Issuu

STEAMING VOL. 21 No. 1

DECEMBER 1977

National Traction Engine Club Officers President & Technical Services: S. J. Wharton, Southern Down, Minster Lovell, Oxford. Vice-Presidents: J. T. Beeby, Wymeswold Road, Remptsone, Loughborough, Leics. Anthony S. Heal, Baylins Farm, Beaconsfield, Bucks. Chairman: Michael R. Lane, Chartridge Green House, Chartridge, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 2TL. Vice-Chairman: J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford, NK43 8DU. General Secretary: G. F. Beck, 127 Greensted Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3DJ. Treasurer: Peter J. Banks, 9 Ferneley Rise, Thrussington, Leicester, LE7 8UA. Hon. Solicitor: David Tew, M.A., c/o Fowler & Co., Solicitors, 12 High St., Oakham, Leics. LE15 6AW. Editor: Dick Blenkinsop, Hill Cottage, Radford Semele, Leamington Spa, Warks. CV31 1UA. Chairman, Rally Sub-Committee: P. G. G. Barber, 71 Winchendon Road, London, SW6. Public Relations Officers: London, Home Counties & South: Anythony S. Heal, Baylins Farm, Beaconsfield, Bucks. Northern Counties & Scotland: Tony Parker, Foley House, The Grove, Lincoln. Membership Sec.: Mr. F. E. Wood, 'Windrush', Hail Weston, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE19 4JY. Sales Officer: Alan G. Wilson, 7 Welton Road, Daventry, Northants. NN11 5PP. Insurance Officer: J. S. Hirons, 98 Hailey Road, Witney, Oxon, OX8 5HQ

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 £3 for individuals, £4.50 for family membership. 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 September. All articles, photos for consideration should be sent to the Editor. All correspondence re subscriptions, bankers order, delivery (or non-delivery of 'Steaming' or change of address to: MRS. F. E. WOOD, 'WINDRUSH', HAIL WESTON, HUNTINGDON, CAMBS. PE19 4JY. Please enclose SAE when sending subscriptions or when writing to any officer if a reply is required. Next issue: Copy, photos, etc., should be in the Editor's hands by 12th February, 1978. earlier if possible.

Acknowledgements Ran Hawthorne, John Middlemiss, F. Holl, Wilf Cole, D. Rayner, J. Thomas, J. Baxter, A. Duke, J. Wilkinson, J. Mayes, M. L. Hooper-Immins, T. Rees, D. Bishop, and all Contributors, Area Correspondents and those who supplied the photographs. 2

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Vol. 21 No. 1

December 1977

CONTENTS Club Announcements and Editorial. Page 10 — 15 Frank Holl—Man of Steam by Ran Hawthorne. Page 16 — 18 Reminiscences of a Yorkshire Steam Haulier, by Wilf Cole.

Page 2 — 9

Page 19 — 20 'Queen Mary' by J. Wilkinson. Page 21 — 24 Re-tubing 'Little Wonder' by John Mayes. The Great Central Railway, Page 25 by M. L. Hooper-Immins. Page 26 — 32 Rally Reports. Page 33 — 35 Another one Preserved, by R. J. Blenkinsop. Michael Salmon — an Page 36 Appreciation, by John Middlemiss. Page 37 — 38 News from Scotland by T. Rees. Page 39 — 40 The Other Side of Preservation, by D. Bishop. Page 41 — 52 Area News. Page 53 — 59 Letters to the Editor. Page 60 — 61 New Members. Page 62 — 67 Reviews and Advertisements.

All items are held copyright by contributor and/or N.T.E.C.

The cover photograph by Brian Harris shows Clayton 3 Ton Wagon No. 48510 built 1920 and owned by Stan Burgess.

EDITORIAL This edition of Steaming has reached you later than usual and is due to the Club's next annual general meeting taking place in August 1978. As the Club was incorporated earlier this year, the first annual general meeting has to be held within 18 months of incorporation and the August date is a necessity. However, details of the AGM will appear in Volume 21 No. 3. It has therefore been necessary to revise the publication dates for Steaming and these are as follows:March 31st June 30th September 30th December 31st Another reason for changing dates is that this year the rally list was published in the May edition of Steaming and a number of members wrote to say that the rally season had already started, and why was it not possible for the rally calendar to be included in an earlier edition of the magazine. We shall therefore include in the March edition the rally list and this will of course come out before the rally season starts, and will enable you all to decide on your programme for the Summer. Probably the front cover has caught your eye and it is a change which will apply to all editions of Steaming in the future for we shall have a complete coloured cover which should be eye catching and help the Club to sell the magazine on the rally stands. All the four covers for each year have to be produced at the same time, and enabling us to get the block making cheaper. This means that we have already selected and had the blocks made for Volume 21. However, it is not too early to be looking at the requirements for 1979 and I should be very pleased to 3

receive any colour slides from members who may think they are suitable to be used on the cover. Please bear in mind that an engine or part of an engine should dominate the lower part of the picture and there must be a clear sky at the top on to which the word Steaming may be included by the printers. Within a short space of two weeks I have been up to Leeds to give a slide show and obtain information for the next edition of Steaming which will be a Yorkshire Special. The following week I was in Glasgow talking to the Scottish Traction Engine Club and it is a fascinating experience meeting so many people in the movement and hear of their exploits in the preservation world. Needless to say not all of them are members of the N.T.E.C. but it seems that the majority of them read Steaming even if it means borrowing a copy from a friend. As food for thought our membership now stands at 3,400 approximately and if we could double this it would enable the editorial team to produce a really fine magazine for you all. It you are a member, how about finding one other friend who you could persuade to join the Club — and if you are not a member give serious thought to joining the premiere Club in the traction engine world.

LONDON MEETINGS These will continue at The Cock Tavern, Great Portland Street (two minutes from Oxford Circus Underground Station) on the last Wednesday evening of each month. We use the upstairs room from 7.30 p.m. The programme for the remainder of the winter is: JANUARY, 25th A survey of the agricultural scene with particular reference to steam ploughing. Slide show by Peter Banks. FEBRUARY, 22nd The engines in the area covered by the Chiltern Traction Engine Club. Slide show. MARCH, 29th Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. An illustrated programme to mark the Golden Jubilee of this fascinating railway. APRIL, 26th 16mm. film show covering traction engines and kindred matters. 4

AFFILIATED CLUBS We are delighted to hear from the other side of the world that the Steam Traction Society of New Zealand is now affiliated to the N.T.E.C. May we welcome all our readers in New Zealand, and hope that we can interchange ideas and news to get a better understanding of what is taking place in both our countries. The Club Secretary is W. J. 0. Chambers, PO Box 410, Fielding, New Zealand, and they have 100 members spread throughout the country, but mainly in the North Island. At present they are negotiating to purchase 4 acres of land on which they have erected a shed approx. of 6,000 sq. ft. in which are housed 10 traction engines, 2 rollers, 2 portables, 2 threshing mills and a chaff cutter. Also included are 2 living vans used as club rooms for meetings. The main fund raising effort has been the growing of an oat crop on the property and the chaff is cut by their own chaff cutter powered by steam and the result is sold to horse breeders and polo players. Visits from schools studying early rural life, camera and movie clubs, caravan and vintage car clubs, and railway enthusiasts. They take part in city, town and country celebrations and a warm welcome is extended to any of our members visiting New Zealand. Drop a line to Jack Chambers and he will put you in touch with other Societies in New Zealand.

MYSTERY PICTURE LAST EDITION Those of you living in the North probably know that Dick Preston, worried by the future of North Sea Oil, was trying out the possibility of converting his haulage business to steam power. And so he decided that the Masham Rally was a good opportunity to test 'Lightning II', complete with juggernaught trailer. Here they are climbing one of the steep hills between Potto and Northallcrton as soon by the the 300mm lens of the Editor's camera. We all wait with bated breath to see what he gets up to next year!!

Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive No. 3849 'Marshal Foch' at Bramham Park Rally on 27th August, 1977. Photo: Tony Dyer. Robey Tandem Road Roller No. 41593 a 7+ ton machine built in 1921 Reg. No. FE 6255 and seen at Cadeby in July, 1977.

The Club seeks applications for the appointment of a

TREASURER/ACCOUNTANT to be responsible for the Club's Financial Control and preparation of Accounts for Audit. The appointment carries a seat on the Executive Committee and would suit a Qualified Accountant or Company Secretary. Please apply in writing to the Secretary:

MR. GEORGE BECK, 127 GREENSTED ROAD, LOUGHTON, ESSEX, LG10 3DW.

SPRING CONFERENCES AND SEMINAR The following meetings will take place at the MIDLAND HOTEL, BIRMINGHAM, ON SATURDAY, 11th MARCH, 1978. SAFETY OFFICERS SEMINAR This will commence at 11.00 and be chaired by Mr. Peter Barber, Chairman of the Rally Sub-Committee. RALLY STAND OPERATORS ANNUAL MEETING This will commence at 15.00. ENGINE OWNERS CONFERENCE This will commence at 15.00 and be presided over by Mr. Jack Wharton, President of the National Traction Engine Club. SOCIAL EVENING The day will finish with a Social Evening starting at 18.30 with a Buffet Meal (tickets on sale at the time £3.00) and to be followed by a 16mm Cine Film Show. All Members of the Club are invited to attend the Social Evening, when the Club Trophies will be presented. 7

N.T.E.C. SALES BOOKS Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive - M. H. Lane Digging By Steam - C. Tyler Fairground Steam - A. Beaumont Garretts of Leiston - R. A. Whitehead Scale Model Traction Engine Building - L. Mason Steam Traction Engines, Wagons and Rollers - B. Johnson Steam Power in Agriculture - M. Williams Encyclopaedia of American Steam Engines - J. Norbeck A Century of Traction Engines - W. J. Hughes Fairground Organ - E. V. Cockayne Modern Steam Road Wagons Since 1906 - W. Norris Old Farm Tools and Machinery - P. Blanford The Sentinel Vol. I - W. J. Hughes/J. Thomas Steam in the Village - R. A. Whitehead Steam Entertainment - J. Hume/B. Duckham Traction Engines Past and Present - A. Beaumont Traction Engines and Steam Vehicles - A. Beaumont Traction Engines Worth Modelling - W. Hughes Development of the English Traction Engine - R. H. Clark Traction Engine Miscellany - R. H. Clark The Overtype Steam Wagon - M. A. Kelly The Undertype Steam Wagon - M. A. Kelly Rally of Traction Engines - B. Finch Traction Engines in Review - B. Finch Pride of the Road (Hardback) - M. R. Lane Pride of the Road (Softback) - M. R. Lane Farming with Steam - H. Bonnett The Steam Scene Vol. I - R. J. Blenkinsop The Steam Scene Vol. II - R. J. Blenkinsop The Steam Scene Vol. Ill - R. J. Blenkinsop The Steam Scene Vol. IV - R. J. Blenkinsop 'Steaming Binder'

Non M'bers 6.00 5.50 1.60 3.40 3.40 2.30 3.90 13.00 5.00 5.00 3.45 5.00 3.45 5.50 2.45 4.25 5.00 5.00 13.00 10.50 4.50 13.00 3.45 3.25 9.00 4.50 1.60 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 2.00

M'bers Price 5.50 5.00 1.25 3.00 3.00 1.90 3.50 12.50 4.50 4.50 2.95 4.50 2.95 4.95 1 95 3.75 4.50 4.50 12.00 10.00 3.98 12.50 2.95 2.75 8.50 3.95 1.25 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 1.75

4.50 4.40 4.40 4.40 5.20 5.20 1.60

4.00 3.90 3.90 3.90 4.80 4.80 1.40

WHITE METAL MODEL KITS (4mm scale) (approx.)

Fowler Showman's Engine Burrell Road Loco Foden 'C' Type Low Sided Wagon Foden 'D' Type Tractor Foden 'K' Type Low Sided Wagon (6 wheeler) Foden 'K' Type Winch (6 wheeler) Allchin Traction Engine

Non Members Price includes postage and packing. Members please enclose current Membership Card to claim Post Free price. Cheques and Postal Orders only, made payable to National Traction Engine Club. Orders to: A. G. Wilson, NTEC, National Sales Officer, 7 Welton Road, Daventry, Northants, NN11 5PP 8

STEAM 149015 a Ilaai0a$ .

IRAN •A90Mi &MOORS .

NTEC CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FOUR FIRST CLASS PUBLICATIONS £1.00

Heavy Haulage More Engines at Work

.30

St. Giles Fair

.60

Steam Wagons & Tractors

.20

Total Value:

£2.10

All Four for only £1.50 plus 10p post and packing. Orders to: A. G. WILSON, NTEC, National Sales Officer, 7 Welton Road, Daventry, Northants, NN11 5PP. 9

FRANK HOLL - MAN OF STEAM By RAN HAWTHORNE Frank Holl was born in 1892. Unlike so many steam men he did not have a steam minded father. Holl senior was dedicated to the heavy horse which was, in 1892 and for some years still to come, the most important power on roads and farms. One of Frank's earliest memories is of seeing a stationary steam engine at work on a farm near Worcester. He started work where his father was a farm bailif and when the hop picking season came round he landed the job of driving the portable that drove the fans in the oast houses. His thirst for steam led him to H. F. Burrows, haulage contractor and engineer. Mr. Burrow's was a devout Christian "a big Wesleyan chapel man". Frank had eight shillings (40p) a week for looking after the Ruston-Proctor portable that drove the engineering workshops line shaft. Frank was sufficiently well aware of the opportunities and was anxious to be involved so he put in many hours of unpaid voluntary overtime cleaning the engines in the evenings. Being an honest, conscientious lad he was given the job on Saturday mornings of cycling out ten or twelve miles in two or three different directions to take wage packets to drivers and mates working in those areas. One such driver was Tommy Thomas who drove a 7 horse Fowler leading roadstone. Frank usually caught him up a few miles away from the quarry. When young Frank thought the time was right he said "Pay for your pint Tommy if you'll let me steer". Sure enough Frank got his steer. After two Saturdays of a pint for a steer, Frank said, "two pints if you let me drive, Tommy" and so the fifteen year old Frank got his hands on a reversing lever and regulator. Like so many more, after years of watching he knew exactly what to do. One still summer's evening when doing his stint of voluntary engine cleaning in the yard he found a seven horse Fowler 'Enterprise', still had a good head of steam A temptation that could not be resisted. First, she was gently run over for a few 10

revolutions, then she was gently slipped into gear and three short runs up and back were made. One can imagine the butterflies-in-the-tummy when Frank was summoned to the master's presence next morning. No he hadn't been split on, Mr. Burrows had been just over the hedge in the garden and had seen Frank's every move. Frank got the telling off but a much milder one than he had dared to hope. The old man was obviously impressed even if he could not say so, for a few months later Frank was given his first engine. Some sixty years later Frank recalls this particular engine, a Wallis & Steevens 5 ton wagon, as probably the poorest tool he ever had. Since then he has driven and owned a number of engines from Basingstoke and has nothing but admiration for their products, except this wagon — it just would not steam. -You could hardly get from one telegraph post to the the next without stopping for a blow-up, even the 'wises arid carts used to pass us." When they could coax it to move they were leading bricks. The trouble seems to have stemmed from a very small boiler and very few tubes of too large a diameter. Frank's next engine was a Naylor tractor, locally built at Hereford. Only seven were built. The one Frank had was the last one to be built, it was named 'Queen of the Teme'. These tractors were not unlike the Foden, at least Fodens thought so, a lot of trouble over patents and infringements thereof ensued. CANADA After a couple of years with the Naylor, Frank changed his employer, going to drive a Garrett wagon for T. A. Everton of Droitwich, a contractor who was engaged in general haulage mainly stone, bricks and furniture. He got on fine with Evertons but felt a need to travel, broaden his experience and make a bit of money. So in June of 1913 at the age of twentyone he embarked for Canada. The streets were not paved with gold and Frank took

Frank and his 1914 £50 Triumph motor cycle. a job as a fitter's mate to have food to eat and a bed to lie on. In due course he got a job driving a 5 ton Foden on furniture removal. The roads were very bad, one journey of forty miles took a week. Frank had made contact with the transport manager of the National Brick Company, Ontario. He had promised Frank a job as soon as a vacancy occurred. He was as good as his word, and Frank became a driver of one of their four Foden 5 ton tippers. The pay was very good, twenty dollars a week. Being the only non-married driver Frank washed-out all four wagons, two each week-end. Frank had many adventures in Canada. On one occasion all four wheels of his wagon went through a weighbridge. One order was for 4,000 bricks to a site fourteen miles out of Toronto. These were loaded on two of the Fodens, one driven by the foreman with Frank on the other. Timber bridges were common at that time. On crossing one of these, the foreman's wagon went through the planking. They worked all night to unload the wagon and then retrieve it. A long detour was necessary to bring them to the next bridge. The foreman said "Well Frank. what do you think?" "I ain't taking 2,000 over," said Frank, "but I'll have a go with 1,000" and so half the loads were taken off and the bricks taken over 1,000 at a time.

to see T. A. Everton, his last employer in England and was immediately offered a job. His next move was to buy a three and a half horse power Triumph motor cycle. This was only a few months old and cost him £50. Evertons had four wagons on the road, their business was expanding at this time and so they bought "the Dunkerley Foden", as it was known, from Manchester. This was, of course, a 5 tonner and ran on Bauly wooden wheels. Frank fetched it home and it wasn't long before he and the wagon were sent to a contract near Plymouth. This lasted four months. The single men usually got the living away from home jobs. During the war they were busy hauling steel and castings as well as their more usual loads. Frank, or "Holley" as he had become known amongst drivers, was then sent with his wagon on contract hire delivering beer for Mitchells and Butlers. He had a steersman and three men supplied by the brewery to hump barrels. Eleven wagons were engaged in this work. Frank had two and a half years of it but it wasn't work he enjoyed so he left and went to Bullocks of Worcester, a firm which is still very much in business today. HIS OWN BOSS Frank married in 1919. By 1923 his wife, to whom Frank had regularly handed his money said, "we have £200". So Frank decided the time had come when he could become self-employed. He heard of eleven year old 3-ton Foden over-

BACK HOME In December 1914 Frank Holl returned to England. He wasn't a rich man but he had saved quite a bit of money. He went

The "Steamless" Wallis and Steevens 5 ton wagon, and Frank, photographed in 1909. 11

'The Dunkerley Foden', with Frank sat in the wing. Photographed at Cawsand, Plymouth in 1915. type steam wagon that was for sale. With the assistance of a farmer he paid his £200 deposit and the remaining f'200 of the purchase price was to be paid off in the form of haulage. Frank was "in business" hauling road materials, bricks, etc., taking anything from four to six tons on the three tonner. No restrictions in those days. Five ton, five cwt. was a regular load and he did four journeys a day in summer or three in winter, Frank doing all the loading and unloading. All went well for a while but the Foden needed money spent on her, £120 for a new firebox, £40 for a differential. The business was lacking in capital, so Frank looked round for a partner. Arthur Morgan came along and the partnership of HoII & Morgan came into being. This was to be successful and last for many years. They were able to buy a new Super Sentinel with the aid of a hire-purchase agreement. How successful they were is illustrated by the fact that two years later they were able to buy a second Super Sentinel, only this time it was paid for in cash. DIESELS By the end of the 1920's and into the 12

1930's petrol and diesel lorries had to be considered. Diesel fuel was four-and-a-half pence per gallon (about 2p I). During these years they had two Albion tippers. two Leyland Cubs, and an ArmstrongSaurer which carried 18 ton — that was before the restrictions. The two Sentinels were in use until 1936, by which time the restrictive regulations on steam and the increased efficiency of the internal combustion engined lorries dictated their demise. One was sold complete with trailer for £120. She had a further brief "life" before she suffered the inevitable end. The other waggon could not be sold for work and was driven away for scrap for £18. ROLLERS A Wallis & Steevens 4 ton petrol engined roller was purchased. Frank found this to be a first rate machine in every way. Its performance more than redeemed, in Frank's mind, the impression so firmly implanted by the Basingstoke built 5 ton steam wagon that would "hardly go from one telegraph post to the next without a blow-up". The war brought its own difficulties and changed

Another of Everton's Fodens with Driver William Cleaver, T. A. Everton owner, nearest cab and three of his men. priorities. Holl and Morgan were hauling metal casting for war work as well as their usual loads. AFTER THE WAR Arthur Morgan came to retirement and so in 1944 the happy and successful partnership was dissolved. Frank continued to trade as Holl and Morgan. Although Frank was no longer using steam he still saw steam on the roads and, of course, he knew many of the drivers. He frequently came across and admired the magnificent Fowlers of Norman E. Box. He was friendly with the steam minded showman Tom Clarke who was still running his famous Burrells 'King George' and 'Queen Mary'. The Pat Collins' engines were often encountered but by 1947 steam was disappearing fast and men such as Frank were beginning to think about preservation, although they didn't use that word then. Wildsmiths, timber merchants of Malvern, had a fine Burrell Tractor No. 4084 "Busy Bee". It became available and Frank bought it, one of the very first engines to be bought for

preservation. Some years later Frank presented "Busy Bee" to the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry where she is on display and still steamed from time to time. In the early 1950's Frank, in company with friends of like persuasion, who had visited the early Appleford steam races and rallies heard about some engines for sale in Montgomeryshire, so off they went. Frank was immediately attracted to a Fowler Road Locomotive, not as big as the Box Fowlers but a magnificant engine from the same builders. This was the one he wanted and this was the one he got. Fowler No. 19338 (RX 8106) that had been new to Englefield Estate, Berkshire in 1932. Frank named the engine 'Monty' in admiration of the famous Field Marshal Montgomery and as a reminder of the place where he first saw it. Frank has rallied 'Monty' until recently and still gives his loving care. ERIC MIDDLETON Frank first met Mr. Middleton of Hartlebury before the war. In the 1950's the 13

P.0-1 111 %a m., 544 pl

ROLL & MOFGAN. HAULAGE :MINCERS

INV

One of the Super Sentinels owned by Holl and Morgan,

'Monty' the Fowler Road Locomotive taken at a Birmingham Science Musuem Rally in 7964. Photo: Editor.

common bond of a love of steam brought them nearer together. They went to Lincolnshire where Mr. Middleton bought a Savage Electric light engine. They went to Charlbury in Oxfordshire where a big Burrell Showman's was bought, No. 3909 (1921) NR 965. This was subsequently named 'Winston Churchill'. Frank assisted in the restoration of these and other engines in the Middleton collection. He became the regular driver of 'Winston' covering many miles on the road attending events with only one small mishap. On the way to the Hilton Valley Railway for an Open Day the combination of a narrow road, a big engine and a big bus with an impatient driver resulted in one scraped bus side! Frank has been instrumental in helping many steam men. Henry Netherway is one such. Frank's timely word enabled Henry tc acquire his Aveling & Porter roller. Advice and practical assistance has regularly and unstintingly been given to "new boys". Business went on, of course. Frank had some good drivers, two brothers between them completed over seventy years driving. Frank himself drove a lorry until the age of seventy-three. He was driving engines and his car until well into his eighties. The insurance companies got a bit worried about him but they didn't stop him driving. Clearly he could see they didn't want him so he has recently "packed up" of his own accord. But that is only so far as the public highway is concerned. The day before I called to see him, at the

Frank, at 85, still does a day's rolling from time to time. age of eighty-five, he had been at work on a private estate doing a full day's rolling with his preserved Wallis & Steevens roller. Mrs. Ho!! died some years ago. Frank now lives at Worcester with his daughter. He has many wonderful memories. He has an immaculate workshop where he is kept busy. He has seen and had a hand in so much progress but in 1977, as he was eighty years ago, Frank Holl is very much a "Man of Steam".

'Enterprise', the Fowler Road Locomotive that Frank Holl could not resist driving. Photo taken at Lei gh Sinton in 1905.

REMINISCENCES OF A YORKSHIRE STEAM HAULIER By WILF COLE (cont.) The D.G.4 Sentinel which we had sold to Concrete Ltd. (Bison Floors), (No. 8009/1929/UT 5845) and which I had towed back to their depot at Stourton, Leeds, with our Foden 4 wheel diesel was inspected on arrival, and Mr. Kelly, their Works Plant Manager, took charge of the repairs. I think he was an old steam engineer, for he certainly knew the job. He found that the cylinders had been completely pushed off the crankcase and were simply hanging on by the piston rods, as the flange which held them on was broken. Bison's wanted to get the waggon running again as soon as possible, so they asked our advice. We told them to get in touch with Messrs. John Baxter & Co. (Newcastle) Ltd., of Quayside, Newcastle-uponTyne, who we knew had a spare D.C. engine. This firm used to run Sentinels and had one of their first rigid 8-wheelers on solid tyres. This was a D.G. (No. 8120/ VK 2573) and was one of the first eight wheelers of any type — having been built in June 1930. It went to E. Box Ltd., Liverpool in 1940. Baxters also had an 'S' type Sentinel rigid 8-wheeler new in 1931 (No. 9059/AVK 491) as well as having a rigid 6-wheeler 'DGP' model (No. 8753/ 1931/UJ 917) and several others. Baxters agreed to sell Concrete Ltd. the spare engine which they duly collected and brought back to Leeds. Mr. Kelly went over to Sentinel's depot in Liverpool and saw Jimmy Stott, the Works Manager. He was able to obtain a set of piston rings, gland packings, joints, etc. which were needed to be fitted on re-assembly. They set to work on the damaged engine — it was left in the waggon's chassis — and only the broken part between the cylinders and crankcase where the glands were packed, was renewed. I stressed to them the importance of having a good cylinder joint at the rear end of the cylinders which ought to be followed up when in steam, as sometimes a piece would blow out, causing a major job to make right. They put two or three fitters onto the re-assembly job and had it fixed up within about a week. They then steamed it, tightening up as necessary as they ran the engine and found it to be quite satisfactory. The whole job had taken just over a fortnight and the waggon 16

was put back to work. It was now early 1941 and the Blitz was on at full blast. Showland driver James Arthur Pullen, to whom I referred in the last instalment, was put on to drive the waggon and after his first assignment to Sheffield, he took over the regular run to Cleator Moor, Whitehaven, on the Government Job which we had pioneered earlier. James Arthur put on a very good show with this waggon and it did well. In fact, it proved to be one of the best waggons on the job and could climb the Cumberland hills better than any other wagon on the job, in spite of the fact that it was carrying 12 ton loads with a trailer. It certainly gave Bison's good service during the difficult War Years. After this, it passed to W. & J. Glossop Ltd., Hipperholme, and is sti►l in existence, now owned by a Doctor in Huddersfield.

ANOTHER GARRETT Our own position with the Central Haulage & Motor Co, which my brother Len and I ran, was that we continued to buy steam wagons which were standing and renovated them. In the early part of the War we also had two unusual oil wagons worthy of note, namely, a 3 ton Diamond T petrol and a Yorkshire Diesel built in Pepper Road, Leeds. The Diamond T was without a doubt, the fastest and nicest looking wagon we had, with its streamline shape and lots of chromium plate and it would cruise comfortably at 60 mph. (empty). The Yorkshire was very much like the Foden or F.R.F. diesel, but it was unique in having been built in 1935 with what is today thought to be a modern refinement — a tilt cab and a very long wheel base. It also had a unit construction gearbox and a starter. But to return to the steamers — we found a Garrett sixwheeler standing in H. Howard's scrapyard in Commercial Road in London's East End. This was near the L.N.E.R. between Bow and Stratford. There were also some exUnion Cartage Foden tractors there, but we were not interested in these. We bought the Garrett which was No. 35478/ 1931/GW 806. It used to belong to James

Sentinel D.G.6 No. 8661 Reg. No. VK 6335 taken outside the Custom House, NewcastlePhoto: J. Baxter Ltd. upon-Tyne in March 1932.

Latham, Timber Merchants, London. It was a flat platform wagon, similar to those which we ran before the war. It had drop sides in two halves, about 20ft. long overall. These were strongly made and since there was no chock rail at the side of the wagon bottom, we knew it would be a fairly easy matter to get such stuff as sand, gravel or granite dust off the wagon. The sides would be about lft. 9in. deep and we thought it was just what we needed at the time. It was all complete and in fairly good condition and had done about nine years' running accordingly to the log book. We towed it home with our Foden 4-wheeler which had a bit of trouble leaving London. Because of the road conditions and the weight, we skidded somewhat coming up Highgate Hill, but nevertheless, we did the trip in two days. This would be in late 1940/early '41 and when we got the wagon home, we cleaned it up and painted it, again in Battleship grey. We examined the boiler and cleaned it out and found it to be in good condition. It was put under hydraulic test, up to 400 lbs. pressure and

we had the Boiler Inspector to examine it and had it passed for Insurance. We examined all the bearings for wear and adjustment, all the valve gear, including tappetts and valves and adjusted the brakes. The wagon had steam brakes on the rear four wheels and these were very good. It was now ready for work and as the War was hotting up, we put an 'A' licence onto it, which we had and licenced it for our own haulage work. We put Billy Dickenson on to drive it, knowing that it would be in good hands. The work we got for it was to and from various Aerodromes which were then being constructed in Yorkshire, mainly hauling sand, in up to 12 ton loads. Just after we had put the Garrett on the road and got it working, we bought another similar wagon, also from the London area. This was ex-Merton Engineering Co., Feltham, Middlesex, and had been built up in 1935, using the chassis of No. 35420 and the boiler on No. 35388. Its Registration was CMF 558. It wasn't required immediately, as we had no licence for it, so it stood until after the War. I 17

shall have more to say about this wagon later. SAND AND GRAVEL Whilst we were buying and renovating the other Garrett, the S4 Sentinel Tipper ex-Co. Durham (No. 8863/1933/ UP 8366) was busily engaged hauling sand from Eggborough Sand & Gravel Quarries, Whitley Bridge, to Wm Airey & Co. who were building the new Government Factory at Steeton, Nr. Keighley, a haul of about 45 miles. This contract ran from July to October 1940, and a considerable amount of sand was carried. After that it went on to loads of 3/8in. gravel from Lingerfield Quarry, Knaresborough, to Cawood Wharton & Co., Pollington, again about a 45 mile run. I think this gravel was for the Aerodrome which was then being constructed at Pollington. The wagon was on this work from October 1940 to January 1941 and it also did some work at the same time for Leeds Cleansing Department, but we put two diesel lorries on to this job, as it was nearer home and less demanding. After a few weeks working with the Garrett, we had a call for a wagon to haul granite dust from Ingleton granite quarry to the new semi-underground factory which was then being constructed for the AVRO Aeroplane Company at Yeadon, Leeds. This was where the 4-engined bomber was to be constructed. We immediately put the Garrett onto this job. The quarry we were to haul from was near the top of Ingleborough, some 1,000 feet up. It was no trouble going up there with an empty wagon; the trouble was, coming down with a load — this required skill and patience. This was where the steam brakes came in and they really proved their worth on this job. A point we realised was, that we had to keep the steam pressure well up in the boiler, so we had good brakes; otherwise — no steam — no brakes. A critical point was that the police station was situated near the bottom of the hill at Ingleton and was in line for being levelled to the ground if a wagon did get away whilst coming down the hill. After a few miles running from there, we encountered Buckhaw Brow, where we had previously met up with the police some years before which I mentioned in an earlier article. This was about half a mile long and as steep as 1 in 9. It certainly required skill to climb this with a 12 ton load on without stopping. 18

We hauled over a hundred tons of this material, doing a load per day. It was used for making the floors of the factory, which, when it was completed, was heavily camoflaged against enemy attacks. Most of the I ancaster bombers seamed to be constructed at Yeadon in this factory. After this job, we put the Garrett back to sand haulage as before, but we did a few loads with it to Whitehaven, on hire to Concrete Ltd. on the same job that their DC was on. It could manage this job quite easily. We then did quite a bit more work for Concrete Ltd., hauling floor joists to various sites they had in the North. These runs were going fairly well when, in the middle of 1942, the Government again brought out legislation against the Steam Vehicle owner. It appeared to us that they were trying to make it as awkward as possible for us to keep in business. They brought out a new law which prevented all heavy vehicles, except those working under the Ministry of Transport scheme, from going above -o miles from their home base. This, we presumed, was to save liquid fuel and to force the public to send goods by rail. There was not much problem with the Sentinel, but as much of our work with the Garrett was above the 60 mile radius, we were at a temporary loss as to know what to do. They even prohibited firms like Concrete Ltd. loading any wagons, even their own, for delivery to places over 60 miles distant. It was as if the Government had forgotten that Steam Wagons existed, instead of trying to encourage their use with the home produced fuel, rather than the imported fuels on which the oilers ran. The business therefore, was in a life and death struggle for existence at this time. but we had been in this position previously with Government interference, and we had pulled through before, so we decided what to do this time. As the Garrett flat wagon was not suitable for the kind of work which seemed to be coming along, namely opencast coal mining, we let it stand and bought a lightweight Foden diesel 4wheeler with a hydraulic tipper body. We were not finished with steamers however, as we still had the Sentinel which was going out every day and we had one or two more later on during the War to go with it. These were mostly engaged in opencast coal work but that is another story. To be continued.

"QUEEN MARY" by J. WILKINSON As this is the year of the Queen's Silver Jubilee, it is, perhaps, appropriate to select a showman's engine named after Royalty for this contribution. John Whyatt's sevenhorse Foster No. 12517 'Queen Mary'. I remember the coronation of King George and Queen Mary in 1911, and at that time was fascinated with what was probably the wonder of the age: electricity. The exterior of Bradford Town Hall was a mass of coloured electric light, and also lit up for the occasion was Forster Square, with an illuminated fountain for good measure. Another highlight was Bradford City Tramways illuminated tramcar which traversed the various routes. It was not surprising, therefore, that the coronation was responsible for showmen's traction engines being given the names after these two monarchs. There were plenty named 'King George V', but not very many 'Queen Mary's'. Of those actually built for travelling showmen named 'Queen Mary' were Tom Clarke's Burrell No. 3273, Alf Payne's Burrell No. 3833, Walliam Davies' Foster No. 12517 and Maggie Collins' Foster No. 12522. In later years was Fowler No. 15319 belonging to

a showman called R. Townsend, but it was actually a conversion from a haulage engine at Portland stone quarries, and then known as 'Nellie'. So far as I am aware Burrell No. 3833 and Fowler No. 15319 are the only survivors insofar as showmen's engines are concerned. I took this snapshot on 31st July, 1935, when 'Queen Mary' had uncoupled from its three loads and drawn onto Shipley fairground for filling-up with water. The Steam Yachts were en route to the August bank holiday fair on Hunslet Moor, after having been in attendance at Keighley Parish Feast. Driver of the engine was son Jack Whyatt, who told me that his charge was new in 1910, and graced the stands of William Foster & Co. Ltd. at the Royal Show, which was held at Liverpool that year. The flywheel had a face of seven inches, and the Baxendale dynamo was 110 volts, 220 amps. The governors were Pickering. Note the post at the rear of the engine: it was used when the crane jib was fitted, this amenity being extremely useful for lifting (and lowering) the 'A' frame of the twin yachts. Rather unusual for an engine of this kind is the 19

the chimney, and it came off a McLaren ploughing engine. 'Ere long it was replaced by another oversize chimney, formerly used on a Fowler ploughing engine. It was just after the end of the First World War when I first came across this engine, and it was at Bowling Tide, along with a set of Steam Yachts. On the cab side was letered 'William Davies, Stokeon-Trent'. John Whyatt had been a manager for the P. Collins' firm of amusement caterers, and it seems to me he married into the Davies family, then starting on his own account. He also had a fourabreast set of Galloping, Horses accompanied by a brand new Fowler — No. 15116 'Bertha' — which is now at the Levens Hall collection near Kendal. During the many years with Whyatt's, 'Queen Mary' remained with the Yachts throughout. On being called-up for military service in 1942 1 lost trace of Showland, and later learned that Mr. Whyatt had died. New owner of the Foster was 'Jack' Collins, who was running a black-out fair at Oldham. He later told me that he bought the engine at a time when oil and petrol were in short supply, and there seemed a bleak outlook; traction engines used homeproduced fuel — coal. But I don't think Mr. Collins ever used 'Queen Mary', and rather think it was scrapped somewhere in the Midlands. Like Collins' Foster No. 12463 'Roosevelt' the full-length cab was low, presumably designed at a time when rail travel was resorted to, and so eliminating the task of removing the cab in order to give clearance for tunnels, etc., in accordance with the railway's loading gauge. In order to avoid the smoke nuisance, all showmen's engines had to be fitted with an extension chimney when used to the fairs for generating electrical power to light-up the roundabouts. That with 'Queen Mary' is much longer than most, but it would be used originally when a much shorter chimney was in use. Although I think Foster's built nearly 70 engines for showmen, the number of survivors is remarkably few. Of these I have seen are No. 13200 'Quitania' (now devoid of Showland fittings), No. 14153 'Admiral Beatty', No. 14446 'The Leader', No. 14506 'Victory' and No. 14632 'Success'. The last-named engine has machine-cut gearing, and it is remarkably quiet when running. It was on a Foster showman's engine that I had my first footplate trip. That was a very long time ago, and I travelled 20

from Shipley to Low Moor, which necessitated crossing the centre of Bradford on W. H. Marshall's 65 b.h.p. Foster No. 14403 'James Walter', with three loads coupled to its drawbar. The road train had a length of cord, from the 'hammer bell' (fitted to the inside of the cab side, close to the steerer) to the dandy — water barrell — at the end. After all these years I forget the precise signals given via the communication cord by the four trailer men, but I do remember the whistle codes. One short blast signified the immediate screwing-one of the brakes by the three men on the big loads, and two sharp blasts was for their release. The noise on the footplate — caused by 'the ringing of the gears' was deafening, and the driver had to keep a sharp look out in order to avoid the numerous manhole covers on the roadway, as they were liable to break because of the engine's weight. Horse traffic predominated, so the driver had to keep a watchful eye for an unattended horse (when approaching), and it was usual for the front trailerman to dismount until the road train had safely passed. Sometimes that chap had to stay for several minutes holding the restive horse, and then make a dash to catch up with the road train. Although 'James Walter' looked a big and heavy engine, I was amazed on finding its weight. On one occasion we were in the Sheffield area, transferring some of the roundabout puck to what the railway called carriage trucks, so I persuaded the traction engine drivers to have their charges weighed. Fowlers No. 10318 'Sunny Boy No. 2', and No. 8725 'General Butler' topped 22 and 21 tons respectively; Burrell No. 3945 'Prince of Wales' (only a seven-horse engine) was above 19 tons; but 'James Walter' only a little over 17 tons. On mentioning this to Charlie Byass, he remarked that his engine (Foster No. 14632 'Success' which was similar to 'James Walter') was also only a little over 17 tons. Walter Marshall used to say that 'James Walter' was noisy because the metal used for the gearing was too soft. On mentioning this to Mr. Tom Hunt (one of the greatest preservationists ever, but unfortunately no longer with us) he said he thought his Foster No. 14446 'The Leader' had this complaint — so was having new gearing made to effect an improvement. When 'The leader' re-enters the rally fields it will he one of the finest engines in the country, and the only true example of a 65 b.h.p. Foster scenic engine — with exciter and car-lift crane.

RE-TUBING "THE LITTLE WONDER" By JOHN MAYES

During 1973 I decided the time was nearing when the tubes in 'The Little Wonder', McLaren G.P. traction engine No. 127, would have to be replaced. My crew were duly notified of this need and preparations for the task were duly instituted. Quite apart from the new tubes, there are a considerable number of other requirements, vital necessities in fact, to facilitate a satisfactory re-tubing operation. Between them, my crew cover a varied assortment of trades as well as suppliers of rare and extraordinary items of weird and wonderful design, dear to the hearts of all preservationists. Two sets of expanders; innumerable drifts of varying sizes, some tapered, some straight and a few of a highly suggestive design began to arrive at Cash Lane during the twelve months, including a super instrument of "Collins" design known as a "Firkling Tool". Meantime, through the good offices of a revered Reverend Gentleman traction engine driver, a supplier of tubes was unearthed, resident in the Black Country. Boiler tubes, 24in. diameter were readily available in lengths just an inch or two

short of being able to cut two tubes from each length. Also it transpired, the cost of having the tubes cut by the supplier would amount to far more than the saving in the shorter lengths. Taking into account the continual upward trend of prices and,

notwithstanding that I had no intention of carrying out the re-tubing for at least another year, twenty-seven of these long tubes were purchased at a price which, in 1976 when we eventually did the job was an absolute bargain. Cutting the tubes to the appropriate length will keep my son Philip ❑ut of mischief over the Easter Holiday, 1974, I erroneously thought. Having re-checked the required length and cut a suitable wooden measuring stick I put Philip to work, complete with record player and records. Peace for the day I thought as I parked myself in front of a roaring fire armed with a copy of "Chronicles of a Country Works" and out of earshot of the blaring record player.

John Mayes in action swelling the end of one of the tubes. I was nicely immersed in Chapter II when Philip came bursting in to announce that he had finished and were we going to bell the smoke box ends out and could he light the forge. At any rate a boring job had been completed so I went out with Philip and checked each length, all in order. I had decided not to bell out until the tubes were to be fitted so that the tube ends would be annealed at the same time. Philip and I then busied ourselves with cleaning off the tubes and painting them with oil to preserve them, prior to storing them away. During the 1975 season it became increasingly apparent that the tubes in 'The 21

Little Wonder' really were on their last legs so arrangements were made for the work to be put in hand over the following Easter Holiday. Early on Easter Saturday morning 1976 the crew, with the exception of Peter Noble who had suffered an unfortunate accident on the motorway when his pickup boiled, scalding his arm, were assembled. By the time we had got all the necessary tools and tackle assembled and the forge lit Peter Noble had arrived with his oxy-acetylene cutting equipment. 'The Little Wonder' had been stripped out in readiness, ash pan off and fire bars out, fire box and smoke box thoroughly cleaned and the boiler inspection cover which is situated in the smoke box removed, all at the end of the 1975 Rally Season. Peter Banks, the N.T.E.C. Treasurer, most aptly an Accountant by trade, quickly mastered the art of heating the tube ends to the required colour, assisted by my daughter Alison for me to bell them out by bouncing them onto a tapered steel dolly standing on an ex-Norman E. Box circular steel plate. The "Dolly" was made from qin. length of 3iin. diameter mild steel bar. The first half inch was left at the original diameter, the next 28ins. had been machined down to nins. diameter, thereafter it had been tapered down to nins. diameter in order to give a lead on for the red hot tube end. The ends of three tubes were placed in the forge to start with, one in the hottest part, the other two nearby to be warming up in readiness. The Dolly also was warmed through su it would not take too much heat out of the first tube end. The first tube required re-heating probably about three times whilst I was getting the hang of the job and my forge assistants, daughter Alison and Peter Banks got the colour code right. Thereafter one heating per tube sufficed most times, only occasionally was a re-heating necessary. Using the inch thick steel plate as an anvil block

on the floor ensured a sound solid base and the 3iin. diameter of the base of the dolly ensured no snagged ends to the tube

Whilst the annealing was in process Peter Noble and Brian Hollingworth were busy cutting out the old tubes. Initially, this was a comparatively simple job but as each row was removed certain difficultie began to arise. For example, a protective plate had to be placed betwen the outer tubes and the inside of the boiler shell. The small boiler inspection hole made it difficult to reach inside both for operating the gas cutting torch and for grasping hold of the tube ends to wriggle them free. I joined the cutting out gang and drove the cut ends from the fire box end with a hammer and drift into the boiler, pushing them forward so that Brian could reach them and lift them out. A fairly simple job but very tiring due to the confines of the fire box. Brian and Peter were experiencing similar difficulties in the smoke box with the lower rows of tube ends. By Saturday night all the old tubes were nut and the tube holes had been cleaned in readiness to receive the new tubes. A nice early start on Sunday morning, Peter Noble and Brian Hollingworth feeding in the new tubes, I was in the fire box catching the open end of each tube with a bar and guiding it through the appropriate hole. The swelled ends, purposely. were a dead tight fit and called for some really heculean sledge hammer efforts by Brian whose aim, it must be admitted, was devastating in the deadliness of its accuracy. Not one burred tube end, no distortions and definitely no misfires! Only very light work with the expanders was necessary at the smoke box end, slightly more at the fire box end. A mild steel dolly was inserted into the expanded end of the tube for the final driving home. This dolly was dins. long x nins. diameter, one inch up it had been machined down to 2.9/16ins. diameter thus making it a nice easy fit into the expanded end of the tube with a good

shoulder butting directly onto the tube

Heating up the tubes — John and Alison.

Tube expander hard at work.

and a square finish. This lip at the end

of the dolly also ensured its easy withdrawal after the end of the tubes had been belled out. Having belled out the smoke box ends of all twenty-seven tubes, leaving them to cool so as to anneal them, the fire box ends were heated and slowly cooled. 22

C. View of firebox from front tube plate. D. Finished tubes expanded in the firebox. All photos: From transparencies by Peter Banks.

end to avoid any distortion. A hard wood drift was used on the dolly. The drift was suspended by a length of baler twine from the number plate on the chimney base and Tom held the drift steady in position firmly against the butt of the dolly for Rrian to strike. A rather nerve shattering experience for poor Tom to begin with but he soon gained confidence in Brian's accuracy and expertise with a sledge hammer. Meantime Alison and Philip were engaged in carrying tubes and innumerable cups of tea and coffee brewed in an unending stream by Brian's wife Elaine. My wife had, wisely, elected to spend Easter with her mother in order that the dear old soul should not be on her own whilst Philip worked at Cash Lane. Peter Banks alternated between cleaning tube ends in readiness for fitting and taking colour slides of the work. With the second row of tubes fitted in position the hose was turned on and the boiler filled just to cover the tubes to test for leaks. When water cannot run through a steam tight joint is ensured. We all know that friction generates heat and heat causes metal to expand. By filling the boiler with cold water as the work progressed any heat was eliminated so

there was no expansion of the plate. As each tube was finally expanded in place a bellow proceeded through the fire box, "come on, let's have the next one", Peter and Brian start to insert the next tube from the smoke box, then travelling down in increasing volume to the fire box, "can yer gent", "right, I've got it" as I landed it on my bar to guide it through the hole, "can't get no further I'll have to strike it", "right, go ahead", and the next minute an ear shattering clang travelled up the tube and reverberated round the fire box almost deafening me followed in quick succession by even louder bangs as the tube tightened in the smoke box plate. "Are you nearly there, go on, another", "and another", "you'll do", "how's your end", "we're alright'', "OK, start expanding". Thus the work proceeded over the remainder of the holiday, insert — feed through — belt home — expand up — brew up, and at the end of it all Brian's wrists and arms were like those of Charles Atlas with the muscles bulging like sparrows kneecaps. Finally the acid test, steam the engine and, wait for it, not a blow, not a leak, not a single adjustment to be made.

This peaceful scene was sent to us by Mervyn Maddever and shows a Garrett Roller owned by R. Dingle & Sons in Cornwall. They had seven Garrett rollers and the driver is Mervyn's great grandfather the late Mr. George Hodge. Can anyone provide details of the engine no., location and names of the other men? 24

Tony and Pat Parker on their Foster Tractor 'Mighty Atom' and behind with all the Photo: M. L. Hooper-lmmins. smoke is the Norwegian Locomotive.

THE GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY By M. L. HOOPER-IMMINS The Great Central Railway entered 1977 in a blaze of newspaper and television news — British Rail were going to tear up the track unless the enthusiasts could raise a sum approaching £250,000, by the deadline. As most people know, the deal was done and the money raised albeit partly by bank loan and private finance. Indeed, over £200,000 was raised by the share issue and about £50,000 had to be borrowed from the bank and from individuals. The Main Line Steam Trust Ltd., whose 2,000 members are spread all over the country and indeed the World, operate the Railway, although the share issue was floated by Great Central Railway Co. (1976) Ltd.. a public company set up by Main Line Steam Trust Ltd. About 3,000 people a month travel on the line, a 51 mile stretch of the Great Central main line of 1899, from Loughborough Central south to Rothley in Leicestershire. The lines passes through some superb scenery including passing over Swith land Reservoir by two viaducts and an island. Steam services are operated

every Saturday and Sunday although the Railway is to be closed after 6th November 1977 until 18th March 1978 for vital engineering works including a new passing loop at the southern terminus, Rothley. The line will be open to the public at Christmas, opening 17th/18th December, Boxing Day, 26th December and 31st • December/1st January. The locomotive No. 377 'King Haakon VII' formerly of the Norwegian State Railways is owned by N.T.E.C. member Tony Parker of Lincoln, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of Great Central Railway Co. (1976) Ltd. Successful though the Railway is as a tourist attraction and an example of our industrial heritage, it is still run by enthusiasts on a voluntary basis and still needs to sell more shares to pay off the loans of about £50,000. Interest at the rate of about £500 a month takes much of the working profit made on the operation of trains in the high season. The Company's aim is to pay off the loans and then to look forward to a secure and fruitful future as a private railway. 25

RALLY REPORTS HATFIELD HOUSE JUBILEE RALLY Sat. and Sun., 9th and 10th July 1977. This was the second time a rally had been held in the grounds of Hatfield House and it would be hard to think of a finer setting. Twenty-three engines were ranged in a semi-circle framed by the splendid trees of the park. Most appropriate, those trees, considering this is Jubilee Year: one of them was the oak under which the first Elizabeth was alleged to have been sitting when she received news of her accession in 1558. The engines present were: Gel! tett of 1921. No. 33991. Albert Fensom. Marshall of 1905. No, 43560, Albert Fensom. Marshall of 1913. No. 51970. Stan Hatfield (I). Burrell of 1927. No. 4072. Harold Nicholls. Fowler of 1916. No. 14425. Lance Statham. Burrell of 1927. No. 4055. George Fensom. Clayton & Shuttleworth of 1917. No. 48154. David PhiIpot. Wallis & Steevens of 1920. No. 7666. Saunders Family. Niershell of 1923. No. 76751. Philip Beth. Foster of 1908. No. 3682. David Harrower, Ruston & Hornsby of 1924. No. 122300. Peter Coles. Foster of 1931. No. 14625. Jack Joyce, Fowler of 1929. No. 17560, Saunders Family. Aveling & Porter of 1925. No. 11347. Ken Drew. Aveling & Porter of 1926. No. 11542. Bernard Ernerton. Avelino & Porter of 1923. No. 10595. Sandy Ross. Aveling & Porter of 1907. No. 6319, Betty Vickery. Aveling & Porter of 1912. No. 7856. Peter Wood. Aveling & Porter of 1922. No. 10372. Les King. Super Sentinel of 1924. No. 5407. Bert Winkfield. Savage of 1893. No. 607. Dennis Leo. Merryweather of 1945. Derek Wheeler, Shand Mason of 1896, Harts Fire Brigade.

There was an element of sadness on this occasion. At six o'clock on the Sunday evening Harold Nickolls' Burrell "Tinkerbell" officially changed hands. However, she has gone to a good home and it's pretty certain that Harold need never go short of a drive. It is normally invidious to single out any one engine owner but special mention should be made of Peter Wood's attendance. His Aveling normally resides in Teddy Boston's back yard in Leicestershire but he made the effort to bring it all the way to Hatfield: a round trip of about 170 miles. An established feature of the Hatfield House Rally is the film show for exihibtors held on the Saturday night. It was too chilly this year to hold it in the open air and so it was moved into one of the marquees, which just happened to be the beer tent 26

Ardingly Rally The Worthing and Southern Counties Historic Vehicle Groups' "Sussex Steam Festival" was held on the first weekend of July during a spell of hot sunny weather. Unfortunately the entry was lower this year as several engines failed to appear For various reasons. In particular, John Alder's Wallis & Steevens roller No. 7779 was unable to attend as the owner suffered a severe hand injury earlier this year. Unlike many other rallies, the oragnisers at Ardingly encourage the engines to move about the site although the heat made the going slightly uncomfortable. The sole waggon was the Super Sentinel No. 8393 of H.M.S. Sultan which arrived on the Saturday evening amidst the usual jollifications provided by Goff Radcliffe's Gavioli and a band in the beer tent. Jim Lowther's Fowler AA7 ploughing engine, 'Windsor', No. 15364, looked very much the working engine and is still occasionally used for dredging. As a contrast Les Budgen exhibited his 4in. scale model of an 1879 single cylinder Fowler plough engine. Undoubtedly the latter two engines were the stars in their respective classes. John Mortimer of Horley, was out for the first time with his 1909 Aveling roller No. 6847. Carrying the registration number PC 9630, the roller is a 10-ton single cylinder model which was new to Farnham R.D.C., later with the Surrey C.C., and was bought from Hardwick's in 1975. Restoration continues. Mike Retman's AC type Aveling roller No. 14064 dating from 1930 came under its own steam all the way from Romford in Essex. A collection of three Wallis & Steevens Advance rollers covered the six, eight and ten ton versions, the smallest, No. 7979, belonging to Neil Herridge of Bexhill, who keeps his roller in a very presentable condition. Space does not permit a more detailed breakdown of the engines present, but the W.S.C.H.V.G. would like to thank all the engine owners and crews for their support. G.J.G.

ULSTER TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Shane's Castle Rally, 15th & 16th July 1977 This was a special year in the history of our Club as we were holding our 10th Anniversary Rally, and we decided to mark the occasion by bringing an engine from across the water" and we were really pleased to welcome Mr. Tom Varley and his crew from Gisburn, Lancashire, with his Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive 'His Lordship' and would like to thank Tom and his crew for coming such a long way, and once again we were favoured with the presence of the Leyland Steam Wagon and crew who are now becoming regular visitors to our rally and we also extend our thanks to them. This year the members of our own club excelled themselves by turning out 13 traction engines, 4 steam rollers and 1 portable, which together with 'His Lordship' and the Leyland Wagon gove us 20 steam engines. The vintage tractor section was this year swelled to 68 entries and the stationary engine section to 35. A full programme of events was staged on both days of the rally, and this year's mill setting competion was won by H. and J. Connolly's crew with their 1934 Marshall T.E. No. 66134. Engines attending were: Burrell Showman's Road Loco, 'His Lordship'. Torn Varley, Gisburn, Lancs. McLaren Showman's Road Loco 'Banshee' No. 1713. The Lord O'Neill, Ransomos, Sims & Jeffries T.E. No. 43033 (Reg. No. Ml 12719) H. Kennedy. Ransomes, Simms & Jeffries T.E. No. 33156 (Reg. No. IJ 5747) T. Wasson. Wallis & Steevens T.E. No. 7008 (Reg. No. DZ 1626) W. Bryce. Wallis & Steevens 'Ad vance' Roller No. 7834, J. McIlfatrick. Wallis & Steevens 'Advance' Roller No. 8088, P. McKondry. Wallis & Steevens Expansion Engine 1919, No. 7626, R. Wolfe. Marshall Traction Engine, 1934, No. 66134, H. & T. Connolly. Marshall Roller. No. 77550 (Reg. No. HO 6292) Strangford Ltd. Marshall Tarotor No. 85556 (Reg. No. PN 5494) J. Stevenson & Co. Marshall Portable No. 70528, M. Douglas. Aveling & Porter T.E. No_ 7410, R. Dowey. Aveling & Porter Light Loco No. 9405 (Reg. No. lA 2500) R. Edwards. Avoling & Porter Compound Roller oo. 14007) J. Doherty. Fowler T.E. No. 11114 Reg. No. GZ 2065) W. J. B. Wilson. Fowler mpound T.E. 'Red Gauntlet', Nick Watson. Foden T.E. 'General Hunter Weston', Nick Watson. Tasker B2 Steam Tractor No. 1424, Hans Rooney. Leyland Steam Wagon. Leyland Motors Ltd.

H. A. PATTISON, Press Corr. U.T.E.C.

H. & T. Connolly and crew with Marshall Traction Engine No. 66134 built in 1934 after winning the mill setting competition. Photo: H. A. Pattison.

Holton Rally, Oxford For the third year running rain spoiled one day and dampened the whole weekend. Besides the engines listed there was a nice old time fair with Jim Williams' Gallopers in the centre. Also a good showing of tractors and barn engines. Engines present: TRACTION ENGINES: Burrell No. 3391 (NO 404) 1912, E. Freeman, Deddington. Marshall No. 61970 (BJ 5934) 1913, S. W. Hatfield, Beaconsfield, Bucks. Wallis & Steevens No. 7370 (81 4707), W, G. R. Faulkner, Oxford. Fowler No. 14958 (E 9600) 1917, V. Greenaway, Whitchurch Hill. Fowler No. 7942 (TA 628) 1899. Noel Greenaway, Stoke Row. SHOWMAN'S ENGINE: Burrell No. 3631 (OR 2729) 1915, J. Lawrence, Great Milton. STEAM ROLLERS: Aveling & Porter No. 12442 (MY 102), R. R. Markham, Charlton on Otmoor. Aveling & Porter No. 14001 (KR 478) 'Dick Turpin' 1929, B. D. Willis & Sons, Reading. Fowler No. 17483 (CV 1454) T. T. Boughton & Sons. Amersham. Fowler No. 14674 (BW 9937) 1922, 'Busy Bee' A. & R. Hawthorne 84 Sons. Fowler No. 17951 (EGP 359) 1929, E. Harris, Yarnton, Fowler No. 17501 (SY 3413), R. B. Green, Haddenhern. Aveling & Porter No. 3278 (DW 357) 1893, R. W. Curryer, Abingdon. STEAM WAGONS: Leyland Steam Lorry 1918, Leyland Truck and Bus Division, British Leyland. Foden No. 13484 (DG 8784) 1926, Ted Gale.

MASHAM 16th & 17th July 1977

THE IRISH STEAM PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Changeable weather marked this year's Rally and a good selection of other attractions, especially on Sunday, resulted in little movement of engines - a feature which suited many engine owners. Engines present were as follows:

The above Society affiliated to the N.T.E.C. held their thirteenth annual traction engine rally at Stradbally Hall, Co. Laios on Sunday and Monday, 31st July and 1st August. The following engines attended, the information having been taken from the rally catalogue:-

SHOWMAN'S ROAD LOCOMOTIVES Burrell No. 3526 AO 6302 'Lightning II', R. Preston & Son. Aveling & Porter No. 12115 VW 55172 'Rambler', Misses Glenn. Aveling & Porter No. 14068 VN 2092 'Hunslet', R. Oliver. Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48385 BP 5463 'Wold Ranger', J. Whitwell.

Fowler No. 14406 CJ 4338 'Pandora', A. Faarnely. Wallis & Steevens No. 7479 AA 5413 'Lively Lady'. D. Bainbridge. Aveling & Porter No. 9183 KE 18 'The Pirate', J. Hardy. Burrell No. 3816 TD 4276 'The Scout', R. Preston & Son. Aveling & Porter No. 9354 KM 5464, F. Bainbridge. Garrett No. 33295 EH 5567 'Princess Alexandra', E. H. Frank. Tasker No. 1296 BY 160 'The Horses Friend', J. Johnson. Aveling & Porter No. 11451 'Kathryn', J. Henderson. Foden Nn. 13228 1.11.1 111 'Pendle Duke', T. J Varley. WAGONS Foden No. 12364 TW 4207, H. Parkin. Yorkshire No. 2128 UA 1788, W. Fearnley. Sentinel No. 1465 AW 3321, R. Fearniey. Sentinel No. 8694 YG 746, G. E. Ashton. Foden No, 13218 SUP 71 'Cestria', H. P. Thompson.

Sentinel No, 8213 GF 8655 driven by J. C. Ward. Sentinel No. 6327 NE 4770 'The Yorkshireman', A. Brook/K. Hirst.

GENERAL PURPOSE ENGINES Marshall No. 32092 PY 55827 'Black Bess', F. J. & P. Harrison. Marshall No. 87003 TL 3612 'Surprise', C. Rocktiff. Marshall No. 84679 WF 2657 'Yorkshire Bob', R. & G. A, Walker. Ransomes, Simms & Jefferies No. 27512 R 6244 'Dreadnought', W. H. Kitchen.

STEAM ROLLERS Fowler No. 19204 YG 4747, T. H. Farrow.

D.A.R.

Fowler Traction Engine No. 15786. built 1925. Reg No. ML 2229 owned by Leo Tector. Foster Traction Engine No, 14411. built 1920. Rag. No. ECI 317 owned by Osmond Bennett. Ransome Sims & Jeffsries 6 h.p. S.G. Traction Engine owned by Joseph Cavanuli.

7. Burrell 6 h.p. Compound, No. 3771. built 1917 owned by James Glynn. 6 flobey Traction Engine No. 33348. Reg. No. Z200 owned by Edward Fox.

Fowler Compound Engine, built in 1932. Engine No. 21626. Reg. No. IP 3320. 6 h.p.

celled 'Pride of Kilkenny' owned originally by Kilkenny Co. Council but purchased re• contly by four steam enthusiasts from Cork. 10. Mann Steam Cart, No. 1216 4 n.h.p., built 1914. Reg. No. U 4249 owned by the I.S.P.S. Driven by Jack Tynan. 11. Aveling & Porter single cylinder onli ne 'Queen of the Lee' Showman s Engine Ex. No. 4. Roller of Dublin Co. Council) No. 7234. 1910, owned and converted to traction engine by Con McSweeney, Riverstick, Co, Cult( (hi 1975).

12. Marshall Traction Engine owned by Sean Lordan, Bandon. This engine was bought recently in Donegal.

13. Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction Engine. Reg. No. IP 1529. Built 1900 6 h.p. Weight 91 tons. Owned by James Tynan. 14. Burrell Compound Traction Engine, Owned by Michael Brien. 15. 16.

Ransome Sims & Jefferies Engine No. 18277. Owned by Grant Bros. Fowler Traction Engine No. 11031. Built 1907. Reg. No. IF 6559 'The Queen of Steam' owned

by Mr. Timothy Murphy

17. 18. 19. 20.

Marshall No. 76890 PY 272 'Wayfarer, C. West. Burrell No. 4041 UO 793, S. Alderson. Aveling & Porter No. 6573 CA 6333 'Uncle Sam', J. Smith. Fowler No. 15589 U 8909, A. R. Creaks. Marshall No. 84620 WF 2388 'Ringo', W. H. M. Ellerker. Fowler No. 15813 WR 8965 'Elsie', K. Collins. Fowler No. 16439 SM 8121 'BIlie', D. Parkin. Wallis & Steevens No. 7773 X0 4975, R. Carr. Fowler No. 17585 UA 8178, M. Stirk.

Burrell D.C.C. No, 3295 (1911) 'Erin's Pride' owned by Osmond Bennett. Marshall Traction Engine No. 17287 6 n.h.p. built 1889 Reg. No. ML 1964 owned by John Rochford. Ransome Sims & Jefferies Traction Engine No. 4304, built 1934. Rug. No. IC 1892 owned

by L. Murphy.

4. 5.

TRACTORS

1. 2.

21. 22.

Aveling & Porter, 9405 IA 2500. Built 1921. Owned by Bob Edwards. 6 h.p. Marshall 1904 'Colleen Bawn' Owned by J. Fleming. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 8088, 12 tons. Built 1914. Reg. No. ZA 1454. Owned by J. Fleming. Aveling & Porter 12 ton Roller. No. 8563. Built 1915. Reg. No. IT 1682. Owned by Graham Bros. Fowler Roller Reg. No. IH 1970 Engine No. 16971. Owned and driven by Jimmy Walsh. Robin Steam Roller. Owned by Norman

SixamIth, 23. Ransome Sims & Jefferies 12 h.p. Portable No. 3005. Owned by Joseph Cavanah. 24. Marshall 5 h.p. Portable. No. 5063. Built 1908. Owned by Dowling Bros. 25. Ransome Sims & Jefferies. 10 h.p. Portable. 26.

No. 44086. Owned by Dowling Bros. Marshall Portable 5 n.h.p. No. 54719. Built 1917. Owned by J. Hurley.

Bramham Park

Woodcote Rally

Leeds and District T.E. Club held their 14th Annual Rally on a new site, the Bramham Park Estate about a mile off the Al. The well wooded ground was pleasant but the avenue of trees tended to divide the exhibits to a certain extent.

The 14th Woodcote Rally, like the ones before, was a veteran vehicle rally. Twenty-five engines, cars, commercials, motor cycles, horse drawn vehicles and much more besides. For many years now the committee have steadfastly refused "converted" engines. One consequence of this is that quality exhibits are attracted to the rally. This year's list was notable for four longdistance entries. Frank Lythgoe brought the Burrell 'Dolphin' on her very first visit South, Johnsons of Banks in Lancashire entered the diminutive Tasker 'The Horses Friend' owned by the family of the late Nigel Moores, Chris Edmonds was driving Steve Hubbuck's 5 ton Tasker that was up from Dorset, while M. J. Hobbs, son Robert and crew steamed the last built Garrett Traction Engine from Ramsgate in Kent.

There was a good entry of genuine Showman's Engines, only one Road Loco, Steam Wagons and Tractors were well up to the mark but the late harvest somewhat reduced the ranks of G.P.s Steam Rollers from the four principal makers and Motor Rollers completed a wonderful line up. SHOWMAN'S ENGINES:

Burrell No. 3526 'Lightning II', R. Preston & Son. (Sunday and Monday only). Foster No. 14632 'Success , L. C. Byass & Son. Burrell No, 3343 'Princes Mary, K. E. Frost. Burrell No. 3849 'Marshal Foch', A. 0. Hunt. SHOWMAN'S "STYLE": Fowler No. 14588 'Enterprise', F. Hackney. Fowler No. 14948 'Prince of Wales', Aldersons. Aveling/Porter No. 14068 'Hunslet', R. Oliver. Fowler No. 14798 'Firefly', W. Payne. Aveling/Porter No. 12115 'Rambler', S. J. and D. J. Glenn. ROAD LOCO: Fowler No. 9381 'Lady Betty', W. Chilvers. TRACTORS: Mann No. 1260 U 4298, L. and W. Cole. Fowler No. 14406 'Pandora', A. Fearnely. Aveling/Porter No. 9183 'The Pirate', J. Hardy & Son. Garrett No. 33632 'Joyce', P. S. M. Carter, Aveling/Porter No. 11451 'Kathryn', J. Henderson. Burrell No. 3618 'The Scout', R. Preston & Son. GENERAL PURPOSE: Burrell No. 33917 'Triumph', J. M. Crowther. Burrell No. 3918 'Deborah', J. K. Ellwood. (note consecutive numbers!). Burrell No. 33218 TB 3959, F. Pennett & Son. STEAM WAGONS: Sentinel No. 1488 'Old No. 1', Bass North Ltd. (Not in steam). Sentinel No. 8694 YG 746, G. E. Ashton. Yorkshire No. 2128 UA 1788, W. Fearnely. Sentinel No. 1465 AW 3321, R. Fearnley. Foden No. 12364 TW 4207, H. Parkin. STEAM ROLLERS: Marshall No. 76890 'Wayfarer', G. C. West. Aveling/Porter No. 6573 'Uncle Sam', J. Smith. Fowler No. 15851 'Elsie', K. Collins. Wallis/Staavens No. 7773 Advance, Rufus Carr. Aveling/Porter No. 14070 'Billy Boy', M. and E. Harrison. Fowler No. 17585 UA 8178, M. Stirk. Marshall No. 82642 'Goolie', Rodgers & Bosworth. Aveling/Porter No. 8506 'White Rose', D. A. Rayner.

Aveling/Porter No. 5308 Withernsea', B. Wood. Fowler No. 16439 'Billie', D. Parkin. Marshall No. 84620 'Ringo', W. H. M. Elleker.

The line up: Fowler T.E. No. 7942 (1899) TA 626 'Jonah', Noel Greenaway. Fowler T.E. No. 15710 (1920) MO 720 'Tommy',

Arthur Nepper. Fowler T.E. No. 13140 (1913) Y 9955 'Volunteer', Fred Simmons.

Fowler P.E. No. 2103 (1872) AL 8463 'Noreen', Tame and Fillmore. Garrett T.E. No. 35461 (1931) 'Rob Roy', M. J. Hobbs. Marshall T.E. No. 54587 (1910) AJ 578 'Pride of the Road', J. Darnell. Marshall T.E. No. 55437 (1910) EB 2873 'Elizabeth', John Alsbury. Merryweather Pump No. 9605 'Valiant', E. C. New. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10168 (1921) TA 2027, Narraway and Shearwood. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11093 (1925) BT 7935 'Mercury', V. and E. Greenaway. Aveling & Porter Roller No. 14001 (1929) KR 478 'Dick Turpin', Brian Willis. Burrell Roller No. 3305 (1911) TB 3722 'Big John', Peter Barnes. Burrell Roller No. 4040 (1926) TT 7917 'Heather', entered by Jim Callan. Fowler Roller No. 14674 (1922) BW 9937 'Busy Bee', A. and R. Hawthorne & Sons. Fowler Roller No. 18637 (1930) YD 1601, Milbank, Harrison, Tomlin and Neale. Wallis & Steevens Roller No. 7799 (1924) HO 6354 'Daisy May', 'Jumbo' Palmer. Sentinel Waggon No. 5509 (1924) PD 1701, Bur-

berry and Lawrence. Sentinell Waggon (1934) BPD 969, Alf Price. Fowler R.L. No. 14958 (1917) EG 600 'Marina',

Vic Greenaway. Burrell R.L. No. 4066 (1927) VF 589 'John of Gaunt', John and Brenda Newton. Burrell S.Tt. No. 3631 (1915) OR 2729 'Kathleen', Jack Lawrence. Tasker Tr. No. 1902 (1923) PR 3183, entered by Chris Edmonds. Burrell S.E. No. 3836 (1920) BH 8020 'Starlight',

Dan Shorey.

Tanker Tr. No. 1296 (1903) 'The Horses Friend',

entered by Johnsons of Banks. Burrell S.E. No. 4030 FA 2316 'Dolphin'. F. Lythgoe.

Garrett 'Rob Roy', Tasker 'The Horses Friend' and Burrell 'Dolphin' received special cut glass tankards being the awards for the outstanding vehicles in their class. Aubrey Pettett was awarded the 'Berkshire Mercury' cup for the most meritworthy exhibit from within the paper's circulation area for his model of the Fowler 'Supreme'. R.H.

LISKEARD RALLY The annual rally of the Cornish Traction Preservation Club took place on the weekend of 3rd and 4th September, on a new site at the village of Merrymeet, near Liskeard. After a week of heavy rain, the sun shone for much of the two days of the rally, and although the ground was very soft, engines were able to move about freely. Twenty engines attended, and making its first appearance in the county was the immaculately restored Fowler K7 Ploughing Engine No. 15278 (FA 1301) 'Arthur Ashmole', owned by Colin Waite and Graham Thomas of Failand, Bristol. She partnered Messrs. Daniel Bros. and Veal's Fowler BB1 No. 15163 (WR 7151) in the steam ploughing demonstration. A third Fowler Ploughing Engine attending was Dave Harmes' BB1 (HR 3399) 'Master', which was used to winch out some dead trees on the perimeter of the field. Three engines were on the belt to threshing machines: Anthony Hooper's Aveling Traction No. 9096 (AF 6001) 'Jubilee', Will Alford's Fowler Road Loco No. 12693 (FJ 1850) 'Brunel' and George Moore's Fowler Traction No. 9698 (HR 4732) 'Farmer's Friend'. Two saw benches were powered by steam, the engines used being Dave Dicker's Wallis & Steevens 'Expansion' Traction No. 7294 (HO 5601) 'Sheaf of Arrows' and Paul Tucker's Marshall Traction No. 48341 (TA 1488) 'Excelsior'. Two more engines making their first Liskeard appearances ware Brian Sanders' Burrell Roller No. 3999 ffiL 74) and Raymond Hoskin's Fowler Roller No. 19205 (AAF 130) 'Lady Gwen. The remaining entries ware 'Liskeard Regulars' and comprised Steve Veal's Fowler Roller No. 18070 (YC 9375). Messrs. ft. Dingle & Sons Ltd'a Fowler No. 18075 (CV 1662) 'Britannia', Alan Wheelhouse's Wallis 'Advance' Roller No. 8065 U 5979), Sam Payne's Burrell Roller No. 3986 Buscorribe's Aveling F 9293), Messrs. Leath oiler No. 10187 (FX B131) 'Highwaymen', Messrs.

Leath & Pearce's Marshall Traction No. 69303 (NM 340) 'Titan', Brian Cesely's Burrell Road Loco No. 8095 (GOU 537) 'Amy', Joe and Dennis Warren's Garrett Tractor No. 34789 'Queenio', and Roy Richards' Aveling Rolle' No. 7641 (FX 6996) 'Evening Star'.

MELBOURNE STEAM TRACTION ENGINE CLUB LTD. We have heard from Mr. Derek Moore, Secretary of the above Club and a member of the N.T.E.C. They held their Rally early in March this year and it was the usual outstanding success. The following list of Engines attended taken from the Catalogue. TRACTION ENGINES Fowler No. 16105, 8 h.p. built Leeds U.K. about 1924. Used for clearing and diiviag saw mill. Cyril Bloom, East Doncaster. rodeo No. 1138, 3 h.p. compound, spring mounted, 2 speed, built Sandbach U.K. 1905. John Smythe, Upper Beaconsfield. Fowler No. 8256, 7 h.p. Single cylinder, bore 'Etr stroke 12", Stephenton's valve gear, built 1980 by John Fowler, Leeds, U.K. Ivan Rintraili, Wattle Glen. Burrell No. 3071, 7 h.p. single crank compound, Stephenson's valve gear, built 1909 by Chas. Burrell, Thetford, U.K. Ivan Rintoull, Wattle Glen, Fowler No. 9055. 7 h.p. single cylinder, bore 8,". stroke 12", Stephenson's valve gear. Used in Goulburn VaViley for far mwork. built 1901 by John Fowler, Leeds, U.K. Bill McKinnon, Dandenong. Fowler No. 9709, 10 h.p. single cylinder, Stephenson's valve gear, built Leeds, U.K. in 1903. In use in Shepparton district between two world wars, pile driving and (Aim' bridge work Derek Moore & Sons, Ringwood East. Fowler No. 15500, Type 27 ploughing engine, twin cylinder compound with Stephenson's valve gear, bores 9" and 15", stroke 12'', working preSsura 150 psi. Winding drum driven by vertical shaft and gearing through crankshaft. Bought 1920 for use at Vance, N.S.W. Purchased by member John Robertson from sawmill at Darling Point, N.S.W. after damage by fire. Now Club owned and under restoration by member John Dixon. Buffalo Springfield No..10$189, high pressure twin cylinder, bore and Stroke 5" x 5", 8 h.p. Stephenson's valve par. Ex Brunswick City Council. Ross Rintoull, East Oakleigh. Fowler No. 16243, 6 h.p. compound 12-tdn built in Leeds, U.K. Ex Northcote City Council. Dave Mickle, Dandenong. Marshall No. 88198, 4 h.p. compound 9-ton built 1925 in U.K. Marshall's patent valve gear. Ex Moorabbin City Council, now Club owned; Custdian Andrew Reynolds. Cowley No. 1214, 6h.p, twin cylinder, Stephenson's valve gear. Previously worked in Grenville Shire. Built by Cowley's of Ballarat. Des Lang, East Oakleigh.

ST. AGNES RALLY The 22nd Annual Rally of the West of England Steam Engine Society took place during the weekend 20th and 21st August, at Silverwell Farm, near St. Agnes. The rather unpredictable summer weather had delayed the harvest this year, which meant that the usual corn stubble field was not available. Consequently, the intended steam ploughing demonstration had to be cancelled, and the rally held on adjoining grass fields. Fortunately, the weather, although unsettled, remained dry for the duration of the rally, and engine movement was unhindered. This year, the Society reverted to its usual rally procedure following the Road Run held on the occasion of its 21st event in 1976. A total of 32 engines attended. Seven of them for the first time. George Moore brought down his Fowler Traction No. 9698 (HR 4732) 'Farmer's Friend' from Alyesbeare, near Exeter, and she was put to work powering the sawbench for the woodsawing demonstration. Two Fowler Ploughing Engines made their debuts. Dave Hermes brought his BB1 No. 15139 (HR 3399) 'Master' all the way from Kingston-upon-Thames, and was the engine to have travelled furthest to attend. Messrs. Daniel Bros. & Veal also brought their BB1 No 15163 (WR 7151) to attend her first ever rally, towing her owners' steam plough living van and 5furrow Anti-Balance Plough — an impressive sight on the road. Brian Sanders' Burrell Roller No. 3999 (RL 74) also made its first ever rally appearance, and looked immaculate in its new paintwork. It was steamed for the first time since restoration only a few days before the rally and her owner had more than his fair share of trials and tribulations in getting it there. Nevertheless, it is a real beauty, with the typical exhaust beat of a Burrell single. Joe and Dennis Warren were third time lucky in getting their Aveling 12-ton Roller No. 8585 (FH 2253) to the rally, following retubing only a week or so prior to the event. Alan Wheelhouse brought his Wallis & Steevens 'Advance' Roller No. 8065 (OU 5979) to her first Society Rally, as did the Horrell Bros. with their 8-ton Fowler Roller No. 18275 (CV 1503) 'Zebedee'. The remaining engines were past attenders, but special mention must be made of some of them, especially Rex

Curtis's Wallis & Steevens 'Advance' Roller No. 8095 (GOU 537) 'Amy' — this one has been completely transformed since last year, and is now beautifully finished in a neat green livery — it made the journey from Roche and return under its own steam. After an absence of 14 years, the Burrell Traction No. 2575 (TA 1489) 'Buller' made a re-appearance in her new ownership with Brian Sanders of Penryn. She was not in steam, as she needs complete overhaul, including a new fire box, but was brought along so that visitors could compare an unrestored engine with her restored counter parts. She was towed around the arena during the grand parade by Paul Tucker's Marshall Traction No. 48371 (TA 1488) 'Excelsior' — both engines were supplied new to W. J. Baker of the Exminster Threshing Co., Exeter, and this was the first time they had appeared together since working commercially. Making its first rally appearance since 1961 was Raymond Hoskin's Fowler 10-ton Roller No. 19205 (AAF 130), now named 'Lady Gwen', which has also been tidied up considerably after spending several years laid up in a previous ownership. Anthony Hooper's Aveling Traction No. 9096 (AF 6001) 'Jubilee' lead the grand parade, and besides the engines already mentioned, the following also participated: Ian Norman's Foster Tractor No. 13088 (FE 1125), Roy Richards' Aveling Roller No. 7641 (FX 6996) 'Evening Star', Brian Sanders' Aveling Roller No, 5863 (TA 2433) 'Cornishman'. Roger Phillips' Burrell Traction No. 2417 (AF 4393) 'Britannia', Robert Bealey's Burrell Traction No. 3755 (AF 3967) 'Westward Ho', John Pengelly's Marshall Roller No. 08096 (OAF 560). Harvey Lender's Aveling Roller No. 10045 (FX 8405) 'An Got', Messrs. R. Dingle & Sons Ltd's Fowler Roller No. 18075 (CV 1662) 'Britannia', Steve Veal's Fowler Roller No. 18070 (YC 83765). The Gladiator Club's Burrell Showman No. 3159 (CO 3823) 'Gladiator'. John Sawle's Marshall Traction No. 62121 (TA 3624)' The Whale'. Messrs. Leath & Pearce's Marshall Traction No_ 69303 (NM 330) 'Titan', Messrs. Leath & Buscombe's Avelino Roller No. 10187 (FX 8131) 'HighDavid Solomon's Clayton & Shuttleway man' worth Traction No. 48279 (TA 4561) 'Phoenix'. Dr, Dyke's Foden Wagon No. 10530 (TA 1216) 'Pride of the West'. Joa and Dennis Warren's Garrett Tractor No. 34789 (YB 7841) 'Queenia'. Vernon Carveth's Aveling.Barlord Roller AH 162 (JX 174) 'Omega', Mrs. Phyllis Pettitt's Aveling Roller No. 5541 )PP 581) 'Bo Peep', Ronnie Haynes' Avelino Roller No. 10190 (FX 8654) 'Joy', and Will Alford's Fowler Road Loco No. 12W3 (FJ 1850) 'Brunel', which drove his Raneomes Drum for the threshing demonstration. Tom Philpott also brought his lerge-scale model Aveling & Porter Traction Engine 'Kentish Boy', all the way from Dartford, Kent, and attracted considerable attention throughout the weekend.

ALAN THOMAS. 31

ASTLE PARK RALLY

The complete engine line up was as follows:

Organised by Lower Withington Village Committee and local enginemen (headed by Alan Barber of Chelford), the 1977 Astle Park rally turned out to be as popular as ever. Although the weather on 13th and 14th August was pretty wet in other parts of the country, this part of Cheshire remained fine, if dull and cloudy.

Burrell s.c.c. TE No. 2336, A. J. Barber, Chelford. Foster d.c.c. TE No. 12539, F. Lythgoe, Warburton. Burrell d.c.c. TE No . 4049, J. T. Bourne, Malpas. Tasker s.c. Tr. No. 1296, entered by J. Johnson, Banks. Foden d.c.c. TE No. 2312, W. F. Fitter, Appleton. Foden d.c.c. Tr. No. 13222, G. Lea, Snelson, Chelford. Marshall s.c. I IL No. 35b54, W. Evans, Malpas. Fowler d.c.c. TE No. 21647, F. Lythgoe, Warburton. Burrell d.c.c. Tr. No. 3808, G. Howard, Banks. Fowler d.c.c. RR No. 20122, P. Froud, Little Legh, Northwich. Burrell d.c.c. SRL No. 4030, F. Lythgoe, Warburton. Aveling & Porter s.c. RR No. 10906, J. G. Stevenson, Sale. Aveling & Porter d.c.c. Tr. No. 11251, P. H. Edwards, Whaley Bridge. Burrell d.c.c. SRL No. 3610, F. Lythgoe, Warburton. Fowler d.c.c. SRL No. 15652, P. Startup, Knutsford. Sentinel S4 No. 8884, P. Massey, Stoke on Trent. Fowler s.c. TET No. 9507, J. J. Wooliscrott, Buxton. Burrell s.c.c. TE No. 2626, J. Armer, Cockerham. Sentinel DG6, No. 8213, entered by J. C. Ward, Penistone. Humphries s.c. Portable No. 1663, W. J. Dakin, Goostrey. Foden d.c.c. SRL No. 2104, F. Lythgoe, Warburton. McLaren d.c.c. SRL No. 1623, F. Lythgoe, Warburton. Foden d.c.c. P.C. No. 15148, D. Priestner, Dunham Massey. Marshall d.c.c. TE No. 53176, D. Priestner, Dunham Massey. Garrett d.c.c. TTr. No. 33612, S. Z. de Ferranti, Knutsford. Sentinel DG4 No. 8694, G. E. Ashton, Brotherton. Burrell d.c. TE No. 4037, A. R. Adamson, S. Allsop and R. Bolger. Aveling & Porter d.c.c. RR No. 14070, S. Harrison, Bradford. Burrell d.c.c. RL No. 3098, entered by P. Froud, Little Leigh.

The steam engine entries were dominated by the array of Showman's Road Locos, five being owned by Frank Lythgoe of Warburton. Generating adjacent to Frank's 98 key Marenghi organ were the newly restored 'Dolphin' (Burrell 8 h.p. No. 4030) and the massive 10 h.p. McLaren 'Goliath' while in front of the magnetic set of Savage gallopers owned by Dorman's of Bunny, were Burrell 8 h.p. No. 3093 'Dreadnought', Foden 8 h.p. No. 2104 'Prospector' end Frank's latest acquisition, the 8 h.p. Burrell scenic. No 3610 'William V'. Peter Startup's 7 h.p. R3 Fowler Showman's engine No. 15652 'Repulse' new in 1920 to Wm. Murphy Agricultural engines were also much in evidence, with the makes of Burrell, Clayton, Foden, Foster, Fowler and Marshall being featured in the total of 12. First time entries came from Jim Stevenson of Sale with his 1924 10 ton Aveling & Porter s.c. roller No. 10906, J. C. Ward from Penistone with the 1930 Sentinel DG6 No. 8213, Alan Barber with the Aveling No. 6093, Jack Johnson with the diminutive 3 ton Tasker tractor No. 1296. Saturday night at Chelford is a never to be forgotten evening and this year was no exception. As well as a gigantic firework display there were Dorman's gallopers in full glory outside the well patronised beer tent, Frank Lythgoe's second organ, the 89 key Marenghi, and Don and Dorothy Robinson's grand 89 key Gavioli organ, playing nearby; and the showman's engines generating light around the gallopers. As usual, this rally was well supported by the regular engines and by vintage car, motor cycle and farm machinery owners, as well as the fair. Arena events went down very well with the public especially the Tug o' War, when Foster 7 h.p. TE 'Winnie' took on allcorners and 'lost'. So 'Goliath' was then summoned into the arena to take up the challenge and promptly pulled the confident public all over the park! A good bit of entertainment. 32

CHUFF The "Save P.S. Lincoln Castle Campaign" that delays in the building of the Humber bridge will result in B.R.'s coal fired paddle steamer P.S. Lincoln Castle, continuing in operation at least into 1979. The adult return fare, across the Humber and back, is 90p., 45p. for children. She is normally on service from early morning right through till late evening. The open engine room is a joy to behold. If you haven't already done so sample Lincoln Castle. She is truly unique. Her preservation is far from assured. If interested write to M. Longhurst, 130 Coombe Lane, Croydon, CR0 SRF, Surrey. reports

ANOTHER ONE PRESERVED By R. J. BLENKINSOP

•',ft-7. ,•.t':4:4 r Roller being pulled out of the children's park in very muddy conditions. The Roller

Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 7798 Type RC10 built in 1912 had been working many years for the Chesterfield Rural District Council. It was a sad day in 1965 when the engine was placed in a children's playground at Hinckley in Leicestershire. Many of the parts were removed by the children, but fortunately the engine and motion were largely intact but all brass work and steering gear was missing. David Corbett had been looking for an engine for some time, and since they are so difficult to obtain he decided to see if the local council would dispose of the Aveling. In a way some of these engines in parks are becoming dangerous, as rust is slowly eating through even some of the more substantial parts, and children are having accidents by falling and hurting

themselves. I received a telephone call one cold January day to inform me that the roller was being pushed out of the park to the yard at Burbage, where some of the other local engines are accommodated. Saturday, January 29th, this year, turned out to be cold but with brilliant sunshine. Ted Sansome had specially steamed his Fowler Traction Engine 'Elsa' No. 12761 (1912) and this arrived at the playground at 9.30 together with a Fordson Major tractor. The Roller had to be winched across 80 yards of waste ground, and two lots of fencing removed. The photographs show how the operation took place, and you wil notice that the tractor coupled to an A-Bar was used for steering purposes. After all the rain we have had this 33

Half way across "no man's land" with 'Elsa' pulling and the tractor used for steering. The push pole is now attached and Ted Sansome is about to open the regulator. Steersman Andrew Fisher keeps an eye on the traffic.

Disaster strikes and the team look on at the broken push pole, but the roller is back again on the tarmac. All photos: The Editor.

winter the ground was boggy, the rear wheels of the engine settling in the mud. However, these Leicester lads certainly know what they are doing and it was not long before the Roller had been winched up to the pavement. It was also perhaps a bit of luck as well as a certain amount of skill that the concrete posts were not demolished, and the Roller arrived at exactly the position required. In one of the photographs you can see the offside wheel with just inches to spare between it and one of the concrete posts. By 11 o'clock they had the tow bar connected and this was to be used to pull the engine on to the road with the kerb stones nicely protected from damage. Of course the Police had been informed and a Panda car was in attendance just in case any traffic control was necessary. The final picture of the series shows some of the helpers between the two engines inspecting the broken tow bar which had fallen to the ground with a loud crash, much to everyone's amaze-

ment. After a stronger push pole had been obtained, the journey home commenced and this for me was the climax to the proceedings. The Fordson Major Tractor was leading, steering the Roller and 'Elsa' pushing from behind, the whole outfit making a most attractive sight in the winter's sunshine. After half way had been reached a stop was made to pick up water, and a visit to the local fish and chip shop, together with the usual few pints of ale at the local pub. In the early afternoon they reached the A5 and sped along at a cracking pace towards Burbage. Apart from the broken tow bar, everything went according to plan and the Roller was put to bed in its new surroundings well before sunset. This 'happening' was a delight for any steam enthusiast in the depths of winter to see and hear an engine at work and our congratulations must go to those involved for a successful operation. As an added bonus we also enrolled two new young members to the N.T,E,C. 35

MICHAEL SALMON an appreciation The passing of Michael Salmon leaves an irreparable gap in the engine world. To the writer, to whom he was a good friend for 25 years, it is difficult to know where to begin describing such an unusual and gifted person. He was by profession, a veterinary surgeon, employed by the Ministry of Agriculture, in which work he was a perfectionist. But it is in the Traction Engine world that his name will be one of the Greats for all time. His death, too, denotes a milestone in the long journey these engines have travelled over the past 25 years. He was one of the first preservationists, starting with a Burrell Tractor in 1948, and many things have happened since those early days. Engine were 'done up' the hard way — often at the bottom of the garden. Low loaders were used very seldom, and engines proceeded from home to rallies, and back home, under their own steam. The high powered gatherings and rallies nowadays are completely different, as are the purchase prices, auctions and the restoration of engines, almost better than when they left the works. Michael ran five engines himself. His Fowler 'Queen Mary', Burrell 'Peter Pan', Clayton and Shuttleworth Tractor, Foden Wagon, and Wallis and Steevens 'Billy'. He also travelled with Beach's the London amusement caterers, in the steam era. He gained much practical experience with fairground machinery, in which he was most interested. Although not trained as an engineer, he was self taught; as were many of the old hands long ago. He developed a vast knowledge, by doing it the 'hard way' and could be described as an authority. This is no exaggeration. He had, too, a very facile way of making

a difficult thing easy. His 'Modern Manual for Drivers of Steam Road Vehicles' is now out of print, but is greatly sought after by those who do not know one end of an engine from the other; but are most keen to learn. On this topic too, he was never too clever to explain a thing, in endless detail (usually by return of post) until the matter was solved. Michaels other unique memorial is the portfolio scheme of the Road Locomotive Society — which he looked after and edited for some 25 years. His phenomenal storehouse of data makes it one of the greatest sources of information on Road Engines in the world. All makers are covered, their colour schemes, history, drivers employed, accidents, rebuilds, etc., etc To his phenomenal memory and knowledge, it can be said that many rebuilt engines we see today owe their very existence to him. He would travel the length of the country, literally hundreds of miles by night or by day, with his car and trailer, or Land Rover, to rescue a piece of engine. He married later in life than some, when over 50, and shortly after that, became very ill, (he never really got over this illness) and because, of this he had to sell his 'Queen Mary. But, within a year, his wife was, and is, completely involved in the engine movement. It is through her that he did not experience loneliness, and was very happy in his last years and would still drive his engines, — even with difficulty. I was with him when he died with tragic suddenness, alongside his Burrell as he would have wished, and on his last journey he was taken from his home to Hanham Church behind his Clayton Tractor. As he once obeserved to the writer, 'we are Trustees of our engines, we live alongside them in our lives, but they will outlive all of us!' JOHN MIDDLEMISS.

FOWLER TRACTOR 'KENMORE' From the May Edition of the Scottish Traction Engine Society News Letter Jimmie Drummond (Balmore), owner of the unique Fowler Tractor No, 17260 'Kenmore' has been a well-known member of the Society almost since its inception. Jimmie is a marine engineer, but spent a number of years as a Boiler Inspector with the Scottish Boiler Insurance Co. — a very useful type of person to have around! At present, however, Jimmie has resumed his sea-going career. Jimmie has provided some notes about 'Kenmore' which was built as a standard 'Hercules' single cylinder Tractor No. 16170 in 1927 and was exhibited at the Highland

Show in that year. She was purchased by Peter McAinsh, the timber hauliers of Crieff, who evidently found her performance unsatisfactory as she was returned to Fowler Works in Leeds and emerged considerably transformed. She had had a large compound cylinder block fitted, her boiler pressure raised to 220 lbs per square inch, and a new works plate bearing the number 17260 fitted. These modifications seem to have brought the desired improvement as she continued in timber haulage with McAinsh until around 1940. Around then she was

'Kenmore' as seen at the Stirling Rally, 26th June 1976. Photo: Editor

bought by Crichton of Burrelton and was last licenced in 1951. She then lay derelict in Crichton's yard until bought in 1954 by Jimmie for £35. Jimmie steamed her periodically in the yard until a tube burst. Then in 1961 she was taken to Shilford Mill, near Neilston, and from thence via Hamilton and Law to Townfoot Farm Uddingston in 1966. Here she was repainted and she remained there until 1969 when she travelled through to her present home at Balmore. About the same time Jimmie obtained her original trailer from Burrelton for £5. Jimmy and 'Kenmore' have made frequent appearences at functions in S.W. Scotland always travelling under steam and often with Harry Watson (Glasgow) steering. At present she is receiving a new canopy and ultimately Jimmy hopes to repaint her in her original maroon livery, bringing her to the condition in which she illustrated on page 31 of the David & Charles reprint 'Fowler Steam Road Vehicles'. Details of Kenmore are: Hercules 71 ton dcc sv 17260 (1927 reb. 1928) ES 9796 'Kenmore'.

The following list of Fowlers in Scotland shows that at present there are 27 engines of this make preserved. This makes it the most numerous make. 19 of these are rollers, indicating the great popularity of this make in Scotland. Perth & Kinross, Angus and Ayr were Councils which operated Fowlers, many of these surviving into the 'Preservation Era'. Traction Engines 11695 (1909) 'Jean' SA 4135 sc sv. W. McConachie, Tarland. 13138 (1912) 'Finella' SU 884 dcc sv. W. Barrack, Aberdeen. 15773 (1923) 'Black Isle' VS 3111 sc sv. T. Ramsey, Pencaitland. 17260 (1928) 'Kenmore' ES 9796 dcc sv. J. Drummond, Balmore. Crane Engine 8920 (1900) SG 4713 dcc sv. Edinburgh. Ploughing Engine 15405 (1919) 'Sam Hird' SU 1827 dccsv. T. Ramsay, Pencaitland. Rollers (1) 16006 (1923) SA 6370 sc sv. W. Barrack, Aberdeen. (2) 16144 (1924) ES 6534 dcc sv. A. F. Williamson, Kincraig. 38

(1) 16235 (1924) 'The Highlander' AV 45 dcc sv. A. Cowie, E. Persley. (2) 16400 (1925) ES 7419 dcc sv. R. D. Miller, Leven. (5) 16402 (1925) 'Tillie' SW 1854 dcc sv. Now Aberfeldy Playground. (2) 16437 (1925) 'Ben Chonzie' ES 7547 dcc sv. J. McKay, Whins of Milton. (1) 16441 (1925) SA 8733 dcc sv. W. Barrack, Aberdeen. (1) 16783 (1926) 'Eileen' SA 9876 dcc sv. J. W. Craig, Drumoak. (1) 16961 (1927) 'Heather' AV 1159. A. Cowie, E. Persley. (3) 17273 (1928) SR 6849 dcc sv. W. Smith, Kirriemuir. 17471 (1928) GM 1523 sc sv. Murdoch McKenzie, Motherwell. 17580 (1929) 'Mary Ann' MS 8728 dcc sv. Sir J. Morrison-Low, Cupar. (3) 18295 (1929) SR 7512) dcc sv. A. Ogston, Kirriemuir. (3) 18664 (1930) SR 7648 dcc sv. W. Smith, Kirriemuir. (1) 19457 (1930) AV 4778 dcc sv. Aberdeen County Council. (3) 20434 (1931) SR 8962 dcc sv. W. Smith, Kirriemuir. (4) 21222 (1937) 'Wee McGregor' CS 5409 dcc sv, D. Howatson, Beith. (4) 21635 (1937) 'Scotland Yet' CS 7832 dcc sv. W. McLeod, Linlithgow. (4) 21636 (1937) 'Covenanter' CS 7859 dcc sv. R. Kirpatrick, Dumbarton. In addition, W. Smith, Kirriemuir, has a Showman's Engine and Traction Engine, numbers unknown, from Ireland. (1) Aberdeen C.C. (2) Perth & Kinross C.C. (3) Angus C. C. (4) Ayr C.C. (5) The last Kircudbright C.C. Roller. Sold to Midlands enthusiast and later exchanged for No. 18882. Now in Victoria Park, Aberfeldy. The following Fowlers are among those which have left Scotland in recent years. Traction Engines 15313 (1920) 'Redgauntlet' SK 899 dcc sv. To Ireland. 18155 (1929) 'Robert the Bruce' AV 9287 dcc sv. Ex D.C. Stewart to Leic. Rollers 16088 (1923) SG 8159 dcc sv. Ex Edinburgh Corp. to N.E. England. (2) 18882 (1931) GS 2538 dcc sv. Ex Aberfeldy Playground to Midlands, see (5) above.

THE OTHER SIDE OF PRESERVATION By DEREK BISHOP

Photo: Editor The first time that I got involved with the travelling solos team, I was minding my own business down on The Isle of Wight burning many years of undergrowth on our railway's embankments as a parttime arsonist, much to the delight of the passengers in the trains that kept passing every now and then, much to my annoyance as I was also demolishing saplings which had to be removed from the track just before the trains came storming (?) up the bank, All of a sudden this bloke appeared, thinking that I wasn't doing enough for the railway, asked whether I would like to take a trip to Watford to do a small model railway show, at which the blood drained from my face realising that I couldn't think of an excuse quick enough to refuse, I agreed. From then on I was pushed and prodded by various individuals until over the past six years I find that I am now in charge of operations where these sundry individuals can now clobber me when I boob. When we first took to the road, it was in a beaten up old Morris J2 van loaded with personnel numbering about seven utilising somebody's kitchen table on which spread

a motley collection of books, pens, badges and other assorted novelties. The joke of it was not everyone could get behind the table at the same time and the entire stock could be packed up into a suitcase. At the time that I first appeared on the rally scene properly in 1973, one of our merry band, an engineer by trade, produced a stand which became known as the 'Rustic' since it would have looked better in somebody's garden entwined by roses. Though it had been put up previously, the first time that I was involved with it was at Stourpaine when armed with a set of incomprehensible instructions two of us managed to get it up in about half an hour. I'm pleased to say that the rally made up for this fiasco except that I walked around in fear of ending upside down in the mud since I hadn't taken any boots with me. I've certainly learnt my lesson about Stourpaine and wellingtons. Over the years we've met an enormous number of characters, both public as well as enginemen. First there are the Browsers: they creep up to the stand, sift through the books, have a good read, and then creep away again. There was even one old gentleman who brought a chair with him which he plonked in front of the stand and set to reading everything, whereupon he thanked us wandered off to the next stand. Then there are the Gricers. These characters absorb information like a sponge asking all kinds of questions about nothing in particular and preventing you serving anyone, then going away feeling chuffed with themselves. The funny thing is that the same people can be found at different rallies around the country, usually asking the same inane questions. What we have found at most of the rallies we now attend is the triendly atmosphere. This usually shows itself on Saturday night when everyone left on the rally fields makes use of the beer tent or local hostelry and a good time is had by all. There have been a number of funny incidents whilst being on the stand, some of which are unprintable, such as an Australian tolling us about the enthusiasts back home 39

in typical Australian language. Another incident happened at the end of the rally at Hadlow ❑own a few years ago when a lady wandered onto the rally site and down into the lower field where we were talking to some of the engine and organ owners when she suddenly said, as if she had a Blum in her mouth: "I say, what are all these puffing Billies?" At which point everybody fell about laughing and she wandered off in amazement. Then there was the engineman who was on the point of putting his very grimy hands on one of our most expensive books. I glared at him and he looked sheepishly at me, the book, and his hands — in that order. I offered to flick over the pages of this largely photographic book so he could see what was inside and as I opened the book to its third page he exclaimed "That's my engine!" and became another of our satisfied customers. We have also had the typical American tourist peeling notes off his thick wad of tenners . . . "Oh Honey!" he remonstrated with his wife, "we gotta have something to read in the hotel tonight" as he cleared me out of the more expensive books. Something about his good lady's expression told me that he was not making an approved purchase! One of our chief helpers, Nick by name, once sold a book on MG cars to a Swedish enthusiast, who extolled the virtues of these cars to him at great length. As they talked he launched into vitriolic diatische about Swedish cars, comparing them poorly with anything made in Britain. He asked if we had any colour postcards of vintage British cars and Nick offered to get some not already on display from his car — an unmistakably Swedish vehicle! His face fell as to a car buff, to insult the other man's car is worse than insulting his wife. Suitably penitent, he cleared us out of vintage postcards. We've always got on very well with the traders who abound at most rallies and many of them don't believe that we do this for nothing but enjoy doing it voluntarily and I suppose in many ways it is a compliment that they think we are one of them since we appear to be doing the job properly. But when it comes to fellow enthusiast societies, apart from the few who we've got to know very welt over the past few years and can always have a laugh and drink with, it's very difficult to make contact with them possibly because whereas we normally stay on site, the majority of them tend to go back home over night. 40

Something that has started to occur in the last two years is the small rise in socalled enthusiast societies that have begun to infiltrate our ranks supposedly in the cause of preservation. The only problem being is in finding out exactly who and what they are, and it is not unusual to find that their membership number can be as small as two and in a couple of cases that we know of, ONE, which if we don't watch out may start to get us a bad name and start to be classed as ordinary traders and be charged full trade rates, instead of a nominal charge which is something to be respected. As far as the rally organisation is concerned we don't have too many complaints except occasionally when we find ourselves sited away from the rally field or with our back to it. This usually happens at the rallies where the organisers see us solely as a means of offsetting their expenses and pay little regard to providing us with a satisfactory position to do trade — which is all we ask. One of the main complaints is adequate facilities which tends to get an airing occasionaly in preservation circles. Personally I usually manage but when one of your fellow helpers has internal problems it can be a bit inconvenient, pardon the pun, when you have to get up early in the morning in order to use the ladies. Thinks: There must be something here that comes under the Sex Discrimination Act. Anyway, as of this year the 'Rustic' has been retired and we have two purposebuilt sixteen foot stands on the road giving us more space to place our empty beer glasses on, and for the public to lean on when reading the stock, and with the new awning extending out the front a good crowd can be accommodated whenever it is raining. By the way, our stand supports the Isle of Wight Steam Railway which is approximately two miles of standard gauge track between Havenstreet and Wootton operated by a collection of elderly locomotives and carriages, and in doing so we are attempting to recreate something of the atmosphere of the Island railways before the Second World War. At least so I'm told, because since doing the rallies and rushing around the country providing extra revenue towards restoration and generally making a nuisance of ourselves, I don't very often get to see what we're preserving. The Editor asked Derek Bishop to write this Article to show what a tremendous amount of support the various Rally Stands provide the Preservation Movement.

AREA NEWS DERBY Another rally season is over and engine owners are getting the tools out again — Marshall Roller No. 81427 owned by Dennis Waters is having a few boiler stays renewed. Lionel Fryer of Kirk Hullon is due to retube Fowler ploughing engine No. 15207, Lionel also owns a Wallis & Steevens traction engine which requires restoration. John Bosworth's Foster traction engine No. 14410 is still receiving attention and it is hoped to have the boiler work completed by Christmas. Fowler tractor No. 13196 owned by Peter Van Houten has been missing from the local scene for three years now, she is being reboxed. During the summer, Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 7967 owned by Barry Biffen and Mick Harris was retubed and painted. John Pattison's Standard Sentinel has had its first steam trials and now looks certain to be out next year. On the 22nd and 23rd October a steam party took place at Klondyke Mill, Ludbury, the usual engine line up was present (See Vol. 20 No. 4) augmented by Len Crane's Fowler Crane Engine No. 17212 all the way from Wolverhampton. A good selection of organs and veteran commercial vehicles were also in attendance. During the Sunday of the Steam Party I heard that Martin Burr had sold his Foster traction engine No. 2775, it is thought that the engine has has gone south. I close now on a very sad note, on the 14th October, Mr. Henry Crocker died suddenly after a short illness. Henry could often be seen at the local rallies with his 'Those were the Days' display of old tackle, he was a kindly man and he will be missed by us all. STEVE DURANCE.

YORKSHIRE An exciting discovery to report in this issue is the finding, in Bradford, of a Wallis & Steevens Colonial oil bath tractor No. 7389. This belongs to Mr. R. J. Hine and has recently been imported and still requires r e-assembly. More details will be given later. An unusual visitor to Yorkshire during the summer was the Tasker Tractor No. 1296/1903/BY 160,

'The Horses Friend' which was exhibited by Jack Johnson of Banks, Southport, at the Masham Rally. Yorkshire wagon No. 2128/1927/UA 1788 which was put for sale by Walter Fearnley, Castleford, some time ago has now taken up permanent residence at Gisburn, joining Tom Varley's other Yorkshires. At Tom's sale in late August, Mr. P. Taylor from Slaithwaite sold his Aveling & Porter with the wide rolls (ex Isaac ball's), No. 7583/1912/TF 395 to two new enthusiasts, Ben Farrow of Bedale and Harry Lyon of Patrick Brompton, both in North Yorkshire. Mr. Taylor has subsequently obtained a roller from the Staffordshire area — further details would be appreciated. Another roller to come into Yorkshire is (advice courtesy R.R.A.) Aveling & Porter No. 4403/1889/AD 8764 which has come to Mr. Rigg of Todmorden from the Oxon/Berks. area. The two Burrells owned by the late J. Walker, GP No. 3895/1921/ WR 7246 'Excelsior' and Road Roller No. 3456/1913/WR 9084 are now in the ownership of Eddie Walker, Jack's eldest son and are located at South Kilvington, near Thirsk. They are now under cover, having stood outside for many years. Also up in North Yorkshire, Bill Johnson's Marshall No. 17134/1888/PY 298 has moved from its usual resting place to Dalton Gates to Bill's new home at Kirklington, near Bedale. At the Steam Working held at Bordford on 17th/18th September, two ploughing engines visited the county and were worked as a pair. One of these was the Fowler BB1 No. 15428/1921/DO 1994, owned by Treloar Bros., Haltwhistle, Northumberland and the other, the K7 No. 17756/1933/V0 8988 from Nottingham Another ploughing engine, that of Mr. Nixon of Haydon Bridge, Northumberland (Fowler No. 13910/1914/AB 9987 'My Delight') was also present. Sheffield (Norfolk Park) was also visited by a ploughing engine when one came to the South Yorkshire Transport Rally in September. This was the Fowler BB No. 14375/1917/BE owned by Mr. G. Flear of Gainsborough. Finally, a question. Can any reader in the North Derbyshire area throw any light on the Sentinel waggon reported to be standing in a shed near Buxton, please? D. A. RAYNER, "Invicta", 1 Church Street, Woodlesford, Leeds, LS26 811E. 41

BEDFORDSHIRE Notes for this area have not appeared regularly since 1968. I hope in the course of time to mention all engines in the county and those closely associated with Bedfordshire Steam Preservation Club. Two engines have changed ownership within the county recently due to the sudden death of Mr. 'Paddy' Paddison. The Fowler roller No. 16175 Reg. NW 8198 of 1924 passed to his regular helper Peter Johnson of Clapham together with his showman's living wagon. The Marshall portable No. 89249, 16 h.p. single cylinder passing to the Case brothers of Gravenhurst. They collected the engine early in 1977 and rallied it at Pirton on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend painted and looking very smart. Also at Pirton the Case brothers had their recently restored pair of ploughing engines 'Sunrise' and 'Surprise' No. 14247/8 Reg. No. YB 1268 and 9 of 1916, and their Garrett Showman's tractor 'Evening Star" No. 33941 Reg. No. BJ 2484 of 1920 which has been in their ownership since 1942. Another engine new to the county is a Fowler ploughing engine No. 13881 Reg. NO 370 of 1914 purchased by Mr. Jim Coombes of Woburn from Mr. E. Shone of Mill Hill, London. This is the sister engine to that owned by Bill Coulbrook of Luton. Mr. Coombes got the engine home in late 1975 and now has it completely stripped down and is ready for rebuilding, he awaits a new smokebox and hopes to be back on the road in 1978. Mr. Barry Two of Clapham collected a Marshall tractor, No. 36258 Reg. FU 92 of 1901, a slide valve compound, from Mr. Les Simons of Nether Langwith, near Mansfield, on the 10th September 1977. This engine although complete is in pieces not even having the firebox or tube plate attached to the boiler shell. It came complete with a new firebox. I am informed that the Ruston Hornsby No. 169167 Reg. No. TL 5452 of 1936 named Trevithick sold from St. Agnes in Cornwall earlier this year, is now in the ❑wnership of Mr. Pentus Brown of Stoke Hammond, just over the border into Buckinghamshire. The engine is now in the yard of Dick Gilbert of Leighton Buzzard receiving attention to its firebox. Earlier in the year. Messrs. lbbott and Ruff did 26 acres of ploughing for Mr. Davenport of Tetworth, Bedfordshire. Mr. Davenport purchased a Burrell single crank 42

compound engine at Hursts sale in April 1977, the engine is to have a new firebox this winter. Bedfordshire Steam Preservation Club's 1977 rally at Roxton Park, near Bedford, took place on 17th and 18th September, 1977. The weather was windy and Sunday morning was light rain but still the picturesque park was comfortably full. The programme listed 50 steam engines, one failed to attend but was replaced by one not listed. Steam ploughing was taking place on both days as was threshing and for the first time Mr. G. Care of Brafield on the Green, Northampton brought his Marshall seed comber and trusser. This rare machine was acquired by Mr. Care from Devon and has undergone much restoration while in his ownership. The trusser also has been the subject of much work by Mr. Care's youngest son. Wood sawing was in progress on both days undertaken by Mr. A. J. Fensom and family of Markyate, Hertfordshire. During the week following the Roxton rally the Burrell Scenic Showman's Road Locomotive 'Lord Lascelles' No. 3886 Reg. XF 8162 owned by Steve Neville broke its rear axle and is at present in the county awaiting repairs. The Club's annual dinner was held at Hitchen on 7th October, and a good time was had by all. The Saunders family of Stotfold held their annual steam party and disco on the 15th October. It was a most enjoyable occasion attended by eleven engines and three organs. The Saunders family Wallis & Steevens expansion engine No. 7666 Reg. BL 8289 drove their Ruston Hornsby heavy threshing drum and chaff cutter all afternoon and evening. Other engines were brought by P. & R. Coulson, J. King, G. Fensom, A. lbbott, the Leys school, D. Harrower, P. Ives, and L. Statham. Reg Saunders' Fowler roller was also in attendance as were his two unrestored engines, more of which will be written in a further issue. I cannot end these notes without expressing the gratitude of the club to Cyril Norman, who for many years was club secretary and treasurer and also rally organiser. He retired recently due to his other heavy commitments. We are pleased to see him finding time to attend club meetings and rallies. GARTH HOLMAN.

CORNWALL Two more engines have vacated the area during the summer. In June, David Theobald sold his Wallis & Steevens 10ton single Roller No. 2574 'Saracen' to Jack Rhodes of Latchindon, near Ma!don, Essex, and in July, the 6 n.h.p. Marshall Portable No. 50595, a sc/sv type, which has spent its entire life at work in the East Taphouse Sawmills, near Liskeard, finally went for preservation, being purchased by Ron Bond of Chard, who already owns another Marshall Portable and an Aveling Roller. During July, also, the 6 n.h.p. Marshall single Traction No. 34022 'Little Audrey' of Hedley James was pulled from its resting place behind a garage at Fraddon, and towed to Rex Davey's Museum at Tressilian Barton, near Summercourt. At St. Columb Major, Mark Sims has now decided to replace the firebox in his Burrell compound Traction Nn. 3816 'cnrnish Maid', and work is in progress in cutting the old box out. An engine well on the way to completion of reboxing at Callington is Russell Gillbard's Marshall compound Traction No. 38024 'Cressing Temple', which should reach the trial steaming stage shortly and possibly be in action again by next year. At Penryn, Brian Sanders will shortly he completely dismantling his Burrell s.c.c. Traction No. 2575 'Buller', also for a new firebox and complete overhaul, following its appearance at St. Agnes Rally in unrestored condition. Three engines participated in the Annual Steam & Vintage Gala at St. Buryan in July: Joe and Dennis Warren's Garrett Tractor No. 34789 'Queenie', Will Alford's Fowler Road Loco No. 12693 'Brunel' and John Richards' Marshall Roller No. 8816 'Lyonese'. This last one unfortunately developed tube trouble on the way home from this event, so was unable to attend St. Agnes Rally a few weeks later. Also absent from the same event because repairs to the tank and tender could not be effected in time was W. J Danning's Aveling Roller No. 4747. Dick Wood's Burrell Showman No. 2651 'Challenger' also failed to make the deadline as it was found necessary to make new keyways in the second shaft and rear axle and to fit new keys. Owing to the lateness of the harvest this year, commitments on the farm prevented her owner from completing the work in time, a great dis-

appointment after all the work he had done during the preceding winter. At Roche, Rex Curtis has made a fine start on the restoration of his Armstrong Whitworth Roller No. 10R19. The canopy has been taken off to facilitate work on the motion and gearing, the front end dismantled and the old smokebox and tubes removed. Whilst waiting for certain specialist boiler repairs to be carried out, Rex and his helpers have thoroughly cleaned the old paintwork down to bare metal in readiness for repainting. Undoubtedly, she will be equal to, if not better than his recently completed Wallis 'Advance' Roller No. 8095 'Amy' when restoration is finished. Another roller undergoing a general overhaul, clean-up and repaint, at Carn Brea Village, is Paul Richards' Marshall No. 75826, which should be out again during 1978. Mrs. Phyllis Pettitt's Aveling Roller No. 5541 'Bo Peep' has been on display throughout the summer months at 'The Age of Steam', a new narrow-gauge steam railway venture, close to the main A30 road at Crowles, near Penzance. 'Gladiator' also put in an appearance there during August, and has completed its usual round of events besides this. During the coming months, it is hoped to fit new rubbers on one rear wheel of this engine. Although it rarely ventures outside of Cornwall, this must be just about the most travelled showman's engine in covering numerous miles preservation, each season, together with the 89-key Gavioli Organ, in order to raise money for charitable causes. One of the last events for 1977 within the county took place in mid-September, at the Annual Open Day at Reg Morse's Farm Museum, Mawla Well. Several engines were in steam, including the yard 'residents' Marshall No. 69303 'Titan', Aveling No. 10187 'Highwayman', Clayton No. 48279 'Pheonix'. Visiting engines comprised Burrell Showman No. 3159 'Gladiator', Aveling-Barford Roller AH 162 'Omega', Garrett Tractor No. 34789 'Queenie' and Marshall Tractor No. 62121 'The Whale'. Robey Tractor No. 41493 'Little Glutton' and Aveling Roller No. 8581 'Dougal' were present but not in steam, being still in course of overhaul. Additional information from notes in Steaming Vol. 20, No. 4, are as follows: Page 229 — Sussex Notes — The Wallis 'Advance' Roller of the late H. S. Pocock of Angmering was No. 7947 (OT 6259) 43

— not 8016 as printed. It has since been resold by C. Russett, Southampton, to Messrs. Bailey and Woodruff, Ascot, Berks. The Sentinel S4 Waggon sold by Cmdr. Baldock, Hollycombe, is No. 9074 (BEV 466), the preceding number to Messrs. Brook and Hirst's No. 9075 (BEV 467), as stated. No. 9074 is now owned and being restored by R. Hickman, Kenilworth, Warks. Page 232 — Burrell No. 3902, illustrated, is a 5 n.h.p. General Purpose Traction Engine, not a Steam Motor Tractor, although it is much smaller than is normally associated with its type. ALAN THOMAS.

SUSSEX During recent months three engines have changed ownership and a fourth, probably a Fowler roller, has been offered for sale in the Storrington area. The pair of Fowler BB1 plough engines belonging to Alan Morriss of Pippingford Park have now passed to a new owner in Hampshire, apparently closely linked with the former Wessex Machinery Museum. One of the pair was in partly dismantled condition to facilitate repairs to the boiler. Named "Tweedledum" and "Tweedledee" the pair are numbered 15344 and 15345 respectively. The other engine to change hands is a single cylinder 8-ton Wallis & Steevens roller No. 7333. Formerly the property of Patrick Coxall of Haslemere, Surrey, the new owner lives in the Chichester area where the engine last worked commercially in the ownership of Neals. In the Portsmouth area Dave Bird, better known as Dicky Bird, is making progress with the restoration of his 1926 Aveling & Porter roller. His engine is a 'C' type, 8-ton single cylinder model which was supplied to W. C. French of Buckhurst Hill, Essex, and carried the Registration No. TW 5338. After French's ceased to use the roller in the mid 1950s it passed to Hardwick's at West Ewell until retrieved in 1973. A major rebuild is required, work to date has been to completely strip the engine prior to replacing the fire box and boiler barrel. Work is now underway to remove the old fire box. G.J.G. 44

EAST ANGLIA Firstly, to 'recap' on previous notes in Vol. 20:- Edgar Shone's S8 Sentinel is lettered Crown Steam Haulage Co., London, N.W.2 — NOT Crown Cartage Co. (sorry Dan!). Secondly, the Garrett T.E. No. 23992 of Taylor Bros., Bildeston, Suffolk, isn't sold into Hertfordshire, it is only at Wiggington for extensive repairs. It MAY be sold at a later date if the right price is offered I am told. The new owner of the Garrett roller Nr. 34267 from Suffolk is Dave Dale of Battlesbridge. The Burrell S.E. No. 3865 'No. 1' ex Pat Collins is no wowned by Mr. A. G. Beales of Wisbech and has gone up to Horace Smith at Old Leake, Lincs., to be renovated. Mr. Beale's Fowler S.E. No. 14858 'Iron Duke' has been sold to Mr. A. B. Mason of Burnham Market, Norfolk, who at one time owned the Burrell S.E. No. 3878 'Island Chief' before parting with it a few years back to Ken Wood of Hail Weston, St. Neots. This is still as far as I know under treatment at Stan Burgess's workshop at Haddenham, Cambs. A further roller has come into Essex recently, this is W. & S. No. 2574 (HO 6045) ex Daxe Theobald, Ponsanooth, Cornwall. The new owner is Jack Rhodes of Roundbush, Purleigh, and it attended a small Steam-up in mid-August at Hatfield Peverel organised by The S.E. Essex Traction Engine Owners in aid of a Burns Unit for a local Hospital. As the roller was still lettered in the previous owner's name it provoked the not so well informed — "Did you steam all the way up!" Also attending this small, but very pleasant event were Burrell T.E. No. 3474 'Gay Girl' of Brian Bourn, the S8 Sentinel No. 9105 of Edgar Shone with Dan Doncaster and Nigel Underwood in charge; Garrett Tr. No. 33829 'Empress' of John Smith, Inworth, and the A. & P. Tr. No. 9382 'Chaser' of Mrs. Edna Driscoll, Brentwood. At Weeting Rally in July the main item in the auction on the Saturday was the Burrell roller No. 3047 (AH 6867) of Stan Burgess, Haddenham. This failed to reach the reserve price but was later sold by arrangement to Fred Webb of Hockwold, Norfolk. Appearing for the first time at this Rally was the Burrell roller No. 3994 (PW 3993) 'Leader' of J. P. Wright of Brettenham, Norfolk, and restored this year by Keith Grimsey. Although unpainted as yet, it was basically sound after standing many years, although much hard work by Keith,

Elizabeth, and friends has gone into it this year. It was new to the well known firm of Doran Bros., of Thetford, one of many Burrell rollers that were new to this firm. At the time of writing (mid-September) we have yet another mystery sighting on our hands. This involves two rusty engines that were observed on the M3 in late July, when asked, the driver said these were part of a consignment that had arrived at Southampton from South Africa, and he was taking these two to the Dagenham area. As yet no light has been thrown on the subject. The rest of the consignment were six Class Z Ploughing Engines bound for Warwickshire. John Dillon of Eastern Avenue, Ilford, may be leaving us soon to return to Ireland and will be taking the A. & P. roller No. 8036 "Smokey Joe" with him. Cliff Aldrich has sold the Ransomes T.E. No. 27461 (FI 1176) to Moke Cooke of Pinchbeck, Holland, Lincs. Over on the borders of Essex with Cambridgeshire, Geoff Bradshaw of Chrishill now has Garrett T.E. No. 27342 from J. Hirst, St. Mary Bourne, Hants. This was withdrawn from the April Sale at Chilbolton, Hants. Another engine to make a return to the Rally fields after a long absence is Marshall T.E. No. 52483 (E 5114), which appeared at this year's 'Bysteam' at Taverham Hall. It is owned by D. Dean of Hopton-on-Sea, and I am told the owner is a sea-going man on long trips and is why we have seen little of this engine for some years now. Finally, with a touch of sadness, prior to the Bysteam Rally, the sad loss of Michael Salmon who suffered a heart attack trying tc prevent a fire on the Rally field. He was a well-known figure at local events and a pillar of strength in the Road Locomotive Societys, whose equal will be hard to find. May I, through the East Anglian Club, offer our belated condolences to his wife, Mrr:. Kathleen Salmon. , R. A. HARDING, Steam Preservation, East Anglian Traction Engine Club.

SOUTH DEVON Once more enginer owners are "dropping the damper" and "putting the lid on" at the close of another season's steaming — quite a few have been out to the various

rallies and smaller events around the county and into neighbouring Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, whilst, conversely, Devon has been host to a number of engines from these three counties. Weatherwise, several were marred by inclement conditions but others were more fortunate, one particularly lucky date coinciding with the Sunday and Monday of the August Bank Holiday weekend, which benefited both the Chappelton (North Devon) and Honiton Hill (E. Devon) rallies, drawing big crowds on both days in ideal weather. The latter was again an outstanding success, and, although not strictly a steam engine rally, nine steamers attended, adding considerable interest to the many vintage tractors, stationary engines and horse drawn vehicles gathered for the occasion, along with threshing, ploughing and harvesting displays, etc., etc., plus a much enjoyed barbecue and film show on the Sunday evening for all exhibitors. Dominating all else by sheer size was undoubtedly Ron Bonds' magnificent great 16 h.p. single cylinder Marshall Portable No. 88105 with "Colonial" type firebox and twin flywheels, now fully painted and lined out — a most impressive spectacle. The engine was powering the rack sawbench during the weekend and contrasted dramatically with the nearby small er 6 h.p. s.c. Marshall Portable No. 34617 of 1900, owned by John Vinnicombe and making its second rally appearance since complete overhaul, running very nicely belted up to a reed comber, and attracting admiring crovids during the working periods. It was nice to see the Broomfield brothers who previously owned the portable for many years taking a keen interest in their old engine. Incidentally, next year's rally may see yet another Marshall Portable of similar size to No. 34617, as Ron Bond has recently obtained a "little brother" to go with 88105! in the shape of 6 h.p. s.c. engine No. 50595, which has stood disused but under cover in East Taphouse Sawmills, Cornwall, for some years, although the engine will need a new firebox, smokehox and tuhes, hut restoration has begun and the old box has been removed. Roy and Richard West made this event their first public appearance with their restored Wallis 'Advance' roller No. 7095 (OT 8117), when they successfully steamed the 20 odd miles from Exeter on the Saturday in spite of heavy holiday traffic on the A.30 — a satisfying outcome to nearly three years' labours. 45

John Lee steamed his Burrell tractor No. 3689 (BP 5927) from Exmouth and others present were Aveling rollers Nos. 9074 and 10926, Fowler roller No. 18279, and Garrett tractor conversion No. 31193. Reference was made in the last notes of the surviving Devon County Council steam rollers (4) which have been stored out of use for several years now. During mid summer one of the two Avelings was low loaded to Newton Abbot and is now on loan to a Mr .Green, a local ironmonger, and work is now in hand to return the engine to steamable condition again, involving replacement of some tubes and a few other minor repairs. The roller concerned is No. 11599 (TT 9449), an 8 ton PV compound (Fleet No. 5) that had last worked in the South Molton Division of North Devon. The other "loaned" Devon C.C. roller in the same locality, Eric Sims' 10 ton 'Advance' No. 7904 (OT 3167), is progressing well towards its first steaming. A number of firebox stays and all the crown stays have been renewed, a set of new tubes fitted, attention to the back axle and motion work overhauled. The hydraulic test was successfully passed in September and re-assembly and re-painting in the County livery of mid-green is under way, and Eric hopes to have the roller on the road in time to participate in the now well established New Year's Day (1978) road run from Newton Abbot to the Dartmoor Half Way Inn (about 9 miles return) where engines will stand in the car park while crews replenish within the hostery! This year, 1977, four engines turned out, and from present indications we may well be able to double the entry for 1978, as several other owners have expressed their intention of joining in. A former Devon C.C. Aveling, sold out of service in 1965 to Mr. F. Sherland, of Up Exe, Thorverton, has recently changed hands, having been purchased by Mr. Tony Yelland of Exeter. This is quite an attractive 10 ton single cylinder example, with full canopy and stove pipe chimney, numbered 7095 (TA 2661), which over the years has never ventured more than a few miles from its previous owner's home on even fewer occasions, so we look forward to seeing this roller about more frequently than hitherto. Richard Parkinson, also of Exeter, has disposed of the unique Robey Tri-Tandem roller No. 45655 (VL 2773) and at the August 14-15 Dart Valley Railway Steam-Up it was in steam with its new owner, John Woodley, who also 46

took it to Tedburn St. Mary Fair a few weeks later. The engine will be kept on the D.V.R. premises for the time being from where John hopes to steam it to the New Year's Day run, with possibly the D.V.R. Co's Foden traction No. 1174 (SN 1609) also joining the run. The boiler of Gordon Bruce's 10 ton compound Marshall OH/SV roller No. 74746 (TA 2442) is now at Roger Pridham's premises near Gunnislake for repairs to the barrel and removal of the firebox. Whilst this is being done, restoration work continues on the tender, front and rear rolls and other parts in readiness for reassembly when the boiler returns. A number of vital parts are still required to restore the engine, in particular a flywheel, so if any readers can offer help in locating or suggesting possible sources of Marshall spares, Gordon would be most grateful for any news or ideas at Turnpike Cottage, Leigh Cross, Dunsfordl, Exeter, or telephone Christow 52561. Mike Hynds 1898 OH/SV Aveling traction No. 4255 (TA 1063) 'Queen Victoria' is also under repair at Gunnislake, a cracked cylinder block being the major concern, but during the year he purchased the remains of an old Aveling roller with identical block with a view to exchanging it for the damaged one. However, a satisfactory repair having since been made on 'Queen Vics' original block, it is now the intention to restore the old roller as well, though as it has been heavily robbed in the past it will of necessity be a long term project. Further details of the rollers age, makers number, etc., are being investigated. Mr. Ian Norman of Hatherleigh, has been out again this season with his little Foster Wellington tractor No. 13088 (FE 1125), after an absence of 4 or 5 years, and it attended Chappleton and Redruth rallies, whilst George Moore took 'Farmers Friend', Fowler TE No. 9698 (HR 4732), to Redruth, and Liskeard, in which locality the Fowler is temporarily housed as Mr. and Mrs. Moore have moved house in Ayles• beare, as a result of which completion of the 1903 Allchin No. 1268 has been delayed. The Horrell brothers at Stoke Canon have moved their 12 ton P.V. single Aveling No. 10981 (AF 9604) under cover for continuation of repairs and repainting during the winter, whilst firebox repairs and a general overhaul of Ken Stenners s.c. Ransomes TE No. 15127 commenced in September at Aylesbeare.

Mr. Robin Barnards 10 ton P.V. Aveling No. 10574 has now returned to its owner's home at Seaton after spending the summer on the Dart Valley Railway, Buck fastleigh, and another roller, absent from Devon for quite a while, Owen Slade's compound convertible Marshall No. 68955, has returned from Gordon Luggs, Billinghurst engine works, now as a traction

engine, and visited Blandford Steam Working en route. Finally, for those avid readers anxiously awaiting any news of that Marshall Portable in the wilds of rural Puddington. Due to the absence of any reports of restoration emanating from this remote area. I can only advise readers to continue to . . . . watch this space TONY COOMBES.

We are indebted to The Stoomwalsenclub Nederland and their Editor Rob Gebhard for allowing us to reproduce their Christmas Card for 1977. Just look at the detail in the drawing by Mr. A. L. Rog who we are told retired from advertising many years ago. We wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and good health in the Now Year. 47

Canterbury (N.Z.) Steam Preservation Society The society is progressing with the establishment of their permanent quarters at McLeans Island. A track has been laid and a steam tramway is operating, a permanent building has been erected for

the repair and storage of road engines, a museum is being built and much steam plant and associated machinery is being assembled. The Society's special Easter event was a great success with the "Price" rail loco, Marshall "dredger" boiler, Anderson boiler and numerous stationary engines in steam alongside: H. G. Feather's McLaren T.E. No. 1110; D. Hedley's Burrell T.E. No. 2697; P. & M. Easterbrook's Robey T.E. No.

28295; Schneider & Ward's A. & P. T.E. No. 7484; Scheider & Ward's A. & P. Roller No. 11320.

THAMES VALLEY Foden No. 2876 (1911) M 3631, mentioned in the last notes, was exhibited in ilts derelict state of the Hungerford Rally. Immediately after the rally owners Gordon Hedges and Tony Byng of Newbury, got to work, they removed the boiler, etc. from the chassis and have got the firebox out of the boiler preparatory to a new one being made by Peter Barnes. Plenty of other work remains. All valve and piston

rods, for example, are so badly wasted that renewal will be required. Aveling & Porter No. 4403 has left the area being sold to an enthusiast at Todmorden in the Pennines. Aveling & Porter No. 11093 'Mercury'

duly came back to life in June and attended her first event in the south in the ownership of Vic and Eleanor Greenaway,

when she was at the Woodcote Rally. She has had a few airings in the local byways since then. Our President, Arthur Napper, invited members to his house at Appleford for his 'Steam Party'. Arthur had Marshall 'Old Timer' and Fowler 'Tommy' in steam, gently ticking over alongside John Keeley's organ which was powered by Jack Lawrence's 5 ton Burrell Showman's Tractor

'Kathleen' that steamed over from Great Milton for the occasion. Hot sausages and cool ale was served in the shelter of the barn, which proved very useful in the very 48

heavy showery conditions. In the evening the party moved to the nearby Carpenter's Arms, the pub where Arthur and Miles Chetwynd-Stapleton arranged their very first "race", in 1950, that led eventually to rallies and preservation as we know it today. RAN HAWTHORNE.

LANCASHIRE & CHESHIRE The first report of steaming activity during the Summer of 1977 has little to do with traction engines! However, it is worth noting that the coal fired steam tug 'Karne' was out on the river Mersey to take part (albeit unofficially!) in the Queen's Revue of Shipping on 21st June, as part of the North-West Jubilee Celebrations. The tug, built in 1913 for the Admiralty dockyard at Chatham, behaved very well while in the river and caused a little chaos when her crew decided to have their own revue of the shipping! However, 'Karne' was eventually ushere to an anchorage to await Her Majesty and obtained a fair

bit of attention from the Royal party when they passed by, particularly as 'Karne' was the only vessel to have a black (but not too black) plume of smoke issuing forth from the funnel. Now back on dry land and to the activities of engines and their owners. One Saturday in late June, George Coles did a haulage job with his 1913 7 h.p.

Clayton traction No. 46059 when he hauled his recently acquired 8 h.p. s.c. Ruston Proctor portable No. 52721 from Fred Dinah's yard at Bolton (where the previous owner had left it since 1973) to his engine shed at Swinton. A certain amount of work with the Clayton wire rope was required before the portable could be coupled to the drawbar and after that the trip went without incident. However, the operation of shunting and positioning the portable into the shed took almost as long as the trip! One of the largest collectors sales for years took place on 20th August at Todber Museum of Steam, Gisburn, on behalf of Tom Varley and others. Altogether there were some 350 lots in the sale, including tractors, cars, spare parts and collectors items. The centre of attraction was of course the steam engines but for some reason nobody was buying! First of the engines to come under the

hammer was Garrett tractor No. 30959 of 1912 which was withdrawn at £8,000. Next

The Steam Tug 'Kerne' passing Princes Landing Stage, Liverpool, during the Queen's Review of Shipping in the River Mersey, 21st June, 1977. Photo: Courtesy North Western Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. came the fully restored 1931 Sentinel DG6 waggon No. 8562 (withdrawn at over £11,000 but sold later); then came the 1909 Burrell road local No. 3131 in unrestored condition which made £11,000 and was withdrawn (but sold later). The 1929 Foden Showman conversion No. 13238 was next, made £11,000 and was withdrawn; the very old Aveling & Porter 10 ton s.c. roller No. 2031 of 1884 only fetched E2,500 and was withdrawn, while the unrestored 7 ton Robey tandem roller No. 42233 was bid up to £3,000, but also withdrawn. One more roller was in the sale, Aveling & Porter 10 ton s.c. No. 7583, which only reached £1,500 so it, too, was withdrawn. Apart from the two rallies at Burtonwood and Chelford there have been several other events to keep engine owners busy. 23rd and 24th July was the annual Lower Whitley Steam Party, attended this year by Clayton TE 46059, Foden TE 2312, Burrell TE 2003. Burrell TE 4037, Burrell RR 4067, Burrell SRL 2879, Burrell RE 3098, Fowler RR 20122, Aveling RR 10906, Garrett TR 33612. Once again it turned out to be an enjoyable event, with the highlight being with the Sunday lunch, held at the local inn where half the engines turned up. September saw two events on the weekend of the 10th and 11th, at Runcorn and Cholmondley Castle, near Beeston, and the following weekend a few engines took part in Antrobus Country Fair. The Runcorn gathering was the first Open Day of the Cheshire Transport Col-

lection at their musuem, the Old Crosville Bus Depot in Runcorn. Supporting the event several vintage vehicles, a small fair and ten engines in steam; 1903 Aveling RR 5199, 1907 Burrell SRL 2879, 1909 Burrell RL 3098, 1913 Burrel RR 3535, 1913 Clayton TE 46059. 1919 Garrett TR 33612, 1924 Aveling RR 10906. 1926 Burrell TE 4037, 1927 Burrell RR 4067, 1932 Sentinel DG4 8714 and 1933 Fowler RR 20122. Several of the steamers will be resident at the museum, as well as buses and cars, and the Collection should be open to the public in 1978. More news will be given when known. The last major event of the season was the annual Holly Bush Steam Party on 8th and 9th October and the 1977 event was the tenth one to be held. This privately organised event, at which preservationists gather for a last fling before Winter sets in was attended by a variety of engines, vintage farm machinery and a few vehicles. Albert Cowap, landlord of the Inn, and Mrs. Cowap along with Peter Froud, Walter Fitter and several local enthusiasts had once again laid the foundation for a really enjoyable weekend. Despite heavy cloud on the Saturday the rain held off enabling Walter Fitter, his band of threshermen and his 1910 Foden traction engine No. 2312 to thresh half the stack of 2 acres of oats using Dennis Priestney's Foster base and Jones Baler. Engines on display in the threshing area (when not trundling about the local roads) were George Coles' 1913 Clayton TE. Burrel 5 h.p. TE No. 4037, Burrell 6 h.p. Road Loco No. 3098, Garret tractor No. 33612, Bill Evans' 1901 Marshall s.c. TET No. 35554, Frank Lyth goe's 1910 Foster compound TE No. 12539, the immaculate old Humphries portable owned by Bill Daken and the 1932 Sentinel 0G4 waggon No. 8714. Occupying the hard standing at the rear of the inn were three rollers, Peter Froud's 1933 Fowler 10 ton compound, Alan Porter's once demic 1913 Burrell d.c.c. No. 3535 and the 1924 p.v. Aveling & Porter single No. 10906 whose owner, Jim Stevenson had joined the ranks of qualified roller drivers the previous week. At lunchtime on the Saturday Mrs. Cowap unveiled the new name for Burrell 3535, 'Old Ernie', named after the engine's old driver, Mr. Ernie Cooper, who drove the roller for Leyland U.D.C. from 1947 to 1963. Saturday night however, is the highlight of this Steam Party and despite 49

heavy rain in the early part of the evening (which soon cleared away), the evening went true to tradition. The organ this year was Eddie Hatfield's 48 key Chiappa Showboat (which played really well throughout the weekend) and with Peter Walton's 7 h.p. Burrell Showman 'Princess Royal' generating light alongside the organ, the pair provided the backcloth for a very enjoyable evening. Sunday followed a similar pattern to Saturday, with the threshing and engine movement continuing despite frequent short showers. Throughout the weekend one more steam exhibit had caused considerable interest to be focussed on itself, the Steam Tug 'Karne' moored not half a mile from the Holly Bush on the River Weaver at Acton Bridge. It must be the first time a real live, full size steam boat has attended any traction engine event! The crew of 'Kerne' took a large party on a Sunday afternoon cruise down the Weaver, a trip much appreciated as most had never seen such a thing at close quarters. News now of engine changes and restoration. Thomas Croft & Co. Ltd., Civil Engineers, of Preston, have disposed of their ancient 10 ton s.c. Fowler roller No. 7446. New owner is Mr. Hartley of Goosnargh, who has removed the tender and several other pieces for restoration. Another roller on which restoration has started is the ex W. J. King ex J. Hirst 8 ton d.c.c. Burrell No. 4004 which was acquired from Tom Varley in June by Mr. A. Bridges of Grapenhall. The front rolls and fork have been removed so that the remains of the smokebox and the worn out tube plate can be removed. The roller may not be seen for some time yet as it is to undergo full restoration. At Glazebury, Eric Marshall has had the fire box fitted to his 1923 compound Ransomes TE No. 35247 and is now in the process of re-building so that re-painting can be done during the winter months. Sentinel waggon No. 3976, a Standard type built in 1920 for Ely Breweries of Cardiff, is well on the way to becoming active in the hands of her owner, John Nudd of Beeston. With the engine and chassis completed earlier this year, John has concentrated during the summer months on building the cab and bodywork. The latest addition to Frank Lythgoe's engine collection, Burrell 8 h.p. Showman No. 3610 'William V', had to have repairs when the front axle broke in two places 50

while Frank was steaming the engine home from Astle Park Rally. When approaching Knutsford, the front nearside wheel suddenly parted company from the axle and before the engine could be stopped the off-side wheel, with a piece of axle, also broke off, leaving the perch bracket to nose dive into the road surface. By swiftly slamming the injector on and throwing out the fire in record time, Frank was able to save the fire box from damage, and even had enough steam to drive the engine onto the low loader with the front end being suspended from a heavy recovery crane. Tube plate repairs on the 1908 Foden 5 ton wagon No. 1742, owned by Mrs. J. Briggs of Mobberley were completed by late September and new tubes fitted so this venerable old wagon should be back on the road for the 1978 season. Over at Southport, Ray Hulock has finished rebuilding his Marshall convertible No. 75408 from a roller into a tractor. The engine was new in 1922 to the Isle of Man Highways Board and used throughout it life back as a roller or as a tractor, depending on work available, until 1966. A severely cracked saddle played an important part in the decision to convert the engine back to a tractor. The twelve month saga of the writer's 10 ton d.c.c. Burrell roller No. 3535 more or less came to an end in mid-September when it was actually steamed and departed from its resting place at Stretton to attend the Open Day of the Cheshire Transport Collection at Runcorn. Although the eight mile trop took three hours the roller performed reasonably well, even though the injector refused to work and the pump deceided to have an off day, which made steaming a bit of a tricky process. The motion performed all right too, only a thump coming from the LP big end, which had to be slackened off when it got rather hot! After the Runcorn event No. 3535 was steamed another eight miles, to the Holly Bush Inn, doing the trip in under two hours, despite a few thumps and bangs! Here the safety valves were set, the injector clack sorted out and the cylinder lubricator adjusted to stop it pouring oil into the steam chest. With these minor troubles put right by early October the official steam test was conducted and passed with flying colours. No. 3535 performed well enough at the Holly Bush Steam Party, despite the 'LP big end thump' which turned out to be the

HP piston loose in its crosshead. Though not in the compass of these notes there have been engines at work outside the area, and unless noted their endeavours could pass unnoticed. An engine seen regularly at the Lancs. I.E. Club rally at Burtonwood is the Lloyd Jones Bros. 1923 Sentinel DG4 Tar Sprayer which has once again been out earning a living for its owners. Main area of work is the by-ways of Clwyd in North Wales and on several occasions the Sentinel has been joined by their little ex-Merioneth C.C. 8 ton Fowler roller. Steam has also been at work in another part of this territory when Dick Woolley of Bridgenorth, Salop, steamed his pair of 1918 Fowler BB1 Plough Engines Nos. 15194/5, complete with tackle, to the Corwen area. Here they were put to work dredging a lake on Lord Newborough's estate during the winter months, and then moved to the Mold area for another lake dredging session. Another engine to be put to work is George Bridson's 7 h.p. Fowler RL No. 15376, which was employed during weekends in September on tree pulling operations. ALAN PORTER.

ROAD ROLLER ASSOCIATON In association with the Klondyke Mill, group members attended an 'Open Day' at this mainly Rollers Steam Centre. About half a dozen rollers were in steam with two more not in steam, still being under restoration. Jubilee week-end was a very busy time, one wonders how many engines were in steam at rallies or in parades. My family's roller 'Busy Bee' was in a parade at nearby Goring-on-Thames while Peter Barnes had 'Big John' at the Pangbourne merry makings. That pattern must have been repeated up and down the land. 'Busy Bee' spent the night in the Station Yard, moving on to Purley Marina where a few days later she did a full day's rolling, having won the contract in direct competition with diesels. The owner was delighted with a job well done. In July we held our first Road Run, a modest but enjoyable event. A. & P. No. 10168 (TA 2027) Narraway and Shearwood; A. & P. No. 14001 (KR

478) Brian Willis; Burrell No. 3305 (TB 3722) Peter Barnes; Burrell No. 4040 (TT 7917) Jim Callan; Fowler No. 14674 (BW 9937) Hawthornes; Fowler No. 18637 (YD 1601); Milbank, Harrison, Tomlin and Neale, W. & S. No. 7799 (HO 6354) 'Jumbo' Palmer, left Benson and steamed eight miles to the Woodcote Rally. The last two miles is all up hill and provides a good test for drivers, if not for the rollers. The steamers were joined by a 1926 Barford-Perkins motor roller over these last two miles. Everyone enjoyed the run and asked for anothed next year. All arrived by 12 noon. We have a Roller Working arranged for November and on 3rd December members will be meeting at Kew Bridge Pumping Station, one, to see the beam engines and the various Traction Engines and Rollers that live at Kew and, two, to hear a talk by Peter Smart on 'Road Rollers and Road Making Machines'. RAN HAWTHORNE (Chairman), 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. Tel: 0491-680484.

THE LINCOLNSHIRE STEAM ENGINE PRESERVATION SOCIETY The year 1976 closed in this area with yet another of the popular Christmas Suppers organised by Mr. and Mrs. Eric Riggall at Alford. As in nther years all the tickets were sold almost as soon as they were put on sale, and we are very much indebted to Eric and Joan for all the hard work that they put into this event. Some time ago, Don Robinson decided to have a new firebox for his Burrell S.R.L. No. 3334, 'The Baillie', and arrangements were made to send the boiler away for repair in the New Year. Unfortunately, it was not possible to commence work until the holiday, and Boxing Day saw Don and two helpers start the job. The engine was in complete condition apart from the awning being removed, and by the evening of the second day the boiler was being slung on to a lorry to be taken away. Two items which speeded the work were firstly a 5 ton mobile crane, and secondly the fact that almost every nut and bolt was a 'spanner job'. Only 51

the tender bolts were tight enough to call for abnormal methods, but it has to be remembered that 'The Baillie' spent no time in a state of dereliction — going out of commercial use and into preservation with little time in between. From this it will be appreciated that there was none of the corrosion one usually finds at the time of a major job. It had been hoped that the boiler would be returned in time for the engine to be seen in the Autumn of this year, but sad to say the repair work has taken longer than expected. Monthly meetings have taken place at The Adam & Eve Hotel in Wragby, as usual during the Winter and several interesting lectures have been given. On one

occasion we had Colin Garrett with his latest Slide Show covering the railway locomotives he saw during his tour of Indonesia which was given to a packed house. Equally packed was the lecture given by the late Mr. Michael Salmon a month later which dealt with the heavy haulage work done by Messrs. Norman Box Ltd. Springtime saw engines on the road bound for Carrington Park and notable

among them were two recently restored engines from the top end of the area. Gordon Flear was out with his Fowler P.E. No. 14375, and great credit goes to all concerned for the massive job that they have done on this engine. When it first arrived it was hard to believe that there was any hope of getting it into running order in under three years, but these estimates were far adrift. The other was the Aveling 10 ton piston valve single No. 10590 which Michael Halliday bought from the late Frank Clements a few months ago. This, too, had been thoroughly restored and repainted to a high standard and travelled under her own steam to Carrington. Carrington Park had its usual good show of tackle, and apart from the engines already mentioned, we were able to see the Fowler S.R.L. 'Iron Duke' which had just

come from her rebuild at Messrs. Smith's of Old Leake. She later travelled up to Hawerby Park Rally, and it is understood has now been sold out of the area. The weather was not too kind at Carrington, but the crowds came in quite good numbers although the Monday (Bank Holiday) was spent amidst wind and rainstorms intermittently. With Jubilee Day to follow several owners were able to travel to their next event, and the writer was among those who did so. As so often

happens, after a nasty day, the early evening of Bank Holiday turned out to be quite pleasant, and it was a joy to be driving. With ten miles covered and darkness in sight one had to be satisfied. The next day dawned with wind and rain and this continued all the way to Hawerby Park. That kind of weather continued with us for several weeks, and it made a mess of Hawerby Rally, too. The crowds did not come in anything like sufficient numbers, although as a rally it was well enough staged. After that event, there is a lull in activities with some engines going away into the Midlands, and this year both Jim Hebden and Gordon Flear left the area. For those who stayed behind there is a wait of several weeks until Louth Rally takes place, and this year we had a complete disaster there. There was a cold wind on the Saturday with a threat of rain all the time, and the crowd was very thin. Rain fell during the night, and it continued all the next morning. At what should have been 'starting time' the rain was still coming down in torrents, and it was decided that the engines would have to be taken out whilst they still could be got out. It was a bad disappointment to the organisers, and to make it worse, by the time evening came again, it was

a fine night. Lincolnshire Showground was successful in having both good weather and good crowds. The line-up was much the same as we usually see there although we had Dick Preston visiting this time, with the Burrell S.R.L. 'Lightning 11'.* Perhaps it might be safe to say that this was the most succesful Rally we had for 1977. Another Ploughing Weekend was held this year, but at a new venue. Messrs. Crawford's were very kind in providing the land at New Bolingbroke for this event, and here it was possible to see Fred Coupland's pair of Fowler BB1's (Nos. 15441/2) at work with a cultivator and Jack Hancock's Fowler K7's (Nos. 15516/7) ploughing. Our President's little

Mann's tractor was working on a trailer plough, and Messrs. Rundle's had both the Brown & May and the Foster showman's engines out to power organs. The Epton's Foster was there with their organ, and water was taken out by Fowler's

Clayton traction. One roller was there this time, this being Dick Macdonald's Fowler No. 18867. FRANK STRANGE.

Marshall No. 53049 ? Note the double-spoked flywheel, iron basket on the tender and the steamdoma. Photo: Courtesy The Natal Witness (Pty) Ltd.

HISTORICAL FIND ON COLENSO FARM Our member Neville Miller who lives in South Africa sent us a newspaper cutting which reports the find of a traction engine reputed to have been used by the British Forces in the South African war. The author of the article considers that the engine was used to draw equipment and supplies from Frere to Spioencop. Apart from the usual journalistic licence taken with such things as weights and measures we are told the engine was made by Marshall Sons & Co, Ltd., Engineers, Gainsboro, England, and that its manufacturers serial number is 53049, and from the photograph a good idea of the engine's characteristics may be obtained. It would be helpful if any member could provide some information on this engine so through the next edition of Steaming Mr. Miller can be informed of the correct facts as to the type and when built, etc. R.J.B.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 31 King Edwards Road, Ascot, Berks. 5th September, 1977. Dear Editor, As I keep a record of the whereabouts of Wallis & Steevens engines, I was interested in the Sussex correspondent's notes in the August issue of Steaming. I have no record of the present owners of Advance No. 8016 (OU 3532) which was owned by H. Woodham & Sons in 1959. The Advance owned by the late Mr. Pocock was No. 7947 (OT 6259) which has now passed from Charles Russett to Messrs. Bailey and Woodruff of Ascot, Berks. It is at present stripped down ready for a new firebox and general overhaul. Hoping this will put the records straight. Yours sincerely, R. M. WOODRUFF. (2625) 53

'Calder', 91 The Street, Melton, Suffolk. Tel: Woodbridge 3214. Dear Sir, As a new member I would like to write to you and thank you for having made me more interested in the Traction Engine by joining the Traction Engine Club. I would like to also mention a pleasing afternoon I had on Sunday, 25th September at New Barn Farm, Cockfield, Nr. Bury St. Edmunds, when I attended 'Farming through the Ages' a mixture of agricultural life of Suffolk from the present day combine harvester and all-purpose tractor, to the old fashioned steam ploughing, something I have never seen before. A field was ploughed by two Steam Ploughing engines, made by Fowler of Leeds, Class BB1 Nos. 15420 and15421 16 n.h.p. built in 1921. Driving a Ransome, Simms & Jeffries threshing drum was a traction engine by Foster of Lincoln built in 1931 index No. FW 1917 engine No. 14622. There were also two Burrell Traction Engines, the first of which was driving a threshing drum. This was called 'Dreadnaught' No. 2948 index No. NO 106 and the other in steam was No. 4088 index No. VF 9646. There was also a stationary engine by Ransome No. 27271. Please publish any or all of my letter as you see fit. Yours sincerely, C. H. WRATE. 'EDITOR' — we are always very pleased to receive letters from new members.

31 William Street, Churwell, MORLEY, Leeds. 18th October, 1977. The Editor, "Steaming' Dear Sir, As Mr. Tom Varley is no longer a member of the N.T.E.C., I have been asked to reply on his behalf to the question raised by Mr. D. Rayner in the last issue of Steaming re the Atkinson Wagon. On purchasing the wagon, Mr. Varley applied to the local Vehicle Licence Office, (Preston), requesting permission to reregister the wagon with a number known to have been issued to an Atkinson that 54

year or any other registration number of that era that would be suitable. The Licencing Authority came up with CK 209 and a modern 'R' registration as an alternative, these being the only ones available. "Which one would you have chosen?" I know it makes good reading and creates further interest but is it not easier to ask questions of the engine owner first. Misunderstandings would then be avoided. To all vintage owners please note:The West Riding County Council Vehicle Licence Centre at 14 St. Johns North, Wakefield, Yorkshire, closes down a: the end of February 1978. Old Log Books registered through this Office should be changed over before this date and do not forget to ask for your old log book back. All the old records are going to be destroyed. If you want any information regarding any old vehicle, write now before it is too late. Yours sincerely, H. SNOWDEN. Editor: We are sorry to hear that Tom Varley is not a member of the Club. Let us all hope that he will rejoin soon and continue to help us in the Preservation Movement. FOWLER SHOWMAN'S ENGINE PROJECT 122 Carr Lane, Willerby, Nr. Hull, HU10 6JX. Dear Sir, At a rally this year in the north of England my friend, John Robinson, and I both realised that very little had ever been written concerning Fowler Showman's Engines. This feeling came over us again a few weeks later when travelling into Norfolk we came across Fowler No. 11108, "Dreadnaught", stood at a garage in Lincolnshire. The only book we were able to refer to was the Steaming special on Showman's Engines, which is now out of print. We began to wish someone had written a book, similar to the excellent work on Burrells by Michael R. Lane, on Fowler engines, but realising no-one had, decided to set to and do it ourselves. Whilst we have a complete list of all engines supplied new by Fowlers to showmen, conversions carried out for and by showmen greatly out-number these and it

is this formidable task which we are now at work at. It will be many years before any research will be complete enough to publish in a book similar to Mr. Lane's, but we feel with everyone's help it is not an impossible task. So if anyone can help, in anyway with either information or photographs, we would greatly like to hear from you.

A more modest publication is almost ready now. This will take the form of a booklet of twelve sides, and should include around six photographs. This is entitled "The Survivors" and traces the histories of all known surviving Fowler s.r.l.s. We would be very interested to contact owners of Fowlers s.r.l.s. so as to check we have the correct owner and the history is accurate. Although the first edition is almost complete many alterations will be made in the 2nd edition, if the need for one is established, by people who point out mistakes or inaccuracies in the first edition, More details of this will be found in the future in the small ads. if anyone can help, or would like further details of the project please write to either me, at 122 Carr Lane, Willerby, Near Hull, HU10 6JX, or my colleague, John Robinson, at 8 Sandringham Road, Hartlepool, Cleveland, TS26 8PN. STEPHEN R. SMYTH.

16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8NR.

Arlesey Steam Crane Navvy Dear Editor, I thought that your readers might like to hear about our rather unusual recovery

job — the 1909 Ruston Proctor steam crane navvy at Arlesey. So far as I know, this machine is now the oldest steam navvy in preservation. My interest in the navvy started about three years ago, when Alex Walford of Colchester sent me a slide showing the machine in the flooded chalk pit at Arlesey in Bedfordshire. At that time we had just presented to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life the 1913 Ruston Proctor traction engine that I had rescued from the South of France — and had restored by apprentices at Rustons, Lincoln. Alex knew that I was looking for a fresh project, and he light heartedly suggested that

I have a go at the steam navvy, which had defied many attempts to rescue it over the years. I drove down to Arlesey where the navvy has been lying in 20 feet of water since 1932. About ten feet of the jib and a few inches of the vertical boiler were showing above the waves. I was fascinated and decided straight away that the old girl could not be left there to rot. I negotiated with the owners, the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd., and eventually secured ownership, plus a licence to remove it from their pit. The problems were numerous. The navvy weighed nearly 50 tons. It was in an unstable position, lying in 20 feet of water, about 40 yards from the bank. The Bedford Sub-Aqua Club offered to do the under-water work as their project for Underwater Conservation Year, 1977. They spent some weeks dismantling the bucket arm, the jib, and the boiler. We were then joined by John Wise, of Holt, near Kings Lynn; who came along and used some of his floatation bags to

transfer the dismantled bits to the edge of the lagoon. Meanwhile, on dry land, an access road down a 30 foot cliff and across 300 yards of very rough quarry bottom was being prepared. I organised a motorway grader for this job — very kindly supplied by Avcling Barfords of Grantham. What had originally been a tiny foopath finally looked like an extension to the Ml. For the big day of the 'lift out' I also had organised a 10 ton mobile crane, provided freely by Robert Dixon Ltd. (Crane Hire) Hunsden; a diamond T tractor provided freely by H. A. Newman & Son, Maulden Garage; and two low loaders provided freely by Eastern Roadways of Rushington, Lincs. Saturday, 1st October was 'D Day'. The divers started about 7 a.m. John Wise came along with two van loads of flotation equipment. Anglia TV crew arrived about 9.00 a.m. They are making a film of the complete project. A compressor provided by Bill Billington of Flitwich was started up and a cluster of flotation bags soon brought the main body of the navvy (35 tons) gently off the bottom. A few very willing hands quickly towed the suspended machine close inshore then the struggle started. Whilst the divers were busy in the water, the 70 ton crane and two Diamond T tractors had arrived and positioned themselves. Since the big lump was still presenting a stretch of some 30 to 40 feet 55

Two pictures showing a steam navvy at work and the relic in 1976.

for the crane, the full power of both Diamond Ts was necessary to assist in dragging it out. This part of the operation took some 4 to 5 hours. As the machine slowly emerged from the depths it presented a fantastic sight. It was encrusted with shell fish (probably fresh water mussels). It was short work to haul out the bucket and arm, the jib, and the boiler. The two low loaders had been waiting patiently since early afternoon. Len Carter quickly organised the loading of them and they left the quarry just as dusk was

falling. A tremendous day's work, for which I can never thank enough all the people who played a part. I have mentioned above all the very generous firms who provided their valuable equipment all at no charge. They also supplied the experts to operate and supervise their part of the operation. Everything had come together perfectly on the day. The navvy is now at the training department of RustonBucyrus, Lincoln. They will do the main restoration work. The boiler is to be

renovated by trainees at Robeys, Lincoln. One of the machine's three steam engines is to be restored by trainees at Dorman Diesels, Lincoln. No doubt other parts of the machine will be 'farmed out' to other Lincoln or Lincs firms. It is my intention to restore the navvy to original working state and donate it to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. I have enclosed to photos. One of which I own the negative, shows the navvy (Ruston Proctor No. 306) working at Arlesey in 1929. The other photo, by 56

courtesy of David Turner, photographer, Loathoe, Cambs., shows the relic as seen during the dry period of 1976. Yours sincerely, RAY HOOLEY.

30 Luton Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire. Dear Editor, Your readers may know of the Howard engine which is on display at the Dearborne Museum in Michigan, U.S.A. This engine was made by J. & F. Howard of Bedford sometime in the late 1870's and I do not know the exact date or engine number. It is a ploughing engine and as you can see in the photographs the rear mounted cable drums are so arranged that the engine can be easily used for normal

traction work. It is described in full in 'Ploughing by Steam' and is presumably the sole survivor of the manufacturer's production. Being very interested in local products I wrote to the Museum asking if it was still there, and to my surprise they sent the photographs and said they would be interested in parting with the engine if I could find any person or organisation over here who might be interested. I have been in touch with the Transport

Trust in November 1976, but have heard nothing since. It seems a shame that this piece of our industrial heritage, a unique machine, could not be brought back to the

U.K. Hopefully somebody can help. Yours faithfully, M. BOSTON.

The Howard Engine on display at the Dearborne Museum. Photo: Dearborne Museum. 57

Coronation Cottage, Mill Lane, Eastry. Dear Sir, I am sending you two photos which I have had for some time, hoping you will 58

be interested in them, I am sorry to say that I cannot tell you where this happened, I have asked around, but cannot find out anything about it. Yours faithfully, S. E. VOUSDEN.

Fleetway Park, Holbeach, Nr. Spalding. Dear Editor, I have been lent Vol. 20 No 3 of Steaming. I was most interested in engines of my cousin, Mr. F. K. Bass of Holbeach, these were 18 h.p. Fowler with canopies, and were considered very special. I was very sorry to wed that they appear to have been cut up. Also Messrs. Faulkners engines of which I knew. I had two sets of my own, 12 h.p. Fowler, one engine No. 13846 having double drum, and being worked with an anchor at the other end of the field. Wonder if anyone has knowledge of this method? Not being very satisfactory, engine No. 13849 was obtained. These were cut up about 1943, a shame, as they had Lomar steel boxes, which I am told were very good. About 1935 I bought a set of 16 h.p. B.B. Fowlers from Pecks of Boston, Lincs., for £100, Nos. 15408/9, these were sold in 1943 and went lake dredging in the North of England. Wonder if they still remain? Also, I had a "Wellington" steam tractor by Foster of Lincoln No. 14333 on springs and 2 speed gears. Should very much like to know if this still remains, and where? Wishing you and Steaming every success. Yours faithfully, W. B. WRIGHT.

THE STEAM DIRECTORY Do you need a new drive chain for a steam wagon? A chimney rolled? An injector or a steam pressure gauge overhauled? Do you need piston rings for your engine? A safety valve spring? A leaf spring? Rivets up to 1in. dia.? or a new plunger for the water pump? Details of all of these and many more are contained in The Steam Directory. Copies of this latest Steaming publication are available from Alan Wilson our sales officer, 7 Welton Road, Daventry, Northants. NN11 5PP, at £1 each, (non-members please add 10p. postage). "The Steam Directory" has already

Oak Lea, Moss Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 7BU. The Editor Steaming, Dear Sir, With reference to the Thames Valley notes on page 230, I am afraid Ran Hawihorne is not correct with the statement regarding Foden wagon No. 2876 (M 3631) that "This is possibly the oldest Foden wagon in existence". In the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry is Foden wagon No. 848 new 14/12/04 to Elijah Thomas of Landhey, near Barnstaple. The wagon was originally registered T 396 and was operated for Stanbury & Sons, Millers of Barnstaple. By 1919 it was owned by Robin Hood Oxide & Iron Co., of Coleford, Glos., who later sold it to J. W. Ratcliffe of Yorkley, Glos. (by now the wagon was registered DD 4894). In 1961 it was purchased by the present owner Mr. R. G. Snodin of Solihull. Finally, I would add that Foden No. 1742 (M 2128) which was new on 8th December 1908 to Messrs, Starkey, Knight & Ford of Tiverton, survives and is now owned by my wife Mrs. J. S. Briggs. Does anybody know what happened to No. 2722 (M 3438) that was in the yard of H. Goodey of Twyford. I believe this wagon survived into the 1960s. Yours sincerely, W. A. BRIGGS.

saved many engine owners its cost — several times over. One owner said, "I have often spent two or three pounds on the phone to find out what is now readily to hand." To make the directory even more useful we would appeal for more names and addresses of firms or individuals who can offer steam supplies or services. Anything that is relative to our interest. Probably early next year we will publish a supplement to the directory giving details of names and addresses, supplies and services that have become known to us since the original publication. All correspondence regarding the directory to Ran Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. Telephone: 0491-680484. 59

NEW MEMBERS — JUNE 1977 Patricia Shaw-Brookman, 157 St. Pancras Way, London, NW1 OSY. A. Crockford, 48 Geoffrey Crescent, Fareham, Hants. P016 OQQ. R. A. Anderson, 97 Send Road, Send, Woking, Surrey, GU23 7HN. M. Murphy, 60 Gibson Gardens, London, N16. A. T. Glinister, 116 Glenwoods Gardens, Gantshill, Ilford, Essex. N. P. Smith, 415 London Road, Ditton, Maidstone, Kent, ME20 6DB. Family Members: Joyce, Hilary and Elizabeth Smith. J. Hollis, 28 West Street, Welford, Northhampton, NN6 7HU. P. R. Stone, 1 Selsfield Farm Cottages, East Grinstead, W. Sussex. W. C. Ryan, Flat Six, 24 Lambert Avenue, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4QR. Family Members: Diana and William Ryan. R. R. Sweeting, 95 Elm Park, Brixton Hill, London, SW2 2TZ. D. W. Aitken, 34 Simplemarsh Road, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 1QJ. D. J. Howells, 37 Turner Street, Whitechapel, London, El 2AU. M. J. Stokes, la Linstead Way, London, SW18 5QA. W. E. Davenport, Crossways, Cinques Road, Gamlingay, Beds. G. Kington, Rose Leaf Cottage, Brimfield, Nr. Ludlow. P R. Shaw, 32 Lesser Foxholes, Shorehamby-Sea, Sussex, BN4 5NT. R. F. Gilman, Green Pastures, Willow Lane, Wargrave, Berks. RG10 8LH. S. R. Loveless, No. 3 William Harvey Home, Whitlock Drive, Southfields, London, SW19. D. W. Dean, 1 1 a Manor Road, Hopton-onSea, Gt. Yarmouth, Norfolk. M. A. Godsell, York Cottage, York Lane, Brinkworth, Wilts. E. L. Dore, 89 Countess Road, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7AT. R Heher, 45a Jones Road, Kenthurst 2154, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia. T. R. Lee, 26 Marston Road, Leicester. A. G. Carey, 58 St. Helens Road, Hastings, Sussex, TN34 2LN. Mrs. A. Harms, 12 Sycamore Crescent, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 OAG. W. Brown, 34 Angerstein Road, Ashby, Scunthorpe, Lincs. A B. Rosling, 21 East Avenue, Grantham, NG31 7NJ. 60

R. J. Newman, 3 High Street, Sydling, Dorchester, Dorset, ST2 9PB. G. Edmondson, 19 Colneave, West Drayton, Middlesex. W. Sykes, North Farm, Abootsley, Huntingdon, Cambs., PE19 4TH. S. P. Farley, 24 Springvale Road, Kingsworthy, Winchester, Hants. M. Lloyd, Snuffikins, Elvington Lane, Hawkinge, Kent. Family Member: Francoise Lloyd. R. D. Collins, 45 Carnac Street, West Norwood, London, SE27 9RR. G. J. Jose, 34 Woodgreen Est., Gt. Bentley, Nr. Colchester, Essex, C07 8NJ. A. H. Fulcher, 106 Wesley Avenue, Radstock, Bath, Avon. H. K. Vanderhoek, 4 Short Avenue, Hawthorn 5062, South Australia. W. J. Small, 88 Chapel Street, Netherton, Dudley, W. Midlands, DY2 9PN. S. P. Arrowsmith, 30 Antrobus Road, Sutton Coldfield, W. Midlands. A. E. Shakespeare, 186A Pye Green Road, Cannock, Staffs. R. L. Bateman, 12 Alesworth Grove, Northway Estate, Headington, Oxford. J. H. Knowling, 54 Glebelands, Buckfastleigh, S. Devon, TQ11 OBJ. P. L. Self, 72 Aston Road, Raynes Park, London, SW20 8BE. W. H. Barnard, Linden Cottage, Nuns Walk, Virginia Water, Surrey. E. Watson, 10 Mount Road, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 3EY. Family Members: Joan, Aaron, Ian and Belinda Watson. NEW MEMBERS — JULY 1977 W. McCleod, 8 Preston Terrace, Linlithgow, West Lothian. D. Allen, Thatchers Rest, Rampisham, Dorchester, ST2 OPR. Family Members: Susan Allen, Robert and Sarah Allen. C. J. Johnson, 62 Tape Street, Cheadle, Staffs. ST10 1 ES. P. Moynihan, 16 Marine Parade, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 2AP. M. E. J. Cummins, 30 Mead Crescent, Great Bookham, Leatherhead. P. Clarke, "Squirrels Shaw", 7 Highwold, Chipstead, Coulsdon, Surrey. N. A. Weaver, 41 Bramblys Close, Basingstoke, Hants, RG21 1UP. G. S. Tolliday, 60 Firecrest Road, Chelmsford, Essex.

D. Hall, Woodlands, Pentlow, Nr. Sudbury, Suffolk. I. Rainbird, 20 Tylers Road, Hazlemere, Bucks. I. Clark, King Georges House, Stockwell Road, London, SW9. G. R. Matthews, 230 Rivermill, Harlow, Essex. A. Burchardt, 8 Elmthorpe Road, Wolvercote, Oxford. A. Mu31iane, 10 Bduciurt House, Bramlands Close, Battersea. N. C. Kirbyshire, Little Croft Walkern, Stevenage, Herts., SG9 9HX. R. N. Kirk, 9 Cartmell Court, 30 Shortlands Road, Bromley, Kent. N. L. Musham, Ridge Cottage, Far Lane, Waddington, Lincoln. R. Rampton, 46 The Nook, Whetstone, Leics. R. Clark, 10 Beacon Grove, Garstang, Nr. Preston, Lancs. R. S. Tournay, Kilindini, Steeds Way, Loughton, Essex.

NEW MEMBERS — AUGUST 1977 Miss R. Over, Studio Flat, 147A London Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3JY. R. J. Mills, 5A Kemp Street, Mortdale, N.S.W., Australia 2223. C. M. Davis, 7 Wilton Gardens, Waltonon-Thames, Surrey. J. M. Boyle, 21 The Doon, Twynholm, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4NS. W. W. Major, 27 Marriott Close, Harefields, North Oxford. K. J. Read, 38 Dorchester Road, Swinton, Lancs., M27 1 PY. F N. Hunt, 21 Butlers Road, Horsham, Sussex, RH13 6AJ. D. Sales, 47 Cicel Road, Horns Mill, Hertford, Herts., SG13 8HR. M. E. Mercer, Albion Inn, Park Street, Chester. C. Brothwell, 153A Andover Road, Bestwood Estate, Nottingham. J. Price, 119 Porchester Road, Nottingham. G. Dilks, 35 Windsor Crescent, Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston. P. Janse, Kralingseweg 393 Rotterdam 3017, The Netherlands. V. Cherry, 6 Woodland Crescent, Bracknell, Berks. W. T. Palmer, 12 Kilbourne Close, Sileby, Loughborough, LE12 7SD. D. Smart, 43 Albany Road, Stratford-uponAvon, Warks. R. S. Heames, 64 Chestnut Avenue, Newport, Gwent.

C. Pask, 5 Fussull Court, Kingswood, Bristol, Avon. G. Atherton, Mill Farm, Station Road, Flax Bourton, Nr. Bristol, BS19 1NG. M. N. Smith, 128 Stowey Road, Yatton, Avon. G. Tebbs, 13 Northumberland Road, Thornaby, Cleveland. M Jackson, 7 St. Hilda's Place, Loftus Saltburn, C'Land. A. Watkinson, 32 Ackton Lane, Featherstone, Pontefract. A Myers, The Brambles, 30 Creskeld Lane, Bramhope, Leeds. E Brown, Lee Moor, Alnwick, Northumberland. A. Poulter, 2 Westmuir Cottage, West Calder, West Lothian. A. 0. Lamplough, 57 Karslake Road, Liverpool, L18 1EY. J. A. Phillips, Bali Hai, Bryngwyn Road, Holyhead, Anglesey. G. W. Ash, Oak Lodge, Lodge Lane, Long Buckby, Nr. Northampton. N. J. Bamsey, The Caravan, North Farm, Horton, Wimborne, Dorset. R. A. Mann, 49 Upper St. Helens Road, Hedge End, Southampton. B. A. Pitt, 76 St. Edwards Road, Gosport, Hants. G. S. Burrows, 43 Celta Road, Woodston, Peterborough. G. Halstead, 30 Henry Street, Luton, Beds., LU 10 3LQ. C. F. Morris, 51 Fanton Chase, Wickfield, Essex. J. L. Brayne, 12 School Lane, Lubenham, Market Harborough. M. Portsmouth, 69 Foxborough Road, Radley, Abingdon, Oxon, 0X14 3AD. R Hyett, 5 Grove Hill, Caversham, Reading, Berks. R. E. Benbow, Norton Farm Cottage, Cold Norton, Nr. Stone, Staffs. R. Copland, Croft, Ruthwell, Dumfries, Scotland. P. Filby, 5 The Close, Little Weighton, Nr. Hull, N. Humberside. A. D. Page, 2 School Lane, Marsh Lane, Wolverhampton. W. M. James, 75 The Chase, Clapham, London, SW4 ONR. A. B. Black, 50 Highfield Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7DL. L Wickens, Flat 6, 21 Dulnan Close, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks. C. Maddocks, Coton Park Farm, Whixall, Whitchurch, Shropshire. H. A. K. Kirby, 70 Loraine Mansions, Widdenham Road, London, N7 9SH. J. M. Walker, Lindsey Farm, High Coggs, Witney, Oxon. 61

C. Waugh, 29 Buckstone Crescent, Edinburgh, EH10 6PJ. C. Towner, 25 Hunters Crescent, Ganger Farm, Romsey, Hants. H. J. Daymond, Stanley Villa, Glovers Brow, Kirkby, Liverpool. C. S. Alcock, 171 Southwell Road West, Mansfield, Notts. K. Flinton, 16 Chestnut Avenue, Ordsall, Retford, Notts. J. F. Aldrich, 4 Florence Wright Avenue, Louth, Lincs. A. Thompson, 62 Grange Road, Newark, Notts. N. Stoten, 6 New Site, Meadowlands, Weybridge Road, Addlestone, Surrey.

REVIEWS LYNNE CASTELL PRINTS We have recently received a set of prints drawn by our member Lynne Castel! covering a number of traction engines normally seen in the South of the country. You will quite often find Lynne Castel! with her stand at the traction engine rallies marketing the prints and certainly we are most impressed with the quality and reproduction. When suitably framed these fine line drawings make excellent decoration in the traction engine den, and for details of how to place your order you should look in the members' advertising column.

GEOFFREY WHEELER PRINTS We have just received the latest print by Geoffrey Wheeler and it is of an Aveling & Porter Type F. Steam Road Roller with piston valves. This is another magnificent drawing approx. 24in. x 17in. and of a size that enables all the detail to be included. It is available with or without explanation numbers from:North Star Prints, 84 Hazlemere Road, Penn, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP10 8AG. Price 75p with 30p to be included for postage. R.J.B. 62

THE STEAM MACHINE No. 1 Steam in Industry and Agriculture, published by the South Pacific Electric Railway, produced in association with N.S.W. Steam Preservation Cooperative Society Limited, and Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Co-operative Society Limited, Australia. Available from John Norris, Lake Goldsmith Steam Engine Preservation Co-operative Limited, Box 21, Post Office, Walkerville, South Australia 5081, at dollars (Australian) $1.95 post free. 'The Steam Machine' is the same size as Steaming but landscape format (folded at the short side). It has a card cover and forty-four pages of illustrations well captioned, most of them being of engines at work but with a number of preservation shots. Steam shovels, cranes, rail locos are included along with the more numerous tractions, rollers, portables and steam wagons. The final picture, on the back cover, is of Fowler No. 16161 (1925) a B6 Road Loco that helped build Canberra 1925-27. In 1966 she rescued a 140 ton rail locomotive that fell into a turntable pit. An excellent book. Your bank will tell you how to send one dollar 95 cents (Australian) or send It for you. RAN HAWTHORNE. ROBEY STEAM VEHICLES We have been lucky to inspect a copy of Robey Steam Vehicles a Portfolio of photographs reproduced from original Robey material. The 29 photographs are accompanied by a short history of the firm and its product line and of course each picture has suitable text to explain any points of interest. This is a quality publication and the photographic means of reproduction have left nothing to be desired. It is in fact a hand made product as each picture is a glossy 10in. x 8in. print mounted on card. For those of you who are interested in a folio of this type it would seem a best buy and covers a manufacturer who produced a fine looking range of steam road vehicles. This limited edition is available from:G. K. Benton, Bardney, Lincoln, LN3 SSS. The price is £20.00 which we assume includes postage. R.J.B.

STEAM POWER IN AGRICULTURE We have recently seen the latest book in the Blandford colour series 'Steam Power in Agriculture'. It follows the usual format with useful reading and a selection of first rate colour re-productions. Tracing the historical side of steaming in agriculture it not only deals with the developments in this country but also looks at the scene in America. We can heartily recommend this as yet another book suitable for general reading. The price is E3.75 and obtainable from your local book seller. STEAM TRACTION 1975 The Journal of the Stream Traction Society Inc. PO Box 410, Fielding, New Zealand One (New Zealand) dollar post free The main feature of this edition of the Steam Traction Society's journal is entitled 'McLaren Engines in New Zealand.' It is well known that many McLarens went to New Zealand, but it does come as a bit of a surprise that over forty exist, in preservation, nearly twice as many as in the UK. The story includes a list of all known 'Macs' In New Zealand, and more than thirty photographs of McLarens from working days and in preservation. I liked the quotation from the late Ned Bradby of Ashburton — 'they (McLarens) chuck the cinders so high they're coal when they come back'. A wonderful tribute to a fine, powerful clan of engines. The Steam Traction Society Inc. will be pleased to send copies of Steam Traction '75 post paid, on receipt of one New Zealand dollar. Your bank will arrange this for you.

ifflw

This splendid photograph was sent to us by Mr. A. B. Graham of Dunlop, Ayrshire, and shows the Foden Stand at the Highland Show held at Paisley in 1913. The engine's name is 'Sweet Maria' and on the right is a Foden 5 ton wagon.

THE STEAM SCENE VOLUMES 1, 2, 3, & 4. All these Volumes are available from the Publishers and contain a total of 376 12" x 10" pictures of the current Traction Engine movement in the U.K. Volumes 5 and 6 are to be published in 1978 so make sure you have the first four Volumes which are now priced at £3.95 each. Postage to be added. Up to three Volumes add 30p per Volume. Four Volumes and over El. Autographed copies sent by return from the Publishers. STEAM ENGINE PUBLICATIONS, 78, SOUTHAM ROAD, RADFORD SEMELE, NR. LEAMINGTON SPA, CV31 1UA.

ROBE)/ STEAM VEHICLES a portfolio of photographs Photographic copies of 29 unique photographs of Robey Traction Engines, Portables, Steam Wagons and Rollers. Reproduced by permission of Messrs. Robey of Lincoln Ltd. Detailed text researched from company records. Photographs 10" x 8" on 12" x 10" mounts. Price £20.

Limited Edition.

G. K. BENTON, BARDNEY, LINCOLN, LN3 5SS.

Tel: Bardney (05263) 208.

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

WORLD'S FAIR.J incorporating Preservation News

ONLY 14p PER 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 1 DY. 64

ADVERTISEMENTS Members small advertisements free. Affiliated Club members 1p per word. Non members 2p pet 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 should be sent to the Editor, Hill Cottage, 11adford 3emele, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 1UA.

OLD MOTOR The Journal of Motor Vehicle History. Six times a year, with 12 copies of Old Motor News, £7.50. Further details: Old Motor, 17 Air Street, LONDON, W1. `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, Havvkeridge, Westbury, Wilts. Books by Phillip Wright — Traction Engines (Black) £2.75. Old Farm Implements (D. & C. reprint) £3.95. Old Farm Tractors (D. & C.) £3.50. Salute the Carthorse (Ian Allan) £1.50 from booksellers or autographed copies from author (please add postage). — Roxwell Vicarage, near Chelmsford, Essex. Tire Paddle Steamer Preservation Society cater 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 ITVV, or for Scotland to Douglas McGowan, 69 Stanmore Road, Glasgow, G42 9A1. Steamship enthusiasts Medway area, or able travel, to join team on restoration of Society steamer 'Kingswear Castle' are especially welcome — work mainly weekends. — Enquiries to David Swafficld (above). 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 Engines in the UK. Subscription only £1 for year. — V. H. Burrough, 94 Harvist Road, Kensal Rise, London, NW6 6HL. Wanted — Rally programmes, any date, good price paid. — D. L. Roseman, 10 Grimshaw Close, North Road, London, N6 4BH. Wanted — Boiler feed pump for Wallis & Steevens 'Advance' Steam Roller. — T. King, 3 Springfield, High Bentham, Nr. Lancaster, LA2 7BB.

Fine Line Drawings by Lynne C.asteli. Black and white prints, unmounted £1 plus 30p. p&p. Mounted £3 plus 70p. p&p. The prints, in black, green, maroon, brown or scarlet mounts, include: 'Mendip Lady✓, Ransomes, Simms & Jefferics Engine No. 26995. 'Reliable', Aveling & Porter Roller, No. 8394. 'Queen Mary' Fowler Showman's Engine No. 15319. 'Jolly' Garrett General Purpose Engine No, 28410. 'Lord Fisher of Lambeth', Burrell Engine No. 3824. 'One of Two & The Other One', Fowler Ploughing Pair, Engine Nos. 15334 and 15335. 'Lone Ranger', Fowler Compound T3 Roller No. 15973, pulling living van. LIMITED EDITION PRINT, Burrell Showman's Engine 'Prince of Wales'. Individually signed. £1.50 unmounted print plus 30p. p&p. First Two Tractor Prints Now Available: Fordson Major E27N (19451952); The Fordson Tractor (Standard) — Lynne CasteII, Weald Cottage, Axfo,d, Nr. Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 2EA. Wanted — for 1926 6 Ton A.&P. piston valve road roller. Top gears 18 tooth fixed gear and 24 tooth sliding gear also one bottom 13 tooth sliding gear. Any condition. Price and particulars to — J. Henderson, 111 Ainderby Road, Romandy, Northallerton. Wanted. — Light 4-wheeled trailer to carry approx. 3 Tons. Body 20ft. x 7ft. with brakes. information to — R. Preston, White Gate Lodge, Polio, N. Yorkshire. For Sale — Quantity of Tube Expanders. Also three Water Lift Pipe Strainers. — Hackett. Tel: Ross-on-Wye 3901. For Sale — G.W.R. Brass Safety Valve Bonnett, suit Castle, Hall Class Locos, etc. Sensible offers. — Goold. Tel: Timsbury (STD 0761) 70806. Wanted — Pair of T.E. front wheels 36in. to 40in. diameter, ten spokes. Also Pickering governor to complete restoration of genuine Marshall 5 Ton Steam Tractor. — R. M. Whitfield, 34 Oakdale Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6DS. Tel: 02.72 560641. "The Steam Directory". Steam Supplies, Steam Services, names and addresses, essential information for the engine owner. £1 post free to members. Non-members add 10p. N.T.E.C. Sales Officer, 7 Welton Road, Davcntry, Northants. NNI I 5PP. 65

Wanted - New 6in. wide solid rubbers to suit Garrett Tractor. Will exchange brand new set of rubbers fixed on 9in. wide plate. Also wanted a pair of differential bevel • gears for above. Replies to the Editor. Marshall Type 'S' Flywheel required 33in. dia. or similar, also Boiler Clack, Injector, T.E. wheels, smoke box door and frame and chimney. For Sale - Good Aveling Rolls 5ft. x 14in. Wanted - Organ Engine, Steam Car, parts and Hot Air Engine. Clarke, Surrey. Tel: 073 75 54824. Anyone wanting a Roxton Park Souvenir Programme send 9p. Stamped Addressed Envelope 9in. x 4in. - Mr. F. Harris, 6 Woodmer Close, Shillington, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 3PA. INFORMATION REQUIRED - Re: Burrell Tractor No. 4072, built 1927, Registration No. PH 2900. Delivered new to

Stemp & Weller of Cranleigh, Surrey, and named "The Cranleigh Belle". Sold by them in 1940's to G. W. Lambert, of Horsmonden, Kent, and re-named "Tinkerbell". Then it went into preservation in 1955 to Messrs. Rostron, Webb & Hills, and then on to Harold Nicholls of Barnet. Could any reader help fill in the gaps in the engine's history, especially between the period of 1940's to 1963, particularly any photographs or copies of materials published but now out of print would be very welcome. Photographs would be returned after copyping.

Please contact - Mr. R. A. Walker, 62 Lowlands Road, Eastcote, Pinner, Middx. HAS ITU. Road Roller Association - for all those interested in steam and motor rollers, road making machines, practices and history. Quarterly journal 'Rolling', subscription £2.00 per year (Jan.-Dec.). Details from Membership Secretary: Mr. A. E. Hatfield, 10 Saxon Street, Wrexham, Clwydd. Wanted - Premier injector, 3/4in. com-

plete with union nuts if possible. Also `Burrell' trademark name in brass for front of rollhead; matching pair of cylinder drain cocks fin, gas thread; big end bearing brasses, all for 5 hp d.c.c. Burrell. - Tel: A. R. Porter, 061 973 5852. For Sale - 1 Merry-Weather Fire Tender with all hoses and nozzles, copper and brass complete, in good condition. Offers over £1,000. 1 Seed Drum, Marshall. 1 Innes Chaff Cutter. 1 Marshall Drum. These three items together. Offers £100 per item. - Mrs. Charles Smith, Ley Green, Kings Walden, Nr. Hitchin, Herts. Wanted - Steel Wheels for Minneapolis Moline G.T.S. Tractor, also for International 10/20 Tractor. Tyre 12.75 x 32. - R. Abblitt. Tel: Ramsey 830219. 66

For Sale - Treadle Lathe, 38in. centres. 12in. swing, 18in. through the gap. Complete with chuck, tools, etc., needs new belt. Suitable for use or museum. Offers.

Fowler Plough Engine Steering Wheel. - G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. Tel: 0491-680484. For Sale - Matched set of three traction engine oil lamps, 74in, high x 34-in. wide x 31in. deep. 4in. Brass Bezels on front lamps with lfin. red lens on rear and Sin. brass

bezel with red lens on rear lamp with side window to light number plate. Mint condition complete in box as new. Offers. Single and Double Tallow Cup lin. to lin. 13SP, new and unused, £5 each. Various boiler

fittings and injectors. S.A.E. for details. Havard, 361 Pilton Vale, Malpas, Newport, Gwent. For Sale - "History of the Steam Engine" by R. H. Thurston. Fourth edition 1887 in good condition, offers, or would exchange for Traction Engine brochures, Steaming back numbers, etc. Wanted - Chronicals of a Country Works, - Steam Engine Builders of Suffolk, Cambs., Essex. Steam Engine

Builders of Lincolnshire, and any other of R. Clark's books, also any information on the firm of Robey, inc. photos, etc. Gordon W. Crook, 9 Sparrows Herne, Basildon, Essex. For Sale - Rare Marshall Portable 4 n.h.p. Engine with patent circular Britannia firebox. Current boiler report. Mechanically sound. £2,750 o.n.o. - G. Peacock, 17

Merrimans Road, Shirehampton, Bristol. Wanted - Rally programmes, any date, good price paid. - D. L. Roseaman, 10 Gri m s haw Close, North Road, London, N6 4BH. Traction Engine Spares. List No. 5 1977. dia. Rear Axle Keys, lockFor Sale ing pins, washers. Pump Punger Rod, lfin. dia. x i l d in, slightly worn. Rear Wheel Locking Pin, I lin. long, tin. dia. 1 x 12in. Boiler Door Ring. 3 x 16in. Boiler Door Ring. 1 New Check Valve, fin. gas, overall length 21-in. Brass. 2 Water, cast steel gland cocks, I fin. x 2fin. long. 3 Water Gauge Tube Glasses, 12in. X fin. dia. x lin. bore. 1, as new Brass Shut off Cock with din. dia. hole and nin. dia. flange with }in. dia. mounting holes drilled in flange. Enquiries please to - Mr. M. T. Howard, 4 Glevum Close, Minot), Wiltshire. Is anyone interested in the following tank made by the Aerograph Co., Ltd. London. No. 6770. Design Pressure 130. Hydraulic Test Pressure 260. Test Date 17.9.57. B.S. Specification 487-1949 Grade D. In very good order. Any sensible offer? - Bill Scurlock, Taunton 85588 evenings.

For Sale - One copy only of the much sought after "Stearn Road Vehicles" (1919) by L. M. Meyrick-Jones, A.M.1.Mech.E., Offers around £1 .5. - G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. Tel: 0491-680484. Railway & Steam Enthusiasts' Handbook. Vol. 7 now ready, £3.25. Also available Guide to Light Railways, Steamers, Aircraft & Industrial Preservation, 70p and Guide to Cars, Carriages, Countryside & Wildlife Collection 70p. All post free. Steam book lists SAE. All from Avon-Anglia Publications & Services, 9 Poplar Avenue, Bristol, BS9 2BE. For Sale - Large Lathe, built 1896, complete with all equipment, but no motor. Will turn 8ft. long x 12in. dia. and 3ft. dia. x 10in. wide in gap. Buyer collects, £120. - Burge, `Evenleigh', Thresers Road, Crediton, Devon. For Sale - The "Development of the English Traction Engine" by R. Clarke, £10, and "Traction Engine Miscellany" by R. H. Clark, £8. - Mr. S. Sullivan, 38 Victoria Park, Castle Cary, Somerset, BA7 7DG. Wanted - For restoration of 1911 5 Ton Foden Steam Wagon. (1) Water pump. (2) Differential gears. (3) Pair of Bauly's (wooden) rear wheels, condition immaterial. (4) Foden nameplate for smokebox door. (J) Foden coat of arms. (6) Displacement lubricator. (7) Smokebox door. (8) Lamps. Other Foden parts required. - G. Hedges, 87 Greenham Road, Newbury, Berks. Tel: Newbury 41732. For Sale - Avcling Porter 8 Ton Single Cylinder Steam Roller, built 1926 No. 11675. Fitted new cab. Good boiler certificate. Offers. Pneumatic Tyred Coal and Water Cart, as new. Avleing Horse and Invicta plate. Marshall Seven h.p. Single Cylinder Steam Portable Engine, on steel wheels. Needs fire box repairs, built 1906. - L. J. Lambe, 84 Redditch Road, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove. Tel: (0527) 31398. Wanted - Does any member have a spare Aveling & Porter brass horse which he would be prepared to give to an overseas pensioner. Send it Editor for onward transmission. Model Supreme - Castings and Drawings will be available if demand is sufficient. Scale 24-in. to 1 ft. 0/A length 5ft. 0in. SAE for information. See model at M.E. Exhibition, Wembley, 1978. - A. L. Pettett, 16 Summerfield Rise, Goring, Oxon. Wanted - Rally Programmes, any year, any date, required for building up a concise index of Preserved Traction Engines. Good prices paid. - K. Flinton, 16 Chestnut Ave, Ordsall, Retford, Notts. DN22 7RN.

For Sale - New hinged Fire Box door castings. To fit 101in. x 71in. oval fire door box opening. For further detaails 'phone Nottingham 812595. For Sale - 1908 Avcling & Porter Steam Roller. 12 Tons compound. Rally condition. First class boiler report. Tel: Topcliffe 340. Exchange - Small Showman's ribbed "Burton" style caravan on pneumatics for Roller Living van on rubbers. - R. M. Woodruff, 31 King Edwards Road, Ascot, Berks. SL5 8NY. For Sale -Aveling & Porter Roller 1929, No. 12074. This is a piston valve compound 8 tonner which had a new firebox and boiler in 1968. - Harold Bonnett. Tel: 024 027 395. For Sale - Eagle Traction Trailer needs restoration, but wheels (solid rubber), springs and running gear in good order, £60.00 o.n.o. Opperman Motorcart, complete, approx. 1950. f160.00 o.n.o. Early chassis from Showman's Living Van, wooden wheels (I unbound), solid rubber tyres, 18ft. long, £100.00. - I. D. G. Bennett, 2 Reeds Rest, Canon Lane, Burgh Heath, Tadworth, Surrey. Tel: Burgh Heath 58728. Foden Speed Six - Two madder than usual enthusiasts, urgently need information, handbook, and ANY Speed 6 parts, to help them with their rebuild of this unique wagon. - W. Day and R. Jardine, Great Tong, Headcorn, Kent. For Sale - Ransomes MG6 Engine, complete with Carburetter, fuel pump, magneto and clutch. Offers. All replies will he answered: Box No. 1. For Sale - Buffalo Springfield Roller. ExW.D. First registered 7.12.49. Wallis and Steevens 'Advance' 3 ton roller with Morris Commercial engine. Ex.-Penfolds of Arundel tar boiler. Living van, good solid rubber tyres. (No stove). Ex.-Morrison (Roads). R. S. Enticknap, Godalming 22064 after 6 p.m. For Sale - Foden Brake Drum 28fin. i/d. x 4in. face and four brake shoes, same size, £75 o.n.o. 1940 Wallis & Steevens 21 ton Petrol Roller, partly restored, £275 o.n.o. 03292 80192 mornings (Hampshire). - R. A. Clements Gudgc Heath Lane, Fareham, Hants. P015 SAY. For Sale - Rolled steel riveted engine chimney - base dia. 9fin., height 49in., top dia 13in. in good condition and fitted non-proprietary copper top, £15, purchaser to arrange collection. Also three genuine curved Fowler canopy irons, with Eft. 3in. -Tel: Long Crendon 208084 (evenings). Wanted - Large type Rack Saw Bench, fixed or portable, power feed preferred. W. R. Tout, "Keirles", Thornfalcon, Taunton. Tel: Henlade STD (0823) 442259. 67

INSURANCE for STEAM VEHICLES and 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 (New Business, Renewals and Accounts), Mrs. V. M. Jessup, Hildenbrook House, The Slade, Tonbridge, Kent. Telephone: (0732) 357011.

Head Office Saracen's Head House, 92 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 4EE. Telephone: 01-481 8451.

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