The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust
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Membership of the National Traction Engine Trust is open to those who, whether engine owners or not, have a genuine interest in the preservation of self propelled steam road vehicles, portable engines etc.
President (and Technical Services): S.J. Wharton, Southern Down, Minster Lovell, Oxford 0X8 5RD. Vice Presidents: P.R. Barker; Anthony S. Heal. Chairman: P.G.C. Barber, 77 Amyand Park Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 3HG. Vice-Chairmen: J. Crawley, Field House, Turvey, Bedford MK43 8DU. Eric A. Fillmore
The annual subscription is £8.00 fel individuals, £10.00 fur family membership and £5.00 for pensioners. The Trust's magazine Steaming is sent free to members during January, April, July and October, and other benefits of membership include advantageous terms for boiler insurance as well as access to advice on technical matters.
General Secretary: D.G. Pugh, 95 Kingsway, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG 17 7EH. Membership Secretary: Mrs Fay Wood, 'Windrush', Hail Weston, Huntingdon, Cambs PE19 4JY. Treasurer: C.J.C. Barber, 6 Merrydown, Downley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 5NQ Chairman, Rally Sub-Committee: E.A. Fillmore, 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow, kliddiesex HAl 2NU. Chairman, Engine Owners Sub-Committee: M. John Wharton, 8b Corn Street, Witney, Oxfordshire 0X8 7DH. Chairman, Steam Apprentice Club: Sylvia Dudley, 42 Russell Sueei, Woburn Sands, Buckinghamshire MK17 8NX. National Sales Officer: K.D. Shakespeare, 179 Mickleton Close, Oakenshaw, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 7YA Insurance Officer: J.S. Hirons, 98 Hailey Road, Witney, Oxfordshire OX8 SHQ. Public Relations Officer: A. Fookes, Spent Penny Farm, Craigs Lane, Mount Bures, Colchester, Essex C08 5AP. Publicity Officer: S.J. Gray, 9 Walnut Way, lckleford, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 3XT.
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Keep it to yourself... / WAR NINGV E-WARE
OF MOVING VEHICLES RALLY Do your friends a favour. Don't let them read your copy of Steaming — suggest they ensure their own copy by becoming a member of the Trust_ Although our membership grows steadily, an even larger number would mean increased circulation for Steaming, with the attendant prospect of a larger magazine or longer times between subscription rises. The membership secretary (see above panel for address) is always pleased, on request, to send a Trust prospectus/application form to any interested enthusiast. By persuading someone to join the Trust you will help us to grow bigger and stronger — that way everybody benefits.
ON THE
FIELD
These 'Warning' and `Caution' posters, very useful for crowd control at rallies and other events, are printed 20in x 131/2 in in red and black on white paper and available at 20p each, plus 75p p&p for any reasonable number, from NTEC Sales, 179 Mickleton Close, Oakenshaw, Redditch, Worcester B98 7YA or at rally stands.
The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust Volume 29 Number 2
Spring 1986
Editorial
Editor: Roger West, 14 Charles Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9AB
Avid readers of the 'Steaming Around' notes compiled by Derek Rayner will have noticed that for the last couple of years we have included the names of those groups or individuals that have contributed the information. This was done in the hope that it might draw attention to the fact that the feature is dependant on the response of a cross section of the membership — the members of a club (although we are now named a Trust!). Now we're not suggesting that the more recent lengthening of the list of names of those who have sent observations is the result of vanity on the part of those so appearing. We do feel, however, it illustrates that when people are encouraged to be part of a club and seen to be participating, then an appropriate response is forthcoming. Hence the nicely lengthening list of correspondents. From what we learn from readers 'Steaming Around' is very much a love it or hate it part of the magazine. Many, it seems, thumb straight through the newly arrived magazine to these pages, not glancing at anything else; others more or less ignore its contents entirely. Well, that is probably inevitable with a large membership and a hobby with a wide range of specialist interests. One call we often hear is for more news of the engines in preservation that are rarely rallied, or under protracted overhaul (or not), and perhaps more technical comment on the more unusual types of engine. Some complain that the same old favourites and the same old events are repeatedly featured; that too may be so and perhaps it could be said their continued efforts deserve continued mention. So its back to the new-found army of correspondents — many thanks to them and why don't you consider joining them? Report on your machine or your local 'nest' of engines. It doesn't need to be lengthy, or repeated every quarter — a little once or twice a year from some new pens in new areas will make interesting reading for us all.
Assistant Editor: Derek Rayner, 'Invicta', 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York Y02 3JH. Display Advertising: to the Editor Small Ads: to the Editor Distribution and Change of Address: Mrs Fay Wood, 'Windrush', Hail Weston, Huntingdon, Cambs PE 19 4JY
The Editor will be pleased to consider contributions of suitable articles, shorter items or photographs for inclusion in future issues. All material so submitted is voluntary and payment cannot be made for any material published, although expenses incurred may be met. The opinions expressed in the magazine, with the exception of those printed as Trust announcements, are those of the contributors and do not indicate the views of the Trust as a whole. All items are held copyright by the contributors and/or the NTET. Next issue: The press date for any news items, recent photographs and small advertisements is 28th May 1986 ISSN 0260 - 2962 Published by the National Traction Engine Club (1984) Ltd for the National Traction Engine Trust at 14 Charles St, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Printed by AB Printers Ltd, Leicester.
This issue 56 59 66 70 72 74 78 79 80 82 94 95 99
Trust News On Sentinels in Shropshire The 1986 Steaming Photographic Competition Intelligence Past All Understanding A Perth County Council Album Engines on Cigarette Cards Tooting their Trumpet Gleanings Stourpaine Steaming Around, compiled by Derek Rayner Round the World Letters New Members, Small Ads
Joe Thomas C.R. Holmes Bob Payne Dick Jones Tam Mc Taggart Mike Jones
Cover Mann's light steam tractor 1747 of 1926 getting down to a spot of direct ploughing at the Northumberland Vintage Tractor Club's event at Felton, Northumberland in October 1979. The engine is owned by the North of England Open Air Museum, Beamish. (Tony Porter) 55
cOapalo, Rally Organisation Rally sub-committee My rally sub-committee continues to act in a number of ways for the general benefit of members and rally organisers. The latter naturally want as many people as possible to go to their events and members, in turn, will want to attend as many rallies as they can. All this calls for publicity of the approved events; this is what we try to achieve. Initially Ron Copp receives the application from organisers partaking in the Approved Rally Scheme and, as rallies are approved, he collates the details to form the approved rally list; this is an ongoing operation. The earliest list for the following season is made up at the end of October in each year. The early start is necessary as most of the overseas publicity via the British Tourist Authority has to be in their hands by 1st December. Thus the sooner we get approval applications in, the greater will be the publicity for any particular event. It is interesting to note how the list grows until its final printing for inclusion in the Spring edition of Steal ' g. By the end of October 1985 we had 11 approved rallies on our 1986 list; by the end of November the number had risen to 42 and a month later it was a little larger at 47 — this was the list we used at Day-out Excursion Workshop in January. By the end of January we had no less than 64 events on the current list and this wee the version used at our Spring Conference early in February. At the time these notes are being written, there are just over 70 approved rallies listed and we should have a few more by the time the list is printed in the magazine. A pocket-size leaflet version of the latter is produced for general distribution and for sale on our rally stands. Late advised events are dealt with as and how we can. We are greatly indebted to Ron Copp for this work. The general distribution is in the hands of Tony Fookes, our public relations officer, who despatches about 4000 copies of the leaflet version of the rally lists each year to tourist boards, travel agents, AA and RAC offices and a large number of other interested parties. The Trust issues for the benefit of 56
Rally Organisers the Code of Practice 'for the better organisation of Steam Traction Engine Events'. Designed to set a standard for organisation and particularly of safety at traction engine rallies, it is intended as a guide but does embody certain basic principles of safety — mostly based on common sense. Over the last two or three years the rally sub-committee has been updating and re-writing much of the Code and the current revised, or March 1985 edition, was released to Rally Organisers last June. A copy of the Code has been lodged with the Health and Safety Executive, who have assisted and advised on certain aspects to ensure that our Code did not in any way conflict with the views or requirements of that Executive, who seem to be taking a greater
interest in out-of-doors entertainment and activities generally. Jim Newnham is our honorary safety advisor. He has been a senior official of the Health and Safety Executive and is well-placed to advise and assist in all safety matters and has been much involved with the current Code of Practice. As far as we know , no rally organiser has been adversely served with a notice under the Health and Safety at Work Act, but if this should happen, could we please be advised immediately — we might be in a position to help. Whilst by far the majority of traction engine rallies wish to be involved in the approved rallies scheme, there are a few that do not seek approval and I would urge the organisers of those events to consider
From Alan Martin's Collection
32
Not all the engines that saw use in showland were grandly decorated — many of the smaller showmen used quite plain steam tractors. My picture this time shows Ruston Proctor 'Lincoln Imp' tractor 52656 (or 52654), originally built during the latter stages of World War 1 for service duties and converted for fairground use only by the addition of a dynamo and smokebox bracket. J. Davies of Stratford, in the east of London, named their engine ROSETTA and it is seen here, parked away between the caravans, at Barnet Fair in 1925.
applying for approval so that we may have as strong a representation as possible. We attended the Day-Out Excursion Workshop again this year in January which should mean valuable publicity for the traction engine movement. Additionally this year we have been able to secure space in the publication Holiday Which and we trust that this too will be of benefit to th rally-going public. Our Spring Conference of Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs officials was held on 8th February and, in spite of the bitterly cold weather, no less than 50 delegates attended; an excellent turnout in the circumstances. These conferences provide an opportunity for exchange of views and ideas and serve to strengthen the ties between all rally organisers. After the main business of the morning, the afternoon was devoted to a paper entitled to 'Ring Management' submitted by Derek Burdle. This provoked extensive discussion during the course of which many views and ideas were expressed and many organisers spoke of their varied experience in the matter. (Eric Fillmore, chairman, rally sub-committee)
Obituaries Gordon Limb To us in the steam movement, Gordon Limb will probably be best remembered for the way he used to trundle along to West Midland area rallies with his Foden steam tractor MATILDA, and for his interest in models. There was, however, much more to Gordon than these two interests. He was born in 1912 in the village of Lymm, Cheshire, and was educated at Lymm Grammar School. On leaving school, his first position was with the LMS railway company as goods clerk at Longbridge station, near Birmingham. This was followed by moves to several stations in and around Birmingham. His final post 'on the line' was as station master at Barnt Green, which nestles under the shadow of the Lickey Hills and where the renowned Lickey bankers were used in steam days. When this station was down-graded in 1965 as part of the continual rationalisation of the railways, he was transferred to BR's headquarters in Birmingham from where he took his retirement in 1976. He was always an ardent LMS man, especially in matters in the old LNWR tradition — the Premier Line as he
STZAMING past OUR MAGAZINE 25 YEARS AGO
J.B. Carr of Wolverhampton had a half page advertisement in the April 1961 issue for drivers for their steam plough sets — the editorial supported the advert and suggested those wishing to take employment on a temporary basis in certain areas would be welcome. Galliford & Sons, contractors in Warwickshire, were
never failed to remind those of a different persuasion! He touched many lives which, surely, must have been enriched by contact with him. His knowledge of local government administration was but one example, for he held the post of Clerk to the Parish Councils at both Romsley and Frankley from the late nineteen-forties. He also maintained Parish registers in that immaculate copper-plate script of his. His compilation of notes, cuttings, documents, papers and maps dealing with the past history of the two parishes was exceptional and it is extremely fitting that an Archive is being established at Frankley to house this collection in commemoration of him. His other contact with his local area was in the capacity of another of his interests, the church organ. He was organist at Frankley (from 1939) and at the chapel at Rubery Hospital. Here, again, he always put that little bit of extra effort into all his playing. Gordon was elected President of the Road Locomotive Society in 1979 and he was an ardent member of their committee from 1980 until his death. Indeed, on the day when he was stricken with the fateful heart attack, he was preparing to go to the Society's January committee meeting. He truly was an exceptional man. Not only will there be a void for those of us who classed him as a personal friend, but he will also be missed by everybody with whom he came in touch. We extend our sympathy to his widow, Isabel, and to his son Tony and his family. (George Lea)
Arthur Gibbs The traction engine movement in East Anglia will be the poorer for the
offering a permanent (!) position for a steam roller driver on local work. In the News Flashes, Devon CC were recorded as using several rollers and Merioneth CC were running five Fowlers. Secretary Eric Fillmore noted the continuing emergence of local clubs and hoped that co-operation would exist between groups lest different sections pulled one against another. Aveling roller 1457 of 1878, believed the oldest Aveling roller in existence, had steamed into Oslo Technical Museum, Norway, the previous October where presumably it still rests.
death of Arthur Edward Gibbs of Ford End, near Dunmow, Essex, aged 75. He had spent most of his lifetime in steam, working for the threshing family of Bartrupt. He had been a hard working member of the East Anglian TEC Club, who awarded him life membership. He organised an annual steam meeting in Ford End, which over the years has raised large sums for charity. The funeral service at Chelmsford was taken by Major Revd. Philip Wright, former president of our Trust. There was a large attendance of traction engine friends together with family relatives. (Philip Wright) Robert Green The villagers of Haddenham in Buckinghamshire and the whole traction engine movement have lost a great friend in the passing of Robert Green. He was the fourth generation of steam engineers to carry on business at the Fort End Ironworks. His father and grandfather were steam threshing, ploughing and rolling contractors in the area for many years. Latterly Robert had branched out from general engineering to boilermaking of a very high calibre. It is tragic that such craftsmanship should be cut short, after a short illness, at the early age of fifty-six. Always quiet and unassuming, his help and advice were sought by engine owners over a wide area, and no problem was ever too much trouble. His memorial must surely be the complete restoration of Fowler convertible 7769 of 1897, of which every part, including a new barrel and tender, was the work of Robert's own hand. He set himself very high standards, and he was without doubt one of the most conscientious of men. He was an early NTET member and a fervnt supporter of the Chiltern club 57
and the Brill Society. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline and son Richard to whom we extend our deepest sympathy. (Chris Edmonds)
NTEC Sales The 1986 rally season is rapidly approaching and these few notes will serve to inform members where the Trust's stands will be appearing, and also put a few names to the faces behind the stands. Belated congratulations are due to David and Andrea Duffill on their wedding last September. As you will hove seen in the Winter issue of Steaming, David is now the membership secretary of the Steam Apprentice Club. He and Andrea, however, will still be taking out their stand to various rallies. Sue and David Wood will not be with us this year and we would like to thank them for all their help over the past years and to wish them well in the future. There is a big welcome back to the team to Ken and Edith Beeby, following their year break from the rallyfield. This year's sales team is — • Keith and Tracey Shakespeare • David and Andrea Duffill • Michael and Carol Houghton • Ken and Edith Beeby
Affiliated Clubs
Thames Valley Traction Engine Club
NVTEC trip to Holland The National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club invite NTET members to join them on their four day trip to Hellevoetsluis Vestingdagen event in Holland in mid August. It is intended to travel out on Friday 15th August by coach (from north Leicestershire) and ferry (from Sheerness) to a hotel near Rotterdam, arriving by mid evening. All of Saturday will be available at the rally and on Sunday a tour of Amsterdam is planned; return home on the Monday is by a noon sailing back to Sheerness and coach to Leicestershire. Cost will be approx £117 including all coach and ferry travel and half board accom modation at a Crest Hotel for three nights. Limited pick ups en route to or at Sheerness may also be arranged. Further details or bookings are available from Brian Sims, 1 Hall Farm Cottages, Church Lane, Swarkestone, Derby DE7 1JB (tel 0332 702717).
Correspondence intended for the secretary of the above club should from now on be addressed to John Newton, Oak Lodge, Salisbury Road, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 OLH.
Corrections Apologies for some Editorial disorientation — though largely featuring Lancashire members and engines, the various events at High Legh and Astle Pork, described in the last issue, should of course have correctly appeared under the Cheshire heading. The reference to Tony Marchington's Fowler ploughing engines on page 28 of the last issue quoted the wrong numbers — they are, in fact, 15146/15147 (AL8508/8507).
It is planned to have NTEC Sales stands at the following rallies in the first half of the season. Reference to The Rally List 1986 will provide details f..!! tit! May — Abbey Mill (Keith); Abbotsfield (David); Stoke Goldington (Michael); Warrington Festival (Keith); Anglesey (Keith); AltIngham Park (David); Carrington (Keith). June — Great Amwell (Michael); Knebworth (Ken); Holton (David); Claybrooke (Ken); Lyme Park (Michael); Aberdeen (Keith); Banbury (David); Stamford (Ken). July — Chiltern (Michael); Bromyard (David); Woodcote (Michael); Rempstone (Ken); Lambeth (Keith); Weeting (Michael); Chatsworth (David); Netley Marsh (Keith); Cumbria (David); Rushmoor (Michael). We all look forward to seeing you at any of the above events, and of course to selling you something from our wide range of books and other traction engine items. (Tracey Shakespeare) 58
Peter Love sends this picture post card recently found at a collectors fair and hopes that readers will be able to offer some identification. The card bears no detail as to the place or date of the threshing scene, but the engine is clearly a Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies compound agricultural engine. The main clue to identity is the name or inscription GRACE DARLING along the cab side, painted in rough style or possibly only chalked on, either way in a rather temporary manner. That name immediately brings to mind the famous lifesaving exploits of the Longstone lighthouse keeper's daughter off the north Northumberland coast in 1838 — though obviously that was long before this picture. The dress of the gang, which includes a woman band-cutter, is the style of the turn of the century, but not much later; the buildings in the background of the scene are indistinct but could well be of border country materials and pattern.
On Sentinels in Shropshire Joe Thomas
In reviewing the Sentinel wagons built at Shrewsbury for customers in the works' home county of Salop, it would be remiss not to outline developments at the firm over the years. Within this article, one of a long running series in our magazine, Joe Thomas briefly records milestones at the Steam Waggon Works, as well as the progenitors of the Sentinel design — for they, too, were Shropshire built.
At the turn of the century many engineers were experimenting with the construction of load-carrying road vehicles. Considerable experience had been obtained over a long period with the locomotive type boilers of traction engines, but this format did not seem to readily lend itself to a usefully long, and suitably light, load carrying chassis and most early solutions to the problem comprised novel ways of applying mechanical propulsion to the traditional horse drawn lurry or dray. We do not know how or why in 1903 Alley & MacLellan's Sentinel Works in Glasgow became interested in the idea of going into the business of building steam wagons. It was, however, the sort of project that would have attracted an able and restless young man such as Stephen Alley. He was the son of the founder of the firm, and in the time since his father's death in 1898 had become managing director of a business which for thirty years had been one of Scotland's leading engineering firms. But before we go on to briefly record the development of the Sentinel steam wagon, we must examine the work of Daniel Simpson at Horsehay, Shropshire — for there the Sentinel story begins. Daniel Harrison Simpson was the son of William Simpson, senior partner in the Manchester textile mill firm of Simpson & Godlee. During 1898 and
1899 several patents relating to steam motor vehicles were taken out in the joint names of Daniel Simpson, William Simpson and W.L. Bodman. Probably Simpson senior was providing the finance for his son's developments; Bodman too, for though we have no details of the man, his name was to be carried by the first-built vehicles. These machines were built at Horsehay in Shropshire at the engineering works of the Horsehay Ironworks, the connection being provided by H.E. Simpson, managing director of the works, and uncle of Daniel. The Horsehay works stood in an historic area, high on the hill above Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge gorge and across the road from the pool that supplied water to power the works of Abraham Darby, where in 1709 iron was first smelted using coke as a fuel. In
agreeing to allow his 24 year old nephew to carry on his experimental work at Horsehay, Uncle Simpson could have scarcely imagined its eventual Influence in the town of Shrewsbury, some twelve miles to the west. Working at Horsehay works in those last days of the century, was a young apprentice of great promise, George Woodvine, and he became Daniel Simpson's chief aide. Not only did he assist in the construction of the 'lurries', but he also test drove them and helped solve the inevitable problems that arose. The first vehicle they ran on the Shropshire roads, probably in 1898, was very different to any of the forms of steam lorry which eventually became popular. A compound engine was mounted on a subframe under the platform and
Daniel Simpson's first steam wagon. A chimney flue appears to be built into the rear bulkhead of the vehicle and the boiler — type unrecorded — is presumably beneath it. (collection J.L. Thomas) 59
Simpson & Bodman's 3ton lorry of 1899. (collection J.L. Thomas)
drove the rear axle direct. Few other details survive of this early steam wagon — other than what we can discern from the illustration. The vehicle was not a success, chiefly because it was built too lightly; the frame flexed excessively causing binding of the main bearings, which in turn caused seizures. Further, the boiler was not satisfactory and it was soon obvious that a great deal of further work was needed on the design. The second attempt materialised in 1899 in the form of two 3ton lorries. These were probably the first sixcylinder road vehicles ever produced! They had two three-cylinder radial
he went to Glasgow to work. During 1901 the style of the Company's title became Simpson & Bibby, the latter person again being a shadowy figure of whom we know little, except that he came from Hardwicke Grange in Shropshire, fairly local to Horsehay. The radial engined design was not perpetuated and Simpson's next attempt possessed two separate 2-cylinder engines in line and mounted vertically behind the chain driven rear axle. Then, following his patent in August 1902 for another design of boiler with a much deeper firebox, the Simpson & Bibby name appeared on two or three much more massive
looking steam wagons. The boiler was moved to well behind the front axle and this time the engine was a transversely mounted V-four. The hydraulically operated steering was worked by tiller. At this stage the scene moves from Shropshire to Scotland, for Alley & MacLellan in 1903 took over all the rights of Simpson & Bibby and transferred the work to their marine engine and general engineering works at Polmadie, Glasgow. There is no doubt that Daniel Simpson was a clever designer and engineer, in many ways ahead of his time.* However, in his search for constant and no doubt necessary improvements, he must have spent a considerable sum of money with very little return, for from the evidence available it seems he built no more than a total of eight wagons during the six years of his solo work, and of these nn more than five nr six were sold. (Reginald Woodvine, son of George, told that the second wagon built at Polmadie became known as number ten, and it seems logical to conclude this was in succession to Simpson's own series.) Quite how Stephen Alley became involved with Simpson is another mystery. He was not so taken with the designs that he put them into mass production straight away. Yet Simpson and Woodvine went to
*The technical details of the various Horsehay designs are fully covered in The Sentinel Vol.1 1875-1930 by W.J. Hughes and J.L. Thomas.
al-earn enoinea nnp to the rear of each
hind wheel and driving onto it by chain. The boiler, positioned at the front of the chassis above the forewheels, worked on the instantaneous generatioii or flash principle. These lorries appeared under the name of Simpson & Bodman and illustrations of the type were used in advertisements by the company in 1901. The working history of the vehicles is unrecorded, but Simpson must have had some success at selling for his advertisement in a history of the Port of Manchester, published in 1901, captioned the illustration 'standard 5ton lurry as supplied to the Table Bay [South Africa] Harbour Board'. Although the firm had premises at Cornbrook, Manchester, it is believed these steam lorries land indeed all of those constructed by Simpson) were produced at Horsehay; certainly George Woodvine, by 1900 Simpson's chief assistant, lived and worked at Horsehay until 1903 when 60
Simpson & Bibby's final design of steam lorry with V four engine located in front of the rear axle. George Woodvine is at the controls of Simpson & Bibby works number 4, used by the Co-operative Wholesale Society at Manchester in the 1902/03 period. (collection J.L. Thomas)
Glasgow, as well as other key workers, from Horsehay. There were two years of development and trials ahead before Alley was prepared to allow the resulting steam wagon to be marketed under the Sentinel name. Although some Simpson features were retained, the simple and uncluttered design of the new wagon was very different from the final Horsehay design. For the time being, Shropshire's contribution to the steam wagon era was over. Daniel Simpson, incidentally, was killed during World War 1 whilst working on early tracked vehicles, prototypes of the first tanks. In 1914 Alley & MacLellan's Sentinel Works in Scotland had reached the limit of their expansion. The growth of output of the various products, not to mention the ever increasing demand for the now popular Sentinel steam wagons, meant that space was at a premium. No suitable ground was available locally and, moreover, most of the wagons built were sold to England. The firm therefore decided to make the production of road vehicles a separate enterprise and to set up a new factory in England specifically for this purpose. By now George Woodvine, erstwhile apprentice at Horsehay, had risen to the position of works manager at Polmadie and it was he who was sent south in 1914 to seek out a suitable site. It was perhaps natural that he should gravitate to his home county of Shropshire, but it did make sense — from the point of view of delivery of the finished product it was within reasonable distance of the large potential markets of south Lancashire, Yorkshire, the Potteries, the Black Country and South Wales. After some investigation, Woodvine found a site for the new works in Shrewsbury. To the north of the town, on the west of the Whitchurch road, an area of 16 acres was acquired, together with 50 acres on the opposite side of the main road on which to build a model housing estate for the workers and their families. By now World War 1 had broken out. Alley & MacLellan had been warned they could expect large orders for their wagons from the Army and the Navy. It is not known what, if any, assistance was given by the Government in the erection of the new factory, but large numbers of firms participating in the war effort did receive help by way of preferential allocation of scarce materials, and it is highly likely the company benefited in this way. A complete prefabricated factory was assembled at Glasgow
•
SENTINEL STEAM WAGONS THE SENTINEL QUEUE. his
SECURE A GOOD PLACE NOW. Greatly in demand, like other prime necessities, for Government Set-vice, the present output of the Sentinel Stearn Waggon Works is all reserved for holders of Priority A Certificates. When there is a surplus, Sentinel Waggons will be allotted in rotation to the waiting list—it has already begun to form. Like the earliest arrivals in any other queue, the first comers will be supplied first. Send your order now. You can leave the details to be arranged later. But order now.
Sentinel Waggon Works, Ltd., Shrewsbury.
Printed by Tillotson & Sort, Ltd., Bolton and London, for The Russell Press, and published at he Sentinel Stearn Waggon Works, Shrewsbury, by the Sentinel Waggon Works, Ltd.
The Sentinel company waving their own flag in the April 1918 issue of their house magazine Sentinel Transport News. The illustration bears no resemblance to the Shrewsbury works.
and shipped to Shrewsbury in March 1915. Just five months later, in July, the first wagon steamed under the arched gateway of the works, and on to the public highway. With the opening of the new plant the name of Alley & MacLellan was dropped from the wagons, for the new firm's title was Sentinel Waggon Works Ltd.
The first Shrewsbury product was works number 1102. According to the regulations of the time it was registered by the Shropshire county authorities as AW 2409 — letters to become very familiar on many hundreds of Sentinel wagons delivered to customers throughout the country in the next few years. Concurrent with 61
Super 5102 was turned out by Shrewsbury as a bus fnr use by the works hand, though in this picture its passengers appear to be a mixed group of mid-aged and elderly people. The vehicle later received pneumatic tyres. (collection J.L. Thomas)
An articulated Super produced in 1923. It is sign written for the Sentinel works, probably during a period when it was considered experimental and before being repainted and soil to a customer. (collection J.L. Thomas)
Being located In an agricultural county it is appropriate that Sentinels first customer to come for a cattle transporter, in May 1926, should be a local 'importer farmer and grazier, James Tinning of Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury and exporter of livestock'. Whether the beasts appreciated Farmer Tinning's support of local industry is unrecorded. The DG4 was number 6537, registration unrecorded. (collection J.L. Thomas)
the build-up of production at the new factory, the output at Polmadie was run down, the last Glasgow built example being numbered 1010 and sent out in September 1915. As it was when Shropshire expertise travelled north to Scotland in 1903, so in 1915 forty or fifty skilled workmen transferred from Polmadie to the new Shrewsbury plant. At the age of fifteen it was young Reg Woodvine's first job to find advance accommodation for them. It was not to be expected that work in completing the factory or the 'Sentinel Village' could go on unhampered in the prevailing war-time conditions. Indeed the village was not finished until the war was over, but the completed houses had hot water and central heating fed under the main road from the factory boiler house. Shropshire, of course, is a primarily agricultural county, so it is perhaps not surprising that there is no record of any Sentinel steam wagons having been sold in the county from the Glasgow works, even though the germ of the design was born within its borders. Further, from the time production started at Shrewsbury, it was to be four years before a county customer did appear. Works number 2273, a 4ton B model was sold to R. Maddox & Co Ltd of Shrewsbury in 1919. From then nn a small hut varied selection from Sentinel's range left the works when new for some 25 different owners in Shropshire, many of whom took second and third repeat orders of various models — and Morris & Co at Shrewsbury ran four examples. At the end of World War 1 the Standard model wannn had been in production, first at Glasgow and then at Shrewsbury, for twelve years, with very little alteration to the basic design. It was an excellent accolade for the original design but. many thousands of steam and petrol vehicles were becoming available at War Department surplus sales, in reasonable condition and at keen prices. These second hand vehicles were no help to the Sentinel's sales figures of course, especially as many of them were Shrewsbury products of a few years earlier. An updated version was needed, incorporating improvements that had been seen to be desirable over the years. By 1921 the design team had incorporated all of the ideas into a prototype model. It was disguised as a Standard model and rigorously tested until 1923, covering very high mileages, heavily laden and often with a loaded trailer as well. Neither parent firm Alley & MacLellan at Glasgow or
the Sentinel works at Shrewsbury offered a product to their customers until they were certain it was the best available. So it was with the replacement for the Standard. Certain that they had the best steam wagon available the company announced the Super Sentinel in June 1923. The Standard models ceased production at this time, the final works number being 4412; the Super series commenced at 5001, the intervening numbers remaining blank. Nine of the Standards are believed to have been purchased new by customers in Shropshire — the details are set out in the accompanying tables. The Super range became very popular steam wagons and over 1250 were produced in a fourteen year production run. During that time such refinements as windscreens and pneumatics came to be offered as extras when new or as conversions for existing vehicles. All Sentinel wagons built up to now had been single geared. To sell alongside the Super model there was introduced in January 1928 the DG series (double geared). The first was a solid tyred six wheeler, 7163, for R. Simmonds & Sons, millers of Aldershot. Some customers did indeed prefer the lighter older design and a further 57 Supers were built in the period up to October 1931, when number 8608 proved to be the last of the line. Some twenty eight
A very typical Shrewsbury product of the mid twenties. A works photograph of one of three 5ton three way tippers delivered to E.J. Williamson of Shrewsbury. (collection J.L. Thomas)
Supers were purchased by Shropshire owners. Other designs produced at Shrewsbury included road haulage tractors and timber tractors, of which about 90 were sent out between 1923 and 1936. Some of these were tracked versions equipped by the
!SEN T I NEL" A Sentinel record of their product at work — probably shortly after the three way tipper had had its solid tyres replaced by pneumatics. The DG6 is 7438, presumably pictured at the owner's Doseley Quarries. (collection J.L. Thomas)
Roadless Traction Co. Ltd. (see four articles, starting in the Summer 1983 issue for details of Sentinel tractors.) The first of many factory built articulated wagons was Super 5020, a 10/12ton vehicle for W. Sutcliffe of Todmorden in Yorkshire, built in November 1923. At the other end of the scale there was the lightweight B model 4tonner. Later, in February 1932, for customers requiring a light steam wagon and not wishing to be involved with the unnecessary unladen weight of the DG, there came the SGLW (single gear lightweight) model. Not far short of nine hundred of the DG model were built at Shrewsbury. However, only three six-wheel and two four-wheel examples were sold into Shropshire — again details are to be found in the list. In 1932 Sentinel's chief designer, A.G. Hutt, had completed his proposals for a new shaft drive model land patented many of its features). All previous designs from the Standard onwards had had a two cylinder engine with the crankshaft disposed across the chassis, and a chain drive from sprockets on the end of the crankshaft to the rear wheels. The new S models were equipped with a four cylinder engine, mounted on its side (still in the same position under the chassis behind the cab), but with the drive transmitted by a shaft with a universal joint to a differential in the back axle. The new models were offered to customers from May 1933, arguably 63
The outline of Sentinel's S models is familiar enough on today's rally fields to allow us to forget that they were produced for only four years. S4 tipper 8843 was new in October 1933 to Harry Price of Dawley, who used it on contract to keep Sentinel's works boiler house supplied with fuel. The picture was used by the makers in their advertisements to depict the S4 tipper. The wagon survives and was sold to an enthusiast in Australia in 1979. (collection J.L. Thomas)
Showing signs of hard work is Sentinel 9065, owned by G.B. Davies & Sons of Ludlow and used on a run taking Bulmers cider from Hereford to Liverpool, on which it is reputed to have amassed half a million miles. It was later returned to Sentinels for use as one of the vehicles to go to the Argentine for training drivers for the impending S6s. (collection J.L. Thomas) 64
Britain's best ever steam road vehicle. Six examples went to Shropshire customers — mostly to firms already operating Sentinels. But the new range — of four, six and eight wheelers — had but four years to run, for in June 1937 the company ceased production of steam wagons. The works had put its faith in steam for five years after its competitors, such as Foden and Atkinson, had gone over to the internal combustion engined lorry. Such was the faith that when at last it was realised that Shrewsbury too would have to turn away from steam, these other firms had an unassailable start. The road steamer was thought to be dead at 'The Sentinel', but some ten years (and World War 21 after normal steam wagon construction had ceased, an enquiry was received by the company from the Argentine Government for one hundred S6 tippers. The order was probably politically motivated in that it was by way of trade exchange. As some of the old workforce were still employed at Shrewsbury the order was accepted, and production covered the 1950-1951 period. The steam wagons were intended for the opening up of a coal mining area at Rio Turbio in Patagonia over 700 miles south of Buenos Aires. Brown coal was to be carried 150 miles to the coast over roads that were virtually rough tracks whilst a railway was being built to the mines as a permanent transport method. The late George Smith told me many stories over the years of his trials and tribulations as Sentinel's chief test driver in steam days. None, however, ever equalled those he told around the Argentine wagons. The coal they conveyed to the coastal refrigeration plant may have been usable there, but it was certainly of little benefit on the way! During training of the intended drivers he met with nothing but opposition from the officer in charge, Colonel Kunz — every time the men reached competence he sacked them. George Smith doubted if anything like the full 100 wagons ever reached Patagonia. As they were unloaded from the ship that had brought them from Newport, South Wales, onto smaller craft, several were dropped, and of those that did arrive for work, many were soon wrecked by irresponsible drivers on the rough mountain roads. Shropshire's last steam wagons did not have easy lives, and tantalisingly little is known of their history.
I would like to acknowledge the help given to me by the late Reg
Sentinels in Shropshire Wagons delivered new to customers in Shropshire works registrationdate number number new
type
first owner
.19 .19 12.21 5.22 6.22 12.22 10.22 2.23 6.23
B 4tonner A 6tonner A 6tonner D 5ton tipper AS 6tonner A 6tonner A 6tonner A 6tonner C 6tonner
R. Maddox & Co Ltd, Shrewsbury Walter Wheat, Newport Leslie Reeves, Whitchurch Edward R. Charles, Gobowen Morris & Co, Shrewsbury Samuel Edwards, Shrewsbury Leslie Reeves, Whitchurch Leslie Reeves, Whitchurch Edward R. Childs, Gobowen
B 4tonner 5ton 3 way tip 5ton 3 way tip 6tonner 5ton 3 way tip 5ton 3 way tip 5ton 3 way tip 5ton 3 way tip 5ton 3 way tip 5ton 3 way tip 5ton 3 way tip 6tonner 6ton (tip?) 5ton 3 way tip 5ton 3 way tip 6tonner 6tonner
Standard models 2273 2518 4065 4128 4152 4213 4215 4317 4328
AW4648 AW5396 NT884 NT1464 NT1585 NT2107 NT1967 NT2282 NT2913
total 9
Super models 5031 5780 5785 5786 5799 5802 5891 6015 6165 6175 6270 6272 6285 6293 6383 6429 6438
NT3211 NT5649 NT5573 NT5261 NT6547 NT6119 NT5620 NT6459 NT6518 NT6561 NT9389 NT7242 NT7237 NT7234 NT9082 NT7823 NT7750
8.23 2.25 1.25 11,24 6.25 4.25 1.25 6.25 6.25 6.25 1.26 11.25 10.25 10.25 9,26 3.26 2.26
6502 6535 6537 6706 6741 6745 6799 6885 7027 7028 7055
NT8498 NT8450
6.26 5.26 5.26 2.27 10.28 10.26 12.26 2.27 6.27 6.27 11.27
Leslie Reeves, Whitchurch E.V. Powell, Wellington The Lawley Co Ltd A.H. Greenwood, Shrewsbury E.J. Williamson, Pulverbatch, Shrewsbury E.J. Williamson, Pulverbatch, Shrewsbury E.J. Williamson, Pulverbatch, Shrewsbury Station Road Colliery Co, Lawley Bank The Lawley Co Ltd Bon Fin Co Ltd, Dawley A.H. Greenwood, Shrewsbury Wm J. Lewis, Minsterley H.A.L. Price & Co Ltd, Dawley The Wrekin Coal Co Ltd, Lawley Coton Hill Hauling Co Ltd, Lawley Sinclair Iron Co, Ketley Wm. Jones & Son (Maltsters) Ltd, Shrewsbury Sinclair Iron Co, Ketley 6tonner John Davies & Son, Whitchurch 6tonner cattle transporter Jas. Tinning, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury S.J. Hayward & Co Ltd, Shrewsbury 5ton 3 way tip Timmis & Tudor, Shrewsbury 6tonner Sinclair Iron Co, Ketley 6tonner Morris & Co, Shrewsbury 6tonner S.J. Hayward & Co Ltd, Shrewsbury 5ton 3 way tip S.J. Hayward & Co Ltd, Shrewsbury 5ton 3 way tip S.J. Hayward & Co Ltd, Shrewsbury 5ton 3 way tip Johnston Bros, Dawley 5ton 3 way tip
6.28 7.28 11,29 8.30 1,31
DG6 3 way tip DG6 DG6 DG4 3 way tip DG4 3 way tip
Johnston Bros, Dawley Morris & Co, Shrewsbury Lewis Bros, Minsterley H.A.L. Price & Co Ltd, Dawley The Wrekin Coal Co Ltd, Wellington
S4 S4 tipper S6 tipper S6 tipper S4
Lewis Bros, Minsterley H.A.L. Price & Co Ltd, Dawley Shropshire County Council Shropshire County Council G.B. Davies & Sons, Ludlow lex demonstrator) Morris & Co Ltd, Shrewsbury
NT9921 NT9186 NT9298 NT9564 NT9922 UX828 UX827 UX1622
total 28
DG models 7438 7458 8047 8293 8454
UX2860 UX 3034 UX 5742 UX7300 UX7958
total 5
S models 8826 8843 9042 9043 9065
UJ2505 UJ 2112 UJ2761 UJ2762 UJ3113
1.34 10.33 4.34 4.34 5.34
9081
UJ3333
5.34
S4
Woodvine of Shrewsbury, who related so much to me of the history of Sentinels. Mr Q.H. Simpson, son of H.E. Simpson of Horsehay Works, kindly informed me of details of the story of the endeavours of Daniel Simpson, his cousin.
'Removing a 15ton Boiler. - The removal of the Morning Post from their Strand offices to their present temporary premises gave Messrs Pickford Ltd., an opportunity of accomplishing another notable haulage job, for which the firm has justly been commended. The boiler belonging to the Morning Post's printing department measured 24ft long and 7ft diameter and weighed 15tons. Messrs Pickford adopted the following mode of removal. It was hitched on to the traction engine while it was in the building and the tractor, in fact, hauled it the whole way out of the building on to a low trolley. This took 5 hours, and attracted an enormous crowd who watched the proceedings intently for the whole time until the boiler started on its journey to Willesden Junction, where it is to be used by the Willesden Paper Mills.' (From The World's Carriers, December 1905.)
Dorothea estorations Ltd. Engine overhauls Tenders Tanks Smokeboxes Flanged Plates Smokebox Rings Chimney Tops Metal Spraying Grit Blasting Polishing Convex beading Wire bound suction hose Brass boiler banding
total 6
This list contains a total of 48 Sentinel steam wagons sold new to 25 different customers in Shropshire, but it is not necessarily complete, for no record now exists of a number of Standard models which might have been supplied to Shropshire owners before 1922. Several further secondhand examples were used in the county, of course, including a number operated by R.M. Woolley of Bucknall in his tar spraying business into the 1950s.
New Road, Whaley Bridge, via Stockport, Cheshire (06633-3544) Also: Churchill Road Bristol 4 (0272 715337)
i
65
T e 1986 Steaming Pbotoorapbic Competition
This year's Steaming Photographic Competition, the fourth such competition to be held in recent times, produced a welcome increase in entries with a record number of photographers submitting their work to appear before the judges. Over 110 prints were sent in by 27 members. The same judges as last year (Alan Martin, Dick Blenkinsop and Ray Clarke) met during March to determine their choice of first, second and third prize, together with a few commendations. Their slightly differing views on photography ensured that all entries received critical appraisal, but once the final dozen pictures had been selected, almost immediate accord was reached on one, two and three. The half dozen finalists are presented on these pages and we hope to present a random selection of other entries in the next couple of issues — though apologies in advance are offered if we appear to ignore those who submitted prints of certain road locomotives in action on certain rallyfields; the subject was very popular!
First Prize (opposite)
Jim Stevenson of Altrincham, Cheshire
A 1920s style threshing team pause for the camera at Astle Park rally 1985 with Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3245 of 1910; owner John Cooper on the footplate. Judges comments: This is a live picture in every sense — people and engine alike are breathing life. The composition is beautifully arranged and very naturally posed but with the figures placed to expose just the right amount of interesting parts of the engine. A fine example of how a contrived and deliberately set up picture can succeed, this technically excellent print has the exact appearance of a 1920s scene.
Second Prize (below)
Chris Garbutt of Newcastle, Staffordshire
The repair workshop — dismantled Fowler roller 16392 and Fowler single traction 9507 surrounded by the paraphernalia associated with a rural engine shop. Judges comments: This is a technically delightful shot; a very well recorded picture, correctly executed, of a scene that would not have been easy to expose. The lighting on the subject is nice and the photograph as a whole is one that excellently records a moment in history — a scene that would have no doubt changed within days.
67
J. Reeves of Taunton, Somerset The Real Thing — Radnorshire County Council's Aveling roller 11208 on widening work on the road between Builth Wells and Rhayader in Mid Wales, June 1971. Judges comments: Whilst some of the attraction of this picture comes from the luck of the photographer in being able to have been present alongside an eleventh hour working engine, much is to his credit for a nicely balanced arrangement. The roller has somewhere to run to within the composition and the scene abounds with interesting detail and background, despite the winter landscape. Third Prize
Commended John Land of Pulborough, West Sussex (above, right) Marshall 'Britannia' portable 87866 at work on a rack saw bench. Judges comments: The unusual slightly elevated viewpoint gives a good suggestion of power and the drive belt nicely leads to the figure working at the bench. Commended Jim Stevenson of Altrincham, Cheshire Burrell 10ton roller 3535 receives morning attention from its crew under the watchful eye of owner Alan Porter. Judges comments: The rear viewpoint is unusual and this contributes to another nicely observed picture from our principal prizewinner. The lighting is splendid and the surrounding buildings are most appropriate.
Judges' comments on the entries generally
Bob Payne of Geddington, Northamptonshire Commended The crew of Fowler showmans engine 15657 THE IRON MAIDEN pause in the gateway into St Agnes rally 1985 to plot their course through the morass of mud. Judges comments: The low cross lighting on this photograph is good and the deeply rutted tracks effectively lead the eye to the subject. The print could have done with some trimming at the right side — with the subject placed centrally the balance of the composition is not good. It is nice to see the sky printed in — many entries were lacking in this respect.
The judges were pleased to find a much increased number of prints awaiting their deliberations, and to learn that they were sent in by a record number of members. As well as some names familiar from previous years, and from the pages of Steaming throughout the year, they welcomed a lot of new entrants, including several lady members and a seventeen-yearold cameraman. They felt the quality of the submitted prints was marvellous and the best yet in the series of competitions. There were some unusual views and in many instances thoughtful shots had been attempted. Having offered compliments en masse, the judges felt some general constructive criticism could be useful, for competitors are doubtless still learning techniques. It perhaps should be pointed out to readers generally that most of the photographers entering the competition will have been submitting work which is completely their own — in the developing and the printing, as well as with the camera. Many of the pictures were not sharp, probably indicating camera shake. Our subject being essentially a technical one, the results are invariably best portrayed on glossy paper — many entrants used semimatt paper. Some of the prints were too closely cropped to the engine and others had too fussy backgrounds — the subject matter had become lost in the background. Lack of human life affected a few entries making them appear dead. Figures and smoke (although the latter may be considered poor enginemanship) help enormously, even if they have to be contrived. But make sure the people are caught naturally and not just seen as the back of a head. The judges were surprised that there was little evidence of the use of telephoto lens of, say 75 to 150mm length, which surely offer great possibilities, and they considered that many of the prints would have benefited from the use of filters to the enhancement of contrast and the sky area of the picture.
69
intelligence past all wider5tavicling Robert Gunn has kindly arranged for us to quote this racy passage from a long letter written by octagenarian C.R. Holmes, outlining his experiences in lead mining in Denbighshire in the first quarter of this century. Holmes was an American, who, following work in this country installing street tramways, acquired a mine near I Ianrwst in 1905 — working it for the next twenty-four years — as well as engaging in various other occupations. Holmes relates: 'About 1909 I acquired a 5ton Foden steam wagon, second hand but in excellent condition. I paid £175 and it proved a real treasure and repaid its cost many times, not only doing all my heavy hauling including tailings to town and to the railway station, but other jobs too. At intervals there was quite a trade in this. Also during the war I hired it out to J.H. & F.W. Green for the haulage of their timber, not just locally but to more distant places in North Wales. They paid £4 per day, I supplying the driver and helper plus the fuel. This gave me a very substantial profit and went on for some two years. For a time in 1918 the haulage of long poles and logs in 30 foot lengths was from a little village some miles west of the road to Pentrevoelas and not far from the latter, the timber being taken to Llanrwst railway station. We did one journey per day with some 10tons, one end of the timber supported on a swing bolster on the Foden's bed and the other on a two wheel swing bolster placed three quarters of the way down the load and securely chained to it. 'One day my driver was ill and could not work, and as George Green was in a stew over this interruption, I decided I would personally do the driving the next day. The ordinary helper seemed so reluctant that I told him he need not trouble and took in his place a young man who was then stopping at my home. 'I had personally only driven the Foden a few times and for trivial distances; just about enough to become acquainted with the 70
mechanism and its operation, including the important temperamental injector to the boiler. We set off at 7am, expecting to arrive well before noon, but it was mid afternoon before we did get there and it had begun to rain (you will have noticed that it sometimes does rain in North Wales). So we called it a day and set out in search of lodgings for the night, a requirement which we found more easily desired than accomplished. After two refusals we were directed to a so-called 'hotel', half a mile distant and probably so named by some morose tourist with a perverted sense of humour. 'There was nothing on the outside of the unprepossessing looking dump to indicate that the glad hand of welcome was ever extended to guests (the next morning we found the hand extended all right — palm upwards). After prolonged knocking the door was opened by a bewiskered old man, incredibly dirty, who regarded us and our application without enthusiasm, mentioning that the 'missus' was absent and that no answer could be aiven until her return at time unknown. By then it was raining much harder and he finally said we could go in and await her verdict, if we liked so to do. 'He started a fire in the coal stove nod pr--..,ly My companion and I took turns sitting on it to get thawed out and perhaps semi-dried. After an hour missus turned up and was a great improvement on her picturesque husband. We passed inspection and she got us some supper, surprisingly good. At an early hour we desired to retire and our host led the way with lighted candle to our two-bed room overhead via an almost vertical stairway. On entering the room I cast a speculative eye on one of the beds, which the proprietor noticed and sought to re-assure me: "Oh, you needn't be afraid of that bed; I slept in it myself last night" — information which was exactly what I had been fearing. 'Next morning it was dry and we got loaded up by noon and set out.
Everything went more or less to plan until we reached the mile long hill just south of Bettws-y-Coed which ends near the bridge in the village. The wagon was in high gear and it was necessary to put her in low to make the descent safely, for the brakes were made for a 5ton load and I had a full 10tons of timber plus the heavy trailing bolster! 'In making the gear shift I may have neglected to first set the brake before dealing with the gear shift; I shall never know how that was. Anyhow, as I fussed with the shift, the Foden started moving, a fact I did not notice for an instant, and then I found I could not get into any gear at all. The slight gradient rapidly became steeper and the speed more so. The brake did not check our progress very much. I did not need to look in the instruction book to realize I was in a real fix. 'There were two alternatives: either crash the outfit into the high bank on the right, which would cause a lot of damage, or to trust to luck and carry on. As the road looked clear I chose the latter, and in no time at all we were travelling ten times the speed that any Foden wagon should ever move. 'When a quarter of a mile from the bottom of the hill I saw, with horror, that a drove of some twenty cows was moving up the hill attended by a herder. It looked like a lot of cheap beefsteak for the natives of the Conway valley. As we neared the victims they took a look at what was approaching and with an intelligence past all understanding, they divided into two groups, one half in single file hugging the wall and the other, in similar single file, keeping to the other side, thus leaving the centre quite clear. Which was just as well for all concerned. As we whizzed through at what seemed like 70 miles an hour, my helper graciously saluted the frenzied herder, who was frantic with fury and uttering curses in Welsh, audible in spite of the roar and tumult. When we ultimately came to a standstill, I was congratulating myself on my good standing with the Devil, who once more had looked after his own, when my helper-for-the-day, a soldier on home leave furlough, looked up at me with a quizzical expression and observed: "The sooner I get back to the Somme the better; it's not so dangerous over there." 'Since that day I have had an enormous admiration for the mentality of cows. I have regarded them, over these last 35 or so years, as the smartest quadrupeds on earth, full worthy of my distinguished patronage
of their indispensible business, as I unfailingly consume one imperial pint of their nutritious output on each and every day. 'We still had a dangerous and awkward corner to negotiate at the south end of Station Road in Llanrwst and numerous citizens assembled in the fond hope and expectation of seeing the ends of our long timber demolish the plate glass windows of E.B. Jones' grocery shop as we swung around the curve. Amongst the interested crowd I noticed the presence of my usual Foden helper. However, I laid out our course with geometrical perfection and with my cousin placed at a strategic point to give me signs as conditions might develop, the whole outfit glided round the curve with a full foot to spare between timber and glass. A major triumph of navigation, of which I was justly proud. 'So far as I know no one in the Conway valley ever heard of my exploit on the Bettws hill, for the authorities no doubt clapped the herder straight into the Denbigh Asylum when he incoherently endeavoured to relate his wild, fantastic tale. He was already one hundred per cent demented when we flashed by. I sincerely hope some future occupant of our White House could be an intelligent cow, for they do the right thing at the right time, whereas recent incumbents at Washington seem to make a mess of everything.' (Although there are no engines recorded under the name of C.R. Holmes, Alan Duke feels the Foden is
likely to be the one owned by Llanrwst Consolidated Mines Ltd, of Parc Mines, near Llanrwst, Denbighshire. It was Foden 1362 of 1907, a 5ton wagon registered M1334 and purchased in 1911 from D. Davies, who operated slate quarries at Llanrhaiadrym-Mochnant, below the Berwyn Mountains. The Foden was last licensed by Parc Mine in September 1922 and was presumably then abandoned or scrapped.)
Fly-wheel Burst. Wrong use of Emergency Brake 'An inquest was held at Rochdale yesterday on the body of Samuel Jowett, a steam motor driver, residing at 6 Elland Road, Brighouse, who died in Rochdale Infirmary as the result of being struck on the head by a portion of a fly-wheel that burst. 'Harry Kershaw, who was the steerer on the motor, said that he and Jowett were proceeding from Sowerby Bridge with a load of skips, &c, for Messrs Lee, of- Sowerby Bridge. When near the Moorcock Inn, where the descent is steep, the flywheel burst without the slightest warning. Jowett was struck on the head, and the witness had a narrow escape. The fly-wheel was comparatively new, and therefore it was not examined before they set out on
the journey. A slight flaw was discovered in the wheel after the accident. 'Mr John Schofield, engineer, of Bradford, said that he had examined the fly-wheel, and although there was a slight flaw it was not sufficient to cause the burst. The fly-wheel had burst through the fly-wheel brake, which should only be used in cases of extreme emergency, being applied. The brake ought never to have been used in the circumstances, and Jowett, who was a careful driver, had been warned against the application of the fly-wheel brake, which had put on more pressure than the wheel could bear. 'The Coroner said that there was no doubt that the accident was due to the application of a brake which should have been used only in case of emergency. 'The jury returned a verdict of accidental death and sympathy was expressed with the relatives.' (From Manchester Guardian, 21st April 1915, courtesy Granville Oldroyd of Heysham, Lancashire. The wagon, owned by W. & R.K. Lee, would seem to have been Foden 2606 (M3199), a 3tonner of 1911, acquired by Lees two years later from Taylor's Drug Co of Leeds. Whether Lees sold it immediately after the fatal accident is not known, but by 1921 the Foden was at Victoria Mills, Horncastle, Lincs.)
A brace of Fodens at the 1984 Black Country Museum gathering at Dudley, West Midlands. Tractor 13784 of 1931 stands left, with 5ton wagon 5078 of 1914. (Tony Porter)
A Perth County Council Album Compiled by Bob Payne
I would like to thank Tom Tennent of Aberfeldy, a former Perth County Council driver, for supplying the very interesting snapshots which are reproduced on these pages. In the first scene, photographed at Ladywell Quarry, we see Aveling & Porter piston valve compound traction engine 11141. supplied new to Perth on 28th April 1925, registered ES7435. The 7hp machine was originally purchased to haul and power a travelling stone crusher, but in fact it never moved from this- Innation vhich ceased work in 1941. In addition to the 16in x 9in Baxter breaker shown here, there was a further belt drive to the tar-mixing plant. By reference to surviving Aveling records we can add some dimensions to judge the size of this most impressive and elegant machine — cylinders were 6%in and 11in diameter by 12in stroke and the road wheels 6ft diameter by 18in wide (rear) and 4ft 6in by 6%in (front). It is thought that this engine may have been built to a special order, as it seems very few Avelings were made to the specification. Tom Tennent, 'the wee man with big oil can', is seen in the centre picture posing in 1936, next to the 4ft 4'/in diameter front wheel of Fowler compound road locomotive 14755
There is little attention from passers-by as (left) Perth County Council's Fowler DNA class roller 18882 of 1931 steams through Pitlochry en route to another job on 30th August 1957, with regular driver Tom Tennent on board. (collection Alan Martin)
Twenty-eight years later, on 14th September 1985, we see (below) Tom complete with his final issue of Perth C.C. overalls, pictured in front of the same engine, now restored, after a six mile run from Market Harborough to Braybrooke and back. (Bob Payne) THE PRIDE OF STRATHEARN. This A9 class sprung 3 speed engine was new to Perth's Central District Committee at Crieff in 1920, and passed to the Highland Division in the early 1920s. Fowler's Specification Book shows the cylinder sizes of 14755 as 6in and 10'/ in diameter by 12in stroke, the engine to be fitted with Menzel lubricator and governors. The rear wheels, mounted on a 5%in diameter axle, were 6ft 6in diameter and had a single drive pin on the right hand side, double on the left. A winding forward drum was specified, along with a brake (arranged to work on both rear wheels) and a differential lock. The specified provisions of a 'wrot iron funnel from safety valves through awning' seems to vary from the sheet brass type we see in the photograph. Latterly the engine carried Fowler chocolate livery though the paint shop specification calls for the maker's black lined amber, red and yellow finish. Perhaps more puzzling is the engine's change of name. Although clearly ordered and sketched on Fowlers specification sheets as INDISPENSABLE and of curved brass, 'fixed above smokebox door', the engine was, however, known only to carry THE PRIDE OF STRATHEARN plate seen in its Highland Division days. In spite of the erecting shop specification being issued on 30th July 1919, 14755 was not delivered until 15th July the following year. The following serial numbers 14756 to 14758, built for other customers at the same time, also took a long while to complete and this may reflect the shortage of materials that followed World War 1. The engines operated by Perth County Council, Highland Division from Aberfeldy were sent out to work in some remote and very scenic locations. In this third picture we see Aveling & Porter type GND compound roller 6518 of 1908 engaged in water binding tracks at Slatich, Glen Lyon, in 1925. This 4hp engine had cylinders of 4 3/4 in and 61/2 in diameter by 8in stroke and it a true convertible, being supplied new with both tractor wheels and renewable steel rolls.
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My thanks to David Phillips, Tony Olive, Tom Tennent and Alan Martin for supplying material for this feature. 73
Engines on Cigarette Cards The two cigarette cards featured in our Autumn 1985 magazine, and the request for information on further examples, led me into an extensive search. I almost regret having started, for it took me much longer than I anticipated — long enough in fact for two more to be revealed in the last issue. However I have been able to get together a good proportion of the various nerds I have discovered the existence of. Some others are quite rare, and either unobtainable or expensive collector's items. I knew the Editor's request for cards that featured traction engines in the British Isles would only produce a very small selection, so in searching likely areas of my own collection for examples I looked for world wide subjects of steam powered road or land vehicles. This still only resulted in half a dozen or so cards and the search therefore extended into trade cards (ie, non-tobacco products) and this did produce several groups or single cards. I also checked through various cartophilic publications, going back to the 1940s, for any additional items not in my collection. Perhaps the best way to present my findings is by manufacturer, in chronological order. I have also mentioned some cards covering subjects of related interest.
Cigarette cards OGDEN'S GUINEA GOLDS. An extensive series, issued from about 1894 to 1907, of photographic typa cards, in total containing some 8000 different pictures. Variations in detail, size of portrait, perspective of picture and of the captions produce some 20000 different cards. The series is usually one of the richest areas for discovering cards of a specific theme as it covers a wide range of subjects. However, I have only identified three cards from this large total, though I certainly will not claim this to be an exhaustive search. 1-1148 NUMBERED SERIES, issued c1900. Card 460 is captioned 'The Steam Motor Starley' (sic) and shows a lightweight two seat vehicle not far removed from a horse drawn buggy. The error in the maker's name — it should, of course, be Stanley presumably stems from the script style 74
Dick Jones
of the trademark, and the compiler's unfamiliarity with the subject. In the WHITE PANEL GROUP (unnumbered), c1900, one card shows the same subject as the previous item. Of the NEW SERIES B, card 360 is captioned 'Wallis Little Giant Motor'. I have not seen this card, but references describe it as a traction engine, the author (of the reference) mentioning visiting Wallis & Steevens at Andover. There is obviously some confusion here and without the card at hand it is impossible to decide whether the subject is a product of Wallis & Steevens, or of Taskers of Andover. From the date of issue of the series, soon after the turn of the century, the engine could well be a 3ton tractor for which both makers were well-known. OGDEN'S TABS. These cards, from about 1900-1904, are of very similar type to the Guinea Golds but are printed rather than photographs. In Series D, of 1903, card 111 is captioned 'The 1828 Steam Carriage' and shows W.H. James' steam road carriage of weight 2tons; 15 to 20hp and 8 to 12mph speed. The illustration is taken from an old print. SERIES E, number 117 is the 'Steam Motor Starley' yet again, whilst SERIES F, number 'I bl shows 'M. Serpollet on Steam Car' and depicts him driving his car at Bexhill where a record speed of 54mph was 2,-hievPrt. Nine other cards in the Tabs series feature fire brigades, at least two depicting 'steamer drill'. BRITISH EMPIRE PLAYER'S, SERIES. The company's own records give the UK date of issue as 1909 but contemporary adverts etc appeared in 1904 — the series was also issued overseas in 1905. Card 11 is captioned 'Harvesting in Australia' and shows a single cylinder portable driving a threshing drum and straw elevator. The attractively presented text on the rear states that oxen, horses and steam power were all used at harvest time lour Figure 1, the illustrations are all full size.) LAMBERT & BUTLER, WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY, 1909. One card from this series shows a steam
vehicle, though I have not seen an actual specimen, only a small black and white picture of it. The illustration gives a three quarter side view of a steam wagon or bus. It was used during Marconi's early experiments with wireless and has wooden(?) wheels and a Yorkshire type boiler is visible. PLAYER'S, COUNTIES AND THEIR INDUSTRIES, The card for Norfolk, illustrating a threshing scene, appeared in our last magazine. The series first appeared about 1910, unnumbered, and then again in numbered form in 1914 (Players records state 1919). The Norfolk card was numbered 21. WILLS'S, OVERSEAS DOMINIONS (CANADA). The cards from this series, illustrated in our Autumn 1985 magazine, were issued in June 1914 and were numbers 8 and 46, not 6 and 46 as stated. Number 32 in the same series features a horse drawn reaper/ binder whilst its text mentions the use of mechanical powered harvesting on farms of over 300 acres. WILLS'S, OVERSEAS DOMINIONS (AUSTRALIA). This was a companion series to the above, issued in April 1915. Card number 9 (our Figure 2) is captioned 'Making an Irrigation Canal, New South Wales.' The actual site was at Yanco and was part of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme; the picture shows a green painted traction engine pulling some form of manually controlled plough. A horse rirRwo reapar-hiorier appenrs on card 41 and several other cards show that horses and oxen provided the main power for most haulage and farm work at the time. WILLS'S ENGINEERING WONDERS, issued 1927. One of the various Shay engined ice locomotives for use on north American lumber transport was shown on card 45. The engines pulled trains of sledges on a prepared ice track, made of compacted snow (our Figure 3). PLAYER'S, FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES, issued December 1930. Card number 8 (our Figure 4) features 'The Hodge Steam Fire Engine, 1841'. This was a self propelled pump which had the rear driving wheels jacked clear of the ground for pumping at the fire. Cards 6, 11, 12, 19, 20 and 25
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show various steam fire pumps dating from 1830 to the 1883 'Valiant'. CHURCHMAN'S, I HE S I ORY OF LONDON, issued MAY 1934. Card 41 is entitled 'London's First Motorbuses 1833' and depicts Walter Hancock's Steam Carriage which ran from Paddington to the Bank (our Figure 5). MITCHELL'S, vvoni n OF TOMORROW, issued December 1936. I wo Fowler Gyrotiller machines appear on card 30 of this series (our Figure 6). They are pictured at work, have differing canopies and other detail variations; one carries the registration UG7785 (or 7385). MITCHELL'S, WONDER-FUL CENTURY 1837-1937, issued October 1937. A then and now type of illustration was used in this series, the top half of card 33 showing Braithwaite and Ericsson's steam fire engine. MODERN CHURCHMAN'S, WONDERS, issued February 1938. Card 13 is captioned 'Gigantic Steam Roller' and shows one of the Marshall built Sentinel boilered rollers for earthwork consolidation (our Figure 7). The text on the rear of the large size card gives facts which are in line with details given in The Sentinel, 76
Volume 1. Card 32, incidentally, shows one of the triple expansion pumping engines at Kempton Park Waterworks and card 14 (our Figure 8) is captioned 'The Gyrotiller' and shows a rear view of one of these digging engines (without mentioning the makers). It is registered AU M539, and seen at work in a Kentish hopfieid. RAT, TFIANSPnilT THIN ANn NOW, issued 1940. A steam fire pump of about 1900, horse drawn, appears on card number 11.
Trade Cards Turning to trade cards, issued with products such as sweets, tea and ice cream, many show steam vehicles, and several series are exclusively devoted to old vehicles. Being from more recent times the cards are probably examples of exploiting the nostalgia boom, rather than reflecting modern trends as cigarette cards were wont to do. Many, but not all, of the cards since the 1940s have illustrations which are little more than artists' impressions; much detail is absent and many errors occur. Cards from the British Automatic Co's weighing machines issued from
1948 covered the 'History of Transport' and card 24 showed Gurney's Steam Carriage of 1828 lour Figure 9). At one time Robert R. enclosed cards with Miranda confectionery and in 1955 offered '100 Years of Motoring' to collectors. Seven of the fifty cards featured steam. Numbers 1 and 2 showed steam coaches of 1034 and 1069, 7 to 10 showed various steam cars and number 22 had as its subject a 1905 Straker steam lorry (our Figure 10), the text mentioning its 40hp horizontal engine, firetube boiler and load capacity of 7 tons. Many of this category of card showed very early steam road vehicles. Cooper & Co's tea packets from 1961 revealed a 1830s example on card 30 in their 'Transport Through the Ages' series, and Brooke Bond's series of exactly the same title, in their tea packets early in 1966, featured Gurney's 1830 carriage on card 16; card 17 however was more up to date in illustrating a 1910-1920 model Clayton & Shuttleworth steam wagon in bright blue and maroon livery (our Figure 111. The latter series was also released in 1967 in Canada and the USA in slightly varied form. Brooke Bond's series 'History of
the Motor Car' of 1968 records Frenchman Nicholas Cugnot's steam tractor of 1770 on the first card lour Figure 12). Both these Brooke Bond sets were reissued in 1973/4, the text being printed in black instead of earlier blue. Finally Hitchman's Dairies Ltd featured 'Buses and Trams' on their tea packet cards in 1966, number 5 showing a Thorneycroft steam bus of the Road Car Company of 1902, and 7 showing a London General single deck steam bus of 1904. (We thank Dick Jones for his generosity in presenting examples of most of the cards mentioned in his notes for library/archive purposes, together with his near definitive history of the subject matter. Thanks are due to John Morley and Theo Brown for sending further cards, even though their appreciated efforts were somewhat swamped by Dick Jones' spendid contribution. The most remarkable fact to come out of the searches is that it seems the perfectly ordinary workaday British traction engine or steam roller never featured as the sole subject of a cigarette card, despite the incredible number of subjects covered in over forty years of distribution. And steam ploughing as epitomised by thousands of Fowler sets, raised no interest at all. Mr Jones further remarks that he finds all this inexplicable, for countless numbers of contemporary subjects were covered. Some thirty sets were devoted solely to railways, and even the most mundane topics were stretched to a series, for example, a set of fifty on 'The Story of Sand' — yes, the stuff you get in your sandwiches at the seaside.)
Robey 4hp tractor 33957 of 1915 — one of the few of that marque to survive into preservation — pictured at Ardingly Rally in July 1985. (Robin Walker)
'When is a Light Locomotive a Traction Engine? This was the conundrum expounded to the members of the Great Unpaid sitting in Petty Sessions at The Rotherham Borough Court on the 1st instant. The bench decided that a light locomotive or motor tractor is a traction engine when it emits smoke. On the same principle we suppose a donkey is an elephant when
Knebworth Pork The Hertfordshire Steam Preservation Society present the biggest yet Special Heavy Haulage and Road Locomotive Weekend, featuring —
it expires clouds of breath on a cold day...' (The Automobile Commercial Vehicle Review indulging in fatuous comment in December 1904 after the appearance before the bench of John Knowles of Wickersley and Thomas Greaves of Maltby. Their 2tons 19cwt vehicle was probably, in 1980s terms, a steam wagon.)
Traction Engine Rally, on the Al(M) at Stevenage, Herts
June 14 and 15
• Fowler crane engines 17212 and DUKE OF YORK • Fowler road locos ATLAS and 14910 • Burrell road locos LORD ROBERTS and DUKE OF KENT • McLaren BOADICEA • GARRETT road loco VERA • 100 ton ex Pickfords trailer with railway loco load • up to 50 showmans engines, traction engines and fair organs • all the usual traction engine rally attractions plus steam ploughing, wood sawing and threshing demonstrations
John Saunders, 6 Carters Way, Arlesley, Beds (0462-733097)
77
Tam McTaggart
Tooting their Trumpet
I was very grateful to Alan Martin for recently sending me a copy of an advertisement for Dyson trailers, published in the commercial vehicle press before World War 2. The trailer represented was ordered by Road Engines & Kerr (Haulage) Ltd of Mavisbank, Glasgow and is quoted as being designed and built to carry 75 tons. Now, having worked with that well known heavy haulage firm as a driver, the advert is the first indication I have had of the trailer design weight I was under the impression it was a 100 ton trailer! The Dyson trailers had on the steering forecarriage four wheels in line on oscillating axles, with two tyres on each wheel. At the rear were eight wheels, again on oscillating axles and having two tyres on each wheel, making a total of 24 tyres to the trailer. The rear wheels were fitted with brakes, operated by a hand wheel on each side of the swan neck. The trailer came new to us in 1937, and a second was delivered in 1939 or 1940, also, I would presume, of 75 tons nominal pay load. Numbered respectively 1 and 11, these two trailers were constantly at work during the war, with loads up to 110 tons, plus 5 tons of timber packing — not a bad overload for a 75 tonner! haulage trailers, All heavy however, were overloaded at times, sometimes by mistake — especially when moving old machinery. As an vl vve I:00k an old punching and shearing machine from Lrthgows Fast Yard, Port Glasgow, to rnAthririge The petrol engined Scammell 45 tonner refused to climb up the Hatton Brae to Bishopton in the 15 toothed sprockets with an alleged 25 tons on. After changing into the 12 toothed sprockets, it just got up — but no more. Running over a 100 ton weighbridge at Finnieston in Glasgow, the load was discovered to be 60 tons. When unloading the machine, it was found to have a solid body instead of the hollow kind on modern machines. On my first day with Road Engines & Kerr I was sent as second man on a Scammell tractor to run one of the Dyson trailers empty to Greenock, where 10hp Burrell 1997 (GA7816) LORD ROBERTS was waiting to reverse it into John G. Kincaid's boiler shop in Ratho Street, there to load an 80 ton boiler for the James Watt Dock 78
about a half mile away. The unladen weight of the trailer was 25 tons, making a total of 105 tons. LORD ROBERTS in low speed handled it with no trouble at all, even though it had to pull up a slight gradient to the dock entrance. Trailers 1 and 11 moved all the big boilers to the east coast shipyards, which were within their capacity. The period when the traction engines were being replaced by internal combustion engined vehicles was the one when the heavier loads came on. Marine diesels with half the bedplate and crankshaft weighed from 96 to 110 tons (depending on the make of engine) plus the packing. The other half was two tons lighter, because there was no gear wheel on it. Excavating equipment coming into the country from the USA was far in excess of 100 tons, so much so that one movement required the big Burrell CLYDE and McLaren 1650 (both 10hp) plus two Scammell tractors, one tracing and one back shoving. It was not because of hills but because the road was soft in places.
Then Bert Kilvington, driving the Burrell CLYDE, loaded onto number 11 at Kincaid's a double ended boiler weighing 110 tons concentrated weight. He got fed up with awaiting SUPREME, Fowler 20223, coming to trace him, and delivered it alone to the James Watt Dock. Yes, Mr Dyson, I think we could excuse you for blowing your old trumpet!
'Foden's Limited of Elworth Works, Sandbach, is doing a steadily increasing business in steam wagons. Their principal representative, Mr Charles Davies, had a very successful journey last week in London and the West of England, during which he took orders from Messrs Edwin Harris & Son, contractors, Clyst Hydon near Exeter; Messrs Pellow Brothers, wholesale grocers, Bodmin, and Messrs S.P. Mumford & Co, Steam Flour Mills, Greenwich.' (From The Commercial Motor, 12th October 1905).
Fresh from the paintshop, one of Dyson's 75 ton trailers is posed for the cameraman outside the maker's premises in Liverpool on a somewhat dull day. The same photograph was used for Dyson's press advert, with the heading 'Forgive us this toot on the old trumpet! But we do manufacture the biggest and most varied range of trailers in the world! Dyson super design, costs no more!' (collection Graham Allen)
Rallies Approved by the National Traction Engine Trust Approved Rallies The organisers of all these events have undertaken to conduct them in accordance with the recommendations contained in the National Traction Engine Trust's Code of Practice. This code is designed to promote the interests of rally organisers and the public by encouraging high standards of entertainment and organisation, and particularly, furthering all aspects of safety affecting visitors or exhibitors alike.
The List
Additional copies of this list can be obtained from Tony Fookes, Spent Penny Farm, Craigs Lane, Mount Bures, Colchester, Essex CO8 5AP on his receipt of your SAE plus 15p in stamps per copy. Further general details of the Club, and membership application forms are available from the General Secretary, David Pugh, 95 Kingsway, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 7EI-I. (SAE please)
©This list is the property of the National Traction Engine Trust and shall not be reproduced whole or in part, with prior permission.
The title of each event is followed by a brief description of the location or venue and the organiser's address. The number of engines expected to attend is offered for guidance, but must not be taken as a guarantee — rallying vintage steam engines can be fraught with problems. Most events feature other vintage vehicles as well as steam engines. The information is given in good faith and is correct at the time of publication and the NTET cannot be held responsible for subsequent variations. If you are In doubt, it is suggested you confirm arrangements with the organiser concerned. The Approved Rally symbol
1st April 1986 Published by the National Traction Engine Trust
25 and 26 — Rally of Miniature Traction Engines, Bass Museum, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire (about 25 miniatures expected). J. A. Crowson, Bass Museum, Horninglow Street, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
25 and 26 — Cricket St. Thomas Steam Engine and Tractor Rally, Chard, Somerset (about 6 engines expected). J. Jones, 21 Rolle Street, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1HA.
25 and 26 — Carrington Park Steam Rally, Carrington, near Boston, Lincolnshire (about 30 engines expected). Mrs J.B. Hurley. Leyland, New York Road, Dogdyke, Lincoln.
June Burrell ahowm aim road locomotive
May 3 to 5 — Abbey Hill Steam Rally, Barwick Park Showground, Yeovil, Somerset (about 20 engines expected). B. W. Taylor, 14 Cashew's, Yetrninster, Dorset DT9 6NQ.
3 to 5 — May Day Steam, Abbotsfield Park, Flixton, Manchester (about 15 engines expected). G. Coles, 18
1 and 2 — Upton Steam Rally, St Patrick's, Upton, Innishannon, Cork, Fire (about 20 engines exp"cted). Rev. C. O'Sullivan, St. Patrick's, Upton, Innishannon, Cork, Eire.
7 and 8 — Great Amwell Steam Rally, hiaddesdon, Hertfordshire (about 30 engines expected). R. Hale-Sutton, 53/55 High Street, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.
7 and 8 — Steam Rally and Country Show, Tynedale Park, Corbridge, Tyne and Wear (about 12 engines expected). Mrs E. Henderson, 29 Lambton Close, Woodside Park, Ryton, Tyne and Wear.
Braemar Avenue, Stretford, Manchester M32 9NA.
14 and 15 — Ashlield Steam Rally, Farnsfield, near Southwell, Nottinghamshire (about 24 engines expected).
4 and 5 — May Fair Organ Spectacular, Bass Museum, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire (about 8 engines expected).
Mrs L.M. Wright, 133 Dale Lane, Blidworth, Nottinghamshire NG 21 OSU.
J. A. Crowson, Bass Museum, Horninglow Street, Burtonon-Trent, Staffordshire.
14 and 15 — Holton Working Steam Rally, Holton, near Wheatley, Oxfordshire (about 25 engines expected),
10 and 11 — Stoke Goldington and Gayhurst Steam Rally, near Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire (about 25 engines expected), S. J. Bowdidge, Westside Orchard,
G.N. Hastie, 21 Beech Road. Wheatley, Oxford 0X9 1UP.
14 and 15 — Knebworth Park Steam Rally, off Al(M), Stevenage, Hertfordshire (about 50 engines expected). J.
Stoke Goldington, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire.
Saunders, 6 Cotters Way, Arlesey, Bedfordshire.
10 and 11 — Warrington Festival Steam and Vintage
14 and 15 — Morecambe Bay Steam Engine Rally, Ashton with Stoddy, A588, Morecambe, Lancashire (about 20 engines expected). Mu. E.M. Curr, 27 Norfolk Ave, Morecambe, Lancashire.
Gathering, Victoria Park, Warrington, Cheshire (about 20 engines expected). B. Lawre.nre, 42 Stanton Road, Thelwell, Warrington, Cheshire.
17 and 18 — Isle of Anglesey Vintage Rally, Plas Coch, near Lianfair P.G. Anglesey (about 15 engines expected). E.J. Hacker, Tan Dderwen, Siloh, Port Dinorwic, Gwynedd LL56 4JR.
24 to 26 — Altingharn Park Steam Rally, on A5 east of Shrewsbury, Shropshire (about 30 engines expected). T, Marchinglon, Tecorna. Bramshott Chase, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DE.
24 t❑ 26 Froceater Manor Steam and Vintage Working, near Stroud, Gloucester (about 10 engines expected). T. Fielding. 1 Gordon Close, blighnem, Glouceste rshire. 24 to 26 — Thurlow Rally. A604 west of Haverhill, Essex (about 30 engines expected). M. Tuxworth, c/o Thurlow Sports and Social Club, Haverhill, Essex.
21 and 22 — 11th Vintage Rally, High Cross, Claybrooke, Leicestershire (about 12 engines expected). R.B. Bliss, 'Craig Goch', Whitemoor Road, Stoke Golding, Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
21 and 22 — Lyme Park Steam Rally, Disley, near Stockport, Cheshire (about 40 engines expected). T. Marchington, Tecoma, Brarnshott Chase, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DE.
28 and 29 — Leaning Tower Steam Rally, Queens Park, Crewe, Cheshire (about 15 engines expected). C. Garbutt, 5 Shrewsbury Drive, Chesterton, Staffordshire ST5 7QN.
28 and 29 — Bon-Accord Steam Engine Rally. Exhibition and Conference Centre, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen (about 36 engines expected). W. McConachie, 18 Airyhall Avenue, Aberdeen.
28 and 29 — Banbury Steam Society Rally, Hoperofts Holt, A423 Oxford/Banbury (about 25 engines expected). B.A. Wells, 129 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxfordshire.
19 and 20 — Somerset Traction Engine Rally, Langport, Somerset (about 15 engines expected). E.P. Alford, Elmlea, Broad Hinton, Swindon, Wiltshire SN4 9PB.
28 and 29 — Stamford Steam Rally, Burghley Park, Stamford, Lincolnshire (about 15 engines expected). L.M. Beard, 1 Lyndon Way, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2RX.
19 and 20 — Great Chatsworth Steam Festival, Chatsworth House, near Bakewell, Derbyshire (about 40 engines expected). T Marchington, Tecoma, Bramshott Chase, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DE.
28 and 29 — 2nd Bath Festival of Steam, Lansdown Playing Fields, Bath (about 25 engines expected) T.J. Maple, Bath Sports and Leisure Centre, North Parade Road, Bath BA2 4ET.
July 5 and 6 — Chiltern Silver Jubilee Rally, The Hanging, Prestwood, Buckinghamshire (about 45 engines expected). P.B. Honour, `Cambrar, Lodge Lane, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire. 5 and 6 — Heddington and Stockley Steam Rally, near Caine, Wiltshire (about 18 engines expected). G. Hyde, 34 Goatacre, Caine, Wiltshire. 5 and 6 — Bromyard Gala, Stoke Lacy (A456), Bromyard, Herefordshire (about 25 engines expected). J. Wilkins, Chactonbury, Pencombe Road, Bromyard, Herefordshire HR7 4SS. 5 and 6 — Elvaston Castle Steam 'It Transport Festival, Elvaston, Derby (about 35 engines expected). Mrs E. Renshaw, 21 Windsor Drive, Spondon, Derby DE2 7DR. 5 and 6 — Ardingly Historic Vehicle Spectacular, South of England Showground, Ardingly, Sussex (about 25 engines expected). A. Urben, 2 Dower Walk, Gossops Green. Crawley, Sussex 19 anal an-1 i'ountry Show, Wymeswold, Loughborough, Leicestershire (about 35 engines expected). M.J. Beeby, Rempstone, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 6RN.
12 and 13 — Woodcote Veteran Transport Rally, near Reading, Berkshire (about 20 engines expected). R. Darling, 41 Cleeve Down, Goring, Reading, Berkshire RG8 OFIA. 12 and 13 — Steam Owners and Drivers Club Rally, Punch Bowl Meadow, St Albans, Hertfordshire (about 16 engines expected). J Wilson, 28 Snatchup, Redbourn, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 7HB.
25 to 27 — Netley Marsh Steam Rally, Ringwood Road, A336, Netley Marsh, Southampton (about 30 engines expected). B.S. Vokes, The Retreat, Pooks Green, March wood, Southampton. 26 and 27 — Cumbria Steam Gathering, Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, Cumbria (about 40 engines expected). T.P. Holt, South View, Hutton Roof, via Carnforth, Lancashire. 26 and 27 — Rushmoor Steam and Vintage Rally, Rushmoor Arena, Aldershot, Hampshire (about 60 engines expected). J. Quarmby, 31 St James Avenue, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9QF. 26 and 27 — Kegworth Carnival and 33rd Rally, Hailstone Meadow, Kegworth, Derby (about 30 engines expected). P.G. Haywood, 49 Nottingham Road, Kegworth, Derby DE7 2FH. 26 and 27 — Ross-on-Wye Steam Engine Society Rally, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire (about 40 engines expected). D.A_ Prout, Old Forge Garage, Dymock, Gloucestershire.
August 2 and 3 — Bristol Harbour Traction Engine Rally, Wapping Wharf, Bristol (about 30 engines expected). R.J. Garnett, 11 Olduille Avenue, Clevedon, Bristol. 2 and 3 — Cornish Traction Preservation Rally, Prince Parc, St. Columb, Cornwall (about 15 engines expected). D. Trernain, Windamere, St Menyn, Pudsiow, Cornwall. 2 and 3 — Torbay Steam Rally, Windy Corner, Paignton Ring Road, near Brixham, Devon (about 10 engines expected). M.R. Stabb, 12 Sun Valley Close, Brixham, Devon TQ5 SJG. 3 and 4 — Irish Steam Preservation Society Rally, Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois, Eire (about 28 engines expected). Mrs 0. Condell, Main Street, Stradbally Hall, Stradbally, Co. Laois, Eire. 9 and 10 — Astle Park Traction Engine Rally, off A535, Chelford, Cheshire (about 35 engines expected). J.A. Barber, The Cottage, Chelford, Macclesfield, Cheshire.
19 and 20 — Lambeth Country Show, Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, London 5E24 (about 15 engines expected). C.A. Westley, Lambeth Amenity Services, 164 Clapham Park Road, London SW4.
9 and 10 — Colchester Steam Rally, Marks Tey Racecourse (Al2), Colchester, Essex (about 25 engines expected). T. Tabberer, 1 Dene Court, Chignall Road, Chelmsford, Essex.
19 and 20 — Weeting Traction Engine Rally, Weeting, Brandon, Suffolk (about 5n engines expected). R.N. Parrott, Fengate Farm, Weeting, Brandon, Suffolk 1P27 OQF.
9 and 10 — Know! Hill Steam Rally, Reading, Berkshire (about 40 engines expected). Secretary, 1 Magill Close, Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 IBW.
15 to 17 — Vestingdagen Steam and Transport Festival, Hellevoetsluis, Holland (about 50 engines expected). G. Kwekel, 7 Hermes, 3225TE Helleuoetsluis,
Holland. 16 and 17 — Nottingham Steam Spectacular Carnival and Show, Wollaton Park, Nottingham (about 15 engines expected). D. Hoyles, 81 Westwick Road, Bilborough, Nottingham. 16 and 17 — Fairford Traction Engine Rally and Show,
Fairford, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire (about 30 engines expected). Mrs J.R. Yells, Ivy Villa, Cirencester
Road, Fairford, Glos GL7 4BS. 16 and 17 — Market Bosworth Steam Rally, Nanby Lane, Cadeby, Leicestershire (about 20 engines expected).
Rev E.R. Boston, Cadeby Rectory, Nuneaton, Warwickshire 16 and 17 — West of England Steam Engine Society's Rally, St Agnes, Cornwall (about 30 engines expected). Mrs K. Hicks, 9 Nicholas Avenue, Four Lanes, Redruth, Cornwall. 23 to 25 — Haydock Park Steam Carnival, The
Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire (about 40 engines expected). T. Marchington, Tecoma, Bramshott
Chase, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DE. 23 to 25 — Town and Country Festival, Royal Show-
September 6 and 7 — Liskeard Steam and Vintage Club Rally, Merrymeet, Liskeard, Cornwall (about 25 engines expected). L.C. Baker, 15 Pengover Green, Pengover,
Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 3NH. 6 and 7 — Haddenham Steam Rally, A1421 Haddenham, Cambridgeshire (about 30 engines expected). Mrs D.M. Young, 13 Cooks Drove, Earith, Cambridgeshire PE17 3DG. 6 and 7 — Malpas Yesteryear Rally, Gredington Park, Hanmer, near Whitchurch, Shropshire (about 30 engines expected). P.M. Millington, Holly Bank, Tybroughton,
Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 3BG. 13 and 14 — Roxton Park Rally, A428/A1, near Bedford (about 60 engines expected). P. Worby, 35 Old Hale Way,
Hitchin, Hertfordshire. 13 and 14 — Capesthorpe Hall Steam Extravaganza, near Macclesfield, Cheshire (about 30 engines expected). T.
Marchington, Tecoma, Bramshott Chase, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DE. 27 and 28 — Buxworth Steam Party, Navigation Inn,
near Whaley Bridge, Stockport, Cheshire (about 15 engines expected). T. Marchington, Tecoma, Bramshott Chase,
Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DE.
ground, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire (about 20 engines expected). Organiser, RASE, NAC, Stoneleigh,
Kenilworth, Warks CV8 2LZ. 23 to 25 — Harewood House Rally, Harewood House, near Leeds, Yorkshire (about 30 engines expected). N.
Boyes, 1 Brownroyd Walk, Wibsey, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD6 1SB.
23 to 25 — Quexpo '86, Quex Park, Birchington, East Kent (about 12 engines expected). T.J.M. Keenan, 8 Mutrix Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5JL. 23 and 24 — Egham and Thorpe Royal Show, Runnymede, Egham, Surrey (about 15 engines expected).
I.H. Fear, 1 Rowan Avenue, Egham, Surrey TW2O 8AN. 24 and 25 — Bishop's Castle Traction Engine Rally,
Bishop's Castle, Shropshire (about 40 engines expected).
D.W. Goddard, 29 Nibs Heath, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HL. 24 and 25 — Devon Traction Engine Club Steam and Vintage Rally, Chapelton Barton, A377, Barnstaple, North Devon (about 10 engines expected). M.R. Stabb, 12 Sun Valley Close, Brixham, Devon TQ5 8JG. 28 to 31 — Great Steam Fair, Everley Hill, Stourpaine, Blandford, Dorset (about 75 engines expected). M.F. Oliver,
Dairy Mead, Child Okeford, Blandford, Dorset DT11 8HD.
30 and 31 — Brill Steam Rally, Brill, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire (about 25 engines expected). T.J. Petty,
Valley View, Southbank Road, Northchurch, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.
Fowler steam tractor 1926
i pictured Ckani from tbe past Mike Jones The first photograph shows Fowler 12741, which has twice featured in our magazine recently. In the Autumn 1984 issue it is pictured and described in the ownership of Ted Davenport in Cheshire in the 1930s (see also letters in the following issue). My picture shows the engine in use with its first owner, H.W. Hughes & Co of Llanelidan, Ruthin. It is about to start threshing work at Cefn Gadair Farm, Llanelidan. The date is probably pre 1921 for she has no registration, but some of the crew seem to be wearing former military caps — often popularly available as surplus clothing in the few years after World War 1. As previously noted the Fowler later went to Jones Bros of Rhosemor (not as previously printed) near Mold. They were later the founders of Jones Balers, agricultural machinery manufacturers. There was always doubt among steam men in this area as to whether or not Fowler 12741 ever left the district other than in a travelling scrapman's lorry because for long enough in the 1950s the rear end of a Fowler sat in a farmyard in the Llanelidan area. Everyone thought it was the tank and bunker of 12741 until the article and picture appeared in Steaming. The steam wagon is Clayton & Shuttleworth 48275, a 5 tonner, delivered new in July 1919 to Davies Bros of Barmouth, Merionethshire. Their name on the motion sheets has been worn or polished to the point of illegibility. The wagon seems to be on quarry work or by some sizeable roadside earthworks. It was sold back to the makers in 1929 and then scrapped. My final picture shows another Fowler agricultural; its identity, the location and the date are unknown to me. I believe it to be in the North Wales area — can any reader help with a few clues? The engine could be leaving its home yard with its tackle — there is a portable engine in the background appearing, smokebox first, behind the drum. 79
Two newcomers arrived on Stourpaine's slopes in 1985 to join in the antics of Amalgamated Heavy Haulage around the haulage area. Making a spectacle of moving two large concrete pipes across the soft ground are Garrett 6hp road loco 27946 VERA and McLaren 10hp road loco 1652 BOADICEA, one at either end of regular attender Burrell 3057 LORD ROBERTS, in the centre. (Eric Sawford)
In the thick of it — Burrell 2072 THE MASTERPIECE earning its keep in the line of showmans engines. Built in 1898 the Burrell is the oldest showmans engine to survive into preservation. (Roger West) 80
WAN
More heavy haulage. Anthony Heal casts an approving proprietorial eye on McLaren 1652, as the 10hp loco couples up to take over the pipe-laden trailer. (Roger West) There were new horizons around the ploughing area in 1985. A Fowler K7's exhaust drifts across the landscape as the plough is turned. (Roger West)
MmffinininE EDOMSDH Compiled by Derek Rayner
This issue contains many reports of end of season activities. Many have become a tradition in their locality, invariably taking the form of a road run, or a steam up in a yard where enthusiasts (and usually only enthusiasts) gather to savour the delights of an unregimented day out. Sometimes there is a degree of engine swapping and familiar faces are to be seen on strange footplates — and vice versa — adding to the enjoyment for all. Long may this sort of thing go on and if a collection for charity is taken, then so much the better for all concerned. Some hardy souls continue with their season up to Christmas and
even beyond. George Coles, for example, is reported as driving his uncanopied Clayton traction through a snowstorm. A true enthusiast, some may say! The intense cold weather and snow of January and February has done little to help restoration and renovation of engines out in the open and we can only hope for better weather in the spring to catch up on those days lost. Driving engines on days of extreme cold is to be avoided if at all possible. In particular, roller headstocks, being cast items, are potentially brittle in very low temperatures and the sharp
shock from passing over a raised grating in the roadway could prove very embarrassing if the headstock broke, not to mention the expense of replacement. I should like to thank all contributors to this issue. Various club publications have been received and these are always a valuable source of information, as well as providing some degree of publicity for the Clubs sending them in. More would be welcomed. Acknowledgements are due to those noted below. Banbury Steam Society, Hollycombe Steam & Garden Railway Society, Lancashire TEC, Leeds & District TEC, North Staffs & Cheshire TEC, Notts & District SVMC, Road Roller Association, Scottish Traction Engine Society, Sheffield & District SS, Somerset TEC, Southern Counties HVPT, Steam Plough Club, Stoomwalsen Club Nederland, West of England SES and Simon Caudwell, Andrew Craske, Alan Crockford, Gerry Doherty, Martin Fletcher, Keith Flinton, Sandy Garden, Geoff Hallam, Peter Haywood, Richard Hemington, Barry Herbert, Tim Holt, Chris Hutchinson, Tyrone James, Brian Johnson, Michael Jones, Tim Keenan, A. Odell, Robert Rees, John Reeves, Sandy Ross, Richard Seago, Mrs Anne Shackell, F_W. Smith, Graham Smith, Bernie Ward, Michael Watts and Aussie Windle. Press date for the next issue is the last day of April 1986. Information, news and letters by then please to D.A. Rayner, 'Invicta', 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York YO2 3J H. Press dates for future issues are the end of July and October 1986 and January 1987.
BEDFORDSHIRE Peter Coulson is doing work on his McLaren tractor 1837 (AAM801). The 1936 engine is having a new wooden canopy to replace the existing Aveling steel example and the belly tank is being renewed. Jim Rochester, in business as a gear cutter, is busy making new gears for the engines of two club members. Stuart Gray's 1917 Fowler road locomotive 14910 (CT9092) is having the fast gears renewed whilst Michael Watts' 1902 Marshall conversion 36258 (FU92) is having a third speed added. Michael is hoping to rubber the wheels of his engine before the start of the 1986 season. A visitor to Maskells at Wilstead found the boiler of Ruth Watts' 1924 Foster agricultural 14422 (CT6708) in for reboxing and a boiler finished and ready to leave was for Boughton's 1919 Clayton & Shuttleworth traction 48232 (MN9036). Fowler B6 road loco 17106 (KD2826) has been run on 82
Demonstrating its tipping capabilities at the Parham Rally in June 1985 is Foden three-way tipper 13716 of 1930 — an engine much travelled by the late Jack Hampshire. (Robin Walker)
compressed air and is to be rallied this season. It is then to go back into the works next winter for lagging and repainting. Also at Maskell's at present is DUKE OF YORK's sister engine, Fowler 17105 (VM2110) ATLAS; both of these Fowlers are now owned by Jim Coombes.
BERKSHIRE One of the concluding events of the 1985 Silver Jubilee year of the Thames Valley TEC was held at Englefield Estate in October. Engines present included Graham and Stephanie Waite's 1937 AvelingBarford roller AC6O1 (CPT233), Roy and Peter Green's 1899 Fowler traction 7942 (TA626) and Vic Greenaway's 1910 Garrett traction 28410 (N01186). Also there was Bob Saunton's 1913 Aveling roller 8116 (TA2435) which was making its first appearance at a TVTEC event. (The roller features in an article elsewhere in this issue.) John Carter's yard at Maidenhead, where his steam fair equipment is stored and maintained, had some new hard standing rolled in by Jim Hutchens' 1926 Burrell roller 4040 (TT7917). The work was carried out on the Sunday after the roller's appearance in the Twyford Bonfire Carnival torchlight parade. Two rollers have changed hands locally — the late Arthur Hall's 1915 Aveling 8489 10K581 was purchased in November by Fred Cooper. She now stands in the yard at the rear of the family home near Newbury where Fred's forebears, two or three generations ago, kept their engines. The other roller, another Rochester product, is Aveling E type 10997 of 1924 (M036871 purchased for
LJ
For further details contact
're-preservation' by Graham Smith following a period of abandonment. The engine was new to the Lockinge Estate near Wantage.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE A road run to the Red Lion pub at Coleshill near Amersham featured some ten engines and these included Bernard Ruff's 1925 Burrell traction 4005 (RL574), Anthony Heal's 1919 McLaren road loco 1652 (WF1864) and Edgar and Gareth Bolton's 1910 Clayton & Shuttleworth traction 43200. Martin Fagg was also present with his 1921 Aveling roller 10048 (FX8307) and another roller was Boughton's 1930 Fowler 17483 (CV 14541. A similar event later on in the autumn was from the Honour yard to Chenies. To vary the proceedings for the participants there was a change of route and the run, organised by the Chiltern TEC, saw some dozen engines and some tractors taking part. They slowly made their way via Chorleywood to the Red Lion Inn for lunch. The parade was led by Phil Honour's 1921 Aveling roller 9314 (HR4399) which was joined by Nigel Musham on 1931 Fowler road loco 19338 (RX8106), Peter Bartlett's 1925 Foster traction 14568 (NT7184), Gary Smith's 1924 Burrell roller 3991 (AF9803) and Brian Hatfield's 1913 Marshall agricultural 61970 (13J59341 with Terry Petty in charge. Also there was Boughton's 1897 Fowler traction 7788 (BH6971) BLACK JACK with Mike and Lynn Deering on the footplate. After Christmas, Penn Street was the venue for the post festivities steam run which, in 1985, involved just two engines — the Bolton's 1910
Clayton traction and Geoff Wheeler's 1920 Ruston agricultural 113043 ICE7977). Despite poor weather, a number of enthusiasts turned out to drink to the success of the event and the steam engines were joined by a number of other exhibits, including an unusual Opperman Motocart, owned by Nigel Hughes.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE A steam wedding took place at Great Shelford, just outside Cambridge when Edward George, a keen model engineer, married Jean Plummer. In attendance was John Middlemiss's 1914 Burrell showmans engine 3555 (A06262) BUSY BEE which had steamed the fifteen or so miles from its home to be present.
CHESHIRE Mid October saw another Holly Bush Steam Party at the popular venue at Little Leigh not tar trom Northwich. In 1984 there were doubts as to whether another event could be held in view of the impending retirement of landlord Albert Cowap but in May 1985, an extension of the tenancy was agreed and consquently the eighteenth annual steam up went ahead as normal. There was a mixed bag of engines present, all locals and all well known at the event in the past. Those present included Walter Fitter's 1910 Foden agricultural 2312 (MA7770), Bill Briggs' 1897 Burrell agricultural 2003 (YA 509), Peter Froud's 1932 Sentinel DG4 8714 (KG 1123) and Alan Porter's 1913 Burrell roller 3535 (TB2710). Others there included Burrell general purpose 4037 of 1926 (EW4904) owned by the Adamson, Bolger and Allsop triumvirate.
We specialise in the construction and repair of locomotive type boilers. Firebox construction can be of the traditional flanged and rivetted design, or flanged and welded. Construction is to the appropriate British Standard Specification and all welding is by coded welders to BS 4870. Work being done is approved at all stages by an engineering surveyor from your boiler insurance company. Construction of tubeplates, smokeboxes, tenders etc, also undertaken.
Roger Pridham, Hollybank, Chilsworthy Beam, Gunnislake, Cornwall. Telephone Tavistock (0822) 5276 Daytime, 832945 Evenings
83
Marshall 6hp traction engine 53176 of 1909 provides subject for discussion at Castle fields Carnival outside Manchester's Science and Industry Museum in September 1984. (Tony Porter)
good fire, but instead of the pressure rising, it had dropped back to 50 by the time he got to the Thresher. There was time there for it to pull round but after commencing the journey back from the Swan with 1301bs and almost a full glass of water, pressure fell steadily all the way back to the yard. Luckily the route is flat or slightly downhill for the last mile or so and George staggered into the yard with only 15Ibs on the clock and a quarter in the glass but still maintaining 4mph in top gear! After complaining at the coal yard about the quality of the coal, a couple of bags of superheat (mixed smokeless fuel) were offered to try out, and by comparison, on the journey back the following Sunday, the Clayton went like the proverbial bomb. (/ have every sympathy with George and his experience with poor coal. During the miners' strike, some foreign smokeless was bought (expensively) and doled out at a northern rally. It was said to be 'good coal' but all it did to my bars was burn them. It didn't make steam and certainly wasn't any good for travelling engines long distances. Complaints fell on stony ground on the basis that due to the strike, there was no other supply — but I was not alone in experiencing such difficulties — DAR).
CORNWALL A fortnight after the Holly Bush event, the other Cheshire end of season steam up took place at the Red Lion at Goostrey. Alan Porter's roller steamed across during the intervening weekend and met up with George Coles' 1913 Clayton agricultural 46059 en route, quite by chance. Also there were Jim Stevenson with his 1924 Aveling roller 10906 (MB5846) and Alan Painter with Wallis Advance 7967 of 1928 (0T7256). The exhibitors thought winter had come early as the event suffered a very thick, cold fog which persisted all day and consequently made engine movements virtually impossible. However, the following day dawned clear and bright and the engines were able to go their separate ways with no problems. But George Coles set off a couple of weekends later, in early November, and although starting in brilliant sunshine, he completed the final two miles in a blinding snowstorm which, on an engine with no canopy, was anything but pleasant. The final steam of 1985 in the area was on Boxing Day in the form of the Tom Barlow Memorial Run. This went from the Jolly Thresher Inn to Broomedge and on to Little Bollington at a leisurely pace. There were six 84
engines taking part — Arthur and Richard Bridge's 1925 Burrell roller 4004 (Y132010), Greg Barlow's 1911 Foden traction 2654 (E5684) and Frank Lythgoe's Burrell tractor 3397 (AH095), together with George Coles' Clayton and Jim Stevenson's Aveling roller. The final destination was the Swan With Two Nicks public house adjacent to the River Bollin and at closing time, the engines (apart from the Burrell tractor which had sped off earlier) prepared for home whilst it was still light. George's Clayton suffered from coal trouble on the way to and from the event. He had intended using Welsh steam coal on the last two outings of the year so that the box would be nice and clean when the time came for the engine to be laid up. However, when he got to the coal yard, they had no Welsh bagged up and he was persuaded to take four hundredweight of 'French nuts' instead. He was told that it was smokeless and had been used successfully by the Liverpool Museum in their engines. The price for the load was £27 — which George thought was steep. He set off from Barlow's yard with 601bs on the clock and a
Vernon Carveth's 1948 AvelingBarford roller AH162 (JXH174) OMEGA has been sold to Ian and Wendy Beard and was steamed to her new home early in October. Ian has helped out on a number of local engines over the years, as well as spending some of his working life as a BR fireman. Only a few days following the journey to her new home, the roller was back on the road to participate in the Lower Quarter Fair at Ludgvan near Penzance, where she was in company with Len Hosking's 1921 Burrell traction 3902 (MA7503), driving her owner's threshing machine during the afternoon. Since purchasing the Aveling, Ian and Wendy have been busy and as well as one or two more trips out have undertaken some renovation work including the fitting of a new stainless steel regulator rod, re-lining the brake band, repainting the underside of the canopy and restoring the scarifier and governor to working order. The Daniel brothers have been undertaking some work on Wallis Advance roller 8065 of 1930 (0U5979) owned by Alan Wheelhouse. Various repairs have been undertaken as well as preparations for its ten year boiler test for the coming
season. Bill Lobb and his helpers are busy fitting rubber tyres to his 1926 Garrett tractor 34789 (YB7841) which will make travelling on the road much more comfortable during the years to come. A recent visit to Carn Brae village found Joe and Dennis Warren busy skimming the flywheel on their Burrell showmans QUEEN 3103 ALEXANDRA. In addition to this, they have put all the motion together, fitted new pistons, rebuilt the governor and completed the front end. A new smokebox door has been fitted and the front ring and makers name ring are now in place. The tender and gear guards have been cleaned and painted. Another roller about to change hands is the old Aveling 4747 (NX371). This 10ton single was built in 1901 and W. Danning is selling her to R. Estlick, a former grasstrack champion and speedway rider. The roller will be moving west to near Truro and her new owners place shortly. Marshall traction 34022 (TA 2876), owned by Hedley and Tyrone James, was in action over the Christmas period and put in an appearance at the Towerside Hotel get together of local enthusiasts, gathered for a chat and a drop of Christmas spirit. The following day, George Hawkins had his annual steam-up at Tredinnick with Fowler showmans IRON MAIDEN in steam. A couple of engines have come into the county. One is Clayton & Shuttleworth agricultural 36336 (BP5621), a 1904 engine from Kent, and previously in the ownership of Michael Pink; the new owner is John Middleton. The other recent addition is 1943 Ransomes portable 44126, arrived from Staffordshire where she was in the ownership of a Mr I lall. John Sawle has been fortunate in obtaining a second Wallis & Steevens trnrtinn xmagnn from rnr-OhririgeQhirP. He has discovered that it was supplied new in 1893 along with another of the same make which he already owns, to the Kemp-Welch Estate, Ropley, Hampshire, for the sum of £129 the pair. His latest acquisition had been sold by the Estate in 1950 to Mark Loader Ltd of Bournemouth who put in in the Stourpaine auction in 1979, from whence it went to Cambridge. The other one stayed at Ropley until 1980 when it was sold to a Southampton enthusiast, from whom John acquired it some two years ago. It is pleasing that they have been reunited and John intends repainting both wagons in maroon and red livery to match his 1913 Marshall traction 62121 ITA362/1) and hopefully the complete outfit will be on the road
COUNTRY PARK Near DERBY
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Scr6/174 ViIff9NISPORT 4 DAY OUT fOR ALL THE &W/L ' Arena Parades of 100's of Britain's Magnificent Old Machines A if /AM
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later in the year — which should be a fine sight.
CUMBRIA A change of date and venue is anticipated for the 1986 Cumbria Steam Gathering. It will take place at the end of July on Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, not far from Cartmel in the south of the Lake District. The new site is expected to give greater opportunities than the previous one and access by public transport, especially rail, is particularly good.
DERBYSHIRE A small end of season show was organised at the Shady Oak, Fernilee,
not far from Chapel-en-le-Frith towards the end of September. There were stationary engines, cars and lorries and also a couple of traction engines — Nottingham Museum's 1929 Fowler ploughing engine 17756 (V08988), exhibited by Dorothea Restorations, and John Cooper's 1910 Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3245 (AH054).
DEVON A roller come into the county from Derbyshire is Aveling 9128 of 1920 1E5336). This single cylinder 12 tonner was previously owned by Tommy Titterton of Turnditch; the new owner is Cyril Frick, who since 85
acquiring the roller, has steamed it around the local lanes on a couple of occasions.
EIRE One or two errors crept into the notes in the last issue. Gerry Doherty's 1903 Aveling does not have overhead valves (they are on the sides of the block as is more usual on Avelings); it requires a new smokebox and, as far as is known at present, the boiler and firebox should be satisfactory. The Aveling convertible tractor 9317 11D1345) needs a new boiler, so if this sort of work is to be attempted, then a new firebox may well also be put in. This engine is ex Cavan County Council. Gerry King, mentioned in the last issue, has also purchased Clayton & Shuttleworth traction 47134, a single cylinder 1915 engine, ex Delaney, Kilbricken, Co Laois. It is understood to require a new boiler and firebox. The engine's number does not appear Traction Engine Register; in confirmation of the registration number and previous history would be appreciated. Sean Lordan has advertised Fowler 14332, a compound engine, for sale at Bandon, Co. Cork. This was built in 1914 as a D2 type, which could have been convertible.
ESSEX The Barleylands Farming Museum near Billericay held an event towards the end of the season. Several engines attended, some of which were relatively new to the county or had not
been seen in public before. Trevor Williams showed Burrell showmans 3894 (NX 947) ST BRANNOCK, which he had owned only for about a month, (previously located in Derbyshire). Also present were Joe Keeling's 1927 Burrell agricultural 4063 (VW742), Dave Skittrall's 1896 Foster traction 2163 (D01945) and Dave Dale's 1908 Fowler general purpose 11554 (CJ 53661. Other engines at the event included the Museum's own pair of Fowler ploughing engines, with implements, which have been mentioned in these pages previously. They are awaiting restoration and will eventually feature in demonstrations which it is hoped will be staged from time to time at this new venue. There are about fifty farm tractors at the museum as well as a vast assortment of horse and tractor implements and hand tools. The steam exhibits on this occasion were organised by the South East Essex Traction Engine Owners Group. Aveling roller 12462 of 1929 (V97301) owned by the C.R.G. Association, a partnership involving C.O.T. Dore, Richard Hemington and G.T. Abraham requires a new firebox and tube plate. The roller is kept on the premises of the Stour Valley Railway where it will undoubtedly see eventual useful employment rolling car parks etc. Six horsepower single crank compound Burrell traction 3017 of 1908 (KE2739) has been advertised for sale from within the county, although it is understood the engine is
Contrast in steam rollers at the 1985 Elvaston rally — Aveling 4ton tandem 6530 of 1908 parades alongside Clayton & Shuttleworth single cylinder 10tonner 48835 of 1923. (David Crampton) 86
normally kept further north.
HAMPSHIRE There is little to report on steam activity at this time of year, but Aveling 10025 (R8325), a 1921 compound roller has been noted on the move. It is owned by Roger Brown and has been at nurseries near Titchfield for some considerable time, standing behind the barns, but now out in the middle of the fields and getting redder and redder. Previously rallied on occasion, the engine will now require a considerable amount of work to return it to rally condition. There is also a 'part roller' — wheels and boiler, hidden behind a house not far away. Unfortunately it has not yet proved possible to ascertain what engine it is (or was). A roller offered for sale recently was Marshall 40047 of 1904 (6E8186). The engine, reboxed in 1980, was owned by Ken Hicks and has subsequently moved to the Cheshire area.
HERTFORDSHIRE The 'Saunders Steam-up' at Stotfold has become bigger than some rallies. Such is the attendance of engines and success of previous gatherings that a large number of enthusiasts come along to this end of season event. In 1985, showmans engines of Lance Statham, Fowler CARRY ON, and the Saunders family, Burrell EX MAYOR, were joined by several other local engines including Sandys Ross's 1911 Aveling roller 7385 (FC4016), Edgar Shone's Sentinel S8 9105 (UJ3652) and Michael Watts' Marshall conversion 36258 of 1902. With little other engine news to report, it is perhaps an appropriate time to look at some of the non-active engines in the county. An engine which has somehow previously escaped your Hertfordshire sleuth is 1912 Aveling roller 7829, a six ton single. This is owned by George Rush, who purchased it some four years ago from Lincolnshire. Apart from some local outings, this restored roller has never been rallied in the area and is, in fact, now for sale again. The registration FX7009 immediately identifies it as being new to Eddisons, and it was then at Swindon until the 1950s. In the same part of the county, but keeping an equally low profile, is 10 ton Wallis Advance 7963. Your scribe had forgotten all about this roller until one day, by chance, he happened to stop to oil up his Aveling outside Mr T.W. Hudson's home, whereupon Mr Hudson mentioned that he still had the
r Great Amwell TRACTION ENGINE RALLY, near WARE HERTFORDSHIRE 30 engines; vintage and veteran cars, bands, funfair, craft fair etc.
7 and 8th June Wallis. It had been purchased from Bristowes Tarvia of Grantham in 1968 in a partially robbed state, and although over the years the roller has been restored to working order, it is now some five years since it was last steamed. The engine was new in 1928 and is registered OT7939. Another Wallis Advance which sadly remains out of use in the county is 7863 (H06495). This 1926 example is owned by Peter Bland, and whilst some restoration work has been carried out it is now many years since it was last steamed.
KENT The sole survivor of the once numerous fleet of steam road rollers belonging to the Brett firm is Avelino roller 11055 (NY6931). She was new in 1924 and was purchased from W.H. Wilkinson of Llantwit Major, Glamorgan by Robert Brett & Sons, in October 1928 thus hemming thnir steam roller. After many years of use repairing roads in East Kent she was later used for making good the company's quarry roads and eventually put into store. Eventually, Tony Brett decided to restore her and it took him and helpers some twelve years to return the roller to pristine condition. As far as is known, the roller has never been rallied and because of other commitments, it is unlikely to be seen in public in 1986. Other engine news involves the sale of M.V. Pink's 1904 Clayton & Shuttleworth traction 36336 (RP5621) to Cornwall, and by the time these notes appear in print, It should have left the county. Brian Hope's 1902 Aveling roller 5156 (TU874) has returned to steam following the
replacement of the front tube plate by Bicknell Brothers of Liphook. Brian is to relag the boiler during the winter months. Another boiler bound for Bicknell's is that from Will Day's 1929 Foden tractor 13266 (VJ 1476). John Bailey has collected the boiler etc of his 1906 Burrell traction 2819 (EiPb913) from Roger Pridham in Cornwall. Since then, John has had a few trial steam ups. At Tonbridge, Peter Love and his helpers have virtually finished the work necessary on the boiler of his Marshall portable 59763 of 1912 and a hydraulic test is imminent. An engine noted as being for sale in the area is Brian Coleman's 1912 Marshall general purpose 59435 (PB9888). Finally. Kevin Town has purchased Wallis Advance roller 7943 (0T6007), a 1927 machine, from Ran Hawthorne and his sons in Oxfordshire.
I
AQUIRC
It is understood that George Howard's Burrell tractor 3808 has been sold, although the new owner is not yet known. Another engine for sale is David McNamee's Aveling roller 11837 (EP3696), new in 1927, whilst an engine to come into the county is 1913 Ransomes traction 25542 (AY9456) which has been purchased by John Waterworth from John Holman in Leicestershire.
LEICESTERSHIRE Anthony Thompson was the organising force behind an event staged at Nether Broughton in aid of the Jess Swingler Memorial Fund. There were not a great number of exhibits but a sizeable crowd turned up and there was a handsome profit
for the fund. Those present included both Swingler conversions, Fosters VICTORIA and MAID MARIAN, together with 1884 Aveling traction 1995 (BT3939) exhibited by Jim Crane; Michael Dawson's Foster tractor 14066 (FE1589) and Geoff Lamb's 1928 Burrell conversion 4083 (RT4058). John Golding has his 1924 Aveling stripped down for firebox replacement. The roller is 10991 (BC9483). An engine missing from local rallies for a couple of seasons is Frank Knight's 1929 Fowler traction 18155 (AV9387). Hopefully this ex-D.C. Stewart, Aberdeen, engine should be out later this year after mechanical work and a repaint. Another engine missing a rally or two has been John Robins' 1909 Burrell traction 3126 (BJ7155). John has moved house recently and this has cut back his engine activities but he hopes to put the matter right during the forthcoming season. Rev E.R. (Teddy) Boston has some heavy repairs to carry out on 1903 Aveling roller 5163 (NR6525). Finally, an engine new to local rallies next season will be Robin Williamson's newly converted Fowler showmans engine. This was purchased from Brian Hardy and was originally a turret crane engine — a very unusual machine, if not unique and has been repatriated from Australia in more recent years.
LINCOLNSHIRE Fred Coupland's open day at Carrington at the end of October was a treat for many visitors and hundreds of people enjoyed a fine afternoon with plenty of steam and music. It was 87
a first time appearance here for Glyn Macdonald's recently acquired 1929 Burrell conversion 4073 (VF5265), whilst other engines present included Robert Crawford's Foden 'Sun' tractor 13730 and Fred Coupland's Fowler ploughing engines 1 5441 /1 5442 (CT4177/4178) and 1917 Fowler showmans engine 14862 (DW2235) EVENING STAR. Later on in the year, steam activity around Christmas time consisted of the regular recital of organ music on the Market Place at Market Rasen when Don and Dorothy Robinson's 1920 Foster showmans engine 14502 (XC9862) VICTORY turned out with their small Bruder organ to play seasonal music.
NORFOLK A new engine owner is Richard Seago, who has purchased Burrell compound roller 4044 (YB7730) from Kevin Town in Kent. Kevin had done quite a lot of restoration work on the 1926 engine. It was originally a tractor but was never sold, being converted by the makers to a roller in which guise it has spent its working career. Initially hired out by Burrells, the first owner was W.J. King of Bishop's Lydeard, Somerset, and the machine finished it's working days on the Isle of Wight. Quite how this change in location occurred is not known to her new owner — further information would be welcomed (letters to DAR will be passed on).
At the Thursford Christmas party for enthusiasts Burrell showmans 3827 (CL4299) VICTORY was in light steam, giving that unforgettable smell and aura throughout the proceedings.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Nigel Turner of Turners Musical Merry-go-Round at Wootton has purchased 1917 Garrett tractor from Duncan Price to go with the gallopers (from the same owner some time ago) and organ at his leisure centre. The engine, 32969 (BJ3280) requires a new firebox, and it is expected that it will be driven by compressed air (presumably without the expense of a new firebox?) within the buildings when restored to give an authentic touch to the scene. Allen Eaton has sold his 1912 Aveling roller 7586 (WR9359) to A. Odell. It is in excellent mechanical condition and the hydraulic test due at the time of purchase has been passed with flying colours. The roller had been in the open for some years without any tarpaulins and in consequence the new owner has had to do a complete strip down and repaint. The original canopy stays for the roller have been traced and are in the process of being refitted. Mr Odell is also in the process of renovating Allen Eaton's 7hp Russian type Fowler 14888 of 1917 (H06420), which should be painted and rallied later on this year. After fitting a new firebox, tubes and tube
plate, building up the boiler barrel, and making a new tender, the crew are looking forward to the new season with high anticipation. An event is planned for 5th/6th July at Hollowell, just outside Northampton, to raise money for the local church.
NORTHERN IRELAND A recent visitor to Farrell's in Warrenpoint, Co Down found Marshall roller 53755 ISD54531, referred to in the last issue, and was able to speak to one of the staff; it transpires that the firm intend to keep the roller and hope to restore it. Should any member in the vicinity be in a position to offer advice, Noel Farrell at the firm would welcome assistance of this nature. Two engines have been offered for sale recently. These are Wallis & Steevens showmans tractor 7572 of 1917 (H02035) owned by Seamus Fitzpatrick of Downpatrick and Fowler general purpose 11114 of 1913 (GZ2065) owned by Billy Wilson of Carntall, Antrim.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE The weekend before Christmas, Douglas Ragsdale joined in the festive spirit and had his 1909 Burrell showmans engine 3118 (AH5305) DREADNOUGHT in steam. Another big engine in the vicinity, Paul Scholey's 1900 Fowler road locomotive 8712 (DE2439) , is back together and has been out on a couple of runs to bed the engine in. Paul hopes to rally the engine later in 1986.
OXFORDSHIRE
Ransomes traction 25542 — recently moved to new ownership in Lancashire — seen here at a Welford Rally in the 1970s. (Roger West) 88
Peter Smith and James Shackell are presently getting 1894 Aveling roller 3430 (PB9801) ready for a hydraulic test. Peter Best has just finished a similar job on his 1923 Fowler roller 15935 (NX3268) and had the pleasure of being advised that the engine had passed. An engine to change hands is Jack Wharton's 1898 Barrows portable 2420. The new owner is Peter Best. Aveling roller 4463 of 1900 (BY2196), belonging to Peter Symes and extracted from Hardwick's yard at Ewell, has been taken to Nigel Heath's workshop by low loader to have motion work done. It never rains but it pours — Jeff and Ann Shackell, having taken the firebox out of their 1920 Fowler roller 15490 (CA6328), discovered that they need a new boiler and tubeplate as well. They have therefore sent the boiler to deepest Kent for 'recycling' and are hoping to receive a newly constructed item before the summer. In the meantime, work continues in
their garage with painting what remains of the engine.
SCOTLAND One of the two Fowler rollers from Farrell's yard at Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, is now owned by Chris Hutchinson near Stirling. Chris obtained the engine, 17251 1J141751, from Freddy Forrest's yard at Bonnybridge. It had been proposed that it be converted to a tractor, as it is a T3B model, but fortunately this work had not been started. Chris is keeping it as a roller as, indeed, it started it's life, as Tyrone County Council No 9. Work carried out so far includes refurbishment of all boiler fittings, water pump, injector, big end brasses, second shaft bushes, axle bushes and low speed and high speed pinions. New pins and bushes have been made for the differential, and the boiler retubed and repairs carried out to the front tube plate, tender and canopy. It is hoped to steam her later in the year. The engine is unusually fitted with a lifting injector mounted at the top of the tender and has a crankshaft extension at the outer face of the flywheel, and brackets on the tender bottom. From these items, it has been supposed the roller was once a tar sprayer, although no belly tanks (where a tar pump would have been
carried) are now fitted. In order to licence the roller, it has been necessary to apply for re-registration and a fresh number has been issued, DS7206. As a formality, Chris has been advised by Authority that he must mark a chassis number on the engine and has been issued with the number SABLVL 03 056029033 for this purpose. (Even Ruston's numbers didn't extend to this size; have DVLC Swansea lost all touch with reality in their dealings with what to them must be a tiny minority of well documented and quite traceable objects? — Eds.) Mention of Forrest's yard brings to mind an engine which has departed south from there. Another ex-Irish rote, Marshall S type single 78563 of 1924 (IW2573), has now passed to a new owner in the Norwich area. Apparently wheels were awaiting the arrival of this roller, ready to convert it into traction engine form, and we await further reports with disinterest. Elsewhere in Scotland, Willie Smith's 1930 Fowler DNB roller 18664 (SR7648) was working before Christmas on the driveway of his new house. The full construction — hardcore, dense bitumen macadam base course and wearing course were all completed by the Fowler, the only diesel assistance being a small vibrator roller to do the corners that steam
couldn't reach. In September the Fowler had participated in the Kirriemuir Town Hall Centenary celebrations. Willie's DNA roller, 17273 of 1928 (SR6849) attended a couple of events in the summer and both rollers were steamed to the Glamis Castle Vintage Vehicle Extravaganza; his other roller, A9 type 20434 of 1934 (SR8962) continues to make slow progress, and may be ready for 1986. Late October saw the Scottish TES celebrating bonfire night in their traditional style at Law near Carluke with a steam up, huge fire and fireworks. A good number of people turned up and 1925 Wallis Advance 7833 (H06397), owned by Rob Craig was steamed, in his absence due to illness, by Jimmy Borthwick. Also present were the Paterson family with their steam driven lighting set and steam pumps. Finally, two engines which have been noted as for sale are Bill Cowie's 1918 Garrett tractor 33219 (BJ6180) and 10 ton Fowler roller 16961 of 1927 (AV1159).
SHROPSHIRE The annual rally at Gredington Park in September organised by the Malpas Vintage Machinery Association brought together an excellent selec-
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All types and makes of bevel gears, spur pinions, spur wheels, helical gears etc, rebuilt to standard.
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89
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,41
Early morning steam up at the Amberley Chalk Pits end of season event in October 1985. Marshall 8ton roller 83168 and 5ton tractor 73900 have spent the night under the elegant tannery building re-erected from a site at Horsham a couple of years ago. (Peter Love)
tion of engines — and for a change in good weather, as a result of which some good crowds attended. It was a first time appearance for Mark Morgan with his 1923 Armstrong Whitworth roller 10R35 (NE2271) whilst other rollers included 1914 Clayton & Shuttleworth 46688 (EP3137) owned by the Minshall brothers, and engines included Bridson's 1919 Fowler road loco 15376 (MA5656), Garrett showmans tractor 33074 of 1917 (BJ3451) owned by C.P. Timmis and David Webster's 1933 Sentinel S6 8821 (BRF200). Dave Walker and family again own a Burrell — having had to relinquish showmans engine PRINCESS MARINA because of Dave's health problems, and replacing it by the smaller Garrett tractor THE GREYHOUND, the involvement of the whole Walker family has enabled a return to Dave's first love with the purchase of the Burrell 5hp showmans 3509 of 1913 (G6469) RAJAH from Phil Swindlehurst.
SOMERSET A general purpose engine has been acquired by Ronald Sams, this being Clayton & Shuttleworth 48224 of 1919 (BH7651), purchased from Cliff Aldrich in Norfolk. There are now two consecutively numbered Claytons within some ten miles of each other, 90
for C.J. Thomas has owned 48225 (3E7639) for many years. An engine observed for sale is a 7hp Marshall portable of 1890s vintage owned by Martin Farmer. No number is known for this engine at present.
STAFFORDSHIRE A small steam party was held at the Roebuck Inn, Draycott-in-the-Clay and four engines attended. The new landlord, Trust committee member Steve Durance, organised the gathering in aid of the British Heart Foundation and to celebrate his induction as purveyor of engineman's lubricant to all and sundry. Those present were Barrie Littlewood's Aveling roller 12079 (PH9633), Peter Knight's 1926 Marshall roller 81427 (PY6079) together with Graham Love's 1918 Fowler road loco 15323 (HR3697) and one of Mrs Swingler's Foster conversions, 12509 (UX6727) MAID MARIAN, ably crewed by sonin-law Anthony Thompson. Fowler Tiger class roller 16392 (MB8144), new in 1925, joined other engines at the Cheddleton Station vintage transport weekend held late in 1985. This was the first outing for the engine following rebuild and repaint. Chris Garbutt and Dave Broughton are well pleased with the engine's
performance and hope to visit more rallies in 1986. On future outings, the roller may be accompanied by their other Fowler, agricultural 9507 of 1902 (NM141) MARLBOROUGH. The new firebox, front tubeplate, backhead and half barrel are now fitted and trial steaming of the boiler is planned for the spring. Meanwhile the pair are flanging and riveting plates together to produce a new tender. Completion of the boiler work on MARLBOROUGH leaves a vacancy in their workshop, but no doubt a new project will soon be found to keep this industrious pair busy. The recent loss of Fowler B6 road locomotive 17105 (VM2110) ATLAS has been followed by the flight of another long-resident Staffordshire engine. A native of the county for more than fifty years, Burrell showmans 3509 RAJAH has now moved to Shropshire. North Staffs & Phil TEC chairman, Cheshire Swindlehurst helped steam his former engine onto the low loader ready for the journey west. Two portable engines have been offered for sale in the county. One, 1880 Barrows & Stewart 542, owned at one time by Alton Towers, was on the market at £3,500, whilst the other, 10hp Ransomes 44126 of 1943 owned by a Mr Hall of Waterhouses, found a buyer in Cornwall. The Bass Museum's Sentinel Standard 1488 (AW3407) developed tube leaks during the summer, and this necessitated firebox removal. Whilst the engine was under repair at Burton
(remedial work included new tubes and building up wasted areas), resident engine 'duties' were seconded to Burrell 4083 (RT4058) belonging to Geoff Lamb for the month of August, Graham Love's 1918 Fowler road loco 15323 (HR3697) for September and early October, whilst Jack Aldridge's 1907 Davey Paxman traction 13073 (NK967) concluded the year for the rest of October and November. The Sentinel rejoined the Davey Paxman for the November and December monthly steam ups.
SUFFOLK Bernie Ward took the East Anglian Transport Museum's '1923 Armstrong Whitworth roller 10R22 (DX4602) out to a couple of carnivals during the summer. He, and the museum helpers, have been putting the canopy back to the short length version. One of the trips was of some sixteen miles duration in one day which he found was plenty on such a slow engine. The roller's steam chest looks as though it is due for attention but, in the meantime, Bernie is maintaining Armstrong's reputation of being coal and water eaters, although perhaps 'gobblers' would be a more suitable name for an engine resident in Great Eastern Railway territory, for that name was applied to a class of GER built railway locomotives in days gone by.
SUSSEX Burrell traction engine 4019 of 1925 (PW5981) has left Lugg's yard at Billingshurst for the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum and restoration under Derek Kilburn's care. It is an unusual engine, having a 7hp block on a 5hp
boiler, road engine solid flywheel and odd rear wheels. It is rumoured that half an inch was taken off the nearside wheel to obtain clearance around the flywheel, and measurements confirm this! A full rebuild is required, the last steaming having been in the late fifties. Also at the Museum, ex West Sussex CC 1925 Marshall roller 79669 (PX2690) is under heavy overhaul, and Marshall traction 46276 (H05556), new in 1906, awaits gear work so that it's driver can do without ear plugs in 1986. Fowler diesel engine converted ploughing engines belonging to Mr A. Berth, 14379/14380 of 1917 (NK1754/1755), cleared a lake at Midhurst in December, attracting a lot of local attention in the prnness. The sight and sound of these ungainly beasts at work has to be seen to be believed. Brian Johnson's Aveling-Barford roller made a Stourpaine debut in 1985. The engine, AG758 of 1946 (FRM973), has had a rebore and the replacement of gasket between the cylinder block and the boiler. The four days of activity at Stourpaine were a good antidote for the running in blues and the new piston rings have transformed the engine's performance at very little cost. Brian acquired a lightweight living van from the Baldock sale at Hollycombe; two engine trailers, a Tasker and a massive Fowler example from the same collection, have gone to Amberley for restoration. The annual Harvest Day at the Singleton Downs and Weald Museum, near Chichester had but one engine in attendance in 1985 — Arthur Thompson's 1912 Foden traction
3384 (SN1646) WATTIE POLLOCK which operated Bert Dibben's threshing machine. Bert was, as usual, working up aloft on the box. As, in the past, more engines and farm tractors have been present, the 1985 event was rather disappointing.
WALES Five horsepower Marshall conversion 73290 03E9749), owned by the Rees brothers, has now been purchased by a Mr Badger of Her hfordshire. The brothers have purchased a Tasker 5/6 ton traction wagon from West Buckland and are also acquiring another similar wagon from North Wales to go with their Marshall agricultural 31022 E2 (Number enthusiasts should note that TER shows an incorrect number. — DAR). They have, in addition to the engines noted in the last issue, an early Tasker water tank and a Baker water cart, complete with pump. Mike Jones is progressing with the renovation of his Marshall tractor 68754 (CH2462), new in 1915. The brass chimney top has been repaired
W M G HEDGES & SONS BOILERMAKERS AND STEAM RESTORATION ENGINEERS Boilers of all types built or repaired. Wrought iron boilers a speciality. Coded welding to ASME 9. Tenders, smokeboxes, chimneys, etc built to order. We now offer a full machining and fabrication service, plus cast iron welding. Written enquiries to: 26 Cyprus Road, Faversham, Kent or phone: Medway 826555 (day), Faversham 538128 (evenings)
91
and respun, and the rear springs refurbished. One completely new spring housing had to be made using the remaining original as a pattern, and that has been re-tempered in Sheffield; interestingly, steam cleaning the springs prior to repair revealed that one was stamped 1915, made originally by a Sheffield firm. Assessment of the belly tank showed that despite it looking good externally, the condition of the bottom and severe internal pitting weighed in favour of a completely new tank being made. That is now being done. It is understood that Burrell showmans RAJAH, originally worked by Bostock & Wombwell, circus proprietors, is to visit the Boston Lodge works of the Festiniog Railway for major repairs, including a new firebox. At Llanfair DC, the very old Aveling roller 2439 (EY 1382) ex Anglesey County Council still awaits the fitting of a new tender upon which work has started. This year may see the return to steam of this 1889 built engine but she will then require finishing touches. Hopefully Sentinel DG wagon 8122 (OF 5783) will be back on the road this year. Though there is nothing wrong with this 1929 model, her owner, Ewan Lloyd Jones, has suffered indifferent health of late and without her regular driver, the Sentinel cares not to venture far onto the highways and byways of the locality. The ex-Tunnel Portland Cement Company Marshall roller 83412 (JDM377) has been taken in hand by some company employees, although ownership of the engine still rests with the parent company. The 1928 built S type engine has been re-assembled and steamed and will possibly be rallied locally for the first time ever during this year. Rumour has it that a Marshall portable (details unknown), owned in the Holywell area, has changed hands and now resides in mid Wales, close to Aberystwyth. The new owner is not known and it is understood that the engine, purchased in a restored condition some ten years ago, is still capable of being steamed although it has seen little use whilst located in North Wales. At Rhyl a 5hp Marshall single traction which has lain derelict at Morfa Gwybr Farm for at least thirty years has been moved under cover by A. Wynne Davies. She was supplied new to the present owner's father in 1912, and formed part of two or three threshing sets operated by Davies, senior. The engine is 59968 (DM3058)• One cannot help wondering whether the close proximity to the 92
sea of the engine's resting place for over 30 years may weigh heavily on the cost of restoration; remember the Burrell showmans in Cornwall which lay in similar conditions for a similar period, until too far gone to save. Gear teeth could be broken off with the fingers, such were the ravages of the salty air! Clwyd County Council have disposed of the last four living vans which were located in their yard at Ruthin. Three of these were by Aveling, the other was a Marshall — unfortunately the Gainsborough
product was in somewhat rough condition. However it is understood to have gone, with one of the Avelings, to the Bristol area for eventual pairing with steam engines. Of the others one has been purchased for use as a cafe on the Denbighshire moors (joke surely? — Ed), and the other sold locally. Mike Jones' Aveling living van, exDickinson's of Doncaster, has been sold to Leicester Museum for use behind their 1894 Aveling roller 3319 (HR6013). Because of the expense in restoring his Marshall tractor Mike felt
An authentic repaint on an impressive engine — 8hp single cylinder McLaren 1038 of 1909 shows off its clean lines and good proportions at the Castle Howard rally in August 1985. (Roger West)
that another winter outside for the little van, without money spent on restoration or protection, would result in a heap of rotten wood and iron. The change in ownership has resulted in some work being carried out on the van and it has been weatherproofed. Its place has been taken by a small traction wagon from the Llandudno area; it is in rough condition and on wooden wheels, although these are rubbered. The trailer will make a useful addition at the rear of the Marshall when restored.
YORKSHIRE A correction is necessary to the notes in the last issue about the engine in East Yorkshire which bloke its eccentrics. The culprit was Barry Herbert's Fowler 9381, LADY BETTY, not Burrell 3938 QUO VADIS. The lubrication arrangement to the eccentrics, changed in the past to a grease system, was at fault and after the incident was speedily changed back to the more original oil method. Interestingly when Barry purchased QUO VADIS during the summer he saw that she too had been altered to grease lubrication on the eccentrics. These also showed signs of having been bent at some time and subsequently straightened, also of having been cracked. To avoid a repeat of LADY BETTY's misdoings Barry had four new eccentric rods made up from the original 1922 Burrell drawings, but when he fitted them he was surprised to find the high pressure ones were %in too long. It transpired there was a draughtsman's error in the drawings — the individual dimensions along the rod differed from the given overall dimension by 3/4 in! The rods have now been altered and all is well. Our apologies to Barry for our confusion of the story. Other work carried out on Burrell 3938 has been the fitting of feast crane pulleys, flbreglassing the internal surfaces of the tender and belly tanks and uprating the boiler pressure to 2001bs. In readiness for the coming season, Barry has acquired a 1920s centre engine trailer (minus engine) and this is being made into a trailer suitable for carrying coal and other supplies when the engine is being roaded to events. LADY BETTY Fowler 9381 has now been sold to Jack Gillam, a new engine enthusiast, and is now close to her old haunts at Tadcaster; she was supplied new as a haulage engine in 1902 to John Smith's brewery in the town. Jack has also recently purchased another Fowler, ex-Skipton RDC roller 15813 of 1921 (WR8965), from Keith Collins of Castleford.
Obviously Jack has developed a penchant for products of the Steam Plough Works. Still over in the east of the county, the annual Boxing Day steam up at Charlie Byass' farm near Hull was nearly without steam in 1985, and a last minute replacement had to be organised for the engine which had been intended to power the organ. Charlie has not yet sorted out the cracked cylinder casting on his Foster showmans engine which almost resulted in a nasty accident some twelve months ago, and so a
steamless SUCCESS was used to drive the organ by the judicious use of Mike Middlewood's Burrell single crank compound traction 3048 (BD5468). A belt from the flywheel of the Burrell, positioned chimney to chimney with the Foster, was used to run the generator and this produced power for the organ. Of the other engines at the farm, Fowler roller 16031 of 1924 (NW7277) was in the process of being retubed and should be in steam again later this year. As far as is known, this engine has not yet attended a rally, despite being in
Cheffins Grain & Chalk &delete. Dept 2 Cliftue Rua(' lull Cherry Hinton Road), Cambridge CBI 4BW Telephone Cambridge 358721/213343
Auctioneers and Valuers
FORTHCOMING AUCTIONS Saturday, 17th May Collective Sale of steam engines, vintage tractors and cast iron seats. Further entries accepted up to 12th April.
Saturday, 14th June
The G.W. Proctor Collection to include 1911 Fowler 10 hp road locomotive TITAN; 1912 Burrell 6 hp road locomotive THE DALESMAN (inus); 1935 Ruston & Hornsby portable engine; vintage tractors, commercial vehicles and lots of spares, nameplates, etc. This sale to be held at Grewelthorpe, near Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Catalogues available from the Auctioneers
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preservation in a number of hands for over twenty years. R.W. Goodwill, a farmer in the same area, has recently acquired the now unique Fowler K5 ploughing engine 12366 of 1910 (BP5599). It was until recently in South Yorkshire and although taken to one or two local shows, it was never rallied by its previous owner. In the north of the county, 1918 Fowler showmans conversion 14948 (EB4999) PRINCE OF WALES owned by the Alderson family is now a pale shadow of even its more recent self. During 1985 parts were removed including the belly tank and rear wheels — an indication that the owner may have intended to commence work on the engine; however, work now appears to have ceased. Apart from the dynamo, the engine remains uncovered and has been standing
outside for about six years. Superlative claims are always open to being corrected and the claim in the last issue that Mann's tractor 881 of about 1913, now owned and worked on by Ian Fearnley, is the oldest surviving example of the genre, has brought a correction from Aussie Windle. Mann's tractor 751 is, or was, exhibited in a somewhat dilapidated condition at the Forest Museum on Vancouver Island, Canada, according to a note in the February 1975 Road Ian Locomotive Society Journal. continues to make progress with the firebox of the Mann's and is now engaged in re-staying.
ROAD ROLLER ASSOCIATION
to
R.R.A.
In continuing to improve its service
PORTUGAL Mike Hodgson reports a preserved roller at Funchal, the principal town on the Atlantic island of Madeira. On display in a public park near the centre of the resort is Fowler 16946, a class DNA single of early 1920s build. Neatly painted in light grey with brown flywheel and wheel spokes, the roller is remarkably well kept, and complete
to members, the committee have decided to purchase another photocopying machine in order to produce their quarterly journal Rolling. The previous machine, which has given good service, was rather slow and had lost its edge in quality of reproduction. The new machine is equipped with several additional features which will enable a better quality journal to be produced within a considerably less time scale than previously. In addition, computerisation of the membership records has enabled production of pre-printed address labels for ease of mailing correspondence and given the opportunity of sorting members addresses within a specific geographical area. This is particularly useful in answering queries from new members with regard to others involved in the hobby in their locality.
with brass fittings (including a genuine Fowler whistle), though considerable plating-up at the front end probably indicates a hard working life. The landlord of The Cherry Tree in Market Harborough also reports the same roller to certain of his regulars but a few weeks later. Have you got the always-on-holiday publican of your local trained in such matters?
BELGIUM Another Belgian steam event comes onto the calendar with the presentation of a steam weekend on 23rd/24th August 1986 at Stoomcentrum Maldegem between Brugges and Ghent. This centre and its exhibits were described in some detail in our Winter 1984/85 issue and besides the museum's own engines there will be visitors from Holland and Britain for the special Stoomdagen (further enquiries to Stoomcentrum Maldegem, Postbus 29, 9990 Maldegem, Belgium.) 94
Fowler 16946 on display in Maderia. (M. Hodgson)
This lovely old picture of a hay making scene in Oxfordshire is kindly sent in by Mr R. Luker. It was found in that classic hiding place, acting as a backing card in a frame behind another, newer, photograph. Unfortunately there is neither date nor other details marked nn the rear. The scene is known to have been taken at Middleton Park, a few miles west of Bicester, Oxfordshire, the photo being taken by James & Son of Bicester. Can anyone say what the small single cylinder portable is — its age and maker?
Answer to Steam Search 2
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Barry Herbert
13 Sutton Road, Howden, East Yorkshire
Can anyone help me with any information on the working life and early preservation of my Fowler roller D5 compound 15902, new in May 1923, registered KR8728. It was new to Ashford UDC, Kent and I'm most interested to know vvhere it to its scarifier; this was Allen 3-tine No X3301, and if it is still lying around I would very much like to acquire it and put it back in place. I shall be grateful if anyone who can supply any photographs of the roller working for the Council, or in early preservation years, could contact me.
printed on page 51 of the Winter 1985/86 issue.
UMNOPMEicOLOBOUM Muumunimpuggyang EIMBOUREIBmgcmaMO
of Wilsnns of Peckham or Walls of London, or whilst in scrapyards. Any costs will be willingly re-imbursed, together with a loan fee.
Help required Having recently purchased Burrell scenic showmans 3938 QUO VADIS, I wonder if any readers have old photographs of the engine. There is an abundance of pictures since the engine appeared on the rally fields in the late Fdward Hines ownership, but I would particularly like to locate for loan and copying any pictures taken between 1922 and 1968, especially when the Burrell was in the ownership
Steve Hill 135 Solihull Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 3HW
Berkshire Tariff Queen As a reply to Roger Newbery's letter in the last issue nn Fowler 11814 BERKSHIRE TARIFF QUEEN, I would guess that its unusual name relates to the extensive campaign mounted in the year of its delivery 95
(1909) against the importation of European hops, which were eroding the business of UK growers. In those days hop farms extended into Hampshire and Berkshire. The leading campaigners around my area were the Arnolds of Paddock Wood and the le May family who grew hops around Tonbridge and were also hop factors in Southwark. The method of import regulation proposed was by the introduction of tariffs. What a fine job has been made of the engine's restoration. Bob Whitehead
Tonbridge, Kent
Oxford's conversion Apropos the mention of the conversion to diesel power of City of Oxford's No 2 roller by Sandy Ross in his article in the last issue (page 12), readers may be interested in this picture of the machine in its revamped form. I know little about the picture — it was acquired in a job lot of rally pictures — but the registration (FC4018) confirms its identification as Aveling & Porter 4770 of 1901, and it is obviously taken after the ministrations of Messrs Allen in 1934. The conversion looks very neat indeed; does anyone know what make of internal combustion engine was used and how it performed? Peter Love
Tonbridge, Kent
Those Tasker engines I am surprised at the wild statements by Chris Edmonds in these columns concerning the Tasker engines in the care of the Hampshire Museums, and I don't expect I'm the only one! I live in Hampshire and pay their rates (which I don't think he does). I'm reasonably happy the way the Council spends 'my' money. For instance in Andover alone, there is a sports centre with swimming pool; a new outdoor athletic track; a shortly-to-be-opened ring road and an extension at the hospital under construction. The local health centre is modern and wellequipped; the police, fire and ambulance services all seem to have up to date equipment; I work for the largest employer in town and the school leavers taken on have all been well educated and I could go on and on... Thus it doesn't seem to me there is a 'massive drain on funds' to look after those Taskers. I don't expect I personally pay via my rates even one penny a year towards them. I would also disagree that the 96
Aveling 10ton roller 4770 in diesel form. (collection Peter Love)
engines are not cared for and are not seen in steam. Did Mr Edmonds not pass several of them at Stourpaine last year, beautifully turned out and in steam? I have seen them in recent years at Rushmoor and Alderholt as well as other rallies. There was a regular Harvest Steam-up at their Winchester base until two years ago when land was lost to build the M3 motorway. There are still regular open days. Further — what's wrong with engines in museums? I went to several last year as far afield as Penrith, Bressingham and the Science Museum, and the engines seen were all kept clean and rust free; they are not rotting away in the open, or worse still, having some dreadful conversion job done to them. Martin Craig
Andover, Hampshire
At Liverpool Docks I received our latest Winter magazine this morning (another excellent issue) and am now devouring it in the cab of my truck parked up for the night. I can give some help with the request for information on the picture of the Atkinson wagon on page 13. The photograph was taken in one of the sheds on the south Liverpool docks used by Elder Dempsters & Co Ltd — hence the lettering on the crane. This type of electric hoist (albeit larger than the one in our picture) was in use in these docks until their recent closure. The shed would be in the vicinity of Toxteth, Herculaneum or King's Dock — I would guess Toxteth
— and the wagon is being loaded with sacks of groundnut expeller cake, the dried remains of the groundnut after the oil has been crushed out of it. The cake was, and still is, used in cattle feed and the sacks were huge and heavy. I once loaded 96 sacks for 14tons; some sacks were full to bursting and weighed a good 3 1/2 cwt. As to the Atkinson, I'm afraid I cannot help there for I'm not that old! Mike Johnson
in the cab of FBA709Y, off A45, near Newmarket, Suffolk
NTET Insurance Scheme I feel I must write to record my appreciation of the speed and efficiency with which John Hirons, the Trust's insurance officer, has recently dealt with my enquiry. To a letter I posted on a Sunday, I had a reply first post on the following Wednesday morning — the business all completed! I cannot praise the service too highly and hope this letter not only serves as a thank you to John, but will also encourage other members to support the Trust's insurance scheme. Ted Sansome
Hinckley, Leicestershire
GWR rollers We were pleased to read Len Youd's letter in the last issue telling of Aveling-Barford roller AH162, which we now own, having bought it from Vernon Carveth in October 1985. We have had the roller — it is now named
OMEGA — in steam on several occasions and hope to rally it as much as possible this year. The engine when new to the GWR went to Paddington in London. Could anyone please let us know where we could buy a suitable set of railway lamps to fit the engine? Wendy and Ian Beard The Ridge, Banns Hill, Mount Hawke, Truro, Cornwall
More on road accidents Chris Edmonds' letter on accidents in the last issue caused me to recall the past few issues of Steaming, where it seems almost inevitable nowadays that the rally season reports will include details of accidents involving engines on the road. The past year, 1985, seems to have been particularly bad and most of the accidents, as for many previous years, have featured vehicles running into the rear of slow moving steam vehicles — and usually it is the ponderously slow steam roller and living van outfit that comes off worst. Most of the accidents seem to have the same pattern in that they happen on the class A roads, with dual carriageways, or long, straight, fast sections. I have a certain theory as to why these incidents happen: that is, the motorist, whilst speeding along, can usually cope with other everyday slow moving vehicles such as road sweepers and farm tractors, but as soon as they collie across a steam vehicle, which is not an everyday occurrence, in the split second that it takes to take evasive action, they are probably saying to themselves — "My goodness! What's that in front?" then
— too late — bang! I might be wrong, and it would be interesting to hear other people's opinions on that matter. It has been proved that flashing lights and warning signs on the rear of living vans, whilst of help, don't stop accidents — but here is a way that accidents could probably be reduced. Over the last fifteen years or so I have travelled many hundreds of miles throughout the north of England with my Fowler roller, living van, etc. Usually before I set out on a journey, my crew and I have a good study of a map and sort out a route far away from busy main roads of the type I described previously. Most of our country byroads are a joy to behold, with adjacent cornfields, hedgerows, village pubs, plenty of watering holes etc. The one thing I must emphasise is that courtesy must be paramount when journeying along these narrow lanes. For example, always keep a look out for following vehicles and let them past at the first opportunity. Always stop for any horses or animals you might come across which are being ridden or driven, and in general respect the people who live and work in the countryside, for they still have the patience and memories of the steam age. I know many people will say "It's all right for you, living in the countryside, and anyway traffic is much quieter up north." True, but there have been many accidents up here, and we do stray with our outfit to busier areas, and run parallel with loads such as the A 1 . Sometimes, I must admit, owners do not have any choice and often, if they are to go anywhere at all, they are forced to risk busier roads. All I can say is try to make that journey as short
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as possible before turning off and, if at all possible, try to arrange for someone with a car, with hazard lights flashing, to accompany the rear of any slow moving outfit until road conditions improve. Lastly, how many of you steam roller drivers have passed driving tests for the group G? It is a relatively easy test and anyone who drives a roller on a public highway, no matter how short the journey, is taking a risk without one. I wonder how many insurance companies would pay up if they knew a claimant was not properly licensed. I hope that these few paragraphs will make owners and drivers stop and think before setting off on their journeys in 1986. If anyone else has any other ideas on the subject they would be welcome, for any ideas, no matter how trivial, might go a long way to help prolong the freedom we all have at the moment to drive our steam vehicles on the public highway. Andrew Craske
Askrigg, North Yorkshire
With reference to Chris Edmonds' letter in the last issue, I agree completely with his concern, as indeed we all should, regarding these unfortunate occurrences. Preventive measures must be taken by all members roading their engines to minimise the risk — and to minimise the risk is all we can hope to achieve, for it would be naive to suppose that the phenomenon of faster moving vehicles running into the back of slower moving vehicles could ever be eliminated completely, whatever lengths one may go to. Before we look at the cause in depth or all go rushing off to buy one of those amber flashing beacons let us first consider the law and how it views the use of such devices. The official don' imentc ere extremely lengthy and in parts complicated, as is only to be expected, but a study of Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1984 reveals that amber flashing beacons may be deployed on road- maintenance vehicles in all the many and varied forms, but nowhere does it state that the vehicle must be actively engaged on highway maintenance of any kind, so surely one may safely assume that a roller, which can only come within this category of a road maintenance vehicle albeit only engaged in travelling from A to B, may quite legally display an amber flashing beacon. The other category allowed flashing lights is breakdown recovery vehicles, but only when actively engaged at the scene of recovery or whilst towing the other vehicle. 97
Burrell 10ton compound roller 3047 of 1908 — carrying on its canopy the name of its original owner with whom it spent its working life. (Robin Walker)
Hazard warning lights of the kind now fitted as standard equipment on most motor vehicles may only be deployed whilst the vehicle is stationary and is likely to be a hazard to other road users. These flashing lights must not be used on a moving vehicle. After scrutinising many more pages of the Regulations we come to an interesting section which states that any vehicle outside the categories previously mentioned, and not capable of exceeding 25mph may use an amber flashing beacon as a warning to other road users, but it must be emphasised that the law may not be interpreted to include vehicles capable
of greater speeds and only being driven below 25mph — the vehicle must not be capable of a greater speed. From this we may assume that one would be within the law to include most steam powered vehicles and certainly those most likely to create a hazard by the very nature of their slow speed. Now we come to the section that deals with the fitting and use of beacons, and here again the law is precise and also lengthy, so I have extracted that which I consider to be relevant. The amber flashing beacon must be capable of giving a steady fixed even frequency flash of not less
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than 60 flashes per minute and not more than 240 flashes per minute. This presumably is to obviate the possibility of stroboscopic effect. The beacon must be visible throughout 360° to other road users, if not, then a second beacon must be fitted but never must two beacons be fitted adjacent to one another, in other words, never two at the rear of a vehicle. Should it be necessary to fit two beacons then one must be at the front and the other one at the rear of the vehicle. The beacon must be fitted at a height of not less than 1200mm from the ground. -I here are of course many other measures that can and should be taken. For instance, large reflective orange and yellow plates as fitted to heavy goods vehicles could be made to clip on the engine or trailer and removed at the end of the journey. I would also strongly advocate a large reflective sign stating VERY SLOW VEHICLE. Yet another preventive measure that is worthy of mention relates to the back-up vehicle, be it car or van. How often we hear that it is scouting ahead looking for the next watering hole but, in the interests of safety could it not be better employed in a following role and so act as a buffer to the slow vehicle (not to be taken literally of course). If so deployed it could display a reflective sign stating VERY SLOW VEHICLE AHEAD, so giving valuable advance warning to other road users. Regarding the signs I do not mean some odd piece of card with some illegible scrawl in chalk; that is quite useless. They need to be professional, reflective signs of the highest order. Finally, do not underestimate the value of reflective jackets for crew members.
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A cautionary word about the powering of electric beacons. The comparatively new solid state rechargeable batteries are far safer and much less prone to accidental abuse or spillage than the old acid type, and fully charged will adequately power one or two beacons for several journeys. I think it might he worthy at this point to consider why these accidents occur and what the concensus of opinion is. Of course one can only generalise, for all accidents differ, but how can anyone run into the back of anything as big as a traction engine roller or towed living van, I hear people ask. The plain fact is they do! One reason put forward is that an extremely high proportion of motor vehicle drivors whon outeido tho 30mph restriction quickly become lulled into a false sense of security by the fact that all vehicles are nnw travelling in excess of 30mph, of which the vast majority are travelling in excess of 45 and are unlikely to brake suddenly as in a built-up area; nor is it likely that anyone is going to step off the kerb. In this relaxed state minds are allowed to wander to other matters and powers of concentration
deteriorate, and the possibility of coming up behind a vehicle travelling at less than 10mph is so remote that drivers find it difficult to cope with such a dramatic variation in speed. The situation can be turned to an accident by someone further back deciding to pass everyone including the slow moving vehicle, and whilst so doing funnel the column of traffic into a shunt. We must accept the impossibility of educating all drivers to the degree of doing no wrong, but we do not have to accept the fact that there is nothing members can do to lessen the danger. There are plenty of options available but speaking personally I would much prefer to see the Committee set a standard practice rather than individuals variously doing their own thing. But even that is better than doing nothing. Finally I stress the need to tackle whatever safety option is chosen in a workmanlike manner, which means do not tie flashing beacons on with bits of twine and do not make warning signs from pieces of old card. Ron Acock
December 1985 February 1986
mmplaloo E. Dowling, 12 Culverwell Gardens, Winchester, Hampshire. J.M. Addenbrooke, Brookside, Old End, Appleby Magna, Burtonon-Trent, Staffordshire. S. Newman, 137 Nags Head Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham. D. Shields, South Lethans Farm, Crieff Road, Dunfermline, Fife. M. Bell, 10 Venetian Crescent, Darfield, Barnsley, Yorkshire. R. Morison, 18 The Brache, Maulden, Bedfordshire. Family members — Margaret and Craig. R, Dixon, 663 Shirley Road, Hall Green, Birmingham. W. Clark, Poppelvagen 13, S46200, Vanersburg, Sweden. P.A.. Wills, 44 Bospolvans Road, St Columb, Cornwall. Family members — Ann and Jonathan, P. Manclark, 58 Hutton Avenue, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. G, Smith, Priory Cottage, 41 Monks Lane, Newbury, Berkshire. A. Cooper, 23 Barwell Road, Wantage, Oxfordshire. C.L. Zimmerman, RI Box 232, Northfield Minnesota 55057, USA. Mrs Rosemary Morgan, 334 Woodstock Road, Oxford. T.R. Sharp, 71 Barling Road, Great Wakering, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Family members — Mrs R.A. Sharp, Wynn arid Christopher.
Weston-super-Mare, Avon
STEAM AND VINTAGE VEHICLE AND MACHINERY RESTORATION SPECIALIST
J. a A. BRICE BOILER MAKERS Grit blasting on site or in our own workshop
37 SWAN LANE, SELLINDGE, near ASHFORD, KENT TN25 6HB telephone Sellindge 3394
F.H. Holdsworth, 121 Lion Road, Bexleyheath, Kent. E.H. Rees, Llandre Isaf, Login, Whitland, Dyfed. G.W. Hoing, 15 Greenlands, Flackwell Heath, High Wycomb, Riickinghamshire J.E. Lukehurst, 7 Palace View, Church Street, Southwell Nottinghamshire. D.J. Vesey, 40 Chestnut Avenue, Hampton, Middlesex. R. Miles, Orleans, Fernside, RD1 Rangiora, North Canterbury, New Zealand. R.G. Crawford, 39 Bruton, Monkton Avenue, Weston-superMoro Avon. J.A. Arming, Ash Barn, Ash Lane, Braunton, North Devon. A. French, 15 West Avenue, Wigston, Leicester. G.L. Povey, The Firs, Pelynt, Looe, Cornwall. R.C, Tarrant, 3 Prospect Villas, High Street, Partridge Green, Horsham, West Sussex. D. Tarrant, 3 Prospect Villas, I ligh Street, Partridge Green, Horsham, West Sussex. R.A. Smith, 17 Harcourt Way, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, B.J. Rankin, 15 Tallwood Avenue, Eastwood, New South Wales, Australia, L.E. Wakefield, 19A Littler Lane, Over, Winsford, Cheshire. D. Woodward, 5 Park Mount Drive, Macclesfield, Cheshire. Family members — Pam, William and Julie. R. Goodwill, Southwood Farm, Terrington, York. P. Badger, Halcyon, Margery Lane, Tewin, Welwyn, Hertfordshire. G.M. Willson, 24 West Bank, North End Road, Yapton, near Arundel, West Sussex. P.J. Scott, Rainbow End, Yonder Meadow, Stoke Gabriel, near Totnes, Devon. J. Mach, Trziste 11/367, 118 00 Praha 1, Czechoslovakia. T.J. Newey, Old Swan Inn and Brewery, 89 Halesowen Road, Netherton, Dudley, West Midlands. J.W.H. Key, the Hall, Strumpshaw, Norwich, Norfolk. Family membership. E. Brennan, 2 Meadow Hill, Bishops Meadows, Kilkenny, Eire. J. Gillam, Healaugh Manor, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire. Family member — Richard.
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K.L. Troop, Broadland, 64 011erton Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire. Family members — Carolyn and Adrian. J.H. Davies, Rycroft, South Petherwin, Launceston, Cornwall. R.A. Page, 3 Elphinstone Gardens, Hastings, East Sussex. C.F. Coons, RR 5, Kemptville, Ontario, Canada. J.M. Smith, 37 St Mary's Road, Wheatley, Doncaster, South Yorks. J:3.. Mitchell, 98 Stanborough Road, Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon. R.13, Pearson, 11 Cheviot Avenue, Royton, Oldham, Lancashire. H.J. Van Duren, Zuidvliet 780, 8921 EZ Leeuwarden, Holland. T. Boersma, Utrechtseweg 141, 6871 DS Renkum, Holland. K.E.F. Pope, Broheddwch, Boncath, Dyfed (correction of address from last issue). G.D. Green, 1 Council Houses, Brisley, East Dereham, Norfolk, B.W. Gorringe, Golf Farm, Devils Dyke Road, Brighton, East Sussex. J.R. Clarke, 126 Cartland Road, Stirchley, Birmingham. Family member — Marguerite. H. Hill, 7951 Folkestone Drive, Cupertino, California 95014, USA. G. King, Ashville, Dunleer, Co Louth, Ireland. I. Beard, The Ridge, Banns Hill, near Hawke, Truro, Cornwall. Family member — Wendy.
J. Stanley, 5 Shenfield Crescent, Brentwood, Essex. T.C. O'Callaghan, 397 Western Avenue, Llandaff, Cardiff. B. Sellers, 7 Longdell Walk, off Dalbeattie Street, Blackley, Manchester. Family members — Mavis, Barry and Pamela. T.W. Reed, 17 Farm Road, Ham Street, Ashford, Kent. Family members — Carole, Jody, Duane and Darren. R.G. Hitchcock, 2 Lapworth Close, Redditch, Worcestershire. P. Friend, Wall Hill Farmhouse, Forest Row, West Sussex. B.L. Carr, 'Langton', Northgate, near Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire. C.R.J. Searson, 8 Wathen Road, Dorking, Surrey. J. Tiratsoo, Whitehaven, The Common, Winchmore Hill, Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Family members Ben, Louise and John. J. Millington, The Croft, Chapel End, Audlem, near Crewe, Cheshire. D.J. Willis, Willis Central Garage, Respryn Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, G. Smith, 83 Wadow Road, Croydon, Surrey. A. Gibbins, 194 Church Street, Wolverton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Family member — David. I.J. Sparks, 101 Bittell Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham. Change of address — C.J. Paul now at 20 Chatsworth Road, Singapore 1024.
For Sale — Marshall boiler side transfer (water slide type) in excellent condition. Offers — Telephone 021-745-4585. Wanted — Allen 3 tine scarifier suitable for Fowler D5 roller 15902; Klinger gauge glass, %in tube; steering scroll support brackets, bearings, worm and wheel. — Telephone 021-745-4585.
Small advertisements for private SALES, WANTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS, and appertaining to steam engines or associated items, are free of charge to National Traction Engine Trust members. Advertisements should be written clearly and concisely, and to ensure publication must be accompanied by the advertiser's NTET membership number. Non-members' rates for small adverts are 10p per word, with a minimum charge of £1.50, payable in advance. Members wishing to use these columns for trade purposes may do so at 5p per word, minimum charge £1.50, payable in advance. The publishers retain the right to refuse or withdraw advertisements at their discretion and do not accept liability for clerical or printers' errors, although every care is taken to avoid mistakes. ALL SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS TO BE SENT TO THE EDITOR. SEE TITLE PAGE OF EACH ISSUE FOR PRESS DATE.
For Sale — one York type displacement lubricator, gunmetal, Ya pint cap., £10; one Simplex improved sight feed lubricator, gunmetal, Y2 pint cap., £25; Aveling exhaust pipe, casting D245, believed 8ton compound as new, £25; one Marshall roller steering wheel, cast iron 15in dia., £15; two brand new steam stop valves, tested to 1200lbs, 2in bore, £15 each; Lister vertical stationary engine 5hp, 1927, no 60388 spec. 76L, 450 rpm in good order but needs tank, £100 ono; rotary water pump with mounting bracket for front of Fordson Major, £30; one pair wagon front wheels, 33in dia over rubber, 720mm x 120 wide, plate construction with 8 holes in outer face, £100 ono; brand new square shank twist drills for engineers rachet brace, 1 3/4 in, %in, 17/32in, 15/32in, 13/32in, 3/16in. — Graeme Thirkell, Britannia House, Eldon Bank Top, Shildon, Co Durham (tel Bishop Auckland 772578 after 6pm). For Sale — 30 tank tyres, 16in inside x 20in outside dia x 9in wide, £4 each; Lister truck with JAP side valve petrol engine, almost complete, £40; Atco 2 stroke lawn mower engine complete, £15. — Barraclough, telephone Rotherham 850346.
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Vintage Sale — Saturday, 10th May — Thruxton Circuit near Andover. Steam; tractors; commercial; stationary engines; horse drawn; spares and parts, manuals and books; bygone farm; trade and domestic equipment. Illustrated catalogues £2.50 from Pearsons, Agriculture House, High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire. Wanted — to buy, DG steam inlet camshaft or exchange for good DG exhaust camshaft — Bowers, telephone Ascot 21286. Exchange — Steaming Vol 10 complete for any of following — Vol 1 complete; Vol 2 complete; Vol 3 No 1; Vol 5 No 1 or Vol 8 No 1 — Bowers, telephone Ascot 21286. For Sale — 21A in pitch chain for Foden etc, used but serviceable. Offers to Bowers, telephone Ascot 21286. Wanted — any books, catalogues etc on any Sentinel products — steam diesel, petrol, wagons, railcars, locos, machines, boats etc. — Bowers, telephone 21286.. 16th August 1986 — A full day at a major continental steam rally (50 engines advertised) at Hellevoetsluis, Holland. Come with a party leaving West Sussex, Crawley and North Kent, evening Friday 15th August. £42.25 includes Pullman seat on overnight sailings. J. Whicher, 1 Glen Rise Close, Brighton BN1 5LQ (tel Brighton 503928 evenings). Bronze castings for steam siren ('Ain supply) including drawings, price £10 per set (overseas extra postage £5). — C. Francis, 8 Southdown Road, Southwick, Sussex BN4 4FT. For Sale — International Harvester, Minneapolis Moline, Massey Harris and Fordson original makers catalogues and manuals. Reynolds, 15 Hartshill, Bedford MK41 9AL (tel 0234 53703(. West Surrey Model Traction Engine Club — hold their first rally Sunday, 18th May 1986 at Hollycombe Steam Museum, Liphook, Hampshire. Potential exhibitors please contact (sae please) Stewart Howick, Toscaig, Heathview Road, Milford, Godalming, Surrey (tel Godalming 73001. Project for the ambitious — Fowler 8715 class R compound sprung traction engine, 1900. Boiler and hind tank scrap condition, most other parts except brass fittings available. For sale due to commitment to other restorations. — W. Smith, Greenbank Cottage, Roundyhill, by Forfar, Angus (tel Glamis 439(.
Wanted — rubber gauge glace washers, 1 Vis outside dia x '/ in to suit %in glasses, or can someone suggest a supplier (required for Armstrong roller). — Bernie Ward, 11 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk (tel 0502 516691). Wanted — photos and detailed information on Burrell rollers, preserved or working days. — S.W. Daws, 49 Kirkley Run, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 OHN, For Sale — Dyson 4-in-line low loader, 20ft bed, long neck to suit most units, two spare tyres, 21ton gross, £700. — Telephone 0405 861119 (evenings). • For Sale — road menders van, c1920, wood wheels/chassis metal panel body, scruffy but sound. Offers — tel 0367 81473. Glenruthven Mill — steam and weaving museum. Open daily 25th May to end September 1986. Mill engine in steam 4th/5th May, 17th/18th May, 4th to 6th July, 26th/27th July, 24th/25th August, 14th/15th September..Abbey Road, Auchterarder, near Perth (tel 07646 20791. For Sale — Aveling & Porter showmans tractor 9354. Completely overhauled 5 years ago including new rear axle and bushes, valves refaced, retube and boiler repairs, motion repinned, Pickering governors fitted, new canopy and much more; laid up one year. Buyer will have new boiler report with hydraulic test for next 10 years, also spare set new tubes. This beauty will be sold to highest offer over £12000. A. Steele, 93 Main Street, Cairneyhill, Fife KY 12 8QU (tel 0383-880380). Come on a rood journey on Fowler showmens going to Aberdeen rally 1985, One hour video of all the sights and sounds of a 10hp road loco on the road, also rally shots. Voted Al by over 500 so far — £19.50 each, cash with order, state VHS or Beta. Tapes professionally made. — A. Steele, address as above advert.
For Sale — 'angina riynamn 110 volt, 670 revs, also volt and amp meters; genuine Wallis Patent Motor smokebox door ring; Fowler headstock plate; two organ figures, restored; water cart on Aveling type cast wheels, fitted solid rubbers, sound condition to restore. — Telephone 0287-40489 after 6pm. For Sale — finished parts for 5in scale Allchin traction engine, rear wheels, front wheels, front axle etc, chimney base, ring and top, flywheel, cast grate and part machined cylinder block. Also steel for rear axle, steel sheet for tender, full set of drawings. £700 ono — Telephone Stamford 10780) 55215 (5.00pm to 6.30pm if possible). For Sale — model makers Atlas lathe, complete with %hp GEC motor, full set of tools, inc. screw cutting gear wheels. All mounted on robust stand with shelving. — MacLagan, tel 0709 542195 (Wickersley, South Yorks). Wanted — five rolls of traction engine wallpaper, — S.J. Gore, Steamville, Station Road, Walpole St Andrew, near Wisbech, Cambs (tel 0945 780496). For Sale — believed last Southern & North showmans living van, 28 foot, with stoves and cut glass windows. Ex General Buller, no reasonable offer refused — Telephone Leeds 555555 ext 219 (day), 588006 (evenings). For Sale — chassis trame side members, front axle suitable for S type Sentinel, solid rubber tyres 140 x 850, 130 x 881, 2no 36 x 6 for 30 Inch rim, — Telephone Ruthin (North Wales) 4777 For Sale — video tapes VHS or Beta 'Traction '85', Vol 1 Newport Pagnell, Holton and Thurlow; Vol 2 Ardingly, Detling and Brill; Vol 3 Roxton, 30 years of West (road run on 30th anniversary WSES). Tapes £20 each post and packing inc, All tapes sent by recorded delivery UK or overseas equivalent_ — C. Coombes, 150B Sunningvale Avenue, Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 3TW.
For Sale — large steam whistle 23in high including valve (ex tug), £150; new 17ft length of 2in pitch roller chain, £200 (would cost £400); used 17 tooth sprocket for same, £10; pair of Garrett cast wheels with pressed on rubber tyres and axle, would suit tractor or overtype wagon, £45; Enfield twin cylinder diesel engine, runner, offers — Cook, 2a Norton Crescent, Sadberge, Darlington, Co Durham DL2 1SR (tel Darlington 333743),
For Sale — Unique 1907 Pecard, France general purpose traction engine fitted with small below-boiler winching drum used for working in vineyards. Also used on beltwork — sawing/threshing etc. Only one of its kind in UK, Full working order, current boiler certificate. For further details and viewing, telephone Scunthorpe 734140.
Wanted — rear axle for Robey steam wagon, any live axle would do. Also 32 x 7 and 38 x 7 wheels and tyres. — Cook, address as above advert..
Wanted — steam wagon which requires repair, in need of attention, in bits or working and in running order. Telephone Scunthorpe 734140.
Burrell 5hp crane locomotive 4074 of 1927 THE LARK at Fred Coupland's autumn 1982 steam up at Carrington. (Clive Hollingworthl
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Rallies, News, Reports and Advertising
Place a regular order NOW with your newsagent. Something to sell? An event to promote? For all your advertising requirements there is no better publication. For advertising and subscription details contact: 061-624 3687 The World's Fair Ltd., P.O. Box 57, Oldham OL1 4E3B.
Steam Plough Club — for all interested in steam cultivation, offering regular newsletter, events, visits, history and technical advice. Subscription £5.00 per year, OAPs £2.00. John Billard, Old Station House, Twyford, Berkshire RG 10 9NA.
Road Roller Association — for all interested in steam or motor rollers, road making machines, practices and history; Quarterly journal Rolling. Subscription £5.00 per year. — Membership Secretary, P. Knight, 22 Rowditch Avenue, Derby.
Gauge glasses — many sizes available. Send for list. — Ray Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln (Tel 0522-682406).
George's Tools — supplier to preservationists at home or abroad. Single axle trailer, ex steam engine tender, with canvas cover, water barrels, cones etc; vintage treadle guillotine; vintage bench pillar drill; vintage bench threading machine; blacksmiths and forgers tools; 5hp single phase motor; 10in surface planer; Herbert tapping machine; 250 amp Oxford welder; lathes by Seneca, Harrison, Colchester, Dalton, Myford, Boxford etc; Jones & Shipman drill and surface grinder; Ingersoll Rand compressor; Hilti drill; Hilti cartridge gun; Bosch roto hammer; HD nibbler; Perles angle grinder; 5kva industrial transformer; masses of hand and power tools of all types. Warehouse extended by further 1200 sq ft. Open Wednesdays throughout the season, other times by arrangement. 34A Vicarage Lane, Banks, Southport. Telephone Southport 21328 (work) 214584 (home). Rallying most weekends, beginning with May Day Steam at Urmston.
Ruston Hornsby transfers — full range of designs and sizes; send for list. Engines dated gratis. Full sets of publications available for most models. — Ray Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln (Tel 0522-682406). Wanted — for restoration of 1920 Sentinel Standard: injector, water lifter, reversing lever, diff unit, valve gear for pump, firebox, ashpan lifting handle and quadrant, and any other associated Sentinel parts. — B.R. Weatherhead, Haverfield, Aspley Heath, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Bucks (tel 0908 582221). Bolton Steam Museum — for somewhere a little different, why not visit the Northern Mill Engine Society's museum of textile mill steam engines? Five engines (inc. beam, vertical, horizontal) working in steam — Spring Bank 26th May; August Bank 25th August plus Saturday 11th October and Sunday 7th December, all 11am to 4pm. Parties welcome, free parking. The Engine House, Atlas No 3 Mill, off Chorley Old Road, Bolton (11/2 miles north west Bolton town centre). Wanted — Wallis & Steevens spares to assist in the restoration of 1883 7hp T series traction engine. Many parts required so anything could be of interest. Have available for exchange the following new W&S spares — slide valves 5in x 6in and 5%in x 6 7/isin, also crosshead slipper for steam tractor. — Briggs, Oak Lea, Moss Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 7BU (tel 056587 3140 home or 0565 3800 ext 3440 work). For Sale — 35 serviceable boiler tubes, 2in diameter, 5ft 9in long, removed from 7hp Burrell traction after only two short seasons use. Offers to — Gilbert, 23 Beville, Woodwalton, Huntingdon, Cambs PE17 5YP (tel 048-73-429). Also — two 5 knife wheels off Maynard chaff cutter; anyone interested can have these free, otherwise they go for scrap. — Gilbert, address as above advert. For Sale — Wallis & Steevens 6hp single Expansion traction 7411 (reg. AP9261(. Completely stripped; fitted new firebox, new section of boiler barrel, new front tube plate, tubes, complete new tender, all gearing built up, new rubber tyres, extensive repairs to motion, repainted in original colours. — Telephone 0273-501266 evenings. For Sale — brand new Lucas acetylene cycle lamp. Telephone Wokingham 787343.
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For Sale — Lainchbury 30ft straw elevator, working order, wood construction, powered by Lister petrol engine; also Jones stationary baler no. 329, needs restoring. £150 each. — Telephone Huddersfield 606497. Wanted — set of governors suitable for conversion roller 4 or 5hp — Telephone Huddersfield 606497. For Sale — Ruston, Proctor clover huller no 24216; new ploughing engine drum, stub and bush (BB type). — Ruff, Chequers Hill, Wilden, Bedford (tel 0234 771236). For Sale — Tasker low-loader with knock-out axles, 18ft well, fitted winch, three line air brakes and lights. To be sold with or without fully braked drawbar dolly. — Dave Dale, Rectory Lane, Battlesbridge, Essex (tel Chelmsford 320422). Wanted — good dished smokebox door, 25in/26in diameter. — Richard Willcox, Ravenna Cottage, Stanley Downton, Stonehouse, Glos GL10 3QU. 4th May — vintage exhibition and bazaar, Chearsley, near Aylesbury, Bucks. Working exhibits of engines etc by Brill Vintage Preservation Society members. Opens 11.O0am, admission and car park free. Proceeds to Aylesbury Wildlife Hospitals Trust. Films — 16mm films on steam cultivation for hire, Ploughing by Steam showing machinery in action — ploughing, cultivating, draining and dredging — £11 per day; Original Fowler films made in the 1920s/1930s — land clearance, ploughing and cultivating, Gyrotiller prototype — £17.00 per day. Both taken together — £24 per day. — John Billard, Steam Plough Club, Old Station House, Twyford, Reading, Berkshire RG10 9NA.
For Sale — I Vton low-sided trailer, 50mm ball hitch, ideal transport for larger model. Offers to Bishops Stortford (0279) 815375 evenings. For Sale — copies of The World's Fair, Model Engineer, AM Journals, Power Farming, motoring books etc. — Telephone Boston (0205) 722260. For Sale — three new Fowler 3ft fire bars; four Foster wooden drum wheels, 5in width; boiler testing pump and fitting; steam gauges; cultivator drag tines etc. — Telephone Boston (0205) 722260. Stationary steam collector seeks interesting items in any condition, either complete or parts suitable for restoration. Particularly want beam engine, undertype early steeple or table engine, small steam hammer, triple expansion, horizontal compound, unusual pumps etc, but anything considered no matter how large or small. Also nameplates, governors, lubricators, old books, prints, drawings and catalogues on same. — Telephone 07758 7252. For Sale — Unique opportunity to acquire magnificent genuine showmans tractor — Garrett 4CD PRIDE OF SCOTLAND. Restored regardless of cost to highest possible standard includind new firebox, smokebox, tender and belly tank; retubed boiler; new tyres; all motion work extensively restored; rewound dynamo; exquisite laminated mahogany/ash canopy, full gold leaf finish and probably finest paintwork in the country. Engine is oldest CD in existence and one of first 15 made, Only rallied once (supreme award winner); has good showland history. Reluctant sale by enthusiast without time to look after it. Any reasonable offer accepted. Telephone 0539 24527 (day) or 0448 31343 (evening) or write Jones, Broad Oak, Underbarrow, Kendal, Cumbria.
For Sale — Hobey steam traction engine 6hp no 33348, built 1914. New firebox fitted 1979. Full working pressure 1501bs as certified on current boiler certificate. For details — E. Fox, 'The Den', Ballybetagh Road, Kilternan, Co Dublin, Eire. For Sale — 1930s showmans living wagon, unfinished project, worthy of completion. Many original features, mahogany wall panels, cut glass windows, reproduction Queen stove, gas lighting. Buyer collects. 28ft long, 4 tons. £1500 ono — Telephone Alison on 01-977-6301 (Middlesex).
Heavy Haulage Contractors. BIRMINGHAM 521, Lichfield Road,
LONDON 151, Tower Bridge Ruad, S.E.1
East 1438
Hop 2746
Dirgien D ne r Bursi- I/ II LIF /a
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Telegrams: "Headtire, Berm, London."
HEAVY HAULAGE WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE LONDON TRACTION HAULAGE CO., LTD. HOLMES ROAD. N.W.5.
BRADFORD tr°Rics.,
Wanted — Foden steam wagon rear axle sprocket. Any other spares or accessories, handbooks or catalogues to help with restoration. — John S. Lea, Silver Birches, Snelson, Chelford, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 98N (tel 0625 861674).
H. BENTLEY & CO . (Bradford), Ltd., Dick Lane, Bradford, Heavy Haulage of every. description. Losg distance haulage a speciality, Wagons to carry 80 tons. Tele. : 124 Dudley Hill.
For Sale — roller or threshing outfit living van by Alex Laurie, Falkirk. In excellent condition, reboarded outside, spotless inside and fitted with ss sink with gas grill, also stove; mounted on springs and steel spoked, solid tyred wheels. Front tyres brand new. ALSO brass chimney top for Garrett No4 tractor in v.g,c. Sensible offers only please in each instance to John S. Lea, address as above advert.
LSO N & CO. Ltd , U Coronation Rd., Park Royal, N.W.10. Heavy haulage contractors.. Wagons 84.1i1ShIg [or Boilers, Laos, Heavy Girders, Electrical Machinery. 'Phone: Willesden 7731.
For Sale — 25 back numbers of Steaming, Autumn 1965 to February 1977, incomplete but including specials un SIIUW1115115, Tractions and Portables. Phone or SAE for full details; offers for the whole as one lot please. — R. Parkinson, 6 Okefield Ridge, Crediton, Devon EX 17 2EG (tel Crediton 5611). For Sale — syren whistle, 6in x 2in to fit 'Ain bsp valve, Best. oilers invited or part exchange considered. Also brass star fnr flywheel Telephone Marlborough 870223 (evenings), Wanted — programmes of Quexpo steam rallies held at Quex Park, Birchington, East Kent especially 1970, 1972, 1976 and 1977. Have a few swaps — urgent. — T. Keenan, 8 Mutrix Road, Margate, Kent (tel 0843 34419 evenings), For Sale — Marshall portable steam engine, 7hp, pre 1900, suitable for restoration. £1500. ALSO Field Marshall tractor Series 1 with fitted winch, working order, needs repainting, £1000. — M. Farmer, telephone Buckland St Mary 427 (Somerset). For Sale — set of four living van wheels, Need some attention. Rear 35in dia; front 29in dia; boss length 81/4 in to take axle 1N in dia. Legend cast into hubs 'W. Smith & Sons Ltd, Barnard Castle'. Also A bar, 32in wide x 60in long. Buyer collects. — D.A. Rayner, 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York. Wanted — on behalf of continental member — back numbers of Steaming. Would prefer long run, may be able to collect. — D,A. Rayner, address as above advert. For Sale — by special order only. 29in x 11in approx stamped aluminium signs STEAM ROLLER AT WORK as described last issue page 40. Unpainted. Price at least £20 exc postage. Interested parties should forward deposits of £15 per sign with order. Orders by 20th May to Derek Rayner, address as above advert. For Sale — new Foden copper chimney top — telephone 023 064 248.
LONDON. N•w•— C 0
HICKEY & SONS, Richmond, Heavy LONDON1SAV'—'1' Haulage Lontraciors. Storable Wagons for Locos, Cranes, Boilers & Engines up to any weights. Phone: Richmcntl 31180/1. 'Telegrams: "Boilers, Kew Gardens."
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,a, ..1.rirrerv! non p...‘i sz. cox "'•' " "— • LTD., Rusholme Rd, Heavy & Motor Haulage od every description, including loads us: to 100 tons, fit one piece. 'irtieldiune : 2735 & 2736 Actlwick, also at 521, Lichfield 140a4, Asum, Lliiiiiingitaiii. Photos: East 1436..
NEWCASTLE _ Grey Street Cuarag & Co. (Newcastle), LTD.
NEWPORT mo- Robt.WYNN& SONS LTD. 50 Shaftesbury St. Suitable waggons for Boilers (all classes). Cranes, Girders, Locos., etc. 'Phones: 4214 (3 lines).
SHEFFIELD—
COUPE BROS ., Loads
19, Carlisle Street East, Heavy Haulage Contractors. handled up to 150 tons. Telephone 23929.
SOUTHAMPTON Hampton Pk. Wks. GEo. BAKER & SONS, La.
Nine advertisers in the Heavy Haulage section of the classified advertisements in The World's Carriers, 15th October 1930. 103
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investments Tax-planning Budgeting Mortgages & Loans School fees 7-ife assuranc4 NTET Insurance Scheme Self-administered & insured company pension schemes Personal pension plans Personal insurances Commercial insurances
JOHN SCOTT & PARTNERS LTD Personal Investment & Financial Management Consultants & Brokers
Park Row, Farnham GU9 7JH 0252 725555 and in CITY OF LONDON • KINGSTON•UPONTHAMES • MARLOW