Steaming 1973 Vol.16 No.3

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB

JUNE 1973

Vol. 16 No. 3

Robey 8 h.p. Compound 29530 (1911) in the charge of owners M. R. Pearson and Son, Donald, at Southbrook, New Zealand, 1972.

INTERNATIONAL FEATURES ST. GILES FAIR MEMORIES ENGINE NEWS

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, Ockwells Road, Maidenhead, Berks Membership Secretary C. C. Ayes, Esq., 15 Milking Pen Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hants Sales Officer V. H. Burrough, Esq., 33 Holland Road, Harlesden, London, NW10 5AH Technical Services and Spares Officer Brian Oram, Esq., Bourne House, St. Mary Bourne, Andover, Hants (Tel: St. Mary Bourne 260) Public Relations Officer Jonathan Minns, Esq., la Hollywood Road, London SW10 Publicity and Press Officer Patrick Coxall, Esq., Smokey Cottage, Lion Lane, Haslemere, Surrey

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 We would like to acknowledge the help given in the preparation of this edition by: Club and area correspondents, Museum of English Rural Life, Reading, Industrial Railway Society, 'Light Steam Power, Viv Kirk, Peter Gunning, Andrew Patrick, Rob Gebhard, Svend Jorgensen, Joe Thomas, Derek Rayner, Michael Lane, Bob Whitehead and many more. 126

KNOWL BILL AUGUST 11 th & lith

STEAM RALLY & OLDE TIME FAIR STEAMING BARN DANCE Saturday 7pm till Midnight Finest assembly of Showmans Engines in the SouthEast The two Oldest Ploughing Engines in theWorld SteamWood Sawing and Threshing 30 other Steam Engines and more Veteran Vehicles JimmyWilliams Steam driven Galloping Horses Seven Fairground Organs Display by the Benson Veteran Cycle Club Blacksmith,Thatcher, Potter, and OldeTyme Signwriter and Gilder at work Terrier Racing, Model Steam Boats, Boat Builder,Wood Carver,Cooper Farrier,Basket Making,Silversmith, Hurdle Maker Romany Peg Maker Brick and Tile Moulder & many Rural Handicrafts Country Street Market OPEN SATURDAY II am till MIDNIGHT SUNDAY II am till 7pm 127

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB VOLUME 16 No.3

JUNE 1973

FROM THE EDITOR'S CHAIR Number 3 in a volume seems aways to be a mixed bag. This one is no exception but we hope, nevertheless, interesting. Svend Jorgensen's article tells of the early days of road steam preservation in Denmark. Two men have got together and done something and we are reminded that two men, Ge Van de Pol and Rob Gebhard, got together in Holland some years ago and look at the thriving Stoomwalsen Club now! We are very carefully considering a full colour illustration for the front cover of Steaming. This will be expensive but if membership and circulation keeps rising we hope to be able to achieve this ambition in the November - December edition. So try and get a new member for N.T.E.C. and get more members of your local club to place orders through your local secretary for Steaming. Copy for the August edition should reach the editor by June 15th. Display adverts can be accepted up to June 30th if space is booked before 15th. Small adverts, "Chuffs" etc. received up to June 30th will be included if space permits.

" BLOW OFF " Steaming's Opinion Column We were glad to hear that "Kitchener —"The Iron Maiden" is going to Holland this year, and also that Ge Van tier Pal's Aveiing & Porter Roller, the first road steamer to be preserved in Holland is coming to England for a few weeks during the early summer. More engines from Holland may be over later on in the season. Steaming welcomes these exchanges for they do much to foster relations, not only between enginemen but also between the peoples of our two countries. In Holland one body — Stoomwalsen Club — organise the events and they are able to make overall arrangements when they have our engines over there. Here, something like 60 different organisations are organising events and there seems at present to be little "tie-up" between them when Dutch engines come here. Since the N.T.E.C. has given a lead by their "approved rally" scheme and the twice yearly rally organisers conference perhaps they could assume an organising role for the visit of Stoomwalsen Club engines. A circuit of events together with the transportation of the engines from one to another and collection and paying of expenses could be handled at national level so that the best possible advantage of any visit could be made with, at the same time, the fairest expenses being paid by the organisers and received by the owners. 128

REMINISCENCES OF ST. GILES' FAIR By Viv Kirk 1935 was a year in which there were many changes in road transport and also on our fairgrounds, as by the early spring of that year, the Oxford Bus Company had started to use oil engined buses on one of their routes, these were A.E.C. low double-deck buses, the route entailed passing under the railway bridge 13ft. Gin. headroom. We were to see many more changes much to my, and many others regret, the passing of the steam wagons from our streets as by now the once familiar sight of Tuckwell's steam wagons going about their business in Oxford's Streets had drawn to a close. Their place being taken by Foden diesel engined lorrys, so unromantic their presence hardly warranted a glance. John Werrell of Wootton, near Oxford, whose red Foden steam wagons were also a familiar sight in Oxford were still in use. I would meet them in the Botley Road area, quite often they were on haulage of ashes from the Oxford Electric light power station, these fine Fodens were replaced by Albion diesel motor lorries before the end of the year.

Most of Tuckwell's wagons were Fodens but here is their Clayton with Courtesy of D. Last driver Monty Cooper photographed March 1921. An Oxford haulage firm, John Curtis of Holley, were still using steam on haulage, their Taskcr steam tractor, chain drive "Little Giant", driven by "Blossom" Trinder was familiar not only in Oxford, but within 51) miles. Blossom and the engine seemed indispensible, and were to have the distinction of being the last steam driven road engine on haulage work in Oxford. The need of a new firebox ended her days, twelve years later in 1947. 129

There were changes, too, at the Oxford Corporation depot Nelson Street, the little Aveling had gone, the old Victorian type gentleman who I used to see sat on the little roller. driven by Mr. Drinkwater which used to pass our house when we were living in Great Clarendon Street had now retired. He still followed the annual road tarring operations, I remember seeing him in St. Giles during the summer of that year, watching some of his former colleagues engaged in tarring and gritting the famous street. The tar pot being of a later type, which sprayed and brushed the tar in one operation followed by the twowheeled trailer, which was towed behind the tar sprayer, laid a covering of gravel. The roller used to roll this in was a former steam roller converted to diesel drive by John Aliens of Cowley. They used a similar type of engine to the Field Marshall tractors, fitted on the boiler, where the steam chest used to be, it was started by a fuse and swinging crank handle, while standing on a platform board. During the early part of the year some wad repairs were being carried out during the night. We had moved house the previous year, further along Walton Street. about half way between Little Clarendon Street. and Beaumont Street, houses at the time being plentiful, with no trouble in renting one, as the estate agents used to have their boards outside some houses to let, which were empty for months. The house was nearly opposite Richmond Road, which was used by the steam rollers and other vehicles going to and from the Nelson Street depot. The weeks while these night road repairs were being carried out, we used to see the converted roller going along about 10.30 p.m. followed a little later by a steam wagon type road tar burner, it was seeing this wagon that I used to look forward to. When she had arrived at the top end of Richmond Road, where there is a bit of a rise before joining Walton Street, she had to stop for a minute before pulling out into Walton Street, which she did with a shower of sparks shooting up from her chimney into the night sky, and the familiar sound of a steam wagon chains taking up their slack as her driver opened up the regulator. The times of her arrival each night varied between 10 and II p.m., I have got up many times from bed to see her go by. I know, should I ever develop artistic talents and be able to paint in oils, the scene of the 5 a.m. draw in at St. Giles from the corner of Beaumont Street and St. Giles, together with the scene of this steam wagons night run to the road repair task in the centre of Oxford, would surely be some of my first efforts. During the early part ❑f that year 1935, I happened to be at the far end of Walton Street, when one of Tate & Lyle's Foden six wheel steam wagons came along, stopping outside Clearer's grocery shop, where some wooden boxes of sugar were unloaded, after the work was completed the wagon set off turning right into St. John's Road, which ran into Woodstock Road and afterwards I expect en-route to London. I think living in Walton Street I was fortunate in seeing steam vehicles so often (as apart from living in St. Giles itself), I could not be in a better position, also I happened to be in the right places at the right time, but I must have missed some I know. When I cross over Beaumont Street at the Worcester Street end I can see as if yesterday W. Nichols Burrell No. 2562 "Empress of the South" with the Dodgem loads one

hot summers day coming round the corner into Worcester Street from Beaumont Street, I remember the near side wooden wheels rubber tyres of one of the trucks was making a groaning noise, and the rubber tyres were spread out under the heavy load, I expect the heat of the day had a lot to do with this. all the trucks being on solid rubber tyres at that time. One year on the 5th November. I think it would have been the year previous 1934 I was passing through Gloucester Green transport park about 8 p.m. and being late in the year I was surprised to find W. Nichols Burrell "Empress of the South" with the Gallopers loads pulled

in near "The Greyhound". I believe the engine and loads were en-route to W. Nichols' depot at that time, Forest Gate, London. 130

Tasker No. 1450, Reg. AA 2346, two-speed, gear drive. New from Bicester Show 1911 to J. Curtis & Sons, Botley. The first engine regularly driven by H. "Blossom" Trinder — 1919.

Tasker No. 1679, Reg. AA 5743. New December 1916, J. Curtis & Sons, Botley. Three-speed, chain drive. Driven by H. "Blosson" Trinder — 1927 until December 31st 1947. 131

The arrival of the annual band contest in May that year saw Sam Williams in attendance with his Gallopers and Chair-o-planes, hauled by the Fowler "Royal John" and Tasker Little Giant' tractor, which hauled the Chair-o-planes truck and a living wagon. A little later during the summer of that year a fete was advertised, being held at New Marston on the outskirts of Oxford, as a Noah's Ark was billed to be in attendance, I visited the event by bus, with the hope of seeing a Showman's engine. Little did I think when I arrived at the ground the Ark which was owned by T. Sheppard, 1 would find being driven and hauled by two Thomas Tilling petrol-electric former buses now fitted with frame bodies. With the Great Western Floral Fete in August of that year held on the Botley Road Recreation Ground, I think Jacob Studt attended for the last time, this event afterwards being run by C. and J. Thurston. -Farah stuftrc iiititneled with the Chariot Racers and Mont Blanc with the Burrell No. 3967 "Morning Star" and the Fowler No. 13/108 "Mons Star", and a new arrival a former Scammell artic tractor unit fitted with a Gardner oil engine, and Maudsley dynamo of 33 kilowatt. the dynamo weighing 3+ tons, the Scammell hauling the two very ornate living vans of Jacob Studt, formerly hauled by one of the Showman's engines, the tractor at that time was on solid rubber tyred wheel and its former trailer, now fitted with a fore carriage was used with the Chariot Racers', another Scammell fitted with open chain drive to its former engine dynamo which was mounted on a concrete block to give extra weight was also present. Its former trailer now in use as one of the trucks of the Mont Blanc. During the summer of that year I was to see in Oxford two other Showman engines I had never seen before. The first being Hills Bros. (Bristol) Burrell No. 3277 "King George V". I came across her one evening stopped in the Botley Road filling her tanks from the stream near the Majestic Cinema, later in the evening I found she had pulled in for night on the Gloucester Green park. I believe the machine loads were the Dodgems. I found out in later years she was on her way to Aylesbury from Bristol, being Jubilee Year, Hills were opening a big Fair there. The other engine. also a Burrell I was to sec for the first time later on at St. Giles Fair being Burrell No. 3879 "Jack" owned by Jack Proctor of Nottingham. St. Giles Fair 1935 was to see the start of what I consider the end of the era of fairs as we loved them, the Switchbacks and Scenic had gone, and now the Showman's engines were on their way out. Soon the once familiar saying of the people of Oxford. and I expect elsewhere at fair time "I am taking the children up to the fair to see the fair engines", would be heard no more, the Showman's engine I always considered was a show in itself, I often wondered if the showman realised in the years that followed how the fairground public, apart from enthusiasts, missed the favourites in the showmans quest of "economics" and "progress'. I never looked forward to seeing new rides as this always heralded the passing of an old family ride, which unfortunately had to go to make room for the new. They say the young generation only wanted to see the modern rides, or in a lot of cases I think the showman believed this to be true. I have never held to this theory as of the period I am writing about I like a great many others were of the modern generation, yet I had no interest in the new rides that were appearing or their transport, which was changing slowly at first but within a few years it would be the diesel engined vehicles who would outnumber our favourites„ the steam Showman's engine on the fairground. How grand it would have been to have had this progress halted a little, allowing us a few more years of Fairs as we loved them. As in previous years, Thursday saw the arrival in the Botley Road of the two Burrells of F. Wilson No. 3272 "King George V" and No. 3273 "Queen Mary" with the Dodgems and Ark loads, who after filling their tanks from the roadside stream pulled on Raines Field, Ferry Hinskey Road. 132

On the following night Friday, while I was looking at F. Wilson's Burrells and loads with some friends, across the fields came the sound of a Traction Engine travelling along the southern by-pass. It could be one of Jacob Studt's engines we thought, as they sometimes pulled in on to the G.W.R. goods yard, Becket Street Friday evening, we moved to the top end of Ferry Hinskey Road to see the engine and loads arrival along the Botley Road, after some time had gone by with no sign of the engine, one of our companions who had gone off on his bicycle to see what had happened, came back with the news it was in fact one of Jacob Studt's Fowlers No. 13048 "Mons Star" and she had broken down on the southern by-pass, at that time I could not ride a bicycle, not managing this until five years later when aged eighteen, although by now it was getting late in the evening I felt I would like to see the engine that night, and started walking along the Batley Road to where the southern by-pass started. Arriving there, still no sign of the Fowler, she must be some distance along the by-pass, I had to leave this expectation of the sight of the engine that night until the morning. Saturday morning found me early down at the G.W.R. goods yard. there was "Mons Star" pulled in standing near the entrance gate, she was uncoupled from her loads of the Mont Blanc. Nearby was Jacob Studt's Burrell No. 3967 "Morning Star" with the three loads of the Chariot Racers, also present was the Scammell tractor with the two ornate living vans. During the morning an attempt was made to move the Fowler which was apparently disabled, by coupling her up by a push-pole to the Scammell tractor which was unable to move her. Years later I read an article on Scammells in which a similar tractor to Studts, with a lowloader trailer and former petrol engine drive, was rated as twenty tons haulage capacity, Jacob Studt's Scammell with the later Gardner oil engine should have exceeded this but it could not move the Fowler. I had wondered how Jacob Studt's were going to move their loads of the two machines up to St. Giles Monday morning for the 5 a.m. draw in with one engine out of use. I had to wait until Monday morning for the answer. Saturday morning saw the arrival in Oxford of H. P. Studt's Burrell No. 3371 "Lord George" with the Dodgems loads, which after stopping a while in Park End Street pulled on to the slope of the G.W.R. goods yard. I am not sure if H. P. Studt's Fowler No. 9502 "King Edward" attended that year but she was a regular visitor to St. Giles during this period. Later on in the morning J. and C. Thurston's three Burrells No. 3200 "Unity", No. 3075 "Alexandra" and No. 3827 "Victory" pulled on to the L.M.S. goods yards, with the Swirl, Dodgems and Ark loads. A Bird's Fowler No. 9817 "Progress" with the Steam Yachts pulled on to the G.W.R. goods yard, Becket Street, near to the adjoining yard where Jacob Studt's engines and loads were pulled in. During the Saturday evening large crowds of Oxford citizens and visitors from neighbouring villages were present in St. Giles to watch the Showman placing their centre pieces in position, to be followed by a walk to the L.M.S. and G.W.R. goods yards to see the engines of Thurstons and Studts. A new arrival that year being J. Proctors Airways from Nottingham, the loads of this machine being hauled by an engine I had never seen before, Burrell No. 3879 "Jack". Steam driven rides were down to two, John Flanagan's Gallopers whose centre truck seemed to tower over its contemporaries of modern Arks that Saturday evening, and Bird's Steam Yachts which was built from scratch on Monday morning. Sunday, known locally as Fair Sunday, saw many visitors in St. Giles looking at the machines centres. In my previous reminiscences of St. Giles Fair I had omitted to mention an annual custom which used to take place in the years following the 1914-18 war (since the last war 1939-45 being discontinued), the laying of a wreath on the War Memorial in St. Giles by Showmen attending the fair. This used to start with the showmen assembling in St. Giles at 10.30 a.m. on the Sunday morning, followed by marching to the War Memorial. Many of the showmen being ex-Servicemen from 133

the war. I always used to find this a moving occasion with the showmen marching to the War Memorial past their machine centres sheeted up, which the evening previous their engines had placed in position. Monday morning at 5 a.m. I was in my usual position at the corner of Beaumont Street and St. Giles. Among the large crowd gathered there were several people I knew, near neighbours and school pals, also present was the late Mr. F. Lovegrove of St. Ebbes, Oxford, who up to that time had seen the Fair draw in some forty times, usually being mentioned each year during the 1930s in the local evening paper, the Oxford Mail report on St. Giles Fair. Some of the first engines and loads to come into view along Beaumont Street used to be the two Burrells of F. Wilson No. 3272 "King George V" and No. 3273 "Queen Mary". Although I was seeing my third draw in I found the spectacle of it all still a wonderful occasion, the sparks shouting up into the night sky, as the di iyet s opened lheit engineregulators, the sound of all the engines gearing, mixed with the sound of the steam injectors, as they came along Beaumont Street into St. Giles. That year F. Wilson's Dodgems occupied the site of their famous, former T. Clarkes, motor switchback, the men who had formerly been with that machine, were now building up the Dodgems, getting the sleepers of the bottom of the machine in place. The work appeared to be slow due to the unfamiliar parts. One of the men, who I remember seeing setting the bottom of the Switchback's spider up on packing, with the light of a hurricane storm lantern during pervious years, was now setting up the machine with the aid of a spirit level, he could have been the former foreman of the Switchback. Wearing thick lens glasses he looked a typical craftsman of the old school, you used to find in engineering works. During the early part of building up of the Mont Blanc, Jacob Studts had the cold Fowler No. 13408 "Mons Star" placed in position at the back of the machines, near to the Burrell No. 3967 "Morning Star-. Later ❑n in the day, following repairs by some steam fitters the Fowler was hack at work driving the Mont Blanc, later also when the fair was in full swing, Jacob Studt's Scammell with the large dynamos was driving the Chariot Racers, built up near the corner of Pursey Street. As in previous years I spent both days and nights at the Fair, with just breaks going home for meals, which only meant being away for an hour or so, living so close in nearby Walton Street. I spent a pleasant hour or so watching A. Bird's Fowler No. 9817 "Progress" driving the lights on the Steam Yachts during the evening. Jack Proctor's Burrell No. 3879 "Jack" being a newcomer to St. Giles Fair, I well remember watching her driving the Airways, one of her covers over the nearside spur wheel was missing. That year was also the last time the late Neville Rainsley attended with his working Fairground model show, "The Smallest Show on Earth", afterwards only having the models on show at fetes in aid of charities until the mid 1950's, during the war years adding a Bioscope Show, and a set of Gallopers all in the same scale, the little showman's engine which graced the front of the show was called "Tiny Tim" being finished just before Christmas, I believe 1923, named after one of Dicken's characters, a favourite of Mr. Rainsley, and also of my father. The models I understand are now on loan to the Oxford City and County museum, Woodstock, where they may be shortly put on show, the booth which was the last glimpse of the fair I had near to Chipperfield's wild animal show on my way home, I was able to purchase from Mr. Rainsley's widow the late Mrs. Rainsley some two years ago, I hope to have on show ❑ne day among my collection, and will build up in the near future, all the uprights and canvas being in good condition after being stored for over 30 years. On my way home that year on the last night of the fair, I met in Little Clarendon Street, J. Curtis & Sons, Batley, Oxford, Tasker chain drive "Little Giant" tractor driven by "Blossom" Trinder on his way up to the Fair with two empty trucks for the owners of the Helter Skelter or Tower Mat slide, Blossom told me years later, he came along Walton Street after finding the way blocked by one of Jacob Studt's Burrells with empty trucks in Beaumont Street. 134

H. P. Studt's "King Edward", Fowler No. 9502, Reg. L 9317. A regular visitor to Oxford. Photographed at Twickenham, May 1935 by D. B. Stoyel.

Fowler No. 9817 "Progress", Reg. KE 2309. Photographed at Wareham, September 1937 by D. B. Stoyel. Both photos by courtesy of D. S. Stoyel 135

SCOOP by the Editor.

This is a word I never expected to use as Editor of Steaming. We do, of course, like our reports, etc., to he up to date, but being a quarterly journal is not very often we get the opportunity to give you some "red hot" news and an "exclusive" picture, but here is just such a picture and story. A "scoop" indeed. In the early 1950's Sentinels received an order from the Argentine government for one-hundred S6 Sentinel Steam Waggons. There was a huge meat refrigeration plant on the coast and a supply of coal at a mine about 100 miles inland. The idea of using steam waggons (using the same rnal as fuel) was a gnnd nne, hilt it appears the order had political overtones and those directly responsible did not want the waggons. There was great activity on behalf of certain vested interests against their operation. The roads were bad, the coal was terrible and maintenance was non-existent. The waggons did operate for a number of years until a railway was built. It is not known how long the waggons lasted or what became of them but one at least was extant in 1972. She is a 6 wheeler end tipper, built to carry 13 tons and had a gross laden weight of 23 tons, 12 cwt., 1 qr. We are grateful to member J. L. Thomas of Rushwick for the photo and details. Mr. Thomas has spent many years of research in Sentinel matters and has recorded in the Sentinel Register the existence of 119 Steam Sentinel waggons and tractors with photographs It took over five years of letter writing before he finally succeeded in getting this photograph of one of these "Argentine waggons" a "scoop" indeed.

An "Argentine" S6 Sentinel waggon photographed in July 1972. Copyright: J. L. Thomas

136

STEAMING IN DENMARK by Svend Jorgensen

In Denmark we many years ago have had very many portable engines, most Marshall engine, we have had a few traction engines, few ploughing engines and a great number of steam rollers of which Marshall and Aveling was the most, but also some Germany and Swedish engines, and of course, some Danish. Most of this engines was scrapped before World War II, and most of the rest in the 1950-60. Two rollers, a Marshall and a Danish — "Volund" were given to the teknical museum, and two Marshall — portables. In our railway club — Helsinger Jernbane Klub — we were about six members whose opinion was that we must save some more engines. We bought our first roller, a Danish "Volund" in 1966. The boiler was so bad that it never will come to go by steam, but it has been painted fine and is now standing on a automuseum on the island Funen.

Aveling & Porter AF 14109 (1931) as restored in 1971 by S. Jorgensen _Photo: Svend Jorgensen and J. Permin in Denmark.

137

Never mind, we would have one roller in working order. We found one in Arhus, a big Aveling roller — 14 ton — from 1931 — No. 14109. In 1971 we have make a big work on the roller and its boiler and it is now painted in the original colour given us from the factory. and I can say, it is as good as some of the rollers on the Stourpaine Rally. We have bought a Marshall roller — 10 ton, we have been given another Marshall roller, a Danish "Kastrup" roller, license built from Maffei, and we have bought a little "Volund" — type "Junior" from 1931, with only two wheels (rollers). (?Tandem,—Ed.). In all we now haxe six steam rollers, of which only two are in working order. We have tried to find a portable engine. There are very few of these left, but a good friend on island Funen, near Odense has little Marshall 2 h.p. in working order, and a Robey is preserved on the museum "Hjerl Hede" in IyBand, near Skive, atco in working order, and in service every June and July month by sawing. We found too, a Marshall from 1900 which we have promised our Agricultural museum to make in working order. I have to tell that a little museum in Maribo on the island Lolland have preserved (in bad condition) an old (1874!) ploughing engine build from Fowler. It is all what is left in Denmark, with a few in very bad condition on different places We would like to make a rally here in Helsinger, but it cannot be before two or three years, when we have two more rollers in working order. Our veteran railway can then take many people to the place. but I think we also may have a Fair organ and a Showman's engine as attraction, when people never have seen such an engine in Denmark. Do you think we can loan a Showman's engine about 1975? PRESERVED DANISH STEAM ROLLERS By Danish Teknisk Museum in Elsinore: "Volune (Danish build) 1925 No. 11, 10 tons, 1 cylinder. Marshall 1914 No. 65654. 11 tons, 1 cylinder. Two Marshall portable engines. Rollers belonging to Helsinger Jernbaneklub or Svcnd Jorgensen/Jorgen Permin: "Volund" 1931 No. 21, 10 tons, 1 cylinder. "Volund- (type Junior) 1931 No. 31, 7 tons, 1 cylinder. Marshall 1920 No. 72251, 10 tons, 1 cylinder. Marshal! (working) 1923 No. 76089, 10 tons, 1 cylinder. Aveling & Porter (working) 1931 No. AF 14109, 14 tons, comp. Kastrup Maskinfabrik 1924 No. 25, 10 tons, I cylinder. Other steam rollers preserved in Denmark: Zettelmeyer 1921 No. 144. 10 tons, 1 cylinder (in working order) owned by a man near Silkeborg in Jutland. Maffei 1921 No. 8828, 13 tons, 7 Maffei 1922 No. 8842, 15 tons, 2 cylinders. (in bad condition — both). Henschel (on a playground) 1924 No. 1154, 6 tons. (in very bad condition). PLOUGHING ENGINE: Fowler (in bad condition) 1874, Museum in Maribo, Lolland. PORTABLE ENGINES: Robey & Co. (working order) 1919 No. 38020, Hjerl Hede Musuem. Ruston & Proctor (bad condition), Alholf Automuseum. Marshall 1911 No. 56957, for sale. Marshall 1906 7 It is all what is left in Denmark! Volund have made in all 31 steam rollers — 23 traditional type and 13 with only 2 wheels (like Avelings little type). Kastrup Maskinfabrik have made about 20 on license from Maffei. These are the only factories in Denmark which have built steam rollers. 138

Marshall No. 76089 (1923). A 10 ton roller, fitted with Allen scaryfier. Looking very workmanlike in preservation in Dermark. Photo: Svend Jorgensen

139

BRITISH ENGINES IN BUDAPEST MUSEUM By Rob Cebhard (Secretary, Stoomwalsenclub, Nederland).

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a beautiful and most interesting city on the banks of the Danube. It offers much to the visitor, also it has many museums. There is a wonderful Transport Museum, very well worth a visit. A direct hit in World War 11 destroyed it completely, but with great care it was rebuilt. Among other things it gives a very clear picture of the history of the Hungarian railways. There are several exciting great scale models of steam locomotives used in this country. (Steam can still be seen on the tracks in Hungary). Memories of steam can also be found in the Agricultural Museum ("Mezogazdasagi Milzeum") where attention is paid to steam-ploughing. Drawings and pictures show the visitors how this was done. Figures tell about the numbers of engines used. In 1871 there were 2,466 portable enOnes; in 1895: 9,365 and in 1935: 6,450. Ploughing engines numbered 7 in 1871; 159 in 1895; 549 in 1925; 588 in 1935 and still 186 in 1945. They were of different make, Hungarian, licenced-British, German, etc. Some beautiful scale-models of portable and ploughing engines can be admired. Showpiece is the Clayton & Shuttleworth portable No. 310, built in 1852. It is one of the very first engines used in this country. It worked for 48 years and now "rests in peace" in this museum, There is an old illustration showing the Clayton & Shuttleworth factory in Budapest, where engines and threshing drums were made. More engines can be found in the garden of the Museum: another Clayton & Shuttleworth and three Fowler ploughing engines. One is equipped with a six cylinder Skoda engine on top! According to the few details we were able to collect, Fowlers were in Hungary since 1861. They have worked until . . . 1965. In that year those engines were driven under steam through the city of Budapest to the Museum premises. There the fires were put out, for ever. A look at the engines show that they had a tough lifetime. Unfortunately they now stand in the open air without cover. A fence protects them from too eager visitors. But if you show interest the Museum people gladly will open the fence to enable you to look at them more closely. It is a pity that the Hungarian language is so difficult to understand, but one can make shift with some English and German. However, this "language barrier" does not in any way prevent you to feel and notice everywhere the warm and friendly hospitality of the Hungarian people!

READERS WRITE * Lee McArthur, writing from 12531 Comenti Street, Pacoima, Calif.. U.S.A., 91331. states that he has driven T.E.s, Rail Locos, up to 600 tons and many types of steam plant. He is now an engineer at a steam powered electric generating plant. He would like to correspond and would like details of large Fowler, McLaren, Foster, etc. Plow (sic) engines and Road Locomotives. He finishes off "Yours truly and in the interest of friendship, Lee McArthur." Please write direct to Lee. 140

Fowler compound plough engines at the Agricultural Museum, Budapest, Hungary, 1972. Photo by Rob Gebhard, Stoomwalsenclub, Nederland.

"DAMPF IN HERBST" SWISS STEAM IN THE FALL by Andrew Patrick

On the last Tuesday of September I was inspecting the rebuilding of the Zurichsee Steam Navigation Company's paddle steamer "Stadt Rappers►vi1" in their covered slipway at Wollishufen. A fortnight to spare before starting a new job and a last minute invitation to stay with Swiss steam enthusiast Lotti Kunz and family had brought me here. The substantially rebuilt "Rapp" will be worth a trip when in service in Summer 1973 with her consort "Stadt Zurich'. In heavy mist the morning of Wednesday 27th found us climbing the Rigi by twice weekly Rigibahnli (Vitznau-RigiBahn) steam special with SLM 0-4-2 T No. 2871 of 1923 (Rigibahnli 16). We later talked with the crew as they put her to bed next to SLM 0-4-2 T No. 3043 of 1925 (Rigibahnli 17). Poorly patronised through bad weather and high fare supplement they may only run as extras in 1973 — a shame for their intricate valve gear is a joy to watch: appropriately for it is a Joy gear. We ate lunch aboard the 125 year old paddler "Rigi", high and dry as restaurant of the excellent Luzern Verkehrshaus (Transport Museum). Amongst many steam locos on view are examples of the typical Swiss light railway engine, 0-6-0 well tank with Walschaerts or Allan Straight link gear, outside cylinders and big leaf springs above the footplate. A Garrett roller is another static outside exhibit, in the colours of Stuag Schweiz Strassenbau Unternehmung A.G. (Stuag Swiss Roadbuilding Contractors Ltd.). She is compound No. 29763 of 1911. Homeward bound we found another 0-6-0 WT in a junior school playground at Aldiswil: ex-Sihltalbahn No. 4, a sister to "Schnaagi-Schaaggi" that runs steam specials from Zurich Selnau on Wednesday and Sundays until mid-August. At Wadenswil station not-dissimilar side-tank loco No. 4 of the South Eastern Railway is preserved: Emil Kessler No. 2224 of 1887, she served in industry after withdrawal in 1941, until 1966. Many Swiss light engines went this way and one still shunts on siding that cross the Zurich Luzern road in the Baar area, but we didn't see it. More steam rollers materialised on Saturday afternoon, but that morning we enjoyed the steam special celebrating 125 years of Swiss Railways from the Winterthur to the Bodensee, Untersee and across the famous Rheinfalle (Rhine Falls) by stone-arched viaduct. To realise this train's significance one must remember Swiss electrification started over seventy years ago, 4-6-0 No. 705 is one of the last express steam class introduced (in 1902) having been withdrawn in 1953, and Swiss enthusiasts my age (twenties) saw a main line steam passenger train in their own country for the first time. 705 is SLM No. 1550/04 of 1905, a four cylinder compound with four separate sets of Walschaerts valve gear, and fully described in "The preserved Steam Locomotives of Western Europe". Walo Bertschinger restored their roller No. 5 and presented it to Hofackerstrasse School, Schlieren, where she stands by the road for children to play on. She is 17 tonne Aveling & Porter No. 6415 of 1909, a two cylinder simple, in good condition considering, and fitted with automatic lubrication, presumably by Walo. However, you may prefer to visit their No. 25, presented to the Schoolhouse Duel, Unterengstringer. To reach her take Zurich trolleybus 31 to Schlieren terminus, walk north by Enstringerstrasse across Bern Strasse and the Limmat, turn left into Doff Strasse, right up Windebuelstrasse, left into Buelstrasse, and you will discover why you bothered. 142

SLM 4 of 1924 is a two cylinder simple roller, but observe the domed boiler (SLM 4121 working at 12 atmospheres) placed high with smokebox over front roll, the cylinders below the boiler either side of the belly tank, driving a between - cranks flywheel under the boiler. Walschaerts gear drives under-cylinder slide valves, a separate drum for each steering chain end is mounted on a shaft passing through the belly tank. The smokebox contains the superheater and has the tank filler on the left. The regulator is on the left side of the dome but controlled from the rear-entrance manstand that has bunker to right and tool box to !eft. The firedoor handle is attached to the hinge spindle, raising the door as it opens so that when released it shuts automatically. A waterlifter on the left side, to fill the tank from roadside sources and automatic lubrication completes the picture.

SLM 4 at Unterengstringen, Switzerland. Photographed 1971 by Lotti Kunz. October 1st was "Dampfer Sonntag" (Steamer Sunday) when Luzern steamer enthusiasts celebrate the end of summer services on the Vierwaldstattersec by chartering some of the remaining paddlers. Renewing acquaintance with the "Gallia" (Escher Wyss, 1913) I made friends not only with one German and several Swiss enthusiasts, both Deutcher and Romande, but also the "Schiller" (Escher Wyss, 1906) and "Stadt Luzern" (Sachsenburg, 1928). The latter's engines are not fully enclosed but only partly covered: they are by Sulzer (to replace the builders', that disintegrated on its first trip) and are three cylinder simple, uniflow, with poppet valves I think. The "Schiller" has drop valves on the high pressure cylinder worked by double quadrants, each with separate quadrant block. The "Gallia' and "Uri" (Sulzer. 1901) also have drop valves unlike the "Unterwalden" (Escher Wyss, 1902) which has piston valves. All have slide valves to the low pressure cylinders, and Gooch valve gear. The disused steam roller fleet of Walo Bertschinger was visited on Monday afternoon. Herr Dietsche showed us ten rollers. Unsteamable but restored was also Walo No. 10 a Fowler compound, No. 15739 of 1924, Wallis & Steevens 2 h.p. No. 2451 of 1898 (Watt) No. 34). Convertible to a tractor as required by substituting the wheels provided for the rear rolls, her dud boiler is by the Swiss firm. King of Oerlikon. 143

Steam rollers both unsteamable and unrestored were a 1910 Fowler, Walo No. 7 (which 1 think is the one I noted as having Escher Wyss Boiler 2470 of 1924) and Fowler 8591 of 1900 (Walo No. 4); Aveling & Porter 4851 of 1905 (Walo 40); A. & P. 6288 of 1907 (Walo 3); A. & P. 7615 of 1912 (Walo 1) and another A. & P. of 1912 (Walo 30). All these Fowlers and Aveling & Porters are compounds: I noticed modifications such as automatic lubrication and exchange of flywheels had taken place over the years. Unrestored but steamable was Aveling & Porter No. 5983 of 1906, Wale No. 40. She had been blocked up, and by the time we were there, provided with oil burning equipment: an experiment to see if the Brienzz-Rothorn-Bahn steam locos can be converted to oil burning. Unfortunately work was not in progress just then, but so far reasonable success had been achieved: a "tray" of oil nozzles is blasted across by a hank of hori7ontal air Masi nor.dec Performance is measured by belting the 17 ton roller's flywheel to a generator, which is coupled to an electric pump pumping water — they actually measure the water pressure created! !f

Aveling & Porter No. 5983 on blocks for oil firing experiments November 1971. Photo by Lotti Kunz SLM Roller, Walo No. 24, of 1924, is sister to the one at Schoolhouse Buel, but is not only restored but still steamable. She is down on the list Herr Dietsche gave me as reserved for the Wale Depot at Aargau, and he didn't seem to think they would keep her to be steamed for special occasions. It is a terrible shame to think of such a uniquie design being turned from active engine to immovable exhibit in this age of preservation, but no equivalent of N.T.E.C. or our enthusiasm seems to exist in Switzerland. One wonders if diplomatic representations from such bodies as the N.T.E.C. Committee and the Newcomen Society may persuade the company to think again: she might be exhibited under cover at the Luzern Verkehrshaus. and steamed out into the open on advertised occasions. 144

The list I mentioned gives two other rollers as restored and on display: a Heilbronn of 1914 at or near Solothurn (Walo No. 35), and an Aveling & Porter of 1909 (Walo No. 43) at Novostrada School, Lugano. 1 understand all the foregoing were active not so long ago: others too. For example 1 saw a photograph of a recently active "Advance", now gone. The steam roller preserved at Rozloch Cement Works (H. Holdsworth, Steaming, August 1971) although near our Wednesday morning drive over the Brunig Pass, could not be visited if we were to reach Brienz for the 11.25 to Rothorn Kulm. When built the Brienz-Rothorn-Bahn was Switzerland's highest: it is now the third or fourth, but still has the greatest dilTerence from base station to top, and the last to work all traffic by steam. We asked in the depot about the reported dieselisation to be told that the diesels are additions for bad days when only one train goes up and down, and when traffic is too much for the steam trains to cope with. As the diesels are being built by the Monte

Rheinische Metalwerk & Maschinen Fabrik No. 458 (1922) at NiederPhoto by Lotti Kunz wenningen, Switzerland, 1971. 145

Generoso railway it was appropriate that we watched No. 1 being prepared before going up in her train, for from 1941 to 1961 she was a Generoso loco, before that on the Glion-Rocher de Naye line. No. 5 came from the Wengeneralpbahn when that electrified in 1912; both these locos are identical to the original BRB No. 1, Nos 2 - 4, and our Snowdon locos: they are of a class built by SLM for many 800mm. gauge mountain railways, BRB 6 and 7 are geared engines built, after the BRB 1914 — 1930 closure, to cope with increased traffic. This trip combined with the exquisite p.s. "Lotschberg" (Escher Wyss) 588/2054 of 1914) from Interlaken to Brienz is the finest steam excursion imaginable and I make no apology for recommending it in these pages again. The BLS Railway, owners of the "Lotschberg" envisage her continued service for about 25 years in connection the BRB, their shipyard chief at Thun told us, so with this good news of steam rail and steam ship we were all set for the final attraction of my visit, on Thursday, 5th October. This was the steam roller, ploughing engine and portable collection of Herr Jakob Heusser, whom I was not able to meet as he was at work, but we went to Nieder-Weningen to see his ploughing engines stored in an agricultural engineers plant, and to his farm at "Im Steig", Vogtsrain 60, Hongg, 8049 Zurich. The ploughing engines I suspect never worked in Switzerland (though I am told Herr Heusser has steamed them this summer) as they are exOttomewer's evidently built for them by Rheinische Metallwerke & Maschinen-Fabrik of Dusseldorf. Named "Mecklenburg" one is RM&M-F engine No. 458 of 1922, the other has RM & M-F boiler No. 157, and Swiss Boiler Insurance Society Nos. 8679 and 8678 respectively. Last having a major overhaul in February 1957 they work at 13 kilogrammes per square centimetre pressure, having driving wheels about 6ft. diameter, and the final drive to the road wheels, and the worm on the steering chain barrel, are enclosed. There are Fowler-ish features: a convex spoked flywheel and Fowler-style smokebox door but the latter have "Ottomeyer" and "Pyrmont" on them, are surrounded by a projecting flange, and conceal a superheater. The motion is interesting: a compound engine (diameters about 6ins. and 12in.$) with long tail rods to both cylinders, automatic lubrication and box-style cross head block clasping a rectangular crosshead guide above the piston rod. I have never seen the valve gear before or since, in print or in the flesh: eccentric rod (one for each cylinder) is attached to one end of the eccentric strap, at a midpoint to a die-block working in a horizontal quadrant, and at the other to the bottom end of a free link. The top end of this link is attached to the lower (horizontal) arm of a bell crank, the upper (vertical) arm of which is linked to a horizontal free link, the other end of which is attached to the valve spindle. The horizontal quadrants are fixed to a rotating shaft at right angle to the quadrant, i.e. parallel to the crank shaft, and this is adjustable from the manstand. The nearest I've seen to it is the Marshall patent gear illustrated in Hughes' "A century of Traction Engines". A single furrow balance plough and a cultivator complete the picture. At "Im steig" are more implements including a Ruston Proctor thrashing machine 22959 on rubber tyres, a thrashing machine by Maschinen Fabrik & Eisengiesscri Schaffhausen van J. Rauschenhack, and a "mini" thrashing machine of unknown make. Some one else's narrow gauge industrial tank engine sat in a corner of the yard and a stationary engine was in bits in the workshop. A portable engine ("lokomobile") to drive the thrashers has been used this year on Saturdays for log cutting in the yard, Herr Heusser's family told us. It is a single cylinder engine 4974 by Heinrich Lana of Mannheim in 1895 with movable eccentric, Swiss Boiler Insurance Society No. 8677. A plate indicates that it was owned by F. Matti of Winterthur. In an adjoining shed is Fowler compound roller No. 10150 of 1905, sitting next to Zettlemeyer No. 176 of 1924. This is a single cylinder engine with Stephenson's valve gear, working at twelve atmospheres. It 146

A close-up of RM & MF No. 458 showing details described — drum Photo by Lotti Kunz drive and steerage.

still bears the colours of the Stuag company that owned the Luzern Verkehrshaus Garrett, and has been used to roll the yard this summer. The return through the Rhein valley next day by the "Lorelei" Express provided glimpses of German steam locomotives at work and two of the Koln-Dusseldorfer Rhein Navigation Company's six remaining paddle steamers thrashing upstream in the Rhein gorge. Thus back to Britain, with far, far more steam than Switzerland. However, what Switzerland lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality: coal being short and the standard of engine-room or footplate crew is high, their steam machinery exhibits a variety, sophistication, appearance and standard of maintenance that will always give me immense satisfaction. This is not to say that for me the ideal steam is not a Wallis & Steevens thrashing, or Merchant Navy drawing its "Atlantic Coast Express" alongside the branch line push pull with its M7, or the "Bristol Queen" paddling out to Lundy, but for a change of scene Switzerland is the place. I've spent twenty days there all told so far, chasing steam and still not got down to the five clipper-bowed paddle steamers of Geneva, or the Blonay-Chamby steam tourist line, or any of the ordinary light railways that run steam specials. All the paddlers mentioned will be in service, in Summer 1973, and the ticket offices will be delighted to tell you where and when, but note that the Lake of Geneva also has five diesel electric paddlers — so ask for "Helvetie", "Savoie", "Rhone", "Simplon" and "La Suisse" by name. The Swiss National Tourist Office (1 New Coventry Street, London, W1V 3HG) will tell which lines operate steam specials and when, and I think I've mentioned all the rollers, etc., I know of. If enough traction engine enthusiasts visit Switzerland and, and if we can persuade Swiss steam enthusiasts to visit our rallies, perhaps there is a chance that the SLM roller will steam again? Abrreviations:

SLM: Schweizerische Lokomotiven and Machinen Fabriken, Winterthur. Sulzer: Sulzer Brothers, Winterthur. Escher Wyss: Escher Wyss & Cie, Oerlikon. 147

THE JOHN FOWLER CENTREPIECE by D. A. Rayner

In the John Fowler Memorial Issue of Steaming (Vol. 9 No. 1) mention was made of a memorial which, it was thought, was presented to Mrs. John Fowler in 1867 after the death of her husband. Some doubt was expressed in the article as to the eventual form of this memorial and it is therefore with some pleasure that I am able to report the existence of the magnificent centrepiece (illustrated in the accompanying two photographs). It consists of an allegorical group of child figures, one with a sickle, others accompanying and drawing a rustic miniature cart bearing the harvest home, the whole being wrought in silver. To give some idea as to the magnificence of the work, the base is oval, about 18in. by 12in., the figures are about gin. high and the whole piece is between 18in, and 24in. high. On one side of the base is the inscription:- "Presented to Mrs. John Fowler by 231 friends of her late husband in testimony of their respect for his memory, their admiration of his character and their sense of his ability and perseverance displayed whilst perfecting his inventions in the face of numerous and often apparently overwhelming difficulties. In testimony also of their gratitude for services rendered to all classes by his successful application of STEAM POWER to the Cultivation of the Soil in 1867." On the other side is a contemporary relief sculpture of a driver on a ploughing engine with a man on the four furrow balance plough, a man attending to the runners and a further man on the anchor at the far side of the field. The centrepiece is part of a much larger double centre which originally had a plateau and candlesticks. It was designed as a flower stand, for banquets and dinners, it bears the makers mark of Robert Garrard and was made in London in 1867. It was presented to the City of Leeds by Mrs. I. A. Pelly in 1959 and is now in the collections of the Leeds City Art Galleries. It is displayed at Lotherston Hall, Aberford, the home of the Gascoigne family which was given to the City of Leeds by Sir Alvary and Lady Gascoigne in 1968. I consider it most appropriate for it to be displayed at Lotherston for it was on land not so very far away, at Garforth, in 1861 that John Fowler demonstrated his ploughing tackle at the R.A.S.E. Leeds Show and won a £100 prize with a 12 h.p. engine fitted with a clip drum and £75 with a clip drum windlass driven by a shaft from the crankshaft of an 8 h.p. Clayton & Shuttleworth portable engine. For anyone who may wish to see this centre piece, which has great links with one of Leeds' Industrial Pioneers or indeed view any of the many other treasures to be found at Lotherston Hall, it is situated less than a mile to the east of Hook Moor Corner (A642) on England's Arterial Road, the Al, on B1217 adjacent to the old coaching village of Aberford, near Leeds. Editor's Note: Other Fowler memorials are situated at South Park, Darlington and the Silsoe College of Agricultural Engineering in Bedfordshire.

Opposite, above: The John Fowler centrepiece. Below: Sculpture on plinth showing the single engine system of steam ploughing. 148

149

MANN WAGON No. 1120

Since the very early Pickering Rallies the distinctive side-fired Mann Tractors have been a feature of the preservation scene. In the 60's we heard, via "engineman's telegraph," of the restoration of a Mann wagon that was under way in Kent. Well that resonation is now nearing completion and we are pleased to report that she was successfully test-steamed earlier this year. We are equally pleased to be able to pass on this history and resume of the work carried out to restore this unique wagon. We hope to be able to include a picture in a future edition.—Editor. Mann Wagon No. 1120 (U 3781) was new in 1914 to T. Frampton of Guildford, a carrier and furniture remover, who used it with a lift van body on contract hire to Pimm and Sons of Guildford, owners of a large

furniture store in the town. When owned by him it was fitted with a supplementary water tank and travelled all over the South of England driven by his brother Dick. It was painted, according to Dick, in a bright bronze green and it has been restored to that colour and will be lettered in a conjectural reconstruction of the original scheme based upon what we have learned from Dick Frampton and from Timms. After being sold by Framptons the wagon passed to Hilton Estates of Weymouth who fitted it with drop sides and used it for hauling builder's materials. In 1933 it was sent to the works of Mr. B. J. Fry

of Dorchester for overhaul and repair but by the time it was complete the Salter report and the Budget which followed it had put up its Road Fund Tax to unpalatable proportions. In consequence Mr. Fry was instructed to store it under sheets until a buyer could be found. No buyer materialised and gradually decay took possession. First

the sheet and then the cab rotted followed by progressive disintegration of the wagon itself. We first saw it in 1960 when it was the centre piece ❑f a scrap heap which Mr. Fry's son, then in control of the business, was about to sell to a scrap merchant. Seeing ❑ur interest in the wagon he sold it to us for a nominal sum, it being considered that the wagon was beyond repair. In the years since it has been progressively rebuilt. The sheet metalwork — boiler cleading. bunkers, and chimney — is entirely new as are the smokebox. front tube plate, chassis side members, front tyres and

all woodwork. The remainder is original material restored. The lift van body is an example of about the same date built by Winwoods of Worcester and formerly used by Quinnell & Sons of Sevenoaks on a flat trailer behind a steam tractor. J. C. BUTLER, R. A. WHITEHEAD.

" CHUFFS "

•

•

•

The first passenger sailing from Hull to Goole since pre-war will be made by coal-fired paddle steamer "Lincoln Castle" on 10th June, on special public charter to Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. The trip is to raise money for and publicise restoration work now in progress on their own paddler "Kingswear Castle". For details of this and a trip to Spurn Head on 26th August, s.a.e. to Jain Macleod. 153A Hull Road, York, YO1 3JX. P.S. "Waverley", the world's last sea-going paddle steamer, will be in service from the Clyde Coast t❑ the Southern Highlands and Islands this summer: write to Caledonian Steam Packet Company, The Pier, Gourock, Renfrewshire, PA19 1QP. Following the death of Audrey Cluett, reported in the last edition, the Dorset affiliated club have elected Frank Franklin, 27 Meadow

Rise, Broadstone, Poole, to look after membership, subscriptions and sales of Steaming, ties and badges. Mrs. P. Warr, West Park Farm House, Lytchett Matravers, Poole, BH16 6BS, will look after general secretarial matters while John Cluett, 9 Waterlake, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton will continue to deal with the Club Newsletter and Mike Oliver, Dairy Mead, Childe Okeford, Blandford, with all Stourpaine Bushes matters. 150

STEAM IN AGRICULTURE The Museum of English Rural Life at Reading was established about twenty years ago. In addition to the permanent display (which is well worth any steam man's visit) one room is set aside for displays on specific subjects which are open for a period of a few months. Steam in Agriculture is the title of a display which was opened in March and will remain open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 - 1 and 2 - 4.30, until September. Admission is free. Models of plough engines, ploughs, cultivators and mole drainers, etc. have been loaned by Colin Tyler and John Haining, co-authors of "Ploughing by Steam". The walls are covered with drawings, photographs and adverts; cases and tables display record and account books of engine builders and contractors. These items have been selected for display from the many tons of official records and photographs of firms that have been sent for safe keeping to M.E.R.L. The largest bulk of the records at Reading are from Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies and the MarshallFowler Group. These are being catalogued and classified for reference. On 28th March a reception was held at the Museum to, "introduce the display to the steam world" — as the curator put it. Amongst those present were Anthony Heal, chairman N.T.E.C.; Tom Paisley, chairman R.L.S.; John Crawley, vice-chairman N.T.E.C.; Ran Hawthorne, editor of Steaming; Bill McAlpine; Arthur Hall, chairman Thames Valley T.E.C.; and Michael Lane, Harold Bonnett, Colin Tyler and John Haining, Traction engine authors. The Museum is on the south-east side of Reading, within the University "campus", Whiteknights Park, adjoining the A327 and within three miles of the M4. We are pleased to be able to reproduce some of the photographs which form part of the display.

An 1860 threshing scene from the Ransomes album. Photo: Ransomes Collection, Museum of English Rural Life, University

of Reading. 151

152

Two photographs from the Museum of English Rural Life's display "Steam in Agriculture" at Reading. TOP: Single cylinder Fowler plough engines, and a cultivator under repair in a contractor's yard in the early years of this century. ABOVE: A set of tackle with re-built single cylinder Fowler plough engines in the 1920's. This engine could be either one of those still owned by Beeby Bros. or one of the pair owned by E. Fillmore & W. Tame. Both photos, it is believed, show tackle and engines in the ownership of Beeby Bros., Remstone. Both photos copyright M.E.R.L. Photography Library

Another photo from the Museum of English Rural Life's display "Steam in Agriculture" depicting a Fowler trenching plough at work in 1894.

Photo: Fowler collection, M.E.R.L., University of Reading.

READERS WRITE

* Paul Abbot writes: An item of news for Steaming is that we (my brother Mark and myself) have purchased 6 h.p. Aveling & Porter Traction No. 2603. This was new on January 6th 1890 to Edward Humphries of Pershore, subsequently to Bomfords of Pitchill near Kingham, Oxon. It Evesham and in 1916 to Messrs. Lainchbury was from the latter that we purchased the engine, which had stood outside since 1940 and although largely complete is in a very rusty condition, and requires a lot of work. It has a left hand cylinder (valve chest on the off side — Ed.) and is otherwise the standard 6 h.p. engine with cast wheel rims etc.

a

154

More 1972 Photo Competition Runner-up Awards

P • gif t

~ s `•

Sentinel DG4 No. 8122 at work, Cering Y Drudion, 1972. Lloyd Jones Brothers

Fow:er No. 18635 at work in Commercial Road, Alford, Lincs., 1966. J. I. Smith, Alford 155

OBITUARY MR. WILLIAM GREENWOOD Members will note with regret, the passing of Billy Greenwood, Chiet Draughtsman of Charles Burrell & Sons Ltd.. St. Nicholas Works, Thetford, until the works closure in June 1928. He was the last surviving member of the Company's management team and died suddenly at his home in Filton Park, Bristol, on 28th December 1972. He followed in his father's foot-steps. His father was Storekeeper and Timekeeper at St. Nicholas Works for many years, responsible for ringing the famous works bell, which could be heard two miles from the factory. It was rung every morning at 5.50 a.m.. at 6.00 a.m.. and "knocking-off" time. Billy joined the Company as an apprentice, straight from school, passing through all the engineering shops. In 1914. at the age of eighteen, he joined the army. He was badly wounded, sustaining severe damage to a leg, necessitating a stay of two years in hospital. Upon discharge he was sent on a refresher course at Bristol University, where he met his devoted wife, Frances. In 1919, he rejoined Charles Burrell as a draughtsman. He was responsible for the detailed design work on the post-war Special Scenic Showman's engines; the 6 ton wagons introduced in 1924; and the 74 ton tractors, built in conformity with the revised Heavy Motor Car Act of 1923. He always stated that his favourite engine was the special 10 n.h.p. Scenic engine built specially for the Doncaster Showman, Alderman Tuby in 1925. He was promoted Chief Draughtsman shortly before his thirtieth birthday. After the collapse of the Agricultural and General Engineers Empire, Charles Burrell were absorbed by Garretts of Leiston and Billy was sent over to take charge of the Burrell department. He struggled on for two years, taking a substantial reduction in salary, but things went from bad to worse in the great depression and Billy was forced to join the dole queues. In 1933, he joined the design drawing office of the Bristol Aeroplane Company at Fitton. where he remained until he retired 11l years ago. He was responsible for much of the detailed development on the Bristol Aero Engines, such as the celebrated 'Hercules' radial engine, which played a major role in defeating the Nazi in the Second World War. In retirement he became an avid model maker and at the time of his death had nearly completed a magnificent model of "Ex-Mayor", complete in every working detail and most beautifully executed. As a traction engine builder, an aero engine designer and a model maker. Billy Greenwood will always be remembered as a craftsman. He was always accessible to enthusiasts and preservationists and radiated a kindness and infectious enthusiasm. that will long be remembered by those privileged to know him. M. R. LANE.

READERS WRITE * Mike Johnson of 22 Beech Avenue, Thelwall, near Warrington, Lancs. mentions an event at Reddish Hall Farm, Broad Lane, Appleton, just off

A50 four miles south of Warrington and one mile from A46 on 23rd June at 2 p.m. This is by permission of Mr. F. Lythgoe and will be a Steam-Up and Organ recital. At least six engines and two organs arc booked and it is hoped that Mr. Lythgoe's Burrell Showman's "Dreadnought" No. 3093 will make her debut in his ownership, following extensive renovation. Tickets for this event can be had from Mike Johnson. 50p for Steam-Up, recital and evening barn dance or 20p for Steam-Up and recital only. 156

GREAT YORKSHIRE

STEAM FAIR at

CASTLE HOWARD 15 miles North of York, just off the Scarborough Road

1 1 th & 12th AUGUST 1973 A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF:

12 SHOWMAN'S ENGINES, PLUS ANOTHER 30 ENGINES OF EVERY TYPE 10 FAIRGROUND ORGANS STEAM DRIVEN FAIRGROUND RIDES O

PLOUGHING ENGINES

•

VINTAGE AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

•

VINTAGE & VETERAN CARS

•

ARMY BAND

PLUS ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR THE GREATEST SHOW IN THE NORTH THIS YEAR ADMISSION: Adults 40p Children 10p. Secretary: Mr. D. Thackray, 2 Castle Howard Drive, Malton, Yorkshire.

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.

STAMFORD TRACTION ENGINE RALLY at

GRANGE FARM, RYALL, STAMFORD on

23rd and 24th JUNE, 1973

Full ring events for engines both days. Plus a good selection of Fairground Organs.

Rally Secretary, John Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds.

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.

SPECIALISED PRODUCTS FOR PROGRESSIVE INDUSTRIES

MAINTAIN WITH METOLUX • CAST IRON • ALUMINIUM • BRASS • BRONZE • COPPER • MOULDABLE WOOD REPAIRS • RESTORES • RECTIFIES TANKS — PIPES — PUMPS — SUMPS — SEALS

AND KEEP STEAMING Metolux Limited, Claro Road, Harrogate, England. Tel: (0423) 60489.

NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB APPROVED EVENT

& COUNTRY FAIR East of England Agricultural Society Showground (5 miles south of Stamford on the Al)

25th, 26th, 27th AUGUST THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL STEAM EVENT IN ENGLAND It is hoped to have present between 80 - 100 Traction Engines, Rollers, Wagons. Ploughing Engines, Portables and Showman's Engines, including an entry from the Stoomwalsenclub of Holland. A 4ft. 8iin. gauge Hudswell Clarke Six Coupled Tank Loco belonging to Peterborough Railway Society Ltd., will be giving rides.

Steam Ploughing, Threshing, Cultivating and Wood Sawing. ENGINES WILL PARADE DAILY. Railway Preservation Societies : Trade Stands : 3Zin., 5in. and 7',-in. gauge Live Steam Tracks, Fair Organs, Licensed Bars and Refreshments.

Expo Secretary: John Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds.

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

From "SOUTHERN STEAM" 2 Rally Dates

JUNE 16-17 at WISLEY AIRFIELD SURREY AND

(Main A3, London-Portsmouth road)

JULY 21-22 at POLEGATE, SUSSEX (Main A27, Lewes-Polegate road) GALLOPERS & FAIR - ENGINES - ORGANS - MODELS - VETERAN/VINTAGE VEHICLES & EXHIBITS STALLS & SIDESHOWS, DISPLAYS, Etc. Entry forms from Rally Organiser: Mr. A. Hanmore, "Woodcote", Wannock Road, Polegate. Tel: 2464. (S.A.E. please, and state type of entry)

County of Salop Steam Engine Society

TRACTION ENGINE RALLY Supported by ALL TYPES OF VINTAGE AND VETERAN VEHICLES STEAM RIDES AND ORGANS DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITIONS FULL AFTERNOON'S RING EVENTS

BISHOPS CASTLE (SHROPSHIRE) SUNDAY & MONDAL 26th & 27th AUGUST 1973 THE REAL ENTHUSIASTS RALLY

Banbury Steam Society 1973 STEAM ENGINE RALLY 23rd and 24th JUNE, 1973 ON A NEW SITE on north west side of the A361 Banbury Road, two miles from Chipping Norton. FREE CAR PARKING Hon. Secretary, W. Upton, 19a Crouch Street, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 9PP

The Great Bath&West TES M at Shepton Mallet July 7 & 8 Seldom are so many greats of steam collected together as in this fine show in the West Country. And never was there a setting more fitted than this vast showground. Near the country town of Shepton Mallet on the A37 and A371, with its permanent well planned facilities, it has hard roads, parking for thousands of cars to accomodate the many thousands of visitors it consistently attracts. In addition to many famous names in STEAM ENGINES, SHOWMEN'S ENGINES, and ORGANS, WORKING ENGINES, PLOUGHERS and VINTAGE TRACTORS and STATIONARY ENGINES, additional attractions this year include a MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, and a daily parade of VINTAGE CARS, COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, BUSES and early MOTOR and PEDAL CYCLES. AND THE FINEST FUNFAIR IN THE WEST IS TOPPED OFF BY RED DEVILS PARACHUTING DISPLAYS THREE TIMES EACH DAY OF THE SHOW. Admission: Adults 35p, Children 15p Special rates for parties — Free Car Parking Further details from Secretary Bath & West and Southern Counties Society Pierrepont Street, Bath. Tel. Bath 30105 61465

DX 9048 By P. Gunning.

Sentinel No. 8393 Reg. DX 9048 in the ownership of G. W. Lambert, June 6th 1936. Photo by courtesy D. B. Stoyel.

The Super Sentinel steam waggon number 8393 was built in 1930 and delivered to W. M. Brown & Company, a firm of millers in Ipswich, as their fleet number 3. In September 1933 the waggon was converted to pneumatics, a chain driven air compressor being included in the conversion kit. The waggon probably acquired electric lights, dynamo, etc. at the same time. Apart from the canopy which we at H.M.S. Sultan have fitted over the back of the waggon, she is still in her original form. An interesting chat with another enthusiast at a rally recently revealed that we had the original weights and measure mark on each of the drop sides with the load line marked from 1 - 7 cubic yards. (I had thought that they were 'buffers' to prevent damage when dropping the sides!) The mark consists of a circular brass plate, 2in. diameter and tin. deep, with a iin. hole drilled through to take one of the securing bolts of the load line marker. It was then counter-bored to lin. diameter and +in. deep so that the weights and measures chaps could fill the space surrounding the nut with lead and put their stamp on it to prevent any tampering with the load line. An inscription around the plate reads, Long Humphreys & Co. Ltd., Chertsey. Chris Lambert of Horsmonden in Kent was the next owner, date of acquisition unknown as we have a continuation Log-Book. He was a well known owner of steam vehicles and apparently had quite a collection. It then passed, in 1953, to J. W. Hardwick & Sons, of West Ewell in Surrey. In 1957, the Wingham Engineering Company bought the wagon and as number 92, was used for carting ballast when the Company anticipated a fuel shortage due to the Suez crisis of that time. The crisis being resolved, the waggon proved " . . . far more expensive to run than two diesel lorries put together." And so fell into disuse. By extreme good fortune, one of the directors of the Wingham Engineering Company was a personal friend of the Commander then in office in -H.M.S. Sultan in 1960. Flow the unlikely subject of a steam wagon was ever raised between a Royal Naval Commander and a director of 157

an engineering company I shall probably never know but their subsequent talks and letters resulted in the loan of the Sentinel to 'Sultan' on the following conditions:(a) That is should be no financial liability to the Wingham Engineering Company and be maintained in a condition comparable to that in which we received it. (b)

(c)

The waggon to remain in H.M.S. Sultan's possession subject to ono week's notice by either party, should the company require it, 'Sultan' no longer wish to keep it. the waggon to be returned at

'Sultan's' own expense. The boiler to be treated with Boiler Compound as per specifications.

From that date in May 1960, the Sentinel was cared for nt the Royal Naval Engineering School in Gosport, Hampshire. Maintained by a group of enthusiasts, she descended upon the unsuspecting steam preservation movement with varying degrees of success. making annual pilgrimages t❑ the local rallies at Beaulieu, Andover and Liphook. Unfortunately. the vagaries of life in the R.N. dictated a new crew each year. Apart from Dick Martino, no-one connected with the waggon knew the first thing about it. During those early years Dick was leant on rather heavily and was the main force behind the waggon. In fact. until he acquired his Aveling & Porter Roller recently, he was a regular driver and many times I was the only 'Sultonian' aboard. (A testimony to his service is the inscription of his telephone number still plainly visible in the cab). Each season brought a new crew. so the lessons learnt the previous year were lost to the next until recently, when people formerly connected with the waggon returned to H.M.S. Sultan. In 1970 we were given the first option to buy the Sentinel which we took up. The money came from the Ship's Welfare Fund. a sort of general amenities fund for the Ship's Company, used for buying sports gear, providing washing machines, etc. It derives its income from many and varied Service sources such as N.A.A.F.I. rebate of bar profits and

so the waggon is not subsidised by the taxpayer as many outsiders believe. Neither do we have unlimited access to Services facilities such as Portsmouth Dockyard, for repairs to the wagon as it is privately owned by the 1,877 members of H.M.S. Sultan's Ship's Company. In fact, our 'workshop' and garage which were specially built circa 1800, cannot even boast an engineer's vice! During our latest season, with an experienced and enthusiastic crew, we tried to overcome some of the difficulties encountered in previous years. The crew consisted ❑f two permanent 'staff', the remainder being employed on normal duties but giving valuable service in their spare time true service volunteers. With their aid and help from many people in the Preservation world we were able to tread new ground. People like Jim Hutchens who, when he heard that we had had no injector for the previous 1,500 miles or so and that our proposed trip to Shrewsbury was in jeopardy because of this lack, promptly offered us the loan of one which he took from the Sentinel that he is rebuilding. Thus with wonderful support from all sides were were able to break new ground, setting precedents that we hope our successors at 'Sultan' will follow. We also proved, to ourselves at least, that the Sentinel was still capable of a creditable day's steaming. Spending 78 days in steam the waggon covered 2.244 miles attending 40 varied functions according to my log of 1972. We attended rallies from Bishop's Castle to Basingstoke but, of course, our season wasn't trouble free. We were unable to attend the Stourpaine Rally due to a weeping plug and we took three days and a night to return the 100 miles from Paddock Wood. I have been extremely fortunate in haying had the opportunity to attend so many events during the past year and being able to meet scores of interesting people, even though it meant that I had to 'abandon' my steam roller which is crying out for attention in Lionel and Mary Veck's back garden. My family are convinced that I have been abroad and invented the steam waggon to save the expense of buying presents on my return! 158

Sentinel No. 8393 (1930) at a 1972 rally. Photo reproduced by permission

"NO" to Steam Museum The secretary of state for the Environment has refused the appeal of Mr. John Baldock of Hollycombe House, Liphook, Hants, for planning permission to set up a working steam museum and rcccrational area on his premises.

Mr. Baldock a former M.P. has been collecting Traction EnQ.,ines, vintage fairground rides and rural tackle for a number of years. Rather than take his tackle round to rallies he has invited people to see his collection at his home. The dismissal of this appeal may mean that this collection will not now normally be on show, and may be broken up. Mr. Baldock is reported to have said: "It is likely to mean the end of the collection". 159

AREA NEWS THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE & CHESHIRE T.E.C. A full and varied set of meetings has taken place during this winter's season, starting with the September meeting ut Biddulph, a members' slide and tine evening on 6th October, an extraordinary general meeting changed the subscription rates to £1.50 Ordinary Member, 50p Junior Member up to IS, and 50p for Senior Citizens over 65. On 13th October we were invited to Fodens Social Club at Sandbach, and a good evening was held with films and refreshments. A most interesting entertainment was given on Friday 3rd November at Biddulph, this was in the way of a slide show of Southern Steam presented by Brian Johnson. Later in the same month the first steam engine owners' meeting was held. A new Engine Secretary was elected, he is Mr. Peter Cauley. 79 Chester Road. Middlewich; Cheshirei who will now handle all steam engine correspondence. Friday 1st December at the same venue Mr. Alan Tyson presented a slide show "Kaleidoscope of Steam". If it moved by steam. then Alan had a picture of it. 1973 started with the first meeting on 12th January at Biddulph. Again members' slides and cine films were shown. On 25th January the second A.G.M. of the Vintage Tractor and Agricultural Machinery Section of the Club was held at Biddulph. The Acting Chairman J. Dakin, Esq.. was elected into the Chair. and Vice-Chairman W. Dakin, Secretary G. Grours Management Committee: D. Hallam. P. Moston, R. Bcrrisford, F. Booth and J. Massar. The Midland Festival of Steam entry forms for (I) Tractors, W. Dakin. Esq., Bank View, Goostray, near Crewe, Cheshire; (2) Stationary engines and working exhibits. J. Nixon. Esq., 310 New Street, Biddulph Moor. It was stated at this meeting that the Tractor Section is not a separate entity to the Traction Engine side and any person of either Section were quite entitled to attend any meetings. The arrangements for the Midland Festival of Steam to be held at the Stafford County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford, 21st, 22nd July 1973, are going quite smoothly. No late entries in any Section will be accepted this year. The Club Newsletter is now appearing quite regularly with the new team effort, the learn being: Compiling Editor D. Hallam; Addressed Envelopes S. L. Wedgewood; Duplication and Distribution J. Dakin. and Stencils Miss J. Hewitt. The members are now very well informed about Club activities. Klondyke Mill Recreation Centre, Draycott-in-the-Clay. Work continues at the centre with the old, once derelict weighbridge office, having restoration work carried out. "The Admiral" is housed in the large covered area which we have here, the other club engine the Aveling & Porter single cylinder Roller, ex Staffordshire County Council is in bits and undergoing cleaning and painting work, an old cx Towell (Boston) Bedford lorry 1948, is undergoing the full treatment by one ❑f the very keen Klondyke men Mr. G. Crisp. Application to the Local Council for a rates rebate or remission has just been refused. A Plant a Tree in 73 is just ❑If the ground with the purchase of six poplar trees. it is hoped to plant more trees on the site along with the roses already planted which have been removed from my own front garden. One of the first fund raising ventures of 1973 is to be a collective Auction Sale of all sorts of preservation equipment to which entries have been invited, this is to be held at Klondyke on 14th April 1973. If this coming year isn't one of the most interesting in the history of the North Staffs and Cheshire Traction Engine Club then I'm sure that I for one would like to know why. What with regular Newsletters, items included in Steaming, Klondyke Mill, Vintage Tractor and Agricultural Machinery, and Steamers of all types, just what more could we hope for. D. HALLAM, The Firs, Draycott-in-the-Clay, Sudbury, Derbys, DE6 59X. 160

THE LINCOLNSHIRE STEAM ENGINE PRESERVATION SOCIETY The last outdoor event to take place in this area in 1972 occurred art the weekend of 30th September/Ist October, at the home of our Chairman, Mr. E. Riggall at Mawthorpe. The weather proved to be most helpful, and the attending crowd was good on both days. Our thanks go to Mr. .1. L. Roughton of Willoughby Grange, not only for allowing us to use his land, but also in supplying us with many trailer loads of wheat for the threshing tackle. Five sets of tackle were to be seen at work, and four of these were engine powered. The one exception was a machine being powered by a veteran Marshall tractor. Engines involved here were Messrs. Maddison Bros. Ransoms 26475; Mr. H. Smith's Marshall 45689; Mr. J. W. Hebden's Clayton 48162, and our Chairman's Foster portable 14737; the Marshall tractor is owned by Mr. G. Hutton. The thrashing machines in use were by Foster, Marshall and Clayton & Shuttleworth being worked in conjunction with either wire tying balers. straw tyers, chaff cutters or straw elevators, and during the course of the proceedings, engines were changed about, to see how they worked with other sets of tackle. One other set could be seen running, but not at work, this being a Foster tackle, powered by Mr. R. Dowiman's recently overhauled Wallis & Steevens engine 2394. This engine was originally a 10 ton single cylinder roller, but during overhaul it was found that the front roll head was too badly damaged to be repaired. Two engines in the Showman's class were in steam, these being Messrs. J. H. Rundle & Sons. Brown & May 87112. a 6 h.p. compound. and Mr. W. Payne's Fowler 14798, "Firefly". Mr. A. E. Dow!man had a newly purchased Marshall portable on show, 82916. a 5 h.p. piston valve single, a very smart engine which was running beautifully, Three rollers were in steam on the ground, Mrs. C. A. Parker's Fowler 18651, Mark Riggall's Marshall 76797 and the Louth Borough Council Fowler 18867. Three Organs were in play. Mr. D. Robinson's Gavioli, Messrs. H. Epton & Sons Marenghi and Mr. P. Barlow's Chiappa. On the other side of the road a ploughing demonstration was taking place with a pair of unmatched Fowler's, these being Messrs. Beeby Bros. 12 h.p. single 7896 of 1886. and Mr. C. Roads 18 h.p. compound 15256. This same field has been used before for demonstrations of steam ploughing, and the land is heavy enough to test an engine. It was very interesting to note that although the single was hard at work for every yard of her pull. she was well capable of coping with the heavy conditions. A short stretch of exceptionally heavy going is encountered in one part of the field, and this did prove to be a bit trying for the single, although 'with a feather at the valve, and loud barks up the chimney' the plough was hauled without too much bother. Once this piece was crossed the work settled down to normal, but this engine caused a great deal of interest, as we have not had the chance of seeing a single at work before in this area during preservation days. The event was also attended by a good selection of preserved Farm Tractors, one or two of which were at work, and a Model Engineering section had a display of their work. Messrs. J. H. Rundle & Sons and their neighbours, Messrs. H. Epton & Sons entertained the Society twice during the recent months. The first time being to a display of Model Engineering on 28th October, in which members of the Lincoln M.E.S. also took part, and again on 6th January when a New Year Party was held. Monthly meetings of the Society have carried on during the Winter months. including a show of slides and more recently when we were entertained by Mr. F. A. Smith to a show of films which he took at Rallies and Ploughing Matches. There have been several engine movements of late which will be of interest to many people. During the Autumn, Mr. R. E. Dale sold one of his pairs of Fowler ploughers, Nos. 15441/2 (CT 4177/8) to Messrs. Coupland's of Frithville. Whilst later on Mr. F. A. Smith told us that he had sold his Clayton & Shuttleworth compound traction 47048 to a 161

Scottish owner, this has now departed for its new home over the Border. Two newcomers have been purchased by Mr. J. Hancock of Leicester, but are to be housed at Mawthorpe where preservation work will shortly commence. These are a pair of Fowler K.7 type compound ploughers Nos. 15516/7 (CT 4051/2) bought from Mr. C. Roades of Caxton, and at the time of writing the first one is in its ne►w home. Finally, the last roller in regular use in this County, a Fowler owned by the Louth Borough Council, No. 18867 (AFW 301) is to go out of service. The Council is anxious that it shall be preserved, and it is understood that it is to pass into the hands of this Society for that purpose. It was supplied new to the local authority by Messrs. Macdonald's of Louth, who were for many years the agents for Fowler products in Lincs, and it is hoped that it ►will be housed in Mr. Macdonald's premises, when the negotiations are complete. Last. but by no means least, a Ruston Proctor S h.p. single cylinder traction. 46596 of 1913 arrived in Lincoln. It had been purchased in Southern France during the Summer of 1972 and was brought to Newark by low-loader in the Autumn. It is understood that this engine was bought on behalf of a group of preservationists and it is intended to overhaul it after which it will be housed in the Museum of Lincolnshire Life and attend Rallies, etc. Late last Autumn it was steamed from Newark to Lincoln and at the present time is in the Museum awaiting preservation work starting. FRANK STRANGE, 1 New Road, Brigg, N. Lincs.

YORKSHIRE Ron Fearnley has acquired another Sentinel, this time a diesel wagon which, although it is not steam, is worthy of preservation. It previously was owned by a Lancashire Brewery and Ron is presently busy converting it so that he can load his Super Sentinel (No. 1465, Reg No. AW 3321) on to it to make it easier for transporting from place to place. In addition to this acquisition, Ron has also recently bought a pre-war Aveling-Barford petrol roller which is also, slowly, being given the Fearnley treatment. Little has been heard of engine movements recently, although various engines were active at Christmas time. Monty Thackray's Fowler Showman's No. 14862 "Evening Star" Reg. No. DW 2255 pulled a trailer on which rode Father Christmas from York Railway Station to a large store some time before Christmas. Wilf Payne's Fowler Tractor No. 14798 "Firefly" Reg. No. U 5313, was active in Doncaster about the same time. One, as yet unsolved, engine movement was reported by Arthur Fearnley, who advised me of seeing an engine on a low-loader on the Al around the New Year. As Arthur was travelling in the opposite direction and it was dark, he was unable to see what or whose the engine was. I am grateful to Frank Strange of Brigg, who advises me regarding the two Fowler Ploughing engines which passed through the county in July. These were Nos. 15428/9 and were apparently en-route for Haltwhistle, Northumberland. One of these ploughers returned to the county (No. 15428, Reg. No. DO 1994) shortly afterwards for the Birdforth Steam Working at Hutton Sessay. This event was held this year on 30th September/1st October and engines noted were as follows:Burrell Showman's No. 3909 (NR 965); Fowler R.L. No. 11111; Fowler P.E. No. 15428; McLaren P.E. No. 1541 (HO 5832); Foden Tr. No. 12782 (DF 4055); Wallis & Steevens Tr. No. 7479 (AA 5413); Robey Tr. No. 33957 (FE 5043); Aveling & Porter Tr. No. 9183 (KE 18); Burrell G.P. No. 4032 (PW 6287); Marshall G.P. No. 87003 (TL 3612); Burrell G.P. No. 1426 (AJ 6705); Marshall G.P. No. 17134 (PY 298); McLaren G.P. No. 1038 (CT 4212); Marshall G.P. No. 49725 (BW 4509); Marshall No. 32092 (PY 5827); Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48385 (BP 5463) and Ruston & Hornsby Portable No. 163856. As reported on page 38 of the last issue of Steaming, Tom Varley has brought back from Wales, the remains of a very early Yorkshire steam wagon. This is believed to date from 1905 and is Registered CA 170. 162

Tom has now opened his Museum of Steam at the Todber Caravan Park, Gi.sburn. In the museum are the following exhibits: Yorkshires No. 940, U 4245 "Pendle Queen"; the 2 ton mentioned above, on which restoration work is now well under way and a 6 ton articulated wagon on which restoration has yet to be commenced; Fowler wagon No. 19708, UB 8660 "Pendle Prince '; Garrett Showman's Type Conversion ,now named "Pendle Princess", Sentinel DG 6 No. 8562, FD 6603 "Pendle King"; Steam Rollers — Burrell No. 4004 "Pride of Somerset' ex Hirst's Sale and an Aveling & Porter, and a Vorbeeck Fair Organ. Also present on the opening day was George Howard's Burrell Tractor No. 3808 "Forrester". Dick Preston, our North Yorkshire stalwart and owner of the Burrell Showman's No. 3526 "Lightning 11", (AO 6302) has acquired a Burrell Tractor from the Whitby area. This engine has the Works No. 3618 and is registered Ti) 4276, having been delivered new into Lancashire. She has carried the name plates 'Princess Royal" Cut many yeats, but when restoration is complete she will once again be known by her original name "The Scout". Work at present in hand includes new smokebox, new tender and new rubbers. Walter Fearnley took his Yorkshire W.G. wagon, No. 2108, Registered UA 1788 back to its "birth place" in late September. This is now Yorkshire Vehicles Ltd., in the same premises in Pepper Road. Hunslet. Leeds. The older employees who had worked on steam were highly delighted with the return of this wagon and the visit turned out to be a very pleasant occasion. In late October, the Leeds Students held a Rag Fair on Woodhouse Moor and one of the attractions was W. A. Marriott's McLaren No. 1711 "General French", (NH 3998) from County Durham. Shortly afterwards, on the 181h/19th November, an event was held at Fulford, York, under the auspices of a showman. 1 am informed that the following engines attended:- Fowler Showman's No. 14862; Marshall No. 49725; Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48385; McLaren No. 1038; Aveling & Porter No. 9183 Aveling & Porter No. 14068 (VN 2092); Aveling & Porter Roller No. 6573 (CA 6333) and Marshall No. 76890. Both this event, and the one previously mentioned, were advertised as Edwardian and Modern Steam Fairs. One set of Steam Gallopers and a Showman's Engine, plus a fair organ or two can hardly fulfil this description and several people have said how disappointed they were, after going to these events and finding that they did not come up to their expectations of what they thought the fair would be, having read the advertisements. (Organisers — beware of the Trades Description Act.—Ed.) D. A. RAYNER, "Invicta", 17 Rutland Close, Woodlesford, Leeds

DEVON I will begin by mentioning some events which seem to have gone unrecorded during the latter part of the 1972 rally season. After the Clyst St. Mary and North Devon rallies, Keith and lan White organised a Steam Party at their farm at lde, just outside the Exeter city boundary, held on Saturday 30th September. This was a most enjoyable and pleasant little get-together. which could have been even better had more club members and friends turned out. For a well displayed and varied selection of farming implements, barn machinery and vintage tractors, many of them working. were on show, the steam section being supported by Ken Stenner's 1903 Ransomes S.C. Traction No. 15127 and Brown and May S.C. Portable No. 8262, and a Marshall Compound Roller No. 68955 (TA 212) owned by 0. Slade which came from North Devon for the day. Richard Parkinson set out from the other side of Exeter with his newly restored 8.6 Sentinel No. 8821 (BRF 200) on its first outing under steam, but unfortunately could not quite reach the farm in time due to mechanical trouble. The Ransomes and portable each did a spell of threshing during the afternoon, and several of the old tractors took turns at ploughing with old time equipment. After dusk, Ken Doney and his helpers put on another of hiS usual well run barbeques and a good time was had by all. 163

A fortnight previously, the Ransomes and portable had been steamed from Eggesford to Tedburn St. Mary Fete and Flower Show, a journey of some 17 miles, involving some stiff climbing and descents over the final four mile stretch. The Ransomes took them in fine style and the pair attracted much interest on the day of the show, resulting in a request from the organisers for a return visit in 1973, and some additional engines. The day following the Ide Steam Party, these two engines were again on the road, this time bound for Derek Marriot's home at West Hill, 11 miles distant. Good progress was made along the Exeter by-pass, over the new Canal swing-bridge (another "first time" for a steam engine!) and thence via the A35 Sidmouth road before taking the lanes to West Hill. The purpose of this journey was to spend a weekend woodsawing, and this took place a fortnight later, with two saw-benches positioned by a large stack of stored fir and apple wood to one side of Derek's spacious and pleasant garden. Both engines were kept busy throughout the Saturday, and the portable continued until Sunday afternoon, providing a most enjoyable miniature steam working for all concerned, and two sizeable stacks of logs for winter comfort, not forgetting the little Aveling roller that it resident here! The Ransomes and portable returned home to Eggesford two weeks later, on what was to be the longest leg of their journeyings, this time a distance of 31 miles. October 31st dawned fine and very frosty and by 8.30 a.m. amidst plenty of steam and smoke the engines set off from West Hill, with about six helpers to provide relief crews at intervals. Steady progress was made towards Exeter, reached about mid-day, and by 2 p.m. the outfit was well along the A377 to Crediton and Eggesford, being about six miles short of home before dusk fell, the rest of the journey being completed the following morning. Undoubtedly to Ken Stenner and his two veterans must go the 1972 honours for having travelled the furthest distance in the county both by low-loader and under steam, which speaks well for the care and attention of both his engines, the Ransomes alone covering all of 130 miles without any significant troubles. It is also worth recording that practically all the time the engines were on the road the weather was kind — often nice and sunny — which cannot often be said of English weather! Exeter shoppers had another sight of steam on 1 1 th November, when John Lee used his little Tasker Tractor No. 1309 (DV 9883) to pull a trailer carrying Father Christmas through the city centre before finally discharging him at a large store. Dave Dicker made his annual October appearance in Crediton Town Carnival parade with his Wallis "Expansion" Engine No. 7294 (HO 5601) and he was joined this year by Arthur Burge, also of Crediton, who had just completed a nice restoration job on his 10 ton single cylinder Fowler Roller No. 16003 (AF 6190). In the event this was to be the roller's only appearance in public as Mr. Burge has, regrettably, since sold the engine away from Devon and departed by low-loader for Cardigan, Wales, on 24th March. However, the expected arrival in the Newton Abbot area from Sussex of Mr. Alan Wheelhouse's restored 8 ton Wallis "Advance" Roller No. 8065 (OU 5979) occurred towards the end of 1972 and is a welcome addition which we look forward to seeing in action during the coming season. Other arrivals and changes of ownership during the last six months or so include the departure from the county of quite a rare engine. In this day and age when the ►whereabouts ❑f most engines are well known amongst enthusiasts it comes as something of a surprise to hear of an engine changing hands that has been in Devon for a number of years and yet hardly anyone was aware of its existence. Close by the village of Uffculme in the Culm Valley lived the 1899 Fowler compound top slide valve Traction No. 8337 (KE 2732) called "Thalia" belonging to Dr. A. J. Farrie, who owned it for about eight years and who sold it towards the end of 1972 to a buyer in Bath, Somerset. It was in working order but it never attended any rallies in the West as far as is known, Although it is understood to have ventured out on a few isolated occasions, 164

but few people other than local folk seem to have been aware of its presence. A Fowler 10 ton single cylinder Roller No. 18660 (YD 1484) is in existence in the Exeter area. This is an Ex W. J. King roller from that firm's quarries at St. Audries, Somerset, and was purchased quite some while ago, and although not yet restored, the owner, Mr. A. E. Curwood, is well equipped to undertake this when time permits as he owns an agricultural engineering business. Mr. P. G. Britton of the sawmills, Withleigh, near Tiverton, acquired in late 1972 an elderly 6 h.p. single cylinder Fowler Traction from a dealer in Norfolk, in partially overhauled state though with a few parts still missing. Unfortunately, the engine's makers number and road registration letters are at present not known, though it would appear to date from the early 1900's. The Burrell 10 ton. S.C. Roller No. 3999 (RL 74) owned by Jennifer and Graham Bidgood. which I mentioned in Steaming some twelve months ago as being under resoration at Kingskerswell. Newton Abbot, was lowloaded back to their home near Tiverton in the autumn, a much more convenient situation, and I understand the engine is progressing steadily and its re-appearance in the not too distant future will be eagerly awaited. The brothers Geof and John Horrell from Stoke Canon, near Exeter, who last season made quite a name for themselves when they exhibited their 18 ton Stothert and Pitt steam crane at the two Devon rallies and later at Blandford, have since acquired a second steamer in the shape of a derelict 12 ton piston valve single Aveling Roller No. 10981 (AF 9604). retrieved from the dump of engines at Upton Fyne. Although currently looking run-down and incomplete, the boiler and firebox are quite sound and thus form a good basis for a rebuild. New tubes are ready to fit and most of the dismantled parts and fittings have been found, although one or two essential items arc still needed for which there is art appeal in the advert columns of this issue — any offer of help in locating will be much appreciated. This roller is art Ex Dingle of Stokeclimsland machine, the very last engine from that firm's sizeable fleet of derelicts to be sold for preservation. It was purchased in January 1968 by Mr. "Nat" Clifford of Doccombe, who has since kept it in store. Mr. Clifford has taken back another Es Dingle roller that he formerly owned. the Marshall 10 ton S.C. No. 75476 (AF 5727). which had been owned for several years by a Mr. Ellis of Chagford and on which very little restoration work had been undertaken. This is now the only example of a Marshall S.C. roller left in Devon. One of the first steamings to take place in 1973 was indeed a red letter day for 1904 Burrell No. 2662 (AF 3531) which has been the subject of a complete rebuild at Buckfasileigh over the past 12 months. Its first trial outing occurred on 7th February, and I understand everything went very well and Mr. Dove and Mrs. Grey, the joint owners, are to be congratulated on their achievement in bringing this veteran back to life again, which I feel sure must also be a source of great satisfaction and joy to Mr. Charles Gregory of Camborne, its original owner in preservation in Cornwall where it was widely known as the engine that started the steam preservation movement in that area in the 1950's.

under the name "Attraction". Not far away on the outskirts of Buckfastleigh. Mr. S. Dance is making steady progress towards the completion of his rebuild. the old single cylinder Wallis Traction No. 2913. a completely new tender and tank being about the last major job before final assembly and the eagerly awaited first steam up, which could be achieved before the summer ends. To bring engine news right up to date (31/3/73). both Ken Stcnner and Derek Marriot were active with their respective engines during March. the Ransomes being brought out of winter hibernation on the 31st to fetch home from a local farm auction a wood framed Ransomes LAL 36" fully ball bearing fitted threshing machine No. 52003, built during the 2nd World War period for the Ministry of Agriculture, and running with pneumatic tyres on artillery type wheels, which give the machine a somewhat vintage appearance. In good working order and needing only a 165

repaint, this little thresher is intended to work with the Brown & May portable at future events. On the 14th of the month Derek was called upon at short notice to roll a 200 yards private drive in West Hill, during which he had to keep up close working with the spreader and also work within the confines of the drive which was quite narrow in places. Being uphill all the way, there was plenty of "chimney music"! and the operation went off very well, all concerned being well satisfied with the good surface finish. His 8 ton S.C. Aveling No. 9074 (FX 7061) has not, unlike most owners engines, been laid up during the winter months, for it was used to roll a garage forecourt in West Hill just after Christmas and another farm drive job was attended to at the Clyst St. Mary rally site, Ivington Farm, in November. On Wednesday 28th March an auction sale of the contents of Mr. George Hawkins Cornish Motor and Steam Museum collection at Wadebridge included three steam engines. These were the 1899 Fowler 4 h.p. single cylinder Traction No. 7942 (TA 626) "Jonah" which went to R. Greenaway, the little Ransomes Sims & Jeffries 3 h.p. S.C. Portable No. E409, found in "as new" condition in a shed at the Ransomes works, which was purchased by J. Minns of London, and the unique 1927 Robey "Express" High Speed Tractor No. 43165 (FE 9350) "Barbara", originally restored by Jim Hutchens at Ferndown and now added to the John Lee's collection at Sandy Bay, Exmouth. Some news to hand, just in time for these notes, concerns another addition to the various engines now to be found in the southern half of Devon. My near neighbour, Mr. George Moore, of Aylesbeare, has just purchased a fine old 1903 Fowler 6 h.p. single cylinder Traction No. 9698 (HR 4732) named "Farmers Friend" from Robin Brazil of Amersham, Bucks. Mr. Moore, who lives half a mile down the lane from me, has been patiently searching for a traction engine for some while, so an outing with the Burrell Roller No. 4018 and a few local enthusiasts to welcome the new arrival in the village is another steaming occasion we can look forward to — the kind of little occasion that echoes our Editor's sentiments entirely in the final paragraph of "Blow Off" in the last issue of Steaming. TONY COOMBES, "Nutwalls", Harp Lane, Aylesbeare, Exeter, Devon.

BEDFORDSHIRE In October 1972 two stacks of winter wheat measuring 10 yards by 15 yards each were thrashed at Ravensden, Beds. The corn coming off approx. 23 acres, and approx. 40 tons of grain excluding tail was thrashed out in a running time of 32 hours. The farmer, Mr. D. Donkin, of Bedford, supplied his own Roberts 32ft. elevator. E. Pentlow and Son, Riseley, Beds., supplied their 54in. steel Marshall drum, and Fowler 6 h.p. single, jointly owned by J. Dowland and G. Holman of Bedford, was the power unit, and happy memories this occasion brought back to the few of us, who had spent many weeks per year at this work, now more years ago than we care to remember. It was with much sadness that members of the B.S.P.S. heard of the passing of our esteemed member, Brian Hailey of Great Wymondly, Always ready to help out in difficult situations on the Rally Field, he will be missed by us all, we have lost a good member, and a dear friend. E. Pentlow & Son, of Riseley, have purchased a 7 h.p. single Clayton & Shuttleworth from Mr. Parsons of Irchester, Northants. Number unknown, as the number plate and most other brass fittings had been removed by persons unknown. Engine having stood idle for 25 to 30 years, much restoration work to be carried out and we look forward to the day when smoke spirals up from her chimney again. Ploughing engines of the writer and R. Ruff of Wilder', had a busy back end of the season, carrying out five demonstrations in eight weekends, ploughing 57 acres in the process. No. 15336 being retuhed this

winter, coal bunker and water tank repaired, also it is hoped to fit a new smokebox. ALEC IBBOTT', 35 Westbourne Road, Queens Park. Bedford. 166

THAMES VALLEY Engine changes in the area have been very few during the past year. We lost the large Aveling & Porter Roller No. 7807 (OJB 203F) ex Jersey, which has gone to Hampshire. Two rollers have arrived. The first is an 8 ton Aveling & Porter 12366 (MT 3064) purchased by Robin Greenaway from Kempton Park. This roller requires restoration but is more or less complete. Robin already has a big job in hand restoring Foden 12018 (EV 2683) which he obtained at the Hirst Sale. The second roller is a fine Fowler 10 ton compound No. 16235 (1924) registered AV 45. In its working life, owned by Aberdeen C.C. Arthur Hall is its new owner having bought it from a Yorkshire enthusiast. He will no doubt be taking it to local rallies this year. Work is proceeding well on several big restoration jobs. Peter Wyatt and friends, hope to have their Wallis & Steevens Showman Tractor No. 7482 (AA 5459) in steam at this year's Hungerford Rally. This engine has had a complete rebuild as when purchased at Goodey's Sale several years ago, the boiler had holes in the barrel. It is believed to be the only existing Wallis tractor with a showland history. The writer's Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 32122 "The Greyhound" (BH 8900) is also coming along well. All missing items have now been obtained and it is hoped to have it in steam in the Summer. Our secretary Ran Hawthorne made an early start this year taking Fowler 15653 "Renown" in the Reading University Rag Parade on 3rd March. "Renown" led the parade through the centre of the town including Broad Street, the main street which is normally closed to all traffic except buses. About £6.000 was collected for charities. Ran and his helpers have also been busy on his Fowler 14674 (1922) Registered BW 9937, 10 ton Roller, single cylinder "Busy Bee". She worked all her life in south Oxon, where she is now, preserved. Her last driver being "Brusher" Sparks who is often seen on "Renown", and is helping restore the Roller. Ran rallied her in 1960.64 and did a number of jobs with her including a fortnight's work on a new road. It was found that front tube plate repairs and re-tubing was needed so she was "put into store" till "Renown's" rebuild was complete in 1968. Since then work has gone on slowly but surely. It is hoped she will be out in 1974. There are a large number of Rallies and small events held in the area and there is something on almost every weekend throughout the Summer. Engine owners can usually plan a tour of events which means that distances travelled are reasonably short, so it is usual for engines to travel everywhere by road, low loading is quite rare. This has resulted in an increase in the preservation of living vans and water carts. Sam Scutter has been busy this Winter fitting belly tanks to his Marshall 8 Ton Roller No. 74450 (CA 4258) in anticipation of this Summer's journeys. R. M. WOODRUFF, 31 King Edward Road, Ascot, Berkshire,

CORNWALL One new engine has arrived in the county recently, this is Marshall "S" type Roller No. 89543 built in 1943. Her new owner is Douglas Knight who lives near Wadebridge. and he has already retubed the engine and is well under way with cleaning and repainting of this fine modern roller. Another "S" type in the news is No. 88166, John Richards has bought her from Harry Powell of Redruth, and recently drove her to her new home near Penzance. Another engine has received one half new ownership recently, the Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10187 "The Highwayman" previously owned by Mike Leath and Monty Pearce is now owned by Mike Leath and Steve Buscombe. who have recently retubed her in readiness for another season's rallying. Several engines arc receiving attention, in East Cornwall Steve Veal continues his good work on his ex King's Fowler Roller No. 18070. retubing and firebox repairs are complete and painting is in progress when the weather permits. Nearby Messrs. R. Dingle & Sons Ltd. 167

continue restoration of their Marshall Roller No. 88097. When completed

this will make a fine addition to their rally going equipment which now is a Fowler single cylinder roller, a Wallis & Steevens Advance roller, a Titan tractor and an early single cylinder oil engined roller. Anthony Hooper is fitting a new set of piston rings to his Aveling & Porter traction engine No. 9096, which should improve the performance of this already very fast engine. Near Bodmin, the Daniel Brothers are soon to complete the repaint of the McLaren ploughing engine. It is hoped that by the time these notes appear in print the McLaren will have been joined by a plough and a Fowler BB1, more details when the transaction is complete. Further west, Brian Sanders is doing some repairs to the hind axle and bearings of his Aveling & Porter Roller No. 5683. H.e believes that the axle became slightly bent when the engine was lifted off the ground by a gas explosion last winter and as the wheel and axle bearings are worn he has taken the axle out and having acquired a suitable replacement he is renewing the bearings. At Mawla Well Donald Gunn's Wallis Advance No. 8030, soon to receive a new smokebox and other small repairs to bring her back to good order. "Queenic", Miss Rule's Garrett No. 4 Tractor No. 34789 has had a new set of boiler tubes, including stay tubes, and a successful trial steaming has been held. This autumn Cornish Beam Engines have been in the news. The rotative beam engine beside the main road between Redruth and Camborne has been restored to working order and run a few times on compressed air, plans are now afoot to remove the machine and piston rod past which a lot of air has been escaping through the gland. The second one in the news is the engine that worked until about 12 years ago at Greensplatt, near St. Austell pumping from a china clay pit. This has now been purchased, dismantled and removed to its new home, at Wendron Forge between Redruth and Hclston where ultimately it will be working again and on view to the public. Further to the mention above of a partner for the McLaren plough engine. The combine of Messrs. Steve Veal, Brian Sanders and the Daniel brothers have purchased Fowler 15163 (1918) a class B.B.1 compound. Much fun was enjoyed when the Fowler arrived in Cornwall. She was unloaded from the low-loader and had to be pushed a mile and a half through narrow country lanes and finally lowered clown a muddy drive. This difficult job was carried out by the McLaren plougher with a Field Marshall on steering duty for the final descent. Robey 4 n.h.p. Tractor No. 41493 "Little Glutton" is now owned by Derek Hattam and he intends to have her running in time for this year's rally. This engine was stripped and boiler repairs were carried out about ten years ago, since when the engine has been in store. Derek intends to repair the motion work where necessary and then reassemble the engine for this year's events before carrying out the finer points of restoration work. The Burrell Showman's Engine No. 2651 is in the news again, restoration work is going on with renewed enthusiasm. The boiler barrel has been cleaned, the dynamo bracket fitted, boiler fittings and pipework are being replaced and the motion work is ready for fitting as soon as the crankshaft bearings have been machined. Burrell No. 2662 "Attraction", well known in Cornwall. has been out for a run in her new home town of Buckfastleigh, where all went well. Very recently I have heard that Aveling & Porter Roller No. 5541 "BoPeep" has gone to Devon for firebox and smokebox repairs. If the hopes of the respective owners of these four engines are fulfilled, they will be all present at our rally in August. a case of the return of the missing, as all four engines were regular entries at our earlier rallies. Len Hosking has purchased a reed comber and I am very pleased to hear that wheat for this and corn for our threshing machines has been planted with the object of harvesting the crop with a binder in time for our rally, providing we have a warm dry summer. The reed comber will certainly be a very worth while addition to the line collection of grain separation equipment

exhibited by some of our members from the far west of the county. CHARLES DANIEL,

168

740 Cross Street, Camborne.

SURREY Mr. N. Bowman of Shalford (see Steaming: 15/3 page 172, and 15/4 pages 252, 256) is now the owner of four engines. These are: Aveling & Porter's No. 2955, a 6 n.h.p. Traction; No. 3555, a roller; No. 4604 (not 4602), also a roller; and a 1910 Wallis & Steevens Traction No. 7103. The Aveling No, 2955 was very derelict, and Mr. Bowman has rebuilt one of the rear wheels, making new rim rings and new spokes, and then fitting them into the hub. The Wallis engine is described in its makers records as a "Road Locomotive" and has a sheet steel disc riveted to the outside of the flywheel, which is specially cast to receive this. The engine is also fully sprung. The latest acquisition was bought from Mr. W. Lees of Codalming. who purchased it from Hardwick's (see Steaming 15/3 p. 173). This engine (Aveling No. 3555), was in steam and on show for the fast time iii September, at the Guildford Town Show. Mr. J. Sparks of Outwood, near Redhill, is the owner of four engines. These are a Ruston & Proctor Portable No. 30656 (12 n.h.p. S.C. of 1906) — this engine is to have a new smokebox, before being put to work powering the owner's sawbench in his timber yard. The second is a "Russian" type Road Locomotive — with a small winding-drum under the boiler — which is Fowler No. 14925 (Reg. No. YKJ 381), this was purchased by Mr. Sparks in 1960 and has been used by him for land clearance. His other two engines are both by Aveling & Porter. No. 8653 (Reg. No. KE 6455) is a 6 n.h.p. traction engine (with two speeds and a slide valved, single cylinder) that was exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, at their Christmas Show, when built. The present owner purchased it in 1950, and has shown it at one or two rallies. Aveling & Porter No. 10028 (Reg. No. XM 5870) is a 10 ton roller supplied new to East Sussex C.C. in 1921. It was later used by Goddens of Horsham. It is a piston valved single cylinder roller, with a half length metal canopy and a Morrison scarifyer. Mr. Sparks has owned a number of engines — he bought his first in 1924 — one of the more well known being the Robey Tractor No. 37657. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 12366 (Reg. No. MT 3064) has left E. Frost's yard in Sunbury for an unknown destination. The Fowler Shawman's Road Locomotive No. 9386 "The Maid of Ceffn Yodfa" has been sold out of the county by its previous owner, Mr. B. Pitts of Honley. The Egham and Thorpe Show, held at the end of August. returned to having a display of traction engines this year. Because of two nonarrivals those present were all Wallis & Steevens engines! They were: No. 7248 owned by S. Love; No. 7588, W. Manning; No. 7664. L. Palmer; No. 7683. F. Upton and, the only roller, No. 7799 owned by R. Palmer. All of them came into the county from Berkshire. Aveling & Porter R.R. No. 3555 owned by N. Bowman of Shalford. Foden Wagon No. 13138 owned by J. W. Hardwick & Sons, and Foden No. 13848 owned by W. Rivett were all present at the Guildford Town Show in September. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 3430 made its first appearance at the Dorking Rally where it was named "Sarah". Mr. A. H. Overington of Banstead, the owner, has not yet finished restoration, one of the obvious things to be done being the lagging of the boiler. The engine is an overhead slide valve compound, and is painted black. Aveling & Porter No. 7056 (Reg. No. MD 4517) has just come into the area in the new ownership of Mr. R. F. Cakebread. of Wimbledon. This engine was an 8 ton roller but was converted to a "tractor" by its previous owner. Mr. G. Forman of Brixworth. Northamptonshire, in 1970/71. At the moment it is stripped down for overhaul. It is then to be repainted and a half cab fitted. K. FIROTHWF.LI _ 234 Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 3HT, Surrey. 169

EAST ANGLIA It is many a year since a report appeared from East Anglia so it is difficult to know how to start. Firstly, a resume of the engine position in the area may interest some readers. As the writer lives in Essex and East Anglia is a large and somewhat vague place, news may seem biased but as reports from other districts appear, it is hoped that a more balanced picture will be shown in future. At least one timber yard still uses steam as its main motive power. via. a Garrett D.C.C. P.V. overlype stationary engine. Nearly a hundred barnworks (mostly R.S.&J.) exist in Essex alone, but many are decaying rapidly. Portable engines are thin on the ground and only a very few are in rally condition. The Fowler ploughing engines owned by Mr. Jackson ❑ f Toppersfield (14726/7 (1918), Reg. No. 222/3) worked for their living again last year. Taylor Bros. of Wimbish gave their now annual ploughing demonstration using their Fowlers No. 15226/7 (NR 77/6) ❑f 1918, and Philp Bros. of Castle Hedingham used steam last autumn for culivating their land. Now for a few engine movements, but 1 feel many more have taken place unknown to me. Marshall TE 79342 (PW 8753) 1926 6 h.p. compound. used for many years by the late Jack Shuttlewood, has been sold by Mr. Fieidgate of Thorrington, Essex, to F. W. Lottghurst of Angmering, Sussex. Ransomes TE. 35247 (PU 4391) 1924 6 h.p. compound has been sold by R. F. Fenn of Clacton to the Warrington area. Joe Bibby, of lekleton, Cambs., has sold his Aveling Roller 14062 (HV 861) type AF compound, away from the area. Gerald Beavis of Cambridge has sold his Ransomes TE 18504 (NO 6925) 1906 7 h.p. S.C. to Peterchurch (Herefordshire). At long last, the derelict Allchin TE 1268 (NK 864) 1903 8 h.p. S.C. has left Brothers Nursery. near Ware (Herts), having been bought by F. Stimpson of Bishops Stortford, and is undergoing restoration in Saffron Walden. L. R. 0. Wood of Bury St. Edmunds, has emigrated to Australia and sold his Aveling Roller 8672 (HI 1732) 1915 101 ton S.C. to H. E. Beecher of Woodbridge, Suffolk. At least a few engines have entered the area — a Garrett Tractor (ex J. Wakefield of Helton-le-Hole. and by deduction No. 33395. 1918 which is yet to be confifirmed), and a Buren Roller, both purchased by Mr. Jacques of Tollesbury, Essex. It is reported that the Burrell Showman's engine "Britania“ 2668 (NM 257) has been sold by W. McAlpine to S. Alper of Fordham, Cambs., who also owns Tasker 132 Tractor 1895 (SA 5861) sold at the Tasker Museum Sale. Mrs. Edna Driseoll's Marshall 65650 (BE 2227) 1914 tractor/roller convertible is now in Essex, away from its native Mid-Wales at last. The following engines and rollers are known to be undergoing restoration but there arc probably many others:- Burrell Showman's Tractor 3453 (AH 0117) 1913 ex Sedgwicks. Oldham, by John Downs of Witham, Essex. Burrell TE 2473 (NO 5914) 1902 S.C.C. ex J. Keeling of Billericay, Essex, by A. Bullman of Wickford, Essex. Aveling Roller 11236 (NX 8887) 1925 type E S.C., P.V. ex Warwick C.C. by J. Stannard of Romford. Standard Sentinel 3373 (AW 7963) purchased from Brown Bayleys Steel Co. with boiler, by D. Doncaster of Colchester. Aveling Roller 8036 (XN 4688) 1913 10 ton compound ex London G.C. by John Dillon of Ilford. John has just purchased Aveling Roller 5446 (CA 5156) 1904 10 ton compound, which has stood for many years on a Collier Row (Romford) children's playground. It was last used by the Essex Steam Rolling Association, but hailed originally from Wrexham Council. Fowler PE 15162 (WR 150) MBA 1918 ex Roads of Cambs., by 1. Wildblood of Barking. It is reported that the sister engine No. 15163 has been sold into Cornwall. Brown & Mav portable, number and date untraceable but very early, by R. Wyeid of Norwich. Foster TE 2127 (DO 2003) 1898 8 h.p. S.C. fitted with Starkey's single eccentric valve gear, cx J. Cade of Whoplode, Lines., by E. Driscoll of Brentwood, J. R. E. DRISCOLL, 32 St. Charles Road, Brentwood, Essex. 170

ULSTER On 14th October the Co. Down Branch of the Ulster Traction Engine Club held their first public event at Clandeboye Estate, near Bangor. By permission ❑f the Marquis of Dufferin and Ava a small field was used for a threshing demonstration by five engines and an impressive array of threshing tackle, comprisiing by far the biggest event of this type ever to have been held locally. The bulk of the work was performed by Norman Andrews' Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 26687 and Wilmer Bryce's Wallis & Steevens No. 7008 which were driving mills positioned beside two stacks of oats, behind which Billy Wilson's Fowler No. 11114 drove an ancient Ransomes baler, while an even older Massey Harris buncher dealt with the output of the second mill. Elsewhere in the field Trevor Wasson's Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 33156 and Bob Edwards' Aveling & Porter Light Road Loco No. 9405 drove mills supplied with oats from trailers while vintage tractors of Oliver, Fordson and Marshall manufacture were kept busy hauling trailers with loads to and from the mills. In addition Alfie Breadon's gas engine, made by James Wallard and Son, was running on bottled gas with no'load. There is very little local news, but it is with deep regret that I inform you of the death of James Wasson on 22nd October. James was one of the first to preserve engines in Ulster and was the founder of the Ulster Traction Engine Club, of which he was Vice-President. His Ransomes T.E. and Fowler roller were well known and widely travelled and are now being cared for by his son, Trevor. H. W. COATES, "Roseland", 4 Kirkliston Gardens, Belfast, BT5 6EE. Below: Ransome No. 26687 and mill on October 14th 1972 Photo by T. H. Davidson

THREE COUNTIES (SURREY, HANTS & SUSSEX) S.P.S. The club, which meets at 8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Memorial Hall in Farnham, has far wider interests than its name implies. Recent meetings have been enlivened by speakers from the Festiniog Railway, a Heavy Horse Society and the next subject will be a talk and demonstration on the non-destructive testing of boilers. The diversity of interests within the club have been given quite a boost recently when we formed a closer alliance with the Ben Turner Group Vintage Vehicle Section, a small club who have put on a first class show with their machinery at many rallies in our area. As the annual Liphook Rally is a non-starter this year, the club have decided to run another Rally in the area, on 15th/16th September at Greatham, and a Steam Meet at Hult Pond, nr. Farnham on 28th-29th July. Despite our professed interest in other forms of power of bygone days, we have quite a number of engines undergoing complete restoration by club members, most of which have never been seen on the rally field. Bank managers and boiler inspectors willing, visitors to the area will shortly see these engines out and about, we hope! Pat and Claire Coxall's Wallis Roller, a 10 ton, No. 7333 (1912) was new to Lyndhurst Council then passed to Neals of Chichester. It was sent for scrap in 1959 and Pat has quite a lot of work on his hands, although Claire tells me that her 'half' is coming along fine. Peter Gunning's 10 ton P.V. compound Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 11097 (1924) is scattered about Lionel and Mary Veck's field, the condition of it at the moment is extremely rough but complete. New to Malvern U.D.C. it was later used in the brickyards around Peterborough by W. E. Gale & Sons who retired it in 1958. Two engines are currently receiving attention from Messrs. M. J. and B. J. Langford. They are a 7 n.h.p. S.C. Fowler class A.8, No. 13135 of 1912, Reg. No. PE 8140, new to J. & M. Langford, which is in need of extensive repairs; a 6 h.p. S.C. Burrell No. 1432 of 1889, Reg. No. FX 6615, new to R. Price of Lea, Hereford. Described as very rough, the engine's history is vague and any information would be appreciated. A 1923 Robey portable No. 40892 is being restored by its owners, Jim North and Peter Smart. It was new to J. Sparks and was used in a sawmill then a tar plant on Thameside. Once again, a lot of repairs are necessary, including a new firebox. Our youngest engine owner, 18-year old G. Whittaker, is tackling an 8 ton Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 10994 and would appreciate any details of its history. George Matthews is still progressing with his 1914 Aveling & Porter Roller. having renewed many stays and in the process of retubing. There are another three engines in Fareham being worked on that I know of and our Patron, Mr. J. M. Baldock, of Hollycombe House, near Liphook, has a number of engines awaiting restoration. P. GUNNING, C.P.O.'s Mess. H.M.S. Sultan, Gosport, Hants.

KENT The rally held at Paddock Wood in September was an outstanding success and a similar event is to be held at the same time this year. The award for the best turned out engine was presented to Mr. Jack Clark of Rainham for his Burrell D.C.C. Showman's Tractor No. 3868 "Island Prince" and this was also a personal triumph for the writer and colleague Wally May who were the co-drivers. Several new engines have made their appearance in the County since last summer and will be very welcome additions on rally fields. Mr. William Day of Headcorn, with his Burrell 5 h.p. S.C. made his first appearance at the Kent County Show at Detling last year. He had previously purchased this 1922 engine from Mr. C. Aldrich of Bunwell, near Norwich, who had converted it from a roller. Mr. Ken Langley 172

of Gillingham. formerly of Gravesend, purchased Fowler S.C. traction engine No. 7459 from Mr. G. Mills of Eastbourne in July last year. This engine was built in 1895, stood in Goodey's yard at Twyford. Berks.. for 23 years from 1942 - 1965. Mr. Edward Wood of Crockenhill, Swanley. has purchased Burrell single crank compound traction engine No. 3586 "Warrior" from Marsh Plant of Havant. This engine is 7 n.h.p.. was built in 1914, supplied new to James Lear, Bornholm Sussex, and was used for threshing and as a general purpose engine until 1959. Mr. Wood is the grandson of Mr. Thomas Wood, the founder of the well known firm of Thomas Wood & Sons of Crockenhill, who had a large number of rollers and other engines which included several set of ploughing engines in the family business. The last engines were sold in 1953 and now steam returns to Crockenhill once again, although this is the home of Aveling & Proctor compound roller No. 11423 "Smokey owned by 'torn Tilbury of Dartford who. with "Smokey" Shepherd have given the roller a thorough overhaul during the winter months in preparation for the coming rally season. The roller has the unusual Allen conversion front roll fitted, and previously was owned by Wingham Engineering Company. Mr. Colin Tucker of Bexleyheath has sold his Fowler compound 12 ton roller 18503 to another 'new' owner Mr. J. Trumble of Gravesend. Mr. J. Trumble steered for Alan Jones, owner of Fowler S.C. T.E. No. 13600 on one or two occasions at rallies last year. Mr. Tucker's other Fowler compound 12 ton roller No. 17496 and his Burrell S.C.C. T.E. No. 2909 are still under restoration. F. J. BALLARD, 3 Zetland Avenue, Gillingham, Kent.

LANCASHIRE First or all a correction, as incorrect information was received via

the grapevine. Frank Lythgoe of Warburton, near Lymn, bought his 89 key Marenghi organ from Mr. A. Mason of Burnham Market, and not Mr. Dowlman of Sloothby as thought. Soon after this purchase Frank bought a Showman's Road Loco — Burrell No. 3093 "Dreadnough" from Bill Dorman, Runny, near Nottingham, (of Galloper fame). The engine is at present under restoration having the tender, belly tanks, smokebox and canopy replaced as well as a complete repaint. First public appearance is due on 23rd June at a Grand Organ Recital, Steam-Up and Barn Dance Frank is organising at Reddish Hall Farm, Appleton, Near Lymn. A new steering pinion is being prepared for Alan Porter's 1908 Aveling & Porter RIO Roller No. 6544. Any Aveling roller owner who is in need of one is invited to phone 061-973 5852 for details. During March 13urell S.R.L. No. 3444 "His Lordship" owned by Tom Alberts of Bolton, passed a boiler inspection but his Garrett Tractor No. 30959 "Hilda" requires a few tubeplate rivets replacing before she can be steamed. Replacement of the firebox in Dennis Priestner's 1918 Fowler plougher No. 15148 was completed in early March and the hydraulic test successfully passed by the middle of the month. Eric Marshall has been busy fitting rubbers to the wheels of his Ransomes, Simms & Jefferies Traction No. 35247 and George Coles has had some attention to the gearing of his 1913 Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction No. 46059. Peter Clare of Heywood, near Rochdale, has completed. restoring his 1912 Burrell S.C.C. Roller No. 3388. and has had her in steam. The final news item comes from Banks. near Southport, where Jack Johnson is still busy restoring engines. On top of the Foden wagon (now finished), the Davy Paxman 10 h.p. strawburner and two very old horsedrawn vehicles he is expecting two traction engines from Ireland. A. R. PORTER, 96 Greenway Road, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire. 173

HEYDAY TO RALLY Traction Engine history was made in January when 55 people from all over the south of England. and as far as Cardiff and Wolverhampton attended a one-day course on Traction Engines with the title "Heyday to Rally" held at the Langtree Further Education Centre, Woodcote. near Reading. The course was arranged by Peter Trout the organiser

of Further Education at Woodcote. The programme was opened by Ran Hawthorne editor of Steaming, who spoke on "The early application of Steam Power'. Mike Harmsworth, chairman of N.T.E.C. Rally sub-committee dealth with, "How a Traction Engine Works". Ran Hawthorne followed this with "Further Developments of the Traction Engine". Ran was on again after tea with his slide talk, "Traction Engines at Work". Mike Harmsworth came back with "Traction Engine Clubs and Rallies' and the N.T.E.C. treasurer Jack Hobbs closed the programme with 16mm. colour films depicting "Engines in Preservation". Each session was enlivened by enthusiastic discussion. Every minute was used to advantage. Len Crane had brought his Duke of Edinburgh Award winning model, the room was decorated with Rally posters and engine pictures. A number of albums of engine photos and engine nameplates all helped to create talking points. B.B.C. Radio Oxford were present throughout the day. The three speakers and a number of visitors were recorded for a programme which went out a few days later. The six sessions of this course, although they covered a lot of ground. left a great deal still to be discussed and the organiser was able to gauge the success of the day by the questions; "Will you have another?" or "When will the next one be?" The answer to the latter question is that tentative arrangements are being made to hold a further course on Saturday, 3rd November 1973. Editor's note: A further announcement will be made in the next edition of Steaming.

THE STEAM CENTRE: Kirk Michael, Isle of Man For some years now the Steam Centre Ims expanded its exhibits and 1973 will see its quota of additional items. No steam man's visit to the island would be complete without a visit to the Steam Centre. Exhibits include a steam pump, numerous whistles, a 4 cylinder Serpollet Steam Car Engine of about 1902, a Merryweather Steam fire pump, a vertical engine. Doble engine parts, 3 cylinder Turner-Miesse Steam Car engine CI904, 2 cylinder Locomobile Steam Car engine, a modern CO' V twin compound Steam Car engine, a Steam Turbine lighting set, a light Steam Car chassis and power unit. a duplex Steam pump, numerous models, and lamps, a Pickering governor, a horizontal engine, a boat scheduled for steam power, the 2 cylinder cnine that will go in it, a 1919 Stanley Steam Car engine, safety valves, injector, railway "chairs", a 1900 horizontal steam pumping engine, a vertical dynamo engine, a large brass ships' siren, an old wall pump from Okells brewery, Douglas, a compound open-crank launch engine and a wide variety of models and photos of railway, steam ships and steam subjects generally. Outside a 1910 Clayton & Shutticworth T.E. is under restoration, a 2ft. 2-4-0 Tank Loco "Sea Lion" by Bagnall of 1896, railway carriages, and a Marshall thresher are but some of the many fascinating exhibits. Books, slides arid refreshments can be bought. Further enquiries should be addressed to "Light Steam Power", The Steam Centre, Kirkmichael, Isle of Man. Opening dates for 1973 arc 14th May to 30th September. or possibly later. 174

This accident occured on Friday April 20th 1973. Few details are available. The engine is Burrell No. 3593 (1914) Reg. KE 3863, a three-speed 6 h.p. compound road locomotive owned by W. E. Hazel of Dulverton. None of the crew were hurt. Copyright photo: National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

175

LETTERS

102 Gawler Place, Adelaide, S. Australia, 5000.

Dear Sir, As a very recent member of the National Traction Engine Club and only a recent hobbiest in steam, it is perhaps somewhat presumptious to write on subjects wherein I have little practical knowledge. Having undertaken this hobby 1 thought that a small article on Steam Vehicles in South Australia may be of interest to you. My first recollection of steam vehicles were the council rollers of 10 tons owned by the Mitcham Corporation & tinley Corporation (suburban councils in Adelaide, South Australia) one each, both made by Aveling & Porter. For many years the City of Adelaide worked a 10 ton Aveling & Porter Roller now preserved in the parklands. The Municipal Tramways Trust worked a Tandem Roller (possibly about 7 tons) Aveling & Porter Upright Boiler in and about the city. This is also preserved in the parklands. There were in all about 10, possibly 15 rollers of which only three now survive in parks. To my knowledge there is no working steam roller in South Australia now. My next experience of steam was being locked in behind a Foden Steam truck owned by Harris Scarfe Ltd, which was used as late as 1951 to haul galvanised pipes from Port Adelaide to the Adelaide Warehouse of 1-larris Scarfe Ltd. There was, I am told, about 5 Fodens of the 1915-1920 period (?) worked in Adelaide by, Harris Scarfe Ltd. (2), and Colton Palmer & Preston Ltd. (2). both of these companies being large hardware and steel wholesalers, and Dring Ltd. (1) general carriers at Port Adelaide. The South Australian Gas Company worked a Sentinel unit about 1940, and the Hindmarsh Corporation used an unknown make as a tar wagon. All of these were broken up during the war years except one of the Fodens which Harris Searle Ltd. kept going until 1952 when it disappeared. In early Adelaide papers there are constant advertisements in the 1870 and 1880 period for Traction Engines but the only reference 1 can find to their use is that six were purchased for use at the Udanamutana Mine at Blinman approximately 350 miles north of Adelaide. Lack of water and bad terrain and a 100 mile haul caused them to be a failure. Watering points were set up at 10 mile intervals. Several Fowler Ploughing engines still survive. The Mutooroo Pastoral Company Ltd. owned four or possibly five, but only one, an 1875 engine is able to be restored. Of the remaining engines. two have departed to New South Wales and one is hopelessly broken up for its brass. One large boiler remains with no wheels or other parts. These engines were located at Lake Dismal (2), Mutooroo (11, Lillydale (1). Stations approximately 2001300 miles from Adelaide. The Nanning Pastoral Company on Eyres Peninsula had a 1899 Fowler Ploughing Engine which has been restored to working order and there is one engine at Cowell on the West Coast of South Australia in a park, also in working order. Several engines of Paddle Steamers remain and at Mannum the Boiler and Cylinders of the "Mary Ann" the first paddle steamer on the Murray, is preserved in a park at Mannum (S.A.). At Goolwa several old boilers remain as a result of the large trade in boat building which took place there in the early days prior to 1900. One or two Buffalo Pitts Traction Engines also found their way to South Australia. One South Australian steam enthusiast has rebuilt a 1919 Yorkshire Steam Tip Truck into a replica of the Steam Bus built for Grimsby Corporation (U.K.). The writer in closing mentions that he is currently undertaking the complete restoration and renovation of a Yorkshire Steam Wagon No. 34 of 1903 which was worked at Whylla (South Australia) in 1918 where it was abandoned. It remained forlorn and forgotten within the shadows of the Broken Hill Pty. Co. Ltd. Steel Mill, and blast furnace until 1969 when it was rescued from destruction. In 1972 it was obtained for restoration and at the present time I am in contact with various persons in an endeavour to obtain sufficient detail to proceed with Boiler 176

and Steam line renovation. It is a cross compound engine with pistons each side and the boiler is approximately 85 - 90% sound. Little is known of its history, but it was exported to Australia and apparently may have been a timber lorry of 4 to 6 tons with a winch mounted on the rear tray and no cabin. It is of interest that an original driver of the vehicle now 80, was located at Whyalla and he remembered the winch being used to haul a skip with soil in it (in association with a ploughing engine) to sink the first dam at Whyalla. The attempt was abandoned because the heavy skip and soil caused the truck to tip as the centre of gravity was too high. In closing I mention that there is only one steam group in South Australia — the Booleroo Steam Traction Preservation Society who meet annually in April, although there is one additional working Traction Engine at Mount Gambier in South Australia's southern area. The Rooleroo Steam Traction Preservation Society has several portable engines and several traction and ploughing engines on which restoration work is being undertaken. These include a Buffalo Pitts Traction Engine and a Davey Paxrnan Portable. The Society has restored a Barrows 6 h.p. Portable to perfection. The South Australian Fire Brigade have a very fine working Steam Fire Pump (horse drawn) which is exhibited from time to time. Later when I know a little more of the location of other Vehicles and interesting facets in Australia, I might be able to write further on the subject. Yours etc., G. W. TOMLINSON. Dear Sir, Traction Engines are not what they were. And it's getting worse. I'm not even of a generation who remembers engines at work, other than very few, mostly rollers, but I do know what an engine should look like. All the time more and more engines are being sterilised of their masculinity. atmosphere and character. Can you imagine many that you see today threshing in a dusty rickyarcl, or in a foot of mud, all spudded up, roping out timber? No. Keep out of the mud — musn't get the wheels dirty. Don't put the spuds in the spudpan, might scratch the paint — likewise no chains or hooks on the back of the tender. Engines whose silky smooth black-painted smokeboxes, shows who hasn't uttered a few hearty chuffs lately. Rope rollers with the grooves worn by years of toil welded up and re-turned. Old mellow paintwork, wiped over, looks far better than gaudy new paint, so don't go beserk with the 13roIac or whatever every three years — it takes at least five to took half right. And what's ►wrong with stovepipe chimneys? As for conversions to pseudo showmans, ever increasing in numbers, well I'd better not even put on to paper my comments on that. could go on like this, but really I'm not running down the hours of hard dedicated work put in by many who have rebuilt a near heap ❑f scrap, but please, fellow engine owners ,remember that 20, or even 120 coats ❑f paint don't give an engine the character or atmosphere what is surely half of what it's all about anyway. In this plastic age too many people and things are totally devoid of it. So don't rob your engine of all the character gained through years ❑f toil of its rugged masculinity (surely John Fowler is he, likewise Charles Burrell, ete.Y, but tarting, it up like a dogs dinner (I was going to use a stronger expression but the editor might have censored it), Oh' one more thing, if you get stuck, instead of calling in the nearest diesel tractor. put some spuds on, or rope yourself out. If you can't as with a roller for example, get a bloke with an agricultural engine to give you some help — more fun for you, him and others watching. These remarks have only touched the surface, but I know many others must think as I do -- but it seems to get worse every year. It's high time somebody spoke up about it. so there we are. I've had my say, perhaps it wilt provoke comment for or against.

Yours faithfully, RICHARD C. J. WILLCOX, Stroud, Glos. 177

The Editor, Steaming: Dear Mr. Hawthorne,

24.1.73.

.1 should like to draw your attention to the implications in Steaming Vol. 16, No. 1, of two items. On page 47, mention is made of smoke from the engines making a good photograph. This, 1. feel may somewhat restrict future entries to the photographic competition. It is virtually excluding members who, for example, attend THE Rally of the North at Harewood and that at Masham and who take photos at these rallies.

For at these events, the organiser sensibly use Welsh coal and therefore members cannot win a first prize with photos from these places. The other point concerns an item on page 25 where an 8 n.h.p. Marshall G.P. was reported to have winched a load approaching 40 ton up a Rally Field. It is sincerely hoped that the wire rape in question was in good condition, regularly inspected and serviced and of suitable size for the task undertaken. The nominal breaking strength for a

*in. dia. wire rope, which is the size usually fitted to Road Locomotives, for example, is 12.5 tons and this is for a rope of the heaviest construction (6 x 37). The stretch involved on a rape of this size for a load of 40 tons would he 5ft. 5in. per 100ft. of rope. The usual factor of safety applied for haulage with a wire rope is 5 to 7. Hence, to pull 40 tons with adequate safety, a rope of diameter 2fin. would be required. Organisers should be very, very wary of wire roping events and unless they are absolutely sure that they are well within the capabilities of the engine in question, these should not be allowed. It must be pointed out that a wire rope which snaps under load is liable to whip. snake like,

across a field and is liable to slice in two anything which happens to get in its path. And that includes spectators. Yours faithfully, DEREK A. RAYNER, C.Eng., M.I.Mech.E.

AUCTION SALE, WADEBRIDGE On Wednesday 28th March, Button. Menhenitt and Mutton, on instructions from W. G. Hawkins, offered ❑ver 500 lots comprising Veteran and Vintage Cars, Traction and Stationary Engines, and numerous spares and collectors pieces. The main items of Traction Engine interest were: Ransome, Sims & Jefferies Portable E 409, fully insured, one of the last built. Purchased by Jonathan Minns of London. for £1.000. A Robey "Express" Tractor No. 43165 (1927), fully insured. A unique engine. £4,500 to John Lee of Exmouth. A 4 h.p. single cylinder Fowler Traction No. 7942 (18991, fully insured, but in need of repairs to steering, £2.000 to R. Greenaway, Stoke Row, near Reading. A Sin. Scale Model Traction Engine, £1,600. * Gerard Doherty writes from Dundalk, Co. Louth, referring to the

John Middlemiss article on page 85 of "Steam in Cumbria" special edition. "It maybe of interest to mention that I have the name plate off "King George V". I never had the pleasure to see this engine but understand the owner, the late H. R. Osborne used her for

threshing. He had eight or nine engines and mills at on time, quite big by Irish standards, unfortunately none now remain. P.S. I have an A. & P. Steam Roller, a R.S. & J. Traction, an A. & P. Tractor and four hives of bees — would I be right in saying that an interest in Steam and Beekeeping seems to go together?" Editor's Note: Yes indeed, these two interests in many cases do go together. My own local club has three beekeeping-steam men. Many others are found in almost every county. We know of the combination in Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania also. 178

REVIEWS MODERN STEAM ROAD VEHICLES by William Norris, a reprint of 1906 edition published by Goose & Son at £3.00.

The reproduction of this 1906 edition is very good, the original type faces and the line drawings have lost nothing, only some of the half-tone illustrations have not "come out" quite as good as the originals. After some primary considerations such as power required on given road Norris goes on to describe and discuss boilers of firms we know such as Foden, and a name I had not previously met, T. Toward & Co. Others include Coulthard, Straker, Yorkshire, Ellis and "Hercules". Boiler feed arrangements, wheels, brakes, steering and springs all receive attention. Then we have a description of ten makers products (neither Alley & McLellan nor "Sentinel" are mentioned, we often overlook the fact, these days, that "Sentinels" were quite late in their arrival on the steam wagon scene). The last chapters deal with Tip wagons, Lubrication, The New Regulations and Motor v. Horse Haulage. An appendix covers the Liverpool Trials of 1898, 1899 and 1901. 192 pages and 79 illustrations make this book a "must" for all steam wagon owners, students and enthusiasts.

CHARLES BURRELL & SONS. A reproduction of an 1881 Catalogue of Traction Engines and Agricultural Locomotives 75p. No. 6 in this R.L.S. series is another from the Thetford firm. Being originally produced in 1881 is simply oozes of Victoriana, each page

is enclosed in a red border with scrolls on the corners. The illustrations are all engravings and have reproduced almost as good as the originals. In contrast with (he opulence of the catalogue the engines look somewhat "stark", only on the Road Locomotives do we see a copper top, and that is small in comparison with the "bigger-and-better" ones we see today on the firms products. Yes. stove-pipe chimneys and half-round iron tops were the order of the day in 1881 — even at Thetford!

These reprints are available from N.T.E.C. through Charles Ayes. RAN.

"IRON MAN" Did you know that Charles Ayes, on our behalf, is agent in U.K. for this bi-monthly American publication. The content of lruii-Man is inucli the same as that of Steaming hut of course basically American engines. Some English engines arc included. It is interesting to see how it is done on the other side of the Atlantic. Six copies come for £1.90. Samples copies can be had from Charles Ayes (address inside front cover).

AMUSEMENT WORLD, AN IMPORTANT NEW BOOK

"THE

SENTINEL"

by W. J. Hughes and Joseph L. Thomas A History of Alley & MacLellan and the Sentinel Waggon Works Volume One: 1875 - 1930. Approx. 314pp., 119 illus. Copies autographed by both authors available Mid-June at £5.95 post paid from either: W. J. Hughes, 32 Orme Crescent, Rushwick, Worcester. Macclesfield, Cheshire. OR J. L. Thomas, 5 Monett Avenue,

179

FAIRGROUND STEAM by Anthony Beaumont, M.A.P. £1.25. Anthony Beaumont is well known for his books of photographs and latterly his book on Ransomes. "Fairground Steam" is mainly pictures, a nice blend of old and new. Many if not all the preservation pictures are from the author's camera. many of the old ones have been seen before. The text is somewhat sketchy, but then you can't have a lot of pictures and a lot of reading in a modestly priced book. A few mistakes have crept in. this seems inevitable. especially with a Fairground subject, "Royal John" was cut up at East Hagbourne which is in Berkshire (not Aggbourne. Bucks.) an oft repeated error, and surely No. 2979 "Reliance" overturned into Thirtnaere, not Windermere, and was later rebuilt as No. 3038 "The Prince". With over 100 illustrations this is a valuable book for reference and a book which we will browse over for many an hour. "FLATTIE".

THE OBSERVER'S MILITARY VEHICLE DIRECTORY by Bart H. Vanderveen, Olyslager Organisation £2.50. 425 pages, 1,240 pictures of individual types with technical and interesting detail. What more can one say, it's all there, military vehicles from 1945 from all over the world. Steaming readers will be interested in the heavy stuff; Scammells in profusion. A Marshall earth mover, Fowler "Challenger" track-layers and Foden wagons remind us of the part steam played in military transport in years gone by. A tremendous amount of information between two covers. "INFANTRYMAN".

JOHN FOWLER & CO. (LEEDS) LTD., LIGHT RAILWAY MACHINERY LOCOMOTIVES, A reprint of an original 1926 Catalogue with a new introduction published by the Industrial Railway Society 1972 at 50p. Size 81in. x 1 lin., on good paper this catalogue reprint is very good value at 50p. All the character of the original is retained, including the illustrations which are excellent. Fowlers first venture into the rail loco' field was in 1866 when they produced eleven 2-4-0s with 15in. x 22in. cylinders and 5ft. driving wheels for the Imperial Mexican Railway. They sent engines to railways in all parts of the world, to The London Chatham and Dover Railway, the Great Northern Railway, the Waterford and Kilkenny Railway and to numerous industrial users at home and abroad. The bulk of the railway locomotice production was for quarry, timber and sugar plantation work, generally to 2ft. gauge but a very wide variety, in both size and gauge, were produced. Altogether some 500 engines were built up to about 1936. The last two to Fowler designs were No. 21648 a 2ft. gauge 0-4-0 for the Uganda Sugar Factory Ltd. being built in 1936 by Kitson & Co. Ltd. and No. 22752 a 2ft. gauge 0-4-2 side tank that was built in 1938 by Hudswell Clarke for a customer in Australia. The last diesel locomotive left the works in January 1968. Fowler fans will delight in this catalogue, it is full of interest to anyone interested in steam. Some of the engines have an unfamiliar appearance but then they were designed for specific jobs in unusual places. One at least is fitted with a water lifter. (It is surprising that more industrial locos were not fitted with these cheap but useful appliances). Many of the sugar plantations had dykes separating the "fields" making it easy for engines to replenish their tanks. The catalogue can be had from A. D. Semmens, Esq., 44 Hicks Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex, at 50p., post free. 180

0-4-2 Fowler No. 10978 (1907) "Nicholson". First recorded at the War Department, Royal Artillery Gunnery Establishment, Lydd, Kent. In 1919 she went to Dixon & Cardus Ltd., Northram Oil Mill, Southampton. Scrapped there In 1933. Photo: Industrial Railway Society

Fowler's own works shunter "Lion". Built in 1875 and later re-built with compound cylinders. Photographed at the works in its later years. Photo: Real Photographs Ltd. We would welcome further details on either of the above engines—Editor 181

AMERICAN CARS OF THE 1950s by the Olyslager Organisation, Price £1.80. This may not have much to do with Traction Engines but as the subject is very much a part of transport it is of interest to many of us. It is a companion volume to American Cars of the 1930s and American Cars of the 1940s, and is in the same important transport series as Half Tracks, Fire Fighting Vehicles and Wreckers and Recovery Vehicles. The eighty pages carry 330 illustrations. A remarkable amount of information and interest for only £1.80. INDUSTRIAL RAILWAY RECORD "Record", as it is popularly known is the Industrial Railway Society's equivalent of Steaming. It is of slightly larger format, on equally good paper — which does full justice to the illustrations — and uses a nice readable type face. The content is, of course, on Industrial railways, mainly the steam locomotives that were, and still are at work. These locos are perhaps the closest cousins of our own special interest and often we find familiar

names cropping up; Fowler, McLaren, Sentinel, Aveling & Porter, Ruston Hornsby, etc., etc. A picture illustrating an article on Railways in Iceland shows a small 0-4-0 loco and a single cylinder roller of about 6-8 tons at an open air

museum near Reykjavik. Another article on a Mozambique system includes two photos of Fowler locomotives and gives details of six Fowlers numbered 10853, 12294, 15514. 16021, 16022 and 16023 that worked on this system. Details can be had from R. V. Mulligan, 141 Mold Road, Mynydd Isa, Mold, Flints., CH7 6TG. "METOLUX" Cold casting metals and mouldable wood.

Immediately one mentions words such as "synthetic polymer molecules" and "reactive liquid" the average engineman closes up like a clam and without any further consideration says "that is not for my engine" and there the matter rests. Such modern products are however here and, there is no doubt that not only wi❑ they stay but that their use will increase. I must confess I have some sympathy with the above mentioned "average engineman" and would not be inclined to use "cold-casting iron" for repairing say a steering bracket on an engine, but many jobs do crop up where we can easily, quickly and cheaply effect a repair. During recent weeks I have repaired a half inch hole in a chimney, filled in the irregular spaces between the sheet metal and the cast ring of the chimney (so saving a lot of corrosion) and filled in a three inch hole on the blower of a portable forge. Have just had some welding done on an engine tender I used cold casting metal to do a dual job, filling in the rough places where the welding was done and protecting the plate from further

corrosion. Very of ten when a part breaks or wears out it is simple enough to get another one cast, provided one has the pattern, Generally we do not have these patterns and have to set to and make them or build up the old part to use as a pattern. In both cases "Metolux" will make the

job easier and simpler. Take the case of a chimney base, basically all there but cracked and with bits broken off. This can be repaired with "Metolux" but if you are an "average engineman' nothing but the genuine cast chimney base will do, but "Metolux" can still be invaluable even to you. Fill in the cracks and corroded places. rebuild the broken areas and then take the chimney base to your local foundry where

they will cast you what you want. Many, many uses will come to mind once you have a supply on your shelf. RAN. 182

SHADOWS OF THE GREAT WESTERN

by R. J. Blenkinsop E1.90, published by Oxford Publishing Co. This is a large book, but not too large, (111in. x nin.) many of the, well over a 100 illustrations, are of this size. The author is well known to many of us as "Dick" Blenkinsop, we see him on his delightful little Aveling-Barford Steam Roller at rallies within a reasonable distance of his home near Leamington Spa. Many of the pictures in this magniticent album were taken in that area. Locomotives of the G.W.R. are the main feature but the author has pointed out delightful little details such as the circular and diamond shaped hooks ("on" and "oil") on the gas lamps in Swindon works. The shots are generally the traditional front-three quarter views. They arc neither "clinical" nor "way-out", honest-to-goodness shots of steam locomotives at work. "Double-heading", "bankers", Kings, Stars, Castles, Halls, Counties, 0-4-2s, 0-6-Os, trains in cuttings, trains in tunnels, trains by the sea, trains in the country, plenty of steam and smoke. Heartily recommended. — Ran.

MANN'S PATENT STEAM CART & WAGON CO. LTD.,

A reproduction of 1910 catalogue 85p. This is No. 5 in the series of catalogues reproduced by the Road Locomotive Society, it runs to 72 pages, is packed with illustrations and much interesting detail. Mann's produced a fantastic range of tippers. tarsprayers, patching rollers-cum-carts, "articulated" timber tractors and carriages, dust carts, gulley-emptiers, wagons with compartmental bodies and all types of flat-beds as well as iindertypes, overtypes, both locomotive and vertical hollered as well as the conventional Traction Engine type Tractor. Great use was made of the side fired locomotive type boiler. I am surprised that this was not more widely used. — Ran. "LIGHT RAILWAY & VINTAGE TRANSPORT GUIDE 1973" Edited by Geoffrey Body, published by David and Charles. This year's guide is enlarged in size but the price is held at 20p. As well as the comprehensive text. timetables of no less than twenty-six Light Railways are included. Traction Engines get little mention, one or two museums where engines can be seen are listed then we arc told: "Most of the preserved traction engines and tractors are in private ownership and can best be seen at rallies and similar events". This is a very fair statement but it does seem a pity that not even our National Secretary's address is given. If you are interested in Steam Railways and other aspects of preservation, much useful information is contained herein. An excellent reference. OXFORD PUBLISHING CO. BOOK LIST 1973. Post free from 5 Lewis Close, Risinghurst, Oxford. A browse through this list will be sure to provide an interesting title if you are looking for a present for a friend, or for yourself. The Great Western features strongly but other regions are not forgotton. G.W. Scene, L.M.S. Scene, Southern Scene all by Maurice Early are recommended. N.T.E.C. members Jim Russell and Dick Blenkinsop have produced some important books and both have titles in the "Projected Titles" list. AMUSEMENT WORLD. Offices: 6 Victoria Square, Portland, Dorset. Monthly 12p. Amusement World replaces Steam Sphere which covered Traction Engine and other related activities in 1971 and 1972. The coverage of the new paper is considerably wider than before, dealing with Fairs, Circuses, Zoos. preserved railways. cinema, cinema organs, records and of course, traction engines. The latter do not get a lot of space in the April issue but we are promised better coverage as the more active season comes along. For those with wider interest Amusement World is a MUST. 183

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.

Crofton Pumps — Steaming dates for 1973. 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. Wanted — In good condition — Steaming Vol. 1 (1957) complete; Vol. 2 (1958) complete; Vol. 5 No. 2; Vol. 9 No. 1. State price required — V. H. Burrough, 33 Holland Road, Harlesden, London, NW10 5AH. 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. Chemlsford, Essex. 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. T.E.s at Work (Oakwood) 40p. Plough Engines at Work 30p. Steam up 30p. T.E. Pictures (Beaumont) 20p. Bioscope Shows and Engines 50p. Steam lorry 40p. — 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; T.E. in Review £2.40; Landscape with Machines — Rolt (autobiography) £3.40; Building and Running of Steam T.E. and Roller Models £3.10. — G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading 184

Wanted — The following; please state condition and price: Clark — Chronicles of a Country Works; Clark — Development of the English Traction; Fletcher — Chapter in the History of the Traction Engine; Meyrick-Jones—Steam Road Vehicles; Phoenix — Burrell 2704; R.L.S. — Some Horsmonden Engines; R.L.S. — Some Ploughing Engines; Redstone — The Suffolk Garretts; Savages Ltd. — 100, Not Out; Steam Lorry Album; T.V. T.E.C. — Steam Fair 1964 — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. Wanted — For article, information and photographs of Traction Engines in use with Artillery. — A. C. wan der Giessen, 10 The Grove, Sunderland, SR2 7HF. Good Home — Cash and plenty of loving care offered to Showman's Road Loco or Traction. Any condition considered. — Ring Sheffield 28920 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or write: Brian R. Hardy, 41 Endowood Road, Sheffield, 7 2LY. Wanted — Any information on pair of Fowler Ploughing Engines seen working in Harrow February 1973. Also Aveling & Porter Roller at present situated in children's play area of a park in Cheltenham. Details to: R. E. Davies, 71 Bedford Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6LX. Wanted — Back numbers of "Light Steam Power". Also books, literature, photographs relating to Steam Launches, River Steamers, Paddle Steamers, etc. — Box SL, c/o Ran Hawthorne, editor. Wanted — For restoration of 1924 12 ton P.V. single cylinder Aveling Roller (No. 10981). Cylinder draincocks complete, two Penberthy injectors (H. and L. pressure), water lift, and Prancing Horse. Also any information, in confidence, of where abouts of maker's plate for this engine, so that it can be refitted or a copy taken off. All offers of help appreciated for any of the above items. —G. & J. Horrell, Bridge Farm, Stoke Canon, Exeter, Devon, Tel: Stoke Canon 208.

For Sale - 18 'Nabic' high pressure (250 p.s.i.) No. 3 Fusable Plugs, suitable for Lancashire Dimensions: 1 11/32in. Boilers. across flats, 14in. long, 1+in. across threads (male). - B. R. Skegg, 101 Kneller Road, Whitton, Middlesex, TW2 7DT. For Sale - Roller Liviing Van, ex John Allen and Ford, in need of attention, complete with stove. - F. Saxby, Lavender Cottage, Bailes Lane, Normandy, Surrey, GU3 2AX. Tel: Normandy 2220. For Sale - Rare A. & P. Plough Living Van, Name cast in wheel hubs. Must sell, £25 o.n.o. - C. Flack, Fishers Lane, Orwell, Cambs. Tel: Arrington 260. For Sale - Fowler Steam Plough Van on sound wheels, needing little repair. - A. J. Ward & Sons Ltd., 19/20 Pond Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 86Q. Tel: Staines 57272/3. Wanted, by author for research purposes Steaming Vol. 6 No. 4 and Vol. 13 No. 2. Replies to Editor please. Wanted - Official programme of the 1970 Burton Constable Rally. Information please to: M. Clark, Wedgewood Grove, Leeds, LS 1EG. Autographed Books - The Sentinel, £5.95: A Century of Traction Engines. £2.95 (paper cover £1.25): Steam on Common Roads (Fletcher), £3.50: Modern Steam Road Wagons (Norris, 1906), £2.95: Traction Engines Worth Modelling, £2.95: Fowler Steam Road Vehicles, £1.75: all post free. - W. J. Hughes, 32 Orme Crescent, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2HS. Wanted - Old copies of "The Tober" and "Merry-o-Round". Please state price and issue. - K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. Wanted - Steaming. All issues of 1957, and April and October 1958. - K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. Wanted - To know the whereabouts and owners of the following for record purposes: Barrows/S. 2420 (Port.), Burrell 3064 (T.E.), McLaren 429 (T.E.), Wallis /S. 7947 (R.R.) 7948 (R.R.) - K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT.

Wanted - Memories and any details of engines etc. that worked in Surrey; especially in Esher, Weybridge or Walton. - K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-onThames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. "Levens Hall Steam Collection" on A6 near Kendal. Steaming, Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Sundays, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. 1st May - 20th Sept. Big Engines Steam Sunday. Wanted - 2 wheeled water cart for steam roller. Please state price and condition. - N. Herridge, 32 Hawkhurst Way, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex. Keen Enthusiast (19) - Seeks work with Showman's Engines or Ploughing Engines in help with the restoration or running of, for Rallies, etc., during summer weekends, within approx. 100 mile radius of Worcester Park. (Have own car). Write - D. Sharman, 34 Oaks Ave, Worcs. Park, Surrey. For Sale - 2 Fowler Loco rear wheels, 7ft. x 18in. f150 o.n.o. W. Treloar, Belle Vue, Haltwhistle, Northumberland. Wanted - For Wallis Steevens Advance Steam Roller 8 ton, brass fittings, boiler, clack boxes, valves, injectors, regulator„ wheel, water Dewandre mountings, gauge gauge, copper pipes. Any parts welcome. - L. J. Lambe, 84 Redditch Aoad, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrome. Tel: Bromsgrove 31398. Wanted - Colour slides of engines prior to and after restoration. Details please to: G. R. Turner, Rock Cottage, St. John's Road, Matlock, DE4 3PR. Wanted - Three cock water gauge, safety covers, two needed for Ransomes Agricultural, 71in. over nuts. - D. R. Bartop, 7 Danesfield Road, Worksop, Notts. Tel: 2512. Exchange Rubber Tyres - 2 wanted. Inside dia. 24in. to 261in. Overall width 4/in. Overall thickness 21in. Would exchange any two of the following, or sell. 2 - 22in. x 6in. x 21in. £8 each. (Need rib turning off inside). 1 - 251in. x 6in. x 21 in. £12. 2 - 12iin. x 6in. x 21in. £5 each. 1 - 61in. x 6in. x 11in. £1. 1 - 16in. x 4in. x 21in. £6. 2 - 111in. x 31in. x 2in. £4 each. 1 - 91in. x 21in. x 2in. £3. D. R. Bartop, 7 Danesfield Road, Worksop, Notts. Tel: 2512. 185

Wanted — A copy of "The Development of the English Traction Engine" by R. H. Clarke. Please state price and condition.2 Birch Grove, St. Giles, Nr. Torrington, N. Devon. For Sale — 1907 Wallis & Steevens Traction Engine, single cylinder, 7 n.h.p. Retubed and in good working order. Can be seen in S.W. Wilts. Best offer over £3,000. Steam Preservation—The happy, light hearted review published by the East Anglian Club. 24 pages comprising news and plenty of unusual items. Send 20p (plus 5p. P.P.) for trial copy to: — Mrs. M. Lyon, 3 Church Lane, Ford End, Chelmsford, Essex. Wanted — Steaming Vol. 1 No. 4 Oct. 1957; Vol. 2 No. 2 Apl. No. 3 July 1958; Vol. 3 No. 1 Jan. 1959; Vol. 6 No. 4 Oct. 1962. Please state price and condition.— H. R. Turner, 12 High Street, Newtown, Mont. Wanted — 2in. o/d. Boiler Tubes, 55in. long for Wallis Roller. For Sale — Connecting rod, guide bars, gland cylinder cover, expansion (double faced) slide valve, crosshead. All to suit 6 h.p. Wallis Expansion Engine. Also: Tangy No. 2 Steam Water Pump. Brand new. Exchanges for Wallis 10 ton Roller parts. — Patrick Coxall, Smokey Cottage, Lion Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, 4439. Wanted — Left hand clack valve for restoration of W. & S. Roller 7738 (1924) 8 tonner. — T. Mansky, 13 Beechcroft, Hampstead Norris, Nr. Newbury, Berks. For sale — Fuel tender, comprising 1 ton coal bunker and 250 gall. tank mounted on 3 wheel (pneumatics) chassis. £75 o.n.o. 1 Foster oil pump (new) and check valve f8. 7 Tube expanders, sizes 2iin. - 2in. Pickering governors, less valve seat body, E. — F. R, Bird. 77 Forest Road, Mansfield, Notts. Wanted — Rear Roll for Wallis

& Steevens 7738, axle dia. 4in. Roll dia. 58in. Width 15/in. or similar, but 601in. dia. — T. Mansky, Jnr., 13 Beechcroft, Hampstead Norris, Newbury. Berks. Wanted — Steaming back numbers. I have a few back numbers available. Please enclose SAE. — Ran Hawthorne, editor,

186

Is Your Pressure Gauge Accurate? — Bring your gauge and test it on my "Budenberg Master Hydraulic Testing Machine", accuracy

guaranteed. All pressures from 5 p.s.i. to 6,000 p.s.i. Tel: Berkhamsted 5801 for an appointment. Fee 50p. — Claypole-Smith, "Rose Cottage", Bank Mill, Berkhamsted, Herts. "Seventy Years a Showman" — "Lord" George Sanger, one copy

only, in good condition. — R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, Berks, RG8 OSE. For Sale — Ninety-seven feet, brand new 4in. leather driving belt. Also, One Carters "Unique" Stacking Elevator, little used since new. 28ft. high. — Peter Hough, Broad Lane Farm, Bloxwich. Tel: 76748 evenings. For Sale — A deceased member's books: 50, "Railway Wonders of the World" Jan. 1935-36, 2 missing, £5. "Compound Locomotive" — Woods 1891, £4. "Locomotives" Morton Bell 1936, 2 Vols. 1 & 2, £4 each. "A Treatise on Steam Boilers" — Wilson 1879, £1. "On Sound" — Tyndall 1869, £1:50. "The Romance of Modern Electricity" — Gibson 1910, £2. 250 copies of Model Engineer mostly 1958-65 — Offers. — Mary Barlow, 16 Church Street, Didcot, Berks. Tel: Didcot 2057. For Sale — Instructions for 1020 Tractor, cover and some pages missing. Instructions for I.H.C. Waukesha Model "XA" some pages missing. Parts catalog for Caterpillar Fifteen (1929). Instruction Boow "Tractractor" Model T20 (1932). Fordson Major (TVO) 183 pages. Another similar 168 pages. Instruction Book (Standard) Fordson. Instructions and Manual Massey-Harris "101 Junior" & "102 Junior". Oils for "Caterpillar" Tractors 32 pages. Instructions for McCormick-Deering Plow No. 8C (1940). Handbook for Lister 2-Flywheel Model Type "A" & "B" Vertical Engines, with spares list and drawings. Instructions No. 2822A FairbanksMorse "FM" "FM-K" & "FMO" Magnetos. Four Tractor leaflets. Offers. — G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading.

THE

1973 STEAM & ORGAN YEARBOOK LISTS ALLTRACTION ENGINE CLUBS & SOCIETIES - FAIR ORGAN & FAIR GROUND SOCIETIES - STEAM ORGAN MUSEUMS & COLLECTIONS - MODEL ENGINEERING CLUBS & SOCIETIES STANDARD & NARROW GAUGE PRESERVED RAILWAYS, MINIATURE RAILWAYS, PERIODICALS, ETC. AND CONTAINS THE COMPREHENSIVE TRACTION ENGINE RALLY & STEAM FAIR DIARY A TOTAL OF OVER 60 PAGES OF INVALUABLE INFORMATION ESSENTIAL FOR ALL ENTHUSIASTS.

PRICE 20p plus 5p postage per copy NOW AVAILABLE FROM-

TRACTION ENGINE ENTERPRISES, 4 STATION ROAD, CHINGFORD, LONDON, E4 7BE.

GREAT WORKING OF STEAM ENGINES STOURPAINE BUSHES, BLANDFORD JOHN JEFFERY & SON are favoured with instructions from the Dorset Steam & Historic Vehicle Club to conduct a SALE by AUCTION, at the ABOVE EVENT, of

VINTAGE MACHINERY & VEHICLES, OLD-TIME BYGONES on FRIDAY, 21st SEPTEMBER, 1973, commencing at 11 a.m. precisely. Entry Forms from the Auctioneers' Offices, Shaftesbury (Tel, 2242/3), Dorset: Salisbury (Tel. 5337/8/9), Wilts. Wanted - Makers catalogues, rally programmes etc. Please state price. - K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. For Sale - Burrell firebars 32in. long, £1.50 each. - T. Gascoigne, Mumfords Garage, Middleton Road, Banbury. Tel: Banbury 3843. Wanted - Information as to owners and whereabouts of the following Burrell engines. T.E.'s: 2298, 2770, 3031, 3307, 3455, 3461, 3614, 3903, 3921, 3976, 4014. Tractor: 3387. Road Locos: 3633, 3869. - Details to R. A. Harding, 59 Conies Road, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1 BB. All postage refunded.

Wanted - Information of the present owners and any details of the following Fowler ploughing engines. Nos. 13422, 13483, 13727/8, 13870/1, 13881, 14214, 14255/6, 14257/8, 14346, 14349, 14371/2, 14712, 15133, 15137, 15148, 15170, 15337, 15408/9, 15422/3, 15534/5. - Any details to R. A. Harding, 59 Conies Road, Halstead, Essex, C09 1 BB. All postage refunded. For Sale - Baker 180 gallon Water Cart in bits. Wants restoring, £15. Also pair of front rolls off 1901 Marshall roller, tyres 2+in. thick. - A. Burge, Evenleigh, Threshers Road, Crediton, Devon. 187

N.T.E.C. SALES "STEAMING PUBLICATIONS Showman's Special Edition Traction Engine Special Edition Engines at Work Steam Wagons and Tractors 'Cordex' Binders for Steaming

£p 1.00 1.00 .40 .20 1.26

BOOKS AND REPRINTS A Century of T.E.s — Hughes (paperback) Aveling & Porter Reprint Catalogue Burrell Reprint Catalogue (1881) Burrell Reprint Catalogue (1909) Foden Reprint Catalogue Mann Reprint Catalogue

1.25 1.00 .75 1.25 1.00 .85

BADGES AND TIES N.T.E.C. Lapel Badges (roller, wagon, steam tractor, P.E., T.E. or S.E. Please state choice) each .33 2.75 N.T.E.C. Car Badge (bar or grill fixing) 1.37 N.T.E.C. Ties (blue or green)

VAT, where applicable, is included. All items post free to members N.T.E.C. Non members please add 5p per book. Cheques, Postal Orders, etc. payable to N.T.E.C.

V. H. Burrough (N.T.E.C. Sales Officer), 33 Holland Road, Harlesden, London NW10 5AH Printed by Chiltern Printers (Slough) Ltd., Kelpatrick Road, Slough, Bucks.