Steaming 1972 Vol.16 No.1

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB DECEMBER 1972

VOL. 16 No. 1

PACALDIR • .oM•

MOW,

"Sandy" Calder's McLaren No. 1241 (1910) (See article on page 45.)

MEN OF STEAM - FRANKLIN E. CHEFFINS ST. GILES FAIR MEMORIES 1972 EVENTS PHOTO COMPETITION

NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB OFFICERS President S. J. Wharton, Esq., Southern Down, Minster Lovell, Oxford Vice-President J. T. Beeby, Esq., Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough, Leics Chairman Anthony Heal, Esq., Baylins Farm, Knotty Green, Beaconsfield, Bucks Vice-Chairman J. Crawley, Esq., Field House, Turvey, Bedford General Secretary G. F. Beck, Esq., 127 Greensted Road, Loughton, Essex Treasurer J. H. Hobbs, Esq., 6 Esher Close, Basingstoke, Hants Editor Ran Hawthorne, Ecq., 19 Bridlo Path, Woodcoto, Reading, RG8 OSE, Berkshire Chairman, Rally Sub-Committee M. Harmsworth, Esq., Elm Cottage, Ockwells Road, Maidenhead, Berks Membership Secretary C. C. Ayes, Esq., 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hants Club Ties, etc. F. G. Upton, Esq., 30 Windsor Road, Maidenhead, Berks Technical Services and Spares Officer Brian Oram, Esq., Bourne House, St. Mary Bourne, Andover, Hants (Tel: St. Mary- Bourne 280) Publicity and Public Relations Officer Jonathan Minns, Esq., la Hollywood Road, London SW10

STEAMING Steaming is published by the National Traction Engine Club quarterly. Copies are posted direct to members who are advised to ensure that they subscriptions are up to date. (The best way to do this is use a bankers order.) THE SUBSCRIPTION IS £1.50 PER YEAR All enquires, correspondence re subscriptions to: C. C. Ayes, Esq., 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire. A renewal delay may lead to no delivery of the next Steaming

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are pleased to acknowledge the help of Frank Strange, Viv Kirk, Rob Gebharci, Dick Musson, P. Ware, D. P. Trice, R. Woodruff, George Eves, Chris Edmonds, Club, Area and Rally correspondents and many others in the preparation of this edition. 2

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB VOLUME 16 No. 1

DECEMBER 1972

FROM THE EDITOR'S CHAIR The Club Christmas Card has been a wonderful success. The original batch sold out in September and it soon became obvious that the demand had not been satisfied so another 2,000 were ordered. Already many of these arc sold. If anyone needing these cards have not yet ordered, please do so at once. They cost 60p for 10 or £1 for 20 and can be had, post free, from me at, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. The next edition of Steaming will be a special dealing with engines in "Cumbria" — Cumberland, Westmorland and parts of adjoining counties. We would be pleased to hear from anyone with engine experiences in this area. Articles re engines at work and in preservation as well as photographs are required. This special will close for press about January 31st. Adverts can be accepted up to mid February. Contributors are asked to note that when a date is mentioned as being the last date for copy this means that copy after that date cannot be considered (except small items) Also it does not mean that anything arriving twenty-four hours before the dead line will automatically go in. If we are to maintain and improve the standard of Steaming we must be able to be selective and this does mean that some material cannot be used. Often the discarded copy is just what we need but we do try and keep a balance. It would not be a very interesting edition if every item was a rally report. The earlier your articles. etc., arrive the better their chance of acceptance. We are always glad to receive even short news items ("Chuffs"), news of engines at work, under restoration, change of ownership, etc., as well as longer articles on any aspect of our interest and photos old and new. Keep them coming and so help us to maintain or improve our journal. Finally may I take this opportunity to wish each and everyone "A Happy Christmas" and whether you are driving or watching, "Good Steaming in 1973". Sincerely, RAN HAWTHORNE.

" BLOW-OFF " In recent months we have noticed a greater "coming-together" of those interested not only in steam power but also of those people preserving veteran and vintage vehicles, old farm machines, the heavy horse fraternity and many other interests. A few years ago it seemed that everybody had to stop in their own little compartment, if a vintage car man looked seriously at a Traction Engine he was regarded with suspicion. If one mentioned the fact that one owned a Steam Roller to a railyway enthusiast he didn't want to know. Happily things are changing. Look at the wide variety of exhibits at most of our rallies. Speak to members of our club or your own local club and you will find that almost all of them have a wider interest in steam than "just Traction Engines", for some it may be models, stationary steam engines such as the Crofton beam engines, mill engines, steam boats or ships, steam cars or of course steam railways. Stationary engines, farm machinery and many more items arouse our interest. Steaming applauds this "coming-together" and pledges its self that while keeping the Traction Engine, in all its forms, as the main theme of the journal we will do our best to present other forms of steam power and preservation activities as complimentary to the main theme. 3

ONE-DAY TRACTION ENGINE COURSE A one-day study course dealing with Traction Engines will be held on Saturday, January 28th 1973 at Lang(rec School, Woodcote, near Reading. The course has been arranged by the organiser of further education. P. J. R. Trouts. at the Langtree Centre. The speakers will be Mr. R. Hawthorne. editor of Steaming; Mr. M. Harmsworth, chairman of N.T.E.C. Rally sub-committee; and Mr. J. H. Hobbs. treasurer N.T.E.C. PROGRAMME 1.00 Assemble. Models, pictures and posters on show. 1.45 "The early application of steam power in agriculture" — R. Hawthorne (slides). 2.10 "How a Traction Engine works" — M, Harmsworth. 2.40 "Further Developments — Road Locomotives, Steam Rollers, Steam Wagons and Steam Tractors" — R. Hawthorne (slides). 3.30 Tea. 4.00 Engines at work — R. Hawthorne (slides) 5.00 "Traction Engine Clubs and Rallies" — M. Harmsworth. 5.30 "Traction Engines in preservation" — J. H. Hobbs (films) 7,60 Ciose. Details of fees, public transport from Reading and application forms can be obtained from P. J. R. Trout, Esq., Langtree Further Education Centre, Woodcote, Reading.

APPROVED RALLIES LIST Every year our Secretary, George Beck, expands his mailing list for circulating the list of Approved Rallies. Copies of the list go to the A.A., R.A.C., The British Tourist Authority, London Tourist Board, many area and rural Tourist Offices, Information Centres, Libraries. Travel Agencies, Preservation Societies and MANY other bodies George received over 250 enquiries for the list following an article on Engines that appeared in B.T.A. magazine "In Britain". All this emphasises the value to rallies of being "approved", and in some measure answers the question "what do THEY do"? Enquiries regarding rally approval and/or notification of dates for 1973 to Geo. Beck, 127, Greenstead Road, Loughton, Essex.

PARTS Messrs Stalker Bros., Engineers, Castle Gate, Penrith, Cumberland have some items of gearing for a 6 h.p. McLaren engine which include the small final drive pinion (13 teeth) and the small pinion (15 teeth) on second shaft. They have some Aveling & Porter steering worm gears and also parts for Hornsby Trussers. Any one interested should contact the firm as soon as possible. They may have to move from their present works and these items could be scrapped.

STOP PRESS As we go to press we are informed that the East Anglian T.E. Club has just become. affiliated to N.T.E.C. It is indeed good to know that this large and influential club is now allied with us.

4

MEN OF STEAM FRANKLIN E. CHEFFINS By "DRAWPIN" Frank Cheffins was not born into a steam family, although as farmers, his people were in the habit of using contractors for both threshing and cultivating, and it was then that Frank as a small boy first made his acquaintance with the thing that has played such an i mportant part in his life. The first engine that he can recall as visiting his father's farm was a n old Foster single cylinder owned by the local threshing contractor and it was not long before he was making attempts to get on to the footplate. By the time he was eight years old he had learned a little about the art of firing, and this knowledge increased rapidly, until finally he was allowed to steer for a short distance on the road. It did not matter that the steering wheel was almost out of his reach and he still recalls this incident with much pleasure. The next real highspot followed when he was thirteen. when he was told that if he stayed away from the engine for a whole day, he would be allowed to drive it when the set was moved in the late afternoon. This promise was kept and he was in charge of the engine and tackle for a short run to the next farm. It is not hard to imagine the thrill of a boy taking his first trip at the controls of an engine on the road, and perhaps this is what set the pattern which has held his interest over the years. Curiously enough, when the cultivating gang visited the farm, he was forbidden to go near them. perhaps as his parents knew of the dangers of accidents among rope hauled implements, the only time when this strict instruction was relaxed was when he was allowed a quick look in the living van. Steam cultivation was in use a great deal in his part of Lincolnshire at that time, and at certain times of the year it was possible to see three sets at work within sight of his home. Ward & Dale would certainly own one of the sets, but there were others owned by local contractors. Competition was brisk it seems, for if Ward & Dale had a set at work in the area ,and another contractors appeared nearby, then the Sleaford headquarters was informed, and another set dispatched as soon as possible, lest any work be lost to them. Perhaps this would appear to be a somewhat greedy attitude to one's neighbours, but there would be no sentiment in business. and Ward & Dale did not build their business on sentiment. Frank left school at lifteen, and within a short time he was given an apprenticeship at Messrs Marshall's of Gainsborough, and this was in the early 1920's. His mother took young Frank by train to Gainsborough and was a little worried as to how he would settle in lodgings so far from his home. She had little need to worry for as they awaited the train to take Mrs. Cheffins back to her home, a set of threshing tackle appeared. It was a full set of Marshall tackle, and in the twilight was running with lamps, and his mother's train could not leave quickly enough for Frank to hurry off and see how the Marshall machinery differed from the Foster equipment that he was accustomed to looking at. For those people who do not know the town of Gainsborough, it is necessary to realise that Marshall's were far and away the biggest employerof labour for miles around the town. Apart from the main Britann ia Works, there were two other smaller establishments, and at this time all were hard at work. Unhappily in these days Britannia Works bears little resemblance of it's real self, but in the early 1920's the boom in engineering was very evident in this little town, although bad days were but a few short months away. For young Frank there was much to learn and even more to see. Steam engines of every tpye were being manufactured, tested and shipped out to all parts of the world. The threshing 5

and tea plantation machinery side was also full of orders, and he began his apprenticeship journey through the shops. Amongst the multitude of interesting engines at the Works in that period, there was a batch of eight big 8 h.p. compound traction engines which had been ordered by the Company's Greek Agent. They were never sent to the customer for various reasons, and they remained on their hands for some time. Over a length of several years they were gradually got rid of, and the last of them went in the early 1930's Another engine of note was a 7 h.p. piston valve compound traction, 81337, and the biggest of this type to be built for the Home Market. It was shopped out in September 1926 to a local contractor and was considered to be the finest engine to have left the Works. Unfortunately this turned out to be incorrect, and as the months went by fitters had to be sent out regularly to attend to her various ailments. Mostly the trouble seemed to be with the valves, and finally she was towed back into Gainsborough with a broken crankshaft. Frank had heard about her reputation and was interested enough to worry the fitter engaged on her repair, until at length he was told of the trouble. It seemed that some casting flash had remained in the ports after the block casting had been fettled prior to machining. This fault never became apparent during testing and it was despatched to the customer. Why this should have happened is not clear, but the fault was rectified and the engine was later sold into South Wales. but did not survive into preservation days. Frank was not long in residence in Gainsborough before the Fair arrived He had certainly been to a Fair befor but he had never seen any of the line Showman's engines which arrived. It would be correct to say that they were hardly as ornate as many of the fine examples which we are accustomed to seeing today, but the sight of these big engines in working trim fascinated him. In those days it would be possible to see engines owned by G. T. Tuby & Sons, Harniess Bros. and Wroot Bros., all on the Name gJutual atictidiiig the !ides witieit they travelled. As tittle went by he got to know many of the drivers, and soon was on friendly terms with them. Among the engines he came to know well was Harniess Bros. Fowler "Enterprise" and Tuby's Burrell "Doncaster" that he first made the aquaintance of Alderman G. T. Tuby. The Alderman spotted a visitor on one of his beloved Burrell's and came to see who it was, but as the youth seemed to be doing all right no word passed between them. It was at the Gainsborough Mart Fair that he first made aquaintance of the Fowler 15658 "His Lordship", the only Fowler to be built as a true Scenic type, which was then owned by Harniess Bros. The Fairground proved to be a big attraction to Frank, and as he owned a cycle it was possible to get to Lincoln Fair, where it was possible to see as many as sixteen engines all at work with their respective rides, and Lincoln Fair was his first meeting with the engines belonging to Holland's, who were regular attenders in those days. Meanwhile at work, things were not so happy as they had been. A serious trade depression had fallen on the world, and this was making it's impression on Marshall's Often only enough work would be in hand to give the men three days a week, and orders were dwindling sharply. Marshall's were looking for fresh places in which to apply their expertise, and one of the new ideas was a combined harvester. There was nothing very new about the "combine" in those days as North America and Canada had used them for some years. but Marshall's had not built them. Ii was true that they knew how to build fine threshing machines, and they built an experimental combine. This was tested at Wellingore near Lincoln, with an early type of Marshall diesel tractor to pull it, and Frank was in the team which conducted the field tests. It was successful, and production was commenced, but only on a limited basis. Little information is now available about the production model, except that a photo available would seem to suggest that it was a bagger type, as in those days all corn went into Railway bags so far as this part of the world was concerned. No doubt it would be offered with a tank alternative to a North American buyer, but it must have been hard in sell anything of this kind to the Americans who had a number of firms already building

them. Whatever happened, not many seem to have been sold, and it must have been a great disappointment to the Firm that so little interest was shown in their new product. A number of new steam engines were still being erected at the Works. more on the stationary side, and among these were a set of four drilling engines for oil wells. Frank was "out of his time" by then, and he was put on to erecting one of them, along with an apprentice. After erection it was taken to the Test Bed, and one of the proudest moments of his life was when it was passed out straight away and taken to the Paint Shop for despatching. There is no doubt that his good training had made it's mark felt, for this was the only one of the four to be passed out without additional work to be done. He had been well schooled not only with file and scraper, but in the art of valve facing and setting, but as he would say, he only reflected what his instructors had taught him to do. About this time, around 1931, trade in general had got into such a bad state that Marshall's were compelled to lay oft a thousand men, and before many weeks had passed, almost the same number were to go in addition. This was a very serious blow to the district as there was little alternative work to be found. Frank was lucky to be still in a job, but it was touch and go. The Company in their quest for work received an order for steam rollers from Ford's of Wokingham, Berkshire. and the end product was the "Universal" type road roller. A fairly large order for these came from a firm of German contractors working in Turkey, initially for twelve machines and later increased by fifteen, which certainly helped things on a bit. One roller of this type of order by the Sandringham Estate Co. and when this was completed, Frank was offered the job of taking it and staying there as the driver, it seemed that the Estate driver was not in favour of the new type of roller which had been bought for him. Frank accepted the job, and was all set to go, when the old driver relented and decided to take what was inevitable, or lose his job. Then the blow fell on Frank, and he was out of work. During the short time working of the previous months he had travelled around the local engine owners and was on friendly terms with all of them, but most prominent of them was the Bradshaw family of Sturton by Stow. The Bradshaw business was founded by the late Mr. J. Bradshaw who had been in the contract trade since the 1860's when he bought a Foster portable engine and set of tackle. He was still alive at this time, but it was his son Arthur, who became a close friend to Frank. Arthur had worked the family business up until it was in quite a large way, and apart from the threshing work, he had included road haulage in his scope. The family were great on Foster tackle, and when the Lincoln Firm finally started to build traction engines they were among the first customers. A few years later they were to buy Foster 2241 the first compound engine. and 8 h.p. machine of 1897. Through the Bradshaw's, Frank was able to help himself by finding work with threshing gangs, and although he does not say so, no doubt his engineering help was appreciated from time to time. The Brandshaw's went out of threshing at the end of the last war, to concentrate on road haulage, and this Firm is still in existence today under the title of J. W. Bradshaw & Sons, and occasionally one of their low loaders can be seen on the Rally field conveying engines to or from. It was at this time that an important thing happened to Frank — something which was to change his life for several years to come. Lincoln Fair was open ,and he cycled over to see his friends on the engines. Whilst there he met his close friend George Paver who told him that Harry Tuby was short of a driver. Harry was open at Lincoln. and his ride was being travelled by Burrell 4000 "Ex Mayor", which was then a comparatively new engine. Frank had seen this engine before, and although it was then even newer, it was not in such good condition as one would have expected. The driver of the time was not renowned for his expertise, a fact which was all the more apparent when this engine had to have a new firebox and other heavy repairs when less than ten years old. George promised to put in a good word for his friend, but before Frank left the Fair. he saw Harry Tuby and found that a new man had been taken on to drive the "Ex Mayor". Mr. Tuby went on to say that he did not think his new 7

man would stay very long, and that Frank would have the first chance if he left. Frank went home to Gainsborough. and waited for three weeks before a letter came. It was from Harry Tuby who was then open at Epworth in the Isle of Axholme. Frank caught a bus, and found he could only get a part of the way, so then he had to borrow a cycle to complete his journey. This cost him a pound in the way of a deposit. He found Harry Tuby, without a driver, and faced with a move, so it was decided there and then that Frank should have a trial. He was asked if he really could drive, to which he replied that he could, although his experience was very limited and an engine the size of this huge 10 h.p. compound was fur beyond his capabilities, so he thought. Frank recalls standing on the footplate and looking out over the motion and down at the ground, and carefully opening the regulator. There were plenty of steam leaks from glands. and the boiler badly needed washing out, but away they went. After a mile or two he was told by Mr. Tuby, who was on the wheel, to engage high gear, and his confidence increased, he .really felt at home, and with Mr. Tuby satisfi ed he got himself a new job. From then on, Frank travelled for some months with "Ex Mayor" until he received a letter from his old employers at Gainsborough saying that Ford's of Wokingharn needed a driver for one of the Marshall Universal rollers which were on contract in Scotland. He told Harry Tuby, who tried to persuade him against making a move, but in the end they parted company, a thing which Frank says he regretted. The reason for his regret was well founded, for after only a short time in Scotland, much of the Public Works way hrnngbi to an And, and again Frank was out of work. It was not however, a waste of time in Scotland, for whilst there he was able to get to know many members of the famous Scottish Showland families, a thing which he remembers with much pleasure. Eventually he loaded the roller on to rail to Gainsborough for overhaul, and he himself returned to find that he had a job once again with Harry Tuby on the "Ex Mayor". A short time after his return to the Tuby business, he met John North, son of William North of Denaby, and well known in Show business. One of North's engines at that time was a Burrell 2268, "The Councillor" which had been new to G. T. Tuby in 1900, and owned by him until 1924. It was involved in an accident, in which the rear axle was broken, and was then sold for scrap. The scrapper fitted another axle, sold it to William North and it continued in service for him. It was decided between John North and Frank that a partnership might be a good idea, for Frank was enjoying his life on the road. Eventually the agreement was that North should provide the engine, in this case "The Councillor" and Frank to buy the ride. The ride decided on was a Noah's Ark owned by Miles Jervis of Chasetown in Staffordshire ,and at that time lying at Liverpool. This was purchased and got back to Yorkshire, and overhauled as far as possible. Just when Frank thought that business was due to commence it was found that John North had lost one of his best grounds, due to a rent query. This was at Conisborough, and somewhat dismayed, the partners gave the ride it's first run in new ownership at an obscure ground in Sheffield. Time was short, as a booking was in hand at Honingworth near Rochdale, but two days were left in which to travel the engine and ride over the Pennines. On the morning that they were due to leave Sheffield, John North broke the perch bracket whilst doing it full lock turn. A repair was done by a focal welder but it lost them a day's travelling, and left but ono day for the hard journey. At six the next morning the party left Sheffield, "The Councillor" pulling two loads and the living wagon, and North pulling the centre truck behind his lorry. During my own working life, 1 have come to know the Pennine crossing over Woodhead very well indeed, so I can appreciate Frank's feelings on that morning as he left Sheffield behind him. with the long drag up to Flouch Moor in front of him, and moat of it in low gear, for the engine was only a two speeder. And beyond Flouch, the long siege over Woodhead, many miles of downhill on the brake into Chester, and then more collar work from Mottram to the top of Stalybridge. I would hardly think there was a flat quarter of a mile all the way. Coupled to this was the fact that "The Councillor" had only a small belly tank, and on fiat 8

Frank Cheffins standing by his first set. Fowler No. 11365 6 h.p. Ex Chris Hunt.

The "Old Fowler" No. 8788. Ex E. Knowles. 9

running the next fill up was always a worry, with full range only eight or nine miles. True, you could get water going over the Pennines as there were more drains and ditches than we sec today, but he would have to fill up ❑ ften. Frank made his destination at eleven o'clock that night, after surmounting one of the worst hills he had ever climbed. He says that had it been day light he would never have tried to get up with a complete train, and the downward trip took him most of an hour. From then onwards, business seemed to do fairly well, over the months the partners worked hard and got a decent round of grounds to attend, with usually a place to stay open all winter. It was never an easy job, because the tackle had to be constantly repaired and maintained, but most of all "The Councillor" was most needful of care. No doubt her best days were behind her when Cheffins & North first went into business, but Frank's training at Gainsborough stood him in good stead to keep the tackle on the road. In addition to this he built a new front for the Noah's Ark and transformed the looks of the machine altogether. During the five years which the partnership ran, the little train covered a vast mileage. After wintering in Wolverhampton one year they set off to Ilkley at Easter. The journey took three days and was done by way of Derby, Sheffield, Barnsley, Wakefield and Leeds, taking some really heavy country in their stride. From here they worked through several of the smaller grounds to liedon near Hull, and on leaving there went to Boston. This run was done from Hull t❑ Boston by way of Keadby Bridge and took two days. It was followed by a real barnstormer from Boston to Shipley, the worst trip Frank can remember. Just about everything "The Councillor" could have wrong, went wrong. Late at night between Wakefield and Tingley the tubes started to leak. That was the last straw. Frank found a horse stable, and mixed a brew of horse manure and a little water in his bucket. he uncoupled the water pipe from tank to the injector and coupled the injector direct to the bucket and fed the "brew' into the 'oo Piet. It stopped the leaks all right but he had Lo wash out at ♦Inc end of the trip. Another hurried run Frank recalls was from Rotherham to Wainfleet and the year ended with a return run back to Wolverhampton from Alford. About this time, it was evident that "The Councillor" would soon have to be replaced, and it was known that another Burrell number 4030, "The Dolphin" was up for sale. Frank was anxious to buy her, for a big 10 h.p. engine with three speeds was just what was needed, but it was here that the two men disagreed, and the partnership broke up. Frank stayed on in Wolverhampton, and got a job with the Wellman Smith & Owen Company in Darlaston building rolling mill machinery but left when work became slack, and joined Boulton & Paul for a short time, but again had to leave due to work shortage. He had married during his time in the Black Country, and wished to stay there, and next got a job with Sentinel's at Shrewsbury. He did not go on to the steam side, but found employment on a department which was engaged on making machine tools, and here his bench training with Marshall's stood him in excellent stead. Whilst with Sentinel's he went home to Croft for a visit, and found that local threshing contractor was anxious to sell his business and tackle. The man was Ward Allenby and he had a pretty little Fowler 6 h.p. single on offer with it's tackle. Frank bought him out as a going concern, and kept the driver on to run the business and returned to the Midlands. This was at the outbreak of the last war, and he remained in the Sentinel Works for a further year, but by the time threshing had commenced in 1940, he learned that his driver was not at work. A trip home was made, and it was found that his driver had gone on a dredging job and so Frank decided to run it himself. His return for that season was only moderate, but he was determined to get some more tackle, and another set was bought complete with an old Allehin engine. Ins second year was much better, and after the end of the season in his area, he went down to Leicestershire for the W.A.E.C. and by the time he returned to his home, he had cleared £100, not a bad sum for those days. Work continued to do well and soon four sets were at work averaging 160 days work a year, with one set topping 200. In the last year of the war, 10

one of the engines which he bought was an old Fowler 6 h.p. compound. This was bought from the late Mr. E. Knowles of Braithwell and was numbered 8788. He and one of his drivers, Jim Hebden — known to so many Rally goers, went to Braithwell for a week to fit a set of rubbers to the old Fowler, and bring her back to Croft. The engine was in poor condition, and to quote Jim, "she had no exhaust beat — just one long roar up the chimney", however she made the trip via Gainsborough and picked up a brand new Marshall threshing machine and brought it to the new home.

The 7 h.p. single cylinder Allchin.

11

Burrell "Ex-Mayor" No. 4000, photographed in 1968 by R. M. Woodruff.

Once at home. Frank set about her and gave her an overhaul worthy of today's standards. Amongst other items, it was found that the slide valve on the high pressure side was almost non-existent. and what was left of the piston rings fell out in Frank's hands when the pistons were drawn. The engine went back to work in very fine condition, but alas, so far as steam threshing was concerned in East Lines, twelve o'clock had struck. Many owners were turning to the use of tractors and Frank did the same. Inevitably, the combined harvester came more into use until only the smallest amount of work was left for the threshing machines. Frank had bought a couple of sets of Fowler ploughers in the war years, and even these engines were out of work, as the bigger crawler tractors began to appear on the Fens. It cannot have been a very happy time in the contracting business, but perhaps one bright moment came at Croft when G. T. Toby & Sons went out of steam haulage, and sold the Burrell 4000 "Ex Mayor" to Frank. She came to her new home as a retired engine, but occasionally got taken out, usually to tow another engine home, but her working days were over. Quite an interesting collection of engines could be found in both of Frank's yards, at Croft and Burgh le Marsh, but at the time no one could forsee that steam was ever going to be of use again, and so they were broken up. Only "Ex Mayor" was kept, and she was eventually sold, but again to a preservation owner. Frank has no engines in these days. but his engineering experience is invaluable and he can usually be found in his spare time hard at work on engines currently being overhauled. Whilst preparing this article, I visited his home and found that he had only a few days previously attended the Burrell Reunion at Chelmsford as one might have guessed he would. He feels that the preservation work which has been done on "Es Mayor" is really magnificent. He went on to say, "1 really believe that she runs better now than when she was with Tuby's, and she was good then," Well Frank ought to know, for he is a Man of Steam. 12

REMINISCENCES OF ST. GILES' FAIR By V. KIRK (continued)

The long awaited sight of the 5 a.m. Monday morning draw in came. I remember my chief worry that night was that my alarm clock would fail and I would miss it — which never happened I am pleased to say. The approach to St. Giles along Beaumont Street, the route the engines and loads took from the parking places at the station goods yard, was at that time lit by gas street lamps. This scene, when the first engine and loads came into sight with paraffin flare lamps hanging from her dynamo bracket to light the way, would require a much better writer than I to do justice to this magnificent scene. The darkness of the street added to the spectacle, as I don't thing many of the engines had their spark arresters in place judging by the shower of sparks that used to shoot up into the night as the drivers opened their regulators. Mixed up with the engines and loads were the Tilling-Stevens' f.w.d.. 1914-18 war-types, Albion, Dennis lorry of the sideshows and smaller Showmen — a truly wonderful sight. I have also seen on the engines. parraffin hurricane lamps hanging from their dynamo platform as well as the engines' normal oil and side lamps and two large lamps. The police were on duty at the entrance to St. Giles' to check the permits, which were round discs stuck on the engines and loads. Some Showmen when they placed their centres in place Saturday night in St. Giles would hang a length of twin electric cable with several lamps and holders. On the Monday morning this would be connected to the engine dynamo, the belt put on, and the engine would then run the lights until daylight came along. Other Showmen had to make do with the light they could obtain from hurricane oil lanters to get their levels when building up the bottoms of their machines. During recent years I have often thought of those wonderful days. From the Showman's point of view it must have been hard times when when one considers they were, after the build up, on the go until 11.0 p.m. Truly a hard time for men and engines and all. The next year I have special memorys — as 1 always consider this to be my best and one of my happiest years. Yes 1933 had a good start, for in August of that year the G.W.R. fete and flower show was held on the Botley Road recreation ground. 1 have a lot of surprises when arriving on the ground during Wednesday of that August week. As I got close the unbelievable sight of what looked like all of Jacob Studts' engines and rides, including the Diving Dolphin Scenic and my favourite engine, "Morning Star". I spent the next two days there watching the Diving Dolphin Scenic being built up. Jacob Studts used the tractor — a 1914-18 War, U.S.A.. solid tyred, articulated unit detached from its trailer — which was used to carry the bottom plates of the dodgem track and to shunt the empty trucks as unloaded. The fair opened on the Friday evening with very large crowds of visitors, followed by the fete and flower show on the Saturday. 1 shall long remember the right ❑f Jacob Studts' five engines in line, close to the stream where they all had their lift pipes for drawing water. The wonderful sight of the Diving Dolphin Scenic fully built up with waterfall at the rear of the organ. A popular dance tune of the year was "Stormy Weather", which was played on a record turntable placed under the hill of the Scenic and relayed to the other machines by the tannoy system. After being at the fair and fete every minute possible I watched the pull down and departure on the Sunday morning. The entrance where the engines and loads used to get on to the ground was Helen Road. which was quite narrow, with terrace houses each side, ending with the entrance gates and a 13

John Thurston's Burrells No. 3200 "Unity" and No. 2462 "Alexandra" at St. Giles' Fair 1945. Photo V. King.

bridge (the bridge has since been widened). At the time Showmen used to take one load at a time in, uncoupling their three trucks in Helen Road. Ail this used to be very interesting and I believe, if my memory is correct, they could go out with all three trucks behind the engine. After the fete it was not long to St. Giles Fair, held early in September. Towards the end of August bills appeared round Oxford with the good news that, after some years absence, the famous Rodeo Switchback of W. Wilsons would definitely be appearing at the fair that year. With Studts' Scenic being at the fete I wondered if too this fine machine would attend. I did not have long to wait as on the Friday before the fair the loads of Jacob Studts' Diving Dolphin started to draw on to the G.W.R. goods yard in Becket Street. The day previous the loads of F. Wilson's Switchback motors. hauled by the two Burrcls No. 3272 "King George V" and No. 3273 "Queen Mary", arrived in l3oticy Road, Oxford. They filled their tanks at the road-side stream before pulling on to Paines' field, Ferry Hinskey Road, where the engines, being very travel stained were polished and cleaned during the following two days. The rods of the Switchback were also polished and the run-ups of the machine painted a light blue colour. A vast amount of wooden boxes were got ready for use in packing. When building up on the Monday morning in the dark, due to the steep camber of the road (some two or three feet) the showmen always had (I should think on hire from the breweries) loads of beer crates which were stacked in St. Giles Saturday evening, ready for use as packing on Monday morning. On the Saturday evening during the building up of the centres in St. Giles', at 6.0 p.m., Jacob Studts' organ, centre of the ❑iving Dolphin Scenic. nearly came to grief. Due to Iack of packing under the run-up skids, while the organ was being roped up by the Burrell No. 2967 "Morning Star" on its gantry, both the skids broke, letting the organ down with a bump. Fortunately the organ appeared to have suffered no damage as on the Monday, when the fair was in full swing, it played as good as ever. I think the preview to this happened in the morning of that day. as I remember watching the arrival of some of Studts' Scenic loads at the G.W.R. goods yard, Becket Street. In the street the parts of the gantry were off loaded from one of the trucks and assembled, afterwards being lifted by the winding drum rope, through the turret pulley of the Burrell 14

"Morning Star". where by a axle and a pair of wheels were placed under the middle of the gantry, which was then let down, and later that evening towed behind the engine and organ truck uv to St. Giles, John Flanagan's Foster No. 1452 "Victory ' was one of the first engine and Gallopers centre trucks to arrive at St. Giles that Saturday evening, coming into Oxford from Cowley. along Long Wall Street, via Broad Street into St. Giles. The men had some time to wait until 6.0 p.m. and drank tea from a coffee stall that used to stand in St. Giles, at the southern end by the Martyris Memorial and Balliol College. Flanagan's Foster had yellow painted wheels. After all the machine centres had been placed in position and sheeted up the engines departed. One could stand on the opposite side of St. Giles and see W. Wilson's Rodeo Switchback centre, followed by F. Wilson's (formerly T. Clark's) motors Switchback centre, the organ centre of Jacob Studts' Diving Dolphin Scenic, the gaps of three modern rides of Thurstons, and finally Flanagan's steam Gallopers centre. Three steam driven rides, with W. Nicholls' steam driven Gallopers and Waddington's steam Yachts starting from scratch on Monday. Sunday saw a great number of people walking through St. Giles to see centres, and afterwards down to the station to see the fine Showman's engines: Thurston's three Burrells "Unity", "Victory", and "Alexandra" were the first at the old L.M.S. station. Two of the Burrells were always drawn out on the station forcourt with their front wheels run up on some wood packing to keep the water level of their boilers well over the firebox crowns. The other Burrel or Thurstons was at the station's nearby coal yard, Rowley Road. All the engines fires being banked down ready for draw in Monday morning. Neat in the G.W.R. goods yard, Becket Street, the engines and Scenic loads of Jacob Studts were all coupled up ready, and at the Botley Road end of Becket Street, on the slope, were the Burrell and Fowler of H. P. Studts with the Swirl and Dodgem loads. Further along the Botley Road. at Ferry Hinskey Lane, were the two Burrells of F. Wilson — "King George V" and "Queen Mary" — looking very smart after three days cleaning, also fires banked down and loads coupled up. There were large crowds of visitors to sec the engines and loads and I remember the Salvation Army being in attendance giving a service in such a setting. The two Burrells and Switchback loads drawn up near the entrance gates, the green side sheets in position; the side shows and smaller Showman's lorrys and loads; caravans; here too were, beside the popular Tilling Stevens' cx buses, very many examples of 1914-18 lorrys, Stevens, Albion f.wd. and Peerless. Monday morning I was in my usual position with a large crowd at the corner of Beaumont Street and St. Giles. The draw in was even better than the previous year, due to the extra loads of the two Switchbacks and Scenic. I have mentioned already W. Nicholls' Gallopers having ,to be built up from scratch, with the centre being roped up in the dark on the Monday. The amazing part being this was always the first machine to open, the fire in the centre engine being lit before the machine was finished being built up. The Scenic of Jacob Studts was built up less the watefall at the rear of the organ, where the plain boards of the organ centre truck could be seen. Here too, I think, was where the skill of the Showman came in. With the camber of the road, where the two Switchbacks and Studts' Scenic were built up, being quite steep I always was amazed to watch the Showmen setting the spider bottom of the Scenic and Switchbacks up on beer crates, railways sleepers and other packing, which, when finished, to my mind was a work of art. By nine o'clock in the morning the fair was in full swing. I can truthfully say I spent as much time there as possible, not coming away until 10.0 p.m. One could walk round the rear of the fair from the St. Martyris Memorial end of St. Odes' where W. Nicholls' Gallopers and Chairoplanes were with the two Burrells No. 3964 "Princess Mary" and No. 2562 "Empress of the South", and by the time you had a look at all the Showman's engines and arrived at the other end of St. Giles some hours would have gone by. I know it used to go all to quick. There seem so much movement with 15

the two spinning top Switchbacks, and sound of bells being rung on the sideshows, and not forgetting the three side by side coal fired fried fish and chip carts that used to stand near the St. Giles' Church end of the fair. About the last engine I would see before going home, being also the last one at that end of the fair, was the old Fowler No. 9817 "Progress" of Waddington. She had to drive the lights on the steam Yachts during the evening. She had a easy time and I well remember seeing under her canopy, at some time, some one had painted roses, which could be seen under a covering of oil which had been thrown up by the motion. Two engines that seemed to always be working at their limit were the Burrell No. 3371 "Lord George" and Fowler No. 9502 "King Edward" of H. P. Studts driving the Swirl and Dodgems. These two engines used to stand side by side near Pusey Street. The last view I had of the fair on my way home was the Wild Animal Show of ChipperBelds, and Neville Rainsley's wonderful model show "The Smallest Show on Earth" which besides the little Showman's engine, on front included a model Switchback, Chairoplanes, Theatre, etc., not forgetting the model city, with little ships at sea, airships flying overhead, tiny trains all moving, and some of the moving items were not much larger than the head of a pin. That year also saw the largest number of Showman's engines to attend for a number of years. Also the largest number of organs present for some time, there being five large organs as follows: W. Nicholls, W. Wilson with the Switchback, F. Wilson's Switchback, Jacob Studts with the Scenic and John Flanagan with the Gallopers. Looking back it does not seem nearly 40 years (If the ,mgines present that year only six of the fifteen have survived, being W. Nicholls' Burrell No. 3949 "Princess Mary", W. Wilson's Burrell No. 3938 "Quo Vadis", the three Burrells of Thurston's No. 3200 "Unity", No. 2462 "Alexandra" and No. 3827 "Victory", and John Flanagan's Foster No. 14502 "Victory". Both the two sets of Gallopers survived. W. Wilson's famous Switchback I am pleased tto say is still with us, owned fui a iiumbei of yuais by Billy ivikuitting of Southsea, who has the machine in his amusement park. Mr. Manning, together with Percy Coles, have the only two Switchbacks in existence and deserve our sincere thanks. Percy Coles still travells his machine. Jacob Studts' famous Dolphin Scenic was broken up in the early 1960s, its last resting place being at Lickey Hills, near Birmingham, ending its last days being just the track and ears used — a sad ending for such a magnificent machine. John Thurston's famous "little machine" motor Switchback ended its days the same way in an amusement park up north where it was broken up during the early 1950s. F. Wilson's motors (formerly T. Clark's) was broken up during the late 1940s. or early 1950s. It think their great size in the case of the Scenic was their undoing. During the summer of 1934 I started to go to the cinema each week, usually the second house. It was on these outings I would often encounter Showman's engines and loads en route pulled in for the night on the Gloucester Green lorry and car park which, at that time, had recently been changed front its former use of the Oxford cattle market to its new purpose (now the present Oxford bus station). At that time there was only one entrace, near the corner of George Street and Worcester Street, followed by a road which went round the outer edge of the car park. A relic of its former use when the centre formed the part where the cattle pens and sheds stood, afterwards being cleared to form the new car park. It was on this road where the showman used to pull in for the night with their engines and loads. I have at different times, from its market time days until its closure as a heavy goods park about 1936, seen pulled in for the night most Showman's engines and loads of the Showmen who travelled in the home counties of Oxfordshire, Bucks and from the London area. With the exception of C and J. Thurston, the eastern countries showman, who apart from St. Giles used to attend shows in the Oxford area, I have never seen engines and loads of this firm pulled in here. The Gloucester Green was also a favourite over-night stopping place for the steam wagons of haulage contractors.' have also seen numerous steam

.ge

16

rollers pulled in there for the night. and one night a steam wagon tar sprayer. 1 believe this was a Manns as I knew the Foden type wagons quite well and it was not of this firms make. Of all the Showmen who used to pull in for the night the engines and loads of the South Wales riding master Jacob Studt surpassed all others. During the summer months it seemed hardly a month went by but one or more of this firm's engines would pull in for the night enroute from South Wales to some fair or hospital fete in the London area. 1 rarely ever saw them arrive. If they got to Oxford early in the afternoon they would carry on straight through, and if later in the evening (7 p.m. onwards) they would pull in on the Gloucester Green. I would usually pass through there about 5 p.m. on my way to the cinema and on my return somewhere about 8 p.m. I would often have the welcome sight of two or more of Jacob Studts' engines with the machine loads of the Swirl, Dodgens or Ark pulled in. There drivers, steersmen men having gone to seek lodgings for the night, or perhaps were having a pint in the nearby Greyhound hostelry. should think the mileage completed by Jacob Studts' engines during a season would hardly be surpassed. I know some north country showmen used to have some long runs over difficult country. When you think of it Stocks would be open at some miners' gala in the Rhondda Vally one weekend with the Scenic. Dodgems or Ark, and on the following week would be opened in the London area or in Dorset. While visiting South Wales a few years ago I paused a while at Chepstow and could in my mind picture Jacob Studts' engines negotiating the awkward passage under the archway, with the steep climb up the hill that follows. What stories could be written about those journeys of Studts' engines and their long hauls with the Scenic? I often think what a pity none of the former drivers or machine men have ever written down some accounts of those days. About 1934 my father started to take the Showman's weekly paper, "The World's Fair", mainly for my benefit as knowing of my interests, we could follow the reports on fairs in other areas ,and there were quite often photographs of Showman's engines with their machine loads or working at their tasks at a fair. My father, who until joining the Army in 1916, had been in the theatre and was familiar with the "World's Fair", having taken it occasionally while on tour. He later joined the Post Office following the slump and settled down in Oxford, my mother's home town. A colleague of my father in the Post Office, a Mr. Wade of Botley, used to deliver our "World's Fair" on the Saturday morning. He was a life long enthusiast of the fairground and to visit a good fair would travel as far as Shropshire. His son Harold and I would meet during the building of the machines at the G.W.R. fete and other shows during the summer. Harold, having built a model Showman's engine before his fourteenth birthday, followed some years later with a fine model Noah's Ark. I always used to look forward to the Band Contest held early in May at the recreation ground, Botley Road, being the first event in a new season. Among the Showmen who used to attend were: W. Nicholls with their Gallopers and Chairoplanes. The Burrell No. 2562 "Empress of the South" and Tillings Stevens lorry fitted with a framebody used to carry the Chairophanes and could, if required, drive the machine as well, being a petrol electric vehicle. I remember also visiting that year (1934) a fete held during the summer in Tuckwells Meadow off the Abingdon Road. W. Nicholls were present with their Gallopers and Chairoplanes along with their Burrell "Empress of the South" and Tillings lorry. During that year and several times during the following years my father arriving home mid-day, would say one of Jacob Studts' engines was stopped near the canal bridge in Hythe Bridge Street filling her water tanks. I would rush off, sometimes too late, only to see the tail-end of the loads go round the corner at the end of the street, near the old L.M.S. station, but mostly in time as they usually had to uncouple the trucks and back 17

the engine in the Fisher Row alongside the river, which ran parallel with the canal. With the approach of the 1934 G.W.R. floral fete I hoped we would Studts' Diving Dolphin Scenic. This was not be see our old favourite be, however, as the flower show that year was a mere shadow of the previous years. No Scenic, if my memory is correct. Jacob Studts attended with the Noah's Ark, Dodgems and the Swirl, with the Burrells No. 3967 "Morning Star", No. 3642 "General French" and Fowler No. 9501 "Queen Alexandra". This did not look too promising for the possibility of the Scenic attending St. Giles'. By Thursday mid-day of the week before St. Giles', F. Wilson's Burrells No. 3272 "King George V" and No. 3273 "Queen Mary" arrived in Batley Road, Oxford, with one engine hauling three trucks of the Switchback and the other Burrel hauling three loads of the Noah's Ark. After filling the tanks from the stream which ran parallel with the Botley Road, near the river bridge, they then pulled on to Palsies* Field. Fes iy 1-linskey Road. Afterwards one of the Burrells went off to the railway station goods yard, returning with two car trucks of the Switchback, which had be sent by rail, enabling the two machines to travel using two Burrells. At least we were going to have one Switchback and, as it later turned out, that was all. Little did I know this would be the last time Torn Clark's famous Switchback would attend St. Giles after being present for over 30 years. On Saturday morning Jacob Studts Burrell No. 3967 "Morning Star" pulled onto the G.W.R. goods yard with the loads of a new machine called the "Mont Blanc", which came in place of the Scenic. We were to see another of this type of ride. under a different name, called the "Airways" which belonged to Pat Collins. It arrived in Oxford on the Friday evening. pulling on to Paines' field, the three loads being hauled by an engine I had not seen before — Fowler No. 14424 "Dreadnought". T well remember looking at the three loads of Jacob Studts' Mont Blanc. The centre truck was on solid rubber tyred wheels, as also were the other two trucks. One being a former box trailer oft' a Scammell artic. unit fitted with a forecarriage, and by looking at a certain angle the name of its former owners could still be seen under the new coat of maroon paint, being owned at one time by the International Stores. The attraction at St. Giles' that year apart from the two new rides mentioned was very much the same as previous years of the 1930s except 1933. W. Nicholls with their new ride the Noah's Ark in place of their famous Gallopers, which left only the motor Switchback of F. Wilsons, the Gallopers of John Flanagan the only old-tyme rides present, not forgetting the steam Yachts of A. Birds. A few weeks after St. Giles' Fair I happened to be passing through the Gloucester Green lorry park on evening some time around 6 p.m., and had the pleasant surprise of seeing, pulled in for the night, two of Jacob Studts' Burrells No. 3967 "Morning Star" and No. 3579 "Monarch" with some of the Scenic loads. "Morning Star" having two car trucks, and Monarch" the Organ centre truck, and gates and bottom of the machine trucks. The three Scenery trucks must have been sent by rail as one of these bow topped Scenery trucks had very small wooden wheels and was not suitable to travel far by road. It is possible the Scenic had been opened at Thame Show and was returning to Jacob Studts' depot — part of the 1914-18 war aerodrome near Witney — where it remained until 1940. I did not see this old favourite again until 1944 when I was in the Army and for a time stationed near Nottingham. A holiday at home fair was staged on the site of the Goose Fair, and not only was the Scenic present but also the Burrell No. 3967 "Morning Star", used to drive the machine and haulage. Both the Scenic and "Morning Star" were now owned by W. Barker & Sons, who earlier in the year had been opened at some holiday at home fairs in the London area, afterwards travelling up to Nottingham. Even in their latter days of travelling the engine and Scenic were still covering some long road journeys. (To be continued) 18

A STEAMING '72 SEASON IN HOLLAND By ROB GEBHARD It is not so easy to write down a report of the '72 season of the Stoomwalsenclub, Nederland! There have been so many highlights. The visit of "Dreadnought" and the Sentinel to Holland. Our visit to Expo Steam '72. Our rallies big and small in Holland which gave to the steam preservation idea in this country. The interest of our British friends in our activities, shown when they visited Hoorn and Groningen. All added to a good steam-season this year. For those who have tuned in recently and those who probably do not know exactly, I think it desirable to say a few words about what is preserved up until now. Also to get a little bit acquainted with the names of our engines when they are mentioned elsewhere in this rally report. Among our members are the following engines: Three Aveling & Porter rollers No. 4732 (1901) "Majo", No. 11016 (1924) "Pluisje", No. 11848 (1927) "Concurrent"; one Wallis & Stevens roller No. 7909 (1926) "Dolle Mina"; one Fowler roller No. 17264 (1928) "Crab"; one Garrett roller No. 34185 (1922) "De Gebroeders". Made in Germany: one Schwartszkopff roller No. 8885 (1927) "Pieter Hans"; twelve Ruthemeyer rollers No. 76 (1907) "Zoef Zoef", No. 369 (1924) "Flierefluiter", No. 405 (1925) "Troubadour", No. 429 (1925) "Bernard", No. 470 (1926) "Hendrik Jan", No. 508 (1927 "Jop", No. 625 (1929) "Rooie Sien", No. 691 (1930) "M.175", No. 706 (1930) "De Puftukker", No. 708 (1930), No. 775 (1935) "De Geruischlooze", No. 823 (1941) "Leendert"; one Winschoter Industrie Maatschappij roller No. 1 (1925) "Jumbo". This one is belived to be the only steam roller ever built in Holland itself. In a couple of weeks another roller — a small one! — will be ready. It is the Marshall No. 78329 (1929) who, just as "Zoef Zoef", will be baptized with a name referring to a children's television programme. Concerning portable engines — well known are: the Ruston No. 544067 (1938) "Tarzan"; the Ransomes S. & J. No. 684025 (1948) "Sturdy". There are some more of British and German make. There are also — to be as complete as possible — some steam rollers left, which are (or will not) work again. Among them are five Aveling & Porter's, one Fowler, one Marshall and one Burrell. Then another five Ruthemeyer, one Schwartszkopff and one ZetteIrneyer. Well, after all this technical information let us look at the rallys. It started on May 1st (this year's Queen's birthday) in the city of Tilburg. "Tilburg op wielerf- — Tilburg on wheels it was called. Those wheels belong to vintage cars, model cars and ten rollers. On a square in one of the new quarters steam attracted thousands of spectators. It was our first appearance in the Southern Provinec,s. Belgian television covered the event. Shortly afterwards the ferry people in Hook of Holland saw with surprise a transport different than those of cars and containers. Two steam rollers were unloaded from lowloaders and carefully driven aboard. The trip to Expo Steam '72 was a great success and much interest was given to "Pieter Hans" and "M.175". Dutch engines to Britain; British engines to Holland two months later. Very early in the morning the party of John AnteII, Georgina Holloway, the "Goold family" John, Vincent, Carol and Margaret with the "Dreadnought" and the Sentinel was met by us in Hook of Holland. The Sentinel steam waggon was quicker on steam than the dealing with custom and import matters! But then we were on our way to Huizen, where the engines and their crews should stay. 1-luizen is the place where Ge van der Poi lives, with his roller "Pluisje", so the surroundings of this small village do know by experience how steam smells and hears. "Dreadnought" and the Sentinel being a special type of traction engine for Dutch eyes and minds got all the attention 19

Fowler No. 11491 (1908) "Dreadnought" and owner John Antell at Hoorn 1972.

Goold Bros. Sentinel No. 9032 (1934) leaving Rotterdam during visit to Holland. Photos by Stoomwalsenclub, Nederland. 20

we expected. Also in Hoorn, where on July 22nd the fourth Hoorn steam event was held. The British engines being a "heavy" entry to this annual day of steam, budgettary facts restricted the number of steam rollers to six. They were "Pluisje", "Zoef Zoef", "De Geruischlooze", "lop". "Leendert" and "De Gebroeders". A long parade went through the town as the steam engines were followed by elephants and others animals ❑f a circus. Near the old harbour more steam was met. Whistle full open a newly restored steant tug entered the harbour. The event on the market place started with demonstration of power. Strong Man Otto Acron from the circus versus the rollers "Pluisje" and "Zoef Zoef". Any expecting scences like Roman times where lions tore up poor Christians must have felt disappointed. After some struggling and holding both engines on the spot the Strong Man surrendered to steam. While showgirls in clean white suits acted as drivers during the games, the Sentinel maintained a busy passenger service between the market place and harbour. Every company of public transport would be jealous about! Immediately after Hoorn the "Dreadnought" and the Sentinel moved to the international flower exhibition "Floriade" in Amsterdam. Not for two days as was planned, but for three days! Great interest was showned by the spectators and we were given no rest in giving information and answering questions. The crew of the Sentinel was not given a rest either. Because of "internal regulations" they were only allowed to have children up to twelve years for a ride. But those youngsters came in great numbers. Just ask John, Vincent, Carol and Margaret! Happy memories for all those involved with this visit. Other nice memories are there about the biggest rally of this year, the one in the city of Groningen on August 26th. Fourteen rollers were present with "Tarzan" driving the famous street organ "De Arabier" and "Sturdy" driving our newly restored threshing drum. Many thousands of people watched the event and our preservation idea got new attention. Young and old enjoyed the spectacle of steam rollers doing games as slalom, tilt at the ring, rolling the drum and tug of war. In Groningen our much tested rope broke twice and that added to the joy, as everyone will understand. A fortnight later the threshing drum with "Sturdy" and the rollers "Hendrik Jan", "De Geruischlooze", Pieter Hans", "Jumbo", "De Gebroeders" and "M.175" entered at a show in Droten — a town only ten years old in the Flevopolder. Especially the steam threshing stole the show in this region where many old farmers live and probably will lead to new steam activities in this agricultural sector. The annual "October 3rd Festivities" in the city of Leiden (October 3rd 1574 Leiden was freed from the Spaniards during the Eighty Years' War between Holland and Spain) this year included a small rally. "Pieter Hans", "Zoef Zoef", "Rooie Sien", "Flierefluiter", "Jop" and "M.175" participated in this last event in a steaming '72 season in Holland.

GARRETT SPARES Our President has custody of certain items of Garrett spares which the club obtained some time ago. These include tube brushes in brass and steel from lin. to 1/in., lift pipe strainers, mud plug doors 2iin. x and mud plug door bridges 48in. 0/A. Enquiries direct to S. J. Wharton, Southern Down, Minster Lovell, Oxford, OX8 5RF.

BOILER FITTINGS FASTENINGS Would all owners of working engines throughly inspect all fastenings on fittings under pressure each year to ensure that studs and bolts and not corroded and replace with similar or larger size. There have been reports of fastenings breaking under pressure during the summer due to corrosion. Brian Oram, Technical Services and Spares Officer. 21

Burrel No. 3118 (1909) "Dreadnought" owned by D. P. Trice. Photograph: Ben Johnson.

"Dreadnought" roping "Pluisje" at Hoorn. Rob Gebhard (left) Ge Van Der Pol on "Pluisje". 22

1972 RALLY REPORTS N.T.E.C. APPROVED EVENTS MASHAM STEAM RALLY Two days of brilliant sunshine and extremely hot weather brought out the crowds into the little town of Masham in the Yorkshire Dales. The attendance was slightly down on last year's figure, possibly because it was the first opportunity the public had had to enjoy themselves on a hot weekend and most or them went to the coast. This year the entry of 36 engines saw the first appearance of one of the few Garrett Road Locomotives. This example, which used to belong to Messrs. Harkness's in Belfast, is newly restored and looks magnificent. ENGINES Showman's Road Locomotives: Mr. R. Preston's Burrell No. 3526 "Lightning II", Reg. No. AO 6302; Mr. W. A. Marriott's Showman's type conversion McLaren No. 1713 "General French", Reg. No. NH 3398. Road Locomotives: E. H. Frank & Sons Garrett No. 27946 "Vera", Reg. No. 01 6818; Mr. J. M. Crowther's Burrell No. 3395 "The Dalesman", Reg. No. FJ 1536. Tractors: Mr. A. Fearnley's Fowler No. 14406 "Pandora", Reg. No. CJ 4338; Mr. J. R. Hardy & Sons Aveling & Porter No. 9183 "The Pirate", Reg. No. KE 18; R. & G. A. Walker's Garrett No. 33219 "Vindictive", Reg. No. BJ 6180; Mr. F. Bainbridge's Aveling & Porter No. 9354. Reg. No. KM 5364; Mr. D. Bainbridge's Wallis & Steevens No. 7479 "Lively Lady", Reg. No. AA 5413; Messrs. Cole's Mann No. 1260, Reg. No. U 4298. General Purpose: R. & G. A. Walker's Marshall No. 84679 "Yorkshire Bob", Reg. No. WF 2657; Mr. N. Meadowcroft's Marshall No. 49725 "Old Nick", Reg. No. BW 4509; Mr. P. C. W. Rhodes' Burrell No. 1426 "Old Faithful", Reg. No. AJ 6705; Mr. W. Robinson's Marshall No. 17184, Reg. No. PY 298; J. & E. Whitwell's Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48385 "Yorkshire Lass", Reg. No. BP 5463; Mr. E. Myers' McLaren No. 787 "Loughrigg", Reg. No. WR 6494; Mr. H. Rayley's Wallis & Steevens No. 7774, Reg. No. CT 6081; Mr. A. C. Rocklin Marshall No. 87003 "Surprise", Reg. No. TL 3612; Mr. P. Ogden's Burrell No. 4032, Reg. No. PW 6287 and Messrs. Harrison's Marshall No. 32092 "Black Bess", Reg. No. PY 5827. Steam Wagons: Mr. L. Fearnley's Sentinel No. 9086, Reg. No. SE 4013; Mr. R. Fearnley's Sentinel No. 1465, Reg. No. AW 3321; Mr. G. E. Liversidge's Sentinel No. 8992 "Prince", Reg. No. Ti 4148 and Mr. H. Parkin's Foden No. 12364, Reg. No. TW 4207. Steam Rollers: Mr. J. E. 1'Anson's Aveling & Porter No. 11558 "Northern Princess", Reg. No. RM 2950; Messrs. Day & Robinson's Aveling & Porter No, 11093 "Mercury", Reg. No. BT 7935; Mr. G. W. Proctor's Aveling & Porter No. 14070 "Billy Boy", Reg. No. VN 2094: Mr. D. A. Rayner's Aveling & Porter No. 8506 "White Rose", Reg. No. CT 5012; Mr. T. Alderson's Burrell No. 4041, Reg. No. UO 793; Mr. R. K. Drury's Green No. 2007, Reg. No. U 8432; Mr. C. West's Marshall No. 76890 "Wayfarer", Reg. No. PY 272; Mr. J. T. Smith's Aveling & Porter No. 6573, Reg. No. CA 6333; Messrs. Carr & Mettam's Aveling & Porter No. 12467, Reg. No. RF 6437 and the late Mr. T. Farrow's Fowler No. 19204, Reg. No. YG 4747. "Special" Class: Mr. R. Oliver's modified Aveling & Porter Roller No. 14068 "Hunslet", Reg. No. VN 2092; Messrs. Wood & Robinson's Portable Ruston & Hornsby No. 163856, dated 1930. D.A.R. 23

DERBY RALLY Wet weather during the week made conditions bad for engine movement especially for the Rollers. Engines present:Traction, Allchin 1922 No. 9146 FP 1259 A. R. Stort & Son. Traction. Clayton & Shuttleworth 1911 No. 44303 AL 9348 John Beeby. Traction, Clayton & Shuttleworth 1915 No. 47015 BD 5483 W. Fowler. Traction. Fowler 1936 No. 21647 ZI1 1135 Ernest Twigger. Traction, Foster 1920 No. 14410 UP 6481 John Bosworth. Traction, Garrett 1911 No. 29764 AC 9326 Alfred Baker. Steam Tractor. Fowler 1923 No. 15732 PT 832 Stuart Woodbine. Steam Roller, Aveling & Porter 1925 No. 11308 PU 9964 Peter Baker. Steam Roller, Marshall 1926 No. 81427 PY 6079 Dennis Waters. Steam Roller, Marshall 1928 No. 82842 WW 3643 C. Rogers. Steam Roller, Marshall 1910 No. 57168 NN 950 Steve Durrance. Steam Roller, Marshall 1923 No. 76791 FU 1326 Ken Hubbard. Steam Roller, Wallis & Steevens 1917 No. 7539 BE 9360 B. Wright. Steam Roller, Wallis & Steevens 1897 No. 2524 BP 8585 George Leedharn. Portable, Ruston & Proctor 1905 No. 29011 H. A. Palmer. Steam Tractor, Aveling & Porter 1913 No. 8030 KT 125. Road Engine, McLaren 1913 No. 1421 BE 7518 John Blagg. Traction, Ruston & Hornsby 1922 No. 115100 DO 2953 Jesse Swingler. Wagon, Foden 1928 No. 13120 VM 4536 Wilson, Gardner & Morris. D.A.C.

MARKET BOSWORTH STEAM ENGINE RALLY Once again the "friendly rally" as it has been aptly called was blessed with good weather on both days. Engines present: Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 5763 1903 NR 6525 Rev. E. R. Boston. Traction, Foster No. 14593 1927 FE 9179 Rev. E. R. Boston. Traction, Ransomes Sims & Jeffries No. 42035 1932 ANG 194 John Vernon. Traction, Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 42036 1932 TL 2366 Tim Sage. Roller, Marshall No. 28572 1925 NR 6296 F. R. Coombes. Steam Tractor, Garrett No. 33986 1920 BJ 5601 Alan Tinghay. Traction, Burrell No. 3126 1909 BJ 7155 John Robbins. Traction, Fowler No. 12761 1911 397 TRO Mrs. Sansome. Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 9027 1919 BD 5641 D. Labrarn. Roller, Fowler No. 15854 1923 WT 1568 D. J. Bartlett. Steam Tractor, Aveling & Porter No. 9267 1918 KE 1290 A. Henton. Traction, Fowler No. 14600 1915 HO 5590 W. Ford. Roller, Marshall No. 82517 1927 RR 7519 John Beeeby. Showman, Burrell "Princess Marina" No. 3847 1912 CL 4483 D. Walker. Traction, Ruston & Hornsby No. 115100 1922 DO 2953 Jesse Swingler. Traction, Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 47015 1915 BD 5483 W. H. & L. Fowler. Traction, Allchin No. 2146 1922 FP 1259 A. R. Story & Son. Traction, Foster No. 14564 1926 FE 8055 R. E. Baxter. Roller, Marshall No. 76796 1923 FU 1326 K. Hubbard. Steam Tractor, Foden No. 13196 GC 5832 Mrs. Van Houten. Wagon, Foden No. 13120 1928 VMH 536 Gardner, Wilson & Morris. Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 10873 1924 NTH 368 D. J. Harding. Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 7856 1912 MD 5902 D. Hartwell. Roller, Armstrong Whitworth No. 10R2 BD 7511 M. George. Traction, Burrell No. 2706 1904 TB 2645 North Staffs & Cheshire Traction Club. Steam Tractor, Fowler "Pandora" No. 14406 1917 CJ 4338 Arthur Fearnley. D.A.C. 24

SINS BARTON, REDRUTH — 1972 Organised by the West of England Steam Engine Society the annual rally was held near Rectruth, Cornwall on August 19th and 20th. Almost ideal rallying weather again attracted a record crowd to the rally — almost 24,000 people. This year we again had several new exhibits in the engine paddock. from Somerset Messrs. Sharman and Winslade brought their Marshall No. 45872 and from Dorset John Antell brought "Dreadnought", Fowler No. 11491. From Devon came Mr. Norman's extremely interesting little Foster tractor No. 13088, and Fowler roller No. 18873 owned by Mr. Sanders. The smallest engine on the field was a very well built 3in. scale model I3urrel owned by Mr. Damerel of Chudleigh.. Also from Devon were two of our regular engine entries, Dave Court ier's Aveling roller No. 10625 and Mike Hynd's Aveling traction engine No. 4255. Several engines made a reappearance after a year or so's absence during which time they have had a lot of work done on them. Joe Warren's Marshall roller No. 77474 is looking very nice after a repaint, and Aveling and Porter roller No. 10374 now owned by Mr. Oates is very presentable after having a lot of work done on her. Brian Sanders' Aveling roller No. 5683 was on show again for the first time at Redruth in his ownership and the engine is now pulling and steaming better now the piston rings have been attended to. Dr. Dyke brought his Foden wagon and another newcomer to this rally — his Sentinel S.6 No. 8928. These two wagons form a very interesting contrast and one can see how much the steam wagon developed during the early part of the century, whereas in that period the traction engine developed very little. Traditional ring events this year were somewhat curtailed by including a very interesting display of radio controlled model aircraft, which was very popular with the spectators. Outside the ring there was plenty to see. A very competant exhibition of the rack saw bench was provided by Jack Richards, the owner of the bench, and Jack Trounson's single cylindered Marshall "The Whale". Nearby, a fine collection of threshing tackle was on show, some six threshing machines, two balers and an elevator. These are owned and exhibited individually by Len Hosking, John Richards, James Hosking and Will Alford. Several unscheduled events took place outside the ring. These took the shape of various engines pulling heavy loads up the steepest part of the field. The heavy load was initially provided by the McLaren ploughing engine which had various extras placed behind, The final pull up the field was by Messrs. Leath and Pearce's 8 n.p.h. single cylindered Marshall hauling the McLaren plougher, Mike Hynd's Aveling and the Society's traction engine complete with tanks holding about eight hundred gallons of water — a total load approaching forty tons. Those people who waited for this to happen were well rewarded! Engines present: Aveling & Porter: 4255 M. S. Hynd, 5541 Mrs. P. E. D. Pettitt (not in steam), 5683 B. D. Saunders, 6093 Mrs. G. L. Sleeman, 8301 B. W. True, 10190 R. W. Haynes, 10374 C. S. Oates, 10625 D. Courtier, 11220 R. K. Pridham. Burrell: 3159 The Gladiator Club. Clayton & Shuttleworth: 46717 E. D. Solway, 48279 D. C. Soloman. Foden: 10530 Dr. W. R. Dyke. Foster: 13088 I. G. Norman & Son. Fowler: 11491, J. Antell, 12693 F. W. Alford, 18075 Messrs R. Dingle & Sons, 18873 A. W. T. Sanders. Garrett: 33353 B. H. Broad, 34193 E. Hiflyer. 34659 L. B. Hosking. Marshall: 38024 G. R. Gillbard, 43345 R. H. Jennings, 45873 Messrs. Sharman & Winslade, 62121 J. H. Trounson, 69303 Messrs. Leath & Peacel, 75826 J. Nicholls, 77474 J. Warren, 77479 G. James & Son. 88096 J. Pengelly. McLaren: 547 C. P. Gregory, 1552 Daniel Bros. Robey: 43165 W. G. Hawkins. Sentinel 8928 Dr. W. R. Dyke. Wallis & Steevens: 8301 W. D. Gunn, 8095 Messrs. R. Dingle & Sons. 25

THE TREDINNICK FARM RALLY, ST. ISSEY, CORNWALL. Organised by the Cornish Traction Preservation Club in place of the Wadebridge Rally, this was held on the 15th and 16th of July. For the first time for many years this rally was blessed with very sunny weather. so much that the rally attendance was poor and a large financial loss accompanied it. A record attendance of engines was made up by several from Devon and one from Somerset — Mr. King's Sentinel Wagon No. 9192. From Devon engines attending were, Dave Dickers Wallis and Steevens No. 7294, Mike Hynd's Aveling & Porter No. 4255, Dave Courtier's Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10627, Fowler Roller No. 18873 owned by Mr. A. Sanders and Foden Tractor No. 13454 owned by Mr. G. Lynch. Newcomers from Cornwall were Aveling & Porter Compound Roller No. 5683 owned by Brian Saunders, Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11220 ofned by Roger Pridham and Dr. Dykes very fine Sentinel S6 No. 8928. Altogether some twenty-nine engines were present as well as a fine collection of agricultural tractors. stationary oil engines, vintage cars and motorcycles. In one field traditional ring events took place white in the other several engines were busy on the belt. Mike Hynd's Aveling & Porter drove a rack saw bench which was sawing all the weekend, George Alford's well known Burrell drove his recently acquired and yet unrestored stone crusher. Dave Dick's Wallis drove Dick Woods Marshall threshing machine and one load of corn was threshed. One of the five engines at the rally owned by George Hawkins Fowler No. 7942 drove a small saw bench for the greater part of the weekend. Also in the same field were displays of horse ploughing and vintage tractor ploughing. Those who came to the rally on the Sunday saw an engine that has not been to rallies for many years — Dick Woods Burrell Showman's Engine No. 2651 "Challenger". He purchased her about four years ago and was this year far enough on to enable him to tow her to the rally. To bring her over on the Saturday evening Dave Dicker took his Wallis & Steevens from Tredinnick throttEth the narrow I anec to Trevillador Farm. As she was pulled out from her shed we knew that we were going to hear the Wallis working hard up the hill towards Tredinnick. Once out of the yard high gear was used for the almost level run to the top of the steep down hill, where the Wallis was put in low and the Burrel's wheel brakes screwed down hard. Once around the corner and on the hill proper a shout from the driver of the Wallis reassured us that the Burrell's brakes were in fact holding both engines. Once or twice one or other of the Burrell's wheels slipped on the mud in the ditches and once or twice steam had to be used to pull this wide engine between the rocky outcrops of the cutting. However the hill was negotiated without trouble and at the bottom a stop was made to allow cars to pass and for photography as from here on the engines again plunged between tall trees and high hedges. On setting off again the right hand front wheel retaining collar on the Burrell broke up. Quickly her owner returned to the farm, flame cut a piece of finch plate to size and this soon replaced the broken collar. Away up the hill the Wallis now in high gear was working very hard. a truly wonderful sound, the exhaust from the Wallis tossing the leaves and small branches high in the air. Steam pressure began to drop slightly, most of the fire was now in the smokebox and a short stretch of steeper hill brought the engines to a stand, so low gear was engaged again and the climb continued. Now the tarry contents of the chimney caught alight and huge lumps of burning soot showered onto the canopy, the onlookers and the hedges. Soon however the rally field was reached, the engines now accompanied by dozens of spectators; however just inside the field a damp patch spreading from the rally water supply caused the engine to slip to a stand. The winch rope was then run out and the Burrell pulled up the field and pushed into position. The climax of the evening was when the Wallis returned to her parking space, after having her tanks filled, with her front lights burning brightly. On the Sunday the Wallis towed the Burrell around the ring in the grand parade, can we hope that next year the Burrell can move herself around the ring after some II years of rest. Thanks to all concerned for a truly wonderful evening `wulking of engines'. 26

ENGINES PRESENT Aveling & Porter: Nos. 4255 (M. S. Hynd), 5683 (B. D. Saunders), 6093 (Mrs. G. L. Sleeman) 9096 (A. T. Hooper), 10045 (H. Lander), 10627 (D. Courtier), 11216 (Messrs. Armstrong-Evans & Sons), 11220 (R. K. Pridham). Burrell: Nos. 2651 (Not in steam — R. Wood), 3121 (G. Alford), 3159 (The Gladiator Club), 4060 (H. James). Clayton & Shuttleworth: Nos. 46817 (E. D. Solway), 48279 (D. Soloman). Foden: No. 13454 (G. Lynch). Fowler: Nos. 7942 (G. Hawkins), 15657 (G. Hawkins), 18075 (Messrs. Dingles), 18843 (G. Hawkins), 18873 (A. Sanders). Marshall: No. 43345 (R. Jennings), 34022 (H. James). Ransomes: No. E.409 (G. Hawkins). Robey: No. 43165 (G. Hawkins). Sentinel: No. 8928 (Dr. Dyke), 9192 (G. B. King). Wallis & Steevens: Nos. 7294 (D. F. Dicker), 7979 (Daniel and Welsby), 8095 (Messrs. Dingles). STEAM PLOUGH CLUB'S "WORKING" The Steam Plough Club held a very successful Steam Working at Great Wymonley in June. Frank Pratley's Fowler B.B.1 No. 15139 and Bill Colebrooke's Fowler A.A. No. 13880 were cultivating, using Messrs. Taylors Bros. cultivator. Alec lbbot and R. W. Ruff were ploughing using Mr. Ruff's plough and his Fowler B.B. No. 14383 and Alec's 8.8.1. 15336. In spite of cold, wet weather a reasonable crowd turned out and a donation of £50 plus were made to church and local charities. ASTLE PARK TRACTION ENGINE RALLY — CHELFORD, AUGUST 12th and 13th Some 30,000 people paid to come on to the field — the early ones could park their cars alongside the trees and sit in the shade to watch the arena events. The annual Firework Display on the Saturday evening was again very much enjoyed. The side-stalls consisted of Railway Preservation Societies or charities, and one of the main events was a parade of the Standards of the Royal British Legion who had a marquee in which goods were sold made by the disabled servicemen. Engines present: Burrell S.C.C. 2336 "Stanley Monarch", A. J. Barber. Burrell D.C.C. 4049 "Daphne", J. T. Bourne. Burrell D.C.C. 3098 "Road Loco", P. Frond. Burrell, S.C.C. 2950 "Little Mac", J. C. Dale. Burrell D.C.C. 3610 "William V", J. A. Barber. Burrell D.C.C. 2879 "Princess Royal", P. Startup. Foster Compound 12535 "Winnie", I. Dakin. Garrett Compound 3362 "Camilla", S. Z. De Ferranti. Fowler Compound 14958 "Marina", J. J. Bostock. Fowler Compound 14588 "Enterprise", F. Hackney. Fowler 9507 "Marlborough", J. J. Wolliscroft. Fowler Compound 15652 "Repulse", P. Startup. Foden Compound 2312 "Elizabeth", W. E. Fitter. Foden Compound 1174 "Pride of Leven", Fodens Limited. Foden Compound 2654 "George V". T. Barlow. Foden Compound 1742 Wagon, Mrs. J. S. Briggs. Foden Compound 13764 Wagon, P. Priestner and P. Robinson. Clayton & Shuttleworth S.C. 46059, G. Coles. Aveling & Porter Compound 8384, J. Doyle. Aveling & Porter Roller 11837, A. E. Marshall. Fowler Roller 16007, D. Priestner. Aveling & Porter Roller 6544. A. R. Porter. Aveling & Porter Tractor 11251, P. Edwards. Burrell Roller "Hero", P. Walton. 27

FOSSEWAY STEAM RALLY

The event was held on the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Showground, Newark, Notts., which has metalled roads, permanent buildings and show rings and, by most rally standards, luxurious toilets. The rally was officially opened by John Bacon of Anglia Television who. welcomed the sparse crowd and urged them to enjoy themselves. He drew the public's attention to the fact that all the proceeds were to go to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association of which the organisers were members of the Lincoln Branch. With the show ring being so wet the Ring Steward organised the grand parade around the roads. Unfortunately several of the engines booked to attend failed to turn up mainly due to their not being ready after the winter's maintenance and repairs. There were several engines present this year for the first time, including a 1918 Ruston Proctor No. 52329 owned by Mr. G. Stubbs of Loughborough, who had restored this engine over the past two years, after it had lain in a scrap yard for 15 years, to an immaculate condition. An item tried for the first time which proved to be quite popular was a "Driver of the Rally" competition for engines, the winner of which was Mr. J. D. Woodward of Papplewick, Nottingham. There were, of course, plenty of other items to see including a large model exhibition, railway relics and bygones, the latter interesting a lot of the ladies present. These items were housed in a new permanent building and covered an area of 130ft. by 28ft. These exhibitors were kept busy as the visitors came in to get out of the rain. The Sunday parade of engines round the ring v.'as again cancelled, but the engines were able to move on to a concrete roadway and this gave the photographers a chance to get some pictures. This was the only movement that the engines did as they were completely barred from the ring.

The winners of the various trophies were as follows:k. tui cuguic travell ing furthest armlet UW(1C 1./01,b 101 LIM 131111L1 its own steam). Mr. S. Woodbine of Chesterfield with his Fowler 1923 "Sir Douglas" No. 15732. Aveling Porter Invicta Trophy for the best Aveling Barford Engine won by Mr. J. D. Woodward of Papplewick, Notts with his Aveling & Porter Gear Driven Tractor No. 8030 "English Princess". The Harding Trophy for Models was won by Mr. Clark. LIST OF ENGINES ATTENDING

911 Burrell Showman's Road Loco No. 3334 "The Baillie" D. A. Robinson. 920 Garrett Conversion No. 33987 P. W. Barlow. 911 Burrell Road Loco No. 3257 "Clinker" M. Ward. 911 Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 44103 "Enterprise" J. Beeby. 919 Ransome, Sims & Jefferies G.P. Engine No. 27548 J. M. Foster. 936 Fowler G.P. Engine No. 21647 "Little John" E. A. Twigger. 922 Ruston & Hornsby G.P. No. 115100 J. Swingier. 917 Fowler Tractor No- 14406 "Pandora" A. Fearnley. 901 Marshall Tractor No. 36258 "Immortal" L. W. Simon & J. A. Young. 923 Fowler No. 15732 "S4ir Douglas S. Woodbine. 913 Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 8030 "English Princess" J. D. Woodward. 918 Ruston Proctor Tractor No. 52329 G. E. Stubbs. 1931 Marshall Roller No. 86104 P. J. Auger. 1923 Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10590 F. Clements. 1935 Marshall Steam Roller No. 87618 J. B. Haw. 1930 Fowler Steam Roller No. 18651 "Mischach" C. A. Parker. 1923 Aveling & Porter Steam Roller No. 10571 "Edna" J. Proctor. 1923 Marshall H. Gurnhill. 1931 Sentinel Tractor No. 8413 R. Nixon. 1932 Sentinel Wagon No. 8694 G. E. Ashton. 1933 Sentinel `S' Type Wagon No. 8992 "Prince" G. E. Liversedge. 1905 Ruston & Proctor Portable Engine No. 29011 H. A. Palmer. 28

Brown & May No. 4561 (1880) 6 n.h.p. owned by Peter Shadbolt, Shipston-on-Stour. Photo by R. Woodruff.

BANBURY STEAM SOCIETY RALLY REPORT This year we moved to a new ground — The Showground, Oxford Airport. This ground has many advantages over the old site, including a concrete road around half of the site, loading ramps, permanent flush toilets, adequate water supply, three show-rings, proper turnstiles — in Fart — everything that is needed to put on a show. Thirty-five engines took part, including John Ante11 with his Fowler Traction Engine "Dreadnought", which was on its way home after attending the Royal Highland Show. 29

Two of the club members had their engines on show for the first time. One was a Fowler Traction Engine No. 8282 built in 1899, 7 n.h.p. and owned by Denis Smith. Dennis has done a lot of repairs to this engine and she made her debut in black, but when she is lined out, she will be a credit to her owner. The second was a Brown & May portable, owned by Peter Shadbolt. Built in 1880, it is 6 n.h.p. The engine has had a new front tube plate, complete new smokebox and new chimney saddle. The Watt governors had been rebuilt by Bob Griffin. She looked very nice in her green and red livery, with a proper water tub and horse-drawn shafts. She's a credit to her owner. Nearly 40 tractors were present, including some very old models. This year's winner in this section was M. J. Ockwell of Swindon with his International F.12. About 60 barn engines were on display, some driving different pieces of equipment. This was one of the best exhibitions of barn engines to be seen at any rally this year, as nearly all were restored and running. Credit does to Brian Money the Section Organiser. The selection of models, some in steam, were arranged and in the charge of Mr. W. Carter of Yarnton. The well-laid-nut Fair was in the capable hands of John Batsford. About 30 preservation societies and a number of market traders had Trade Stands. There was an exhibition of rural crafts and demonstrations by blacksmiths, bakers and wheelwrights. Mr. J. Groves showed his collection of vintage motorcycles.

PENGOVER, LISKEARD — 1972 Organised by the Cornish 1 racoon Presermion Club this rally was held near Liskeard on September 2nd and 3rd. Due to financial difficulty no allowances could be paid to exhibitors and it was very gratifying that some seventeen engines and a host of vintage cars, tractors, motorcycles and stationary engines turned up. In the demonstration area, surely the focal point of the rally was Mike Flynn Aveling & Porter reunited with Jack Richard's rack saw bench and a fine display was on view. Nearby George Hawkins little Fowler "Jonah" provided power for the stone crusher now owned by Mike Hynd, Across the field among the threshing machines at work, two were driven by steam engines. Anthony Hooper's Aveling & Porter drove his own threshing machine and Russel Gillbard's Marshall drove one of Len Hosken's threshing machines and a baler, and George James's Marshall drove his baler. Vintage tractors and horses gave a ploughing demonstration — quite a lot of the field was ploughed by the end of the weekend. The main ring was mainly occupied by the internal combustion enginesl machines but most of the engines that were not attached to a machine took part in a grand parade. Although this was only a small rally, with the emphasis on having the engines at work, there was plenty to see, and I believe enjoyed by the public. Engines present: Aveling & Porter: 4255 M. S. Hynd, 9096 A. T. Hooper, 10625 D. Courtier, 11216 Messrs. Armstrong Evans & Sons, 11220 R. K. Pridham. Burrell: 3159 The Gladiator Club. Clayton & Shuttleworth: 46817 E. D. Solway. Foden: 10530 Dr. W. R. Dyke. Fowler: 7942 W. G. Hawkins, 15657 W. G. Hawkins, 18075 Messrs. R. Dingle & Sons. Marshall: 38024 G. R. Gillbard, 77479 G. James & Sons. McLaren: 1552 Daniel Bros. Sentinel: 8928 Dr. W. R. Dyke. Wallis & Stevens: 7979 Messrs. Daniel & Welsby, 8095 Messrs. R. Dingle & Sons. 30

FAIRFORD TRACTION ENGINE RALLY AND SHOW The 4th annual Fairford Traction Engine Rally which is run by the Fairford & District Steam Club took place in very dry conditions for the first time in years. The Club's committee were very pleased with nearly 22,000 people who attended the big turn out of every section. and with all the programmes being sold by mid-morning Sunday. Thirty-four engines attended and six steam plants with over 10 different makes of engines, biggest number being eight Fowler engines. Fowler Showman's Engine "Supreme" No. 20223 1934 S. J. Wharton. Burrell Showman's Engine "Lord Nelson" No. 3443 1913 Montagu Motor Museum. Burrell Road Loco "Dorothy" No. 4093 1931 A. C. Canton. Burrell Road Loco "John of Gaunt" No. 4068 1927 J. Newton. Burrell Road Loco "Triumph" No. 3197 1921 R. C. Willcox. Clayton & Shuttleworth Road Loco "Lady Jean" No. 47216 1915 P. Johnson. Fowler Road Loco "John Fowler" No. 15463 1920 R. Wynn & Son Ltd. Allchin T.E. No. 1652 1914 C. Rickards. Burrell T.E. No. 2426 1901 E. C. Haggard. Burrell T.E. No. 3919 P. G. Young. Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 46823 1914 P. Fagg. Fowler T.E. No. 7788 1897 T. T. Boughton. Fowler T.E. No. 8282 1899 D. Smith. Fowler T.E. No. 11698 1909 M. Woodroffe. Fowler T.E. No. 11699 1909 N. A. C. Melhuish. Marshall T.E. No. 15391 1887 J. Wharton Jnr. Marshall T.E. No. 71837 J. Plaister. Ruston Proctor T.E. No. 51737 1912 P. M. Buffery. Burrell Tractor No. 3807 1919 D. Fowler. Fowler Tractor No. 15632 1923 A. Napper. Garrett Tractor No. 33738 1919 J. W. Powell. Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 11486 1926 K. T. Cook. Aveling & Porter Roller No. not known 1920 T. F. Tomlins. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10594 1923 C. G. Hembury. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 14089 1930 C. Hawkins. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11448 1924 N. A. C. Melhuish. Fowler Roller No. 17951 1929 E. Harris. Foden No. 13484 1924 'C' Type "Talisman" E. Gale. Sentinel Super 3-Way Tipper No. 5509 1924 Messrs. Burberry Lawrence & Reason. Sentinel Timber Tractor No. 9097 1934 C. H. James. Sentinel Wagon No. 9277 1937 R. Bailey. Brown & May Portable 1880 S.C. P. Shadbolt. Marshall Portable No. 84963 1929 R. C. Willcox. Steam Fire Engine Horse Drawn Shand Mason 1908 W. Turner. Cambridge Beam Engine 1830 J. H. Lucas. Green Stationary Steam Engine No. 648 1921 13. R. Skegg. Merryweather Steam Pump No. 9605 1944 E. C. New. Steam Generator (1940) P. Wilkinson. M.T.H. SHANE'S CASTLE RALLY After several weeks of atrocious weather, a welcome change occurred only the day before the rally, enabling us to enjoy temperatures in the upper seventies and attracting a good crowd on both days. This year we were assisted by a local Lions Club, whose presence enabled more steam men to be near the arena, thus easing the chronic manpower shortage which has troubled us in earlier years. The opening ceremony was performed by His Excellency the Lord Grey of Naunton. Governor of Northern Ireland and the Lady Grey. 31

Once again we welcomed Osmond Bennett from Portlaoisc who brought his Burrell Showman's engine, now renamed "Erin's Pride". Another visitor was Les Smith, who brought the British Leyland Motor Corporation's steam lawn mower, which was copied some years ago from an original machine in Reading University Museum. Two local engines were making their first rally appearances. Billy Wilson's Fowler, which he obtained from Wilmer Bryce in February, has since received attention to its stays, tubes and lagging and now looks very smart in a new coat of paint. Norman Andrews's Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries which he recently bought from Mrs. Watson of Bonnybridge, is a 7 NHP single, No. 26687 built in 1917 and it joined the other two Ransomes engines in the mill setting competition which again was the star turn of the show. Other exhibits included a 2 HP Robinson Hot Air engine built about 1900 and vintage motorcycles and tractors, while Shane's Castle Railway operated a steam service with two engines during both days. Burrell S.E., No. 3295 (Reg. No. ICI 240), "Erin's Pride". 0. Bennett. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries T.E. No. 43033 (Reg. No. MI 3719). H. Kennedy. Marshall Roller, No. 78563 (Reg. No. IW 2573). S. Crawford and B. Dorman. Fowler T.E., No. 11114. W. J. B. Wilson. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries T.E., No. 26687. N. Andrews, Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries T.E., No. 33156 (Reg. No. IJ 5747). J. and T. Wasson. Wallis & Steevens T.E., No. 7008. W. Bryce. Meting & Porter T.E.. No. 6890 (Reg. No. IW 3565) "Pride of South Derry". M. Glover. Marshall Tractor. No. 85556 (Reg. No. PN 5494). J. Stevenson & Co. Aveling & Porter R.L., No. 9405 (Reg. No. IA 2500). R. Edwards. Wallis & Steevens Roller No. 7834 (Reg. No. HO 6399) "Wee Mary Ann" T Mrilfnfrirk Leyland Steam Lawn Mower (Replica), British Leyland Motor Corpn. H.W.C.

HAREWOOD HOUSE RALLY. A line up of Showman's Engines such as Harewood has never seen before and including two Burrell Scenics was the big attraction at this. the North's Premier Rally. All the 41 engines listed in the well produced and good value for money programme, appeared and no fewer than 16 different manufacturers were represented on the Rally Field (including the Savage centre engines on the steam driven rides in the fairground). It was very fitting to see representatives of each of the five Major Road Steam Builders of Leeds present at the local Rally, this being snmethinc; which no other Rally can provide. As on previous years. the Leeds Club followed their policy of bringing to Harewood. engines from over a hundred miles away which their local Club members could not otherwise see and this year, the Special Entries were Dr. J. L. Middlemiss' Burrell No. 3555 "The Busy Bee", Reg. No. AO 6262 from Godmanchester, Hunts and Mr. J. N. Gilbeys Burrell Scenic No. 3483 "Perseverance the Second", .Reg. No. WR 9110 from Compton Paunccfoot, Yeovil, Somerset, the latter having been brought back to its home territory of the West Riding of Yorkshire for the first time in many years. Five other engines appeared which had not previously been seen at Harewood and these were:- Mr. N. Corner's Burrell Scenic No. 3909 "Winston Churchill", Reg. No. NR 965; Mr. W. A. Marriott's McLaren Showmans type conversion No. 1713 "General French", Reg. No. NH 3998; Mr. W. Fearnley's Yorkshire "W.G." Wagon No. 2108. Reg. No. LIA 1788; Messrs. Varley & Jackson's Sentinel "D.G.6" Wagon. No. 8562 "Pendle King", Reg. No. FD 6603 and Mr. 13. Wood's Aveling & Porter Roller No. 5308 "Withernsea", Reg. No. HD 1573. 32

The other engines which were also present were:Showman's Road Locomotives: Mr. R. Preston's Burrell No. 3526 "Lightning II"; Mr. L. C. Byass' Foster No. 14632 "Success"; Mr. W. Payne's Fowler Showmans type conversion No. 14798 "Firefly". Road Locomotives: Mr. J. M. Crowthcr's Burrell No. 3395 "The Dalesman";Mr. W. Chilvers' Fowler No. 9381 "Lady Betty". Tractors: Messrs. Cole's Mann's No. 1260; Mr. A. Fearnley's Fowler No. 14406 "Pandora"; Mr. M. Brewer's Robey No. 33957 "Village Queen"; Mr. J. R. Hardy & Sons Aveling & Porter No. 9183 "The Pirate" Mr. P. S. M. Carter's Garrett No. 33632 "Joyce". General Purpose Engines: Mr. P. C. W. Rhodes' Burrell No. 1426 "Old Faithful"; Mr. A. C. Rockliff's Marshall No. 87003 "Surprise"; Mr. J. Whitwell's Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48385 "Yorkshire Lass"; Messrs. Harrison's Marshall No. 32092 "Black Bess"; Mr. F. Pennett & Sons Burrell No. 3218; Mr. J. J. Ostle's Marshall No. 54492; Mr. J. K. Ellwood's Burrell No. 3918 "Deborah"; and Mrs. E. M. Meadowcrofl & Sons Marshall No. 49725 "Old Nick". Steam Wagons: Mr. H. Parkin's Foden No. 12364; Mr. R. Fearnley's Sentinel No. 1465 Mr. T. .1. Varley's Fowler No. 19708 "Pendle Prince"; Mr G. E. Ashton's Sentinel No. 8694; Messrs. Bass Charrington's Sentinel No. 1488 "Old No. 1"; Mr. L. Fearnley's Sentinel No. 9086; and Mr. G. E. Liversidge's Sentinel No. 8992 "Prince". Steam Rollers: Mr. E. F. Whitehead's Fowler No. 16235 "Hercules"; Messrs. Carr & Mt ttarn's Aveling & Porter No. 12467; Messrs. Day & Robinson's Aveling & Porter No. 11093 "Mercury"; Mr. G. W. Proctor's Aveling & Porter No. 14070 "Billy Boy"; Mr. D. A. Rayner's Aveling & Porter No. 8506 "White Rose"; Mr. R. K. Drury's Green No. 2007; Mr. W. Windle's Wallis & Steevens No. 7869 "Sir Echo"; and Mr. G. C. West's Marshall No. 76890 "Wayfarer". Unclassified: Mr. R. Oliver's Aveling & Porter No. 14068. An additional large exhibit was the Class J72 Rail Locomotive No. 69023 from the Worth Valley Railway. This year, the Rally was supporting the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and it was hoped that a substantial sum would eventually be given to them. On all three days the Engine Crews were worked hard by the stewards to whom credit must be given for there was hardly a moment passed when there was not something happening in the main arena. In Arena 2 on the Sunday, the Vintage & Veteran Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Motorcycles, and Bygone Bykes were displayed and on the Monday the same arena was used by members of the Yorkshire Driving Club who, with their ponies and traps, put on a very interesting display. With other attractions being the well laid out and strictly Old Tyme Fair with two sets of Steam Gallopers, Harry Lee's Steam Yachts and a Cake Walk, plus other supporting rides and shows; Bioscope Show and Gaiety Girls; Models, Fairground Organs; Vintage Tractors and Barn Engines Threshing Demonstration, Trade Stands, etc., etc., and with Harewood House and its famous Bird Garden not very far away, an excellent afternoon of family entertainment was provided by the Organising Committee. This year all the engine and organ owners again received commemorative plates and the Cups were awarded as follows:Alf Pepper President's Cup, Dr. J. L. Middlemiss; Chairman's Trophy, Mr. J. N. Gilbey; John Fowler Trophy, Mr. F. Pennett; Thomas Green Trophy, Mr. G. C. West; White Rose Steam Traction Company Cup, Mr. B. Wood; Norman Boyes Cup, Mr. R. Oliver; John Dyson Rose Bowl, Mr. A. de F. Mellor. Mention must also be made of the excellent entertainment provided for those staying on the Rally Field, after the events in the arena had finished. On the Saturday evening a Variety and Olde Tyme Music Hall Show was presented in the Meal Tent by the Morley Amateur Operatic Society and on the Sunday evening the same tent was used for a film show, including a "Cinemascope" production of "Expo Steam". N.S. 33

HINKLEY STEAM ENGINE DISPLAY • Under ideal weather conditions large crowds attended both days. Engines present: Showman, McLaren "Goliath" No. 1623 1917 DH 2482 Rev. F. A. Coley. Showman, Burrell "Lord Lascelles" No. 3886 1921 XF 8162 S. Neville. Showman, Burrell "The Bailie" No. 3334 1911 GA 2168 Don Robinson. Showman, Fowler "Evening Star' No. 14862 1917 DW 2235 M. Thackeray. Showman, Burrell "Princess Marina" No. 3847 1912 CL 4483. D. Walker. Tractor, Fowler "Firefly" No. 14798 1919 U 5313 W. Payne. Tractor, Garrett No. 33986 1920 BJ 5601 A. Tinghay. Steam Tractor, Foden No. 13196 1928 GC 5832 Mrs. P. Van Houten. Steam Tractor, Sentinel No. 9097 1935 ARE 195 R. P. Hickman. Steam Tractor, Aveling & Porter No. 9267 1918 KE 1290 A. Henton. Wagon, Foden No. 13120 1928 VM 4536 Gardner, Wilson & Morris. Traction, Fowler No. 21674 1936 ZB 1135 E. Twigger. Traction, Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 47015 1915 BD 5483 W. H. & L. Fowler. Traction, Allchin No. 2146 1922 FP 1259 A. R. Storey & Son. Steam Tractor, Garrett No. 33986 1920 BJ 5601 A. Tinghay. Steam Tractor, Fowler No. 15732 1925 PT 832 S. Woodbine. Traction, Ruston & Hornsby No. 115100 1922 DO 2953 J. Swingler. Traction, McLaren No. 127 1882 HO 5618 J. J. Mayes. Traction, Burrell No. 3126 1909 BJ 7155 J. Robbins. Traction, Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 42035 1932 TL 2366 A. E. Sage. Steam Tractor, Aveling & Porter No. 9183 1920 KE 18 J. Hardy. Traction, Foster No. 14593 1927 FE 9179 Rev. E. R. Boston. Traction, Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 25542 1912 AY 9456 J. Holman. Traction, Fowler No. 12761 1911 397 TRO Mrs. Sansome. Traction, Fowler No. 14600 1917 HO 5590 W. Ford. Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 5163 1903 NR 6525 Rev. E. R. Boston. Roller, Fowler No. 15854 1923 WT 1568 D. J. Bartlett. Roller, Marshall No. 76796 1923 FU 1376 K. Hubbard. Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 12342 1929 UT 4405 K. Gays. Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 7856 1912 MD 5902 D. Hartwell. Roller, Fowler No. 10873 1924 NT 4368 P. J. Harding. Roller, Fowler No. 15691 1922 CA 4776 A. R. Etherington. Roller, Armstrong Whitworth No. 10R2 BD 7511 M. George. Plough Engine, Fowler "Excalibur" No. 14381 1917 NM 558 J. J. Mayes. Plough Engine, Fowler "Excelsior" No. 14382 1917 NM 557 J. J. Mayes. Steam Tractor, Fowler "Pandora" No. 14406 1917 CJ 4338 A. Fearnley. Steam Tractor, Ruston & Proctor No. 52329 1918 CT 5554 J. A. Stubbs. Roller, Aveling Barford AH 392 1946 CT 227 Mr. Henton. Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 9027 1919 BD 5641 D. Labram. D.A.C.

REMPSTONE TRACTION RALLY The 17th event attracted the usual big crowds and as a usual a ring event that is looked forward to is the Fowler Plough Engine NR 1212 dating back to the late 1870s hauling Fowler BB 14382 up the ring on the cable. Engines present: Showman, Burrell No. 3334 1911 "The Bailie" Don Robinson. Showman Tractor Conversion, Fowler No. 14798 1919 "Firefly" U 5313 Wilf Payne. Plough Engine. Fowler 1878 NR 1212 Beeby Bros. Plough Engine. Fowler No. 14382 NT 9557 John Mayes. Road Engine. McLaren No. 1421 1913 BE 7518 John Blagg. Road Engine, Fowler No. 15323 HR 3697 John Reynolds. Road Engine. Burrell No. 3257 1911 AH 5317 Michael Ward. Traction, Foster No. 14593 1927 FE 9179 Rev. E. R. Boston. Traction, McLaren No. 127 1882 HO 5618 Miss Mayes, Miss Walker. Traction, Burrell No. 3126 1909 BJ 7155 John Robbins. 34

Marshall Road Locomotive No. 74871 5 n.h.p.

Owner H. H. Gurnhill

of Saxilby. Photo'd at the Fosseway Rally 1972.

Clayton & Shuttleworth Road Locomotive No. 47216 (1916) 7 n.h.p. Owner P. Johnson of Hungerford. Photo'd at Fairford 1972 by 0 Clark. 35

Traction, Fowler No. 21647 1936 ZB 1135 Ernest Twigger. Traction, Ruston & Hornsby No. 115100 1922 DO 2953 Jesse Swingler. Traction, Ailchin No. 2146 1922 FP 1259 A. R. Stort & Son. Traction, Fowler No. 14600 1917 HO 5590 W. J. C. Ford. Traction, Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 25542 1913 AY 9456 J. E. Holman. Traction, Ransomes. Sims & Jeffries No. 42036 1932 TL 2366 Tim. Sage. Traction, Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 44103 1911 AL 9348 John Beeby. Traction, Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 42035 1932 ANG 194 John Vernon. Traction, Burrell No. 3262 1910 AW 5228 Vaughan Bros. Traction, Ransome. Sims & Jeffries No. 27548 1919 NL 2563 J. M. Foster. Traction, Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 27512 1917 R 6244 W. Kitchen. Traction, Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 47015 1915 BD 5483 W. H. & L. Fowler. Steam Tractor, Foden No. 13196 1928 GC 5832 P. Van Houten. Steam Tractor, Fowler (conversion) No. 15732 1923 PT 832 S. Woodbine. Steam Tractor, Aveling & Porter No. 12152 1928 SC 1577 D. Crawley. Steam Tractor, Ruston & Proctor No. 52329 1918 CT 5554 J. A. Stubbs. Steam Tractor, Aveling & Porter No. 8030 1913 KT 125 J. D. Woodward. Steam Tractor, Wallis & Steevens No. 7640 1920 13L 8236 John Crawley. Steam Wagon, Foden No. 13120 1928 VM 4536 Wilson, Gardner & Morris. Steam Tanker, Sentinel No. 8992 1933 Ti 4148 George Liversidge. Steam Roller, Marshall No. 76796 1923 FU 1326 Ken Hubbard. Steam Roller, Marshall No. 82517 1927 RR 7519 John Beeby. Steam Roller, Wallis & Steevens No. 8113 1939 DHO 364 Neil Simpkins. Steam Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 10571 1923 NU 1916 Jim Procter. Steam Roller, Wallis & Steevens No. 7539 1917 BE 9360 B. Wright. Steam Roller, Marshall No. 81427 1926 DT 6079 D. W. Waters. Steam Roller, Fowler No. 18651 1930 VF 9312 G. A. Parker. Portable, Ruston & Proctor No. 29011 1905 H. A. Palmer. D.A.C.

SECOND AGE OF STEAM, SYON PARK. After many hours of discussion with the new lessees of the Garden Centre, the concept of a competitive event for the average engine and driver was evolved in four parts:Concourse, Original Use of Engine, Driving Manoeuverability and a Controlled Speed Trial. Unfortunately bad weather on the Sunday and difficulty in reversing trailers in the manocuverability section let this down. The Controlled Speed Trial was highly successful. Each driver was given a U-shaped course around three sides of the arena and he had to estimate how long his engine would take to cover this distance without touching the contrrols from the start. Times varied from 10 mins. to If mins., but in the main most estimations were about right. Points for this event and Concourse (ably judged by Ken Judkins) were added together and Jim Sarney won the Punch Bowl and £50. Engines present: Burrell 2386 Giles Family and Co. Ruston Proctor 36828 Pat Westgate and Family. Burrell 3057 Jim Sarney. Burrell 3201 Jack Elliott. Wallis & Steevens John Taylor. Wallis & Steevens Frank Upton. Robey 37657 Mike Harmsworth. Wallis & Steevens 7685 entered by P. Coxall. Garrett 34545 Jim North. Foster 14514 Denis Brandt. Aveling & Porter Lionel Veck and Family. Burrell S.R.L. "Dreadnought" Dereck Trice. Aveling & Porter 10271 Vick Roberts. 36

Wallis & Steevens 7848 C. Gardner. Babcock & Wilcox 95/4009 J. Murray. Aveling & Porter 1 1423 Smokey Shepherd. Ransome, Sims & Jeffries 41046 Goff Radcliffe. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries 39127 Ron Giddings. Foden 13716 Jack Hampshire. Sentinel 8393 "Sultan" Peter Gunning and crew. Aveling & Porter 14147 Dick Martino. Aveling & Porter 11486 Ken Cooke and Family. Garrett Tractor "Leiston Town" J. M. Baldock. Aveling & Porter "Elizabeth" Bob Langley. Brian Skegg did great service with his Worthington Steam Pump supplying every drop of water for the engines plus a lot recirculated. Bob and Rosemary Ansell entertained with music from their Circus Organ. Bob Minnev from Luton amazed people with the range of music from his Bruder Organ. Ivan Fear and Wilf Smith organised a wonderful selection of models. Roland Poole found varied commercial and fighting vehicles and Dick Peskett arranged many original examples of Agricultural Machinery. The Three Counties Steam Preservation Society headed by Rally Organiser Patrick Coxall organised the event and were supported by Patron J. M. Baldock, Chairman J. North, Secretary R. D. Martino, and many members. Unfortunately President Les Searle could not bring his Burrell and Organ due to illness. T _C.S,P.S. CAENBY CORNER RALLY

Caenby Corner Rally was held in brilliant sunshine this year, as opposed to the almost washed out conditions which applied in 1971. A record crowd attended the event.

In the Engine Section, Messrs. P. S. and D. A. Robinson surprised us by bliogiog along their .teceni purchase, the Foster Shuwmaii s Road Loco, 14502, (XC 9862), "Victory". which had only arrived in the area a few days before. The Foster was in use generating power for their 89 key Gavioli Organ, and was on show in place of the well known Burrell "The Bailie", which had been left in Derbyshire awaiting the Crich Rally. Another surprise visitor this year after several years absence from Rallies in this area was Mr. John Reynolds of Tickhill with his big Fowler Road Loco 15323, "Excelsior". and the two other engines in this Class were of the light pattern, Mr. S. Woodbine's Fowler conversion No. 15732, a 4 h.p. single, and Mr. H. Gurnhill's Marshall 74871, which is a 5 h.p. compound. This particular machine is preserved in original form, although much of its working life was spent in the guise of a 10 ton roller. The eight traction engines on show were all regular attenders at this event; Marshall 38977 owned by Mr. 3. Kitching; Mr. Jack Taylor with H. Thorlby's Allchin 1499; Mr. F. Strange's Marshall 61880; Messrs. Maddison Bros. Ransomes, 26475; and another Ransomes 27512, owned by Mr. W. H. Kitchen; Messrs. Selby's Marshall 79441; Mr. .1. W. Hebden with his widely travelled Clayton 48162; and Mr. H. Stimmerscales driving Mr. R. Dale's Marshall 85890. Four Road Rollers were on view, two by Aveling & Porter, and two by Marshall's. The oldest of the Aveling's was Mr. G. Turner's 6343, a 10 ton single ex Lindsey County Council, and its mate was Mr. F. Clements' 10 ton piston valve single, 10590. On the Marshall side, 73290 owned by Mr. E. Flear was a 10 ton compound, and the smaller machine owned by Mr. P. Auger, 86104, was of 8 ton size, and single cylinder. Three Wagons were presented this year. Mr. H. Parkin with his Foden 6 tomer, 12364; Mr. G. E. Ashton with his Sentinel D.G.4 type 8964; and Mr. G. E. Liversidge with his 5.4 type tanker 8992. A Foster thrashing machine owned by Mr. E. Rear was on the belt to Messrs. Maddison's Ransomes engine, and al the far side of the Ring, Mr. George Taylor had a well stocked Model Engineering tent in his charge. F.S. 37

AREA NOTES THE FAIRFORD AND DISTRICT STEAM CLUB There has been a few new engines in the area, Derek West of Kernsford has now got his Burrell 10 ton C/C Roller home after buying it at Hurst's sale. The engine is being completely overhauled, the tender is off and waiting a complete refit, front roll had to come off so work could be done on tube plate and new smoke box will have to be made and other jobs too on the front end. The Wallis and Steevens Roller No. 7730 compound, buit 1922 Reg. No. H06037 which was owned by Mr. Winter of Chippenham, has now been sold to Wallis and Steevens of Basingstoke. Michael Thexton's Ruston T.E. is taking shape slowly having had a new back axle made and bushes, and a lot of work done to the gearing, the tender has been completely rebuilt and looks good and is now being painted, he is now working on the motions with new shaft bearings being made and other parts being renewed or cleaned up. The big end is being rewhite-metalled. R. Willcox has been working on his Marshall Portable No. 84963, built 1929 4 NHP S.C. this engine when he bought it was in a derelict and dismantled state and had to be completely rebuilt, with a new chimney having to be made with many other parts too. Now the engine is finished and painted and lined out. Mr. Jim Tomlins of Bampton who earlier this year moved into the Area, has brought with him his Garrett Roller and his Aveling & Porter Roller built 1920, Type R 10 ton S.C. Ted Haggard of Swindon has also been at work last Winter and Spring on his Burrell Traction Engine No. 2426 1901 6NP S.C.C. Reg. No. BL 4843 he has put new rubbers on the back and front wheels. M.T.H.

NORTH WALES Messrs. Lloyd Jones of Llanfair D.C. have again been tar-spraying with their D.G. Sentinel No. 8122 of 1929. Their Tasker Type B2 Tractor No. 1611 of 1914 again made the journey to Bishops Castle Rally over the Bank Holiday weekend. As the engine is still on steel wheels this represented quite a journey of some 70 miles each way. The most exciting news is the discovery of yet another Yorkshire. Believed to be a 2 ton model only the chassis, with steering and axles remained. The most unusual feature of this wagon is its four wheels; they are of wood, of the stagg type; and are iron tyred. Believed to have last worked during 1925/26 is was discovered some two years ago by the writer. However, it was only recently that Mr. Tom Varley of Gisburn positively identified it; three weeks later he had bought it and moved it to its native county. It is believed to date from about 1907/14. The writer's Marshall No. 68754 ex Bridson of Neston still awaits for some attention. As the engine requires some attention to the firebox, it is hoped to do this and restore it back to its original tractor form in one operation. The writer was also fortunate in digging out (literally) of a scrap yard the remains of a Locomobite Steam Car engine. I feel that such a find in 1972 must be unusual. M.C.J. 38

YORKSHIRE "Flying visits" to the County by various engines have been recent talking points among local enthusiasts. We were most surprised to sec a photograph in the Leeds paper, the "Evening Post", of the Garrett "Suffolk Punch" tractor, No. 33180 "The Joker", Reg. No. BJ 4483 which appeared at the Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate on July 11th, 12th and 13th. This was very much a "here today and gone tomorrow" visit and actually very few enthusiasts saw the engine whilst it was in the county. We were further surprised at reports by persons returning south from Masham Rally on July 16th of a pair of ploughing engines which were being low loaded northwards up the Great North Road in the Boroughbridge area. Further details would be welcomed. Additional information would also be appreciated regarding the Lancashire T.E.C. notes in Steaming Vol. 15 No. 4 where mention is made of the Foden Wagon No. 13488, Reg. No. RO 6330. From whence did Mr. Gosney acquire the wagon and how long ago, please? Other short visits to the county were made by two Burrell Showman's engines brought to the Harewood House Rally by the Leeds & District Traction Engine Club. These were Dr, J. L. Mitldlemiss' Burrell No. 3555 "The Busy Bee", Reg. No. AO 6262 and Mr. .1. N. Gilbcy's Burrell No. 3483 "Perseverance the Second", Reg. No. WR 9110. Unlike those mentioned above, these received adequate publicity and were seen by most of the local enthusiasts. Barry Wood's Aveling & Porter Roller No. 5308 "Withernsea". Reg. No. HD 1573 had its first steaming for many months just three days before the Bank Holiday weekend, aftet much hard work by Barry. I am very pleased to report that although restoration is not yet finished, the roller appeared at Harewood House, albeit arriving there a long time after dark on the Friday night and it performed very creditably during the Rally. One of her previous owners lack Hampshire of the Ravensthorpe contractors, himself still a Fowler Roller owner, came to the rally and was delighted with the work which Barry had put into the engine. In late July, in response to a request from the Depot Manager, the writer's Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8506 "White Rose", Reg. No. CT 5012, visited the Stourton, Leeds, Freightliner Depot and spent a very pleasant afternoon among the giant Freightliner cranes and stacks of containers, spreading red shale on a car park and rolling it in. The Depot Manager was so pleased with the finished work that arrangements have been made for a further area to be done, to increase the car parking facilities available. Apologies must be made at this juncture for a wrong engine number given in the Ryhill Rally report in the last issue of Steaming (p.228). The number quoted was given to me by Walter Fearnley, but after further research by Mr. G. W. Huff. ex chief draughtsman of Yorkshire's and Walter. his "W.G." wagon is No. 2108 and not 2128 as stated. The Fowler Roller No. 19204, Reg. No. YG 4747 cx-Kcighley Corporation also mentioned in the last issue of Steaming (p.228) was owned by Mr. T. Farrow of Leyburn, Yorks, who unfortunately died just before Masham Rally. She had been working, as the reporter noted and it is interesting to relate that a wagon driver was overhead telling someone at Masham Rally of a co-incidence when he had been leading stone to farms in the vicinity only a week or two previously and at one of these was the Fowler Roller working and at the other was John Henderson's Aveling & Porter, featured in "A Rolling Job" in the last issue. Mr. M. D. Thackray's Fowler Showman's Engine No. 14862 "Evening Star", Reg. No. DW 2235 is now back on the Rally Fields again having had a break whilst considerable internal work has been carried out. David Mitchell's Fowler "Tiger" tractor No. 15625 "Crimson Rambler", Reg. No. Ll 7148 has been withdrawn from service this year for attention to top works and a repaint. It is 15 years since the engine was restored and much steam has flowed up the blast pipe since then. In early August, it was seen with the cylinder block off. It is hoped that it will be ready in time for the 1973 Rally season. D.A.R. 39

It is with regret that I have to record the passing of another engine owner and enthusiast. Jack l'Anson of Darlington, whom I met on many occasions at Masham Rally with his Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11558 "Northern Princess", Reg. No. RM 2950, died early in September. His son brought him to Harewood House Rally in late August and this turned out to be his last. Coincidentally, it was to the first Harewood Rally that Jack first took a engine, this being a Marshall Steam Roller with a Somerset registration, then in the ownership of Harry Walker of ❑arlington and now, after several changes of ownership. in the guise of a Traction Engine and owned by a doctor in the Leicester area. Jack will be sadly missed and to his family we offer our sympathy. On the 15th September, Harry Parkin took his Foden Wagon No. 12364. Reg. No. TW 4207 to Rothwell and carried the Oulton St. John's Sunday School Queen and her retinue in procession to Rothwell Park for an event in aid of Pensioners' Charities. The wagon had been decorated specially for the occasion by the Vicar's wife, Mrs. Sparkes and the Sunday School staff. After the procession, Mrs. Sparkes was heard expressing concern regarding the return of the sheets with which she had covered the wagon's fiat bed and was heard to say regarding Harry. "Never mind though, he's coming back to the Vicarage afterwards to get stripped". Unfortunately, I heard only the last part of the conversation. I really did wonder what was going on ... A new venture by the Masham Traction Engine and Vintage Tractor Club was held on the weekend of the 23rd-24th September. This took the form of a working weekend and some 18 tractors took part, ranging from Internationals, through Marshalls, John Deere's and Fordsons to a Case, Ford Ferguson and an O.T.A. Monarch. Many and varied implements were hauled or powered by various tractors at various times and they were complemented by three steam engines: Mr. Robinson's Marshall G.P. No. 17134, Reg. No. PY 298 driving his threshing machine — and threshing; Messrs. R. & G. A. Walker's Garrett Tractor No. 33219 "Vindictive", Reg. No. BJ 6180 giving trailer rides; and Mr. R. Oliver's Aveling & Porter No. 14068 "Hunslet", Reg. No. VN 2092. D.A.R. THE LINCOLNSHIRE STEAM ENGINE PRESERVATION SOCIETY One usually expects that by the end of May, some Spring weather will be in evidence, but this was not so for our opening Event at Carrington Park. Although in the main it managed to stay fine, a cold wind was blowing most of the time, but on each day a most encouragin3 crowd turned up. The engine line up here was very good and many old intenders were to be seen, and it was here that the newly restored Ruston Proctor tractor No. 5329 owned by Mr. H. Stubbs of Costock made its first appearance in the county. This machine was really immaculate. and ran as well as it looked. Another engine making a first appearance since overhaul was the Wallis & Steevens 10 ton roller of Mr. 13. Wright's, No. 7539, and brought to the Rally from Chesterfield under its own steam. A fortnight later. Hawerby Park Rally followed, and we were all bitterly disappointed when torrential rain fell through the preceding night, and continued all through the Saturday. The engines were safely housed in Mr. Dale's yard, and it was possible for the visitors to inspect them in good conditions underfoot. Sunday was better, weatherwise, and a surprisingly large crowd came, some from a long way oil, but the Rally field was far too wet to attempt any engine movements. The line up here was in the main of regular Intenders. and showed a predominance of Marshall engines, certainly among the tractions. A newcomer here was Mr. E. Flcar with his 10 ton Marshall compound roller No. 73290, and Marshall built living van. This engine was bought by him in June 1971 and was in derelict condition, since then much hard work has gone into getting it ready for its first Rally. In fact it wits steamed away from Kirton in Lindsey the day after the boiler inspector gave it his final blessing. 40

It was following this Rally, that the sad news reached us of the passing of Mrs. F. Epton, wife of Mr. Charles Epton of New Bolingbroke. Mrs. Epton was well known in the commercial days of steam when she acted as the secretary for the family business, which was then mainly engaged on thrashing and contracting. In later years many of us remember her for her kind hospitality on visits to New Bolingbroke. until she was taken ill some months ago. We should like to extend our condolences to Mr. Epton and his Family in their loss. Before many more days had passed, it was learned that two more equally well known steaming personalities had passed on, these were Mr. George Smith of Old Leake, and Mr. A. W. Shepherdson of North Hykeham. Mr. Smith was the oldest man still to drive an engine in this area, and was a familiar sight on the Rally field with his Foster compound road engine. No. 13200. His last appearance being at Carrington this year, although he was well in his eighties. He was widely known in East Lincs. as he had spent the whole of his business life as a thrashing contractor in that district, although at the time of his death he was living in retirement. His last wish was that he be taken to Church by an engine, and this was carried out, the engine concerned being Messrs. Epton's Foster Showman's Tractor No. 14839. Mr. Shepherdson, or `Shep' as he was perhaps better known was also in his eighties and living in retirement. He too had known no other life beside steam. In his younger days he had run an extensive business based at North Owersby, near Market Rasen, which catered for thrashing and steam cultivating, besides this he. was well known as an engine dealer, and towards the end of steam as a commercial matter, he had a large stock of engines many of which have happily found their way into preservation. His very last engine was an Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8241, which he sold early in 1971, but he still maintained a close interest in engines. Both Shep and Mr. George Smith were experts in the steam field and were never too busy to give a kindly word of encouragement to a beginner, and we shall be the poorer for their passing. During the Summer members of this Society were entertained by The Gainsborough Engine Society to the Pumping Station at Owston Ferry. This Station is not now steam operated, but in its original condition a pair of Class 'L' Marshall tandem compound engines were housed here, and two boilers to steam them. Some years ago, one of the Marshall's was removed and replaced by a large Ruston & Hornsby horizontal oil engine, which is an interesting engine itself. Both boilers are still in position, and one still holds a current certificate, as it, and the Marshall engine which it powers are held in instant readiness against flooding. The engine house and every single item in it is i ❑ immaculate condition. and the whole layout reflects very great credit on the caretaker, who although technically retired, is by no means inactive. Also during the same period a small number of members joined the party which visited Germany to inspect the ploughing engines at work there, and returned with many feet of fascinating film of the huge engines and their plough. It was during this time, on August 12th, that a wedding took place at Mawthorpe. near Alford. This was between Mr. John Selby of Epworth, well known on the Rally field with his Marshall engine No. 79441, and Miss Julia Riggall of Mawthorpe. Julia is the younger daughter of our Chairman Mr. Eric Riggall. and the Membership Secretary to this Society. The reception was held at the bride's home. and several engines were in steam on this occasion. We wish them both every happiness in their new life together. At the time of writing we have lost a pair of Fowler ploughers these being Nos. 15428/9 which were owned by Mr. H. Thorlby of Evedon. A newcomer to the district has recently arrived in the shape of the Foster Showman's Road Loco No. 14502 "Victory" which has been bought by Messrs. P. S. & A. Robinson. and will be a stable mate to the Burrell No. 3334 "The Baillie". the shape of the Foster Showman's Road Loco No. 14502 "Victory" which has been bought by Messrs. P. S. & D. A. Robinson, and will be a stable mate to the Burrell No. 3334 "The Bailie". F.S. 41

a

THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE AND CHESHIRE TRACTION ENGINE CLUB The Midland Festival of Steam was once again held on the Stafford County Showground, Stafford on the 15th and 16th July. It was the first good weekend (weather-wisel ❑f the Rally season. Following the Festival of Steam was a popular event with the engine men, the Klondyke Mill Stream Party. This was held on the Club's permanent recreation centre, which is situated on the A515 road two miles on the Litchfield side of Sudbury, Derbyshire and once again we were blessed with fine weather. Engines attending were: the Club's own Burrell single crank Compound No. 2706 "The Admiral", Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3509 "Rajah", Foster Compound No. 12539 "Winnic", Marshall single cylinder No. 74489 "Welsh Lady", Aveling & Porter single cylinder Roller No. 9024 "Rossetta". Various vintage agricultural tractors and machinery attended, owned by members of the vintage tractor and machinery section Of the Club. Mr. Ashley attended with his famous Gallopers. The following week the tackle and equipment diminished rapidly, nearly all making for the Astle Park Rally. It was my great pleasure to be invited to assist in taking "Winnic" all the sixty odd miles to Astle Park. The journey was the Sunday following the Steam Party and the fire was lit early and before any steam registered on the gauge it had started t❑ rain — once it started it never gave up again that day. We had our own private winching demonstration getting the engine and living van on the road. Once on the road a pleasant ride developed, taking turns at driving a spell. When water was taken on, having three drivers and a steerman, it gave us chance to take our mac's off and dry out by the living van fire whilst another driver took a turn at getting wet in the torrential downpour which did not ease up the entire day. The Astle Park Rally everyone really enjoyed, the activities carried on till midnight on the Saturday night and into Sunday morning. On the following Saturday it was decided that a few of our members should take the Club's Burrell "The Admiral" to the Market Bosworth Rally and I was to be called boss on this trip. We set out from the Klondyke at about seven o'clock on the morning of the Rally, bound for Market Bosworth over thirty miles away. Our journey took us through little villages, hamlets, on into Burton-on-Trent. through part of the old south Derbyshire coalfield and onwards to more little villages and country lanes, arriving into Market Bosworth Rally field at about three o'clock in the afternoon. Another most pleasant journey over we took our lunch, talking over the run and all agreeing how well it had gone and how we had all thoroughly enjoyed it. A very full Set of winter meetings has been arranged with meetings for members' slides, invited guests to give film and slide shows, engine owners meetings to compile a new list of Club engines and discuss various aspects of Rallies. Also the tractor and agricultural machinery section of the Club have similar meetings arranged and again one of the main things is to compile lists of Tractors, stationary engines and various other types of machinery.To add to this full programme an invitation to Fodens Social Club at Sandbach for an evening's entertainment provided by them. Next event is the last outdoor activity for this year and is to be a Steam Party at Goostrey — when Jim Dakin has a steam session then it is usually a good time to be had by all. I must say that I am looking forward to it with enthusiasm. A recent Festival of Steam committee meeting decided to hold the popular Midland Festival of Steam again in 1973 on the 21st and 22nd July at the County Showground, Stafford. Here we go again friends, we hope to see a lot of old friends and new faces there. As we close, we have just heard that David Bradbury has been obliged, on doctor's orders, to relinquish his duties as organiser of the Midland Festival of Steam. This enforced resignation leaves a gap which will not easily be filled. D.H. 42

N.T.E.C. SOCIAL MEETINGS Meetings at the Cock Tavern, Great Portland Street, London W1 in 1973. January 31st — Slides: "Historial Commercial Vehicles", Brian Johnson. February 28th — Films: Jack Hobbs, Rallies, etc. Michael Mason, "A Queen Restored" (Fowler 11484). March 28th — Slides and film: Jack Wharton "Supreme". April 25th — Members' Slides. Further enquiries to London social evening convenor, C. G. Mileham, 14 Honeypots Road, Woking, Surrey. Tel: Woking 62696.

BANBURY STEAM SOCIETY The Society meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the British Railways Staff Association Club, Middleton Road. Banbury, Oxon, at 8 p.m. the programme for the remainder of 1972 is as follows: Tuesday, December 19th — Annual Social Evening. CHILTERN TRACTION ENGINE CLUB A Social Evening on the first Friday of the month will be held at Amersham Community Centre with slides, films and talks. Bar and light refreshments available at small charges. FAIRFORD AND DISTRICT STEAM CLUB The Club meets on iiie second Tuesday of each month (except July) at the County Club, Fairford at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, December 12th — Film Show. A.G.M. Tuesday. January 9th Tuesday, February 13th — Slide Show. Annual Dinner and Dance to follow coach outing to Bressingham Hall. Further Information from G. Neate, 7 Severn Avenue, Swindon, Wilts.

WELLAND VALLEY VINTAGE TRACTION CLUB Monthly meetings are held on the last Friday of every month at 8 p.m., at "The Red Lion". Great Bowden, Market Harborough. Mrs. Pat Cheetham, 11 Kipton Close, Rothwell, near Kettering has recently taken over as Hon. Secretary.

WORTHING — SOUTHERN COUNTIES GROUP Meetings from October to April: First Friday o feach month at Queens Hall, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath at 8 p.m. Second Friday at the Village Hall, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent. Details from Brian Johnson. 18 Orchard Gardens, Woodgate, Chichester, Sussex. Tel: Eastergate 2617. THAMES VALLEY T.E. CLUB Social meetings, films, slides, etc., on the second Monday of every month at 7.30 for 8 p.m. at Englefield Village Social Club Englefield, between

Pangbourne and Theale, Berks.

OXFORD OLD STEAMERS CLUB The Old Steamers Club meets usually at the Cowley Community Centre in Barnes Road, Cowley on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30 p.m.

We have a full programme of events again this winter and if anybody finds themselves in the Oxford area on the third Thursday they can be assured of a warm welcome at our meeting. The January meeting takes the form of an open discussion with a panel of distinguished guests, and in February we have a slide show. We will be away from the Cowley Community Centre for March and April with a visit to the Cassington yard of Hatwells the Showmen in March and a visit to the Morris Motors Cine Society at Crescent Road, Cowley in April. The May and June meetings will be back at the Cowley Community Centre. 43

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Mr. Hawthorne, The last edition of Steaming was of particular interest to me, especially your article dealing with the number one Ordnance Workshops used in France in the Great War. It so happens that a very good friend of mine was in charge of these engines when they went out to France originally. He has often told me through the years how he travelled with the Fowlers from East Anglia, down to Southampton across to Le Harve and thence onto the Somme. Apparently, on the way down to Southampton one of the engines ran over a manhole lid in the middle of Guildford High Street and ran away. the rear wheel slipping as so often happened with these large engines in those days. Apparently, there was quite a pile up and the other Fowler had to be used to straighten things out. However, they were able to proceed and eventually reached Southampton without further serious incident. On the way across France from Le Harve, my friend went ahead riding on a Douglas motorcycle scouting for water and making other arrangements for the trip. He told me how he enquired in his best French for some water for the engines in one of the villages and the dear old lady from whom he enquired, went into her house and came out with a jug full of water, which was not exactly sufficient for two thirsty Fowlers' and two Foden Steam Wagons which were travelling with them at that time. He told me that they went first of all to a place called Puchvilliers on the Somme and another interesting incident occurred about that time. It appears that the Prince of Wales was soldiering on the Somme then and that he travelled around the area quite frequently. At the time one of the Fowlers had gone down to the rail head with two trailers to collect some large 12 x 12 baulks of timber which were going to be used to make wooden mats onto which the heavy guns were to stand. Due to the poor condition of the roads at that lime, the Fowlers slipped sideways off the road, completely blocking the highway just at the time when the Prince of Wales was coming along in his smart car with all the "brass hats"_ Needless to say that this caused a great commotion and orders were given from that time on that the Fowlers were to be kept in the workshops and not to travel on the roads. except when absolutely necessary for moving the mobile workshops. Apparently, in addition to the two Fowlers' and their trailers, no less than 500 railway truck loads of equipment went to make the so called mobile workshop. One of the Fowlers was used t❑ drive a large DC Generator which formed the power source for the Mobile Workshop and the other Fowler was used to drive the Sawmilling Machinery when the Mobile Workshop was set up and in operation. I hope you will find these comments to be of interest. Yours sincerely, JOHN BOUGHTON, Amersham. SAVING A MILITARY STEAM ROLLER UNDER ENEMY FIRE (Reprinted from "The Sapper", Journal of the Corps of Royal Engineers) Major (Retd.) N. S. Miller, T.D., a Member, now living in South Africa, a great lover of Steam engines and of the history of steam, writes from Pietermaritzburg: "In the early 1930's I was associated with a Mr. F. H. Coleby who was then Chief Engineering Assistant to the Borough of Swindon. During the 1914-18 War he was a Sergeant in the Corps and he told me of the part he played in assisting to save a steam roller under fire during the Great Retreat in March 1918. As I recal it from memory, Mr. Coleby told me that during the final nine months of the war the Germans made a tremendous effort and succeeded in driving the Allies back many miles towards 44

Arras before the tide was stemmed and turned, resulting in the Allied victory of November 1918. The set-back was known as the March Retreat and lasted for more than a week. While it was in progress, Sgt. F. H. Coleby. who had been engaged on some last-minute operations was travelling northwards on a motor-cycle and was passing through an abandoned village when he saw a British Army steam roller in the main street. The driver, who was alone, hailed him and said that he was almost out of water and coal but did not want to leave his roller behind for the Germans. Although they were already within range of small arms fire. Sgt. Coleby dismounted and told the driver to move up to the village pump. The two of them worked at top speed transferring water from the pump to the hopper of the roller's tank by means of a bucket. Leaving the driver to complete this operation Frank Coleby made a rapid search for coal and was fortunate in finding some in a nearby house cellar. They carried as much as they could to the engine in the short time available. Having stoked up. the roller set off at top speed up the hill leading out of the village, in a cloud of steam and smoke. As Sgt Coleby passed it on his motor-cycle, it was bumping and skidding along the pave road surface with rifle and machine gun bullets whining past. Frank Coleby got back safely and heard later that the roller did also. He also heard that the driver was subsequently awarded the M.M. for gallantry in saving his roller whilst subjected to enemy small arms fire."

TRACTION ENGINE HISTORIES McLaren No. 1241 (built 1910) 8 h.p. compound. Cylinders 6/in x 10/in. Boiler shell thickness 13/32in. Tubes: 41 x 5ft. 9in. long x 2in o.d. Working precceore 200 p.s.i. Owner: A. B. "Sandy" Calder, lialkett, Cotteibuty, New Zealand. Official No. 13947. McLaren No. 1241 is pictured on the front cover of this edition. This engine was first imported into Canterbury for John Sharp of Ladbrooks, was first inspected for a certificate on the 10th March 1911, and certificate No. 7066 was issued to expire on 31st March 1912. Up until 1929 in the the old boiler records, this engine was still owned by John Sharp, although he moved to Ha!swell in 1919, and it was used exclusively in the Ladbrooks/Halswell districts for general use, according to the records, and it was always kept in good order. In the new series of departmental records, sometime between 1st October 1931 and 20th September 1932 the engine was sold to J. Calder of Helkett. Canterbury. where, on the 21st August 1932 it was subjected to an hydraulic test with all lagging removed, to a pressure of 230 p.s.i.. and one stay was renewed in the top left hand corner of the firebox. the engines' first repair, there was also signs of slight wastage around the fusible plug. The engine was still owned by J, Calder up until 1956, and, with this owner, I should have stated, that she was used for threshing. and not for general use, thereby qualifying for a 2-year certificate of survey.. In 1956 she was not used and she was sold to C. Phillips, of Ladbrooks, Canterbury. and she was inspected for a certificate on 12th August 1958. In 1960 she was bought back again into the Calder family by Sandy Calder, who has kept her in good order ever since. The longitudinal scams on the barrel was slotted in 1962, and she had another hydraulic test to 250 p.s.i. which was satisfactory. Sandy has exhibited this engine at numerous rallies with his threshing mill and he was also in the grand parade of Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Centennial in 1962 with the same engine and mill. This engine really is in exceptionally good order, and as far as can be ascertained for the record, she has only had one firebox stay removed, truly a remarkable record for a boiler 62 years old, and one that Sandy himself can he proud of, for as he says himself "as long as I'm around there will be an engine in my shed". DICK MUSSON, 45

BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS By RAN HAWTHORNE Winter, in the Traction Engine World, is the time when engine owners put their machinery away and when the enthusiast puts his feet up. Apart from the local club winter meetings they both persue their hobby by reading. looking at slides, photos and films. The people who provide those books. etc., have not been slow to recognise the almost insatiable demand for reading matter and so we are, nowadays, quite well catered for. One enthusiast told me recently that until he joined the Society he had never seen the words "Traction Engine" in print. This was over twenty years ago and, as we all know, the position is vastly changed today. The review columns in Steaming give an idea of the range of publications. During the past year we have seen "Traction Engines in Review" by Barry Finch, here is a book that will be read and re-read and browsed through many times. Modelers were catered for by H. R. Plastow's "The Building and Running of Steam Traction Engine and Roller Models" published by Lion Engineering Co., Hardwick, Cambridge, and by L. C. Mason's "Scale Model Traction Engine Building", published by M.A.P. Ltd. Two very valuable books for those who work to scale rather than full size. Our friends, Stoomwalsen Club, Nederland, produced the first Traction Engine book in the Dutch language, a notable land mark indicating the interest in Holland. The Blandford Press and author Brian Johnson produced "Steam Traction Engines. Wagons and Rollers". This ►s very good value at f1.50, having 150 colour illustrations. A "classic" in the form of Michael Lane's "Burrell Showmans' Road Locomotives" brings together a tremendous amount of history, detail and interest of these famous engines. Another "classic" is "Steam on Common Roads", a 1972 reprint of William Fletcher's book of 1891. Reprints have become very popular and other titles include "Sentinel Steam Wagons" from the E.P. Publishing Co. "Modern Steam Road Wagons" (1906) by William Norris, reprinted by Goose & Son and R.L.S. reprints of Burrell (2), Coulson & Wear, Foden, Aveling & Porter and Mann Catalogues. "Our Agricultural Heritage was sponsored by Esso and very good value at £1.75. Another import "Make" book to appear this year was "Ransomes Steam Engines" by Anthony Beamont, published by David & Charles at £3.25. Here is a book packed with interest from front to back. Steaming was very pleased to review a delightful book by one of our past chairmen and past president, Rev. Philip A. Wright. He writes with such a breath of the countryside. "Salute the Carthorse" would make a lovely present for any one interested in the countryside and old tackle. This is published by Ian Allan at a modest £1.50. "Farms and Farming" is another one from Ian Allan. This covers a very wide variety of old tackle including our own particular form of Steam Power. We received guides specially produced to enable to enthusiast to get to the top of Snowdon by steam or to visit slate mines by electric traction and of course all the preserved railways as well. These guides give useful publicity to Traction Engines and list clubs and in some cases rallies. We reviewed a model Showman's Engine kit, a set of postcards, and a set of prints and a lampshade. There are of course many books not directly T.E. or having only small reference, these are valuable as they prevent us becoming too narrow. It does us good to read L. T. C. Rolt's "Landscape with Machines", and the same author's "The Making of a Railway", "The Observers Book of Commercial Vehicles", "British Steam Railcars", "A History of the Whitby and Pickering Railway", "Les Chapelons-Adieu" or Fire Fighting Vehicles 1840-1950". There is plenty of interest in any of these. 46

In the "magazine" department were who produce Steaming like to think we make a worth while contribution to T.E. literature. This year we have been able to increase the number of pages and illustrations in Steaming. Readers write and make complimentary remarks like . . . "The best T.E. publication". Well, we like to read such remarks but will not rest on our laurels. With increased circulation we could possibly have some full-colour illustrations. Our quarterly print off is 3,000; if this could be increased to 4,000 colour work would be a distinct possibility and if every member could enroll only one extra member then colour would be certain Steaming has also produced a little book "Steam Wagons & Tractors" this is mainly illustrations. It has been well received, if you haven't had one buy two and give one to a friend. They are only 20p each from Charles Ayes. Our Christmas card was a "new line". We took a gamble and had 3,000 printed and as I write in September they are nearly all sold. A new design will be produced for 1973. I have digressed from "magazines". Weekly we have "The World's Fair" or the "Engineman's Comic" as it is often called. This is now on better paper than formerly and consequently the illustrations are greatly improved, although recently one can hardly see the engines which arc pictured for the groups of committee, drivers and what-have-you that inevitably seem to have to stand in front. Being weekly "The World's Fair" is a "newspaper" rather than a "magazine" and as such it does a first-class job bringing us news of Fairground and T.E. activities. In recent years we have seen "Vintage Steam", this lasted three editions. "Steam Man" came out three times and we arc not sure if we will sec any more of these. "Steam Sphere" appeared monthly in the summer of 1971 and 1972 but this also seems to have stopped again. All this is a pity for all three were good — pherhaps too good to be viable — it needs a lot of money and support to maintain a quality publication. The R.I .S, proditre their -lournn1" the Fact Anglian Club their "Steam Preservation" and the Leeds Club have launched "Steam". All are quarterly and arc produced basically for their own members. "Light Steam Power" is produced commercially by a company of that name at Kirk Michael, Isle of Man. The annual subscription of £2 brings a high quality publication covering steam cars, steam boats, steam railways, steam plant as well as our own interests. Yes, the last twenty years has seen a fantastic growth of reading matter for T.E. owners and fans alike.

PHOTOGRAPH COMPETITION A very creditable entry this time with twenty-seven exhibitors submitting over ISO prints. As will be seen the standard is very high. The panel of four judges based their decision on: the interest value. the success of the picture as an illustration, and clarity of the picture including its suitability for reproduction. It will be noted that in both first and second prize winning pictures smoke is to be seen and the driver or threshing gang are going about their normal business. Three runners-up were selected (two will be published later on). Results: First A. Swain, Wembley; Second P. Ware, Bromham, Bedford; Runners-up D. A. Rayner, Woodlesford, Leeds; Lloyd Jones Bros, Ruthin, N. Wales and J. I. Smith, Alford, Lincs.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL We congratulate Paul and Rachel Abbott of Sutton, Surrey on the birth of Miriam Rachel who arrived on October 7th, weighing 81b. 7oz. Mother.

daughter — and father are all doing well. Paul and brother Mark arc

owners of Aveling and Porter Convertible No. 5800 and 8 ton Roller

No. 10652.

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PHOTO COMPETITION, SECOND PRIZE. Mr. P. Ware's photo of Fowler No. 11357 threshing at Riseley, Bedfordshire, 1971.

%'•11; 16477lifilii&e:14.1 vib°,44k4;34 PHOTO COMPETITION, RUNNER-UP AWARD. Derek Rayner's photo of Wallis & Steevens No. 7774 Reg. CT 6081 at Masham, July 1972. (Two further "runner-up" photos will be published in a future edition of "Steaming". 48

PHOTO COMPETITION, FIRST PRIZE. Alec Swain's photo of Fowler No. 15336 of 1919 at work at Roxton Park, September 1971.

REVIEWS LIT-VIEW LAMPSHADES Lit-View is a small limited company who produce high quality lampshades which include 3}in. x 2fin. colour transparencies in their design. A wide variety of "Stock lines" depict aircraft and subjects such as Tower Bridge. In addition to the "Stock lines", and I am sure of great interest to readers. is the individual service they offer. You only have to send a colour slide of your favourite engine (or any other subject of course) and within a very short while you will receive your own personal lamp shade with its own unique colour transparency incorporated. Shades are 51in. x 51in. and come trimmed in gold and black. They are suitable for desk, bedside or wall bracket lamps, and are or the highest quality and come nicely packed. Send £2.75 plus 25p post and packing and your selected slide (which will be returned) to Lit-View Ltd., Tudor Cottage, Christall, Royston, Herts., or send for descriptive leaflet that gives full details. RAN. "SAGA OF THE STEAM PLOUGH" (by Harold Bonnett and published by David & Charles at £3.25) Harold Bonnett needs little introduction to readers for he is secretary of the Steam Plough Club, has written numerous articles, a popular little introductory book "Discovering Traction Engines" but his best known work is "Saga", first published in 1965 is has been very popular and very widely read. This new impression is published by David & Charles and was printed in Belgium — there must be a lesson here for someone. The only difference between these two editions; this one has a modernistic design on the dust jacket instead of a Taylor Bros. Fowler at work, and of course the price, but as things stand today thats not at all unreasonable. Ever enthusiasts' shelf should have a copy of "Saga of the Steam Plough '. If you missed the first edition be sure and get one of these. "PLOUGH BOY"

"CHUFFS" •

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Aveling & Porter No. 10237 (1922), Reg. FX 8715, a 10 ton class E single cylinder piston valve engine. "ran away" on a steep hill on her way to the Cromford Rally. The accident resulted in the roller sustaining a broken "swan neck". The crew were injured but it is understood they have now recovered. Victor Law of Lisburn, Ireland has purchased a 12 n.h.p. piston valve portable engine from Brownlees' Sawmill, Newtownairds, near Dumfries. It was built by Marshall & Sons Co. (Successors) Ltd. about 1937 and carries the works number 88828. Brian Wallington of Chipping Norton, Oxon. has sold his Aveling & Porter Roller No. 12442, Reg. MY 102, to Bob Markham of Charltonon- Otmoor near Oxford. Brian is "looking for a Traction Engine — something a bit smaller". Rally dates notified for 1973: May 19-20 Basingstoke, Hants.; June 9-10 Levens Hall, Kendal, Westmorland. The North Wilts & South Glos. Preservation Society's application to affiliate to N.T.E.C. has been approved by the Executive Committee. We welcome this active society into affiliate membership. Their steam section secretary is Mr. F. Clayton, 142 Hordens Mead, Chippenharn, Wilts, SN15 3AP.

READERS WRITE POINTS FROM LETTERS * * * *

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New member R. G. Wiltshire of Diss has recently purchased a 1921 Marshall Steam Roller. D. A. Pront of Dymock, Glos., is restoring a 13 ton Aveling & Porter Roller. (Could we have the works numbers of these two, please? — Editor) A. Taylor of Otterbourne near Winchester has purchased Fowler Steam Roller No. 16270. G. A. Yaxley from Cliffe near Rochester writes: Thank you for the wonderful magnines" R S Rnthwell, Tver writes: should think Steaming must he the most well informed and comprehensive publication on that particular subject, and the reproduction of photographs both old and new are always excellent." We blush! But read on... From a member: "I am leaving cheque open as 1 am not sure if the fee is El or £1.50. May I respectfully suggest that you ask the editor to publish fcc in Steaming. Point taken! Subscription is £1.50 per annum and this information will be included in this and future

editions. All membership enquiries to: C. C. Ayes, 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hants. R. B. Bugler, 9 Stone Mead Avenue, Hale Barnes, Cheshire writes: "Are there any arrangements made at Rallies held under the Club's rules for disabled people? My wife is one such and I have to push her about in a wheelchair. If only I could park nearer to the entrance. my lot would be much eased, but this is never possible I find." Editor's note: I know that the N.T.E.C. appru-ed Rallies in my own area would be only too pleased to allow Mr. and Mrs. Bugler to park

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their car either in the officials' car park, the engine paddock car park or in some cases at the ringside, if they knew beforehand that they were coming. I am sure that other approved Rallies in other areas would offer the same facilities if they heard from Mr. Bugler, and other similarly placed, at least a few days before the event. From J. H. R. Brain, Long Itchington..."it all brings back very pleasant memories of 60 years ago. Thanks very much for the reminiscences of St. Giles' Fair" ... (We are always glad to receive comment on Steaming. — Editor) Ray Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln writes telling us that a small group have formed a trust with the object of procuring a Lincolnshire-built Traction Engine, fully restoring it and placing it in the care of Museum of Lincolnshire Life. The Trust are purchasing a 1913 Ruston-Proctor from a vendor in France. The cost

of purchase and transport will be approximately £2,000. Full details can be had from Ray Hooley.

"CHUFFS" •

The Crofton Pumps were recently in steam for four consecutive days.

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Two days for the public and two days for school visits. Well over 1.000 children were able, not only to see the engines in steam but also to be conducted round the pumping station by members of the Crofton Society who explained the working of the engine and boilers. What a wonderful way to learn about James Watt's parallel motion! John Alsbury's Marshall No. 55437 (1910) Reg. EB 22873, a 5 n.h.p. single cylinder engine was in use all day on October 5th powering a thresher with reed comber attached at Englefiekl, Berks. A quantity of wheat sheaves needed combing for a local thatcher and so to make a demonstration of the job as well it was dealt with on the day of the local ploughing match on the same farm. 51

CHRISTMAS STORY PAGES FIVE PAGES IN LIGHTER VEIN !

A LESSON IN FIRING The "Big Mac" pulled onto the Appletree Rally Field with -Big Wally", unusually, in the steerman's seat. He climbed down looking rather glum and was heard muttering something like "...can't 'ardly let 'im do nuthin". "Big Wally" was followed by "Hedgehog" (a name he does not deserve for he is anything other than prickly) who was very subdued but nevertheless his nature was sunny compared with that of the third member of the crew, whose tie was all round one side, his gloves were in holes, his black face was relieved only by the streaks cut in the coal dust by rivulets of (honest?) sweat. He really was in the dog-house about something, but what? This man was in fact the owner of the engine, no less than 'Tottenham Court Tony", a young lad from up towards London way somewhere. They say he has a little shop just off the Edgewarc Road up there. "T.C.T." as his mates call him — that's when they are speaking to him — looked thoroughly miserable and was trying to hide behind the back wheel. Worst of all "Big Wally" and "Hedgehog" seemed as if they didn't want to know him at all. Everything was glum. The enginemen who had come over to welcome them tried in vain to get a conversation going till "Bishop" Barker started boasting about how many miles his "Little Charlie" would do on a hundredweight said, "I haven't fired up since Nettlebed and I only put two shovelfulls on them." "Shovelfulls indeed" snorted "Big Wally". It seemed as though something had unlocked a door and out poured the story that was behind all the gloom. "What a day we've had with him" ("Big Wally" usually referred to "T.C.T." as "The Guv'nor" — or "Sir" if he was out of fags — but todays it was "him"). "'adn't got 'ardly any fire when we got there. Water in the bottom of the nut and none in the tank. Any way we did eventually get going, 'Hedgehog' was firing and it was a good wide road so we let him steer. We got on quite well and I began to think perhaps we might make an enginemen of him yet." "Big Wally" warmed to his story as the eager listeners urged him on. "It was at Henley I made my mistake" continued "Big Wally". "I got in the scat and let him fire. We just got stuck into Bix 'ill and of course the needle started to come back. 'Get plenty up front' I shouted. That did it. He got a great shovelful, swung as hard as y shovel, he could and you can guess what 'appened. He let go of the b didn't he? 'Now look wat you've done' 1 said. 'ere we are 'arf way up Bix 'ill, 'arf way to Appletree, a bunker full of coal an' no shovel. You chucked it in, there's nuthin' else for it, you'll 'ave to fire by 'hand till we get there'. And that how we went on, all the way from Bix 'ill to 'ere without a shovel." Poor "T.C.T." No wonder that to this day he comes over all queer at the mention of the word "shovel". 52

A CHRISTMAS TALE By George W. Eves In the early days of this century, despite poverty. large families, home doctoring, hospitals unheard of. village life was closely knit. The parish boundary was the edge of our world, and although men worked seventy hour weeks, family purses remained pitifully thin. But come Christmas, a few shillings hoarded over from September's hop picking, were freely spent to provide the only good dinner we had each year on Christmas Day. We always had snow for the festive season which for a few days took away the harshness of the everyday. To us youngsters fell the eagerly anticipated task of decorating the downstairs room with holly, mistletoe and greenery, intermingled with paper chainc, when three halfpence spent on a large bundle of coloured paper strips and a bottle of gum, gave infinite pleasure. So it came about on a bitterly way about our homes, my ❑ld Dad, Uncle Munless, and myself. set out on a most important mission. My parent took his elder brother along, not because he had any great love for him, as it was whispered darkly in the village that he was a poacher, in short a law breaker and as such was shunned by everybody. So my poor decrepit Uncle lived in an ❑ld shack away in the woods, as he couldn't "abide village folk always minding other people's business". But he not only knew all about rabbits, pheasants, partridges, woodcock and trout "ticklin— . he was also a man of the outdoors, who knew all about Nature's ways, the weather, and the virgin countryside that stretched around us, and that included where the best holly and mistletoe was to be found, and that was in the Squire's vast game preserves. Not that this worried my Uncle, who often propounded everything which grew, ran or flew was provided by the good Lord, and thus owned by nobody. Thus his days (and nights) were spent outwitting gamekeepers and the law, which made him a class A strategist, for he was never caught. Thus late that very cold December afternoon, when the wind whistled through my threadbare coat, we three were trudging homewards along a

narrow lane ankle deep in fallen leaves. Beeches and sweet chestnut trees met overhead, and we swished along as if in a tunnel, laden with choicest greenery, well berried of course, with old man's beard, trails of ivy, and say it not in Gath, our pockets full of walnuts and cobnuts. I was anxious to get home because this had to be approached along a railway cutting as we dare not be seen in the village thus and our branch line ran conveniently at the bottom of our garden. Now all afternoon Uncle had been sniffing the air like a bloodhound and forecasting snow, muttering . . . see, we shall git sum afore dark", but snow was the least of my problems, it was what I had in my pockets. Then as we emerged from this tunnel of trees, the first flakes began to fall. "Told y' so, didn't I" observed Uncle brightly .... "sky looks full of it" And how right he was. The flakes came faster and bigger until soon we were forging ahead in a blizzard, where I saw Nature changing the face of road. verges, hedgerows, drunken fences, old gates and the gaunt leafless trees. The effect was magical. No longer did our hobnail boot betray our approach, it became a silent wonderous world. Then . . borne along on the still air, came the sound that heralded the familiar sound of an approaching steam engine. Even I, then a rising six, could identify that sound, because engines of all sorts passed our thatched cottage daily, although I was only permitted to watch them from the point of vantage Dad's armchair in the window provided. where peering through the nodding plants in the window box I came to know of a et:item Mr. Fowler, Mr. Aveling and his friend Porter. and a Mr. Foster who built the threshing machine. The sounds of these steam giants was music in my ears. But right here in this narrow lane. the snow carpeted road ironed out the sounds of steel wheels on gritty lane, even so there's no mistaking the clear cut exhaust of a single cylinder engine. Naturally my elders heard it too. and unseen as it was

53

in the swirling snow, they deemed it close enough for us to get back in the hedge, for this narrow way was not made for steam engines, with visibility down to about three yards. Suddenly out of the white wall before us, loomed the unmistakable front end of an engine, a most unusual engine, in fact, because its taller than usual chimney was like a stove pipe, and unlike the funnels Mr. Fowler and Aveling fitted with shiny brass tops, this one was quite unadorned. In seconds this spotless green hollered monster was alongside us, giving out a most welcome warmth, and it was then its driver recognised Dad and halted his charge. There were loud seasonal greetings betwix the holly gatherers and the enginemen, who already had sprigs in their old bowler hats. And while they got down to things like the good slate club share out, assembly time for the band on Christmas Day morning, and the meet of the local hunt on the day after, I only had eyes for this strange looking engine I had never seen pass our cottage. It was in fact a rather ancient Hornsby portable, which had been made to move itself around (thus dispensing with a two horsed team) by means of a thick roller chain from a small sprocket an the offside extremity of the crankshaft which was up the chimney end, to a very large chain wheel bolted inside the hind wheel. Stranger still I saw it had been fitted with link motion gear, this most unusual on a portable, but there were other even more unusual things to discover. Steering was effected by a long horizontal shaft on the nearside, which terminated on the front carriage in a worm and sector wheel, while the steering wheel just behind the back of the firebox looked as though it had strayed off a Medway barge. Even more strange was that it had no tender as such, but merely a stout wooden platform supported by a chain on either side of the backplate, in the manner of the tailboard on a farm waggon. On this there was barely room for the enginemen, a small square open topped water tank, four bags of coal, shovel and poker. 1 grinned at the sight of a couple of shiny tea cans dangling on the rear cylinder drain cock. On the side of the green boiler, a brass nameplate gleamed this dull day, and I read . . . . "JESSE'S FOLLY", and it was not until I had wandered round the front end that this began to make sense, for

here a cast iron nameplate bore the legend . . . . . JESSE ELLIS, MAIDSTONE, KENT. Funny way to spell "Medstun", I mused, for nobody called it Maidstone in my village. The smokebox overhung the front wheels so much, that the whole engine looked as though it might tip up on its nose any minute. And although everything about me was now thickly embroidered with snow, the engine would have none of it, for the flakes now as big as sixpences, all ended up in a little hiss on the "folly" which Jesse had evolved. "Well,' drawled the driver, "Us 'ad better be gitten, or old Josiah Leadenthorpe wont 'ave 'is oats knocked out afore Noo Year's Dey". "Merry Christmas to yer", and with that he bumped the railway locomotive type regulator and moved this oddity without undue effort, the steersman straining his eyes ahead. In a few yards the swirling snow had swallowed it up, leaving behind a bare patch where it had stood, and a couple of wheel-tracks i n the snow, now two inches deep everywhere. We three paused a few minutes listening to the receding exhaust, before we put our heads down and forged ahead into the blizzard. "Funny thing", said Dad "that's the fust toime I've seed that injin, tho I have eerd about it some place or other", but Uncle who I think was equipped with something akin to built-in radar for news, said he had seen it working several times at farms driving a threshing machine "down below the 'ill", which loose reference took in the whole area below Wrotham Hill. Personally I wasn't bothered, my mind was firmly fixed on getting home to a mug of hot soup from the old blackened pot which stood on the hob from November till March. Even so, as I brought up the rear of our party scrambling through the hedge at the bottom of our garden. I was given to thinking just what Mr. Hornsby would have said to old Jesse messing about with one of his perfectly good portables.

He might even have patted him on the back for his forward thinking. 54

A GLOSSARY OF TERMS Or

To see ourselves as, mercifully, the public do not see us. by CHRIS EDMONDS

A little and often. This can apply to a number of activities, but in this context refers to a generally accepted method of firing steam engines. Absence of steam can in most cases be put down to firing too little and doing something else too often. Absence of person on a Rally field will quickly arouse speculation as to what that something might be. Burrell, Charles. This was a chap who lived a long time ago, and would have been very pleased if John Fowler had married his daughter. In memory of this fact an engine of his manufacture often leads the Parade at Rallies. Coal. This is nearly as important as beer, and can be Welsh, Navigation or Bad. Clinker is a type of coal that doesn't burn. Driinx. This L0.11 13G fait, pluviding yuu cuu not the owncr, as this wa-y you get all the glory without the expense. An engineman is a chap who looks in shop windows to make sure all is well, and an engine driver is a chap who just looks in shop windows. Engines. These can be single (rarely married) compound, or rough. Fowler, John. This is a character about which it is necessary to have views. These should be voiced vociferously and adhered to. Rioting can break out if you happen to have the wrong ones. Garrett. Was a very acute businessman, and managed to take over Burrells without having to marry his daughter. Gears. Some engines have as many as three. It is easier if you use them one at a time. Hills are the topic of conversation at most meetings, and are about the only things that are easier going up than coming down. Your reputation can he greatly enhanced if you carry a stock or hair-raisi lig stories about them. One or two are believed to be true. Injectors are things that shouldn't work in principal, sometimes do, and often don't. It is better not to know how they work. Failure of an injector is the quickest way to (a) dropping the plug; (b) lunch. Governors can refer either to a device for regulating the speed of an engine or to the owner. Failure of the former has been known to regulate the speed of the latter. Jossers are Kentish engine drivers who have retired and gone into journalism. It is better not to argue with them as they can talk your head off on anything. Kings were invented so that engines could be named after them. However wild animals and politicians are also favoured. Light locomotive and Heavy locomotive was a useful way of pulling the wool over county surveyors and bridge builders. If, however, one of either variety happens to run over your foot, you will find that there is little difference between them. Miracles usually happen every time an engine is on the road. Anyone doubting this should drive an engine down a country lane, preferably in the dark. One is bound to happen at the first bond you come to. The insurance companies would be out of business without them. Names. Those who possess imagination can use them to enquire after the health of the woman in the mini who has just positioned herself under your front axle. Occasionally they are used amongst enginemen, usually when discussing why Fowler never married Burrell's daughter. They can be slightly derogatory. 55

Organ owners have an inherant distrust of engine drivers, and vice versa. They are usually very highly strung, and tend to worry about irrelevancies such as music, soot and voltage. The engine driver has to put up with weird noises from these instruments at times. and is usually told in no uncertain terms that allowances must be made for the weather, the action, or the wife. He will on no account make allowances for you if you drop half a volt. They are usually friendly when they want you to provide power, and unfriendly as soon as you do. Organisers are the other main problem at Rallies apart from organ owners. On no account should they be crossed, as means of retaliation include no coal or appearance money, or worse still, removal of your caravan two fields away from the beer tent. In the main they haVnt the faintest idea of the needs and problems faced by the engine owner, but they tend to cover up this fact by making loud noises and wild gesticulations. On very rare occasions they happen also to be engine owners. in which case the carefully rehearsed reasons why you shouldn't do any work will have to be re-hashed. Politics. If you have a flare for this you are probably on the National Traction Engine Club Committee. Rallies are enjoyable things when on the way to, or from, before or after, but never at. The engine owner spends hours answering intelligent questions from the public. Don't be fooled into thinking that they are friendly. Quite the reverse. Get your engine stuck or drop the plug and you've made their day. Half of them are secretly wishing to witness a boiler explosion, but seeing as we do well in the miracle market this is so far denied them. All footplates should bear a large notice: NO QUESTIONS, NO ORGANISERS and in the case of showman's engines NO ORGAN OWNERS. Steersmen come in two varieties — good and bad. They usually get blamed for anything that goes wrong, as most drivers love to have someone even more ham handed than they are. As soon as your steerman starts to gaze wistfully at the regulator, it is time to replace him. They may also take snuff or umbrage according to taste. Tractions engines don't exist in the mind of the general public and are invariably mistaken for steamrollers. Just lately, some of these can be mistaken for traction engines. There were, however, a breed known as convertibles, but these were a risky proposition, unless you didn't mind a reputation for black magic. Use. This refers to the original intentions of the builder. So we have "used for threshing" or "used for haulage". Even today an engine owner may be heard to mutter "What's the use?" Vans. These should be approached with stealth, as they are the favourite haunt of (a) all your relations; (b) American engine owners, whose initial greeting can cause shock to the nervous system; (c) old Jossers who represent the press. Any ensuing monologue from this source is known as Van Talk. It is better to say nothing on these occasions, and if all three are there together you wouldn't be heard anyway. Women. Other than Boiler Inspectors these are the main reason for retirement from the Preservation scene. However, now and again old women (of both sexes) can be seen driving engines, but beware the young lady that takes more than a passing interest in your engine. Ten to one she has more than a passing interest in you. X's (Showman's slang for expenses). This is something the showman always tell you are too high, and the engine owner, too. low. The word expenses is not used by Rally organisers — appearance money is less embarrassing. However, much argument may ensue on this matter; the rally organiser knows the showmen and the engine owner will return next year, simply because they're hooked on it for various reasons. Zero. An engine becomes unresponsive at this pressure, so does your bank manager when your account reads ditto. However. one thing is, happily, certain. None of you will take the slightest heed of any of my advice. Your relations will beseech you to give the whole thing up — your , fellow engine owners may even join in the clamour. Be honest — you love every moment of it. It is the finest hobby in the world, and best enjoyed A Little and Often. 56

"CHUFFS" •

Mr. and Mrs. Carr, editor and secretary respectively of the Morecambe Bay T.E. Club have purchased a 1900 Aveling & Porter 10 ton S.C. Roller from Northumberland. t• Franklin C. Beatty, P.O. Box 1505, Walla Walla, Washington 993662, U.S.A. would be glad to correspond with someone in U.K. on traction enignes — what else? • Aveling & Porter, Reg. CJ 4526, Herefordshire C.C. No. 3 has recently completed an excellent job of rolling hardcore on the A438 at Whitneyon Wye. Earlier in the year this roller was at work at the other side of the county, but still on the A438, near Ledbury. She appears to be well cared for. Editor's note: We would welcome news of other engines at work, also Works No. of CJ 4526. • Messrs. J. Uphill and R. Hunt of Salisbury have recently bought a Marshall steam roller from Mr. Aldrich of Bunwell, near Norwich. It is a single cylinder 12 tonner No. 758133, Reg. ER 697, built about 1925. Retubing, smokebox repairs and valve gear overhaul is at present being carried out. • Mr. David Milton of Glastonbury has bought an Aveling & Porter 4 h.p. Tractor No. 8376, Reg. KT 2828. It was originally a convertible roller and has been rebuilt into a "Showman's" Tractor by Mr. L. J. Lambe of Bromsgrove. This engine is now in Bath, although not yet in working order it is hoped to have it running by the end of the season.

•

Procast Ltd., Block & Taylor Industrial Estate, Risley, Warrington, Lancs. specialise in casting frum minus ioz. to 451b. one oil or more. They welcome our enquiries.

INSURANCE for STEAM VEHICLES All Steam Vehicle Insurance Renewals and Accounts are now being dealt with by Mrs. V. M. Jessup, 41 Combe End, Crowborough, Sussex, Telephone: Crowborough 5902 (during business hours only, please).

SPECIAL TERMS FOR CLUB MEMBERS

Tennant, Budd & Roderic Pratt Ltd. (Incorporating Choisy & Simson Ltd.) 92 FENCHURCH STREET, LONDON, E.C.3.

57

ADVERTISEMENTS Members small advertisements free, Affiliated Club members 1p per word, Advertisements should be typed or in BLOCK CAPITALS and should be on separate sheets of paper. Subject to acceptance. Details of display advertisement rates from the Editor

Wanted — Details and photographs of smoke box door and water gauges, etc., to help restore Marshall twin cylinder Portable of 1899, No. 31910. — Patrick Mansfield, Morristown Lattin, Naas, Co. Kildare. Now Available — Sentinel Drivers' Club Ties with original cap badge motif — Details from the Sentinel Register, 5 Minett Avenue, Rushwick, Worcester, WR2 5TQ. Wanted — For the restoration of Davey Paxman Straw Burner Colonial Type, any information concerning gears which are missing on second, third and fourth shaft.— J. Johnson, 43 Hoole Lane, Banks, Southport, Lancs. Tel: 87076. Wanted — Steaming all of Vol 1 (1957), all of Vol. 2 (1958) and Vol 3, No. 1 (January 1959). Please send details including condition and price to: W. A. Briggs, "Oak Lea", Moss Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 7BU. Tel: Home Mobberley 3140, Business 061-336 4433. For Sale — Small Vertical Steam Engine, double acting piston valve, complete with all fittings, relief valves, drain cocks, Crosby type sight feed cylinder oil lubricator, self driven lubricating oil pump to motion work. Pickering governor, steam stop valve and exhaust stop valve. All ready to couple to boiler. Price £120 o.n.o. If required a small 5ft. x 2ft. 3in. dia. vertical boiler, believed in good order but minus fittings would be included at the above price. The engine, built by Howden of Glasgow was working up to 1970. Approx. sizes: height 4ft. 6in., width 2ft., length 21t., fly wheel 1ft. Sin. dia., driving pulley Bin. dia., bore 5in., stroke 5in., weight 8 cwt. Driving belt if required. — J. Lyle, "The Geans", Duns, Berwickshire. Wanted — Parts including clack and brass oil cups for Fowler Ploughing Engine 15162. — I. Wildblood, 64 Park Avenue, Barking. Essex. Ford Sale — Crossley Gas Engine including manufacturer's handbook, etc. Offers. — I. Wildblood, 64 Park Avenue, Barking, Essex. 58

Wanted — Steaming Vol 3, No. 2; Newsletters 1-7; Rally progs. — for sale, wanted and to exchange. —D. Roseman, 6 Rowland's Close, North Hill, London N6 4BX. For Sale — Single Crank Compound Traction Engine No. 3586 "Warrior". This well known and most attractive Engine, in excellent condition, is for sale or exchange for Organ to go with our recently rebuilt Showman'S Engine.—Apply to G. E. Marsh, Marsh Plant Holding Ltd., New Lane, Havant, Hants. Tel: Havant 2323. Wanted — For Fowler Tiger Convertible: governor with extended drive, winding drum and water pocket. — J. Hampshire, Holland Wood, Petworth, Sussex. For Sale — Copper chimney top, new and unused, to suit 111in. o.d. chimney. Fusible plug 14in. size, National Vulcan type, new £4. Asbestos steam packing, 5/16in. dia.. for regulator rods, non-reinforced, £1.30 per lb. — Alexander J. Ross, 63 Attimore Road, Welwyn Garden City, Herts. Tel: Welwyn Garden 24866. Wanted — Copper top for Burrell Tractor. — R. Preston, Whitegate Lodge, Potto, Northallerton, Yorks. For Sale — Marshall crankshaft, 21in. dia., would suit 10in. stroke single cylinder engine. — F. Summers, 1 Hamblins Cottages, Goddards Green, Burgess Hill, Sussex. Wanted — Boiler fittings suitable for 6 n.h.p. Burrell Road Loco. Particularly near side clack box, complete. Cylinder drain cocks. Water lifter. If you have any other parts suitable for this model I should be very pleased to hear from you — B. Tolworthy, 9 Holmdene Avenue. N. Harrow. Tel: 01-863 1983. Steam Cars — and other road vehicles, steamboats, locomotives. and small stationary power described. Modern, vintage and veteran. Magazine and colour brochure 43p. ($1 U.S.A. and Canada) — "Light Steam Power", Kirk Michael, Isle of Man, Britain.

Books by Phillip Wright. Traction Engines (Black) £2.25; Old Farm Implements (Black) £1.25; Old Farm Tractors (David & Charles) £2.25; and Salute the Carthorse (Ian Allan) £1.50, from booksellers; or autographed copies from Author (add postage). - Roxwell Vicaragar. Nr. Chelmsford, Essex. Collector's Piece - T. Green & Sons, Leeds, 10 T., S.C., Roller No. 2007 (1920). Restored. Rally condition. Boiler passed for original w.p. (160 p.s.i.) last inspection. Photograph in Steaming Vol. 14, No. 2, p.79. Realistic offers for purchase invited. - R. K. Drury, 37 Almsford Avenue, Harrogate, Yorks. Out of Print Books etc. - Steam Engine Builders of Suffolk, Essex and Cambs. (Clark), offers. Steam Engine Builders of Lincs. (Clarke), nRore c.ntino! - !!1Qtrurtinn to Drivers (reprint) 75p. 100 Years (Hooper & Ashby) £1. The Showman's Year Book 1934 £2. History of the Showman's Guild Part 2 (T. Murphy) £1. T. E. Law (1909) p rcacliacdby Chas. Burrell Q. Sons Ltd. £1. Chipperfields's Circus (1957) £2.50. Showmen and Suckers (1951) £2. English Fairs and Markets (1953) £2.50. A Century and a Quarter (Hall & Co.) £1.80. The Railways of the World (prewar), colour plates, £2. G.W.R. General Appendix to the Rule Book (1936) £1.50. - G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale - Ruston Hornsby petrol engine. A neat little engine restored to primer coat. - G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale - Wallis & Steevens "Advance" Roller, 6-8 ton No. 7979 (1929). New firebox crown and tubes in 1969, most bearings renewed, current boiler insurance. 2 piston valves, liners, rings and rods. Dimensions of liner (ext.) x 3kin., as new, believed to ne Aveling & Porter. Both items: R. A. Daniel, "Cottonwood", Nanstallon, Bodmin, Cornwall. Tel: Lanivet 293. Information - Can any reader give a year of manufacture for Marshall Threshing Machine No. 20906. - J. R. E. Driscoll, 32 St. Charles Road, Brentwood, Essex.

For Sale - Rare A. & P. Plough Living Van, name cast in wheel hubs. £25. o.n.o. - C. Flack, Fishers Ln., Orwell, Cambs. Tel: Arrington 260 after 6 p.m. Books for Sale - Pre-decimal money stock at bargain prices, all post paid, while stocks last, T.E. Prints (Beaumont) 45p. Rally T.Es. (Beaumont) 50p. A Steam Happening (Endacott) 30p. Some Working T.Es. (R.L.S.) 30p. T.Es. at Work (Oakwood) 40p. Plough Engines at Work 30p. Steam up 30p. T.E. Pictures (Beaumont) 20p. The T.E. (Giliford) 40p. Showman's Engines (Pickles) 35p. Bioscope Shows and Engines 50p. Steam lorry 40p. T.E. in North 60p - G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale - 1 ash pan rake 64in. long. 5 water gauge tube glasses 12in. x +in. die. x kin. bore. 9 good fire 1)010 29,1in. long x 2fin. elefrp. 1 treble fire bar 28in. long x 2fin. deep. 1 new check valve kin. gas (all brass) 2jin. long. 1 as new brass shut-off cock in. dia. with 3iin. dia. flange with lin. dia. drilled hoies for mounting on OIIUUICI flange. - M. T. Howard, 4 Glerum Close, Purton, Wiltshire. Wanted - Back numbers of Steaming always wanted. We are continually being asked to fill gaps in members' collections and reference library runs. - Editor, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. Wanted - Steam launch engine and boiler, also literature and pictures re steam launches etc. Back numbers "Light Steam Power". Apply Box S.L. c/o Editor. Wanted - General purpose Traction Engine. - B. Wallington, Hook Norton Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon. Tel: Hook Norton 236. Wanted - For Field Marshall Tractor Mk 2. Winch final drive sprocket with teeth on the inside. W. Dowthwaite, Shelton, Penrith, CA11 9TS. For Sale - Moveable lucky charm of Traction Engine in sterling silver with stone set canopy, £2.75. - C. Wakefield, 8 Windermere Road, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 2BY. Wanted - Twisted brass for the canopy supports of a Showman's type engine. Large and small sizes required. - J. Goold, 7 Wick Lane, Camerton, Bath, Somerset. 59

STEAM ENTERPRISES * * *

for All types of Traction Engine and Railway Locomotive Overhaul, Repair and Restoration From a Hydraulic Test to a Complete Rebuild

Exceptionally High Standard of Work by Professional Staff at our Works or on Site.

STEAM ENTERPRISES 17 Guy Mannering Road, Co!grain, Helenburgh, Dunbartonshire Telephone: Helensburgh 3543

NATIONAL TOWN & COUNTRY FESTIVAL SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY 25th, 26th and 27th August 1973 10.00 hrs. to Dusk at the ROYAL SHOWGROUND NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CENTRE KENILWORTH, WARWICKSHIRE Applications to attend are cordially invited from: Steam Engine owners, particularly mechanically sound Showman's Engines; Vintage Commercial and Private Transport; Steam Boats, Fair Organs and operators of pre-1930 rides and amusements. Steam driven, hand turned or electrically operated. Preservation Society and Trade Stands that sell only quality merchandise. No games of chance, mock auctions or gaming machines will be permitted.

Applications forms available from: Town and Country Festival Office, National Agricultural Centre, KENILWORTH, Warwickshire. .Jointly organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and Hockley Heath Steam Rally Association.

60

For Sale — Second-hand books: Garretts of Leiston £1.50, Historical Steam Traction Engines (Clymer) £1.50, Traction Engines (P. Wright) £1.50, Century of Traction Engines (Hughes) £1, Traction Engines Worth Modelling (Hughes) £1, The Arbroath Affair (Fraser) 60p. — Mr. C. Dexter, "Rose Cottage", Othery, Bridgwater, Somerset. For Sale — Roller Living Vans in neer of repair, offers over £50.— A. J. Ward & Sons Ltd., Thorpe Lea Eng. Works, 19 Pond Road, Egham, Surrey. I el: Staines b4111. Wanted — Contact with owner of smallish Traction Engine who would be interested in lease or sale of his engine to a small family business. We would pay for transporting, repairs, maintenance, running costs, plus supply, storage, etc., subject to agreement. (We would consider a Foden Lnrry.)— Offers to R. Walker, 394 Northolt Road, South Harrow, Middlesex. Wanted — To exchange one Fowler Road Loco double hand throttle lever for ore single hand Fowler lever to suit 10 ton roller.— C. J. Greatley, Dhustone, Lamplugh Workington, Cumb. Wanted — Spares for 5 h.p. Burrell Road Loco. 2 front wheel lubricators (indicator type). Cast iron toolbox, brass name plate and cast iron hose bracket (mounted on saddle tank). I pair of Front oil lamps by Eli & Griffiths, Birmingham. — T. C. Clapcott, Flat 3a, Belvidere Road, Jack Snax, Northern, Southampton. Tel: Soton 25123. Wanted — For Fowler S.C. 10 ton Roller. Steering wheel 15 tooth 7in. die. 2in. wide. Steering worm 3Iin dia. These parts are the same as late 8 ton roller parts. Cylinder drain cock. Water lifter valve 41in. between flanges (2 bolt) 2.13/16in. bolt centres. Fowler Roller Catalogue and Parts Book, 1930, 1931. S. Veal, Wheal Rose, Downgate. Callington, Cornwall. For Sale — 5 Traction Engine axles, all different. Ransome flywheel disc type 36in. dia. Marshall link motion. 6 spuds 12in. long. 2 driving pins 14iin. long x 1 iin. dia. S. Veal, Wheal Rose, Downgate, Callington, Cornwall.

Wanted — Burrell front insignia for roller; also pair of engine lamps. P. D. Clare, 132 Manchester Road, Heywood, Lancs. Wanted — The King Preservation Society requires cab fittings and photographs of G.W.R. "King Edward I", No. 6024, now under restoration. Details and membership application forms from: The Membership Secretary, 34 Harwood Avenue, Bromley, Kent. For Sale — Wicksteed appliance with flexible shaft, tube expanding head, drilling head, tapping head and quantity of boiler stays, taps. Tube expanders for sale as one lot. Also 1in. electric drill, De Burgue squeeze rivetter, various boiler fittings, 24in. boiler tubes and stay Tubes for Garrett Tractor. — Reynolds, 14 Merton Road, Bedford. Tel: Bedford 53703. For Sale — Garrett 4ft. Threshing Machine. — Reynolds, 14 Merton Road, Bedford. Tel: Bedford 53703. For Sale — Fisher Humphries Stationary Baler, No. 3319. Pneumatic tyre model, clean and free of rust, has been stored under cover for 25 years. Complete with endless driving belt and supply of looped wire. — Apply to J. Lory, Southley Farm, Overton, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Tel: Overton 231 For Sale — 30 Burrell firebars 32in. long, £1.50 each. — T. Gascoigne, Mumfords Garage, Middleton Road, Banbury. Tel: Banbury 3843. For Sale — Nuffield Handbook DM3V and DM4; International W6 Handbook; International W9 HandBook; Marshall Diesel Model M; Field Marshall Series 3A; Marshall Spare Parts Book. Offers. — T. Howe, 118 Peverill Crescent, Long Eaton, Notts, NG10 3DW. For Sale — Portable engine conrod (Robey), c/with brasses straps and cotters, 4ft. between centres, £20. Aveling & Porter piston valves, various offers. Water lifter, make unknown, suit big engine, £10. Cast smoke box door dart plate, "Robey Lincoln", about 8in. die., £5. Boiler washing out pump, hand operation, read collectors item, in "as found" condition. £10. Amanco "Chore Boy" horizontal petrol engine No. 34379, clean, complete and working but unrestored, £30. — J. Lyle. "The Geans", Duns, Berwickshire. 61

GOOSE AND SON PUBLISHERS LTD.

Books for Steam Enthusiasts A Traction Engine Miscellany

The Overtype Steam Road Waggon

A new book from Ronald H. Clark. £6.00.

M. A. Kelly. £3.98.

Modern Steam Road Wagons A facsimile reprint of William Norris's famous book. Published in 1906, it was the first ever to be devoted entirely to steam road wagons. £2.90.

The Undertype Steam Road Waggon The second volume of M. A. Kelly's complete history of steam road wagons. Price not yet known.

The Development of the English Steam Wagon Ronald H. Clark. £3.15.

From you bookseller or from:

GOOSE AND SON PUBLISHERS LTD. Warner House, Folkestone, Kent

"STEAMING" PUBLICATIONS for winter reading

"Steaming" Vol. 12 No. 1

£1 .00

Showman's Engine special edition

"Steaming" Vol. 13 No. 1

£1.00

Traction Engine special edition

"Engines at Work"

40p

Over 200 illustrations

"More Engines at Work"

30p

48 illustrations 7in. x 4*in.

"Steam Wagons and Tractors"

20p

Well illustrated . All prices post free to members. Non-members of N.T.E.C s please add 5p per item towards postage and packing. Cheque etc., payable to N.T.E.C, please.

C. C. Ayes, Esq., 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire

62

Wanted — For restoration of Clayton & Shuttleworth T.E. No. 41601 (1909). 39 boiler tubes 5ft. 2i-in. long x 2in. o.d. Also firebars or details of firebars. Any information regarding this single cylinder engine much appreciated. — "The Steam Centre", Kirk Michael, Isle of Man, Britain. For Sale: New Books — Burrell Showman's Road Locomotives £3.85; Ransome's Steam Engines £3.35; Steam on Common Roads by Wm. Fletcher (reprint) £3.60; Ploughing by Steam f3.10; A Century of T.Es. £2.60; Garretts of Leiston £2.20; T.E. Worth Modelling £1.60; Waterloo Ironworks (Taskers) £2.40; Our Agricultural Heritage £1.90; T.E. and Steam Vehicles in pictures £2.40; A Rally of T.E. £2.40; T.E. in Review £2.40; Landscape with Machines—Rolt (autobiography) £3.40; Building and Running of Steam T.E. and Roller Models £3.10. — G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. For Sale — 2 scarifiers, one Mori ison arid one Bomford & Evershed, suit Aveling & Porter 10 ton Rollers, £10 each. 2 new sets /in. water gauge cocks, 4 bolt flange fittings. Also various s/h valves, gauges and 110v. large circular ammeters and voltmeters. — Carr, 27 Norfolk Avenue, Morecambe, Lancs. Tel: 1956. Wanted — 27 Tubes 7ft. x 2jin. o/d. — C. Maddison, Assurity, Fulstow, Louth, LN11 0X9. Fulstow 282.

Wanted — "Yorkshire" Steam Wagon Catalogue. — Dr. J. L. Middlemiss, 25 West Street, Godmanchester, Huntingdon. Wanted — Steaming, all of Vol. 1 (1957) and April and October 1958. — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Wanted — To know the whereabouts and owners of the following for record purposes: Barrows/S 2420 (Port.), Burrell 3064 (T.E.), McLaren 429 (T.E.), Sentinel 6079 (Wgn.), Wallis/S. 7947 (R.R.), 7948 (A.R.). — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Wanted — Any memories about Traction Engines, etc., that worked in the Walton, Weybridge, Esher area. — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Koad, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Wanted — Makers catalogues and any of the following: Clark — Chronicles of a Country Works; Clarke — Development of the English Traction Engine; Fletcher — Chapter in the History of the Traction Engine; Meyrick-Jones — Steam Road Vehicles; Phoenix — Burrell 2704; R.L.S. — Some Horsmonden Engines; R.L.S. — Some Ploughing Engines; Redstone—The Suffolk Garretts; Savages Ltd. — 100, Not Out; Steam Lorry Album; T.V.T.E.C. — Steam Fair, 1964. Please state prices. — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-onThames, Surrey.

N.T.E.C. SALES ORGANSATION Following the request in our June edition a number of members have come forward to help with the club stands at various rallies. This has resulted in the club being represented at more events than ever before and we look forward to even better coverage in 1973. Volunteers are still needed, particularly in the midlands, the eastern counties and in the north. In addition, a volunteer is needed to look after postal sales to members. Please write to (or contact) E. A. Fillmore Esp., 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow. Middlesex.

CROFTON PUMPS Both engines are now working and the restoration of the second boiler is well under way. The Crofton Society (the group of people who are restoring and running

these historic engines) is now a branch of the Kennett and Avon Canal Trust. Steaming dates, 1973: April 28th-29th, June 9th-10th, July 7th-8th, August 25th-26th-27th, October 20th-21st. 63

To keep up-to-date with the Preservation movement you need

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