Steaming 1973 Vol.17 No.1

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB

Vol. 17 No. 1

DECEMBER 1973

SENTINEL No. 5644, EX-TEIGNMOUTH QUAY, DEVON. Copyright photo by courtesy of J. H. Russell.

ST. GILES FAIR MEMORIES MEN OF STEAM — WALTER E. FITTER 1973 RALLY REPORTS

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., 94 Harvist Road, Kensal Rise, London, NW6 6HL. 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 subscription is £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, Viv Kirk, Rob Gebhard, Alan Porter, Bill Oswald. Ken Ellwood. Jim Russell and many more. 2

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB EDITOR: RAN HAWTHORNE, 19 BRIDLE PATH, WOODCOTE, READING, RG8 OSE. VOLUME 17 No. 1

DECEMBER 1973

FROM THE EDITOR'S CHAIR Well, here it is a full colour cover. We hope you like it. The next edition will he a special edition entitled Steam in Cornwall. This is already in hand but we would welcome articles and photos old and new relating to this title. These should be in my hands by the end of January, Advertisements will be accepted up to mid February. For this issue we have had so much material that we have had to use the "blue pencil" quite hard. Even so a number of items have had to be held over for future editions. Steaming would like to wish all readers "A Happy Christmas and Good Steaming in 1974".

" BLOW OFF " Steaming's Opinion Column There is no doubt that it was steam that made Britain great. Steam power enabled us to "rule the waves". Steam was the power that made the goods that went all over the world, proudly carrying the legend "Made in Great Britain". A few words which in themselves were a guarantee. Since then of course we have, as a nation, turned our backs almost entirely on steam. Apart from electricity generating we have laid aside a vast store of technical know-how, being only too ready to jump on the internal combustion band wagon. Had our steam engine building firms been given even a fair chance (instead of being almost forced out of business) in the 1920s we would have seen Britain fairly and squarely in the lead in world transport today. Instead of German and Swedish lorries powering down our motorways it could have been clean whispering M registration Fodens and Sentinels. Instead of Polish tractors screaming across our fields we should have had, and could have had, a sleek monster with all "modcons", hydraulic lifts, pneumatic tyres, etc., and a wisp of steam at the safety valve as it purred across our broad acres without polluting the atmosphere. It is easy to conjecture like this and say what might have been; but it could you know! In fact it is not too late now and surely the oil famine, is the writing on the wall that ought to be telling the world, and this country in particular "go back to steam". With our vast wealth of technology and while we still have men of steam, the two together could surely produce steam wagons, tractors and rollers with automatic boiler waster feed control, automatic fuel feed (yes, even using best Welsh) giving us vehicles superior to anything we now have but without pollution. Vehicles which could put Britain in the lead once more. 3

N.T.E.C. NEWS COMING OF AGE Our club grew out of the old National Traction Engine and Tractor Owners' Association. Members of this body were involved in the events held in Berkshire and Oxfordshire in the early 50s, on 7th November 1954, a meeting was held at Shiplake, between Henley-on-Thames and Reading, when the National Traction Engine Club was formed. This date therefore can be firmly claimed as our birthday. Shortly afterwards Steaming came into being and our well known emblem (the traction engine with only two wheels, as it has been referred to!) appeared on notepaper and rally programmes. The present executive committee is aware that our coming-of-age will be in November 1975 and are already considering plans to celebrate the occasion. They would welcome any ideas from members as the form of the coming-of-age event or events. Ideas to George Beck, please.

EMBLEM REGISTERED It was announced at a recent committee meeting that the design of our emblem has now been registered at Stationers Hall. The design is now therefore protected for use by the club or for the use of any affiliated club or any organisation who may be given permission to use it.

Above are the three designs which are registered, they may not be used without the permission of the club. Design (i) has been recently produced for use on affiliated club stationery. Blocks of this size can be borrowed from George Beck. Any "Approved Rally" can borrow large or small blocks of design (ii) for their rally publications. Any approved rally placing an advert in Steaming can have this emblem incorporated in their advert, free of charge, on request to the Editor when sending copy for the advert.

N.T.E.C. INSURANCE SCHEME As N.T.E.C. policy holders are being advised when their individual policies become due for renewal, the Dominion policy now includes a Warranty that there shall be in force a current boiler inspection certificate. Unless such a certificate is available, insurance will be restricted to Fire, Theft and Explosion whilst the engine is laid up and out of use, until satisfactory boiler inspection has been carried out. It is therefore essential for continuity of full insurance, that each owner ensures that arrangements are made for inspection, before expiry of his current report. Application forms are sent out where applicable, with insurance renewal notices, but further copies can be obtained at any time from Tennant, Bud & Roderic Pratt. MRS. V. JESSUP. Combe End Crowborough, Sussex TN6 1NJ. 4

CLUB STANDS AT RALLIES Club stands have appeared at numerous rallies and events again this year. The stand provides a meeting place for members. Books, badges, etc., can be inspected before purchase and postage can be saved by buying from the stand. We arc most grateful to those dedicated members who have given up their time to man (and woman!) these stands. We do need extra staff to help with this work. Volunteers are needed in all areas but particularly in the north and west. If you would like more, details of the involvement please write to our Sales Officer, Vic Burrough 94 Harvist Road, Kensal Rise, London NW6 6HL.

N.T.E.C. SOCIAL MEETINGS At the "Cock Tavern", Great Portland Street, London WI (2 minutes from Oxford Circus Underground Station). Meetings in spring of 1974 commencing 8.00 p.m. All members welcome. 30th January — Steam Boats (Mr. J. E. Minns). 27th February — Preserving a Super Sentinel (Mr. J. Lawrence). 27th March — District and Metropolitan Railways (Mr. J. R. Day). 20th April — Members' Slides. C.G.M.

AFFILIATED CLUB MEETINGS Masham T.E. and Vintage Tractor Ciub meet on Tuesday, 27th Nov., Tuesday, 8th Jan., Tuesday. 5th Feb., Tuesday, 5th March, and Tuesday, 2nd April. Further details from C. F. Holliday, Low Springs, Low Burton. Masham, Yorkshire . Thames Valley T.E. Club meets at 7.30 p.m. on the second Monday every month at the Englefield Social Club, Englefield, which is half way between Pangbourne and Theale, Berks., about eight miles west of Reading. New members and visitors are always welcome.

AUTOMATIC HALF BARRIER LEVEL CROSSINGS We have heard from our member Paul Abbott, who was asked to write to the club by his divisional office (of BR) at Sutton, Surrey. Recently enquiries following an automatic half barrier level crossing failure in this Division showed that prior to the incident traction engines d had been using the crossing. Although no direct connection was establishe between this fact and the actual failure. concern has been expressed that the Drivers of these engines did not carry out the relevant regulations. The particular regulation concerns use of the telephone to obtain permission to use the crossing where the vehicle concerned is 'incapable of proceeding, or is unlikely to proceed over the automatic half-barrier level crossing at a speed exceeding 5 miles per hour'. Paul enclosed a photo copy of the relevant regulations. These are too long to quote in full but what it boils down to is that anyone driving any steam vehicle, except perhaps steam wagons, should stop at these crossings and 'phone the signalman, using the 'phone provided, before crossing. The same regulations would also apply to anyone driving Veteran (I.C.) Tractors if pulling a thresher, baler, plough or similar tackle. We would emphasise that these are statutory regulations laid down in Road Traffic Act. Any contravention of these regulations would con-r stitute an offence. All owners and drivers are therefore asked to remembe these points and to telephone before crossing. 5

REMINISCENCES OF ST. GILES FAIR by Viv Kirk of Oxford Working at the "Electra" Cinema considerably curtailed my fair going visits at the start of the 1937 season which began with the Band Contests held at the Botley Road recreation ground during the early summer. For the first time I could not be present to watch the draw-in on the Thursday, followed by the building up, which I used to look forward to, only managing a short visit during my tea break early Friday evening. We did not finish work at the cinema until after the last house at 10.45 p.m. The showman attending that year was F. Gray of London, who brought his steam driven gallopers; the loads being hauled by an engine I had never seen before — Foster No. 12468 "Olympic". After missing the draw-in and most of the fair, my one consolation was that I was able to watch the pull down Sunday and departure of the Foster and galloper loads later that day. The wording on the trucks was "F. Gray Amusements, Happy Hampstead". "Blossom" Trinder with J. Curtis & Sons Tasker tractor on timber haulage was about the only steam driven vehicle still to be seen regularly about Oxford in 1937. By mid-summer I had left the "Electra" cinema and had an invitation to have a day up in London with some near neighbours who had moved up there, travelling 6s. return United Counties from Gloucester Green to Victoria Coach Station where I was to be met by our former neighbours. While waiting outside the station I was amazed to see amongst all the bustle of modern transport a real old veteran of the 1914-113 war. a Dennis solid tyred lorry, heavy loaded. To think in the capital where you would never think ❑f seeing such a vehicle. Had 1 my way, I could have welt liked to have spent the day looking for such old timers, as there must

have been many more like it, still working in London including some

J. Curtis & Sons Foden 5532 (M 7463) new to Simmonds Brewery Reading. Driven by Blossom Trinder in 1920s. 6

steam wagons. As it was we went to the Victoria cinema to see a new film and film star, Tyrone Power in "Lloyds of London", returning to Oxford on the 7.0 p.m. coach. They were I think Gilford petrol engined or Leyland coaches. Some weeks before the Great Western Railway Floral Fete and Show, my father had opened for a trial a Fit Up company playing old time dramas and farces with some out-of-work former music hall artists and actors with a try out of the show one Saturday afternoon at the Village Hall, Bletchingdon just outside Oxford. Owing to most of the people of the village being away at a cricket match outing, the show never opened! My mother, father and myself, several of the actors who were staying in Oxford were given a lift back in the car owned by the father of two of the young ladies in the show who lived at Wantage, Although their father was the headmaster of a school there, the daughters were anxious to gain acting experience with a stage career in mind. It so happened as we came into Oxford along the Woodstock Road at Summertown a fair and fete was opened in a small recreation ground on the left hand side of the road, near the Red Lion. In position behind a high stone wall were two Burrell Showman's Engines driving the two machines present — a Noah's Ark and a Dodgem. The two engines looked like R. Edwards Burrell No. 3950 "Progress" and No. 3836 "Starlight" in the short glance I had as we went by the ground.

Foden "Betty". New to Maples of London 1915. Photographed at Chewley Brickworks 1923. Driver Bert Last and mate A. Hazel.

By the time of the G.W.R. Fete and Show a few weeks later I was working in one of the university's science departments finishing at 4.30 p.m. and 11.30 a.m. on Saturday, which left me time to see some of C. and I. Thurstons engines and the machines being built up on the Thursday with Saturday afternoon and evening at the Fete. There that year were the Dodgems, Swirl and Chariot racers with the three Burrells No. 3200 "Unity", No. 3075 "'Alexandra" and No. 3827 "Victory". A few weeks later on the Thursday before St. Giles Fair I was not able, as in the past, to be present for the arrival of F. Wilsons two Burrells No. 3272 "King George V" and No. 3273 "Queen Mary" with the Ark and Dodgem loads as they pulled onto the Oxpens lorry park. On my arrival there Thursday evening quite a few of the Showman's loads had pulled in. 7

Friday evening I found Jacob Studts Burrell No. 3967 "Morning Star" with the Chariot Racers had pulled in at the G.W.R. goods yard, Becket Street. Up to this time several showmen with side stalls used to pull on to the forecourts and yards of several hostelries, amongst these being The Old Gate House, Botley Road where one showman in previous years had a Foden box type body steam wagon. At the Anchor, New Road another showman with F.W.D. lorry and solid tyred Locomobile box body lorry used to stay in the yard at the side of the hostelry. Years later I found out these vehicles were owned by the Oxfordshire showmen Hatwell Bros. At the Horse and Jockey, Woodstock Road, also the nearest parking place to St. Giles, a showman with a box type lorry and living van used to pull on to the forecourt at the front of the pub. I used to find this all very pleasant to see as the lorries were painted and lined very nicely with parts of the stalls carried on the top of the roof of the box body, ends protruding front and back. Today it is sometimes difficult to tell some showman's lorry loads from contractor's plant moving from sites being painted a light grey towing a modern two wheel trailer living van. Saturday morning I missed the arrival of C. and J. Thurstons three Burrels and loads, also H. P. Studts Burrell No. 3371 "Lord George" and Fowler No. 9502 "King Edward". all these engines and loads having drawn in by the time I got there. Thurstons BurnIls No. 3200 "Unity", No. 3075 "Alexandra" and No. 3827 "Victory" pulled in at their usual place — the forecourt of the old L.M.S. station and 14. P. Studts two engines ott the G.W.R. goods yard slope. Down at the Oxpens lorry park, Jack Proctors loads of the Airway had drawn in, one engine less, the machine being transported that year by two brass radiatored heavy looking lorries, Armstrong Saucers, these lorries becoming very popular later with the showman. 1 was sorry not to see either Burrell No. 3879 "Jack" or W. Wilsons Burrell No. 3938 "Quo Vadis". One of the Saurers was fitted as a tractor hauling two trucks, the machine centre truck and gate truck. The other vehicle was fitted with a box body, carrying the roundings and panels, cars of the machine, both lorries being fitted with large dynamos. As the tractors was not fitted with a wire rope winch I wondered how they were going to get the centre up in position on its gantry. In St. Giles that evening, this proved quite simple. The tractor pushed the centre truck up using a push bar on its front coupling, the tractor's front wheels also going up the run ups, reaching the half way point before the centre truck was in its right position on its gantry. John Flanagan steam driven gallopers centre truck was in position that evening in St. Giles and A. Bird's steam yachts starling from scratch Monday morning were again the only steam driven rides at the fair that year. The centres were placed in position between 6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. watched by some hundred people or more. T walked down later in the evening to the station goods yard to see Thurstons three Burrells, H. P. Studts Burrell and Fowler. With the Saturday and Sunday before the great day, I think it all added up to the showmen giving us four days of great pleasure, the two days before the fair followed by the two days of the fair itself. Whether the showmen attending St. Giles in those days thought of it the same way I never knew; some most likely were pleased when it was all over for another year. Fair Sunday as usual saw large crowds in St. Giles and quite a lot of visitors at the railway stations and the Oxpens to see the engines and loads. Later in the evening the engines were lit up, steam raised and dampercd down ready for the 5 a.m. draw-in Monday morning. The Monday morning draw-in was still a wonderful occasion with large crowds, sadly engines attending being down in numbers. As far as I can remember, those attending were W. Nicholls Burrell No. 3949 "Princess Mary" (this was the last St. Giles Fair she attended before being replaced by a Foden diesel tractor), W. Nichols other Burrell No. 2562 "Empress of the South" (also her last St. Giles), F. Wilsons two 8

Burrells No. 3272 "King George V" and No. 3273 "Queen Mary", Jacob Studts Burrell No. 3967 "Morning Star", J. and C. Thurstons Burrells No. 3200 "Unity". No. 3075 "Alexandra" and No. 3827 "Victory", John Flanagans Foster No. 12538 "Surprise" the last engine on the east side. On the other side, west, were H. P. Studts Burrell No. 3371 "Lord George" and Fowler No. 9502 "King Edward". Rides were nearly the same as the previous years except H. P. Studts Loch Ness Monster was absent, writing from memory this new ride being replaced with the Dodgems and Swirl, as in former years. I cannot remember seeing the Lock Ness Monster machine of H. P. Studts attending St. Giles except the once.

W. Nicholl's Burrell No. 2562 "Empress of the South". (Copyright photo). The fair that year still had the atmosphere of those few years left before the 1939-45 war. I think it was the showman's engines being still there, not in the numbers of former years but there, nevertheless. Flanagans Gallopers and A. Bird's Steam Yachts added colour. Without them, somehow the fair would not be the same. After watching the draw-in at 5 a.m. and the building up I had to leave at 8.30 a.m. for work so I missed my two days there, not being able to get there until the evenings, spending most of my time at the side of the fair where the engines were driving the machines. Jack Proctors Armstrong Saurer tractor developed some trouble during the evening of the Monday. the other Armstrong Saurer with the box body having to take over driving the Airways. One of the two Dennis former buses with the steam yachts was boiling well at the radiator driving the lights during the evening. The three coal fired chip and fish carts standing side by side near St. Giles Church were still there that year. How nice the smell of the chips used to be with a wiff of the smoke from the fire. Chipperfields wild animals show standing where W. Taylors famous Bioscope, before my time, used to stand at the northern end of St. Giles, with the church on the right-hand side and Little Clarendon Street on the other. This being the last glimpse of the fair I had on my way home, the end of the shows white and red canvas side being plainly seen from the Walton Street end of Little Clarendon Street, where visitors to the fair, before my time, looking down that same street would have seen one of Taylor's two Burrells, alongside their Bioscope Show. 9

MEN OF STEAM

WALTER E. FITTER by Man Porter

A recent portrait of Walter Fitter.

Steam had been established in the family business long before Walter Fitter ever saw the light of day, His grandfather, after whom he is named, travelled all over the world as a salesman and fitter for the famous firm of John Fowler & Co. Ltd., of Leeds, before starling the Warrington Threshing Company with a Mr. Farrington as partner in 1885. From one engine and threshing box the business soon expanded and before long another three sets of threshing tackle had been added. Business steadily increased and in 1910 Walter Senior bought out his partner and ran the business under his own name until his retirement in the 1930s. 10

A typical threshing scene from Grandfather Fitter's day. Wording on the tender; Warrington & Dist. Threshing Co., Warrington. Engine is believed to be a Wantage.

When Walter's father, Dan Fitter, was of school leaving age (14), he, too, worked for Fowlers, as an apprentice and after serving his time he moved to Ruston & Hornsby of Grantham for a short time. The outbreak of the Great War in 1914 saw Dan Fitter in service with the R.A.S.C. as a Staff Sergeant where his experience with steam engines served him well. On leaving the Army in 1920 he returned to the family threshing business which had grown to a dozen sets of tackle, and as a consequence had moved from Sankey Bridges to larger premises at Sankey Hall, Great Sankey. where Walter carries on his business to this day. In this atmosphere of steam Walter began life in 1920, the eldest of five children arid it was soon evident that steam held a great attraction for Walter. His first taste of the stuff came when he was not quite four years old, when his father took him on their Fowler single No. 7968 to a local farm, with Walter firmly placed in the tender! As a young boy Walter always had a fascination for steam and things mechanical and although he lived some distance away, could invariably be found at the yard at Sankey Hall where his grandparents lived. It wasn't long, however, before he was expected to help out in the business and such an occasion happened while he was still at junior school. During lessons one afternoon he was summoned to the front of the class. With much foreboding the young Fitter went to the teacher. "You're excused classes," said the teacher, "your father is outside to take you home." So off went a bewildered Walter with his family and when they arrived at the yard his father said, "Take that tackle to Stockton Health, I'll pick you up later tonight!' Walter did not refuse his father (in fact he quite enjoyed the idea) and so, at the ripe old age of 11, he found himself in charge of a 6 hp Fowler compound engine No. 7556 complete with threashing box and baler and an old Irish labourer as steersman. The six-mile journey, even today would be hazardous enough, but then was even worse with 11

rough sets, trams and horse drawn traffic to contend with on th . e narrow roads. But young Walter eventually made it with out accident and was duly met by his father that evening — on a tram! About this time his grandfather retired but Walter's father wasn't handed the business on a plate — he had to buy it! Included in the business were all the buildings, repair equipment and workshops; eight sets of threshing tackle comprising Fowler compound No. 7556, Fowler single cylinder No. 7968, Foden single cylinder No. 422, Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries compound No. 20503, Aveling,. & Porter road loco No. 5708, McLaren compound No. 1577, Burrell single cylinder No. 2766, Wallis & Steevens No. 2928; eight threshing boxes and eight balers. Walter by now was furthering his education at Wade Deacon Grammar School in Widnes and there were no days off here to help with the business. Any time for working or just "tinkering with engines" that Walter wanted had to be found in the evenings and at weekends. As a result homework was often neglected or scrimped at the very least. Most weekends, when his schoolmates were playing football or other games, Walter could be found in the yard under, on top of, or actually inside the boiler of an engine. If not employing his talents on repair work. Walter would then be found helping out with the threshing. On one occasion he had to take some tea to his father who was out with the 7 hp Foden, threshing box and baler, taking them to Calland's Farm at Bewscy a few miles away. The road, if it could be called that, to the farm, first ran between the Sankey Canal and the overflow before. cutting across soft land for about a mile. Recent heavy rain handn't helped the road surface at all and on the way there, Walter could plainly see the signs of a continuous struggle to keep the train on the road. When Walter caught up with his father the inevitable had happened. The Foden had got too near the edge of the road and the soft bank had collapsed tipping the engine into the ditch. It took four men, plus young Walter, all weekend in the rain and clinging mud to extract the old Foden. During the next few years many more such incidents, from broken axles to major breakdowns. were to help Walter gain invaluable knowledge about steam engines, threshing tackle and other farm machinery. In 1937 Walter said goodbye to the Grammar School and, of course, started work full time in his father's business. For the princely sum of two shillings a week all found! During the early part of the Second World War one of their engines got into difficulties when taking a set of threshing tackle from Bold Heath to Preston Brook, near Fordsham. The engine was the little 6 hp Fowler compound No. 7556 which began to make a very peculiar rattling sound just on the Cheshire side of Warrington. The driver sent for Walter, who immediately set off for the scene in a breakdown vehicle — a battered old bicycle with as many spanners as could be managed. On arrival Walter set the engine gently ticking over, but could not detect the trouble, so the engine was put in gear and set in motion while Walter walked beside, listening for the trouble. They had barely gone 40 yards when there was one heck of a thump from the I.p. cylinder followed by the queerest exhaust beat Walter had ever heard. When the remains of the cylinder end were removed it was plain to see what had happened — the rings had worn, then broken up and had finally been crushed into tiny fragments before the pressure fractured the piston head and the end cover. The engine couldn't be left on the road, so Walter removed the piston head, letting the piston rod run free, and somehow managed to get the engine and tackle into a nearby farm with the Fowler making the oddest of noises. He then set off back to the yard at Great Sankey for a replacement engine but the only one available was the big Aveling & Porter road loco No. 5708. She was quickly prepared and steam raised, but as no one else was available Walter had to take the Aveling single handed to the stricken Fowler. Walter's day hadn't finished yet , having changed engines, leaving the Aveling to continue to Preston Brook, he struggled the six miles back home with the compound Fowler working as a single! 12

Wartime work brought extra work to everyone and Dan Fitter, Threshing Contractors was no exception, with over a dozen sets of threshing tackle to operate, diminishing manpower and more and more repair work being taken on. Despite the draughting of a contingent of 40 land girls, operating the machines became so difficult towards the end of 1941 that Walter was sent out with a hurriedly gathered set of tackle comprising a 6 ton Foden wagon No. 11490 (brought the previous year from the Liverpool Warehousing Company), a ,,,brand new 54in. Foster threshing box and a big Howard baler. The Foden had a short wheelbase and was easy to manoeuvre in the dry, but in soft conditions proved very difficult indeed. Many a time, as Walter found to his cost, the heavy front end would frequently nose-dive into snow or simply sink into any soft spots and then it was a case of dig — as the wagon had no wire rope, only two shining shovels! Despite its small size No. 11490 threshed well all that season under the guidance of Walter. Not every job was a piece of cake and the following winter made sure of that! One day Walter, with their yard foreman went out to a farm at Haydock with the faithful Foden wagon to collect a worn out long boilered Marshall compound traction which was to be overhauled. On the outward journey snow began to fall and by the time they were ready to return snow was falling heavily, covering everything in a thick while coat. Although they were using a vee bar, holding the Marshall in these conditions was an awful task and the smooth solid tyres of the Foden didn't help. Frequently one or both engines ended up in the gutter or on the footpath and on the road near the old Ear'Mown Racecourse, which was used as a tank training ground at this time, the surface was the roughest of all. By the time they had negotiated this Siberian waste and reached Earlstown conditions were so bad and daylight so poor that a halt to the pantomime was called, the two engines being conveniently parked right outside the Swan Inn! Next day chains were brought from the yard and with a good supply of cinders the ailing Marshall finally reached the yard. During this winter period one of Silcock Brothers spare engines, Burrell No. 3714 "Violet Lily" was sent to Sankey Hall by the L.W.A.E.C. (Lancashire War Agricultural Executive Committee) as Walter's father was short of engines for threshing. The dynamo was removed and the canopy shortened to half length but before she started threshing she was used for a short while as a chain-horse, moving anyone or anything that got into difficulty. Walter was sent on many rescue operations including one which involved a complete threshing set — Burrell traction, threshing box, baler and living van — which had got into trouble in thick snow outside Ditton on its way to Burtonwood Village. Walter was soon on the scene with the fast rubber tyred Burrell, quickly sorted the train out and set off for Burtonwood as fast as he dared, stopping for no one, not even the local constabulary. As soon as conditions improved "Violet Lily" was put to threshing and served well for the next four years or so after which she was taken back by Si!cock's and soon after ended her days in a scrapyard at Wigan. Another aspect of steam working that Walter became involved with for a short time was that of tree pulling. His father was contracted to remove 40 or 50 trees from the grounds of Penketh Hall and Walter was put on the job as second man with the powerful 8 hp McLaren traction No. 1577. Walter's main task was to help drag the wire rope out, couple up the tree and act as signal man to the driver. Work was going well until they came to a particularly large lime tree. On the first attempt the McLaren "climbed up" the single rope, tipping the contents of the bunker all over the footplate and almost leaving the firebox crown bare, A snatch block was next brought in, but as the McLaren only had a short rope, clearance between it and the tree was not very great. To ease the pull, those roots which could easily be cut were severed with an axe before winching began This time the tree began to move. There was a shout. The tree came out and with it an uncut root 13

of some length. The shout was in vain as the large root catapulted out of the ground and caught one of the labourers squarely between the eyes and laid him out flat. After this they reverted to single roping and safer working distances. Repairs. particularly heavy repairs, continued to occupy Walter's time and included fitting new fireboxes to three engines. The first was their Burrell No. 2766 and while under repair an old Marshall compound engine, which Walter's father had bought from The Huyton Threshing Company took over the duties of the Burrell. In due course No. 2766 was finished and Waiter, with Johnny Cook as steersman, took her out and returned with the Marshall. With new firebox and tubes the Burrell steamed very well and the 14 miles to Billinge, where the Marshall was working, were soon covered. Not so on the return journey. Although she ran Well on the belt when threshing, on the road the Marshall was a different engine, continually breaking cotter pins on the big wedge pins and sending these pins crashing down into the hornplates. Every two miles or so they had to stop, pick up the bits and re-adjust the big end, then set off again. After ten miles of this crazy behaviour daylight was failing fast and they found themselves without lights, no water, no coal and four more miles to go. The water problem was soon solved at the next horse trough but the fuel situation proved more difficult and they ended up by taking it in turn to walk ahead of the engine collecting anything that would burn. This epic journey finished around eleven o'clock that night, but the curious thing was that the offending wedge pin never came out on the final four miles! Shortly after a 6 hp McLaren No. 616 was purchased from Hampshire Brothers of Raventhorpe to replace the awkward Marshall. On examining the engine Walter's father decided on a rebuild, a job which became quite

significent for it was first time that Walter actually made a firebox and the first time that the plates were welded together instead of rivetting. War time necessitated the repair of engines when normally they would be scrapped and this led Walter into having a hand in re-boxing a further Iwo engines — their 6 hp Ransomes. Sims and leffri&s and a compound Foden No. 1579. The Foden was bought for £10 from Wilson's of Tarporl.ev• Hay arid Straw Dealers, and was in a very run•down condition as well as being frozen solid when purchased. The engine was brought in with the little Foden wagon but before work could commence another job arose, No 1579 was left to thaw out. Walter, with two others, went to collect a roller abandoned by its driver outside Warrington at Croft on its way to a job at Knowsley Hall (now known as Knowsley Safari Park). When the three arrived they found one of the dirtiest and roughest steam rollers that they had ever seen. Back at the yard the roller, a 10 ton compound Aveling & Porter, was washed out, cleaned up and put in workable condition. Around dinner time the following Saturday. Walter was told to light the fire and get the roller ready for the road. He was looking forward to taking the roller out, as incredibly, this would be the first roller that he had ever driven! But by late afternoon no word had come from his father about where

to take the roller, only t❑ bank the fire ready for next day. The next morning Bill Webster, one ❑f the men employed by Walter's father, arrived in the yard and it was only then that Walter found out that he and Bill were to take the Aveling to Knowsley Hall to start work the next morning. So Walter would in fact drive his first roller after all! The Aveling proved to he quite a handful to handle, a poor steamer on the road and a devil on corners because of no differential. Through Prescott they had t❑ descend a rather steep hill, so both wheels were locked for maximum adhesion but they only succeeded in skidding down the whole length of the slippery hill and giving themselves a fright into the bargain. On arrival at Knowsley Hall the Aveling joined about 20 other rollers of various makes. gathered from all over the country, to consolidate the vast areas of grass in the park for emergency landings. After the iced up Foden No. 1579 had thawed out Walter was able to make a start and so commenced one of the most satisfying and enjoyable repair jobs he 14

was ever to undertake. Walter not only replaced the firebox but also completely overhauled the engine from chimney top to tender tank. When finished the Foden did, in fact, run like the preverbial clock, but only four years later that clock ceased ticking for good. The demise of steam at Sankey Hall came dramatically and suddenly in the autumn of 1946 when the whole stable of engines, now numbering ten, were replaced by ten brand new Fordson Major Tractors. Only one steamer survived — the ever faithful Foden wagon, all the others were laid up and the following year Walter began doing what today would be sacrilage — cutting up the engines on the spot. First he cut up the big compound McLaren No. 1577, then the single cylinder compound Burrell No. 2766 and took three more — Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries No. 20503, Clayton & Shuttleworth single cylinder No, 48228 and another Ransomes No. 31014 to a local firm, P. Stubbs of Warrington. All these engines were used as emergency power plants by the firm, two being used to drive the grinding machines while the other was used on a large d.c. generator before they in turn were scrapped. The rest of the engines were taken by Walter and the Foden wagon to Hardings of Warrington. First to go was the compound Foden so carefully rebuilt by Walter four years before, then the other Foden No. 422 was hauled off and by the time the third engine was delivered, Fowler No. 7556, Hardings had already demolished the compound Foden. For the next fortnight Walter and the Foden wagon were kept busy

hauling engines from all over the neighbourhood, but sadly the wagon's end came too. One afternoon when Walter brought the last of the steamers to Hardings he parked it and the wagon up a side road in the yard and left them. the Foden blowing off steam as though it was ready for another load. But this was not be be. Fitter's and Walter had finished with steam and at that time were glad to see the back of them. H Walter had only known what lay in store for him some 15 years later! Incidentally, one engine did escape the slaughter — the 6 hp McLaren which Walter rebuilt in 1943, which was sold to Pip Atherton of Willow Farm, Bold Heath. The engine is still in his possession and is regularly steamed to rallies or to do some threshing. The influx of land girls in the early part of the war not only relieved the strain on working the threshing sets but also provided Walter with a wife, for it was while threshing with their 6 hp McLaren No. 616 in 1943 that a certain young lady took Walter's eye, Elizabeth Bushell was her name and two years later it was changed to Fitter at Christ Church, Ashton-under-Lyne, but the honeymoon only lasted three days as Walter was wanted back at the yard for threshing. They settled down in South Dale, Penketh. not far from the yard and remained there until Walter took over his father's business in partnership with his younger brother in 1950. By this time the combine harvester had killed threshing, even with tractors, and this side of the busines declined. There was, however, still plenty of general and agricultural repair work to be had and Fitter Brothers, as they were now known, concentrated on this work and repair work for the travelling showmen of South Lancashire. For the next 15 years steam was a forgotten thing to Walter, then one day in the summer of 1965 it appeared once more in the yard at Walter's interest was rekindled. A Foden compound tractor No. 443 "Victoria" of 1899, owned by the late Gerald Adamson of Lowton, came in to have the tender repaired and when the job was completed, by Walter of course, the invitation to steam the engine back to Lawton was too great and once again Walter took to the footplate. Steam was back with Walter! From then on Walter's interest in steam grew and through his long association and wide knowledge of steam he met other engine owners in the area, and as a result Walter became a founder member of the Lancashire Traction Engine Club. At this time, though, he had no plans to own his own engine but 12 months later, in the spring of 1966, a Dr. Shipley of Clithcroe came to Walter for advice on an ailing Foden traction he had bought. On being told that the firebox, tubeplate and tender would have to be replaced at 15

Walter at the wheel of his B.S.A. three-wheeler, taken on his honeymoon (by Mrs. Fitter, no doubt. — Ed!).

Walter's Foden threshing at Hollybush Threshing Party October 1973. 16

ABOVE: "Elizabeth" when Walter was awarded the cup for the Best Agricultural Engine, Burtonwood 1970.

RIGHT: Walter and the cup.

17

"Elizabeth" Walter's 7 hp Foden No. 2312 on her way to a rally,

least, Dr. Shipley sold the engine, a 7 hp compound No. 2312 built in 1910, to Walter instead of the scrapman. For a time Walter's business activities delayed the restoration of the engine, but eventually a start was made. After 18 months ❑f effort that occupied nearly every evening and weekend, Walter, with the assistance of Sid Green and several enthusiasts, rebuilt the engine, literally, from a heap of scrap to as-now condition. In the process they had drilled and fitted both the firebox and tubeplate from blank shapes. put new plates in the tender, fitted new lagging and boiler cladding, made and fitted a new canopy and finally completely repainted the engine. The first steam up took place during Easter 1970 and as a tribute to his achievement "Elizabeth", as the engine was now called, was awarded the cup for the best Agricultural Engine at the Burtonwood Rally that July. Walter's involvement with steam didn't end there for ever since he has regularly attended events from charity fetes to large Traction Engine Rallies. In addition his advice and practical skill, gained from so much experience with steam, are regularly sought and readily given, the hallmark of a true Man of Steam — Walter E. Fitter. 18

SOME NOTABLE SHOWMAN'S ENGINES OF 1973 by Bill Oswald. I made my way into Lancashire for my first Rally there this being Burtonwood. I went there specially to see the ex Holland Burrell "Dreadnought". I was warned before I saw her that I wouldn't like her and this proved to be the case. Now there is nothing at all wrong with "Dreadnought" and seeing her gave me the same thrill I always get when seeing a thoroughbred, she is one of those big 8 h.p. high-stepping compounds with the big rear road wheels and smaller belly tanks. "Dreadnought" was reputed to be the fastest of all the Holland engines and after witnessing her arrival at Burtonwood on Friday evening amid drizzling rain. I don't doubt this for one minute. What spoils an otherwise superb engine is the painting, to say she looks garish is in my opinion an understatement, she reminded me more of a Hoop-la Stall rather than a Showman's Engine, who ever thought of the decorative scheme for "Dreadnought" seems to have had their taste all in their mouth, some of the scroll work is in the wrong places and is far too heavily done, as for the flywheel this to me was a psychedelic nightmare. The least said about the lettering along the canopy sides and front the better. I don't know what the main colour of the engine was supposed to be, to me it was neither one thing or another. it was certainly a very long way from that deep maroon which some Burrells used to have. There were two other Showman's ButteIls at Burtonwood and both of them were more like the real thing, the paintwork on both of them was showing signs of wear. but this was more or less how it should be done. The other two ButteIfs were Tom Albert's "His Lordship" No. 3444 ex Green Bros., Preston and Peter Harper's "Princess Royal" No. 2879 ex Henry Thurston's "Lord Nelson", this latter was a rather interesting specimen in many ways. Burtonwood to me was one of the better Rallies and one had the feeling that the officials had staged this event solely for your benefit, it was well patronised and would be a good rally to take a set of Gallopers to. I do hope a set attend next year. I can't leave Burtonwood without expressing my appreciation of the way Mr. and Mrs. Neil Chaney looked after me and made my visit such a pleasure, I hope this will not be my last visit to Burtonwood, it's one of the best. It is not my intention here to give an account of my visits to Rallies. my adventures in getting to and from them have been as varied as ever, but rather than that I would like to comment on some of the engines I have seen, some of them for the first time, others which I have seen previously but never tire of seeing again. This year has been for me the Year of the "Foster". it is thirty years since I last saw a Foster of the LR type. This was Walter Wilmot's "Star of Bon Accord- and at that time she was still working with a set of Gallopers. Fosters were never the most prolific of Showmen's Engines, they were almost an unknown breed in Wales and the West Country, therefore it is not surprising that so very few of them have survived. To the best of my knowledge only four LR types exist and only two of the large 65 b.h.p. types. One of the 65 b.h.p.s "Success (ex Hibble & Mellors) now owned by Charlie Byass, I have seen on a few occasions. the last being at Castle Howard Steam Fair and once again her beautifully proportioned lines were plain to see. Whilst at Castle Howard I got talking to Don and Dorothy Robinson, a Mr. and Mrs. Team who as well as being keen Fairground enthusiasts are also ardent steam preservationists. They were there with their famous Scottish Burrell "The Baillie" (ex George Green, Glasgow), their other 19

engine was the one I was more interested in as it was none other than Foster No. 14502 "Victory", a genuine Showman's '7 n.h. p. LR type. Don told me there was a possibility of him taking "Victory" to Caenhy Corner Steam Spectacular if she was ready the following weekend. The following Saturday morning found me in Lincoln primed for the big event. I phoned Don to see if "Victory" was going, Dorothy answered the 'phone and to my dismay she told me "Victory" wasn't ready. I thought to myself that Caenby Corner wouldn't be so spectacular without the Foster, so I promptly asked if I could go and see the engine at home and to my great joy was told, yes. I got the next train out and on my arrival Don was waiting for me with the car, when we got to the house there was "The Baillie" shimmering in the early morning sun as she was being prepared for the Rally. This sight of "The Raillie" alone made up for all my discomfort of the night before, but behind her sheeted up was "Victory", and we set to immediately getting the sheets off. her and I found myself getting exasparated in trying to undo about six half hitches. Obviously not the work of a seaman. Once the last sheet had dropped away there laid bare was a sight for the gods, here at last was a typical Showman's Foster, the deep coal bunker, the long guide rollers, the dished flywheel, those motion cover plates with their big solid brass stars, the graceful curves on the cylinder sides and above all that dynamo bracket, which is so out and out Foster was there ever a more simple or functional design for a dynamo bracket? I have seen this same type of dynamo bracket on Fowlers and Burrells and it still looked good, then there is that beautifully arched canopy and that most distinctive chimney cap once again simple and functional. "Victory" has a spud pan on the front axle, a feature I never saw on a Foster in Scotland. The hospitality of Don and Dorothy Robinson coupled with being able to see and photograph "Victory" had indeed made this a memorable day, but to crown it all I went to Caenby Corner on the footplate of "The Baillie". I never did get into the Rally as Don just had time to whisk me into Lincoln for my train North, however, I had spent a much more interesting time than I should have at the Rally, I had a Foster in the bag and a footplate ride to place in my treasured memories, so I headed home with a great joy. This has also been a ycar for Fowlers, likc Fosters, not so many of them have survived so it's always nice to run across one on a Rally field. The best event I have so far attended this year was the Castle Howard Steam Fair, there were no fewer than eight big Showman's engines here, including four Fowlers, one Glens Iron Duke, which is a latter day conversion. The other three were all Fowlers with a vengeance, no Burrell ideas about those three which were, Monty Thackray's "Evening Star", Mr. Bagot's "Bertha" and Ran Hawthorne's "Renown". There are two engines in Yorkshire that for appearance and condition need take second to none and one of them is Monty Thackray's Fowler "Evening Star". This engine started her career as a Road Locomotive for the Ministry of Munitions, but after her famous accident on Birdlip Hill, Glos., she was bought by the enterprising South Wales showman Jacob Studt and sent back to Fowlers for conversion to a Showman's Engine. It's strange how Fowler's predominated with the South Wales showman, the Studt family certainly owned some magnificent examples, one has only to think of such engines as "Queen Alexandra" and "King Edward", "The Admirals", "Beresford', "Togo", and "Fisher". Then there was the unique "George V" with her fourth speed, a fast one this, the ideal engine for doing double journeys, yes, South Wales was certainly Fowler country. Thinking about engines such as mentioned above is apt to make one question the sometimes heard statement about the Burrell being the Rolls Royce of Showman's engines. "Evening Star" is a near perfect eicample of a Fowler Showman's engine with the brasswork perfectly balanced, the big dynamo sets her off nicely, it is not always possible to 20

Foster 14632 "Success" at Castle Howard 1973. (Copyright W. Oswald).

Foster 14502 "Victory" at Market Rasen 1973. (Copyright W. Oswald). 21

get a proper dynamo these days, but if one can be obtained what a difference it makes. Unlike some other Fowlers that are still with us "Evening Star" has a

proper Fowler chimney cap, entirely dilTerent from Burrells, but every bit as handsome in its own right, everything on the footplate is spick and span and nicely kept in order. You won't hear much noise from her on the belt, but if you see her ❑n the move like I did last year at Stourpaine, you will hear that characteristic ring from the gearing which is so typically Fowler. Another engine which I was particularly pleased to see at Castle Howard was Hal Bagoes Fowler "Bertha", this is a Showman's engine proper, being turned out in 1920 for John Whyatt who worked the Lancashire and Cheshire tubers. The engine went south later on to J. Beach and was in his ownership prior to preservation. I am not greatly taken with the main colour scheme which is blue, but I can accept this for at least it makes a change, what I cannot accept

are the rings and stars on the motion plates and those two brass rods from the awning to the after part of the smokebox. These two features to me are superfluous and completely ruin the symmetry of an otherwise fine engine. I liked the footplate layout better than I did on "Evening Star", I was rather surprised not to see a double handled regulator on "Bertha", rather unusual for a Fowler built as a Showman's, there is just a short single ended lever here placed over to the left so that both regulator and reversing lever fall nicely to hand. A very neat and workmanlike arrangement. There is also an unusual type of governor on "Bertha" which necessitates a special type of bracket mounted on the nearside of the cylinder block, I found a lot to interest me in "Bertha", space forbids mention of all the items, but standing there on her gently swaying footplate and listening to the Fowler ring took me back years to the great days of Codonas, I sincerely hope that I shall renew my acquaintance

with "Bertha" when conditions are better for photography. I mentioned earlier that there were two engines in Yorkshire which need take second place to none for appearance and condition, well as the other one was also present at Castle Howard it is just as well to take a closer look at her as she certainly is a real eyeful. I am referring now to none other than Dick Preston's famous Burrell "Lightning II". There has been additions to the brass work here, but it has been tastefully done and like Monty Thackray's "Evening Star" hnth engines look better now than they did when in showland use and that is something which cannot be said of all Showman's engines today. "Lightning Ws" history is probably well known to readers of this

journal, so I won't go into it here suffice to say that she was well looked after during her career in showland, Ernest Emerson saw to that. I think it was in 1928 that they took her to Scotland with the three abreast, she was at Falkirk Tryast Fair that year and they went to Gussie Park, Dundee. She has been farther afield since then as Dick Preston has had her at Aberdeen Rally this past two years and I was fortunate to see her there on both occasions. Though green is not my favourite colour for a Showman's engine, one can't help but admire the immaculate coat of green on "Lightning II" she was this colour in her showland days. Dick has added some extra brass work to her but has not overdone it. The two cross stays between the uprights on the front of the canopy have been brass encased, but notice how this arrangement gives her that high racy appearance when viewed from the front, I much prefer this to the rods from the outside edge of the canopy to the base of the uprights. The only superfluous thing, I think, is the brass ring and star on the offside motion plate, had it been placed central on the motion plate like that on the nearside it would look better, this apart from the lettering on the canopy is my only minor criticisms of an otherwise superb Burrell in equally superb condition. I was on her footplate at Aberdeen and there was only a slight steady thump as the crankshaft revolved, so little was the noise that it did not distract in the least my listening to the big Gavioli Organ which she 22

Fowler 15116 "Bertha" at Castle Howard 1973. (Copyright W. Oswald).

iiWyst ,

_,]e, w_4

.4447;°

Burrell 3093 "Dreadnought" at Burtonwood 1973. (Copyright W. Oswald). 23

was driving, I have only been on the footplate of one other Burrell in this condition. A unique feature of "Lightning II" is the sight feed lubricator which is fitted on top of the spectacle plate and which feeds the main bearings. This is she first time I have seen one fitted in this position though not the first time I have seen one on a Showman's engine. The appearance of "Lightning II" on a Rally field is well worth travelling many miles to see, I have had my son-in-law drive me twice to Aberdeen and back just to see her, a round trip of over 2.50 miles from my home but well worth it, this is almost a perfect example of a Showman's Burrell, beautifully painted and the brass work nicely balanced. As we are still at Castle Howard Steam Fair, a few comments on Charlie Byass' Foster "Success" seems quite appropriate to finish on. "Success" is of the 65 b.h.p. scenic type, but she does not carry the extended bunker crane turret probably because she was built when scenics on the fairground were fast becoming a thing of the past. "Success" was built for the Nottingham amusement caterers Hibble & Mellors in 1934. She was the last of this type made by the famous Lincoln firm and was typical of her kind, she had no stars and rings on the motion plates when new and to the best of my knowledge never carried an excitor for the same reason that she didn't carry a crane turret, she is the finest 65 b.h.p. Foster I have seen, notice how the leading edge of the dynamo bracket ►wrapper is exactly flush with the smokebox a feature which is not on all engines of this type. This is another engine where the controls all fall neatly to hand like it was made to measure, no reaching or stretching. "Success" made an interesting comparison with Neil Corner's Scenic Burrell "Winston Churchill" here side by side were the ideas of Burrell and Foster on the design of an engine for use in driving a scenic railway but what for me became immediately apparent was the smaller size and compactness of the Foster, no doubt the Burrell would have the legs off the Foster on the road, but I have no doubt that when it came to developing power driving a machine on the Tober the laurels would rest with the Foster. A close look at her flywheel and cylinders will bear this, it's a pity that a larger dynamo couldn't be found as this would give "Success" a much more impressive appearance, she doesn't attend many rallies and always travels to a Rally under her own steam. Yorkshire certainly staged a grand show at Castle Ifoward and every engine was in a position where it could be photographed, I would like to see this example followed at Stourpaine Bushes. Messrs. Screeton had their Gallopers here and this is one of the rare occasions where I have seen this machine in steam. I don't profess to he a connoisseur on Fairground Organs, but I did enjoy a brief interlude listening to Screeton's Gavi. I can't leave Castle Howard without saying how delighted I was to meet once again Mr. and Mrs. John Henderson from Northallerton, who tended to my inner man and got me back to York to catch the 1.12 a.m. train for London. it is meeting such people that make rally going really worth while, not just seeing and photographing the engines. To do the Showman's engine scene justice would take several issues of Steaming, I have merely looked at six engines and provided photographs of four of them. No doubt before the season is over I shall be attending other Rallies and photographing some new engines, in this article I have not been able to deal with the wonderful Fairground machines to be seen at various Rallies. Neither have I been able to comment upon the wonderful collection ❑f such machines at Commander Ba!dock's estate at Liphook, this is undoubtedly the fairground enthusiasts' "Mecca" and here also is the finest Burrell Showman's engine I have yet seen in preservation, this last remark may well set the heather ❑n lire, but I am prepared to defend my statement. The engine is No. 3949 "Princess Mary" the famous Burrell built in 1923 for Billy Nichols, no wonder Burrells used her in their catalogue, I will say no more about her here except that if you possibly can, then go and see her and while you are about it. remember, this was how it was and this is how it should be. 24

1973 RALLY REPORTS MARKET BOSWORTH TRACTION RALLY 18th & 19th AUGUST Aveling & Porter 10 Ton Roller No. 5163 1903 Reg. No. NR 6525, Rev. E. R. Boston, Cadeby, Leics. Foster 7 h.p. Traction No. 14593 1927 Reg. No. FE 9179 "Fiery Elias", Rev. E. R. Boston, Cadeby, Leics. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries 6 h.p. compound Traction No. 42035 1932 Reg. No. ANG 194, J. Vernon, Newbold Verdon, Leics. Aveling & Porter 12 Ton Roller No. 7856 "Viking" 1912 Reg. No. MD 5902, P. R. Wood, Derby. Fowler 12 Ton Roller No. 15854 1923 Reg. No. WT 1568, J. Lucas, Derby. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries 7 h.p. Traction No. 42036 1932 Reg. No. TL 2366, A. E. Sage, Leicester. Fowler 7 h.p. Traction No. 12761 "Elsa" 1911 Reg. No. 397 TRO, Mrs. Sansome, Sketchley, Leics. Aveling & Porter 12 Ton compound Roller No. 9027 1919 Reg. No. BD 5641, D. L. Abram, Nuneaton. Marshall 8 Ton compound Roller No. 82517 1927 Reg. No. PR 7519, J. T. Beeby, Rempstone, Notts. Foster No. 12509 1910 Reg. No. UX 6727 "Maid Marion", J. Swingler, West Bridgford. Notts. Clayton & Shuttleworth 8 h.p. Traction No. 47015 1914 Reg. No. BD 5483, W. H. & C. Fowler. Spalding. Allchin 7 h.p. Traction No. 7146 1922 Reg. No. FP 1251, A. R. Story, Barrowden, Rutland. Foster 5 h.p. compound Traction No. 14564 1926 Reg. No. FE 8055, R. E. Baxter, Eye Green, Peterborough. Foden Wagon No. 13120 1928 Reg. No. VM 4536, Gardiner, Wilson & Morris. Aveling & Porter 8 Ton Roller No. 10873 1924 Reg. No. NT 4368, D. J. Harding, Sutton Coldfield. Robey 7 Ton Tandem Roller No. 41593 1924 Reg. No. FE 6255, G. Hayes, Measham. McLaren 6 h.p. Traction No. 127 1882 Reg. No. HO 5618, J. Mayes, Eccleshall, Staffs. Fowler Plough Engine No. 14381 "Excalibur" 1917 Reg. No. KM 558, P. Mayes, Eccleshall, Staffs. Fowler Plough Engine No. 14382 "Excelsior" 1917 Reg. No. NP 1557, Allison Mayes, Eccleshall, Staffs. Tasker 4 h.p. Tractor No. 1318 1906 Reg. No. AA 2143, Taskers Trailers, Andover. Aveling & Porter 8 Ton Roller No. AC 14176 1935 Reg. No. VJ 6815, H. Booker, Shepstone, Leics. Aveling & Porter 10 Ton Roller No. 11520 1926 Reg. No. MK 5128, P. Arrowsmith, Sutton Coldfield, Warwicks. Marshall 12 Ton Roller No. 78572 1925 Reg. No. NR 6296, Peter Wood, Long Eaton. Market Bosworth Traction Engine Rally once again was blessed with fine weather and large crowds, and lived up to its reputation as "the friendly rally" so ably guided by the "Steam Padre" the Rev. E. R. Boston. Tasker Tractor No. 1318 belonging to Taskers Trailers of Andover and the Tasker Trailer caught everyone's admiration. 25

REMPSTONE 7th & 8th JULY Foster No. 12509 1910 Reg. No. UX 6727, J. Swingler, West Bridgford, Notts. Fowler Plough Engine No. 2267 1873 Reg. No. AL 8344, T. Hammond, Redhill, Notts. Fowler Plough Engine Reg. No. NR 1212. Fowler Plough Engine Reg. No. NR 1213, Beeby Bros., Rempstonc, Notts. Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction No. 47015 1914 Reg. No. BD 5487, W. H. and C. Fowler, Spalding, Lincs. Foster Traction No. 14593 Reg. No. FE 9179 1927, Rev. E. R. Boston, Cadeby Rectory. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Traction No. 42036 1932 Reg. No. TL 2366, A. E. Sage, Lecister. McLaren Traction No. 127 Reg. No. HO 5618, 1882, J. Mayes, Eccleshall, Staffs. Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction No. 44103 1911 Reg. No. AL 9348, J. T. Berry, Rempstonc, Notts. Fowler Traction No. 21647 Reg. No. 1135, E. A. Twigger, Eastwood, Notts. Fowler Traction No. 14600 Reg. No. HO 5590 1915, W. J. C. Ford, Great Glen, Leicester. Allchin Traction No. 2146 Reg. No. FP 1259 1922, A. R. Storey, Barrowden, Rutland. Ruston & Proctor Traction No. 46596 Reg. No. SFE 519L, R. Hooley, North Hykeh am, Lincoln. McLaren Road Engine No. 1421 Rcg. No. DE 7518 1913, J. Blagg, Whitwell, Notts. Burrell Road Engine No. 3257 1911 Reg. No. AH 5317, M. Ward, Oxton, Notts. Ruston & Proctor Tractor No. 52329 1918 Reg. No. CT 5554, G. E. Stubbs, Costock, Notts. Fowler Tractor No. 15732 1923 Reg. No. PT 832, S. Woodbine, Chesterfield, Derbys. Marshall Roller No. 76796 1923 Reg. No. FU 1326, K. Hubbard, Hathern, Leicester. Fowler Roller No. 18651 1930 Reg. No. VF 9312, T. Parker, Lincoln. Ruston & Proctor Portable No. 29011 1905, H. A. Palmer. Papplewick, Notts. Foden Wagon No. 13120 1928 Reg. No. VM 4536, Gardiner, Wilson & Morris. Over 24 hours continuous rain prior to the Rally made ground conditions impossible for anything but a parade of some of the engines each day. John and Michael Beeby provided some action by using one of the Fowler Single Plough Engines to haul the Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction and a large Diesel Mole Drainer the length of the field. once again giving the spectators some idea of the use of the cable system.

ASTLE PARK RALLY 11th & 12th AUGUST The eighth Annual Rally was held in perfect weather conditions, organised by the Lower Withington Parish Hall Committee, assisted by Mr. Alan Barber who has for many years been a leading figure in the local traction engine movement, he was connected with the first gathering of engines in this district in 1959. 26

The setting of the Rally was enhanced by the three abreast Gallopers and organ presented by Bill Dorman, and the renowned Steam Yachts by Harry Lee, who presented them for the first time this side of the Pennine's. Due to the presence of these and an excellent firework display the event continued on the Saturday night till after midnight. The Arena events were well arranged and continuous until the evening. The following engines were in attendance:Showmen's: Burrell No. 3610 "William V", J. A. Barber, Chelford. Burrell No. 2879 "Princess Royal", P. Harper, Stretton, Warrington. Fowler Conversion No. 14588 "Enterprise", F. Hackney, Sandbach. Fowler No. 15375 "Supremacy", Capt. J. M. Hollinshead, Nantwich. Fowler No. 15652 "Repulse", P. Startup, Knutsford. Road Locomotive: Burrell No. 3098, E. Padget-Tomlinson, Kingsley. General Purpose: Burrell No, 2336 "Stanley Monarch", A. Barber, Chelford. Foster No. 12539 "Winnie", J. Dakin, Goostrey. Burrell No. 4049 "Daphne", J. L. T. Bourne, Malpas. Fowler No. 14958 "Marina", J. Bostock, Lower Withington. Burrell No. 2950 "Little Mac", J. C. Dale, Congleton. Ransome, Sims & Jeffries No. 27461 "Derry", P. Phelps, Manchester. Foden No. 2312 "Elizabeth". W. Fitter, Great Sankey. Warrington. Fowler No. 9507 "Marlborough", Mr. and Mrs. J. Wooliscroft, Buxton. Ransoms. Sims & Jeffries No. 46059, G. Coles, Stretford. Foden No. 2654 "King George V", T. Barlow, High Legh, Knutsford. Burrell No. 4037, Miss, A. Adamson, Mrs. S. Allsop and Mr. R. Bolger, of Sale. Burrell No. 2706 "The Admiral", North Staffs Traction Engine Club. Tractors: Garrett No. 33612 "Camilla", S. Z. De Ferranti, Knutsford. Aveling & Porter No. 11251, P. H. Edwards, Whaley Bridge. Aveling & Porter No. 8384, J. Doyle, Manchester. Wagon: Foden No. 1742 "Queen Mary", Mrs. J. S. Briggs, Mobberley, Knutsford. Rollers: Aveling & Porter No. 6544 "Little Wonder", A. Porter, Timperley. Fowler No. 16007, D. Priesincr. Dunham Massey. Aveling & Porter No. 11837 "Daniel", A. E. Marshall, Glazebury. Models: Fowler ploughing engine, three-inch scale built and owned by D. Bennion of Loggerheads. W. A. BRIGGS.

WEST CUMBERLAND STEAM PARTY Engines present: Burrell Showman's Road Loco, No. 3526 "Lightning II" R. Preston. Fowler Road Loco, No. 15649 "Providence" Messrs. Stafford. McLaren General Purpose Traction Engine, No. 787 "Loughrigg"; Z. Myers. Ruston Hornsby, No. 113143 G. Burns. Garrett Tractor, No. 33953 "Anne" Sutton's. Robey Traction Engine. No. 28094 "Edwina" Sutton's. Aveling & Porter 10 ton Roller, No. 11496 Sutton's. Aveling & Porter No. AD 14068 R. Oliver. Foden Steam Wagon, No. 11892 Hal Bagot. Yorkshire 3 ton Steam Wagon, No. 940 Reg. No. U4245 T. Varley. Armstrong Whitworth Steam Roller, No. 10R11 J. H. G. Daysh. S. SUTTON, Beckermet, Cumberland. 27

CAMERTON RALLY Burrell 3192 (1910) S.Tr. J. N. Gibley. Garrett 31193 (1913) Tr. G. M. Fry. Fowler 9393 (1905) S.E. R. M. Penny. Fowler 15657 (1920) S.E. W. G. Hawkins. Fowler 15222 (1918) P.E. Colin Wait. Burrell 3824 (1919) R.L. L. J. Caseley. Burrell 1840 (1895) T.E. R. Willcox and C. Trott. Burrell 2662 (1904) T.E. P. Dove and Mrs. Gray. A. & P. 5800 (1905) T.E. P. J. and T. M. Abbott. C. & S. 46823 (1914) T.E. Peter Fagg. R., S. & J. 26995 (1916) T.E. D. J. Penny. Ruston Proctor 52266 (1918) T.E. Brian Wilkins. R., S. & J. 2752'l (1918) T.E. Dr. M. P. Barton. A. & P. 2018 (1884) Rl. D. C. Pridie. A. & P. 5467 (1904) RI. Stuart Barnes. A. & P. 6458 (1908) RI. G. Peacock and J. Wainwright. A. & P. 10594 (1923) Rl. Colin Hembury. A. & P. 11016 (1924) Rl. Ge Van der Pol, Holland. C. & S. 48946 (1924) Rl. W. Vaughan-Jenkins. W. & S. 7929 (1927) RI. G. B. King. W. & S. 8100 (1936) RI. David Antell. Fowler 18652 (1930) RI. Arthur Field. Sentinel 9032 (1934) W. John and Vincent Goold. Sentinel 9192 (1935) W. G. B. King. Sentinel 9277 (1937) W. Bob Bailey. Marshall 87866 (1935) P. G. Peacock. Steam Plant; Vertical Boiler, Bryan Donkin 10 h.p., Bryan Donkin & Clench 7 h.p., Worthington & Simpson pump, Wier pump, C. J. Evans. Rack Bench, "Beano" Hill. Thresher, R. M. Penny. Also numerous, Cars, Cununeicials and Tiactois. Particular mention should be made of the Showman "Sir John Fowler", I think that I am right in saying that it was making its first public appearance since restoration, at our rally. Peter Fagg's "Dusty" made a fine sight steaming up the hill from Radstock with the two wagons in tow on the way to our site. Entry No. 15 Ruston Proctor. The naming ceremony for this engine took place in the Ring; the name was unveiled by Mrs. Casely, an event toasted with champagne. Mrs. Ian Wilkins is a skilled maker of Corn dollies — hence the name of the engine "Corn Maiden". G6 Van der Pol's "Pluisje", was a very welcome visitor from Holland coining straight off the ferry at Harwich to our rally; there was a great deal of discussion at Harwich about taxes and VAT, — the roller being viewed with great suspicion by the customs officials as a re-import. The Rally was once more blessed with fine weather and was a great success thanks to the hard work of the Secretary, Derek Cleaves and the Marshall, Fred Burt of Exeter and the Commentator, Andy Endacott of Plymouth. The total attendance was about 14,000 (in round numbers) and the rally has shown a handsome profit for the Restoration of the Parish Church of St. Peter, about £1,700. R. E. S. BENNETT, Chairman. 28

BANBURY STEAM RALLY 23rd and 24th June This year brought us again to another new but picturesque site near Chipping Norton. Twenty-seven engines attended, some travelled long distances by road. During the weekend various engines performed tasks which seem to fit into rallies now. Peter Court's Marshall was driving the Vice-Chairman's rack saw bench, cutting posts for use on his farm afterwards. Peter Shadbolt's Brown & May Portable was driving a nicely decorated threshing machine belonging to Andrew Whitehead from near Stratford-upon-Avon. The Showman's engines were at intervals round the site — some giving power to organs, others generating for their own lights. The remainder of the engines took part in arena events which were in the hands of Cliff Rogers and John Cartmell. Competition was very keen as there was a cup to be won for the most points gained during the weekend. The cup was donated by the Smalley Preservation Society from Derbyshire and was won by John Wharton with his mate Brian Smith on the Marshall. Thirty-three tractors took part in the rally, including Saundersons and Titan. Here again, competition was keen as there is a cup to be won, donated by John Hirons. The Judges were, Mr. A. V. Fitt, Mr. Ben Ballard, and Mr. Frank Smith from Boston who has a large collection of Vintage Tractors. The winner this year was M. J. Ockwcll, with a 1935 model "L" case. "Expo" paraffin was again in the hands of Brian Money with 100 stationary engines listed in the catalogue. This is the most engines ever shown at a Banbury Rally. Lastly, we must say thanks again to Brian Wallington and his father for accommodating engines and equipment before and after the rally. Engines which attended were as follows:S. J. Wharton. Fowler S.E. 20223 "Supreme". T. W. Gascoigne, Burrell 3894 "St. Brannock". F. Lobb, Burrell S.E. 2625 "Lady Pride of England". D. Shorey, Burrell S.E. 3836 "Starlight". Sylvia Berth-Jones, Robey 41492. M. Davies, Fowler P.E. 15182 "Achilles". E. W. Freeman, Fowler T.E. 11554 "Enterprise". D. Smith, Fowler T.E. 8282. The late C. Rickards, Allchin T.E. 1652. J. Wharton, Marshall T.E. 15391. E. Haggard, Burrell T.E. 2426. P. Court, Marshall T.E. 28922. D. J. Harmsworth, Foden Tr. 13484 "Talisman". J. Bosworth, Foster T.E. 14410 "Sprig". K. T. Cook & Son, Aveling & Porter Tr. 11486 "Morning Star". J. Plaister, Marshall T.E. 71837. E. Evans, Wallis & Steevens T.E. 7498 "Progress". J. Hutchens, Garrett Tr. 33180 "The Joker". N. Meihuish, Fowler T.E. 11699 "Pride of Hanley Castle". C. Cottrell-Dormer, Aveling & Porter Rl. 7586. G. Heritage, Wallis & Steevens RI. 2574 "Mark William". S. J. Wharton, John Allen/Fowler RI. 8111, on loan to Banbury s.s. E. Harris, Fowler Rl. 17951 "Lady Jane". C. H. James, Sentinel Tr. 9097. J. Keeley, Sentinel W. 6722. P. Shadbolt, Brown & May P. 4561. The 27th engine was the Lampitt T.E. owned by S. J. Wharton exhibited derelict so that the public could see the amount of work involved in restoration. P.R.S. 29

LANCASHIRE T.E. CLUB BURTONWOOD RALLY 7th & 8th JULY 1973 Once again the Club's annual rally was blessed with fine weather on both days and the 15,000 people who attended were able see a betterthan-ever display of engines, organs, vintage vehicles and farm machinery. This rally seems to attract new engines like a magnet for this year there were no less than 10 engines appearing for the first time. Undoubtedly the surprise entry was Alec Stewart's 1913 Aveling & Porter roller which was put into steamable condition just before the rally after lying in the open in Essex for 20 years. For the organ enthusiast there was a choice of six. Tom Albert's 98 key Marenghi (with his Burrell SRL generating) while spaced around the field were Frank Lythgoe's 89 key Marenghi (with his Burrell SRL generating), Mr. Showering's 52 key Dutch Street Organ, Mr. Mortimer's 78 keyless Ruth, Ken Redfern's 46 key Dutch Street Organ and Fred Hackney's 53 key Dutch Street Organ. An excellent selection of vintage cars, motor cycles and commercial vehicles had been assembled while the display of farm tractors and machinery gave an insight into agricutlure of yesteryear. Those engines appearing at their first Burtonwood Rally (listed first) and the regulars totalled 35 and were:Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies agric. No. 35247, E. Marshall, Glazebury. Foden 5 ton wagon, No. 1742, Mrs. J. S. Briggs, Mobberley. Garrett 8 ton roller, No. 33636, R. Lee and P. Cauley, Audlem. Aveling & Porter tractor, No. 8384, J .Doyle, Manchester. Burrell agric., No. 2626, J. Armer, Cockerham. Burrell Showman's, No. 3093, F. Lythgoe, Warburton. Burrell agric., No. 3398, J. F. Preston, Cabus, Garstang. Burrell Showman's, No. 2879, P. Harper, Stretton. Foden 6 ton wagon, No. 11892, H. Bagot, Levens Hall. Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller, No. 7673, A. Stewart, Little Hoole. Fowler, No. 14588, F. Hackney, Sandbach. Burrell Road Loco, No. 3098, P. Froud, Preston Brook. Foden agric., No. 2312, W. Fitter, Great Sankey. Garrett tractor, No. 33612 S. Z. de Ferranti, Knutsford. Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller, No. 11837 E. Marshall, Glazebury. Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller, No. 6544 A. R. Porter, Altrincham. Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller, No. 7632 F. Dibnah, Bolton. Burrell Showman's, No. 3444 T. Alberts, Bolton. Clayton & Shuttleworth agric., No. 46059, G. Coles, Stretford. Sentinel S.4 wagon, No. 8942 D. Webster, Ludlow. Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller, No. 2957, Road Rollers Ltd. Burrell agric., No. 3695 P. Kelly, Heath Charnock, Chorley. Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller, No. 5199, F. Fields, Little Budworth. Sentinel S.4 wagon, No. 9075 Brook, Hirst & Marsden, Holmfirth. McLaren agric., No. 616 P. V. Atherton, Bold, Widnes. Burrell 8 ton roller, No. 4067 J. Walton, Stretton. Fowler 10 ton roller, No. 7446 T. Croft Ltd., Preston. Foden agric., No. 2654 T. Barlow, High Legh, Lymn. Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller, No. 8754 P. Priestner, Moore. Burrell tractor, No. 3808 G. Howard, Banks. Burrell 15 ton roller, No. 2642 J. Webster, Tarleton. Garrett tractor, No. 35225, N. Moores, Formby. Burrell tractor, No. 3862 J. Johnson, Banks. Garret tractor, No. 30959 T. Alberts, Bolton. Foden 4 ton wagon, No. 6368, Fodens Ltd., Sandbach. A. R. PORTER. 30

DERBY TRACTION ENGINE RALLY 14th & 15th JULY Clayton & Shuttleworth. Traction No. 44103 1911 Reg. No. AL 9348, J. Beeby, Rempstone, Notts. McLaren Traction No. 127 1882 Reg. No. HO 5618, J. Mayes, Eccleshall, Staffs. Fowler Traction No. 21647 1936 Reg. No. ZB 1135, E. Twigger, Eastwood, Notts. Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction No. 47015 1914 Reg. No. BD 5483, W. H. & C. Fowler, Spalding, Lines. McLaren Road Engine No. 1421 1913 "Capt. Scott' Reg. No. BE 7518, J. W. Blagg, Whitwell, Notts. Fowler No. 15732 1923 "Sir Douglas" Reg. No. PT 832, S. Woodbine, Chesterfield. Foden Wagon No. 13120 1928 Reg. No. VM 4536, Messrs. Gardiner, Wilson & Morris. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 9103 1920 Reg. No. NO 1218, E. Bull, Derby. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 12467 1929 Reg. No. RF 6437, Carr & Mettam, Sheffield. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11308 1925 Reg. No. PU 9964, P. Baker, Horsley, Woodhouse. Ruston & Proctor Portable No. 29011 1905, H. A. Palmer, Papplewick, Notts. Merryweather Fire Engine No. 2691 1908, C. Hutchinson, Redhill, Notts. Foster "Maid Marion" No. 12509 1910 Reg. No. UK 6727, J. Swingler, West Bridgford, Notts. Possibly Derby Rally will go down as one of the wettest in the 1973 season. Heavy rain before and during the rally made ground conditions impossible for engines to move. The Vintage Tractor people ably led by John Adams excelled themselves by putting on displays both days duplicating steam engine events. Many a rally has been brought to a stop in such conditions but the Derby boys kept going in heavy rain. and the crowd which was very good appreciated the sportsmanship on the part of the Tractor crews plus the enthusiasm of Mr. A. Smith of Spordon with his 41in. scale minature "The Rambler" which attempted what its big brothers could not do and at least gave the spectators a sight of steam operating in the rain.

FAIRFORD RALLY 18th & 19th AUGUST Yet again another successful Rally held in the lovely park in Fairford town, with nearly 22,000 people coming to see steam at its best. With every section being well up on entries this year the committee had their hands full looking after everybody. The Fair was very well laid out and looked good at night. There was a full afternoon of ring events with different events on each day and going on until 6.30. In another ring there was driving tests and judging of old cars, Fred Simmons was hard at work with his Fowler Traction Engine working his racksaw bench. Alongside was a Teles saw working and a tractor on a small saw bench. The model tent was better and well laid out this year, and outside was a steaming bay, and also a small lake alongside with radio-controlled boats. 31

Engines present:

Allchin No. 1652 1914 6 n.h.p. compound Reg. No. EB 4938, the late Mr. C. Richards. Allchin No. 1546 1911 7 n.h.p. single Reg. No. AP 9079, T. F. Tomlins. Burrell No. 2426 1901 6 n.h.p. Reg. No. BL 4843, E. Haggard. Burrell No. 3919 1922 6 n.h.p. Reg. No. BW 6030, P. G. Young. Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 46823 1914 7 n.h.p. single "Dusty" Reg. No. KE 4173, P. Fagg. Fowler No. 8282 1899 8 n.h.p. single Reg. No. AC 9321, D. Smith. Fowler No, 11554 1908 6 n.h.p. single Reg. No. CJ 5366, W. Freeman. Fowler No. 11698 1909 6 n.h.p. Reg. No, NK 925, M. Woodroffe. Fowler No, 11699 1909 6 n.h.p. Reg. No. AB 9028, A. C. Melhuish. Fowler No. 13140 1913 7n.h.p. Reg. No. Y 9955, F. Simmons. Fowler No. 15710 1920 7 n.h.p. Reg. No. MO 780, A. Napper. Marshall No. 15391 1887 6 n.h.p. S.C. Reg. No. BW 5249, J. Wharton. Marshall No. 55437 1910 5 n.h.p. S.C. Reg. No. EB 2873, J. Alsbury. Marshall No. 71837 1919 6 n.h.p. compound Reg. No. DD2007, J. Plaister. Ransomes, Sims & Head No. 5137 1882 4 n.h.p., D. Hirst. Burrell No. 3824 1919 5 n.h.p. compound Reg. No. YA 366, L. J. Caseley. Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 47216 1915 7 n.h.p. compound Reg. No. CT 4817, P. Johnson. Fowler No. 15463 1920 7 n.h.p. Reg. No. DW 2121, R. Wynn & Sons Ltd.

Burrell No. 3443 1913 8 n.h.p. compound "Lord Nelson" Reg. No. CO 3822, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. Burrell No. 3836 1920 6 n.h.p. compound "Starlight" Reg. No. BH 8020,

D. Shorey.

Burrell No. 3894 1921 5 n.h.p. compound "St. Brannock" Reg. No. NX 947, T. Gascoigne. Fowler No. 20223 1934 10 n.h.p. compound "Supreme" Reg. No. EU 5313, S. J. Wharton. Aveling & Porter No. 11486 1926 4 n.h.p. Reg. No. KM 7100, K. T. Cook. Burrell No. 3626 1914 41 n.h.p. compound Reg. No. AH 221, Blackford

and Spearey. Wallis & Steevens No. 7872 1928 4 n.h.p. compound Reg. No. CO 5247, Dr. J. F. Cam.

Aveling & Porter No. 2957 1892 single 9 Tons Reg. No. MA 9867, Road Rollers Ltd. Aveling & Porter No. 10594 1923 single 10 Tons Reg. No. YA 6375, C. Hembury.

Avoling & Porter No. 12081 1928 Single 10 Tons, J. Field. Wallis & Steevens No. 2574 1901 single 10 Tons Reg. No. HO 6045, G. W. A. Heritage. Wallis & Steevens No. 7742 1921 compound 12 Tons Reg. No. CR 6315,

K. E. Honeybun. Foden Tractor No. 13484 1926 41 n.h.p. "C" type "Talisman" Reg. No. LG 8784, E. Gale.

Super Sentinel 3-Way Tipper No. 5509 1924 Reg. No. PD 1701, L. Burberry, J. W. Laurence and R. Reason. Sentinel Timber Tractor No. 9097 1934 120 h.p. Reg. No. ARE 195,

C. H. James. Sentinel Wagon No. 9277 1937 120 h.p. Reg. No. 689, R. Bailey. Brown & May No. 4561 1880 6 n.h.p. single, P. Shadbolt. Marshall No. 84963 1929 4 n.h.p. single, R. Willcox. Steam Fire Engine (horse drawn) Shand Mason No. 1842 1908 24 b.h.p. double vertical engine, W. Turner of Parkstone. Tended, crewed and horse, E. T. Sampson. Merryweather "Valiant" Steam Fire Pump No. 9605 1944, E. C. New. Green's Stationary Steam Engine No. 648 1921, B. R. Skegg. Hot Air Engine Rider + h.p. No. 959 about 1900, R. C. Soule.

Savage Steam Gallopers, James Williams, M. T. HOWARD, 4 Glevum Close, Purton, Wiltshire. 32

SHANE'S CASTLE RALLY 1973 To have good weather for rallies five years in succession is as much as any rally organiser can expect from the British climate, and so the organisers of the 1973 Shane's Castle Rally were not surprised when torrential rain heralded the opening on, inevitably, Friday 13111. July. To add to the ill omens, several withdrawals had reduced the number of engines present to a gloomy 13 and so it was a pleasant sight to the many misery-faced engine men who peered from beneath tarpaulins to see a steady flow of visitors filling the grounds. It was a public holiday

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Billy Wilson's Fowler No. 11114 at Shane's Castle Rally.

(Photo: "Farm Week"). 33

and these people were determined to enjoy themselves despite bombs, bricks or bullets . . . . or a rainswept rally field which was steadily turning to mud.

These hardy souls were well rewarded, because the afternoon's events proved to be as successful as any past rally, while "sunny periods" appeared later during the afternoon. The second day was dry, saving the field from further punishment and cementing the first day's unexpected

success. Four engines were making their first rally appearances at Shane's Castle: McLaren Road Locomotive No. 1713 "General French", owned by our host, The Lord O'Neil!, who is President of the Ulster Traction Engine Club; Fowler 8 n.h.p. Road Locomotive. "John", No. 14869, owned by John Graham (Dromore) Ltd.; Marshall Roller No. 77550. "Strangford Belle", owned by Strangford Plant Ltd.; and Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8918, owned by W. J. Law & Co. As usual the ring events were augmented by model engines and threshing tackle, radio-controlled model aircraft. and an ever-growing army of vintage tractors and stationary engines, while the Shane's Castle mile Railway worked at full capacity carrying passengers along its route. The ring events seemed to go particularly well, demonstrating the benefits of efficient stage management, an effort which was appreciated by both the public and the press, in evidence of which a leading daily newspaper published two photographs on its front page under the heading "Really Good Steam". We were again fortunate in being able to round up enough" old hands" to stage a mill-setting competition which was won by Hugh Kennedy, although to rail Hugh 'old' is really a misnomer. Engines attending were: Ransomes. Sims & Jeffries. T.E. No. 43033 (Reg. No. MI 3719) H. Kennedy.

Marshall Roller No. 78563 (Reg. No. INV 2573) S. Crawford & B. Dorman. Fowler T.E. No. 11114 W. J. B. Wilson. Ransome, Sims & Jeffries T.E. No. 33156 (Reg. No. IJ 5747) T. Wasson. Wallis & Steevens T.E. No. 7008 W. Bryce. Marshall Tractor No. 85556 (Reg. No. PN 5494) J. Stevenson & Co. Aveling & Porter Light Road Locomotive No. 9405 (Reg. No. IA 2500) R. Edwards. Wallis & Steevens Roller No. 7834 (Reg. No. HO 6399) "Wee Mary Ann', J. Mcllfatrick. McLaren Road Locomotive No. 1713 (Reg. No. NH 3998) (fitted out as a Showman's engine) "General French", The Lord O'Neill. Fowler Road Locomotive No. 14869 (Reg. No. CB 3054) "John" J. Graham Ltd. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries T.E. No. 26687 N. Andrews. Marshall Roller No. 77550 (Reg. No. HO 6292) "Strangford Belle" Strangford Ltd. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8918 (Reg. No. EW 2239) W. J. Law & Co.

"IRON MAIDEN" CHARMED STEAM FRIENDS IN HOLLAND by Rob Gebhard. Dutch owned steam rollers "Pieter Hans" and "Zoef Zoef", returning from a successful appearance at Expo Steam '73 near Peterborough. squired the "Iron Maiden" on her ferry trip to Holland. But after arrival in Hook of Holland, with cameras of photographers and television focusing in on her she was ready to start her tour among Dutch admirers. Her coming to Holland was already known and was accentuated by the showing on television that evening of the movie once made about her. Before the movie started a report was given about her arrival, during which Stoomwalsenclub Nederland's Vice Chairman Ge van de Pol told about 34

the club, the visit from Britain and where the "Iron Maiden" could be seen. Her first apperances centred in het Gooi — the region north of Utrecht — where the showman's engine was met with great interest. On Saturday, 1st September, the "Iron Maiden" drove on steam to Utrecht, to the well-known organ museum "Van Speeldoos tot Pierement". There she was accompanied by the famous street organ "Dc Lange Gavioli". A good combination! In the museum a reception was held for those accompanying the engine and members of the club. Next day afternoon the "Iron Maiden" was driven under steam back along a very scenic route along the River Vecht. Thousands lined the route, but with the kind help of some police cars all went well!

Fowler No. 15657 (1920) The Iron Maiden" hauling R. S. & J. No. 684028 (1948) at Papendrecht, Holland, 5th September 1973. Two days later the engine was brought to the town of Papendrecht. There was the most important event to be held of our club. The day, Wednesday, 5th September, a clay of national festivities because our beloved Queen Juliana reigned for 25 years. Others participating in this event were the organ "Dc Lange Gavioli"; our threshing drum driven by the Ransomes S. & J. "Sturdy" Portable Engine No 684025 built 1948; and the rollers "4711" Aveling & Porter No. 4711, 1901; "Concurrent" Aveling & Porter No. 11848, 1927; "De Krab" Fowler No. 17264, 1928; "Flierefluiter" Ruthemeycr No. 369, 1924 and the Ruthemeyer No. 700, 1930. Weather was very good, so people poured in. They lined the route of the parade and had difficulties in finding a good place along the rather small square, where the event was to be held. Nobody to blame for this as this appeared the only suitable place to hold a rally. The "Iron Maiden" generated energy for the organ; the threshing was in full swing and the rollers participated in games as slalom, musical chairs, tilt-at-the-ring with confetti filled balloons, tug-o-war. The Mayor of Papendrecht confessed to me that he had never seen so many people in his town! A very successful event. Because of other appointments the "Iron Maiden" and our British friends had to leave the same day, so John Antell loaded the lowloader and drove to Hook of Holland that evening. End of a short but very appreciated visit! 35

Fowler No. 17264 (1928) "De Krab" at Papendrechl, Holland, 5th September 1973. Not only steam in Papendrecht that Wednesday, but also in the town of Helmond. There participated: "Zeof Zeof" Ruthemeyer No. 70, 1907; "Troubadour" Ruthemeyer No. 405, 1925; "M 175" Ruthemeyer No. 691, 1930; "Majo" Aveling & Porter No. 4732, 1901; and "Sijmen" Marshall No. 78329, 1929. September was a busy month for our club, ❑n the 12th an event with six rollers in the city of Groningen at the occasion of a jubilee of the association of roadbuilders in the northern part of Holland. A seventh roller "Leendert" Ruthemeyer No. 823, 1941, was presented on the exhibition of roadbuilding equipment. The six others were on steam and participated in a parade and during games. Although this event was held on a Wednesday, many people looked at it. Among them hundreds of school children, who as always were free on the Wednesday afternoon and were specially invited for the occasion! A very special guest from Britain was a Wallis & Steevens "Simplicity" roller. This little guest was also present at the steam event in the city of Almelo on Saturday the 15th. Others present here were six of our rollers. Although not so many people showed up, there was a good rally atmosphere among those participating. Another surprise this season was that quite suddenly a steam event was to be organised in the city of Hoorn. We thought that there would be no possibilities for such a rally this year. So, with a lot of people already on holiday leave we managed to get eight steam rollers in Hoorn on Saturday 4th August. As usual! — the weather was very nice so it became a good show. Remarkable of this year's steam season is, that at the beginning we were just wondering if there would be any rally this year. And then suddenly the requests came in. Nearly all rollers participated in one or more of above mentioned events. For technical reasons only "Rooie Sien" and "Jumbo" could not be present. Newcomers were "Sijmen" and the oldest roller in our country, the "4711" Aveling & Porter. What 1974 will bring is not known yet. But as we know how many of our British friends should like to come over to Holland and see a rally of ours, we hope to announce in Sleaming as soon as possible what the Stoomwalsenclub Nederland will do next season. 36

STOURPAINE BUSHES, DORSET This year's event was the fifth. To say it has gone from strength to strength is perhaps the understatement of the year. It is listed high on the table of British tourist attractions, ranking with Westminster, Woburn and the like. Yes. in addition to all else Stourpaine plays its part as a

dollar earner. Michael Oliver has achieved a great deal and this year he hoped to fulfill an ambition to see twenty showman's engines generating in line abreast. As it turned out he had sixteen showman's engines, one showman's tractor and two conversions in the main line up with two genuine specimens and another conversion generating in the adjoining area. This massive array of nineteen genuine examples was the largest assembly of engines since Shottehrook Park Great Steam Fair in 1964. It is interesting to note that only three engines: Fowlers "Carry On" and "Victory" and Burrell "The Prince of Wales" were at both events. The fairground rides were probably the finest assembly seen in recent years. Jeff Bach's overboats (which pre-dates steam on the fairground), Harry Lee's magnificent steam yachts, Coles gondolas (could some of Stamp:line's profit he used to enable this historic machine to be steam driven again?), and the two wonderful examples of the traditional three abreast gallopers presented by Jim Williams and Bill Dorman. Surely the "first five" in fairground rides of the seventies. They were ably supported by cakewalk. chairs. big wheel, ark, striker and the wail-of-death (few realise that "walls" were orginally travelled and lit by showman's engines). It does seem a pity that an event of this nature can he "invaded" by Iwo sets of dodgems with their panatropes blaring away.

All committees have their own ideas and can of course suit themselves but it would seem that the genuine atmosphere of an old time steam fair could be recaptured much better if the only music in the fair was supplied by organs (goodness knows they had plenty), dispersed around the rides as they were in working days. Having an engine in the fairground I saw more of that section than the rest but that is not to say that the fairground was of greater importance — far from it. The threshing area at Stourpaine, to me, is just

wonderful. The simplicity of an agricultural engine standing there driving its "drum", reacting to the varying load as the sheaves go through is something that cannot be portrayed either by tape nr phntngraph Nn, not even by movie film; one has to be there to appreciate it. The same can be said for the sawing area. What a delightful mull of sound, sight and smell, even the smell of damp earth and wet straw help to recreate an atmosphere, a slight compensation for all the rain! The rollers suffered from the rain, so too did the haulage boys. What a gallant sight it was to see little Wallis & Steevens "Goliath" all "spudded up" carting water, likewise the Abbott Bros. convertible Aveling. For the enthusiasts of "stack music" there is no finer instrument than a single cylinder Fowler plough engine and no finer "musicians" than the Beeby family from Rempstone. We have heard them at work on many rally fields but surely their finest "music" is produced on the Dorset hills at Stourpaine. Vintage tractors, barn engines, heavy horses, they are all at Stourpaine. When did you last see heavy horses hindering corn? Twenty-five years ago, till I went to Stourpaine 1973! One can't mention every item so I will finish with a few additional to those already mentioned: Ge van der Pol's roller from Holland "Pluisje"; the unique Burrell thresher; the Stotthert and Pitt steam crane; the big McLaren plougher "Hero"; Messrs. Wynns road loco; Bill McAlpine's 10 hp crane engine; Jim Hutchens' Suffolk Punch and the sensation of the the vintage crane tractor section the mighty Fowler Gyro-Tiller, still in its rust but commanding tremendous attention. Well done Michael — a wonderful show. RAN 37

AFFILIATED CLUB & AREA NEWS

LANCASHIRE Events in the area have occurred almost every weekend from the middle of June and started with the Levens Hall Rally when George Coles paid his annual visit to this event, steaming his Clayton & Shuttleworth traction engine ail the way from Swinton, near Manchester, the weekend before, The return was made a week after the rally to Winnick. near Warrington — a round trip of some 140 miles. Just over the boundary, in the northern reaches of Cheshire (frequently visited by Lancashire engines) a very successful Steam-up and Organ Recital was held at Reddish Hall Farm, Appleton, on 23rd June. Organised by Frank Lythgoe and Mike Johnson, the event attracted nine engines; Burrell SRL No. 3444 and Garret tractor No. 30959 (T. Alberts), Burrell SRL No. 3043 (Frank's engine, out for the first time after major restoration), Burrell SRL No. 2879 (P. Harper), Clayton & Shuttleworth traction No. 46059 (G. Coles), Foden traction No. 2312 (W. Fitter), Garrett roller No. 33636 (R. Lee and P. Cauley), Aveling & Porter roller No. 6544 (A. R. Porter), and Aveling & Porter tractor No. 8384 (J. Doyle). All proceeds of the event, almost £300, were divided equally amongst seven charities. A week later Broadoak School in Partington had Alan Porter's Aveling & Porter roller, Tom Barlow's Foden traction and Dennis Priestner's Fowler roller attending their Summer Fete. The Saturday following the Burionwood Rally saw several engines making their way to The Holly Bush Inn, Little Leigh, to lake part in a Birthday Party, the star of the occasion being George Cole's 1913 Clayton & Shuttleworth engine which was 60 years old to the day. A large candle on the special birthday cake was ceremoniously extinguished before being handed round. To add to the atmopshere several engines were in steam while Frank Lythgoe's Marenghi organ played until a late hour. Lower Whitley Village Hall held their annual Steam Party the following weekend, 21st and 22nd July, and had a good attendance of engines, including six club member's engines, despite most unfavourable weather. For the second year running engines had to be winched out on the Sunday evening. Those engines attending for the first time were Eric Marshall's Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries agricultural, Frank Lythgoe's Burrell SRL, S. Z. de Ferranti's Garrett tractor, and Peter Harper's Burrell SRL, while the regulars were Foden agricultural (W. Fitter), Clayton & Shuttleworth agricultural (G. Coles), Aveling roller (A. R. Porter), Aveling roller (F. Fields), Burrell roller (P. Walton), Burrell road locomotive (P. Froud), Aveling roller (P. Priestner) and Aveling roller (E. Marshall). On Saturday 4th August, three engines, Alan Porter's Aveling roller, Walter Fitter's Foden agricultural and Steve Allsop and Russel Bolger's Burrell agricultural, steamed to the Davenham Rose Queen en route to Chelford and the Astle Park Rally. From this rally Peter Walton, with Alan Bamford as steersman, steamed Peter Harper's Burrell Showman 50 odd miles into the hills of Derbyshire to Crich where he was joined by Peter and Shirley Froud from Frodsham with the DG4 Sentinel wagon No. 8714. The season is not quite over yet, with several club members engines expected at the Malpas Agricultural Yesteryear event and at the Holly Bush Threshing Party with other steam workings and parties during October and November before engines are laid-up for winter. A. R. PORTER, 96 Greenway Road, Timperley, Altrincham. 38

CUMBRIA STEAM & VINTAGE VEHICLE SOCIETY The Cumbria Steam & Vintage Vehicle Society was formed in January 1973 by a small group of enthusiasts in the Kendal and Penrith area. Word quickly spread among people interested in vintage machinery in the Cumbria area and the Club has flourished, now having over 250 members. Soon after the Club's inception the Committee of the Kendal Gathering (which consists of three weeks of community entertainment in the Kendal area) asked the Society to stage an event in Kendal as part of the 1973 activities. The event which resulted on 15th and 16th September at the County Showground, Kendal, has been acknowledged to be one of the best steam events ever staged in the north west. The County Showground in Kendal proved to be an ideal site, being less than five minutes from the Town Centre, and having permanent toilets, grandstand, plenty of hard standing, adequate parking, etc.

The rally was opened on Saturday by Peter Purves of BBC's "Blue Peter" programme and a total of 15,000 people visited the event. One of the most popular sections was the demonstration area where five threshing machines and balers could be seen at work; adjoining this were the tractor lines, with some fifty entries in this section. In the agricultural section one of the most popular exhibits was a Bamlett's single horse mowing machine "powered" by Jimmy, a 25 year old Clydesdale. Some 40 motor vehicles and over 30 motor cycles ranging from an 1899 5 h.p. Marshall car to a 1954 Ferrari racer added to the display.

On the previous evening, Friday night, a number of engines and other vehicles belonging to members of the Society took part in the Torchlight Procession through the town. The Procession, which included over 200 floats and walking groups, some 17 different bands, was over two miles long and watched by an estimated 40,000 people. Engines in the Procession were:Tom Varley's Yorkshire Wagon and Verbeck Organ, Hal Bagot's Foden Wagon, Tony Chalmer's Garrett Roller, Zeke Myer's McLaren and his 89 Key Gavioli, and on a low loader, an Andrew Barclay railway locomotive, "Ken Boazman".

On Sunday, the prizes for the best of each section were awarded by the the Mayor of Kendal. In the steam section, first was G. Howard's Burrell "Forester"; second was R. Oliver's Aveling & Porter Conversion "Hunsletand third was Hal Bagot's Foden Wagon. Engines present at the Rally:McLaren G.P. 1105 "Margaret", W. Dowthwaite. Ruston Hornsby G.P. 113143, G. Burns. Aveling & Porter Conversion 14068 "Hunslet", R. Oliver.

Fowler Convertible Roller 8889 "Dreadnought", J. Armistead. McLaren G.P. 787 "Loughrigg", Z. Myers. Garrett Compound Steam Roller 28408, A. Chalmers. Fowler Compound Steam Roller 15784, Messrs. Cragg and Cuttrass. Foden Steam Wagon 6368 "Pride of Edwin", Fodens Ltd. Foden Steam Wagon 11892, H. Bagot. Ruston & Hornsby Crude Oil Roller 159737, C. Woodend. Barford & Perkins Diesel Roller RR067, F. Delaney. Burrell Compound Engine 3398, J. F. Preston & Son. Yorkshire Steam Wagon 940 "Pendle Queen", T. Varley.

Burrell Tractor 33808 "Forester", G. Howard. Garrett Showman's Conversion "Pendle Princess", T. Varley. Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 Steam Railway Locomotive No. 2343 "Ken Boazman" exhibited by M. Hanson, K. Cottam, F. Swindlehurst, D. Lacy. Social meetings are held on the second Monday in the month at 7.30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Parish Rooms, Penrith. D. LACY, Borrow wife, The Heights, High Newton, Near Grange-over-Sands, Lancs. 39

THE LINCOLNSHIRE STEAM ENGINE PRESERVATION SOCIETY Since our last Notes from this area, there has been quite a Iot of activity, and the year has been fairly well filled. On the social side, the Society held its Annual Dinner at The Golf Hotel, Woodhall Spa on 10th March, and the Guests for the evening were Dr. and Mrs. J. L. Middlemiss of Godmanchester, and Mr. and Mrs. E. Wattam of Wragby, upon whose premises we hold our monthly meetings. Following this event, a Social Evening and Film Show were staged at Alford on 24th March, and on this occasion we were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. W. Payne of Bawtry who presented a number of films taken by them the previous year. Several very successful Rallies have taken place in the county and the first of these was held at Carrington Park on Spring Bank Holiday. Over 40 full size exhibits were on view here, and most of them were local engines which are regular attenders, but noticeable amongst the assembly were Mr. R. Preston's Burrell SRL 3526, "Lightning H" and Mr. S. A. Burgess's Burrell SRL 3979 "Earl Haig" which were visiting for the first time. Another new arrival was a handsomely restored Ransomes tractor 39149 owned by Mr. T. A. Hinch of Casterton. For the first time in several years a pair of Fowler ploughers was exhibited. This was the pair recently purchased by Mr. F. Coupland of Carrington, Fowler's 15441/2, and they could be seen at work in their own enclosure. Music lovers were catered for with a fine selection of Fair Organs all of which were playing well, and there was a well presented display of veteran farm tractors. The weather for this event was exceptionally good, and this brought one of the largest crowds ever known at this venue. Our grateful thanks go to Mr. J. Ward, for once again allowing us to use his land and the help from his Staff. The Hawerby Park Rally was booked for the weekend of 16th and 17th June, at the home of Mr. R. E. Dale, and it was for many our first chance to inspect our host's newly restored White Steam Car. In addition one could also sec the two restored Fowler ploughers 15412/3 in steam together for the first time in over twenty-five years. 17 engines and rollers, and one wagon were on view here, and quite a few of the engines were at work with thrashing tackle and balers. Once again the weather was unusually kind and this more than made up for the wet conditions of last year. For the third year running a small Rally was held at Louth, and this year it was held in aid of the local Hospital, most of the engines and tackle which attend here, are the same little crowd as can be seen at Hawerby, but it is always a pleasant event to attend. This year a good crowd of spectators turned up, no doubt encouraged by the sunshine. One roller which very nearly did not get to the Rally was the Louth Borough Council Fowler 18867. It had been anticipated that it would go into retirement during the Spring of this year, but at a late date some work was started by the Council which required the services of the roller and so the retirement was postponed. Soon after this a tube blew and it was decided that it should be retubed. This job was done at express speed in Messrs. Macdonald's yard on the day before the Rally, and all was well. It is reckoned that the current series of jobs should be at an end in a few months, and the roller go into preservation next Spring. Caenby Corner Rally followed in mid August. and staged as is customary by the Lincolnshire Spastics Society. A number of new attenders could be seen on this ground. these being Mr. F. Coupland's Fowler ploughers, 15441/2, and the first time ploughers have been shown here, Messrs. Cole Bros. of Leeds with their Mann's tractor 1260, Mr. R. Oliver of Bishop Auckland with his converted Aveling & Porter 14068 "Hunslet" and Mr. R. Hooley of Lincoln with the Ruston Proctor 46496. 40

During the early Summer, the Society was invited to inspect the steam pumping station at '1 attershall. The equipment here has been out of use for something like thirty years, and consists of a Lancashire boiler and beam engine driving a paddle type pump. The engine and pump are original and were erected in the 1850's, and it is believed that the equipment was by Eaton, Amos of London. The ❑riginal. boiler was replaced in the early part of this century, by a new one made at Foster's in Lincoln. One of our Members, now unfortunately no longer with us, could remember this being made and floated down the River Witham to the site and erected. About the time of the start of the last War, the steam equipment went out of service, and a big horizontal Ruston oil engined plant was installed in an adjoining building, and the pumping was handled by this means until recent years, when an electric pump was fitted nearby. At the time of our inspection, several people connected with the Drainage Commissioners were present. and expressed a hope that the original steam plant might be preserved, or better still, be brought into a useable condition. From our inspection, it would seem that all the equipment could be restored, although it will need quite a bit of work. The engine dolls not appear to be seized up, but as the pump is of paddle type and directly coupled to the engine crankshaft, the heavy amount of silt in the waterway prevents the engine from being rotated. Fortunately the building is in fair condition, and has been kept locked by Mr. Porter upon whose land the plant is situated, so that the weather has done very little damage to the boiler or engine. Negotiations are going on at the moment with the River Authority as to what can be done in the near future, and it is understood that if these talks are successful, the whole plant, which includes the ❑ il engined plant will be included in the deal. Engine movement reported to date are that Mr. F. A. Smith of Frampton has sold his big Clayton & Shuttleworth portable, and this has left the area. This was a very late engine numbered 50010. The 5 h.p. Marshall road loco which Mr. H. Gurnhill of Saxilby owned for some years has now been sold to Mr. G. Love of Worksop. This was one of a pair of road loco's, 74871/2, bought new in 1923 by the Lindsey County Council, and were soon afterwards converted to 10 ton compound rollers. They remained in this guise for the rest of their days, and were sold in the early 1960's. 74872 went for scrap, but 74871 went to Nicholson Bros. at Faldinworth. Mr. Gurnhill bought it a few years after this and restored it in original condition, a very rare and interesting engine. Finally, as these Notes were being prepared, it was reported that Mr. Gordon Flear of Kirton in Lindsey had negotiated the purchase of a Fowler plougher, A.A.7 type, from Mr. C. Roades of Caxton. FRANK STRANGE, 1 New Road, Brigg, North Lines.

FAIRFORD AND DISTRICT STEAM CLUB The Rally at Fairford was yet another success, see report elsewhere in this edition. Mr. J. Wharton opened the rally this year. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank the Steam Engine owners and drivers who made the journey to Fairford, also Tractor and Barn engine owners. The date of next year's rally is proposed for the 17th August. We now have the Club badge, it is based ❑n the design of a smoke box door of a Ruston Traction Engine. The Club will be having a Club dinner next year in March at the Blunsdon Hotel, near Swindon, Wilts. More details of dinner to Mrs. R. Yells, Ivy Villa, Cirencester Road, Fairford, Gloucester. In the last Steaming Vol. 16. No. 4, there was the story of the late Mr. Charles Rickard. His engine has now been sold and has gone to near Oxford, still near our area, we hope we shall see her at our events. The engine is an AIlchin No, 1652 built 1914 6 n.h.p. Reg. No. EB 4938 41

bought from Ely fen by Messrs. Briggs and Richards of Fairford in 1926. Used for threshing, baling and tree-pulling until 1958 and still did work into the late 60's. Another AI!chin No. 1546 1911 7 n.h.p. named "Rebel" Reg. No. AP 9079 which is owned by Tim Tomlins of Bampton, Oxon, made its first appearance at the Fairford Rally, and its first time at a rally, and it was rare to have a compound and a single together. Tim made an all-out effort to gel it ready, it had to be completely rebuilt and painted and a lot of hard work by all, it was first steamed up only about two weeks' before the Rally and then driven by road in very short time. Another engine which is completely rebuilt now is Derek West's Burrell No. 3942 built 1922. single 10 tons Reg. No. TA 5563, which lives at Dunfield. Kempsford, Glos., this also was just finished in time for the Rally. M. T. HOWARD, 4 Glevum Close, Purton, Wilts.

ULSTER At the Shane's Castle Rally, more fully reported elsewhere, two engines made their debut on the local rally scene. "John" is an engine which has been much talked about by enthusiasts here for several years, and which indeed was until recently something of a mythical beast about which little was known except that it had its lair in a civil engineer's depot in Dromore in the depths of Co. Down. Largely due to the efforts Of Adrian Patterson, an employee of the owners, this engine has been restored to rally condition and is expected to be a regular attender of future steam events. The engine is a War Department Type C built in 1917 by Fowler's and carries the Works No. 14869 and Registration No. CB 3054. It was supplied to John Millar and Sons of Blackburn and later worked for J. Dixon of Burnley before passing to its present owners, John Graham (Dromore) Ltd. in 1939. During the war it was used for the construction of Nutt's Corner airfield and then on various haulage jobs for the owners until 1950 since when it has been stored. During this period various rumours did the rounds that "it was a ploughing engine" and now that it has eventually emerged, the foundation of those tales is obvious, the engine being a massive 2-speed. 8 n.h.p. Road Locomotive. The engine has been thoroughly overhauled by Nick Watson and now travels with a contractor's caravan very smartly turned out in matching livery. The other newcomer was acquired by its owners only a matter of weeks before the rally. having been bought from a Mr. Savory of Marham by W. J. Law & Co. An Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 8918 (Reg. No. EW 2239), it was originally owned by Huntingdon County Council who sold it. to Cambridgeshire C.C. about 1949. Meanwhile Victor Law still has several other engines awaiting repairs at his home. Norman Andrews has sold his Wallis & Steevens converted Roller No. 7830 to Ian Logan of Donaghadee. It is understood that he has no plans to restore it to its original condition at present. Many owners have been taking their engines to fetes and other small events during the past summer, notably Trevor Wasson, Billy Wilson. Norman Andrews and Bob Edwards. Bob spent a Friday evening driving his Aveling & Porter Road Loco from Helen's Bay to Whitehead for a Railway Preservation Gala on the 7th July, at which he had his engine in steam for a full clay. after which he drove it to Shane's Castle in preparation for the rally there the following weekend. H. WILLIAM COATES, 4 Kirkliston Gardens, Belfast. 42

THAMES VALLEY T.E.C. Fowler compound Roller "Carole" No. 15970 was sold by Mick Smith to a local contractor early in the year, after attending only two events in Messrs. Brant's ownership she was purchased by Ken Cook of Eversley, who sold her at the Stourpaine auction. We are sorry to sec her leave the Club area, but we do understand that she has found a good home in Derbyshire.

St. Andrew's, the recently rebuilt United Reform Church, held their

annual Fete in aid of their rebuilding fund at Caversham Court. a delightful riverside park on the Thames at Caversham. Reading, on 7th July. The theme this year was STEAM. We assisted with the arrangements and provided most of the exhibits which were as follows:(On land): Fowler Showman's 15653 (1920) "Renown", A. & R. Hawthorne & Sons. Fowler Road Roller 15988 (1923) "Constance", John Marrington. Shand Mason Fire Engine (C 1898) "Englefield", W. A. Benyon. Vertical Boiler & Victorian Horizontal Engine, A. N. Other. (On river): S.L. "Thames Esperanza" 50ft. loco boiler, vertical duplex engine,

S. L. Weaver, Cleeve. S.L. "Duet" 25ft. vertical boiler, vertical compound engine, Philip Harrison, London. S.L, "Firebird" 35ft. vertical boiler, vertical compound engine, Jonathan

Minns, London. "Renown" ran lights, "Constance" stood quietly ticking over. The three steam launches made several "runs" past the park, being tied-up along the bank in between times. Events such as this are typical of many which are held throughout the summer. Just a few items drawn from the locality. No ►ast profits on the day, no cups to be won, the crowd counted in hundreds rather than thousands. But nevertheless, a wonderful day for all concerned. Steam launch men visiting engine man stands, engine men having steam river trips. A small event but with a great deal to commend it. On August Bank Holiday Monday we provided eight engines for a display at Hurst Show, near Reading. Present were Fowler S.C. Plougher "Noreen" W. Tame and E. Fillmore; Burrell tractor "Defiance" Shipman and Barker; Tasker Sh. tractor "Little Jim" P. Barber; Foden "D" "EarlyBird" R. G. Adnams; Sentinel S4 A. Price; Fowler Roller "Hercules" A. Hall: Marshall T.E. "Old Timer" A. Napper, and Ruston & Proctor "Lincoln. Imp" D. Marder. Our monthly social meetings continue on the second Monday. every month of the year, at the Social Club, Englefield, between Pangbourne and Theale, Berks., at 7.30 p.m.

R. M. WOODRUFF, 31 King Edward Road, Ascot, Berks.

NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE & CHESHIRE T.E. CLUB It is hard to realise that another steaming season is drawing rapidly to a close. Many miles have been travelled in pursuit of steam both with and without an engine this year. As the years go by the distance travelled seems to become greater each year. The club's own Traction Engine, Burrell single crank compound No. 2706 "The Admiral" has been in steam most weekends this season, first steaming was for "Anne's" Steam Party at the Greyhound, Findern. 281h/29th April. Then followed the Club Night the first Friday in June. at Klondyke Mill. club members enjoyed the private steam session and a number of members had a chance to drive an engine which they did not normally do even at a Rally. Burton Rag was the next event on the calendar followed the next week by July Club Meeting. Unfortunately the weather really put the damper on by raining non-stop. The very next day we participated in Uuoxeter Carnival along with Marshall Roller 43

"Anne" and Marshall Traction "Welsh Lady" owned by Dennis Waters and .1. Cotton respectively. Two weeks later we wended our way to Stafford County Showground in readiness for the Midland Festival of Steam. Two days after this Festival the Road Tour took us to Goostcry in Cheshire, she rested here until the 8th August when we took a trip into Knutsford to receive Newsletter Co-editor and Member G. Littler out of church into wedded life, also present outside the church was J. Dakin's Foster "Winnie" driven by W. Dakin, crew R. Kettle, J. Nixon's old time machine. F. Booth and D. Booth with David Brown V.A.K. IA after having photos taken (and kissing the bride) we moved to Chelford in readiness for Astle Park Rally the following weekend. One week after the Astle Park Rally we made the sixty mile journey to Klondyke Mill. We started out of the Park just before 7 o'clock in the morning and we finished the journey at 11 p.m. with oil lamps alight. Finally next weekend we plan to go once again to the Greyhound at Findern to attend "Armes" Second Steam Party this year. This totals over 200 miles. Klondyke Mill, A.515 Lichfield-Sudbury (Derbys) Road, Draycott-inthe-Clay, Club Recreation Centre. Work still goes on at the Centre, improvements coming along at a satisfactory rate, anyone is quite welcome to make us a visit whenever in the area, it is not very often that we are not in attendance on Sunday afternoons, work on various projects proceed whatever the weather. The Club's Aveling & Porter Roller ex Staffs County Council is having great work done by the Andrews family of Uttoxeter. It is hoped to submit an article to Steaming on this roller from Steve Andrews at a later date. If work goes on at the present rate it looks like this engine will be turning out from Klondyke in steam next year. Mrs. F. Bates' Aveling Roller "Rosetta" has now joined the K. M. Collection and also shortly to rejoin the K. M. Collection will be D. W. Waters Marshall Roller "Anne" this will make the number of steam road vehicles resident at Klondyke Mill up to five. The Steam Party at Klondyke was held this year with the help of Draycott-in-the-Clay Village Hall Committee, engines present were: Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3509 "Rajah" owned by J. P. Swindlehurst, Leek; Burrell single crank compound Traction Engine No. 2706 "The Admiral" owners Norths Staffs & Cheshire Traction Engine Club; Marshall Type 'S' piston valve Road Roller No. 81427 "Anne" owned by D. W. Waters; Aveling & Porter single cylinder Road Roller No. 9024 "Rosetta" owner Mrs. F. M. Bates; Marshall 10 Ton Roller No. 57168 "Blodwen" owned by S. Durance & Co.; Wallis & Steevens Roller No. 2524 "Caroline" owner A. G. Baker; Sentinel S4 Wagon owned by Alan Williamson. Engines not in steam but on view to the public both undergoing restoration work were: Aveling & Porter 12 Ton single cylinder Road Roller provisionally named "Lady Hamilton" ex Staffordshire County Council, being painted and lined, owned by the North Staffs & Cheshire Traction Engine Club; Fowler 12 Ton double crank compound Road Roller No. 17487 "Little Stoke" owned by Mr. and Mrs. D. Hallam & Son•; of Brocksford. Mr. Davis with his Minniapolis Moline Marshall S4 in thrashing work proceeding slowly. Tombola, raffles, bowls and gate and car parking were carried out by Drayeott Village Hall. A clay pigeon shoot provided entertainment on Saturday evening, by Yoxall Gun Club. Refreshments were provided by the Klondyke Ladies Mrs. Hallam, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Vernon, Mrs. "Derby" and Miss M, Speed (Thanks Ladies). Entertainment carried on both days until a late hour. The main objects were carried out, we all enjoyed ourselves. entertained the paying public. and made just enough money to pay the rent. Thank you all the team. D. HALLAM, The Firs, Draycott-in-the-Clay, Sudbury, Derbys.

44

MORECAMBE BAY T.E. CLUB This season has been quite a busy one for the Club's engine owners and their crews. Starting at the end of May, Freeman and Norman Preston of Cabus and Tommy King of Bentham, attended Tom Varley's Weekend of Steam at Gisburn. Their engines were 1912 Burrell D.C.C. Traction Engine No. 3398 "Big Jack", and 1926 Wallis & Steevens 6 Ton "Advance" Roller No. 8767 "Old Lytham 2nd" respectively. On the same weekend, Lancaster Canal Boat Club held their Rally of Boats at Glasson Dock and two of the T.E. Club engine owners accepted the invitation to attend with their engines. These were John Armer of Cockerham with his Aveling & Porter 6 Ton S.C.S.V. Roller No. 5636 "Old Joe" of 1905, and his 1903 Burrell S.C.C. Traction Engine No. 2626 "Spitfire", and Granville Oldroyd of Heysham with Aveling & Porter 10 Ton S.C.P.V. Roller No. 10915 "Sooty" of 1924. Dennis Clark of Windermere also attended with "Annie", the 1-scale Roller Model from the Levens Hall Collection. The Club's Rally was next, this being fully reported in the last issue of Steaming. John Armer attended Churchtown Gala with "Spitfire' in August causing

a lot ❑f interest. particularly when the chimney stopped directly under

the plastic bunting! From there "Spitfire" went an t❑ the Claughton with Brock Show, meeting up ►with the Prestons' and "Big Jack".

These two engines proceeded to Gisburn for Tom Varley's second Weekend of Steam where they met up with Zeke Myer's S.C. 1903 McLaren No. 787 "Loughrigg" 8 h.p. T.E. and Tom's collection of engines. The latest of these is the dainty 2 Ton Yorkshire Wagon No. 117 "Pendle Maid" built in 1905 and one of the oldest, if not the oldest wagon in the country.

The village of Knott End-on-Sea has been famous among railway enthusiasts as the terminus of the ill-fated Garstang and Knott End Railway, locals still talk about the train known locally as the "Pilling Pig". Now steam whistles can once again occasionally he heard in the district, in fact Herhert Shepherd of Pilling, is in call his 1900 Foster

S.C.V.C. 8 h.p. Traction Engine No. 12438 after the old train. It will be some time before his engine steams though, as the new firebox it is being fitted with is not yet fully stayed and rivetted. The Vicar of Preesall, whose vicarage is at Knott End, is the Reverend Jackson, as big a steam fan as ever there was! He has completed a Sin. and 71in. gauge steam railway round the Vicarage grounds and to mark the opening two rollers, "Old Joe" and "Sooty", joined in the fun. Tony Chalmers of Warton attended British Railways Steam Fair at Morecambe Promenade Station. with his 1909 Garrett compound 8 Ton Roller No. 28408 "Elizabeth" in August. Also there were ex-L.N.E.R. locomotives "Sir Nigel Gresley" and "Green Arrow". Those club members at present engaged in restoration include Chris Greatley up in Lamplugh, Cumberland, who has just fitted new tubeplate

and tubes to his 1930 Fowler 10 Ton compound Roller No. 18507. The engine is now back on the road. Bill Ormrod of Hambleton has his engine completely stripped down and has decided to make and fit a new boiler barrel as well as a firebox. His engine is Burrell S.C.S.V. 8 Ton Roller No. 3946 "Billy Boy" of 1922, ex-Hirst's Sale. Dick Ransome of Torver, near Coniston, is to retube his 1914 Marshall compound 10 Ton Roller No. 65822 and is hoping to have it ready for next season. My own 1900 Aveling & Porter 10 Ton S.C.S.V. Roller No. 4505 "Fusilier" is slowly being painted up, and a new ash pan is to be fitted as the other one got moths in it. The Club has now changed its meeting place, the "Hut" at the Boot & Shoe Hotel in Lancaster being due for demolition. The new venue is the Lancaster Trades and Labour Club at 93 King Street. Lancaster. meetings still being on the 3rd Thursday of the month. HARRY CARR, 27 Norfolk Avenue, Morecambe.

45

SOUTH WEST WALES The growing interest in steam engine preservation we reported in 1972 has continued into 1973. Early in the year Mr. Geier Jones of Cardigan added a steam roller to his extensive collection of early agricultural implements and machines which he has opened to the public. The roller is a 1923 single cylinder Fowler No. 16003 (Reg. AF 6190) which came to Cardigan from Crediton in Devon. Mr. Jones has made several local sorties with the roller and took it to Haverfordwest Show. The other Fowler steam roller in this area, Mr. Bill James's 1924 s/c No. 16148 (Reg. TT 1253) does not seem to have moved from its resting place at Roche during the year. It has spent its life in Pembrokeshire, having been supplied new to Messrs. Stephens, engineers of Pembroke. The exPembroke Council's 1921 Marshall 10 ton roller No. 75015 (Reg. DE 2929) has been steamed and its owner Mr. Tom James is arranging to house it under cover after several years in the open. His workshop in Pembroke is a meeting place for local steam men, and for those from further afield. Visitors this summer have included Mr. John Boughton of the Chiltern Traction Engine Club and the N.T.E.C. Chairman. Across the Dougleddyf river at Burton, Mr. Michael Evans, after a long absence at sea as engineer on a Texaco tanker, has continued work on repainting his 1914 Robey compound roller No. 32387 (Reg. DE 2592) whilst on leave in the autumn. During his long voyages he has fabricated new bronze name plates, each letter being carefully cut by hand. In September the event which aroused most public interest, through the attention given to it by local newspapers and television, was the arrival of two newcomers to Pembrokeshire. the 1909, 7 h.p. Foster S/C No. 12394 "Old Smoke)," and the 1926. 12 ton Aveling & Porter roller No. 11519. Both engines came from Mr. S. Philp of Peterchurch, Herefordshire; the Foster is now owned by Mr. W. Miles of Croesgoch and the Aveling was acquired by Mr. Dai Jones of Crymmych. Both have since been steamed before gatherings of local enthusiasts. The 1936 Marshall S/C roller No. 87884 (Reg. FW 8035) owned by Mr. W. G. Roberts of Castle Morris has also been seen in action including an appearance at the Haverfordwest Show. With half a dozen engines now preserved in this area as well as some threshing drums. baling machines and other vintage agricultural machinery, perhaps the local enthusiasts will consider arranging a "steam working" in 1974 to focus the growing public interest in steam in South West Wales. One other event of interest to members concerned with industrial archaeology was the opening to the public in July of the XVII century tide-mill at Carew. the only remaining tidal mill in Wales, after extensive repair and restoration by Mr. Anthony Trollope-Bellew, supported by grants from the Historic Buildings Council for Wales and the Pembrokeshire County Council. Each day as the tide recedes and the 1 1 ft. head of water in the 23 acre mill pond is released through the sluice gate, the rebuilt 16ft. diameter undershot wheel (20 b.h.p.) can now be seen driving the great bevel gearing (the "Pit Wheel" and the "Wallow Wheel") and the large spur wheel on the Meal Floor which drives the three pairs of millstones through wood-toothed pinions.

DEVON As the season draws steadily to its close several last "get-togethers" and "steam-ups" have taken place. One of the bigger informal events was greatly enjoyed on 7th October at the Sandy Bay Holiday Park. Exmouth, where many were welcomed by John Lee. who had eight of his nine engines in steam and performing various tasks during the afternoon. Prior to these events taking place, all the engines were driven to the clubhouse area and positioned in a grand line up whilst guests 46

lunched, after which engines and crews were photographed. Well over 130 people spent a thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable day in the pleasant surroundings of the Park, winding up with tea in the big engine shed with Burrell Showman's No. 3711 (TA 3067) "King of the Belgians" driving lights. John's collection of engines, carts, farm wagons and threshing drums, etc., provide a good cross section of varying types, and many were eager to see the newest engine arrival of a few weeks previous, a fine 7 h.p. Clayton & Shuttleworth single cylinder T.E. No. 40687 (CF 3547) which was purchased from W. Harry of Gower. South Wales. Another engine on show for the first time was a nice example of a 5 h.p. Ransomes S.C. portable engine (at present with its makers plate missing) which was rescued from Goodeys yard at Twyford, Berks., several years ago in very derelict condition and which has since been extensively repaired and rebuilt. The history of this engine (unusual in having a large firehole door extending to almost tirebar level in depth and originally fitted with double doors and a shute arrangement believed to be for straw burning) is somewhat vague but there is a story that it was at one time on Blackbushe Airfield in Surrey. before going into Goodeys yard for scrap. Can any of our Surrey, Berkshire enthusiasts corroborate these reports and does anyone have a record of its makers number? — thc writer or John Lee would be inteiested to know. Other engines in steam were the 1903 Aveling S.C. traction No. 5150 (BW 4990) "Prince", an example with the cylinder on the opposite (flywheel) side from normal practice, a Marshall compound roller No. 74745 (TA 2441) and Marshall convertible compound traction No. 56187 (TA 2438), the Tasker "Little Giant" tractor No. 1309 (DV 9883) "Sonney Jim", Burrell 5 ton tractor No. 3689 (BP 5927) "Sunrise". in the workshop. stripped down completely for heavy overhaul was the unique Robcy Express High Speed Tractor No. 43165 (FE 9350) purchased from a sale in Cornwall earlier in the year in a very run-down condition. Now being worked on by Charlie Porter, the well known engine "doctor" from Bideford. Ken Stenner from Eggesford has been out again during the season with his 1903 Ransomes S.C. traction No. 15127 (TA 1935) and 5 h.p. Brown & May portable No. 8262 to local gatherings at Bideford, Littleham, Chappleton and Tedhurn St. Mary Sports and Flower Show. Derek Marriot with his 8 ton Aveling single roller and George Moore with his newly acquired 7 h.p. Fowler single eylitidei tiat.tiun Nu. 9689 (HR 4732) "Farmer's Friend" steamed to a Veteran and Vintage tractor working and rally at Honiton Hill on 25th August, Alfie Whitelegg also attended with his well known Gallopers, though at present still without its centre engine. These two engines also visited another well attended show, Lamberts Castle Fayre. held annually on a magnificent hill-top site between Axminster and Beamister, just inside the Dorset border, where they joined L. Way's 8 ton single cylinder Aveling roller No. 12400 (TK 2922) and Alan Fry's Garrett Showman's conversion No. 31193 (81 1659) and organ, with A. Whitelegg's Gallopers and vintage tractors. Earlier in the month the Fowler and Derek's Aveling roller were joined by the writer's Burrell roller No. 4018 (PR 4449) following a request to attend our local village fete in Aylesbeare. George Moore was recently able to purchase a threshing drum to go with his Fowler, an all wood Scottish built Garvey built just after the second World War. it is planned to fetch it home behind the Fowler. The brothers Geoff and John Horrell from Stoke Canon have been to several events with their 18 ton Stothert and Pitt steam crane. Since last year they have carried out further restoration and repainting of the crane. News is just to hand that R. Parkinson of Exeter has sold his rebuilt S6 Sentinel wagon No. 8821 (BRF 200). He has acquired a 10 ton Wallis "Advance" steam roller from Somerset (No. 7962, OT 8117) named "Smokey" and formerly well known in the Kent area. A. G. COOMBES, "Nutwalls", Aylesbeare, Exeter. 47

"BRUSHER" SPARKS by Ran Hawthorne It is with deep regret that we record the death on August 1st of Albert Sparks of Stoke Row, near Henley-on-Thames, Oxon. He was born to an engine driving father in 1912. When he was old enough he used to go to the yard to await his dad's return with the engine. He would then ask: "Shall I brush her down dad?" (that is to wipe the engine ►with a cloth). "Yes, you can, you're a good little brusher." So. "Brusher" acquired the name by which he was known by everyone for the rest of his life. "Brusher" followed his father, uncles and brothers into the job of engine driver. Before the war he was with Van der Steegen. of Cane End. "Brusher" spent a lot of time on ploughing engines but drove everything from a Burrell 5 ton tractor to a big ex-W.D. Fowler road locomotive. During the war he was directed to steam plough driving and spent a lot of time in Gloucestershire. Later on he drove a steam grab in a gravel pit at Banning, near Reading. After the war "Brusher" drove steam rollers for John Allen & Sons. Cowley. Oxford. For some years he had an Aveling & Porter tractor that Aliens had converted to a roller by fitting their own type of headstock and large front rollers. This was very fast for a. roller. "Brusher" married while he was with Aliens. He and his wife Lit living in the van and travelling with the roller. About 1950 he heard that a job driving the County Council roller in the Henley division would soon become vacant. He knew the roller well for she did her first job in his village when "Brusher" was a boy at school. She is Fowler single cylinder roller No. 14674 (1923). "Brusher" got the job. They continued to live in the van for another year or two until a house became

available. It was at Appleford Rally 1960 that I first met "Brusher". We have been firm friends ever since. In 1963 I had the opportunity to do a fortnight's work with the roller. "Brusher" came along the first day and put me right. He said "My old dad always used so say when rolling; look after the edges and the middle will look after itself". 1 soon found this to be good advice. His experience and ►wisdom in all matters ❑f steam have been of inestimable value. He thought the world of his old roller, "Busy

Bee" as she had become and similarly "Renown" when she came on the scene. He had the greatest regard for Fowler engines and while he had not previously driven a showman's engine his experience, at once enabled him to be "at home" on the big engine. The rest of our gang never tired of watching him put her exactly ►where we wanted her. No matter how tricky the gateway, if she could be got in. "Brusher" could put her there. He was kind to engines. He was kind to people. Never one to push

himself. Typical of the best engine driving traditions of his generation it was always the engine that came first. All other things took a back seat until the job was done. He was driving a diesel roller only three days before he was due to go with "Renown" to Castle Howard, when he collapsed and died. The trip to Yorkshire would have been the furthest he had ever been from home. "Brusher" was laid to rest in Stoke Row Churchyard, the coffin being accompanied by 61 floral tributes. Arthur Napper, immediate Past President, represented the N.T.E.C. The mourners included David Aldridge, Albert Main and Ray Winter of the "Renown" team and a number of local enginemen. Alec Townsend, my father-in-law represented my wife, my sons and myself. "Brusher" will be sadly missed throughout the steam world as he is missed from our team. He never gave the orders. He looked to me for that, but it was his skill and experience that we relied on. Our sincere condolences go to Mrs. Sparks, the daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. "Rest you well 'Brusher' — Man of Steam." 48

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"Brusher- Sparks driving 10 Ton Fowler No. 14674 (1923) in the ownership of Oxon C.C. (Henley Division) at Shiplake-onThames circa 1951.

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GEORGE HALL A FOWLER MAN by J. K. Ellwood It was with great sorrow that members of the Leeds and District Traction Engine Club learnt of the death of George Hall, aged 75. Although he had worked with traction engines all his life he was one of the greatest enthusiasts and never missed a rally within 100 miles radius of his home at Kirkburton, near Huddersfield. He started work at the age of 14 for his father who owned a farm. three threshing sets and a coal delivery service using a steam wagon. By the time he was sixteen he could take charge of a threshing set or drive the steam wagon depending on day to day needs. On many occasions he was expected to be up by 5 a.m. to set off on his bike to a farm 15 miles away and have the engine ready to start threshing when his father arrived at 8 a.m. — also on a bike. During the 1914.18 war he joined up to drive a steam wagon, but was later released to drive his father's engine and baler commandeered by the Army. During one season, after baling hay in the Selby area, the tackle was moved by train to Ludlow where all the hay commandeered by the Army was baled up and sent to France. This was used to feed the many horses in use over there and George heard later that many tons of it finished up at the bottom of the sea. The authorities were rather slow in arranging transport home so George steamed back to Huddersfield. taking three days. After the war he continued with the threshing business, covering a large area and using Fowler single cylinder 7 and 8 n.h.p. engines — his favourite engines for threshing. In the Wakefield area he threshed for many smallholders and sometimes set up three times in a day. He could relate stories all day about the different farms and farmers. One farm in particular had a sign tip which said: "Keep the farm tidy, from Friday till Friday-. During the depression years of 1921 and 1926 he took an outcrop mine and used his engine to winch out the tubs of coal. George also owned steam rollers, two of which are in preservation — the Burrell "Hero" and Fowler "Rambler". He travelled many miles to secure contracts and during one season took his rollers by road to Horton-inRibblesdale — about 70 miles from home. In more recent times he helped his sort Bill on road and tarmac work sometimes driving the roller — he enjoyed being out amongst the men and refused to retire. When I purchased a Foster Drum and Foley Elevator to go with my engine George looked on the project with tremendous enthusiasm. After helping Philip Carter to drive his Garrett Tractor from Huddersfield, a distance of 45 miles he would come to the threshing set and check that everything was in working order, then with obvious pleasure he fed the drum, Herbert Shepherd from Lancashire cutting t' bands. I took him on two occasions to the Stourpaine Steam Working where he derived great pleasure in the threshing area particularly watching the Fowler engines restored to such beautiful condition. When in conversation with other old threshing men he always declared he was a "Fowler Man". During our many visits to rallies he sometimes pointed out things which were not quite right, but I never heard him criticise anyone afterwards. Rather, he would give helpful advice and he had a way of doing this without offending, he being immediately recognised as a professional. George Hall was a kind and generous man who lived to see his work turned into a hobby. 50

pi••=•••

The late George Hall standing by the side of Ted Freeman's Fowler "Enterprise" at Stourpaine 1972. (J.K.E.).

CHUFFS •

A sale of machinery at Peterchurch, near Hereford. The prices some of the items fetched:Ransome Baler £150 £450 1948 Fordson Major—Series 2 (fitted with a winch) Marshall Thrasher fitted with Reed Comber £1,050 £5,825 Foster 7 h.p. S.C. built 1909 £210 Foster Thrasher with Hornsby Trusser Aveling & Porter 12 ton roller 1926 £2,850 Massey Harris Trusser £70 Albion Power Binder £50 All subject to 10% V.A.T.!

MARRIAGE It is with great pleasure that we report the wedding on 17th November of W. J. Hughes and Mrs. Edna Slingsby. Mrs. Slingsby, her late husband. the late Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Hughes were good friends when they all lived in the Sheffield area. Sleaming sends congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Hughes in their new home at "The Sentinel", West Street, Beighton. near Sheffield, and wishes them every happiness in the future. "Bill" Hughes, as he is known in steam circles has been a keen enthusiast of the Traction Engine since the days before preservation. I4e is, of cOurse, the same W. J. Hughes author of numerous books and articles on steam. 51

TOM'S CHRISTMAS by Ran Hawthorne

On the face of it Tom hadn't much to show for fifty-six years work He had started as a cook-boy with a set of Fowler ploughers, eventually becoming a driver but steam ploughing went down and Tom alternated between threshing in the winter and rolling in the summer. Hitler's war brought him long hours and many nights away from his beloved Mary. The "War-Ag." having sent his set into the next county to work. The war finished and soon all the engines were gone out of the yard except for two rollers, Old Bob's Aveling and Tom's Fowler. Bob died and the Aveling went to steam greenhouses. Tom was kept busy, his governor, "young John" was very considerate and always arranged for Tom to be home every night now that his daughters were married and living away. Tom and Mary grew closer as they grew older. Tom had his steam and together they loved their garden and their bees. Apart from an occasional visit to their daughters they hardly left the village. Chapel on a Sunday often being their only outing. Three weeks before Tom was due to retire Mary died. Retirement, which he had been looking forward to, now seemed pointless and as there was plenty of work for the old Fowler "young John" was only too pleased to have him stay on. For four more years Tom and the old roller were kept busy, the activity helped Tom over the loss of his dear Mary. When Tom did finally retire "young John" gave him his old roller. The Fowler stood in the little yard by the side of Tom's cottage, Tom fussed over her and two or three times every summer he lit her up and went far a run. He was very proud to be asked t❑ take her to the village Fete. Traction engine rallies had started and people seemed, once again, to be glad to see steam. The engine, the bees. and his garden filled his days, Tom was content, if lonely. After tea on Christmas Eve Tom put some more logs on the fire for he hadn't really got warm since he had been to the shop. He took an album from the dresser and settled in his chair by the fire. "Can't beat a bit apple" mused the old man as he watched the flickering flames dance up into the blackness of the chimney. Warm now he opened his album to see some of the old engines and drivers he had known so well in years gone by. There was old Amos driving one of the pioughers. Amos was foreman of the set when Tom first went out. A tough old character but as Tom had soon found out fair and just, and kindness itself as long as you pulled your weight, Next was a photo of "the old Guv'nor" stood by the number 4 set that came new through the government in 1918, "six year I drove the left-hand" Tom half muttered to himself. Many more old friends passed before his eyes then there, tucked away between the pages was an Appleford Rally programme, 1954, he remembered that one well enough, engines from as far away as Essex. Northampton. Norfolk and London had been there as well as the local lads. Tom didn't go to a lot of rallies but he was pleased that engines were being preserved. Tom's reverie was suddenly stirred by the strains of one of his favourite carols; "It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old, When angels bending near the earth Tom gazed into the fire and listened a while then off to the door to put a few coins into the collecting box. "Happy Christmas, Tom," called the choir as they turned back to the gate. Tom thought how cold it was; he put some more logs on the fire and feeling a little dizzy was glad to sink back into his chair. He turned another page of his album. A shiver went through his body, Tom was conscious of company and looked up as a shadow fell across his book. There was a young man standing by him, he had a modern hair style and ample side burns, but the clothes reminded Tom of his grandfather. 52

"That's one ❑f our engines isn't it?" said the stranger looking at a picture in Tom's album. "That was the first compound Traction Engine," said Tom. "Fowlers' built it in 1881 or 82". The stranger smiled. "'Erie you must be John Fowler?" said Tom. "That's right," said the stranger, "Would you like to come and see the engine; some of our chaps are out in the yard getting her ready for a show?" "1 would," said Tom, who was on his feet and right behind John Fowler as he opened the back door. Tom's little yard looked very different, there was the old Bramley with the beehives underneath but instead of it all being frosty and leafless, it was covered in spring green and pink blossom, the bees danced from blossom to blossom and then quickly back to their hives with another load of their own precious gold. The yard seemed enormous, engines as far as Tom could see. As they walked on he began to recognise engines and men, there was old Amos, but he didn't look a day older than when Tom first knew him, there was "the old Guv'nor" but he too seemed in his prime. It must have been fif teen years since Bob died but there he was lighting up the old Aveling roller, Tom was sure she had been cut up after she went steaming greenhouses. "I've put a bit of fire in yours, Tom," was Bob's friendly greeting. As he looked in amazement at his roller Tom remembered the occasions when Bob had been a hit late for work and Tom had "put a bit of fire in," for him. "I'm holding you up, Mr. Fowler," said Tom. "I\T,, not at all," was the reply, "there's no rush and tear up here you know." As they moved on Tom could see a group of chaps round an engine, sure enough it was that very first compound Traction Engine, she was brand spanking new, she looked magnificent as she simmered away. John Fowler said, "I won't introduce you, you'll soon get to know everybody. I expect you know some of them any way." Tom surveyed the scene, farmers, squires, engineers, men in mole skin trousers, men in corduroys, men in bib and brace overalls, and men in boiler suits. "Yes, there's a man I know; `Trotty' Stephen, used to drive our right hand engine when I had the left hand, and that's Alf Pepper up there on the footboard; Shottesbrooke Steam Fair 1964 that was the last time I saw him," said Tom. "Trotty" came over and shook Tom by the hand, "how are you keeping?" he asked. "Fit as a fiddle," said Tom, "come to think of it I haven't felt as fit for forty years, I reckon I could manage a full day's driving alright". Mrs. Wainwright next door was busy preparing the Christmas dinner when she looked across and saw Tom's curtains were still drawn. "Jim, you'd better slip across and see if the old boy's alright," she said. Jim found the back door ajar, the ashes were cold on the hearth, Tom was cold too, his album was on his knees, Jim glanced at the caption beneath one of the pictures; "the first compound". "There's nothing anyone can do. but I'd better ring Dr. Simpson, he'll need to know," he thought to himself. Jim quietly closed the door, passed Tom's beehives under the Bramley and as he crunched along the frosty path past the well sheeted Fowler roller, he was sure he heard the sizzle and crackle of an engine "singing herself to sleep" as old Tom used to call IL He stopped and listened, but all was silent till from the nearby chapel the harmonium played a verse and the congregation sang "It came upon a midnight clear

53

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Bicester, Oxon. 5th August.

The Editor Steaming,

Dear Ran, I have just returned from a rather soggy Sunday at Rousham Rally and would like to point out a matter of safety that would seem to have been overlooked by some engine owners. Several engines today were lit up with the sheets still covering the motion, and quite understandable too, but I noticed that some also had their safety valves covered. Now I know every engine is different and I realise that many owners appreciate the dangers but there may be one or two people who do not realise that by covering the safety valves their operation could be impaired and in an extreme situation an explosion occur. A remote possibility I agree. but nevertheless a real one. There is also the risk of fire when engines are lit partly sheeted.

Yours, TED EVANS.

22 Beech Avenue, Thelwall, Nr. Warrington, Lancs. The Editor, Dear Sir,

I am slowly restoring Aveling & Porter 15 Ton Roller No. 6090, she is at present only a bare shell, but one day! During the restoration I discovered a firm in Manchester who are still prepared to do "one off" jobs in the piston ring field. They have made me a full set of rings Gin. diameter H.P. and 10in. diameter L.P. for a reasonable sum. They are:- Mr. Powell, Bradford Piston & Piston Ring Co., Withington Street, Pendleton, Manchester, M6 5BU. Tel. 061-736 4211. I understand that they can also make Valve Rings for Aveling &

Porter Piston Valve Engines. Yours faithfully, MIKE JOHNSON,

The above information is offered in good faith but neither Mr. Johnson, "Steaming" nor the N.T.E.C. can take any responsibility for any arrangements in the matter. — Editor.

Ran Hawthorne, Esq., Editor Steaming,

Dear Mr. Hawthorne, As a member of both the National Traction Engine Club and the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain, I was glad to see the account of the SBA West Country regatta in Steaming for August 1973. However, since the report says, about the boat Fire Queen, that "The chairman, Nicholas Knight trailed his 14ft. dinghy down from Kent ....-, I would be grateful for the opportunity to keep the record straight and make it clear through your columns that this boat is my property. She was entered in the West Country regatta by Mr. Knight with my authority: his firm, Machin Knight & Sons Ltd., had then recently assembled the boat, but because of other commitments I had not been able to collect her. Yours sincerely,

P. J. G. RANSOM. 54

9 Shaggs Meadow, Lyndhurst, Hants. SO3 7BN. Dear Mr. Hawthorne, Thank you for another interesting Steaming. Close inspection of the engine on page 221 in the threshing scene leads me to believe that it is an Aveling & Porter of the 1880-1890 period, possibly 6 h.p. Distinctive features are the bunker construction, all wheel spokes cast into the rims, lamp iron, and the method of cylinder fixing. If the hedge had not been in the way on the picture of Mr. Hooker's engine on page 197 many similarities would have been visible. I look forward to seeing the next issue. Yours sincerely, MARK ABBOTT. Editor's note: We were given to understand that the engine on p.221 was a Marshall, but are happy to accept the opinion of Mark, a keen Aveling man. The picture of the Aveling below compared with the picture on page 221 (Vol. 16, No. 4) lends strength to Mark's suggestion.

3-shaft Aveling & Porter No. 2732 (1890) Reg. BT 4566 8 h.p. S.C. Photographed in ownership of Geo. Wrides (on engine) threshing on the Yorkshire Wolds about 1910-12. Marshall drum No. 9506.

(Photo courtesy W. A. Wrides, Driffield). 55

Box 144, Booleroo Centre 5482, South Australia. Editor, Steaming, Dear Sir, I am a member of the Booleroo Steam and Traction Preservation Society Inc. which is the only such club in South Australia. Unfortunately there are very few engines in this state and only three in restored working order. I was interested to read Knowl Hill claim to have the two oldest ploughing engines in the world and was wondering how they compare with a pair of Fowlers we have here. nos. 2661 and 2662. The plate above the firebox has the year 1875 cast on it. No. 2661 is in bad shape and nothing short of a new firebox would be needed to restore her. The other is in remarkably good condition and provided x-ray tests of the lap seams in the boiler prove satisfactory, restoration should present little difficulty. We hope to have it in steam in 1975 for its centenary, and as the Booleroo district is holding its centenary celebrations in the same year, to mark 100 years of settlement, the Fowler will be one of the highlights. Parts required for restoration and which seem unobtainable include a Salter spring gauge for its one safety valve, and an oval brass plate which was mounted on a wooden block on the side of the boiler. Is anyone able to help with these items or perhaps send me a brass rubbing of the plate as 1 do not know if it was the same as later ones. Can anyone help me in obtaining an authentic colour scheme for 1875 including lines. Yours faithfully, BRIAN KNOWHOSE Editor's note. The two engines billed as "the oldest pair" arc Fowlers "Margaret" No. 1368 (1870) Reg. AL 8468 and "Noreen" No. 2013 (1872) Reg. AL 8463. They are single cylinder engines with tank steerage. They were reboilered in 1916 and worked together as a pair for the next 30 years. Their owners are E. Fillmore and W. Tame. These venerable engines attend events in the Thames Valley Club and adjoining areas. Fowler No. 1190 (1869) Reg. BL 4150 is believed to be the oldest engine. She is at present under repair. We are glad to hear of nos. 2661/2 in Australia.

9 Normandy Way, Poundbury Park, Dorchester, Dorset. The Editor, Steaming, Dear Mr. Hawthorne, I wonder if any of the readers of Steaming could give me some information regarding Burrell Showman's Engines and, any other makers steam engine. I would be interested to know approximately the cost of steam engines when they were new, how long did the average engine take to build and the length of time it took for delivery. I would assume some engines were bought through agricultural machinery dealers, and the road locomotives and showman's engines direct from the maker. I don't suppose all these questions can be answered but would appreciate any information that can be given. Yours etc.. N. I. HAWKINS Please reply direct — editor. 56

Brookview, Bawburgh, Norwich, NOR 46X Dear Editor, On page 237 of Steaming Vol. 16 reference your remarks on. "converting engines to something they never were". I feel very strongly as you do about this. Could it be suggested that conversions be ineligible for trophies of any sort at rallies? In the vintage car sphere no Rolls Royce converted to tourer from hearse would ever have any hope of a trophy. Yours sincerely, H. R. WYELD

Whitland, Carmarthenshire, S. Wales. Dear Mr. Hawthorne, 1 have recently bought a 1943 R. G. Garvic Aberdeen 48in. drum Thrashing Machine and intend to restore it to good condition, I have written to the makers who have been very helpful with information about it but unfortunately could not supply me with an instruction book or spares list, I am wondering would you know of anybody who might have some literature, especially working instruction on this machine. Although I have not got any steam engines I am very interested in them, and visit Mr. Roberts at Castle Morris, Mathry quite often to see his Marshall single cylinder roller. Also Mr. G. Jones of Cardigan. who has recently had a 1923 Fowler single cylinder roller from Exeter way. There are not many steam engines down our way, the only ones I know of are the above and also a Robey roller at Burton, Ncyland, Fowler roller at Roch, a Marshall roller Reg No. DE 2929 "Pride of Pembroke" at Pembroke. Also a Marshall traction engine derelict at Mathry, and two Marshalls, and two Fowler traction engines derelict at Trehowell Farm, Letterston. I myself also have a few Fordson TVO tractors and besides the Garvie Thrasher I have a 1917 42in. drum Ruston Proctor Thrasher on iron wheels. Your, H. R. HARVERSON.

READERS WRITE * Mr. A. Collis, Tadley, Basingstoke, writes: "Please keep Steaming the same size whatever you may do with the colour or what-have-you, but size is right for the pocket." * Bill Horton, of 21 Paten Road, The Gap 4061, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, writes: "Pleased to say Steaming is arriving regularly and as always very interesting. Traction engines are being sought after enthusiastically over here as engines in all states of repair are being snapped up, the latest edition to our city is a McLaren compound road loco No. 1290 brought down from the north over 1,200 miles on a low loader; the engine has a good boiler and is at present undergoing restoration to as near new as possible by the new owner. My 7 h.p. S.C. "Alchin" No. 1306 is proceeding well, the main job to complete now is the boiler lagging and balance of painting. I think one is very fortunate to have an engine at this stage as the prices will be soon out of range of the working man and retired pensioner enthusiasts. Cheerio for now, best wishes and good steaming to all members." 57

REVIEWS STEAM AND ORGAN YEAR BOOK 1973 Compiled and edited by C. L. Dieth, published by Traction Engine Enterprises. Various guides dealing primarily with preserved railways appear each year, these are often reviewed in Steaming. This particular one is without a doubt the one of greatest interest to National and Area Traction Engine Club members. 1973 is the seventh year of publication of the yearbook which has grown in size, scope and quality. It is published in the early summer and would have been reviewed in our summer number but a "gremlin" somewhere along the line prevented a copy reaching us in time! The yearbok covers TE Clubs and Societies and similar associated interests, museums, standard and narrow gauge preserved railways, periodicals, a full list of rallies and TE events and a great deal of information useful to the TE owner and fans. It is nicely illustrated with a full colour cover. Excellent value at only 20p. Copies of the 1974 yearbook may be ordered for delivery as soon as they are printed, from TE Enterprises, 4 Station Road, Chingford, London, E4 713E. RAN. MY SEVENTY YEARS WITH TRACTION ENGINES by Charles E. Hooker, published by Oakwood Press 75p. The last edition of Steaming, Vol. 16, No. 4 carried a delightful little article by Charles Rooker. Anyone who enjoyed this will enjoy his book. The author was born in 1884 and started working regularly with engines seventy-eight years ago. He lakes us through his apprenticeship, steam rolling and threshing. He describes his father's business and the engines he owned, also the engines the author himself owned, all interlaced with stories of their activities. Other chapters include: Thrills and Spills; How Hookers Started; Hardships of "Lighting Up"; Drinking and Driving; and Hazards of the Road, etc., etc. The eight centre pages are of illustrations mostly taken from photos, of many of the engines referred to, taken in their working days. A real insight in to the days of steam. RAN. MERCHANT SHIPS OF THE WORLD IN COLOUR 1910 - 1929 by Laurence Dunn, published by Blandford £1.80. RAILWAYS IN THE FORMATIVE YEARS 1851 - 1895 by 0. S. Nock, published by Blandford £1.50. Most readers will be familiar with Brian Johnson's book "Steam Traction Engines, Wagons and Rollers" that was reviewed in Steaming Vol. 15, No. 1. These two new books are of similar format. "Merchant ships" consists of 96 colour plates, two thirds of them being full page. All are the work of the author, Vice President of the World Ship Society. The bulk of the subjects are steam, the ships being depicted "at sea". usually with a plume of smoke at the funnels. This is followed by approximately one page of text referring to each illustration. A delightful book at a modest price. "Railways 1851 - 1895" is in the Blandford railways of the world in colour series. The author needs no introduction whatsoever. Again the format is the same. 151 colour illustrations, mainly locos, but including signals, stations, bridges and rolling stock followed by text, all numbered for easy reference. Another excellent book and again at a very modest price. "STEAMEY". 58

THE SENTINEL Volume 1 1875-1930 W. J. Hughes and Joseph L. Thomas x 51in. 320 pages Price £5.95 David & Charles This has been a long awaited book by traction engine enthusiasts and its preparation by the authors has been spread over a number of years. No one should be disappointed with this volume and will look forward with anticipation to Volume 2. which promises to continue the story. Volume 1 traces the history of the firm of Alley & MacLellan from 1875-1930. Its start was at Polmadie, south of Glasgow, where marine engines. stationary engines and air compressors were the main products. Steam wagons were first built by the company in 1903, just after they took over the firm of Simpson 84 Bibby, of Horsehay, nr. Shrewsbury. who had been building "Iurries" from about 1898. The first Standard Sentinel appeared in 1905. The book covers these early steam wagons in detail, such as boiler construction, steering, frame, cab, controls. etc. One chapter deals with the little known overtype wagon of 1911. of which only two dozen were built. The book tells of the move from Glasgow in 1914 to Shrewsbury and the introduction in 1923 of the "Super Sentinel", of which 15 a week were being turned out in September of that year. Further chapters are devoted to the Steam Tractor, Portables and Specials, early rail locos and another to the Sentinel-Cammel Rail Coaches. There are in all ten chapters, 22 appendices and 118 illustrations. At £5.95 the book may appear a little expensive, but this is a must for all traction engine enthusiasts and in time will become a highly sort after production.

CUT-AWAY DRAWINGS by Geoffrey Wheeler Published by Mr. Wheeler, 84 Hazlemere Road, Penn, High Wycombe 50p each plus 10p post and packing These masterly drawings from the board of Geoffrey Wheeler measure x 25in., are printed on "paper suitable for framing". Nicely framed they would go well on the wall of your office or "den", but lets be honest they are not portraits the wife (most wives anyway!) would welcome in the lounge. They are technically accurate cut away line drawings showing the whole of the "insides" ❑f Traction Engines. Boiler tubes, stays, gears, differentials, governors, etc., it is ail there, Many hours will be spent by steam students, model makers, as well as engine owners studying these drawings. A study which will prove invaluable as ►vell as interesting. The subjects are: Fowler 7 nhp single cylinder General Purpose Engine "Farmers Friend" and the 7 nhp compound Burrell Showman's Engine "Princess Mary". A smaller block of this drawing, with parts numbered, is reproduced in the centre pages of this edition. ft is understood that other similar drawings, of different engines, are on Geoffrey Wheeler's drawing board. We await their appearance with interest. RAN.

TRACTION ENGINES & STEAM VEHICLES IN PICTURES Anthony Beainont 9in. x 7in. 112 pages David & Charles Price £3.25 This book was first published in 1963 and was reviewed in Steaming Vol. 13 no, 4. The author is well known for his high quality photographs and this book carries no less than 113 first-class pictures. It is well produced on good quality paper and the reproduction of the photographs is excellent. 59

SET OF 5 COLOUR SLIDES (2in.x2in.) "GALLOPERS IN THE SOUTH" R. Collis, Roman Road, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, 60p. Steam driven rides arc at once a fascinating and tantalising subject for the photographer. Here is a subject full of colour but with large areas of shade and, of course, a subject which is usually surrounded by people when it is working. Mr. Collis has achieved a very pleasant pictorial record of five of the finest sets of Gallopers in use today. Five slides which will form a worthy addition to any Steam collection. The subjects are: (i) Alf Whiteleggs machine at Netley Marsh. (the caption says the machine was to have been steam driven in 1973, but it is understood that the rebuilt centre engine has not yet been replaced): (ii) Alan Down's machine at Bournemouth; (iii) Bill Dorman's veteran set at Stourpaine; (iv) John Beach's at Beaulieu, this is not steam driven, but is nevertheless a magnificent set, beautifully pictured in front of Palace House; (v) Jimmy Williams' magnificent Savage three abreast that has only steam power and has never been driven by any other power, again pictured at Stourpaine. If sales of this set arc up to expectation the producer will follow it up with further series featuring Road Steam and Fairground subjects. RAN. MODEL RAILWAY ENGINES by J. E. Minns, published by Octopus Books, 99p. We all know the author better as Jonathan Minns our energetic Public Relations Officer. Jonathan's business is primarily concerned with engineering models particularly those from days gone by. He has great experience and a very wide knowledge of his subject and is therefore an ideal choice as author of this fascinating book. The publishers point out on the dust jacket that. "Throughout recorded history, man has felt the urge to recreate in miniature the objects that surround him in everyday life". This perhaps applies to railways more than anything else. Almost every boy wanted to become an engine driver at some time in his growing up. Some of us have found our outlet in Traction Engines and some in preserved railways or in the miniature examples. This excellent book, will appeal, not only to this latter category, but to everyone with an interest in mechanical devices. "Model Railway Engines" has thirty-two full colour illustrations and 88 black and white illustrations. The paper is good, the book is fully bound and has colour pictures on the jacket. The price is a modest 99p. This is absolutely fantastic value. At £3 I would have called it excellent value. Do not be deceived by the price ticket, this is a high quality book. The text is easy to read, interlaced with lively stories of engine men, but nevertheless authoratitive. The pictures can only be described as, excellent; the value as fantastic. RAN. INDUSTRIAL RAILWAY RECORD Editors T. J. Lodge and K. P. Plant, published by Industrial Railway Society. The June edition, No. 48, amongst many articles of Industrial steam railway interest contains a valuable article on Aveling & Porter Tramway Locomotives. These, of course, were Traction Engines minus steering gear and mounted on wheels suitable for travelling on rails, some were chain driven the latter models gear driven. Many were used in brick yards, lime quarries, etc. Two fine engravings and two excellent photographs illustrate the article. One of the engines pictured was new in 1872 and is shown at work in 1936. Enquiries regarding copies of this magazine should be made to R. V. Mulligan, 141 Mold Road, Mynydd Isa, near Mold, Flints., CH7 BT9. 60

AGRICULTURAL & ROAD LOCOMOTIVES Catalogue Part II No. 61 and illustrated Supplement, JOHN FOWLER & CO. (LEEDS) LTD. Reprints published by RLS available from RLS or NTEC Sales Officers £1.35 and 85p post free. Talk to any engine man in the 55+ age bracket who was brought up in an engine family and sooner or later you will hear how when he was a boy his main reading matter was the engine builders catalogues. Many of today's stalwarts of the Traction Engine practically learned to read using such catalogues. We did not have such catalogues in my boyhood home, but my very earliest recollection of reading was the immortal words "John Fowler & Co. (Leeds) Ltd., Engineers Leeds" on the front of the engine that came five ❑r six times a year to our farm. What thoughts that used to conjure up in the mind, Where was Leeds? (later I found it was only some 45 miles away!) John Fowler — he must have been somebody to have built engines like that? However did one make a wheel?, a fly wheel? or even the chimney? — my experience of engineering at that time was confined to watching a one-man blacksmith's shop in action! All these childhood thoughts come back to mind even before I opened this RLS reprint for there on the cover in the old familiar lettering was once again the wording John Fowler, etc. The 64 pages of the catalogue and the 38 pages of the supplement are just packed with pictures, detail and information concerning the products — agricultural and Road Locomotives mainly but with a smattering of others — from the famous Steam Plough Works. To read the list of countries where Fowler engines went, the list of offices in overseas countries. To read the introductory remarks, the recent improvements. To read that the works covered 14 acres and employed 2,500 (in 1910), to read about points of design such as, I quote: In compound engines the cylinders are so designed as to allow the cranks to be close to the bearings on either side, and so be well supported. This design permits the cranks and balance weights to revolve on either side of the highest part of the boiler, thus enabling us to keep the cylinder centres and crankshaft bearings very near the boiler, reducing the strain on the boiler, bearings and cylinder joint". To see the pictures of these engines tackling all manner of work in every corner of the world, brings back to mind the collective opinion of the boys of the village that there were only two kinds of Traction Engine — Fowlers and the others. These are magnificent reprints of magnificent catalogues and will bring delight to boys of all ages. RAN.

1N RETRO — NOTTINGHAM LOOSE FAIR Published by Ronam Publications, Oldham, £1. This is a book of original photographs covering this famous Fair from the years 1895 - 1928. There is little doubt that this period was the hey-day of the English Fairground, nor is it mere co-incidence that this zenith was the period when steam was the power, either directly through the centre engines or via electricity generated by the Traction Engines. Steam enabled rides to become bigger and more ornate, it brought lights the likes of which the Fair patrons could not sec elsewhere. Steam brought the finest rides from all over the country to Goose Fair. Yes, steam more than anything was responsible for this magnificent era. After an introduction we have about 60 pictures, ❑f generous size, dealing with all aspects of the Fair. Rides, Stalls, Fair people, punters and not least the engines. Most of the pictures have at least a plume of steam and enthusiasts will be able to identify a good many of the engines. A magnificent pictorial record of a Great Fair. "FLATTIE". 61

THE COMPLEAT TRACTION ENGINE MAN by E. E. Kimbell, published by Ian Allan £2.50. Here is a book every Traction Engine man will cherish. No matter whether his "driving" is full scale, miniature or confined to rally visiting in summer and armchair study in winter, here is a book he will read and read again and again. Those who knew the commercial use of steam on the land and on the roads will relive many a rick well threshed and many a field well ploughed. Those who are too young to have known these days (and they are fast becoming the majority) will get perhaps the most vivid insight into those hard but glorious days. A large chunk of the book deals with threshing and ploughing and the engines that performed these tasks. All very proper for it was for these jobs that engines were developed — if they had not been we would not have had the others! Chapter nine is a brave one; "Which were the best engines?" a brave man indeed Mr. Kimbell. But then when he was a boy and a young man this was probably the topic of conversation when engine men met. Far be it for me to join the argument but when Mr. Kimbell comes to another "argumentative" chapter "Sorting them out" I was pleased to find myself in close agreement with his assessment of the best makes in the various classes. The sixteen pages of illustrations are on art paper in the centre of the book, an excellent mixture of "working" and "preservation" they adequately back up the text. Mr. Kimbell has a great love of the Traction Engine — and the drum, so very much a part of the scene. This comes through in little phrases such as "Engines by themselves are Iike cups without saucers". May I echo another quotation "How lonely an agricultural traction looks when on the road today without a "drum" behind it; or standing in a field or a farmyard without its mate in sight. Clean and spotless it may well be at Rallies, but just a little threshing dust here and there, and some straws in the spud-box would not be unbecoming". A magnificent book, moderately priced, it will quickly establish itself as a Traction Engine Classic. RAN.

GREETINGS CARDS BY GEOFFREY WHEELER him at 84 Hazlemere Rd., Penn, High Wycombe, HP10 8AG from Available At the time of going to press we have only seen the proofs of this set of Greeting Cards, but we are assured that they will be in production by the time these words are in print. The subjects are all steam; a GWR single-wheeler "Flying Dutchman"; Caledonian Railway single-wheeler No. 123 in original condition; Fowler No. 15657 "Kitchener" portrayed from side and front in the condition in which she appeared in the film "The Iron Maiden". The front view is interesting in that it clearly shows the "contractors width canopy" — about 6in. less than the width of the canopy of similar engines built as "showmans". These three cards are "small", from 8in. to 10in. x 5in. they will be approx. 15p each with envelopes. The larger cards are approx. gin. x 6in. and will sell at 20p with envelopes, all are worded "With all good wishes" and therefore are suitable for all occasions, Christmas, birthdays, get-well, 21st, retirement, or what-you-will. The larger subjects are: Fowler "Supreme" depicted in the condition in which she left the works in 1934; a class "F" compound Aveling & Porter Roller of about 10 tons, and a 7 n.h.p. general purpose Burrell. All are detail correct, most beautifully and authentically coloured. The subjects are depicted inside a suitable border and are ideal for framing, therefore making them really excellent value at the price. RAN. 62

ECHOES OF THE GREAT WESTERN by R. I. Blenkinsop, published by Oxford Publishing Co., £2.10 In Steaming Vol. 16 No. 3 we reviewed Dick Blenkinsop's first book "Shadows of the Great Western" which consisted of pictures taken up to October 1956. "Echoes" follows on the story to May 1958. This book is the same size 11 fin. x 8fin. Again we have well over 100 pictures with a large number of them occupying the whole of the page area. Dick starts with "Earl of Berkeley" and "Newport Castle" double heading a train carrying the Bolshoi Theatre Ballet. He goes on to treat us to a magnificent array of engines and trains. The Cornish Riviera with "King John" losing too much steam past her glands as she pulls her train out of Paddington; "City of Truro" being prepared at Gloucester, the stall wearing cycle clips! Why? To stop dust and dirt getting up their trouser legs!; Mixed goods. the like, and length, we never sec nowadays; "Frilford Grange" climbs away from Kingswear with the Dart steam paddle ferry in the background; The Torbay Express right by the sea; Engines hauling steam cranes; Engines in usual situations; Engines in unusual situations; Trains under bridges; Trains in stations; Trains being watched by cats! Yes, they are all there in "Echoes of the Great Western", a real steam book. Heartily recommended. — Ran. ENGLISH AND AMERICAN STEAM CARRIAGES AND TRACTION ENGINES by William Fletcher 428 pages 911n. x Price £4.50 David & Charles This is a reprint of a book originally published in 1904 by the wellknown author William Fletcher. This is in fact a continuation of the same author's book "Steam on the Common Road". The first five chapters deal exclusively with the steam carriages on the roads at the turn of the century. It traces the progress and their development and carries very many illustrations. This is followed by a chapter on road locomotives for passenger service and a proposed road locomotive and train for passenger and goods, which obviously did not succeed. Early traction engines used on the roads are covered in the next four chapters and chapter 12, which is the final chapter of the book, deals with the American traction engines. This book is devoted primarily to students who wish to study the early development of steam on British roads and as such is an excellent book. It is wonderfully illustrated with some 50 first-class drawings and photographs and the type is in a very readable form. For the serious student of steam this book can be highly recommended. MECHANICAL TRACTION IN WAR Licut-Col. Otfried Layriz — New introduction by W. J. Hughes x 61in. 102 pages Price £3.75 David & Charles This book was written by a German army officer in the 1890's and first published in London in 1900. It was translated about that time by R. B. Marston for the use of English and American military officers. The book traces, in report form, the history of mechanical traction and also light mechanical transport of that day. It gives details of engine trials by various War Departments. It shows the versatility of the traction engine in war for haulage, winching, craning, electric power by dynamo. Actual war-time use of engines in the Franco-Prussian war, the RussoTurkey Campaign and the South African war is also related. The book shows the importance of the armour clad haulage engines and the use these were put to by Lord Roberts and his Armoured Road Train. This is an interesting book and well worth a place on the bookshelf of the traction engine enthusiast. 63

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.

Autographed Books — Geo. W. Eves (Worlds Fair, August 4th) says: 'Without a doubt the best steam book to date'. Leslie Brown (The Leading Steam Man Bookshop) says: 'Despite the price has proved our best seller for a long time'. Get you copy of 'The Sentinel'. A history of Alley and MacLellan and the Sentinel Waggon Works 1875-1930 Vol. 1 post free at £5.95 from co-author J. L. Thomas. 5 Minett Avenue, Rushwick, Worcester WR2 5TQ. Tel. Wore. 421252.

able N.T.E.C., V. H. Burrough (Sales Officer), 94 Harvist Road, Kensal Rise, NW6 6HL. Can anyone help — With parts for restoration Aveling & Porter K.N.D. Tractor No. 7838. Particularly required: Perch bracket, manhole door and bridge, draincocks, clacks, water gauge fittings, simpling valve and Feed pump. But any bits at all for this engine will be much appreciated. — Peter Froud, Rosebank, Willow Green, Little Leigh, Northwich, Cheshire. Tel: Weaverham 2405.

Wanted — To buy or exchange. Old rally programmes. — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-onThames, Surrey, KT12 3HT.

Rally Programmes — Free on receipt of 94-in. x 64in. stamped envelope. Houghton Conquest 1968. Roxton Park 1969-73 inclusive. — C. J. Norman, 16 Rye Crescent, Cople, Bedford, MK44 3TJ.

Wanted — Road Loco, Agricultural Engine or Steam Tractor in good condition. Cash available. — R. L. Corbett, Shorley Farm, Alresford, Hants. For Sale — New, unused copper top for Burrell engine. Top dia. 13", £25. — R. Preston, Potto Northallerton, Yorks. Tel. Hutton Pudby 700947. For Sale — Standard Fordson C. 1935, water air cleaner, £200 o.n.o. — Tel. Long Sutton (Hants) 430. N.T.E.C. Christmas Cards and envelopes. 10 for 66p, 20 for £1.10 incl. VAT. Post free to members, non-members please add 5p on 10 or 8p on 20. Cheques, P.O. pay-

Wanted — Brittannia Plaque for front of Marshall S type Roller. — R. Fawcett, Clopham, Lancaster, LA2 HW8. Wanted — For preservation, Motorcycle 250c.c. or over of period 1925 - 50. — John Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. Special Purchase — 12in. longplay record — 'Traction Engines" by the B.B.C. Featuring Arthur Napper, Jack Wharton, and many more, with the sounds of their engines. To N.T.E.C. members 77p post free; to non-members 110p post free, both including VAT. — N.T.E.C. Sales Officer

REVIEW COLOUR PRINTS David James Publications Ltd., 40p.

In the latter part of 1972 David James Publications produced colour prints of two well known engines on the English Rally scene; our editor's Fowler No. 15653 (1920) "Renown" and Jack Hampshire's Foden Steam Wagon No. 13716 (1930). Both are traditional three-quarter side views.

The artist has achieved much of the character of these engines. In these days of "anything goes, as long as it is colour" it is refreshing to see the colours reproduced so faithfully. This year another print in the series has been issued. This like the others is on good paper suitable for framing, size 171in. x 1 It depicts a Wallis & Steevens single cylinder Expansion Engine, but unfortunately the detail on this one leaves much to be desired — the artist seems to have lost the tender! 64

For Sale — Unique French Portable by Breloux of Nevers. New 1929. Wood front axle, round stayless firebox. This and boiler in excellent condition. — L. E. Middlemiss, 25 West Street, Godmanchester, Huntingdon. Tel. 2905. For Sale (cheap) — Four original wood wheels from Tidman CentreTruck. Require repair. — Dr. J. L. Middlemiss, Godmanchester, Huntingdon. Wanted—Underslug type water tank for Sentinel DG4 Waggon. To purchase or exchange for upright type Sentinel tank. — H. W. Gough-Cooper, Fraserford, Dunscore, Dumfriesshire, Tel. Dunscore 271. Steam Cars — Old Motor, April '67/All Steam Issue ( . . Serpellet, White, Sentinel-Doble lorry, showman's engines, etc.); several copies at 45p each. Profile Publication/'The Stanley Steam Cais" (black and white and colour illus.); one spare copy at 45p. Also Clymer's 'Steam Car Scrapbook" (bound edition) at £1.50. All items as new and post paid. — R. Collis, 'Sunbeams', Roman Road, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton SO4 SPR. Wanted — Safety valves and spring for Burrel 8 ton Roller and 1iin. steam wagon drive chains. — T. Varley, Todber Caravan Park. Gisburn 322. My Sentinel S4 — For part exchange for a Foden Steam Wagon or any interesting steam traction engine. — T. Varley, Todber Caravan Park, Gisburn, nr. Clitheroe, Lancs. For Sale — Hand operated cylinder re-boring machine, as new, Tapping rod and dies for staytubes on Garrett 6 ton tractors. 2 firing shovel ends (lit own wood handle), new. Various Fowler wooden patterns, mostly roller. Offers. Wanted — For restoration of Foden 5 ton Wagon: Water tank, complete rear axle or axle boxes, brake shoes and band brake, rear springs, L.P. slide valve, smokebox and door, water pump, water lifter, chimney base, muffler box, drive chain or W.H.Y. that is useful. — John S. Lea, Wardle Cottage, Calverley, Nr. Tarporley, Ches.

Wanted — To complete restoration of Garrett Tractor odd pieces of twisted brass. One piece 3ft. long x 11in. across corners and 4 pieces 2ft. 3in. long x 2in. across corners. Will purchase or exchange for brass engine parts. — Woodruff, 31 King Edwards Road, Ascot, Berks. Wanted—For Wallis & Steevens Oilbath Tractor No. 7390 any spare part. Front wheels and axle, solid rubber tyres, governors or any good gears, belly tank transfers, or any history of this engine which has been in Ireland. — T. Varley, Todber Caravan Park. Gisburn 322. Wanted — The following back numbers of 'Steaming' to complete collection: Vol. 1 complete, Vol. 2 complete. Vol. 3 No. 1, Vol. 4 No. 3, Vol. 6 No. 4. Also rally programmes. Details and prices to. — A. V. K. Thomas, 27 Basset Road, Camborne, Cornwall, TR14 8SH. Paddle Steamer Preservation Society encourages interest in and preservation of 'Paddlers'. 'Kingwear Castle" undergoing restoration on the Medway requires active as well as financial support. Details from D. W. Swaffield, 22 Glastonbury Road, Wells BH3 7JZ. Wanted — Working Instruction book, spares list or any other information on 1943 Garvie, H.P. type 48in. drum with ball bearing tractor threshing machine. — H. R. Harverson, Bank-Y-FFynnon, Trevaughan, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, South Wales. For Sale — Very old set of wheels and axle from a Marshall living van. Axles 8ft. x x 2/in., front wheels 27in. x 10in., rear wheels 38in. x 10in. Good condition. Offers to — S. Sutton, Beckermet, Cumberland. Wanted—Any interesting steam vehicle (engine or wagon) regardless of condition. — Tom Varley, Todber Caravan Park, Gisburn, nr. Clitheroe, Lancs. Wanted — Boiler water pressure test pump. Also lift pipe bracket, preferably Fowler pattern. — G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. Tel. Checkendon 484. Wanted—'Steaming', April 1957 — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. 65

Wanted — For Aveling & Porter Roller, a rear wheel horse shoe works plate, also a set of Traction Engine lamps. — R. F. Cakebread, 22 Salisbury Gardens, Wimbledon, SW19 4HA. Tel. 01-947 2366. Boiler Tubes — 48 tubes, 66in. x 1-kin. o/d, parallel, 10 gauge. Enquiries to. — Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway Society Ltd., The Railway Workshops, Mile Tree Road, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 91A. Wanted—Books, slides, photos, etc. on Steam Boats and Paddle Steamers. — G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. Wanted — For Foster Thresher. One set of steel and one set of wood road wheels. — J. Hardy & Son, 2 Wolsey Gardens, Sherburnin-Elmet, Leeds, Tel. South Milford 2682. Wanted — Rally Programmes; 'Steaming' Vol. 3 No. 2 — will buy whole collection including that issue; 'Light Steam Powers'. — D. Roseaman, 6 Rowlands Close, North Hill, London N6 4BX. Wanted — Information on any engines, rollers, etc., situated in playgrounds, parks, etc., which can be photographed. Details to. — R. E. Davies, 71 Bedford Road, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 6LX. Wanted — Sentinel S4 or S6 in good condition. R. A. Jardine, Southlands, Teston Road, Offham, nr. Maidstone, Kent. Tel, West Mailing 842472. Wanted — Safety valve cover for A. & P. Roller 11000 series. — W. Dowthwaite, Skelton, Penrith, CA11 9TS. For Sale — Sleeping Van from threshing tackle, in new condition, sleep 3. Also tractor fitted with heavy duty winch for timber work and threshing. All in good order. Apply — L. Page, East Street, Falmen, nr. Brighton. For Sale—Four coils steel hater 80ft. x 1 in. circum. £1.50 ea. Aveling injector, right hand fitting, £3. Horse drawn mower, McCormick, complete, £5. Bourdon gauges: 0-200 psi 4in. face, flanged, £2; 0-200 psi 4in. face, flanged, bevelled glass, f2; 0-120 psi 4in. face, flanged, £2; 0-100 psi 4in. face, no flange, £1; 0-100 psi 6in. face, no flange, £1. — T. A. J. Green, 'Mandalay', Westbrook Street, Blewbury, nr. Didcot, Berks. 66

T. Varley, Steam Museum, Gisburn. Set of six fine coloured postcard photographs. Garrett Showman's No. 33705, Yorkshire 3 ton Wagon 940, Fowler Wagon No. 19708, Sentinel DG6 No. 8562, Sentinel 'S' No. 9003, Verbeeck Organ. 30p per set, post free. Apply — B. Roberts, 88 Barnoldswick Road, Barrowford, Nelson, Lancs, BB9 6BQ who is dealing w:th postal sales on Tom's behalf. Urgently wanted — A copy of 'The Development of the English Traction Engine'. Will pay up to £5 if in good condition. Please state price and condition. Reply to Mr. H. Cox, 2 Buckgrove, St. Giles, Torrington, Devon, EX38 7JB. Tel. Torrington 3414. 'Steaming' back numbers — Recent editions from the Sales Officer. I have a few odd copies and one or two complete volumes as far back as Vol. 7. Back numbers always wanted. — Ran Hawthorne. Crofton Beam Engine Pumps — On Kennet and Avon Canal between Hungerford and Marlborough 2 miles off A4. Steaming dates for 1974. April 20/1, May 25/6/7, June 22/3, August 24/5/6, Oct. 5/6, Nov. 9/10. Help — Two brothers desperately need antidote to acute and prolonged attack by that virulent disease, the 'Common or Garden Steam Bug'. Local steam doctor advises only cure is purchase of engine. We are interested in buying a complete or near complete Traction Engine or any type in need of a good home, restoration or overhaul. Please reply to — M. J. Darlington, 11 All Saints' Road, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 30031. Wanted — Any or all of following parts for Garrett No. 4 CD Tractor: Front wheels, axle, perch and spring, chimney base, governor and countershaft, rear wheels final drive gears and differential pinions. — P. Cauley, 79 Chester Road, Middlewich, Cheshire. For Sale — One set of Pickering governors, one Menzel automatic lubricator, one 200 lb. pressure gauge. — P. Shadbolt, Blackwell, Shipston-on-Stour, Warks. Wanted — 'Steaming' Vols. 1-4 inclusive and Vol. 5 No. 2. — C. G. Saunders, 3 Shyshack Lane, Baughurst, Basingstoke, RG26 5NH

Wanted — For Field Marshall Series 3 Tractor. Nameplate "Diesel Field Marshall" for front bonnet, and Baton plate for centre bonnet, left hand side. — Coles, 6 Wheatfield Road, Harpenden. Tel: Harpenden 3124. Greeting Cards—For any occassion, ideal for framing. 'Supreme' (original condition) 20p; Aveling Roller 20p; Burrell 7 nph G.P. 18p; 'Iron Maiden' 15p. Locos: Caley 123 (original condition) 18p; G.W.R. 'Flying Dutchman' 15p All with envelopes, post extra. 'North Star' cutaway drawings, 171in. x 25in., for framing etc. Burrell 7 nhp Showman; Fowler G.P. 'Farmer's Friend' 50p each plus 10p packing and postage on one or both. Few only, block mounted cutaways ready-to-hang, £6.50 post free. Trade enquiries invited. — G. Wheeler, 84 Hazlemere Road, Penn, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 8AG. For Sale — Bluebird 4 berth Caravan. About 8 years old but sound. — G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. Tel. Checkendon 484. Wanted — By young enthusiast for preservation, Allis Chalmers 'B' Tractor. — Richard Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading. Tel. Checkendon 484. 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 — 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. 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. Chelmsford, Essex. Steam Cars — and other road vehicles, steamboats, locomotives, and small stationary power described. Modern, vintage and veteran. Magazine and colour brochure 43p ($1 U.S.A. and Canada). —

"Light Steam Power",Kirk Michael, Isle of Man, Britain. Wanted — Memories and any details of engines, etc., that worked in Surrey, especially in Esher, Walton or Weybridge areas. — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. Wanted — The following books (please state condition and price): Clark — Chronicles of a Country Works; Meyrick-Jones — Steam Road Vehicles; Phoenix — Burrell 2704; R.L.S. — Some Ploughing Engines; Savages Ltd. — 100, Not Out; Steam Lorry Album; The Arbroath Affair; T.V.T.E.C. — Steam Fair 1964; Clark — Steam Engine Builders of Norfolk; Clark — Steam Engine Buildings of Lincolnshire. — K. Brothwell, 23a Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. Books for Sale — The Compleat Traction Engine Man (E. Kimbell) £2.75; Burrell Showman's Road Lueuniutives (M. Lane) £3.95; A Century of T.E. £2.60; T.E. Worth Modelling £1.65; T.E. and Steam Vehicles in Pictures £2.50; Ransomes Steam Engines (Beamont) £3.50; Our Agricultural Heritage £1.75. All post free. — G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading RG8 OSE. Wanted — Piston rod, piston and rings for A. & P. Roller 8 ton piston valve No. 11956 (1927). For Sale — Two sets of governors, make and type unknown. For full details apply — J. Henderson, 111 Ainderby Road, Romanby, Northallerton, DL7 8HJ. Professional Quality glossy black and white photos. Fowler Showman's 'Supreme', unobscured nearside, generating at 'Expo Steam '73'. 7in. x 5In. 25p, 83In. x 61in. 30p, post free. Reprint 'Rally Traction Engines', February 1974, published The Oakwood Press, 75p. — A. Beaumont, 'Waynefleet', South Wootton, King's Lynn. Autographed Books for Christmas? — The Sentinel £5.95; A. Century of Traction Engines £2.95 (paper cover £1.25); Traction Engines Worth Modelling £2.95; Fowler Steam Road Vehicles £1.95; Steam on Common Roads (Fletcher) £3.50; Modern Steam Road Wagons (Norris, 1906), £2.95; Mechanical Traction in War (Layriz, 1900) £3.95; all post free. — W. J. Hughes, 'The Sentinel', West Street, Beighton, near Sheffield. 67

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Wanted — For M.M. Tractor model GT: manifold, carburettor, radiator. Or would purchase complete tractor with cracked block, etc., or information concerning the above. — R. Abblitt, Grange Farm, Steeple Gidding, Hunts. Tel Sawtry 219. Wanted — 'Steaming' Vol. 7 No. 1. Purchase or loan. — A. James, 16 Middleton Drive, Bury, Lancs. Wanted — Fowler water lifter suitable for 6 nhp traction. — R. Willcox, Plain House, Whiteshill, Stroud, Glos.

For Sale — Sets of six colour postcards of engines in Holland. Published by Stoomwalsenclub, Nederland. 35p post free to members, non members add 5p. — V. H. Burrough, Sales Officer, 94 Harvist Road, Kensal Rise, London NW6 6HL. Wanted — Handbook, spare list etc. for Allis-Chalmers 'B' tractor. Could offer Massey Harris 'Junior' Trac-Tractor T20 or Fordson Major books in exchange. — Richard Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading RG8 OSE.

N.T.E.C. CHRISTMAS CARDS Complete with envelopes 1973 design is a drawing of a general purpose engine driving a rack saw. A typical country scene of yesteryear. These cards are going very fast. Subject to being available we can supply 10 cards for 66p, 20 for £1.10 including VAT. Post free to members, non members add 5p on 10 or 8p on 20. Cheques and P.O. payable N.T.E.C.

Long Playing Record

`TRACTION ENGINES' A special purchase of this record (featuring well known T.E. men and their engines) enables us to offer copies at amazing price of 77p to members, £1.10 to non members. VAT and postage included. Hurry! When stocks are gone this offer cannot be repeated. V. H. Burrough (Sales Officer) 94 Harvist Road, Kensal Rise, London NW6 6HL

INTERESTED IN FAIRGROUND STEAM ?

SUPERSLIDES Quality 35mm. duplicate slides in printed mounts. SET 1 — GALLOPERS IN THE SOUTH — featuring the machines of: A. Whitelegg, A. Downs, W. Dorman, J. Beach and J. Williams. Set of 5 slides — 60p per set from: R. Collis, "Sunbeams", Roman Road, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO4 5PR. Trade or Overseas enquiries welcomed. 41

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Foden Steam Wagon No. 13716 1930. Print size 171" x 11i". Price 40p. This is just one of the many superb reproductions in our range of collectors fine prints. To order or for further details contact Ted Dewar on 01-804-4903. We are also wishing to appoint additional agents to represent us at Steam Shows throughout the country. If you are interested then drop us a line.

DAVID JAMES PUBLICATIONS LTD., ADEN ROAD, PONDERS END, ENFIELD, MIDDLESEX

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.

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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.

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TRACTION ENGINE ENTERPRISES THE COMPANY THAT CATERS FOR THE ENTHUSIAST TRACTION ENGINE BOOKS STEAM ON THE ROAD, by David Burgess-Wise. A delightful book that captures all the fascination of Steam Engines. Lavishly illustrated with approx. 35 colour and 60 black and white photographs of both English and American engines. Extremely reasonably priced at £1.45 inc. postage and packing. FARMS & FARMING, by John Vince. This excellent book is a record of bygone farming from the Buildings, Windmills. etc. to Horse, Steam and Tractor Ploughing. Threshing, Early Farm Implements. Ploughs and Waggons. Very well illustrated. £3.50 inc. postage and packing. THE AGE OF THE TRACTION ENGINE, by R. A. Whitehead. Stories about the work they did and their drivers. £1.95 inc. postage and packing. MECHANICAL TRACTION IN WAR, by Lieut. Col. Otfreid Layriz introduction by W. J. Hughes. £4.00 inc. postage and packing. THE COMPLEAT TRACTION ENGINEMAN, by E. E. Kimbell. day life with engines. £2.60 inc. postage and packing.

with new

Recalls every-

MY LIFE IN STEAM — Ken Judkins. £1.30 inc. postage and packing MORE OF MY LIFE IN STEAM, Ken Judkins. £1.30 inc. postage and packing. STEAM TRACTION ENGINES, WAGONS & ROLLERS, by Brian Johnson. A very well illustrated book. £1.60 inc. postage and packing. THE SENTINEL VOI LJMF 1 1575 - 1930, by W. J. Hughes and J. L Thomas This first volume covers the story of Alley & McLellan up till 1930 £6.10 inc. postage and packing.

RECORDS THRESHING & CULTIVATING BY STEAM POWER, features Burrell Traction Engine and Fowler Plough Engines. 12" L.P. Mono £2.15 plus 10p postage A STEAM WEEKEND. Recordings made at Northants Rally of Traction Engines and Miniatures. 12" L.P. Stereo £1.50 plus 10p postage. WORLD OF STEAM — ON RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN & EUROPE. Pre-Recorded Cassette £1.65 plus 10p postage 12" L.P. Stereo 99p plus lOp postage. REMEMBER HOLLAND — STREET ORGAN "DE KLOK" Playing traditional Dutch tunes. Pre-Recorded Cassette £2.50 plus 10p postage. 12" L.P Stereo £2.25 phis 10p postage WORLD OF MECHANICAL ORGANS — Features Seven different Fairground and Concert Organs. Pre-Recorded Cassette £1.65 plus 10p postage. 12" L.P. Stereo 99p plus 10p postage. MELODIOUS MEMORIES — 97 Key Mortier Show Organ "Four Columns" of the St. Albans Organ Museum, playing a Medley of thirty tunes. 12" L.P. Stereo £1.20 plus 10p postage.

ORDER NOW!

1974 STEAM & ORGAN YEAR BOOK (including Rally Diary) Published 1st April 1974. Price 30p including postage Orders to:

All goods sent by return of post

TRACTION ENGINE ENTERPRISES 4 STATION ROAD CHINGFORD, LONDON E4 7BE Send a large S.A.E. for our extensive lists of all enthusiasts books and records. Personal callers welcome. Telephone 01-529-1250 for details of opening hours.

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

p 1.00 1.00 .40 .30 .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) Mann Reprint Catalogue Fowler Reprint Catalogue Fowler Reprint Supplement Ruston-Proctor Reprint

1.25 1.00 .75 1.25 .85 1.35 .85 .50

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 green) or (blue N.T.E.C. Ties VAT, where applicable, is included. All items post free to members N.T.E.C. Please quote membership number. Non members please add 5p per book. Cheques, Postal Orders, etc. payable to N.T.E.C.

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