STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
Vol. 18 No. 3
JUNE 1975
Wallis & Steevens Tractor No. 7872 (1928) 4 n.h,p. This engine attended Appleford Rally in the early 60s. Pictured at Hungerford in 1974. Her owner Dr. John Cam is bringing her on the Run and to the Steam Party on Photo D. M. Ulyborn. 12th and 13th July.
21st ANNIVERSARY ROAD RUN AND STEAM PARTY EDITION
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. Public Relations Officer Denis W. Brandt, Esq., 27 Tregunter Road, London SW10. Membership Secretary Mrs. F. E. Wood, 'Windrush', Hail Weston, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE19 4JY Sales Officer V. H. Burrough, Esq., 94 Harvist Road, Kensal Rise, London, NW6 6HL. Technical Services S. J. Wharton, Esq., Southern Down, Minster Lovell, Oxford.
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Membership is open to all, whether engine owners or not, with a genuine interest in the preservation of self-propelled steam road vehicles, portables, etc. The annual subscription is f2. The benefits of membership include advantageous terms for boiler insurance. The club's journal "Steaming" is sent free to members in December, March, June and August. All articles, photos for consideration should be sent to the Editor. All correspondence re subscriptions, bankers order, delivery non-delivery) of Steaming or change of address to:
(or
MRS. F. E. WOOD, 'WINDRUSH', HAIL WESTON, HUNTINGDON, CAMBS, PE19 4JY Please enclose S.A.E. when sending subscription or when writing to any officer if a reply is required.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are pleased to acknowledge the help received from Will Cole, Derek Rayner, Arthur Napper, Tony Coombes, Joe Thomas, Area and Club Correspondents and many others in the preparation of this editon. 138
STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB all items are held copyright by contributor and/or N.T.E.C. EDITOR: RAN HAWTHORNE, 19 BRIDLE PATH, WOODCOTE, READING, RG8 OSE. VOLUME 18 No. 3
JUNE 1975
FROM THE EDITOR'S CHAIR The Run is uppermost in our minds at the moment. Various items of information on this historic event will be found in this issue. I am delighted that the suggestion put forward in the June 1974 edition of Steaming that we should hold a Run has been accepted. Appleford to Nettlebed was suggested as this is a test for engines and drivers but since we wanted to combine the Run with a Steam Party at Appleford it had to be Nettlebed to Appleford. Perhaps next year we can reverse the route. Items for the next issue should be in the hands of the Editor by 30th June. Small advertisements can usually be accepted up to three weeks after "copy" date — but of course, we cannot guarantee publication of these.
" BLOW OFF " STEAMING'S OPINION COLUMN We would like to draw attention to the decision of the Shropshire Steam Engine Society to continue to hold their annual Rally at Bishop's Castle. Continually rising costs have led the Society to consider leaving their traditional area and moving to another part of the county — nearer to larger areas of population. The Society members considered the matter and decided that they wished their Rally to remain at Bishop's Castle. We applaud their decision_ So many organising bodies have allowed themselves to be brainwashed into believing that to be any good an event must get bigger every year, must have more people, more of this, more of that and so on. Bishop's Castle Rally is one that has not fallen for the idea that anything that anyone "preserves" should be included. Many rallies use the word STEAM in their title but less than 10% of their exhibits are Steam. There are plenty of people only too ready to jump on the steam band wagon and so we have "mammoth" events with a whole load of stuff hanging on behind our engines. Stuff that if it was on its own would move no-one. We are a Steam Preservation movement, let us not lose sight of the fact. There is room at our events for quality exhibits of veteran and vintage cars, motor cycles, commercials, Farm Tractors and Barn Engines. Also genuine Old Time Fairground tackle, etc., but let us keep pride of place for Steam. 139
21st ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Following the Run of Engines from Nettiebed to Appleford a Supper for Enginemen, members, families and friends will be held on the field at Appleford from about 7.30 p.m. Tickets for the knife and fork meal are available to members and friends at £1 each from Michael Lane, Mapletree Farm, Chartridge, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 8TF. Please enclose a stamped and addressed envelope. During the evening the Club trophies will be presented. "The Chiltern Idiots" a well known group (in engine circles!) will entertain. Fair organs will play — not all at once! The tent will be illuminated by electricity generated by Traction Engin= The bar will be open during the day and in the evening. STEAM PARTY On Sunday all the engines, about 65, will be in steam. They will be displayed for photography and will parade. The mode! tent and the preservation society stalls will be open both days. Members are admitted free. (Fully paid up members will find their tickets in this issue).
PHYSICAL HELP A number of volunteers are required on the field at Appleford on Friday afternoon, 11th July, to knock in stakes, erect rope fences and mark out plots, etc. Please reply to Eric Fillmore, 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow, Middlesex.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING In compliance with Rule 14(f) I have to inform you that an Extraordinary General Meeting of The Club will be held in: The Marquee, Rally Field, Bridge Farm, Appleford, Abingdon, Oxon (on B4016) adjacent to A.R.C. Roadstone depot). ON SUNDAY, 13th JULY, 1975 AT 11 a.m. The business of the Meeting will be to consider a Motion "That Membership Subscription be increased to £4.00 (four pounds) per annum, with effect from 1st September 1975." Yours truly. GEO. F. BECK, General Secretary. 140
THE RUN - ENGINES The entry list is now closed, a total of 65 have been accepted, 55 for the Run and 10 on display at Appleford. The makes include Fowler, Burrell, Wallis & Steevens, Aveling & Porter, Foden, Sentinel, Garrett, Marshall, Foster, McLaren, Robey, Tasker, Clayton & Shuttleworth, Ransome, Sims & Jefferies, Mann, Yorkshire, Merryweather, Stanley and Aveling Barford. Run Engines include General Purpose, Plough Engines (cable and direct Traction), Road Locos, Steam Tractors, Steam Rollers, Steam Wagons, Showman's Engines, Locos, a Crane Engine and a Steam Car. Engines are coming from as far as Cornwall, Shropshire, Lincolnshire and Kent. Sixteen Steam Clubs have entered engines.
THE RUN -
PHOTOGRAPHY
One of the attractions of the Run is the chance of photographing engines on the road. Many members are looking forward to getting pictures in situations more akin to work-a-day scenes than the inevitable grass and tree background of the rally fields. I would appeal to photographers for colour and black and white prints of engines on the Run for use in Steaming. Please bear in mind, the prints must be "sharp", they should preferably be "glossy" and please print the picture so that there is a reasonable amount of background above, below and at both ends of the subject. Half or quarter plate sizes are best. For most of the Run the engines will be travelling from east to west and therefore they will have the best light on their tenders rather than on their smokeboxes, especially in the early part of the run. That part of the Run that is on the A423 from Nettlebed to Dorchester is generally very busy and the hedges are, for the most part, near the road, this coupled with the light direction will mean that is not a good section for photography. The best area will be on the A415, the three miles from Clifden Hampden village, opposite Culham Laboratories, Culham Station (where the route crosses over the railway), the open stretch between Culham Station and Culham College to the Waggon Horses where the Run turns off the A415. There is to be a Car Park near the College and anyone wishing to get photos of the engines on the Run is strongly urged to get parked and in position before the engines arrive. Anyone going to this area is strongly advised (a) to get there early or (b) avoid the route of the Run. This Car Park is about one mile from the field. Don't forget, a print of your best photos for Steaming please. It would be a nice gesture if you sent a few prints for the engine owners and crews, I will forward them. They have gone to a lot of trouble to stage this Run for your benefit. "Good shooting". — Editor.
THE RUN -
CARETAKERS
Engines will be arriving at Nettlebed the weekend before (5th/6th July) and throughout that week (6th/11th). We would like one or more volunteers to bring their own caravan or tent and be on the field to keep an eye on things. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will do if you can't manage the full week. Similarly, we would like one or more to stop on the field at Appleford for a few days or for the week if possible afterwards. Both places are in pleasant areas, no one would be expected to remain 24 hours a day on the field. The surrounding country could be enjoyed. Security at night being most important. Anyone with the ability to light up for owners could save them an hour ❑r two when they come to take their engines home. Enquiries to: E. A. Fillmore, 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow, Middlesex.
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1954 - 1975 AND THE DECADE AHEAD This year our Club is celebrating its 21st Anniversary. Since it was founded in 1954 it has grown in size and has gained in stature so that now, with its 48 Affiliated Clubs, it is the leading body in the traction engine preservation movement. Public interest in industrial archaeology in general and steam engines in particular continues to grow and in the years ahead there is good reason to believe that there will be plenty of opportunity for the Club to continue to flourish if it is led and administered with intelligence and enthusiasm. Many of our Club officials and Committee members have served us well for many years but the time will come when they will want to hand over their responsibilities to younger men and it is important for the future well-being of the Club that the next generation should get ready to continue the work of those who have carried the herder, for so long. At our last Annual General Meeting disappointment was expressed at the lack of candidates standing for election to our Executive Committee. It would be beneficial if there were some competition for election. There must be many keen and capable members who could make a useful contribution to the work of the Committee. Those with practical experience, technical knowledge or professional qualifications could give valuable service. Before the next Annual General Meeting, which is to be held in Birmingham on 6th December those members keen to assist in the direction of Club affairs should notify the Secretary of their wish to stand for election and arrange for a proposer and seconder to sponsor them. Some information concerning their experience and gualifications would be helpful. ANTHONY S. HEAL.
LINCOLNSHIRE Judging by the letters our last issue was well received. With so many engine builders and so many users in the county it was inevitable that we could only "scratch the surface" of engine and user history, detail and lore. The bottom of page 70 from, "I would say . . . " down to grandfather died . . . . " on page 72 somehow got transposed. This piece belongs to the Frank Cheffins story on page 81. The words, . . . "any reader may offer" were inadvertently left off the end of Ray Hooley s story on page 106. (If anyone can help Ray his address is 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln. Tel. (evenings) Lincoln 62406. The caption to the bottom picture on page 83 is missing one word. Foster No. 2119 was driven all those years by Mr. Beeby Abbott, see second and third paragraphs on page 82.
MORECAMBE BAY TE CLUB Mrs. Carr is no longer secretary. After five years she has recently handed over to Chris Horne, 3 Thornfield Terrace, Winewall, Colne, Lancs., to whom all club correspondence should be sent.
RECENT AFFILIATIONS We are glad to welcome the Bon-Accord SE Club; the Cromford Steam Traction Club; Main Line Steam Trust and the Steam Plough Club into affiliation. 142
MEN OF STEAM
ARTHUR NAPPER by the Editor Arthur Napper's father and grandfather were farmers in the Appleford, Didcot area of what was then North Berks. There was no steam on his father's side but his maternal grandfather and an uncle were G.W.R, engine drivers at Didcot. As a small boy Arthur often went on the engine if his uncle was driving the yard engine. The DidcotOxford line passed very close to the farm house at Bridge Farm, Appleford, where Arthur lived. Steam was familiar through the railway, but perhaps more so through Traction Engines. In the early thirties, when Arthur was a boy, W. J. Bosely of Harwell, threshed for grandfather Napper. Bosely had two sets, one with a Wallis & Steevens S/C Road Loco, the other with a 6 H.P. Burrell compound. There were two contractors in the Appleford-Abingdon area; Charles Caudwell using a single-speed colonial type RustonProctor and Torn Thatcher & Sons, who ran a S.C.C. Burrell named "Pride of Berks". Father Thatcher and the two sons ran this outfit themselves. Six miles away at Wallingford was the works and yard of R. J. & H. Wilder (now John Wilder Ltd.). They operated nine or ten sets of threshing tackle powered by Fowler, Wallis & Steevens, Marshall, Burrell and other makes. They also had four sets of single cylinder Fowler ploughing tackle and operated throughout a large area of North Berks and Oxfordshire. These old Fowlers came regularly to Bridge Farm. It was amidst this aura of steam that Arthur grew up.
One of R. J. and H. Wilders No. 2 set 10 h.p. S.C. horizontal shaft Ploughing Engines with Ted Walters and Gus Beckett about 1930. Photo: R. J. Crickmay. 143
An acquaintance of Arthur's in teenage was one Tommy Yeo. Tommy drove for Wilders for many years and it was he who taught this eager pupil how to drive. Tommy Yeo and Arthur became the the best of friends and spent a lot of time together in subsequent years. In 1937 Arthur's father was complaining about the large amount of money it was costing him to have his corn threshed. Arthur suggested that his father should buy a threshing machine and Arthur would buy an engine and drive it. Father bought a Garrett thresher, Arthur bought a single cylinder Wantage engine for £40 and hired it to his father, complete with himself as driver of course, at so much a day. It is interesting, with the benefit of hindsight, to pose the question "was this a purely commercial venture? or was it the early beginnings of preservation, owning an engine for its own sake?" Undoubtedly it was a commercial venture, but equally, here was a young man who loved engines and wanted one for its own sake. It was not called preservation then, but that today, is the true description of engine preservation, owning it for what it is. Arthur used the engine whenever he could. In 1938 when Sam Williams (Jim's father) had his amusements at Appleford Feast his engine was suffering from leaking tubes, so Arthur lit up the Wantage, brought her over the railway to the Fair. The nearside front canopy support was removed from the show engine and the Wantage was belted up to the dynamo so providing power and light for the duration of the Feast. Arthur got to know many of the travelling showmen and often spent an evening driving an engine at the local Fairs. When the war came much more of Bridge Farm came under the plough a big Case LA tractor came on the Lease-Lend scheme. This was used for ploughing and it was also well able to cope with the new Marshall thresher which had replaced the Garrett. Much of the corn had to be ricked in the fields, (due to fire risk from incendiary bombs in the farm yards). This presented a water problem for the Wantage, coal was short and the tractor saved a man, so Arthur allowed the Wantage to go to Wilders who were desperately trying to cope with all the extra work that they had. Arthur was not separated from steam however, for he was ❑ften along with Tommy Yeo or sometimes driving for a local owner if someone was away sick. ❑ne day, about the end of the war Arthur was steering for Tommy Yeo as the latter drove his engine to yard to have a new set of tubes fitted. When they got to Wallingford the replacement engine was already in steam in the yard for them to drive away. This was the 1902 Marshall No. 37690 of which we will hear more quite soon. By 1947.48 a lot of these engines were getting tired, many were already thirty, forty or fifty years old and they had all just done seven years of almost continuous hard work. The combines had arrived on the larger farms and new powerful tractors were available to drive the remaining threshers. Engines were being rapidly laid aside, or worse, scrapped. Wilder's wharf was full of engines, and so it came about that in 1949 Arthur went to Wilder's and for £45 bought the 1902 Marshall "Old Timer" that he had known for many years and had first steered and driven four years previously when Tommy Yea had her as replacement engine while his was in the works. Arthur used "Old Timer" whenever possible, tree pulling or whatever, but a combine looked after the corn at Bridge Farm. A friend of Arthur's who had a small farm, Miles Chetwynd-Stapleton, bought an Aveling & Porter Traction Engine from Wilders. One day in 1950 Arthur and Miles were in The Carpenter's Arms at Appleford when the subject of who owned the fastest engine arose. Miles boasted that he had the fastest engine. Arthur suggested that the best way to settle the matter was by them having a RACE, the looser to pay for all the beer to be drunk afterwards. The date was fixed. The venue was to be a meadow at Bridge Farm. Some thirty people turned up, two men were sent up the field about a quarter of a mile, the engines had to travel up the field turn round the markermen and travel back to the starting point. As is well known Arthur 144
S.C. Aveling & Porter owned by Miles Chetwynd-Stapleton, Arthur's challenger in the first "RACE". She was later sold for further commercial use and subsequently scrapped.
on "Old Timer" won. The engines were driven to the Carpenters Arms. Miles bought the beer. Miles was not satisfied and challenged Arthur to a re-run about a month later. Arthur accepted the challenge — on the same terms as before. It was this second race in 1950 that got into the "Daily Mirror" and some hundreds of people turned up. The course was as before and so was the result. Everyone round the Carpenters once again! As a result of these races a number of people who were interested started buying engines. Eric Middleton and his pals from Hartlebury came to Wilders and bought two engines. Bill Tame of Wallingford bought a Wallis & Steevens Traction Engine now owned by Ted Freeman and known as "Fair Rosamund". In the winter of 1950/51 Giles Romanes, who was living at Bray, near Maidenhead, came to see Arthur and challenged him, as the winner of earlier contests to a race. This was to be held on neutral ground at Nettlebed, approximately half-way between their homes. June 21st 1951 was the agreed date. The two engines arrived at the field, the very same field we will be using to assemble for the first ever N.T.E.C. Road Run on 12th July. Besides the two engines that were going to race Giles brought along his McLaren Tractor and the late Tom Fisher of Earley, near Reading, brought a miniature Traction Engine "Winifred" that he had built himself using a locomotive type boiler that he had found "under the bench" at Taskers of Andover. This engine is now owned by Jack Falkingbridge. The race was almost ready to start when a mate said to Arthur, "Look, that's Lord Nuffield". So they went and 145
had a word with the founder of the great Morris car empire, who agreed to act as judge. The race was started by Mrs. B. W. Rycroft wife of Giles' "Chief" Mr. B. W. Rycroft (later, knighted for his services as Sir Benjamin). Arthur won the race and Giles paid for the firkin of ale which was duly tapped. The two races of 1950 and the Nettlebed event of 1951 created tremendous interest and many engines were bought. In 1952 a challenge was issued by Esmond Kimbell of Northampton and another by Quicks of Bampton. The date was arranged and known engines invited. The engines present at Appleford in 1952 were: Marshall No. 37690, "Old Timer", Arthur Napper. Wallis & Steevens No. 7683, "Eileen-the-Erring", Giles Romanes. Marshall General Purpose, Esmond Kimbell. Wallis & Steevens No. 7293 "Pandora", Quick Bros. Aveling & Porter General Purpose, Miles Chetwynd-Stapleton, these took part in the flat race. Also taking part: Burrell S.E. No. 3489 "King George VI", S. J. Wharton. Wallis & Steevens No. 7370 "Sylvia", W. H. Tame. Foden Tractor, Ian Woolett. A group of enthusiasts headed by Dick Wooley arrived at Appleford in a Sentinel tipper which Mr. Wooley was using at that time. They accepted it as normal to drive from the Welsh borders and back in the day and to leave the waggon in the car park while they watched the others preparing and driving their engines. This journey is the subject of a Joe Thomas story elsewhere in this issue. The main event of the day, the flat race, was entered by five engines. Esmond Kimbell's Marshall, the chief challenger, Arthur's "Old Timer" so far unbeaten, Miles Chetwynd-Stapieton's Aveling & Porter, Quick Bros. with the Wallis "Pandora" and Giles Romanes with "Eileen-the-Erring". Esmond Kimbell was away to a good start and was first to turn at the far end but about half-way down the straight for the winning post a bearing ran hot and "Old Timer" went into the lead to win once again. Arthur bought Burrell "May Queen" No. 3497 from Sally Beach's yard in London, she had been in use on the Fairgrounds until just a few months before. Arthur and Giles steamed her home to Appleford via Bray. In 1953 Arthur bought a Class R2 Fowler Showman's Engine "King Edward" from Whittles of Blackwater. Jack Wharton and Arthur steamed "King Edward" home to Appleford. About twelve engines attended the Appleford event in 1953. Flat racing was dropped as it was clear that this was dangerous. The 1954 Rally on 12th June attracted twenty-four engines, these included Arthur's Marshall, "May Queen" and "King Edward". It was at this Rally, organised by a committee comprised mainly of members of the National Traction Engine & Tractor Association, that it was decided to hold a meeting to consider forming a National Traction Engine Club. This meeting was held later in the year and so the N.T.E.C. came into being. Arthur was, of course, very much involved. In 1954 the "May Queen" was sold to Dr. Elmes of London. Arthur bought a single cylinder Fowler Traction Engine No. 15710 that had been new to Carter-Carter of Chaddleworth, and had threshed in the Berkshire Downs until just a few years before. Arthur named this fine engine "Tommy" in remembrance of his friend Tommy Yeo, who had taught him to drive. The Andover Rally had started and for a number of years in the '50s and early '60s, before the traffic got too much, and before low loaders were easily available, Arthur used to support this event with either "King Edward", "Old Timer" or "Tommy" steaming nearly 100 miles round trip. Many early rallygoers remember Arthur at Andover with "King Edward" and timber drug, loading six or seven "sticks" and then ❑ff round the field. Steam working twenty-one years agol "King Edward" was sold and rather sadly to say, cut up, because the boiler inspector's hammer went through the boiler. It seems 146
ironic now but what today would be considered "minor boiler repairs" just was not economical in those days. The 1955 Rally on 11th June was the first organised by N.T.E.C. Twenty-three engines attended including Arthur's Marshall and the two Fowlers. Raymond Glendenning opened the event and Airey Neave, local M.P. and Colditz hero prestented the prizes. In the early '50s Rallies were held at Appleford, Andover and Pickering. Enthusiasts came regularly to Appleford from as far afield as Cornwall, Co. Durham and even Scotland. It was from what they saw at Appleford, the influence and enthusiasm of Arthur Napper that they took home and started preserving engines, starting rallies and clubs in their own areas. Truly, engine preservation was well under way. Gradually through the late '50s engine preservation expanded. New rallies and newly restored engines kept coming along. Arthur was in the forefront, he took engines to Andover, Northleach, Woburn, Crystal Palace, the Royal Show at Windsor not forgetting Appleford on his own farm of course. He used his engines whenever possible for pulling trees. He took "Tommy" to Didcot to pull an old barn down so that the Conservatives could build a new club. The 1958 Rally on 14th June had sixteen entries, including Arthur's "Old Timer" and "Tommy". 1959, on 13th June had twenty entries. 1960 saw twenty-three engines at Bridge Farm on 11th June, amongst them was a very new boy, one Ran Hawthorne, who had just bought a Fowler Roller but had nowhere to keep it. "He can stand aside that nissen hut," said Arthur. It was to Bridge Farm that I used to go and with a little encouragement but, no interference, from Arthur I used to light up my engine and potter off round the lanes, letting the old engine teach me how to drive and gradually unravelling the mysteries of steam that had first fascinated me in a stackyard similar to Arthur's when I was a very small boy. Rollers were very much "poor relations" in 1960 and I sometimes used to wonder if I was welcome at Bridge Farm, so I said to Arthur one day, "Are you quite sure it's alright for me to keep her here?" "Course it is," said Arthur, adding, "I love to see her standing there, she is the first thing I see ►wen I look out in the morning." This is a typical example of but one act of generosity out of many similar of his. In 1960 Arthur, Jack Wharton and I formed the Thames Valley T.E. Club, Arthur was the first Chairman and today is President. The 1961 Rally at Bridge Farm on Saturday, 17th June was somewhat of a landmark, for as well as threshing and Old Time Fair rides, (Appleford had introduced both these to rallies) we had two sets of steam cultivators. It was largely due to Arthur's enthusiasm that all this was possible. Many visiting engines have stopped at Bridge Farm for either a few days or for some years. Arthur often lighting them up ready for owners to drive or low-load home and so he has seen a great deal of a wide variety of engines but he only needs the slightest chance and he is back with the ordinary general purpose engines "Old Timer" and "Tommy". Much of Bridge Farm is now under gravel workings. Arthur's farm yard is at nearby East Hagbourne. It is to here every autumn that he invites the Thames Valley club for a final steam up for "Old Timer" and "Tommy", Eric Fillmore and Bill Tame's Plough Engines "Margaret" and "Noreen" and any other visiting engines that can get there. Only a few dozen people attend for nowadays it seems there are so many rallies that when October comes many people have seen enough of engines for one season and have other things to do. Arthur is in no way despondent. He held his first race in 1950 not to attract a crowd of thousands but for a handful of people interested in engines. He has never been a man to want to stage "the biggest", "the spectacular", etc., etc. No, Arthur started by owning an engine for what it is. He is just as he was an Agricultural Traction Engine Man — A Man of Steam. 147
Arthur and Marshall "Old Timer", the partnership that established preservation events. Photographed at Appleford about 1962.
Burrell No. 3489 (1913) "King George VI". Photographed at Appleford in 1952. The first Showman's to attend a preservation event. Jack Wharton is rebuilding "King George" for the RUN. J. H. Meredith. 148
AN OUTCOME OF THE NETTLEBED RACE Every member of the club will be keenly interested in the Run which is itself an innovation for steam engines. In the history of "Preservation" the club has played a big part and the things which we d❑ with our eigines are developing. No longer do we race though in its day the race attracted people to our hobby who would otherwise never have heard of an engine. it had its shortcomings: danger to all concerned and some thought it was not kind to old engines to urge them to do things for which they were never designed. So the Rally evolved but many questions needed to be ironed out. Codes of conduct. safety recommendations, methods of assessing merit for drivers and maintainers. The only way to get anywhere with a Traction was to drive it there unless you put it on Rail which was far too costly. Journies in those days were quite an undertaking because the engines were often useable but clapped out from a commercial point of view. It was fun. Though the conditions are different now we hope that those taking part in the Run will recapture some of that fun besides gaining a form of steam experience for themselves which is simply not available on a rally field with its short bursts of activity for any given engine. Now we all seem to have support vehicles; then they were a rarity. So we took our transport back home along with us, remember the pictures of the bike slung on the thresher or trusser? So it was natural for Giles Romanes when he went to Nettlebed a day or two before his challenge to Arthur on "Eileen" his Wallis & Steevens No. 7683 built in 1919 that he should pull a trailer carrying coal, tools and a motor cycle to travel home on. In Henley Giles was questioned by a policeman. Where was he going? Why? Was he a farmer? or a contractor? Why was he using a vehicle on an agricultural licence for Private purposes? Where was his tax? His insurance? Why was he carrying a motor cycle? etc., etc., etc. Well all the tax, insurance, etc. was in order but poor Giles found himself up before the local magistrates. Here it was established that it was perfectly in order for a Traction Engine to be taxed as a Farm Tractor even though it was being driven on the road for private purposes. Giles was fined £5 for carrying a motor cycle in the trailer. He regards this £5 as the best buy he ever had, for it established the precedent of all preserved engines, being taxed at the Farm Tractor rate, provided they only tow agricultural tackle or trailers carrying only equipment necessary to the operating of the engine. It was from this incident that the Wallis acquired her name "Eileen-the-Erring". This brush with the Law was a blessing in disguise because it made those responsible for bringing the case look most unsporting, though of course, technically correct. The comments about the incident by very well known writers in the National Press seems to have ensured that such questions are not likely to be asked again, unless of course, an engine is involved in an accident or something of the kind. In this respect we all benefit because we all use Agricultural licences without persecution from obsessional parties. It was a form of emancipation similar to the removal of the need for a Red Flag. We should have all been priced out of ownership if we had been obliged to use a Commercial Licence. It is to celebrate our 21 years of such freedom that the club is hoping to present to each successful Engine a facsimile of an Agricultural Licence of those days. It should serve to remind drivers of the odd quirks of fate which work in their favour for a change and to be thankful for one of the best £5 worth of precedent bought by any Traction man. It is a precedent too which we who drive on the road hope will be respected for many years to come. Without it the modern and future generations will be denied the spectacle and smell of a subject which has really already passed into history. 149
RUN ENGINES
.w.4 McLaren No. 1652 (1919) "Boadicea" at an Appleford Rally
OPPOSITE: TOP: Wallis & Steevens No. 7683 "Eileen the Erring", She took part in the 1951 Race at Nettlebed.
CENTRE: Foden No. 12852 "D" Type. Worked in the Run area for many years.
BOTTOM: McLaren No. 1552 "Hero" is coming all the way from Cornwall to take part in the Run. She will represent the West of England Club, The Cornish Club and the Steam Plough Club. 150
151
RUN ENGINE. Fowler No. 15183 (18) (above) owners R. Griffin Photo: John Billard. (steering) and M. 0. Davies (driving).
Below, Fowler No. 1368 (1870) "Margaret". Probably the oldest working Traction Engine in the world. She will be at Appleford in July. Photo: J. F. Clay.
" ON SENTINELS " by J. L. THOMAS, co-author of the recent classic "The Sentinel" Our Editor told me that a Sentinel Waggon was in attendance at Arthur Napper's farm at Appleford in 1952 when the third annual "Race" was run. The waggon in question was a Sentinel Model S4 tipping waggon No. 9027 Reg. No. CG 6473 new 19/3/1934 to Hants County Council No. 6. This waggon was in daily use by Mr. R. M. Woolley, Surface Dressing Contractor of Bucknell Salop, at that time. I am indebted to Mr. Woolley and Mr. J. N. Wheeler for the following details of the journey. It was like a works outing, no charge, Dick (R. M. Woolley) was not married and had no car either, he lived in a roller drivers living van and used to ride a single cylinder Royal Enfield motor bike. Mr. Wheeler, who worked for Mr. Woolley at the time, had to cycle nine miles from his parent's home to Bucknell on an old B.S.A. single speed cycle on 28" x 14" tyres. The journey took him threequarters of an hour. On the day of the "race" he arrived at Bucknell at ten minutes to five in the morning, everyone was ready and waiting with full steam up on the Sentinel. A wooden frame work had been put in the tipping body behind the cab and an old tarpaulin sheet thrown over it for cover, a few rough benches had been placed inside, and so, off they set. Mr. Woolley drove with a lad from Bargoed, South Wales firing for him, not the strongest of lads for Mr. Woolley's kind of work. His name was Henry Watson. They say he used to fall asleep after only ten hours work in the mate's seat and Mr. Woolley used to throw lumps of small coal at him to wake him up to do some more firing for him. He joined the K.S.L.1. afterwards and we believe he went to Korea but was last heard of conducting a bus in Cardiff. A Mr. Bert Arkinstall was one of those who rode in the back, he was a roller driver and lived in an old Dennis bus in Mr. Woolley's yard we believe he is still alive, married now, and lives in Brecon, he had driven for Eddison's and had had some South Wales Showmen's steam driving too. There were two others started off from Bucknell as well, Joe Howells and his son "Ginger" Howells. Joe was about the best Sentinel stoker Dick ever had, he usually fired the S6 Tar Tanker, they seemed to want to steam for him, he is dead now but at that time lived in one of Dick's living vans in the the yard with his wife Alice. He was a Liverpool chap who had helped to dig the Mersey tunnel for McAlpines. Always in a gang of chaps like Dick Woolley's gang, there is one chap who is really funny and humorous and makes a joke of everything, Joe was one of these chaps. He got a butler's job after leaving his job at Dick's and one day came back all dressed up in his master's best suit when his boss was away! Later he was a caretaker at a Butlin's Camp. Mr. Woolley had to bail him out once and it was no secret that amongst his previous convictions was one that included "the cat". As they say — "What a crowd we were, what a sample?" Well, off they set. Dick and Harry in the cab and the others in the back. First stop was at Jesse Vine's yard at Hardwick, just outside Gloucester to pick up water from his well. The S4 had a DG tipper water tank behind the cab as well as its own tanks, so she could easily do 60 miles without water pick ups. Here Jesse Vines and his party joined the others for the rest of the trip. This was Jesse Vines, George Vines, Richard Wilcox (then still at school) and "Mac", whose proper name was unknown; he 153
later owned an Aveling & Porter tractor ex-Herefordshire C.C. This "Mac" could keep things pretty lively too. Also there was an older man about 70 years of age, now dead many years who was called "Farmer", and we presumed that was his surname. He was a serious type, cap on and glasses with a flowing moustache. He had driven an Allchin overtype waggon. He kept on about it until it became a joke in the back that day. No one thought it at all interesting then, just normal procedure, he had a deep Gloucestershire Cotswold accent. In the back you could hear Harry shovelling the coal out of the bunkers and "Farmer" used to say, "Hark at the little boy a putting the coal on". This soon became a joke and the others would say it before "Farmer" had a chance to. The draught from the waggon going along made the grass sway after it passed by on the roadside verges. It was June and the grass was long then. It would sway like corn in the breeze and they could watch thc ripple follow 03 thcy act in thc back. "Farmer" spotted this and motioned with his hand how it was doing it and said, "Look at the grass a-swaying — Al/chin never did that!" They were all soon doing that just like a load of idiots they tell me, and also whenever they went through a town they always kept a very careful look out for a police sergeant and when they had spotted one all called out "Hullo constable!" Just after leaving Abingdon they again filled up with water, on the right hand side of the road near a red brick wall. They now had enough to return to Gloucester. They parked up amongst the cars in a tield across the road from where the engines were, filled up the fire and boiler and put the top on the chimney. This was about 10 a.m. They had had their usual refreshments which Jesse Vines always laid on at about 7 a.m. at Hardwicke. An enjoyable day was had at the "rally", Ian Woollett had a Foden tractor there ex-Brunsdons, Gloucester. About three quarters of an hour before setting off back they took the top off the chimney and cleaned her fire, oil checked and they set off hack. By now it was raining. The water glass burst in Cheltenham, the run into Gloucester was done without one; at Jesse Vines' yard a new one was hastily fitted under steam to get them home, but only turned on at intervals to check the water level as it was not too good a fit and kept on sizzling. Refreshments again at Jesse Vines house and more water, then cheerio to everyone from Gloucester and so back to Bucknell arriving soon after 10 p.m. 15 hours after setting off. The waggon was in regular daily use at the time hauling stone for making Forestry Commission roads. The summer of 1953 saw their S4 No. 9246 Reg. No. CXB 783 out as a feeder tank to their S6 No. 9086 Reg. No. FH 8870 which Mr. Woolley drove himself. By 1954 No. 9246 had been built up into a tar sprayer at Bucknell works. In 1953 a summer Monday morning meant steam up from cold; leave Bucknell for Welshpool empty; this was 25 miles; load up at the tar distillery and return to where the S6 sprayer was — often 35 miles away — pump the tar from the S4 into the S6 all ready to start spraying for the Salop C.C. by 7 a.m. There was always a second load which was immediately set off for and sometimes a third tank full was needed — the second and third round trips being 70 miles each. This was heavy going as It entailed a stop at Bucknell to bunker up. This was done on the old original "S" model water tanks meaning a pick up every 30 miles. before an extra tank was fitted. Then at the end of the day bunker up and get the wood for the morning and another 200 miles. These were normal days throughout the months of May, June and July and once in 1953 they had to fit another superheater coil after coming home with a hot waggon and away on time again next morning living in a van in the yard and doing your own cooking and cutting sandwiches for next day! One wonders how many of today's militants would put up with that sort of life, yet it is only 20 years ago. 154
Above, a Run engine, the editorial Roller, Fowler No. 14674 photographed one August weekend in 1958 by H. C. Casserley. She is on the A.423 at Nettlebed, the field is where the engines will assemble for the Run. Below, Sentinel No. 9027 photographed at Appleford by John H. Meredith, 8th June 1952.
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" FARMER'S FRIEND " JOHN FOWLER No. 9698 of 1903 by TONY COOMBES Continuing the story from the June 1974 Steaming, with firstly a correction to make regarding the makers number, which was wrongly given as 9383. During the period the engine stood "box less" several small jobs were attended to on various parts of the boiler, and included renewal of wasted plate in the smokebox bottom, a new front edge ring, and all the outer firebox stay holes were drilled and tapped larger as it was decided to re-stay 1" x 12 T.P.I. The new firebox having now arrived, a start was made on the task of fitting it in the engine. First of all, the firehole ring was bolted into position inside the outer shell, then drilled, tapped and pinned in place at two positions from the outside. The bolts securing it were then released, leaving the pinned ring in situ. The firebox was lifted onto a cradle, made up specially for this operation, pushed under the slightly elevated engine and then drawn upwards in a sling from two overhead pulleys, with a few hammer clouts to help the foundation ring into its setting between the plates. The box was then bolted securely at the corners (the four holes being previously drilled into the new box specifically for this purpose). A 2" bolt with a 5/16" hole through the centre was made up with a nut welded on the end, and this was threaded into each stayhole in turn from the exterior and the box marked accurately for drilling, the foundation ring and firehole ring rivet holes also being marked before the box was released and pulled out and then drilled throughout. This done, the box was offered up a second time and now firmly bolted through every hole in the foundation ring and firehole ring, to ensure correct threading for the stays, running the 1" stay tap through from the previously tapped outer shell, and the results were perfect. The box was now ready for staying and the stay iron (E.N.1A) for the 124 stays was threaded up in the workshop lathe in suitable lengths, screwed tight into the box with the stilsons, hammered back, rivetted up with the hammer and finally caulked. After the completion of this stage of operations, the foundation ring was unbolted and knocked downwards via the corner mudlid openings to clean out all the filings and debris in the water space, the ring then being bolted back into place again all round. The next job should have been the rivetting of the foundation ring and the firehole ring, but due to a lengthy delay in the delivery of the rivets the new boiler tubes were fitted at this point, but they were not expanded fully tight in the first instance (they were all expanded up tightly after the rivetting was completed). With the eventual arrival of the rivets, the biggest job (and biggest headache, tool!) in re-boxing an engine began. George Moore was extremely grateful for the co-operation of two fellow engine owners. for John Lee of Exmouth loaned his air compressor and a rivetting gun, and Ron Torr of Gurney Slade, Somerset, a second gun and various tools needed, which of course, considerably hastened and eased this otherwise lengthy and arduous job. A portable forge was installed beside the engine and the rivetting began, one bolt being removed for each rivet to go in, maintaining maximum tightness, all the time, of the foundation ring between the plates, the same method being used at the firehole ring, all the rivetting being completed over a weekend. A water test afterwards showed up several defective rivets which were then drilled out and removed, but at the second attempt the replacement rivets were quite successful and the reason for the first few failures would seem to point to the rivets in question not being put in quick enough before cooling took place. Quick transference from the forge to the engine must be followed up immediately 156
with the guns to get a really good rivet. The eight threaded firebox corner rivets (countersunk, two each corner) also caused some concern at first in getting them watertight, especially those four at the rear of the firebox partially covered by the hornplates. A threaded bar with a nut welded on the head was at first tried but was not successful under a water test, later countersunk bolts were used and the head domed and welded around, these afterwards being quite satisfactory. A point worth mentioning here in relation to the firehole opening ring of rivets. Those rivets that project where the door hinge attaches would, of course, have to be ground flush with the plate to allow the hinge to fit back in place. After grinding back flush, these rivets leaked slightly under steam (they had not been done when the hydraulic test was applied, and so were quite perfect then) and it was realised afterwards that deeper countersinking and grinding off as little of the head of the rivets as could be allowed so that part fitted into the dished section of the hinge when the door was bolted on would probably have been the answer. Fortunately, there was room to further caulk around and put some weld on the defective rivet heads and these gave no further trouble afterwards. With the new firebox now well and truly fitted, it remained but to caulk the seams of the firehole ring and underside of the foundation ring. The former was done whilst the engine was still on blocks at the rear end and on her front wheels, but to do the underneath it was decided to raise the boiler vertically in preference to rolling sideways, there being space limitations, and an evening was spent slowly winching the boiler skywards into the roof of the building, the firebox end pivoting on baulks of timber between the hornplates, the engine being kept steady all the while via the overhead chain blocks. Ideally, turning the boiler upside down would have been much better, but several difficulties stood in the way of this method and the vertical position was the only alternative. In this position, probably for the first time in her life, "Farmer's Friend" was at her nearest ever to resembling a space rocketll The underside was successfully caulked and welded along the seams and lowered down onto her front wheels again a week later. Not unexpectedly, a small number of leaks appeared at the first full filling with water. The boiler tubes, expanded up fully since the rivetting was finished, required no further expanding. Some further caulking of the odd stay heads and one or two firehole ring rivets were soon attended to and all was ready for the inspectors visit for the hydraulic test, George being able to obtain the use of a test pump beforehand and pumping the engine up himself to make sure all was well. The inspector came and was very favourably impressed with the workmanship that had gone into the re-boxing and with the successful result of his hydraulic test. This took place on 20th February this year, just 14 months after his visit condemning the old firebox. Greatly encouraged by the results of the re-building so far, re-assembly of "Farmer's Friend" now began in earnest, and with various helpers in the evenings and at weekends, the engine was back on all four wheels again and largely complete by mid-March. The first couple of firings were no more than a gentle warm-through, but on the third occasion about 80 lbs. was raised and the motionwork turned again for the first time in 15 months, the engine being moved out of her building for a few yards run, which seemed to prove that everything had been put back in the right places (at least there were no parts left over!!). A little more caulking of some exterior stayheads, a slight weep from some foundation ring rivets on the firebox front and around the firehole again, were rectified before the next firing, up to blowing off point (140 lbs.) a few days later, which was successful much to everyone's relief Some gland re-packing, attention to some leaking cocks, an odd tube or two that needed a little more expanding, also 157
an odd stayhead on the inside of the box, and Fowler 9698 was ready for the inspector's final call to see the engine under steam and test the safety valves, 8th April 1975 was George Moore's great day, for the steam test was passed with flying colours, and "Farmer's Friend" could look forward to many more years of steaming — a fitting tribute to George's determination and enthusaism to "have a go" at re-boxing his engine himself, and perhaps this story will challenge and inspire confidence in others to do likewise, who find themselves, sooner or later, in the same situation with their engines The task, though big and posing its share of problems, is, nevertheless. not impossible. In concluding this account of the re-birth of 9698, George Moore would like to record his appreciation and thanks to all those fellow friends and enthusiasts who have called and seen progress during the past 15 months and who have offered advice and helped in various ways. In particular, lu Studil Wuudbil le, of Sutton Spiings, Chesterfield, who made the whole operation possible with the construction of an excellent new firebox, much admired by all who saw it before fitting to the engine. To John Lee, of Exmouth and Ron Torr of Gurney Slade, Somerset, for the loan and use of specialist tools and equipment, to Mr. F. J. Pepper of West Hill, who made up several specially needed tools and fittings, often at short notice! to Charles Porter of Bideford, for his unrivalled knowledge and advice willingly given on the numerous problems that were expected and successfully overcome, and to the regular helpers like Derek Marriot, John Hatswell, Brian Bird, Roy West and other local people who have frequently called to see the engine's progress. Not forgetting Mrs. Betty Moore and all those welcome cups of tea and coffee, etc., dispensed during working sessions!! Finally, the writer would like to thank George Moore for being able to help in the dismantling and re-erection operations, for the interest shared and knowledge gained throughout and for the opportunity to record all that has enabled me to write the forgone account with much interest and pleasure. Editor's note: "Farmer's Friend" has been accepted to take part in our first Road Run and Steam Party in July. George Moore, his wife and helpers are planning to steam the Fowler from Aylesbeare, near Exeter, to Nettlebed and back home again, something like 275 miles round trip. This will probably be the longest distance that any engine will steam to take part in the rim. He sure to give then a special cheer — they deserve it!
STEAM SERVICES There is a demand for a handbook giving technical information and details on Engines and also listing people or firms who can offer routine or specialist services such as welding, tubing, rivetting, reboxing, etc., or who can supply items such as oils, piston rings, packing, manhole and mudlid rings, mechanical lubricators, pressure gauges, injectors, wire rope, belting, pick-up hoses, paint, transfers, solid rubbers, copper piping, etc., etc. We would also like to list firms or individuals who can carry out specialist works such as building up piston and valve rods, metal spraying, overhauling injectors, pressure gauges, dynamos, etc., spinning copper chimney tops, casting and machining bearings, rolling a new chimney, casting fire bars, etc., Would anyone who can offer any of the above, or any other item or service useful to enginemen please send details to the Editor. Likewise, if any reader has information re firms that can do work or supply items we need, would they also please send details. It is hoped to publish an Engineman's Handbook containing this information as well as technical articles on engine restoration and maintenance during next winter. 158
Garrett No. 32122 (14) "The Greyhound", pictured by owner R. Woodruff at Woodcote 1974. She will be showing her paces on the Run.
" CHUFFS " •
18,000 visitors went to Crofton, near Great Bedwyn, Wilts., to see the Beam Engines in 1974. See the small advertisements for details of 1975 Steaming Days.
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A Trust has been set up and is appealing for money to restore and steam the engines at Kew pumping station. The engines include a 1840 Maudsley (the only one in existence), a 1859 Bull engine (also unique) and the famous "100 inch" engine (1871) the biggest in Britain. The Kew Bridge Engines Trust has been recognised as a charity. Volunteers to work on the engines, as well as money, are needed. Write to The Kew Bridge Engines Trust, c/o 11 The Vineyard, Richmond, Surrey. Tel. 01-948 1577.
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Paddle Steamer "Maid of the Loch" has been retubed and will be steaming on Loch Lomond again this summer. Details of sailings from, Caledonian-Mac Brayne Ltd.. Gourock, near Glasgow.
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"Sir Walter Scott II" will steam every day this summer from Trossachs Pier on Loch Kattrine. 159
MEMORIES OF A YORKSHIRE STEAM HAULIER by WILF COLE (continued) Ref. Mr. Cole's article in Vol. 18 No. 1 page 6, the Tractor is a GREEN and not a MANN. Further details of illustration on page 11. Left, Mann, Reg. C250; Mann, Reg. C520; Yorkshire, Reg. C960, Works No. 80, new 4/1904; Yorkshire, Reg. C465, Works No. 56, new 2/1904; Information by courtesy of Alan Duke. — Editor. In early 191 i, both my brother Len and I were summonsed to appear before a Tribunal at Leeds Town Hall for breaking time, along with other men from the Mann's Patent Steam Cart and Wagon Co., where we were working. We did not break much time, sometimes we would turn up at 8.30 a.m. instead of 6 a.m., this being the starting time after breakfast. We would probably do this about once a week and we would spin a yarn about the trains being late or they did not turn up. However, they considered our case and decided to give us the benefit of the doubt but we were told that it would not have to happen again. Snme of the men were fined 30/- and some £2 and there was much foul language used about this. During the summer, we fitted two new water tanks to the third of my father's firm's Mann's Wagon "King of the Road". These tanks had been taken off a wagon at Mann's when converted from a flat wagon into a tipper. They were a later type and better than those on the wagon at the time. This work was done during the weekends. We got to the Bank Holiday week and were given a week's holiday, the first one we had had since the War started. We usually only got a couple of days and any way, there was no payment for holidays. However, Len and I decided to go with "King of Road" on a run to Newcastle. We had a driver on the wagon who was used to the job and we went as his mates. We took the wagon trailer with us as we had to load back from Gateshead with furniture on a removal job. We set off from Leeds, loaded, on the Wednesday morning and reckoned on getting back about noon on Saturday. We travelled through Wednesday night and arrived in Newcastle next morning. We delivered the load and parked the wagon for the night near to the High Level Bridge. Having nothing better to do, we went to the cinema and on coming back to the wagon, we got into the van intending to have a good night's rest. This was not to be, unfortunately, as we had parked just outside Messrs. Armstrong Whitworth's works at Elswick and they had a night shift on. It was like all hell let loose. However, next morning, which was Friday we went to the house where we were going to load up. We met the men from a local removal firm whose job it was to load the wagon. They had finished this, trailer included, by about noon so we started off for Otley, near Leeds. The owner of the furniture rode with us and we made good running down towards Darlington. There was one thing that struck me on the way and that was at Ferryhill. When we were climbing up the old road through the village (it is now by-passed by the Al), I should think that the gradient at that time would be about 1 in 8 for at least a hundred yards, I was sitting at the front with Len and I expected the driver to change down into middle gear. He did not do this, but bashed his way up in top gear. I was amazed at this but there was a reason for it and I will explain later. It was nearing tea time when we reached Darlington and we got a snack of something, food being very hard to find at that time. We pressed on and got into Northallerton about midnight. We stopped at a regular calling place for our men while they were on this run. 160
it was a house occupied by an elderly lady who we had to knock up, She courageuosly got up and made us some supper — fried sliced potatoes in fat, and some tea, etc. We got going again about 'I a.m. and got to Walshford Bridge, about 18 miles from Otley, about 5 a.m. We noticed that the speed was slowing down almost to a standstill. Len and I got down and looked at the steam gauge, it was down to 50 p.s.i. and the driver was about done. He was not capable of driving any further and was going slightly delirious. We told him to get off and get in the trailer at the back where there was a sofa on which the furniture owner had been sleeping during the night. He did this and we set about cleaning out the fire and getting it going again. We put some water into the boiler, oiled round and set off. Len drove and I steered. We made good time to Collingham, arriving there about 8 a.m. We were able to fill up with water and have a wash in the stream. The publican at the Old Star Inn was aroused and he agreed to make us some breakfast. This was very good — I think we had some bacon and eggs. We got the driver out and he had a wash and some breakfast and seemed very much recovered after that. We thought it safe to let him drive the wagon again as we were now only about 11 miles from Otley. We made good running, getting there about 10,30 a.m. The furniture was unloaded and placed in the house, apart from a piano which the owner wanted upstairs. ft was only a narrow winding staircase and we told him it couldn't be done. We told him to get in touch with our firm who could get it through the bedroom window with piano tackle. So we got home by noon on the Saturday, as planned. This was how we spent our first week's holiday during the War years. I should add that the man we moved was an engineer munition worker who was going to work at Otley. Some time after this journey, we started having some trouble with the boiler seam on "King of the Road". It started blowing between the hornplate and the back plate of the boiler. We had to get a special long caulking tool made to caulk it up. There fortunately was a caulking strip in between. We also had some trouble with the cylinder joint blowing under the bored guides. This got worse until we definitely had to do something about it. Len and 1 decided to take the cylinders off and re-bed them afresh and fit a new joint. This was a special joint with brass wire in between which we got from Mann's. To do what we intended meant dismantling almost all the motion work between the crankshaft and cylinders. We obtained Father's permission to do this repair and since we dare not break any more time from Mann's, we started on a Friday night, dismantling, and again on Saturday afternoon, making sure we had a large square file with which to do the bedding on. We eventually got the cylinders off and it was as we thought — they were not touching the barrel just under the bored guides. Since we knew how this job was done at Mann's, we knew exactly how to go on with ours. We used red marking paint and kept easing the highspots with a file until we got the surface marked all over. The joint was then softened with hot water and we put the cylinders back on again, tightening the bolts well up. We then started re-assembling, fitting new joints and packings where they needed renewing and using graphite paste where they were good. All the motion work was eventually finished and we then had to set the valves. We were used to this and knew how they had to be. We always used to like to set them with steam up and then the expansion was taken care of. We also wanted to run the engine to try it. It was now Sunday afternoon, so we lit the fire, set the valves, put the covers on and followed all the joints up when hot and started her up. She ran just fine. We got her ready for Newcastle the next morning. Away she went and back again without any trouble at all. We had cured the blowing trouble and it stopped cured as long as we had the wagon. Of course, we had 161
our noses to the grindstone at Mann's on the Monday morning. This whole job was done in one weekend and our family left it entirely to us. We were quite proud of ❑ur achievement' After this trouble with the blowing joint, etc., we started to have our doubts about the accuracy of the steam gauge on the wagon. We had noticed an extraordinary pulling power up hills, for example when we climbed up the one at Ferryhill. We took the gauge off and took it down to Mann's where we had it tested against a new gauge. When our gauge was showing 200 p.s.i., the new one, we were startled to see showed 300 p.s.i. Our gauge was 100 p.s.i. slow. One of our drivers must have adjusted the safety valve to suit the gauge. So we put the new gauge on and re-adjusted the safety valve to suit. That toned it down a bit as regards pulling — Moral: test your steam gauge now and again. Following this and still in 1917, about Autumn time, my health started to deteriorate because of the early iisiiiy uii a inuininy and the shortness of food supply. I was getting rheumatic pain in my legs and was having difficulty in walking, I think my Father saw the red light and he went down to Mann's and saw Mr. James Mann and his co-director, Mr. Cornock. He explained the position to them and asked if I could leave. Mr. Mann said he thought it could be arranged and so I left. I had served 5+ years out of the seven I had agreed to serve. Before I left, I was in the spare parts store one day and I noticed a front sprocket wheel for the driving chain which was larger than standard. It had 16 teeth against ours which had 13. I said to Len that if we could put the sprocket on our wagon, it may knock about half a day off the Newcastle run. We told my Father and Uncles about this and they agreed that we should get it. We saw the storekeeper and he agreed that we could have it and booked it out to us. My reason for wanting this sprocket was that we knew a man who had a wagon like ours and he said he had the fastest wagon between Manchester and Liverpool, where he ran regularly. We fitted it and my Father who was now driving the wagon, took it to Newcastle, and I expected him back much sooner than previously and also expected a glowing account of how it had gone. This was not the case — the first thing he said to us when he eventually got back, was "You can get it off again, I am not taking it any more with that on". He said he had been a gear down on almost all the hills and what little speed he had gained on the level, he more than lost on the hills, apart from making it harder to drive. That was the end of that episode. The new sprocket did one journey and we put the old one back again. We worked two weekends, one putting it on and the next taking it off. It was this that made us realise that there was a vast difference in the road between Manchester and Liverpool and that between Leeds and Newcastle with regard to the gradients. I had found the Mann's Works very well set up with lots of excellent craftsmen working there. They made practically everything in the works including their own boilers but they did not do their own castings. Messrs. Hills of Hunslet did the iron castings and Messrs. Jessop's of Sheffield and latterly Messrs. Cattons of Leeds made the steel ones. Bronze casting were also made out and the works was kept very busy up to the time I left. Engines were only supplied in strict priority. They made all types, wagons; carts; agricultural tractors (direct ploughing); road tractors; patching rollers; tar sprayers and they even made their own four furrow ploughs. The men who built the engines were generally kept on one particular type so as to get familiar with them, but we in the Repair Shop had to be used to all types. We even had an Overtype Sentinel in for repair at the beginning of the War, this was a rare bird indeed. Whilst it was in, Len and I gave it a good examination and came to the conclusion that it looked a good strong wagon, very much like the 5 ton Foden, but a bit heavier. It had come in for a small boiler repair job, perhaps the tubes, and was only in for 2 or 3 days. We often had a Foden wagon in for repair. Of course, in the Repair 162
Shop we did major repairs including new fireboxes. I found it very interesting work as we used to get the early undertype wagons in, with the engines running in oil, like my father's firm's first wagon. I worked on most of these types as well as the overtypes. Len worked almost all the time he was there on a stand which built 5 ton wagons and so he got thoroughly used to them. I reckon the 5 ton Overtype wagon was the best vehicle they built during this period, it was very reliable and reasonably economical. The 5 ton Cart was also very reliable and a rugged vehicle. Our training there stood us in good stead in later life as we had to earn our living with mechanical road vehicles, including steamers, for the next 40 years. After leaving the firm, I had a short rest at home after which I went to work for my Father's firm to assist my Uncle in the management of the business, and do any repairs that cropped up. One of the first of these was that I had, with Len's assistance, to put about six new rivets in the bottom of the fire-door ring on the wagon, where cracks had developed from the rivet holes to the edge of the firebox plate and they were blowing. I knocked them down over the cracks as much as possible and caulked them and they were O.K. My Uncle saw there was a 5 ton Foden wagon advertised for sale in the Birmingham area and he went and bought it. My other Uncle, also called Len and I, ware given the job of fetching it home the 120 miles by road. Neither of us had actually driven a wagon before but my Uncle had had plenty of experience as a mate. The wagon was at a Brickworks at Great Barr, so we set off on a Sunday night by train and got there early the next morning. The driver had already lit the fire and there were about 25 cwts. of house coal in the wagon body. It was getting late on in 1917 and was dark about 4.30 p.m. The driver drove the wagon about 6 miles out of Birmingham and then left us to it.
The Great Barr Foden, Works No. 2330 (M2803) later owned by J. Coles & Sons, converted to solid rubbers. Subsequently sold to a ship yard at Hull. Photo, copyright: J. W. Ratcliffe. 163
My Uncle was to drive and I was to steer. We went fairly well until we reached Tamworth where we decided to stop for water. We put the hosepipe into the water but the water lifter would not lift. We tried and tried to make it lift but it would not and we came to the conclusion that the pipe had perished and was drawing air along its full length, it being a canvas pipe, wire bound. It looked as if it had not been used for a long time at the Brickworks. We decided to knock on t❑ Ashby-de-la-Zouch and try and buy some buckets and a funnel. This we did and as soon as we saw some water we stopped and got some into the tank with buckets. We took on sufficient to carry on until dusk when we intended to pull up. We got to an Inn and asked the Landlord if he could put us up. He said he couldn't so we decided to try and get to the next village and have another go at getting put up. We had gone all day without anything to eat, so we started off and had not gone a mile when the near We tront wheel touched the grass verge which was soft. It swung the steering wheel round and pulled us into a guiley at the side of the road. We immediately tried to back out but could not. So we were there for the night. The back of the wagon was partly on the road and as we had a tail lamp, we lit it and put it on. We resigned ourselves to a cold night on the wagon. However, about 9.30 p.m. we heard some rustling round the back of the wagon and it turned out to be an old gentleman of about 80 years. He asked us what was the matter and we told him what had happened. By chance, he lived in a cottage about 200 yards down the road and although he said he could not put us up, he would see what he could do about making us some supper. He came back about an hour later with a jug of hot cocoa and some jam and bread for which we were very grateful. He then left us and said we could go down to his cottage next morning and he would try and make us some breakfast, which he did. He turned out to be one of the local preachers and he used to go round the neighbouring villages, preaching. In the morning he loaned us a pick and shovel and we dug a run behind the front wheel after about an hour's hard work. We then tried to back her out, giving her all out and out she came. So we were back on the road and had just done this when along came a 5 ton Foden belonging to a brewery which could have pulled us out in 5 minutes — Just our luck! We took our leave of the old gentleman and thanked him profusely and also paid him for his trouble. He was a real friend in need and he even told us where we could get water, only about half a mile along the road. We stopped there and got the tank almost full. It was now about 11.30 a.m. so we coaled up and oiled round and set off to make the best of the running before dark. We managed to get to Long Eaton, about 6 miles from Nottingham by dusk. My Uncle said we are going to get a bed here tonight so we stopped and the first thing he did was to go to the local hostelry and ask them if they could put us up. Again he was refused. Now we had gone all day again without anything to eat, except what we had got from the old gentleman in the morning, so he enquired at a few houses if they could tell us of anyone who could put us up. We were referred to a lady down the street who might put us up. We saw her and she agreed to do so. She was the wife of a soldier who was in the Army and had one little boy. We pulled the wagon clear of the road and made it ready for next morning and then went to our lodgings. In the meantime, she had been out and scrounged something for us to eat and then made us a good tea. We had a well earned wash and then made for bed. It was a very good comfortable and clean bed and we slept like logs. She was up next morning about 7 a.m. and we lit the fire and then returned for breakfast. This again was excellent, so we took our leave and thanked her profusely and paid her, thinking what a heroine she had been. To be continued. 164
AREA NEWS
CORNWALL Since the last notes for this area were submitted, there have been a number of 'comings' and 'goings' within the county. Engines to leave were Ian Sleeman's Aveling & Porter Showman's Tractor No. 6093 (D 2800), now in the ownership of Frank Lythgoe, in the Lancs. and Cheshire area; Burrell s.c.c. Traction No. 3125 (AF 4574) "Princess", sold out of the county by George Hawkins of St. Issey, to an unknown buyer. This one was semi-restored. and any news as to its present whereabouts would be most welcome; Marshall s.c. Conversion No. 77479 (AF 8674), sold by George James of Fraddon, to David Hermes of Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey; and Marshall s.c. Traction No. 43345 (AF 3520) "Countess", sold by Harry Gotts of Camborne, to Tony Gosnell of Bordon, Hants. Engines have also changed hands within the county. Joe Warren of Cern Brea Village has sold his Marshall s.c./s.v. Roller No. 77474 (TC 6642) "Peggotty", to John Facey of Lanreath, near Looe. whilst Campbell Lee, also of Lanreath, has parted with his Aveling & Porter d.c.c./s.v. Roller No. 5853 (NO 3326) to the Wendron Forge Museum, at Trenear. near Helston, where it joins the very old Marshall duplex cylindered Portable No. 3255 of 1874. Several engines have also come into the county in recent months. Aveling & Porter s.c./s.v. Roller No, 7641 (FX 6996) "Evening Star", has been purchased by Roy Richards, Mahe, near Penryn, from Messrs. Sims & Snell, Newton Abbot, and has undergone extensive 'treatment', including the fitting of a new canopy and a complete repaint. She now ranks among the finest preserved rollers in the West country. Aveling & Porter compound/s.v. Roller No. 8585 (FH 2253), has come West from Jesse Vines, Hardwicke, Glos., being purchased by Joe and Dennis Warren of Carn Brea Village, Redruth. This one has been successfully trial-steamed after many years inactivity, and is now in process of being retubed and generally tidied up. She is a very big roller, nominally rated at 12-tons, but appears to be much heavier than this. A further Aveling & Porter s.c./s.v. Roller to arrive is No. 8581 (OW 2166), owned by Steve Cox, who has moved from Shillingstone, Dorset. to Nanstallon, near Bodmin, and naturally, the roller came as well! She is currently awaiting boiler inspection and relagging, and will then be ready for the road. A 'rare bird' to come into the area is Wallis & Steevens s.c./s.v. Roller No. 2574 (HO 6045), a 10-tonner, which has been purchased from Brian Dando of Wapley, near Bristol, by David Theobald of Ponsanooth. It was quite wellknown on rally fields in the Oxford area, and is the only one of its type in the West country. It has recently undergone work on the gearing, otherwise being in very good order. An engine to 'come home' for preservation recently was Burrell s.c. Roller No. 3999 (RL 74), purchased from near Tiverton, Devon, by Peter Plant of Longdowns, near Penryn. This one was new to Messrs. Dingle of Stokeclimsland, so is back in its home county once more. It was partially overhauled in its previous ownership, much of the heavy work having been completed then, and is painted in primer. Main jobs currently in progress are the fitting of new tubes and smokebox, and attention to the rear axle bearings. Work is in progress on a number of other engines within the county. At Drift, near Penzance, John Richards is overhauling his Marshall s.c./p.v. 'S'-type Roller No. 88166 (DCV 5), to be followed by a full repaint in due course. Burrell Showman No. 3159 (CO 3823) 165
"Gladiator" is currently at an engineering works at Camborne for the fitting of a new smokebox, and should be ready in time to participate in its usual run of events during the summer. Further North, John Dyke of Petherwin Water, near Launceston, has completely dismantled his Wallis & Steevens Expansion Traction No. 26772 (AF 4740) for the replacement of the firebox. Not so far away at Coeds Green, Paul Tucker continues to work on his Marshall s.c. Traction No. 48341 (TA 1488) "Excelsior". This one made its rally debut at Liskeard in 1974, and her owner is now going full steam ahead to put her into a fine state of preservation. At Stokeclimsland, as well as working further on their Marshall d.c.c./p.v. 'S'-type Roller No. 88097 (DAF 499), Messrs. Dingle's have also overhauled their Wallis & Steevens 'Advance' Roller No. 8095 (GOU 537) "Amy", including the fitting of new bunkers. At Liskeard, the new firebox has arrived for Antony Hooper's Aveling & Porter d.c.c./s.v. I raction No. 9096 (Al- u001) "Jubilee'', and preparation for the fitting of this is already in progress. Messrs. Daniel Bros., Sanders and Veal continue to make progress at Nanstallon, on their Fowler BB1 Ploughing Engine No. 15163 (WR 7151). Work so far completed includes a new smokebox, tubes and several small jobs. A replacement tender has also just been acquired. During the Easter Weekend, two small steam events took place in Cornwall. On the Saturday, three engines participated in an impromptu road run from St. lye, near Liskeard, across Bodmin Moor, to Bolventor. The engines taking part were McLaren Ploughing Engino No. 1562 (BD 5504) "Hero", owned by Daniel Bros., Nanstallon; Fowler s.c. Roller No. 18070 (YC 8375), owned by Steve Veal, Downgatc; and Wallis & Steevens 'Advance' Roller No. 8100 (BAA 432), owned by Dave Antell, Shillingstone, all the way from Dorset for the weekend. On the Sunday, a Steam-Up Roller Working took place at Mabe, near Penryn, at the quarry yard of a local contractor. Eight engines attended: Aveling & Porter Rollers No. 5683 (TA 2433) "Cornishman", Brian Sanders, Penryn, No. 7641 (FX 6996) "Evening Star", Roy Richards, Mabe, No. 10187 (FX 8131) "Highwayman", Mike Leath and Steve Buscombe, Camborne; Garrett Tractor No. 34789 (YB 7841) "Quennie", Joe Warren, Cam Brea Village; Marshall Rollers No. 75826 (AF 6015), Paul Richards, Brea; No. 88096 (DAF 560), John Pengelly, Budock; Wallis & Steevens Roller No. 2574 (HO 6045), David Theobald, Ponsanooth No. 8100 (BAA 432), Dave Antell, Shillingstone. The rollers were able to be shown at work, rolling hardcore on the quarry tracks, some delightful 'stack music' being echoed out among the granite 'walls'. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't too kind, heavy showers for much of the day, making the ground rather slippery in places, and hampering the rollers in their task somewhat. However, it was evident that this type of steam event is thoroughly enjoyed by those who participate and those who come to watch. By the number of reports of such events taking place in other parts of the country as well, in previous issues of this Journal, it would appear that the smaller type of steam get together will be in the 'in thing' of the future. News has also come to my notice of another change of ownership in the county. Burrell s.c. Traction No. 3755 (AF 3967) "Westward Ho", formerly owned by L. T. Bexley & Son of Demelza, has been sold to a new owner at Bude, in the extreme north of the area. Full details are not yet known, so here again, any details would be most appreciated. Finally, the county has lost one of its most colourful personalities, with the death in February of George Symons of Camborne, the 'Man of Steam' in the Cornwall Edition of Steaming, Vol. 17 No. 2. He was a founder-member of the West of England Steam Engine Society, and will be sadly missed at our rallies, where he would eagerly accept any driving challenge and demonstrate his great ability in handling engines. A V. K. THOMAS. 166
YORKSHIRE Immediately after Harewood Rally, Barry Wood started work on his Aveling & Porter RC10 Roller No. 5308 (HD 1573) "Withernsea" and cut the firebox out. A new box is in course of preparation and will be fitted in due course. Some of the work is being undertaken by the welding firm near the Worth Valley Railway, who have also been working on the Cole Brothers Mann's Tractor No. 1260 (U 4298) which is having a new box fitted. Arthur Fearnley has sold the Fowler '86' Road Loco No. 12226 (Ill. 930) to Gerry Procter ❑f Nidd Bridge, Harrogate. Arthur's Fowler Roller No. 19353 (YG 914) may also be sold soon if an enthusiast offers a realistic price. The Sentinel Wagon No. 9086 (SE 4013) has received little attention ❑f late and is standing in the yard looking somewhate neglected. An 'S'•type Sentinel is to be found on a farm near Selby. It has been there for some time and was apparently swapped for the remains of two Fodens which were in the Castleford area about ten years ago. It apparently was owned by Fremlins at one time, as 'Kent's Best' is to be seen on the front. Its number is believed to be in the early 9000's but, unfortunately cannot be stated any nearer than that. Messrs. W. & J. Glossop of Hipperholme still retain a DG Sentinel which is equipped for tar spraying. It is definitely not for sale but a recent approach to the firm by an acquaintance was acknowelged and in the reply he was told that it may yet be put back on the road as an exhibition piece. A DG4 wagon (number unknown) which used to belong to Glossops may be found in the middle of Lockwood (Huddersfield). It belongs to a doctor, who has had some work carried out on the boiler but, it needs a lot more attention to make it serviceable. John Henderson, Romanby, near Northallerton, has sold his Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11966 (UP 327) to Leslie Martin of Great Ayton. Leslie was once owner of the much travelled Robey Tractor No. 33957 (FE 5043) "Village Queen". In return, John has taken custody of a smaller Aveling Roller, No. 11451, a 6-ton model, which has since been loaded back to Northallerton. Quite a lot of work is needed on this Roller, and it may be that eventually it will emerge as a tractor although I would prefer to see it remain as it is. Another Burrell has come into Yorkshire. John Crowther of Long Preston, has purchased a small Road Locomotive which co-incidentally is but one number removed from his near neighbour at Skipton, Ken Ellwood's "Deborah" No. 3918 Reg. No. PU 578. This Road Locomotive has come from Gloucestershire and was previously owned by Mr. R. C. J. Willcox. Still on the West of the County, a visit to Tom Varley's Open Day on 6th April proved really worthwhile. A unique line up of four Yorkshire wagons was to be seen, all on steam, the latest one being No. 8 in Tom's fleet. This is No. 2008 (AU 1163) "Pendle Laddie". It is now fully painted and lined and its cream livery really does it justice. Next to emerge from this "re-creator of the unusual" will be the Robey "Express" Tractor No. 43388 (VL 983) which was in the course of being painted. It had already been steamed and its final completion is awaited with much interest. The new wood work on the canopy is really a joy to behold.
At the same time, work was going on on the ex-Tom Albert's Burrell Showman's engine "His Lordship". No. 3444 (CK 3403) which is now in the Pendle stable. Also to be found on display were another ex-Tom Albert's engines, the Garrett Tractor "Hilda" No. 3095? (BJ 1458); the Wallis & Steevens Advance Roller "Sir Echo", ex-Walter Wardle, No. 7869 (CT 1498) now ❑ wned by N. & R. Transport of Gisburn; Walter Fearnley's 6-ton Yorkshire WG Wagon No. 2128 (UA 1788) and the S4 Sentinel "Holmevalian" No. 9075 (BEV 467). Another item of Tom's collection and one which sees occasional use was an 167
Aveling Barford GD Roller No. 00111 (TL 7540). This is used from time to time on making roads round the Caravan Park. I was pleased to meet several of our Scottish friends from the Scottish Traction Engine Society who had organised a coach from the Hamilton and Glasgow area. A real Scottish welcome had been prepared by Tom and a piper, in full regalia, played the bagpipes for them to make them feel at home. During the much light hearted banter which took place, I was surprised to learn of the apparently large number of 'undiscovered" engines which there still are in Scotland. A regular Scottish Column in Steaming would be a welcome addition greatly appreciated by us Sassenachs south of the border. ("Och aye" to that — Editor). Would members and correspondents please note my new address:D. A. RAYNER, "Invicta", 1 Church Street, Woodlesford, Leeds, LS26 8RE.
NORTH STAFFS & CHESHIRE TE CLUB Our members have taken their tackle to many rallies throughout the area including Burtonwood, our own rally Midland Festival of Steam, Astle Park, Bishops Castle, Derby, and Cromford. We particularly congratulate the crew of the club's Burrell single crank compound No. 2706 "Admiral", for their successful negotiation of the hazardous hilly route, between Sudbury and the Cromford Rally. 1975 brought about a few changes for our club, the first being a change of venue for meetings from Biddulph to Chell Cricket Club were we have now settled comfortably. The A.G.M. was held there recently (March 1975). Two changes have taken place, worthy of mention. Mr. S. L. Wedgewood the club's secretary since its formation in 1959 retired from office, due to his business taking him to the South West of the country. All officers, committee, and members wish him every success and thank him for the tremendous amount of work he has done for us. Mr. C. Craig, 43 Watlands Avenue, Wolstanton, Newcastle, Staffs. has been elected to take on the post of secretary. Dr. J. R. Hollick who has been the president for many years also kindly stood down, to allow Mr. R. D. Howie retiring Chairman after 15 years' service, to take the position of Hon. President. Another important event to happen in the near future, will be the naming ceremony for the club's Aveling & Porter roller (ex-Staffordshire County Council) Reg. No. E 5335. Now fully restored due to the hard work of the members at the 'Klondyke' Recreation Centre, Draycott-inthe-Clay. Particular mention should go to Steve Andrews and family who have been the backbone of the restoration programme. D. A. VERNON, 2 Woodlands Road, Stafford, ST16 1QR.
SHROPSHIRE S.E. SOCIETY The Society's rally will again be held at Bishops Castle on 24/25th August. Society Vice-President Peter Dunn told the Annual General Meeting of investigations into new sites in east Shropshire, nearer to areas of population, most members wished to keep the event at the present site. The Bishops Castle rally has acquired the reputation of being an enthusiasts rally and is generally regarded as one of the best in the country. 168
LANCASHIRE & CHESHIRE AREA The last three months of 1974 were quite eventful for engine owners, in more ways than one! The second weekend in October was the ever popular Threshing Party at the Holly Bush Inn, Little Leigh, near Northwich. T❑ restrict movement on the heavy ground there were only two engines used, in turn, to power Phil Snape's 1912 Marshall thresher, these being George Coles' 1913 Clayton & Shuttleworth and Eric Marshall's 1923 Ransomes, Simms and Jeffries. Eight other engines, Fowler conversion No. 14588, Burrell S.E. No. 2879, Burrell R.L. No. 3098, Sentinel D.G.4 No. 8742, Fowler Roller No. 20122, Aveling & Porter roller No. 6544, Burrell roller No. 4067 and Burrel T.E. No. 4037, along with a variety of vintage tractors gave the many spectators something more to enjoy. Providing the musical entertainment were Tom Albert's and Fred Hackney's organs. The following week, the 21st and 22nd, another threshing party was staged, this time some 12 miles away at Warburton, near Lymm. Organised by the Lancashire T.E. Club at club member Frank Lythgoe's farm. The event attracted two threshing sets (Jim Dakin's, complete with Minneapolis Moline tractor, and Eric Marshall's full Ransomes set), nine engines and two fairground organs. In attendance were Foden S.R.L. No. 2104, Burrell S.R.L. No. 3093, Aveling & Porter Showman's tractor No. 6093, Clayton & Shuttleworth T.E. No. 46059, Ransomes, Simms & Jeffries No. 35427, Burrell tractor No. 3846, Aveling & Porter roller No. 6544, Aveling & Porter roller No. 7600 and Foster T.E. No. 12539. While they threshed at Warburton, Fred Dibnah of Bolton was out working with his 1912 Aveling & Porter roller No. 7632, not rolling but hauling 6 tons of stone! The job turned out very eventful for Fred on the trip home when disaster struck. Descending a narrow, steep back-road with the empty trailer behind, the rear rolls lost grip on the wet, leaf-strewn surface and within a few yards the roller was sliding headlong into a gate post at the bottom of the lane. The impact wrecked the front end but no one was injured. Incredibly within a week replacement front forks had been obtained and fitted, the crushed smokebox re-shaped and the roller brought home under her own steam. During the winter months the forks were painted, other minor damage repaired and a new half length canopy fitted. October, 1974, however, was also a sad month for preservationists in the area when Tom Alberts, a pioneer of preservation in the North, passed away on Thursday, 17th October. He will be greatly missed by many, not only for the pleasure he brought with his pride and joy, the 98 key Marenghi ❑rgan, and his engines, but als❑ for the advice and assistance he gave. But the tragedy did not end there, for in the new year his two sons were unable to retain the engines and they were sold, the Burrell S.R.L. No. 3444 "His Lordship" going to Tom Varley of Gisburn, to be followed later by the Garrett tractor No. 30959. The final event of October was the end-of-season steam-up on the 28th and 29th at the Red Lion at Ellenbrook, Worsley. The event turned out to be the celebration steam-up, for Dave McNamee's 1912 Aveling & Porter roller No. 7600 was, at last, in steam after firebox repairs and a repaint, which had taken twelve months to complete. Supporting the event was Eric Marshall's 6 h.p. Ransomes engine, George Coles 7 h.p. S.C. Clayton engine and Frank Lythgoe's 1909 Burrell Showman's engine "Dreadnought". Providing the music was Frank's 89 key Marenghi organ. During November the "demolition squad" at Frank Lythgoe's hit Franks 1906 Aveling & Porter Showman's tractor No. 6093, with a vengence, completely stripping the little 5 ton engine in a couple of days so that work could start on fitting a new smokebox and firebox crown. A month later the same squad set to work on Alan Porter's 1908 Aveling & Porter roller No. 6544 removing the back end, tender and wheels included, before lunch one Monday morning! 169
Dennis Priestner's 1918 BB1 Fowler P.E. No. 15148 was used to clear a large tree, blown down by gales, from a stream near his farm at Dunham Massey. A very late steaming was on Boxing ❑ay when Tom Barlow of High Leigh Lymm, steamed his 1912 Foden agricultural No. 2654 to a couple of local pubs for a festive season drsnk. But the last steam-up of 1974 took place on Friday, 29th December when Frank Lythgoe with Terry Sharatt as steersman took Burrell S.R.L. No. 3444 "His Lordship" from Bolton to Glazebury on the first leg of the journey to Jack Johnson's premises at Banks. The second stage to Banks became the first steaming of 1975 on Friday, 3rd January. Jack Johnson's repair yard has been stacked out with engines all winter, with Dennis Brandt's Foster Tractor No. 14514 and Charles Baldwin's Fowler R.L. No. 10318 "Sonny Boy No. 2" both in for new boiler barrels. Hal Baggot's lowicr C.R.L. No. 15116 having the rcor wheels re-rubbered, Frank Lythgoe's Foden No. 2104 in for motion overhaul, Ron Kitchen's 10 ton Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 7851, having tubeplate troubles put right prior to a complete repaint, and Nigel Moore's Sentinel S4 Waggon No. 9009 being restored as time allows. Also at Jack's awaiting attention are, Charles Baldwin's second engine, Fowler R.L. No. 14115 ex-W. Dentons of Hyde; Dennis Brandt's very derelict McLaren agricultural No. 435, and the remains of Jack's 6 h.p. compound Clayton & Shuttleworth agricultural No. 84656. Social activities during the winter months commenced with the Lancashire T.E. Club's A.G.M. on the 3rd November at which the club Chairman reported that 1974 had been the best ever year for the Club with three steam events being organised and membership at an all time high of 130. Apart from the regular monthly meetings, which have been well attended, the Club organised a very successful Dinner Dance during February when over 90 members and friends had a very enjoyable evening at the Dingle Hotel, Lymm. Around the Cheshire/Shropshire border the Malpas Vintage Machinery Association has been active too, holding very well supported monthly meetings every second Wednesday of the month and a ploughing match for vintage tractors and machinery in early March. Chairman of the M.V.M.A. Bill Evans has been having new crankshaft bearings fitted to his Marshall 7 h.p. T.E. No. 35854. John Bourne has had his Burrell engine No. 4049 on saw bench working during the first couple of months of 1975 and Hubert Willet of Tilston has been buying again, this time a rare Merryweather Valient Steam Pump. The Association's annual Steam Up and Agricultural Yesteryear will be held on 13th and 14th September when, apart from steam threshing and sawing there will be ploughing by horses and tractors, a varied selection of steam engines and vintage machinery, and Ashley's steam driven Gallopers. An engine to come to light was the ex-Wilmslow Council Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller No. 10906 (MB 5846). New to the council in 1924 it worked for them and had the same driver until he retired in 1963. The roller was then purchased by R. Lowe of Marthall, Chelford, Cheshire, but restoration never got under way. After lying unsheeted in the open for twelve years he sold it to L.T.E.C. Club member Jim Stevenson of Sale in February. Fred Field's 1903 Aveling & Porter S.C. roller No. 5199 (NX 369) was in steam during February when he and two friends, Gerald Willett and Don Cathie, took their driving tests. Happily they all passed. All through the winter months the committee of the Lancs. T.E. Club have been meeting, planning this year's rally at Burtonwood Airfield, near Warrington on 12th and 13th July. It will take the same form as last year, with between 30 and 40 engines in attendance, fairground organs, vintage transport of all kinds and Bill Dorman's Steam Gallopers. The Rally Secretary, J. Daymand, Stanley Villa, Glovers Brow, Kirkby, Liverpool L32 2AD. 170
THE LINCOLNSHIRE STEAM ENGINE PRESERVATION SOCIETY Since our last notes, I am sorry to say that we have lost two of our older members, Mr. Ashley Sharpe, and Mr. Edward Gibbard. Perhaps more readers will remember Ashley Sharpe as he was for many years concerned with the care of Don Robinson's Burrell "The BeiIlie", and it was rare to see this engine either on the road or at Rallies without Ashley somewhere in evidence. Ashley was an old professional driver with many years of threshing work behind him, and he continued with this work until quite a late date, and well after the end of the last war. The end of threshing saw him changing jobs, and he spent the remainder of his working life with Ruston Bucyrus of Lincoln. The preservation movement gave him another chance to follow his old love of steam, and he was one of the first men in the area to be actively engaged on it. in his spare time he was a keen photographer, and on quite a few occasions he has entertained the Society with some very good reels of cine film, all of which were taken by him. Edward Gibbard, or Ted as most of us knew him was a field engineer who had spent very many years in Turkey and East Africa. His work embraced not only the servicing of steam plant, and the sales of new equipment, but also the attention required by tea plantation machinery in many parts of his area. When he retired from business, he joined the Society, and on occasions was known to deliver excellent lectures about the work that he knew so well. He had a regular round of 'service visits' every year and this alone involved often hundreds of miles of travel, mostly by rail, so it is quite natural that he became a devotee of the steam railway locomotive, especially the Garrett's owned by the E.A.R. In this field he could from time to time, be most informative, and the writer is indebted to him for much information regarding this interesting type of engine. We should like to offer our sincere condolences to the relatives of both Ashley Sharpe and Edward Gibbard in their loss. The Society held its annual Dinner and Dance at Woodhall Spa in March, and the Guests were Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wyeld, both well known for their connection with Bysteam. Other social events have also taken place, and Alford has been the venue on two occasions for Dinner parties. The first being a Sausage and Mash Supper, and the second a Dinner for the Mawthorpe Rally attenders and helpers. The Louth Rally held a Dinner Party at Fulstow, where attenders were entertained to a meal by the Chairman, Mr. M. Dawson and Carrington Park Committee held a Social Evening for their attenders and helpers. The A.G.M. of the Society was held just as these notes were being prepared for the Editor, and at this event it was necessary to elect a new President, following the passing of Mr. Jack Rundle last November. This office has now been filled by Mr. Frank Smith of Frampton, near Boston, who needs no introduction to readers, since he has been connected with steam and tractor preservation long before there was any official movement in being. His collection of machinery at Kirton Holme is equally as well known, and we wish him every success in his new office, Engine news is extremely scarce and hard to come by, and it would seem that very little has happened during the winter months. It was reported in our last notes that Ron Dow!man had not then sold his Wallis engine 2394. By the time the notes were published this engine had been bought by Messrs. Reeder of Chilwell, and it is with them now. Following the sale of the engine, Ron bought the Clayton & Shuttleworth traction 48759 from the widow of the late Mr. R. Vamplew of Girmoldby. This engine is a 7 h.p. single and was new in 1926 to Nixon of Broughton, near Brigg, where it remained for some years. When Nixon went out of business, he sold it to the Vamplew family who were still running steam tackle, and 171
when they in turn sold up, the engine remained with them for preservation. It was rarely seen in public, and never at Rallies, but it was occasionally steamed. At the present time Ron is well on with the restoration, and hopes to attend Carrington Park this year. Another engine which it is hoped to see this year is Jack Hancock's Fowler K.7, 15517. Its mate has been out for a couple of years now, and has been seen quite a number of times, whilst 15517 has been under repair at Messrs. Macdonald's of Louth. It is understood that work is now almost completed. It is also understood that Mr. Booty's Robey traction 42675 is now at Chesterfield awaiting her new firebox, but this work will not be completed in time for her to appear in public this year. F.S.
DEVON Several changes of engine ownership in recent months have seen some departures and a unique arrival. During November last year Eric Sims and his partner E. J. Snell, of Newton Abbot, travelled the length of England ending up in E. Lothian, Scotland, to see the engines owned by Thomas Ramsey of Pencaitland, Caithness, amongst which was a single cylinder Wallis and Steevens traction engine No. 8052 (OU 7435). The engine was subsequently purchase'd and transported back to Devon. It is interesting as being the last T.E. made by Wallis and Steevens, built in 1930 and remaining in store until finally sold in 1936. Fitted with full length canopy and displaying quite elaborate lining out and scrollwork on the canopy sides, flywheel, boiler casing and tender, and more than the usual amount of brasswork, our two friends have indeed brought an interesting engine into the West. One of its first outings soon after arrival at Newton Abbot was a run to the Dartmoor Half Way Inn at Bickington, a few miles out of Newton, the Wallis being joined by four other local engines, Mike Hynds 1895 Aveling compound T.E. No. 4255 (TA 1063), Sam Payne's 10 ton single cylinder Burrell roller No. 3986 (AF 9293), Alan Wheelhouse and his Wallis "Advance" roller No. 8065 (OU 5979) and Alan Bennett's 10 ton single cylinder Fowler roller No. 19570 (AAF 704). The purchase of the Wallis No. 8052 saw the departure of the 10 ton S.C. Aveling roller No. 7641 (FX 6996) and the ex-Torquay Corporation Wallis "Advance" roller No. 7878 (HO 6482) which Sims and Snell have owned for several years, the former roller going to Penrhyn, Cornwall, and the "Advance" to Brian Dando at Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire. Cornwall is the new home also of the 10 ton S.C. Burrell roller No. 3999 (RL 74) now owned by Peter Plant of Penrhyn, who purchased it during December 1974 from Mrs. Jennifer Bidgood of Tiverton, who started restoration of this ex-Dingle's roller some time ago. I gather the patter of tiny feet around the Bidgood homestead unfortunately necessitated the sale of the Burrell! Another former R. Dingle & Sons roller has changed hands. Back in 1961, they overhauled and sold 8 ton S.C./S.V. Aveling No. 10285 (AF 5340). The engine went to Commander Mildmay's large estate at Fleet, near Plymouth, where it has spent the past 14 years until becoming redundant during the latter part of last year. It has since been purchased for preservation by Mr. Ron A. Bond, a haulage contractor of Chard, Somerset, and has been steamed several times this winter with its new owner. Apparently it was well maintained during its life on the estate, and requires little work on it. Roy West of Exeter, removed the firebox and front tubeplate from "Old Smokey", his 10 ton Wallis "Advance" roller No. 7962 (OT 8117) during December, and both were soon despatched to Stuart Woodbine of Chesterfield, Derbys, for new ones to be made, whilst the new firebox from the same maker for George Moores 1903 Fowler No. 9698 (HR 4732) has been fitted during the winter months and 172
the engine is now up together once more (see article in this issue), the engine being successfully steamed for the first time during the Easter period. During April the writer's ex-Sharpes of Blandford Burrell compound roller No. 4018 (PR 4449) was smartened up for the forthcoming season with the repainting of the rear and front rolls, tender and front beam, the engine's water cart also getting a coat of paint. A second water cart was found and purchased in the Dorchester area in February, but will require repairs to the barrel before it can be used. The overhaul of my 10 h.p. single cylinder Marshall portable engine No. 70948 (built in 1916) is now well advanced after a number of years being stored and at the end of April the engine was pulled out from the shed where most of the work has been done during the past two years and towed by George Moores' Fowler "Farmer's Nene, Lu his engine sited fui tepaiis Lu the sinukebux, filling of some new tubes, a number of new stays in the firebox front and, later, refitting of the flywheel and chimney. It is hoped that the repairs and re-assembly work can be completed during the summer, which should provide an opportunity for a gathering of local engines and friends to celebrate the return to steam of "Gladstone", which I have never seen in steam yet although purchased way back in 1961! It being owned by the Devon County Council (their last remaining portable) and ending its working days in their quarry at Parracombe, North Devon, where it drove the crushing plant. A. COOMBES, Aylesbeare, Exeter.
CLANDEBOYE THRESHING DEMONSTRATION 1974 The hum of the threshing mill was once again to be heard in the fields of North Down on 19th October when the Co. Down Branch of the Ulster Traction Engine Club organised its annual demonstration at Clandeboye Estate, near Bangor. In the three years since this event was first held, it has grown from just what its name indicates to an impressive display covering various aspects of preservation, agriculture and modelling. Altogether, nine steam vehicles were present of which five drove mills and balers during the day, while two others, Hans Rooney's Tasker Tractor and Arley Brown's Aveling Roller, made their first public appearances. Arley's roller is Aveling & Porter No. 8414 (Reg. No. IL 1835), a ten ton compound which was supplied new in 1914 to Enniskillen Urban District Council, whose plates are still displayed on the motion guards. Arley acquired the engine two years ago and will now be turning his attention to his other roller, "Advance" No. 7896. Hans Rooney's Tasker is a "Little Giant" Tractor which he found near Bessbrook, Co. Armagh, several years ago and which he has since completely overhauled, including heavy repairs to the bunker. Its Works No. is thought to 1424 and its Registration No. is IB 1679. It is believed to have been built in 1906. Engines attending were: Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Traction Engine No. 26687, N. Andrews. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Traction Engine No. 33156, T. Wasson. Tasker "Little Giant" Tractor No. 1424, H. Rooney. Aveling & Porter Light Road Loco No. 9405, R. Edwards. Fowler Traction Engine No. 11114, W. Wilson. Wallis & Steevens Traction Engine No. 7008, W. Bryce. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8414, A. Brown. Marshall Roller No. 77550, Strangford Ltd. McLaren Showman's Conversion No. 1713, The Lord O'Neill. H. WILLIAM COATES, 4 Kirkliston Gardens, Belfast, BT5 6EE. 173
KENT There have been several interesting changes of ownership during the winter months. William Day of Great Tong Farm, Headcorn, sold his Burrell S/Cyl. engine No. 3931 (WY 1563) to Edward Wood of Thomas Wood & Sons, Crockenhill, Swanley. This engine is 5 N.H.P., weight 7+ tons, built 1922 and was originally a roller in Rutland until 1941 when its rolls went into the scrap drive. It lay derelict until 1964 when the previous owner Mr. C. Aldrich of Bunwell, Nr. Norwich converted it to a tractor. Mr. Day purchased it in 1972. Edward Wood will be taking No. 3931 to various rallies while his big Burrell SCC engine No. 3586 "Tam" formerly "Warrior" is off the road having a major overhaul which includes fitting rubbers to the rear wheels. Terry Maynard of 0ffham has purchased Aveling & Porter No. 12427 (PO 616) "Hero" S/Cyl. P.V. roller from the stables of the late Mr. M. Rostron of Tonbridge. This is similar to his Aveling & Porter roller No. 10043 (FX 742) he purchased in 1971 from Mr. J. Hewitt of London. The transport of the roller from Tonbridge to 0ffham was with a low loader trailer owned by Richard and William Pierce of Borough Green and hauled by their Fowler Road Locomotive No. 14754 (No. 45) "Endeavour". Pierce Bros. are having a new firebox fitted to their Fowler compound BB ploughing engine No. 14213 (FXF 126D) which is being carried out by Messrs. Lugg of Billinghurst, Sussex, who did similar work on "Endeavour" two years ago. Fowler compound roller No. 18503 (GO 5298) owned by Dennis Trumble of Gravesend is reported to have been purchased by Messrs. Clapcott & Halford of Netley Marsh, Nr. Southampton. This roller was new in 1931 to the Mechanical Tar Spraying and Grouting Company of Caversham, near Reading, and eventually sold with four other similar rollers to Messrs. Edwards of Swindon. It stood in their yard for several years until purchased in 1964 by Mr. Colin H. Tucker of Bexleyheath in whose ownership it remained until sold to Mr. Trumble in 1972. Mr. Tucker is also the owner of Fowler compound roller No. 17496 and Burrell SCC T.E. No. 2909. Work on the latter is progressing very slowly with the aid of several helpers and some work on the boiler has been carried out by Mr. Tom Casey of Dover, who is well known with engine enthusiasts in that part of the county. Mr. Casey has also been assisting Mr. Bill Monday of Lower Rainham on the boiler of his Marshall S/Cyl. G.P. engine No. 56125 (TA 595) which requires a new section welded on the bottom front end and a new smokebox and front tube plate. Mr. Jack Clark of Rainham is having his Aveling & Porter Tractor No. 11480 (SKM 980) retubed. This tractor was originally a roller with Swindon Corporation and also stood in Edwards' yard for several years before purchased by Mr. George Marsh of Acrise, Nr. Folkestone, who converted it to a tractor. Mr. Clark purchased it in 1970. Mr. Clark's other engine Burrell D.C.C. Showman's Tractor No. 3863 (AH 0824) "Island Prince" has had to have a new blastpipe fitted. "Island Prince" was originally named "The Russell Baby" when in the ownership of G. Baker & Sons, Showmen, of Southampton, to whom it was supplied new in 1920. In 1926 it was sold to Arnold Bros. who renamed it "Island Prince" and travelled each year to the Isle of Wight with their other engines "Island Chief" and "Island Queen". Mr. Clark purchased the engine in 1972 from Mr. Ray Jennings of Hatfield, who had restored it to the immaculate condition it is today. Mr. William Hedges of Faversham, was hoping to complete the restoration of his Aveling S/Cyl. P.V. Roller No. 11206 in time for the Medway rally in May but the inclement weather has made progress very difficult. He is hoping that it may be ready for the Kent County Show at Detling in July. Since the roller was purchased from a Mr. Peacock of Dorking in 1971 a great amount of work has been carried 174
out which included a new smokebox, and the boiler retubed with the front tube plate built up. The chimney and ashpan were also removed plus the lagging and sheets for the boiler and cylinder. It was previously owned by Walter Smith & Co. of Brasted. Mr. George Marsh of Acrise, informs me that an Aveling & Porter S/Cyl. P.V. Roller owned by Robert Brett & Sons of Canterbury which had stood in one of their quarries for 16 years had been in steam and running after two years hard work. During the period of standing in the quarry it had been cannibalised and robbed of a considerable number of parts which all had to be replaced and a new smokebox was required. Mr. Marsh deserves great credit for this restoration and also for two models he has recently made of a large model of a portable and a 6" scale Burrell traction engine. The makers number and registration of the roller are unknown, but enquiries are going ahoad with Avoling Buford. At an auction of Enginooro Plant, Mach inery and Tools at Lyminge, Nr. Folkestone, Aveling & Porter No. 2941 (AL 9463) of 1891 did not reach the reserved price and still remains in the ownership of Mr. Lewis Evans of Herne Bay. I regret with much sorrow and sadness to have to mention the passing of an old friend and MAN OF STEAM, Mr. Charles E. Hooker of Ditton, Nr. Maidstone, on Monday 24th February, aged 90 years. He was believed to have been the oldest steam man in the county and two years ago his book "My Seventy Years with Traction Engines", giving a brief account of some of his experiences, was published. F. J. BALLARD, 3 Zeeland Avenue, Gillingham, Kent.
SURREY J. W. Hardwick & Sons of Ewell, have added two engines to their collection. Both have come from T. T. Boughton & Sons. They are Fowler No. 17234 (PP 9257) "Ruffle", and Burrell No. 4069 (RL 9960) ex-R. Dingle & Sons, Cornwall. A pair of ploughing engines has been sold to Holland from the county. These are Nos. 15202/3 which were sold by J. W. Hardwick & Sons last year. Mr. A. H. Overington — owner of Aveling roller No. 3430 — has now moved into Sussex. The roller was driven from Banstead taking 8/ hours to cover the thirty miles. It is hoped that this beautifully restored engine will still be seen at Surrey rallies, even though it is now based in Sussex. R. J. Hewitts Ltd., Fowler roller No. 19194 is still derelict on the farm on the A.3 near Guildford. Burrell No. 3657 has been purchased from B. Pitts of Horley by D. R. Hermes, Kingston-upon-Thames, the owner of Marshall No. 77497. K. BROTHWELL, 23A Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT.
MORECAMBE BAY T.E. CLUB Officers elected at the recent A.G.M. are: Chairman, A. H. Lamb; Vice-Chairman and Newsletter Editor, R. Fawcett; Secretary, C. Horn; Treasurers, J. Armer and W. Armrod; Committee: Messrs. W. Robertson, J. Spelling, N. Thompson, A. Cook, J. White and B. Askew. The rally will be held at Waterside Farm, Ashton-with-Stodday, Lancaster, on 21st/22nd June. 175
ROAD - RAIL STEAM '75 QUORN & WOODHOUSE STATION The Traction Engine Rally season in the Midlands started off in an unusual way over the Easter Weekend when Main Line Steam Trust staged an engine display for road and rail steam engines. A regular shuttle service of steam hauled trains ran between Loughborough Central and Quorn from 10.30 to 18.30, each train being fully occupied. Though road engines have attended Railway Preservation Open Days before this was the first time so many have been ❑ n show and made periodic trips on a site alongside the railway. Water and coal supplies were issued from rail wagons and a converted oil tanker. The following engines attended. TRACTION ENGINES Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 44103, built 1911, Reg. No. AL 9348, "Enterprise". J. T. Beeby, Rempstone, Notts. Foster, built 1927, Rag. No. FE 9197, "Fiery Elias", Rev. E. R. Boston, Cadeby Rectory, Leics. STEAM TRACTORS Fowler No. 14406, built 1917, Reg. No. CJ 4338, "Pandora", A. Fearnley, Castleford, Yorks. Foster No. 13031, built 1913, Reg. No. FE 1456, "Mighty Atom" C. A. Parker, Lincoln. PLOUGHING ENGINES Fowler 14 H.P. No. 2267, built 1873, Reg. No. AL 8344, T. Hammond & Son, Fledhill, Notts. Fowler 14 H.P. No. 2693, built 1870, Reg. No. NR 1212, Beeby Bros., Rempstone, Notts. STEAM ROLLERS Marshall No. 40047, built 1904, Reg. No. BE 8186, Howard Bros., Cromford, Derbys. Fowler No. 18651, built 1930, Reg. No. VF 9312, "Susan Mary", A. E. Reeder & Sons, Chilwell, Notts. Marshall No. 82517, built 1927, Reg. No. RR 7519, J. T. Beeby, Rempstone, Notts. Marshall No. 76796, built 1923, Reg. No. FU 1326, K. Hubbard, Hathern, Leics. Marshall, built 1927, Reg. No. YA 5040, P. A. Dockray, Loughborough. STEAM TRACTOR (Chain drive) Foden No. 13196, built 1928 Reg. No. GC 5832, P. Van Houten, Hathern, Leics. MINIATURES 41" scale "Burrell", M. P. Frogatt, Loughborough. 3" scale Foden Wagon, built and owned by Cyril Bugby, Caldecote. RAILWAY LOCOMOTIVES 2-6-0 No. 377 King Haakon VII ex-Norwegian State Railways, built Nohab, Sweden, No. 1164 1919, C. A. Parker, Lincoln. 4-4-0 No. 506 Butler Henderson, ex-Great Central Railway, built Gorton 1920, on loan from British Railways. 4-6-0 No. 5231, built Armstrong Whitworth 1936, Michael Stephenson, Harrow. 0-6-0ST No. 4 "Robert Nelson", built Hunslet Engine Co. 1936, owned by Jonathon Dailey. 0-6-0ST Littleton No. 5, built Manning Wardle 1922, Roger Hibbert. CONVERSIONS Foster No. 12509, built 1910 Reg. No. UX 6727 "Maid Marion", J. Swingler, West Bridgford, Notts. Wallis & Steevens No. 2394, built 1897, Reg. No. BE 9345 "Louise", A. E. Reeder & Son, Chilwell, Notts. 176
A RUN ENGINE. Burrell S.C.C. No. 3305 (11) P. J. Barnes' "Big John". Photo: R. Woodruff.
ROAD AND RAIL STEAM MEET. QUORN EASTER 1975 Photo: Harper Shaw, Wymeswold.
177
STEAM PLOUGH CLUB Membership of the Steam Plough Club has reached 150. The Club recently visited member W. H. McAlpine's collection of engines at Henley; the John Allen plough engine was in steam on this occasion. We now have two members in Australia — Doug. Wallis who is restoring Fowler single cylinder engine No. 4295 of 1892 and John Dixon who is restoring Fowler plough engine Z7, Class, No. 15500. Club members, Thos. Wood & Sons of Crockenhill, Kent, one time steam plough and thrashing contractors who have owned over the years approximately 37 traction engines, 19 plough engines and four steam lorries, have recently acquired Burrell No. 3931. The Club hope to have a stand at the N.T.E.C. 21st Anniversary Rally at Appleford on the 12/13th July where there will be a good selection of plough engines on display. Jim Lowther has recently completed a dredging job at West Malling, Kent, with No. 15365 "Sandringham" and No. 15256 "Renown". The Steam Plough Club 1975 engine records, listing all known plough engines in the United Kingdom, including diesels will be available, to members only, from the Club Secretary, R. F. Oliver, 143 Norfolk Avenue, Sanderstead, Surrey, CR2 8BY., who would also welcome any news of ploughing engines at work, changes of ownership, etc. We are pleased to welcome the Steam Plough Club into Affiliation — Editor.
SCOTTISH T.E. SOCIETY There was a good turn out of members at the Model Rail '75 Exhibition at the McLellan Galleries, Glasgow, with a good display of models on the society stand. Jimmie Drummond, with Harry Watson as mate, travelled from Torrence to stand outside the Galleries on both days with Jimmie's Fowler Tractor "Kenmore". The engine attracted a great deal of attention both at the exhibition and while travelling. Tom Ramsay, Pencaitland, has now painted his Fowler T.E. No. 15773 in "Fowler Brown". Tom is now looking for a Fowler Roller to go with this T.E. and his Plough Engine No. 15405 "Sam Hird". Tom also owns Foden No. 13008; a 6 ton Aveling & Porter single cylinder Roller No. 11450 (NS 787); a 12 ton Aveling & Porter P.V. compound No. 12174 (KS 4086), and a large Marshall portable No. 87501 (1935). Dobson's Sentinel No. 5256 (1924) is in the care of Andrew Ramage. During the winter Andrew removed the engine to re-bush the differential and fit new pinions. The Sentinel has a busy summer ahead, attending Fetes, Galas and Rallies. Jimmie Wood and Trevor Rees have been busy on Marshall Roller No. 83452 at Cambuslang getting her ready for the season.
KING'S LYNN FESTIVAL King's Lynn Festival will be opened by Yehudi Menuhin on Friday 25th July and it runs for one week. closing on Saturday 2nd August. An exhibition, entitled 'Frederick Savage. Inventor of Machines and Merry-go-Rounds' will be open from Wednesday 23rd July. Exhibits will include agricultural machinery, works of general engineering in and around King's Lynn. the Pennington motor car, Voisin aeroplane. original drawings and photographs of fairground equipment, fairground models, an organ engine, centre engine and electric light engine. 178
ADDITIONS TO N.T.E.C. APPROVED RALLY LIST 1975 JUNE 28
Al
Cranbury Park Rally, Otterbourne, Nr. Eastleigh. D. Smith, Davella, Firgrove Road, North Baddesley, Southampton.
28/29
Al
Mayford Steam Engine Rally, A.320 Guildford to Woking Road, Surrey. A. H. Hanmore, Woodcote, Wannock Road, Polegate, Sussex.
9/10
A2
Edenbridge Steam Engine Rally, Kent. A. H. Hanmore, Woodcote, Wannock Road, Polegate, Sussex.
30/31
El
Selwood Steam & Vintage Vehicle Preservation Society — Farm Working, Frome, Somerset. Mrs. B. Gregory, 3b Whitewell Rd., Frome, Somerset.
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER 6/7
A2
Brill Traction Engine Rally and Steam Working, Temple Farm, Brill, Bucks. L. Godfrey, Temple Farm, Brill, Nr. Aylesbury, Bucks.
13/14 AE2
British Rail Engineering Ltd., Swindon Traction Engine Rally, H. R. Roberts, British Rail Engineering Ltd., Swindon Works, Swindon, Wilts.
13/14
C2
Holton Working Steam Rally, Near Oxford. Mrs. P. Jackson, The Paddock, Holton, Oxford.
13/14
A2
Steam Gathering, Norton Oaks Park, Sheffield. S. C. Butler, 48 Stowe Avenue, Sheffield.
" CHUFFS " •
Messrs. Reader Brothers of Chilwell, Notts., have purchased the following; Fowler No. 18651 VF 9312 Road Roller; Wallis and Steevens No. 2394 BE 9345 (1897) "Traction Engine" converted by previous owner from road roller, both of these engines purchased from Mr. A. E. DowIrnan's sale August 1974. Also Fowler No. 14342 AX 3512 (1916) Road Roller purchased in a rundown condition from Mr. C. T. Dabel, Gotham, Notts. It is at present being overhauled at the owner's yard Chilwell, Notts. They have also purchased two portable engines from a scrap yard in Sutton-in-Ashfield. It is hoped to make one good one from the two.
•
Mr. N. Smith of Bishops Waltham, has purchased Wallis and Steevens Tractor No. 7640 from Beds. area. The engine is completely stripped for overhaul of motion, transmission, and tender. The owner is trying to locate the whereabouts of the original belly tanks, which were removed years ago. 179
RYHOPE PUMPING STATION by the Editor Three miles south of Sunderland in County Durham a magnificent pumping house houses two fine compound beam engines that worked from 1869 until 1967. They pumped water from a 250ft. well in a resevoir that supplied the surrounding area. The engines' cylinders are: high pressure 274in. x 5ft. 4in, stroke; low pressure 45in. x 8ft. stroke. The beams are 33ft. long and weigh 22 tons each. The flywheels weigh 18 tons and are 24ft. dia. Design working speed 10 strokes/minute; delivery 40,000 gall/hr; coal consumption 1* cwt/hr. Makers, R. & W. Hawthorn of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. As the station ceased working in 1967 arrangements were already being considered for its preservation. The Ryhope Engines Trust has now been formed and has the engines' boiler and the house in its care. A number of "Steam Days" have been held in 1974 and more are planned for 1975. was able to visit the station on the August Bank Holiday weekend and was impressed with the work that has already been done but more so by the spirit that existed among members of the Trust I met. Old Bill, or was it Fred?, who had worked there for 50 years (he didn't even look 501) and a bunch of young men and girls who seemed to take pride in learning to handle these massive boilers and engines.
A view during construction, one of the beams being lifted into place. 180
Valve chest, low pressure and high pressure cylinder covers.
Flywheel, governor, connecting rod and pump rod. Blocks: Ryhope Engines Trust. 181
ENGINE SPEED LIMITS The speeds at which engines may legally travel is subject to much discussion. Our specialist in highway law now sets out the position. The speed at which it is legal for a particular steam engine to travel depends on the type of vehicle, its tyres, and in certain cases other factors. Steam tractors, and all forms of traction engine or road locomotive and timber trailer (but not steam lorries) would comply with the following definition contained in section 99 of Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967:"A mechanically propelled vehicle which is not constructed itself to carry a load [other than in effect its fuel and water] loose tools and loose equipment". Steam rollers are held by the Courts to be locomotives. It is only the weight of the vehicle which legally differentiates between the various types — not over 7* tons and it is a motor tractor, above that a locomotive (being a "light" locomotive if not over 11 tons). Section 78 of the Act states that the Fifth Schedule to the Act shall specify the speed limits for certain vehicles. The general position is as follows (all speeds being m.p.h.):Motor Tractors Locomotives 12 20 Generally (except as separately defined) 12 12 If drawing two or more trailers If any wheel of vehicle or trailer is not on resilient tyres (pneumatic or solid rubber) 5 5 e.g. shod ❑ n steel strakes In each case there is an exception. If the tractor or locomotive is fitted with pneumatic tyres all round, and with spring and wings, and brakes which satisfy certain requirements in the Schedule, and in the case of a locomotive certain weight and weight distribution regulations; then if the said tractor or locomotive can satisfy all these requirements as appropriate, the tractor may travel at 30 m.p.h., or the locomotive 20 m.p.h. (These requirements are detailed, and so not laid out here. Paragraph 20 of the Schedule relates. For these higher speeds to apply, the motor tractor must comply with item (a) of the paragraph, the locomotive with items (a), (c) and (d). If such vehicle draws a trailer and these higher speeds are still desired, the tractor must comply also with item (b), the locomotive with items (h) and (e) of the paragraph). What of steam waggons, or tankers, tar sprayers and the like? These come within a portion of Schedule 5 for "goods vehicles, that is to say vehicles constructed or adapted for use for the conveyance of goods or burden of any description . . . . " Certain facts are quite clear — vehicles not on resilient (pneumatic or solid rubber) tyres, i.e. running on metal rims, or vehicles however tyred drawing a trailer or trailers so fitted 5 m.p.h. vehicles not on pneumatics, but on resilient tyres, 20 m.p.h. i.e. running on solid rubbers, Vehicle on solids or pneumatics drawing trailer on solids; or more than one trailer on solids or pneumatics. 20 m.p.h. Vehicle on pneumatics drawing one trailer only, this on 30 m.p.h. pneumatics also, So much is clear. The surprising limit is that for such vehicles when shod on pneumatics. Notwithstanding that there are no requirements for this class of vehicle as to wings, brakes, etc., and as per paragraph 20 for tractors or locomotives, it appears that our pneumatically shod steam waggons, tankers, tar sprayers, etc., may legally proceed at 40 m.p.h., (unless the road itself is subject to a lower restriction) . 182
By section 78A of the Act, to exceed the relevant speed limit is an offence which now (by Road Tariffic Act 1974) carries fines up t❑ £100. Excessive speed can be a factor in other offences, e.g. reckless or dangerous driving under section 2 of Road Traffic Act 1972 where not only can fines be imposed, but driving licence endorsements are obligatory and the well-known "totting-up to disqualification" system applies. Moral — know the speed limit for your engine or waggon, and stick to it. Rally organisers have not yet started issuing plaques for the driver paying most in fines for his conduct on the way! Editor's Note: So what it boils down to is:Any engine on steel tyres not more than 5 m.p.h. Steam Tractors on rubbers drawing not more than one trailer on rubbers; not more than 20 m.p.h. Any locomotive over 7- tons on rubbers; not more than 12 m.p.h. Steam Lorry on solid rubbers; not more than 20 m.p.h. Steam Lorry on pneumatics with not more than one trailer on pneumatics; not more than 30 m.p.h. Steam Lorry on pneumatics, no trailer; not more than 40 m.p.h. Motorways. Vehicles can only use motorways if their maximum legal speed is 25 m.p.h. plus, therefore the only engines that can legally use a motorway is a pneumatic tyred Steam Lorry running "light" or pulling not more than one trailer, also pneumatic tyred.
HISTORIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CLUB (YORKSHIRE SECTION)
7th ANNUAL TRANS — PENNINE RUN SUNDAY, 3rd AUGUST, 1975 The Trans-Pennine Run, inaugurated in 1969 is now recognised as being the Premier event in the north for old commercial vehicles. Travelling through a fascinating mixture of urban and rural scenery, across the Pennines from Manchester to Harrogate, this Run attracts a total entry of around 180 historic lorries, buses, fire engines and steam vehicles many of which travel from as far as Scotland or the south to take part. Despite its title, the journey across the Pennines is not as tough as one would imagine however, as the route used keeps to the valley between Lancashire and Yorkshire thus avoiding the steep hills which prove so taxing to old vehicles. On arrival at Harrogate all the vehicles assemble on the picturesque 'Stray', an area of parkland within a quarter mile of the town centre. Here they are on display to the public for the duration of the afternoon as well as being judged for Concours d'Elegance and other awards. Amongst the trophies to be won is one presented to the Run by the North Staffs & Cheshire Traction Engine Club for the hest steam vehicle in the event. We in the H.C.V.C. have always had the desire to work more closely with our friends in other Clubs, and try wherever possible to give support to their events. We hope therefore that they in turn will give us their valued support, and would like to extend a hearty invitation to the owners of steam vehicles to enter them in the Trans-Pennine Run. Should they perhaps feel that the distance is too great, then we will be happy to let them start enroute. Attendance plaques are presented to every entrant, and the event is well supported by both spectators and enthusiasts alike. This year we hope to see a good display of steam vehicles, and can assure everyone of a most enjoyable and friendly Run. Further details can be obtained from the Rally Chairman: K. A. Jenkinson, 42 Coniston Avenue, Queensbury, Bradford, West Yorkshire. Tel. Queensbury (STD Code 0274) 881640. We hope that you will give us your support. 183
REVIEWS FINE LINE PEN DRAWINGS by Lynne Castell, 29 St. James's Square, Bath, BA1 2TT, Avon. This is a new series of pen and ink drawings featuring engines. The engines are depicted in three-quarter views, Ransomes "Mendip Lady" and Fowler "Queen Mary" from nearside, Garrett "Jolly" and Aveling & Porter "Reliable" from the offside. Pen and ink drawings need to be hung and viewed from a reasonable distance to get the best effect. These prints, 15" x 11;", are the right size for framing and hanging and for giving the best impression of the subject. Prints cost £1 plus 25p post, etc., or mounted in a colour card window mount, backed with board and cellophane wrapped £2 plus 25p post, etc. These fine prints will make excellent decorations in the engineman's lounge, bedroom, office or den. We welcome these new prints and look forward to future issues from Lynne Castell.
MILITARY TRACTION ENGINES & LORRIES 1858-1918 by R. W. Kinder, published by Oakwood Press, Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford, Dorset. 90p plus 7p post. No. 82 in Oakwood's well known, "Locomotion Papers", is well up to their usual high standard. R. W. Kinder has written the text and the photos are mainly from the collection of Herbert J. Vizor of Malmesbury. The author deals with the early developments, the "battle" between Steam and Petrol and, of course, the involvement of these vehicles in the Boer War and 1914-18 War. Half the book is taken up with some excellent illustrations printed on art paper. Tuxford, Fowler, McLaren, Foster, Burrell, Wallis & Steevens, Marshall, Aveling & Porter, Thornycroft and Foden are prominent among the steamers with Halley, Hallford, Thornycroft and Maudsley amongst the internal combustion. Almost all the photos have not been previously published and are of excellent quality and great interest. The only criticism is that of describing compound Fowlers as D.C.C. in two captions. Only Burrells talked about D.C.C. To every other maker they were "compounds". An excellent addition to the Traction Engineman's Library.
TRAVELLING SHOWS AND ROUNDABOUTS by A. Sellman, published by Oakwood Press, Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford. 90p plus 7p post. Members with an interest in the great era of the Fairground and/or steam on the tobers will revel in Locomotion Papers No. 84, written by Arthur Sellman shortly before his death in 1970. This is a companion volume to "Bioscope Shows and their Engines" published by Oakwood some years ago and written by Mr. Sellman under the nom-de-plume of Arthur Fay. The author starts with Shows and goes on to Roundabouts and Engines. Very well illustrated with one or two well known photos but plenty we have not seen before. A great book from a real lover of the Fairground scene.
"OLD MOTOR" Vol. 8 No.6 published by Prince Marshall, 17 Air Street, London, Wl. The recent edition of "Old Motor" has the usual broad coverage but is especially welcome for a masterly article by Bob Whitehead entitled Mann Steamers, this runs to eleven large pages and is well illustrated by fourteen works, work-a-day pictures or drawings and one of a 1914 Mann Wagon in preservation. The well known Tractors as well as the lesser known wagons are thoroughly described, as well as the rise and fall of the firm. Individual copies of "Old Motor" are available from 17 Air Street, £1.25 each including postage. 184
FODEN STEAM WAGON CATALOGUE, reprint No. 10, produced by R.L.S. available from N.T.E.0 and R.L.S. Sales Officers, 85p. This catalogue was originally issued at a time when steam wagons were not selling as well as previously. "The customer was always right", and so we find a wide variety of bodies on the six-ton wagon also, six wheelers (it is somewhat ironic that two rigid six wheel Foden wagons lasted until preservation only to be converted to tractors, one a six wheeler and the other a four wheeler). To try and satisfy all tastes Fodens produced their "E" type an undertype wagon at this time, five are illustrated. The "artics" are of perhaps the greatest interest. One can only conjecture on what the road transport of 1975 might have been had the governments of the '20s and '30s not suppressed the development of steam road transport. An incort givo3 work:, number:, and datc3 of all the wagona illuatratcd. A valuable reprint at a modest price.
SAVAGES LIMITED, a short history compiled and written by Ronald H. Clark, published by Goose & Son. This was originally produced in 1950 under the title "100 — not out" to mark 100 years of Engineering Service by Savages. The author needs no introduction to readers and in his own style leads us through the years of the Horse Hoe, the Norfolk Tumbril, through Threshers, Portables, Tractions, Diggers, Sawbenches to Steam Centre Engines, Sea-on-Land, Steam Yachts, Gallopers, Steam Wagons, Steam Tractors, and all the things that made the name of Savage famous. If you haven't already got one — don't delay. AVELING & PORTER CATALOGUE, reprint No. 11, produced by R.L.S. available from N.T.E.C. & R.L.S. Sales Officers. Another excellent reprint. If anything, the quality of reproduction is slightly better than that of the Foden reprint. This one draws from two original catalogues 1923 and 1930 and is an invaluable publication to any engine owner, historian or enthusiast. As well as excellent illustrations we have sectioned diagrams, and tables giving specifications of the various classes of Aveling & Porter Roller. The list of Councils using Aveling & Porter Rollers includes those illustrious engine building cities Leeds and Lincoln! That must prove something. MEMORIES OF ST GILES' FAIR by V. Kirk A 'Steaming' Publication. Edited by Ran Hawthorne. This book combines the articles about the St. Giles Fairs, published in Steaming during 1972-74, and brings them between one cover. Additional photographs have been included to those used in conjunction with the original article. The author, a passionate lover of the steam engine, recalls the days when steam reigned supreme at the St. Giles Fairs in Oxford, through to its demise in 1946. of the showmen who came and went and the rides they presented. The author also includes other types of engines he saw and the work they did, both on haulage and rolling. Illustrations abound, showing the fair in its early, bustling days; showmen's engines at work and in all sorts of places; and finishing up with a superb photograph of a Burrell hard at work with the last steam hauled loads coming to the St. Giles. Ail in all a fascinating and brilliant account of how steam was used commercially around Oxford during the pre-war years. The book is of 56 pages, of good quality and can be obtained from the N.T.E.C. Sales Officer, 90p post free. Very good value for such an absorbing story — A.R.P. 185
FAIRGROUND SNAPS Photographed by Dick Scott-Stewart, edited by Mark Williams, published by Pleasant Pastures in association Gordon Fraser Books, post free from Diamond Traction Co., 14 Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR3 SDB. The word "Snaps" is suggestive of tiny, blurred black and white photos taken with a box camera. This book is not like thatl! After an introduction we have Fairground Pictures nearly all in colour and without captions, so you can enjoy them as they are or play games giving them captions. It is "mod" but, of course the subject is as traditional as it is possible to be. Rides. lettering, scroll work, engines and modern transport it's all here. If you love the Showman's painting, Fairs old and new, this is for you. Fantastic value, I can't see how they can do it for the money.
The Story of MEDWAY QUEEN — a Paddle Steamer dial went to War. Published by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, 75p. P.S. "Medway Queen" was built in 1924. She plied the Thames and Medway, she was a frequent caller at Southend and Margate; some of her longest runs took her to Felixstowe. She is pictured in Steaming, Vol. 17 No. 3. This book is published by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in much the same way as we publish our "Steaming Publications", The chapters are entitled (i) "Forty Years Service", a short history of the ship and her sailings; (ii) "Her finest hour", this is a most moving account, by her first officer at that time, of her exploits at ❑unkirk, Chapter (iii) "Go to the Galley Door, boys" tells of the same period but seen through the eyes of the ship's cook who with the assistance of one boy fed the hungry troops that they picked up at Dunkirk. Chapter (iv) —The ship that didn't want to die", tells of the struggle, initiated by P,S.P.S. to preserve this historic ship. Anyone who loves the tang of the sea, who loves steam and is proud of the deeds of Dunkirk should not miss this. Thoroughly recommended. I'm not ashamed to say, it brought tears to my eyes. —Editor. Obtainable from J. B. Millar, Hawkhurst, Manor Close, East Horsley, KT24 6SB. 75p and 10p postage and packing. All profits go to Paddle Steamer preservation.
SAVAGE of King's Lynn. Inventor of machines and merry-go-rounds, by David Braithwaite published by Patrick Stephens Ltd., Bar Hill, Cambridge. £5.75. David Braithwaite is well known for his Fairground Architecture published in 1968. The author discusses the pattern of rural life and the development of agriculture in the fens, and thus establishes a basis for a closer examination of the life and work of Frederick Savage. Coverage is given to the many types of engine and machine that Savage built, and what a variety; tackle for removing mooring chains from a river bed, a coal drop for King's Lynn Docks; threshing machines; the famous "Agriculturalist" Engine that used to be jacked up so that the rear wheels were clear of the ground, these had grooves that carried 1,000 yards of steel rope for cable cultivation; horse hoes; portables; steam wagons; annular compound traction engines and many more besides but, of course, it is in connection with his work in making machinery for the Fairgrounds that Savage is best known, while doing full justice to the non-Fairground tackle the author gives a wonderful account of the wide variety of Fairground machinery that was produced. He has selected many fine illustrations to illustrate the book. One can't avoid the word "history" but this is much more than a history of Savages, David Braithwaite brings Frederick Savage to life. A great book, a collector's item and an invaluable reference. 186
Garrett No, 28410. 7 h.p. single cylinder G.P. engine "Jolly" having completed a day's threshing at Singleton Open Air Museum, about to set off on her 15 miles journey home to Murdham, Chichester. Note the Foster thresher with turntable at the corn end.
"Jolly" is owned by R. Lonsdale, she is seen here picking up water from the stream at Levant. Photos supplied by Michael Adams. 187
LIGIIT RAILWAYS, STEAMERS & HISTORIC TRANSPORT, edited by Geoffrey Roddy, 40p from booksellers or 45p post free from publishers Avon-Anglia, 9 Poplar Avenue, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 2BE. For many years now our member Geoffrey Body has edited the Light Railway and Vintage Transport Guide for David and Charles. We now have a new title and in arrangement with D. & C. the guide is published by Avon-Anglia. The scope has been considerably extended this year and includes details of steamer service in coastal and inland waters. This side of steam activity — once so popular — has almost slipped into oblivion. It is good to see publicity given to remaining services and preservation sailings and we would encourage members to enjoy the handful of steam ships that remain. The chapters cover various interests so that one can easily find details of one's own particular interest, railways, preservation schemes and locations, Aircraft, Museum and locations, Countryside and Folk Museums, Cars, Carriages and Commercial Vehicles, Coastal and River Vessel operators, Ship preservation and other locations. It is a pity that printing dates preclude a list of Engine Rallies but, no less than eighteen museum and collections open to Public now include a Steam Road vehicle of one kind or another in their display. Excellent. You will need one for your holidays.
GOLDEN ROLL CHARLES BARTRUPT Steam men throughout East Anglia will feel a big loss in the passing of Charlie. Though 83 he never seemed to be a veteran, as until very recently he was so active taking his 1926 Burrell engine "Daphne" to Rallies and to every good cause in the area. He prided himself upon taking it under its own steam in fact. Charlie lived at Ford End, near Dunmow, Essex, and had spent a life time in steam. With his brothers, he had from an early age responsibilities with the family threshing contractor's business. Extreme deafness over a long period of his life never caused him to lose his smile or kindness to others. A large number attended his funeral at Chelmsford Crematorium, which was taken by Major Revd. Philip Wright, who paid tribute to his life and expressed sympathy with his family.
HARRY BEEFORTH The death took place in hospital on 26th February after a long illness of Mr. Harry Beeforth of Whitby, North Yorkshire. He was 75. In the early 1930's Harry commenced in business as an agricultural and threshing contractor, using traction engines to drive his threshers. At the end of the war he disposed of his steamers and replaced them with modern tractors. When the traction engine rallies started he acquired a 4 h.p. Burrell Tractor No. 3618 "Princess Royal", with which he attended rallies in the North of England, always travelling it under its own steam. He also attended rallies in many parts of the county as a spectator, until ill health prevented him from doing so. He retired from business about eight years ago and two years ago sold his Burrell Tractor. Harry was for many years a member of this club and, was also associated with the North of England Steam Traction Engine Society and, was a founder member of the Great Yorkshire Traction Engine Club. He is survived by his brother Mr. Thomas Beeforth, his wife having died three years ago. They had no family. 188
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Roxwell, Vicarage, Nr. Chelmsford, Essex. The Editor Steaming, Dear Ran,
Some time ago Mr. John Young kindly invited me to see over his famous Brewery at Wandsworth; we share a lively interest in heavy horses and I first met Mr. Young many years ago when I first began my link with Regents Park Harness Horse Parade which function goes from strength to strength. Mr. Young and his brother run one of the old family brewing concerns which get less and less I am afraid. Their great great grandfather established the brewery in 1831 and several generations of employees have worked there too. John Cornish was head horsekeeper for 67 years, and was succeeded by Charlie Butler who recently retired after 43 years to be followed by Harry Hanson. The brewery stands on the banks of the river Wandle and dates back to 1675. Wandle is the prefix used for the names of all their magnificent Shire Horses which are familiar not only at Shows, and in Regents Park but they deliver 10,000 tons of real English beer per annum. Now let me mention some masterpieces of steam engineering still in use. There are two beam engines, one erected in 1835 during the reign of William Fourth and a newer one in 1867. They are kept in use because of their efficiency and they still provide power for the brewery. They are kept in magnificent order. I quote from a burnished name-plate from one of these beautiful engines. "Wentworth and Sons, engineers, Wandsworth, erected for twelve horses power May 1835 and altered to sixteen horses power 1852". I love the way they say "Horses power" which was precisely the early meaning of the term we now use as HORSE POWER, and as I have pointed out in my book TRACTION ENGINES page 10. The term is a relic of the horse-drawn Portable engine and such were classified into sizes by the number of horses needed to move them from farm to farm. Earlier engines were always 4, 6, 8 or 10 h.p. and never an odd number. In those days it had nothing to do with cylinder capacity at all! PHILIP -WRIGHT. How nice to hear from Major the Reverend Philip Wright again. For many years he was Chairman and then President of our club. He was regularly commentator at the early Appleford Rallies.
Dear Sir, I was rather surprised to read in a newspaper recently that a speaker at the N.T.E.C. Conference, in criticising your anti-conversion campaign, should say that if an owner converted an engine, it was
"nothing to do with the N.T.E.C." If an owner decides he will convert an engine, true, it is his business. But to say it is "nothing to do with N.T.E.C." is utter rubbish. I am not fortunate enough to own an engine but. I support N.T.E.C. by membership because it is devoted to Engine Preservation. Converting engines is not Engine Preservation. I would urge the central committee t❑ take a stronger line and persuade Rally Organisers to ban conversions. More power to your elbow, sir. E. FEATHERSTONE, Leicester.
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"Invicta", 1 Church Street, Woodlesford, Leeds, LS26 BRE. The Editor, Steaming, Dear Sir, Ray Hooley's article on the Hornsby Steam Chain Tractor. (Steaming Vol. 18 No. 2) interested me greatly. The discovery of the remains of this unique vehicle, so far away in Canada, must surely rate as one of the greatest importance in the preservation scene of this decade. The implications of this design — as the forerunner of the Tank — are well known and it is my view that the greatest effort should be made to bring back this vehicle to its birthplace and restore it to working order. An exercise of this nature, as contemplated by Mr. Hooley, must surely be outside the scope of one man and therefore as it may he considered that this is of National importance in the Traction Engine world, may I propose to the N.T.E.C. Committee that the National Traction Engine Club sponsors an appeal among its members, affiliated clubs and others, to raise the necessary capital in the form of loans or donations, to bring this Tractor back to this country and restore it. This could be done as the Club's 'project' for its 21st Birthday Celebrations. The other Steam Preservationists (Railways) seem to be quite good at this type of exercise and I would therefore like to set the ball rolling with a donation of £5.00 towards this worthwhile cause. Perhaps you would forward this to Mr. Hooley, with my compliments. Yours faithfully, DEREK A. RAYNER, C.Eng., M.I.Mech.E.
Penn, Bucks. The Editor Steaming,
Dear Mr. Hawthorne, Two years ago you published in Steaming Vol. 15 No. 4, an article about the poor chap who pushed his firebox in whilst doing a hydraulic test, that poor chap was me! Perhaps you would like to know what happened after losing a lot of sleep and recovering from the disappointment of not having an engine to visit rallies with, etc. After a lot of encouragement from friends and a few offers of help, work was started, the first job being to get the engine moved to my home which was done with the kind help of Derek Petty, who towed the engine home with his lorry. Then came the disheartening job of stripping the engine right down. Derek used his crane to turn the boiler upsidedown so that we could remove the old rivets and cut away the stays, which was very hard work. Having removed the firebox, T. T. Boughton & Son made a new one for me. We then had a kind offer from David Davies to take the dismantled engine to the Dairy Workshop where we could work under cover with the full use of his tools. The new box was put in and rivetted together, new stays were made and fitted, also new tubes. It was now time to fill it with water only to find that it leaked like
a sieve, this we stopped by "caulking" and at the second attempt the Boiler Inspector gave us the okay. Rebuilding the engine took just over a month and now it is back on the road in full steam. I feel that this has been quite an achievement which would not have been possible without the help of my 'Mate' Brian Bradfield and the help of Bernard Ruff, Tom Cavanagh, Derek Petty, David Davies and T. T. Boughton & Son, to whom I am more than grateful. Your sincerely, J. BEALE. 190
EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE A vacancy exists for someone to assist in the preparation of Steaming. The unpaid work will include, checking, correcting and assembling "copy"; covering events, writing reports and checking printers proofs. An ability to type and to correct the worst of the grammar is perhaps more important than a wide knowledge of steam. Please reply by letter, in the first instance, to the Editor, Ran Hawthorne.
" CHUFFS " •
It has been decided that our 1975 A.G.M. will be held in Birmingham. The date is 6th December, the venue, Midland Hotel adjacent to New St. Station. This will enable Midland and Northern members to more easily attend and have their say in the running of the club. It is hoped that members will respond to the committee's gesture in, "taking the A.G.M. to the members".
•
Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 9166 (1920) owned by the new Hereford and Worcester County Council, formerly owned by Herefordshire C.C., is now on loan to H. P. Bulmer Ltd., Cider Makers, Hereford, where she will be on display alongside the rail locomotive "King George V" and will be in steam on Bulmer's Steam Open Days. The Roller, a 15 tonner, has been overhauled and painted green with black and red lining. She is registered CP 4526.
•
P. R. Halford and 1'. C. Clapcott of Totton, Hants., have spent three years on the restoration of Burrell 3809(19) "Winifred" Reg. No. YA 369. The hydraulic test has been passed and it is hoped she will soon be "on the road". She was new 12/6/19 to S. D. Melhuish of Chard, by 1930 she was with J. P. Vines of Hardwick, about 1938 she was in Devon with W. G. & F. Heard of Chittleham Holt then T. B. Pink of Fareham, and about 1950 back to J. P. Vines. The partners have recently purchased a "very derelict" Burrell S.C.C. Traction, Works No. 2243 from J. Hurst & Sons. St. Marybourne. To quote their own words, "being gluttons for punishment our last purchase is a Fowler Roller No. 18503". She was new 16/4/31 to the Mechanical Tar Spraying & Grouting Co. Ltd., by '68 she was with Colin Tucker at Bexleyheath and later with J. Trumble of Gravesend. After a few minor jobs and a repaint she is expected out this year.
ENGINE RECORDS Many engines, mainly Rollers. stand in playgrounds, public parks or on display on contractors forecourts. We often get asked about these. The Editor would welcome lists of such engines or even just details of the odd static exhibit in your area.
We are pleased to announce . . . The birth of a son Matthew (a brother for Miriam) on 15th January, to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Abbott of Horsham. 191
INSURANCE for
STEAM VEHICLES &
STEAM RALLIES As Insurance Brokers to the National Traction Engine Club for many years, we have arranged insurances especially suited to owners of steam vehicles or engines, and to organisers of steam rallies. Wide cover and competitive terms are available with special terms for club members. For any further information you may require please do not hesitate to contact any of the following:Tonbridge Office (Renewals and Accounts). Mrs. V. M. Jessup, Hildenbrook House, The Slade, Tonbridge, Kent. Telephone: Tonbridge 67011. Head Office Saracen's Head House, 92 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 4EE. Telephone: 01-481 8451.
TENNANT BU DD LTD. 192
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB APPROVED RALLY
East of England Agricultural Society Showground (10 miles south of Stamford on A1)
23rd, 24th & 25th AUGUST THE WORLD'S BIGGEST TRACTION ENGINE RALLY We are expecting over 80 engines with demonstrations of both Compound and Single Cylinder Ploughing Sets, Threshing and Wood Sawing. We have already booked Screetons Golden Gallopers, Bishtons Cakewalk with other Rides under negotiation. For those members of the family who are not steam minded we have Speedway Meetings on the Saturday evening and Monday morning, Blue Eagles Helicopter Display Team, Royal Signals Motor Cycle Display Team, Free Fall Parachutists, Basildon Band & Trumpet Corps, Morris Dancers, etc., etc.
Licensed Bars and Refreshments. Ox Roast (Monday) Trade and Preservation Society Stands.
Expo Secretary, John Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds.
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Robert Tyndall Ltd 45 Grand Parade, Brighton Sussex. BN2 2QA Tel 0273-63254/685666 '684095
Steam Traction-Engines by Harold Bonnett ISBN 85949 067 X
AUGUST 1975 f 2.50
This enjoyable and fully illustrated book on the British traction-engine begins with the early history of steam-machines - covering those of the early 1800s, when horse-drawn portable engines were used on our farms and their subsequent development which led to the invention of our first traction-engines. The tractionengine saga extends from steam cultivation and threshing to road-haulage. It tells of the hostile laws that bedevilled owners and engine-drivers whenever they used the public roads. It includes the role played by the traction-engine in war. Yesterday's steamrollers and fairground engines are equally part of the picture. 48pp. 235 x 195mm. Fully illustrated Separate ends. Casebound. Two-colour laminated jacket.
Orders to:
Book Centre Ltd, P 0 Box 30, North Circular Road, London NW10 OJE
To keep up-to-date with the Preservation movement you need
THE WORLD'S FAIR "In Steam" all the year round. ONLY 9p 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., Union Street, Oldham, Lancs. OL1 1DY 194
STAMFORD TRACTION ENGINE RALLY at
GRANGE FARM, RYALL, STAMFORD on
28th and 29th JUNE, 1975
Full ring events for engines both days. Plus a good selection of Fairground Organs.
Rally Secretary, John Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds.
E.C. a e4
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A New Book from Ronald Clark A TRACTION ENGINE MISCELLANY The author quotes George Borrow when he says that the dog who trots about gets a bone; and by this he means that over the past few years, on his Brough Superior, he has made further journeys to steam engine makers — or rather their successors — and has acquired much new information about a number of makers and found many more unique and fascinating illustrations. Contains 225 photo-illustrations plus 130 drawings, 28 x 22cms. £10.00 net. 244 pages cased in heavy boards. Still available THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENGLISH TRACTION ENGINE This book from Ronald H. Clark was first published in 1960 since when it has come to be regarded as the 'standard work' on traction engines. It has been out of print for a number of years and is in such demand that we have reprinted. £12.00 net. 582 illustrations 416 pages 28 x 22cms. A SHORT HISTORY OF SAVAGES LIMITED by Ronald H. Clark. 50p net. 40 pages 42 illustrations 24 x 19cms booklet. THE OVERTYPE STEAM ROAD WAGGON by M. A. Kelly. This is a unique record of this peculiar form of extinct road vehicle. 170 illustrations in 147 pages, casebound with full-colour dust £3.98 net. jacket. 28 x 22cms. Available on bookstalls at rallies, from your local bookseller or direct from the Publishers.
Published by
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— A Traction Engine Miscellany at £10.50 inc. p. & p. — Development of the English Traction Engine at £12.50 inc. p. & p. A Short History of Savages at £0.60p inc. p. & p. — The Overtype Steam Road Waggon at £4.35 inc. p. & p.
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I enclose remittance of NAME ADDRESS
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HAREWOOD HOUSE TRACTION ENGINE RALLY to be held at
Harewood House, Near Leeds, on
30th & 31st AUGUST ADMISSION: ADULTS 50p CHILDREN 10p. Car Park Free Presented by the Leeds & District Traction Engine Club.
— A RALLY
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The authoritative history of Frederick Savage— his times, designs and the part played by this well-known manufacturer of steam driven machinery and other unique equipment. The book is profusely illustrated with photographs and plans, mainly from the Savage Company archives. It includes a complete register of Savage machines, their date of manufacture and present whereabouts. 136 pages, 10" x 8" (254 x 203 mm), 132 b&w illus. £5.75 net (£5.99 by post).
Patrick Stephens Limited Order from your bookseller or direct from the publisher Dept STEAM, Bar Hill, Cambridge, CB3 8EL. Telephone Crafts Hill 80010.
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MAYFORD STEAM ENGINE & HISTORIC VEHICLE
RALLY Main A320, MAYFORD Near WOKING, SURREY.
Sat. & Sun. 28th & 29th JUNE Details from Rally Secretary (S.A.E. please): Mrs. Y. V. Hanmore, "Woodcote", Wannock Road, Polegate, Sussex. Tel: 2464.
THE TENTH !
POLEGATE STEAM ENGINE AND HISTORIC VEHICLE
RALLY Saturday & Sunday, 19th & 20th JULY MAIN A27, LEWES RD., POLEGATE, SUSSEX. DETAILS FROM: Rally Secretary: Mrs. Y. V. Hanmore, "Woodcote", Wannock (S.A.E. please). Road, Polegate. Tel: 2464. 199
err CLASSICAL MACHINERY A new quarterly magazine for connoisseurs of fine machinery Articles by experts on automobiles, motor cycles, steam engines, traction engines, ships, aeroplanes, agricultural machinery, stationary engines, etc. Any one issue will obviously not carry articles on each subject.
SAMPLE COPY (including postage) £1.00 CLASSICAL MACHINERY is published quarterly by Godfrey Eaton Publications, 40 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5QB, England. Published October 31, January 31, April 30, July 31. Subscription rate £6.00 ($15.00 USA) per four issues. Single copies £1.75 ($4.80 USA).
GREAT BOOKS ! FAIRGROUND SNAPS Over 70 colour & 25 monochrome photographs of the fairground painter's art and fairground life. Acclaimed by Sunday Times Magazine, BBCtv, 3-on-the-Floor etc. Fantastic value ! £1.65 softcover, £3.00 hardcover + 25p P & P.
An lliustr;ted history of
TRACTION ENGINES PETER mums
An Illustrated History of TRACTION ENGINES by Peter Wilkes The story of Traction Engines in their many forms, with many fine photographs. A fitting tribute to the Age of Steam. Just published, £3.95 + 25p post & packing. Save a trip to the bookshop and order these beautiful books direct from DIAMOND TRACTION CO., 14 Broad St., Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Please make cheques/POs payable to Diamond Traction Co. Allow up to 10 days for delivery. Full refund if not delighted. If ordering more than one volume, only pay postage and packing as for one volume.
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MIDLAND FESTIVAL OF STEAM steam engine rally STAFFORDSHIRE SHOWGROUND, Weston Road, Stafford SAT. & SUN. 19th & 20th JULY, 1975 OVER 30 ENGINES IN STEAM plus —
N.T.E.C;) * Vintage Cars
4 v. * Motor Cycles & Tractors
V
* Fairground Organs * Model Railway & Exhibition Gates open 10 a.m. each day. Admission: Adults 60p, Children 10p Refreshments, Bar, Free Car Park. (Limited bus service from Pitcher Bank, Stafford to Showground). The Showground is situated 3 miles from Stafford, (A.513) travellers from the North using M6 leave at exit 14, whilst those from the South use exit 13.
County of Salop Steam Engine Society TRACTION ENGINE RALLY SUPPORTED BY VINTAGE AND VETERAN ATTRACTIONS
BISHOPS CASTLE (SALOP) SUNDAY and MONDAY AUGUST 24 & 25 1975 "Organised by Enthusiasts for Enthusiasts" 201
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Famous Mamod traction engines, steam rollers, steam wagons and accessories are more than precise, durable working toys. They're fun models boys of all ages get really steamed up about. And still surprisingly inexpensive at all leading toy shops.
The famous V hirwrn Ioriginals
Malins (Engineers) Ltd., Brierley Hill, Staffordshire.
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ADVERTISEMENTS Members small advertisements free, Affiliated Club members 1p per word Advertisements should be typed or in BLOCK CAPITALS and should be on separate sheets of paper. (Not incorporated in a letter). Subject to acceptance. Small advertisements to the Editor.
Steam Plough Club — If you are interested in the Plough Engine and its application, why not join The Steam Plough Club? Regular Newsletters, list of all known Steam Plough Engines in the UK. Subscription only £1 for year. — Contact R. F. Oliver, 143 Norfolk Avenue, Sanderstead, Surrey. Road Roller Association — For all those interested in steam and motor rollers, road making machines, practices and history. Quarterly journal 'Rolling'. Subscription £1 per year. — L. Shearman, 15 Thornton Street, King Cross, Halifax, Yorks. F. A. Smith Collection — A large private collection of Vintage Farm Tractors. Small petrol engines inchiding several over 50 years old. By many well-known English and American firms. Also Steam Engines, Ford Cars. Farm Machinery, etc. Collection open to inspection by appointment only. -- 50 West End Road, Frampton, Boston Lines. Books — Available from the NTEC Sales Officer: The Development of the English Traction Engine £12.30 post paid and A Traction Engine Miscellany £8.70 post paid (available April), both by Ronald H. Clark. Owing to the high cost of these books they will only be obtained to members orders, who we hope will support us. NTEC Ties — Now available in maroon with our usual engine motive in gold. These have been produced by popular request and are priced at £1.55 post paid. — Availfrom the Sales Officer. Farming With Steam — illustrated paperback. Author's autographed copies £1.34 (includes postage). — Harold Bonnet, 3 Ridge Side, Haw Lane, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Bucks. HPI4 41N. Ruston Reprints — 'Steam Traction Engines constructed by Ruston, Proctor & Co.' — 50p. 'RustonHornsby Cars, Models 1923" — 50p. 'Ruston Aircraft Production-19141918' — 50p, — Ray Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln.
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. Crofton Bcam Engines Ncar Great Bedwyn, 5 miles west of Hungerford. Steaming dates 1975: June 28/29, August 23/24/25, September 20/21, October 25/26. — Secretary, 273 East Grafton, Burbage, Wilts. Ryhope Beam Engines Steaming Days 1975 — Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August (August Holiday). — Ryhope Engine Trust, Ryhope, Sunderland. Co. Durham. 'The Stationary Engine Advertiser' The monthly journal of the engine collector. Engines bought/sold, spare parts and information sections. Articles on restoration, engine history and identification. S.A.E. for details — D. W. Edgington, Lodge Wood Farm, Hawkeridge, Westbury, Wilts. Books by Phillip Wright — Traction Engines (Black) £2.25. Old Farm implements (D. & C. reprint) £3.50. Old Farm Tractors (D. & C.) £2.95. Salute the Carthorse (fan Allan) £1.50 for booksellers or autographed copies from author (please add postage). — Roxwell Vicarage, near Chelmsford, Essex. The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society caters for all paddle steamer interests —• extensive and varied charter cruise programme on paddlers and other vessels — illustrated magazine free to members — active branches in Scotland, Home Counties and Wessex. Enquiries to David Swaffield, 25 Glastonbury Road, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1TW, or for Scotland to Douglas McGowan, 69 Stanmore Road, Glasgow, G42 9AJ. Steamship enthusiasts Mcdway area, or able travel, to join team on restoration of Society steamer 'Kingswear Castle' are especially welcome — work mainly weekends. — Enquiries to David Swaffield (above). 203
FOR SALE BARROWS PORTABLE No. 2420 (1898 approx) Double high pressure. Good general conditions. Needs retubing (can be obtained) and smokebox repairs. £1,500. C. Jaques, Rough Beech, Dowlands Lane, Smallfield, Tel: Smallfield 2336.
Holley, Surrey.
FOR SALE AVELING & PORTER STEAM ROLLER built 1894. ISIS PLANT LIMITED, 928 Melton Road, Thurmaston, LEICESTER, LE4 86Q. Tel: SYSTON 3357.
BOOKS ON TRACTION ENGINES & STEAM LORRIES The Steam Lorry, 50p. Travelling Shows & Roundabouts, 90p. Showman's Engines, 45p. The Traction Engine, 1842-1938, 60p. A Hundred Years of Road Rollers, £1.50. Rally Traction Engines, 75p. Traction Engines at Work, 45p. Traction Engine Prints, 75p. My Life in Steam, by K. Judk ins, f1.20. More of My Life in Steam, by K. Judkins, C1.50. My 70 Years with Traction Engines, by W. G. Hooker. 75p. Model Bolters for Traction and Ploughing Engines, £1.50. Add 10p postage. Military Traction Engines and Lorries, 90p.
THE OAKWOOD PRESS, Old School House, Tarrant Hinton, Blandford, Dorset DT11 8JB
A vacancy exists for ASSISTANT N.T.E.C. TREASURER. Suitable persons willing to assist immediately and to take on as Treasurer from the A.G.M. should apply to: J. H. HOBBS, Esq., 6 Esher Close, Basingstoke, Hants. 204
Wanted - Rally Programmes, old or new. - D. L. Roseaman, 10 Grimshaw Close, North Road, London, N6 4BH. Wanted - Injector for Wallis & Steevens Advance 6 Ton Roller (No. 8047). Type: Cresham and Craven Ltd. No. 3 Injector as per drawing 4488SL1191. Information rewarded if followed by sale. Postage refunded to informers. Please contact: Mr. R. W. H. Bulley, 26 Badding Town Road, Kettering, Northants, NN15 6DZ. Wanted - For 8 Ton Aveling & Porter Compound Roller. Boiler Feed Pump; Gauge Glass fittings; Cylinder Drain Cocks, relief type; Safety Valves; Crosshead ❑il Cups; Boiler Clack Valve. - P. A. Gull, 5 Chcrbury Green, Grove, Wantage, Oxon, OX 12 ODB. Telephone: Wantage 65488. Autographed Books - (All prices include new postal rates). The Sentinel, Vol. One, £6.00; Century of Traction Engines, £3.75, paperback, £1.60; Fowler Steam Road Vehicles, £2.75; Traction Engines Worth Modelling, £3.75, paperback £1.75; English & American Steam Carriages and Traction Engines (Fletcher) £4.75; Mechanical Traction in War (Layriz), £4.00; Modern Steam Road Wagons (Norris), £3.20. - W. J. Hughes, The Sentinel, West Street, Beighton, Sheffield, S19 6EP. For Sale - One Dawson red rubber and Balata endless Driving Belt. 50ft. x 5ins. 5 ply, as new, £25. One Steam Tractor Canopy, 11 ft. x 5ft. Tin. sideboards, in good condition, £30. Could possibly be delivered free. Telephone: Hutton Rudby 700947. Wanted - Any odd lengths of 2in. old. boiler tube 3ft. 111in. or more. - R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. Telephone: 0491-680434. Have Your Colour Steam Engine Photographs printed by steam enthusiasts. 6fin. x £1.40; 81in. x 6in. £1.73; 10in. x 8in. £2.16; 12in. x 10in. £3.02; 15in. x 12in. £4.00; 20in. x I6in. £5.40. Prices include VAT and Postage. Please state whether silk, gloss or semimatt surface required. - Spectrum Colour Services, Cleaver Building, Wellgate, Rotherham, South Yorks. S60 2LR.
For Sale - Aveling & Porter 12ton single cylinder Steam Roller. New in 1892. Engine No. 2957. Offers to: Isis Plant Ltd., 928 Melton Road, Thurmaston, Leicester. Tel: Syston 3357. Wanted-Stonebrcaker on wheels, suitable for demonstrations at Steam Engine Rallies, with general purpose engines or rollers. Heavy type preferred. Information or whereabouts of example gratefully received. - Box No. "W". Sentinel Books for Exchange Standard Waggon Catalogue (1919), and Spare Parts Book (1922). DG Spare Parts Book (1927). Also a few bound copies of Sentinel Transport News, (1924, 1925 & 1927). All available for exchange for other Sentinel books, etc., W.H.Y.? - J. Hutchings, 56 Harthall Lane, Kings Langley, Herts., WD4 8JH. Help Wanted - To get a Road Licence for my 1/3 size "Burrell" Tractor. An old tractor log book or a friendly Licencing Officer would help. - Phil Haim, 42 Stanley Avenue, Greenford, U136 8NX. Recent Engineering MagazinesFREE to anyone who cares to collect. - Dee, 18 Charcroft Gardens, Enfield, Middlesex. Wanted - To purchase or borrow for copying makers works number plate from dashboard of "S" Model Sentinel Steam Waggon. - I. L. Thomas, "The Sentinel Register", 5 Minett Avenue, Rushwick, Worcester. Tel: Worcester 421252. Wanted - Spare Parts book for Wallis 51 tort Tractor, in exchange for Garrett Tractor catalogue, or will borrow or buy. For sale Garrett Tractor smokebox. Wallis Advance Scarifier. Chimney Base for Burrell Tractor. - Please contact Mark Loader, Bournemouth 49520. For Sale - 1903 Locomobile Steam Car engine. Rebuilt, in working order. Boiler manhole cover joints, various unused. Engine lamps incomplete and spares. Large clinker shovel, unused, without handle. Crankshaft cover complete, for Garrett Tractor, good condition. Front swivel coupling and pin for Garrett Tractor. D. Smith. 67 Suffolk Road, Maidenhead, Berks. 205
Invest in your own Traction Engine
First time ever, by LOCOMOTION — superb replica working models (0" equals 1') of the Allchin 1906, either gas or coal-fired. The models, comprising traction engine and caravan as photographed, are constructed throughout in authentic materials and are available completely finished and hand-painted or in kit form. Showman's fittings comprising: canopy roof, sides and ribs; working dynamo; set of candy brasses; solid flywheel; belly tank ends and wrapper; gear casings; set of small coloured bulbs and holders for canopy, etc., are available with either version.
All enquiries to: TRACTION MARKETING, MICHAEL HOLDEN ASSOCIATES LIMITED, SOUTH NEWINGTON, NR. BANBURY, OXFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND. Tel: BANBURY (0295) 720300.
206
Film — Have you booked the Steam Plough Club film "Ploughing by Steam" for your Club Night yet? 16mm. colour/sound, running for 23 minutes. £3 per day and £1 per day for subsequent days. Contact: J. Rogers, 23 Rothamsted Avenue, Harpenden, Herts. AL5 2DN. Tel: Harpenden 2070. For Sale—"A- Bar and Fittings for coupling Land Rover to Traction Engine. As new £10 plus carriage. Heavy Duty Hydraulic Toe Jack, will lift Traction Engine, £10 plus carriage. Generator 230 volts A/C 2 KW. Cost £250. Bargain at £150. Could deliver at small cost. — Leonard Brooks, 66 Priory Road, Harold Hill, Essex, RM3 9AP. Ingrebourne 43507 (not weekends). Wanted — Good copies of the R.L.S. Journal, pre-1967. — K. Brothwell, 23A Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. Wanted — Old rally programmes. good copies of "Some Ploughing Engines" and "Steam Engine Builders of Norfolk". — K. Brothwell, 29A Bowes Road, Walton-onThames, Surrey, KT12 3HT. Wanted — Handbook 1935 Wolseley Wasp Saloon. — Wood. Tel: Newark 2785. For Sale — Pemberthy }in. and lin. injectors, £5 each. Worthington Duplex Steam Pump, size 36in, x 12in. will work down to 20 p.s.i., £45. 4in. dia. Steam Gauge, up to 360 p.s.i., £5. Water gauge glasses, 12in. x gin., 7/16in. up to 12in., £1.25 Post Paid per doz. — J. Younger, I North Road East, Wingate, Co. Durham. Exchange — Two Aveling & Porter Steam Rollers, one small six ton single cylinder, one large compound twelve ton. For Sentinel D.G. Model or other models considered. Adjustment either way. — T. Ramsay & Son, Boggs Farm, Pencaitland, East Lothian, Scotland. Wanted — Fowler cylinder hand lubricator, round brass type. — T. Ramsay, Boggs Farm, Pencaitland, East Lothian, Scotland. Tel. Pencaitland 304. Wanted — To purchase or loan, transparency or negative of Burrell
Showman Engine No. 3903 "Dreadnought" taken previous 1973. And any information on Foden or Thornycroft Steam Waggons built as ambulances for 1914-18 War. — P. Barker, 18 Reigate Drive, Derby, DE3 4EN. For Sale — Marshall 6 n.h.p. Single Cylinder Agricultural Traction Engine No. 66134 (1934). Current Boiler cert. Complete and in superb condition. Retubed 1973. Rallied 1974. Photo on request. — Group Captain C. H. Tighe, Ballina Park, Ashford, Co. Wicklow. For Sale — Five Hydrant Stands, old type brass and copper, excellent condition, long and short, one double outlet, £17.50 each, carriage paid, double £20. — T. A. J. Green, Mandalay, Westbrook St., Blewbury, Didcot, Oxon. For. Sale — Lister Model 28 D.H. h.p. stationary Engine No. 188461 with twin belt drive to 24 volt generator for lights at Rallies and 24 volt to 240 volt Rotary Convertor for domestic lighting. All fully reconditioned to contours standards on new trolley, £15, or highest offer. — Thomas, 5 Minett Avenue, Rushwick, Worcester. Tel: Worcester 421252. For Sale — 1923 Clayton and Shuttleworlh 10 ton Steam Roller, professionally restored and in concours condition, colour photo 25p. — W. T. Noyce, 16 Southville Gardens, Kingsbridge, Devon. Wanted — For A. & P. 8 ton single cylinder piston valve roller. Light alloy cover for cylinder end, also water level indicator plate. — W. Dowthwaite, Hutton Grange, Skelton, Penrith, CAll 9TS. Wanted — For restoration of a Marshall portable 8 h.p., 6 atm. 1900, No. 37193. Painting- and lining specifications and also transfers, photos. Drawings of a complete ash-pan. Original or copy of the Marshall publication, "Duplicate wearing, parts and fittings", which deal with this model. Also need the hand-operated water-feed pump, quadrangle flange. On a 2+ h.p., 8 atm. 1913, No. 62083 the casting number is 19764. — J. Fermin, Nyelandsvej 71 St., DK 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark. 207
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB
21st ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OXFORDSHIRE.
12th & 13th JULY, 1975 Friday, 11th July: Engines assemble at Nettlebed Saturday, 12th July: 50+ engines leave Nettlebed on THE FIRST EVER ROAD RUN (20 miles) via A423 and A415 to Appleford. Leaving from 8 a.m. Arriving at Appleford from 9 a.m. A Reception will be held on the field in the evening. Sunday, 13th July: A Steam Party, over 60 engines in steam.
N.T.E.C. members admitted FREE.
Event Secretary: E. A. Fillmore, 34 Northwick Park Rd., Harrow, Middlesex
Printed by Chiltem Printers (Slough) Limited, Kelpatrick Road, Slough, Berks.