Steaming 1973 Vol.16 No.2

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB

MARCH 1973

Vol. 16 No. 2

William Dowthwaite on his McLaren No. 1105 (1910) Registered AO 6266.

Photo: Eric Davidson.

SPECIAL EDITION

STEAM IN CUMBRIA

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, Esq., 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE, Berkshire Chairman, Rally Sub-Committee M. Harmsworth, Esq., Elm Cottage, Ockweils Road, Maidenhead, Berks Membership Secretary C. C. Ayes, Esq., 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hants Technical Services and Spares Officer Brian Oram, Esq., Bourne House, St. Mary Bourne, Andover, Hants (Tel: St. Mary Bourne 260) 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 to all paid-up members. The best way to be sure you are a paid-up member is to use a bankers order. The current subscription is £1.50. From September 1st 1973 the subscription will be £2.00. All correspondence re subscriptions, delivery (or non delivery) of Steaming, change of address and bankers orders to: C. C. Ayes, Esq., 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire. A renewal delay may lead to non-delivery of your next Steaming. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A large number of people have helped in the preparation of this edition. We would like to record our thanks to all these and especially to Mrs. F. M. Carr, Messrs. 0. R. Begot. Jim Dowson. William Dowthwaite, Alan Duke (RLS records) , J. K. Ellwood, Brian Hillsdon. G. E. Hudson, H. G. Lumby, Dr. John L. Middlemiss, Bill Oswald, J. W. Peirson, R. Preston, Syd Sutton, B. M. Stafford & Sons, and the late T. Hodgon; also the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, the Industrial Railway Society, and the Steamboat Association. 66

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB VOLUME 16 No. 2

MARCH 1973

FROM THE EDITOR'S CHAIR The popularity of the special edition, Steam in the Chilterns which we produced early in 1973, has resulted in Steam in Cumbria. The preparation for the edition began two years ago when I was in Cumbria and was able to visit many of the engine men. Since then everything has had to be done by post. I have enjoyed assembling this special and hope you will enjoy reading it. It is hoped that the June edition of Steaming will be with readers by the end of May so we would ask for articles, affiliated club and area notes to be in by April 1st. Display and small adverts, small news items such as "Chuffs" can be accepted up to April 15th.

" BLOW OFF " As the days lengthen and another active season approaches we would like to invite readers to stop for a while and try to see where the Traction Engine preservation movement is going. Have a think about your 1972 activities. How many times did you steam your engine for the pleasure of your family or friends and yourself'? How many times did you do a little job with the engine? Did you grub out a dead tree? or roll a farm road? Did you go to the Scout Fete

down the road? Too many of us spend too much time chasing too many rallies. We get bombarded with publicity. Almost every post brings a form asking us to attend and telling us that this particular rally is the best, has the finest field, the biggest Fair, the greatest acreage, the rarest this, the most marvellous that. We are being brain washed. "Take your engine here," "take it there." "Take it to this event because it's bigger." "Go there, 50,000 people will attend." "Go to this one, the Duke of Snodgrass will have his latest acquisition there, etc., etc., etc." And this is what many of us are doing, a rally every week-end with a quick dash from this to that on Saturday morning or Sunday evening. Well if that's what you want "fair enough." Is that what you bought the engine for? We doubt it. Most of us bought our engine because we wanted to enjoy steam, because we wanted to preserve a bit of our magnificent past for the future. What has happened? We are being bamboozled into a rat race that could well "over do" the public's appetite for steam, a rat race that is putting a lot of money into the pockets of a lot of people. Gaze into your log fire for a few minutes or lean on the field gate and ponder awhile. Support your rallies, of course, but leave a few week-ends spare for a private steam up, for the odd engine job, for the Scout Fete or local steam party. You'll not regret it.

OBITUARY It is with deep regret that we report the death at the age of 40 of Mrs. Audrey Cluett, who had been Secretary of the Dorset Steam and Historic Vehicle Club since its formation in 1968 and had seen its membership increase from 70 on the first evening to well over 1,000 at the present time. She had been suffering from cancer for almost a year and had remained actively interested in club affairs almost to the end, although in almost constant pain. She will be sadly missed by all who know her. 67

STEAM IN CUMBRIA — an introduction "Cumbria" is the name given to that area of England which has the Lake District at its centre, the sea to the west and the Pennines to the east. It takes in the whole of Cumberland, Westmoreland, the northern part of Lancashire and the north west tip of Yorkshire. Within a thirty miles radius of Ambleside can be found some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, England's highest peaks, lovely stretches of water, busy holiday centres and quiet by-ways. The touring engineman may well have thought to himself, "this is not engine country." But if he did he would be wrong, for steam has played an important part in the life of Cumbria for a good many years. Generally farms are "mixed," a lot of fell grazing but nearly always some corn for local ne-cds and stock feed, so threshers were (and still are) used. Cumbria was one of the first holiday areas and so railways (steam) came to the area. The mountain tracks and pack horse routes were made into roads by steam rollers. Steam was used on the lakes for the carriage of goods, for private and public transport as well as recreation. The roads are hard and the hills steep, so steam haulage did what the horse found difficult and continued to be used for haulage, longer in Cumbria, due to the inability of succeeding transport to cope with loads in this difficult country. Ploughing engines were used more than may be supposed. A newspaper cutting sent by Jim Dowson shows a pair of "coffee pot" single cylinder Fowlers of about 1870's. They were photographed in 1880's in the ownership of Mr. Savage of Bolton Lodge, a contractor. The engines were named "Cain" and "Able". (Sic) There was an Aveling & Porter set at Brougham Castle Farm, Penrith driven by James and Joseph Field who left there in 1885 to set up on their own account as threshing contractors. A pair of Fowlers at Broughham Castle were named "Captain" and "Colonel" another pair of Fowlers at Hornby Hall were known as "Gordon" and "Stewart". Portables were used for stone crushing mostly, coming into their own when general purpose engines were available to move them. The Showmen made use of steam both for power and transport, great distances often being covered with journeys in Scotland, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Newcastle areas. Steam Rollers often had winding drums to assist each other when working on severe gradients. For threshing the smaller engines were favoured. A big ponderous engine may have a power advantage but was a nuisance when 7ft. gateways and tiny stack yards were encountered. Steam threshing continued until preservation days. Fowler "Tiger" Tractor No. 15625 Reg. U 7148 was used by Westmorland C.C. for hauling roadstone as late as 1953. Steam Rollers were in regular use well into the 1960s and one did three months work in both 1971 and '72. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway has had its ups and downs including a number of changes of gauge but it is, today, a thriving tourist attraction (steam, of course). The "Larl Ratty" has a special place in the affection of both visitor and native alike. "Working" and "Preservation" overlapped in Cumbria. Men such as Syd Sutton, Billy Dowthwaite, Jim Dowson and the late Jack Richardson and Tom Hodgson were amongst the very first of the members of the Steam Preservation movement. The comparatively small number of engines, the difficult country and the distances have made rallies, as such. difficult within the area. The West Cumberland Steam Club have held Steam Parties and meets and some engines are preserved but have never attended an event. To the south, the Morecambe Bay T.E. Club have a rally at Levens Hall every year. Working with steam in Cumbria was hard, preservation in the area is not easy, but these men, and women, are proud to continue the tradition that has been set. 68

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An ancient single cylinder Robey Traction Engine threshing in Cumbria about eighty years ago. Note steering chains attached J.D. to brackets OUTSIDE the front wheels.

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STEAM CONTRACTING IN CUMBRIA by Syd Sutton Most people think of Cumberland and Westmorland as a beautiful part of the country, with its lakes and mountains, also those charming valleys and winding roads together with some very steep gradients even on the main roads. Naturally, having lived in Cumberland all my life, I fully agree that there is probably some of the finest scenery in the world right on the door step. This of course does not alter the fact that it was a very hard life for those of us who were in the steam contracting business in this area. First let me say that threshing in the particular area (west Cumberland) consisted mainly of work on very small farms, also the stack yards were correspondingly small with narrow gateways, and very often the machine had to be roped in, and out as well. It was not uncommon to thresh in three different yards and set up in the fourth during one day. There were places where the front end of the machine had to be let in down to the axle, and the rear wheels on five to eight inches of packing, and needless to say the water in the boiler was up out of sight. There was one particular farm near Whitehaven where the machine was quite easy to set but it was so steep where the engine had to stand that I always set it backwards. It looked very unusual but in worked O.K. Further to the north and in the Penrith and Carlisle districts the farms were much bigger and better yeilding. When speaking of yeilding it reminds me of the years we threshed by the sack, that was up to about 1940. then we started on a hourly basis with a minimum charge for a set up. There were a good many contractors with just one set of threshing tackle, there were of course a few with two and three sets, and during the last war there were some with more. Most of the straw was trussed, mainly with double string. Hornsby and Massey Harris trussers fitted to the machines with raising and lowering gear. Eventually the stationary baler was introduced, they being mainly Ransomes, Powells and Reffolds. These made the road train heavier, and in some districts where gradients existed varying from 1 in 5 to 1 in 10 the train had to be split up. Many are the timesl've left one of my mates with the baler and living van, whilst my other mate and I took the machine over a mite of steep gradients, returning myself with the light engine to go "all over it again". Some may say, why not have used a more powerful engine, the simple answer is that the extra weight and width were useless in many of the places we had to serve. The standard Garrett No. 4 C.D. tractor was a grand engine for this particular area (I drove one for 18 years). Needless to say it had always to be in good tune, and the pointers on or near 180 lb. p.s.i. The extra front tank very often made it unnecessary to carry any water, the total overall width was only six feet, this was a very vital factor both in the lanes and narrow gateways. Going back into the 1920's a lot of engines were engaged on stone breaking, one in particular I remember was an 1893 Aveling & Porter single left hand cylinder 6 h.p. Traction Engine No. 3263. It worked many months up alongside Wast Water, surrounded by mountains (Great Gable being very prominent) it was absolutely lovely to listen to the exhaust and the crunching of the stone as it passed through the "Baxter's" jaws. The same old engine did the same job up at Borrowdale, but was accompanied by a Fowler 7 h.p. Road Loco. No. 10691 driving another breaker. Whilst in the Borrowdale and Keswick area I must tell you about the Foden 6 ton Wagon No. 12218 "Mountaineer" which was owned by the Buttermere Green Slate Co. Ltd. Nearly every day for many years this grand little Foden used to bring loads of slate from the quarry on Honister down to Keswick station. To anyone who has been over Honister Pass will have an idea what a tough life for an engine and crew. 70

6 ton Foden No. 12218, Reg. TU 2013 "Mountaineer" with driver, late Hodgson. For many years this team hauled green slate from Honister Quarry to Keswick Station, the journey involved severe gradients over T.H. rough roads.

T. Ridley's 6 h.p. compound Allchin near Plumpton in 1930. Photo, J. W. Peirson. 71

Timber hauling and sawing was not uncommon, sawing Was chiefly done by portable engines, most of which were Marshalls. Lots of different classes of traffic were coming to every railway station, and a large amount of it had to be loaded on to trailers or steam wagons to be delivered to mills. mines, farms etc. Large tanks of tar also arrived by rail and a traction engine or road loco. would steam heat it prior to it being pumped into the tar sprayer, these sprayers were owned by Tar-roads Syndicate Ltd. and needed an engine of 6 ❑ r 7 h.p. to handle them. They were on steel shod wheels and had a chain-driven pumps, also they were steam heated by a flexible pipe usually from a wheel valve fitted on top of the cylinder and heat the tar at the same time. The smaller sprayers which the County Council used were usually hauled by a steam tractor. This was a very nice job for both engine and driver, especially after a long winter's threshing. An nnosnal job which the tractor was called upon to do in this iron ore and coal mining district was remove steam boring plant, usually from one Field into another field. The boring plant consisting of a vertical boiler and an engine with duplex cylinders, one being at each side of the winding drum. The lightest tractor in the yard was always sent to do this class of work because invariably the sites were soft and in most awkward positions. I can't say very much about furniture removing by steam only that I remember my last experience of it. In about 1927 one of our drivers and I left our yard one Saturday morning and travelled across country for about 60 miles ,arriving at our destination at 6.0 p.m. We loaded on the Sunday and left again on the Monday morning. arriving home at 7.0 p.m. The engine we used was then only barely seven years old, it was the Garrett No. 4 C.D. Tractor No. 33953 "Anne" and I'm delighted to say that it is still in our ownership. Now steam rolling in Cumbria was like all the steam work carried out. it was often a tough proposition, and the contractor's rollers were always put on to the harder jobs, the councils finding lighter work for their own engines. The majority of rollers were Avelings, there were a few Marshells and Fowlers, also the odd Wallis. Green, Garrett, and Clayton. not forgetting the one and only Armstrong-Whitworth (10R11). As far as I can recollect Messrs. Thomas of Workington would own the largest fleet of rollers, about ten Avelings and a Marshall, there were also one or two firms with six, and others with the odd engine. At one time in the early 1940's six Aveling rollers were engaged on the Lellafield site for the Ministry of Works and London contractors, this was unusual but the work was very essential just then, drivers were scarce, and one or two of the old Avelings had a very rough time, nevertheless they :ill survived. I'm pleased to relate that two of them, both singles (4505 and 4660), are now preserved. At least 50 per cent of rollers were fitted with scarifiers, mainly of the two tyne type, some were Aliens, other were by Perim, Morrison, and Bomford & Evershed. A roller fitted with any of them was often a hard worked engine, and in this undulating country drivers had to be very experienced to cope with some of the work they had to do. A good many rollers have survived even though some are about 70 years old, but I sometimes wonder how on earth did the contractor manage to keep going on the low figure of 28s. per day. This was the price for many years with an extra shilling or two for scarifing, this price included roller, van. and water cart. driver. coal, oils. insurance. plus maintenance. also travelling to and from site not chargeable, the rollers had to start at 7.0 a.m. and work to 5.0 p.m., Saturdays 7.0 to 12 noon. Bless them, nearly all the old drivers have passed on, most of them were great characters. some had clean engines, others not quite so clean but most of all they were dedicated STEAM men. There is one steam roller which goes to work each year for two or three months. It is a Garrett No. 33636 named "Madge" and it rolls chippings following a tar sprayer for the Borough of Whitehaven. To each of you who read this I would say: "PLEASE KEEP THE STEAM ENGINES ALIVE". Syd Sutton 72

-.1 Believed to be Fowler No. 5752 Class "B" single cylinder new 18/7/1889 to Vamplew & Sons, Lincolnshire, photographed in w 1920s or 30s in ownership of Richard Osborne of Wigton who is seen on ground, the driver is Billy Liddle. No. 5752 was J.D. last licensed 1936. Note bicycle carried on drum pulley.

Aveling & Porter No. 4505, Reg. AO 8101 fitted with two tine Bomford & Evershed scarifier, owners Suttons, driver Syd Sutton. Rolling for Cumberland C.C. at Distington, Cumberland August 1953. S.S.

Aveling & Barford No. AG 758 (1946) Reg. FRM 973 6 ton single cylinder, piston valve. Owners, Cumberland C.C., driver A. Cameron (now deceased). Photographed in North Road, Egremont, May 1953. S.S. 74

MEN OF STEAM WILLIAM DOWTHWAITE by RAN HAWTHORNE

A recent portrait by Eric Davidson.

When William Dowthwaite was born his father had one set of threshing tackle with which he had, a few years earlier, established a small threshing contractors business at Skelton in the area north of the Lake District and to the west of Penrith in Cumberland. As far back as he can remember William was always interested in steam and vividly remembers the first time he drove an engine. This was the Ransome, Sims and Jelferies No. 24965. William was 11 and two pieces of sleeper were laid on the footplate so that he could see where he was going. His first drive was not on the road but in a hayfield, in between the haycocks not unlike in between the oildrums of rally days. 75

(ABOVE) William, aged 17, driving Ransome, Sims & Jefferies 24965 W.D. on a saw bench. (BELOW) McLaren 788 (1904) AO 6772 Threshing in early 1920s, in ownership of M. S. Ferguson. William was later involved in the recovery of this engine after she had overturned. S.S.

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McLaren 1015 (1908) and Foster drum photographed in Penrith in 1910. This is the set that William was in charge of at the W.D. age of 17.

When he left school William went to "farm place" living in with the farmer and his family. He pestered his father to let him work with the threshing tackle which had now become two sets. After 18 months father agreed. William clearly remembers father's reply: "Yes you can but it won't be a holiday". It certainly did not turn out to be a holiday but it was what William wanted. He went ❑ut that season with a set of tackle as feeder man

with father in charge and driving the Ransome No. 24965. When the next season came round the driver of the other set was ill so at the age of 17 William set out with the 6 h.p. single cylinder McLaren No. 1015 'and a 54in. Foster drum on his first season's threshing. West Cumberland coal at this time was 2s. to 2s. 6d. a cwt. As threshing was normally done in the stackyard adjacent to the farmhouse the engine driver's job included fetching the coals from the farm coalhouse. Many of the drivers got the rough side of the farmers wife's tongue for taking the lumps and leaving the slack. William soon learned that it was good for business to burn the slack for threshing, keep a few lumps for moving, so leaving the lady of the house with a nice clean coalhouse. In the 1920's hours were long virtually the only time for relaxation was on a Sunday. Interest in engines however was keen so on certain Sundays in the year when William and the local lads knew the Fair tackle was being moved from Carlisle to Penrith it was a few sandwiches in the pocket, on to the bicyles, off to the A6 and lounge on the grass verge at some convenient vantage point to wait for "The Busy Bee" and "Lightning II" as they drew their loads towards the market town in readiness for the Fair. Both engines, to use William's phrase, are "still alive" today. One Friday in November 1925 William and his crew were busy washing out the McLaren No. 1015 when Mr. Stalker of Penrith arrived and asked if they would go to a place called Wayside, Whitebeck, between Bootle (Cumberland) and Millom, not far from the west coast of Cumberland, where Mr. M. S. Ferguson's 8 h.p. single cylinder McLaren No. 788 (1904) had run away on ice bound roads, crashed into a stone building, overturning and killing the steersman, a Mr. W. Smith. The mud lids etc. were immediately replaced, the engine steamed and by midnight William. H. Tyson, his mate and Mr. Dowthwaite snr. had coverd well over 40 miles of Lakeland roads and arrived at Egremont. The police found them lodging and after a wash and some food they went to bed at 1.30 a.m., but William found he could not sleep as they were all three in one bed. So at 4.0 a.m. he was up and about seeing to the engine. They were on the road again at 5.0 a.m. and covered the 20 odd miles to the

scene of the accident arriving there at the same time as Mr. Stalker did, bringing with him a three-legs, tackle and a new front axle for the engine. By the time the engine was back on its wheels again the day (Saturday) was a long way gone but McLaren No. 1015 was coupled up to the disabled engine and a start was made towards Stalker Bros. Engineering workshop at Penrith. By midnight they reached Egremont but the weather was getting worse so they continued through the winter's night, a further Id miles. arriving at Cockermouth early on the Sunday morning. Here father put his foot down and said: "You are doing very well, but we will stop and have some grub before going any further". It was just as well they did for it was then that the "fun" started. Sleet and snow over Troutbeck Moor made things very difficult. Remember No. 1015 was only a 6 h.p. engine, she was on steel wheels at that time and they had a much heavier engine on the drawbar. Progress was slow but the 32 miles to Stalker Bros. premises were completed and they arrived at 9.0 p.m. to a fine welcome by Mrs. Stalker who had a "real feed waiting for us".

William wanted to take his engine home but Mr. Stalker said: "You have had enough for this weekend. The little McLaren has done her stuff very well, let her bide here". During the summer in the early 1920's, between threshing seasons. William worked ❑n local farms. This was the pattern of things for five or six years years until the summer of 1926 when rather bought a new single cylinder 10 ton Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11496 reg. RM 2588 which William took over for the summer. This roller was specially ordered through W, I. Nixon, 78

Two views of McLaren 788 shortly after the accident at Wayside near Whitebeck in 1925. S.S. 79

Aveling's representative in the area and was fitted with a winding drum and wire rope. The significance of this will be seeen later on. Dowthwaites were working on tarspraying work with the Tar-Roads syndicate, the traction engines being used to haul the tar spraying gear and the roller to roll the cluppings. As this work expanded a three-speed Marshall Road Loco. No. 68185 was purchased in 1928 for the tar work but by 1933 she was sold as the tax had gone up to over £30 a quarter. Road Fund Tax on a threshing engine at that time was 5s. (25p) per year. A second Aveling & Porter No. 11558 10 ton single cylinder was bought, registered RM 2950 and put to work on contracts wtth the Cumberland C.C. This was followed in 1934 by yet a third single cylinder Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller No. 5794 that had been new in 1905 to Enfield, Middlesex U.D.C. She was registered AO 8335. In the summer of 1935 William found himself driving an Aveling & Pullet ► ullet un the Ilonistcr Pass construction. Honister is part of the B5289 that runs front Keswick past Derwentwater. Buttermere and Crummock Water. In a few miles it rises many hundreds of feet Considerable stretches are at 1 in 5 and 1 in 4. In terms of a roller at work on this gradient it means that the front roll is more than two feet higher than the back. The single cylinder rollers coped adequately with the gradient but on the 1 in 4 they tended to scuff the stone rather than push it into place. So on these sections 11496 was scotched at the top and her rope was attached to the other roller, allowing her to descend slowly and giving her just that little bit of assistance to enable her to roll the stone and not kick it about as she came up. Another interesting aspect of rolling on this sort of gradient is that for hours at a time the driver cannot see his water level, the glass always being full. Great care had to be taken. The front end of the tubes had to be kept covered, but when returning to relatively flat ground too much water in the boiler could cause sudden priming. Set out below is a copy of a letter from the County Surveyor which was received on completion of this contract: CUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL. COUNTY SURVEYOR AND BRIDGE MASTER.

CITADEL CHAMBERS, CARLISLE. 12th February, 1936. Dear Sirs,

Keswick Highway Division. Honister Pass. The reconstruction of the road over Honister Pass has now been completed and I want you to know that I consider the way in which you have maintained your plant during the road operations, together with the able way in which your drivers have performed their work, has, in no small measure, contributed towards producing a most satisfactory work. It has certainly been a service test for your rollers and speaks well of the care and attention you have given to your

plant. At the same time the skill, attention and keenness displayed

by Driver W. J. Nixon and Driver W. Dowthwaite has been most commendable. Will you ,therefore, please accept my thanks for the able assistance of your firm in the undertaking of this severe road rolling test. Yours faithfully, (signed) G. O. Lockwood, County Surveyor. Messrs. H. Dowthwaite and Son, Hutton Grange, Skelton, PENRITH. 80

(ABOVE) William Dowthwaite, second left. H. Dowthwaite right, with Aveling & Porter 11496, Registered RM 2588 soon after she was new W.D. in1926. (BELOW) Honiston Pass 1935. William driving 11496 (on right) W.D. assisting 5974 with the wire rope.

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In 1970 William retired from business, having an auction sale to dispose of his agricultural contracting tackle. He retained a thresher and has been able to devote more time to McLaren 1105. She has been stripped, refurbished as necessary, re-lagged and is being repainted to William's high standard. Next time you are in the Lake District make a point of seeing Honister Pass and as you go past the notice that says 1 in 4 take your hat oft to steam and the men of steam that made the road you ride over. When you go up the A595 to Ravenglass or on the A594 over Troutbeck think of a winter weekend in 1925 and William Dowthwaite, Man of Steam. About 1938 McLaren No. 1105 a 6 h.p. single cylinder engine similar to No. 1015 and a Foster drum were purchased at the sale of J. J. Fields of Newton Reigny, Cumberland. So they now had two McLarens with Foster drums that were busiest in winter and the three Aveling& Porter rollers that were at their busiest in summer.

Burrell 3555 "The Busy Bee", owner Dr. John L. Middlemiss. Photographed at Chelmsford in 1972 by Bill Oswald.

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In 1939 a fourth steam roller was added to the fleet. She was Marshall No. 74648 reg. SP 6292 that had been new in 1921 to Haggie and Robertson of Dumfermline. The war did not greatly alter the work that had to be done. The roads had to he kept up to standard and as the "ploughing up" Schemes got under way so the amount of threshing increased and about 1943 a third set of threshing tackle was brought into use being powered by a Field Marshall tractor. William was taking an increasing share in the running of the business which had become Hy. Dowthwaite & Son some years previously. After the war with the reduction in corn acreage the demand for threshing decreased and in 1946 the McLarens were sold. 1015 went to Geo. HuHoek,

a contractor for further use. 1105 went to J. Scott and was used on sawbench work. About 1950 Mr. Hullock sold 1015 for scrap and she was cut up before William knew or he would not have let it happen. Happily No. 1105 when she came op for sale in the early 50's was bought by the "two Jacks". Jack Richardson of Kirby Thore and his cousin Jack Peirson of Darlington. No. 1105 was painted a dark green and named "Shamrock". In the summer she was kept at Kirby Thore but for the winter she was once again brought back to William's Hutton Grange. How pleased was "Billy", as his friends call him, to have his old engine back in the yard once more. In 1956 the "two Jacks" took "Shamrock" to Pickering and while William was still very much in steam with the rollers at work he once again wanted a traction engine of his own, so soon after Pickering he went to Melling near Liverpool and bought Burrell No. 4053 reg. TO 8047 from T. Robey. She had been new to him in 1926. Two rollers, the older Aveling & Porter Roller No. 5794 and the Marshall No. 74648 livere sold. No. 5794 was eventually scrapped but the Marshall after two or three changes came into the hands of Jack Wakefield of Hatton-le-Hole. Co. Durham, There was still plenty of work for the Aveling & Porters 11496 and 11558. William was busy restoring the Burrell and so commercial steam and steam preservation activities overlapped by four or five years. About 1958 on a visit to Mr. Reynolds at Tickhill near Doncaster William bought McLaren No. 787 (1903) reg. WR 6494 an 8 h.p. single cylinder engine. She was retched and put into first class order before in October 1966 being sold to Zeke Myers of Ambleside who has since painted her and given her that grand Lake District name "Loughrigg". In the 1960's a friend called one day and took William to Carlisle to see a Very unusual engine that was derelict in the scrapyard. This turned out to be a Marshall Universal Roller No. 86984 reg. SY 4899 an 8 Conner

new in 1933 to John Monteith of Dalkeith. The "Universal" was in a terrible state but William enjoyed the work of restoration and having used the roller he has a very good opinion of it. Contrary to many reports he found the "Universal" good to steam and well behaved in use. She was eventually sold to two enthusiasts who steamed her over Shap and home to Crewe. By the late 60's threshing had almost completely given way to combines. William bad three, also various others items of agricultural contracting machinery which he had at work in the area. As rallies became more widespread William was, and still is. frequently called upon to act as a Judge for "Elegance" or "Best kept Engine" awards. He purchased a camera and has built up a wonderful collection of colour slides composed mainly of general purpose engines and steam rollers. In 1969 the partnership of the "two Jacks" was broken by the death of Jack Richardson who with his cousin Jack Peirson had maintained McLaren 1105 in preservation. Jack Peirson agreed to William having his old engine back again and so in 1970 1105 once more stood at Hutton Grange as William's engine and not just the welcome visitor that she had

been in recent years.

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THE THIRLMERE LAKE ACCIDENT

By DR. J. L. MIDDLEMISS The engine was Burrell No. 2979 "Reliance", new in March, 1908, to Relph & Pedley. The accident occurred on the East bank of Lake Thirlmere, when the engine left the road, and plunged down the steep cliff into the lake, on Tuesday, June 2nd, 1908. The weather was very hot, the train was proceeding from Skerton, near Lancaster to Maryport, taking the Bioscope Show. The engine and the first two loads, (living vans), went down into the lake — the cause was never established. Varying reports were — prolonged drinking (unlikely, as the accident occurred at 3 p.m.). Fractured steering chain (the most likely, even though the engine was only three months old). I have even read an account wherein the Caravan Dwellers' Association (predecessors of the Showmen's Guild) took legal action against Manchester Corporation, the owners of Lake Thirlmere, and established that the road had subsided, and were awarded damages and costs. The driver and steersman were killed instantly. The driver was one Francis Wood, aged 45, of Kings Lynn, and the steersman was Thomas Hector Allen, aged 23, of Colchester. The coroner's verdict was Accidental Death. The first van was wrecked, the second van was partially submerged, and the survivors were found clinging to the ceiling. They were taken to the King's Head, at Thirlspot. The engine turned clean over, and only her four wheel paints were seen projecting above the water. The bodies of the driver and steersman were found by a diver under the first wrecked living van. Salvaging of the engine took some two weeks, and was done by J. Chaplow of Helsington Mills, Kendal. A ring was affixed to a rock at the roadside to take a derrick, and the engine that did the rescue job was a single cylinder Burrell. Parts of "Reliance" were taken by road to Windermere Station, and thence, railed to Thetford, where nine months were taken in the rebuild. A part of the flywheel was used as a table in a cottage on the Western bank of the lake. The engine emerged, in the following year, 1909, as No. 3038 BN 4883 "The Prince", and was used by Reuben Holdsworth, a relative of Relph & Pedley MORAL: Have your steering-chains annealed and tested occasionally! •

84

CUMBRIAN SHOWMAN'S ENGINES By DR. J. L. MIDDLEMISS It is not possible to write an article on Showman's engines working in Cumbria confining it to that county alone; for many of the show people used Cumberland as their winter quarters, or conversely wintered elsewhere, and spent most of the season touring Cumberland, and Westmorland. Examples of this will be given in due course. In that part of England, showmen were not, and are not, afraid of distances, and ventured over to Dumfriesshire. Northumberland, Edinburgh, even to Dundee, and South into West Yorkshire, the Craven district, and North Lancashire. Their engines worked some of the hardest parts of England. I will base my short article mainly on two concerns of amusement caterers, of whom I have personal knowledge, experience, and observation (as well as knowing them personally). TAYLOR BROS. This was run by Matthew, William, and Thomas Taylor. Their address on the cast plates on the engines read TAYLOR BROS. AMUSEMENT CATERERS, LONGTON, STAFFS. In 1921, they acquired from Edmund Holland of Macclesfield a 40ft. diameter steam switchback, driven by a Foden centre engine, No. 1312 named "Alice". In 1928, they disposed of this to Connally's of Lancs., and toured a set of gallopers till 1934, when they replaced this with Dodgems. Their main winter quarters, however, were at Quarry Hill, Great Clifton, Workington, and this is shown in the Burrell Catalogues. The reason for Longton, Staffs. being given as their address was this: Thomas Taylor, known as "Pot" Tommy had a Burrell Steam Wagon, No. 3843 AH 0765 "The Lion". This had double chain drive, and was one of the only two wagons to leave Thetford with a dynamo bracket. Once or twice a year this wagon went down to the Potteries to collect china ware, which they sold at the Cumberland fairs. Taylors first engine, however, was "The Busy Bee" No. 3555 AO 6262, a 5 h.p. Devonshire road locomotive. This is my engine. In 1914, she worked for Charnley's, a timber business based at Ulverston, and she was virtually on work of national importance. In 1916 one of the Taylors was killed in Windermere station yard, when he got caught between a load of timber and one of her back wheels. She was delivered new to Grangeover-Sands, her canopy being sent on a separate wagon. There was obviously some liaison between Taylors, Burrells, and W. J. King of Bishops Lyclyeard, Somerset, for in 1922, the Burrell wagon went to Kings, they in turn, released a 6 h.p. Burrell Road Loco, No. 3744 Y 9925, new to them in 1916. She went to Thetford, and had full show fittings added, and went north to Taylors. named "King George V". (In 1942 this engine was sold to H. R. Osborne, Dardistown, Co. Louth, Ireland, and was extant to December 1953). In 1924, Taylors acquired another Burrell new, No. 3927 EC 3835 "Queen of the Borders", a 5 h.p. engine on a 6 h.p. boiler. This was painted dark blue with red wheels. In 1935, she was sold to McLoads of Manchester, who in 1940 sold her to Jones, of Rhosesmor, Wales, when she drove a Foster threshing machine and Powell baler. She was a very nice looking engine. The Taylor engines had rather law chimneys barely projecting above the canopy. Indeed when I was renewing the canopy of No. 3555, I found she had had a roof fire some time in the past. They usually had about 12in. of sheet metal above the copper chimney top, which kept it clean if nothing else. 85

Burrell No. 3555 "The Busy Bee" at Waverton, Nr. Wigton, Cumberland in 1929 when the side of the road collapsed. It took three days to get her out. J.L.M.

Burrell No. 3744 Reg. Y 9925 "King George V" having rear axle bushes renewed and Robey Tractor No. 26433 Reg. FE 362 belonging to Jos. J.L.M. Hall, Egremont, in H. Bowes' yard in 1942. 86

Fowler No. 10329 (1905) Class BC. Reg. WR 6640 "Envoy" in H. Bowes' J.L.M. yard, Egremont, Cumberland, 1942.

Emerson & Hazard's Fowler No. 3013 (1876) "Lightning" hauling their Reproduced by permission. galloper loads and vans about 1900. 87

One Harry O'Brien usually drove lights on "The Busy Bee". (He had once worked for Emersons). On the road she was driven by Stanley Douglas (who had married one of the Taylors) or Manic Taylor. "The Busy Bee" is a very powerful engine, and member Syd Sutton clearly remembers pushing a 15 ton Aveling Roller, with a living van behind from Brampton to Beckermet, and she was absolutely on top of the job. She is also very fast and, being a smaller engine, was their favourite, and was used for "Double runs" to go back light, and fetch some more loads. Taylors also had Fowler No. 10329 "Envoy" (Reg. WR 6640) in her latter days of fairground use. EMERSON & HAZARD This was a very well known name in Settle, where we lived. Again, they are known to me as long as I can remember. They toured from about 1891, a set of gallopers. They sold these in 1935 to the London area, when they acquired a Maxwell (of Musselburgh) Noahs Ark Speedway, interchangeable to a Waltzer. The gallopers had a centre engine with a boiler by Beasley's of Barrow. top motion by Stephenson's of Longton, Preston, Savage centre truck No. 3 Savage organ engine, with chain driven governor. (This had been Jacky Whi'e's), a 46 Key Gavioli organ. This was replaced in 1916 with a 65 key Gavioli from Pipers of Ireland. Galloping Horses and Leaping Cockerels by Ortons, and the remainder of the ride by Howcroft's. It was a very impressive machine indeed, and to say it was kept clean would be an understatement. Their first road engine was a Fowler, and it took seven loads. It was No. 3013 new in 1876. It was sold to someone in Ireland in 1895, so Emersons must have acquired it some time after that, in fact in about 1900 for £30 from a haulage contractor at Berwick. It was named "Lightning", so called because it won a friendly race aganst one of John Evans' Burrells. The principals of the firm were Randall Emerson who married one Susannah (born Hazard). Their eldest son was John, an old friend of mine who died some three years ago. Lily Randall (died 1937), Pauline, Lawrence and Ernest. The latter is still very much alive, and is a very good steam man. He drove the Burrell "Lightening H" on the road, also the centre engine. In 1912, John Emerson went with his father to York to the Royal Show where they saw a very smart Foster Showman's engine, in bright red. They seriously considered this, but finally decided against this, and in 1913 they ordered from Burrells, via Sidney Harrison. a 7 h.p. road locomotive which was delivered to them in October 1913 at Millom. She was No. 3526 AO 6302 and named "Lightning II". She was finished in the rather unusual colour scheme of green, with primrose yellow wheels. The green was Verdine Green, and was supplied by the firm of Manders. This engine too, is very much alive, and a very pretty engine she is too. The maximum weight for an engine in Cumberland was 14 tons. and to keep the weight down, she was fitted with a spoked flywheel, with a sheet metal disc over it. (13 T 10 Cwt. was painted on the perch bracket) but she is quite a bit more than this! She had a relatively easy Iife in showland, as she had a very good owner. and all she had to do, was to pull the centre truck, Mrs. Emerson's living wagon, and the organ truck, and water dandy. All the other packing trucks went by rail, and I can well remember "Lightning II" going to the L.M.S. station at Settle to collect these. In those days, one could depend on the railway to deliver on time, as this method was adopted by many of the showmen. In Burrells Catalogues, the address of Emerson & Hazard was given as Newhouses, Whitehaven, Cumberland (the old Burrell plate is still on one of their Scammells) but in actual fact, they wintered at Barrow in Furness, and sometimes, at Penrith. Accompanying the gallopers, was Jeffries' Foden wagon, which toured a shooter and a striker. It was brown with blue wheels. In the box van behind there was a dynamo. The Foden was named "Polly" No, 6878 M 9190, and probably the same as that owned later by Joe Hoadley of Barrow in Furness. 88

Clayton & Shuttieworth Tractor No. 48386 Reg. FE 3073. China Bazaar in Cumberland in mid 1920's.

J. Hives' J.L.M.

Slater's Fowler No. 13922 Class A8 Reg. "The Rocket" photographed in June 1938 by the late W. P. Riley. 89

Emerson's once went to Gussie Park, Dundee, in 1927, their only visit to the Town Moor, Newcastle, and once to Woodhouse Moor, Leeds. They sold "Lightning II" in 1949 to Wm. Stables of Ulverston, a cabinet maker, who has made a magnificent Iin. scale model of the gallopers. She went to ❑ick Preston of Patto, Yorkshire, about 1955.

There were a number of small firms in Cumberland which were well known ports of call to engine people, either for repairs, or replenishers of supplies, e.g. fire tubes, or castings. Johnson and Bulman, 31 Lowther Street, Carlisle, were well known

for their "superheated steam oil" and packings, etc. Pratchitt's of Denton Iron Works, Carlisle (built at least two steam wagons) were useful to know for castings. They replaced the flywheel for T. Ridley's (Plumpton Head, Penrith) 3 speed Allchin road locomotive. Al[chins had gone out of business by then. Shake's Castle Foundly, Peiiiith, ofteii had engines in for re-paii. (Jonathan Stalker died only recently). Emersons usually used lap welded iron tubes, and often experienced tube trouble in moving suddenly from Kendal, ►where the water is relatively soft, to Ingleton, Clapham and

Settle, where it is limestone country and the water is very hard indeed. Another well known place where repairs were done was Harry Bowes' of Egremont. OTHER SHOWMAN'S ENGINES IN CUMBRIA Brown & May No. 8437 Reg. No. SP 3511 5 h.p. She worked for Mrs. Boswell, and later Leslie Boswell of Carlisle, they toured a shooter, and

small stuff around the Cumbrian fairs. The engine ended up timber hauling, around Tongueland in July 1934, in the ownership of the Eastern Stewartry, Kirkcudbrightshire C.C. William Cross, Amusements, Workington. Foden Road Locomotive No. 405, dated from August 1898. It was a 6 h.p. single cylinder of 8-tin. bore, new to Andrew, Derby. The War Department named it "Jessie" and William Cross named it "Gladstone". Cross's sold it to W. Skinner of Dairsie, Fife, who in turn sold it to W. & C. Forrest of Bonnybridge, Stirling, who subsequently scrapped it. They also ran a Foden 5 ton wagon No. 10194 Reg. No. MA 4172. This was new to George Marshall of Glasgow on February 22nd, 1920. William Cross acquired it about 1926. It was last licensed in 1928. J. & R. Bell, Nelson Street, Carlisle, Foden No. 4382 Reg. No. M 6196.

New to Russett. Slater's of Carlisle. In 1926, they used a Burrell, for hauling their Tillman gallopers. She was No. 2433 a 7 h.p. SCC. ex John Charlton, ❑umfries. They also had a set of chairoplanes, hauled by a Foden wagon

they had obtained from Selby Morton of Wooler, Northumberland, who had named it "Cock of the North". In 1927, they sold the Burrell to Phillips & Scott of Carlisle, and used the Foden that year for hauling the gallopers, chairoplanes, and living wagon. This Foden was No. 3206 Reg. No. M 4260, new on August 10th, 1912. This wagon was updated and fitted with solid rubbers in 1919 by Fodens. Slaters sold it in 1927 to Adam Robson of Tweedmouth. In 1928, the gallopers were sold. They acquired a Semi Twister from Thomas Murphy, known as the Charleston Shake, and to tour this, they used a McLaren No. 680 named "Bella", a single cylinder 8 h.p. engine they had bought from a traveller, Joe Strand. This engine took three loads. In August, 1930, the gearing of this engine stripped between Seahouses and Warkworth, Northumberland, and they sold it to Thompson's of Warkworth. Coopers Aveling Tractor was lent to get them to Rothbury. At that place, they bought the Burrell No. 2986 "Pride of the West" from a farmer of Leitholm, Berwickshire. In 1932, Slaters sold the chairoplanes to Cooper, and bought Maggie Collins' three abreast gallopers, which they travelled till 1937. They then bought W. Shaw's Ark, and the Fowler No. 13922 "Girlie" (ex J. Hoadley). This engine was renamed "The Rocket". and is still in existence. The

Burrell No. 2986 was sold to Thompson's of Warkworth. 90

When in the North visit the historical

LEVENS HALL STEAM COLLECTION IN STEAM

TUES. WED. THURS. & SUNDAYS 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

MAY 1 st — SEPTEMBER 20th Fowler Showman's Engine & Tractor — Foden Steam (Steam only on Sundays) Wagon, etc.

N.T. E.C. 16th & 17th JUNE

THE CAMERTON RALLY now in its seventh year

off A.367 Near Radstock, Somerset. Secretary: D. Cleaves, 60 North Road, Midsomer, Norton, Bath.

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

THE WORLD'S FAIR "In Steam" all the year round.

ONLY 5p. EVERY WEEK. Order NOW from your local newsagent.

In case of difficulty (or for a free specimen copy) write to: THE WORLD'S FAIR LTD., Dept. S, Times Buildings, Union Street, Oldham, Lancs.

NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB

APPROVED RALLY LIST 1973 The information given in this list is correct at the time of going to press_ The N.T.E.C. cannot be held responsible for any subsequent variations made by organisers. To avoid disappointment arrangements should be confirmed with the organisers concerned. The Copyright of this fist is held by the National Traction Engine Club. It must not be reproduced in any way without written permission.

APRIL 28/29

Merton Steam Rally, Wandle Park. F. Hayman, 26 Marham Gardens, Morden, Surrey. MAY

6

Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway, Grand Open Day. D. W. Russell, 134 Chaucer Road, Gillingham, Kent.

19/20

Basingstoke Lions Club Traction Engine Rally, Brighton Hill. A. Wallace, 21 Portacre Rise, Basingstoke.

19/20

Medway Festival of Steam, Gillingham, Kent. Rally Committee, 8 High Street, Chatham, Kent.

19/20

Veteran Cavalcade 1973, Hamilton. Mrs. A. D. Winder, 50 High Street, Neilston, Glasgow.

26/27/28

Grand Steam Rally, Pirton, near Hitchin. Mrs. B. Mayes, 23 Nunnery Lane, Luton, Beds.

27/28

Welford Steam Engine Rally, Husbands Bosworth, Leics. R. E. West, 4 Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, Leics.

27/28

Burton Constable Hall, E. Yorkshire. J. Chichester-Constable, Burton Constable Hall, Hull, E. Yorks.

27/28

Beaulieu Steam Festival, Hants. B. Johnson, 18 Orchard Gardens, Woodgate, Chichester, Sussex.

27/28

West Wycombe Steam Scene, Bucks. B. M. Fawkes, 4 Latchmoor Way, Gerrards Cross, Bucks.

27/28

Strumpshaw Hall, Norwich. W. S. Key, The Hill, Happisvurgh Road, North Walsham, Norfolk. JUNE

2/3

Tynedale Park Steam Up, Corbridge, Northumberland. B. Weeks, 11 Mitchell Avenue, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

2/3

Olde Tyme Festival & Steam Fayre, Cardiff. Western Promotions & Amusements, 371 Longford Lane, Gloucester GL2 9EL.

9/10

Levens Hall Steam Engine Rally, near Kendal, Westmorland. Mrs. F. M. Carr, 27 Norfolk Avenue, Morecambe, Lancs.

9/10

Andover Traction Engine Rally, Longparish, Hants. J. Field, 18 Bishops Way, Andover, Hants.

9/10

Fareham Steam Up, Fareham, Hants. R. D. Smith, 36 Bedhampton Hill, Bedhampton, Havant, Hants.

16/17

Surrey Spectacular 1973, Wisley Airfield, Surrey. A. Hanmore, Woodcote, Wannock Road, Polegate, Sussex B N26 5EA.

16/17

Hartham Park Rally, Hertford. Mrs. B. Mayes, 23 Nunnery Lane, Luton, Beds.

16/17

Camerton Traction Engine Rally, near Bath. Rev. R. Bennett, The Vicarage, Church Lane, Camerton, Bath.

16/17

Hungerford Olde Tyme Fayre & Steam Engine Rally, Berks. J. L. Newton, 8 Salisbury Road, Hungerford, Berks.

23/24

Stamford Traction Engine Rally. J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds.

23/24

Ryhill Steam Traction Engine & Fair Organ Rally. W. L. Thorpe, 19 Cemetery Road, Ryhill, Wakefield, WF4 2DF

23/24

Banbury Steam Society Rally, near Chipping Norton. W. Upton, 19a Grouch Street, Banbury, Oxon.

June 30, Totton & Netley Marsh Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally. July 1

Mrs. L. J. Cully, Hazel Farm, Calmore, Southampton.

June 30,

Sudbury Mammoth Olde Tyme Rallye.

July 1

D. Taylor, 15 Francis Way, Colchester, Essex.

JULY 7/8

Burtonwood Rally, near Warrington, Lancs. J. Daymond, Stanley Villa, Glovers Brow, Kirkby, nr. Liverpool

7/8

Jubilee Steam Rally, Stowe School. T. B. Hill, 40 Bernard Street, London WC1 L 1 LG.

7/8

Great Bath and West Steam Fair & Exhibition, Shepton Mallet Maj. The Lord Darling, D.L., 3 Pierrepont Street, Bath BA1 ILD

7/8

Poole North Scout Group Steam Rally, Lytchett Matravers. B. Wilcox, Hartland, Wimborne Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset.

7/8

Ardingly Steam & Historic Transport Rally. B. Johnson, 24 Sheridan Road, Worthing, Sussex.

7/8

Chiltern Traction Engine Rally, Great Missenden, Bucks. K. Vaughan, 84 Deeds Grove, High Wycombe, Bucks.

7/8

Rempstone Traction Engine Rally, M. E. Elliott, 7 Radcliffe Road, West Bridgeford, Notts.

1 3/14

Ulster Traction Engine Club Rally, Shanes Castle, Antrim. H. A. Patterson, 3 Beechland Road, Magherafelt, Co. Derry, N. Ireland.

1kt

frvin's Fowler No. 10328 (1905) Class 86 compound, "One of the Best". A regular visitor to Cumbria. Photographed near Penrith in 1930 by J. W. Peirson.

FROM YORK TO RAVENGLASS BY " PROVIDENCE " By RAN HAWTHORNE In the early 60's it became evident that more motive power would soon be needed on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and so the Preservation Society started a fund to build a new locomotive — a bold step. The fund was set up and soon as money was available the boiler was ordered from J. & W. Gower of Bedford. The chassis of a power tender provided the frames, wheels and motion. Everything else was provided and built up by H. Clarkson & Son of York. 13y the summer of 1966 the "River Mite" was Rearing completion and

the suggestion that she should be hauled from York to Ravenglass by steam was made. Syd Sutton of Beckermet some miles from Ravenglass was consulted. He would dearly have loved to have done the job but suggested that the Fowler No. 15649 (1920), a class A9 three-speed road locomotive "Providence" owned by B. M. Stafford & Sons of Houghtonle-Spring, Co. Durham would be more fitted to the task than this two-speed Garrett tractor. The Staffords entered into the job with great enthusiasm. "Providence" was taxed for haulage. The licence, costing £261 per annum, was taken out for a quarter, subsequently a refund for two months was obtained. The "B" licence was not so straight forward. Before it was granted Staffords had to adapt the air brakes on the trailer to manual operation from the engine. However it was granted in time. On Thursday, December 1st "Providence" left Houghton-le-Spring for York. A police diversion caused the engine and her supply lorry to become separated. While the lorry waited in Thirsk "Providence" had been directed on to a different road. At the head of a two mile queue the water situation became desperate with results which later on caused trouble. Water was eventually obtained and from Easingwold to York was run without incident after dark, "Providence" having been equipped with her own lighting plant for the journey. She was parked in Clarkson's yard, having covered 80 miles in very cold and wet weather. Next morning (Friday) Mr. Stafford snr. arrived with his brother-in-law Harry Wakefield and son Barry Stafford. They soon had steam up and put the trailer into position for loading the "River Mite". She was loaded by mobile crane. The lifting gear, slings and jacks etc. were stowed making a load of 10 tons for "Providence" who weights 16 tons in working order. At 12 noon a police car led "Providence" and her load through York, leaving them on the main A59 road at 12.30. Progress was good and so it was decided to try and make Scotch Corner, a distance of 45 miles. more than half of this being on the Al. The lorry had left the caravan, where the lorry and engine crews were to sleep at Scotch Corner and had rejoined "Providence" near Boroughbridge. They weather was dry but they were going almost straight into a cold north wind. The full length canopy offering little protection. in fact, it acted as a wind tunnel, making things very uncomfortable for the driver and steersman. Harry and Barry ►were glad to gain the comfort of the caravan and having got further than they had planned were looking forward to starling Saturday's run across the Pennines with 12 or 15 miles in hand. They were up for a "thresherman's start" — on the move by 8.0 a.m. on Saturday, December 3rd. It was bright and frosty as they pointed "Providence" in a west-north-westerly direction along the A66 towards Bowes and Brough. Nearing Bowes it became evident that all was not well. RIGHT: Fowler "Providence" No. 15649 (1920) a Class A9 three-speed compound road locomotive ascending Stainmore on A66 west of Bowes on Saturday December 3rd 1966 delivering the "River Mite" to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Copyright photograph by Charles H. Dean.

92

93

The shortage of water on the journey to York had affected the tubes and now as they came in to the hard work of the Pennine hills the tubes were leaking badly. Lots of water was being used, or lost, and of course the water from the tubes was killing the fire, making it difficult to keep steam. Numerous stops for water and to try and raise the pressure wasted time and after four hours only 19 miles had been covered. On Bowes Moor "Providence" pulled into a lay-by. The Moor had a covering of snow and the bitter north wind blew as the fire was drawn. After a brief respite in the van a start was made on what at the best of times is a most uncomfortable job — expanding the tubes — only on this occasion their head and shoulders were inside a hot fire box while their nether regions and legs were protected from the sub zero blast by only a bit of sheet erected round the engine. Three of them took turns till the 39 tubes were expanded. By the time the fire bars and ash pan had been replaced it was dark, the fire was lit and the pressure rose slowly as the weather worsened. Flurries of snow blew round the engine and load and soon the road had a cover of snow. It was two miles still to summit and there was some nasty road before Brough was reached. If they didn't get off the Moor quickly they could be there for days. "Providence" was blowing off, the snow had stopped and the salt had cleared the road as just before 7.0 p.m. she once more pulled on to the highway. With more steam than she needed the Fowler made a fine sight as she stormed past the Bowes Moor Hotel sending a veritable cascade of sparkes from her lighting-up wood up her chimney as she got into her stride to try and regain some of the lost miles. Driving was not easly as they dropped down into Brough. the A66 carries a continuous stream of heavy lorries, even on a cold winter Saturday night. After a water stop near Brough they were getting on so well that Harry and Barry had thoughts of going right on to Penrith as originally planned but in view of the still decreasing temperature, the threat of black ice and the fact that everyone was very tired, it was decided to stop as soon as possible. The lorry and caravan went ahead to a lay-by but this was occupied by a large load, so permission was obtained to pull on to the large bus park in front of Appleby Grammar School. As "Providence" came down into Appleby she was met by an astonishing number of people. The police on their rounds at closing time had passed the word that they were approaching the town. Traction Engine men and railway enthusiasts crowded round the engine and seemed reluctant to go home. Fish and chips were brought for the crew and it was well past midnight before they got settled for a well-earned rest. Despite the seven hour stop, 37 miles had been covered, nearly half of them after dark, and they finished Saturday only 13 miles short of Penrith their planned stopping place. Snow had fallen in the night so it was a good job they had got off the Moor. They were on the road at 7.0 a.m. Sunday morning and very soon through Penrith and into the hills around Thelkelk and towards Keswick. The numerous sightseers became a nuisance on the narrow roads and the help of the police was welcome. Keswick was passed at lunchtime when, it seemed, everyone turned out to see "Providence" bringing "River Mite" to Cumbria. They skirted Bassenthwaite, on through Embledon to Cockermouth, where an obliging coal merchant opened his yard (Sunday afternoon) to enable them to replenish their stocks. Cars were everywhere, every lay-by was full and enthusiasts had to be asked to move to let "Providence" pull in at Winscalcs Moor to take water, to get the lights going and to take on Syd Sutton who piloted them all down through west Cumberland to Ravenglass. Syd has travelled this road many times with many types of engine and many a different loads. It brought back many memories for him and his presence was of tremendous help to Harry and Barry. Ravenglass was reached, they went under the bridge that carries the rails that "River Mite" runs over on her journeys to Dalegarth, they turned the sharp corner up into the station yard — they had arrived. Seventy-four miles having been covered that day from Appleby, a tremendous achievement by any standards but if you consider the weather, the spectators and above all the terrain they covered there is only one word — FANTASTIC. 94

SOME BECKERMET ENGINES By SYD SUTTON Looking back about 54 years it seems almost incredible that it was then that I was initiated into the steam contracting world. Of course like all old drivers I had to start at the bottom, my first recollection of steam an engine whilst threshing was on an old three-shaft McLaren (no cliff.), sorry no maker's number. This engine only had a boiler feed pump so I had to try and find a position whereby I could set it ,this I managed after a time and found it very satisfactory, she was 8 n.h.p. and was a very good old slave, the last job she did was driving a stone-breaker at Cockermouth prior to being scrapped. The next engine we acquired was an Aveling & Porter 6 n.h.p. single, with left-hand cylinder, No. 3263, new in 1893, registered No. AO 6252 and named -Lady Betty". She also had only a feed pump to the boiler but we fitted an tin. Penberthy injector on the footplate and took the delivery to the pump clack box. I got quite a lot of practice on this engine, shunting in to stack yards and occasionally driving on the road. I liked "Lady Betty" must better than the McLaren because she was much handier in the narrow farm lanes, and also in those days farm gates were narrow too. In the meantime we had acquired a Fowler 6 h.p. Compound threespeed Road Loco., No. 9278, reg. No. BD 9620, and named "Our Betty" (two Betty's)! This engine was specially built for light haulage (furniture removing) hence her intermediate and high gears were both higher than the standard three-speed engine, the high gear was fast and badly worn so we took it off and found that for our particular work she was fast enough in second. She threshed quite a few seasons for us with a Clayton machine and did many other jobs including hauling a Tarroads Syndicate Ltd. sprayer in various parts of Cumberland. In about 1924 we acquired a Garrett No. 4 C.D. Tractor (sorry no number), BJ registration, also a Robey 5 ton single cylinder Tractor (again no number). This engine came from E. W. Farrow & Sons, Spalding. and was named "May". It was a nice little engine and in good condition but she would not start quietly with a load in top gear the gradient was at all against her. Both these tractors were mainly on light haulage work, occasionally doing the odd day's threshing. About this same period or a little later we acquired an over-type Garrett 5 ton superheated End Tipping Wagon from the Croydon district. the maker's number was 32734, built in 1915, it was a two-speed wagon with piston valves, solid rubbers, and both injector and water lifter were White's. This wagon did very good service for us, mainly on County Council contracts. I can well remember during the coal strike of 1926 steering it to Parton shore, near Whitehaven, to pick up a load of coal which was left on the beach by the receding tide, it was a poor quality coal but we had to have it to keep the wheels turning. We liked the Garrett wagon because like the Garrett No. 4 C.D. Tractor they could really pull in top gear, of course on the level they were slow compared to other makes but that didn't concern us too much because this countryside is so undulating. The next engine to arrive at Beckermet Station was the newest we ever bought, it was in the summer of 1926 and was Garrett No. 4 C.D. Tractor. new in September 1920 to Long Ashton, No. 33953 and we named it "Anne". I sometimes think a better name would have been "One of the Best", if I had known in 1926 what I know now it certainly would have been. This engine did such good service that when we finished using it in 1946/47 we returned it to Leiston for a new fire box, tubes. smoke box. regulator valve, front wheels rebushed, all boiler fittings reconditioned, etc. On returning we stripped her down for painting. During the years 1928-46 I drove her more or less continually, threshing during the season, and then haulage of different kinds, some of this was quite light, some should have had a 5 or 6 h.p. loco. but the Garrett always managed. It's no secret but the 10in. stroke engine, and the corrugated fire box crown for free steaming definitely made the Garrett tractor the enginel know it to be.

if

95

Aveling & Porter 4660 Registered NR 2393 owned by Suttons, driver S.S. John Simpson rolling at Wast Water in 1928.

Garrett 33953 (1920) "Anne". Bought by Suttons in 1926, rebuilt S.S. 1946-47. Photographed at Beckermet in 1971. 96

Garrett No. 33953 owned by Suttons, photographed on contract to Cumberland C.C., Penrith Division in 1939. Loads, Foden S.S. Trailer No. 714, living van, tar sprayer (towed by Garrett when spraying) and the tar boiler. Driver Syd Sutton.

It may be of interest to say that this Garrett tractor together with a thresher of the same make, No. 15990, which we got new in 1929 was the only complete Garrett set to ever exist in Cumberland. To keep in right rotation is rather difficult, but I feel sure the next engine we bought was another Fowler Road Loco., this was a 7 n.h.p. engine, No. 10691, and named "Pride of the Road". it's reg. No. was PY ??? and was sold at an auction sale in Kirk Levington, Yorkshire. The day following I, together with a driver, brought her to the late J. R. Hartas's yard in Gainford, Co. Durham. The following Saturday one of our drivers came over from Penrith and we took her over the Pennines to Appleby, on Sunday we continued to Penrith where she was to take over from the 6 h.p. Fowler. The 7 h.p. was quite a useful engine but rather large and heavy for our threshing district so after only a few years we exchanged her with the late Alf Broughton, Amusement Caterers, Glasgow for his Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 8809, named "Flower". 10691 was converted in Scotland to a Showman's type, and we cut the dynamo bracket off "Flower" and used her quite a number of years. During the early thirties we bought a 6 h.p. G.P. Compound Fowler Traction Engine (sorry can't remember the number) from a farmer only six miles away. I towed it home with the Garrett 33953. and I remember sending to Fowler's for boiler tubes, smoke box door, chimney complete. and two slide valves, we stripped it down and reconditioned it, also painted it, but it never actually worked for us. It was eventually sold into the Crewe district and when standing on the low loader at the railway station it was nice in its new black paint and red wheels. Next to stand in the same unloading bay at our little country station was an Aveling & Porter Colonial Type Tractor No. 8953, reg. No. KE 3458 which had been bought from the late Chris Lambert, Horsmonden. Kent. This was quite a good engine on belt work, and the old driver who was mostly on it liked it, but I never did. Just before the last war started we acquired another Garrett No. C.D. Tractor No. 33636, new in 1919 and named "Madge". This engine and 33953 did a lot of threshing through the war years, also the Aveling & Porter 8953 with the third machine (Ruston 4ft. 6in.). Early in the 40's an engine which we had admired for a long time came up for sale, it had been in Showland all its life and had attended our local Fairs. it was new in 1913 and had only one owner, Taylor Bros., the noted West Cumberland Amusement Caterers. It was the 5 h.p. Burrell No. 3555 reg. No. AG 6262 "Busy Bee". The late Matty Taylor delivered it to us from Whitchaven where they were standing for the winter months. "Busy Bee- was a very hard worked engine both on the belt and with loads but she had worn well. We put her to work after a few minor repairs and she did very well for us for a few years, her main drawback was her width on our narrow roads and lanes. One unusual job this engine did was to travel 60 miles with living van out to Rulcholm. near Brampton and push an Aveling & Porter 15 ton Roller No. 5077 back home. I had two men with me who took turns at steering the roller and the "Busy Bee". She certainly was kept "Busy" on some of the long gradients, 15 tons in front of her and about 21 tons behind, and needless to say I was kept busy too with the fireshovel and keeping an eye on the steersman as he had to be very accurate in keeping in line with the roller especially on corners where the gradient was against us. Most of the return journey was accomplished in second gear, but low gear was needed in some of the steeper hills, it took two days to do this job and the reason for doing it was that because of a very long dry spell many watering places were dry, and a very good range was achieved with the Loco type engine. The very last engine we bought intending to put it to work was another Garrett No. 4 C.D. which had been converted to a roller, No. 33705, reg. No. 11J 4788. This we bought unseen in 1949 from the late Chris Lambert ,and it was not in very good condition, so having two No. 4 C.D. Garrett Tractors standing in the yard (33636 and 33953) we decided to use 98

14/15

Derby Steam Rally, Mickleover, Derby. R. S. Cottam, 353 Nottingham Road, Derby.

14/15

Isle of Wight & Veteran Machinery Rally, Cowes. F. E. Hollis, Clarris Thorpe, Chale, Ventnor, I.W.

21

Woodcote Veteran Transport Rally, near Reading. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading RG8 OSE.

21/22

Hullavington Steam Rally & Olde Tyme Fantasia, Wilts. J. Stevens, 32 The Street, Hullavington, Chippenham, Wilts.

21/22

Midland Festival of Steam, Showground, Stafford. D. Vernon, 2 Woodlands Road, Stafford.

21/22

Polegate Steam Engine Rally, Wilmington, Sussex. A. Hanmore, Woodcote, Wannock Road, Polegate, Sussex, BN26 5EA.

28/29

Kegworth Carnival & Traction Engine Rally. P. G. Haywood, 49 Nottingham Road, Kegworth, near Derby DE7 2FH.

28/29

Chippenpark Park Traction Engine Rally, near Newmarket. Mrs. S. A. Parrott, The Cottage, Fengate, Weeting, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 OQF. AUGUST

4/5

Cromford Traction Engine Rally N. C. Howard, Market Place, Cromford, Derbyshire.

5/6

Irish Steam Preservation Society, Stradbally. W. F. Walsh-Kemmis, Ballykilcavan, Stradbally, Co. Laois.

11/12

Knowl Hill Steam Rally, near Reading. Mrs. M. Cook, Greenacres, 1 Bottle Green, Littlewick Green, near Maidenhead, Berks.

11/12

Astle Park, Chelford, Cheshire. J. A. Barber, The Cottage, Chelford, Macclesfield, Cheshire.

18/19

Caenby Corner, Junction A15-A631, Lincolnshire. G. Taylor, 27 Addison Drive, Lincoln LN2 4LG.

18/19

Fairford Traction Engine Rally & Show. A. J. R. New, 9 The Plies, Fairford, Glos.

18/19

West of England Steam Engine Society, near Redruth. W. L. F. Carne, 87 Roskear Road, Camborne, Cornwall.

18/19

Market Bosworth Traction Engine Rally. Mrs. J. A. Lees, 14 St. Catherines Avenue, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton.

25

Egham & Thorpe Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Show. Miss V. L. Bayley, 3 Braywood Avenue, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9LY.

25/26/27

Chilcompton Traction Engine Rally, Somerset. E. F. Alford, 12 Stanley Street, Swindon, Wilts,

25/26/27

Town & Country Festival, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. T. R. Daw, R.A.S.E., Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG.

25/26/27

Expo Steam '73, on the Al just south of Stamford. J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds.

25/26/27

Gaddesdon Row, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. Mrs. B. Mayes, 23 Nunnery Lane, Luton, Beds.

25/26/27

Harewood Traction Engine Rally, Harewood House, nr. Leeds. L. Fearnley, 27 Whitehouse Drive, Great Preston, Woodlesford, Leeds LS26 8BP. SEPTEMBER

1 /2

Devon Traction Engine Club's Rally, near Barnstaple. F. G. Burt, 17 Toronto Road, Exeter EX4 6LE.

1/2

Marsh Gibbon Vintage & Veteran Working Rally, nr. Bicester. R. T. Herring, Thame, Churchill Road, Bicester, Oxon.

8/9

Horsham Steam-in, Slinfold, near Horsham. B. Johnson, 24 Sheridan Road, Worthing, Sussex.

8/9

Organ & Oyde Tyme Fayre Festival, Hemel Hempstead. Mrs. B. Mayes, 23 Nunnery Lane, Luton, Beds.

8/9

Cornish Traction Preservation Club, Liskeard. L. C. Baker, 15 Pengover Green, Pengover, Liskeard, Cornwall

15/16

Roxton Park Traction Engine Rally, near Bedford. C. J. Norman, 16 Rye Crescent, Cople, Bedford.

21/22/23

Stourpaine Bushes, near Blandford, Dorset. M. F. Oliver, Dairy Mead, Child Okeford, nr. Blandford, Dorset

29/30

Ugley Hall Farm, Ugley, Essex. A. J. Carter, 28 Currants Farm Road, Braintree ,Essex.

29/30

Tonbridge Steam Engine Rally, Paddock Wood, Kent. M. G. Adams, 73 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent.

29/30

Dorking Steam Engine Rally, Lower Boxhill Farm. J. Lowther, Brookside, Wineham, Henfield, Sussex. OCTOBER

5/6/7

Steam Happening, Beaulieu. M. E. Ware, National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hants.

6

Henley Show — Thames Valley T.E.C. Ploughing Match — Steam Working, Goring Heath, near Reading. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading RG8 OSE.

21

Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway 'Last' Open Day. D. W. Russell, 134 Chaucer Road, Gillingham, Kent.

ADMISSION : ADULTS 35p CHILDREN & O.A.P's 15p PARKING FREE - NUMEROUS ATTRACTIONS PROGRAMME COMMENCES 2150m EACH DAY

4.4%

STEAM & Mal/1910th TRANSPORT 1973

Moll9th&2Oth

(

1973

BRIGHTON HILL FESTIVAL BASINGSTOKE N.T.E.C. APPROVED

Do not miss Hungerford (Berks)

4th Olde Tyme Fayre and Steam Rally at Hungerford Common on Saturday - Sunday 16th - 17th June 1973 One of the best in the Country! Something to please all tastes! On the A4 between Reading and Marlborough near the M4 Interchange No. 14

N.T.E.C. i

Free Car Parking Gates open 10.00 a.m. on each day

Marsh Gibbon Working Steam Rally September 1st — 2nd 1973 Entries are now welcome for Traction and Showmen's Engines, Vintage and Veteran Cars, Tractors, Commercial Vehicles, Motor-cycles, Horse-drawn Vehicles, Old Tyme Fair Amusements, Fairground Organs, Trade Stands, etc. Early application would be appreciated. Enquiries, please, to:

Roy Herring, Churchill Road, Bicester, Oxon.

Suttons Garrett "Madge" No. 33636 at work at Whitehaven 1971. Photo by permission, Whitehaven News.

the roller part off 33705 and fit them to 33636, hence we had "Madge" now as a roller and very useful she has proved to he, having hardly missed a year without doing a reasonable sized job. The Chris Lambert's engine I sold to the late T. Hodgson, Menem, near Penrith and it was converted to a Showman's type. During the years 1918-50 we also had eight Aveling & Porter rollers, ranging from 6 to 15 tons, two were outside valve compounds, two over head compounds, and four were singles, all had slide valves. Following are the marker's Nos.: 2347, 3523, 4505, 4660, 5077, 7251, 8595. You no doubt will say there are only seven engine numbers recorded, I don't happen to have the maker's number of the one I called the "Little Devil", it was the 6 ton engine with inclined cylinder, one road gear, and a small flywheel inside the horn plate, every Aveling product we had used had given entire satisfaction but this one was as I said, the "Little Devil", none of the drivers liked it so it was soon put in the market again. 99

ENGINES IN CUMBRIA CONTRACTORS REMEMBERED by J. K. Ellwood That part of Cumberland which forms a semi- circle to the north, east and west of the Lake District consists of very fertile land and most of the farms in this area grow crops ❑f oats, wheat or barley.

Before the Second World War there must have been a dozen or more threshing contractors who took care of the threshing. I lived at Waterside, near Waverton, and remember with pleasure the thrill we boys experienced when Hollidays of Abbeytown came to thresh at Woodrow. My grandfather, Wilfred Kirkup was always recruited to help with the threshing and as part payment would get some bottles (trusses) of straw — usually thrown oft the threshing machine as it passed our house on its way home. Whenever I revisit that farm at Woodrow now 40 years later 1 wonder how they manoeuvered the thresher into the stackyard. I seem to remember they had to turn the engine round and then use the pushpole. The engine used was either a 6 h.p. Fowler or a 6 li.p. Burrell and Mr. R. Holliday wh❑ is still alive tells me that they also had a 6 h.p. McLaren and a 6 h.p. Foster. Recently he sent me an old cutting from a Cumberland newspaper which gives some details of the history of this family business. Jonathan and John Robert Holliday started in the threshing business at Abbeytown in 1883 and in 1891 the year when this picture was taken this partnership was dissolved. John Robert continuing at Abbeytown and Jonathan starting at Kirkbride. Both are on the footplate in this picture and I think the engine is a McLaren. In 1885 it was used to move the huge bell to Highmoor Tower near Wigton — a transport problem which aroused enormous interest at the time. The correspondent was a Mr. J. Bell of Ponteland, who as a boy of 16 was engaged by Mr. Robinson, who had a small farm at Low Row. Scales, Aspatria. That was in 1898 and his job was to help Mr. Robinson thresh for farmers in Waverton, Legate, Bromfield, Langrigg, Blencogo. Mealsgate and Parkin Moore's Home Farm. They had a Fowler engine and Clayton & ShuttIeworth threshing machine. One engine which remains in this area is owned by Mr. Burns of Little Bampton. It is a Ruston Hornsby 7 h.p. single cylinder No. 113143, built in 1920 and exhibited at the Royal Show at Darlington. It was purchased by Storr Bros. ❑f Durdar near Carlisle and used by them for threshing for two years before being resold to R. Towhills of Carlisle. Later they sold it to W. Bell of Classon who also had an Armstrong Whitworth

Roller. From there it went to the late Tommy Hodgson of Blencow who also had the Ruston Thresher and he worked the Kirkbampton and Brough-by-Sands area. Tommy sold it t❑ I. Scott of Cliburn who used it to drive a saw mill until 12 years ago when Mr. Burns purchased it for preservation. He has carried out extensive repairs. Mr. Burns tells me that W. Bell of Glasson also had a Burrell single cylinder compound with a Foster thresher, a Ransomes, Simms & Jefferies engine and a Foster, a Clayton & Shuttleworth Set and also two Aveling rollers — a single cylinder and a compound. Mr. R. Liddell of Ailston, who is still alive, drove the Armstrong

Whitworth roller. They threshed for farmers on the "Island" ie. around Anthorn and Cardurnock. Mr. Burns' uncle (Alfred Burns) owned a 6 h.p. McLaren & Foster thresher and w❑rked around Wigton and Aikton. He also mentions T. Thompson of Belle Vue, Carlisle who threshed in the Durdar area with a 7 h.p. Foster Drum. Isaac Murray of Aikton w❑rked that area with a 7 h.p. Foster & Drum. Bob Barnes of Cargo, near Carlisle, had a 7 h.p. McLaren & Clayton Drum. 100

Jonathan and John Robert Holiday on their (?) McLaren in 1891. J. K. Ellwood. Note, thresher has forecarriage at the corn end.

George Houghton with his Ransome, Sims & Jefferies engine. J. K. Ellwood. 101

Here are names of other contractors near Carlisle gleaned from a retired farmer, Mr. Jobson of Durdar: Armstrong — Cumwinton (two McLarens); Ridley — Plumpton (Ransomes and Alchin); Gill — Sluggar House (two McLarens); Hetherington Knights — Market Gate (two Burrell Singles and Ransomes, and Clayton Threshers). Mr. Burns has also an Aveling roller which was owned originally by Ridley of Plumpton. Most enthusiasts in the north know Mr. Dowthwaite and his McLaren engine which he used before the last war for threshing. He threshed for my uncle, Mr. Sayer, at his farm in Hackthorpe village. Another contractor a few miles south of my old home was Mr. McGuffie of Ireby. The had many steam rollers and still have one standing in their yard but without its rear wheels. An interesting thing which I remember was that the binder twine was named after the contractor. So in my case the string was known as "John Robert". South of the Lakeland Fells we again find fertile countryside and therefore more threshermen. I have knowledge of only one in this area although I understand there were some very large firms such as Isaac Ball of Forton and Wharles, and also Chapelows of Kendal. Mr. Houghton snr. seen on the engine (is it a Marshall?) worked for Mr. Ball of Forton, Lancs. as a young man and then went to work for Mr. Swindlehurst of Hazelslack Tower, near Sandside, as an engine driver. Here he met and married Mr. Swindlehurst's daughter and later took on the threshing business. Later he carried on his business at Holme, near Kirkby Lonsdale, and when he retired his eldest son took over using a Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies engine and also an Alchin. This son lived for his work and was so proud of his engines that he had a professional photographer take the photographs which are shown. Mrs. Ballard of Feizor, near Settle, kindly loaned these photographs and told me how her brother used to call on farmers to ask when they wanted him to thresh. He travelled by motor cycle and in 1933 met with a fatal accident. They carried on with hired drivers until 1939 when all the tackle was sold.

" CHUFFS " •

A register of Thornycroft cars and commercial vehicles (1895 to 1960) has been formed by P. 1. Davies, Thornycroft, 6 St. George's Road, 13adshot Lea, Farnham, Surrey, England. Any persons having knowledge of existing Thornycroft vehicles, whether they be owners or enthusiasts, please write to the above address enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

At a Special Meeting of the Fairford Steam Club held on the 14th

•

•

November 1972 our President, Mr. Charles Rickards, presented cheques to various local charities and organisations to the total value of over £2,000. This was again made possible by our 1972 Rally. Derek West and his boys has now had his Burrell Roller No. 3942 10 ton single cylinder in steam after carrying out heavy repairs to the front tubeplate and building up the crown of the firebox around the ftiseable plug, also fitting a new smokebox and rebuilding the tender which is now also back on. New bearings have also been made for the back axle. Derek is now busy on the mechanical parts of the engine and cleaning down the back wheels and the front wheels. He

hopes to start repainting in early summer. Mr. Rickards Allchin has been out and about after a new smokebox had been fitted and boiler relagged.

•

Michael Woodroffe is busy getting the lagging back on the boiler after his Fowler Traction Engine passed its hydraulic test etc., and we are pleased to hear the boiler inspector found everything O.K. t♦ Ingrid Howard of Porten, wife of the writer. has given birth to a son named Jason of 71b. 6oz. on the 27th December 1972. So we

will have another helping hand, one day, around the engine. M.T.H. 102

Mr. Houghton Snr. of Holm driving his single cylinder Marshall (?) engine. J. K Ellwood.

George Houghton, his Allchin engine, thresher and tier specially posed in New Road, Kendal. J. K. Ellwood. 103

A TIGHT GATEWAY by Ran Hawthorne, illustrated by H. Grayshon Lumby

Threshing machines often had to be got in and out of very difficult stackyards, through gateways with little clearance, between the stone gateposts. Some machines were fitted with steerage at the back as well as the front but the more usual way of getting in was to lay "spuds" against the gatepost to skid the back end over.

The late J. Smith Snr. of Ruleholme, Barnpton, driving his single cylinder cylinder Marshall chaining his thresher through a narrow gateway. S.S.

Narrow lanes often made things more difficult, especially getting out. Locking the forecarriage and pulling the machine through the gate by chain was often used. Syd Sutton tells us that while he has done this many hundreds of times he has only once seen a photograph of it. This is reproduced above and shows a Marshall engine driven by the owner, the late I. Smith snr. of Ruleholme, chaining a thresher through such a gateway. H. Grayshon Lumby's drawings (opposite) show how this manoeuvre is performed. The engine draws the thresher into the gateway (1), uncouples and shunts so as to be able to turn. A chain from the draw pin is attached to an eye near the forecarriage end of the drawbar (2). The forecarriage is locked by two chains (one of which can be seen behind the forecarriage in the photograph). The engine moves forward keeping as far over as possible (2). When the thresher is far enough through the gate (3) the position of the chain is changed from A to B. The forecarriage locking chains are removed. The engine draws forward slowly, the thresher turns sharply in the road. The chain is removed and the engine and thresher aro coupled direct (4) and the outfit is ready to move off. 104

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105

PRESERVATION IN CUMBRIA By SYD SUTTON This is rather a difficult topic as there are so few engines left in the county and I'm afraid some of them arc not preserved in the right sense of the word. To me it is awful to even think that after years of magnificent service many owners left them standing uncared for, and worse than that the majority were sent to the scrap yards. It is a very pleasing though, however, that away back in 1946 we had just finished using the Garrett No. 4 Tractor No. 33953 when my late father suggested, because of the good service it had given us for twenty years. that we should return it to the makers for a rebuild. This was carried out and 1 after wonder if this was really the beginning of preservation in the country — it was definitely the starting point in Cumberland. We also kept another Garrett No. 4 C.D. No. 33636 which along ►with 33953 had worked very hard throughout the 1939.45 war. This engine we converted in 1950 with roller partS taken From Garrett No. 33705 — she is preserved but still a "work" engine. With the two above engines in the same stable are a Robey 5 h.p. No. 28094 Traction Engine and Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller No. 11496 both preserved. Within a few miles there are two rollers, one being an Aveling & Porter 6 ton No. 11565, and the other a Fowler 10 ton No. 18507, both are nice

engines, the Fowler at present undergoing boiler repairs and a repaint. In the Penrith area there is a very well preserved 6 h.p. McLaren Traction Engine No. 1105 owned by W. Dowthwaite, also an Aveling & Porter ton Roller No. 11064. During the last few years reconditioned and painted to a very high standard a Burrell Traction Engine No. 4053, and a Marshall Universal Roller No. 86984, both these engines are no longer in Cumberland. Near to Carlisle is a very good Ruston-Hornsby Traction Engine No. 113143, this needs quite a bit more restoring but will be a fine looking engine when completed, also in the same yard is an Aveling & Porter 6 ton Roller No. 8788 which is being restored. Just over the border in Westmorland I must not omit one or two very

keen steam preservationists. lip in Langdale there is a McLaren Traction Engine No. 787, and a Gavinli Organ, both are a credit to their owner. Zeke Myers. He also owns a very good Fowler "Tiger" No. 14805, and a Fuden Trailer No. 714, they tire in due course going to get the "Langdale Treatment". Over at Torvor, still amongst the mountains and lakes, is a Marshall 10 ton Roller No. 65822 owned by R. Ransome. Then near to Kendal, at Levens Hall, is the fine collection of steam exhibits which have been described elsewhere in this edition. In Kendal there is one of the last steam rollers to be made in this country for the home market, it is an Aveling-Barford S.C.P.V. No. AH425, new in 1950 and was delivered by rail to Egremont for the Cumberland County Council. This engine finished work in February 1964 and is now owned by Mr. Cheeseman. Going across Westmoreland to a little village called Knock, tucked in right at the foot of the Pennines, only a few miles from Appleby, there is a very useful Fowler 10 ton Compound Roller No. 15748. J. Dowson, the owner, drove it many years for the Westmorland County Council and on retirement he bought it, there being no one else to carry on with the "good old steamer". This roller is a good example of one which has done a lot of work in heavy country

but was well maintained and never abused. Finally a word on the preservation of engines in general, most of them being in retirement they need all the care and attention we can give them, and never, never, abuse them.

The West Cumberland Steam Preservation Society invite all N.T.E.C. members and friends to the

BECKERMET STEAM PARTY on Saturday June 3rd 1973 to be held in the Station Yard, Beckermet,

2 miles off A595 midway between Whitehaven and Ravenglass. S. Sutton (Chairman}, Station House, Beckermet, Cumberland CA21 2XX 106

STEAMBOATS IN CUMBRIA For well over a hundred years steamboats have steamed on the lakes. Before good roads were built and in fact up till comparatively recent times steam boats were used for transporting goods and people from place to place. Steamboating for pleasure has a long history and is still way ahead as the finest form of boating. "Raven" was built in 1871 for the Furness Railway Company. This 71ft. steam barge was used for transporting a wide variety of goods from Lakeside Station to, and between, the various villages and landing stages around Windermere. She still steams on the lake, now in preservation.

S.L. BRANKSOME STEAMING ON WINDERMERE.

Photo by courtesy of the Steamboat Association. "Branksome- (above) is a fine example of a Windermere steam launch. She is 50ft. long by 9ft. beam and was built in 1896 at Bowness-onWindermere. Her locomotive boiler is side fired and the Sisson's compound engine has cylinders 71in. and 1 1 in. x 7in stroke. H.R.H. Prince Phillip took a private trip on board "Branksome" in 1966 and also inspected "Ullswater" a very old 40ft. steamlaunch, that in 1962 was raised from the bed of Ullswater, where she had lain for over 70 years. She still steams, using her original boiler and engine.

ELECtRICAL METER REPAIRS While neither the club nor member concerned can be responsible for any arrangements, we would mention that Meter Repairs of 39 Chesholm Road, London N16 3HX have been found to give satisfactory service. 107

LEVENS HALL STEAM COLLECTION Up and down the country we find stately homes with Wild Life Parks, Zoos, Motor Museums and many other features, but just a few miles oft the M6 and 12 miles south of Windermere, we can find, at Levens Hall, what is surely a most delightful combination of a fine house, beautiful gardens and a collection of Steam Engines.

A modern boiler produces steam which runs many of the 25 exhibits in the steam hall. Exhibits include an 1830 model beam engine 2in. bore x 3fin. stroke, a model engine of 1840, a decorative table engine of 1850 which it is believed was used by an instrument maker, an "A" frame engine of 1860, an 1820 model of a relative condensing beam engine almost certainly built for instructional purposes, a 2in. x 21 in. inverted vertical fairground organ engine of 1870-80, a horizontal twin cylinder mill engine of 1900, a horizontal engine of 24-in. bore x 4fin. stroke of 1910 as used for small generators, waterpumps and model engineers workshops, a model of a condensing Yorkshire mill engine of 1920 having a single cylinder 3in. x 9in., three hot-air engines, two engines of 1845-65 by J. Stringfellow ❑ne of which was probably used to power a balloon used to relieve the siege of Parish in 1871, two marine engines of 1890 and 1910 reminding us of the great use of steam on nearby lakes, vertical twin cylinder and a Victorian toy oscillating steam set of 1861. Near the steam half the largest exhibit, Fowler No. 15116 (1920) "Bertha" may be seen. She is a class R3 and was the first Fowler showman's engine

to be built after 1914-18 war. "Bertha" keeps company Fowler No. 18640, a tractor that was converted from a steam roller, and two 4in. scale models,

a single cylinder, two-speed, four-shaft roller, and a single cylinder, threeshaft general purpose engine. In 1972 the collection was increased by the addition of a six ton Foden steam wagon. A half size (6in. scale) Foster "Baby Gem", an exact copy of Jonathan Minn's "Little Gem", is expected to be delivered this spring. Over 40,000 people visited Levens Hall in 1972. Levens Hall is normally open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 2.0 p.m. until 5.0 p.m. The large engines including "Bertha" steam on Sundays. The Morcambe Bay T.E, Club's Rally is usually held on the second weekend in June at Levees Hall. Written enquiries to R.

Bagot, Levens Hall, Kendall. Telephone enquiries Sedgwick 321.

THE RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE RAILWAY The railway is seven miles lone. It calls at Irton Road, Eskdale Green and by request at Muncaster Min and Beckfoot before arriving at the terminus at Dalegarth. The adult return fare is 50p and for a child 25p. The summer service, April 20th-29th and May 13th — September 23rd has trains leaving. Ravenglass at 9.00 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and then every hour till 6.30 p.m., and leaving Dalegarth at 7.30 a.m., 10.10 a.m., 11.35 am. and

then every hour till 6.35 p.m. In the spring and autumn trains leave Ravenglass 11,30 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. and leave Dalegarth 7.45 a.m., 10.10 a.m., 12.35 p.m. and 3.35 p.m. There is also a very limited service in the winter. Adventurous motorists visiting the Lake District can get to the railyway via Great Langdale and Harknott Pass some magnificent scenery — mountaineering in a motor) through to Eskdale where you will find Dalegarth Station on the right hand side by the road side. Don't forget I did say adventurous motorists! Our sixteen year old Land-Rover enjoyed the 1 in

3 but it made some of the "lesser tin ware" sweat a bit. If you're touring, get to Ravenglass on the A595 via Keswick and Cockermouth from the north or Broughton in Furness from the south. No steam man's visit to the Lake District is complete with out a ride on the "La'al Ratty", as the railway is affectionately known. 108

AREA NEWS CUMBERLAND The main item of interest in Cumberland during 1972 was the Annual "Steam Party" organised by the West Cumberland Steam Preservation Group, and held as in other years in the Station Yard, Beckermet, by kind permission of Suttons. Typical Lakeland weather prevailed for at least fifteen hours on the Friday (i.e. teeming rain) but on the Saturday the sun was shining, and as our local vicar remarked when opening the event — "The sun shines on the righteous" We had the pleasure of having two newcomers this year — Mr. Monty Thackray with his Fowler Showman's No. 14862, "Evening Star", and Mr. Tom Varley's Yorkshire 3 Ton Wagon No. 940, both these engines were greatly admired, and we in this rather remote part feel very indebted to these two gentlemen as also we do to the Stafford Bros. and Harry Wakefield for their support they give us year after year with either the Fowler "Providence" No. 15649, or Ransome, "Northern Star", No. 24885, not forgetting, of course. Mr. Alf Bennett with his Limonairc who also has to negotiate the Pennine Range, there is also a very devoted untiring friend of mine who never lets me down, he resides near Ambleside and he arrived with his McLaren "Loughrigg" No. 787, also his Gavioli 89 Key Organ, many readers will have met him Zeke Myers. It was just sheer hard luck that Mr. Dick Preston was unable to bring his Burrell Showman's "Lightning II" No. 3526, after a complete overhaul and painting it needed just actually a few more hours before steaming-up. Other engines present were Suttons'— Garrett No.4 Tractor "Anne" No. 33953, new in 1920. Garrett No. 4 Tractor "Madge", converted to Roller in 1950, No. 33636, new in 1919; Robey 5 h.p. T.E. "Edwina", No. 28094, new in 1908; A. & P. 10 ton S.C. P.V. Roller, No. 11496, new in 1926. There was a model steam train giving rides to the children, a model set of Gallopers, model traction engines, also Veteran and Vintage motor cars and motor cycles, also a taste of modern transport — Caliban Type, single-seat light Hovercraft. The highlight of the Party was again the Parade of Engines and cars through our lovely old world village with its winding street, headed by Monty's "Evening Star". The ladies as usual provided teas for hundreds of people and worked hard to clear the shed so as to put back the engines where they stay. It is nice to relate that we were able to give a donation to the "Samaritans" at a recent Coffee Evening, this being to the satisfactory result of our "Steam Party". The Garrett No. 33705 built in 1919, Reg. No. BJ 4788 which was owned by the late T. Hodgson, Blencow, near Penrith, has been acquired by Tom Varley of Gisburn. This engine came north from the late Chris Lambert's to Sutton's as a roller, in about 1949. The roller parts were transferred to Garrett No. 33636, and vice versa, about 1954 it went to Blencow where it was converted to a Showman's type Tractor. In November the Armstrong Whitworth, No. 10 R 11 owned by J. Daysh returned to Suttons' yard from Stretton-under-Fosse, since leaving Cumberland some years ago this engine has been fitted with a new smoke-box, the tubes arc to be renewed and a general overhaul is to be done as time permits. The Fowler 10 Ton Roller, No. 18507, built in 1930 owned by Chris Greatley, Lamplugh, near Workington, is undergoing a major overhaul, it is having a new front tubeplate, smoke-box, and tubes fitted, also a complete repaint. Chris is also refacing the regulator valve seat. The Borough of Whitehaven have again had Suttons' Garrett Roller 33636 on hire for three months working on surface dressing, David McKitten the Borough's driver took charge, and as in other years brought back in immaculate condition. S.S. 109

MORECAMBE BAY TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Levens Hall Rally 1972 was a great success in spite of the weather which had been very wet for weeks beforehand and which caused us to abandon our original rally field due to it being too wet. A last minute decision after a torrential thunderstorm on the Friday night brought the engines on to the hard standing available instead of being well spaced on the rally field. Nevertheless in spite of being a bit crowded most of the visitors seemed to enjoy themselves. The rally was opened on the Saturday by our Presiden's wife, Mrs. 0. R. Bagot. We had plenty to offer the public: fine steam engines, vintage cars, a unique motor cycle and sidecar combination, and a miniature railway run by Larry Jones drew the children like magic. The Pilling Pottery had a very interesting stall showing the potter at his wheel and a good selection of things he had made. Twenty-two steam engines provided much interest as did the two interesting I.C. wagons. fair selection of tractors and stationary engines also created much interest. Also on view was a unique steam car owned and built by E. W. Kendrew of Windermere. This is an open two-seater and capable of speed of 60 m.p.h., fuel comsumption 20 m.p.g. and I0 m.p.g. of water. Five organs were on display. The setting for our rally was of course perfect, being the lovely home of our President and his wife Mr. and Mrs. 0. R. Bagot, Levens Hall itself. The Hall is a most beautiful house with walls dating back to the 13th Century, the ceilings richly covered with plasterwork of this period, the carved overmantles and glorious Charles II furniture make a lasting impression. Every room contains objects of interest: silver, paintings, harpsichords, Cordova leather wall hangings — the list is too long to continue. For the first time ever a historic house offers the attraction of a collection of steam engines. The main collection consists of exquisite period models illustrating the development of steam power and consists of beam engines ,tables engines, horizontal engines, including the efficient Corliss engine etc. All engines run under the steam power so that the public can enjoy the characteristic noises and nostalgic smell of steam and steam oil. On the day of the rally admission to the steam collection and the lovely gardens was included in the gate money. The gardens are very beautiful and a feature is the topiary. Famous for three hundred years the gardens were laid out by a pupil of Le Notre. The glorious beech circle has to be clipped from trestles 20ft. high Engines present at the rally included: Fowler Showman Road Locomotive "Bertha" No. 15116 Reg. No. CB 3062 Mr. and Mrs. 0. R. Bagot. Burrell Showmans Road Locomotive "Lightening" No. 3526 R. Preston & Son. Fowler No. 14758, C. Glenn. Aveling & Porter Tractor "Oberon" No. 11839 Reg. No. SM 6448 J. Crowther. Burrell "Harvester" No. 3862 Reg. MA 8472, J. Johnson. Burrell "Forrester" No. 3808 Reg. No. AH 570, G. Howard. Fowler "Enterprise" No. 18640 Reg. No. WX 7697, Hal Bagot. Clayton & Shuttleworth T.E. No. 46059 Reg. No. CE 7943, George Coles. McLaren G.P. Engine "Loughrigg" No. 787 Reg. No. WR 6494, Zeke Myres Aveling & Porter No. AD14068 Reg. VN 2092, R. Oliver. Marshall G. P. Engine No. 54492 Reg. GT 3859, J. J. Ostle. Burrell T.E. No. 3398 Reg. No. TD 264, J. F. & R. N. Preston. Marshall Road Roller No. 77201 Reg. No. EG 5167, J. F. & R. N. Preston. Aveling & Porter Road Roller "Sooty" No. 10915 Reg. No. WT 6640 G. Oldroyd. 110

Aveling & Porter 8727 new to Morecambe Corporation. Pictured at work. Now owned by T. Varley and N. Jackson at Gisburn.

Aveling & Porter 10915 (1924) 10 ton S.C. piston Valve. Owner G. Oldroyd, Heysham. Both photos by courtesy Morecambe Bay T.E.C. 111

Aveling & Porter Road Roller "Old Joe" No. 5636 Reg. No. CWB 285 John Armer. Garrett Road Roller "Elizabeth" No. 28408 Reg. No. AO 6201 Tony Chalmers. Wallis & Steevens Road Roller No. 7867 Rcg. No. OT 3078. T. King. Fowler Road Roller No. 7446 Reg. No. CK 3584, T. Croft & Sons. Yorkshire Wagon "Pendle Queen" No. 940 Reg. No. U 4245, Tom Varley. Sentinel Undertype DG6 "Pendle King" No. 8562 Rcg. No. FD 6603 Tom Varley. Foren Steam Wagon No. 11892 Reg. No. EC 9046, Hal Bagot. Our club is now nicely on its feet and most Sundays in the summer finds some of our members at Levens Hall where we work a rota system to look after the engines which are in steam at the front of the house. These engines are Fowler Showmans "Bertha". Fowler conversion Tractor "Enterprise" and the Foden Steam Wagon all of which are in the above list. Also on show is the miniature "Annie" which drives around the grounds with a trailer attached and gives rides to the many children amongst the visitors. Sundays in the winter find many members at John Armer's at Cockerham where many engines are being made ready for the next season. These include recent acquisitions to the club Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 4505 Re. No. AG 8101, owned by Harry Carr and recently bought from Treloar Bros. of Haltwhistle. This engine was built in 1900 for Suttons of Beckermet and sold to F. Smith & Son of Hexham. It is an early type of Aveling Roller with gearing between hormplates and four guide bars for crosshead. Also recently bought is John Armer's Burrell S.C.C. 6 h.p. Traction Engine No. 2626 Reg. No. TB 3717, built 1904 for Isaac Ball & Sons of What.les, near Kirkham. This had already had new tubeplate and tubes, smokebox and extensive tender repairs. It is now being completed and painted in readiness of our next rally. Also under repair in the Armer Stockade is Bill Ormerod's Burrell 8 ton single cylinder slide valve Roller No. 3946 (1922.), bought at Hirst's sale in Hampshire last year, it is ex W. J. Kings. This needs a new tubeplate, tubes and smokebox and of course extensive painting etc. Geoff Hey of Morecambe is doing repairs to his Marshall Compound 8 ton Roller No. 76831 Reg. No. SX 1404. This was built in 1923 for Kirkcudbrightshire County Council and has just been re-roofed but still requires renewal of eight stays. Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 10915 Reg. No. WT 6640, built 1924 for Swinton, Yorks U.D.C., which belongs to Granville Oldroyd of Morecambe and 1-kysham, is undergoing re-tubing. Another major job is being done on Herbert Shepherd's Foster S.C.S.V. 8 h.p. Traction Engine No. 12438 Reg. No. AH 5496. This requires new tubeplate and tubes, smokebox and it has already had a new firebox. We are also proud to have as members of our club Tom Varley of Gisburn with his magnificent fleet of engines and also his new Verbeek Organ and Jack Johnson of Southport with his Burrell Tractor No. 3862 Reg. No. MA 8472 which does a great deal of work for charity. Also Zeke Myres with his McLaren G.P. Engine "Loughrigg" No. 787 Reg. No. WR 6494. Zeke lives in the lovely Langdale Valley and on 16th September had headed the local Gala Day Parade followed by many floats beautifully decorated and carrying local children in fancy dress; bringing up the rear an other member, Dick Ransome of Torver, driving his 1934 Walkers Brewery Leyland Tractor Reg. No. ED 8133. The parade drove to the local school yard where the crowd was entertained by the Gavioli Organ and later by various dancing troupes. The previous evening three more members Hal Bagot, Ken Jackson and Ron Thompson had taken the Foden Steam Wagon No. 11892 Reg. No. EC9046 to enter the "Kendal Gathering" which was a parade of floats driven through the streets of Kendal, Westmorland. This was a magnificent affair with more than 70 floats all beautifully and originally decorated by the enthusiasts. More engine news: Stuart Stainton of Kendal has recently bought a Marshall Compound Roller from Treloar Bros. at Haltwhistic and is looking for parts to put it in good condition; we do not have the numbers yet, unfortunately. Chris Greatly of Lamplugh near Workington is having a new front tubeplate as well as tubes in his 1930 Fowler Compound 10 ton 112

Roller No. 18507. He had some interesting news for us recently. A friend of his had seen our rally on a film in Germany. Dick Ransome of Torver near Coniston also has a Marshall Compound 10 ton No. 65822 Reg. No. AO 6199. This has been undergoing extensive repairs for some time now and we are hoping that it will be ready for our next rally in June 1973. This was built in 1914 for Cumberland County Council. The only Garrett Compound 8 ton Roller which our club can boast belongs to A. W. Chalmers of Warton, near Carnforth. This engine is immaculate and we are hoping that it will again be at our rally in 1973. This engine was built in 1909 for Cumberland County Council and its works number is 28408 Reg. AO 6201. Two of our members who live at Cabus near Garstang own a Burrell Traction Engine No. 3398 Reg. No. TD 264 which was built for Fylde Rural Council in 1912 and a Marshall Roller No. 77201 Reg. No. EG 5167 which was built for Pattinsons of Windermere and was bought by Mr. Preston from Northern Tar Road of Kendal in 1961. The Burrell is at present having new back wheels fitted. Another member, T. King of Bentham, is the proud owner of Wallis & Steevens Road Roller No. 7867 No. OT 3078. This is a duplex cylinder advance type and was built for Lytham St. Armes Corporation in 1926. She also won one of the "Brasso" prizes for the best polished brass at our 1972 rally. Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 7600 Reg. No. MP 5185, built 1912 for Hendon U.D.C. is at present lying dormant in its yard. It requires repairs to the bearings, gearing and stays. This is owner by R. B. A. Robinson of Morcambe. LANCASHIRE TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Since the Burtonwood Steam Engine Rally in July (which attracted the record entry of 32 engines, no less than seven newcomers) there have been several steam events in the area. On 22nd and 23rd July at the Lower Whitley Steam Party a total of ten engines attended and despite inclement weather the engine crews gamely took part in arena events. Three weeks later the Astle Park Rally was held at Chelford, whilst the next event, the annual Threshing Party at the Holly Bush Inn, Little Leigh in October was attended by 12 engines, including two Showman's Later, in November the club organised a very successful Steam and Hot-pot Night at Jack Johnson's premises at Banks, Southport. Five engines were in steam and two organs. News of engine changes and movements in the north-west continues to filter through and begins with purchase of Eric Marshall, in September. of his second engine — a 6 n.h.p. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies Compound Traction Engine No. 35247 which has had only one owner, Mr. R. Fenn of Clacton-on-Sea since being delivered new in 1923. Peter Harper of Stretton, Cheshire, sold his 1930 Foden Wagon No. 13488 in August to Jonathan Minns and immediately purchased Burrell S.L.R. No. 2879 "Princess Royal" from Peter Startup of Knutsford. Another engine on the move is the rare 8 ton Green Roller No. 1978 owned by R. and T. Howarth of Rochdale which is now on loan to the East Lancs. Railway Preservation Society at Bury. An engine to leave the area in early October was the Fowler Roller No. 18655 of Roger White and Roger Lees, which was steamed all the way to Caernarvon. Jack Johnson of Banks has a unique Davy Paxman Traction Engine under restoration in addition to the Foden Wagon No. 13488 and an 1897 horse drawn bus belonging to the SELNEC Passenger Transport Authority. The Davy Paxman, a 10 h.p. single cylinder strawburning engine, is believed to have been built about 1905 and was purchased by R. Cooper of Heskin, Lancs., from Treloar Bros. of Haltwhistle. Unfortunately the works number is not known. A.R.P. 113

" CHUFF " •

Hal Bagot has been the owner of a Foden 6 ton Wagon No. 13892 (1925) Reg. EC 9048 for 18 months. With the help of friends Ken Jackson, Ron Tomson and George Hudson is renovating the threeway tipper system on this wagon, so making it ❑ne of the two Foden 6 ton three-way tipper wagons in preservation. The other wagon is owner by J. Hampshire.

Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 40997 (1926) new to Cockermouth R.D.C. Reg. R44 2970, in ownership of Cumberland C.C. Near Cockermouth 1955. Was later scrapped when it broke one tooth off spur wheel. S.S.

114

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING N.T.E.C. At our A.G.M. in November we learned (as briefly mentioned in the last edition of Steaming) that the East Anglian Club had become affiliated to N.T.E.C. This news was enthusiastically received by the members. Almost all the Traction Engine Clubs in Britain are now affiliated. The various officers' reports indicated that we are going from strength to strength. As at the meeting we had an all time record membership of 2,557. We can sum it up by quoting our worthy secretary, George Beck. The "Every year the enthusiasm for the steam engine grows East Anglian Club and N.T.E.C. have come together not for the good of either, but for the good of the movement." The accounts showed a satisfactory state of affairs but this had only been achieved by careful planning, much hard work on rally stalls and by the continued expansion of membership. As from April 1st we will be obliged to pay considerable sums by way of V.A.T. It was unanimously agreed that as from September 1st. 1973, our subscription should be £2. The Club will stand V.A.T. until that time and also on the remaining part of the year, for those renewals that fall due before September lst, this will cost our "kitty" a lot of money. In effect it will be into 1974 before the funds get any real benefit from this increase. The editor reported that four issues of Steaming had been produced and these four editions had contained more pages and photos than ever before. He appealed to everyone to try and get a new member or reader for Steaming, pointing out that the best way to combat rising prices was to increase circulation. Ran Hawthorne said that the Steaming sub-committee were looking into the possibility of colour illustrations. This is an expensive process, but it could be possible with a larger circulation. The election of officers and executive committee proved to be an "as before," with no change at all. After the meeting a buffet meal was served, many members being joined by their ladies who had been in London looking at the shops. At the conclusion of the meal the club trophies were presented by the President, Jack Wharton, to the recipients as follows:The Golden Film Shield to Dick Preston, of Potto, North Yorkshire, for his outstanding preservation activities, particularly with his engine Lightning II; the Dacre Lacy Cup to Harland Franks of Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, in recognition ❑f his restoration of the unique Garrett Road Engine; the John Crawley Trophy which is awarded for services to the movement, went to Norman Boyes, secretary of the Leeds and District T.E.C; Mrs. Sylvia Berth-Jones received the Arthur Napper Cup for Tractors. The same donor's cup for Tractions went, this year, to a Model Traction Engine owner-builder, Malcolm Frost. The Curtis Trophy went to C. H. H. Tucker in recognition of his preservation of two Steam Rollers, the Choisy and Simson Cup war; awarded for the preservation of an Aveling-Barford Roller to Dick Blenkinsop. The Percy Hirons Bowl is awarded in recognition of outstanding preservation activity in connection with Agricultural engines, the surprised but very worthy recipient was our Vice President, Jack Beeby. A new trophy, the Jack Holloway Salver for commentators was presented to Eric Jelly, who is particularly well known in the Midlands. The Jack Holloway bowl for portables went to Peter Shadbolt, who has done tremendous work on his 1880 Brown & May, it is complete right down to the horse shafts. The evening continued with informal discussion and a slide show provided by Lyn and Geoffrey tviileham, and including slides from Australia by Warwick Turner. 115

SOLID RUBBER TYRES Our President, Jack Wharton, has made arrangements with a manufacturer to have solid rubber lyres produced. These will be in one size only. The rubber and backing are 3in. thick, the backing is 6in. wide x fin. thick. The pieces are 3ft. 6in. long and have been rolled to a 39in. radius (to fit a Eft. 6in. wheel). Jack is net in a position to alter the radius. Different sizes cannot be supplied. Please do not ask for a discount as Jack is handling these at "zero profit" for the benefit of members. All enquiries to S. J. Wharton Esq., S. J. Wharton Ltd.. Minster Lovel, near Witney, Oxford.

N.T.E.C. INSURANCE DISCS With the rally season fast approaching, a reminder to all those members who choose to arrange their own boiler inspection and insurance, rather than use the clubs. A disc can be obtained from the undersigned to prove cover. To obtain a disc it is necessary to send to me the relevant documents, so that by looking at them it can be seen that the engine has passed its boiler inspection and is currently insured. Better still, it is much easier to get the Insurance Company to write a letter stating that the engine has been inspected and insured giving the expiry date. As long as this is signed by a responsible member of the company, this is all that is needed and is so much more easily handled. There has been concern expressed by rally organisers as to whether some engine owners have, in addition to boiler insurance, adequate or if any insurance against third party risks. This of course, is very necessary to protect owners against any claim that could arise on the rally field. Those who have a road risk policy should see that this also covers them on the rally field as it doesn't necessary follow that it should. When renewing your policy check that the amount that you are insured for is in keeping with todays costs. Some rally organisers are insisting on a boiler insurance coverage of at least £100,000. Your company would no doubt advise you on this. J. S. HIRONS, 98 Hailey Road, Witney, Oxon. 116

ANOTHER STEAM CHAPTER CLOSES by Rob Gebhard The new years had just begun when our Vice-Chairman, G6 v.d. Pol, paid a visit to the premises of the German company Ottomeyer in Bad Pyrmont. He brought back sad news which we think the readers of Steaming should know as soon as possible. The news was that it had to be decided that the steam ploughing in the peat area in north-west Germany would not take place any more. Even not this year. The reason? While being serviced it appeared that the mighty ploughing engines need also some rather "radical" boiler repairs. To make such repairs financially acceptable, the company found it necessary to have the guarantee that the ploughing could be continued for another four or five seasons. Which. unfortunately, is not, because of lack of public funds. So those who have visited the works last year have indeed witnessed "historic steaming"! What will become of the engines is not quite sure yet, although we can be sure that dismantling is not forseen. Cold comfort, however, now we have to face the fact that another chapter in the history of steam has closed!

" CHUFFS" . . . from Holland •

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So busy as Stoomwalsenclub Nederland's 1972 season has been, so vague is the 1973 season looking until now. It seems that feelings of depression exist among organisers of summer events. Therefore, no details yet about when and where steam can be seen in Holland. If We know we will let YOU know! In a few weeks restoration works are finished on our little steam roller, the Marshall No. 78329, built in 1929. Its first public appearance will probably be during a carnival parade. We hope to give details in the next issue of Steaming. Recently we learned, that the steam pumping installation in Halfweg (see Steaming Vol. 15 No. 4) will be preserved and remain "in active service" even when the new diesel-installation has been built. Another success in the preservation activities in Holland. Stoomwalsenclub Nederland plans to publish this summer a first series of coloured postcards showing the Dutch owner engines. Steaming will keep you informed.

N.T.E.C. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Committee meets a number of times a year and of course is responsible for running of our Club. At the January meeting it was reported that we have a record 2,600 members. The Edney Trophy which is normally awarded at the AGM or Dinner for service to the Club was not awarded in November as it was in need of repair. This has now been carried out and it was announced that the Edney Trophy will be held by our hard working Treasurer Jack Hobbs. The question of any possible adverse effect to engine drivers of the new driving licence groups had been considered by the Chairman Anthony Heal. He felt that there would be no difficulties arising from the coming changes. The Chairman announced that two plaques, incorporating the Club badge, had been especially made by committee member Michael Lane. These had been sent to the Dutch Club for the two steam rollers that attended Expos '72 at Battersea Park. Letters of thanks from the roller owners had been received. 117

M.E. EXHIBITION by RAN HAWTHORNE Seymour Hall was once again the venue of Model and Allied Press Model Engineer Exhibition in London. The layout, it seems, is changed every year — this has its good and bad points. It seemed to me that this year prominence was given to "the Trade". The models had to fit in where they could. The live steam railway under the right-hand balcony was in its usual place, what a delightful breath of fresh air this is. Steam generally was well to the fore but personally, I am sorry to see a continued rise in the number of plastic soldiers and war lay-outs. Soldiers and battlefields stamped out of plastic do not seem to have much Model Engineering about them. It was also at a loss to know why a fullsize U.S. Army Jeep was taking up so much space in a model exhibition. Enough of the criticisms, lets get back to steam. Opposite each other were two excellent model Tractions by members Len Crane of Wolverhampton, this won the Duke of Edinburgh award a year or two ago, and Malcolm Frost ❑f Portsmouth, this one collected a Silver Medal.

Our member Jonathan Minns exhibited the boiler and tender, complete with belly tanks and front axle of a half-size model of his "Little Gem" Foster Traction Engine. This is the work of Michael Lugg of 1. 0. Lugg • Son, Billingshurst. Michael is making two of these engines for Jonathan one of which will go into the Levens Hall steam collection near Kendal,

Westmorland upon completion. One could not fail to be impressed by the eight or nine "Minnie" Traction Engines (lin. to the foot) built following the articles in "Model Engineer" and the book by L. C. Mason. Larger scale Traction Engines, rail locos, ships and many, many items held one's interest for longer than the feet would stand strain. Altogether a fine exhibition, well worth a visit next January.

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S. R. Brett of Acrise near Folkeston has started work on the restora-

tion of 10 ton Aveling & Porter No. 11055 now that she is much nearer home, in Mr. Marsh's yard at Acrise. In October the Shakerstone Railway Society held an open day of road steam and railway steam. The following road engines were in steam: Garrett Tractor No. 33989 (1920) DJ 5601, owned by Alan Tinghay, Shackerstone. Burrell Traction No. 3126 BJ 7155, owned by John Robbins, Birstall, Leister, Aveling Barford Roller No. AH392 (1964) CTL 227, owned by J. Heaton, Norton Juxtatwycross, Leicester. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 5163 NR 6525, owned by Rev. E. R. Boston, Cadeby Rectory, Leicester. The railway engines present were: 0-4-0ST "Lady Angela" Pecket No. 1690 (1926). 0-4-OST Packett, owned by Rev. E. R. Boston. 0-4-ST Hunslet No. 1493 (1925); and two 0-6-0Ts ex Nechells Power Station, Birmingham. Barry R. Metcalf, 47 Roundstones, Southwater, Horsham, Sussex, owner of Fowler Roller No. 19032 Re. FLR 287, a 6 ton single which was used by Mechanical Tarspraying & Grouting Co. at Reading till about 1948 would welcome photos or information on this engine. As a result of a Steam Party organised by Arthur Hall, the Chairman of the Thames Valley Club, the Binfield Park Hospital have been able to put a sum of money towards a specially designed Rocking Horse for handicapped children. A programme of the November 1972 Lady Goldsmith, Australia, rally has just come to hand. It has a lively Introduction by Rev. Philip Wright who gives a history of the Traction Engine from early 19th Century to date. The 24 engines listed are mainly Fowlers and

Marshalls, two Tractions and a Portable made in U.S.A. are included. No less the 24 items of steam machinery such as pumps, mill engines, marine engines etc. were on show as well as threshers, saws, chaffcutters etc. 118

WARWICK TURNER Throughout the whole of the 1972 rally season Warwick Turner of Australia was in England on a working holiday. He was able to visit a good many rallies and steam installations. He showed slides to our London area meeting at our AGM and to local groups. Many readers met him and enjoyed his company. Just before he left for Australia he wrote to our Chairman. We reproduce his letter below and wish him "all the best". A. Heal, Esq., Chairman, N.T.E.C. 21st December 1972 Dear Mr. Heal, Tomorrow I leave England with very many happy memories of my year spent here among a few of the 2,000 traction engines you good members have preserved. I have learnt a great deal and have noted with interest the way things have developed since the first reports of rallies reached Australia. Nobody who has grown up with the movement realise the tremendous thrill of attending one's first rally in England. The mind boggles at that first sight of beautifully restored engines parading before you. To be able to talk with the many personalities whose's names crop up in the various books we receive in Australia is also a wonderful experience which is further highlighted by being able to see their engines "in the flesh". I would like to thank every "Steamy" (as we are referred to in Australia) for the friendliness, patience and interest. I only wish T could have met a greater number of engine owners than I did but alas this will have to wait for another time. I think the highlight of my stay was to see the engines do the jobs they were built to do. I found the working rally very exciting. Thank you once again and please remember that any member will be made most welcome in Australia. Yours sincerely,

WARWICK TURNER,

Preliminary Announcement . . .

BANBURY STEAM SOCIETY 1973 STEAM ENGINE RALLY June 23rd and 24th All inquiries to: Hon. Secretary, W. Upton, 19a Crouch Street, Banbury, Oxon, 0X16 9PP

Site: 3 miles from Chipping Norton, on A361 Banbury Road

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HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Tasker Museum Trust The Tasker Museum Trust was established in 1969 with the objects of preserving as much as possible of the unique collection of the products of Robert Tasker and his descendants, of the Waterloo Iron Works, near Andover. The collection was originally assembled by the late Mr. A. B. Fuller, Managing Director of Messrs. Taskers, who were at that time being absorbed into another firm which was not able to continue to house the extensive collection of traction engines, road rollers, stationary steam engines, agricultural machinery etc. With the aid of many generous contributions, the Trust was able to purchase at the auction held on the 22nd February 1969 a major and representative part of the collection. One of the conditions of sale was that the purchasers had to remove articles bought at the acution and the Hampshire County Museum Service was able to provide storage for the items purchased with the funds of the Trust at its Headquarters at Chilcomb House, Winchester, alongside the items it had also bought for the County Rural Life Collection. With the first phase successfully completed, the Trustees then endeavoured to raise sufficient funds to build a permanent gallery for the display of the objects bought by the Trust, The aim was to build a gallery at County Museum Service HQ which would be allied with the Service's proposals for a gallery of Hampshire Rural Life. It had been agreed with the Museum Service that, provided the Trustees could raise the necessary funds, the subsequent maintenance and running expenses of the Tasker Gallery, including conservation and curatorial staff should be met by the County Council. Unfortunately, whilst a number of subscribers responded generously to the second appeal for funds to house and display the collection, the total sum raised fell far short of the amount needed and the Trustees reluctantly decided that there was no real prospect of the balance being raised. The Trustees were also faced with an obligation to repay a loan from a private source which was raised to help the initial purchase of the collection at the auction in 1969. The repayment of this loan would more than absorb the funds remaining (including the total promised by covenant gifts). The Trustees therefore feel that in order to meet their current liabilities, whilst at the same time securing the preservation of the Trust collection as a unique asset and with a view to its eventual display by the Hampshire County Museum Service in a suitable gallery, they should retire from the Trust and appoint the Hampshire County Council to be the Trustee of the Trust in their place. The County Council have agreed to assume the trusteeship with effect from the 1st December 1972. Thereafter, the present Trustees Mr. R. D. Butterell Mr. P. G. C. Barber Mr. R. C. U. Corbett Mr. L. T. C. Rolt Mr. M. Loveridge will retire and the County Council will become the sole Trustee. The County Council will discharge the outstanding financial obligations of the Trustees and will receive the assets of the Trust to be held on the Trusts set out in the original Trust Deed. A. H. M. SMYTH The Castle, Winchester. Clerk of the County Council. 30th November 1972

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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.

For Sale — Garrett Roller (converted No. 4 Tractor) No. 33636, worked three months last year. Marshall all steel threshing machine No. 34472 Offiers to—Sutton, Beckermet, Cumb. Tel: 258. Wanted — For Aveling-Barford Type W 10 ton single cylinder Road Roller: False cylinder end cover, cast smokebox door, water strainer for boiler feed pump, and water gauge cock (four bolt flange). — R. M. Whitfield, 34 Oakdale Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6DS. Tel: 0272 560641. For Sale — Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies Ltd. Threshing Machine. Built 1947 and in excellent working condition. 54 inch type. — A. J. Ross, 65 Attimore Road, Welwyn Garden City, Herts. Tel: Welwyn Gdn. 24866. Wanted — For Marshall 12 ton compound side valve Roller: Front high pressure cylinder cover, high and low pressure pistons and piston rods, offside crankshaft bearing housing complete, first shaft complete with sliding gear and spur gear and gear selector mechanism. — R. S. Stainton, Highgate Settling Garage, Kendal, Westmorland. For Sale — Collection of 20 stationary farm engines. SAE for particulars to William R. Smith, Stanwick, Aldbro-St.-John, Richmond, Yorks. For Sale — Burrell firebars 32in. long, £1.50 each. — T. Gascoigne, Mumfords Garage, Middleton Road, Banbury. Tel: Banbury 3843. 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 Holdngs Ltd., New Lane, Havant, Hampshire. Tel: Havant 2323. Crofton Pumps — Steaming dates for 1973. April 28-29, June 9-10, July 7-8, August 25-26-27, October 20-21. Times 10.30 a.m. 6 p.m. Location, between Hungerford, Berks and Marlborough, Wilts, 2 miles off A4.

For Sale — 1 set gauge cocks for Aveling tractor or light roller. 1 set gauge cocks for Burrell S.C.C. with Try cocks and open brass guard. fin. Penberthy injector (new inside) for r.h.s. of engine. fin. auto positive injector (needs attention) with fin. globe steam valve. fin. non-return valve. lin. gate valve (new). 9 off gauge glasses lin. o/d x 10in. long. 9 ditto fin. o/d x 16lin. long. 10 ditto fin. o/d x 13in. long. 18 ditto fin. o/d x 13in. long. Plate glass gauge glass guard 8in. long. Ditto 17in. long for Lancashire Boiler. 2 doz, hex. packing rings for fin. Dewrance gauge fittings. 61b. roll fin. sq. greasy hemp pump packing. 121b. roil fin. sq ditto. 41b. fin. sq. graphited steam packing (120Ib. steam)., 4 assorted lengths. 8 off fin. lb. rolls fin. sq. steam packing (1201b. steam). — James Houston. 9 Main Street, Plains, Airdrie, Lanarkshire ML6 7JE. Wanted — The following back numbers of Steaming to complete collection: All of Vol. 1, all of vol. 2, Vol, 3 No. 1, Vol. 4 No. 3, Vol. 6 No. 4. Details and prices to — A. V. K. Thomas, Brindaven, Park Bottom, Redruth, Cornwall. Wanted — Information and photographs about Marshall Steam Roller No. 57168, Reg. No. NN 950, built 1911, when owned by Retford Borough Council. Also information and photographs about steam road vehicles owned by, or on contract to, The Midland Railway Company or the L.M.S. — S. K. Durance, 14 Provident Street, Derby, DE3 6WS. Tel: Derby 48520. Wanted — Official programme of the 1971 "Age of Steam" Rally at Syon Park. Details to — R. E. Davies, 71 Bedford Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6LX. Wanted — In good condition — Steaming Vol. 1 (1957) complete; Vol. 2 (1958) complete; Vol. 3 Nos. 1, 2 and 4; Vol. 4 Nos. 1, 3 and 4; Vol. 5 No. 2; Vol. 9 No. 1; Vol. 10 Nos. 1 and 4. State price required — V. H. Burrough, 33 Holland Road, Harlesden, London, NW10 5AH. 121

For Sale — Pair of Fowler Ploughing Engines, type AA7, Nos. 14728/9. Good working order. Offers over £4,000. B. J. Garman, Downton-on-the Rock, nr. Ludlow, Salop. Wanted — Small portable overtype engine. Condition of boiler not important.—M. Baldock, Hollycombe House, Liphook, Hants. Tel: 723233. For Sale — Aveling (6 ton?) Roller. Saddle and complete front roll and fork assembly.—J. M. Baldock, Hollycombe House, Liphook, Hants. Tel: 723233. Wanted — Brake block arms, operating wheel and screw and bracket, preferably for Aveling but any make considered. — J. M. Baldock, Hollycombe House. Liphook, Hants. Tel: 723233. For Sale — Water gauges. One for Aveling & Porter Roller, asbestos packed cocks, brand new. One for Burrell, Shiphams make, very heavy pattern, excellent condition. — J. M. Crowther, The Riddings, Long Preston, nr. Skipton, Yorks. Wanted — For 1920 Bamford Horizontal 5-6 b.h.p. Paraffin Engine. Complete carburettor or parts. — M. Mansergh, 16 Nook Street, Workington. Cumberland. For Sale — Pair of steam roller lamps by Eli Griffiths, good condition. Pair genuine Allchin Traction Engine lamps. Pair genuine Foster Traction Engine lamps. 30ft. x 34-in. driving belt. Complete year's 1972 "World's Fair", clean. Buyer collect. — P. Mathieson, Stanway, Cheltenham, Glos. Tel: Stanton 209 For Sale — New Sentinel boiler spares. 11/16 B.S.F. T/Bolton studs (state length) £2.50 per doz. 11/16 B.S.T. domed nuts £3 per doz. Top and bottom boiler joints (at present to order). D.G. water pump caps at £1.50. New bronze whistle B.S.P. E7.50. Gun valves tapped metal boiler plugs made to requirements. Bronze name plates to order. — Goold Bros., 7 Wick Lane, Camerton, nr. Bath. 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 Vicarage, Nr. Chemisford, Essex. 122

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.E.s. (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. (Gillford) 40p. Showman's Engines (Pickles) 35p. Bioscope Shows and Engines 50p. Steam lorry 40p. T.E. in North 60. — G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. Steam Cars — and other road vehicles, steamboats, locomotives, and small stationary power descibed. Modern, vintage and veteran. Magazine and colour brochure 43p. ($1 U.S.A. and Canada). — "Light Steam Power", Kirk Michael, Isle of Man, Britain. For Sale: New Books — Burrell Showman's Road Locomotives; Ploughing by Steam £3.10; A. Century of T.Es. £2.60; 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— Bolt (autobiography) £3.40; Building and Running of Steam T.E. and Roller Models £3.10. — G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. Wanted — Any information, photographs, literature and stories concerning Wallis Steam Tractors, particularly oilbath type. — M. Loader, 26 Marland Road, Southbourne, BM6 4DN. For Sale — Wallis & Steevens 2 ton Motor Roller, built 1933, fitted with Morris "Bullnose" 4 cylinder petrol engine. Gearbox rebuilt during winter 1971. Suitable for rallying. — Please contact M. Loader, 26 Marland Road, Southbourne, BM6 4DN. Wanted — A carbine generator for a 12in. lamp which has been mounted on a Foden Wagon; also the drivers enamel instruction plate. Any help in locating either item would be much appreciated.— G. Hudson, 268 Croston Road, Farington Moss, near Preson, Lancs. Wanted — Any information on a steam wagon, seen in a yard beside the Leatherhead/Waterloo rail-

way line, near London. Also the (T.E.), McLaren 429 (T.E.), Wallis whereabouts of the following for /S. 7947 (R.R.) 7948 (R.R.) — K. record purposes: Aveling & Porter Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Wal8624 (TR), Aveling & Porter 9402 ton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 3HT. (R.R.), Burrell 3903 (T.E.) — M. Wanted — Memories and any Ash, Pixies Hut, Belstone, Okedetails of engines etc. that worked hampton, Devon EX20 1QZ. in Surrey; especially in Esher, WeyFor Sale — Ruston & Hornsby bridge or Walton. — K. Brothwell, Horizontal Stationary Engine, size 23a Bowes Road. Walton-on3, class GK. Used for demonstraThames, Surrey KT12 3HT. tion and has attachments to record Wanted — Makers catalogues, water flow, temperature, brake h.p., rally programmes etc. Please state indicated h.p., and r.p.m. Superb price. — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes condition, little used since new. Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey Dismantled ready for removal. £100 KT12 3HT. o.n.o. Wanted — The following; please McCormick 4ft. Horse-drawn state condition and price: Clark — grass cutter, complete and workChronicles of a Country Works; ing, needs one new shaft. £15 Clark — Development of the Engo.n.o. lish Traction; Fletcher — Chapter 1+ h.p. Lister Stationary Engine. in the History of the Traction EnRallied last year, also another ingine; Meyrick-Jones—Steam Road complete for spares. £17 the two. Vehicles; Phoenix — Burrell 2704; Two-wheeled Trailer 5ft. x 3ft. x R.L.S. — Some Horsmonden En2ft. 6in. eyed drawbar, over-run gines; R.L.S. — Some Ploughing brakes, artillery wheels plus spare Engines; Redstone — The Suffolk attached, oak and iron construcGarretts; Savages Ltd. — 100, Not tion, newly painted green. £20. — Out; Steam Lorry Album; T.V. T. Green, Mandalay, Westbrook T.E.C. — Steam Fair 1964. — K. Street, Blewbury, Berks. Tel: BlewBrothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walbury 676. ton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 3HT. Wanted — To complete a referWanted — For article, informaence collection, Steaming Vol. 13 tion and photographs of Traction No. 4. Other back numbers also Engines in use with Artillery. — wanted. I have a few back numA. C. van der Giessen, 10 The bers available. Please enclose SAE. Grove, Sunderland SR2 7HF. — Ran Hawthorne, editor. Wanted — Rally Progs; SteamWanted — Back numbers of ing Vol. 3 No. 2; Newsletters 1-7: "Light Steam Power". Also books, Affiliated Club's newsletter s, enliterature, photographs relating to gine lists. — D. Roseman, 6 RowSteam Launches, River Steamers, land's Close, North Hill, London Paddle Steamers, etc. — Box SL, N6 4BX. c/o Ran Hawthorne, editor. Wanted — Set of Fowler goverFor Sale — Ransomes Portable, nors, steering work and adaptor 6 n.h.p., built 1886, believed oldest for displacement lubricator to make in existence. Good working order, my 7 n.h.p. S.C. Fowler No. 8282 new tubes just fitted. Apply after complete. — D. Smith, 9 Flat HorApril 1st to — R. Willcox, Plain ley Road, Wroxton, Banbury House, Whiteshill, Stroud, Glos. OX15 6BA. GL6 6AA. Wanted — Two cast brass Wanted — Old copies of "The licence holders, would consider Tober" and "Merry-go-Round". pressed brass. — A. H. OveringPlease state price and issue. — K. ton, 61 Hillside, Banstead, Surrey. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, WalTel: Burgh Heath 52120. ton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 3HT. For Sale — One Ogolvey elevaWanted — Steaming. All issues tor, suit threshing drum, complete of 1957, and April and October with horse shafts, fitted cast iron 1958. — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes road wheels. Woodwork very Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey sound, been stored under cover KT12 3HT. since new. Needs new hoist cables. Wanted — To know the whereSpace now needed. — Offers A. abouts and owners of the followH. Overington, 61 Hillside, Baning for record purposes: Barstead. Surrey. Tel: Burgh Heath rows/S. 2420 (Port.), Burrell 3064 52120. 123

"STEAMING" PUBLICATIONS "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 41in.

"Steam Wagons and Tractors"

20p

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

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

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.

Printed by Chiltern Printers (Slough) Ltd., Kelpatrick Road, Slough, Bucks.