Steaming 1979 Vol.22 No.2 by Back editions of Raising Steam and Steaming (1957-2026)

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STEAMING VOL. 22 No. 2

MARCH 1979

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 8DU. 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, Beaconsfield, Bucks. Northern Counties & Scotland: Tony Parker, Foley House, The Grove, Lincoln. Membership Sec.: Mrs. F. E. Wood, 'Windrush', Hail Weston, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE19 4JY. Sales Officer: Alan G. Wilson, 7 Welton Road, Daventry, Northants. NN11 5PP. Insurance Officer: J. S. Hirons, 98 Halley Road, Witney, Oxon. 0X8 5HQ. Editorial Staff: Editor: Dick Blenkinsop, The Hill Cottage, Radford Semele, Nr. Leamington Spa, CV31 1UA 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 subscription is £5 for individuals, £6 for family membership. The benefits of membership include advantageous terms for boiler insurance. The club's journal 'Steaming is sent free to members in December, March, June and September. All articles, photos for consideration should be sent to the Editor. All correspondence re subscriptions, bankers order, delivery (or non-delivery of 'Steaming' or change of address to: MRS. F. E. WOOD, 'VVINDRUSH', 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 12th May 1979, earlier if possible. Area News to Derek Rayner by 5th May 1979.

Acknowledgements Area Correspondents, all the photographers, Ran Hawthorne, Mary Lea, George Eves, Alan Thomas, Peter Noble, John Mayes, John Dickinson, David Tew, John Wilkinson, Alan Martin, Derek Rayner, and all who help.

STEAMING THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB Vol. 22 No. 2

MARCH '1979

CONTENTS Page 67-70 Editorial and Club Announcements. Page 71-76 Man of Steam — Ian Muir, by Ran Hawthorne. Page 77-80 From Mary Lea's Diary/Log Book. Page 81-82 It was a Long Time Ago, by George W. Eves. Page 83-85 North of the Border, by Alan Thomas. Page 86-90 Exit a Z7 by Peter Noble. Page 91-96 "The Little Wonder" — a Road Run, by John Mayes. Page 97-101 Lubrication, by John Dickinson. Page 102-103 Licensing, by David Tew. Page 104-105 Showland Engines, by John Wilkinson. Page 106-120 Area Notes, compiled by Derek Rayner. Page 121-128 Obituary, Letters to the Editor, New Members and Small Advertisements.

All items are held copyright by contributor and/or N.T.E.C. COVER PICTURE Sentinel S4 Timber Tractor No. 8843 Reg. No. HJ 2112 built in 1933. It is being restored from a derelict condition by the owners the Goold Brothers of Camerton nr. Bath. David Milton is the photographer.

EDITORIAL Hopefully the winter will be over by the time you receive your copy of Steaming. It has been one of the longest and coldest that I can recall but of course memories fade quickly. Area Notes, yet again, show considerable achievements in rebuilding and preservation throughout all parts of the United Kingdom. That we should have a full programme of Ralies in this, our Silver Jubilee year, is all the more gratifying but unfortunately our own Club event, which was well on the way to finalisation, had to be cancelled due to lack of a sponsor. However, within these pages you will find details of the Convention at York in the Autumn, which has a packed programme and at which we shall make the Silver Jubilee a real celebration. The last Convention was such a success that York has been chosen again for all that it has to offer and it will be a fine place for you to meet all your friends just after the season has finished, On the opposite page we give a list of contributors, which is a form of thank you for making the magazine possible. Area Correspondents are vital, for as you will see, their news takes up some fourteen pages. This keeps the Club informed with an up-to-date picture of what is going on in the movement. Do you know your Area Correspondent? When did you last feed him with a snippet of information? Everyone of us can contribute to Steaming very easily, even in a small way — so the message is clear — keep in touch with your Area Correspondent. Good Steaming to you all this season.

CLUB NEWS

N.T.E.C. Insurance Scheme

Advertising Manager

Increase in Inspection Fees

Welcome to Tony Wood who joins the team responsible for producing Steaming and in his capacity as Advertising Manager. You will find his address inside the front cover and he will look after all Advertising — except Small Ads which should be sent to the Editor. Tony has made quite a name for himself in the Advertising included in the Rally Catalogue for The Cumbria Steam Gathering — a most excellent event held at the end of July. For Steaming to progress and provide more pages for the members it is essential that we obtain more Advertisers so any help you can provide will be appreciated — a quick note to Tony Wood is the requirement. Steaming has a print of around 4000 copies and it is read all over the world and seen by thousands of more readers than our total membership. If you are in the Engineering Business or Preservation World why not give us a try?

Photographs Black and White We still require a good selection of old and new photographs for general use in Steaming. A useful size Is 10" x 8" as a maximum but most of the reproductions are made from Post cards. If you would like to see your pictures in the magazine just include a few in an envelope addressed to the Editor. Colour Slides ❑uring the Rally season there must be thousands of slides taken by members which could be used on our Front Covers. If you have a magnificent picture placed in front of you why not take another shot and send it in to us so we can have a good selection to choose from for the four covers we shall be needing for next year. The selection is made in November so you have plenty ❑ f time and a vertical shot is necessary with a good clear sky at the top for the wording to be included by the plate maker. THREE COUNTIES STEAM PRESERVATION SOCIETY Mrs. S. M. A. Lyons has been appointed Secretary of the above Affiliated Club. Mrs. S. M. A. Lyons, 2 Grayswood Drive, Mytchett, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 6AR. 68

The Scottish Boiler have advised Tennant Budd Limited of their revised inspection fees, to take effect from 1st January, 1979. These will be as follows:(1) Thorough Examination of Boiler including issue of report F55 and supplementary examination under steam including issue of £37.00 report F55A. (2) Hydraulic Test £22.00 (3) Examination following repairs and issue of statutory report £33.00 form F55. The above fees will of course be subject to V.A.T. at the current rate (at present 8%). Once again the supervision of repairs service will be quoted for on an individual basis where required. The Scottish Boiler naturally regret the need to apply the above revisions necessitated by the continuing increase in operating costs. Tennant Budd will be forwarding the necessary application forms showing the revised rates from the 1st January to all N.T.E.C. Policyholders, as their insurances and inspections fall due.

Steam Apprentice Club — N.T.E.C. Terms Since the establishment of the Steam Apprentice Club, we are pleased to say that Tennant Budd Limited have been able to arrange an extension in the terms of the N.T.E.C. Policies in respect of the minimum age limit. This extension will be subject to the following: 1) Drivers under the age of 17 to be excluded. 2) Drivers between the ages of 17 and 21 to be named on individual Policies. 3) Driving by young persons to be limited to sites only, i.e. rally fields, etc. Driving by young persons on the Public Highway will not be covered. 4) It is warranted that all young drivers be accompanied by the Insured or any other experienced engine driver. Tennant Budd request therefore that any Policy holders requiring an extension for young persons should write to them direct giving the names and dates of birth of such young persons, Each individual Policy will then be Endorsed accordingly.

N.T.E.C. SALES BOOKS

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

Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive - M. R. Lane Foden Story - P. Kennet 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 Savages of Kings Lynn - D. Braithwaite 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 Steaming Binder

6.00 7.25 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 3.30 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 5.50 2.50 2.00

5.50 6.95 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 2.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 4.95 2.30 1.75

WHITE METAL MODEL KITS (4 mm scale) (approx.) Fowler Showman's Engine Burrell Road Loco NEW Burrell Showman's Engine Foden 'D' Type Tractor Foden 'K' Type Sided Wagon (6 wheeler) NEW Fowler Road Loco Ploughing Engine Pair of Fowler Ploughing Engines Anti Balance Plough

4.45 4.20 5.80 4.70 5.65 6.20 5.50 10.00 4.00

4.25 4.00 5.40 4.50 5.45 5.80 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 69

STAMFORD TRACTION ENGINE RALLY at

BURGHLEY PARK on

23rd - 34th JUNE 1979 Full ring events for engines both days Trade and Preservation Society stands

N.T. E:n

Rally Secretary John Crawley Field House Turvey, Beds.

BOILER PROBLEMS ? We specialise in flanged fireboxes of rivetted or welded construction as well as fabrication and repair of any boiler part. All work is done to British Standards and is checked by official boiler insurance companies. If you have any boiler/firebox problems we can probably help. Please ring Roger Pridham Work: Tavistock 5276

Home: Gunnislake 832945

Correspondence: HOLLYBANK, CHILSWORTHY BEAN, GUNNISLAKE, CORNWALL Note: We also have facilities for pressing up to 300 tons.

MAN OF STEAM IAN MUIR by Ran Hawthorne L.N.E.R.'s "Lucy Ashton", a paddler built in 1888, the only L.N.E.R. steamer not to be commandeered for active service in the 1939-45 war. In spite of her age this gallant vessel served her company and the folk of the Clyde by working right through the war with only one week out of service in the six years. The turbine steamer "Duchess of Hamilton" is fondly remembered from these early days. Ian left school in 1950 and was apprenticed to G. & J. Wier, manufacturers of steam auxiliaries for marine and land use. Wier steam pumps will be familiar to many. In 1951 Ian got to know a fellow apprentice Jimmy Drummond. Their interest in steam was focussed for them by the writing of the late W. J. Hughes. His articles enabled these young men to see that in Steam Rollers and Traction Engines, etc., there was scope for individuals. Teenage apprentices in the fifties were not blessed with much spare cash so their activities were confined to taking note of, and recording rollers and engines that were at work, in store or in scrapyards. "Man of Steam" Ian Muir emerging from the bowels of the P. S. Waverley's boiler Photo: Trevor Rees room.

Ian Muir was born in the Craigton district of Glasgow, the area now known as Neilston. Unlikely as it might seem, for a "Man of Steam", his father was a wholesale fruiterer. But, as is so often the case, he had steam forbears. Both his grandfather and great-grandfather became chief engineers on ships. As a small boy at the end of the 30's and in the 40's Ian saw plenty of steam. On visits to relatives at Greenock and Helensburgh he saw the paddle steamers on the Clyde, the big ocean going steamers and the Clyde puffers (small supply boats with vertical boilers). He was familiar with the Alexandra Transport Co. Sentinel waggons and the local council's Aveling & Porter Rollers. A war-time holiday at Rothsay meant part of the journey on the

In January 1952, Ian Muir, Jimmy Drummond and Bob Ballantyne were able to acquire an engine of their own. This was the ex-Lanark C.C. Aveling & Porter Class G.N.D. steam tractor No. 9183 "The Pirate". She was one of three that had been used by Lanark C.C., the others being 9441 a G.N.D. and 12739 a Class 4. "The Pirate" was renovated over the next two years. By 1955 all three members of the partnership had their own engines; Jimmy Drummond purchased Fowler 17260 "Kenmore", a light road locomotive; Bob had Foden "D" tractor 13402. Ian, having bought his partners out, became sole owner of "The Pirate". All three owners were now at sea and so the engines were left unattended for long periods. Ian had got to know a number of people in "the movement". John Brownlie of Glasgow introduced him to the R.L.S. and in 1956 J. G. Barrack of Aberdeen offered to house "The Pirate" for two years as a number of thefts had occurred where the engine stood. Ian 71

Avelino & Porter No. 9183 "The Pirate" poses for a distinguished visitor at Busby Station forecourt in 1954. She was the third restored engine in Scotland. Photo: R. G. Pratt A certain Apprentice Engineer shows "Engine" photographs to a not disinterested driver. The Roller, Aveling & Porter No. 10292 (VA 182) was working on reinstatement near G. & J. Weir's Works in about 1953. Photo: R. Ballantyne

Foden No. 11444 on one of its first steamings after renovation, in J. G. Barrack's Yard, Photo: Ian W. Muir Canal Road, Aberdeen, about 1958. purchased Foden tractor No. 11444 from Robert Borland. This tractor had driven a Foden thresher until 1946 having been shortened from a six-ton wagon. A year later J. G. Barrack asked if Ian would sell the Foden and as it seemed ho would be at sea for some time he agreed to the sale. Foden 11444 was christened "HeiIan Laddie" and has travelled from Aberdeen as far as Yorkshire to rallies on numerous occasions. While at sea, Ian met Godfrey Hobson in South Africa. The former Weymouth enthusiast took Ian to see many engines, both road and rail, in Natal. Around 1958 Ian transferred to coastal vessels and bought, a then popular, motor scooter which travelled with him on board ship. This enabled him, when in port, to visit many engine men and make lasting friendships. These included Bob Pratt, then in Ipswich, and Charles Gregory and John Trounson, stalwarts of the West of England Steam

Engine Society. We have now got to 1960 and Ian, his young head full of ideas and plans, was conscious that the great strides being made in England, with dozens of engines being restored, local clubs being formed and rallies being organised in many counties, were not being matched in Scotland. He was determined to return home and get something going but he found apathy rather than enthusiasm. One day he read in the paper about two Glasgow brothers having bought a S.C.C. Burrell from Essex for publicity purposes at their garage. He went to see and met Jimmy Houston of Motherwell who, it transpired in conversation, held similar views to Ian. As a result of this meeting and much subsequent "press ganging" the inaugural meeting of the Scottish T.E. Society was held at the Model Engineers Club-room, Edinburgh in April 1961. Jimmy Houston pur73

14. Another engine on which work was done. Ruston & Nornsby 6 nhp "Pride of Endrick" No. 113812, Foden Mill, No. 450 (of 1896), Davies Baler and Bothy Van — all owned by Thomas Holloway of Cambuslang (1.W.M.'s father-in-law) seen on the way through new town of East Kilbride, about 1970. Photo: Ian W. Muir chased Burrell No. 3385 "Dandie Dinmont" famous L.N.E.R. "greyhound". On her trials and carried out a thorough restoration. Ian "Waverley" did the measured mile at 184 had a job ashore and was secretary of knots but from then onwards graceful, S.T.E.S. The Club magazine came out at fast-cruising vessels were needed less and least quarterly. This was very necessary less and the Clyde paddlers and turbines as the membership was very scattered. disappeared rapidly. Ian had been on every Harry Watson became editor, the same one except P.S. "Glen Sannox". They gave Harry that did so much for P.S. "Waverley" way to commodious, ugly, smelly, vibrating later on. diesel-powered car-carriers which, we are In all these years we have covered, Ian told, we needed. In the sixties it looked was aware of the declining fortunes of the as if paddle steamers would soon be a Clyde paddle steamers. The venerable thing of the past but the end was not yet "Lucy Ashton" went at the end of the as we shall see. 1948 season. The new paddle steamer In the early sixties Ian met Tom Hollo"Waverley" had been launched in 1947, she way of Cambuslang. Tom was County being built as a replacement for the 1899 roads foreman and very interested in steam. P.S. "Waverley" that was lost at Dunkirk. Tom had a daughter Louise. Ian became On nearby Loch Lomond the fleet of interested in her and they were married steamers included two real veterans; P.S. in 1962. "Princess May" 1898 had a two cylinder Still in the early sixties Ian put in a simple engine worked on 60 lbs. p.s.i. bid of £150 for two steam rollers that while P.S. "Prince Edward" 1914 had a Ayr C.C. put up for tender. His bid was diagonal compound working on 120 lbs. accepted and so he owned Fowlers 21222 p.s.i. Both boats had haystack boilers. and 21635. 21222 soon went to Harry They went about 1952/3, following the Mackie of Kilsyth, Stirlingshire. building of P.S. "Maid of the Loch" in time for the 1953 season. "Maid" was the last The S.T.E.S. was developing and in 1963 paddle steamer built, she and "Waverley" was invited to stage a display at the Royal now being the only paddle steamers operHighland Show at Ingliston, near Edinburgh. ating in British waters. This was duly done and helped get the The launching of "Waverley" in 1947 had society known. One engine present was been greeted with great interest by the Burrell 1694 (1893) that had been at the cruising fraternity. She bore a marked reRoyal Highland when new seventy years semblance to P.S. "Jeannie Deans" the before. 74

Fowler 21635 "Cavalier" was sold to Tom Holloway about 1965. "Pirate" went to Jack Wakefield a little later on. Ian believes in letting an engine go to someone who can use it rather than hang on to it out of use. He was no longer Secretary but was Editor for the third period and still very much involved in S.T.E.S. when their first rally was held near Hamilton in the late sixties. In 1969 Tom Holloway bought a second Foden thresher. He already owned the oldest one. Ian and Tom went to see the newest one at Robb Bros., Loch Craggs, Ayrshire. This thresher and 1946 Field Marshall had belonged to Robert Boland (Foden Tractor mentioned earlier). Tom bought the thresher and Ian bought the Field Marshall so not only was he a pioneer of steam preservation but also of vintage tractor preservation. Marshall No. 3676 (1946) was restored and used by Ian and family for rallying and was much in demand for moving threshers. One epic journey involved moving two different threshers and covering over sixty miles — in one day. While a tractor may be on pneumatics, a Field Marshall is about as comfortable as an unsprung engine! In 1967 the Field Marshall went into the Leyland historic vehicle collection at Castle Donington. In the sixties Ian worked as an agent for an Aberdeen printer and later for a civil engineering firm. Jimmy Drummond and some other pals returned to the sea and Ian thought he would do the same. He had a year as Chief Engineer on a North Sea survey ship and was then on a ship running between Glasgow and Northern Ireland, again as Chief Engineer. He still had his very wide interest in all forms of steam power and vintage machinery and it was while in Northern Ireland that he visited the Stranmillis Museum in East Belfast which is housed in a former Flax Mill in one of the most disturbed areas of the city. Ian, who for so long had been interested in schemes for the preservation of historic machinery was most impressed by the magnificent collection of rail locos, of different gauges, and the very comprehensive array of stationary steam and i/c engines, boilers and associated machinery. "My heart bleeds for Bob Gilbraith (the curator) in the mammoth task he has trying to run this fine museum with so little money, so few staff and only a handful of visitors", says Ian, recalling his visit. Another museum Ian was able to visit

on one of his voyages was the University Museum at Swansea where he saw one or the beams from the Severn tunnel Cornish beam engines. This brought back memories of a visit to the Severn tunnel it 1960 when he had seen four of the six magnificent engines at work. "Very impressive" was his memory. Praise indeed from an engineer who has seen much impressive machinery. Ian was well aware by the early seventies that P.S. "Waverley" was becoming unique as the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. By 1975 she had been with drawn from service by Caledonian-MacBrayne, sold to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for the nominal sum of £1 and was being operated in preservation, on their behalf, by the company they set up for that purpose; The Waverley Steam Navigation Company. In November, Ian was on leave from his ship and went down to Anderston Quay, Glasgow, to do a couple of days' work on "Waverley" where he got to know the volunteers and crew that were at work there. They got to know him and recognised his abilities based on the sound engineering training he had had as an apprentice and the wide practical experience that his interest in traction engines, steam rollers and historic machinery had given him. He went to lend a hand with the winter refit the following November. A great deal of work was necessary as the paddler had just completed an arduous season during which her engines had not received the attention they merited. Captain David Neil the enthusiastic young master saw the worth of a man like Ian to a ship like "Waverley". Ian had not gone for a job, he had a good one, but Captain Neil persuaded him to join "Waverley" as relief chief engineer along with Kenneth Blacklock, chief. They were joined early in 1977 by Angus Maclean, second engineer. An intensive programme was embarked upon. The boiler was retubed, a complete overhaul of all the auxiliary machinery was undertaken. A new ex-naval S.C. Robey steam driven alternator to supply 240 Volts A.C. for a new main electric supply was installed. Ian obtained this through his numerous contacts in the vintage machinery world. "Waverley" started her 1977 season with a trip to Merseyside and North Wales where she took part in celebrations at Llandudno. Ian was able to renew friendships and make many more. Then it was back to the Clyde for the main summer 75

season with Ian and his fellow engineers as busy as ever with the day-to-day work keeping everything right during such an intensive cruising programme. Winter saw another heavy programme of maintenance ready for 1978's most ambitious early season cruising to the south coast of England with cruises from Bournemouth, Southampton, Portsmouth, Newhaven and even Tower Pier, London. At these ports and many more "Waverley" was the first paddler they had seen for many a year. What a welcome she received and what an ambassador she is for Scotland, It is strange that the Councils and Tourist Boards in Scotland dc not seem to realise what an asset she is. The Clyde once had forty nr more paddlers, they nearly all slipped silently into oblivion. A very few people saw what a jewel they had in "Waverley". They took her uver when she was discarded. Now a

dedicated bunch, with Ian Muir right in the middle of them, are doing their best to keep her going. With the support of us all and a little backing from Clydeside Councils, she could steam for many years to come. Typical of Ian is the story of when he heard that P.S. "Kingswear Castle" (P.S.P.S.'s Ex River Dart Steamer at present under restoration on the Medway) was in need of a quantity of Whitworth nuts and bolts of a certain size. The local enthusiasts had drawn nothing but blanks in their search but Ian not only knew where to go hut because of his connections was given more than he wanted. The nuts and bolts were packed up and loaded onto "Waverley" and when she visited the Medway in the spring of 1978 they were delivered direct to "Kingswear Castle". That's just typical of Ian Muir — Man of Steam.

"Waverley" seen passing Dungeness Nuclear Power Station during her 1978 South Photo: "Sky Fotos", Lydd Airport Coast season. 76

FROM MARY LEA'S DIARY/LOG BOOK (Continued from Vol. 22 No. 1)

"Harvester" has steam on out in the yard, having a preliminary in readiness for tomorrow, Sunday, when she goes to the local church for the evening carol service. All the Johnson gang are getting the large lamps from the roof of the workshop — on the inside, of course — these are Jack's standby emergency lights with 110 v. bulbs in for use with his generator in time of power cuts, etc. They are going to take the lamps down to the church as they always generate and floodlight it for the Christmas services. We unloaded the tubes which we had brought, in the workshop in readiness for going to the local Mere Brow smithy to be annealed. Earlier in the week, the new boiler plate had arrived and the embryo firebox was standing in front of "Cheshire Maid". The tubeplate has been drilled for the tubes and that and the firehole plate have been tacked into place in readiness for the welding, proper, to the wrapper plate; it looks a beautiful job and George is well pleased with the quality of the plate. Wednesday, 28th December: Jack J. rang through: on Foden wagon type boilers, this latter rests in a bridge type cradle passing under the barrel and joining the frame side members. Inside the barrel there was an area of wasting round the bolt heads and it had been decided previously that this bridge end and the bolts should come out to do the job properly. Jack rang because, "I've been thinking about this bridge piece job", said Jack, "while that bridge is off, what about elongating the outer pairs of holes a bit, then if it ever has to be taken off again, the studs won't have to be driven up into the barrel: it should just give enough clearance: in any case, it can be cut in the middle and be taken off in two halves then welded together again when it goes back — what do you think?" — Pause for consideration. "What kind of fit are the new bolts, Jack?" "A good 'un. We've made them slightly larger in the taper section and they are a good drive fit; shouldn't be any trouble there; but, if there is a weep from the bottom seam when we put a hydraulic

on it, we can get that bridge out of the road!" "Yes, you've got more than one point there", said George. "Fodens must have had a lot of faith in their bottom seam caulking not to have thought of that idea themselves". "Aye", from Jack, they're like Burrells with that blasted bottom joint. That is one point where Fowler had them licked, having the joint on the side". Also having a Fowler in the family, we had to agree. Saturday, 31st December: — did not see us out of bed early. The previous day had been spent going to the vehicle licence office at Wakefield to apply for a duplicate registration book for the ex-Armitage Foden that John is gradually building up, it being hoped that it has not been left too late as they are going to forward the book. As local offices are to be all closed down, we do not want a modern number allocated to it from a centralised, bureaucratic Swansea. We, afterwards called on an old friend at Bingley. When we arrived at Banks and went into the workshop it was to see the boiler upside down and the new firebox inserted and rivetted in place; new stay rod was being inserted and George was pleased to see that the holes had all been reamered before threading. Jack J. was cussing; he had ordered new dies for his screw threading machine and the wrong ones had been sent. His new lathe had not yet been placed in the lathe room — some of the lads were in the process of doing this — so Jack had to go chasing some more rod which he was forced to have screw cut locally — "Tha knows what it's like getting owt done, this week', from Jack, reverting to his native Lancs. In the afternoon, when things had calmed a little and Jack had materialised some more stay rod, John had a talk with Mr. Johnson. This concerns his own boiler; this has an excellent firebox but, like "Cheshire Maid" it has some areas of pitting on the bottom of the barrel which will mean the tubeplate coming out for welding to be done so, tentative arrangements have been made for it to go to Banks sometime in the future. 77

The old firebox looking very forlorn on the scrap pile. 3rd January, 1977 The last few days have been spent in rubbing down and painting the removable cab items like motion plates, etc., these latter having to be prepared for re-lettering. Did not have any luck with Renolds regarding a new toothed chain for the pump drive but they advised contacting Morse direct. Colin Dale's foreman rang early evening to advise plating crossheads after truing up; he suggests this against metal spraying for this item, then trunks can be bored to suit. They are also going to fit o/size crosshead pins after truing up pin holes in crossheads, they also want little end brasses so these can be bored to suit the new pins. Contacted Allards Engineering, Newcastle-under-Lyme, who say they can accommodate the crankshaft to regrind the duck-egg shaped big end throws. They also want the new big-end brasses so they can bore them out to suit the regrind. It is suggested that the shaft is taken a week on Monday. Things really are moving, on top of having to cope with everyday life! 8th January: Pop's birthday; still only 21! We were not expecting to go to Banks today but when George rang around 2 o'clock, Jack asked if we would fetch the firehole door 78

Photo: George Lea

and frame so they could locate new studs properly, so we slipped over and also took pump delivery clack-box for boiler barrel. We saw that the stay tubes arc now in situ and that there are now only a few stay heads to rivet over inside the box. Monday, 9th to 11th January: The quarry workers are on strike so G. is usefully spending the time at home, rubbing down, top coating and lining out. Saturday, 14th January: The motion plates and doors, now painted and lined out, were carefully packed in John's van to avoid scratching or rubbing, prior to going round by Preston to deliver them to Ron Kitchen. Ron is the owner of the beautifully restored Advance Roller, "Friend Richards"; he is a signwriter and scenic artist by profession, talented to the last degree, as many of the engines in the north and north-west bear testimony of his craftsmanship. After the parts were dropped off, we had a discussion over a welcome cup of tea, regarding type and form. On to Banks for a belated fry up eggs and bacon; in the workshop, the boiler is now back to right side up position, all 66 tubes are now expanded into place and Jack said they hope to put a hydraulic on, tomorrow.

We have now reached the taking back stage and took the built-up and skimmed weigh-shaft, the fettled up casting for locating front radius rods and the pistons with new rings. The rings, which George collected on Thursday are by Messrs. Bradford Piston & Ring Co. Ltd., Withington Street, Salford, 6. Mr. Powell, there, is very obliging in doing these off-beat, oneoff jobs, we find, and if given correct full details, the rings are made to the right tolerances of wall tension, gap and groove side clearance. Sunday, 22nd January:

— saw us once again on the road to Johnson's, taking a new smoke-box inner ring which has been rolled out of 8G steel. The men were able to fit this in place and drill fastening holes, also cut a piece away so smoke will go up chimney. Untoward things have been known to happen! The ring was not left in place because some building up has yet to be done and also, lagging compound has to be inserted between the ring and the outer smokebox to make all air-tight for a good draught on the fire. The boiler has had a preliminary hydraulic but, as usual, there are one or two weeps to caulk up. Fresh rivetting or stay replacements always disturbs seams, we find. Jack has gone off, the lads tell us, at 4.0 a.m. on a jaunt with Norman Preston, so did not see him to speak to but, on Tuesday evening, he rang through to say the inspector had been and the boiler had passed its hydraulic at 330 lbs. G. was down at yard rubbing down and repainting

gear covers, so told him when he came back to the house. Saturday & Sunday, 28th & 29th January:

Now that boiler repairs are completed there is quite a large target to aim for, this weekend G. and J. spent Saturday a.m. at the yard putting new bushes in front spring and shackles. As the shackle pins have Fodens' own thread (in common with big-end bolts and quite a few other items) the pins have been built up and skimmed down, one bush having to have a reamer popped through it to get a couple of thous. clearance. With the spring and other chattels loaded in the van, we were away for Banks at 11.30, arriving there at 12.45, so had a quick fry-up which was done whilst G. and J. wheeled the front axle beam into the workshop. In the afternoon, the spring was refitted to the axle then the remainder of the day

was spent building up the inside of s/box with welding and welding a bit of new plate in at the bottom. Am told that it is rather time consuming as it cannot be rushed because the front tubeplate joint will be disturbed, causing a weep, if the plates are allowed to get too hot. Jack J. and his son, Alan, are fabricating a new steel body on a bulk grain tipping trailer for their own use, whilst the other son, John, is renewing brake pipes and some of the hydraulics on a semi- lowloader trailer which they use for taking a thresher and the late Nigel Moores family's little Tasker tractor, the ex-R.S.P.C.A. "Horses' Friend" to rallies. By the way, the other inhabitants of the workshop are, taking the newest firstly, but not necessarily in age sequence, the Johnson's five combine harvesters, their Burrell 5-ton Gold Medal tractor, "Harvester", their ex-Showman living wagon, the ex-Walter Denton Scammell heavy haulage tractor and a Scammell Highwayman tractor unit, all being meticulously draped in dust covers to keep them clean Besides the Tasker, "Horses' Friend", the Moores family also have, resident here, a Garrett 5-ton, No. 4 tractor, "Popeye" which has just had most of its firebox stays renewed. Frank Lythgoe has his Burrell S.R.L. "Dreadnought' in for re-rubbering after the rear wheels, which are off, have had the rivets renewed in them. His Foden traction, "Victoria", believed to be the oldest Foden in British preservation, No. 443, is pretty well dispersed as it is having a fairly heavy boiler refurbishment and rebuild, whilst, across the way from our Foden is the Fowler S.R.L., "Sunny Boy II" which was new to Marshall's at Bolton and finished its days on heavy haulage for Walter Denton of Hyde. It really is a big engine; as the steering chains are off, one just walks under it, not round it, if a jack or drift is wanted from across the shop.

At one time, Jack got hold of some redundant stock Leyland chassis side members with which he made strong shelving to hold a collection of old agricultural artifacts, and horse drawn implements, etc. Surprising, the wood beam plough lasted until comparatively recently in that part of Lancashire. "Aye, an old wooden plough and they

say, to be sure That a wide awake farmer must use them no more, For they must all be of iron and wood there's no use for: 79

Why, what do the fools think that ash trees were made for?" (from an old R.A.S.E. journal) Sunday: The first job (after breakfast!) was for G. and J. to fit the perch bracket to the underside of the smokebox; ten -1" bolts as Fodens did not mean this item to fall off! All were new bolts as the old were -corroded by soot, most having to have the nuts cut when they were taken out. The assistance of John Johnson and the lift-truck/crane enabled the front axle to be fitted in situ again after the boiler had been lifted off the trestles. After the mid-day meal, the firebox end of boiler having already been lowered onto a small trestle, a fresh purchase was made with a short sling and the rear end of the boiler was gently eased back into the frame again. It took quite a bit of wriggling, pinch

barring and a bit of assistance from Jack to get a point of a boiler-maker's spanner into a pair of mating bolt holes, then to get a ;.\olt through the next neighbouring hole. It was a repeat performance on the other side member of the frame, after which it was a case of a repetition of easing, pinching and bolting until all nuts and bolts were in position. All nuts were gradually followed up until all were tight so that when we left at 7.30 p.m., after eating, the engine was once again on its own four wheels. Previously, a piece of sheet cork, 1", had been obtained locally, from Messrs. Johnson Aldridge Ltd., Longridge T. Estate, Knutsford, so G. spent Tuesday evening in cutting this to shape and interposing it between the top ring gear which, when bolted to the middle gear wheel, squeezes and holds the cork in place, allegedly to deaden the noise from them according to Foden practice but which is rather debatable if the ringing one gets in the ears after a fifty mile run is anything to go by!

(To be continued)

REVIEW SENTINEL D.G. WAGGONS, reprint published by R.L.S. — £4.25. Original makers' catalogues have, since preservation began, been keenly sought as collectors' items both by engine owners and non-engine owning enthusiasts alike. To help satisfy this demand the R.L.S. have had a number of catalogues reproduced in recent years. They are identical to the original catalogues as originally produced, in perfect condition and rank alongside the originals as collectors' items and as such there is no doubt they will grow in value. This latest one on the double geared Sentinels, D.G.4 and D.G.6 runs to 72 generous pages and comes complete with a 4-page leaflet on the D.G.8, the first ever rigid 8-wheeler and the first ever twin steered front axles. The main catalogue is full of detail and illustrations of waggons on test, on demonstrations and as supplied new for a wide variety of uses and to many different owners. Highly recommended. Obtainable from N.T.E.C. Sales Officer. 80

P.S. "Waverley" comes to Southern England For the second year in succession P.S. Waverley is steaming from the Clyde for a season of charters and excursions from piers all along the south coast, the Thames as far up as Tower Pier and the Bristol Channel. The first public sailing is from Southampton on Friday, 13th April. The last from Penarth to Ilfracombe on 3rd June. P.S. "Waverley" is run by steam preservationists much the same as ourselves. She needs a successful south of England season to keep her in steam. So we make no apologies for encouraging all readers to support the ship by as much publicity as possible, but above all, by taking at least one trip on her while she is in the south. Watch the local press or coach operators' notices for details or send a stamped and addressed envelope, about 9 in. x 4 in. to Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., Stobcross Quay, Glasgow, for full details of the south coast season. 0

IT WAS A LONG TIME AGO

by George W. Eves

Mr. Goddard's picture of the barn threshing scene in Steaming Vol. 21 No. 4 interested me more than somewhat, because when I was resident in Banbury during the sixties, it was then my great pleasure to spend many a happy hour with the late Horace Lampitt in the family's engineering works which his ancestors set up in the town in 1832. What better place than here, amid the huge, crude machinery of a past era, to listen to the days of steam from the last of the family line. Old Charles Lampitt started off as a mere blacksmith on the town estate now The People's Park, where he built his first steam engine, which drove a malt mill in the local brewery for 132 years. In 1834, this grand old chap set up a works in Christchurch Street, where, with a small work force they built machines for brickworks, breweries, pumping stations, farms, even a mower for the local churchyard — besides six portables and four threshing engines. Of the latter, only one survives — in Jack Wharton's safe hands. It was Mr. Goddard's picture which triggered off this bit of history, because Horace showed me, with justifiable pride, the original glass negative from which that old print was taken. This was dated 5th September, 1874. Now according to Horace, that picture was taken at Denchfield Farm, then opposite to where Banbury's Horton Hospital now stands. This is now dimly recalled by a road on a new estate, Denchfield Road. It was to this place that old Charles took his first threshing machine for testing, and to drive it, another works product, a 5 h.p. portable, here pictured on Page 255. The engine is worthy of note:- its cylinder is at the smokebox end, it has a water heater and the feed pump for the boiler is in the cylinder block. Pity is the machine is in the barn, for this had its twin corn shoots on the right hand side. It had a barley owner old Charles designed, as well as a

mechanical winder to make the straw bonds, then used to tie up the loose straw as it emerged from the back of the thresher. But that distant day turned out to be far removed from what that old inventor visualised, because the yokels there, who had flailed corn from time immemorial, saw their jobs endangered, and they flatly refused to work the machine. The angry farmer sent for his brother's labourers at South Newington, a village a few miles away, but when they arrived they saw the strikers' point of view and downed their pitchforks. News spread of such goings on like wildfire, in a rustic area, in those days, and come mid morning a sizeable crowd had gathered. They then decided to march down the hill, there to beard the Mayor in his parlour, demanding he should stop Lampitts making any more threshing machines, which would lead to more unemployment. Here one thing led to another, and differences of opinions led to fighting, so that Banbury's No. 1 Citizen was perforced to read the Riot Act from the Town Hall steps. His plea for the crowd to disperse was howled down, so that he had no other course to pursue, other than to summon a detachment of the Oxfordshire Yeomanry from Chipping Norton Barracks. They arrived just in time to prevent the mob setting fire to Denchfield Farm, and old Charlie's threshing tackle as well. Next morning, God's Good Man from the Parish Church went to the farm, and prevailed upon the yokels so convincingly as to the benefits which the threshing machine would bring, besides banishing for all time the hard work corn flailing was, that they hoisted old Charles shoulder high, marched him round the stackyard singing "For he's a jolly good fellow", and then asked him to show them how this "box o' tricks of his worked". Which shows the power of the spoken word, and also that Banbury has much more to boast about than its famous cakes and cross. What 81

a fascinating book could be written about that old firm. That it was razed to the ground in the name of progress only a few years ago is unbelievable. To Ted Freeman's picture in Vol. 21 No. 3, I am able to add some details which will be of great value to those who find these small steam firms, now almost forgotten, of great interest. This information also came from old Horace, who showed me the glass negative of Ted's picture on Page 190. It was taken at Bodicote, a village three miles from Banbury, in April 1904. The portable and thresher here are by Barrows, whose works were but a stone's throw from Lampitts. The engine's works are the conventional way round, but the boiler differs, having a circular firebox, tubes and front tube plate in one unit, which was bolted in at the ends, enabling the innards to be withdrawn for repairs and de-scaling. The thresher had no bagging apparatus as such. The corn was discharged into the box-like bin at the front, from whence it was shovelled into sacks. However, beyond the dust and flying straws, a bit more steam history is revealed. Note the square chimney stack rising above the

rooftop on the right. Horace told me how the owner of that estate in the early days of steam, was a relation of the great Matthew Boulton, of beam engine fame. He brought one of his earlier engines to this remote spot for trying out, away from prying eyes, which my old friend described as "a pretty little thing''. The well pump which supplied the needs the estate, had various forms of motive power after that, including horse gears. But when old Tom Gascoyne extricated his old portable from where it had stood for years, accumulating a carpet of cinders, clinkers and sawdust around, this clearance, when the portable was dragged out, revealed the brick foundations and holding down bolts that formed the bed for the early Boulton beam engine. The chimney stack seen in the picture was the bit of boilerhouse that survived. Still, the picture is one to drool over. The most prosperous man by the flywheel is the farm bailiff. The man with his jacket off, believe it or not, is the Vicar of Bodicote, while the man with the oil can is none other than Master Barrows in person, who saw it all in his mind's eye, long before.

Photo kindly sent by Tony Grant of Shutford, Banbury, showing his great uncle's tackle in the 1920's — 1912, 7 nhp Wallis & Steevens BW 6759 and Lampitt thresher. 82

NORTH OF THE BORDER by Alan Thomas

Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction Engine No. 47048, "Red Admiral", Reg. No. CE 7685, built in 1915 and belonging to Mr. W. Nicol of Aberdeen. Photo: Alan Thomas It has for a number of years been an ambition of mine to visit a rally in Scotland. Several colleagues had done so in previous years, and had been favourably impressed, so I made up my mind that it was about time I made a trip in that direction myself. I chatted the idea over with a couple of fellow enthusiasts and they, too, were rather taken by the idea. And so it was in July, 1978, we headed North for the Bon-Accord Steam Engine Club's Rally at Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen. It being a long trip, spread over only a matter of days, my wife did not join me on this occasion. As this would be completely new territory for me, she would lose my company to the steam interest, anyway, so with the promise of bringing her back a haggis or something typical of Highland life, I bade her a fond farewell and joined my colleagues for the long trip up the line. Although we crossed the border at about midday, it was still a fair drive to our

destination, albeit a very pleasant one, the countryside being completely different from our native Cornwall. The uphill run eventually came to a close and we easily found our way to the Park, thanks to a map supplied by the Club Chairman, Bill McConachie, to whom I had written in advance seeking the necessary information. We soon met some of the Club Officials who made us very welcome and provided us with camping space on site. In fact, I have not met with such cordiality on a rally field. People soon got to know us as "the chaps from Cornwall". We certainly didn't feel the strangers we had imagined we'd be. We watched some engines arrive, but weren't late in hitting the sack that night — it had been a long and tiring journey, but we knew we weren't to be disappointed. No chance of a lie-in the next morning, though — the local bird life (feathered variety!) saw to that, a group of terns 83

screaming over our tent at daybreak. Still, we wanted to make an early start as there was a lot to see. No sooner had breakfast been attended to than a hiss of steam was heard in the distance. This soon revealed itself in the form of Foden 11444 "Heilan Laddie", owned by Bill Barrack of Aberdeen. This one started life as a wagon, supplied to Lanarkshire County Council, but was later fitted with a larger flywheel for beltwork, being cut down to Tractor form at the same time. The flywheel is now used to drive a dynamo for the road lights. She is immaculately restored, as are all the engines in the Barrack stable, with such 'refinements' as a stero system in the cab and multi-tone air horns as optional extras! She was soon followed by another Barrack engine, the ex-Aberdeen County Council Fowler compound Roller 16441, with a traditional living van in tow. Then along came their Fowler

Road Loco 13138 "Finella", a real beauty in black. Making up the ensemble from this clan was the unusual Aveling & Porter AR7 Traction 5065 — "Tam o' Shanter", a convertible of 1902, with the cylinder block mounted the opposite way round to normal, only a few of which exist. This one was once well-known in the ownership of Donald C. Stewart, and it is pleasing to see it still in the same area. Barrack's are currently restoring two more engines which should be well worth seeing upon completion, judging by their entries at the rally. Fowlers appear to dominate the roller scene in the Highlands, and there were certainly some outstanding examples on show here. Aberdeen County Council (now the Grampian Region Council) have preserved one of their last Fowlers, 19457 of 1932, a 10-ton compound with tar spraying tanks. She carries the slogan on her canopy — "Ca Canny, Speed Can Kill" — the first two words translated into Sassanach terms mean "Go Easy", I'm informed — a fitting slogan for a sedately-moving steam vehicle. Bert Ogston of Kirriemuir had another outstanding example of a Fowler Roller on show, 18295 "King o' the Road", ex-Angus County Council. It is restored even better than it must have been when new, the finish has to be seen to be believed. There were the usual sprinkling of other roller makes on the field, my own particular favourite being Mary Nicol's 10-ton Marshall overhead slide valve compound 73893 "Annie Laurie", exPerth County Council, very neatly restored, and an award winner at the rally. This design of Marshall Roller always looks a

robust and workmanlike machine. They were always firm favourites in the West country, especially with the Devon County Council. Messrs. Cowie of Easter Persley, Aberdeen, had a fine complement of 5 engines on show, comprising Garrett Tractor 33219 "Harvest Queen", Marshall single Traction 78312 "Rob Roy", fitted with a disc flywheel, and another former D. C. Stewart engine, Aveling Roller 10919 "Bluebell", a piston valve single 8-tonner, and two 10ton Fowler compound Rollers, 16961 "Heather" and 16235 "The Highlander", recently returned from the South to its native Aberdeen. A pity their Marshall Roller failed to put in an appearance to complete the line-up. Still, something to look forward to on another visit, perhaps. William McConnachie of Tarland had 4 engines on show, all maintained in a workmanlike finish and void of the glamour of some of their counterparts. They were nonetheless attractive for this, though, as it is always good to see engines preserved as they were when used commercially. I particularly liked the Aveling & Porter 8 n.h.p. Traction 11137 "Wizard". Unusual to see such an engine of the compound piston valve design — rollers, yes, but very few tractions exist. There was also a sturdily-built Fowler Traction 11695 "Jean", fitted with disc flywheel and motion covers, and looking very much like one of her maker's early road locos. Two 5ton Tractors completed the McConachie collection, a Tasker 'Little Giant' chain-drive design 1911 of 1924, and a 1918 Foster 'Wellngton' type 14289 "Olive", fitted with a single belly tank on the offsde, and a wooden block extension round the perimeter of the flywheel, no doubt improved performance when used for belt work. The sole example of a steam wagon was William Edwards' Super Sentinel 5260 "Tiger", in superb order. It was an award

winner, as was the same owner's Ransomes single Traction 31298 "Garioch Queen". I particularly liked the way events got off to a roaring start during the afternoon. The engines rolled off their paddocks with no delay, and the commentator was a real master of the art, adding just the right mixture of detail and humour to hold the spectators' interest. Supporting attractions were also in adequate proportions. There was a huge trade display of commercial vehicles but this was sited around the perimeter of the site, so it did not look out of place with the traditional rally exhibits whatsoever. This trade display is

an essential part of the rally income, so if it promotes steam preservation and ensures the Club will survive to steam through to another season, then all well and good. The time passed all too quickly and we were sorry to have to bid farewell to the smoke-filled engine paddock on the Sunday morning. We had thoroughly enjoyed our first trip to see the "Choochin' Billies" as they are affectionately referred to in the Highlands, to meet some of their owners and make a lot of new friends. It

would be impossible to mention the attributes of each and every engine in an article such as this. They were all worth individual examination. By the time we had arrived back home, we had clocked up 1,600 miles. It had been a long and tiring trip, and the only regret we had was that it was over all too soon. Our grateful thanks to all those Scottish enthusiasts who helped to make our visit so enjoyable. We shall most certainly return at some future date.

FROM THE ALAN MARTIN COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS. No. 4

Ambrose Clark's 5 ton Foden Wagon No. 842 Reg. No. DE 53 and built in 1904. The photograph was taken at Caversham Mill, Reading in 1909. 85

4,OLD TIME TRAM RIDES*TRACTION ENGINES

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TRANSPORT EXTRAVAGANZA AT THE TRAMWAY MUSEUM.CRICHEAR MATLOCK

AUGUST 25th 26th 27th ENTRY FORMS AND FULL DETAILS: 17 AIR STREET, LONDON, W.1.

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EXIT A Z7 by Peter F. Noble

On a frosty Tuesday morning in December, Peter Collins, his son Steve and myself made our way to Hill Farm, Avon Dassett, home of the six Fowler Z7's rescued from Mozambique by Michael Davies, David Adkins and Peter Court. The job we were going to help with was rather out of the ordinary, in fact, to assist in low-loading a "Z7" at the start of its journey to a new home up north. We arrived about 8.30 a.m. to find Fowler ploughing engine No. 15183 "Ajax" already in steam. This engine was to winch the "Z" up the drive of Hill Farm by means of the rope. The day started for us by oiling up "Ajax" and generally looking her over to see that all was well

before we commenced work. Peter Collins drove "Ajax" out of the engine shed pulling her sister engine Fowler No. 15182 until her chimney was just clear of the shed. I lit the fire in "Achilles" in order to warm her through as we intended to drain her in the afternoon. Whilst I was doing the fire, Michael ❑avies had started his Fowler diesel 6/80 crawler (circa 1935) in order to pull Fowler Z7 No. 15672 from the engine line in the field. With this manoeuvre completed Steve driving a Ford 5000 hooked a chain to the front of the "Z", and with Michael as brakesman with the Fowler crawler, the train proceeded from the field towards the buildings. David Adkins was steering the

Z7 Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15672 moves slowly down the field checked all the way by Michael Davies on the Fowler Crawler. Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop 87

"Z7", and Peter was acting as foreman giving orders to both drivers and steersman. I walked by the near-side hind wheel of the "Z" carrying a scotch should it be required. If you have visited Hill Farm you will remember how twisty was our route to the bottom ❑f the steep drive. When the "Z7" was in position at the foot of the hill, Peter drove "Ajax" round the back of the farm buildings and up the drive to the road, I acted as steersman. The BB1 was positioned broadside on to the drive in order to get a direct pull with "Ajax's" rope. Steven brought the Ford 5000 to the hill top in order to pull out the rope. Steve and I returned to the foot of the hill, and attached the rope to the big plougher. I was glad to see Bob Griffin arrive complete with camera. The low-loader had by this time arrived, two of its crew were given the job of walking behind the "Z" with scotches in case of trouble on the hill. I acted as steersman on the "Z7's" climb to the road, as David had pulled a muscle in his back. I certainly had my work cut out steering the 10 ft. 4 in. wide engine up the narrow

drive. Unfortunately from the steersman's position I was unable to hear the stack music from "Ajax" as she winched the "Z" up the drive, we arrived at the hill top without mishap. Michael brought up the crawler and pulled the "Z7" clear of "Ajax's front wheels. Peter with Steve acting as steersman then turned "Ajax" round in the road, and reversed so as to pull the "Z" backwards in order to square up the old plougher to the low-loader. The proud new owner of the "Z7" then took over steering his new toy!, and with a push pole attached to the rear of both engines Peter eased "Ajax" back and she quietly and steadily pushed the "Z7" onto the low-loader. Well done, to the new owner who steered so well, and full marks to Peter Collins for an excellent piece of driving. I resumed my position as steersman on "Ajax", and we returned the BB1 to her shed. Peter and I then joined Michael, Bob and Steve in the house to partake of a very enjoyable meal cooked and served by Michael's wife Jennifer, to talk of things steam and to remember the first "Z7" to leave Hill Farm, Avon Dassett. 0

NOW! PRIVATE CAR INSURANCE AT REDUCED RATES FOR N. T. E. C. MEMBERS A 15% discount is offered to N.T.E.C. members under a new scheme arranged with Lloyd's underwriters. Your no claims bonus may be transferred to the new policy. Contact: TONBRIDGE OFFICE (MOTOR DEPT.)., HILDENBROOK HOUSE, THE SLADE, TONBRIDGE, KENT. TEL: TONBRIDGE (0732) 357011

TENNANT BUDD LTD. 88

Our Vice-President Jack Beeby sits beside the old firebox taken from Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 1213. Already a new firebox is fitted and assembly of the rest of the engine can commence. Photo: Mr. Harper Shaw Robert Borsand & Sons, Stewarton Threshing Contractors with a Foden Traction Engine Mill and Baler. Although the engine was scrapped in 1946, the Baler, the first into Scotland in 1910, is still in existence. Photo: A. B. Graham

"CARRY ON" with "SUPREME" at

DACORUM STEAM 79 SIX TUNNELS FARM, GADDESDEN ROW near HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HERTS. (By kind permission of A. Elding & Sons)

SATURDAY 8th & SUNDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 1979 Showmans Engines — Traction Engines — Fair Ground Organs — Old Tractors — Veteran and Vintage Cars — Buses — Fire Engines — Motorcycles and Bicycles, etc. — Model Engineering Exhibition — Miniature Railway — Old Tyme Fayre with Gallopers etc. — Trade Stands — Crafts — Models — Hot Air Balloon — Bands — Clowns — Pony Rides and many Arena Events including: Tug-O-Car Contest (enter your team now) — Free Car Park FREE BUS SERVICE FROM HEMEL HEMPSTEAD BUS STATION SAT. 11.30 A.M. — 10.30 P.M. SUN. 12.00 — 6.00 P.M.

GATES OPEN AT 10.30 A.M. BOTH DAYS BARS & REFRESHMENTS Admission: Adults 70p Children & O.A.P.'s 30p Old Tyme Music Hall in Marquee Saturday Evening by Adeyfield Minstrels with Blossom Curtis at the Piano 8.0 p.m.

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For further details: TRADE STANDS, ENTRY FORMS, ETC. Organiser: JACK EVANS, 222 LAWN LANE, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HERTS. TEL. 51361

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" THE LITTLE WONDER " Road Run from Eccleshall, Staffs., to Stoneleigh, Warks. By JOHN MAYES (Continued from Vol. 22 No. 1)

Top gear, Peter and Andrew get ready to pick up the scotches, all clear behind, reverse forward, taps open, one powerful chuff, then another and another and another, we are rolling, taps shut, out onto the road again. Peter takes the steering while Andrew has a rest. Climbing steadily all the while, the engine is pulling well, just a feather at the safety valve, water almost in the top nut. Norman Box always used to say that as long as you had got water in the boiler you could always do summat, even if it was only to blow down, but wi'out water you could nowt! Up into Canwell now, the road levels off as we take the new by-pass. Looking down onto the village one or two energetic gardeners cease from their labours, the sight of a steam traction engine is doubtless excuse enough to ease an aching back. A little climb up to the roundabout, one idiot driving with his left arm round his lady passenger stares at us for a split second too long, hits the kerb and bounces over the grass verge straight into the rails. Swinging left handed to the roundabout and then heading towards The Happy Hour the Law arrives. "No Officer, never saw a thing, when did it happen?" We draw onto the Car Park and shut off. Injector on, drop two or three big lumps just below the firehole, Andrew puts the lid three parts over the chimney. Take her out of gear, open the drain taps, turn off the injector. Peter has scotched up, Brian is again fiddling with the tanker brakes, there is nothing the matter with them but as he himself overhauled them earlier in the year he is anxious to keep an eye on their performance. George and Margaret are ready for us, Alison is pouring the tea as we sit down to our meal. "What about a wash?" "It's clean dirt, what's the matter with you!" Some two hours later, having refreshed ourselves, attended to the engine, including topping up the tank, doing all our usual

checks and filling up the bunker from the box on the back of the tanker we say "goodbye" to George and Margaret. I engage top gear, reverse back, over comes the crank, NOW, reverse forward and regulator open, a couple of sharp barks and we are off on the final leg of the day's run. Out onto the road, Andrew and Peter climb aboard and take over, easy going now for the next couple of hours or so till we start the single carriageway section by Hams Hall Power Station.

One stop only for oiling up, water, etc., just short of the Minworth crossroads roundabout. Brian and Alison are ahead in Brian's car, planning to have the lay-by clear where we shall draw on for water. I enjoy my ease on the tanker, watching the cars go by and gazing out over the countryside. Cattle prick up their ears at the sound of the engine and come running to the hedge to gaze in wonderment, they always do and I've never been able to discover the reason. Sometimes, out of devilment, Peter pulls the whistle cord and off they gallop, tails in the air for a few yards, then they stop, turn and gaze again. The lay-by is clear and we draw on and carry out our chores without interruption. Brian carefully checks the tanker brakes once more, in readiness for the sharp descent down the Coleshill By-pass, apart from gear changing there will be no more stops until we reach our staging point at Stonebridge. Only two miles to cover before our difficulties commence, meantime we clear all following traffic as we proceed along the final section of dual carriageway. I take over the driving again. All clear behind as we enter the narrow section but almost immediately traffic begins collecting behind us. Approaching traffic is far too heavy for anything to overtake us. The river bridge is now in sight, keep punching on at about 5 m.p.h. the approaching traffic will have to stop presently but I keep a keen look91

out forward for any daredevil wanting to play "last across". Yes, I knew it, that car had to run up onto the verge to miss us, keep going, the others have stopped. Over the bridge, we press on, the approaching traffic is moving again. Some cars from behind start overtaking us on the approach to the entrance of the Lurgi Gas Works. I keep on eye on them for far too many will try that dodge. The next minute we are once more onto dual carriageway. Following traffic is overtaking speedily now, about ten, possibly a dozen cars are stranded by the Gas Plant, kept in by the increasing speed of the line of traffic following us. Just as we hit the climb up the Coleshill By-pass she starts to blow off, about twenty yards to go now before we stop and change into little wheel. Andrew jumps down and gets a scotch ready. It is far too steep to risk a quick change ❑n the move, ail the same I take out both locking pins in readiness. That's it, shut off, big wheel out — little wheel in, replace pins, open up and we are moving easily, Andrew picks up the scotch and climbs back on board. Taking the hill in her stride, on sharp exhaust blast, attend to fire and check the water as we level out. Stop again and change up into big wheel, a glance at the crank shows that I managed to catch her in the right position as I slid the gear in, a touch on the regulator and we are off again, some 400 yards to go before we start dropping down the other side of the hill, pump full on, injector also. The water needs to be right up in the top nut for this descent. Just before the front of the engine starts to drop we stop, engage little wheel the better to hold her back, apply the tanker brakes and off we go. Regulator shut, start applying the engine hand brake, water steadies about half an inch above the bottom nut. Brake hard on now, stand by ready to open the cylinder drain taps and pull back on the reverse lever. Speed is about 3 m.p.h. I guess, taps open and a little pull on the reverse slows her down to nearer 2 m.p.h., the motions are not flying ❑ver quite so fast, water just bobbing over the bottom nut, reverse lever again as I feel her start getting away again. Soon be at the bottom now, wonder if I can stop her at the roundabout if traffic is coming over. The tanker brakes are squealing, they must be getting at bit warm. Just the occasional pull on the reverse keeps the speed in check. The road is clear at the roundabout for as far as I can 92

see on my right, if anything comes in view now we will be there first, put reverse lever forward, shut taps, water just showing, no time for even any last across idiots. As the engine begins to level off and the water starts coming back up the glass I nod to Andrew who jumps down, I feel a slight surge as Andrew lets off the brakes on the tanker, the next minute I am winding the engine brake off. Round the island we go and as Peter straightens on the far side I remove the gear lever pins, slide little wheel out and straight in with big wheel, pins back in and start opening her up. Only about four miles to go now to our staging post. We are well within our estimated time and should be at the door of the "Malt Shovel", boots blacked, in time for their opening. Approaching the bridge carrying us over the M.6 Motorway we hope traffic will not force us to stop on the roundabout, the last little bit ❑f the climb is rather steep and there is quite o lot of traffic about. Peter has taken over the driving again and I am steering, just to keep my hand in. Although it has been a fairly easy day, a change is as good as a rest and not being very good at steering, a little practice now and again does not come amiss. It is one thing to negotiate intricate junctions with a big load on when you are driving yourself as well as steering, likewise when shuntiig trailers in where you have complete control of the whole exercise. But it's another matter altogether to steer along a fairly straight road and I never was much good at that! There is a gap in the traffic on the roundabout, Peter keeps her going, and we are up the climb and into the turn, a quick glance to the rear and I see the Land Rover following nicely, some six inches from the kerb and a few cars following on behind. We are clear of the roundabout and onto dual carriageway again, the traffic sweeps past. We approach the bridge carrying the A.452 overhead, a nice note from the exhaust as we pass underneath. Brian and Alison are waiting for us at the trees alongside the lay-by where we intend staging come into view, There is fire enough for the last few hundred yards, Peter puts on the pump to start filling the boiler. We draw onto the lay-by and scotch up, then carry out the previous evening's drill shutting down for the night. It is somewhat more public on this lay-by than it was at Cleat Hill but we proceed with our ablutions just the same. Alison has brewed tea and prepared sandwiches. Cars and the odd lorry

The outfit trundling through the Warwickshire countryside at a steady 4 mph. John and Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop Alison Mayes are passengers on the water tank.

swish past as we take our ease on the grass bank. They all seem to be in such a tearing hurry whilst we have all the time ir, the world! There is no need to make quite such an early start on Sunday, only 18 miles to Stoneleigh and, apart from one steep drop down to Kenilworth, an easy road. Lunchtime target was the Cafe at Balsall Common. We are about ready to move off at 9.0 a.m. on Sunday when a Land Rover drawing a Motor Boat pulls onto the lay-by just ahead of us. "Motor Boat! what do you mean Motor Boat, it is a Steam Launch, come and have a look". David Harding and Jim Calder are on their way to Christchurch for a short holiday. Quite a turn out, Steam Launch and Traction Engine lined up alongside the main road. Soon we are underway again, drift down to the roundabout at Stonebridge, not much traffic about, too early still for many on a Sunday no doubt. A nice level run, all dual carriageway and only one large traffic roundabout before we arrive at Balsa!! Common. Alison and I are stretched out on the tanker, taking our ease, soaking up the sunshine, the steady beat of the exhaust and ringing of the gears is music for the gods! The leafy trees of Warwickshire and the rolling countryside give a pleasing sensation of well being, notwithstanding the occasional car hurtling past hell for leather.

Just short of Balsall Common Dick Blenkinsop, armed with camera, joins us. Apparently he had intended going to a Rally but could not resist the opportunity of getting some shots of an engine, complete with train on a long journey. We park at the end of the dual carriageway, just clear of the "No Waiting" signs, carry out our normal parking chores and adjourn to the Cafe. We are well on time so enjoy a leisurely lunch and plenty of tea. After lunch we fill the engine from the tanker, re-charge the bunker with coal from our stock carried in the box on the back of the tanker which holds about 25cwt. Pull the fire over, no clinker yet, excellent coal apart from the black smoke, oil up and check all round. Some 20 minutes later we are moving again, straight through Balsall Common. There is a slight traffic problem at the roundabout in the centre of Balsall Common caused by our length blocking the pedestrian controlled crossing but we are soon clear. The traffic following us overtakes easly, I am standing on the tanker the better to see the traffic situation ahead, so long as overtaking traffic obeys my signals and, above all keeps going without slowing down to gawp there should be no mix-ups or undue delays. Straight over the last set of traffic lights as we leave Balsall Common and we are approaching the junction of the Warwick By-pass where, with luck we should leave most of the traffic. 93

Leaving the junction of the Warwick Bypass we begin climbing, Peter turns and signals for me to join him on the footplate. It appears that we have both forgotten exactly where the steep descent to Kenilworth starts and whether or not we manage all the climbs in big wheel. Peter puts in a really good fire, so long as we have plenty of steam and keep the water well up in the glass we should not go wrong. At last we recognise our whereabouts, looking over the hedges to see where the road bends and the houses start. Straight ahead the road starts to drop. We stop just over the top of the hill, apply the brakes, Andrew puts a scotch ill front of the nearside back wheel as a safety precaution, then I change into little wheel. The tanker brakes are left on, Andrew removes the scotch and as I ease off the engine brake we begin to roll. The hill is fairly steep, brake hard on, I am ready by the taps and reverse lever just in case, but the brakes hold us nicely and we roll gently into Kenilworth, drawing onto a bus lay-by where we stop to top the tank up, oil up, etc. This will be our last stop before Stoneleigh. Having completed our check round we move off. Traffic is much heavier now as we approach Kenilworth Castle. Near the top of the climb prior to sharp left turn downhill in front of the Castle, Peter gets down and runs ahead to stop the approaching traffic to give us sufficient room to make a wide sweep. Alison walks alongside the tanker ready to apply the brake. Peter steers to the middle of the road before starting his turn so the trailers will not mount the kerb. We are only crawling now, pins out, big wheel out, touch on the regulator watch the cogs and in with little wheel, replace pins. Andrew signals to Alison to apply the tanker braises as I apply the engine brake slamming the regulator shut immediately. We glide comfortably down the hill. Andrew signals to Alison to take the tanker brakes off as I unwind the engine brake, she and Peter climb abroad. Running quite freely now, pins out, little wheel out, regulator shut, watch the cogs, big wheel in, replace the pins and start opening up as we cross the dry ford, more steam as we start the climb past the Police Station to the roundabout in the centre of Kenilworth. Barking crisply up the final stage of the climb and we are into the roundabout, straight round we go and along the main street keeping a nereful 94

watch along both pavements as Kenilworth is festooned with Pedestrian Crossings. Over the Warwick By-pass and down the last long hill to our left hand turn off the Leamington Road using only the engine brake. With the tanker almost empty our load is considerably lighter. We turn left handed into a little by-road, it is all over now bar the shouting. Peter and Andrew take over and I join Alison on the tanker. Dick Blenkinsop has found a parking place for his car and climbs up onto the tanker with us. Peter is piling some coal on, black smoke belches out of the chimney, quite a sharp little climb ahead. She starts blowing off then Peters opens up, we are onto the hill, the valves drop and she barks her way easily up to the crossroads at the top. All clear as we turn left handed towards Machinery Gate, another couples of miles and we shall be there. One short sharp little punch only, wonder if Peter will remember it and fire up in time for a full head of steam, he will have to change down if he has not got a full head of steam, despite the almost empty tanker. The number of times I've been caught out by short sharp unexpected little hills are legion. Some weeks later, back in the Depot, some bright spark enquires "Run nut of steam then did you at so and so". The "Bush Telegraph" of those days worked with a speed that was frightening! Either Peter remembered or else he spotted the hill in time. Thick black smoke belches out of the chimney following his firing. The valves lift, up we go, the engine barking healthily up the stack! Level road again and level all the way, we turn off left handed into the Showground, pulling up by the Lodge to enquire directions. Alison and I walk across and inspect the site and finding everything straight forward signal Peter to bring her across, straight onto our pitch. Uncouple the engine and draw forward a yard, scotch up, brew up while she cools down, lid on, enjoy our tea, sheet up and then return to our homes. A most interesting and satisfactory run, notwithstanding the endless chores at each and every stop. Carrying bags of coal from the box on the back of the tanker, heaving them up into the bunker, coal dust hying everywhere when we shoot the bags, pulling out the ashes, clinkering out, oiling round. Concentrating on the traffic, pedestrians and simultaneously firing up, keeping the water level right for every changing gradient, maintaining sufficient head of steam. Filthy hands, clothes and smoke

Coming round a very sharp corner in Kenilworth with Peter Noble "Conducting" the traffic approaching in the opposite direction. Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop begrimed faces. Early rising to light up, tired out at the end of the day; small wonder I grumbled when I had to do it all for a living, day in and day out all the year round! However, there must have been

much more to it than I could appreciate or I would not be doing it now, not even just for the hell of it all. To quote Brian Horingworth's succinct remark when loading coal, "It's only a bloody 'obby".

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The Cumbria Steam Gathering GATE OPEN 10 a.m.

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COUNTY SHOWGROUND, KENDAL SATURDAY & SUNDAY 28 & 29 JULY 1979 Steam Traction Engines, Steam Rollers, Steam Wagons, Fairground Organs, Cars, Farm Tractors and Agricultural Equipment, Barn Engines, Commercial Vehicles, Fire Engines, Motorcycles, Models, Rural Crafts Exhibition, Trade Stands, Bar, Refreshments ,etc. Old Tyme and Modern Fairground. All 'subject to availability'.

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THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB

List of Approved Rallies for 1979 Price lOp

NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB General Secretary: Mr. Geo F. Beck, 127 Greensted Road, Loughton, Essex. 01-508 4963

List of Approved Rallies 1979 To ensure a high standard of entertainment and maximum regard for the safety of the public, the organisers of Approved Rallies have undertaken to adhere to the NTEC Code of Practice. The information given in this list is correct at the time of publication. The NTEC cannot be held responsible for any subsequent variations made by organisers. To avoid any inconvenience or disappointment, arrangements should be confirmed with the organiser concerned. Copyright: This list is the property of the National Traction Engine Club and may not be reproduced whole, or in part, without prior sanction. CLASSIFICATION OF EVENTS A. Predominantly Traction Engine Rally. B. Traction Engine Rally and other Veteran Vehicles. C. Traction Engine working event. D. Steam Fair. E. Display (Static or Parade).

1. 2. 3. 4.

Under 15 Engines. 15 — 29 Engines. 30 — 45 Engines. Over 45 Engines.

Marginal "A" indicates Rallies which are making cerrtain arrangements for Steam Apprentices — further details in Newsletter later. APRIL 15/16 Al

Road/Rail Steam '79. Quom & Woodhouse Station, near Loughborough. T H. Stirling, Loughborough Central Station, Loughborough, Leics.

MAY 5/7 A3 12/13 A2 12/13 A2 19/20 B2 19/20 B2 19/20 B1 27/28 A3 26-28 A2 27/28 A2

Belton House Steam Rally & Fair, Belton, near Grantham, Lincs. J. Cairns Boston, The Greyhound, Belton, near Grantham. Doddington Steam & Vintage Fair, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol. Doddington Developments Ltd., Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS17 6SF. Gayhurst & Stoke Goldington Steam Rally, near Newport Pagnell, Bucks. M. E. Lukey, 12 Malting Close, Stoke Goldington, near Newport Pagnell. Basingstoke Lions 8th Steam & Transport Festival, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke. B. M. Thompson, Lloyds Bank Ltd., Mayfair House, Basingstoke, Hants. North West Festival of Transport, R.A.F. Burtonwood, near Warrington. D. Griths, Festival Office, Bldng. 39, R.A.F. Burtonwood, Cheshire. Anglesey Vintage Rally, Plas Goch, Llanfair P.G., Anglesey. G. Morgan, Gwtndy Farm, Bethel, Portdinorwic, Gwynedd. Welford Steam Eng. Rally, Husbands Bosworth, Leics. A50/A427. R. E. West, 14 Charles Street, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 9AB. Pirton Steam Rally, Pirton, near Hitchin, Herts. Mrs. B. Mayes, 23 Nunnery Lane, Luton, Beds. Beaulieu Steam Festival, National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hantts. B. Johnson, 18 Orchard Gardens, Westergate Chichester, Sussex.

27/28

Samsteam '79, Lane End, High Wycombe, Bucks.

L. S. Howard, 5 The Orchard, Flackwell Heath, Bucks.

27/28

Carrington Park Traction Eng. Rally, Carrington, Boston, Lincs.

Mrs. J. Foster, Nursery Farm, Main Road, Wigtoft, near Boston.

27/28

Burton Constable Tr. Engine Rally, Burton Constable, Hull, N. Humberside.

J. R. Chichester-Constable, Burton Constable, Hull, N. Humberside.

JUNE Merton Steam Rally, Wandle Park, Colliers Wood, S.W.19.

A 9/10 Al

J. Fitzgerald, L. Boro of Merton, London Road, Morden, Surrey.

9/10

27th Andover Steam Rally, Balksbury Farm, Salisbury Road, Andover. A34.

M. Randall, "Caithness", Highhury Road, Anna Valley, Andover, Hants.

16/17 B1

4th Vintage Rally, Wolvey, Leics. Leics/Warwicks Border.

16/17

South Tyne Steam Rally Anick Grange Farm, Hexham, Northumberland. A. Cobb, 18 Aston Square, Sunderland, SR3 3HQ.

M. J. Wyles, 121 Lutterworth Road, Burbage, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 2DL.

16/17

Epsom & Ewell Horse Show, Hook Road Arena, W. Ewell, Surrey.

J. A. Briggs, Baths Hall, East Street, Epsom Surrey.

A 23/24 Putney Show, Putney Lower Common, London S.W. B1 G. R. Elenbrow, Lond. Borough of Wandsworth, Battersea, S.W.11.

23/24 B2

Stamford T.E. Rally, Burghley Park, Stamford, Lincs.

J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford.

A 23/24

Banbury Steam Engine Rally, Wroxton, nr. Banbury.

J. M. Mills, Pear Tree Cottage, Radway, Warwick.

A 23/24

Morecambe Bay T.E. Club Rally & Country Show, Ashton w. Stoddy, nr. Lancaster

Mrs. F. M. Carr, 27 Norfolk Avenue, Morecambe, Lancs.

30/1

Bon Accord Steam Eng. Club Rally, Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen.

Wm. McConachie, 62 Faulds Gate, Aberdeen.

30/1

Sudbury Old Tyme Rally, Melford Hall, Long Melford, near Sudbury, Suffolk.

N. Underwood, 9 Aukingford Gardens, Ongar, Essex.

3011

Ryhill T.E. & Fair Organ Rally, Wintersett, near Wakefield, Yorks.

W. L. Thorpe, 19 Cemetery Road, Ryhill Wakefield, Yorks. WF4 2DD. 30/1

The Chiltern Rally, Magpie Lane, Coleshill, near Amersham, Bucks.

B. A. Franklin, 60 Woodley Hill, Chesham, Bucks.

30/1 A2

J. A. Marshall, Holme Farm, Sutton on Trent, Notts.

Newark & Notts. Yesteryear Rally, Showground, Winthorpe, Newark.

JULY 7/8 B2

Ardingly Steam & Hist. Vehicle Rally, near Haywards Heath, W. Sussex. Southern Cties H.V.P. Trust, 8 Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks.

7/8 A2

Camerton Traction Engine Rally, Camerton, near Radstock Avon. Mrs. L. Lye, 1 The Close, Withyditch, ❑unkerton, Bath, Avon.

7/8 A2

Headington & Stockley Steam Rally & Fair, near Caine, Wilts. D. Brown, West View, Stockley, Caine, Wilts.

7/8 A2

13th Bromyard Gala, Mintridge Farm, Stoke Lacy, Bromyard, Hereford. J. Wilkins, Canctonbury, Penconthe Road, Bromyard, Hereford, HR7 4SS.

12-14 B2

Kent County Show, Detling Maidstone, Kent. J. Hendry, Doubleday House, Detling, Maidstone, Kent.

14/15 A2

Poole North Scout Group Rally, Lytchett Matravers, Poole, Dorset. B. R. Wilcox, Hartland, Wimborne Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset.

14/15 A4

Lancs T.E. Club Rally, Haydock Pk. Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, Lancs. H. J. Daymond, Stanley Villa, Glovers Brow, Liverpool, L32 2AD.

14/15 B2

Woodcote Veteran Transport Rally, Wards Farm, Woodcote, Berks. R. J. Doring, 41 Cleeve Down, Goring, Reading, Berks. RG8 OHA.

14/15 A2

"Hatfield Show", Hatfield House, Herts. P. Barnes, 82 Park Meadow, Hatfield, Herts. AL9 5HB.

14/15 A3

Rempstone Steam & Vintage Rally, Rempstone, Loughborough, Leics. M. J. Beeby, Wymeswold Road, Rempstone, Loughborough, Leics.

A 14/15 B3

Bristol Steam '79, Ashton Court, Bristol 3. B. Lewis, Fosse Cottage, Fosse Lane, Nailsea, Bristol BS19 2AR.

20/21 A2

Ulster Traction Engine Rally, Shanes Castle, Antrim, N.I. M. J. Duggleby, Shanes Castle, Antrim.

20-22 B3

Netley Marsh St. Eng. & Vintage Veh. Rally, Meadow Farm, Ringwood Road. D. Burdlo, Fornbank Cott., Ringwood Rd., Ncticy Marsh, Southampton, Hants.

21/22 A2

Trentham Gardens T.E. Rally, off A34, near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. D. Vernon, 2 Woodlands Road, Stafford, ST16 1QR.

A 21/22 A3

Weeting Steam Eng. Rally, Fengate Farm, Weeting, Brandon, Suffolk. Mrs. S. A. Parrott, Fengate Farm, Weeting, Brandon, Suffolk.

21/22 B2

Lambeth Country Show, Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, S.E.24. J. Pinks, Lon. Boro' of Lambeth, Town Hall, SW2 1RW.

28/29 B2

Polegate Steam Engine Rally, Polegate, E. Sussex. Mrs. Y. Hanmore, "Woodcote", Wannock Road, Polegate, E. Sussex.

28/29 A2

Ross-on-Wye Steam Eng. Rally, Rye Meadows, Much Marcie, Ledbury, Here. D. Prout, Old Forge, Dymock, Gloucester.

28/29 A3

Kegworth Cam. & 26th Eng. Rally, Hailstone Meadows, Kegworth, Derby. P. G. Haywood, 49 Nottinghham Road, Kegworth, Derby, DE7 2FH.

28/29 A2

Cumbria Steam Gathering, County Showground, Kendal, Cumbria. T. P. Holt, South View. Hutton Roof, Via Carnforth, Lancs.

28/29 B2

Rushmoor Steam & Vintage Rally, Rushraoor Arena, Aldershot, Hants. A. Smith, 73 Birch Road, FzAncombe, Godalming, Surrey.

28/29 D2

Free Steam Fair, Henley on Thames, Oxon. J. Carter, Smewins, Shottesbrooke, near Maidenhead, Berks.

AUGUST

A 4/5 A2

"Yesterdays World" T.E. Rally, Lanark Auction Mart, Lanark. J. Patterson, 10 Boghall Avenue, Biggar, Lanark, ML12 6JL.

4/5 A3

Alderholt Steam Rally, Alderholt, Dorset. R. C. Hood, "Fernlea", Camel Green, Alderholt, Fordingbridge, Hants.

4/5 A3

Cromford Traction Engine Rally, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire. N. C. Howard, Market Place, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire.

' 5/6 A3

Stradbally Hall Rally, Stradbally, Laois, R. of Ireland. Irish Steam Preservation Society, Stradbally Hall.

11/12 A2

Astle Park Traction Engine Rally, off A535 Chelford, Cheshire. J. A. Barber, The Cottage, Alderley Road, Chelforcl. Macclesfield.

11/12 D

Great Yorkshire Steam Fair, Castle Howard, Yorks. E. Lamb, Castle Howard, Yorks.

11/12 B3

Knowl Hill Rally, Bottle Green, Knowl Hill Berks.... J. Keely, Kiln Cottage, Knowl Hill, Berks.

18/19 A3

West of England Steam Engine Rally, Silverwell Farm, near St. Agnes, Corn. W. L. F. Came, 87 Roskearr Road, Camborne, Cornwall, TR14 BBX.

18/19 A3

Fairford T.E. Rally & Show, Fairford Park, Fairford, Glos. A. J. New, 9 The Plies, Fairford, Glos.

18/19 A2

Somerset Traction Engine Club Rally, Langport, Somerset. E. F. Alford, Elmlea, Broad Hinton, Swindon, Wilts.

19 B3

Brands Hatch T.E. & Historic Vehicle Rally, Brands Hatch, Kent. F. J. Wood, Sounds Lodge, Cray Road, Crockenhill, Swanley, Kent.

25-27 B3

Town & Country Festival, Royal Showground, Stoneleigh, Warwicks. R.A.S.E., Nat. Agric. Centre, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth. War. CV8 2LZ.

25-27 A2

Totternhoe Steam Rally, Totternhoe, near Dunstable, Beds.... Mrs. B. Mayes, 23 Nunnery Lane, Luton, Beds.

25-27 A4

Expo Steam '79, East of England Showground, Alwalton, Peterborough. J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Beds.

26/27 A3 27 A2 25-27 A3

Bishops Castle Rally, Bishops Castle, Salop. D. M. Webster, Oakley, Fishmore Road, Ludlow, Salop. Horsham Lions Vintage Transport Rally, Horsham Park, Sussex. N. Symes, Greenfields, Lyons Road, Slinfold, Horsham, Sussex, RH13 7RY. Fowler Works Memorial Rally, Bramham Park, near Wetherby, Yorks. N. Boyes, 93 Woodside Road, Wyke, Bradford, W. Yorks. BD12 8AP.

SEPT. 1/2 A2 1/2 B1 1/2 B2 A 1/2 A2 8/9 A3 8/9 A2 8/9 A 8/9 A2 15/16 A2 15/16 A4 15/16 B2 21-23 B4

Hinckley Steam Engine Display, Sapcote Rd., Burbage, Hinckley, Leics. K. Nevitt, 54 Southfield Road, Hinckley, Leicester. Stroud Vint. Tpt. & Eng. Club Rally, Oldends Lane, Stonehouse, Glos. R. Willcox, Ravenna Cottage, Stanley Downton, Stonehouse, Glos. Detling Steam & Hist. Veh. Rally, Detling Showground, Maidstone,, Kent. Southern Cties H.V.P. Trust, 8 Lennard Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks. Brill Vint. & Working Steam Rally, Temple Farm, Brill, Aylesbury. D. Southam, 16 South Hills, Brill, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP18 9TQ. Haddenham Steam Rally, Stapeleys Farm, Haddenham. near Ely, Cambs. K. G. Swann, 72 London Road, Sawston, Cambs. CB2 4EE. Sheffield & District Steam Rally, Oakes Park, Norton, Sheffield. J. Burley, 23 Basford Drive, Darnall, Sheffield, S9 5BE. Malpas Yesteryear Rally, Cholmondley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire. C. Whitehurst, 1 Council Houses, Kidnal, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 7DH. Dacorum 3rd Steam Rally & Fayre, Six Tunnels Farm, Gaddesden Row. Herts. W. J. Evans, 222 Lawn Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. Scouts Steam Gala, Ladywood Road, Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbys. A. J. Buck, 76 Keddleston Drive, Ilkestone, Derbys. Roxton Park Traction Engine Rally, Roxton Park, near Bedford. F. Harris, 6 Woodmer Close, Shillington, Hitchin, Herts. "Steam in lronbridge", Mists Hill Museum, Telford, Salop. A. Herbert, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, lronbridge, Telford. Great Working of Steam Engines, Stourpaine Bushes, Blandford, Dorset. M. F. Oliver, Dairy Mead, Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset.

NOV. 3

Beaulieu Fireworks Fair, National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hants. M. E. Ware, Nat. Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hants.

FRONT COVER Fred Hollis and daughter Rebecca are on the way to a local fete in the Isle of Wight. Ransomes Sims & Jefferies Traction Engine "Sister Wendy", 6 nhp, No. 42013, Reg. No. TL 1874, and built in 1931. Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop INSIDE FRONT COVER Top: The line-up of Showmans Engine at Stourpaine Bushes, Dorset in 1978. Photo: Tony Dyer Bottom: Great Missenden Rally, July 1978, we have a Burrell "Gold Medal" Tractor, "Tinkerbell", 4 nhp, No. 4072, Reg. No. PH 2900 and built in 1927. Photo: Peter Chatman REAR COVER Cleaning the "Master" at Polegate Rally in 1975. This Fowler Ploughing Engine No. 15139 is of 16 nhp and built in 1918. Photo: Bob Jones

TECHNICAL SECTION LUBRICATION by John Dickinson

Tribology, or the science of lubrication, is a very complicated subject which is currently enjoying growth due to the popularisation of energy saving methods. It is certainly of vital importance where surfaces are in relative motion, perhaps even more so when we are trying to maintain engines for our descendants to see, and hopefully from which to derive as much enjoyment as we do at the present time. It is the intention of this article to provide an insight into what is perhaps one of the least appreciated aspects of our hobby.

BEARING HOUSING

_SHAFT

INTRODUCTION In almost all instances where relative motion of two surfaces occurs in the presence of oil, a thin film manages to get between the surfaces and carry part of the load. The mechanism of load carrying varies. In some cases, the parts are specially shaped, as in journals or thrust bearings, to assist in film formation. In other instances, such as crosshead slideways, a microscopic thermal distortion helps to produce what is known as a 'wedge', i.e. two surfaces converging together between which the oil flows. In roller bearings and gears, slight elastic deformation of the material, ❑ r pressure effects in the oil, act to generate the wedge. In this situation, the moving surface drags oil into the gap between the two elements. Since oil is virtually an incompressible fluid, this results in a pressure generation which also causes the oil temperature to be raised. This is where the bearing absorbs power. A journal bearing forms a wedge as shown in Figure 1. The clearance, which is normally only a few thousandths of an inch, has been greatly exaggerated and the converging wedge can be seen at position 'A'. No surfaces are perfectly smooth and hence the surface roughness of any two metals forming a bearing is very important. Usually, the oil film produced is of the

FIGURE I same order of magnitude of 'roughness' as a ground finish. This does not mean that a turned shaft will not be capable of forming part of a bearing, it just means it will require slightly more power to rotate the turned shaft. In certain circumstances, the oil film may not carry the full load. Contact between high points on the two surfaces will account for a small percentage of the load carrying capacity but where the roughnesses break through the oil film, frictional heating causes a layer of surface active molecules to form a protective layer. These molecules occur naturally in oil but there are not always enough to cope. Sometimes an additive with more endurance is added to the oil to assist, but once this has been eroded, the high spots frictionweld themselves together and 'tear' a small piece out of the surface. This leads to bearing wear and eventual failure. (See Fig. 2). TYPES OF OIL A primary factor in lubrication is that oil viscosity changes rapidly with temperature -- generally, the more viscous the oil, the more susceptible It Is to change. Oils are 97

categories are given at the end of this article. GREASE

SURFACES SEPARATED BY OIL

SURFACE ROUGHNESS CONTACT AND PROTECTIVE LAYER

• ROUGHNESS WELDING AND WEAR PARTICLE

FIGURE Z classified by their viscosity to a scale devised by the American Society of Automotive Engineers (S.A.E.). Crude oil varies considerably round the world, so that each manufacturer formulates his own oil and uses different additives to obtain the same specification. Not all additives, some of which are complex chemical substances, are beneficial in all instances. Petrol or diesel engine oils should not be used on Steam Engines as these contain some additives to enable these engines to exist at much higher temperatures than we are ever likely to meet in T.E. operation and these can, under certain conditions, eat away bronze bearings. When buying oil, find a local distributor and tell him exactly what is required to be lubricated by the oil you require. Various 98

The main constituents of grease are, a metallic 'soap' and a selected mineral oil. Common 'soaps' are calcium, sodium and lithium. Some non-soap thickeners are used to extend the temperature range beyond normal, e.g. organic coated clays and talc. The metallic soap provides a fine network, like lace, in which the lubricant is finely dispersed. The soap can only hold this fine dispersion by internal attractive forces. When this attraction breaks down, the fibres tend to collapse, releasing the oil which allows the grease to flow readily. This breakdown is directly related to the rate of movement of the two surfaces between which the grease is trapped. If we were to take a steel plate and coat it with grease, then place it upon a steel table and slide it in one direction, since the relative movement (shear) is in the direction of motion, the fibres tend to breakdown and release oil. This allows the plate to slide easily. However, in a direction at right angles to the direction of motion, the grease retains its properties and does not release oil and hence does not flow. If, then, the plate is taken and wrapped round to form a cylinder, along with the table to form a bearing, the cylinder, or shaft, will rotate freely. Unlike an oil bearing, grease flows under shear for a long time and because of this, grease will not run out of a bearing. An oil bearing requires continuous feeding to replace the oil lost by outflow and if left for sometime without feeding, all the oil will run out of the bearing. Grease does not do this, so a grease packed bearing will retain the lubricant for a long time. BEARING OPERATION The effect of dirt in the oil on a bearing will be that the shaft and housing will wear. A bearing will be warm whilst running due to the compression of the oil to form the pressure film and also due to conduction of heat from the firebox which is usually adjacent. If a bearing is excessively hot, then wear is almost certainly taking place, caused by either dirt, insufficient clearance, or lack of oil. If the bearing is too hot to touch, investigations should be carried out to ascertain the problem. One's nose is a good guide to correct bearing operation as a heated bearing gives off a readily discernable smell.

Since bearings are normally warm, oil will tend to flow from them naturally. If the outflow is excessive, it is likely that there is too big a clearance in the bearing. If this is the case, these should be tightened up accordingly or renewed if there is no provision for adjustment. The outflow should be examined carefully for any obvious particles of metal. If any can be seen, there is a strong possibility that trouble is just around the corner.

TYPES OF BEARING 1. Journal Bearing This is the most common bearing to be found. It consists (Fig. 1) of a shaft (diameter 'd" '), slightly eccentric in a The correct housing (diameter 'D" '). cleanance D — d should be around 0.002" 2 per inch of shaft diameter (d). The oil film thickness is very small, typically 23 microinches or 0.0005 mm. From this it can be seen why bearing alignment and surface finish is of such importance. It takes only a small amount of misalignment for the two surfaces to touch and the bearing to wear. Similarly, the oil and feed cups should be as clean as possible. If wear has occurred, it should be possible to take it up on the larger split bearings. If the clearance is excessive, or there is no more room to take up wear, the only solution is to re-machine and replace the housing and shaft.

Thrust bearings

These work by very small thermal elastic deformations providing the principle of the converging wedge. Similar remarks apply as for journal bearings. To assist in lubrication distribution, grooves are often cut in the stationary members. On slow speed bearings such as front axle pivots or turntables or other surfaces having only occasional movement, grease may be used to advantage since the lubricant will not require replenishment as often as with oil.

Slides

Again small thermal elastic deformations provide the wedge and on high speed surfaces such as crosshead guides, oil is used. Further remarks as for thrust bearings also apply.

Transmission system

This, either gear or chain, can be construed as coming within the 'bearing' category. The systems can be divided into two types, closed or open. A closed system, as on a Sentinel waggon or Wallis Oil Bath tractor can use a normal gearbox oil. The open system- as on a Traction Engine or Steam Roller, cannot use a conventional oil as this will run off rapidly and leave the gears almost unlubricated. Grease can be used to advantage in this instance but it requires careful application by a stick to the face of each gear. It must be borne in mind however, that a Showman's Road Loco with three speeds has a large number of gear teeth and will therefore take a long time to grease properly. But there are some very thick oils — they are not grease — which are dissolved in a solvent. This type of lubrication can be brushed on. The solvent evaporates and leaves a thin oil film on the surface which will lubricate the transmission system. 5

Lubrication of Cylinders

Cylinders require a different grade of oil from normal journal lubrication. It has to have heat stability and a minimum tendency to form carbonaceous or sticky deposits. Where superheated steam is used, Superheated Cylinder oil should be specified, as on Sentinel waggons. The lubricant is atomised by the steam velocity and then distributed to the working surfaces. For low loads and speeds, such as when the engine is just ticking over on a rally field, the steam velocity is definitely inadequate to correctly atomise the mechanical lubricator oil supply. Thus, therefore, unless one really enjoys replacing piston-rod and gland packings, an additional feed from a displacement lubricator is essential to supplement that from the mechanical lubricator. Once the atomised oil is inside the cylinder, the steam distributes it as an oil film on the cylinder bore and all other surfaces. Two problems can occur: these are:- Over lubrication in the cylinder — i.e. too much oil. Apart from being costly, this can lead to rapid build up of deposits in the cylinder and its passages. There will also be a tendency for rust, lime scale or any other sediments which may be carried over in the steam, to remain in the cylinder Under and this could cause damage. lubrication — i.e. a lack of oil. This can be 99

diagnosed when groaning, excessive wear or chattering is taking place and is due to an incomplete distribution of the cylinder oil. It often occurs when engines are run for long periods at low speeds and can be overcome by using an oil of a lower viscosity, increasing the lubricant supply (by use of a displacement lubricator to supplement the mechanical lubricator) or by improving the oil atomisation. The latter can easily be achieved at a rally by giving the engine a quick spin for a few minutes every half hour and this should prolong gland and packing life. One should be careful, however, if doing this, not to cover any assembled spectators with black oily water which may have collected in the blast pipe, as they will be far from pleased if you do. Dirty water and other reasons can lead to priming where water is carried over into the cylinders and eventually expelled up the chimney, amongst other places. This effectively washes the cylinder walls of all lubrication provided by the normal means. This must be replaced as soon as possible and it is therefore a good idea to keep the displacement lubricator topped up and out of use for such possible emergencies as it is not always possible to stop, take the engine out of gear, put steam on and turn the mechanical lubricator by hand, in order to get oil into the cylinder. CONCLUSIONS Ingress of dirt is a very common problem, especially to journal type bearings and there are, on an engine, many points where oil is applied via a simple drilled hole. What a gift to dirt collection this is — a nice sticky hole is like a magnet in iron filings. It is a simple and cheap expedient (compared to a new bearing) to fit a small standard oil cup with a flip lid or a small grease or oil nipple. There are many standard sizes and styles available 'off the shelf', which a dab of paint will conceal to all but the most observant. For protection from rust during the winter months, several oil firms manufacture a rust preventative to cover polished steel parts when laying up an engine. This is not usually expensive and can offer good protection, especially if an engine is to stand outside. I hope that this brief and simplified guide to a very complex subject, which is still rapidly expanding, will be of use to those involved in running and maintaining Steam 100

vehicles. No mention has been made of ball bearings as these are relatively rare in Traction Engine type vehicles, although some of the later steam wagons may have had them. For additional reading, I would recommend the late Michael Salmon's excellent book for the Road Locomotive Society entitled "A Modern Manual for Drivers of Steam Road Vehicles" which has several pages devoted to lubrication, mechanical lubricators and adjusting split bearings. The classifications to be given to oil suppliers as being the purpose for which the lubricant is required are as follows:1. Steam Cylinder Oil, non superheated up to 200 p.s.i. 2 Steam Cylinder Oil, superheated up to 300 p.s.i. (for Sentinels). 3. Syphon Oil for wick feeding to brasses. 4. Crosshead Slide. 5 Oil for journal bearings, crank and gear shafts. 6. Grease for low speed shafts, e.g. axles. 7. Grease for open gears and chain drives. 8 Oil for closed gear boxes. 9. Rust preventative oil/grease to protect polished steel parts from the elements when laying up. There are many companies, nationwide, who can supply suitable oils for traction engines and details of these will be incorporated in the next edition of the N.T.E.C. publication, "Drivers supplies, suppliers and other sundries", — better known as the STEAM DIRECTORY. 0

CHUFF A newspaper cutting from the Rhodesian 'Sunday Mail' dated 3rd December 1978, tells of the rescue of two Fowler Z7 Ploughing Engines in 1972 by Anthony Woods, a Civil Engineer of Salisbury, Rhodesia. In similar circumstances to those described by Mike Davis in Steaming Vol. 21, No. 4, Anthony Woods located these engines at a Sugar Estate at Luabo in Mozambique, some 350 miles from Salisbury and he transported them home by barge, rail and road, including some very difficult craneage operations. The engines, Nos. 15509/10 of 1920 now reside in Mr. Wood's garden and create a great deal of S.T.E.S. interest in the locality.

Name Plates

Rally Plaques

FERROUS AND NON-FERROUS CASTINGS ORNAMENTAL AND ENGINEERING Stock polished brass castings include Aveling & Porter Horse and lnvicta plate (large and small sizes), Marshall Britannia Fowler Owls, all £13.50 each. John Fowler oval number plate with your number engraved £9.50. Marshall Boiler Plate £14.00. Marshall Smokebox Door Ring C11.50, Sentinel Cab Plate £7.00, Foden Diesel £9.85 per set. Foden Hub Caps 3" diameter £2.50 each. Gardner Badge £2.75. Gardner 180 €3.00 each. Ranscme Sims and Jefferies Ltd. Number Plate with your number cast in £9.50. Six-point star 6-k" dia. £6.85. Guys Head Radiator Cap Mascot £10.50 Cast Iron Foster Smokebox Ring £14.00. All prices include VAT and postage and packing. This company specializes in polished brass rally plaques and engine name plates. Our casting service also includes ferrous and non-ferrous engineering work, either from your patterns or we can produce patterns from your drawings.

G.M.S. (Wirksworth) LTD. Yokecliffe House, West End, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, DE4 4EG 062-982 2805

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

Price £20.

G. K. BENTON, BARDNEY, LINCOLN, LN3 5SS Telephone Bardney (05263) 208 IA.

101

LICENSING by David Trew

Members of the NTEC will hardly need to be told that, at any rate at present, any person who uses or keeps on a public road any mechanically propelled vehicle for which an excise licence is not in force commits an offence against the law. One "keeps" a vehicle on a public road if it is on a road when not in use for however short a time. If a vehicle is never used on public roads but is used exclusively on roads not maintained at the public expense, no licence is issued but a registration book is given to the owner. Also, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, no tax is payable on a vehicle which uses public roads only for passing from one block of land in the owner's occupation to another block of land, for distances not exceeding 6 miles in any one week. Such circumstances must be rare nowadays. Almost all traction engines are now licensed as "agricultural machines" paying a duty of £8.50 per year. The legal definition of an agricultural machine includes ploughing engines, tractors, agricultural tractors, and other agricultural engines which are not used on public roads for hauling any objects except: (a) for hauling their own necessary gear, including threshing appliances, farming implements, a living van for the operator's use or supplies of water and fuel required for the purposes of the vehicle or for purposes of agriculture. (b) for hauling agricultural or woodland produce from one part of a farm to another. (c) for hauling agricultural or woodland produce of a farm within 15 miles of that farm, or fuel required for any purpose on that farm or for domestic purposes by the occupier's employees. (d) for hauling articles required for a farm by the licencee, who is either the farmer or a contractor engaged to do work on the farm by its owner or occupier or for hauling articles required by that person for land occupied by him with a farm. (e) for hauling within 15 miles of a forestry estate, agricultural or woodland produce of the estate or fuel required for the estate or articles required by the occupier. 102

(f) for hauling within 15 miles of the holder's farm, material to be spread on roads to deal with ice, frost or snow or hauling a snowplough. It has been ruled officially that provided implements hauled are "farming implements" there is no requirement for them to be used on agricultural land, nor need the living van be necessarily used for the accommodation of persons engaged in agriculture, merely for persons employed in connection with the vehicle. These provisions seem to cover most of the activities of present day traction engine owners, and the only area in which serious difficulties seem to have arisen is in proceeding to and from rallies, where traction engines or tractors have been used to draw a trailer upon which is mounted another tractor. It has been ruled officially that this is not compatible with the agricultural machine class. "This use cannot be said to be within any of the permitted haulage uses of an Agricultural Machine and would in itself attract the General Haulage rate of duty". It seems difficult to fit a steam waggon into the definition of an agricultural machine and it seems that most, if not all, steam waggons are licensed as private cars, paying the usual excise duty of £50 for a year or pro rata for a shorter period. Licensing a steam waggon as a private car entails the corollary that it cannot be used for carrying goods, other than the hand luggage of the crew or passenger, or extra supplies of fuel. There seems no doubt that a waggon can be licensed as a private car, as the definition of a goods vehicle is "a vehicle adapted for carrying goods and used for that purpose". Certain vehicles are specifically exempt from excise duty, including road rollers, tar sprayers, gully flushers, fire engines and ambulances — anyone ❑wn a steam ambulance? If used on a public road, a steam mower would pay £8.50. The position regarding driving licences seems comparatively simple. It is hardly necessary to say that no one may drive a motor vehicle (which includes any form of steam propelled vehicle) on a public

road unless he is the holder of a driver's licence. A person cannot be granted a licence unless he has either during the last ten years held a licence covering the type of vehicle he wants to drive, or passed a driving test, or held a licence in Northern Ireland, the I.O.M., or the Channel Islands. Driving licences are granted to cover various groups of vehicles and most people who are holders of a driver's licence have passed a driving test on a private car with non automatic gears and have been granted a licence to drive groups A and E (E is a moped). Group A covers "any motor vehicle other than a vehicle in Group X". Group X covers "a motor bicycle which is not electrically propelled, road roller, vehicle steered by its tracks, invalid carriage and trolley vehicle". Even if a person has a Group A licence he has to obtain an additional licence before driving either a heavy goods vehicle or a public service vehicle, but fortunately it is specifically stated that an H.G.V. licence is not required to drive a steam driven vehicle. However, there is no such exemption for P.S.V.'s so that it would seem that drivers of steam P.S.V.'s require a P.S.V. driving licence. A Group A licence holder can therefore drive most steam vehicles. Road rollers, as well as being included in Group X, form a group of their own, Group G. One presumes therefore that a person who wishes to drive a steam roller will have to take a test. One may note in this connection that the holder of a full licence for Group A can use this licence as a provisional licence for groups not covered by a Group A licence, provided he is old enough.

Whether or not a steersman requires a driving licence has been debated, but in fact the Road Traffic Act, 1972 s 84(3) does provide that person may, without holding a licence act as steersman of a vehicle on which a speed limit of 5 m.p.h. is imposed, provided he is under the orders of another person who is properly licensed. "Vehicles on which a speed limit of 5 m.p.h. is imposed" comprises goods vehicles without soft tyres, motor tractors without soft tyres, and locomotives without soft tyres. Presumably this includes road rollers. I have made enquiries as to how to apply for a driving test on a steam roller. It appears that one applies on the normal form, and the testing centre when sending a receipt for the application sends a questionnaire asking among other things which testing place is most convenient. One returns this questionnaire end in due course an appointment for the test is notifield. Naturally one has to supply one's own Holler but the examiner comes to the applicant not vice versa.

CORRECTION A member, Mr. P. Nash, has kindly pointed out an error in the article in Steaming Vol. 21 No. 4 on Capital Transfer Tax. Far from the tax on lifetime gifts being higher than on death, the tax on lifetime gifts is at half the rate on death for gifts up to £100,000 and it never exceeds the rate on death.

MASHAM STEAM ENGINE & FAIR ORGAN RALLY JULY 21st & 22nd 1979 Engines, Organs, Vintage Tractors, etc. Plus other attractions. Full details later. 103

SHOWLAND ENGINES "PRINCE OF WALES" by John Wilkinson W. H. Marshall and Sons' three-speed Burrell No. 3945 "Prince of Wales" is the subject of this contribution, and I took the snapshot at Cleckheaton Spring Fair on 23rd April, 1936. The late W. H. Marshall was one of the leading roundabout proprietors in Yorkshire, and he usually commenced the travelling season with Halifax Spring Fair (a fortnight before Easter) and continued to the end of November with Melton Martinmas Fair. All his tackle was well maintained, and he had two of the finest drivers (who were foremen) in the country — the late Frank Orriss and the late Arthur McLaurie. During the late 1920s he took delivery of a novelty ride called Hey-Day, built by a firm at Macclesfield. With the exception of Cleckheaton and 104

Hull, he was the lessee of the fairs he attended; so for that reason he sent the Hey-Day to many fairs outside his usual circuit — just as he did with the Flying Chairs in the early 1920s. The Hey-Day packed on five loads, s❑ "Prince of Wales" saved the 65 b.h.p. Foster having to make what was known as a double journey. The Foster took three loads and the Burrell the other two. With Marshall's also travelling Dodgems and Noah's Ark roundabouts, sometimes the Burrell gave assistance when moving from fair to fair. At first it was given the three lightest loads, and the Foster and two Fowler Big Lions and the heaviest loads to move. But "Prince of Wales" — a seven-horse engine with an eight-horse boiler — proved itself so very efficient that 'ere long it took

Tommy at the fairs at Carlisle and Penrith, when he was driving Fowler No. 10328 "One of the Best" for Henry Irvin. It seemed that Tommy had been driving a Foster for the Scottish firm of Joe White, but at one time he was in the employ of Norman E. Box, heavy haulage contractors. On mentioning him to Mr. Marshall, and knowing that Norman Box only employed first-class drivers, "Gateshead Tommy" got a job as engine driver for W. H. Marshall. He joined the firm (from far-away Perth!) at Ashton-under-Lyne, and although he only arrived at night time he was off next day with the Burrell for Halifax Spring Fair. I met the loads on the lonely moorland road between Oldham and Ripponden, and accompanied them to the fairground at Halifax. Whilst making the steep climb from Sowerby Bridge to King Cross, Tommy drew into the side of the road to engage low gear. But a tramcar came on the scene, and as it slowly passed the road train, it caught one of the trucks, and by doing so the paint on the tram was scratched. Mr. Marshall subsequently got a bill for £10. As the road train was stood still I maintained it was the tram driver who was at fault, and although Mr. Marshall agreed he paid the fine without comment, and told me if that he hadn't all his drivers would be persecuted whenever they were in the Halifax Borough! As a point of interest„ "Prince of Wales" was new in 1922 for H. Coneley, of Bristol and was registered HT 6804. Marshalls obtained it in 1933, but I lost trace of it when serving in H.M. Forces during the Second World War. On being demobbed in 1946 I was told it had been sold to Charles Spencer, a Doncaster based showman, and he used it with a Dodgem, but it was cut up for scrap in the late 1940s.

the first three loads available, regardless of weight. Lettered on the dynamo platform is "Unladen weight 13 tons, 10 cwts.", but once when we were railing some of the loads in the Sheffield area, I persuaded the drivers of the four engines to have their charges weighed on the weighbridge in the goods yard. What a surprise! The big Foster weighed just over 17 tons; the Burrell just over 19 tons; and the two Fowler Big Lions both topped 20 tons. As will be seen from the illustration, there are brass handrails on the dynamo, and these were frequently fitted to West Country engines, but not often seen elsewhere. Note also the electric lighting, and the "birdcage" on the top of the chimney. With travelling to fairs outside the Marshall "run" the Hey-Day attended events as far afield as Newcastle-on-Tyne, Liverpool and Nottingham Goose Fair. One day "Prince of Wales" took a couple of loads from Wibsey to Hull (70 miles), and on its return next day the late Mr. Marshall told me he had clocked it travelling at 24 miles per hour without any loads behind it. I think it was 1933 when the Burrell was acquired by Marshalls, and rather think it was obtained by his nephew — the late Bob Lakin, who was a builder of roundabouts. Arthur McLaurie collected it somewhere in the London area, but at either Stamford or Grantham it suffered the fate of many Burrells — a broken axle. This took several days to be put right, and it was Frank Orriss who eventually drove it to Marshalls place. During the early part of one year I had a letter from Thomas W. McIntosh (known as "Gateshead Tommy") saying he would like to get driving in Yorkshire, and asked if I could find him a job. I used to see Gateshead

TRENTHAM GARDENS TRACTION ENGINE RALLY by

THE NORTH STAFFS & CHESHIRE TRACTION ENGINE CLUB SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JULY 21st - 22nd 1979 Engines — Organs —Tractors — Stationary Engines — Models, etc. A34 Stoke - Stafford Road Ample car parking This is our 21st Birthday Rally, the Club being founded in 1958

105

AREA NOTES Compiled by Derek Rayner

I should like to thank all those contributors who have sent their good wishes to myself and family on my recent move to the fine city of Norwich. The weather was atrocious on the removal day — it snowed all the time the removal men were unloading the furniture, lubricators (whisky glasses) and spare rolls (of carpet) but that apart, we are now settling in and becoming established. Your kind thoughts are much appreciated. As always, during the winter months, there is not a great deal of activity to report — certainly not as much as during the summer. As was mentioned by Dick in his last editorial, delays are often caused to the production of the Journal by circumstances beyond the editorial team's control — i.e. industrial action. However, sometimes holidays and in my case, house removal may mean a slight delay in despatch of copy to the printers. Another area where delays are caused and where Correspondents can help tremendously is to avoid the possibility of my waiting for news from a particular area, when nothing is to be forthcoming. Can I therefore ask that each Correspondent forwards, in the event of a nothing to report situation, a NIL return, in the form of a postcard, to me, so that I am aware of the situation and do not hold back copy unnecessarily. Journals/Newsletters are acknowledged from: Cornwall, East Anglia, S.T.E.S. From time to time, information comes to hand about areas, which has not originated from the appointed correspondents. h. is usually published under his or her name to save confusion. It is unfortunately not always possible to check all facts given to me and it is for this reason that certain erroneous information crept into the last edition in the Bedfordshire and Kent notes. I apologise to those correspondents in these areas for any inconvenience which may have been caused. 106

Area Notes copy for the next edition should be sent to me by the last day of April. The remainder of the dates for 1979 are the last days of July and October. Derek A. Rayner, "Invicta", Lower Street, Salhouse, Norwich NR13 6RH

DERBY There seems to have been very little activity amongst the local steamers during the past months. However, Ian and Gary Howard of Cromford have been making progress with the re-rubbering of their Marshall Road Loco No. 74871/1921/BE 9002 "The Lion". Boxing Day saw the gathering of the steaming clans at the Ockbrook home of R.R.A. committee member, Bernard Bartram. There was lots to eat and drink and Ron Oxley took along his 3" Burrell miniature traction engine, so the event was truly a 'steam up'. Ron, who lives at Stanley, built this engine during 1976 and '77 and, despite the cold weather, was out and about giving the children rides on his trailer up and down Pares Way, much to the interest of the local residents. Steve Durance has been travelling in New Zealand for some time now and during a stay at Wakefield, South Island, his host took him for a drive in his restored 1925 Buick. Apart from two more similar models unrestored, he owned a 1923 4wheel Massey Harris tractor, a 1952 Lanz Bulldog tractor (similar to a Field Marshall), a 1919 USA Crawler and a late 40's Morris Commercial lorry. Quite obviously a vintage vehicle fan. Steve has been on the look out for engines and, during a train journey, he spotted a restored Fowler Traction Engine with two living vans and also a Pacific type locomotive in need of restoration in a railway

"Ivanhoe" is mentioned in the notes below but this picture was taken in 1972 when the engine resided in London. The occasion a TV session with the "Blue Peter" programme to help publicise the first Expo Steam. A race was organised up the main avenue at Battersea Park (in tact very slow) and here are the competitors just after the start. Leading is John Taylor with Peter Perves on Wallis & Steevens No. 7155 "Blue Peter". Next is Jonathan Minns with Valerie Singleton and Foster No. 14638 "The Little Gem" and very much in the rear Goff Radcliffe together with John Noakes and Ransomes Sims & Jefferies No. 41046 "Ivanhoe". The filming took all day and the ultimate winner was the Foster. goods yard. Whilst visiting the Otanata Pioneer Museum he came across a rough Garrett single cylinder slide valve traction engine which had worked in a local saw mill until 1957. Jane Rodgers.

LANCASHIRE & CHESHIRE Dakins organised their end of season Steam Up at the Red Lion Inn, Goostrey, on the weekend before the clocks were put back. Some ten engines took part including Bill Evan's Marshall No. 35554/ 1901/N026 "Jodoc", D. Crabtree's Foden tractor No. 13784/1931/UX9728, Frank Lythgoe's Ransome's No. 41046/1930/VX 7317 "Ivanhoe" and the old Burrell No. 2003/1897/YA509 "Diamond Queen" owned by Bill Briggs. Many people stopped to view the spectacle and the car park at the pub soon filled up, such that when Peter Startup arrived with his Fowler Showman's engine No. 15652/1921/CU977 "Repulse", it was somewhat difficult to find him a space. Peter generated until

closing time. A Bonfire Party was organised by Bill and Joyce Evans at their farm at Hampton Heath, Malpas, on 4th November. Engines on display were "Jodoc", Will Dakin's venerable Humphries portable No. 1663/ 1890, D. Crabtree's Foden and John Nudd's semi-restored Standard Sentinel No. 3976/ 1921/NX344. This has had the boiler installed, cab rebuilt and undercoat applied to the bodywork. The final steaming event of 1978 took place on Boxing Day in glorious springlike weather, when local enginemen gathered for lunch at the Jolly Thresher Inn, High Legh, before steaming to a couple more hostelries during the afternoon. Engines in steam were Tom Barlow's 7 hp Foden T.E. No. 2654/1912/E5684 (with Tom making this, his tenth consecutive appearance), Frank Lythgoe's Fowler compound T.E. No. 21647/1937/ZB1135 and the Ransomes and Jim Stevenson's 10 ton Aveling & Porter roller No. 10906/1924/ MB5846 "Cinderella". She is now fully fit again after having had a long crack in the exhaust base of the cylinder block 107

successfully welded. Many other local engine owners and preservationists turned out and so much interest was created at this event that it is planned to make it a regular happening in the Steam Man's calendar, to be called the Tom Barlow Boxing Day Run. During the latter part of 1978, three engines came into the area. In early November, Ernie Speed of Nantwich obtained the ex-Solihull Council Aveling & Porter 10 ton p.v. compound roller No. 10893/ 1924/NX6283 from L. Hill of Bourneheath. Another Aveling, a 4 hp comp. tractor No. 9081/1919/KN5785 was purchased from the north Derbyshire area by John Hesslewood of Bury who, at one time, owned Wallis & Steevens roller No. 7773. The tractor requires complete restoration, including new firebox, new tender and a repaint. The third engine is the famous Burrell tractor "Cock o' the North", No. 3397/1912/AH 095, which has come to roost in the north west, being purchased from J. Wakefield of Hetton-le-Hole, in November by Owen Francis of Urmston, Manchester. A new firebox is to be fitted by a local boiler maker and this fine engine could be out and about before the end of the year. Ron Kitchen of Fulwood, Preston, has sold his 8 ton Wallis Advance No. 7851/1926/H06459 "Friend Richard" to an enthusiast at Weimer Bridge. On the restoration front, Frank Lythgoe's Foden T.E. No. 443/1899/DJ1142 "Victoria" is now ready for the road after a new firebox and a major rebuild and repaint. At Alderley Edge, Ray Pearson plods on with his A. & P. p.v. d.c.c. roller No. 11788/ 1927/CJ9720. Michael Webber of Bolton has nearly finished the repaint to Aveling Green of his A. & P. 10 ton single No. 6544/1908/HD1572 "Little Wonder", and another Aveling roller, Phil Priestner's exNorth Riding C. Council 10 ton single No. 8754/1914/VN 2370 is to have a new canopy now that boiler work and tender rebuild are complete. New members to the N.T.E.C. who reside in the Lancs. and Cheshire areas may be interested to know that the Lancashire T.E. Club meet at 8 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at the White Horse Hotel, Railway Street, Leigh. Readers are reminded that the Lancs Club's annual rally has a change of venue this year. It is to be held at the famous Haydock Park Racecourse and the date is changed — 14th/ 15th July. A.R.P. 108

SCOTLAND (courtesy of S.T.E.S.) Although Bill Edwards of Cutter advertised his Ransomes No. 31298/1920/SA 4253 "Garioch Queen" for sale, he has subsequently decided not to sell it. Several interesting items are pending but details are not available at present. On 6th December, two engines were steamed to enable some sequences for an educational film on Energy to be shot. These were the Fowler Roller No. 21636/1937/CS7859 "Covenanter" — Ex-Ayr C.C. and Borthwick's Marshall Portable. The Foden wagon boiler rescued by Mark Helsel! is now taking shape as a wagon. Following an appeal in Steaming Vol. 21 No. 3, much help has been received and items acquired. Thanks are due to those who responded and it just shows what a fine spirit of camaraderie exists in the Traction Engine world. It has also been established that the boiler was from a 6-wheeled wagon owned by Limmer & Trinidad, Manchester area, No. 13156 and that its working mate had been Tom Ramsey's Wagon No. 13008 and bits had been robbed from 13156 to keep the other going. Although a lot of work remains, what started as a pile of bits, is now being assembled and will soon become a recognisable wagon again. The other Foden boiler which came from Treloar Bros. at Haltwhistle is being incorporated in Jimmy and Walter Borthwick's No. 2 wagon. Pistons, piston rods and glands have been made for their two cylinder simple engine. The other 'under construction' engine which is progressing well is the mini-tractor being built by Jimmy Houston. The boiler, wheels, perch bracket, cylinder, flywheel and other items are all complete and other components are presently being manufactured.

THAMES VALLEY It is with sorrow that we record the death in November of T.V.T.E.C. Committee member Fred Simmons. Fred was a real countryman, a rat-catcher by profession and a natural steam man. He restored his Fowler No. 13140/1912/Y9955 "Volunteer" and used it for rallies and 'steam ups'. He was never happier than when the engine was on the saw bench, doing the type of work it was built for. He threshed in his early days, with Charles Richards at Dim-

Last year Fred Simmons sent us a picture of his engine "Volunteer" (see Thames Valley notes) on its first threshing job in 1913. The man on the engine and the two others in straw boaters were the brothers Thyler who did contracting from Hunts pill nr. Bridgwater, Somerset. field, Glos. The two stationary steam engines and boiler at the Eng!Oleic] Estate yard were particularly dear to Fred. It was he who got together a small team of men and led them in the restoration and subsequent steamings of these engines. Fred had not been well for over two years and after a spell in hospital, he was present at our autumn steam up of these engines. He was in his element and the whiff of steam seemed to make Fred his old self but for most of us, this was the last time we saw him and this is how we shall remember him. An ordinary chap, happy tc be with steam. A well known 'Parked-Up' roller, in this area, A. & P. No. 10350/1922/KX6838 used to stand in Salt Hill Park, Slough and was visible from the exrG.W.R. line from Reading to Paddington. She has now come into preservation having been acquired by P. Bowers of Sunningdale, Ascot. She is reported to be in very good order except that all brass boiler front fittings and the mud lids are missing. The other recently rescued roller, No. 10385/1922/?, owned by Bill Simpkins of

Chisbury has come a stage nearer to completeness again. Bill has been able to

obtain a cylinder block for her but is still it need of a piston. Can anyone help? Jack Wharton held a 'Steam Supreme' at his premises on the last weekend of November. Despite being held under the N.T.E.C. Code of Practice for Rallies, it was not a rally and turned out to be a gathering similar to those held in the early days of the movement. It was very cold but a very pleasant atmosphere was generated and Jack's gamble paid off, for as a result of the event, some £1,200 was raised, half of which was donated to Cancer Research, the other half went towards the purchase of a mini-bus by the local Red Cross. Amongst the sixteen or so engines which took part were Jack's own collection including the Allen/Fowler roller No. 3/8111 /1905/BW4798, the as found condition Lampitt No. 6/1887/BW 4433 and the first public appearance of the Marshall T.E. No. 41151/1905/BH7607. There were also four 89 Key Gavioli organs present. G.R.H. 109

WEST HANTS/DORSET News is somewhat lacking at the moment as most owners have not looked under the tarpaulins since the onset of winter. One surprise movement was that of the sale of Ruston Proctor Tractor No. 52573/1918/TF8240 "Lucifer". The engine has not travelled far away but its exact location is unknown. Three engines have moved into the area, notably a Fowler Road Loco, Aveling Traction, and Wallis Advance Roller. As yet I have been unable to visit the owner and acquire details. John and David Antell have given the owner much help so far, and have steamed the engines on a couple of occasons. Paul Antell tells me that he is anticipating rallying Robey T.E. 7 nhp s/cyl. No. 29333/1910/AD9899 for the first time this year. He has recently fitted the front axle and wheels and some of the second and third shaft gearing, but with damp and cold weather conditions work has not proceeded as swiftly as he woud wish. For my own part I have made small progress on my Wallis & Steeven Tractor No. 7881/ 1927/PR8420, but have had items such as belly tanks, motion covers, etc. Shot blasted and zinc coated before painting. John Kimpton of Ringwood, owns Fowler Comp. 12 ton roller No. 16270 built 1926, ex-Merioneth County Council, and W. H. McAlpine. He has removed the crankshaft and flywheel for attention, and hopes to replace shortly. The Dorset Stream and Historic Vehicle Club Annual Dinner Dance held in Febwary was well attended and thanks must go to Mr. and Mrs. John Garrett for their organisation. A most worthy speech by Chris Edmunds, highlighted the problems faced by the steam movement and where it could lead to! Mention must also be made of the work done for the Dorset Club by Mark Abbott of Lyndhurst, who has regularly supported local events with his Aveling engines, and we wish both him and his fiancee every success for the future. A Steam Up to commemorate Lord Nelson's victory at the battle of Trafalgar was held at the Seymer Arms, Shillingstone on 21st October. An inspiration on the part of the organisers led to the appearance of the Burrell Showman's No. 3443/1913/ C03822 "Lord Nelson" and the Marenghi organ from the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Crowds were drawn to the 110

pub as a result of the music playing and other engines present included the Fowlers of A. Field and Chalky White and the Marshall of Rodney Hunt and John Uphill. Another hostelry — Druscilla's Inn at Horton, was the scene of an end of season Steam Up. A display of miscellaneous items was headed by a 75 key Bursens organ and Mark Loader Jnr's Fowler S.R.L. No. 12255/1910/FX7170 "Princess". M.A.L.

EAST ANGLIA The last working day of the year took place at the end of October at the Cambridge City Sewerage Pumping Station and was staged by the Cambridge Museum of Technology. The large gas engines were in operation and an unusual exhibit was the locally owned Eddington portable engine No. 34/1879 which was built at Chelmsford and which is still under restoration. The Ley's School A. & P. roller No. 4757/1901/TA2300 and Edgar Shone's Foden tractor No. 13068/1928/EU3764 "Perseverance" were also present. Some 2,000 people visited Cushing's at Thursford for the Christmas Party on 9th December. It was the first time of showing for Percy Cole's Venetian Gondolas. The Burrells "Victory" and "King Edward VII" were on show and "Alexandra" was almost completed. One interesting point is that since the engine "Unity" is also here, this represents all the new purchases of Charles Thurston in the early 1900's. In steam was one of the two surviving Aveling & Porter Ploughing Engines and this was providing steam for the two stationary engines, ex-Norwich Gas Works. It is reported that Cushings have purchased a Garrett agricultural engine from Michael Whipps of Scole. Further details would be appreciated. Holkham Hall is to become the permanent home of Dick Joice's Bygones Collection. Dick is well known throughout the Anglian TV area for his Bygones programmes and his collection includes the Fowler G.P. No. 11594/1910/EW2335 "Margaret", W. & S. Advance No. 7836/1925/R0895 and two portables, an R.S.J., No. 14704/1903 and Farmers Foundry No. 39/1910. The total collection of some 4,000 items is to be housed in the stables and coach houses at Holkham, near Wells, and it is hoped that the collection will be opened from 2nd June, with the opening being marked by a special "Bygones at Holkham" weekend.

In the south of the area, Arthur Bullman is progressing with work on the firebox of his Burrell traction engine No. 2473. This engine came from Joe Keeling of Wickford and is probably unique as it was originally fitted with a chain driven Darby Digger, by Darby's of Wickford. It was built in 1902 and has a most unusual flywheel which, when used for digging, had about half the width of the rim removed, the removeable sections being in two pieces. A drive sprocket is mounted on the crankshaft whilst the tender still has the two large holes where a shaft was mounted with another sprocket which appeared to act as a tensioner. A wood cutting is in existence showing the engine with the digger fitted and also the basic governors, although she was later fitted with Pickering type. Problems have been experienced since 1972, when she appeared at the Burrell re-union although not in steam with a new firebox having to be made. However, these are now being overcome and things are happening. Several new fireboxes are being fitted in this area at present. These include John Ockenden's Marshall, John Downs' Savage Centre Engine, and Jack Rhodes' Wallis & Steevens Roller. Other engines having box trouble are Gordon Wells' Fowell and Charlie Brown's little McLaren. Other work is being carried out by Dave Dale on his Garrett roller which has had its rear rolls reshod with i" thick plate and Dan Doncaster who has removed the cylinder block from his Garrett tractor (rumour has it he is fitting it to the Sentinel S8 to improve performance). Les and Andrew Smith have started restoration work on Andrew's little 6 ton Aveling Roller and to keep his hand in, Les is also in the process of building another model Wallis Traction Engine, somewhat larger than his last one — this in his spare time!! At Wimbish, in Ben Taylor's yard there are at least three engines having major boiler work carried out. All in all, there is quite a lot of activity in this part of the world! In the meantime, if anyone knows the whereabouts of a Darby Digger in bits to fit Arthur Bullman's Burrell, he would be prepared to fit them to it. What a sight to behold on a rally

NOTTS AREA First of all, the good news. We have, at last in this area formed a Club — the Notts & District Steam & Veteran Machinery Club. The Secretary is Mrs. M.

Wright, 52 Greenwood Drive, Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts. The subscription is £2 per year with reductions for junior members. Anyone wishing to join, please contact Mrs. Wright. In Steaming Vol. 21 No. 4, a numerical error crept in, the A. & P. roller number printed as 8959 is, in fact, 8956 — Sorry about that. I have received two letters with information about the engines seen near Grantham noted in the same edition of Steaming. The portable was A. & P. No. 3338/1894 which was purchased in 1976 by Aveling Barford from Jack Pierson of Darlington. It has been restored by A-B and worked at their Gala Days in 1977 and 78. It remained in the park for some time after the 1978 Gala Day prior to it being transported back to the Works. The only other portable by A. & P. known to be in preservation is No. 3936/1897 in the Tokomanu Museum in New Zealand. The tram engine is No. 1607/1880 and is 3 0" gauge and was mentioned in the last edition of Steaming. This information was sent to me by Mr. E. Olive, A-Barford Ltd. and Mr. R. Sherwood, Northants. Now to more area news — on 4th November, five engines attended a Bonfire Party at Beeston, Notts. These were Mr. J Swingler's Fosters Nos. 12509/1910/UX 6727 and 14564/1922/FE8055; Messrs. Reader Bros. Wallis & Steevens G.P. No. 2394/1897/6E9345 and their Fowler R.R. No. 18651/1930/VF9312 "Susan Mary" and also Mr. Ainsworth's A. & P. Showman's type tractor "Whippet". On 18/19th November, Mr. and Mrs. Waites' Clayton & Shuttleworth Roller, together with Mick and Les Baines Wallis & Steevens roller went to the Chesterfield Canal Boat Club at Clayworth, near Retford, to roll 60 tons of limestone on their car park. The only problem encountered was the rain but this was soon forgotten with the help of 'spuds' from the ashpan. Over at Worksop, Graham Love has the pistons out of his Fowler Road Loco for servicing. Chris Dobbs is still making progress with the McLaren engine and he would like anyone with any plans of this type of engine to get in touch with him, c/n my address at the end of these notes. Engines new to the area include Foster G.P. No. 2775/1903/FW3333 "Jane" to Messrs. Scholey of Ranskill, Retford. This engine was previously owned by Martin Burr of Sheffield. It was used to help in the removal of a steam crane bought by Messrs. Scholey from R.O.F. land at Ranskill. Mr. B. Ragsdale of Retford has acquired a 6" to 1' scale model of an Allchin 111

from nearby Gainsborough. Work is also still continuing on his Burrell Roller. Two other engines which have come into the area are to be found at Fledboro, to the east of the County. They are: A. & P. Roller No. 4232/1894/CA4520, ex-Denbigh C.C., named "Venture", which is in rally condition and the other, Robey No. 35548/ 1916/D02046 "Sir Giles". This requires some attention prior to rallying. Both these are owned by Mr. John Gray who has moved into the area from Sheffield. On 16th December, Mr. Jess Swingler and Messrs. Reeder Bros. attended a Steam Up at the Crown public house with the same engines as on 4th November. Keith Flinton, 16 Chestnut Avenue, Ordsall, Retford, Notts, DN22 7R N.

CORNWALL During December, the remaining four rollers owned by the late Joe Deacon of Wadebridge were among more than 500 lots which came under the hammer. The only one in working order was Aveling & Porter 8432/1914/NM244 "Mendip Star", a 5-ton compound, built for use on the Duke of Bedford's Estate at Woburn Abbey and probably quite unique. She was in steam for the occasion and was knocked down to Bill Lobb of Hewas Water, near St. Austell, so remains in the locality. She has already been stripped down for a full overhaul. The remaining three rollers all went further afield. Fowler 19050/1931/ CV5630, a 12-ton compound in unrestored condition went to L. J. Searle of Horsham, Sussex, whilst Robey 48869/1932/EDV916, an 84-ton Tandem compound and Wallis & Steevens 7905/1927/0T3191, a 10-ton Advance, both went to L. G. B. Corbin of Hordle, New Milton, Hants. These last two were in reasonable order, but hadn't seen action for a number of years. Both had spent their working lives with the Devon C.C. Another roller formerly owned by the late Joe Deacon, Robey 42129/1924/RL75, another 83-ton Tandem compound, has been receiving attention at the hands of her new owner, David Hart of Camborne. The old tubes have been drawn and new ones are ready for fitting once the boiler inspector has passed judgement. A new coal bunker, water tank, ashpan and grate have been made and a complete new footplate is under construction. The topworks are being cleaned and nickel-plated. Quite a bit to do on this one in total, but it is hoped to have her on the road in 1980. A new arrival to the county during Nov112

ember was Fowler K7 Ploughing Engine 14694/1917/MA5128, purchased from Martin Saunders, Sunningdale, Berks., by Geoff Westlake of Wadebridge. This one spent much of its working life with Samuel Jackson, Wistaston, Crewe, later coming into the hands of H. T. Brown of Wolverhampton, with whom she worked on dredging jobs well into the 1960's. Although unrestored, it was steamed a few times upon arrival in the county, but is now being completely dismantled for a full rebuild, including the fitting of a new firebox. It is now housed at Dick Wood's farm at Little Petherick, alongside Dick's own Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive 2651/1904/AY9840 "Challenger". The work on the latter is now just about complete apart from painting, and it is hoped to have this done by next year. Two Aveling & Porter Rollers have recently seen an exchange of ownership. Aveling 8585/1915/FH2253, a 12-ton compound, formerly owned by Dennis Warren, Carn Brea Village, Redruth, is now the property of David Hicks, Ponsanooth, whilst Aveling 10190/1921/FX8654, an 8-ton piston valve single has passed from David's hands and is now owned by Dennis. The latter roller was steamed from Penryn to her new home during December. She has recently been fitted with a new smokebox, tubes and chimney, and has also acquired a replacement headstock. Aveling 8585 still resides at Cam Brea Village at the moment, but will depart for Ponsanooth shortly. In the December issue of Steaming, Vol. 22 No. 1, it was stated that Aveling Roller No. 8585 was due for the replacement of some stays in Messrs. Warren s ownership. This was not the case, as the roller is in complete working order. A usually reliable source was quoted, which was in error on this occasion. Apologies to all concerned. Also at the same village, Joe and Dennis Warren's Foden Wagon 11208/1922/ YA7952 continues to show considerable signs of progress. Work on the boiler unit is now just about complete. The topworks are all assembled and a new chimney ready for fitting. The front wheels, axle and perch bracket have been overhauled and repainted. Next in line is the chassis and butt which will shortly be moved under cover where work can proceed under better conditions. An unusual sight was witnessed in the Redruth area recently when Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive 3159/1909/CO 3823 "Gladiator" took to the road minus her canopy, the old one having been re-

moved for replacement. The fitting of the new one is now well underway. At Mawla Well, a few miles away, the protracted repairs to the firebox of Aveling Roller 8581/1915/DW2166 "Dougal", the 10-ton slide valve single, have again recommenced. This one is owned by Jed Cox of Redruth, and hopefully will be active again by the summer. Also at Mawla Well, David Solomon is refacing the valves on his Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction 48279/ 1919/TA4561 "Phoenix", ably assisted by Derek Hattam, who has now moved his own Robey Tractor 41493/1923/M F3946 "Little Glutton" from Mawla Well to the Zelah area where it is housed under cover. Two more engines which could well make their rally debuts this summer are Burrell Road Loco 3996/1924/E9597 "Conqueror" owned by Richard Sandercock of Stoke Climsland and Wallis & Steevens 'Expansion' Tractor 2672/1903/AF4740 of John Dyke, Petherwin Water, Launceston. Both are now In the final stages of restoration and will be welcome additions to the rallygoing ranks of local engines. A.V.K.T.

SUSSEX

During January the SCHVPT held its A.G.M. at Cuckfield amidst petrol shortages and bad weather. On the whole the well supported meeting was very quiet with nothing of any real significance to report. ❑avid Geale was elected Chairman with all other officials as before. Six places were open for election onto the Committee of Trustees. Re-elected were Roger Belsey, David Franklin (retiring Chairman), John Manser and Graham Gretwick. New members to the committee are Ben Bentley and Stan Budgen. The remainder of the committee was not up for re-election and remains as previously.

In August of last year the Trust launched a much improved and updated third edition of 'The Traction Engine Register'. Inevitably with this type of publication, some mistakes have crept in but the Register remains the only comprehensive list available to all enthusiasts. Copies are available through the N.T.E.C. Sales Officer. Peter Page of Horam Road has sold his single cylinder Allchin traction engine No. 1311/HR5059, allegedly to an owner in Ireland. Some readers may recall the appearance of the Allchin and a pair of Fowler BB1 plough engines in the film entitled 'The Moon & The Sledgehammer' which portrays the unusual lifestyle of the Page family. Those who have seen the film will appreciate the use of the word unusual! An arrival from Wadebridge, Cornwall, was a 10-ton compound roller, Fowler No. 19050/1931/CV5630, which joins the Searle collection at Horsham. Mr. Crooks of Brighton has provided more details of his 6 nhp single cylinder Barrows & Co. Ltd. portable engine No. 2667. When purchased, the engine had been stripped for soil sterilising on an East Grinstead farm with the motion discarded on a scrapheap. Over the past few years the various components and the main structure have gradually been removed to Brighton for restoration. A new firebox, tubeplate and smokebox will be needed as well as a flywheel to replace the original which has been missing for many years. Work has been progressing well on the reboxing of Ken Langley's Fowler agricultural No. 7459/1896/BW4506 "Endurance" and it should be out again this year. The 1928 Marshall 'S' type roller No. 83168/1928/0T7292 of Smith, Wheelhouse & Chicken has had the forecarriage stripped for retubing. Commencement of the work had been delayed so that Dave Lusby and Graham Gratwick could have a bash at their roller driving tests on 16th Novemher. Fortunately for both candidates the test went well resulting in two more legally qualified roller drivers. Jack Hampshire's Foden wagon No. 13716/1930/RP9208 "Peg 0' My Heart" also requires retubing this winter. Although not in the best of health, Jack, with the support of his wife Peggy and Bob Tarrant, has continued to use the wagon, although closer to home than in years gone by. December saw the marriage of Neal Herridge and Melanie Quick. Needless to say, Neal's immaculate Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 7979/1928/0U285 113

-Kathleen" was in attendance to transport the bride and 'groom, driven by Neal to the reception at Battle. Over the border in Hampshire, R. Clements' 10-ton Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 7932/1927/YB9972 "Hampshire Hog", has been taken to the Fareham Technical College where a group of students will be carrying out an overhaul. The Wallis has seldom been used in recent years but hopefully will venture out more frequently in the future. The village square at Wickham became the site of a roller meet on Boxing Day when four rollers gathered in the afternoon through to the late evening. Present were

Roger Brown's 10-ton pv compound Aveling & Porter No. 10025/1921/R8325 and Dick Martin's eight•tonner No. 14147/ 1931/YD4470 of the same maker, complete with Ken Judkins of Foden fame as driver. Mrs. Jo Curl attended with her 10-ton siingle cylinder Fowler No. 15854/1923/ WT1568, "Dreamer". The other Fowler present was a heavier 12-ton single cylinder roller No. 16100/1924/FF1779, out for the first time in the ownership of Charles Leadbetter who had recently bought it from Somerset. A similar gathering had also been held in the square at nearby Botley some weeks previously with the addition of Stuart Maggs' Aveling & Porter roller No. 7600/1912/M P5185. It is expected that a Fowler B6 road locomotive will take up residence in Sussex in the very near future. Negotiations with a pair of West Country enthusiasts are almost completed for the engine's purchase, the present owners having imported the Fowler from the Brittany region of France in late 1978. The general condition is said to be good although many brass parts are missing. More details when these are to hand. Finally, two engines have been noted as advertised for sale recently. These were a 1910 7 nhp Burrell S.C.C. by Mr. W. J. Elliott, Kirdford and a 1918 Ruston Proctor Tractor at Totton, Hants. G.J.G.

LEICESTER The first Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition was staged in October in the Granby Halls, Leicester. Hosts of miniature engines of all types were on display and these were complemented by two full size traction engines and three 15" gauge locos from the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch, Ravenglass & Eskdale and Bressingham 114

Railways. The engines, both Fowlers in immaculate condition were Andrew Fisher's BB1 Ploughing Engine No. 15170/1918/NR 79 and Len Crane's Crane Engine No. 1712/ 1928/RF6092 "Wolverhampton Wanderer". One of Jess Swing!or's Foster Showman's engines attended the 700th Wakes Fair at Castle Donington. The Town Cryer in full costume made his way round the streets where the fair was built up and both he and the engine drew big crowds.

KENT The biggest talking point of this area during the winter was the news that Brands Hatch has given the go-ahead to Gerry Cosgrove and Edward Wood to

organise for them a Steam Rally at the famous Motor Racing Circuit. These two, working under the name "Grovewood" wrote a lengthy letter in the Worlds Fair which leaves us little to add. However, it appears that all the engines are to be drawn from the Kent area only. If they manage to achieve a full entry then it will be the biggest gathering of Kentish engines ever held, since the Rally movement started. We also gather that most of the other

vehicles that go to make up a rally will have Kentish connections. The Rally is to be held on 19th August and we hope that everybody will give "Grovewood" their utmost support. The second most important piece of news was the purchase of the ex-Stan Burgess Clayton & Shuttleworth Wagon. Mr. Bernard Parris of Speldhurst is the new owner and the wagon is now stabled with his Allchin T.E. This wagon was new to the Westmoreland County Council on 19/5/1920 and is numbered 48510. This is a great addition to the variety of wagons in Kent.

Terry Maynard of Offham, has now sold his Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10043/1921 /FX8240 to Tony $lingsby, who hails from Hythe. The roller is now at Les Birch's yard at Sellindge undergoing renovation for the coming season. This means that Terry has now disposed of both his rollers. Terry has also sold his unrestored living van to Kevin Town of Grafty Green. Will Day of Headcorn has increased his fleet of Burrells with the purchase of the ex-Peter Barnes' Road Roller "Big John". This engine was new on 23/6/1911 to the famous contractors Isaac Ball of Wharles. Sold in 1964 and went to an estate near Hungerford. Then spent three years in a Contractors yard at Goring Heath, before

being bought by Peter Barnes in 1969. Will, to make room, has sold his Aveling & Porter Roller No. 12074/1928/YU826 to Mr. Barnes of Reading. Will has renamed his other two Burrells. This Road Locomotive is now "The Duke of Kent" and the single cylinder T.E. is the "Duchess of Kent". The only Armstrong Whitworth roller in Kent, No. 10R35/1923/ME2271, has now been sold to Mr. P. Love. This is the engine that broke its front forks in an accident at one of the early Paddock Wood Rallies whilst in the ownership of Don Eastwood of Horsmonden. Repairs were effected and the roller was then bought by Whitehead/Rostron/Rutler of Tonbridge. John Butler has added to the Kent Preservation scene by the acquisition of a very rare Scammell Artic Low Loader. This was purchased from the Orkneys, John, having travelled there and back singlehanded, is most pleased with this latest addition. Tom Casey of Dover has now finished the repairs to Trevor Lewis-Evans Allchin No. 1406/1907/K E1985. Repainting has started and should be finished by the time these notes are read. It will be nice to see this engine back on the Rally fields. Bill Hedges of Faversham has suffered a setback in his restoration of Aveling & Porter No. 11206/1925/PE2458. Bill managed to get this roller into working condition only to discover a serious fault in the firebox. This means a complete stripdown and new box. Bill is going to be assisted in this work by "Smudger" Smith. Smudger will be fitting this work in with the restoration of his own living van which he tows behind Aveling Roller No. 10271/1922/ME 2103. The Monday Brothers of Rainham have completely stripped their Aveling & Porter Roller No. 11648/1926/RT2464. Before proceeding further they are awaiting a visit from the Boiler Inspector. This engine was formerly owned by Smudger Smith. Mr. K. Drew's Aveling Roller referred to in the last notes was not present at Detling as stated, as this engine resides in the Bedfordshire area. Also, Thomas Wood's sent their big Burrell "Tam" to Roxton Park — "Mollie", which was reported to be at Roxton Park was, in fact, at Tenterden that weekend. Editor's note: Apologies for this apparently erroneous information which was published in good faith. 2 Kentish Men.

BUCKS A Steam Up was held at Phil Ives' farm at Olney towards the end of the season. His Marshall T.E. No. 52367/1909/NM182 "Mary Marshall" was in steam but the Garrett Showmans No. 33987/1920/BJ5597 "The Leader" which is nearing completion was not steamed but the lights were put on. Also attending were Jesse Swingler from Nottingham with "Maid Marian" and Albert Fensom with his Marshall No. No. 43560/1905/BD5414 "Winifred' and Reg Saunders with the newly restored Clayton & Shuttleworth. The Model Engineering Exhibition at High Wycombe on 5th November was given good publicity by Geoff Wheeler's Ruston & Hurnsby T.E. No. 113043/1920/ CE7977 "Oliver" which toured the town before the event and stood at the entrance tc the Town Hall car park for the rest of the day. Geoff was also out and about after Christmas, when he took advantage of a fine day for a little run down to the local hostelry — 'The Red Lion'. Harold Bonnett, former secretary of the N.T.E.C. has sold his Fowler Roller No. 17077/1927/UW1331 to Robin Gibson in North Wales. Harold bought it from the Mechanical Tar Spraying and Grouting Co. in Reading in 1961 and he decided to sell it as he was not getting any younger. The Chiltern T.E. Club's last outing of the season was to the Queens Head between Amersham and Hazlemere. There was a good turn out of local enginemen to see four engines — Anthony Heal's McLaren No. 1652/1919/WF1864 "Boadicea"; F. Honour's A. & P. Roller No. 9314/1921/ HR4399 "The Highwayman"; Boughton's Fowler Roller No. 17483/1928/CV1454 "Margaret" and Geoff Wheeler's "Oliver". Boughton's also provided "Margaret" on 2nd December to do the honours with Santa Claus at Amersham, much to the delight of the local youngsters. Another Christmas Parade took place in High Wycombe where the star of the show (other than Father Christmas) was Goff Radcliffe's Fowler S.R.L. No. 9394/1902/YA44 "Sir John Fowler". The Sea Cadet Band led the parade and the Fowler hauled the Chiltern Club's trailer on which Santa Claus sat, surrounded by his multi-nationed escort of young ladies. Another of Boughton's engines was also involved in Father Christ115

mas duties — this one being Fowler No. 7788/1897/BH6971 "Black Jack" which took the red coated gent from Little Chalfont to the Amersham Community Centre Christmas Market.

BEDFORDSHIRE I said in a previous issue that I would try and mention all engines in this area in these notes. This time I shall start with the engines owned by the Fensom family and engines which are kept at their yard. Mr. George Fensom rallies, with his sons, the Burrell G.P. No. 4055/1927/VF1273 "Crimson Lady", which is the only engine the family have which was bought during the preservation era. Mr. Albert Fensom and family have two engines, the first being the Marshall G.P. No. 43560/1905/BD5414 "Winifred". This engine has been overhauled during the 1977-78 winter including repainting. While visiting the yard recently, I was told that this engine was last repainted in 1958. During the winter of 1970, this engine had a canopy added which blends in very nicely with the appearance of the rest of the engine. The second engine is the Garrett tractor No. 33991/1921/FK1300 "Patricia". This is also in very good mechanical order, having been overhauled and repainted progressively between 1970 and 1974. This winter she is having a new firebox. Mr. Fensom it in a very happy and somewhat unusual position because his father bought a replacement box and all the necessary stays and rivets for the job many years ago when the engine was in commercial use. This situation must be unique in this day and age. During the rally season, several engines lay over in the yard en route to and from rallies. These include Mr. Stanley Hatfield's Marshall G.P. No. 61970/1913/BJ5934, for although Stan lives in Beaconsfield, he travels a very wide rally circuit, going as far north as Expo Steam at Peterborough. This engine always travels on the road and this season, Stan has built a dual purpose tender/living wagon which is a very practical trailer. Mr. Gilbert's agricultural No. 3984/1924/NK4495 "Dolly" is another regular visitor, usually accompanied by his threshing drum and trusser. This engine sometimes pulls a timber carriage loaded with logs. Another visitor is the A. & P. Roller No. 10596/1923/YA 5385, belonging to Mr. Sandy Ross of Welwyn Garden City. 116

Other engines are permanently stabled in the yard, these are usually five in number. Mr. Ken Drew of Luton keeps his A. & P. Roller No. 11347/1925/PP4966 "E. W. Fraser", there. This engine was purchased by Ken in 1968 and has been rallied by him locally since then. Another resident is Mr. Bernard Emerton's A. & P. No.11542/ 1926/RP2925. This was new to Towcester D.C. and was then taken over by Northhampton C.C. and stood ten years in a scrap yard until 1969 when it was purchased by Bernard. It required quite a lot of attention before it could be rallied but now is a regular attender at local events. The other three engines stabled in the yard are owned by Mr. David Philpot of Luton. His most well known engine is the Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48154/1917/ NM1161 which he has owned for several years, having purchased it from Mr. F. Wagstaff of Elston, Beds., who used it for threshing until 1952. His second engine A. & P. Roller No. 8837/1917/N01221. Also in David's ownership is Marshall Roller No. 77876/1924/PU4053 which is at present having a new firebox fitted at the works of Mr. Gordon Maskell. This is the firm who took over the men and machines formerly employed by the late W. J. Gower of Bedford. Messrs. Andrew and Barry Domleo who live in Devon and Surrey respectively, but who stable their engine in our area have removed their front roll, headstock, smokebox and tubes and may replace the tubeplate prior to re-tubing and fitting a new smokebox. This is Burrell Roller No. 4083/1928/ RT4058. Several members of our club would like to obtain a complete set of Steaming. If any N,T.E.C, members have any for sale, would they contact myself and I can coordinate the issues required. We would be very grateful to hear from anyone in this respect. Finally, it is with much regret that I record the death of Mrs. W. Fensom on 29th January after a short illness. The funeral was at Flamsted on 5th February. She had done much for steam enthusiasts in this area right from the beginnings of the preservation movement. She will be sorely missed and we would like to extend our sympathies to her family. Anyone with any notes, etc., from this area for the next edition, should address them to the undernoted. G. I. A. Holman, 33 Crawley Road, Cranfield, Bedford, MK43 OAA. Tel. Bedford 750 305.

WEST MIDLANDS Steam came to Acton Scott Working Farm Museum on the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd December 1978, when Mr. Henderson of Whitney-on-Wye brought his Fowler 7 nhp DCC traction engine 9225/ 1901/CF3795 "Pride of the Wye" to Shropshire to thresh the season's corn harvest. The farm uses traditional methods of farming as seen before the advent of the diesel engine and electrical power, and the sacks of corn were loaded into horse drawn carts, from the Fowler driven Marshall box which was built in the 1930s. Although steam engines are not to be seen often at the Museum, it is well worth a visit, as there arc many of the implements and hand operated machines of the past to be seen, and many working exhibits. In the same area is the Fowler D5 Road Locomotive "Cynorthwywr" 15787/1924/ EP2398 which was new to E. H. Jones & Sons of Newtown, Montgomery. The Clayton & Shuttleworth portable reported in the last area notes to be at Bromsgrove has now moved to a yard in Gloucestershire, but its eventual destination is not certain. Robert Millward of Halesowen has acquired the Garrett Showman's Tractor "Rob

Roy" No. 32981/1917/BJ3282 from Les Bishop of Burley. This well known tractor was owned by Robert Mil!ward from 1954 to 1974 before going to Burley, and attended many rallies including the early Church Stretton events. The engine is in very good condition and is now fully brassed, and should continue to be seen at Midland rallies. Also at Halesowen is Roy Mil!ward's Marshall Single Cylinder Traction Engine No. 30164/1898/MA7510. Fowler Roller No. 18507/1931/SM8832 has now been acquired by Les Bishop of Burley, having previously been in the ownership of Chris Greatley of Lamplugh in the Lake District, and from 1975, of Robert Millward of Halesowen. This was one of the two rollers brought down from Scotland by the late Monty Thackray and was rallied in Yorkshire by Bert Barker, British Fairground Society and L. & D.T.E.C. secretary during the mid 1960's Len Crane of Wolverhampton who is well known at rallies for his Fowler Crane Road Locomotive ex-John Thompson Ltd., is now working on his Burrell Crane Engine No. 3197/1910/AB8904 which is back at Hartlebury after its absence in the South in previous ownership. It appeared al the Birmingham Museum of Science Rally in 1977 towed by the Fowler, and its appearance in steam is eagerly awaited.

"Rob Roy" seen at Hockley Heath Rally in the 1960's when owned by the Millward Photo: R. J. Blenkinsop Brothers. See notes above. 117

Another engine to leave Hartlebury recently is Bill Stacey's Clayton & Shuttleworth Traction Engine, this engine was for many years at Winchcombe in the Cotswolds, and has now gone to Bridgnorth for restoration to be completed. A.H.E.W.

ULSTER Further information has come to hand regarding the 1978 Shane's Castle Rally on 14/15th July which, because of the sparse information usually available on Irish events, is given below. Three visitors from the mainland attended, these being Tom Varley, who with Robert Craig from S.T.E.S. made a 470 mile round trip from Gisburn with his Burrell Showman's No. 3444/1913/CK3403 "His Lordship", also Arnold Brook and Bob Brougham who came from Yorkshire (600 mile return) with Super Sentinel No. 6327/1925/NE4770. The third visitor was the 1919 Leyland wagon, owned by Leyland Motors and driven by Peter Dawson. Making its first appearance was U.T.E. Club's chairman, Rory Woolf's Super Sentinel No. 5471/1924/H06314, ex-Tom Varley and V. A. Law's A. & P. Roller No. 8918/1921/EW2239. Although space does not permit inclusion of all the entries, other interesting exhibits included N. Watson's Marshall Portable No. 88828/1939; R. Edward's A. & P. Light Road Loco No. 9405/1921/IA2500; R. Dowey's A. & P. T.E. No. 7410/1911/?; W. Bryce's W. & S. T.E. No. 7008/1908/DZ1726 and J. Mcllfatrick's W. & S. Advance No. 7834/1925/H06399 "Wee Mary Ann" and another Advance No. 8088/1932/? owned by P. McKendry. G.L.

LONDON Kew Bridge, London's Living Steam Museum has been in the news again. On the last weekend in October, they held a Steam Model working and also had several 12" to 1 foot engines in attendance. In front of the Museum and attracting a lot of attention was Peter Barber's Tasker Tractor No. 1822/1920/H02930 "Little Jim II" which was generating. In addition to Dennis Brandt's engines, Ken Brown's Aveling & Porter Roller No. 10159/1921/N03867 was also in steam and Ken took her for a trip into the busy traffic of Kew Bridge Road to publicise the event. Another item of full size steam 118

interest, although not in steam was a Steam Launch called "Firefly". On New Year's Eve, the Museum let the locality know they were still in steam by giving a blast on an assortment of whistles at midnight. The Museum also featured in the plans for the 48th Model Engineer Exhibition held at the Wembley Conference Centre from 4th January until 13th January. The Mayor of the London Borough of Brent arrived on Dennis Brandt's Foden Steam Wagon No. 13488/1927/R06330 to open the show and ❑ennis's other rengine, the Foster tractor No. 14514/1922/CA8534 "His Grace" was also present. These engines are also usually kept at Kew Bridge. They made occasional forays into the local streets for publicity purposes. An engine paraded again this year in the Lord Mayor's Show held in early December. The Insurance company, British Engine were closely associated with the appearance of T. T. Boughton's Fowler "Black Jack" in the show and she hauled a trailer carrying an engine from a Jumbo Jet, illustrating 100 years of engineering progress. The Caravan Exhibition at Earls Court in early November had Goff Radcliff's Fowler Showman's "Sir John Fowler" attending to assist with the publicity.

EIRE Attenders at the Irish Steam Preservation Society's Rally at Stradbally included J. O'Gorman & Sons Foden Wagon No. 6350/ 1916/M8681; the Manns Steam Cart No. 1216/1914/U4249; a recent 'import' — Fowell No. 98/1909/CE7858 "Reliance"; a 1907 Ransomes Convertible No. 19609 and a 6 hp Marshall No. 33199/1900/ CI 929 "Colleen Bawn" which was driving a stone crusher and segregator.

WILTS An event of some note took place in late October at Bert Dibben's end of season Steam Up in the little village of Martin, near Salisbury. In steam at this event for the first time in some 16 years was Mr. E Lucas' Fowler Showman's No. 19782/ 1932/U89763 "The Lion". "Lord Nelson" and the Anderton and Rowland Marenghi also attended and it was the first time for some 40 years that the two ex-A. & R. engines were together again — Quite a re-union. Although the event was not

publicised, quite a large number of people turned up to see, in addition, Bert's wellknown Wallis & Steevens No. 7102 /1909/ BH7446 "The Reeder Express" and his two rollers, Burrell No. 4025/1926/PR6641 "Pride of Dorset" and 6-ton Wallis Advance No. 8105/1936/SOR490G. Arthur Thomson was also present with his Garrett tractor No. 32122/1914/BH8900 "The Greyhound" and other local engines also turned up.

AVON Noted as being for sale was R. E. Uphill's 1924 12-ton Fowler Single Cylinder Roller.

CUMBRIA A Steam Threshing Party was held by the Fylde Preservation Society in October. Amongst others present was Rufus Carr's Wallis & Steevens Advance No. 7773/1923 /X04975. The Aveling No. 10915/1924/WT 6005 "Sooty" of G. Oldroyd has been a poor steamer for some time now but since some modifications have been carried out to the firebar spacing, she now steams like billy-ho! George Howard of Tarleton has fitted new differential gears and a front axle to his Garrett Roller No. 34084/1921/ BJ7045. A roller which has been advertised for sale is the A. & P. No. 10048/ 1921/FX8307 which has been parked up at the Irton Hall School, Holmbrook, Cumbria for some time now. It was stated in the advert that the roller had been painted annually for the last 16 years. (How many preserved rollers get that sort of treatment? — Ed.).

YORKS It is some considerablle time since Harry Denton of Pool-in-Wharfedale steamed his Fowler Roller No. 16854/1927 UA1684 but he lit up on Bonfire Night and again some three weeks later, prior to draining off for the winter. Whether this sudden burst of action is in preparation for restoration work to commence, we await with interest to find out. Derek Rayner's "White Rose" has now been retubed and hydrauliced. The Boiler Inspector has given the O.K. for another twelve months. Work is progressing in re-assembly now. Charlie Byass concluded a Grand Christmas programme with his usual Steam Up

at Little Weighton on Boxing Day. Before Christmas he had taken the Foster S.R.L. No. 14632/1934/AAU370 "Success" and his 89 Key Gavioli Organ to seven different locations and played carols for the assembled crowds. These included performances at Cottingham, Beverley, South Cave and Walkington. It was very muddy and wet this year on Boxing Day but around 200 people braved the cold to listen to the organ and also to see the Fowler Roller No. 16031/1923/NW7277 and also Eric Wood's R.S.J. Portable No. 44126/1938 which was belted up and driving a threshing machine. Ted Ashtons Sentinel Wagon was not present this year, no doubt it was undergoing maintenance, as Ted usually likes a drive out at Christmas. In contrast to the muddy conditions in the East Riding, Barry Wood steamed his Aveling & Porter Roller No. 5308/1903/ HD1573 "Withernsea" on Boxing Day and had a very pleasant mile or two run in the vicinity in sunny weather, although the wind was cold. A hot drink at the other end of the run worked wonders and it was almost dark by the time the roller returned to her safe abode. In addition to family and local friends, several engine enthusiasts were present at the Silver Wedding celebrations held in Masham Town Hall on 13th January to commemorate 25 years of wedded bliss for Masham Rally organiser, Bill Wise and his wife, Doris. Congratulations on this milestone and may there be many more to come. Many local enthusiasts are wondering about recent advertisements in the World's Fair and what the story is behind them. It is well known that a Fowler Road Loco appeared at the Sheffield Oakes Park Rally and that this had recently been imported from Australia. As was stated in the last edition of Steaming, this was subsequently offered for sale. Since then, from Sheffield, have been adverts for a Foden Road Loco, sprung, with belly tanks with a sound boiler but needing a complete rebuild and an assortment of spares, including Fowler Ploughing Engine front wheels and axles, other wheels and axles and crankshafts and flywheels. To complete the mystery, another advertiser requires a 12 hp McLaren cylinder block. It may be that we shall never know the full story behind these cryptic adverts but it certainly has got many of our local members wondering. The Fowler Roller No. 16485/1925/WU 2071 owned by Brian Dunford has been 119

steam cleaned and shot blasting is being carried out prior to painting. She has passed the critical eye of the Boiler Inspector and should not be too long before she is out and about. Irvin Barraclough has managed to remove the tender from his Fowler Road Loco No. 14893/1917/CT6888 "Midnight". This was oone outside in snow and freezing weather conditions. True enthusiasm!! It is hoped to have the new tender made and fitted before Clowne Rally at Spring Bank Holiday. D.A.R.

STAFFS The Aveling & Porter S.C. Roller No. .9024/1919/NT2019 "Rosetta" has been sold and has now left 'Klondyke Mill'. She was bought by Jim Cook from Shrewsbury She was a bit reluctant to leave as it was intended to push her onto the low loader using another Aveling Roller, No. 8316/1914 /E5335 "Lady Hamilton". However, the poor conditions under foot — several inches of mud — made it impossible to do this and eventually she was winched on but it was almost dark before she was safely in position. Another engine to change hands is the Fowler G.P. No. 9507/1902/NM141 "Marlborough", a Class R 6 nhp, which has been purchased from the wife of the late Mr. J. J. Wooliscroft by Chris Garbett, his assistant Gail and Dave Broughton. Poor Gail has now abandoned her usual facial make-up to one of a deep shade of black because anywhere on the engine that needs a very small hand, she gets first call and objections are very quickly ruled 'out of order'. The North Staffs & Cheshire T.E. Club are putting on the rally at Trentham Gardens on 21st/22nd July this year. This will be the 21st Birthday Rally and a memorable show is guaranteed. There is plenty of public transport from Stoke-on1 rent to this very pleasant spot — a lovely setting with graceful gardens and lake, etc. D.W.H. 0

engines and all that was going on there. The committee met to discuss a wide variety of topics and learned that the Association had been accepted into membership of the Historic Vehicles Joint Committee. This is a "watchdog" committee that looks at all proposed legislation concerning historic vehicles and often succeeds in getting things set aside which would otherwise work against "old" vehicles. After tea everyone assembled in the tea room for a slide show by member John Toy. This featured our 1978 Road Run and Rollers "on the road" in England and other parts of the world. Ian Hutchinson and family had a very good sales stall and a little raffle ended a very good meeting paying the expenses. The Annual General Meeting travels the country. In 1978 it was held at Bradford. This year it was held, by courtesy of Messrs. Wallis & Steevens Ltd., Road Roller Manufacturers, at their works at Basingstoke. Members were welcomed by President Lyndon Shearman and received reports of a year of satisfactory progress, a steadily growing membership, and £50 increase in funds. The Sales Officer Ian Hutchinson reported a good year in the sales department. Roy Green told how the library of books, pamphlets and photos continued to expand. Alan Porter, the Editor of "Rolling" was thanked for the excellent Journal which does so much to keep everyone informed. Lyndon Shearman was re-elected President, Tommy Woods who, the day before the meeting, had retired at Wallis & Steevens Ltd. was made an honoorary life Vice President. Ran Hawthorne was re-elected Chairman with Derek Rayner being elected Vice-Chairman. Bernard Bartram of 40 Pares Way, Derby, was elected Secretary in succession to Chris Cooper who felt he must retire, having held office since the formation of R.R.A. Eddie Hatfield was re-elected Treasurer/ Membership Secretary. Alan Porter, Editor, Ian Hutchinson, Sales, and Roy Green, Librarian, were all re-elected. Chris Cooper and Peter Knight together with the officers above form the committee.

ROAD ROLLER ASSOCIATION

It was agreed that the 1980 A.G.M. be held at Birmingham, numerous seasonal events are being planned and members will be notified.

In December a London meeting was held at the Kew Bridge Steam Pump Engines Museum. Members assembled during the afternoon taking great interest in the beam

After the business, Derek Rayner presented a slide show of Rollers on the Road, at Rallies, derelict, at Steam Workings and in museums. This was much appreciated by all those present.

120

OBITUARY MARTIN RIDLEY PEARSON It is with great regret that we record the death of one of our Club co-founders on 11th January, 1979, after a short illness. Mr. Pearson was the moving spirit behind the formation of the first Traction Engine Club in Australasia which had the inaugural Rally on 21st June, 1958. From that time until shortly before his death Mr. Pearson had the welfare of the Club and the members foremost in his thoughts and deed at all time. He was a great help to new members with all their problems associated with engines and equipment, nothing was E, bother to him at any time. Mr. Pearson was apprenticed as a carpenter after leaving school and when through his time joined his father in the saw milliing business. After a time other brothers joined the Company which was then known as G. W. Pearson and Sons. After the death of his father, Mr. M. Pearson became managing director until the mill was sold in the early 1960's to the McVicar timber interests. He, then in company with his son, Donald, built a 0

LEN COLE

further Saw Mill and powered it with his two traction engines, Robey 1911 8 HP Compound and McLaren 8 HP Compound, 1926. The Robey is pictured in the Vol. 16 No. 3 issue of Steaming, June 1973. The two engines are now in the care of Donald Pearson and will be rallied as time permits. The funeral service was held in St. John's Anglican Church in Rangiora on the 15th January, and was attended by the largest gathering of friends, relatives and business acquaintances that had been seen in the district for very many years. The President of the Southbrook Club, Mr. F. A. McIntosh spoke on the life and work of Mr. Pearson. Mr. Pearson was then interred in the family plot in the Flaxton Cemetery. He will certainly he missed in the Traction Engine movement as he was a true Man of Steam. H. C. Quigley, Secretary, Southbrook Traction Engine Club, New Zealand 0 With the death of Len Cole on the 20th January, the rally movement lost a great character and a real preservationist. Aged 81, Len had been a steam man all his life, first being involved in the family haulage business around 1905 and subsequently operating steam wagons for some 40 years. He claimed to have driven steam wagons more miles than anyone else in the country. Many of his experiences were shared with his brother Wilf to whom we are deeply indebted for recording these in his excellent series of articles being published in this Journal. What was intended as a 'Man of Steam' article has widened into almost a book, such were the experiences of these two characters. What better obituary could one have than this?

The late Len Cole (right) and his brother Wilf with their 1907 White Steam Car No. K 149 Reg. No. WR 1006. Photo: J. Hickes

A conversation between Len, Wilf and younger brother Jack was always an education as invariably they could not agree for more than five minutes at a time and their language after this time certainly caused many people either embarrassment or amusement. 121

A character Len certainly was. It was not until he started dancing in the front of their 89 Key Gavioli, powered by their Mann tractor that he came into his own showman, an entertainer, he was known on showgrounds countrywide and always, he liked the last word. When there were thanks to be given, it was Len who said them. The Leeds & D.T.E. Club meetings will not be the same without his cheerful grin and his ever helpful suggestions — Perhaps an Ox Roast wouldn't be a bad idea after all? The death of his son, Douglas, some two or three years ago was a great blow to him — a loss which he found very hard to bear. To Wilf and Jack and to his family, we offer our sincere condolences — and to Len, thanks again Old Timer, you lived your life to the full. We shall miss you. D.A.R. (Editor's note: — For those who may wish to read Wilf Cole's articles "Reminiscences of a Yorkshire Steam Haulier", the first was published in Steaming Vol. 18, No. 1, and they have appeared at intervals since.) 0

A MANNS CORRECTION

bunkers forward to the front of the smokebox to give the driver a better view forward. Also, the smokebox door was dished saucer shaped. Hundreds of wagons were made to this design and they were being made right into the early twenties until they started in 1923 with the six ton overtype. The photograph shows the wagon as No. 636. That was about the time they gave up making the undertype. Manns' catalogues for 1905/6 stated they had made about GOO wagons by that time. When I left in late 1917, the numbers were nearing the 1400 mark. Manns never jumped their numbers. They put a number on each engine as it was made. They made getting on for 2,000 all told. There are two or three left in the 17XX numbers which are rallied, including one in Australia. There is a tractor at Beamish Museum, Co. Durham, which was turned out in 1928 but it has an earlier number on it, about 1912. This must have been changed either by changing the number plate or the complete smokebox door. The previous owner, Mr. ('Anson had an earlier tractor of the same type, so he may have changed the numbers. My estimation is that it should have a number at least in the 1800's. Incidentally, the old tractor is still in existence and used to be rallied in the North Staffs area.

by W. Cole In Steaming Vol. 21, No. 2 appears a photograph of a 5 Ton Manns Steam Wagon owned by Woodhead Brothers of Leeds. It is stated to be the last 5 ton wagon built. This is incorrect as I estimate that the wagon was turned out by Manns in about 1909. It has solid rubber tyres but I think these must have been fitted after ii: was built, along with new wheels. The first wagon of this type which I saw belonged to the Globe Express Co. of Wellington Street, Leeds, and was fitted with Continental rubber tyres, I think of German manufacture and this was a 1912 wagon. It came into Manns repair shop when I was working there before the First World War. Our firm had two 5 ton wagons like it, one new in 1912 and the other new in 1914. Both of these had steel tyres on but we later fitted them with rubbers. Manns altered the design of the smokebox and bunkers in 1915, bringing the boiler barrel plate right up to the front of the smokebox and putting a liner plate on the outside with steel rings in between about r thick, to take the place of the usual baffle plates. They then brought the 122

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 9 Denbigh Road, Newport, Gwent. NPT 7JX. Dear Editor, May I answer the question on Page 6, Steaming Vol. 22 No. 1, December 1978. Rc could anyone identify the crane engine in the photo. Well, she is McLaren Crane Engine No. 1870 built in 1928. She was used for handling mine stores and was fitted with a turbo-generator on the off-side tank plus headlight for night working. She has the McLaren drum type coal bunkers with rear entrance. She worked for the C.M.R. Mine some twelve miles west of Johannesburg. Wishing you and Steaming all the best. David Hall. 0

Lobbington Hall, Butlers Marston, Warwick, CP35 ONJ. Dear Editor, Please can any of your readers help me with information regarding Fowler Ploughing Engines Nos. 15160/1. These engines were ordered by the Ministry of Munitions on the 8th November, 1917, order folio K26227, they were ielivered to J. W. Lowe of Ettington, near Narwick on the 8th of May, 1918. An eye-witness of their arrival in Ettington tells me that the livery of the set was blue. J. W. Lowe was a farmer and contractor 0

No. 60 Proposch Street, Oakey, 4401, Queensland, Australia. Dear Editor, This photograph was taken on the 24th September 1978 when I was driving the engine on the return journey to Oakey. I had driven the engine to the City of Toowoomba (distance about 25 miles) on the 22nd September for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers procession. (One of the largest such processions in the State of Queensland.) During our trip to Toowoomba we climbed some 750 feet and the journey necessitated several fuel and water stops. We successfully completed the trip without any mechanical trouble. The Fowler's builder's number is 16075. It is a former New South Wales Rnller and

ir. Ettington and south Warwickshire. In 1942 at a farm dispersal sale the engines were split, No. 15160 registration No. AC 9215 went to Glenart Ltd., Arklow County, Wicklow, and No. 15161 registration No. AC 9216 went to Robert Lee, Uxbridge, Middlesex. I can find no record of the engines after the sale in 1942, can anyone tell me anything about Glenart Ltd., and who was Robert Lee? What happened to the engines after they left Ettington and are they in existence still or have they long since been scrapped. Yours sincerely, Peter. F. Noble. 0

has a certificate of 160 lbs. Those in the photograph are: Left — John Campbell, who acted as mechanic and refueler during the trip (John is an old Main Roads Mechanic). Right — Robert Good, driver and owner of the engine (myself). The engine is fitted with a turbo generator to provide electric light for night working. Missing from the photograph is my fireman, who was Garry Dunne. In the photograph, some of the floral decorations can be seen on the engine. As time does not permit me to maintain my engine it is now up for sale and I wondered if anyone in England would like to make me an offer. Yours sincerely, R. P. J. Good. 0 0 123

40 Pares Way, Ockbrook, Derby. Dear Editor, I was recently shown a copy of a letter sent by George Stephenson of Tapton Colliery, Chesterfield, to the Editor of the "Engineer". The letter was dated 5th October, 1847 and refers to a new invention. It reads: 'A most important invention has been submitted to me for my approval, patented by a Mr. Smith of Nottingham and intended to indicate the strength of steam in engine boilers. It is particularly adapted for steam boats and can be placed in a cabin, on deck, or any other part of the vessel where it may be seen by every passenger on board. It may also be fixed in the office of every manufacturer where a steam engine is used at a considerable distance from the boiler. I am so much pleased with it that I have put one up at one of my own colleries. lc is some distance from the boiler in another house, and works most beautifully, showing the rise and fall of the steam in the most delicate manner. The indicator is like the face of a clock with a pointer making one revolution in measuring from 1 pound to 100 pounds upon the square inch of the pressure of steam. It is quite under the control of the engineer or any other person so that its indication may be relied upon, and the construction is so simple that it is scarcely possible for it to get out of order. I might give a full explanation of a machine but I think it is best to leave that to the inventor himself. The numerous and appalling accidents which have occurred from the bursting of steam boat boilers have induced me to give you these observations which I think desirable to be laid before the public. I may state that I have no pecuniary interest in the scheme and the first person to make use of it I feel it a duty I owe to the inventor, as well as the public to make it as universally known as possible. The indicator is put up at Tapton Colliery, Chesterfield and may be seen any day by any respectable person'. Signed: George Stephenson. The man referred to as Mr. Smith was Sydney Smith — founder of Sydney Smith & Co. of Nottingham, the world's oldest gauge manufacturer. Yours, Bernard Bartram, Road Roller Association. 0 124

Dear Editor, Having just received Steaming I was most interested to read Mr. Ian Hutchinson's article "Traction Engines on Rails". However, his statement "Foden's never built a railway locomotive" is not correct, as they built a shunting locomotive for Palmer Mann Salt Co., the locomotive being based on parts of the E Type wagon. The engine was called SHIFTA being a play on the trade name of Palmer Mann's salt, SI FTA. Whilst on the subject of Foden's as railway engines I have before me a picture of a Foden overtype converted to a locomotive at the Bunnerong Power House, Botany Bay, N.S.W., Australia. This picture appears on Page 16 of Light and Narrow Gauge Locomotives by R. W. Kidner published by Oakwood Press — does anybody know which Foden this was or is? Turning to Fowlers I am sure that there was at least one other traction tram engine other than 'Lion' although the one ir, question was very much a convertible. The engine was a single cylinder and was built for the London County Council and according to the caption could be used as either a traction engine, railway locomotive or road roller! Certainly a versatile machine! The engine was illustrated in the 1896 Fowler catalogue and a steel engraving of it appears as Fig. 132 in the late W. J. Hughes Century of Traction Engines (see also Fig. 24 of Mechanical Traction in War). A photograph of the engine is included as Fig. 394 in R. H. Clark's The Development of the English Traction Engine. My thanks to Mr. Hutchinson for a very interesting article on an obscure subject. Yours sincerely, W. A. Briggs. 0

0 Rock Cottage, St. John's Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3PQ.

Dear Editor, A number of Burrell engines are recorded as being fitted for or with a Darby Digger. Can any of your readers describe a Darby Digger or better still provide an illustration? Yours sincerely, Gordon R. Turner. 0

Foden Rail Locomotive referred to in the letters column.

Photo: Courtesy Foden Ltd.

35 Spring Bank, Scholar Green, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3LA. Dear Editor, In his interesting article "Traction Engines on Rails" Mr. Ian Hutchinson mentions that Fodens never built a railway locomotive. One loco was built by Fodens but was probably little heard of outside the area. This was built in 1927 for near neighbours, Palmer Mann's Salt Works, less than a mile from Foden's works. The vertical water tube boiler was as used in the Type E undertype wagon, as may have been the engine, modified to run in a vertical position. Hope this is of interest to readers and Mr. Hutchinson. Yours sincerely,

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

N.T.E.C. NEW MEMBERS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1978 F. T. W. Nichols, 4 Church View, Farmington Road, Northleach, Glos. GL54 3HZ. Family Members — Monica, Rita, Diane and Alistair Nichols. J. I. H. Longley, 15 Mada Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 8110. F. H. E phi El ps, Trehowel, 44 Woodlands Road, Ashurst. Southampton, Hants. 504 2AF. J. K. Rhodes, Inshallah, Fambridgs Road, Mundon, Maldon, Essex. A. S. Garden, 18 Sunnyside, Kirriemuir, Angus, DD8 5DR. D. L. Smith, Glanwenny, Ewenny, Bridgend, Mid Glam. ID A. Cheeseman, Hall House, New Hutton, Nr. Kr ulal, Cumbria.

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J. V. Garvey, 8/9 Stephen Mews, London, W1P 1PP. I. R. Moddams, 10 Borough Lane, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4AF. K. M. Preston, 99 Spencer Road, Shelton, Stoke on Trent. D. J, Morrish, Waterslade, Holcombe Rogus, Wellington, Somerset. W. Barrack, "Denhead'', Kingswell, Aberdeen. Family Members — Sam and Hamish. C. A. Talbot, 145 Gordon Road, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 OQA. R. Kingen, Lochhill, New Abbey, Dumfries. 1. T. Walker. 121 Kingsway, College Hill, Hereford. G. Pitt, Claremont 4 R.D. Timarn, South Canterbury, New Zealand. E, Brady, 60 Rocklen Street, Coopers Plains 4108, Queensland, Australia. J. A. Greenslade, 40 Pretoria Road, Romford, Essex, RM7 7AS. A. Clark, The Retreat, Mill of Elsick, Newtonhill, Kincardineshire, Scotland, AB3 2NP. A. Crosse, Donaskeigh, Tipperary ToWn, Ireland.

NOTE TO ADVERTISERS Please note that the Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 is now in force. This states. that persons seeking to sell goods in the course of a business should indicate this clearly in the advertisement.

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) theEditor is dealing with all Advertising. Membership Numbers must be included for all free Adverts. Wanted — Pemberthy injector for Aveling & Porter roller. — H. Booker, Dishley Grange, Swepstone, Leicester, LE6 1SF. Tel. 0550 70923. Wanted — Model Showmans Engine required by pensioner. Any condition and make, but reasonable. — W. E. Cooper, 3 Cairns Street, Birchills, Staffs. For Sale — 1917 Mann Patching Roller No. 1145. Very rare machine in good condition. Offers over £3,500. — T. A. Boorman, 1 Courtenay Farm, Courtenay Road, Denstroude, Canterbury. Tel: Eoughton 224. Wanted — For restoration of Garrett No, 4 Tractor, canopy supports, low pressure valve chest Cover, valve box for water pump, water lifter. — T Young, Bishops Stortford 812234. For Sale — Pair of unused solid rubber tyres, 720mm x 120mm ex-steam wagon, would suit steam tractor front wheels. Ransomes 54" tractor type threshing drum. Very good condition, ideal fol rallying. Reason for sale, owner now operating reed comber. Tel: 0202 429520. Wanted — Pair of solid tyres to fit wheel o.d. 771mm x 160mm. Tel: 0202 429520. Wanted — Loan or otherwise of photo/negative depicting a Ransomes Traction Engine standing near Tan Hill Inn. Yorkshire in July 1930. for future use in this Journal. Reimbursement of costs if required. — D. A. Rayner, "Invicta", Lower Street, Salhouse, Norwich, NR13 6RH.

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Wanted — By Burrell owner, a copy of the book "Chronicle of a Country Works" by R. H. Clark. Offers to: Mr. R. A. Walker, Lower Priory Farm, Clamp Hill Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 3JJ. Tel: 01-954 1864. Wanted — Owner of Sentinel 9074, requires Photograph of Sentinels 9Q74 and 9075 when working for Castle Brick Co. — Roger Hickman, 6 Ash Drive. Kenilworrth, Tat: 0926 59323. Wanted — For restoration of Burrell 5 hp Road Locomotive No. 4010 built 1925, pair of front wheels, 3 ft. 10 ins. dia. and axle. Also any photographs, information or history of this engine. — Martin A. Burr, 22A Green Lane, Killamarsh, Sheffield, S31 8BD. Wanted — Most urgent. One Oldfiold No. 439P oil sidelight to make up pair for our Sentinel. Also one forked fixing bracket to fit the above. — J. W. and L. Nudd, Beech Tree Cottage, Beeston Castle, Tarporley, Cheshire. Tel. Bunbury 260566. Wanted — Living van, suitable for use with 10 ton steam roller. Any condition considered. — Steve Arrowsrnith, 30 Antrobus Road, Sutton Coldfields, West Midlands. Tel: 021-355 3885. Wanted — Information, photos, etc. of Aveling & Porter roller Reg. No. MK 5128, Works No. 11520. Whilst working for Acton Borough Council 19211 - 1948. and R. Mackay, Coventry 1948 - 1973. Any items loaned will be promptly returned. — Steve Arrowsmith, 30 Antrobus Road. Sutton Cold• field, West Midlands. Tel: 021-355 3885. Wanted — For restoration of 6 hp Burrell T.E. y3739/1916 Compound. High and low pressure pistons and rods. Valve chest cover. 2 slide valves and rods. Reversing links complete. Small end brasses 2 off. Big end brasses 2 off. Big end strap anti locking wedge/bolt, 1 off. Eccentrics straps, 2 off. Main bearing caps. Chimney base. Regulator valve and rod. Water lift pump. Smokebox handles and nameplate. Brass bearings for differential. — P. J. Barnes, 13 Calribeck Drive, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4LA. Tel: Reading 690095. Wanted — Any history or pictures concerning a firm of engineers, 'Whitmore and Binyon' of Wickham Market, Suffolk. — Martin Hunt, 2 The Shingles, Bredfield, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Wanted — Rally programmes, any dates, good once paid. Some spare programmes available fr.: rescha.nge. Also wanted — Any old copies of Steaming. — R. Rosearnen, 10 Grimshaw Close, North Road, London. N6 481-1. For See — Spare parts for Aveling & Porter rollers. Two third shaft spur wheels 12T x 2; Pitch. Boit on type low speed pinion gear cover. Pemberthy lifting injector for sprinkler gear. Chimney and flange. Fowler B6 front hub cap. Foden front hub caps (brass). Water flit hose fittings (suction type). Pemberthy injectors. Displacement lubricators. Quantity Sentinel gaskets. (see below) For Sate — Spare parts for 5 hp RustonProctor T.E. Pump feed clack with stop valve. Two spare vaiVes for clacks, Set pump valves. Crankshaft bearing brasses. L/R. Big and brasses. Small end brasses. Valve rod bush. Third shaft bushes. • Slide valve. Eccentric strap. All above parts brand new. Valve rod (used). (see below) For Sale — Spare parts for Burrell 8, 10 12 ton rollers. 18T low speed pinion, good condition. 27T high speed pinion, good condition. 77T low speed spur ring. New. 68T high speed spur ring. New. Low speed gear selector. Steering shaft bracket. Set dirt guards for front roll shaft. (see below) Wanted — For Burrell 6 hp C.F. T.E. Water gauge fittings. Injector clack, 2 stud. Pump clack, 2 stud. Blowdown cock, 3 stud. Water lift. Living van stove with oven. Ring Hereford 58046 evenings. For Sate — Fowler 12 ton Steam. Roller, year 1927. No. 15904. Reg. Al 3008, In perfect order. Offers. — Peter Brennan, c/o J. Taaffe, Corballis, Readypenny, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland.

Wanted - Photographs of engines at work in and around Essex. Threshing. ploughing. road rolling, etc. Details of engine, district. date and personnel appreciated. Enclose S.A.E. for return P, C. Woloschuk, 34 Grange Road. required. Grays, Essex, RM17 6RF. Wanted - Toy and model tractors by serious collector for cash. Britains Fordson Majors 1955-64 light blue/orange; Denzil Skinner Nuffield & David Brown Cropmaster; Chad Valley Fordson Majors. Dexte & Ferguson; end any other mint condition tractors. Some swops available. - David Bate. an Birch Street, Wolverhampton. WV1 4.1W. Tel. 1902 25357 office hours. Wanted - Any Names of engines from working days now cut-up, for Register of Names I ern compiling. Make/serial number also essential. Names ci engines In Preservation not required. Replies to: R. A. Harding, Records Officer EATEC, 59 Conies Road. Halstead, Essex, C09 1BB. Wanted - For Menzel lubricator Class XD, lid for oil reservoir filler. Dimensions 2. 3/8" x 14" with rounded ends. Would consider purchase of scrap model if lid attached. - Trevor R. Daw, Henley-in-Arden, Solihull, Warks. Tel: 056-42 2022, evenings. For Exchange - Complete set Steaming mint condition for Ruston Hornsby open crank stationary engine. - C. Dyson, 105 Severn Road, Oadby, Leicester. Tel: Leicester 716594. Wanted - Rally programmes to help compile en index of preserved traction engines. Good price paid or will exchange. also rally plaques to decorate box containing the index. - K, Flinton, 16 Chestnut Avenue, Ordsall, Retford, Notts. DN22. Wanted - For Tacker /32 No. 1666, Big end lubricators, suction and delivery valves for pump valve. Makers plates for motion covers. Details of original livery. Tel: Wheatley 4411. Enthusiast would like to purchase the following copies of Steaming: Vol. 14 Nos. 1 and 4. Vol. 15 1, 2, 3, 4. Vol. 16 Nos. 1, 2, 3, /1. Vol. 1' No. 1. Vol. 18 No. 2. - C. R. Kilgour, 7 Sunderland Road, Easington Village, Co. Durham. For Sale - Small quantity of Field Marshall and Fowler new spares, S.A.E. for list. - D. J. Reynolds. "Alenrey". Kennel Lane, Slade, Havertordwest, Dyfed, SA81 2UR. Wanted - RLS bronze car badge. Offers to RLS member - Mr. Ruben Blom, Lars Olofs Gard 7007 533 00 Gotene, Sweden. For Sale - 1954 David Brown 25D ("Diesel Croprnaster") Tractor in running order, but needs new batteries. A useful cheep tractor. Ideal for enthusiast starting renovations. £125 o.n.o. - R. Parkinson, 16 St. Annes Road, Exeter, Devon. Tel: 31717. "Chime Whistles" - I have spare, two 3-note chime whistles from South African Railways Locos, in "ex loco" condition, complete and working. Dimensions 14" high, 4" diameter, mounting thread at base of valve 14" BSP. These whistles produce o nice mellow note not unlike the B.R. Britannic Class, and as there is now a long international waiting list for them from S,A.R. they are desirable items, particularly suitable for fitting to Showman's Road Locos. Price E175 each, or £325 the two. Photo available on request. - R. Parkinson, 16 St. Annes Road, Exeter, Devon. Tel. 31717. For Sale - Lifting blocks 10 cwt. S.W.L., Rope lock 10 cwt. S.W.L., Chains, Snatchblock, Drawbar. Drill Ratchet, Chain Tightener. Injectors. Valves, Safety Valves. Pressure Gauges, Cylinder Oil Pump. Gauge Glass Fittings and Glasses. Reynolds, 14 Merton Road. Bedford. Tel: 0234 53703. For Sale - Brass nameplate 'Kent County Council'. G.M. Instantaneous fire hose couplings. 2 iron wheels 30" x 24". Also suitable ornamental use. - Reynolds, 14 Merton Road, Bedford. 0234 53703.

For Sale - Nuts and bolts i" to 1" X.O.X. r C.S.S. Large spanners. - Reynolds, 14 Merton Road. Bedford. 0234 53703. For Sale - Massey knotter parts and needles. Binder twine. - Reynolds, 14 Merton Road, Bedford. 0234 53703. For Sale - Valve Spindles for Fowler cornpoound, also injectors, mechanical oil pump, gauge glasses, plough end cultivator shares and parts, etc. Plough ratchet, swivel shackle. - Reynolds. 14 Merton Road. Bedford. 0234 53703. For Sale - 1920s centre door Showman's von on rubbers, very rough, some good glass. E75. Towable. Steam generator - 60 KVA restorable. Offers. Wanted - Early 8 wheeler, - Mork Money, Romford 47564. For Sate - Traction Engine Spares. List No .5 1978. 44" dia. Rear Axle Keys, locking pins, washers. Pump Plunger Rod. 14" dia. x 114" slightly worn Rear Wheel Locking Pin, 11" long. 2' dia. 1 - 12" Boiler Door Ring. 3 - 16" Boiler Door Ring. 1 - New Check Valve, 3" gas overall length 23" Brass. 2 - Water, cast steel gland cock .14" x 24" long. 3 - Water gauge tube glasses, 12" x 4" dia. x .1" bore. 1 - as new brass shut off cock with r dia. hole end 31" dia. flange with -3" die. mounting holes drilled in flange. Ali open to offers. Publication. 'British Roil. Swindon'. Story of Swindon Railway Works from beginning to modern times. As previously advertised, 80p including post and packing. Enquiries please to: Mr. M. T. Howard, 4 Glevum Close. Furter'. Wiltshire. For Sale - 1 set of Aveling & Porter canopy stays, round typo for half cab. 1 original cast alloy safety valve cover for Aveling. ti' length metal cab off Aveling roller, very rough but all cross members end curved irons complete. Wanted For 1924 Aveling & Porter 'C' 5 8 ton Roller: 1 exhaust pipe and 1 dummy cylinder cover, also steam cone for premier j type M injector. Graeme Thirkell, 17 North Terrace, Shildon, Co. Durham. Tel. Shildon 2578 after 6 p.m. Wanted - Two 4 ft. dia. (approx.) Burrell main spur wheels. 06 teeth. 21 in. wide with roar shroud. - George Fensom, 58 Trowley Hill Road. Flamstead, St. Albans. Herts. Tel. 0582 840749. Marquee for Hire - 40 ft. x 20 ft. Located Coventry. £30 for weekend if hirer collects or can arrange delivery and erection at reasonable distance. Contact - 62nd Coventry Scouts, 7 Rowan Close, Binley Woods, Coventry, CV3 2JX. Tel. Walston (0203) 543144. Herefordshire Waterworks Museum. Broomy Hill. Hereford. Steaming dates for 1979: April 15/10, May 27/28. August 18 • 27. September 29/30. Crofton (Great Bedwyn, Marlborough, Wilts) Beam Engines. Steaming dates for 1979: April 14/15/16, May 26/27/28, June 30, July 1, August 25/26/27, September 29/30. November 3/4. P.S. Waverley South of England Cruises. April, May and June 1979. Send 9" x 4" S.A.E. for details. Waverley Navigation Co., Stobcross Quay, Glasgow. For Sale - Tube expanders and other boiler hand tools, wash-out hand pump, screw jacks, packings, gauge glasses, nuts end bolts, etc. Harold Bonnett, Bledlow Ridge. 024 027 395. For Sale - Steaming complete, except for July issue 1958, and No. 3 and 4, Vol 5. Offers to. G. Eady. Clachan Soil. Ry Oben. Argyll, P34 41..1, Site Riveting - Fireboxes. tubeplates, smokeboxes, tenders. etc. Realistic rates. Travel anywhere. - Olvorson & Snellgrove. Tel. Southampton (0703) 775695 evenings. Wanted - To help with restoration of Avelino C type Roller No. 11640. Safety valve cover, 2 spring relief drain cocks, crankshaft bearing cap (Part C108) or loan of patterns for same. Also any photographs of 11640 at work. Roller is ex. W. C. French, Buckhurst Hill. Essex. Reg. TW 5338, D. M. Bird, 31 Eastney Road, Portsmouth.

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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, Berks