both days. The theme of the show was "Engines at Work ", arid so as many engines as possible were to be seen doing the jobs for which they were built. The largest machines to be seen working were the pair of Fowler Ploughers Nos. 1544112, which are new arrivals to Mr. Dale's collection, and they were at work with a five-furrow plough. Unfortunately, owing to the lack of suitable land available at this time of the year, it was not possible to give a longer time to this demonstration, but there were several other demonstrations which compensated. A working area near by provided many attractions, arid it was here that Messrs. Maddison Bros. Ransomes Engine No. 26475 could be seen running a Clayton drum and elevator, with Mr. J. W. Swingler's Ruston No. 115100 close by driving a baler. Chaff cutting was done by Mr. E. E. Riggall's Foster Portable No. 14737, and Mr. F. Strange's Marshall No. 61880 was running a saw bench. One other set of thrashing tackle was to be seen although it was running light, and this was Mr. Dale's Foster machine and Rundle elevator which was driven by his Marshall Engine No. 85890. Ring events were run on both days, and engines and wagons involved here were Mr. J. Selby's Marshall No. 79441, Mr. J. W. Hebden's Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48162, Mr. S. Woodbine's Fowler Tractor No. 15732, and Mr. R. E. Dale's Fowler No. 18635. Next to these were three road rollers, Mr. J. Brooks's Aveling & Porter No. 8240, Mr. 13. Wright's Wallis & Steevens No. 7539 and Mr. R. Drakes with his No. 16967. Two wagons attended and both were attenders last year, Mr. R. Fcarnley with the Sentinel Undertype No. 1465 and Messrs. Brook, Hirst and Marsden with their Sentinel No, 9075. Additional In these, Mr. A. Fcarnley made a surprise visit with the Fowler Tractor " Pandora ", and in the showman's type section Mr. & Mrs. D. A.

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Robinson had the Burrell No. 3334 " The Bailie " powering the Gavioli Organ with Mr. R. E. Dale's Fowler Tractor No. 14412 near by driving lights. The other fair organ to be seen was Mr. P. W. Barlow's excellent Chiappa, and the show was completed by a number of very good working miniatures as well as a good model tent. On the eve of the rally an unentered engine arrived, and this was Mr. Dale's Fowler Plougher No. 15413 (Reg. No. CT8727). This engine has been at Messrs. Smith's of Old Leake for some months, where it has been completely overhauled and a new firebox fitted. It was not expected that this engine would be ready in time to attend the rally, but after a lot of " midnight oil " had been burned visitors were treated to this beautifully restored engine as it steamed on to the park. F.S.

HOCKLEY HEATH STEAM ENGINE RALLY This year's Rally was the first two-day event organised by the Hockley Heath Steam Engine Rally Association. They were blessed with fine weather on both days, helping to swell the attendance to an estimated 8,000. A number of engines participated in the usual ring events keeping the public entertained. Apart from this, fairground attractions in the form of Ashley's three-abreast gallopers with Savage centre engine in steam, complete with Gavioli trumpet organ and Bishton's cakewalk accompanied by a 46 key Bruder organ were present. A wide selection of veteran and vintage cars and commercial vehicles had been gathered together, including on Sunday a contingent from the Bean Car Club. A very large and comprehensive model display had been organised and was extremely well patronised, and a large exhibit had been placed outside the model tent. It was a Merryweather "Greenwich " steam fire engine of the horse-drawn type originally supplied to the Duke of Marlborough for Blenheim Palace and now belongs to the Warwickshire County Fire Brigade. One of the plough engines which had lain until recently derelict at Bamford & Carr's yard was on display in a renovated condition. The Fowler ploughing engine gave 'a winching demonstration on both days much to the delight of the commentator. An item of interest from a nostalgic point of view was that the two ex Bostock & Wombwell's menagerie engines were side by side for the first time since they were purchased separately from Mr. Henton at Hopwas. This had been the ambition of the respective owners since they had purchased the engines, namely " Rajah " and " Nero ", and it was pleasing to know of the fulfilment of this ambition. On Sunday an item in the programme which attracted considerable interest, although not a will to spend money, was an auction of steam plant. The items for auction were a Wallis & Steevcns "Simplicity " Roller, a Fowler Road Roller and a Robey Portable Boiler, all of which failed to reach their reserve.

THE LOUTH & DISTRICT TRACTION ENGINE RALLY 25th and 26th July, 1970 This was the first time that an Engine Rally of any kind had taken place in Louth, and the event was staged to aid the Swimming Bath Fund. Unfortunately the weather was not so kind as we had hoped, and the heavy rain on the previous night reduced the ground and approach road to a soggy state. However, during the early morning, a strong wind dried the area out enough to allow engines and tackle to be brought in, although it was still far from

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easy, and a number of engines were heard very audibly when still quite a distance from the site as they negotiated the soft ground. By opening time it was possible to put on the grand parade, and from then on the show went with a swing, with ring events carrying on to a good crowd of spectators. The Sunday was rather spoiled by heavy rain falling just as the event was due to ❑pen, but it passed over and the sun came out accompanied by a strong wind. Again the number of spectators who came was really most encouraging and made everyone's efforts well worth while. Engines attending were: Mr. D. A. Robinson's Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3334 and ❑avial' Organ ; Mr. W. Payne's Fowler Showman's Tractor No. 14798. which was powering Messrs. Epton's 1Vlarenghi Organ. Five agricultural engines were presented, Mr. I. W. liebden's Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48162 ; Mr. F. Strange's Marshall No. 61880 Messrs. Maddison Bros. Ransomes No. 26475 ; Mr. J. Taylor's Allchin No. 1499 ; and Mr. J. H. Selhy'c Marshall No 79441 The four road rollers were shown by Mr. R. G. ❑ rakes, Fowler No. 16%7 ; Mr. Q. Turner's Aveling & Porter No. 6343 ; Mr. J. R. Brooks' Aveling & Porter No. 8240 ; and Louth Borough Council's Fowler No. 18867, one of the few rollers still in use by a local authority. The two Fearnley brothers attended from Castleford with Sentinel Wagons Nos. 1465 and 9086, and close by could be seen Mr. E. E. Riggall's Foster Portable No. 14737 belted to a thrashing machine. The model and miniature section was housed in a tent, and a good selection of these exhibits were on show. F.S.

THE MIDLAND FESTIVAL OF STEAM The twelfth Annual Rally to be organised by the North Staffordshire and Cheshire Traction Engine Club was a far cry from the first Saturday afternoon event held at Alton Towers. The range of exhibits has risen to the point where they pack the Staffordshire County Show Ground with vintage machinery of every conceivable kind, and as a result, spectator attendance figures have increased every year, proving that the club's policy of putting on a show for the whole family is what the Midlands public appreciates. A much appreciated innovation this year was the radio communication exercise carried out by the T.A.; all car parks, entrance gates. engine paddock, arena, etc., were linked to a central control office where the Festival Director was established. Nearly all engine entries arrived at the site under their own steam. The two ploughing engines and their full complement of tackle, and the venerable McLaren traction engine and threshing box belonging to John Mayes, made an epic cross-country trip. Some of the Cheshire members steamed all the way from the northern fringes of the area. As usual, a very fine collection of models were on display by our old friends The North Staffordshire Model Engineer Society, who also operated the passenger hauling model railway. All the preservation societies were out in full force ; there was a display of light aircraft. The vintage tractor and stationary engine section continues to improve in numbers and quality. A small well-balanced old time fair completed the picture, and the club gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Caravan Club in helping with car parking and sundry other ways. J.G.S.

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MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT STEAM Thame & District Round Table No. 753 held its first-ever Traction Engine Rally and Steam Fair on June 20th and 21st. Advertised as a " Midsummer's Night Steam ", it took the form of a competition rally between the Chiltern and Thames Valley Preservation Societies based on the TV programme " It's a Knock-out ". All ring events were those approved by the N.T.E.C. Code of Practice, and included musical chairs, beer in the bucket, blind man's puff, slow roller race and obstacle race. Twenty-five engines of twelve different makes attended. Weather conditions were absolutely perfect on both days, and some 20,000 people who attended the rally thoroughly enjoyed themselves not only watching the competitive ring events where engine drivers demonstrated their skill but also on the strictly vintage fun fair. This included Harry Lee's Steam Yachts, Jimmy Williams' recently renovated 36 horse Savage Galloper, Lol Bishton's Taylor Plimson Cake Walk, Keith Emmett's Chair o' Planes, and Ted Pratley's American Whip. Also present was Jell Bach with his 1875 Overboats and John Pockelt with his horse-drawn Street Roundabout plus the traditional side shows one would expect to find at a fun fair in years gone by. The final outcome of the competitions was a win for the Chiltern Preservation Society and a Concours d'Elegance for Showman's Engines was won by A. and R. Hawthorn & Sons Fowler Engine " Renown ". Each were presented with a trophy by the National President of the Round Table movement, Much praise was given by all who attended of the high standard and efficient organisation with which the rally was held. A forty minute colour sound film of the rally was made by the Aylesbury Cine Club which will be available for showing at club meetings during the coming winter. The result of nine months' hard work by the members of Thame & District Round Table was a profit of £2,400 which has been given to charity, the major part of which helped the village of Towersey to purchase its playing field. R.H.

THE REDRUTH RALLY Organised by The West of England Steam Engine Society, this was their fifteenth annual rally. Not quite as many engines attended as last year, but several engines new to this rally were present. Aveling & Porter No. 4255, built in 1899, was attending her first rally, having only been purchased a few days before. Another newcomer was Aveling & Porter S.C. P.V. Roller No. 11220, which was driven some fifty-five miles by her owner Mr. R. K. Pridham to the rally. Fowler /381 P.E. No. 15436 " Princess Mary" was attending, having been brought from near Bristol by Mr. K. Hobbs. Garrett Tractor No. 34684 of 1925, owned by Messrs. Armstrong-Evans & Sons, was brought down from East Cornwall. Sentinel S4 Wagon No. 9075 of 1934 travelled some 370 miles from Huddersfield to be present, owned by Messrs. Brook and Hirst. Heavy rain prior to the rally made gateways a little difficult and it seemed that movement in the field would be hampered. However, the field soon dried out on the Saturday morning and all vehicles were able to move. A highlight of the events was a parade of some eighteen horse-drawn vehicles, all ❑ f which had been rebuilt to an immaculate condition. A full programme of events was completed both days, and there was plenty to see both inside and outside the main ring. One of the most unusual exhibits was a small fourhead set of Cornish stamps, driven by a water-wheel, displayed by the Trevithick Society. Some 16,000 people attended the rally during the two days. On the Sunday evening ten engines returned to Mr. Morse's yard at Mawla Well, about a mile from the rally site. Return transport for many of the engine crews was provided by Mr. Pridham's Aveling & Porter Roller, and the sight of about a dozen men clinging to a steam roller disappearing into the dusk of evening was a fitting conclusion to an enjoyable week-end.

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THE WADEBRIDGE RALLY Organised by The Cornish Traction Preservation Club, and held on the 20th and 21st June at the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association's Show Ground at Wadebridge. Two engines attended this rally for the first time: Aveling & Porter Compound 8 ton Roller No. 5853 of 1905, owned by the Club's Chairman Mr. D. C. Knight, and Messrs. R. Daniel and R. WeIsby's Wallis & Steevens 6 ton Advance Roller No. 7979 of 1929. Good weather favoured the rally, enabling a full programme of events to be completed. A very interesting museum and model exhibition arranged by Mr. R. Tonkin and helpers was well worth a visit. A selection of cars, tractors and motor-cycles completed the show. Engines present were: Aveling & Porter Roller No. )8)3. Aveling & Porter Showman's Tractor No, 6093. Aveling & Porter General Purpose Traction Engine No. 9096. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10045. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11216. Burrell General Purpose Traction Engine No. 3121. Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3159. Fowler General Purpose Traction Engine No. 7942. Fowler Showman's Engine No. 15657. Fowler Roller No. 18075. Fowler Roller No. 18843. Marshall General Purpose Traction Engine No. 34022. Marshall ex Roller No. 77479. McLaren Ploughing Engine No. 1552. Ransomes Sims & Jefieries General Purpose Traction Engine No. 38088. Ransomes Sims 8r. Jefferies Portable Engine No. E409. Sentinel " Super" Wagon No. 5104. Wallis & Steevens Advance Roller No. 7979.

WOODCOTE RALLY The sixth Annual Rally was held in glorious sunshine on August 1st. Well over 250 exhibits of " veteran transport " were assembled ; these included perambulators and cycles of over one hundred and fifty years old, eleven vintage fire engines, old cars, commercials, motor cycles, vintage tractors and stationary engines. The cup for the most merit worthy vehicle privately entered and restored was awarded to the only horse-drawn exhibit, this was a 1902 Royal daylight oil tanker formerly used to cart paraffin lamp oil to farms and village shops. It was pulled by a twenty-five year old horse. The tankards for the most merit worthy steam vehicles were awarded to A. and R. Hawthorne & Sons Fowler No. 15653 " Renown" and Sentinel 3-way Tipper No. 5509 owned by L. Burberry, J. Lawrence and R. Reason. Marshall Portable No. 86161 was making its first public appearance at any event and created considerable interest, ticking over completely silently except for the delightful "chuff " up the long chimney. Bill Tame and Eric Fillmore's grand one hundred year old plougher was afforded a warm welcome, and the other four Fowlers accompanied her on a lap of honour after the grand parade and then lined up with her in the middle for a photograph. The vintage farm tractor entries ranged from a 1917 Titan through I.H.C. 10/20, a big 15/30, Allis Chalmers, M-M, Oliver 90, Standard Fordsons, a Nuffield and a tracklayer Lanz Bulldog. R.H.

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FOR SALE AND WANTED For Sale.—A. & P. Roller rear wheel, diameter 62 in., width 16 in. Front rolls, diameter 46 in., width 47+ in. Also fork and saddle (R10). Wanted.—Photographs of Garrett Overtype Steam Wagon, also Garrett No. 4 Type at work.—S. Sutton, West View, Beckermet, Cumb. For Sale.—Cast lead parts for Engines No. 3886 and No. 14502 as per Steaming, Vol. 12, No. 1. Parts and material supplied for Gallopers as per Fairground Architecture by David Braithwaite, twice depicted size. The advertiser will demonstrate to a selected audience anywhere on prior payment of expenses incurred and fee to be agreed.—Colin Bettison, 18 Grove Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. Exchange.-35 page Garrett Undertype Steam Lorry spare parts list, every part illustrated, 18 wagon illustrations, mint condition, for Marshall Traction Engine catalogue, similar condition.—R. Walker, 1 Kilnknowe Cottages, How Wood, Renfrewshire. For Sale.—One set of 2 in. tube expanders, brand new, £7 10s. Od.; various pressure gauges, £5 each ; two 1 in. taper barrel taps tested to 250 lb. p.s.i., Cl 10s. Od. each—Bunnie Smith, Rose Cottage, Bank Mill, Berkhamsted, Herts. (Tel. Berk. 5801). For Sale.-1927 Burrell D.C.C. 8 ton Steam Roller. Retubed and canopy rebuilt last year, rally condition, first class boiler report. Best offer secures.— Telephone after 7 p.m. 061-928 0722 or write J. Wykes, 5a Cecil Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire. Wanted.—Steam Roller. Aveling & Porter or Marshall Roller. Preferably single cylinder.—W. G. Roberts, Dclfryn, Castlemorris, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, South Wales. Wanted.—Official programmes or list of engines that attended Chatteris and Ely Rallies, 1955 season. Good price paid for clean copies of programmes.— Information to R. A. Harding, 52 Conies Road, Halstead, Essex. For Sale.—Spares for Aveling & Porter Steam Rollers: Two brackets for steerage spindle, diameter hole 1;-1 in. Part No. H138. For N Class Roller. One only, bronze bushing, 32 in. o.d., 3 in. i.d., 5 in. long. Part No. H115. Two only, bronze bushings for slide valve spindles. Part No. Y, B & D28. For RC12 Roller. Two only, radius link die blocks, 1 in. hole. Three only, differential bevel pinions, complete with bushes and pins, 9 teeth. For H Class Roller. One only, pinion for countershaft, 34 in. square hole, 14 teeth. Part No. H160. Two only, 1st intershaft pinions, 34 in. hole, 15 teeth, complete with bolts and nuts. For RC 12 Roller. One only, 2nd intershaft pinion to fit 31 in. shaft, 12 teeth. Part No. H166. For H Class Roller. Two only, pins lifting link bottom, 6+ in. X I in., complete with collars and split pins. For RC Roller. Two only, pins lifting link top, 54 in. X in., complete with collars and split pins. Four only, Buckley patent piston rings, 54 in. diameter. Three only, sets of piston rings, 8* in. diameter, complete with turk rings.

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Two only, boiler injector check valves. Two only, complete sets of piston valve assemblies, comprising valve sleeves, four piston heads with rings and spinbles. For H Class Rollers. Six only, motion pins for eccentric rods and valve spindles. For RC Rollers. —G. Doherty, Artoney, Louth Village, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Eire. For Sale.—The following titles from stock : " Waterloo Ironworks—A History of Tasker's," by L. T. C. Roll. 471. ad. " A Rally of Traction Engines," by Barry J. Finch. 4s. 6d. "Traction Engines and Steam Vehicles in Pictures," by A. Beaumont. 47s. 6d. " Apprenticeship in Steam," by Jack Hampshire. I3s. Od. " The Mechanicals," by L. T. C. Rolt. Famous engineers: Watt, Trevithick, Stephensons, John Fowler, Churchward, Stanier, etc., etc. 33s. 6d. S.a.e. for full list of available publications.—S. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. For Sale.—Retrrell 6 n h p r).c C, 3 speed Spring Mounted Engine No. 3836. Full length canopy. At one time showman's engine known as "Starlight ". Working order.—Peter Jones, Hall Farm, Elsing, Dereham, Norfolk. For Sale.—Chimney stumps (as cast) for 12 ton Fowler rollers (28 in. dia. smokebox), £25. Also blast pipes for same type of engine, £12. All new castings.—Harold Bonnett, 3 Ridge Side, Haw Lane, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Bucks. For Sale.—Pair bolt-on rear roller rims for Aveling 10 ton steam roller. Wicksteed motorised appliance with flexible shaft for tube expanding, stay tapping and drilling. Set of Pickering type governors with stop valve. Fowler steam cultivator tines and shares. Various injectors and boiler Fittings.— Reynolds, 85 Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Tel.: Bedford 67912. 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, Ilaw Lane, Blcdlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Bucks. 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 preferred.—G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. Wanted.—Colour Slides of showmen's engines. B. Fielding, Town Hall, Waterloo, Liverpool, 22.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Many subscriptions are due for renewal in September—your membership card shows the date of expiry. Check yours now and, if due, remit at once sending 30s. Od. to C. C. Ayes, 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Mr. Ayes deals with all membership matters—changes of address, banker's orders, etc.

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