Steaming 1978 Vol.22 No.1

STEAMING VOL. 22 No. 1

DECEMBER 1978

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, Mill Hill House, Brockley, nr. Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk,

IP29 4AG Vice-Chairman: J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford, MK43 BDU. General Secretary: G. F. Beck, 127 Greensted Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3DJ. Treasurer: Mrs. Y. Hanmore, 'Woodcote', Wannock Road, Polegate, East

Sussex.

Hon. Solicitor: David Tew, M.A., c/o Fowler & Co., Solicitors, 12 High St.,

Oakham, Leics. LE15 6AW.

Chairman, Rally Sub-Committee: P. G. G. Barber, 71 Winchendon Road, London,

SW6.

Public Relations Officers: London, Home Counties & South: Anthony S. Heal, Baylins Farm, Beaconsfie ld, Bucks. Northern Counties & Scotland: Tony Parker, Foley House, The Grove, Lincoln. Membership Sec.: Mrs. F. E. Wood, 'Windrush', Weston, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE19 4JY. Sales Officer: Alan G. Wilson, 7 Welton Road, Daventry, Northants. NN11 5PP. Insurance Officer: J. S. Hirons, 98 Halley Road, Witney, Oxon. 0X8 5HQ. Editorial Staff: Editor:

Dick Blenkinsop, The Hill Cottage, Radford Semele, Nr. Leamington Spa, CV31

1 UA.

Assistant Editors: Ran Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE, Berkshire. Derek Rayner, "Invicta", Lower Street, Salhouse, Norwich, NR13 6RH. Advertising Manager:

Tony Wood, 22 Larch Grove, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6AU.

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 subscriptio

n is £5 for individuals, E6 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-deliver y 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 Editor's hands by 10th February 1979, earlier if possible. Area News to Derek Rayner by 4th February 1979.

Acknowledgements Area Corrospondents, all the photographers, John Mayes, Mary Lea, Wilf Cole, John Wilkinson, Derek E. Hattam, Mrs. F. E. Owen, Ian K. Hutchinson, Ran Hawthorne, Derek Rayner, Nan Martin, Joe Thomas and all who help,

2

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Vol. 22 No. 1

DECEMBER 1978

CONTENTS Page 3-6 Editorial and Club Announcements. Page 7-9 "The Little Wonder" a Road Run, by John Mayes, Page 10-12 From Mary Lea's Diary. Page 13 Showland Engines, by John Wilkinson. Page 14-18 Reminiscences of a Yorkshire Steam Haulier, by Wilk Cole. Page 19-21 "Little Glutton", by Derek E, Hattam. Page 22-23 Daughter of an Engineer, by Mrs. F. E. Owen. Page 24-27 Traction Engines on Rails, by Ian K. Hutchinson. Page 28-34 "Man of Steam", by Ran Hawthorne. Page 35-55 Area Notes, compiled by Derek Rayner. Page 56-64 Reviews, Letters to the Editor, New Members and Small Advertisements.

EDITORIAL Towards the end of each quarter a number of letters arrive addressed to the Membership Secretary and the Editor enquiring very politely, "I have not yet received my Steaming. This is quite often hardly surprising as the magazine may not have been printed and sent out to members. To avoid your concern that you may have been forgotten let us take a look at the production cycle. Publication is set for the end of each quarter — in other words if there are no delays and finished copies should be sent from the Printers to Fay Wood for distribution at the END of March, June, September and December. There is then a few days for dispatch and the Post Office also takes time. We start putting together the magazine some eight weeks before publication and if there are any problems, they will be reflected in the date Steaming drops through your letterbox. Needless to say we try to keep a tight schedule but you must remember that all the Editorial Staff are volunteers and quite often business commitments can create chaos during the final weeks.

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

However, if you have not received your copy within four weeks of publication there must be something wrong and a letter to the Membership Secretary would be appropriate — providing you have paid your subscription!

COVER PICTURE Burrell General Purpose Traction Engine No. 3882, Reg. AH 7306 built in 1921. This 8 N.H.P. engine is owned by Mr. M. Kettle and he kindly posed the engine for Steaming at the South Woodham Ferrers Rally on Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop. 20th May 1978.

Unfortunately we have just passed the Christmas Festivities but there is still time to wish you all a very Happy New Year and good Steam in 1979, In doing this perhaps we can hope for a good Rally Season in this year of our Silver Jubilee (an event to mark this occasion is still under discussion) and that more of us can get to see engines in other parts of the country. 3

CLUB NEWS FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR THE APPRENTICES At the recent National Committee meeting of the N.T.E.C., the new Steam Apprentice Club was finally launched. A survey during the rally season had shown plenty of interest in the idea, mostly among 12-18 year-olds, and the S.A.C. will therefore cater particularly for this age group. For a £1 annual subscription, a Steam Apprentice will get a regular newsletter, a membership card, a copy of the Approved Rally list, and free entry to some of the rallies. A special Club badge will also be available, and Apprentices will be able to buy N.T.E.C. publications and other items at the same rate as N.T.E.C. members. We also hope to arrange special events and visits for Apprentices; these will be publicised through the newsletter. And we shall try to put each Apprentice in touch with an engine-owner living nearby, so that he can learn more about steam at firsthand. The small group which investigated the possibility of forming a new branch for young people has now transformed itself into Steam Apprentice Club-Officers, as follows: Chairman: John Wharton. Membership Secretary: Sylvia BerthJones. Editor/Publicity: Margaret Joachim. We hope that N.T.E.C. members will help us make the Steam Apprentice Club a great success; in particular, please: 1. Persuade any interested youngster to join — or give them a year's membership as a birthday present, (membership form elsewhere in this issue, or write to the Membership Secretary, Pounce Hall Cottage, Sewards End, Saffron Walden, Essex). 2. Let us know if you are willing to show your engine to Apprentices, or to arrange free entry for them to your rally. 3 Send any suitable items of news, reminiscences of the old days of steam, etc., or offers to write short articles for the newsletter to: Margaret Joachim, 43 Halfcot Avenue, Pedmore, Stourbridge. We'll take your rally advertisements, too! 4

If you join before 31st January 1979 you will receive a Club Badge FREE. If you want to see a love of steam, and an interest in traction engine preservation, passed on to new generations, please help us to get the Steam Apprentice Club off to a really good start. Margaret Joachim. Our congratulations to Margaret Joachim who has recently acquired a Ph.D. and specialises in Geology having spent five years on a research project in the Isle of Man. Her official title is Mrs. M. J. Joachim, M.A., Ph.D., A.M.I. Geol., F.R.E.S. which as she says is not so horrific as it might seem and anyway she still answers to "Margaret"!!

London Area Social Meetings, 1979 Season These will continued 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 31st: The engine and preservation scene in the South Midlands in the 1940's and 1950's. Dick Jolly of Oxford and his old-fashioned slides.

February 28th: The Enfield Veteran Vehicle Club entertains. A slide show devised by Bill Tommings. March 28th: To be advised. April 25th: Indian Steam Railway engine and some other items. A contemporary survey with Geoffrey Mileham.

General Meetings NATIONAL COMMITTEE Saturday 13th January 1979, Geat Western Royal Hotel, Paddington. 14.30. RALLY ORGANISERS CONFERENCE Saturday 3rd February 1979, Great Western Royal Hotel, Paddington. 11.00. AFFILIATED CLUBS MEETING Saturday 3rd February 1979, Geat Western Royal Hotel, Paddington. 14.30. NOTE: These two meetings have returned to the old times which make it more worthwhile for members to attend for the day and have a lunch and chat between the meetings. SAFETY OFFICERS SEMINA Saturday, 10th March 1979, Midland Hotel, Birmingham. 11.00. ENGINE OWNERS CONFERENCE Saturday 24th March 1979, Great Western Royal Hotel, Paddington. 15.00.

Steam Supplies and Services During the winter we shall be revising our "STEAM DIRECTORY''. This was published rather more than a year ago; it contains details of a very wide range of supplies available for steam engine repair and maintenance. The directory was built up from information supplied by Members. Since it was published more information has come to hand; the Steaming sub-committee have agreed to revise the information. This note, therefore, is to appeal to Members who have names and addresses of helpful firms to send details as soon as possible. If anyone has had occasion to use the directory and found any information to be wrong or any of the firms unhelpful, then we should also wish to hear. All correspondence regarding the directory to Ran Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading RG8 OSE.

John Fowler Works Memorial Work on the site of the Steam Plough Works of John Fowler & Co. (Leeds) Ltd. is now almost compete after construction of the new stationery division of E. J. Arnold & Son Ltd. Three flagpoles have been erected near one corner of the site and the Memorial, commissioned by the Leeds and District Traction Engine Club, is to be placed between the flagpoles and perimeter fence, making it clearly visible to passers by. The final design of the Memorial is now in hand. Only one cast panel is to be mounted in the raised stone column. This panel will describe the purpose of the Memorial and will show a relief picture of a Ploughing Engine and Plough. The original design shown on the brochure will not now be used. The Memorial is to be completed, subject to unforseen circumstances, for unveiling on the morning of Saturday, 25th August, 1979 when a number of Fowler vehicles will be in attendance. Following the ceremony a Commemorative Road Run will take pace, subject to approval, from the site in Hunslet, to Barmham Park where the Leeds Club are holding their Annual Rally over the Bank Holiday Weekend. The Appeal has so far raised over half the envisaged cost, but a further £1,000 is still required to complete the project. Donations may be sent to the Fowler Works Memorial Fund Treasurer, 4 Wedgewood Grove, Leeds LS8 1EG, from whom descriptive brochures are also available. Cheques, etc. should be made payable to: L&DTEC—JFWM F.

This shows the corner of the site where the memorial is to be placed. Photo: Leeds & District Traction Engine Club 5

FOWLER ENGINEERS LTD. LEEDS

t

Fowler Road Roller No. 21635 built in 1937 Reg. No. CS 7832. William Macleod, the owner, sent us this picture which shows the engine near the yard of Wm. Aitkin the big contractors. They used to run Garrett and Foden Steam Wagons but now the yard is demolished and derelict. The engine is called "Scotland Yet". Photo: W. Macleod.

A Crane Engine used at the James Hall Museum, Bloemfontein Mines, South Africa. Note the large front wheels and the unusual outside springs on the railway locomotive. Can anyone help with identification? Photo: P. J. English. 6

" THE LITTLE WONDER " Road Run from Eccleshall, Staffs., to Stoneleigh, Warks. By JOHN MAYES (Continued from Vol. 21 No. 4)

Wolseley Bridges and we turn right onto go again, a steady little climb past Brindlely Bank Pumping Station and up onto the Rugeley By-pass, let the fire die down a

the A.51 draw up at the Halt sign, wait till the road is clear both ways and off we bit now as we shall soon be stopping for water and to oil round again when we reach the dual carriageway section of the by-pass. Drawing in with plenty of room for following traffic to pass we carry out our normal routine oiling up and inspections whilst taking on water from the tanker. This is our last stop before the "Swan with Two Necks" where we replenish the tanker. Time 5.0 p.m. and only about 4 miles to cover. Clean the fire, only a very small amount of clinker which I simply push right to the front of the firebox, then having completed my check round and filled up with water I lay in a big fire, enough to take us through the traffic at the end of the Rugeley By-pass and out onto the wide dual carriageway. A quick glance behind and when we are all clear, set off once again. Arriving at the end of the By-pass there is plenty of traffic, knocking off time presumably. Seizing our chance we are into the roundabout, the trailers following nicely with the Land Rover about 6 ins. from the kerb, round we go then into the single carriageway road by the shops, cars and buses in both directions as well as numerous lorries and a line of parked cars on our left. Not much room but Alison steers through the lot without any problems, pull up with a bit of a jerk for the Pedestrian Crossing just short of the high railway bridge, then before the wheels had actually stopped we are off again, under the bridge, hard right and out onto the Lichfield Road, dual carriageway now and a steady little climb, just blowing off, water up into the top nut. As we level off pump on, check fire, we are clear of Rugeley. Big wheel all the

way now, including the climb up to the Brereton Cross roads. Not much weight in the tanker now and we carry along easily to Longdon Green where we turn off the main road, dropping down into little wheel with scarcely a stop and we are running down to "The Swan with Two Necks" Public House. Drawing up right across the front entrance to the pub, a blast on the whistle to ensure they know we have arrived and it's out with the hoses to fill both the engine and the tanker. Engine full, a glance into the tanker shows there is time for a quick one before we start oiling up in readiness for the last mile to Cleat Hill and our staging point. Time 6.0 p.m., we've made

up a bit since Milford. Having refreshed ourselves, Alison and carry out our normal routine oiling up and inspections. The tanker is full now, switch off the little engine, roll up the hoses and store away. Mend the fire, we are going to need every ounce of steam for the climb back onto the A.51, damper open, thick black smoke belches out from the chimney, move off in big wheel and amble slowly through the village, making steam all the while. I

At the bottom of the climb up to the A.51 engage little wheel and we are puffing loudly up the hill. Close damper immediately she starts to pull just as a feather appears at the safety valves. Hope we don't have to stop at the junction for traffic, it can be a bit dicey making a standing start on the hill right on the bend. We are all right, there is a long gap in the traffic and we are out onto the main road, only another hundred yards before we can get up into big wheel. Water dancing just below top nut, steam gauge showing 120, no roar from the fire so there cannot be any holes, we should get to the top without having to open the fire hole door — a blast of cold air onto the tube plate has been known to have somewhat disastrous results as I learned to my cost during my 7

mis-spent youth driving a Fowler B-6 on heavy haulage. Level road at last, gear change lever pins out, ease regulator back a trifle, sliding small wheel lever out, a bit more back with the regulator and slide big wheel into mesh, pins in, regulator open and we are away on the final stretch. A quick peek into the firebox, no holes, should take us to our staging point on Cleat Hill lay-by . Pump on to fill the boiler for the night. We turn off onto the lay-by, drawing well up into the left hand side leaving plenty of room for other vehicles to pass us. A Notice Board proudly proclaims "Parking Limited to 15 hours", we shall be away well within that limit. Draw up with the chimney well clear of overhanging branches, take her out of gear then get her just ticking over with the pump full on, fill up from the tanker in readiness for the morning. Push the remains of the fire right up to the front of the firebox, put the cap over the chimney immediately I've shut off, open the drain cocks, reverse into mid gear. Alison has scotched each driving wheel, fore and aft. Get our small sheet down from the tanker and put it over the motion. Light two plain glass hurricane lamps and hang them on the front of the engine and six red lamps, two at the rear and four along the off-side. Alison fills two pails of hot water from the injection overflow then she turns off the main steam valve. I then pull the end of the small sheet over the footplate and tie down behind the bunker. Get cleaned up in lovely hot water, discard filthy overalls. We are almost ready to return to "The Swan with Two Necks" for supper. Change into clean suit, Best, Boiler One! Saturday morning sees us up and about early, clinker out and light up. The crew has more than doubled with the arrival of Andrew Hopper, Peter Noble and Brian Hollingworth. While steam is being raised Alison cooks breakfast on the range in the Living Van, Andrew oils up "The Little Wonder", Brian and Peter check all round the train, adjust the tanker brakes and fill the bunker with coal. Compared with yesterday, we have a fairly easy run before us today. Only a short section through Lichfield: about 11 miles of single carriageway approaching Coleshill By-pass and the steep climb up 8

and down the by-pass. Lunch time target is "The Happy Hour" Cafe at Bassets Pole and, as they close at 11.0 a.m. Saturdays, Brian and Alison proceed by car to tell them to expect us at noon. We have a standing arrangement with George and Margaret Fife over 'out of hours' meals, also parking and overnight stays with Traction Engines at weekends when they are normally closed. By 8.0 a.m. we are pounding the road, a gentle downhill sweep from the lay-by at Cleat Hill. then a short climb to the roundabout at the start of the Lichfield By-pass. With Peter Noble driving and Andrew steering I enjoy my ease after yesterday's steeplechase and rest up in readiness to take her through Lichfield, then a rest until the steep climb up past the Rom River Gravel Quarry, a further rest then until the section of single carriageway and over the Coleshill By-pass, after which my day's work is over. We drift steadily down the Lichfield Bypass. the sun is shining and it is pleasantly warm. I lay stretched out on a tarpaulin sheet on top of the tanker, being fully sprung and on pneumatics it is a nice comfortable ride, accompanied by the "Tump-tump, Tump-tump" of the exhaust up the chimney and the ringing of the gears. As thick black smoke starts drifting overhead I sit up and take stock of our surroundings. We are approaching Beacon Place, Lichfield, Peter is putting in a big fire ready for the assault on the City. I can hear the pump knocking a bit as the load comes on it and as Peter stoops to inspect the fire I see the steam gauge is just above 100. Climbing down from my "bed" I walk along the drawbar and get up on the manstand. Peter elects to sit on the toolbox at the hack of the bunker, the better to watch my performance through Lichfield. Andrew and I know every inch of the road, seeing a gap in the traffic rounding the Beacon Place island I open her up a bit as Andrew brings her across to the centre of the carriageway, the better to take the left-hand bend at the start of the "circus" so as to finish in a good position to start the second, right hand bend and also to leave sufficient room on our nearside for the final and sharp turn off to the left. I ease off a touch to give Andrew time to change his lock, at the same time keeping an eye open down the off-side of the train just in case some over enthusiastic motorist develops big ideas.

We leave the island with ample 6om on both sides, the engine talking nrcely up the chimney as I start opening up again. Pump off, so far so good. The traffic is fairly heavy as we approach the next roundabout where we have to turn sharp left off the Birmingham road. Giving Andrew the "all clear", I ease off as he pulls out to the centre of the road. Miraculously the traffic clears on the roundabout at our approach, ease off a bit more to give Andrew steerage time. Round we go left-handed into a much narrower road with a line of traffic approaching. Not much room along here, hope there are no parked cars to add to the confusion, traffic is building up behind us. The traffic lights are now in sight at the cross roads where we have to turn sharp right and proceed under the railway bridge. They will change several times before we arrivel There is now a long line of following traffic and we are going to need plenty of room on our off-side to negotiate the turn. Peter gets down and drops behind to hold back any would-be overtakers. No matter how clear one's hand signals, there is always someone hell bent on suicide or desirous of owning a long thin motor car, also we do not want a line of traffic impeding our progress to the traffic lights. Twenty yards to go, the lights are red, 15 yards, will they cl.ange? ten yards, start to ease off, five yards, the amber comes on; how much approaching traffic to clear off before we can cut across into our road? Green, ease off a bit more, I suppose some fool will sit right in the middle, afraid to turn to his right across our bows, or else just to gawp at usl At last, the junction is clear, just as the engine gets half way across the lights turn to red again. Lovely! now only we can move as the train is blocking both the up and the down carriageways. With an open road I still proceed at a crawl so as to give Andrew steerage time, we are passing under the railway bridge which beats the note of the exhaust down onto us resonantly so I hastily check the fire and chuck two or three shovelfulls on where required, enough to get us up the climb out of Lichfield. The water is about a couple of inches off the top of the glass. She starts to blow off dead on time, just as I start to feed steam to her again, up we go, the temporary chaos we caused at the traffic lights is working to our advantage now, approaching traffic is at a standstill having missed any opportunity to cross the lights as we made our turn, following traffic has no

chance to overtake. Steadily she climbs, a lovely sharp even beat up the chimney as Peter runs up and regains his perch. "You've done it again", he says to me. :"Done what?" I ask, all innocent like. "Got her blowing off the minute you needed a full head of steam for this climb". I chuckle inwardly, knowing that I can do it every time and that he seldom can. But that is hardly fair, Peter is a good driver, for, what chance has he, or in fact anyone in this day and age to gain a lifetime's experience of steam. Up we go, just a feather at the valves, the day is getting warmer now. Pump on as we breast the hill, put fire to rights and hand over to Peter again, time for my next hour's' kip! Back onto the tanker again and, as we leave Lichfield behind, Brian and Alison arrive with much needed bottles of pop. Farmers are busy harvesting, the fields are hives of industry, but what the - - - ? Good heavens, a field full of horses, someone has cut a field of wheat with a selfbinder and now it is being carted off with horses and wagons. I wonder how it will be thrashed and what the source of power will be. How many of the speeding motorists have seen this phenomenon? Up to the A.5 roundabout, not too much traffic, round we go and slip quietly down to the start of the climb up to Canwell. I get back onto the engine and tell Peter to put me a good big fire in. The intention is to make the lay-by adjacent to the entrance of the Rom River Gravel Co. and park up to take water from the tanker. She starts blowing off, the water is about one inch from the top of the glass as we start the climb. Shut the damper. "Go on Peter, don't be frightened of her, give her some bell oil". Up we go, a clear even steady bark up the chimney. Not much traffic and what little there is flies past on the dual carriageway, apart that is, from the odd one who slows down to gawp. Here's the lay-by and on we draw almost to the end so no vehicles can park in front and block our exit. Scotch up, run out the engine hose and start drawing from the tanker. Leaving Peter to attend to the water, Andrew oils up and I clean the fire, not a great deal of clinker. By the time I've got a good clean fire burning fiercely Andrew has oiled up and Peter has coiled the hose away. We check round the train and by the time we are ready the safety valve lifts. (To be continued) 9

FROM MARY LEA'S DIARY/LOG BOOK George and Mary Lea, together with son John, are well known in the Preservation Movement. Mary Lea has taken excerpts from her Diary covering the fitting of a new firebox to the Foden "D" type Steam Tractor No. 13222, built in 1928. Old fireboxes are unlike good wine, they do not improve with age, we decided; after all it was the original firebox that Fodens had fitted into "Cheshire Maid". way back in 1928, and we had rallied her for 16 years on top of her previous working life. Most of the stays which we had not renewed were getting necked and, although there was plenty of life in the tubes, we had had seven years use out of them; to postpone fitting a new firebox would be false economy was the general feeling. At one of the early summer rallies, George had a word with Jack Johnson, of Banks, near Southport. He agreed to give us accommodation in his commodious workshop and do the boiler work for us at the end of the 1977 rally season and after the corn harvest, as Jack still does a lot of contract combining. Due to the weather, the harvest was late in terminating this year — a gentle reminder of when we undertook steam threshing. October found either he or us occupied by some function or other so that the first date to be in mutual agreement to all of us was 12th November. 12th November: George went out to light up at 7.0 a.m., came in for breakfast and had steam on at 8.15 a.m. After hitiching on the caravan, we were away at 9.02 a.m. and, although a bit windy and cold, the sun was shining and we were pleased that it was not raining. At Martha'', pulled onto lay-by to check axle boxes for hot bearings and to check pinch-bolts on the radius rods, the back axle having been stripped to re-pin and rebush the compensating gear; everything ❑.K., so were away again at 9.14 a.m. On reaching the A.60 road, just by the Middlewich turn-off, Bill and Jackie Briggs passed us, gave a wave and were stopped in the entrance of Toft Hall drive, so stopped for a five minute natter with them. At Knutsford, the rain started and when at Mere, obtained an old mac out of the caravan to cover legs as the wind is blowing into the cab, in the meantime George and John gave the fire a bit of a prodding as the Maid is not steaming too well. 10

That and the slight gradient through High Legh has helped to keep the needle in the right place. 10.07 and we reached Knutsford Road swing bridge at Warrington and now raining like horizontal stair-roads, especially where there are no buildings to break the force of the wind. We were glad to traverse the ring road round Warrington and stop on the dual carriageway in the lee of Fiat's northern depot. We rapidly bundled into the caravan for shelter and hot coffee — I took the opportunity of adding an anorak beneath my donkey jacket — (Besides the nether garments, she had on trousers, boiler suit, two pullovers, anorak, donkey jacket, scarf and woolly bob-cap — then still said how cold it was; good job she did not have to bend to fire up! — G.S,L). At 10.27 a.m. we pulled on first lay-by on the East Lancs Road to check big end lubricators, oil links and top up the Menzel. Cylinder oil still thick and cold. A drop more coffee for the humans and, after clinkering off, we moved at 10.44. We really have got steaming problems with this terrific wind; every time steam is shut off, the wind is so vicious it is causing a vacuum in the ashpan, sucking the fire down and shooting 3-4 ft. flames out past the damper: it is now raining, hailstoning, sleeting and BLOWING. By 11.30 were were all in need of a respite so, again stopped for coffee; the jet has to be left on, slightly, whilst stopped or the pressure needle drops as if there were a piece of lead attached to it. We are now at Bickerstaff, near to Rosbotham's, who used to be rolling and threshing contractors in steam days. Off again, rather reluctantly, at 11.55. We now headed up for Burscough and Rufford. At Holmeswood we stopped for our mid-day meal, 12.45 to 1.40 p.m. Thoroughly enjoyed the hot, thick soup which I had put in flasks for us. Took a couple of slide-shots with camera, although the light is not good, John and Mary, then George and Mary, in full Eskimaux outfits. Arrived at Banks at 2 o'clock, pulled into Jack's yard, shunted caravan to back

onto fence, unhitched and G. and J. put the Foden in the workshop. After another brew, they set to, to strip as much down as possible. By 4.45, they had had enough, washed in engine's hot water, then had another brew to wait for Brian, our elder son to pick us up. He arrived around 6.0 p.m. and Celia had a lovely hot meal waiting for us when we called in at their house at Tyldesley — we were dead beat and, after a rest, Brian ran us home to Chelford, so ending the first day of 'The Saga of Our Little Red Engine and her new firebox. Saturday, 19th November: Saw us at Johnson's again at around 10.0 a.m., in John's Morris van. The day, very wet and boisterous, dangerously so. As we were unloading blankets and food out of John's van, to place in caravan, a full blast of wind tore the caravan door out of my hand and broke a hinge off — we managed to tack it into place as a temporary measure and used the other door. G. and J. started work on the Foden, dismantling. Got eggs and bacon for midday meal, followed by fruit pie and cream. After washing up, prepared the beds ready for night, putting a hot-water bottle in each and stuffing a small eiderdown into each sleeping bag. Did not move out of caravan all day but was content to sit by caravan fire and knit and read. After their evening meal, the men went back to work. They stopped at 9.0 p.m. but Barry, who drives Frank Lythgoe's Foden S.R.L. "Prospector", came along and talked, so it was 10 o'clock when they finally came in, frozen; needless to say, I was in bed with all hot water bottles refilled. Although we had been dreading spending the night in the caravan, it was ever so cuddly and warm, we all felt as if floating on air we were that comfortable — and we had not had any Scottish brew, either! After everything going right on the Saturday, the tables were turned on Sunday. Most of the nuts were perverse and 'Brummigem' spanner had to be used on many of them; it is all that can be expected of perch bracket nuts and bolts, though. By 7.0 p.m. they had done all that was possible at this juncture; all the top motion work off, the gearing off and the crankshaft lifted out. The flywheel on 'C' types is on a taper end of the c/shaft, so it is not often there is any difficulty in removing one to lighten the c/shaft ready to lift out by hand. Jack J. gave them a hand to get

it down to floor level, then all the balls dropped out of one race. I helped to sweep up and tidy up a bit, packed the van and we arrived home at 9.15. Saturday, 26th November: Off again to Banks complete with food for the day. As the electrician is coming tomorrow to finish wiring our loft we can only go for the one day. After the usual brew, activity started around 10.0 a.m. as the engine is at the ready for splitting stage, i.e. drawing the front, boiler section out of the chassis frame. After packing up with timber under the radius rod brackets attached to the frame, the firebox foundation ring was also packed up with timber, prior to removing the bolts out of the gusset plates which locate the rear of the boiler to the chassis side members. In her career, where the chain had rubbed, there was about three inches with weld sticking to it, so this was blown off with oxy-acetylene. John, Jack's elder son, then brought the large fork-lift over. This has a box-section boom fitted to it and this just fitted snugly under the cab roof to give enough room to lift after George had slung round the bottom of the firebox with a chain sling. The crane then took the front section, still complete with front axle out into the yard. Most nuts had been taken off and all others loosened in readiness for taking the axle from under, whilst the crane supported the smokebox. Geo. and John then degreased and scrubbed everything, prior to using Jack's power washer, to make things clean for the boiler inspector. Another bitterly cold day again. Saturday, 33rd... December: As usual, Mary (and her halo —) was up and bestirred at 6.30 a.m. but, although breakfast cooked, etc., the men very reluctant to leave their beds. After arriviing at Banks, George and John worked outside nearly all day, dismantling the front axle assembly and spring. I stayed in 'van nearly all day as it is bitterly cold again. Cooked main meal at mid-day, chops, roast potatoes, sprouts and carrots and rice pud. They have brought a spare spring with them but decided against fitting it, both springs coming back home at night together with connecting rods, trunk guides, side motion-plates, cylinder cover (Bonnet in Foden parlance), one front wing and one door. They are merciless with that poor little Morris van and there should be a society against them! We were all sitting 11

in uncomfofrtable positions and I was pleased when we arrived back home. On Monday evening, Mr. Johnson rang to say the tubes and old box were out; would we contact our boiler inspector? When Jack starts, he does not stand still in one place for long. We duly contacted our local boiler inspector who took on the duty of seeing that someone would go to Banks on the following Monday. That evening we also rang Colin Dale, Congleton, to see if he could build up cross-heads, turn down and also bore out the trunkguides to suit — Yes. Quite a long time since we last saw Colin, owner of S.C.C. "Little Mac", so the natter covered a bit of lost ground. Saturday, 10th December: Jack had got the air compressor and needle gun ready for our use, the exercise for that day being to descale all the inside of the boiler in readiness for the inspector on the Monday. Needle guns are marvellous things, they clean round rivet heads like nobody's business and save a lot of

agony with chipping hammers. That evening, we had quite a discourse with Mr. Johnson before returning home. During the day, Jack's two sons, John and Allen, had been finishing off the relagging of their Burrell 5-ton tractor, "Harvester" as they had recently had their annual inspection and a hydraulic. G. rang J.J. up on Monday evening, 12th December, and the inspector had been. He has given the go-ahead and to build up the areas of slight wastage inside outer firebox plates, also the bit of pitting at bottom of inside of boiler barrel. Saturday, 17th December: Nobody got up before 9.25 so it was mid-day before we arrived at Banks. Soon got the dinner ready and it was also soon eaten — steak and kidney, onion, sprouts, carrots followed by trifle — lovely. Not a great deal to do and nobody felt like doing much, anyway.

George Lea at work on the Low Pressure Truck-guide. 12

(To be continued)

Photo: Tony Dyer.

SHOWLAND ENGINES by John Wilkinson

"SUCCESS" The subject of this contribution is a product of William Foster & Co. Ltd., of Lincoln. It is the 65 b.h.p. showman's engine No. 14632 "Success", owned by Hibble & Mellors Ltd., the Nottinghambased firm of roundabout proprietors, and I took the photograph on 19th August, 1939 at the well-dressings fair at Barlow, Derbyshire. I forget exactly when the firm of Hibble & Mellors Ltd. came into being but when I paid my first visit to Nottingham Goose Fair (it was the first to be held on the Forest site), James W. Nibble had a Cake Walk, and Mellors Brothers, a three-abreast set of Galloping Horses. Jim Hibble told me that he used to be a doorman on Crighton's cinematograph show, and he subsequently married one of the Crighton girls.

Writing from memory, I can only remember Morny and Evelyn with the amusements of Mellors Brothers. At a guess I would say it was about 1930 when the Hibble and Mellors partnership was formed, and they certainly progressed with the passing of the years. They acquired several new novelty rides — Noah's Ark, Dodgems, Swirl, etc. — and ere long were in, in a very big way. Of the many engines I remember seeing in the ownership of Nibble & Mellors Ltd. were Fowler No. 15117 "Headway", Brown and May No. 8742 "General Buller", Burrells No. 3822 "The Snip" and No. 3869 "Terry", and Fosters No. 14627 "Progress" and No. 14632 "Success". There was also the specially built Fowler six-speed diesel engined road loco. No. 20829 "Jubilee". 13

I saw "The Snip" shortly after it was new, and the lettering on the cab sides read "R. Sedgwick and Son, Oldham". I saw "Jubilee" at the maker's works prior to delivery to the H. & M. firm. "Terry" was named after Mr. and Mrs. Nibble's daughter, now Mrs. Bertie Parkin. The last stronghold for steam traction engines was for heavy haulage and the fairgrounds. These were favoured because of their immense power and ability to 'hold back' the loads when descending steep gradients. It seems to me that because of this, Foster's built some showman-type engines in the 1930-1 period to a "stock group order", and "Success" was not delivered until 1934. My mode of travel for many years was the bicycle, and as I used to leave it in the care of a traction engine driver when visiting fairs I got to know quite a number. And I never heard a wrong word said about the products of William Foster! The driver of "Success" when with Nibble and Mellors always wore an engine driver's cap and blue overalls when on duty. I first got to know him in the early 1920s when he was the driver of Burrell No. 3404 "Kathleen Mary" with Aspland's Grand Venetian Gondolas. He was with the Aspland-Howden firm until they ceased to travel in the late 1920s, and I rated him as a most conscientious driver. Posters announcing a visit of Hibble and Mellors, were always quoted as "Hibble and Mellors' High class amusements" which was a true description. Their engines, rolling stock and rides were always maintained to perfection, and as such were a credit to the

business. I do not remember much of the firm of Hibble and Mellors Ltd. after the end of the Second World War, but I do remember that Carl Mumby acquired "Success" and a set of Gallopers, which he operated for a couple of seasons in a Lincolnshire seaside resort. Photographs I have received of "Success" in post-war years show it having many owners, among them (other than Carl Mumby) being Hardwick, Darby and Dowlman. It was, in fact, Albert Dowlman who sold "Success" and an 89-key Gavioli fair organ to Charlie Byass. Charlie has travelled extensively with "Success" and the organ, always under its own steam, but I rather think he would have a make a break from tradition when engine and organ attended the gathering at Stourpaine Bushes in September, 1978. During the Winter of 1977-78 a 275 amp. dynamo was acquired, as replacement to a smaller one which used to be featured on Mrs. H. Oadley's Wallis and Steevens No. 7052 "Pride of Merthyr". This latest dynamo used to adorn Burrell No. 3526 "Lightning II" with Emerson and Hazard's touring entertainments. Not very many of Foster's engines have survived the passing of the years, but it is good to know that "Success' is in such good hands that its future is assured. One item worthy of mention is the fact that "Success" never carried an exciter or carlift crane. This was probably due to the fact that Scenic Railways (which used the auxiliary dynamo and car lift crane) had been taken out of service when this engine was built.

REMINISCENCES OF A YORKSHIRE STEAM HAULIER (Continued from P.18 Vol. 21 No. 1)

by Wilf Cole Our firm, the Central Haulage & Motor Co., continued its contribution to the War Effort in January 1941, when we had our Sentinel DG4 Tipper No. 8009/UT5835 engaged on work for the Leeds Corporation Cleansing Department, hauling ashes to the tips. This waggon continued this work until mid-February when it was sold to Concrete Ltd., Stourton, Leeds. I have given reports about what it did for them 14

in previous articles. I understand that a Doctor in Huddersfield now owns this waggon.

I must now digress from steam operation as, on the night of 14th/15th March, Leeds was heavily bombed by German aircraft, with many casualties. Our house and garage narrowly missed being hit and some of us being killed. Three people were

killed in a house not fifty yards from ours and many windows were broken. This convinced my brothers Len and Jack and myself that the phoney war was really over and that we should have to do something about it. We assessed the situation and decided that the only thing we could do was to stand up and help to fight the menace which was then facing Britain. Of course, it will be remembered that we were all alone then as the enemy had captured almost the whole of Europe and we were up against a terrific proposition — not only Britain — but the whole world, with regard to its freedom from tyranny and aggression. The one shining light at that time was that we had a man who was prepared to stand up and fight. That man was Winston Churchill. When he was given the job of Prime Minister in 1940 we knew he was the right man for the job. My brother Len and I had worked under him when he was made Minister of Munitions during the 1914-18 war and we admired his drive and energy which delivered the goods and also the tanks which helped to win the War. He had the full backing and co-operation of all the workforces, including the women who were recruited for War work, and there were no strikes. We well remember his speeches during the early part of the last war when things were looking really bad for us. The most famous of them all was when he said that "If Britain lasted a thousand years, people would say that this was their finest hour". He was definitely the right man in the right place at the right time and he proved that by bringing the War to a very successful conclusion. I should add that steam power had a lot to do with all this and we determined to play our part in the War Effort to the best of our ability. We therefore resolved to intensify our Steam Haulage activities and during the winter of 1941, our Sentinel S4 tipper was fully engaged hauling sand and gravel and coal. In late April, we turned out with our Garrett six-wheeler, No. 35478/GW806 which we had purchased from London, and which I have mentioned previously. These two wagons continued working to capacity throughout 1941. As an instance of the amount of work they were doing, we had to send the cylinders off the Sentinel to their Service Depot at Liverpool to be resleeved. My younger brother, Jack, took them in a Jowett car and he had to thread his way past fire hoses which were laid in

the streets in Liverpool, owing to the air raids. When they looked at the cylinders, we later found out that the wear in the bores was up to 13 thousandths of an inch, whereas when new, only 1+ thous. were allowed. The pistons, of course, were cast iron. We had them back and the waggon running again in about a fortnight. About this time we rented a covered garage in which to do our repair work. We'd had two or three places up to this time but had needed to move because people had bought the property. These premises we found, off Meanwood Road, were a very likely place as we could get three wagons in to work on them, and there was also a small extension which we could fix up as a machine shop. One of the first things we had to do when we got in was to dig a pit to drop the Sentinel fireboxes into. I bricked it out and concreted the floor. We then laid a girder in the room above and fixed some 2-ton chain blocks to it. This simplified the work a lot and made the task of dropping fireboxes easier and quicker. We then had to get the building re-wired and fix the electric welding set in position so that we could use it for boiler repairs, etc. when required. We also had to connect up a battery charger for the wagon's lighting system batteries, and finally we had to get a hose pipe fixed for the water. We bought this place eventually and we still have it. At the same time as we were fitting out this maintenance and repair shop, we were running the haulage business and trying to restore steam wagons. We still had our yard, with house attached, where Len lived, and it would hold five or six wagons comfortably. Also, our Office was in it. Len and myself did most of the repair work on the wagons although Jack did help us to fix the machine shop up at the new place, the machinery being belt driven with countershafts. We were now better placed for doing our own maintenance and repairs and it was a pleasure to do work on these and on restoration work, under cover. MANURE One thing I have not yet mentioned is that we obtained a contract for carrying human manure which we loaded at the Corporation Sewage Works filter beds and took to the Whitley Bridge area, near Knottingley. It was loaded by tip-up bogies 15

on rails and was dry. It had been chemically treated and was supposed to be non septic. We used to tip it in a convenient spot for the farmers, who seemed to like it. They spread it on the land and it must have been good, as the work lasted for about two years. We were taking a wagon load (7 tons) per day for all this time. I think It was for the "Grow More Food" campaign which was backed by the Government to combat the submarine menace. Our two steam wagons, the Sentinel S4 tipper, No.8863/UP8366 and the Garrett 6 wheel wagon continued to keep running at full capacity from this time (mid 1941) until June 1942. We then decided to knock the Garrett off because of the Government '60 mile' limit restriction and replace it with the Sentinel DG4 tipper which we had purchased from King's at Glasgow, (No. 8259/ GE9218). To do this, meant changing the 'A' licence and we did it mainly because of a new job which was starting — Opencast Coal Mining — and we were almost in the middle of the area in which it was to be done. At this time we also purchased a Super Sentinel flat waggon which was offered to us by a man in Leeds. He had started in the scrap business and knew we ran steam wagons. I don't know where he had got it from, but it may have been a local firm. It wanted restoring as the solid tyres were getting thin and there were no driving chains on it. As we were very busy with all the work previously mentioned, we could not undertake this at that time and thought we had better advertise it for sale. This we did and were not long in finding a customer for it. We sold it to Messrs. James & Son (G.M.) Ltd., Olmar Wharf, Malt Street, I onclon, S.E.1. They were already running four or five Sentinels, mainly I think on grain haulage work. They bought it without even coming to look at it, but took our word for it as far as description of condition was concerned. We did nothing at it and they asked us if we could deliver it to them and we agreed. Len and Jack towed it to London with our Foden diesel four wheeler and we also supplied them with a good secondhand firebox for it. We gave the wheels a good oiling and greased the steering before it went and it arrived safely. We never knew whether they ran it or used it for spares but we did hear a few years ago, after the preservation job started, that there was a Super Sentinel among a pile of scrap at Jack Hardwick's 16

at Ewell, Surrey, and that some enthusiasts were interested in it and were thinking about having a go at restoring it. I often wonder if this was the same wagon. Its registration Number was NE4770. (EDITOR'S NOTE — This is Super No. 6327, supplied originally to Leopold Walford Transport Ltd., Ardwick, Manchester, in 1925, and is now in the ownership of Arnold Brook and Ken Hirst, Holmfirth. It is restored and is rallied under the name of "The Yorkshireman". Unfortunately, existing Sentinel records drawn from Local Authority Registers and enquiries made by Mr. Brook show that NE4770 passed from Walford's in good condition via Puddifer's at Birkenhead to James Grains where it became No. 65 in their fleet. The scrap man's wagon sold by Cole's to James' would not have been registered if it were used only for spares and it is known that a good deal of cab (and hence number) changing was practised by various Sentinel owners at various times. It may be that this wagon was a victim of such a change in identity at some time, otherwise its presence in Leeds, even for only a short time, may remain an unexplained mystery — a co-incidence indeed, Mr. Cole). OPENCAST COAL To continue regarding the opencast coal work, we decided to put two steam wagons on this, the Sentinel S4 tipper and the DG4 tipper, ex-Kings. This work started early August 1942 and we were working for the Ministry of Mines, via a coal agent in Wakefield. We ran initially from the Patrick Green site, Lee Moor, near Stanley to the L.M.S. Station in Wakefield. Our total tonnage for the first day, 12th August, was 35 tons 11 cwt. On the second day, we moved 94 tons 12 cwt., and on the third day, 101 tons 7 cwt. Our wagons had to go down into the site and be loaded by an excavator, which was somewhat hard on the springs, having a big load dropped into the body from a height. During the following week we averaged 106 tons a day and this was day after day working. This pattern continued all through the war and afterwards on this vitally important job. We ran from all the main sites in West Yorkshire, probably the largest one being that at Templenewsam, near Leeds. After we got going on this job, we knew that this was where our contribution to the War Effort lay and we purchased the Garrett four wheeler

which we bought new in 1929 (No. 35250/ RT6313), back from C. F. Harris Ltd., the firm we sold it to in 1940. They were having difficulty in maintaining it, owing to the shortage of suitable staff. The first thing we did was to take off the screw tipping gear and fit the Sentinel Water hydraulic type. This was worked by an injector and was very good and quick. We then gave the wagon a general overhaul and got it ready for the opencast coal job. We knew it could cope with this, having had much experience with this wagon previously, so we put it on to it and then had three steam wagons on this work. We pushed our tonnage moved per day up to 150 tons, and up again, after a concerted effort, until we got it to a record 175 tons. I should add here that the steam wagons were proving exceptional for this type of work, especially the chain driven ones, and it was no detriment at all for the boiler to be at the front of the front axle. In fact, it was an advantage as it took some weight off the back axle and made it easier for pulling out of the loading area, which was inevitably down a hole. I did not ever hear of one of our steam wagons having to be pulled out by a diesel caterpillar tractor. In early September 1942, the Ministry of Fuel and Power took over this work and we started working for them. We were still running from the Patrick Green site to the station at Wakefield. In late September, we started running to the Patrick Green sidings of the ex-East and West Yorkshire Union Railway and on the first day we moved 107 tons there and 22 tons to Wakefield. These sidings were by that time, under the auspices of the L.N.E.R. but could possibly at one time, have seen that little railway's Mann's Steam Wagon, which I recall seeing around their Rothwell headquarters during the earlier years of this century. Shortly afterwards, we started on a fresh site at Oulton Park, near Rothwell, and took the coal to the Canal stage at Woodlesford Bridge. It was tipped into the legendary 'Tom Puddings', the local name for the square coal carriers which were pulled along the canals by barges — almost like trains on water!! The same pattern continued until the end of September, with the Oulton Park site coming more into the picture. It should be borne in mind that we were not using imported fuel for which men were having to risk their lives to bring into the country. There was no North Sea Gas or North Sea Oil then — we used

the best Welsh Smokeless coal and had an allocation from the Ministry of Fuel and Power. I will say this — the Welsh miners never let us down. Sometimes we had to wait a few days for a truck coming in, but we carried on with coke during that period. Strangely enough, the Police were still keen on the smoke regulations for road engines, even during the War when we would have thought that they would have relaxed restrictions and allowed us to burn poor coal. At this time we had a bit of bad luck with our Foden Diesel Tipping Wagon, Reg. No. YG5961. We sent the wagon, which was then driven by our cousin, John Cole, down to a tyre fitting place in Leeds for repairs to a slow puncture on a front wheel. Whilst he was taking the wheel off, which still had 30 lbs./sq.in. in it, the rim which held the tyre on, flew off and hit him. It was a split rim and called a 'K' type. These were the type that were fitted to the early Foden diesels. John was taken to Leeds Infirmary where it was found that he had a compound fracture of his left leg below the knee, He was transferred to St. James' Hospital where he had to stay inside for some weeks to get it right. While he was there he found it quite unnerving as the German bombers were passing overhead on their way to Liverpool during the night. He was eventually sent home and confined to his living room for about a year.

FIRE!! We had to put another driver on this wagon whilst John was off. He had only been on it for a few weeks and was working for the Corporation Cleansing Department. He had a mate with him and they stopped one day for a lunch break near the centre of Leeds, leaving the wagon in the street. Whilst they were in the Cafe, the wagon caught fire, although how, we never found out. The fire brigade were called and put it out but the cab was practically burnt off. It was too good a wagon to scrap and it was important to us as we used it for towing jobs when we were buying and selling steam wagons. We got in touch with Fodens and asked them if they could fit us a new cab. They said they could but told us we should have to get a permit first to say that the vehicle was engaged on essential work. We got this permit without any fuss from 17

the Ministry of Transport in Leeds and towed the wagon to Sandbach with one of our Steamers. Foden's said they would get on with it as quickly as possible. Whilst it was there, we thought we would ask them to overhaul the engine for us at the same time. This they agreed to do and they were not long in completing the work — they took just over a month, which I thought was very good, especially during the War. They fitted a new type cab and overhauled the Gardner 4LW engine. This included re-sleeving the cylinders and fitting new pistons. They also painted and

lettered the cab and made a very fine job, all round. When we got it home, it ran as good as new and we were well satisfied with it. Our main job at that time became the haulage of opencast coal. It was something which our steam wagons were well able to do and I believe that we were probably the only firm in the country to be doing this class of work and using nothing but steam wagons. I shall have more to say about this, which was Our Contribution to the War Effort, in the next Article. (To be continued)

Sentinel 6327/1925 NE 4770. Leopold Watford Transport Ltd., Manchester No. 11. Sentinel Works 1925 ("Sentinel Transport News", Feb. 1926 P.54). Photo: B. D. Stoyel.

Sentinel 6022/YL 8661. New 1925 and last licenced 6/35, scrapped 4/38. Photo: J. L. Thomas.

'Am a RN. CON DUNG

18

rACTORY, HUT S

STEAMCtkliEYCIETr

71:

"LITTLE GLUTTON" by DEREK E. HATTAM This engine, Robey Tractor No. 41493, Reg. No. MF 3946, is the firm's final form of tractor, built 1923 and fitted with rubber tyres when new. The cylinders are 5" and 81", stroke 9", working pressure 200 lbs. per square inch, tank capacity 150 gallons, weight 7i tons laden. She is one six built and was ordered by the Director of Army Contracts and despached in 1924 to the Royal Engineers Ordnance Office, Farnborough (R.A.S.C. No. 17524). The engine has now been restored to its original livery. When new it was fitted with a threequarter canopy and unlined. The present lining is, however, in Robey's style. It is known that in 1924 the engine was hauling stone at Ripon, Yorkshire, later at Larkhill, Wilts., and then at Blandford, Dorset (for the County Council). By 1925, she was working from Codford Camp, near Warminster and then from Lake Down, near Salisbury, again hauling stone for recrushing. In September of that year, the drivers were 'stood off' as petrol lorries were replacing steam. The engine was not released from the Army until 1935 and it is believed that she was stored until that time as the tyres were 'still like new' in 1936. After release in 1935, she passed through the hands of J. James, Ludgershall, Wilts., G. R. Beare, Bideford, Devon, and then, through the dealers, J. P. Vines & Son, Hardwicke, Glos., to J. Dennis & Son, Braunton, Devon. When working for Beare she was threshing and apparently had no trouble pulling the machine around the hilly district. Whilst with Dennis & Son,

she worked mainly on timber, especially loading, until retirement in 1951. She then lay in the open in the owner's yard until purchased for preservation by W. R. Powell, Redruth, in 1955. By this time, the engine was mechanically rough, although still workable and she attended the first West of England Steam Engine Society Rally in 1956 in his ownership. In August 1957, the engine was sold to M. B. Smart, Carbis Bay, near St. Ives, who rallied her in that year and the two following years. During this time, he did a little towards her restoration and had her retubed, smokebox and tender floor repaired, and the second shaft rebushed. After the 1959 Rally, she was partially dismantled and then lay in the open for the next 14 years. During that time, she came into the hands of C. P. Gregory, Camborne, who stored her until purchased in 1973 by Derek E. Hattam, the present owner. In consequence of years of exposure to the weather, this little engine had got into a very rough state. During the summer of 1973, she was rebuilt and the motion completely overhauled. She attended rallies at Redruth and Liskeard. In 1974, at the Yelverton Rally, a fault developed in the boiler and it was decided to completely dismantle the engine. The boiler repairs were carried out and the engine attended rallies at Redruth and Liskeard later that year as a static exhibit. Restoration continued and she attended the Redruth Rally in 1975 also as a static exhibit. In 1976, a considerable amount 19

of restoration work was carried out, including fitting new leaves to the springs, repairs to the tender, belly tank and other numerous items. A new spud pan was fitted but a major snag during the fitting of new lagging to the boiler shortly before the St. Agnes Rally forced her to be withdrawn. Both these parts were missing when the engine was purchased. A little further work was carried out that year and the job was 'shelved' during 1977. At Easter 1978 the restoration was resumed and the engine repainted. Repairs to the gearcase, rope drum, pump and a host of minor jobs, together with the replacement of missing pipework and safety valve dome have accounted for hundreds of

hours' work this year. Throughout the restoration, the criteria has been to restore as authentically as possible in every aspect. In addition to the numerous repairs and paintwork already mentioned, the job has involved the making of over 200 parts, plus more than 130 nuts and bolts of pre-War

size. There is still a little work to be done and it has been carefully estimated that some 3,000 hours of work have already

been involved. Some of this work has been carried out by friends and firms sympathetic to preservation, and without this help, a restoration such as this would never have been possible. A silencer is fitted in the smokebox and there are 50 tubes in the boiler which help to make the engine a very free steamer. Although fairly docile up to 160 p.s.i., she is a handful if blowing off in tight places. On the road, she rides very smoothly and the gearing is quiet, having a low pitched hum when pulling hard. "Little Glutton's" unusual name came from a boiler maker who when testing the engine after repairs in 1958, exclaimed, "Hell! She's a little glutton for work!" He was so surprised by her power. Formerly, she had no name. due to the Acknowledgements are following in the preparation of this article: W. Coulson, J. Dennis, A. Duke, A. J. Martin, W. H. Moore, D. A. Rayner, J. Scobell (Robey of Lincoln), M. B. Smart, J. H. Trounson and R. C. J. Willcox (R.L.S.).

FROM THE ALAN MARTIN COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS. No. 3. "A breather whilst the photographer performs". Oxfordshire Steam Ploughing Co's Class D2 single cylinder Fowler Road Roller No. 7927 fleet No. 13 and built in 1897. The picture was taken at Mursley, N. Bucks around 1912. 20

N.T.E.C. SALES BOOKS

Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive - M. R. Lane Digging By Steam - C. Tyler Fairground Steam - A. Beaumont 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 NEW Traction Engine Register Fairground Organ - E. V. Cockayne NEW Steam Road Vehicles - M. Jones Old Farm Tools and Machinery - P. Blandford NEW Garrett 200 - R. A. Whitehead Steam in the Village - R. A. Whitehead Sentinel DG4 and DG6 Catalogue Clayton & Shuttleworth Catalogue Fowler Ploughing & Cultivating Catalogue 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 Garretts of Leiston - R. Whitehead Pride of the Road (Hardback) - M. R. Lane Pride of the Road (Softback) - M. R. Lane The Steam Scene Vol. 1 - R. J. Blenkinsop The Steam Scene Vol. II - R. J. Blenkinsop The Steam Scene Vol. III - R. J. Blenkinsop The Steam Scene Vol. IV - R. J. Blenkinsop NEW The Steam Scene Vol. V - R. J. Blenkinsop TIES - Red, Blue, Green

Overseas U.K. only & Non M'bers M'bers Price

6.00 5.50 1.60 4.30 2.75 3.90 13.00 1.00 5.00 5.25 5.00 10.55 5.50 5.70 2.80 1.90 13.00 10.50 4.50 13.00 3.30 7.50 4.50

4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 5.50 2.50

5.50 5.00 1.25 3.95 2.50 3.75 12.50 90 4.50 4.50 4.50 10.00 4.95 5.25 2.55 1.65 12.00 10.00 4.00 12.50 3.00 7.00 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 4.95 2.30

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

Fowler Showman's Engine Burrell Road Loco Foden 'C' Type Low Sided Wagon Foden 'D' Type Tractor Foden 'K' Type Sided Wagon (6 wheeler) Foden 'K' Type Winch (6 wheeler) Ploughing Engine Pair of Fowler Ploughing Engines Anti Balance Plough

4.45 4.20 4.70 4.70

5.65 5.65 5.50 10.00 4.00

4.25 4.00 4.50 4.50 5.45 5.45 5.20 9.50 3.75

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

21

DAUGHTER OF AN ENGINEER by MRS. F. E. OWEN

As the daughter of Robert Burrell of Thetford it would be pleasant if I could write a memoir ❑f him — but I was ❑nly three in 1904 when he died ❑f a heart attack, so my stories come from others who knew him well. I was the youngest of seven children and we lived in St. Nicholas House, right next to the Engineering Works of Charles Burrell & Sons. My mother, who was well known and liked in the town, ran the local Primrose League and the Handicraft Exhibitions. As there were so many of us, we made our own amusements and joined in all the local fun such as the Carnival of decorated boats. Our own boat was a four-oared sturdy affair kept in that stretch of the Little Ouse which bounded the Boiler Shop, so we were often seen by the workmen, wending our way, laden with oars, cushions and picnic baskets, through the lower yard and Boiler Shop. Our house was not over large so as the family increased my father sacrificed the secret workshop joining the house to the Works. This became our playroom. It was very long with a stove at one end and an open hearth at the other. We had endless fun there — dances, musical parties, pingpong contests, etc. The foreman of the Erecting Shop was devoted to my father and delighted in telling me tales of his amazing ability and complete dedication to the Works. My father was very much the "public relations man" and travelled far and wide, often away three months at a time. Being musical with a good ear, he had no problems with languages. After one of his long absences he returned from Russia with three complete national costumes, which were a source of interest and pleasure to children and grandchildren alike. Returning from abroad, he could not wait to get bank into the Works. At 6 a.m. he would be touring the shops, notebook in hand. On one such occasion he said to Spencer, the Erecting Shop Foreman, "Oh, by the way, Spencer, I know what's the matter with So-and-So's engine." "But, sir, that has only been in ten days, and we can't find the fault — how did you 22

know about it, you've been away three months?" "As to that I don't know, but you'll find the problem is such-and-such". And so it proved. One time father gave a new receipt for a casting for a flywheel to the Foundry foreman. On return some weeks later he asked to see it, gave it one glance and said, "Why didn't you use my receipt?" The foreman protested that he had, but when father asked for a hammer and gave the casting a smart tap, it broke in two. He was so angry that he sacked the foreman on the spot. Later the foreman eivdently confessed and was reinstated for he was still there when I worked in the office during the 1914-18 war. It was the custom of the War Office to send two officers at a time on a 2-year works course, and they were usually very popular, both with the men and in the town. After the war this practice was resumed, and it was thus that I met my husband in 1920. By this time, on doctor's orders I had had to give up working in the office and spent most of my time on the golf links. It was a source of pride to us that ours was the first house in Thetford to be lit by electricity, supplied by the electric plant run by the Firm. It might also be of interest that my father set up the first-ever Hiring Company for Steam Engines. This was for the convenience of farmers who had only seasonal need for such costly machinery. The Company was run from a separate office, in which was installed our first telephone. My father was fond of touring the countryside on his bicycle, often accompanied by his eldest daughter. If tired and hot they would call at a cottage and ask for a drink of water. Being invited in, he would get chatting with the 'good woman'. He was very keen on clocks and if there was an old 'grandfather' in the cottage, he would remark on it. If it was not working he would offer to buy it for a pound or two and a deal would be speedily effected. When the clock arrived at St. Nic's he would take the works apart and make "clock soup", as my mother called

it. In no time he would have it working again. These clocks made handsome wedding presents. In my time there were seven in the house, one for each child. It used to take my mother an hour every Sunday morning to wind them all up. Looking back I realise what a pleasant upbringing I had. In summer our time was

spent either on the river or playing tennis on my uncle's court. In the winter we usually got some skating on the frozen water meadows and enjoyed cycling, walking, theatricals and small dances. Thetford was a pleasant little town with a long history and the surrounding countryside was very beautiful.

Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 11880 stops for water at Ryeford on a journey from Brimscombe to Middleyard, near Stonehouse, Glos. It could be called "taking water the hard way" with one of the crew resisting the temptation to kick the water carrier into the "Cut". Photo: Tony Dyer. 23

TRACTION ENGINES ON RAILS by Ian K. Hutchinson In the 1860s some quarry owners realised that conventional locomotives had their limitations, only being available for haulage or supplying steam for static purposes. The traction engine, however, with its overtype motion and flywheel could also be used to drive stone crushers or revolving screens by means of a belt. This resulted in traction engines being built to run on existing rail systems. They were able to fulfil both purposes. The first locomotives of this type were built by Aveling & Porter, fourteen having left the works in Rochester by the end of 1866. The first of these tramway locomotives, No. 121, was supplied to Grays Chalk Quarries at a cost of £530. It was undoubtedly successful as a further two were ordered (works Nos. 151 and 167). All three were of 10 nominal horsepower with 10 x 12in. cylinders and 4ft. driving wheels. From the crankshaft the motion was taken up by spur gearing to a countershaft carrying at one end the flywheel and at the other a sprocket for the chain. The bearings for this shaft being placed in curved slots, so that the shaft could be raised to enable the chain to be tightened when necessary. The chain passed round the sprocket and the chain wheels, the latter being placed one on each axle, thus coupling the driving wheels. The total weight of each engine was in the region of 9 tons. Of the other 1866 locomotives most went to chalk pits in Kent. Two were exported, one of 3ft. gauge was sent to India. On the 3ft. gauge engine the chain wheels were fitted outside the driving wheels. Three were also supplied to the Royal Dockyards at Chatham, Devonport and Portsmouth, these carried the works numbers 129, 182 and 218. Tramway locomotives of this type continued to be built until the mid 1920s; by which time 128 had been constructed. There were a number of them in use in the South of England until recent years, particularly in the brick, cement and lime industries. There were never many in the Midlands and North. Late northern survivors included the delightfully named 'John Barleycorn' 6369 of 1907 at Mitchell & Butler's Smethwick 24

Brewery. 11042 survived at Glenossie Distillery in Scotland until May 1959, it was supplied new in 1924 to replace an earlier Aveling 3766 of 1896. A number of Aveling tramway locomotives have survived into preservation, some in museums and some in private collections. Several other traction engine builders made excursions into this branch of engine building but none on the same scale as Aveling & Porter. In 1869 Ruston Proctor built a tramway locomotive for a Mr. Pinchbeck of London, with a single 10 x 12in. cylinder and 4 coupled wheels of 3ft. 6in. diameter, it weighed about 12 tons. Similar locomotives were built in 1867 by Clayton & Shuttleworth, one of them was in use at Messrs. Hall & Co. of Croydon until the late 1920s giving nearly sixty years of faithful service. Also at Hall & Co's. Croydon works was locomotive No. 9, which was built by McLaren, works No. 1547 of 1915. This was a traction engine converted to rail when new, it never ran on the road. It was scrapped in June 1938. In 1875 Fowlers built a geared tramway type locomotive named 'Lion' for shunting at their Leeds works. Originally a single cylinder engine 'Lion' was later rebuilt with compound cylinders. Although Fowlers built many conventional steam railway locomotives it seems the 'Lion' was the only one of its type built. No works number is known for this locomotive, even Fowlers had no record of it In later years. Perhaps a number was never allocated. An illustration of 'Lion' appeared in Steaming (Vol. 16 No. 3 page 181). Until May 1959 a venerable old Marshall, No. 6402, built in 1878, was to be seen at Pepper & Sons, Lime Works, Amberley in Sussex. This outlived an Aveling No. 4371 of 1899 which was sold for scrap in 1955. Richard Hornsby of Lincoln also built a tramway locomotive, this was a 2-2-0. The steam wagon builders also tried their hand at building railway locomotives. Of these the Sentinel was the most successful, even being sold to the main line companies. Less well known and not so successful were those built by Atkinson Walker Wagons in the mid 1920s. The first was completed in 1926 and carried the

Marshall No. 6402 of 1878 at the Amberley Lime Works.

Photo: F. Jones

McLaren No. 1547 of 1915 and taken in July 1933 in East Croydon when belonging to Hall & Co. Ltd. Photo: B. D. Stoyel. 25

works No. 101. It was to be the forerunner of some 15 or 16 engines to follow. Number 101 and two similar examples were sold to Singapore Municipal Council. These three locomotives were fitted with two cylinder Leyland poppet valve engines. Probably the reason for fitting Leyland instead of Atkinson engines was the availability of complete engines taken over with other Leyland wagon spares in 1925. All later locomotives being fitted with Atkinson engines. The last surviving Atkinson Walker Rail Tractor as they were officially described was scrapped in the mid '50s. Fodens never built a railway locomotive, but several Foden steam wagons were rebuilt to run on rails in their later years. Foden 8360 supplied new to Davey Paxman & Co. Ltd. on October 8th 1918 (registration No. M 9843) was obtained in 1931 by The Aycliffe Lime and Limestone Co. Ltd., Aycliffe, Co. Durham, who converted it into a four wheeled shunting locomotive. Richards (Leicester) Ltd. of Phoenix Ironworks, Humberstone had two Foden conversions. 12070 built in 1925 was obtained from Leicester Corporation in the mid 1930s and rebuilt for them as a four wheeled locomotive by Frederick Parker Ltd. of Viaduct

Works, Humberstone. The other conversion has not been identified, it was scrapped soon after World War 2. 12070 survived until mid 1951 when it was sent to Allen Knight for scrapping, having been displaced by a new diesel in 1950. Even the diesel had "steam" connections, it was built by John Fowler & Co. Ltd., works number 4110011. At the New Whittington works of the Derbyshire Carriage and Wagon Co. Foden 13152 of 1928 (registration No. LG 9) was converted and used for some fifteen years or so alongside Garret and Sentinel conversions. Several traction engines and steam tractors were also rebuilt as shunting locomotives. One which had a very interesting career was Garrett 32792 (BJ 2863) which was supplied new to the Tottenham and District Gas Co. in 1915. In 1925 it was rebuilt as a four wheeled shunting locomotive for use at the Gas Company's Leaside Chemical Works, Tottenham. In July 1932 it was again rebuilt, this time as a petrol electric. No. 4 as it was now known continued in use until about 1959, finally being sold for scrap in February 1962 to Messrs. Cox & Danks.

Aveling & Porter 0-4-0 Compound No. 3567 built in 1895 and photographed at B.O.C.M. Erith Works. Photo: F. Jones. 26

Two tramway locomotives were supplied by Aveling & Porter In January and June 1872 (works numbers 807 and 846) for use on the Wooton Tramway, which later became known as the Oxford and Aylesbury Tramroad. Both were of 6 nominal horse power with single 7- x 10in. cylinder and 3ft. diameter driving wheels. They were very similar to those built for Grays Chalk Quarries in 1866. At a later date both were fitted with weatherboards and spark arrestors. The two locomotives were found to be very economical and efficient within their powers. The journey from Quainton Road to Brill, some 61 miles miles, took 90 minutes. Traffic requirements soon outstripped their capabilities and they were replaced by orthodox locomotives. Later both found a new home at the Blisworth and Stowe Brick and Tile Co. Ltd. in Northamptonshire. After some time 807 was rebuilt using parts from 846, which was then scrapped. 807 carried on its duties staggering up the steep approach to the LMS with one or two wagons until 1940, when the brickworks were taken over by the Army as an ammunition store. 807s rusting remains then became a familiar sight to travellers on the LMS until 1951 when it was rescued for preservation by the London Transport Executive whose predecessors, the Metropolitan Railway, had owned the Oxford and Ayles Tramroad. After restoration 807 was stored before finally being put on display in the Museum of British Transport, Clapham. On closure of the Clapham Museum 807 was moved to Syon Park were it is now part of the London Transport Collection. In 1906 a compound engine, named 'Siraphite', works No. 6158, with an all geared transmission was built for Gypsum Mines Ltd. of Mountfield, Sussex. It took its name from the firm's brand of sulphate plaster. About 1928 it was returned to Avelings works were it was rebuilt. In 1929 it was resold to Garrett's of Leiston. Although redesigned with many refinements the layout did not differ greatly from the original design of 1866. Over the years many parts were replaced by Garrett fittings, even the rampant horse of Kent was replaced by the flying panther adopted by Garrett's in later years. 'Siraphite' is now preserved at Henley-on-Thames by Mr. W. M. McAlpine. Several other Aveling tramway locomotives survive in preservation including a narrow gauge example: 'Excelsior' No 1607/ 1880 which used to work on the 3ft. gauge

system at James Whittaker's Scout Moor Quarry, Edenfield, near Bury, Lanes. It was acquired by Messrs. Aveling Barford for preservation in 1961. 'Excelsior is still at Grantham works regrettably still awaiting restoration, it is due to go to the British Leyland Commercial Vehicle Collection in the near future. At Hollycombe House 'Sir Vincent' an 0-4-0 compound, works number 8800 built in 1917, is preserved in working order as part of Commander Baldock's collection. Aveling No. 9449/26, a single cylinder slide valve 2-2-0 engine, was the last to be built. Fortunately this is also preserved. 9449 was supplied new to Holborough Cement Co., Holborough, Kent, which later became A.P.C.M. Holborough Works. Latterly 9449 was used as a spare engine, but after withdrawal it was completely overhauled, named 'Blue Circle' and formerly presented to the Bluebell Railway on May 10th 1964. A few miles north of Aylesbury at Quainton Road an Aveling 0-4-0 compound No. 3567 built 1895 named 'Sydenham' is awaiting restoration. It is fitting that an Aveling tram locomotive should be preserved here, as Quainton Road was the Eastern terminal of the Wooton Tramway, which ❑ riginally employed two similar locos. 'Sydenham' was built new for Beadle Bros. (later William Cory) of Erith, Kent. In 1924 it was sold to Erith Oil Works (later British Oil and Cake Mills). It was rebuilt by Aveling & Porter in 1931 and continued working until 1954. In the later 1950s 'Sydenham was acquired for preservation by the Enfield Veteran and Vintage Vehicle Society. Ownership was transferred to the Quainton Railway Society in 1965 and 'Sydenham' was moved to Quainton Road in April 1969. 'Sydenham' has 4ft. diameter driving wheels and measures some 201t. over buffers. To conclude it must be emphasised that this is in no way a complete account of the many traction engines and wagons built or converted to run on rails. It should, however, give the reader an insight into this rather strange branch of steam engineering. I would like to thank the following for their help in writing these notes: Mr. R. Duke of the Road Locomotive Society; The Industrial Railway Society; and Fodens. Readers are reminded of Mr. Hutchinson's article 'Road to Rail' in Steaming Vol. 20 No. 1. 27

MAN OF STEAM DEREK A. RAYNER by RAN HAWTHORNE

of Britain Exhibition 1951, at which time, although he did not know it then, Sentinel steam waggons were operating only a short distance away in Battersea. Derek has often wondered whether his love for and dedication to steam had lay dormant in the family since the time of his great grandfather who built Stirling Single Wheelers at Doncaster Plant or whether there was any connection with the steam wagon manufacturers of the same name in Essex, as one branch of his family originated from there. However, steam to Derek in his schooldays at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, meant Railways. Through the School Transport Society he met John Charlesworth from Barnsley and together they visited many railway installations in search of steam engines. In his final years at school, Derek successfully applied to go on a Short Works Course organised by British Railways at Darlington and was eventually accepted into the employment of the Chief Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, North Eastern Region, as a sandwich course student at the Derby College. John, meanwhile, had been on a similar Short Works Course at Darlington and, whilst there, had met Lyndon Shearman from Halifax. Derek in chief marshal's gear, on typical transport. "White Rose" behind at Bramham Park, 1977.

Derek is the youngest subject yet in this series of articles — in fact it may be more appropriate to retitle this particular one 'Young Man of Steam'. Unlike the majority of subjects previously, steam did not come to Derek's life until he was fairly well advanced in his present 35 years of age. His cousin Geoff started him train spotting by taking him to the large engine sheds at East End Park, Leeds, when he was about 12. It was not until much later that he found the numbers of the steam locomotives he had noted at the Festival 28

An interest in trams, which had ceased to run in Leeds on 7th November 1959, steam engines and railways gave Derek the urge to apply this interest in a practical way and shortly after this time, the Leeds University Union Railway Society was instrumental in preserving the then little known Middleton Railway in Leeds, This line has a fascinating history, being granted an Act of Parliament (the first for a railway) in 1958, and having Matthew Murray's steam locomotives working in 1812. Derek joined the Middleton Railway Preservation Society and before long was working on the line, doing many of the necessary jobs required in railway operation. Derek had left school by this time but had maintained contact with John and soon both John and Lyndon were making the weekly pilgrimage to the local railway shrine in Hunslet.

Derek transferred college to Bradford and in mid 1961 commenced at Darlington Locomotive Works for the first period of his works training. Darlington at that time were repairing several classes of main line steam engine on which Derek worked and whilst there, he met Cedric Lodge. Cedric hailed from Burnsall, near Skipton and was on a similar course to the one which Derek was following, although some years ahead. Durhis training programme, Derek was privileged to handle the shovel on an 8F 2-8-0 loco over Ais Gill and a J50 0-6-0 on Station Pilot Duties at Leeds Central Station. He loved railways and enjoyed travelling and on one occasion, travelled to the four furthest points of the compass on BR within a fortnight — Thurso, Helston, Lowestoft and Arisaig. About this time, fate stepped in and turned Derek's long association with Railway steam onto a different bias. A Sentinel locomotive was purchased by the Middleton Society from Darlington. This was Dept. No. 54 (68153), Works No. 8839, and Derek watched it being loaded onto a railway wagon for shipment to Leeds. Before long, Cedric came to Middleton and assisted in its maintenance at weekends. Derek was by this time Steam Loco Engineer, have responsibility for the Sentinel, with Lyndon working with him on 'Swansea', an Avonside saddletank and John looking after a Booth Steam Crane. In their evenings together during the week at Darlington, the talk naturally turned to steam and Cedric it was then, who first mentioned the traction engine movement, following on the natural progression from the Sentinel loco. He knew someone in the Derby area where he was at college who owned .a Traction Engine. The difficulties and restrictions of steam railway operation had become apparent and traction engines represented a whole new field. To Derek, it was completely new. He hadn't run along in front of steam rollers as Lyndon had, throwing stones beneath the rolls, or followed Glossop's Sentinel waggons, tar spraying. He'd not seen threshing sets in the Yorkshire Dales as Cedric had. But he wanted to know more. So they went to the first Wilsic Hall Rally organised by the now defunct South Yorkshire Traction Engine Club in 1963 and a new interest was born. Road Locos, Steam Wagons, Rollers, Tractors — new and exciting — and almost within the limits of a student engineer's pocket at that time. Cedric suggested a trip to Ireland, where

Sentinel No. 54 on the Middleton Railway in 1963. Photo: D. A. Rayner engines were cheap and one could always be towed home with Cedric's Land Rover! Derek and he took their cycles by boat and train to Ballina and inspected the remains of 'Pride of the Shannon' in the market place. They talked to people and saw other engines but most important thing on that trip was a chance meeting at Mullingar, where they stopped to see a Fowler G.P. No. 11114, at that time used for steaming tar in the railway goods yard. There happened to be a travelling fair in the town at that time and on the radiator of a lorry generating for the dodgems was an Aveling Horse. This turned out to be from a Showman's engine, long since cut up, which used to be stable mate to the Fowler 'Carry On'. The owner turned out to be the late Kevin McGivern who became one of Derek's well respected friends and who kept Derek in touch with the beginning of the Rally movement in Ireland. Although no engine was bought at that time, the trip convinced Derek that this was where the future lay — in the traction engine world. A series of discussions were held and it was decided to form a partnership between the four lads already mentioned and Jim. a college friend of Derek. The object, to pool resources, to buy and to operate a traction engine. In the event, for various reasons, Cedric and Jim dropped out, leaving Derek, Lyndon and John with insufficient capital for a traction engine. Undeterred, the objects of the partnership were changed, the legalities concluded, a deed was drawn up and was duly signed and on the 14th March 1964 the White Rose Steam Traction Company with its head office at Rothwell, Leeds, came into being. Shortly afterwards, Ken Foster, a friend of Lyndon's, met some29

Fowler Showman's Engine No. 15713 (1924) MI 1501 "Pride of Shannon", taken at Ballina Co. Mayo, Ireland, Easter 1963. Photo: D. A. Rayner. one who had heard of a steam roller at a Contractor's yard near Huddersfield. A visit was paid to the yard — J. Rodgers & Son — at South Crosland and the engine, Aveling & Porter No. 8506, Reg. No. CT 5012, was inspected. The firm's founder, the late Josh Rodgers, met them and told them it was his last roller and it was the best of the bunch and he wanted it to go to a good home. A decision to purchase was made and arrangements were put in hand for loading the engine home. An agreement had been made with the Vicar at Derek's church to use a piece of vacant land behind the Vicarage and the roller was brought to Oulton and dumped unceremoniously on the ground the week before Wilsic Rally, 1964. She received the name 'White Rose' as the partners' common bond was that they were all Yorkshiremen. The Company were the first of a new type of engine owner in the north. Up to then, most of the rallying engines were owned by men who had had a long association with steam, or their engine had been in the family for many years. Now, there was the young owner/driver in the W.R.S.T.C., with Derek the elder partner 30

and the motivation behind the Company. The first rally the Company attended was, appropriately, Harewood House 1964, the roller being driven there by Bill Fenwick, an old ploughing engine driver and friend of Lyndon's, who lived at York. During the following winter, the boiler was stripped down and some repairs were carried out to the front tube plate by J. J. Horsfields, Dewsbury. A genuine Eddison Living Van made working conditions behind the Vicarage somewhat more pleasant in winter as a fire could be made and shelter provided in the event of a downpour or snow. Derek passed his driving test on 'White Rose' just before Wilsic Rally, 1965, and so he drove her to the Rally and back. Later in the year, a trailer and water tank were acquired and an epic journey (for a beginner) took place, with the 160 mile round trip to the Pickering and Masham rallies. It was at that first Masham Ralley that the field developed into a swamp and 'White Rose' was, for the first time, towed off the field backwards, somewhat ignominiously, by a tractor. The scarifier caused great problems as ground clearance was minimal. On investigation, excessive wear

Lyndon, John, the wagon driver and Derek have a break at Middleton during the journey home with "White Rose", May 1964. Photo: D. A. Rayner.

was found in the bearing so reluctantly, the scarifier was taken off and a reasonable steersman's platform substituted. Derek married in October 1965 and it was only by making him ask Lyndon and John to officiate as groomsmen that his wife, Dorothy, prevented 'White Rose' being at the wedding too. A larger, more comfortable caravan was purchased from Ernie Liversidge at Doncaster in 1966. This was heavy and cumbersome but had the advantage of being able to stop the roller with its hydraulic brakes and double rear wheels when the outfit was travelling downhill. With two partners and several friends able to look after the roller at rallies, Derek found it easy to be able to devote his time to helping with rally organisation and soon became a familiar figure on his bicycle, riding round at the rallies. Lyndon passed his driving test at Harewood after the 1966 rally and Derek's first son, Darryl, was born in 1967, necessitating Lyndon bringing the roller home from Wilsic without Derek's aid. Later in 1967, both Lyndon and John

finished their college days and found jobs which made it increasingly difficult for them to visit Oulton to work on the roller. With this in mind, the long trip to Masham and Pickering was again undertaken, this time in the reverse direction and possibly for the last time. On the way home from Pickering, Derek contrived to run over himself with the caravan near Tadcaster. The hospital 'In Patients' card genuinely said 'Run over by a Steam Roller' and the poor nurse on the Casualty Ward later admitted that she was at a loss as to whether to put two beds together side by side or end to end to accommodate the luckless patient. However, all was reasonably well and a badly sprained ankle was all that was diagnosed, the caravan having passed over it. Some weeks later, 'White Rose' went to Pudsey Rally being driven by a relation of Long John Silver and Derek was Engine Marshal on a motor bike, being unable to ride his bicycle or walk very far. On the way home from Pudsey they passed a weigh-bridge and Derek took the opportunity of using its facilities, for interest's sake. In working order, 'White 31

Rose' a nominally 8 ton roller, scaled just over 10 tons. Inevitably, as 1967 drew to a close, the decision to disband the Company was reached and this was done as from 1st January 1968. 'White Rose' and the ancillary tackle passed to Derek upon completion of a satisfactory agreement between the partners. Later in the winter, some equipment was borrowed from Derek's good friend Jack Hampshire, a Road Rolling Contractor and Fowler Steam Roller owner at Ravensthorpe and the roller was retuhed with Lyndon's help during that winter, Further on in the year, Derek was Engine Park Marshal at Harewood for the first time using the tophat and cycle from which he now cannot be parted during the Leeds Club Rallies. It is said that he sleeps on the bike at these events but this cannot be substantiated and rumours that it is entered in the Bygone Bikes section for next year are completely unfounded. Ken Tonks, a fitter at a local railway depot, began to help in the maintenance of 'White Rose' and now generally looks after her at the Leeds Rally. In 1969, Derek was elected to the Committee of the Leeds and District Traction Engine Club, for which he has done a tremendous amount of work. He proved the worth of personal Radio Telephones for communication at the 1969 Rally at Harewood, after which, he was appointed Engine Secretary, relieving Lister Fearnley, the Rally Secretary, of this responsibility. Derek's second son, Dean, was born in 1969 and a daughter, Denise, came along in 1972. They now live at Woodlesford, Leeds and Derek works at the Eastern Region Headquarters at York. A combination of factors related mainly to access to the rear of the Vicarage and dual carriageway outside it, resulted in 'White Rose' being moved nearer to Derek's home and for the first time into a building, the rental of which Derek negotiated. This was a large shed which used to be the stone sawmill of a now worked out quarry which is just close by. As sufficient room existed and the need arose at that time for another young owner, John Griffiths, to move his Fowler roller from its current parking place, he was offered part of the building. And then there were two. When the other half of the building became vacant, Derek suggested to the owners that two of his colleagues may be interested and so another two rollers, an 32

Aveling compound and a Wallis & Steevens 'Advance', for which accommodation was urgently required and which belonged to John Day and Eric Robinson also moved in. And so there were four. Later, the Fowler was sold and removed and so Derek was able to move all his tackle under one roof, vacating the stable and land at the back of the Vicarage which had been used for so long and which held so many happy memories. Ken provided assistance in the moving by buying a Standard Fordson tractor which has since proved its worth in dragging trailers, etc., around. After the record breaking "renowned" and "supreme" 1970 Harewood Rally (which was attended by two visiting Showmans engines from the South); an idea of Derek's was put to the Club Committee which eventually resulted in the local paper, the 'Evening Post,' publishing a tabloid entitled 'Leeds Steam'. This dealt with the contribution which the Leeds engineers have made to the country's heritage and featured Leeds built steam engines of all kinds. Its publication resulted in an enormous amount of work by the Sub-committee set up to deal with it and this consisted of Tony Hunt, Harold Lumby and Derek. During 1971 also, 'White Rose' was hydraulically tested and the boiler relagged. Another Aveling Roller also came to Woodlesford when John and Eric decided to take the lease of a building nearer their homes J the Aveling to and rnovcd their `vAviallis Morley. Their place was taken by Barry Wood's RC 10 Aveling No. 5308 which has since, over a period of many months, received a new firebox and canopy. A move within the Railway Headquarters resulted in Derek becoming closely associated with the High Speed Train Project and June 1973, he was on the train when the plafutype unil set up the World Speed Record for Diesel Traction of 143 mph between York and Darlington. This speed is in stark contrast to the 3 mph ramblings of 'White Rose' on the Al a few miles west of the same railway track when she is travelling to and from the rally at Masham. Our subject is very much a behind the scenes worker for the Leeds Club coming out into the open only at rally time. Another of his publicity projects for the Club happened in 1974 when he formed the idea of a competition for a modern steam car. This he masterminded virtually single handed and the Club ran it in conjunction with Millers Oils, Brighouse and the 'Evening Post'. Derek obtained sponsorship, appeared on

"White Rose under repair behind Oulton Vicerage, January 1965.

national and local radio, was featured in many local papers and even obtained a mention in no less a magazine than 'Mayfair'. Although much interest was generated by this competition, unfortunately only one entry turned up and so much of the impetus was lost, In 1973, the news that the land on which their building stood was to be the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order by the County Council for landscaping, resulted in the start of a very worrying 18 months for both Barry and Derek. The closure of Water Haigh Colliery, across the back, with its steam winders and smart red side tank shunting locomotives was a blow to the local community and it meant that a large area of land became derelict. The logic of the County Council wanting to dump the remaining slag heaps into the redundant quarry and landscape the whole, including the site of the derelict brickworks which is adjacent, could not be questioned as it is very much in the public interest to provide a leisure area of this nature in the vicinity.

Photo: D. A. Rayner

However, after the public inquiry in September 1974, at which both Derek and Barry made written objections to the plan in so far as they were concerned regarding their building which was on the very edge of the 175 acres involved, a considerable time elapsed before the Inspector's report was published. They were delighted to see that this stated that 'This fine old stone building which is serving a useful purpose in storing steam engines' was to be excluded from the Compulsory Purchase Order and so they were able to continue much as normal without the cloud of eviction hanging over their heads. However, in May 1977, the building owners decided, rather ironically after the Compulsory Purchase Order appeals, that they could make better use of the building and consequently a 'Notice to Quit' was served just prior to Bramham Park Rally at August Bank Holiday, giving them one month to clear their rollers, trailers and some nine years' accumulation of stores and equipment out of the Sawmill. The prospect of being 'homeless' was resolved 33

"White Rose", caravan and water trailer passing under Al at Sinderby en route from Masham to Pickering, 1967. Photo: D. A. Rayner.

by the Landlords themselves offering Derek and Barry a new home in another of their properties some distance away. In certain respects the new building is better than the old, and it is certainly appropriate for with its tiled walls, it was previously an engine house surrounding a stationary engine. It is not, however, at as convenient a location for Derek as for Barry but it is certainly better for the rollers to be inside than out and buildings are not too easy to come by. They are now resident in these new premises and looking forward to what they hope will be a long stay. Derek's most recent project has been the restoration of a Motor Units Ltd. 10 cwt Motor Roller which was purchased at an Auction Sale in 1975. This unusual roller has been rebuilt using parts from another one and is now brought back to its former glory. Of some 200 which were made by the little known Coventry firm, a subsidiary of Singer Cars, only 10 are known to be in existence and the research he has carried out into these Rollers and their designer shows his widening interest in this topic. Some time ago he considered that Motor Rollers were to be the next in line for an increasing interest — in a similar manner to Vintage Tractors. He had similar ideas 34

in the respect to his erstwhile partner — Lyndon Shearman and it was Lyndon who actually took steps to put his ideas into practice in 1974. The outcome of this was the formation of the Road Roller Association for which Derek has done a lot of 'behind the scenes' work since its inception under William Mitchell's Chairmanship in late 1974. Lyndon became Chairman shortly afterwards and is now President whilst Derek is now a Committee Member of the Association. Being born in the month of July, Derek is a typical example of one born under the sign of Leo. Leonis are said to be good organisers and leaders and this has certainly been borne out in Derek's case, not only by the smoothness with which the Leeds Club Rallies in the past have been run but also in the successful way he undertook his appointment as the church's Youth Group Leader during a term of office on the Parochial Church Council some time ago. Derek's achievements in co-operation with those of a like interest are to be commended. As he says, it is after all to everyone's advantage to share equipment and knowledge and if one is under the same roof, it makes things so much easier. In Yorkshire all males are called 'lad'. So, this time we honour Derek Rayner, lad of steam.

AREA NOTES Compiled by DEREK RAYNER Area correspondents and others should note, that as advised elsewhere in this issue, my address for the next contribution will be:'Invicta' Lower Street, SALHOUSE, NORWICH, NR13 6RH. This is consequent upon promotion within my company. In leaving Leeds, I have some regrets, but I am looking Forward to meeting many of our East Anglian members in due course. I do hope that the Leeds Club will continue to go from strength to strength and in leaving Yorkshire, I have appointed two Club ineiubtils to continue Area Notes. Welcome therefore to Michael Clark and Martin Hallows. We look forward to regular contributions from Yorkshire in future. Welcome also to Bill Edwards, Scotland N.E.; Bill James, West Wales, and to any recent recruit who has not previously been acknowledged. Receipt of Club's Journals from Cornwall and Scotland are acknowledged. Surely other affiliated Clubs produce Newsletters, etc., which would help the writer in the preparation of these Notes for the benefit of us all. Why not send one along to the above address? Contributions will be acknowledged. I have decided to incorporate reports of Rallies in Area Notes in future to reduce fragmented lists of numbers. I will also be able to use a small number of black and white photos of current events in Area Notes, but please NO SLIDES. Photographs cannot be returned. Constructive criticism is always welcomed but, if a reply is required, please send a S.A.E., otherwise it will be presumed that no acknowledgment is necessary. Contributions from other than nominated correspondents are also welcome. May I conclude by wishing all correspondents a Happy New Year, and thank you for 1978 contributions. Let them continue to flow in 1979. Please note that the Press Date for Area Notes for the next edition of Steaming is 31st January 1979. Subsequent dates are the last days of April, July and October. Copy to Derek Rayner, please.

LANCASHIRE & CHESHIRE The 1978 Steaming Season in Lancashire and Cheshire started quietly at Easter and gradually built up to a hectic stream of events, one nearly every weekend during September and October. In addition to usual start-of-season visits to local hostelries by some engine owners, others went to a Steam Party at the Park Hall Leisure Centre near Charnock Richard. In May several engines from the NorthWest were invited to the first ever Rally to be held on the Isle of Anglesey. This Rally, held at Plas Coch on the Menai Strait, enjoyed some of the best weather of the season and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Burtonwood Rally was the next major event, in July, and was attended by a comfortable 34 engines. It was pleasing to welcome back Fred Dibnah with his Aveling & Porter roller No. 7632/1912/ DM3079 after major boiler and firebox repairs, and Eric Marshall with his compound Ransomes TE. 35247/1924/PU4391, also reboxed and beautifully painted and lined as original. Other notable entries were Sentinel S6 tipper No. 8821/1933/BRF200, and the only working Tar Sprayer, Sentinel DG4 No. 8122/1929/0F5783, driven my her owner Ewan Lloyd Jones from Ruthin. Unknown to the organisers, the Lancs. T.E. Club, this would be the last time they were to hold their rally on this site, for later on in the year the Club decided to move the 1979 Rally to Haydock Park Racecourse, on 14th and 15th July, 1979. In August there was a good turn out of engines at the Astle Park Rally at Chelford, which once again proved to be another superb event despite an almighty down pour just as the Grand Parade was starting on the Saturday. A great surprise was to see John Cooper of Marple steam on to the field during Saturday evening with his Burrell 5 ton Tractor 3245/1915/ AH054. It was the first time out for ten years or so, and although the engine was unlagged and developed a few troubles, John thoroughly enjoyed the 17 mile trip 35

and the rest of the rally. Another welcome visitor was Burrell TE 2921/1907/N0440, all the way from Gamlingay in Bedfordshire, but her owner, W. E. Davenport was no stranger to Chelford, having lived in the area many years ago. September and October were full of steam events, one nearly every weekend. One of the first was a Fair Organ Rally in Manchester which complemented the Council & City of Manchester's first International Organ Festival. Around 12 organs were present, of varying makes and qualities, and these had the added attraction of Showman's Engines by Tom Varley — Burrell No. 3444/1923/CK3403 "His Lordship" and the Yorkshire based Fowler No. 14948/1918/EB4999 "Prince of Wales" owned by the Alderson's. There were too many events to give a detailed report of each in these notes, but mention must be made that for the first time for decades, Steam Ploughing could once again be seen in the fields of Lancs. and Cheshire, at Holmeswood, Euxton and Warburton, when Dennis Priestner's BB1 Fowler PE 15148/ 1918/CT4663 was paired with the Fowler K.7. PE '17757/1929/V08788 owned by Nottingham Corporation. The event at Warburton was organised by the Lancashire T.E. Club at Frank Lythgoe's farm, and despite cloudy and rainy weather, was a great success. This private event had no less than 17 engines in steam plus a handful more on display. The sight of seven sets of threshing tackle, five Showman's engines and two engines ploughing was something to be seen, in addition to vintage tractors ploughing, fair ground organs playing and a few vintage vehicles on display. Many engine owners and preservationists were surprised to hear the news that one of Cheshire's best known enginemen, Tom Barlow of High Legh, suffered a mild coronary whilst on holiday at Bournemouth in September. Happily Tom made a great recovery during October and was up and about again, almost back to his normal self. News of engine movements and restoration begins with the arrival of Burrell TE 3307/1911/AH7457 at Charnock Richard during March, being purchased by J. Waterworth from W. Day of Headcorn, Kent. During the summer two engines owned by Frank Lythgoe have received attention. Foden 6 hp compound traction 443/1899/ DJ1142 was returned from the boiler makers having had a new firebox and 36

tender, and Burrell SRL "Dreadnought", No. 3093/1909/AY9862, has been fully repainted to the same livery and high standard as Frank's other showland engines. She really is a beauty. The Fowler Roller 16007/1923/M N9391 owned by Dennis Priestner of Dunham Massey also received treatment from the paint brush during the summer and by September the black and red livery was lined out to Fowler specification, ending three years of restoration. Painting to original colours has continued on the 5 ton Foden wagon 1742/1908/M2128 by Bill and Jacquie Briggs, as time and steaming the Burrell TE 2003 "Diamond Queen" would allow. Another Foden wagon came into Cheshire when George Lea of Snelson, near Chelford, purchased the 5 tonner 5078/1914/ M7124 from Mrs. K. Salmon in September. George, along with the help of his wife and son John, hauled the wagon from Burley, near Ludlow in Shropshire, back to Snelson with his Foden tractor "Cheshire Maid" 13222/1928/FK3925. After a thorough check up over the winter "Pride of Burley" should be out and about in 1979. Towards the end of the season several engines were suffering from tube trouble. Walter Fitter's 7 hp Foden 2312/1910/MA 7770 hit trouble at Antrobus Country Fair in September, and was unable to be steamed up at this year's Holly Bush Steam Party on 7th and 8th October. Incidentally, it was nice to see Hughie Winterbottom's Sentinel S4 Waggon 9086/1934/SE4013 attend this event, although it was in a steamable chassis state awaiting the bodywork! It was also pleasing to see Peter Startup with his fine Fowler SRL "Repulse" 15652/1920/CU977, enjoying himself at this event while generating light. George Cole's SC Clayton & Shuttleworth TE 46059/1913/CE7943 suffered a couple of blown tubes in August, but they were plugged and he continued the rest of the season running as often as possible on reduced pressure. One engine not seen out this year due to poor tubes is Burrell SRL 2879/1907/N0698, and owner Peter Walton of Stretton is replacing these and replating parts of the tender and tank which have suffered from corrosion. The writer's Burrell 10 ton roller, 3535/ 1913/TB2710, has, remarkably had a troublefree season but it, too, is to have the tubes replaced as they are showing distinct signs of being past their working life. Some of the tubes in George Bridson's 7 hp Fowler

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Aveling & Porter Wagon at Expo Steam just completed in time with perhaps the paint Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop still wet! A fine achievement. Road Loco 15376/1919/MA5656 are beginning to get thin, so here again, the merry round of banging out old tubes will be heard this winter. Tom Varley's Museum of Steam at Gisburn has seen some changes during 1978. In March the rare unrestored Aveling & Porter wagon 9282/1921/D3777 arrived from Australia and work started on restoration, to be completed in time for the wagon to attend the Expo Steam event at Peterborough in August. A fine achievement! Another Aveling to arrive at the Museum was a 6 ton tandem roller, 6530/ 1908/NM291, which came from John Crawley, of Turvey Beds., in June, and during September Tom purchased the tiny 3 ton Wallis & Steevens tractor 2758/1905/NL 1554 from Jack Wakefield of Hetton. The Wallis Showman's tractor 7390/1913/AA 5116 which has been restored by Tom was sold to South Wales and the Sentinel S4 Waggon 9009/1934/AKR471 is now in the ownership of F. & A. Brown of Hurst Green, near Whalley. At Tom's auction sale on 21st August, the unrestored Robey tandem roller 42237/1925/FE6813 was sold to a buyer in Norfolk. In October Peter Froud did a heavy haulage job, entirely by steam. For several

years his Aveling & Porter convertible tractor 7838/1912/TA2436 has lain in pieces in a shed at Preston Brook, but the time came when the shed had to be vacated. The engine, with front forks and rolls missing, was dragged out of the shed by the winch rope of Burrell Road Loco 3098/1919/MA5657, then lifted bodily with the help of the ex-R. Bridson crane (again using the wire rope of the Burrell) and deposited on Peter 's DG4 Sentinel waggon, 8714/1932/KG1123. The waggon then steamed off with its precious load to the Cheshire Transport Collection Museum at Runcorn, being followed by the Burrell towing the crane. One of Lancashire's more rare rollers has changed hands. The 9 ton SC Green's roller 1978/1920/U9647 was new to R. & T. Howarth Ltd. of Rochdale, and still in their ownership when they went bankrupt earlier this year. At the disposal sale in September the roller came under the hammer and was sold to K. Windward of nearby Littleborough. After a long lay off, restoration work has recommenced on Fowler SRL "Sunny Boy No. 2", No. 10318/1905/WR6790, by Jack Johnson of Banks, who has been instructed by owner Charles Baldwin to 37

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lee

The Waterloo Traction Engine mentioned in the South Devon notes and taken on its way to the Auction at Stourpaine. Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop.

complete the restoration of the engine. Jack is also working on a 5 ton Foster Tractor, 14044 of 1914, owned by D. Cheeseman of Kendal. Work will include a new firebox and tube plate, new tender and major repairs to the motion. Finally, some very heartening news has come over the steam grapevine, to say that the rusting hulk of the Marshall 6 hp TE 23885/1893/TB2843 has been obtained for preservation by Harry Carr of Morecambe. As this engine has lain in the open in Isaac Ball's yard at Wharles since a disastrous fire there in the 1950's, a tremendous amount of work will be required before this famous old engine takes to the road. However, we are sure that the Morecambe Bay Boys can do it. Harry sold his Aveling Roller No. 4505/1900/AO 8101 "Fusilier" to E. Haslett in Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland, earlier in the year and I suppose this Marshall will keep him busy now for a while. A Marshall Portable of 1930 vintage has recently been advertised for sale in the Cheshire area. A.R.P. 38

SOUTH DEVON Three new engines have arrived in the area during the past year, and a portable has been restored, but it must be admitted that the grossly excessive insurance rates now prevailing are tending to defer quite a number of restoration projects; the situation is not helped either, by the unwillingness of some event organisers to pay higher expenses and appearance money, hence restoration work is at a low ebb. Of the newcomers, two South Devon Steam Pres. Soc. members, Simon Caudwell and Charles Courtney, after some months of searching, managed to acquire an engine in the Norfolk area during April, this being an 8 ton SC/PV Aveling roller No. 12396/1929/VB5736, complete with a new smokebox, and in generally nice order, and the engine has been steamed on a number of occasions since arrival at Stockland Hill. More recently, John Lee of the Sandy Bay Countryside Museum, purchased the unique Canadian built Waterloo Boy single cylinder traction engine which was withdrawn after the Stourpaine Auction.

It now seems destined to spend its days as a static exhibit in the museum along with the other ten steam engines, which seems a pity as the engine attracted a great deal of attention and interest as it moved about at Stourpaine. It would be nice to see it mobile from time to time. Just over the border at Chard, Ron Bond recently obtained a fourth engine to add to his two Marshall portables and Aveling roller, the newcomer, also from Norfolk, being a 10 ton SC Clayton & Shuttleworth convertible roller. No. 48837/1924/YA7830, which many enthusiasts will recognise as a former W. W. Buncombe roller, once more back in its native territory. This roller is also in good working order and has been successfully steamed and driven since its arrival in early October. Ron completed the heavy repairs and re-boxing of his Marshall portable No. 50595 (Ex. Taphouse Sawmills, Cornwall) in time for it to appear at the annual Honiton Hill Veteran Tractor Rally where it was certainly an eye catcher, being beautifully painted and lined out and providing a striking contrast in size to his 16 hp SC Marshall portable No. 88105 on the nearby rack sawbench. John Vinnicombe also had his 5 hp Marshall portable on show, No. 34617, so the public had the chance to see three Marshall portable's at this rally — quite a spectacle. Other newcomers to the event this year were Jack Miles from Dorchester with his 7 hp SC Marshall traction No. 36033/1901/NK2524, "Hayden Princess" and from South Dorset came Burrell single No. 1840/1894/YA2481, owned by Messrs. Willcox & Trott of Litton Cheyney. John Woodley of Newton Abbot brought his Robey Tri-Tandem roller No. 45655/1930/ VL2773, and Peter Bater came from Barnstaple with his nicely restored Marshall compound convertible roller No. 53351/ 1909/Y9936. The weather was again ideal for this Bank Holiday event, and the public turned up in large numbers. Veteran and vintage tractors again gathered at Poltimore Barton, just outside Exeter, on 8th and 9th September, for a ploughing match, and included two ploughing engines from North Somerset, BB1 Fowler "Princess Mary" No. 15436/1919/ NC1364, and K7 "Arthur Ashmore" No. 15278/1919/FA1301, also Clayton & Shuttleworth SC traction No. 48225/1919/6E7639, "Dominator", from West Buckland, Taunton. Wallis 'Advance' roller No. 7962/1928/ OT8117 "Smokey", and Fowler SC roller No. 18279/1929/CV1503, "Zebedee", from

nearby Stoke Canon were on hand and were busy giving trailer rides around the site on both days, which again drew a large number of spectators. The same could riot, unfortunately, be said of the rally held a Ivington Farm, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter, over the weekend of 12th and 13th August, staged by the Devon T.E. Club and Devon Scout Association. Although a varied selection of engines appeared, including several from well outside the area, poor public attendance resulted in a financial loss, principally due to very poor pre-rally publicity in the area and on site, and also the date being sandwiched between two nearby events both before and after, to the detriment of each one — surely a lesson to be learned here. The site was a good one, and it is to be hoped that the organisers will not be deterred by 1978's misfortunes and will be encouraged to run another with better results. Finally, back to Chard again, where on 28th October Ron Bond put on an end of season "Steam-up Party" in his yard where all four engines were steamed and a portable fixed to a rack sawbench, sawing at intervals throughout the afternoon and into the evening, with plenty of smoke and steam drifting up into the chilly night air to give the perfect atmosphere to the scene. Ron and his band of helpers put on a grand show with drinks and refreshments in plenty laid on in one of the buildings and the whole much enjoyed by all those who visited — a fitting end to British Summer Time and the rally season!! Tony Coombes.

NOTTS. Kegworth Carnival celebrated their Silver Jubilee this year with their 25th Carnival. The festivities were dampened by the amount of rain which fell but 30 engines entertained the crowds, some of the engines travelling the few miles from Rempstone after being parked in Beeby's yard since the rally there. With the bad weather, the gateway to the field became a quagmire but with great expertise, Graham Love with his Fowler RL (15323/ 1918/HR3697 "Excelsior") gave a great show of winching the engines out of the field, including one of the Showman's engines which had got bogged down in trying to get out under its own steam. Graham finally succumbed to the mud and it was the following Wednesday before Waite's Clayton & Shuttleworth Roller No. 39

48971/1924/EP2966 "Mary Regina", was winched off the field and seen on her way to Cromford by G. Flear's Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 14375/1917/8E7595. Another casualty en route to Cromford Rally (see Steaming Vol. 21 No. 4, P.239) occurred when the main steam pipe of "Mary Regina" blew in the middle of Duffield with the writer in the driver's seat. On 30th September, a couple who were married in Scotland earlier in the year held a second 'Steam' reception in the grounds of Belton House, near Grantham where one of the first Rallies of this season was held. Alan Tyson and Elizabeth were entertained by the Robinson's Gavioli Organ, powered by Jesse Swingler's Foster No. 12509/1910/ UX6727, "Maid Marion" and guests from all over the country, including Michael Oliver from Dorset, were present. At Gamston on 7th October, "Mary Regina" and Mick Baines Wallis & Steevens Roller No. 2524/1897/EB8585 "Caroline" were at a Ploughing Match organised by the Retford Young Farmers (Using their scarifiers? — Ed.). The following weekend at Bothamstall, a vintage tractor rally was held but the wet weather did not deter Mr. T. Hammond with his Fowler Ploughing Engines Nos. 2267/1873/ AL8344 and 15356/1919/CT4133 from ploughing in one of the fields. The two rollers mentioned above a suitable strip on "Mary Regina" rolled a suitable strip on which to put the miniature railway. Threshing machines were driven by John Blagg's McLaren RL No. 1421/1913/8E7518 "Captain Scott" and Marshall TE No. 36578/ 1902/BT3667, whilst Bruce Ragsdale's Garrett TE No. 28249/1910/FX8223 "Pioneer" powered a chaff cutter. Jesse Swingler's Foster 'conversion' was also present. Anyone who has anything interesting about steam engines in the Notts area, please contact me at the address below:K. Flinton, 16 Chestnut Avenue, ORDSALL, Retford, Notts. DN22 7RN.

SOMERSET James Noyce's 3-abreast Gallopers were the centrepiece of the Rally held by the Somerset Club at Langport. Mrs. Celia Gilbey christened Alec Chambers' Marshall Roller No. 74744/1921/TA2443, "Fitzhead Flyer". Amongst other engines which 40

attended were Owen Slade's Marshall Convertible No. 68955/1916/TA212, R. Hobbs Foster GP No. 12544/1910/AW9397 "Independence" and Jock Miles Marshall GP No. 36033/1901/NK2524 "Hayden Princess". Three Burrell Showmen's engines were also present, "Perseverance II", "St. Bernard" and "Fermoy". Noyce's Gallopers also attended the Yeovil Festival of Transport organised by the Yeovil Car Club. Standing next to the Gallopers was Ray Loader's 4 nhp Garrett Showman's Tractor No. 33486/1919/AD 8787 "Queen of Great Britain". Both of these were at one time owned by Showman John Cole. Two unusual engines were to be seen at this event, these being the Marshall Universal Roller No. 85060/1929/ VX2427 owned by M. Warren and Dr. Giles Romanes Wallis & Steevens 3 hp tractor No. ????/c1904/GRX400 "Goliath". Slightly over the border into the next county, but nevertheless worthy of inclusion here was the event which took place at Stroud in early September organised by the Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club. Lord Montague's Burrell Showman's No. 3443/1913/C03822 "Lord Nelson" was the star attraction, whilst Richard Willcox showed his Marshall Portable and N. Partridge's Aveling & Porter Roller was also present.

The following weekend at Beckington, Frame, a Vintage Farm Working was graced with the presence of six engines along with the usual displays of stationary engines, tractors and heavy horses. Those present included the Burrell No. 3824/1920/ YA366 "Lord Fisher of Lambeth", Ransomes "Mendip 26995/1916/EW3220 TE No. Lady" and the Foster "Independence".

NORTHUMBERLAND & DURHAM All the engines which attended the Haydon Bridge Rally presented by the South Tyne T.E. Society in association with Haydon Bridge Football Club were owned by Society members. These included J. H. Nixon's Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 13910/1914/AB9987 "My Delight" and the Sentinel No. 8784/1933/Y06587 "Callow Rock". H. P. Thompson's Foden tractor No. 13218/1928/SUP71 "Cestria", G. Byerley's Fowler Roller No. 19456/1931 /8E3563 "Highland Lass" and Treloar Brothers Ruston Proctor Portable No. 10743/1892 were also present.

Jack Wakefield, Jnr., Hetton le Hole, has been advertising two engines for sale. The 3 ton Wallis & Steevens tractor No. 2758/1905/NL1554 which has gone to Tom Varley and the famous Lands End to John o' Groats Burrell "Cock o' the North" (No. 3397/1912/AH095). This latter needs a new firebox. Hubert Nixon has another two engines which will no doubt shortly be taking to the Rally Fields. These are the Foster No. 12438/1921/AH5496 "Herbert" which was owned at one time by the late Herbert Shepherd of Pilling, Lancs. and Fowler Roller No. 16008/1923/SG8149 which is exEdinburgh City Council. Several local engines attended the South Durham and North Yorkshire T.E. Club's first rally at Witton Castle, Co. Durham in mid August. A feature of this Rally was the exceptional quality of the meals provided for enginemen and many Southern Rally organisers should take note of this fact. Engines present included the rollers of H. I'Anson — Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48793/1923/J9695 "The Jubilee" and D Proudlock's Aveling Barford No. AC607/ 1937/CPT236 "Dunelmia". In September, the Tyne & Wear County Council's Museums organised a stationary engine display in Exhibition Park, Newcastle. Steam for the engines was pro-

vided by Treloar Brothers Ruston Proctor Portable No. 10743. At this location on permanent display is the pioneer turbine driven vessel, "Turbinia" built by Parsons on Tyneside. Finally, an Aveling & Porter Roller has come into the area from the Thames Valley. This is No. 12366/1929/MT3064 although its present whereabouts is not known.

DORSET/HANTS Of the more unusual exhibits to appear at the 10th Great Working at Stourpaine Bushes (in the sunshine for once) were a Canadian built "Waterloo Boy" engine which was in the Auction, a Robey TriTandem Roller (J. Woodley's No. 45655/ 1930/VL2773 "Herts Wanderer"), J. Rundle's Brown & May Showman's Engine No. 8742 and Frank Lythgoe's Foden Showman's Engine No. 2104/1910/WR6985 "Prospector". Other unique exhibits were Tom Varley's ex--Australian wagons, the Atkinson No. 72/ 1918/CK209 "Her Majesty" and the Aveling No. 9282. Mention must also be made of the first appearance after restoration of John Clarke's Fowler Gyrotiller — a magnificent machine. An engine noted as being for sale in the area is D. Ranger's 6 ton Fowler Roller.

The Fowler Gyrotiller being driven by owner John Clarke at Stourpaine. A remarkable Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop. piece of restoration. 41

LEICESTERSHIRE The Hinckley Rally was held at Burbage on the 9th/lOth September. Over two dozen engines attended, including Reader Bros. Fowler Roller No. 18651/1930/VF9312 "Susan Mary", S. Arrowsmith's A. & P. Roller No. 11520/1926/MK5128 and J. Beeby's "Enterprise". A 'local' roller, now belonging to the Hinckley Steam Appreciation Society, No. 12342/1929/UT4405 and which was previously owned by Hinckley U.D.C. was also present. An unusual 'new' vehicle put in an appearance, this being a 'Hovis' van with a launch boiler and Locomobile engine having registration No. POA 987. Another Fowler Roller, that owned by McDonald's at Louth, No. 18867/ 1930/AFW301 "Ida" was also there. D.A.C.

LINCOLNSHIRE Visitors to this year's Carrington Rally were able to see the newly restored Clayton & Shuttleworth 5 ton wagon which is owned by Messrs. Robert Crawford & Son of Frithville. The vehicle was bought in the mid 1960's and lay derelict on their premises for a long time. Owing to the general dereliction and many missing parts, the restoration proved to be a much longer job than was first expected, but the end product was well worth waiting to see. This wagon was new in 1919 and is number 48347 (FE 2931). Carrington Rally was well attended by the usual large number of engines, and although most of them were regular attenders, one of the rollers had not been rallied previously. This was Fowler No. 17587/1928/UA5597 and one which was quoted in our last notes as having been sold by Syd Leverton of Quadring recently. The buyer in this instance was Nigel Musham of Waddington, and this roller was later roaded under its own steam to Hawerby Park. Hawerby Park saw quite decent weather and this helped to draw the crowds in. Some fifteen engines and rollers were to be seen, and there was a set of threshing tackle at work much of the time. Raymond Drakes had a lucky escape from an accident as he pulled on to the ground, when his Fowler roller No. 16967/1928/ FU9970 started to slip back on the heavy gradient. Fortunately Ray was able to bring things to a stop in time, but suffered from a bent trailer drawbar. 42

In early July a small Cultivating Party was held at Owmby by Spital, near Lincoln on land owned by Mr. Andrew Taylor. The field for cultivating was close to the River Ancholme and was of such a heavy nature that none of Mr. Taylor's tractors had been able to work it. Two sets of tackle were used on this job, Fred Coupland's pair of 1920 Fowler BB1's, 15441/2 (CT 4177/8) and two separate Fowler engines, these being Gordon Flear's BB type, 1 4375/1 91 7 6E7595 and Jack Hancock's 15516/1920/ CT4051 K7 type. Drags were used with both sets of engines, and the going was so heavy that engines were almost brought to a stop on many occasions whilst pulling. The unmatched pair were on a slightly easier piece of land, but even so it was some of the heaviest cultivating work done in recent years. I understand that Mr. Taylor has offered another field for next year, since he was quite satisfied with the results this time. (Steam triumphs yet again). The Lincolnshire Steam Spectacular on the Showground was again well attended by both local and visiting engines, but was partly marred by rain during the Saturday night. A few of the engines were able to get into the ring on the Sunday afternoon and events took place to entertain the public. Although present, it was not possible to steam the two Fowler Ploughing Engines, "Michael" and "John" which are now based at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life in Lincoln. A newcomer to this event was R. Dowlman's Clayton & Shuttleworth from Alford. Following this Rally, Eric Riggall held a Steam Weekend at his home at Mawthorpe and had a set of threshing tackle at work, driven by his 1942 Foster Portable No. 14737. Eric's Marshall roller, No. 76797/1923/ FU1327 and Ron Dowlman's Clayton & Shuttleworth traction, No. 48759/1923/CT 8263 were also in steam at this event. A Sunday afternoon party was held at the end of October at New Bolingbroke. This was held jointly by Messrs. J. H. Rundle & Sons, and Messrs. Epton's, next door, and four organs were playing in various parts of the ground. Six engines were in steam here, these being, Brown & May SRL No. 8742/1916/AU4705 "General Buller", Fowler PE 15441, Foster tractor, "John Michael", 14639/1936/BWV338 Fowler roller, 17287/1928/UW1329, Marshall traction 45689/1905/8T6525 "Dorothy" and the Breloux portable engine, 1643/1929. Several engines have changed hands in

recent months and those which have been reported are: Marshall roller 73290/1920/BE 9749 which has been sold out of the county

by Mr. E. Flear of Kirton in Lindsey. In its stead, Mr. Flear has bought Fowler PE 13881/1914/N0371. This is a Class AA type engine and rebuilding is now at an advanced stage. The Fowler roller, 17578 has been sold by Nigel Musham to a buyer within the county and Nigel has bought a larger Fowler roller from Messrs. Boughton of Amersham. Further details of this, later. The last outing of a busy season for the Lincolnshire Life Museum's Ruston Proctor TE 46596/1913/SFE519L "Sylvia" was on the weekend of 9th/10th September, when she attended a Charity event at Brant Boughton and powered the Museum's own Foster threshing machine. A working weekend at Little Casterton by the Peterborough Farm Machinery Preservation Society showed many facets of farm operation, and steam played its rightful part. There were only three engines, but each had an important but different part to play. T. A. Hinch & Sons presented two Ransomes engines:- No. 37087/1926/ FP1754 powered an unusual McRobert threshing machine, whilst the other, 39149/ 1928/UE7213, was belted to a Ransomes baler. The third engine, which was ploughing, was Frank Smith's Mann tractor No. 1425/1920/U7075 "Little Jim". F.S.

THAMES VALLEY Prize winners at the Fairford Rally in August included R. M. Whitfield, Bristol (Aveling Ballard Roller No. AC601/1937/ CPT233 "Talisman"), T. Tomlins Burrell TE No. 3121/1909/ N01310, "Keeling" and Dr. J. F. Cam's Wallis & Steevens oil bath tractor No. 7872/1926/0U5247 "Duke of Wellington". Among the twenty-seven engines which attended was the long

distance visitor of Doug Allen, Ross-onWye with Fowler Roller No. 15851/1923/ NX3974 "Victorious". Taking part in the Newbury Procession which was held in association with the Newbury Carnival was John and Brenda Newton's Burrell RL No. 4066/1927/VF589 "John of Gaunt" and Hedges & Byng's Ruston & Hornsby Roller No. 122338/1924/ XU5721. Another event at which the accent was on other than steam was John Carter's Free Air Show & Military Rally at Henley in early September. E. Gales' Foden tractor

No. 13484/1930/LG8784 "Talisman" created additional interest here. There was a good turn out at the N.V.T.E. Club's tractor working at Ipsden Farm, near Woodcote, when 5 steam engines attended along with 50 or so tractors and almost as many stationary engines. Those present were N. Greenaway's Foden wagon No. 12018/1925/EU 2684 "Emily" and Fowler No. 7942/1899/ TA626, "Jonah"; Vic Greenaway's Fowler TE No. 14958/1918/E9600 "Marina"; Hawthorne's Fowler Roller No. 14674/1917/ BW9937 "Busy Bee" and Jim Hutchen's unique Garrett "Suffolk Punch" No. 33180/ 1918/BJ4483 "The Joker". On 14th October, an end of season Steam-up took place at Jeallotts Hill outside the New Leathern Bottle. There were about a dozen engines present including newcomers to the event such as Boughton's Fowler conversion "Jubilee", Geoff Wheeler's Ruston & Hornsby TE "Oliver", and Bill McAlpine's' Foden tractor No. 13832/1931/HX2197, "The Dorset Wanderer". Another noteable visitor was Jim Hutchen's Garrett wagon No. 35465/1931/ CV5166. A very pleasant day, and night, was had by all who attended.

G.R.H.

BUCKS. September 2/3rd saw another Brill Vintage & Working Steam Rally. A first

timer at this event was Boughton's Tasker Little Giant tractor No. 1697/1915/SR1516, ex-Stuarts of Aberdeen. Boughton's Fowler TE No. 7788/1897/BH6917 "Black

Jack" was also present and lighting in the evening was supplied by another of Rnirghtnn's Fowlers', the conversion No. 17290/1928/AV1045 "Jubilee", together with Jack Lawrence's Burrell No. 3631/ 1915/0R2729 "Kathleen" and Jack Wharton's "Supreme". A dream came true for Geoff Wheeler of Penn, the artist with a penchant for

traction engines, when he stood on the footplate of his own engine, Ruston No. 113043/1920/CE7977 which he purchased from the East Anglia area. This engine was named "Oliver" at Stourpaine by the Dorset Wonder, Michael Oliver. The first

event Geoff attended was the Chiltern Club's Steam Up and Barbecue evening on 16th September. Also there were several of Boughton's engines and B. Ruff's Burrell No. 4005/1925/RL574 "'Santora", P. Hon43

our's A. & P. Roller No. 9314/1921/HR 4399 "The Highwayman" and D. W. Davis' Burrell tractor No. 3554/1914/AH0181 "King George V". A rare appearance of a steam engine at a wedding happened when Jack Beale's Garrett tractor No. 33296/1918/BJ5510

"Pride of Penn" featured in his daughter. Deirdre's celebrations. She was driven by her father to the church at Tylers Green on the engine and after the wedding, the bride, groom and bridesmaid rode in style behind the engine to the reception at Hazlemere. The engine was specially cleaned for the ❑ccasion and it is to be hoped the coal was also.

SCOTLAND (courtesy of Scottish Traction Engine Soc.)

The engine which Hubert Nixon, Haydon Bridge, Northumberland, sold to a buyer at Ancrum, Hawick, is Aveling & Porter No. 12174/1928/K54086, which had been converted by him to a Showmans style Tractor. In its proper shape it had previously been in Scotland with Tom Ramsey at Pencaitland. The Robey tandem roller owned by Geoff Hayes of Cupar is 41593/ 1923/FE6255. Borthwick's have commenced work on the engine for their second wagon which will utilise a Foden wagon boiler. Several English visitors were present at the Lanark Rally in August on the new site which turned out to be an exceptionally good one. The furthest travelled engine was Ken Frost's Burrell SRL from Norfolk, No. 3343/1911/DX3441, "Princess Mary". This was joined by R. Oliver's Aveling & Porter No. 14068/1930/VN2092, "Hunslet" and Tom Varley's Burrell Showman's No. 3444/1913/CK3403, "His Lordship". Wagons by Sentinel — A. Brook's No. 6327/1925/ NE4770 "The Yorkshireman" and Hubert Nixon's No. 8784/1933/YD6587 "Callow Rock", together with Tom Varley's Yorkshire No. 117/1905/CA170 "Pendle Maid" and Treloar Bros. Ruston Proctor Portable No. 10743/1892. A further noteable visitor was Andrew Craske's Fowler Roller No. 15589/1919/U8709, "Hilda", which came all the way from Yorkshire. Andrew is to be congratulated on even attempting such a journey, even on a low loader. At the Blackwood Murray Rally in August, Hubert Nixon's wagon and Andrew Cook's Marshall Roller, together with Murdoch McKenzie's Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10356/1922/GM263 were present. Jimmy

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Drummond has taken part in a television filming exercise with his Fowler TE No. 17260/1927/ES9796, "Kenmore". This was for the BBC series on John Buchan's novel, 'Huntingtower'. The Scottish Railway Pres. Society, held an open day to their Falkirk Depot at the end of August and the Society was represented by Mr. B. McLeod's Roller No. 21635/1937/CS7852, "Scotland Yet". This is one of the last Fowler engines built. With regret, the death is reported of Bob Laurie, of Linlithgow at the age of eighty-five. He contributed an interesting letter in Steaming Vol. 21 No. 3, about an Aveling Roller (No. 8717) which he once drove.

DERBYSHIRE The Annual Grand Transport Extravaganza which was held again at Crich Tramway Museum during August Bank Holiday was attended by most local engines. With this being a static display, it lacks a little something. Perhaps a re-organisation with the engines at the lower level instead of at the top may help in future? Certainly cars can climb hills with less effort than steam engines. After the event, Aveling & Porter Roller No. 9128/1919/E5336 'Major" had a somewhat hair-raising trip down a steep hill between Crich and Ambergate en route to Kirk Hallam. However, despite their experience, engine and crew arrived intact at Ladywood Farm to await the event. On 17th October, this

event was organised by and for the local Scout Groups and Lionel Fryer's Fowler BB1 PE No. 15207/1918/C77899 together with No. 15206/1918/CT7898 owned by James Hodgson of Oxfordshire, worked together for the first time for a number of years. During October, Mr. Fryer's engine was in attendance at the West Hallam and District Ploughing Match. Also descending the steep hill from Crich, Peter and Janet Waite's Clayton & Shuttleworth Roller "Mary Regina" had a little mishap when the rolls locked during the descent. Everything was O.K. and they carried on to Sheffield without further trouble, covering the 32 miles in 8 hours (including stops). In September a new Derby Steam Rally Committee was formed. It was decided to keep the rally site and date as in previous years but to rename it Elvaston Castle Rally. The Committee consists of many ex-

Mentioned in the Cumbria Notes is Fowler Showmans Road Locomotive "Bertha". It is shown here at the Kendall Rally, 29th July 1978. Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop. perienced steam event organisers who aim to make next year's rally on 7/8th July, a great success. An Aveling & Porter 1919 roller has been advertised for sale in the Uttoxeter area. Several Derbyshire engines travelled to Fauld, near Tutbury, Staffs., for the First Steam and Preservation Rally organised by Klondyke Mill Recreation Centre on 30th Sept./1st Oct. Poor weather was a feature of this event, to which visitors included Bradbury & Sear's 1975 Savage reproduction No. 905/OAH14P, Len Crane's Fowler Crane Engine "Wolverhampton Wanderer", C. Garbett's Fowler TE No. 9507/1902/ NM141 and Alan Williamson's S4 Sentinel No. 8884/1933/TJ3319. Out for the first time following repairs was J. Swindlehurst's Burrell SRL No. 3509/1913/G6469 "Rajah". Emily Kate Crampton, the 10 day old daughter of steam enthusiasts Dave and Pam from Mackworth, Derby, was suitably introduced to the steaming fraternity. Derbyshire area correspondent Steve Durance, owner of Marshall Roller No. 57168/1911/NN950 "Blodwen" announced his engagement to Pam Phelps prior to leaving on 14th October on a farming scholarship to New Zealand until August

1979. (Pam and future father-in-law are to be kept busy renovating a roller living van during Steve's absence). On 28th October, Smalley Preservation Group held their 5th Annual Bonfire Steam Party at the Sitwell Arms, Horsley Woodhouse with six local engines, two miniatures and Howard Bros. organ. Making its first appearance in Derbyshire was J. Swingler's latest Showman's conversion No. 14564/1922/FE8055 from Nottinghamshire. The iron framed Robey threshing drum owned by the Smalley Group now has a new home at Elvaston Castle Museum. Ian and Gary Howard have sold their Marshall Roller No. 40047/1904/6E8186 to Barry Hicks of Andover, Hants. Jane Rodgers.

CUMBRIA The Northern Showman Modellers Association timed their first exhibition to coincide with the end of the Kendal Gathering, and on the Saturday, the Levens Hall Fowler Showman's No. 15116/1920/ CB3062 "Bertha" steamed over to attend. 45

KENT As these are the last Kent notes for 1978 here is a brief resume of the last rallies to be held in the area. On the 2/3rd September 16 engines were in attendance at the S.C.H.-V.P.T. Steam & Historic Transport Rally held at the Kent Showground, Detling. Highlights of the event not including the Real Ale Bar (visited frequently) consisted of the first appearance at Detling of John Downs Steam Gallopers and an 8 ton National Gas engine built in 1927. Although not known at the time, this event proved to be the last appearance of the Foden Wagon No. 13848/1931/RB3525 whilst in the ownership of Graham Canfield. This wagon was last seen on the 14h of October steaming towards London and its new owner, Goff Radcliffe. Among other engines present were the Aveling Conversion of T. Maynard, No. 11251/1925/PE3617 and K. Drew's Aveling Roller No. 11347/1926/PP4996 "E. W. Fraser. Another well established Rally in Kent is that held at Hall Place, Leigh, run by the Tonbridge Lions Club. A good attendance of 16 engines ensured together with good weather, success for the hard working Lions. A first time appearance on the rally field was made by Mr. B. Parris of Speldhurst with his newly acquired 6 hp cornpound AI!chin No. 1458/DD2006. The condition of this engine earned Mr. Parris the Wilf Roberts award. Other prize winners included Terry Maynard with his Aveling Tractor No. 11251/1925/PE3617 and John Bailey with his Burrell SCC "Validus" No. 2819/1906/BP5913. The Tenterden Steam & Country Fair run by the Kent & East Sussex Railway on the 16/17th September has increased in size over the previous 3 years. It has now grown from the usual 3 engines to 8 engines plus a large selection of other means of transport and stationary engines. This is becoming a popular event that combines two means of traction by steam, that of road and rail. Saturday evening entertainment included a buffet and jazz band, and midnight rides on the Harris Brothers Gallopers. On the 7th and 8th October, Smokey Shepherd ran his usual 'Beano' at the T.S. Narvik, Bromley. This ever popular event had nine engines on static display. Bright lights and music were supplied as usual 46

by Les Searle wth the Burrell Showman's No. 3887/1921/HR6658 "Prince of Wales" and the organ "Matilda". The non attendance of Freddie Beadle and his Noah's Ark, although regretted, did take away some of the glamour of the event. Among other engines present were J. Bailey's Burrell TE No. 2819/1906/BP5913, "Validus" and Colin Tucker's Fowler Roller "Geneieve". A profit of over £500 was made to enable the Sea Cadets to continue their worthy activities. On the 29th September the Pierce Brothers of Borough Green held their one day Mid Comp Farm Steam Up. Five engines were in steam and the event of the day was a 5 mile Road Run to a well known establishment in Offham which provided liquid refreshment for all. This is normally recognised as the last steam up of the season. During the year, the following rallies were attended by one or more engines from Kent:Ardingly, Birchington, Bromley, Detling (2), Epsom & Ewell, Hadlow Down, Heathfield, Hellingly, Isle of Wight, Lambeth, Merton, Peterborough, Po leg ate, Romford, Roxton, Sellindge, Tenterden, Tonbridge and Wandsworth. Engines that have roaded fair distances include the Aveling & Porters:- 6943/D 4889 D. Rushton; 8097/FX7014 G. Cosgrove; 10271/ME2103 B. Smith; 11251/PE 3617 T. Maynard; 12074/YV826 K. Town and 12427/P0616 A. Jones. ALLCHIN:1458/DD2006 B. Parris. BURRELL:- 3285/ AH5304 D. Eastwood; 3586/BP5921 T. Wood; 3931/WY1563 T. Wood; 2909/AF 3517 C. Tucker and 3941/BP9547 D. Eastwood. FOD EN:- 12228/WL910 M. ListBrain and 13848/RB3525 G. Canfield. FOWLER:- 14754/N0459 Pierce Brothers. GARRETT:- 34461/PM4795 D. Eastwood. MARSHALL:- 56125/NT595 B. Monday. SENTINEL:- 8413/UY9878 R. Jardine. We hope this list will be increased by next year. Engines undergoing repair include Trevor Lewis-Evans' Alichin 1406/1907/KE1985 "Pride of Kent" which has already been stripped in readiness for repairs. Les Birch of Sellindge is now making an all out effort to get his A. & P. Roller No. 8752/1916/ TA2662 running by next year. This engine was exhibited in a very derelict state at Les's rally in 1970. The Wallis & Steevens TE No. 7769/1923/PD7172 "Councillor" owned by the Card Brothers has been re-

tubed at Crockenhill and now work is proceeding putting the engine on rubbers. Also noted at Crockenhill was Gerry Cosgrove's Aveling "Moby ❑ick" to which minor alterations are being made. On enquiries the "Lions Cage" parked near "Moby Dick" turned out to be the trailer

which will house Tom Tilbury's Fair Organ. John Butler and Graham Canfield hope to have their Yorkshire Wagon No. 652/1914/ U2749, on the road in 1979 after 3 years absence from the rally fields. As these notes were being prepared news came through that Alan Jones has fitted a new valve eccentric strap to his A. & P. Roller. As the year draws to a close we would like to say how much we have enjoyed writing these notes for Kent during 1978 and apologise to those whom we may have left out inadvertently. Finally for those of you who will be doing maintenance out in open fields, barns, sheds, etc. — may the winter be a mild one. Two Kentish Men.

HERTS. The Transport Trust organised the "Wonderful World of Wheels" in association with a sponsor at Knebworth Park, Stevenage. Only 9 engines were present and apparently many of the official i.c. entries did not turn up, at least on the Saturday. For an event organised by no less a body than the Transport Trust, it seemed to offer comparatively little for its relatively high entrance fee. Among those present were S. Alper's Burrell No. 2668/ 1904/NM257 "Brittania", L. Statham's Fowler SE No. 14425/1916/DP4418 "Carry On" and another Showman's entry, Tasker 1822/1920/H02930, "Little Jim II" owned by Peter Barber. The second Dacorum Rally was held on the 9th/10th September at Gaddesden Row. In addition to "Carry On", D. Harding's Aveling & Porter Roller No. 9008/ 1919/BH7167 "George", and the old Foster of D. Harrower No. 3682/1908/CT3896 were also present, along with several others. A further event attended by "Carry On" was that organised by the Steam Owners and Drivers Club during the last weekend of September at Redbourn. The small Aveling Roller of Mrs. Betty Vickery, No. 6319/1907/BP7501 "Queen of Herts" was also present.

WARWICKSHIRE Steam plays only a part in the Town and Country Festival staged at Kenilworth, and this year's standard was as high as ever. Exhibits included Jack Marshall's Ransome's engine No. 15012/1903/N04034, "The Countryman" and several wagons from the Tom Varley collection at Gisburn, namely Atkinson No. 72/ 1918/CK209, "Her Majesty", and Yorkshire's 940/1917/U4245 "Pendle Queen" and 117/1905/CA170, "Pendle Maid". Another engine present about which we read of its journey to this venue in the last Steaming was the McLaren of Johnny Mayes, No. 127/1882/HO 5618 "Little Wonder". R.J.B.

WEST MIDLANDS A noteable event in Shropshire in September was the steaming for the first time in 31 years of Burrell Gold Medal Tractor No. 3786/1918/PB9610, belonging to Reg Wheeler. It has been under restoration for some years and is now nearing completion. The County of Salop Steam Engine Society held its traditional end of season steam party at Burley by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Bishop. October 1st was a fine day, and Les Bishop's Garrett Showman's Tractor "Rob Roy" No. 32981 1917/6J3282 was generating for his Gasparini Organ, and also in steam were David Webster's Sentinel 6 wheel threeway tipper, No. 8821/1933/BRF200 in its original livery of the Wolverhampton firm of Tarmac Lid.: W. Foxall and G. Minshall's Aveling Porter Roller "Lady of Lovesgrove' , No. 3586/1896/MA7890; Reg Wheeler's Burrell Tractor No. 3786 and Iwan Jones's Foden Tractor No. 13762/1931/VN2911 before its journey back to its home in Cardiff. A rare engine dismantled in the yard is Gibbins & Robinson Traction Engine No. 958/1891. At Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Mr. Les Lambe has now completed restoration and conversion to Showman's Tractor specification of Garrett No. 33074/1917/6J3451. Two interesting engines have recently arrived from Portugal and were steamed in August. The first is a Marshall 6 nhp portable No. 75908 which has a single cylinder and was used in the vineyards. 47

It has a small winch to raise and lower the chimney. The other engine which is a Clayton & Shuttleworth 3 nhp portable No. 44140 which also has a single cylinder and a winch for the chimney. It was probably used on the fairgrounds and is painted in light blue with red wheels, but has a large firebox and was designed to burn wood, and has the large water cooled spark arrester on the chimney. The ex-Solihull Compound Aveling & Porter roller has now left Bromsgrove for Cheshire. Bishop's Castle Rally took place at August Bank Holiday and some eleven steam wagons were present. These included Foden's own No. 6368/1916/M8118 "Pride of Edwin", the much travelled Sentinel S8 of Edgar Shone, No. 9105/1934/ UJ3652 "Shrewsbury Flyer", David Goddard's DG4 and D. Webster's S6. Showman's engines owned by J. & D. Walker, Burrell "Princess Marina" and Frank Lythgoe's Foden No. 2104/1910/WR6985 "Prospector" were also present. An excellent day out, especially when there is a traction engine gathering and a must for the students of Industrial Archaeology, is a trip to the Blists Hill Open Air Museum, Ironbridge Gorge. At

this year's late event, engines present included a Marshall TE No. 35554/1901/ N026 "Jodoc", owned by W. and J. Evans; Sentinel waggon No. 8571/1931/KF6482 owned by David Goddard; "Princess Marina" (No. 3847/1920/CL4483); J. A. Crabtree's Foden Tractor No. 3398/1911/ M4489, and R. G. Honeychurch's A. & P. Roller No. 10056/1921/N07962. A.H.E.W.

CORNWALL The two major rallies within the county were favoured with fine weather during a not-so-brilliant summer, and were well attended. At St. Agnes in August, 38 engines attended, several of them being new to the event. All the way from Wolverhampton (300 miles) came Len Crane with his well-known Fowler Crane Engine 17212 (RF 6092) "Wolverhampton Wanderer", the first time an engine of this type has attended a Cornish rally, and it attracted a good crowd when it provided a timber-loading demonstration in the sawing area. Jim Sarney also brought along his Burrell Road Loco 3057 "Lord Roberts" for a second time, having previously

The Sentinel S8 of Edgar Shone attended the Town & Country Festival on the Royal Showground, Stoneleigh during August Bank Holiday. Dan Doncester spent one day cleaning the Waggon and here the cheapest Woolworth shoe black is being applied to Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop. the front wheels.

48

appeared in 1974, but since then has again been completely overhauled and repainted. From Salisbury, there was Arthur Thomson's 1914 Garrett Showman's Tractor 32122 (BH 8900) "The Greyhound", and from the nearby village of Whiteparish in Wiltshire, came Brian Snelgar with A. V. Tanner's Aveling Roller 12172 (UR 1881). Two newcomers from Devon were both by the firm of Wallis & Steevens, Aubrey Sanders' Oil-Bath' Tractor 7289 (AA 5014) "Tinkerbell" and Dave Dicker's 'Expansion' type Traction 7294 (HO 5601) "The Sheaf of Arrows". Although several local engines are about to make their debuts, only one reached the deadline this year, the Aveling Roller 4747 (NX 371) "Bess" of W. J. Danning, Tywardreath, Par. This one, now the oldest engine in the county (1900) has been very nicely restored by her owner over the past three years, and considering he is 76 years of age, this is no mean feat. Regular visitors from further afield included Dave Harmes' Marshall 77479 (AF 8674) "Fraddon" and Bert Dibben's Wallis Traction 7102 "The Reeder Express". From Devon there was Ian Norman's Foster Tractor 13088 (FE 1125) and Peter Bater's Marshall Roller 53351 (Y 9936). Amongst the local entries, several were reappearing following heavy repairs, including Russell Gillbard's Marshall Tractor 38024 (TA 629) "Cressing Temple" and Dr. Dyke's Sentinel S6 Waggon 8928 (UJT 333). Derek Hattam's Robey Tractor 41493 (MF 3946) "Little Glutton" looked resplendent after completion of its restoration, and is the subject of an article on page 19 of this issue. Many of these engines journeyed up to Liskeard for the rally there a fortnight later, Jim Sarney's Burrell making the trip by road, providing the uncommon sight of a heavy haulage engine on the Cornish highways under its own steam. This rally saw the first appearance in the county for the Foden Road Loco 1174 (SN 1609) "The Pride of Leven", now on loan to the Dart Valley Railway. Engines not already mentioned from outside the county comprised John Uphill and Rodney Hunt's Marshall Roller 71833 (ER 697) "Beryl" and John Woodley's Robey Tri-Tandem Roller 45665 (VL 2773) "Herts Wanderer". Space naturally does not permit mention of each and every engine, but there was certainly variety at both events this year. An engine to change hands in the county is the very derelict Foden Wagon 10136 (MA 4691) which was new to the Redruth Brewery in 1920. Its last period of work was in the early 1940's when it was used

to clear waste from the now-defunct Killifreth Mine, near Chacewater. Since then, it has languished in the open at Tolgus, Redruth, until purchased for restoration recently by a Mr. Berriman of Goldsithney, near Penzance. Extensive restoration will be required, but it is good to know that it has at long last been resurrected. Another long-dormant engine has also passed into active preservation during the Autumn, this being the Robey Tandem Roller 42129 (RL 75), formerly the property of the late Joe Deacon of Wadebridge and now owned by David Hart of Camborne. Here again, a complete restoration will be necessary, but in due course this interesting little roller will once again grace the Cornish rally fields. It attended some of the very first rallies in the county before being laid up, and spent its whole working life before this with Messrs. Dingle of Stoke Climsland. Dr. Dyke's Foden Wagon 10530 (TA 1216) "Pride of the West" is currently at Roger Pridham's engineering works for a new firebox and general overhaul. Also at the same premises for similar work is Rex Curtis's Armstrong Whitworth Roller 10R19 (FJ 2795). At the time of writing both engines have been stripped down and the old boxes cut out ready for replacement. Also here is Bernard True's Aveling Roller 8301 (FX 7026). This one is being fitted with a new firebox crown, together with some new stays, new smokebox and tubes. At Mawla Well, near Redruth, Mike Leath and Steve Buscombe's Aveling Roller 10187 (FX 8131) "Highwayman" is another dismantled for firebox engine being renewal. The owners intend carrying out the bulk of the work themselves over the next few years. The engine will also have a full overhaul and repaint whilst the major 'surgery' is being performed. At Redruth, Burrell Showman 3159 "Gladiator" (CO 3823) is having the canopy completely rebuilt and new rubbers fitted to the front wheels. New front rubbers are also being fitted to Marshall Traction 62121 (TA 3624) "The Whale" at St. Agnes by owner, John Sawle. Work progresses at Nanstallon, Bodmin, on the reboxing of the ❑aniel Bros' McLaren Ploughing Engine 1552 (BD 5504) "Hero", and she should be active again by the Summer. Once this has been completed. the owners have another big job on their hands with their Fowler BB1 Ploughing Engine 15163 (WA 7151) which is also to have a new firebox. 49

At Cam Brea Village, Paul Richards has completed the overhaul and repaint job on his Marshall Roller 75826 (AF 6015) "Jumbo". It was touch and go whether or not she made St. Agnes this year — her owner and his helpers were still putting the finishing touches to her late on the Friday evening, and she experienced further trouble with the slide valve on the journey to the field on the Saturday morning. However, all was eventually well, and she was able to show her paces along with the rest, resplendent in her new paint. At the same village, Joe and Dennis Warren are to replace some stays on their Aveling Roller 8585 (FH 2253) and also complete repainting during the coming months. Their Foden Wagon 11208 (YA

7952) continues to show signs of improvement and will undoubtedly be a fine sight when she finally emerges fully restored, hopefully in time for the West of England Steam Engine Society's 25th Anniversary Rally in 1980. Five engines were present at Reg Morse's Open Day at Mawla Well. These included P. Richard's Marshall Roller 75826 (AF 6015) and also Leath and Pearce's Marshall TE No. 69303 (NM 340) "Titan". Power was provided by Burrell Showman's 3159 (CO 3823) "The Gladiator" for the Gladiator Club's Organ. Unfortunately, it will be the last Open Day as the takings were less than the cost of putting it on, even with an attraction such as the Devon Axe A.V.K.T. Men.

Harland & Wolff's massive 840 ton Crane provides an unusual backdrop to McLaren No. 1713 which has recently received a general overhaul at H. & W.'s Engine Works. Now owned by The Lord O'Neill and named "Banshee", No. 1713 was originally a crane engine although now converted to Showman's type. "Banshee" was the first traction engine to visit Queen's Island since John Harkness's Garrett Road Locomotive No. 27946 "Vera" retired from commercial service in 1968. Photo: Harland & Wolff Ltd.

50

ULSTER

YORKSHIRE

Twenty-five engines were present at the Shane's Castle Rally in July. These included N. Watson's Fowler No, '15313/1920/ 5)(899 "Redgauntlet"; J. Patterson's Ransomes TE No. 26687/1914/MS3095 and J. Docherty's Aveling & Porter Roller No. 14007/1929/SY4144. For the first time since it was established in 1972, the Clandeboye Steam Threshing Demonstration changed its location. The new field was also within the Clandeboye Estate and was large enough to accommodate all the exhibits and also provide a car park for the many enthusiasts and friends who attended. The event was again organised by the Co. Down Branch of the Ulster Traction Engine Club. Unfortunately, the numbers of active steam vehicles in Co. Down has decreased during the past few years, but with support from visitors from Co. Antrim and Co. Londonderry, it was still possible to present an ample range of exhibits. Two hours' worth of threshing work was available, at which the engines and various vintage tractors took turns. A small arena was also available for demonstrations and a parade. In addition to the Fowler and Ransomes noted previously, the following also attended:- Wilmer Bryce's Wallis & Steevens TE No. 7008/1908/DZ1626; Rory Wolf's W. & S. Expansion No. 7626/1917/? and R.S.J. TE No. 33156/1922/IJ5747 owned by Mr. T. Wasson.

H. William Coates, 4 Kirklisten Gardens, Belfast, BT5 6EE.

Castle Howard Rally began with a novel feature this year to commemorate the first rally in the' North, 25 years ago in 1953. Twelve engines steamed from Pickering to the rally site, a distance of about 14 miles. The parade was led initially by one of the engines which was present at- the early Pickering Rallies, Chris Rockliff's Marshall No. 87003/1934/TL3612 "Surprise". Another Marshall which has been rarely seen at rallies was Bill Milner and Jack Pierson's Marshall No. 85620/1930/ TF2954. Almost at the conclusion of the run, a misjudgment by the steersman on John Conner's Fowler Showman's No. 19783/ 1932/EF4883 "King Carnival" resulted in the engine leaving the road and almost toppling over. Wire ropes from other engines prevented this and the engine was eventually righted. An engine making its debut in restored condition was "All the Ones", Fowler No. 11111/1910/6E7988 now named "City of Hull" and owned by

Alan Padgett & Sons, Pocklington. There were several long distance visitors. ❑on Robinson's Foster Showman's No. 14502/ 1920/XC9862 "Victory", from Market Kasen met up with Charlie Byass' Yorkshire based Foster, "Success" and Andrew Fisher's immaculate pair of Fowler ploughing engines (Nos. 15170 & 1/1918/NR78 & 9) came from Burbage, Leics.

A fortnight or so later, a smaller than usual entry, which was the result of the late harvest and several breakdowns, was present at the Leeds Club Rally at Bramham Park. Phillip Carter was unlucky to break the back axle on his Garrett tractor

No. 33632/1919/T133740 "Joyce" on the way to the Rally and was kindly rescued by the Bosworth/Rodgers Crew from Derby. Another tractor missing was John Henderson's Aveling & Porter No. 11451/ 1927/PT7442 "Kathryn" which had a bent crankshaft. One engine at the rally, but entered in the Auction and remained unsold and which did not subsequently take part in the ring events was A. Myers' A. & P. Roller No. 2481/1889/CE9187. Another auction entry was a dilapidated

unidentifiable late Robey portable boiler. A first time appearance at a Leeds Club Rally was Fred Jackson's W. & S. TE No. 2489/ 1900/AD8906 which had been steamed some twenty-five miles, on strakes, by Fred and his Missus to attend. Another first

51

The Portable built by Taylor's of Canterbury mentioned below. Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop. attender and the first portable to be seen at a Leeds Rally was the Ransomes Sims Jefferies No. 44196/1938, owned by E. W. Wood. Despite the disappointment associated with his Garrett tractor, Phillip Carter was in attendance on the Sunday and Monday with an exquisite 'miniature' 1} hp portable built by Taylor's of Canterbury. It is one of six known to have been built by this firm between the mid 1800's and 1902 and was last used some forty years ago by a showman for driving a pump on a shooting gallery. Some considerable restoration work has been necessary. Engine entries at the Sheffield Society Rally at Oakes Park on 9th/10th September were better than in previous years, this year reaching a total of twenty-two. The most interesting exhibit was a newly imported Fowler TE from Australia. It is believed to be No. 6624/1891-2 and owned by Brian Hardy. It has subsequently been advertised for sale. Other first attenders were Walker's Burrell No. 3894/1921/NX 947, "St. Brannock", and J. Swingler's Foster No. 12509/1910/UX727 "Maid Marion". A Sentinel in the course of reconstruction was H. Winterbottom's 'S' 52

model No. 9086/1934/SE4013. Another Sentinel not often seen was Harrison's No. 2973/1920/AW6682. Phillip Carter's small Taylor portable also had an outing to this event. Carr Bros. R.S.J. No. 27596/1919/ WR6553, now named "Old Peculier" after the famous Masham brew, looked in really good shape, having recently received a new tender. About a dozen engines took part in the Birdforth Steam Working on the same weekend as the Sheffield Rally, the most noteable being the presence of the Nottingham Industrial Museum's pair of Fowler Ploughing Engines Nos. 17756 & 7/1933/ V08988 & 7, which were ploughing and a Ruston Proctor portable No. 10734/1892, owned by Treloar Bros., Haltwhistle, which powered a sawbench. Another visitor which normally does not stray far from home was Frank Pennett's Burrell No. 3218/ 1910/TB3959 from Bradford. John Wood at Penistone has sold his Aveling Roller No. 14090/1930/NG564 to a buyer in Birmingham and another Aveling Roller, Stuart Harrison's No. 14070/1930/ VN2094 "Billy Boy" has been retubed. Tony Hunt's Burrell Showman's engine No. 3849/1921/TA905 "Marshal Foch" has been busy this year. It represented the Leeds Club in the Lord Mayor's Parade held through the streets of Leeds; attended the local show at Weeton; the Trans Pennine run at Harrogate, and a small working exhibition staged by local farmers at Pool-inWharfedale in early October. This event was so successful that it may become an annual event. Prior to attending the Leeds Club Rally at Bramham Park, the writer's Aveling Roller "White Rose" was present at a Farm Open Day on the Home Farm there on 6th August. Some valuable publicity was given for the Rally. David Parkin actually steamed his Fowler roller on the road from Castleford to Ferrybridge to an Open Day at an Industrial concern there in late September. This eight mile trip was quite an achievement because although David has rallied the roller, No. 16439/1925/SM5121, "Billie" extensively in his four year ownership of it, it has always travelled by low loader and this journey was the first one he has attempted on the road. Congratulations, David, in taking the plunge! The A. & P. roller previously reported as rescued from a Playground at Barnsley (No. 4810/1901/?), is being restored by Alan Hurst of Cawthorne. D.A.R.

BEDFORDSHIRE Newcomers to the Herts Steam Preservation Society's event at Totternhoe, near Dunstable, were P. Bartlett's TE No. 14568/1928/NT7184 "Matilda" and A. J. Frost's Ransomes Simms & Jefferies No. 20760/1908/28911JR "Jubilee". Amongst other exhibits were a quartet of Aveling Rollers owned by L. King (103'72/1922/ ME5769); B. J. Emerton (11542/1926/RP 2925); D. W. Harding (9008/1 919/B117167 "George") and Ken Drew (11347/1925/PP 4995. "E. W. Frazer"). Another Aveling was the Convertible owned by Mrs. Betty Vickery, No. 6319/1907/0P7501, "Queen of Herts". David Harrower's Foster TE No. 3682/ 1908/CT3896 came out halfway through the season, looking very different as she is now lined out and gives a very pleasant effect. The Bedford S.E.P.S. held their event at Roxton Park on 16th/17th September. A massive entry, of some fifty-one steam engines, was attracted to this. It was the first visit at this event for Bill Sykes' Fowler Showman's No. 14758/1916/WY480 "Iron Duke". Also present was P. Coulson's McLaren tractor No. 1837/1936/ AAM801 "Bluebell"; C. Aldrich's Clayton & Shuttleworth TE No. 48224/1919/BH 7651 "Valiant"; W. Davenport's Burrell TE No. 2921/1907/N0440 "Violet", and a long distance visitor from Kent, Ted Wood's Burrell No. 3931/1922/WY1563 "Molly". Just outside Biggleswade, at Old Warden, the Shuttleworth collection of aeroplanes, etc., celebrated its Golden Jubilee in September. A link with the firm of Clayton & Shuttleworth was provided by the presence of Saunders Bros., Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 43130/1921/ B05494. Also present were W. H. McAlpine's Burrell TE No. 2505/1902/CF3354, and Jack Wharton's Fowler "Supreme" No. No. 20223/1934/EU5313. The Saunders' end of season Steam Up was held at Stotfold in October, and this year assumed Rally proportions with the appearance of some twenty-one large exhibits. Three Showman's engines were present, Bill Sykes' "Iron Duke", Steve Neville's Burrell "Lord Lascelles", No. 3886/ 1921/XF8162, and Lance Statham's Fowler "Carry On". In addition to these, the unrestored Fowler "Enterprise" on which restoration work has been started and Albert Fensom's Marshall TE (43560/1905/

BD5414, "Winifred") and which has had a dynamo fitted, together with bulbs on its half cab (Oh dear — Ed!) also attracted a great deal of attention. Philip Ives held his Bonfire Party and twelve engines were present. A newcomer to the area, just over the border in Northants, is A. & P. Roller No. 4504/ 1900/HH1062 which has been purchased by W. and H. Newcombe who also own a six ton A. & P. roller, No. 7080/1910/ E5346 "Lord Jim". Finally, I am sorry to report that Mr. Jim Combes has sold his ploughing engine previously mentioned in these notes. He had done a lot of work on it single handed but was forced to dispose of it. He hopes to purchase another engine in the not too distant future. Our club holds its meetings on the first Monday evening every month (Bank Holidays excluded) in the King's Arms, St. Mary's Street, Bedford and any enthusiasts passing through the area are welcome to attend. G.A.H.

SURREY Ivan Fear organised the Traction Engine display on 26th August at the Egham & Thorpe Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Association's Annual Show at Milton Park Farm. He was well supported by his Kew Bridge colleagues and from those engines usually found at London's Living Steam Museum, they were able to stage a worth while exhibition. Those on display included Dennis Brandt's McLaren TE No. 435/1892/ F15, "Himself", Foden wagon No. 13488/ 1929/R06330, and Foster tractor No. 14514/1922/CA8534 "His Grace" and Ken Brown's A. & P. roller No. 10159/1921/

NO3867. Another event in this area took place on the 9th/10th September at Seale when a ploughing match was staged in support of a local disabled organisation. The relatively large number of steam engines present included P. Lyon's A. & P. roller

No. 12103/1928/SM7013, "Dumpy"; C. Gardner's W. & S. Advance No. 7848/ 1926/H06438, "Rusty"; Commander Baldock's Marshall TE No. 87087/1934/P07927 "Dorothy" and D. Trice's Burrell Showman's No. 3118/1909/AH5305, "Dreadnought". I. D. G. Bennett has purchased A. & P. Roller No. 11093/1925/BT7935 from V. & E. Greenaway and she has been rallied this summer. 53

EAST ANGLIA Expo 1978 at Peterborough commemorated the 50th anniversary of the year when Burrell's made their last product. Twentynine engines were present and the Mayor of Thetford and a party of ex-Burrell employees were in the grandstand. The salute was taken by Mrs. F. E. Owen, daughter of the late Robert Burrell, accompanied by our Chairman, Michael Lane. Other engines included first time attenders at Expo such as Tom Varley's Aveling & Porter 1922 ex-Australian Wagon No. 9282 and Jack Hardy's Fowler Showman's No. 15117/1920/WX780, "Headway", both looking very smart after extensive overhauls. Ploughing engines, Tractors and Rollers, all were there in great profusion from such diverse manufacturers as Fowell, Allchin, Ransomes, Aveling Barford, Armstrong Whitworth, Garrett & Manns, The E,A.T.E.C. in conjunction with the Haddenham Sports & Social Club staged a rally at Haddenham on 2nd/3rd September. This was Stan Burgess' local rally and it saw him exhibiting the rare Clayton wagon No. 48510/1921/FE3344, "The Fenland Princess" and also the Burrell Showman's Engine No. 3979/1924/YA9138 "Earl Haigh". A newcomer this year was the Burrell TE No. 3655/1915/FU822 "English Hero"

owned by Bartrupt's of Ford End. Another first timer was another Burrell, Taylor's TE No. 3902/1921/MA7503 "Elizabeth". A fortnight later, an event was organised at Hornchurch by the Havering Borough, the local Round Table and the S.E.S.E.O. Twenty-three engines were present, one of which was a derelict Burrell which is about to be restored. This is named "Ole Bill" — No. 2855/1906/N01463. Many local engines were present and long distance visitors included Pierce Bros. from Kent with their Fowler Road Loco 14754/1917/N0459. Into Norfolk and on the 23rd/24th September, the Henham Rally was the stage for the entry to the rally field of D. Dean's Marshall TE No. 52483/1909/E5114. Another first, this being the first time out in the ownership of J. Atkins, was the Ruston Proctor TE No. 49804/1914/EB3554. An unusual roller present was the Wallis & Steevens Simplicity belonging to W. Vincent, No. 7981/1929/0U1789. A unique exhibit, although not steam, was the Walsh & Clarke ploughing engine built in 1918 at Guiseley, Yorks, and owned by G. Miles. A Working Demonstration by tractors and horses was complemented by a display of various steam engines at Melbourne, near Royston. These included B. Taylor's A. & P. tractor No. 11705/1927/PP7142 "Nippy", and Fowler PE No. 12366/1910/BP5599 "Old Guard", together with R. Swain's A. & P. Roller No. 11556/1926/MK6933

Mrs. F. E. Owen sitting with Michael Lane and taking the salute at Expo as mentioned above. She has contributed the splendid article on page 22.

54

East Anglian Engines go for a "Run About" in the new housing estate at South Woodham Ferrers, 20th May 1978. Do you know them. Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop.

"Gentle Annie". On the 30th September, Terry Taberer organised a steam up at the Maltsters Arms, Willingale, on behalf of the South Essex S.E. Owners group. The sum of £48 was raised for the Ongar Hospital Lift Fund. In attendance were the following engines:- Burrells — TE 3106/1909/N0439 "Princess Royal", — H. Parris; TE 2093/ 1898/N06881 "Duke of Ongar" — D. Lunnon, (these two making a very rare public appearance), TE 3474/1913/SP5348 "Gay Girl" — B. Bowne and S.Tr. 3453/ 1913/AH0117 "The May" — J. Downs. A. Bullman's Sentinel No. 1716/1917/AW 3833 was also present. In mid October, the E.A.T.E.C. staged a steam up at the Spread Eagle at Ford End. A mild day and evening saw many members call in and the lighted scene after dark attracted the passing 'trade'. Some ten engines were in attendance including the latter three noted above. Two venerable engines attending this event were the Burrell TE of J. White No. 1606/1898/ N02533 "Spanker" and Wells Bros. Fowler TE No. 8224/1898/HK9982 "Mary". The well known Wallis & Steevens TE No. 7683/1921/BL795 "Eileen the Erring" came into Essex in almost a moonlight flit episode when she travelled across London under the cover of darkness (with Police agreement) from an overhaul at Kew Bridge Engine Museum to her new owner,

Mr. R. Place. Part of the route was alongside the Thames, by way of the Victoria Embankment and the Tower of London. It must have been a while since those noteable establishments smelled traction engine steam.

R.A.H.

SCOTLAND N.E. A cavalcade took place at Craigievar on 30th July, organised by the Grampian Transport Museum Association who intend to set up a Transport Museum at Alford. Among the 150 exhibits of various sorts which took part, six steamers were included. These were Bill Edwards Sentinel waggon No. 5665/1925/RS5540 "Tiger" and Ransomes TE No. 31298/1920/ SA4253 "Garioch Queen"; McConnachie's Aveling TE No. 11137/1925/802182 "Wizard" and Fowler TE No. 11695/1909/ SA4155 "Jean"; Barrack's Foden Tractor No. 11444/1924/VH2519 "Heilan Laddie" and the Grampian Region Council's Fowler Roller No. 19457/1932/AV4778. Subsequent to this, Bill Edward's "Garioch Queen" has been offered for sale, as has Dod Smith's Aveling & Porter Steam Roller No. 8632/1915/SV601 "Queen 0' Scots". 55

STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM I would like to join the Steam Apprentice Club. FULL NAME (block letters) ADDRESS (block letters)

POSTCODE DATE OF BIRTH

MALE/FEMALE (delete as inapplicable)

Please help us to make the Club more interesting for you by answering the following questions: Why are you interested in joining the Steam Apprentice Club? What activities would you particularly like the Club to provide? Do you already have access to a traction engine? If "yes", which one? Do you already know an engine-owner? If "yes", whom? Do you already know a member of the National Traction Engine Club? If "yes", whom? Now send this form, with the £1* subscription, to: Membership Secretary, Pounce Hall Cottage, Sewards End, Saffron Walden, Essex. *NOTE: Please do not send coins or pound notes by post. A cheque or postal order is much safer, and should be made payable to the "National Traction Engine Club" and crossed.

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OBITUARY The North East lost one of its most respected enginemen in Monty Thackray, who collapsed and died suddently on 11th November, aged 73. He was born into a family already connected with steam and agricultural engineering at Old Malton, Yorkshire, where is father had a large fleet of steam rollers and was also responsible for the invention of a type of hauled scarifier — the Thackray Scarifier. As the rollers went out, so haulage took their place and Monty eventually built up a haulage business, although not using steam, concerned with timber, grain, stone, chemicals and steel. He built us a reputation as being resourceful and was a hard task master. On one occasion, he bought a number of large trees to convert and because of their size, could not load them onto the lorry in the conventional manner, with shear legs. Puzzling how to get them home, he bided his time and eventually when the snows of the winter came, some 3 to 4 inches eventually became packed on the road so he took out his lorries, used the shear legs as a crane on the hack and dragged the trunks which were 6 to 8 ft. in diameter, home on the road. Because of the hard packed snow, they caused no damage to the road surface! This even merited mention in the local papers. Monty will probably be best remembered for his immaculate Fowler Showman's

Engine, 'Evening Star' which he bought from Miller's Oils, Brighouse, and steamed home in 1963. He also owned at one time a Foden 'D' type tractor and two Fowler Ploughing Engines and was instrumental in bringing two Fowler Steam Rollers from Dumfries to Yorkshire. I used to pull his leg many a time about 'Evening Star' when he and his sons had spent a morning cleaning it at a rally. I would remark, "I see you're doing the same as me with 'Lighting' this morning — not bothering to clean her." He did get annoyed. To cater for his retirement, he built a bungalow on the Castle Howard road out of Malton. It came by its name by colloquial use. Whenever anyone called at the yard to enquire for him, they would be told he was 'up yonder', meaning up at the new house and eventually that is what it became called — 'Upyonda'. I had known him for some 20 years and through travelling with 'Evening Star', he was well known from Devon to Aberdeen. He played a big part in the early Pickering Rallies, those at Castle Howard and was also involved at Crich. Representatives from all over the country were present at the Funeral Service at Old Malton Church which was followed by cremation at York. He had very good connections all over the steam world and helped many people over the years. Certainly, Monty was the Best. To Mrs. Thackray and his family we tender our heartfelt condolences. R.P.

CHILBOLTON, NR. STOCKBRIDGE, HAMPSHIRE The next Annual Auction Sale of STEAM ENGINES AND VINTAGE TRACTORS together with STATIONARY ENGINES and BYGONE FARMING EQUIPMENT will take place on SATURDAY 19th MAY 1979 Entry Forms now available from the Auctioneers.

p

EARSONS

AGRICULTURAL HOUSE, HIGH STREET, STOCKBRIDGE, HANTS. Tel. Stockbridge (026-481) 702 57

A CORRECTION by D. E. HATTAM Robey enthusiasts may be interested to know that the photograph ❑f the Robey Tractor in Steaming Vol 18/2, P.101, has been erroneously described. The engine in the photo is number 40798 which was new in 1922 to Fisher & Co., of Tamworth. The later Robey Catalogues included this photograph but with the stack retouched to the normal length. The same photograph (with normal stack) appears in Clark's Development of the English Traction Engine, fig. 309, and is also described somewhat inaccurately on pages 153/4. Fisher & Co. also purchased number 33957 new in 1915 and 26070 new in 1906, the latter engine being the first compound tractor built by the firm. This engine appears (with long stack) in the firm's Catalogues circa 1910 and as far as is known, was never owned by any other concern. Number 33957, later, through some mystery, acquired the registration number of 40798, (hence the confusion over the numbers). When new this engine was fitted with straked wheels. About 1923 she was returned to the works for a new set of pressed on rubber tyred wheels. At a later date, another owner had a side door cut in the tender and the stack lengthened. She is preserved and now known as "Village Queen". All the engines were fitted with short stacks when new to enable them to pass under an arch at Fisher & Co's works, not necessarily to work in places of low headroom as stated. At no time did the London Brick Co. own any of these engines. This information has been obtained through my own researches and with help from the R.L.S. IF YOU PAY BY STANDING ORDER HAVE YOU ARRANGED WITH YOUR BANK TO SEE THAT THEY REMIT THE CORRECT AMOUNT? THE NEW SUBSCRIPTION RATES ARE ON PAGE 2 AND IT WILL HELP OUR HARDWORKING MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY FAY WOOD IF YOU WILL ATTEND TO THIS MATTER BEFORE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION BECOMES DUE. 58

S.L. WATERLILY Vosper Thorneycroft apprentices have recently carried out a major refit and have re-installed the original steam engine in the launch 'Waterlily'. This was built in 1866 in the Chiswick shipyard established by John (later Sir John) Thorneycroft, founder of the firm. She originally had a single cylinder steam engine fitted, giving her a speed of about 8 knots. She is 42 feet long and 7 ft. beam, and when new, could be fitted with lateen sails from short masts to economise on fuel when a suitable wind was available. In 1914 'Waterlily was fitted with a petrol engine and remained in use on the Thames until quite recently.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 19 Tor View Avenue, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8AE. 29th October 1978. Dear Editor, I was pleased to see the return of 'Area Notes' for Somerset and would like to correct one small slip. The works number of the 1914 Aveling & Porter tractor should be 8376. We believe she worked for Kent C.C. but the first entry in the log book (1921) shows her as owned by Huntingdon C.C. During 1926 they converted her to a roller and that is how she spent the rest of her working life. Being built as a "war-time" model the tractor was fitted with one gauge glass and a pair of try-cocks. I have heard that experienced drivers could use try-cocks in the dark being able to tell the difference in sound between steam and water. I have never been able to tell this difference in sound and I wondered if any member has experience of this. Yours faithfully, D. MILTON.

45 Hillcrest Road, Cashes Green, Stroud, Glos. Dear Editor, This Sentinel DG4 was delivered to F. W. Wright, London Road, Tetbury, in February 1929. Mr. Wright phoned Gloucester County Council, for a registration number and was given DF 7258. In early March he went to Gloucester and paid the licence fee and obtained the licence disc. In October, 1929, I started to drive the engine for Wickwar Quarries, delivering road making materials. We were given a load of granite chippings to deliver to Gloucester. Leaving Wickwar via Falfield and A38 on descending Torthworth Hill, the 5/8" stud on top of the steering column became loose and the steering wheel came off. Result, we went into the nearside ditch. Next day we were winched out with, I

think a Burrell Road Engine. Owing to the narrowness of the road it had to be closed. The village police came to the scene and the policeman said, "I say young man, you have a different number on the disc to what you have on the number plates". After much controversy and some trips to the Taxation Office by Mr. Wright, it turned out that the Taxation Office had not recorded the telephone call made ten days before the licence disc was issued. Hence Sentinel DG4 was on the road for about seven months with false number plates, the official number being DF 7303. At that time I was living with Mr. Wright as Mrs. Wright was my mother's sister. On the photo is Dick Minchin and me, with the false plates. The correct number DF 7303 may be checked or confirmed, and my thanks are due to Mr. Thomas of "The Sentinel Register". Yours sincerely, E. A. GODWIN.

Photo: J. L. Thomas. 59

Cash Lane, Eccleshall, Stafford, ST21 6HP. Dear Editor, At last I have found the time to sit down and read the June issue of Steaming! Doubtless I am not the only reader who first of all looks at the pictures. What really caught my eye was the photograph of Percy Grundy's No. 2 Set. So often have I tried to remember where I saw a Ploughing Engine with a big fat cylinder, I'd forgotten the trunk guides. The man sitting on the wheel of the right hand engine caught my eye also but it was impossible for me to really recognise him. Then I read the whole of Mr. Kimbell's article. Suddenly it struck me, in the twenties and early thirties I only knew and spoke in a broad Norfolk accent, there was then no adulteration by Mancunian dialect and idiom, no Birmingham and Midlands influence. " 'Ossfut", that was the name that came to mind on reading "Horseford" — "Wrecker" I never did hear, but then perhaps one dared not use that to his face. He looked a big man, standing bolt upright on his engine in a field on the opposite side of the low hedge of the field in which I was working. Northamptonshire? Huntingdonshire? Cambridgeshire?, I cannot now remember, but I do remember the name "Ossfut", the man who told me to use my left hand if I wanted to be a proper engine driver and lessen the "dead time". " 'Taint jus fuh 'oldin lollipops an' thet, its fur warkin' like this 'ere, d' yew see! I'll mek a driver o' yew now directly if I cum over arter yew, see if I doan't". How many of those old engine drivers were "fast with their hands" and "rough as they come"? They were born into a hard life, brought up with horses, lumbering great cart horses plunging and lurching laden tumbrils through thick mud and soft earth. After all most of us were simply jumped up farm labourers and there were only two types of us, the quick and the dead!! "Yew got to putt a squat or two o' isle in this 'ere every now and agendo that there was-a-name 'ont rewolve round and round du yew see". There was plenty of "this 'ere' and "that there' and "due yew see" and if you did not see right quick you were liable to receive a "belt acrorst the top o' th' listener". The number 7 set of Grundy's engines are 14381 and 14382 belonging to my family which we christened "Excalibur" and "Ex60

celsior" in 1969. I have the original Log Books. They were last licensed by the Executors of J. P. Grundy, Glendon Engine Works, Sackville Street, Kettering, on the 3rd September, 1943 and Registered by Eric Charles Hinch of Hall Farm, Little Casterton, Stamford on the 8th September 1943. J. B. Carr Ltd., Aldersley Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton registered them on the 12th September 1953 and I registered them on the 15th August 1969, in the names of my son and daughter. Yours sincerely, JOHN MAYES.

Dear Mr. Editor, Living as close and knowing me as he does I would have thought John T. Rhead would at least have contacted me before blaming you for a typrographical error on Page 240 of Vol. 20 No. 4 as he does in the current issue. He says that surely the McLaren diesel engines in Bomford's Fowler ploughing engine conversions should have been stated to be "ON" not "IN" the boilers.. My article was headed "Nineteen Years Ago" and was solely from memory. Certainly I have a photograph of a McLaren conversion to diesel where the engine sump is let into the top half of the boiler which has been cut away. In saying so I

answer his last question. Yours sincerely, JOE THOMAS.

We should like to welcome the following new members to the club an dhope they will find much of interest in our activities.

NEW MEMBERS JULY/AUGUST 1978 S J. Gray, 4 Easington Terrace, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Bucks. J. W. Parkinson, Eaton Villa, Huxley, Chester CH3 9BR. B. Lowe, 41 Daisy Street, Bolton, Lanes. F. Cross, 5 Spinney Close, Knowsley, Merseyside. G. F. R. Mills, 9 Brayton Avenue, Ashton on Mersey, Sale, Cheshire. J. P. Hunt, Heading Lea, Fled Lane, Masham, Ripon, Yorks. Revd. M. Gurney, St. John's Vicarage, Leigh, Lancs. D G. Dulake, 2 Boleyn Cottages. Church Road, Swindon Village, Nr_ Cheltenham, Glos. GL5 9QP. B. Pugh, 57 Lodden Avenue. Berinsfield, Oxford.

Anna M. Shrimpton, Bluehills, Milton Common, Oxford, 0X9 2NT. D. E. Hattam, 1 The Crescent, Perranwell, Goonhavern, Truro, Cornwall. S. R. Draper, 20 Oakwood Drive, Kings Heath, Birmingham. J. D. Green, 11 Harlaxton Street, Burton on Trent, Staffs. M A. Gaines-Burrill, 62B High Street, Stokesley, N. Yorkshire. R. Cornforth, 2 Whitegate Close, Staithes, Saltburn, Cleveland. F. Claws, 23 Gordon Road, Redcar, Cleveland. D. W. Carnall, 15 Gaul Road, Catterick Garrison, N. Yorkshire. R. B. McNaught, 2 Poplar Green, Pontefract, W. Yorkshire. J. B. McLean, 11 Woodlands Avenue, Harrogate, Yorkshire. F. Dawson. 47 Green Gate, Lawn, Salford 3. 0. Slade, Heddon Mills, Braunton, N. Devon, C. H. Middle. Kinderdijk, 32 Greenhill Close, Weston Super Mare. P. J. Murdoch. 32 Trefoil Wood. Rosedale. Marton, Middlesbrough. D. Dabbs, 9 Blackdale, Cheshunt, Herts. B. Dunford, Roseneath, 283 Barnsley Road, Flockton, Nr. Wakefield. V Diggins, 1018 Springer Avenue, Burnaby, B.C. Canada. K. E. Wakeford, 10 Lucerne Close, Purlslade, Sussex. J. Mackay, Milton Mill, Whins of Milton, Stirling. E. Waterson, Heather View, 14 Green Lane. Ditchingham, Bungay. R. A. Know, tO Cavendish Gardens, Cavendish Road West Didsbury. K. J. Chalk. 5 Leigh Road, Gravesend, Kent. J. A. Risley. 1362 Scenic Avenue, Berke:ey CA 94708 U.S.A. J. E. Chamberlain, 238 Windmill Road, Ealing, London, W5. B. E. Sherry, 3 Exeter Road, Brinnington, Stockport. D. A. Shaw, 96 Greta Road, Skelton, Nr. Saltburn, Cleveland. J. Pryce, 7 Haulfryn, Aberangell, Machynlleth, Powys. J B. Douglas, 19 Orchard Close, Laffan. St. Helens. P Upchurch, 58 Chestnut Avenue, Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts. B. A. Jesty, 2 Brunnel Drive, Preston, Weymouth, Dorset. B. G. Hicks, Flat 4, East Anton Farm, Andover, Hants. I. D. Sherman. 1 Granville Close, Warblington, Havant, Hants. N. A. Cook, 14 Gloucester Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Hants. J. Radmoll, 53 Swansdowne Drive, Clifton Estate, Nottingham. T. H. Brown, 2 Warren Park, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland. IC. Taylor, 164 Lee Street, Horley, Surrey. T. A. Thurston, 45 Longfields, Bice.ster, Oxon. R. V. N. Sharp, 8 Broom Road, Rosneath By Helensburgh, Scotland. R Forrester, 8 St. Herbert Street, Keswick, Cumberland. P. Shaw, 17 Acacia Drive, Pilsley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. A. Hallam, 40 Rosliston Road, Walton on Trent, Hr. Burton on Trent. R. P. Smith, 92 Duke Street, Arnold, Notts. M. Hickey, Townspark, Lismore, Co. Waterford, Eire. J. C. Quier, Underbank, Humphrey Gate, Taddington, Buxton, Derbys. M. McMullen, Box 154 Otterville, Ontario, Canada, NOJ IRO. C. Dell. RRH1 Otterville, Ontario, Canada, NOJ IRO. Sir Frederick Hervey-Bathurst, 29 Bellevue Avenue, Rurnson, New Jersey, U.S.A.

L. E. Haslett, 21 Bauagh Road, Clogher, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland. C. R. Hutchinson, 171 Bo'ness Road, Grangemouth, Stirlingshire. C. L. Mitchell, 61 The Crescent, Bradford Road, Tingley, Wakefield. R Allan D. Macdonald, Third Part, Barrmill, Bybeith, Ayrshire. W. Steven, 20 Geils Quadrant, Dumbarton, Scotland. C. R. Lord, Church Cottage, West Milton, Bridport, Dorset. Mrs. J. M. Verity, Woodhouse Farm, Old Coach Road, Tadcaster, N. Yorkshire. R Pearson, 15 Elibank Road, Eltham, London, SE 1QQ. D. McLeod, 10 Adams Place, Christchurch 2, New Zealand. C. J. Manley, 11 Blake Road, Crewkerne, Somerset. S. Harris, Highways, 11 Mildred Road, Waltom, Nr. Street, Somerset. M. T. Hope, 10 Providence Place, Coningsby, Lincs. T. G. Thrower, 55 Woodfield Road, Gainsboro, Lincolnshire. N. A. Kellington, 28 Elsham Walk, Gainsboro, Lincs, W. G. Fitch, 8 Council Houses, Kingswood Road, Great Parndon, Harlow. G. Hooker, Eastons, Aldington, Ashford, Kent. 0 Vaughan: Ellson House, South Kilworth, Lutterworth, Leics. C March, 71 Tollgate Road, Andover, Hants. SP10 3RF. D. Crawley. Flat 5, 49 Shakespeare Road, Bedford. M. W. Bolderston, 1 Brawerne, Orton Malborne, Peterborough. B. Denny, 5 Forest Road, Delapre, Northampton. J. F. Mallon. 112 Stooperdale Avenue, Darlington, Co. Durham. A. E. Turner, 58 Warwick Road, Rayleigh, Essex. N. M. Souter, Little Penn House Farm, Penn Bottom, High Wycombe. T. J. Mathers, 41 Wanstead Park Avenue, Aldersbrook, London. K. A. Strauss, 52 Cranmer Road, Forest Gate, London, E7. D. J. Pollard, Sidcot Lodge, Winscombe, Avon, BS25 1LP. K. Walker, 8 Gordon Terrace, Thackley, Bradford, W. Yorks. R. J. Warwick, 33 The Spinney, Fernlea Estate, Finchampstoad Road, Wokingham, Berks. P. S. Burridge, 32 Thistle Drive, Portlethen, Aberdeen. P. J. Cooper, 6 Woodview Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire. F. K. Barlow, Glandwr, Rhydlewis, Llandysul, Dyfed, SA44 5QD. D. Trinder, 108 Kyrkeby, Letchworth, Herts. SG6 2PR.

SEPTEMBER 1978 M. Green, 142 Forest Road, Annesley Woodhouse, Notts. D. S. Crosbie, 70 Church Road, Wavertree, Liverpool, Merseyside. W. D. Bareham, 563 Davidson Road, Croydon, Surrey. Dr. R. A. Sutton, The Spinney, 41 Danycoed Road, Cynoed, Cardiff. Automobielmuseum, Veursestraatweg 280, Leidschendam, Holland. G. Wright, 10 The Ridgeway, Burbage, Hinckley, Leics. F. Croft, 32 Lovell Heights, Lovell Road, Leeds 7. G. Croft, 9 Pasture Grove, Chapel-Allerton, Leeds. G. B. Godwin, 22 Summersfield Road, Minchinhampton, Nr. Stroud.

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R. J. Gibson, 2 Roosevelt Terrace, Llandudno Junction, Gwynedd. J. F. Davies, The Redwoods, Haresfoot Park, Berkhampsted, Herts. A. J. Garner, transfer of membership from J. Lee (emigrating). S. Hembery, Brookside, Sidcot, Winscombe, Avon. J. C. Field, 118 Beaulieu Gardens, Blackwater, Nr. Camberley. Mrs. G. Townend, The National Railway Museum, York. J. B. Richmond-Dodd, Longhouse, St. Mary Bourne, Nr. Andover, Hants. A. M. Slingsby, The Return, 7 Rampart Road, Hythe, Kent. R. Painter, 35 Spring Bank, Scholar Green, Stoke on Trent. M. Painting, 19 Ryton, Belgravia, Tamworth, Staffs. D. J. Cheek, 38 Roselands Avenue, Hoddesdon, Herts. EN11 9BB. E. G. Hobson, 548 Windermere Road, Durban, South Africa. A. W. Srocks, 11 Goohvean Park, Foxhole, St. Austell, Cornwall. A. J. Clayton, 19 Northfleet Road, Okehampton, Devon. M. Appleton, Bodwannick Manor Farm, Hanstallon, Bodmin. A. J. Kellow, 64 Moorland Road, St. Austell, Cornwall. H. J. Truscott, 71 Newnham Road, Colebrook, Plympton, Plymouth. Dr. G. H. Jonkers, Oogarts, B, Knappertlaan 92, Schiedam - NL. A. Stockton, 40 College Road, St. Albans, Herts. AL1 5ND. D. G. Corbin, The New Bungalow, Candys Lane, Corfe Mullen. F. P. Maxwell-Witham, Kirkconnell House, New Abbey, Dumfries. J. C. Peters, 16 Westlands Avenue, Slough, Berks. SL1 6AG. Affiliated Club: Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club Ltd., Secretary: D. N. Moore, 31 Sunbeam Avenue, Ringwood East. Victoria 3135. Australia. Hon. Life Member: Mrs. F. E. Owen, Flat 1. Lowood, 122 Pepperharrow Road, Godalming, Surrey.

OCTOBER 1978 D. Jamieson, Heather Muir, Awcrum, Jedburgh. A. D. Fowler, 20 Clapsgate Road, Pamber Heath, Basingstoke. J. Reilly, Burren House, Dunleer, County Louth, Ireland. K. R. Blake, 80 Uppleby Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, B1112 3DE. N. A. Rogers, Risinghoe, Castle Mill, Goldington Road, Bedford. A. Patrick, 25 Cheriton Road, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 OEU. E. D. Knight, 96 Gosport Street, Lymington, Hants, SO4 9EH. L. Cohen, 191 Park Lane, Frampton-Cottrell, nr_ Bristol, Avon. W. R. Rolls, The Caravan, Thornhill Farm, Stalbridge, Dorset. L. G. Renton, Drumrunie, Upper Greenwoods Lane, Punnetts Town, Heathfield, Sussex. J. F. W. Reason, Birchley Farm, Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry. C. G. Pike, Look Farm, Litton Cheney, Dorchester. P. J. Cooker, No. 4 King Street, Gunnislake, Cornwall. C. H. Morgan, 52 Brodie Avenue, Mossley Hill, Liverpool.

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W. T. Bryant, 18 Sutton Grove, Shrewsbury, Salop. J. D. Kettle, Holmcroft, Thorpe in the Glebe, Wysall, Notts. .1. J. Doe, 22 Tile Barn Row, Wootton Hill, nr. Newbury, Berks. D. G. Keatley, Coln House, Colne Fields, Somersham, Huntingdon. J. E. Knight, 7 Chidley Crescent, Metford, N.S.W. 2323, Australia. R. B. Boyle, 76 Colesbourne Road, Benhall, Cheltenham, Glos. T. A. Young, Valles Leaze, 115 Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchett. C. R. Barber, 12 Albain Crescent, Ashford, Middx, TW15 3AN. 0. G. Bradshaw, 22 Linden Way, Boston, Lincs. C. R. Williamson, Langham Engineering Co., The Rookery, Langham, Oakham. V. A. Nokes, 3 The Crescent, Shortstown, Bedford. M. Chaplin, Mulberry Cottage, Croft Lane, Knutsford, Cheshire. T. Noguchi, 18 Greencroft Gardens, London NW6. P. J. Parrish, 2 Belle Vue, Castle Street, Salisbury, Wilts. R. Perrollier, Les Cedres, Rue Du Bourg Ouest 26500, Bourg Les Valence, France. W. Mason, The Bungalow, Farmer's Bridge, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Eire. M. Watts. 57 Pedley Lane, Clifton, Beds. E. J. Davies, Halycon, Broughton Road, Wick, Cowbridge, S. Glam.

SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS Members genuine Sales and Wants to be free. All other small adverts to be 5p per word with a minimum charge of £1.00. As before Advertisements should be typed or in BLOCK CAPITALS and MUST be on a separate sheet of paper (not incorporated in a letter). For the time being (until we can find an Advertising Manager) the Editor is dealing with all Advertising. Membership Numbers must be included for all free Adverts. Traction Engines by Post! — All the best books on traction engines are obtainable ex stock from The Mumbles Railway Co. Ltd. Access and Diner's Club welcome, SAE please for our latest list. — The Mumbles Railway Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 79. Cheltenham. Burrell Boiler fittings. One only, Injector. Two Check Valves. Two Bent Nose Steam Valves. One Brand New Check Valve. All 1" size. Also 4" Bent Nose Valve for water lifter. Prefer to sell as one lot, £45. Buyer collects. — Crowther. Riddings, Long Preston. Nr. Skipton, N. Yorks. Wanted — Rally Programmes to help compile an index of Preserved Traction Engines. also Rally Plaques for top of box containing index so far compiled. — K. Frinton. 16 Chestnut Avenue, °nisei!. Raiford, Notts. DN22 7RN. Wanted — For Marshall diesel Tractor Series 1. Clutch cone with linings. Also Pienolo 65 Key for sale or exchange for anything Interesting, including Aveling & Porter parts. — Tel. Burgh-by-Sands 415. For Sale — Set of 14 spoke bolt on rear rolls. Good condition, suitable for Aveling & Porter or Fowler type steam rollers. 5 ft. 2 ins. outside diameter, 16 ins. wide. Also: Wanted — Set of Pickering crossarm governors, suitable to fit a 5 hp Fowler steam engine. Must be complete with bottom valve seat. Original Fewer type whistle (dome style) required. Proper Fowler type belly water tank. — M. Jackson. 7 Saint Hildas Place, Loftus, Saltburn. Cleveland, TS13 4JY. Tel, Loftus 40537.

For Sale - 8 ton Aveling & Porter s.c. slide valve roller, in good condition, £3,500, or part exchange for a Ploughing Engine. - R. Greenaway, The Beeches, Stoke Row, Henley-on•Thames. Tel. (0491) 680585. Steaming back numbers bought and sold. Some single copies and complete volumes going back to vol. 5. - G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. Norman E. Box - Heavy haulage photographs. Set of 15 together with details, £3.10. - G. R. Hawthorne, 19 Bridle Path, Woodcote, Reading, RG8 OSE. Wanted - Vertical boiler, 'belt.top' type and mountings for Aveling & Porter tandem typo steam roller. Year of manufacture 1927. - G. Doherty, Artoney. Louth Village, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. Wanted - Small f or j BSP displacement lubricator. Also for 1890 Marshall 4 hp vertical steam engine: connecting rod approx. 21 In. long, big end assembly and governor valve body 4 stud flange fitting. - D. Solomon. 34 Church View Road, Tuckmgmill, Cambome, Cornwall, TR14 BRQ. Tel. Camborne 713169 after 6 p.m. Wanted by Buy - Various issues of Steaming up to the volume 10 inclusive. Will buy complete set. - Gratwick, 20 Manning Road, Chichester, West Sussex. Tel. 789812. Wanted - Steaming back numbers__ Vol. 1 Nos. 1.4, Vol. 2 Nos. 1-4. Vol. 3 No.2, Vol. 4 Nes. 1, 3, 4. Vol. 6 Nos. 1, 2. Model Engineer back numbers. Vole 28 to 71. 138, 139. Details please to. - J. Parkinson, 124 London Road, Lone Sutton, Lincs. Tel. 0406 362388. Wanted - Foden wagon solid tyres: 140 or 160 mm x 670; 140 or 160 mm x 770/771; 140, 160 or 180 mm x 850. Also rear axle sprocket. - John Lea. 'Silver Birches', Snelson, Chelford, nr. Macclesfield .Tel. Chelford 861674. Wanter - For Fowler T3 6 ton Roller: near side clack; pump valve block; water gauge fittings; water control valve to injector (off side): firebox door; chimney top (bass); steam chest cover; maker's number plate No. 19194. - 0, Iviarder. Ox Drove, Andover. Hants. 'Tel. Andover 3186. For Sale - Crankshaft and Eccentrics for Garrett Tractor. Crankshaft Hood complete far Garrett Tractor. Crypto, open-type Dynamo. 25 volts. 20 amps. Pressure Gauges, various, good order. Pemberthy Inspector. Mechanical Lubricators. Foster, Menzel. Number of Boiler Manhole Cover Asbestos Joints, various. unused. Gauge Glasses. - D. R. Smith, 55 White Paddock, Woodlands Park, Maidenhead, Berks. Burrell T/E Spuds. 16 x 7 In. Solid Rubber tyred Wheels. 14 X 10 in, Length of Portable Chimney. 3 ft. Cast Spoke Front Wheels and Axle. Oil Pumps. Wash Out Pump. Steam Gauges. Heavy type Lifting Winch. Steel Ropes, etc., etc. - F. Smith. 50 West End Rood. Frampton, Boston. 0205/722260. For Sale - 44" Burrell Single Cylinder, 2 speed Modal of 1908 General Purpose Engine, complete and working in every detail. Brand new, Only steamed lour times. - Main, Gaskills Farm House. Winstorie, Cirencester. Glos. For Sale - Pair of rear rolls 58" x 18" x 44" ex A. & P., with differential gear. All in excellent condition. - Main, Gaskills Farm House, Winstone, Cirencester, Glos. For Salo - 100 Et. approx. f" wire rope as new. £15. - Abbott, Glenthorpe, Wrotham Road, Culverstone. Meopham, Kent. Tel. Fairseat 822295. Wanted to Borrow for Copying, Photographs of Garrett 4CD Tractor 27673 taken during its working life in Dorset, Essex, Coventry and Worcestershire with Registration Numbers BJ724, BJ2069 and

HP2200. - J. E. Solway, 16 Summer Lane, Pelsall, Walsall, West Midlands. WS4 1DS. Garrett Spares for Sale - Huh Caps. Flywheel Hub Cap, B.E. Strap and Brasses. Rear Axle Covers (between axle boxes). Slow Speed Pinion, H.P. Piston, Rod and Gland Brass. Second Motion Shaft and Gearing, Chimney. Also Sentinel Mech, Lub., Robey B.E. Brasses (castings). Gresham & Craven Injector (new) with Bronze Pipe Flanges. Smokebox Door Hinge, Spade Drills. Quasi-Arc 200 amp D.C. Welder, little used, mounted on iron trolley, fitted with pulley for flat belt drive, could be driven by a tractor, £100. Brass nameplate "Queen Victoria" (as cast). - Millward. Lodgefield Farm, Halesowen, West Midlands, 862 8BA. Tel. 021.559 2883. Wanted - Rally Programmes, any dates, good price paid. Some spare programmes available for exchange. Also Wanted. Any odd copies of Steaming. - D. Roseaman, 10 Grimshaw Close. North Road. Highgate, London. N6 4BH. For Sale - Two Gearwheels to suit Garrett Agricultural Engine. 2nd Shalt 4" wide boss 17 teeeth, width of tooth 21". Third shaft - Boss 6" wide, width of tooth 2i", 47 teeth, pitch 211". Pair of endless solid rubber tyres to fit wheel 720mm. O.D., 120mm. wide, suit steam tractor. Ransorees 54" tractor type threshing machine built 1940s. Very good condition suitable for rallying purposes Some spares for Garrett threshing machine steels, pulleys, etc. Wanted - Pair of endleas solid rubber tyres to fit wheel O.D. 771mm, width, 160mm. - M. A. Loader, 11 Rolls Drive. Southborne, Bournemouth. Tel (0202) 429520, For Sale - Three-bunk John Fowler living van, on pneumatics, as used formerly by steam roller driver and family, also two-wheeled coal cart. Harold Bennett, Tel. 024.027 395. For Sale - Fowler Brass Replica Roller Saddle Nameplates, Scroll type or rectangular with Leeds inset. £3.75 each including p. and p. State type required to: R. Steere, 45 Windrush Road, Berinsfield, Oxon, 0X9 8PF. For Sale - Steaming 58 copies. Earliest 1961. Rally Programmes. 40 copies. Earliest 1961. Merry Go Round, 12 copies. Earliest 1961. Motor Transport Goods Vehicle Law, 1 copy, 1937. Commercial Chassis, one, 1936/7. Models & Prices, one, 1938. Motor Cycle Brass Headlamps. two, Acetalyne, 1930 about, Motor Cycle Rear Lamps, two Acetylene, 1930 about. Hand 'Klaxon', on Stamped 1915. Open to offers will separate or take the lot. Market prices. Bargain Hunters save your time and mine. - E. A. Godwin, 45 Hillcrest Road. Cashes Green, Stroud, Gos.

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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.

TENNANT BUDD LTD. Printed in England by Chiltern Printers (Slough) Ltd., Kelpatrick Road, Slough, Barks