026() - 2Y62
The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE TRUST 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.
Chairman: E.A. Fillmore, 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2NU.' Vice-Chairman: Mrs Sylvia Dudley, 12 Hillway, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 BUL.
The annual subscription is £12.00 for individuals, £15.00 for family membership and £7.50 for pensioners. The Trust's magazine Steaming is sent free to members during the early part of 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. Membership of the Steam Apprentice Club is available to young people under 21; details available from that section's Chairman (see right).
Company Secretary: Mrs Sylvia Dudley, 12 Hillway, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK 17 8UL. 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: A.J. Semple, Penyghent, 8 Chelwick Close, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 7BY. Engine Owners Sub-Committee: please contact M.J. Wharton, 85 Corn Street, Witney Oxfordshire OX8 7DH. Chairman, Steam Apprentice Club: R.J. Herring, Glebe Court, Stoke Lyne Road, Fringford, Bicester, Oxfordshire 0X6 9RJ. National Sales Officer: K.D. Shakespeare, 138 Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4DZ. Insurance Officer: R.J. Blenkinsop, Cornerstones, Church View, Claydon, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 1EW.
binder Each binder can take up to twelve copies — that's three year's issues. Produced in royal blue with the magazine title and club motif nicely blocked in gold on the spine — a fine addition to your bookshelves and an excellent way of keeping your magazines in good condition whilst near at hand.
411A"'`WillAy;;
sr Price £3.95
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Available by-150st from NTEC Sales, 138 Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4DZ
Back numbers Back numbers of this magazine are available, by post, as listed below. Newer members will be able to find a wealth of reading and pictures in these earlier issues — and members of longer standing may be able to find missing issues to fill gaps in their collections, made when someone hasn't returned a borrowed copy! per copy
non
memhers memhers
Vol 28, all issues (1985) Vol 29, all issues (1986) Vol 30, all issues (1987) Vol 31, all issues (1988) Vol 32, all issues (1989) (1990) Vol 33, No.1
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To claim post-free for UK, members please enclose current membership card. Overseas members please add £1.00 postage per order. Cheques/PO's should be made payable to NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE CLUB (19841 LTD Orders to be sent to: NTEC Sales, 138 Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4DZ
The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust
Volume 33 Number 1
Winter 1989/1990 Editor: Roger West, 14 Charles Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE 16 9AB Assistant Editor: Derek Rayner, 'Invicta', 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York YO2 3JH Display Advertising: to the Editor Small Ads: to the Editor Distribution and Change of Address: Mrs Fay Wood, 'Windrush', Hail Weston, Huntingdon, Cambs PE19 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 23rd February 1990. 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.
From the Chairman Most members of the Trust will be aware of a number of changes amongst our senior officers following the recent Annual General Meeting. I would assure all members that the services and facilities given and available to them and to the movement will in no way be adversely affected by these changes. A full committee meeting was held on 16th December 1989 and we are pleased to report that all officers and committee members were present as well as former Vice President Anthony Heal. All our various sub-committees have been re-constituted, as is usual after an Annual General Meeting, and a number of changes in personnel have been made. Members will, no doubt, be interested to learn of the officers and committee at present serving the Trust. They are: Chairman — Mr E.A. Fillmore; Vicechairman — Mrs Sylvia Dudley; Treasurer — Mr C:..I.C. Barber; Membership Secretary — Mrs F.E. Wood; Editor — Mr R.E. West; National Sales Officer — Mr K. Shakespeare; Chairman, Rally sub-committee — Mr A.J. Semple; Chairman, Steam Apprentice Club — Mr R.J. Herring; Insurance Officer — Mr R.J. Blenkinsop; Safety Adviser — Mr J. Newnham. Committee members are Messrs N. Boyes, R.A. Copp, M.O. Davies, D. Duffill, S.K. Durrance, A. Fookes, B. Johnson, E.E. Kimbell, 0. Slade, P.G. Smart (co-opted) and M.J. Wharton. Prior to the Annual General Meeting the Treasurer and Membership Secretary had indicated that they wished to relinquish their appointments; they will be much missed. We owe a great deal to both these officials who have put in very many hours of dedicated and efficient work spread over many years for the Trust. Later in this issue an advertisement appears asking for volunteers for their replacement. Are you the person we are looking for? The Spring Conference of Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs will take place as usual in February — again details elsewhere in this issue and a full list of approved rallies is being prepared and will appear in the Spring issue of Steaming. (Eric Fillmore — chairman)
This issue 4 8 12 14 15 18 19 21 24 42 45 50 52
Trust News Wallis & Steevens 7881, part 2 The Spirit of '89 Memories of Garrett wagons More thoughts on Conversions Anglian wagons Brave attempt A Showmans Last Journey Steaming Around, compiled by Derek Rayner Around the World Letters New Members Small Adverts
Mark A. Loader Bob Payne Alexander Gray
John H. Boughton
Cover Memories of summer rallies and sunshine — in this case portrayed by Foster 65bhp showmans road locomotive 14632 of 1934 SUCCESS at the 1987 Hare wood House rally. (Tony Porter)
3
Trust News Rally Organisation Rally sub-Committee Most members will have attended a rally or two or maybe more during the summer, and with the passing of autumn and the arrival of winter has come the time to reflect on the season just passed — and also some thoughts go towards next season. This is just what the rally sub-committee does. The summer of 1989 must rank amongst the best, weatherwise, in recent years and most rallies have enjoyed excellent conditions. I wonder what is in store for us in 1990? Each season brings some new feature of rally organisation and it is by continually monitoring the current scene that we are able to keep our policy up-to-date. Currently we are dealing with a number of safety matters; the most pressing are guidelines to cover the control and safety of spectators at steam cultivation demonstrations. We have been greatly assisted by the Steam Plough Club, who have made available to us their own document covering the subject. We hope to be able to produce a guideline for safety officers in time for submission to the next rally organisers conference as a discussion document, this conference will be held on Saturday, 10th February 1990 at the Midland Hotel, Birmingham (full details elsewhere in Steaming). It was intended to submit this to the Autumn conference in September, an event which, unfortunately, had to be cancelled at the last minute. Another activity going ahead throughout the winter is the preparation of our Approved Rally List. At the time of writing there are over 40 rallies approved for 1990, with several more in the pipeline. One or two events have appeared for the first time; we are always pleased to see this. By the time the list is published in the Spring 1990 issue of this magazine there will be a good country-wide selection of events for members to choose to attend. Members will know that rally organisers indicate the number of engines they anticipate will attend their event; this is given on the published list. It should be remem4
bered that this information is given many months in advance of the event being held. Those intending to visit a particular event for the first time might be well advised to obtain confirmation from the organiser nearer the date of the rally of the actual number attending remember to enclose a S.A.E. when you write. Finally I would like to thank all members of my sub-committee for the considerable amount of work they put in — this is greatly appreciated. (Eric Fillmore, chairman, Rally subCommittee)
NTEC Sales The end of season NTEC Sales Stand's two day Steam Party at Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove in mid October
saw all members of the sales team present and a good selection of exhibits. The engines appearing are covered in Steaming Around but the team would like to add their thanks to the owners for supporting the event and also to mention the organ and the fairground ride owners, the Wychavon Oil Engine Society and local modellers and members who turned up with other entries. On the Sunday morning most of the engines took a five mile road run around the Bromsgrove area, including Tony Hawkesworth's fair organ — in play! Thanks are also due to several sponsors, and especially landlord Roger Cox of the Ewe & Lamb public house where the event was held. A one hour video of the weekend's happenings and the road run will be available during the forthcoming rally season. (Keith and Tracey Shakespeare)
From Alan Martin's Collection 47 The location of this fine scene is the road in front of the White Horse Inn at Dengie, near Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. Posing for the photographer in 1913, along with the horse drawn van of the local fruiterer, are Fowler 16hp ploughing engines 3545 and 3552 and their set of tackle. The single cylindered engines (fitted with Church valve gear) were owned by the Southminster Steam Plough Co and would have been making their way across the marshes of the area to or from the company yard, about four miles or so away.
Subscription Rate At the recent AGM at Telford the meeting agreed to the subscription rate being raised in accordance with an amendment to the original resolution. The annual subscription rates of the Trust are therefore now as follows: £12.00 Individuals £15.00 Family membership £7.50 Pensioners
Steam Apprentice Club The SAC celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1989. This was marked by the largest programme of Club events for some time, attended and enjoyed by many members. The final event, with by far the largest numbers of Apprentices present, was the Saturday at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, where a full day of events took place. First was Breakfast off the Shovel, this popular annual event organised by member Maria Caseley
Jack Wharton and Hazel Hulock cut the Steam Apprentice Club's 10th birthday cake.
Lesley Colsell of the Museum of East Anglian Life explains technicalities to Sheona Forecast, watched by other SAC members.
involves bringing your own eggs and bacon and having it cooked on the shovel in an engine's firebox. Some hearty breakfasts were enjoyed. Suitably fortified, a small group was then invited to clean the Savage providing engine light electric illumination for the NTET tent. The afternoon saw the 10th anniversary birthday cake being cut, followed by a video film show of the fetching home of Len Crane's recently acquired showmans engine. The Apprentices were then divided into small groups to visit in turn a large group of engines standing near the NTET tent and to have footplate visits and instruction. It was over three hours before some returned for their cake and a commemorative plaque. In recognition of the large amount of work he had done for the SAC, the club's magazine editor David Hurley was awarded the Jack Beeby Trophy at the Trust's recent AGM. Looking to the 1990s we intend to provide more for young steam enthusiasts. The Dorset event is well established but we are looking for engine owners who may be willing to spend an afternoon allowing a small group of Apprentices to look over their engine and learn of its salient features and its care. We also have several members who are interested in becoming regular crew members — I would be pleased to put owners in touch. The past year saw a 50% increase in membership of the SAC and we look forward to further expansion in 1990. (David Duffill, 181 Foden Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B42 2E14).
Steaming Arrangements have been made with our magazine's printers to again provide a service for readers who wish to have their individual copies of Steaming bound into volumes. The magazines are the 12 issues comprising Volumes 30, 31 and 32, and, as when we last went through the exercise three years ago, readers will find the magazines bind up into a splendid 600 page book. The covers are heavy dark blue cloth boards with the spine lettered in gilt with the Steaming logo, and also the volume numbers and dates. The magazine's colour covers are, of course, retained. The price of binding is £12 and this includes the return postage and packing. The twelve issues of Volumes 24 to 26, and 27 to 29, can also be bound up at the same rate per three year set, but please note it is only possible to bind the magazines together in the sequences as detailed above. Readers wishing to take advantage of the service should post or otherwise deliver their copies of the issues concerned (well packed to survive any attempted improper handling in transit!) to AB Printers Ltd, 33 Cannock Street, Leicester LE4 7HR, enclosing their remittance for £12.00 per binding, cheques made payable to AB Printers Ltd. Please ensure the package contains a clear note of your name and address. The magazines must be received at Leicester by 28th February 1990 and will be returned to their owners about six weeks after that date. 5
National Traction Engine Trust Appointment of
Membership Secretary The Trust's present Membership Secretary is retiring after 15 wars of devoted service. A vacancy therefore now exists lot a suitably appropriate person to fill this key role in the Trust's activities. The selected candidate must be capable of working in a methodical and precise manner, accurately maintaining computerised membership recrarls, Ieriewing existing members, enrolling new applicants and liaising with Trust officers. He or she will be expected to possess a friendly nature as the Membership Secretary is the only officer of the Trust that many of the 4250 members have contact with. The initial duties will also include inaugurating a new computerised membership system and appropriate skills will be a necessary prerequisite. A job specification giving full details of this most important post, which carries an honorarium, is available, and interested persons wishing to have a copy (they do not presently have to be a member) should apply to Anthony S. Heal, Baylin's Farm, Knotty Green, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2TN. Closing date for applications with curriculum vitae etc, is 23rd February 1990
Obituaries Cyril Denyer It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of a great friend and long standing Trust member Cyril Denver of Farnborough, Hampshire, who died in August having been ill resulting from a stroke earlier in the year. Like many others in our movement, I will always remember Cyril for his encyclopaedic knowledge of both his great interests — steam and aviation, and we are eternally grateful for all the information that he passed on to those 6
of us who were privileged to have known him. Cyril was well known on the rally fields and in particular at Stourpaine where he was a regular attender, especially in the early years when he could often be found feeding the organ in the Noyces' gallopers and where he acquired the nickname 'Cyril the March' because of his passion for marching music. Cyril will be sadly missed and we of the NTET extend our depest sympathy to his wife Betty and his family. (Pau/ Tarrant) Jim Link I am saddened to record the death of Jim Link of Sellindge, near Ashford, Kent at the early age of 57. Jim was a fine gentleman known by many people, being a blacksmith at Dover and chairman of the Incal blacksmith's Association. His interest in steam started when he was a lad on his family's farm on the Romney Marsh in Kent, where they ploughed with Fowler K7 class ploughing engines LINKEY and SEVINGTON. Jim's own engine which he rallied all over the south east was a half size Allchin (Royal Chester) called LADY ANN. One of his ambitions was to do a road run with the engine and this he did last year, as well as nine other rallies. Despite ill health for the last ten years with heart problems Jim was always cheerful and looking forward to the next rally. He will be sadly missed by all. (Pat Neilson)
London Area Social Meetings Social meetings will continue to be held on the last Tuesday of each month, starting at 8.00pm. The venue is 'The Horse & Groom' in Great Portland Street, London W1 which is a few minutes walk from Oxford Circus tube station, north along Great Portland Street. All members are welcome as well as friends or potential new members and the upstairs room is available from 7.30pm. TUESDAY, 30th JANUARY 1990 — Steve Neville will give an illustrated talk. TUESDAY, 27th FEBRUARY 1990 — A slide show by engine owner Steve Parrott. TUESDAY, 27th MARCH 1990 — Alan Wells will speak of his experiences of the footplate on the old Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway. (Bill Timmings, London meetings organiser)
WI
' National Traction Engine Trust
Appointment of
Treasurer The Trust's present Treasurer has given notice, through pressure of personal business, of retiring at the end of the financial year, after many years of sterling service, Applieatir,ric are therefore invited from suitably qualified persons to serve in this essential position within the Trust. The selected candidate will have the necessary accounting skills to • Maintain the accounting records of the Trust and its trading subsidiary • Provide to the Trust's National and Executive committees reports on the Trust and trading company's financial position • Liaise with the auditors in preparation of the annual accounts • Liaise with the Sales Officer on budgeting for stock purchases for the trading company. • Monitor the Trust and trading company cash positions to ensure funds are available to meet liabilities as they fall due. A job specification giving full details of this very important position, which carries an honorarium, is available and persons wishing to have a copy (they do not presently have to be a member) should apply to Eric A. Fillmore, 34 North wick Park Road, Harrow, Middlesex HAl 2Nl I Closing date for applications with curriculum vitae etc, is 23rd February 1990.
Future dates Rally Organisers Conference The 1990 Conference of Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs will take at the Midland Hotel, New Street, Birmingham oh Saturday, 10th February 1990 at 11 am, with coffee and biscuits available from 10.15. It is not always easy for delegates to seek suitable and speedy refreshment during the lunchtime break in a busy city centre, and a buffet has therefore been arranged, which will also enable those present to become
better acquainted with one another, and exchange conversation or ideas. Although there is now no conference fee there will be a charge for the buffet of £8.00 per head, on a strict basis of advance booking. Invitations and formal notices will be sent out in the usual way, but newcomers are always welcome to these instructive and mutually beneficial gatherings. Please contact me should you require details as a first time attender. (Mrs S. Dudley — address inside front cover)
Corrections We apologise to author Derek Hattam for a sentence wrongly transcribed in his article on Burrell single crank compound engines in the last issue. On page 177, from line 24 of the paragraph beginning 'An account...' should read '...the valve chest. On the earliest engines the crosshead was usually forged from best malleable iron but later it was of cast iron. The rubbing faces...' On page 199, the freshly restored Davey Paxman is Will Dakin's, not as printed.
OUR MAGAZINE 25 YEARS AGO
The first issue of the magazine in 1965 was another special — the sixth year that members' winter reading had been so enhanced. John Fowler 1826-1864 was the title of the 80 page magazine, which commemorated that man's work and marked the centenary of his death following an accident at the early age of 38 on 4th December 1864. The subject matter was devoted entirely to Fowler's life and the company, and ploughing engines•. Long articles by the Rev. Stebbing, Alf Pepper and an anonymous historical extract, plus the 51 illustrations and four folding drawings make the issue a collector's piece today.
Members might have raised their eyebrows at the cover price of 10s. (50p), double the price of previous specials and representing, on paper, half their yearly subscription — little did they know this was but the faint beginning of inflationary times! Contemporary happenings were provided in the form of an account by Rev. Philip Wright on Harold Jackson's pair of Fowlers 14726 and 14727. The engines had been delivered to Thurston's Farm, Stambourne, Essex on Armistice Day 1918 and appropriately named PEACE and VICTORY, and they had never left the farm from that time. Mr Jackson had just completed his 270 acres of autumn cultivation in three weeks — nothing unusual, and he was often ahead of his neighbours at the same task, and claimed he used less fertilizers. Fuel costs for the double operation of cross cultivation were about £1 per acre, rising to 30s. (£1.50) in heavy seasons; ploughing cost 10s. (50p) an acre.
11111 E11k 1 10101 'For sale, a bargain, nearly-new McLaren's Compound Showman's Traction Engine, latest design and finest finish; complete with Dynamo on front. Done little more than one season's work. Cost nearly £1000. Photo and full information on application. Also One Very Powerful 10hp Compound Traction Engine, only done about 4 years' work. — Price and full particulars on application to Messrs J. and H. McLaren, Engineers, Leeds.' (from The World's Fair, 2nd July 1910.)
The Editor expresses his thanks to all those readers who sent seasonal greetings at the end of the year. To the right is reproduced the latest in a long line of splendid seasonal greetings cards received from the Stoomwalsenclub Nederland. The computer graphics created New Year card bears a message ideally suited for exchange between all traction engine enthusiasts — 'We wish you a Constructive New Year!'
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WALLIS & STEEVENS 5hp road locomotive
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Part 2 — continued from the Summer 1989 issue
Mark A. Loader The first part of my story of the rebuilding of my Wallis & Steevens tractor 7881 ended in March 1985 with us taking the reboxed boiler back to Boui nemouth flour Sussex, where the work had been done at Michael Lugg's yard at Billingshurst. Having arrived home safely, we unloaded the boiler in our workshops. My father arrived shortly afterwards; casting a discerning eye over the completed boiler, he seemed well pleased with the progress so far. A friend had mentioned that if I wanted, the opportunity for some assistance with the tender construction could be forthcoming. The assistance was accepted, and the next weekend the boiler was reloaded and taken to his yard. After manoeuvring the Wallis into the workshop, the boiler was levelled and the two tender side sheets offered up onto hornplates and clamped in their appropriate position. By the careful use of a ratchet drill we backdrilled the locating holes though the axle box holes, one at a time. This work and the ordering of the bottom wrapper plate took place during July. Mike Lugg came down to visit us during August and helped us to brace the tender plates in readiness for the fitting of the wrapper. Many, many hours were then spent drilling and bolting the wrapper into its position. During a dry spell in September we decided to move the boiler outside and spend the day sandblasting and painting with primer. With this completed, it was on with the fabrication of the tender floor. I had studied this and decided to make some alterations from the original — my main proposal was to install an inspection manhole to give better access and light in the future. By the 1985 Christmas holi8
days we were able to bring the boiler and part built tender back home. Gradually the rivet holes were opened out to riveting size, that is, 17/32in for '/sin rivets. We had previously sandblasted and primed the individual tender plates. Some of the tender fittings were now attended to, including the drawbar which required the coupling pin holes taking out to clean up under the radial drill. The brake shaft was examined and renewed, cut outs into the tender made, and the various brake arms fitted. The coal dividing plate in the tender was folded and fitted and new rope drum fairlead rollers turned and fitted.
Eventually, in March 1986, the tender was riveted together, the rivet guns being borrowed from Michael, and Dave Corbin supplying the rivets. It was amazing to see how quickly a tranformation from a kit of parts to a recognisable item was achieved. We offered some of the tender components into position, if only to get some idea of what the finished item would look like. One problem did elude me for a time, this was the obtaining of similar profile convex beading around the edge of the tender plates. Eventually we salvaged the best of the original beading, and by milling down some 2in x'' in feather edged beading the correct profiled 1 %in and %in square edged beading was obtained. By earefdl grafting together of the old and new the result turned out to be most successful. The original intention was to reuse the coal cage but although it appeared sound, it didn't fit very well, being slightly distorted. George Chiverton made a new one for me utilising the original convex beading which fortunately was in excellent condition. This item was duly offered into place, and one Saturday we removed the stove bolts and replaced them one at a time with %in rivets. Slowly but surely we were approaching the stage we had eagerly been awaiting — seeing the engine standing on four wheels again. This came to fruition during the Christmas holidays of 1986, when the axle was slid into the axle boxes and the wheels fitted. Through the rest of the winter we busied ourselves with smaller
Early rally days — Wallis 7881 at the Appleford event in June 1955. (collection M. Loader)
Two views of the fitting of the tender side plates in August 1985. (M. Loader)
items including turning hubcaps, fitting second shaft bearing blocks and shaft, and reamering out spectacle bracket locating holes and making new fitted bolts to suit. The second shaft and bearings were offered up and fitted, but not without a certain amount of scraping to achieve a nice running fit. Time and again final tightening down of the bearing blocks would result in the shaft locking up. The gearcase presented much more of a problem. It appeared upon close examination that during the engine's working life this casting had been damaged and subsequently repaired by plating. This gave me great cause for concern and after much deliberation we decided to have a new one fabricated; one reason for this was for safety, since the gear selectors are secured to the gearcase and consequently rely upon its structural integrity. George Chiverton kindly agreed to solve this problem, and in due course the new casing was collected and trial fitted, with complete success. As an aside at this point, I was interested that the Editor had included
with the last part of this article photographs of our Wallis from Peter Eves collection. I am sure the unknown rally location was Finkley Farm at Andover. Careful scrutiny shows the Scammell low-loader used by ourselves for many years and also the Scammell unit and trailer operated by Jim Hutchens. Interestingly enough the front cover photograph of the same issue was of McLaren 1038 which our family had also owned and operated for many years. With any project there seems to be times of high and low activity and during 1987 it was lower rather than higher. My brother was having teething problems with his Wallis roller after reassembly and Chris Gerard who had been a constant source of assistance during the restoration was now glad to receive any help he could with his Aveling convertible. The fact that Julie and I were married during the summer may also have had something to with it! Nevertheless, I did manage to complete a lot of single-handed items including caulking the tender seams, painting inside and out with primer and seemingly spending hours and hours
on quite trivial items including polishing fittings etc. As the winter turned to the spring of 1988, crankshaft and flywheel, which had not seen the light of day for some time, were set upon with great enthusiasm. I had previously known that the lead inserts in the balance weights would need some attention and so one by one they were carefully chiselled out and when all had been removed and the cavities cleaned and tinned, new lead was melted and run in and after cooling a successful job was obtained. Two pieces of plate clamped together with a G-clamp either side of the cavity allowed the molten lead to be run in and set. During May I spent many hours cleaning the crankshaft and flywheel in readiness for painting. I resisted the temptation to go to the Kings' sale with father, and since it was a dry sunny day set about undercoating the crankshaft. As conditions were more than favourable the top gloss coats were also applied. As you can well imagine, the conversation over the supper table centred around the day's activities at Bishops Lydeard. It seems remarkable that years ago no one would have thought it practical or possible to resurrect engines that had suffered so badly, and yet today people are willing to embark on 9
projects with so much against them. The problems I encountered during rebuilding must be like a drop in the ocean to them. As a family, we have supported the Christchurch Model Railways Annual Open Day with father's and brother's respective engines for a few years now, and having received many enquiries as to the state of progress with the Wallis we took the rash step of booking it in as a static exhibit for the September 1988 event if only to show we hadn't quite given up just yet. Ron Frampton and myself had been steadily making prowess and the day before the event concluded with heat shrinking the large second shaft gearwheel onto its shaft. With this completed the neck of the low-loader was dropped out and the Wallis was pushed on to the trailer ready for the Considerable forthcoming day. interest was shown in the engine, although incomplete, and some useful and interesting information received. For my part I always find it fascinating at a rally to study exhibits in a partly restored stage and to r.hat with the owners, because invariably ideas and advice can be beneficial to both parties, and perhaps, if nothing else, add a little bit of encouragement for the ongoing task. The winter approached and, fired with a little more enthusiasm, we started to tit the valve gear into place including the new weightshaft and repinned eccentric straps. The crankshaft and flywheel which had been fitted previously after painting was connected up to the eccentrics, and immediately we discovered some side
Sandblasting the external surfaces of the boiler, September 1985. (M. Loader)
play in the main bearings. The offside main bearing halves were removed and the worn faces built up and remachined. The weightshaft bracket bearing bracket halves had been replaced and some fitting was required to allow the slide valve rod freedom of travel. One Saturday in December we put a fire in the Wallis and having raised about 501bs of steam we coupled the Fordson tractor via a threshing machine driving belt to the flywheel
Fitting the axleboxes and axles in February 1987. (M. Loader) 10
and turned the motionwork over very slowly, adding copious amounts of an oil and graphite solution onto the bearing surfaces. Gradually, as all appeared well, we slowly increased the speed and kept monitoring the bearings etc tor any sign of picking up. After a few minutes we could sense something was starting to pull up and quickly shut clown. It appeared that the low pressure valve spindle guide was becoming quite warm — so we removed it and allowed the metal to cool before running a reamer though it and taking out a few thousandths of an inch. We reassembled and ran the engine again paying particular attention to this part, and after a short run, no hotting up was noticed. As darkness set in we packed up, feeling rather pleased with the day's proceedings. The following weekend the exercise was repeated but by now the high and low speed crankshaft pinions and clutch assembly had been fitted. the clutch linkage pivot pins had been replaced but the levers needed warming and setting to enable the gears to mesh correctly. By engaging firstly the slow speed, then the high speed we were able to revolve the second shaft and start to bed-in the bearings. As the Christmas holidays of 1988 faded away we turned our attention towards the completion of the boiler certification, since the boiler laggin.g would shortly be one of the next tasks to tackle. Originally the boiler had been tested by the Cornhill inspector in
Almost back to its complete state, Wallis 7881 stands in the Loaders' yard in December 1988 in these two pictures, with steam raised for settling in the valve gear. (M. Loader)
Michael Lugg's area, but since we had always dealt with National Vulcan and our other engines come under their cover, consultation with our inspector resulted in an appointment to witness a hydraulic test during the coming January. At this stage we had to place the restoration work to one side. This was partially owing to the new perch bracket not having arrived, but also the acquisition of a Yorkshire steam wagon, which required some attention for 1989's rallying season. So the restoration of Wallis 7881 continues and in due course I will endeavour to continue and complete this account. (to be continued)
'For sale — Nearly new 5 ton Burrell Compound Showman's Steam Motor Tractor on springs: 2 tanks, 2 speeds and latest improvements and complete with all showman's fittings, including Dynamo Plate and 10 arc Dynamo by Crompton: long awning, brass pillars and stay rods, Pickering governors, 6 Glover's Arc Lamps, wireing, meters and all complete. — Apply James Graven, Ely, Cambs.' (from The World's Fair, 24th December 1910.)
Israel Newton & Sons Ltd
boilermakers established in 1803
manufacturers of:
* locomotive type steam boilers of riveted or welded construction to BSS. Insurance company inspected. * Smokebox tubeplates, back heads, throat plates, new fireboxes, boiler retubing, welding repairs by coded welders. * Stockists of boiler tubes and rivets. * Industrial steam and hot water packaged boilers. * Hydraulic press work — dished and flanged ends. Sununerley Iron Works, Idle, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD10 8TT
telephone 0274 612059 11
The Spirit of '89 words and pictures by Bob Payne
Low evening sunlight catches Fowler B6 road loco 12226 with load, as it paces along the B4208 near Welland en route from the Upton-on-Severn rally.
Last year saw the return to steam of two Fowler DNB class rollers carrying the full ,Wood tarspraying apparatus. Pictured here at Woodcote is 17506, an engine which worked continually for the Mechanical Tar Spraying & Grouting Co of Reading from 1928 until the early 1960s. The Thames Valley club's road run from Stoke Row in May provided the ideal event for a first public appearance.
With mahl stick and writer in hand, the sign writer applies the correct style of Burrell lettering to roller 4041.
Marshall 65908. This engine was delivered new to Joseph Allen of Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire on 20th June 1914 for belt work, and was fitted with boiler feed pump only. During restoration both cylinder bore and slide valve face were re-machined using portable equipment, exactly the same as used years ago by local engine repairers. Much effort has been put into the engine's paintwork and finish, both in research and execution. As a result the engine sports a black crankshaft and flywheel, works' transfers and the right amount of bright polished steel. Great stuff/
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Memories of Garrett wagons Alexander Gray
I much enjoyed the article A Plant Engineer Remembers in our Winter 1988/89 issue and especially the paragraphs on the Garrett overtype wagons, for my father here at Huntly, Aberdeenshire had one new in 1920, four years before I left school. When the time came for me to leave my desk I became second man on the machine, and later driver. The Garrett was 33854, new in November 1920 and registered BJ5508, on unsuperheated example. Just after I started work my father went to a sale in Aberdeen and came back with another addition for our fleet — Garrett 34175, which had been new in 1922 (RS4762) and was a three speed machine, rather than the usual two speed. This wagon was superheated but I remember we had trouble with the element bursting and for some time until a new one was obtained it was used without the fitment. None of our drivers could make up their minds whether it then became any less economical! When the superheater was fitted I recall you had to shut off steam from it if you were stopped for any length of time such as loading or unloading, as the fitting seemed to use a lot of steam when just standing. But this wagon was always a good steamer and the more so if you got smokeless coal — the best such coal we got was Cowie 14
Two of the Garrett steam wagons operated by Alexander Gray of Mundy. To the left is 33854 purchased new in 1920, whilst on the right is 33719, a superheated version which sports the AGE (Agricultural & General Engineers) insignia of its time. Note also the double hinged side-boards to the body, described in the text. The crews (left to right) are C. Stephen, driver A. Gray, junior (author of these notes), driver W. Sim and J. Simpson. The picture was taken close to the Glendronach whisky distillery, now owned by Teachers and where the restored Sentinel is now kept. (collection Alexander Gray)
Jewel, which came from Valleyfield Colliery in Fife. I also recall the trailing chain to earth the static charge generated by the engine — you could get quite a shock from it. At different times of the year we would be delivering coal to the local schools and the boys would come in about and tell you the chain was trailing on the ground. We would tell them to pick it up but I can tell you they did not hold it for very long and cleared off without being told. I don't know if there was a law compelling the use of a chain. Later on, in 1931, my father bought another superheated Garrett this time fitted with a tipping body, which was exactly like the one in the photograph on page 10. It was the same age as our first example and was works number 33719 of 1920 (BJ5014); we got it from T. Yule & Son. Fitted with a fixed side body, the
wagon was a Lilt the worse fur wear, so we fitted new timberwork with the drop boards this time hinged horizontally in two parts. This way you could lower the whole side to start loading, raise the lower half when you had half a load and then the upper secton to take your full load. It was easier that way — there was no mechanical loading in those days; just real hard work with a hand shovel or graip. Looking back, I can't recall us having trouble with the superheater on this wagon. Moving on to John Hutchings' article on the LNER Sentinel in the same issue, I remember that company had at least one Sentinel bus in Aberdeen and ran it between there and Elton, but what year and for how long I've now forgotten. The LNER had five or six Foden 5 ton wagons and trailers which they used for general haulage until the early 1930s.
MORE THOUGHTS ON
Conversions I have been a member of the NTET and it's predecessor the NTEC for 31 years, and was a committee member of the club in the years 1969 to 1976. I, of course, know of the various subcommittees and the very excellent Steam Apprentice Club; what I did not realise until I read some of the letters in 'Some thoughts on conversions' in the Autumn 1989 issue of Steaming is that there now appears to be within the Trust a training group for would be dictators. Up till now no one seems prepared to speak up and say "Yes I have converted an engine". In 1968 I bought a Marshall piston valve compound S-type convertible roller 77876 of 1924 and converted it to a traction, as no doubt its manufacturers intended it could be, during the years 1981 to 1985. I had previously, between 1978 and 1981, had it fitted with a new firebox and smokebox tube plate. During the conversion I fitted it with solid rubber tyres. How anyone who professes an interest in preserving a steam vehicle can try and tell me that it would lead a better life as a roller on today's hard roads I cannot understand. Far from doing this for money, I did it because I could not then justify buying a genuine traction engine. I felt I would need an acceptable alternative whilst the inevitable boiler repairs to my Clayton & Shuttleworth traction engine 48154 of 1918 were carried out. Personally I did not find a conversion an easy option, for I went the whole hog and made a winding rope drum and fairleads besides the obvious smokebox, stump casting and perch bracket. All the time I could not escape the fact that an extra £250 in 1968 would have bought a traction engine. However, fortunately, the Marshall has proved a handy and pleasing engine to drive on the road and on the rally field. Since I fitted it with governors this winter it has also been possible to use it on belt work. I would like to point out to 'purists and historians' that the vast majority of the engines now in preservation were saved from scrap by amateurs. If you prefer the museum approach and their 'ethical guide lines', stop and consider how many engines would
now exist if museums and only museums had been allowed to keep engines from scrap. Behind each preserved engine in private hands is a human being who is keeping it for the pleasure it gives him or her. Some people enjoy the historic aspect and will go to great lengths to keep everything as it was at some point in its working life. Some, like me, prefer an engine more suited to today's conditions. Don't let the worship of what is, after all, other people's scrap metal blind us to the fact that freedom and individuality are also part of the British heritage. By all means grade engines as suggested in one letter in the last issue, even if this means making my Marshall grade Z99; if you can depress the price, that would perhaps put more engines within the reach of genuine enthusiasts. If the pleasure my converted Marshall gives me and those who have driven it could be graded, it would, however, I think come out nearer the top. Those hot heads who are talking about loss of club membership and cuts in appearance money for conversions have a cheek, to my mind. What a lot of readers won't realise is that most of these same people are based in what I would term the Thames Valley area. They come from a part of the country where they need twelve months notice and a well oiled prayer mat to let you in their rallies with a genuine engine. It would come easily to them to bar conversions. To take up another point I have never entered the Marshall in any programme as other than a conversion. Any one who finds conversion misleading can check in that excellent publication Traction Engine Register; the footnotes are usually most revealing. David Philpot
Luton, Bedfordshire
Recent correspondence on conversions and the alteration of engines' histories prompts me to mention a Sentinel steam wagon which has appeared on the rally scene this year which is not what it purports to be. At one of the rallies entered in 1989 the programme note records it as Sentinel
works number 173 of 1907 and offers as history that 'most of the wagon' worked at a quarry near Westonsuper-Mare, Somerset, and was acquired as a derelict by the present owner (E. Shone of London) and rebuilt with parts from two other examples from Scotland. The wagon has also been reported elsewhere in the enthusiast press as 'the very last model from the old Alley & McLellan factory at Glasgow'. It carries a works plate lettered Sentinel Waggon Works Ltd, Glasgow and the number A3927. These 'facts' are, in reality, quite at variance with the known history of Sentinel products. The Somerset derelict (a more or less complete chassis with axles and wheels but no engine) was positively identified, when rescued from a hedge in 1966, as Sentinel 1170 (AW2667), new to quarry owner Henry Butt in 1916. Three Sentinels — or the remains of them — lay in a scrapyard at Huntly, Aberdeenshire. In 1966 I was told by the owner that one was an early 4 tonner, Sentinel 753 of 1914; another carried numbers confirming it as 3745 (AW8933) and the third was somewhat uncertain but could have been 2761 of 1919. These three cabless, bodyless chassis were sold soon after my visit: the 1914 example is now restored and owned in Surrey, but the others ended up as spare parts, or scrap. The replica Sentinel maker's plate carried by the aforementioned reconstruction is a curious hybrid. The number, A3927, is a number of about 1921 vintage, thought not to be a steam wagon, and other details claim it to be an 8 tonner, built in Glasgow. There are several things wrong here — Glasgow-built wagons carried the company name as Alley & McLellan, for the title Sentinel Waggon Works Ltd was not formed until 1918 after the move to Shrewsbury; the Glasgow works plates were of a squarer rectangular shape, not round headed like the examples we are familiar with; no 8 tonners were built in Glasgow. If the wagon is supposed to be of 1907, how can it be the last model to leave Glasgow'— that happened in 1915! If the restorers had managed to find and restore Sentinel 173 of 1907 to its original condition I would be delighted. However, the wagon's current appearance does not correctly portray a Glasgow built machine of 1907, or a later 8 tanner. Passing this reconstruction off as ,various identifiable examples surely cannot be condoned by preservationists? Joe Thomas
Rush wick, Worcester
15
I did not intend joining in this correspondence, for I agree with the Trust's view that what an engine owner does with his property is his own business, but on the question of why conversion takes place, one only has to read a few pages further on from the letters in the last issue to learn that an example recently changed hands at £80000. As a matter of interest I have traced 158 former showmens engines now in preservation and a further 63 conversions, that is engines that have been altered in preservation days. The figures for the maior makes (they include tractors and engines sold abroad) are: Burrell 80 (9 conversions►, Fowler 30 (16), Foster 12 (6), Garrett 16 (171 and Aveling & Porter 6 17). The sum of £80000 is a far cry from 1946, when Burrell showmans 3980 HER MAJESTY was offered to a scrap dealer for 10s (50p), but the owner had to settle for 7s 6d (37 1/2 p), or 1948, when Burrell 3938 QUO VADIS was offered for sale at £2, but with no takers. That was the law of supply and demand. Bernard Fielding
Crosby, Liverpool
On the subject of conversions perhaps I might throw in my two pennyworth. I don't think we will ever stop the conversion of rollers etc into engines they never were, but if folks do insist on doing so, there are in existence enough sources of original works drawings, photographs and genuine examples of engines of a given make to enable a converted engine to be as authentic as one turned out from the works. If an owner has the skill or funds to convert a roller, for example, into a tractor, then he has no excuse when his engine appears on the rally tield with threshing drum front wheels or a pressed up perch bracket when a cast one would appropriate. Tractors very rarely had single tee cast rear wheels; there are still companies who can roll tee section iron. So why not measure up the genuine thing and make the same way? Anyone who viewed the Fred Dibnah TV series saw an excellent example of my point, for he made patterns up for the perch bracket and axle swivel, also cut the cast rear rolls off and fitted new tee section rims on his Aveling conversion. (This roller was a convertible when new and would have had alternative wheels at that time.) I suggest a metaphorical crime was committed on a certain ancient Burrell single crank compound engine recently. Although it was once a 16
COMBINED ENGINE (as a Traction).
showmans engine, it bore no resemblance to how it now looks. Here is an example of all the drawings, works photos etc being available and a lost opportunity to recreate a unique example of a type long since extinct. With half closed eyes the engine's present appearance might well be that of a late type scenic! Having looked forward to the emergence of this particular 'conversion' I was wholly disappointed with what must have been a lot of hard graft and effort. I look forward to seeing what other views are published in Steaming. However, whatever the outcome no amount of rule making and discrimination is likely to stop the practice. We cannot and should not dictate what people do with their own personal property. Jonathan Wheeler
Diss, Norfolk
There are other aspects of the conversion debate to take into account. Is it right, for example, that a roller which spent many years in a children's playground, now that it has been threequarters built into showmans style, should be advertised as a Showmans Engine, when presumably it is not yet finished to this spurious state. This seems a deplorable state and has happened recently. Not withstanding the rights or wrongs of conversions, surely the Trades Descriptions Act should apply, for some unsuspecting potential buyer may have been attracted to purchase the machine by its description and paid considerably more than it was worth. Further, bogus engine histories are appearing in print. A tractor now
resident in the home counties is being described as 'having worked for McGiverns Amusements in Northern Ireland' — despite a letter from an Irish enthusiast in these pages only an issue or two ago. The engine was converted in Ulster and merely kept for a while in the McGiverns yard, the owner living in Bangor, Co Down. The writer of the above mentioned letter should know — he was there. Unfortunately many enthusiasts — and the public — believe what they see in print and thus these 'histories' become perpetuated. Is it greed or ignorance which allows this desecration of our heritage to continue? It is certainly not preservation, and where will it end? Will we yet see the ultimate — the conversion of a Wallis Advance roller to a showmans road loco, and then it being sold for a record high price because it is unique? Derek Rayner
York
I was most interested in the correspondence in the Autumn 1989 issue regarding the conversion of engines and was heartened to know that there is clearly such a strong reaction against these unnecessary and at times absurd acts of mutilation. Whilst many of the comments related to the more obvious steam roller to showmans engine type of conversion there is the altogether more insidious and potentially dangerous form of alteration, briefly mentioned by Steve Arrowsmith in his letter — of altering gear ratios or fitting additional high gears. Some of these conversions represent, at least, dubious engineering practice and can
COMBINED ENGINE (as a Roller).
Some members may be confused between the terms conversion and convertible. A variety of manufacturers used the latter term for one class of their products which by its utility appealed to county and district councils soon after the turn of the century. Aveling & Porter's 'Combined Traction Engine and Steam Road Roller' was described in their 1905 catalogue as one of their most useful engines, suitable in turn for hauling, rolling and driving fixed machinery. The engine itself was of the single or compound cylin,dered type but capable of being adapted with the necessary additional parts to a powerful and efficient steam roller'. Usual procedure was for the engine to be used during the autumn and winter months in its steam roller guise, repairing and keeping in good order the water bound macadam roads of the day. At the end of the season the engine would return to its base for the couple of days or so of work involved in removing the detachable saddle and front rolls, installing the front wheels and axle on the permanent perch bracket, and the exchanging of the rear rolls for the straked traction engine wheels. In later years, around the 1920s, a few makers offered a similar convertible machine based on the lighter tractors of the day. Fowlers optimistically claimed their patent change over device, which used a pivotal forecarriage bracket, was 'easily made within a couple of hours, as compared with a day or more in the case of other methods'. Few examples of true convertible designs have survived into preservation with all the relevant equipment, but those that have, or that now represent these combined engines in one form or another, display an interesting and little recorded aspect of traction engine history. The accompanying illustration comes from Aveling's 1905 catalogue — note that the traction engine hind wheels and the roller hind wheels are completely different and totally in accord with their respective uses. The design of the gearing was presumably a middle of the road compromise between the machine's two functions. Perhaps readers may like to comment.
result in road speeds considerably above those intended for that class of engine, with all the dangers inherent in that. In connection with this my attention was drawn to a report in the Yorkshire notes of an engine shearing a number of gear teeth. Whilst I do not know the circumstances of this accident I do know that the engine concerned had been fitted with an
additional high gear some years ago. Could this have been a contributory factor? I would hope that the Trust will aim to discourage this practice before any real harm comes of it and further engines are spoilt. David Ross St Albans, Hertfordshire
On the question of conversions, aired in the last issue, there is evidence of the root cause of such action in the Durham notes a few pages further on: a Clayton & Shuttleworth showmanised engine sold for £80000; a showmanised Aveling roller on pneumatics withdrawn at £30000 and an 'unblemished' Marshall roller withdrawn at a mere £5800. Couple this with the fact that rollers can be difficult to get accepted at many rallies, that there are people about who, misguidedly or not, will pay silly prices for converted machines ... need one seek further reasons? A satisfactory answer will not be found until we all take our custodial charge seriously, act only on historical precedent and put conservation of our artefacts before profit. Secondly, concerning the letter from Richard Collis, who wishes to see a two-tier membership. This smacks of the distasteful 'they can afford an engine — sting 'em!' syndrome. Mr Collis may not realise that some of us, having taken years to acquire an engine, still have to run it on a shoestring, thinking carefully when something goes wrong or even when insurances fall due and hardly daring to contemplate future heavy repairs! I suspect many roller owners (especially of Avelings) fall into this category. As for 'notes and news specifically for owners' being published separately I think Mr Collis does non-owning members a disservice as many take a genuine interest in the various aspects making up the general running of engines. Finally, there may indeed be World's Fair and Old Glory but Mr Collis's subscription brings him four issues of, arguably, the finest steam orientated magazine presently in publication, anywhere. Andrew Hall
Leek, Staffordshire
The last issue's discussion on engine conversion and modification was, I noticed, followed a few pages later by an advertisement by an artist, showing one of his paintings of a period farm scene containing a threshing engine fitted with the rubber treads of tractor tyres. This, I think, sums up the whole problem created by mutilating historic machinery. If we do not make a clear distinction between genuine preserved exhibits and those modified to suit the owner's whim then we will create a situation where these modifications become accepted as a part of history. In this case it is not the artist's fault for painting what he has seen: the blame lies with the preservation 17
movement for accepting the modified and historically inaccurate exhibit without comment. Steve Arrowsmith
Anglian wagons
Lichfield, Staffordshire
The book reviewer of Roundabout Scotland in the last issue found it disappointing that one of the illustrations was of a recent conversion and could deceive the unwary. I can assure readers the author Johnnie Swallow was not deceived, nor am I for the engine concerned Fowler 9177 DAWN OF THE CENTURY, like IRON MAIDEN, is a conversion and works on the show field. About five years ago Jimmy Graham approached me to get him a showmans engine to drive his gallopers. Sandy Steele's Fowler was the only big engine in Scotland; there was a tractor in Aberdeen 160 miles away and Tom Varley's HIS LORDSHIP was 150 miles to the south. Sandy's engine hauled loads into Kirkcaldy Links Fair and drove the gallopers each day and since then I have seen him belted up and working Grahams' set all over central Scotland. If after all this she is a conversion, OK; but so are all of Openshaw's machines of the 1920s. If your correspondents are about to jump on any conversion outside a scenic roller they will require to exercise great. care. Tam McTaggart
Hamilton, Lanarkshire
• The above commentary from Tam McTaggart is published posthumously, for it is with sadness the Editor has to record Tam's death in December 1989. His frequent submissions to our magazine nn the subject of heavy haulage (and other topics) have dune much to enhance its content over the years. The contributions, and Tam's companionship at rallies throughout the country, will be much missed. yrj
'Messrs Pickfords, Ltd, now have no less than forty traction engines and motor vans in active use. Their carrying capacity ranges up to thirty tons.' (From The World's Carriers, February 1905. A previous issue had illustrated a large Burrell road locomotive lettered Pickfords on the canopy side. Whilst most of the 'motor vans' would be steam lorries, a few were probably early petrol vehicles.) 18
These two pictures show early steam wagons in East Anglia and were sent in some time ago by the late George Swann of Saffron Walden. George knew a little about the subjects but despite research further identification is proving difficult. The first shows a Thornycroft lorry owned by W.C. Goddard of The Neville Arms, Audley End near Saffron Walden in Essex. The scene is probably outside the front entrance of his establishment, but no lettering can be discerned (on the original print) on the signboard over the door, or indeed on the wagon itself. Alan Duke finds that in September 1913 a Thornycroft wagon was registered F7672 by Essex C.C. in the name of W.C. Goddard, but he thinks this would be the re-registration of a secondhand vehicle — certainly the picture appears to show a Thornycroft of the very early years of the century and a well used one at that. The second picture shows a Mann's undertype wagon of similar vintage. Again, perhaps there is evidence that the picture was taken in later days rather than new — the dress of the crew and the possibly secondhand canopy over the footplate, which might seem more at home on an early petrol lorry. The Mann's is said to be the first mechanical transport owned by Parker Bros of Lark Roller Mills, Mildenhall and is seen in their yard by the Ship Inn in that town. Alan Duke records Parkers as owning Mann's 161, registered CF97 and this could be the machine in our picture.
BRAVE ATTEMPT John H. Boughton writes of Fodens' attempt to check the incoming tide of diesel power. As the 1920s drew to a close, the makers and users of steam wagons were coming under increasing competition from diesel and petrol-driven trucks. The writing was on the wall for all to interpret as best they could. In fact the steam wagon era was nearing its end, but a core of die-hards steadfastly refused to accept the inevitable, with the result that considerable sums were expended on research and development of steam transport by a number of makers engaged in battles reminiscent of Custer's Last Stand. Many users remained loyal to steam for a long time, and it was not until well into the 1950s that the last pockets of resistance capitulated. Liverpool held out to the bitter end as did a few operators of tar spraying and other specialised equipment. Even then many steam wagons passed into the preservation movement and are still the pride and joy of their owners and crews. The photo of the decaying remains of Foden Speed Six in the Summer 1988 issue of Steaming, which dealt with the sale at Bishops Lydeard, reminded me of days of long ago and revived memories of momentous times. It was probably during the Autumn of 1929 that I saw a Speed Six for the first time. I was a schoolboy then and my father took my brother and me to the Commercial Motor Show in London. I think that it was held in Olympia but I cannot be sure of the venue after the lapse of so many years. What I can remember vividly is my first sight of the Speed Six posed in its best show livery, preening itself on Fodens' stand. Having been brought up accustomed to the sight of my father's working wagons in every day use, I knew something of the problems facing the best of crews as they strove to keep their wagons — in which they took a great pride — smart, clean and efficient. Here at the exhibition was something quite new to me: a brand new steam wagon of revolutionary design and concept, presented with panache and professionalism. The burnished brass fittings and gleaming copper pipes complemented by a paint finish
that would have done credit to a coach in the royal mews combined to make it a sight to behold. There was not a speck of coal or any other dust anywhere and the cab both inside and out was unstained by fumes or smoke. My father who was never overfond of internal combustion engines, admired the wagon and told us that he thought Fodens had come up with the answer to the threat from the diesel engine. He liked the unobstructed view from the driver's position, the high pressure superheated steam, the totally enclosed engine, the steam brakes, the shaft drive and the pneumatic tyres. This latter feature contrasted with those on his overtype wagons, all of which were on solid tyres. After the show Speed Six and Speed Twelve wagons began to appear on the roads and as we travelled we were always on the look out for them. Some of the Murrells Wharf fleet came out from London in our direction from time to time and others could be seen further afield. I remember seeing a Speed Six near Winchester hauling pig and poultry food and a Speed Twelve passing through Slough with a cargo of roofing tiles.
The nearest to us belonged to T. Leigh de Frane of Chartridge, near Chesham, a young man who had learnt his trade under the auspices of my father. Leigh operated a number of overtype wagons and an E type Foden undertype, but he complained that the latter used too much coal and exchanged it for the Speed Twelve. He often drove the wagon himself hauling bricks from Calvert, but he did not keep it long as the road tax was high and legal carrying capacity, especially when fully coaled and watered up, was lower than he thought was economical and profitable. Furthermore in addition to the driver he needed a stoker, which entailed extra expense, and it was soon exchanged for two diesels which Fodens had started to produce instead of steam in or about 1932. At that time my father was operating a number of overtype tractors and trailers of various makes in addition to some steam wagons, rollers and traction engines. The tractors were used to haul trees to feed the many saw mills in the area particularly in High Wycombe, Chesham, Berkhamsted and elsewhere. They did a good job but had a limited range. The road tax on tractors was lower than on
MURRELLS WHARF 71-44, ti
Foden Speed Six 13638 (GF8690) one of the early examples of the type, operated from Murrell's Wharf at Black friars Bridge, London SE. (collection Road Locomotive Society) 19
wagons so it made sense to convert wagons into tractors, an exercise which my father and brother proceeded to carry out by shortening the wheelbase on the wagons and fitting winches behind the cabs. These were powered by twin cylinder steam launch engines supplied by steam from the wagon boiler and the conversions turned out to be very successful. Competition in the early 1930s was rife and we were all looking for better equipment. It was a time of transition and steam was still being widely used. Harold Judd of Spencers Wood near Reading bought a new sentinel steam timber tractor IL)LIJ BILL) on pneumatic tyres and my father cast around for some way of going one better. He hit on the idea that a Speed Six shortened and converted into a tractor with one of his steam winches would be the solution to the problem. It so happened about 1934 that one came on to the market secondhand and was advertised in the trade journals of the time. My father answered the advertisement and took my brother and me to Kidlington near Oxford to see it. On arrival we met the owner, a Mr Partridge, and his dog, which followed him wherever he went and seemed to take a great interest in everything his master said. Together they showed us the Speed Six number 14044, which had been new in August 1931. In addition he had two other tippers of the same make and type which were in steam, hauling gravel from his pit. It was an impressive sight watching the heavily loaded wagons and trailers climbing the steep slope from the pit bottom. (A/an Duke kindly identifies the Fodens mentioned here. 14044 had been new to Wadden & Grew of Coleshill, Warwickshire, registered WD2785, a Speed Six tipper. It must have soon been acquired by G. Partridge & Sons of Kidlington. The other two Speed Sixes at the gravel pit were 13948 and 14038, both secondhand ex Fodens and which seemingly worked for Partridge for another three years or so, being last licensed in 1936 and 1937 respectively.) Mr Partridge had already shortened number 14044 as he had intended to use it as a tractor to take advantage of lower road taxes, but had changed his mind. The work that he had carried out suited us for our business and my father made an offer which, after consulting with his dog, Mr Partridge accepted. We were at last the proud owners of one of the last few Speed Sixes to be built and although it was not in such pristine condition as the one which we had seen at Olympia a 20
A snapshot of Foden Speed Six 14044, hauling timber about 1934 when in the ownership of T.T. Boughton. (collection J.H. Boughton)
few years earlier, we were well pleased. A few days later I accompanied my brother, who was to drive the Speed Six home, to Kidlington and after appropriate preparations we steamed away, watched by Mr Partridge and, inevitably his dog. Apart from a scare when we ran short of water crossing the Chiltern escarpment near Wendover all went well and we duly reached Amersham safely. The tractor was overhauled in our works and a winch driven by a twin cylinder steam launch engine built by Seekings of Gloucester in 1883 was installed. Streamlined water tanks similar to those on Harold Judd's Sentinel were also made and long range coal bunkers were fitted. Painted in dark green and sign-written with yellow and black lettering the Speed Six looked really smart and we were very proud of it For a time all went well and the tractor, hauling a six wheeled pole wagon which we had built using the rear bogie from a Garrett Long Dog six wheeled steam wagon, travelled far and wide delivering trees to Birmingham and other destinations throughout the midlands and southern counties. Alas, like all good things, this period of successful operation came to an end, and one evening our driver reported a wisp of steam escaping from a location just above the foundation ring, and upon close inspection an ominous crack was diagnosed. This discovery posed a serious dilemma. The pistol-shaped, all welded No.2 boilers of the type fitted to our vehicle were not popular with insurance companies at the best of times and we realised that they would not permit us to weld a crack in the boiler shell. We did not want to scrap
our tractor and we could not locate a boiler like ours. Fodens had by this time ceased making steamers so that we could not buy a new one. The thought of fitting a Sentinel boiler sprang to mind and we surmised that if such a boiler provided enough steam to propel one make of wagon it would do the same for another. True, the heating surface on the Speed Six was greater than on the Sentinel but the grate area on the latter was larger so we took the view that the odds were that such an installation would work out satisfactorily. Furthermore we knew where we could get hold of a good, little used, Sentinel boiler so we decided to proceed. Unfortunately as Robbie Burns reminds us 'the best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee', and the conversion was almost a complete failure. In spite of many experiments with exhaust nozzles and varying lengths of chimney the result was a disaster. If the draught was too little the boiler would not generate sufficient steam and if it was increased the consumption of fuel was excessive and uneconomic. There was no acceptable medium. It was, in modern parlance, a no win situation. There was nothing for it but to abandon our Speed Six and it was a sad day when it came under the searing pain of the cutting torch. Until we could get a replacement our overtypes took the strain, often manned by shift crews working round the clock. Eventually the tide of change was too strong to resist and like King Canute we had to concede defeat as we switched from steam to diesel. Happily six of our Foden overtypes survived to the preservation era and are safely in the hands of dedicated enthusiasts, so the spirit of steam lives on.
A SHOWMANS LAST JOURNEY all illustrations courtesy Mrs P.A. Jones
This illustration is taken from an old picture postcard, published by a Cardiff photographer immediately after John White's funeral. It shows the sumptuous but tasteful decoration of Fowler 11419, and the immaculate hearse. Standing in front of the rear wheel is Sidney White, John White's son; the lady is probably the Miss Pernell who decorated the engine, according to a message written on the rear of the postcard. The original shows the engine's name GENERAL WHITE painted around the front of the spud pan and the legend on the canopy sideboards — WHITE'S ELECTRIC BIOSCOPE.
The splendid manner in which funerals were carried out seventy years ago is well known and it is a tradition which is kept up even today by families in the showland fraternity. The funeral of a prominent Edwardian showman might therefore be expected to be an extravagant occasion, but the last journey of John White, at Cardiff in 1910 turned out to be something special. We are grateful to Mrs Patricia Jones, great great grandaughter of John White, for allowing us to reproduce these pictures of the splendid cortege, and for providing details of family history; further information comes from contemporary press reports. Before he breathed his last at the age of 77 on 6th September 1910 John White made his son Sidney promise that he would have his coffin drawn by his great traction engine GENERAL WHITE. The White family, well known amusement caterers in South Wales who were based at Cardiff at that period, had several engines over the years but the machine which so endeared itself to John White was Fowler A4 class compound 11419. It had been new in January 1908 as a showmans engine to H. Steel Parry of Cardiff but passed to the Whites the following year for
21
Fowler 11419 in Newport Road, Cardiff at the head of John White's funeral procession on its way to Cathays Cemetery. Note the drapes suspended above the top of the canopy. Everyone in the crowd has a hat — though none are seen to be doffed.
use in moving and powering their famous bioscope show on its tours of South Wales. This was before the time, in 1912, when the White Bros (Sidney's sons Tom, George and William) moved to Barry Island to found the resort's well known fairground, later taken over by the Collins family. The report of John White's death which appeared in the South Wales Echo on Saturday, 10th October told of the old man's dying wish and carried on; 'R. Jordan, manager of G. Stone & Co, undertakers of Cardiff, has arranged for Mr Sidney White's traction engine 'General White', which arrives in Cardiff from Carmarthenshire on Monday next, to be draped in appropriate mourning for this strange procession.' The route to the cemetery was then detailed, so it is not surprising that large crowds turned out to witness the spectacle on the day of the funeral. Having travelled across the whole of South Wales, there must have then been little time for the Fowler to receive its decoration before the funeral on the Tuesday. The Worlds Fair (17th September 1910) in its report of 'the remarkable funeral' noted that a Miss Pernell of Barry Dock, apparently a friend of the family, was deserving of great praise for the splendid manner in which the engine was decorated, she having done the work in person. The canopy was richly draped with folds of cloth from the sides and front, embellished 22
with tassels, and with an additional run of drapes suspended above the centre line of the roof. The engine's wheels were infilled with crepe, probably of a purple colour because further black decoration shows up in patterning around the rim. The hubs were adorned with huge floral wreaths. More flowers decorated two superb designs fixed in front of the dynamo bracket — a floral harp and, at high
level, a set of Prince of Wales feathers in white flowers with the motto 'Ich Dien'. The Fowler's own road lamps seem to have been replaced for the occasion by an ornamental pair provided by the funeral directors. All in all a sad but gorgeous sight. With the empty hearse (normally horse drawn, of course► coupled to the Fowler's drawbar the cortege made its way first to Tin Street, John White's home, for the coffin to be placed, and then carried on, followed by some twenty carriages, by way of Clifton Street, Newport Road, Queen Street and Cathays Terrace to the cemetery gates. Thousands of Cardiffians lined the route, in the words of the Cardiff Weekly Mail 'the whole ceremony was most interesting and created a great stir in the city.' As a postscript to the above account, we may also note from the same issue of The Worlds Fair in which the White funeral was recorded there is also a report of an inquest into a fatal accident involving a fairground employee. Twenty nine year old Robert Purse of Swansea had been riding on the tender footstep of a traction engine drawing vans and travelling between Aberavon and Gowerton. At Skewen Hill, the driver, Harry Rehorn (employed by Sidney White) asked Purse to get down and scotch the wheels, but the latter fell and the living van ran over him. Despite the engine, it is said, having been stopped in 2ft 6in, Purse's neck was broken. He had worked for White for only thirteen days.
The funeral procession making its way through the crowded streets of Cardiff.
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This damaged but nonetheless interesting snapshot shows one of the White Bros later engines. It is Fowler B6 compound 10323 of 1905, acquired by Whites from J. Studt in 1916 and seen here in 1921 with Thomas White, his daughter and other children of the family. The engine's name THE WELSH HORSE is painted on the motion cover sheets and the belly tank bears the W D inscription — evidence, presumably, of some sort of war work.
Although there are no further details offering confirmation, it could well be that the engine was GENERAL WHITE, returning to the tobers after its sad journey to Cardiff. It is believed the family owned only one other engine at that time, an Aveling & Porter. Harry Rehorn, though related
to the Whites, was not listed among the mourners by The Worlds Fair and he was probably driving the engine at the funeral. If the fatal accident at Skewen did involve Fowler 11419, it was a doubly sad journey the engine had made.
Hornsby and Robey Steam Engine Group (Australia) Further to the advertisement on page 55 of our Winter 1988/89 issue, Terry Paton of Queensland reports encouraging response to the original concept and an important development with the decision to include not only the products of R. Hornsby but also those of a second Lincolnshire builder — Robey & Co. This is considered to add exciting new dimensions to what can be achieved. From a UK viewpoint it places a greater emphasis on the manufacturing history of the subjects in question. From an Australasian viewpoint, the Group's findings will in time reveal many interesting facts about the working history of Hornsby and Robey engines. The whole will be a great asset to historians and owners engaged in the study of the history and products of these two famous companies. Membership of the Group is open to all Hornsby or Robey steam engine owners or enthusiasts. It is to be an informal group whose members will be encouraged to help each other on a personal level and collectively supported by a quarterly Newsletter, the first due in February 1990. Further comprehensive details are available from: The Hornsby & Robey Steam Engine Group (Australasia), c/o Terry Paton, Box 896, Queensland Agricultural College, Gatton 4343, Australia.
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Steaming Around
jos
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Compiled from reports by Derek Rayner
This issue carries a report of some of the events associated with the biggest of them all — the 1989 Great Dorset Steam Fair at Tarrant Hinton. Their 21st anniversary event certainly was impressive, both in terms of public: attendance and the number of steam engines at the show. The latter amounted to 177 when all the various categories had been counted. Can it be this was the largest gathering of such engines ever assembled? We have seen photographs of line ups in factories and at customers' premises, indeed, our last issue carried a picture of a large batch of Ruston Proctor engines. But there were only fifty or so of them at those railway sidings in Argentina — less than a third of the number attending Tarrant Hinton. On
AVON At Lansdown, high above Bath, on two glorious summer days, the event usually jointly staged by the City Council and an organising committee was run this year solely by the committee, although the council did make the ground available. It is by no means certain that the event will happen again, mainly due to lack of helpers, and it remains to be seen what response there will be later this year. One remarkable engine on show was Alan Sparkes' 1900 Fowler road loco, recently returned from Australia. This is 8721 and has a fair way to go before it is finished. Another engine, also not in steam, was Colin Wait's former King's Foden wagon 11850 of 1925 (MB9404), now well on the way to full restoration. It is incredible to observe the amount of work that has gone into this rebuild in a very short space of time. On a vehicle which was 24
purely financial grounds it is doubtful whether even the biggest manufacturers had many more than a few score engines in varying stages of production or in stock at any one time. So, Tarrant Hinton 1989 undoubtedly can hnARt the most — unless someone else has information to the contrary. Engine prices seem to be rising again. At the Dorset auction, a steam wagon was sold for around £26,500. Elsewhere, an Aveling roller in not too brilliant condition sold at auction for around £13,000, whilst a Burrell roller in excellent condition had an asking price of £12,000 for a private sale. The most amazing price was for a Fowler conversion from a roller, a machine which has been recently
half buried and covered with undergrowth for over fifty years, Colin has made remarkable progress on the rebuild.
BEDFORDSHIRE The Bedfordshire club celebrated its 21st year at Roxton with a most memorable event. It was a pity that their proclaimed target of 100 engines was not reached but 98 were actually present, a magnificent achievement and one to be looked back on with considerable pride. Notwithstanding that, it was one of the wettest Roxtons on record — the club were certainly unfortunate in having that particular weekend in mid September, when generally it has been an excellent rallying year. Three engines on show not in steam were Les King's partly restored Robey showmans conversion 41492 of 1924 (FE 5736), Foster tractor 14378 of 1925
described as looking 'not quite right'. It sold at auction for around twice the figure it ought to have made as a genuine roller — epitomizing the comments made on gain from conversions in the last issue. Once more I should like to thank all those who have taken the time and trouble to submit items for inclusion in this section and take this opportunity of wishing all contributors and readers a Happy New Year and Good Steaming for the forthcoming season. Details have been taken from information provided by the following readers, from annotated programmes, and magazines and newsletters of the clubs and societies noted. Banbury Steam Society, Hollycombe Steam Collection, Road Roller Association, Scottish TES, Somerset TEC, Southern Counties HVPT, Steam Plough Club, Thames Valley TEC, West of England SES and Reg Bosley, Robert Brooker, John Champion, Martin Craig, Alan Crockford, Percy Dabbs, Chris Evans, Mrs E. Finch, Martin Fletcher, Pat Freeman, Ken Frost, Andrew Hall, Colin Hatch, Peter Haywood, Richard Hesbrook, Brian Johnson, John Newton, Ian Patterson, Andrew Phillips, Trevor Rees, John Reeves, A. Rogers, Sandy Ross, Lyndon Shearman, Alan Thomas, John Toy and Michael Watts. Press date for the next issue is the last day of January. Information, news and letters about current happenings by then please to D.A. Rayner, 'Invicta', 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York YO2 3JH. Press dates for future issues are the last day of April, July and October 1990.
(PP7306) owned by John Mehow and rarely seen on a rally field and Eddie Prior's latest acquisition, a Marshall roller in completely unrestored state. Having only just purchased the roller from J.R. Swanston, Eddie has little of its past history and would appreciate any information to assist him with its restoration; it is a piston valve compound S type, repatriated from Portugal in 1985. One of the many new exhibitors was Barry Peacock with his 1920 Ransomes agricultural 31298 (SA4253), believed to be the first engine of this maker to visit Roxton. Also on show was a miniStourpaine line up of eleven showmans engines; three sets of ploughing engines at work in adjacent fields, and a trio of Fowell engines, consecutively numbered tractions 91, 92 and 93 and owned respectively by Richard and Deryk Parrish and Colin Piggott. In late October, Ruston & Hornsby
portable 173763 of 1934, a 5hp single owned by Julian Measures, was moved from the county to Phil Foreman's premises at Brixworth, Northampton for a new firebox. This late-built engine has one of the 'Z' type pressings for a foundation ring instead of the more conventional solid bar.
BERKSHIRE Knowl Hill was its usual spectacular best in early August and the programme standard continued to be excellent. A huge crowd attended and a memorable event was the result; the organisers are looking to upstage this for 1990, since it will be their 21st anniversary. Over fifty engines were present in 1989, including some old faithfuls and some new ones. Jim Sarney's Burrell road loco 3057 of 1908 (6E7217) joined John Newton's Burrell 4066 of 1927 (VF589); another Burrell was Peter Barker's 1913 tractor 3458 (AB8795) DEFIANCE. Making a welcome return was Steve Cook with his 1918 Fowler showmans 15319 (FX7850) QUEEN MARY, which has been off the road for quite some time for major refurbishment. Another recently renovated engine was Mick Smith's 1929 Aveling roller 12442 (MY102), this having been only an upturned boiler some three weeks before the rally. This appearance did much credit to the owner (who also showed his 1918 Ransomes traction 27277) considering the many hours of midnight oil that must have been burnt. Also present at the event were Jack Wharton's showmans engines KING GEORGE VI and SUPREME, whilst Ian Ridley's 1916 Sentinel Super wagon 1465 (AW3321), rebuilt by Sentinels themselves during World War 2 and well known in one of its previous ownerships of Fearnleys of Castleford, was also there. This was one of seven wagons from Shrewsbury at the show. An unprecedented number of visiting engines turned up at Arthur Napper's home in early September for the Thames Valley club's President's Party. Among the ten present were Arthur's own Wallis tractor 2811 of 1905 (AD7460), Bob Hyett's 1914 Aveling road loco 8471 (AF4478) and Steve Parrott's Marshall traction 51025 of 1908 (D02056). Much interest was shown in a 1907 Fowler D2 convertible roller, purchased by C.J. Paul and formerly owned by William Tawse of Aberdeen. The roller had, for many years, been displayed outside their works and naturally had suffered from the elements, but was,
The high-wheeled, low hollered style of Aveling & Porter's road engines is well illustrated by 8471 of 1914, a 6hp machine seen here at the 1988 Rushmoor event. (Robin Walker)
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Burrell 6hp showmans road loco 3703 of 1915 LADY MARY generates light whilst standing in the famous line up at the Great Dorset Steam Fair 1988. (John Maund)
nevertheless, remarkably complete. It had been allegedly purchased for one pound — to get it off their books! The following weekend, the Newbury Show had on display John Newton's 1927 Burrell road loco 4066 (VF 589) together with Marshall threshing drum and clover huller, depicting 1 b0 years of farming. Also present was the Sentinel DG4 three way tipper resplendent in the livery of James & Son, brewers grains merchants, doing a spot of advertising. This wagon, 8454 of 1931 (UX7958), is owned by Peter Bowers. This same weekend — a somewhat wet one as it turned out — several of the engines from Arthur Napper's party steamed in convoy to Denchworth to appear at the Circourt Steam and Vintage Rally. There they joined Peter Best — who organised this new and successful one day show — and his rare 12hp Barrows portable 2420 of c1898. Also present was Aveling roller 10671 of 1923 (PR1165) which for many years stood in a playground at Pimlico, London; its rescue featured in our Spring 1982 issue and the roller was making its rally debut following a total rebuild by owners Jack Douglas and Percy Prior. 26
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE It was extremely hot during the first weekend in August for the Great Bucks Steam Working and Vintage Rally at Worminghall and this affected the ground conditions (too hard) for demonstrating ploughing and rolling. Activities such as threshing, wood cutting and stone crushing took place satisfactorily, but it was particularly hard work for the ploughing engines owned by Andy Melrose and Colin Wait respectively. These were Fowlers 1368 of 1870 (AL8468) and 15222 of 1918 ICT4289), the latter having only just returned to the rally fields after a rebuild. Other engines present included Alan Frost's 1908 Ransomes agricultural 20760 (2891UR), Ted Gale's Burrell showmans tractor 3497 of 1913 (H05993) MAY QUEEN and Robey traction 29333 of 1910 (AD9899) owned by Paul AnteII. P. Best's 1910 Garrett traction 28410 (N01186) was hard at work driving a stone crusher whilst rollers present included Nigel Heath's 1901 Aveling 4872 (BW6965). The Brill Steam Society picked a winner with their event at Waddesdon in early September when strong winds occurred, making conditions some-
what unpleasant, but had the venue been at their previous hill top location at Brill, perhaps even the engines would have been blown about! Entries included David Scott's 1920 Fowler road loco 15466 (PF7364), Aveling tractor 11705 of 1926 (PP7142) owned by David Hitchman, and Terry Petty's Marshall traction 61970 (BJ5934), driving a threshing drum. It was unusual to see three Tasker tractors together, these being owned by C. Gilbert, D. Last and Boughton's respectively whilst also present was Bob White's Foden road loco 4752 of 1914 (SN1647) SANDY McNAB. It was good to see the return to rally fields, after extensive restoration, of Burrell traction 3201 of 1910 (BP5919) owned by Peter White. These last two engines also appeared at a small end of season steam-up at Bledlow (organised by Bob White) along with Roger and Heather Page's 1929 Aveling roller 14001 (KR478) and a newcomer to the area from the Midlands, the recent acquisition by Mick Cherry — Foster traction 14418 of 1920 (LVN891) VISCOUNTESS RHONDDA.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE An unusual sight in the centre of Cambridge during the summer was a farmyard scene, staged in connection with the British Food and Farming Year. As well as penned animals there
were vintage tractors, a combine harvester and a threshing set — the latter to show the difference in the new and old farming technologies. The threshing was undertaken by Barry Peacock's 1920 Ransomes Sims & Jefferies agricultural 31298 (SA4253) together with Ransomes drum — a useful East Anglian combination. Haddenham rally near Ely was the venue for many enthusiasts in early September and they were not disappointed for at the event were found a good selection of engines including three road locomotives — Tony Warwick's 1912 McLaren 1332 (DS7128), Stan Burgess's 1913 Foden 3534 (MA5502) and Burrell 3593 DUKE OF KENT, owned by Steve Neville. Another engine from the Thetford works was the oldest product still in existence, 748 of 1877 (CF3667) belonging to Richard Parrott. Another Burrell traction of slightly later vintage was Chris Way's 1522 of 1891 (CF3579). Tractors included Garth Holman's Foster conversion 14605 and another conversion, that of Glyn McDonald, former Burrell roller 4073 of 1929 (VF5265). Seven out of the ten rollers attending were Avelings, among them Melvyn Camps' 10126 of 1922 (FX8651 ) and Brian Camps' 4757 (TA2300) supplied new in 1901 to Devon as convertible with winding drum, differential and a set of traction engine wheels. Later in the autumn a small event was staged by the recently formed Wisbech and District HV Club; commercials, tractors and some miniatures were present, as well as Barry Two with his tiny 1903 Wallis roller 2660 (CJ4816). Following the success of British Rail's Network South East 1988 spon-
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sored event along the CambridgeLondon line, a gala day took place at Cambridge in early October where a number of road steam engines joined Great Eastern design N7 class 0-6-2 suburban tank locomotive, which provided a short shuttle service. Included in the display were Colin Piggott's 1904 Fowell traction 93 ICE7894), Steve Neville's Burrell road loco and Robert Pumfrey's 1914 Ruston Proctor traction 50278 (CE7949), Tony Warwick's McLaren road loco and Garrett agricultural 32936 of 1916 (ER603) owned by David Nourse.
CHESHIRE Although it seemed, when previous organisers the Lower Withington Village Hall Committee pulled out, that the Astle Park Rally would not happen in 1989, it actually did and with Frank Lythgoe at the helm, the 24th annual event took place as usual in early August. Nine showmans engines were present including Tom Varley's Burrell 3444 HIS LORDSHIP whilst amongst tractors were Frank Lythgoe's 1912 Burrell 3397 (AH095) COCK 0' THE NORTH and Harry and Brian Allison's 1927 Aveling 11839 (SM6448). George Coles' 1913 Clayton agricultural 46059 ICE7943) and Peter Sumner's Marshall conversion 78150 of 1924 (TT1856) also entered and rollers included Mark Walker's 1929 Burrell 4069 (RL9960) and John Millington's 1922 Garrett 34084 (BJ7045). Although there was some rain about, it was not sufficient to hinder the event which some 40 engines attended. At the conclusion, everyone departed looking forward to the Silver Jubilee event in 1990. There was a change in venue for
the Malpas Vintage Machinery Association's event in 1989 with a return to Hampton Old Hall, scene of several successful rallies in the early 1970s. Over two dozen engines were in attendance and included in these were Jeff and Nancy Cox's 1937 Sentinel S4 wagon 9293 (UJ9497), Dave and Val Taylor's Armstrong Whitworth roller 10R35 of 1925 (NE2271) and Frank Lythgoe's 1899 Foden traction 443 (DJ1142) VICTORIA. Garrett showmans tractor 33987 of 1920 (BJ5597) THE LEADER owned by O.J. Wootton was also there as was John Heslewood's 1919 Aveling tractor 9081 (KN5785), Geoff Minshall's Clayton & Shuttleworth roller 46688 of 1914 (EP3137) and Richard Metcalf's 1918 Fowler BB1 ploughing engine 15139 IHR33991.
CORNWALL The Cornish club's rally early in August was held on a new site near Tredinnick. Spread over three fields, with several working demonstrations, it was arguably the best rally that club has presented. Engines new to the event included Sid Hosking's 1909 Marshall traction 52540 (8E75811, Aveling roller 10159 of 1921 (N03867) owned by Ken Brown, and Devon County Council's rare 1917 Green roller 1968 ITA2431). Liskeard rally, held on the usual site at Merrymeet over August bank holiday, also attracted good crowds. A newcomer to the county, direct from the Midlands onto the rally field, was Ron Gregory's 1923 Aveling roller 10824 (PT3595). The roller has moved with the owner, who is now resident in Cornwall. An engine to leave the county recently is Glenn Carter's big 1943
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The Great Dorset Steam We are pleased to devote the centre spread of this issue of the magazine to Dick BIenkinsop's photographic impressions of last year's happenings in Dorset. The heading picture scarcely needs a caption — who has not seen or heard of the showmans line-up? Many have photographed the scene but few will have come near Dick's remarkable creation: we apologise that, inevitably, the physical limitations of our page size will reduce the impact of the magnificent three foot long original. Burrell scenic showman 4000 EX-MAYOR, left, fails for a moment to steal the limelight, as the Penny Rigden Dancers beat up the cancan. Fowler showmans 15652 REPULSE, below left, spent most of the time driving the big wheel, seen
Fair 1989 in the background. Each time the wheel was restarted the engine's ammeter, on the left S n g round to read 300 amps — one of the star attractions at Tarrant Hinton. Sometimes it is nice to take photographs of the brass fittings on an engine, as shown at the centre below — Tasker semi-portable 111 of 1872 on the Hampshire Museum's display. At the right is a trio of Burrell single cylinder rollers — Burrell 4070 CHARLIE nearest the camera, then 3991 DAFFODIL and 3999 ERNIE. Dick's final picture is of the woodsawing area in the late afternoon when much of the activity was over and the sun came out to shine on the dustbowl fields. A Rubey purIaLle is in OW fUleylUUlld.
photography and comment by Dick Blenkinsop
Remember...
Spring Conference for Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs SATURDAY 10th FEBRUARY 1990 The Midland Hotel, New Street, Birmingham See Future Dates column for further details
Ransomes portable 44126, which has gone to Buckinghamshire. Glenn can now concentrate on getting Fowell traction 97 of 1907 (CE7893) into shape; the new firebox has recently been riveted into position. Forty or so engines attended the West of England Society's rally at St Agnes in mid August and although it looked as though the weather might have broken for the event, it was relatively fine and bright for the two days of the rally which enabled the society to break attendance records for the site. An engine new to the event was David and Judith Walker's Burrell traction 3919 of 1922 (BW6030), used for timber loading onto a pole timber carriage under the expert guidance of Wally Dell. It was the first time this type of demonstration had been staged at a WESES
DEVON
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event. Another presentation was the Road Trains of Yesteryear parade, the most impressive of these undoubtedly being hauled by Aveling roller 9024 of 1919 (NT2019) belonging to Peter and Margaret Spokes — it towed a Stenner traction wagon, an Eddison living van and a Buncombe water cart. Another Aveling present was Shay geared tandem 7411 of 1912 owned by David Spooner from Berkshire, whilst Roger Phillips showed his 1901 Burrell traction 2417 (AF4393) BRITANNIA; another agricultural was 1905 Marshall 43345 (AF3520) owned by Tony Beeching. Rollers included Ian and Wendy Beard's 1948 Aveling-Barford AH 162 (subsequently noted for sale at an asking price of £10,000), the Devon County Council's Green 1968 in the hands of Clarence de la Cour and prizewinning Fowler 19205 (AAF130) belonging to Alan Henwood. Another of Reg Morse's events at Mawla Well in September was well attended by steam regulars and others. Nine engines were present and these included the Aveling rollers of Ken Brown and Bernard True, the latter being 8301 of 1914 (FX7026); 1921 Burrell agricultural 3902 (MA7503) owned by Len Hosking and Ian and Wendy Beard's Fowler conversion 17290 of 1927 (AV1045).
CUMBRIA A couple of showmans engines were the highlight of the Cumbria Steam Gathering, organised for the fourth time at Cark airfield, Flookburgh, Grange over Sands. One was Tom Varley's Burrell 3444 HIS LORDSHIP, the other Foster 14153 of 1916 (3E7221) ADMIRAL BEATTY, making a rare appearance outside its
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normal home at the Penrith Steam Museum. Tom also provided a notable entrant in the shape of the now unique Foster wagon 14470 of 1921, a repatriation from Australia. Others present included Bob Arthur's 1908 Garrett traction 27341 (BL8322), Ken Harburn's Aveling roller 5347 of 1903 (GA7832) and from Aberdeen Sam Barrack's delightful 1914 Fowler road loco 13138 (SU884) FINELLA on a rare excursion outside Scotland. Wagons were represented by Hughie Winterbottom's Sentinel S4 9086 of 1934 (5E4013) and Terry Varley's Fowler 19708 of 1931 (UB8660); also there was Peter Corbett's Aveling roller 10921 of 1924 (PT3779).
DEVON The event at Chapelton Barton at August bank holiday was held in some of the fine summer weather and organised once more by the Devon club. A large number of cars, motorcycles, tractors and commercials were present, and among the ten or so engines present were Fred Britton's well presented 1896 McLaren agricultural 547 (BD5448) and Brian Sanders' Burrell roller 3999 of 1924 (RL74), a former Dingles of Stoke Climsland machine.
DORSET Where does one begin with the description of an annual show when one ran out of superlatives in the previous year's report? 1989 saw the 21st anniversary of the Great Dorset Steam Fair, held again at the Tarrant Hinton site, though for many the name will be for ever Stourpaine. The event, at the beginning of September, was bigger than ever, as befits a special anniversary, and extended for five days, from Wednesday to the Sunday. For a change the conditions were dry and dusty. There were no fewer than 177 engines present including centre engines, steam vans etc. A total of 60 showmans engines were included, but despite the well restored nature of the greater proportion of them, it was perhaps Len Crane's new acquisition, Burrell 8hp 2547 of 1903 (13L8368) ENDURANCE, which caught the eye — because it was so different. It needs complete restoration and it was not in steam, but with the nicely weathered paint work and a good polish and oiling up the engine gave the impression she had more right to a place in the line up than some of her more highly decorative and sparkling sisters. Despite not being in steam, ENDURANCE's lights were powered by Fowler RENOWN next door, so the Burrell did not look the least out of place in the line-up.
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An interesting line-up of compound Foden engines at the Great Dorset Steam Fair 1989. From the left are 7hp traction 3384 of 1912 WATTlE POLLOCK; 6hp traction 4752 of 1914 SANDY MACNAB and 6hp showmans road loco 2104 of 1910 PROSPECTOR. Photographer John Maund records his thanks to the respective owners for their co-operation in setting up the picture, and to Richard Preston for allowing his Gavioli to be used as a backdrop and for the loan of mobile scaffolding from which to take the picture.
One of the other highlights of the show — and there were many — was the epic drive to the rally from South Yorkshire (and back) by two Fowler road locos and a Burrell — the latter followed some distance behind after experiencing some problems. The Fowlers were Graham Love's class A9 15323 of 1918 (HR3697), Jim Smith's class A4 8712 of 1900 IDE24391, and the Burrell 7hp 3257 of 1911 IAH53171, owned by Mike Ward. Other engines at Dorset that had Yorkshire connections were Burrell 3849 of 1921 (TA905) MARSHAL FOCH owned by Leeds & District club chairman, Tony Hunt and another Burrell, traction 1426 of 1889 (AJ6705) OLD FAITHFUL, now owned by Lionel Amos but which resided in Yorkshire for many years until just recently. It is not possible within a few paragraphs to do justice to the large number of engines present and space does not permit anything approaching an adequate list so it will have to
suffice to say that in addition to the 60 showmans already mentioned, there were 22 rollers, 12 ploughing engines and no less than 47 examples of products from the Thetford stable. A check on the counties from which the engines came reads like a list of the area headings from 'Steaming Around'. The showmans alone came from 28 counties whilst other categories added another five to that. Truly a nationwide gathering. A new engine to come into Dorset is Aveling roller 4505 of 1900 (A08101), a machine previously in Scotland and now owned by Ian Paterson.
CO DURHAM An Aveling roller, earlier advertised for sale from a Darlington address, was sold by auction in November for £13,000. It was piston valved single 10357 of 1922 (NL4218); the previous owner was Tom Weatherell.
47:44 t"..n•-•
ESSEX The annual Colchester rally held on Marks Tey racecourse and organised by the East Anglian club drew big crowds. Among engines taking part were Dave Dale's 1908 Fowler traction 11554 (CJ5366) driven by Bernard White, as Dave was in charge of the Barleylands Museum Fowler ploughing engine 14728 of 1918 (D01918). A wood sawing demonstration was in evidence with Foden road engine 1294 (110JLB) supplying the power for the belt whilst logs were winched onto the saw bench by Aveling tractor 9181 of 1920 (EP1649), a true convertible, for the front rolls still exist in the owners yard for them to use whenever they please. Both of these engines are owned by the Retman brothers. Other engines present included Arthur and Stephen Bullman's 1917 Sentinel Standard wagon 1716 (AW3833) and Burrell showmans 3703 of 1915 (DW2120) LADY MARY, owned by Dave Foreman. An engine noted for sale is Aveling tractor 8809 of 1917 (SG2850), owned by Harry King. The third Essex Steam Rally and Craft Fair held at Barleylands Farm Museum, Billericay, was a great success with over 80 engines on site. Ploughing demonstrations were given using, amongst others, Barleylands own pair of Fowler engines, 14728 31
`te r
PRUDEkFIAL Agricultural Division Auctioneers and Valuers Private and Collective
Auction Sale STEAM ENGINES — TRACTORS STATIONARY ENGINES MOTOR CYCLE and COMMERCIAL VINTAGE EQUIPMENT HORSE DRAWN & BARN MACHINERY SPARES, MANUALS, BYGONES
Our 13th Spring Sale will be held near Andover, Hampshire
SATURDAY 18TH MAY 1990 Entry forms, catalogue requests (£3.00) and application for inclusion on our mailing list to Prudential Agricultural, Agriculture House, High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire S020 6HF Tr Andover (0264) 810702
and 14729. Garrett Suffolk Punch tractor 33180 of 1919 (BJ4483) owned by Jim Hutchens also put in an appearance. A threshing demonstration featured Mick Kettle's Burrell traction 3882 of 1921 (AH7306) DREADNOUGHT driving a Ransomes drum and Powell baler. The Retman brothers were again operating a saw bench using both their engines, whilst Trevor Ellis's Fowler roller 19546 of 1935 (SP9484) was to be seen towing, on a low loader, 1909 Burrell traction engine 3125 (AF4574) owned by Malcolm Barrell. Ian Woollett had taken along his Sentinel SD4 wagon 8448 of 1930 (UX8724), one of the prototype shaft drive wagons made by the firm and the only one of that type now remaining.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE A good collection of transport exhibits of differing styles and ages was on show at the Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club's event in weather conditions more reminiscent of winter rather than late summer. Steam was represented by, among others, Ransomes traction 27524 of 1918 1E5123) owned by John Slade 32
and also Fowler showmans style engine 17578 of 1928 (UA 5597) previously a roller and now belonging to the Chapman brothers. An engine noted for sale was J. Williams's 1912 Allchin traction 1546 (AP9079).
Haslar, Gosport and HMS Sultan appropriately assisted this. The week after Rushmoor, the Hampshire County Museum's Tasker roller 1933 was in Fareham for a preview of a new museum.
HAMPSHIRE
HEREFORD and WORCESTER
A highly pleasing event took place at the Rushmoor Arena near Aldershot under the auspices of the Three Counties Steam Preservation Society at the end of July; an entry of over 60 engines attended. It was good to see an improved programme layout for the steam exhibits under the stewardship of Martin Fagg. Although not in the programme, the display of three Tasker engines from the Hampshire County Museum was well received — they included 1926 roller 1933 (0T8201), the iast engine to leave the factory. Other engines present included Mike Smith's Ransomes Sims & Jefferies traction 27277 of 1918 (D574731 and Jim Darnell's Marshall traction 54587 of 1910 (AJ 57811, Steve Dean's 1910 Aveling roller 7249 (PR3371), Fowler roller 18279 of 1930 (CV1503) owned by Allen Eaton and 1921 F type Aveling 10025 (R8325), the latter attending its first event in the ownership of Paul Brook. Two Aveling-Barford rollers were present, 14179 of 1934 (BKX861) owned by G. Freemantle and 14187 (FPH122) of 1937 owned by M. Collier — both these are from the small number of the Aveling & Porter slide valve design built by their successors. In the showmans category were Paul and Jill Fowler's Foster 14501 VICTORIOUS (formerly Pettigroves) and Hardwick's Burrell 3909 WINSTON CHURCHILL. Lance Statham's Fowler 14425 CARRY ON unfortunately broke its perch bracket on arrival and returned home without being unloaded. Garth Holman was also present with Foster tractor conversion 14605 of 1929 (YC7165) which was previously in Northern Ireland. HMS Sultan's Sentinel DG4 wagon 8393 of 1930 (DX9048) was steamed for charitable reasons in the autumn when the Mayor of Gosport, Mrs Audrey Ellis, was collected from her home at Alverstoke and taken to the Town Hall, where a collection was held in aid of her charity appeal. During the short time she had been mayor Mrs Ellis had been up in an aeroplane and a glider and also been winched out of the Solent by a coastguard helicopter, all part of her objective to see the work and lives of people she represented. The current appeal was to provide special air beds for the RN Hospital
The Much Marcie rally organised by the Herefordshire TE & Vintage Club took place at Rye Meadows in mid July when some twenty engines attended, with Frank Lythgoe's showmans well in evidence. From closer at hand came N. Weston's 1920 Aveling roller 9158 (WR7274) and Richard Hesbrook's 8hp Marshall portable 8839 of 1881. Traction engines included Burrell 3047 of 1908 (AH6867) owned by D. Smith and driven by Paul Lafford, together with D. Price's 1898 Marshall 29944 (AL9271) and Alan Robbins' 1897 Burrell 2051 (CF3638). Iwan Jones' Foden D type tractor 13762 of 1931 (VN291 1) was also present. Another event, not far from Ledbury near where the Much Marcie rally is held, took place at Ross-onWye where the Steam Engine Society there celebrated its 25th anniversary with a splendid show which started early — on the Thursday evening in fact — so much was there to fit in. There were road runs; a special dinner in a marquee with a speech from Great Dorset Steam Fair organiser Michael Oliver; organ recitals and engines in the town of Ross-on-Wye. The engine entry for this special show was 54 and these included John Lea's 1914 Foden wagon 5078 (M7124), Fowler traction 11421 of 1908 (NT117) belonging to Bob Griffiths (this attending its first rally), and another Fowler — Colin Wait's 1918 ploughing engine 15222 (CT4289) which had not seen a rally field in 15 years. More Fowlers included two which were almost native Yorkshire engines, so long had they stood in the Castleford and Sheffield areas, though now owned respectively by Denis Brandt and Michael Davies. The 8hp road loco 12226 of 1911 (HL930), previously with Wakefield boiler firm Spurr Inman and then in preservation by the Fearnleys, was restored by Gerry Proctor on its original wooden block wheels; A7 class compound 13141 of 1913 (H05671) used to be with Cuthbert Brothers, and was used for threshing from their Grenoside (Sheffield) yard until quite recent years. Nine showmans engines were present but perhaps the smallest engine was tiny Aveling roller 3781 of 1896 (AX 5645) belonging to M. Hughes — an engine with strong local
connections, it having been owned at one time by the Rolls family of Rolls Royce fame. An informal event in mid October at Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, organised by the NTET's sales officer Keith Shakespeare, was well received by all who attended and looks set to become a regular event on the calendar. Presented alongside Peter Webb's four-abreast gallopers was Fowler showmans 15652 REPULSE, owned by Terry Gibson, whilst from more local quarters came Len Crane with his Fowler crane engine 17212 and Dave Smith with 1925 Avelino roller 11115 (PU5894). Another Fowler was John Collins' ploughing engine 15142 of 1918 (BP6125), a rare public appearance, though not in steam; Ian Sparks' 1933 Foden tractor 14084 (AMB300) and Burrell traction 3068 of 1909 (AH5978) VICTORY, owned by Doug Smith, completed the line-up.
HERTFORDSHIRE For some years, a familiar sight on rally fields has been the former Brown Bayley Sentinel Standard wagon 3899 of 1921 (ET1969), owned by John Crawley and extensively used for promotional work. Much of this time it has been in the care of Albert Fensom but last September, the wagon was sold at auction at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, and has now gone to the Reftele Motor Museum in Sweden (full address: Bruksgaten 8, 33021 Reftele). Other news concerns another of John's wagons, for a completely new boiler and firebox are being manufactured for Sentinel Super 5407 of 1924 (FA 1803), which should ensure an early return to steam. A little known 8 ton Wallis Advance has appeared again after some tweiily years of hibernation. This is Peter Bland's 7863 of 1926 (H06495). A little work has been carried out during the period and the standard Wallis corrugated iron canopy has prevented any significant deterioration. The roller has now moved from its previous resting place with the intention that it will be returned to steaming condition. There is less good news for another Wallis roller; the Vickery family's 2357 of 1896 (H06139) suffered a broken axle whilst being loaded after the Roxton rally. An existing crack from a keyway finally gave way — fortunately no further damage took place to either the owners or the engine. Another engine which has succumbed to old age is Ruston & Hornsby traction 122300 of 1924 (CJ7207) belonging to Peter Coles. It has been owned by Peter since the late
1(41'
Two engines seen at the first open day of the Quarry Farm Steam Centre at Bodiam in Sussex on 1st October 1989 — (upper) Burrell 5hp compound road loco 3941 of 1923 THE BADGER and (lower) Garrett 4CD tractor 34461 of 1924 VICTORIA. (Robin Walker)
1960s and shown at a limited number of •events over the last fifteen years. With the expiry of the original firebox, the boiler has been sent to Bicknells at Liphook for repairs. It has been reported earlier in these notes that Statham's Fowler showman CARRY ON suffered a perch bracket breakage whilst on board its lowloader when entering the Rushmoor rally site. Towards the end of the season, we are pleased to report, the engine was back in action following replacement of the offending item. The final steam up of the year in the area was by Marshall conversion 77876 of 1924 (PU4053) belonging
to David Philpott. This was noted steaming around the Hertfordshire hills with a lowloader in tow before returning to base for its winter hibernation.
ISLE OF WIGHT An August bank holiday event on the island in excellent weather attracted a large crowd and included several engines which came across from the mainland, via the ferries, under their own power. Included in these were Ken Honeybun's 1921 Wallis roller 7742 (CR6315); the Royal Navy's Sentinel DGel 8393 of 1930 (DX9048) and the unusual Yorkshire 33
tractor of Mark Loader, 2118 of 1927 (UA 1163) — perhaps the first time a wagon from this builder had ventured across the water? One wagon which was at home was Bill Rivett's finely restored Sentinel Super 6887 of 1927 (DL5478), originally owned on the island by Westmore Ltd of Newport, but returning for the first time in preservation. Local engines to attend included Norman Ball's Garrett showmans tractor 33818 of 1920 (BJ5323) WENDY and 1933 Marshall traction 87087 (P07927) and Fred Winter's 1907 Allchin agricultural 1415 (AP9071) HAVENSTREET
QUEEN, the latter living but a few hundred yards away from the rally site which is at Havenstreet Station, on the island's preserved railway. In early October, an auction was conducted at Ryde on behalf of Norman Ball at which several engines were catalogued. These included a rarity — Foden Sun tractor 13630 of 1930, a relatively recent import from South Africa and fitted with pneumatic tyres front and rear. Also offered was 1935 Wallis Advance roller 8096 (ACG760), Aveling showmans conversion 9354 of 1920 (KE1748), and the remains of an early
Aveling & Porter 8 ton roller 6323 was delivered new to William Sharp of London in 1906 and worked with that firm until 1920. From 1920 to 1948 it was with Herbert Ward of Egham and then followed a stay in the Hardwick scrap yard. Its history is then obscure, but Mark Filer and Rupert Giles on the Isle of Wight became the owners in 1981 and from its state as a derelict hulk lying in a wood at the north of the island, the photograph shows it in the workshop early in August. A new tender has been made and a very fine flanged firebox fitted, all the work being approved by the boiler inspector. Having obtained a new saddle and forks from up north the engine was taken to the rally at Havenstreet over the August bank holiday 1989, though not in steam, much further work being necessary. As to the splendid rural workshop, a full machine shop is available and the photographer had his ankle nicely pecked by the hens which roam the floor — the cock is magnificent! (R.J. Blenkinsop)
34
Fowler 'tractor' mounted on odd wheels. A late entry was Fred Hollis's 1931 Ransomes traction 42013 ITL18741. The prices fetched by these engines were not available at the time of going to press.
KENT Two new engines have been brought into the county to be restored to working order having been last worked over 55 years ago. Peter Stanier and Richard Pierce have bought from the Worcester area Fowler single cylinder ploughing engines 2861 of 1876 (AD9451) and 3195 (AD9452), the latter being new the following year. These had been together in the ownership of the Collins family since 1901 and were fetched back to Kent in some extremely hot weather towards the end of July. In addition to the engines, equipment comprising a four furrow balance plough and a high frame harrow was also acquired. An engine noted in the county for sale was John Richardson's 1914 Aveling roller 8240 (EE3119).
LANCASHIRE At Tom Varley's open day at Gisburn on the last weekend in
September, his Burrell showmans 3444 HIS LORDSHIP was joined for the occasion by another example from the Lythgoe collection — Foden 2104 of 1910 (WR6985) PROSPECTOR. Other visitors were David McNamee's Marshall portable of 1942 vintage (number unknown) and the British Commercial Vehicle Museum's 1896 Thornycroft steam van. Tom's Howard traction engine 201 of 1872 was in steam, as was Foster wagon 14470 of 1921 TRITTON (also brought back, like the Howard, from Australia), and the small Yorkshire 3 ton wagon 940 of 1917 (U4245). Not in steam was another Australian engine, the 1862 Aveling traction, on which restoration has yet to be started. Another engine has come to light — the remains of Fowler 12hp single cylinder ploughing engine 1908 of 1873 have been purchased by A. Rogers from Norman Parker. This engine was supplied to work on the single engine system of ploughing, and restoration is to begin as soon as possible. Mr Rogers queries the whereabouts of any parts or castings which could be suitable for this engine (p/ease see Small Ads section).
LEICESTERSHIRE These notes commence with the sad news of the death of John Ketteringham of Wymeswold. John had owned Aveling roller 2957 of 1892 (MA9867) for quite a number of years and it was his wish that on his death, the roller should pass to Derby Museum. In early October, this wish was fulfilled. Twenty seven engines appeared at Kegworth Carnival at the end of July. An engine returning to its old stamping ground was Frank Lythgoe's Burrell showmans 3003 (AY0602) DREADNOUGHT; the last time it appeared at Kegworth Wakes was 1947. Also present was Colin Brothwoll's Ruston & Hornsby traction 115100 of 1922 (D02953), whilst Burrell road loco 3257 of 1911 (AH53171, belonging to Mike Ward, returned after a number of years absence. Ken Hubbard was also there with his 1923 Marshall roller 76796 (FU1326). Ken has been a regular since 1962; can any other owner claim such a loyal support of one rally with the same machine, or does Ken hold a record? A Sentinel wagon to come into the area, to the Leicester and Lincolnshire border, is S4 8942 of 1934 (ATN320). This has been purchased by Ken Wooley from Harry and David Parkin of Castleford. A popular engine to leave the vicinity is Burrell traction 3385 of 1912 (SG6600), owned since 1974
by Frank Knight; the engine's new home will be in Wiltshire. At a village fete near Lutterworth, a most unexpected person was observed on the footplate of Richard Vernon's 1919 Fowler ploughing engine 15334 (N02045) — the now ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nigel Lawson, the local MP.
LINCOLNSHIRE Many enthusiasts were extremely pleased to see Don Robinson's Burrell showmans 3334 (GA2168) THE BAILEE finished at last and on show at the County showernund at Lincoln in mid August. The event, the fourth annual Lincolnshire Steam and Vintage Rally attracted over forty engines and also was graced by the presence of Fred Dibnah from Lancashire who opened the event. Other engines present at the show included Michael Matthews' Wallis agricultural 7801 of 1924 (PU33781; R. Haxby's Clayton traction 46817 of 1914 (YA2095) and John Selby's Marshall traction 79441 of 1925 (FU4677). Steam rollers included M.J. Wilson's 1920 Aveling 9102 (N012261; R. Beard's Clayton 48971 of 1925 (EP2966) and Armstrong Whitworth 10R50 of 1926 (NF4098), now owned by P.L. Clements. Marshall portable 30169 of 1898, owned by the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, was also present, as was Jack Aldrich's 1907 Davey Paxman traction 13073 INK967). This latter engine has been noted as being for sale at an asking price of £40,00050,000. Another event in the county was held on the Caenby Corner saleground towards the end of September. This was a Country Festival and in addition to the usual hunting, shooting and fishing activities, a Gavioli algal played and two Fowler ploughing engines owned by Ephraim Flear were also present. These were AA6 class 13881 of 1917 (N0372) and BB class 14375 of 1917 (13E7548).
LONDON An excellent show was jointly organised by the Enfield & District Veteran Vehicle Trust and the local council at Cockfosters in Trent Country Park and was supported. by a very creditable number of engines. Included in these were Gordon Heeps' Fowler conversion 17287 of 1927 (UW13291, Andy Cowler's 1931 Aveling roller 14113 (TM8871), and 1903 Aveling conversion 5293 (11317261, owned by Pentelow and Skinner. Among others presenl were Reg Saunders' Fowler roller 17560 of 1929 (TM4782), the Retman brothers Foden road engine 1294 (110JLB) and
their 1920 Aveling tractor 9181 (EP1649), which towed a Clayton & Shuttleworth living van to the rally. Spectators at the Lord Mayor's Show in the City in early November enjoyed the perennial colour and entertainment; steam was represented by Stuart Gray's finely restored Sentinel Super wagon 6327 of 1925 (NE4770) nicely finished in the dark blue livery of Tate & Lyle, sugar refiners and entered as part of Tate & Lyle's presentation for the show. The outfit showed up well among the other more usual bases for floats — the artir•.rrlatad lorry
NORFOLK Weeting rally celebrated its 21st anniversary in July with an amazing display of some ninety steam engines. These included some extremely long distance travellers (on the road) such as Robert Tyler from Nottinghamshire with his 1928 Fowler tractor 16365 (YC3689). Jim Hutchens was present from Berkshire with the unique Garrett Suffolk Punch tractor 33180 of 1919 (BJ4483) and Aveling showmans conversion 7612 (F52181; Jim Sarney entered 1908 Burrell road loco 3057 (BE7217) and Tony Warwick McLaren 1332 of 1912 (D57128). Two cranefitted engines were Bob Bicknell's Ransomes 31066 of 1920 (PV4943) and Richard Parrott's Burrell conversion 3695 of 1915 (TB2740)• George King showed 191'8 Garrett tractor 33141 (BJ7721) JULIE which he has been rallying in Norfolk for some 33 an cnginc well kept in years working form. An engine on its debut was Chris Way's 1891 Burrell traction 1522 (CF3579). The event had a most comprehensive display of machinery of the agricultural variety and oil ierwise, a filling providing collection for such a prestigious anniversary. The organisers are to be congratulated for staging such a show.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE A Burrell roller was noted for sale at an asking price of £12000. The engine, 10ton A model 4041 of 1926 (U0793) was owned by Don and Stephen Wing and has recently had a new firebox and tubes and canopy fitted.
NORTHUMBERLAND It is not often we can report on engines working for a living but when Maurice Henderson's diesel generator set broke down in the summer at his sawmill near Hexham, he pressed his 16hp Robey twin cylinder portable 49484 into rise. This 1947 built engine powered the dynamo by belt to 35
Fowlers and
Fodens and other rarely rallied engines and trailers
1 i ;4111 '
-)...0....
I ts 1 lb4 1 't -ZiAllike.."k 41V k-1„ 4'N. ' ._ --ROAD LOCOMOTIVES
On display and in action at
EASTNOR CASTLE, LEDBURY HEREFORDSHIRE Heavy haulage demonstration with ATLAS and TITAN
Sunday 6th May 1990 from 12.00 noon / enable the sawing to continue for a fortnight whilst the diesel engine was repaired.
SCOTLAND Another portable in use has been Marshall 89203 of 1942 owned by Willie Smith. The engine has been observed driving a racksaw bench in a sawmill at Carr Bridge near Aviemore. Despite reports to the contrary, Elza Craig has decided not to sell 6 ton Wallis Advance roller 7833 of 1925 (H06397). Work has started on preparing the engine for operation later this year. Foster portable 14657 of 1940, now belonging to Trevor Rees is a new arrival at Summerlee, Coatbridge; work is going ahead with a view to the machine being in steam regularly during the forthcoming season as part of the operating group of engines at the Museum. Bonnybridge has been in the news with various comings and goings. Aveling roller 4505 of 1900 (A08101) has been sold to Ian Paterson' in the south of England. Partially rebuilt Fowler 10 ton roller 12905 of 1913 (KE2838) has gone to John Carter, owner of Carter's Traditional English Steam Fair, and is destined for full conversion and regular fairground use — the readers of the Daily Telegraph 36
have already had it depicted to them as a 'showmans loco' which will tow the fair around London. The Bonnybridge stable has been joined by Burrell road loco 2646 of 1904 (AD8923), an engine which had showmans fittings applied some ten years ago, and Burrell scenic 3610 of 1914 (J6857) WILLIAM V from Jack Gillam in Yorkshire; this is now owned by Nick Watson. Freddie Forrest junior has acquired ex-Perth County Council Fowler roller 16400 of 1925 (ES7419). Mention has already been made of the expanding activities of the Summerlee Heritage Park. Their fourth event, in August, unfortunately coincided with one of the poor weekends in last year's otherwise excellent weather. Jimmie McFarlane brought along his 1925 Fowler conversion 16276 (NW9212) to join the two resident rollers, Summerlee's own Fowler 17251 (DS7206), and 1928 Marshall 83452 (SY3582) belonging to Trevor Rees and Jimmie Wood. Sandy Steele's Fowler showmans conversion 9177 of 1901 (8S8013) was also present. In September Fowler roller 18295 of 1930 (SR7512) appeared at a Farming of Yesteryear event at Scone near Perth. The roller started life with
Angus County Council and is now in the ownership of Tayside Regional Council. An engine noted for sale is 1902 Aveling traction 5065 (SA4835) belonging to Bill Barrack. It may eventually go south of the border, another loss to the number of Scottish engines and rollers which have survived on their native heath since working days.
SHROPSHIRE Although the Bishops Castle event is noted for its Sentinel wagon display — and Ian Woollett's unusual SD4 wagon 8448 of 1930 (UX8724) made an interesting newcomer in 1989 — there were, surprisingly, not as many of the marque as were exhibited at the Knowl Hill event in Berkshire earlier in August. Two distinctive rollers to catch the discerning eye were David Ross's diminutive 4 ton Aveling 7385 of 1911 (FC4016) and David Spooner's now unique 1912 Shay type Aveling 7411 (XP2915). The five showmans engines owned by Frank Lythgoe were their usual impressive display. Other engines present included Will Dakin's nicely restored 1911 Davey Paxman traction 16849 (AF3373), a rare machine; Jim Cook's Garrett showmans tractor 33486 of 1919 (AD8787) QUEEN OF GREAT BRITAIN and Len Crane's Fowler crane engine 17212 of 1929. The latter was observed being winched across the arena by a Fowler ploughing engine, which made light work of the exercise, even though Len had the crane engine in reverse and the brakes on. A total of 38 engines were present. One which had been working during 1989 was B. Garman's 1919 Fowler ploughing engine 15333 (AL9855); it had been out dredging a small lake near Bromyard.
STAFFORDSHIRE The Victorian buildings of the Chatterley Whitfield Mining Museum formed a suitable backdrop for their Steam Carnival during the summer. As befits the site, colliery railway locomotives were operational; trips were given around the display by shire horse and cart and pit ponies were also to be seen. With the close co-operation of the North Staffs & Cheshire club, several engines were present and these included Roy Tideswell's 1914 Tasker tractor 1625 (BP5833); Andrew Hall's Aveling roller 12081 of 1929 (RF5715); Wallis Advance 7967 of 1928 (0T7256) owned by Alan Painter, Alan Williamson's 1933 Sentinel S4 wagon 8884 (TJ3319) and Dales' Burrell traction 2950 of
1907 (AF3532). It was pleasing to see the club's own Aveling roller 8316 of 1914 (E5335) LADY HAMILTON back in steam at this event after an extensive overhaul by club members at their premises at the Klondyke Steam Museum, near Uttoxeter. Although LADY HAMILTON went to Chatterley Whitfield by low loader, it was steamed by road to the Lifeboat Rally at Palmer Moor. Organised by Gordon Stokes and his helpers, this rally's proceeds go to the RNLI and sufficient funds have been raised over the years to provide a boat which is now in service in the north east. Some of the crew of the boat, at Hartlepool, were guests at the 1989 rally. Five engines were present at the show, the Aveling of Andrew Hall, Les Wright's Aveling roller 8672 of 1915 (HJ17321, Roy Tideswell's Tasker and 1918 Fowler road loco 15323 (HR3697), belonging to Graham Love. A pleasant little steam event combining road and rail was organised by the Foxfield Railway Preservation Society at their site near Blythe Bridge. Road enaines joinina the industrial shunting engines that make up the railway's collection of locomotives included Dean and son's 1904 Marshall roller 40047 (8E8186), as well as Andrew Hall's Aveling. This latter machine travelled some 200 miles under its own steam during the 1989 season (and about 20 on a low loader) and apart from one little problem near Rugeley, it has been virtually troublefree. From the go faster and further brigade came Alan Williamson's Sentinel to complete the road contingent.
Highland Steamboat Horidays Cruise the beautiful senfochs and canals of Scotland in an original coal-fired Clyde Puffer. Good food-, comfortable accommodation.
TOTP,A7ir..r1.4,0; •_,.-
'47
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Another long distance exhibit was John Crawley's 1926 Foden wagon 12364 (TW4207) in the livery of Newquay Steam Beer, and local engines included Simon Webb's Foster traction 2127 of 1898 (D02003), Ernie Eagle's 1908 Marshall agricultural 49725 (BW4509) and Burrell 3399 of 1912 (AH5446) owned by the Museum of East Anglian Life. One roller present was that of Alan Hines, 1922 Aveling 10190 (FX8654). I his Aveling also appeared at the fifteenth Henham Rally in late September where it joined some three dozen other engines including Bunn's 1891 Burrell traction 1563 (AH73501,
Bill Bird's 1916 Aveling roller 8766 (MNG259V) and Sentinel timber tractor 8756 of 1933 (VN4294) owned by Bressingham Museum. Two engines which journeyed together on the road to the event were the East Anglian Transport Museum's Armstrong Whitworth roller 10R22 of 1924 (DX46021 in the care of Bernie Ward, and Roger Goulby's 1926 Aveling roller 11648 (RT2474) a Corporation Lowestoft former machine. Unfortunately the injector on the Armstrong, which was towing a newly restored living van, ceased to function on the return journey due to picking up dirty water and Bernie
SUFFOLK The Museum of East Anglian Life at Stowmorkot woo the venue for on exhibition at August Bank Holiday in connection with the 200th anniversary of local firm of Ransomes Sims & Jefferies. As well as stationary engines, a threshing machine and small tractors, grass cutting machines were also on show (the first lawnmower was made by Ransomes in 1832) and, not surprisingly, a traction engine. This was 30004 of 1919 (R6968) owned by Roy Pratt of Lincolnshire; he had the pleasure of welcoming Eric McCoy, the current Managing Director of the firm onto the engine's footplate. The annual early September event at the small Suffolk village of Buxhall was graced by a visitor from the very far side of the country — from Cornwall came George Hawkins' 1920 Fowler showmans engine 15657 KITCHENER which joined local engines to entertain the large crowds.
Burrell 8hp road engine 3131 of 1909 was originally exported to New Zealand's South Island for work on road construction. After a sojourn in Queensland, Australia, it returned to Britain some years ago and is pictured here by Peter Love at Heltingly rally in August 1988. 37
BOILERMAKERS AND STEAM RESTORATION ENGINEERS New boilers — welded or riveted Repairs to any type of boiler Welding to ASME 9 Full machining service; cast iron welding Models built; model boilers in copper or steel Canopies built to order in wood or steel Green canvas drop sheets made to order We can supply stays, rivets, bolts, nuts etc. Tenders, smokeboxes, fireboxes, tubeplates, chimneys all made to order
Wantage 1522 — a recent contract
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• WINNERS OF THE 1987 STEAM HERITAGE AWARD FOR ROAD ENGINES • 38
limped home on the pump — fully extending his enginemanship in the process. Other engines present at Henham were David Gowlett's 1905 Fowler traction 10373 (CE7922), Richard Seago's Burrell roller 4044 of 1926 (YB7730), formerly with Kings of Bishops Lydeard and a rather unusual exhibit, P. Berry's Ransomes semiportable 43030 of 1935, one of the last of its type made by the firm. It continued in use until 1965. An engine to leave the area is Robert Brooker's Ransomes traction 27000 of 1916 (EW2321) noted in the last issue as being for sale. It has gone to a tractor museum in Rimini, Italy, which also has a small portable engine. Bob went to Italy to hand over the engine to the new owner and to help familiarise him with it.
SURREY Engines which attended the third annual rally held at Redhill on Robins Cook Farm in early August had to contend with a very hot day, at least on the Saturday. There was a good variety of engines and these included Jim Taylor's Aveling roller 14149 of 1932 (SM9415), J. Naylor's 1909 Burrell road engine 3131 (FX872) and Andrew Tarrant's 1921 Burrell showmans 3878 ISLAND CHIEF. An engine present which had not been out for some time was Mrs J. Howland's Aveling traction 8653 of 1915 (KE6455); it was the first season rallying for around twelve years. Peter Haining was driving Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3851 of 1920 (PB9359) owned by Mrs Jessett, whilst making a first appearance at the rally was Sentinel DG4 wagon 8606 of 1931 (VE6492) owned by A. Hill — this was ohown in ehaGois form, ❑nd the body will be fitted later — it is hoped to build a mock coach body on the wagon. August bank holiday saw another Egham and Thorpe Royal Show where once again Ivan Fear presided over the steam section. Steve Neville commentated as well as bringing along his Burrell road loco 3593 of 1914 (KE3865). Also there was Chris Miles with his Tuxford 11/2 hp portable 1131 of about 1883 and Hardwicks exhibited Tasker tractor 1741 of 1917 (H02040) and Burrell showmans 3909 of 1922 WINSTON CHURCHILL. Wagons included Denis Brandt's Foden 6216 of 1916, restored to its very impressive World War I condition. C. Holliday's 1928 Aveling roller 12103 (SM7013) was also in attendance.
SUSSEX A new arrival at Amberley Chalk
Pits Museum is Tasker 1396 of 1907 (AA2254), a B2 type tractor which has moved from the Midlands with its owners, the Snodin family. Work continues at the museum on two engines — Derek Kilburn's 1920 Marshall tractor 73900 (AH0823) has had a new firebox, barrel, tube plate etc at Michael Lugg's, whilst Brian Johnson's 1946 Aveling-Barford roller AG758 is having a new firebox (its second renewal — there are tell tale marks suggesting it was reboxed during its working life) and front tube plate renewed at Bicknells; the work will be finished off in the museum. Both these engines are having authentic rebuilds with riveted work being carried out throughout. Marshall traction 46276 of 1906 (H05556) is also having new platework inserted in the firebox sides — this is the unusual three speed single owned by Ted Allen of Windsor. Aveling roller 14000 of 1930 (KR477), actually owned by the Wheele family and not as reported in the last issue of Steaming, has also received attention but was not able to be present at Parham, although reported there by some sources. Other steam plant at the Amberley museum consists of a 1936 Smith's crane now in full lifting order in the wood yard, a rare horizontal steam drag saw and Ivan Fear's 10hp Marshall portable 86161 of 1931, powering a Victorian rack saw bench. Over the other side of the county, news from Hollycombe is that their 1918 Garrett showmans conversion 33348 (SZ100) LEISTON TOWN again attended the early October Drain Out Party at Northchapel with the regular driver, Jill Marsh in charge. Jill is Hollycombe's only lady driver, although there is room for others should anyone wish to try their hand. On return to the Collection, the engine was stripped down and has gone to the nearby Bicknell's workshops for extensive boiler work. The Northchapel event was well supported, with fifteen engines present including Jim Hutchens' Garrett Suffolk Punch tractor 33180, Bicknell's Ransomes crane engine 31066 of 1920 (which was belted to a sawbench!) and Jim Hampshire's Britannia patent boilered 1936 Marshall portable 87866. An unusual sight was the arrival of Barry Tidburgh's 1934 Aveling roller 14179 (BKX861) minus its chimney, with which it had parted company during the journey. Not surprisingly, Barry reported the roller had not steamed too well for the latter part of the journey and, for one particularly steep hill, the chimney had to be held onto the base ring which remained bolted to the forecarriagehead, and the blower
used to get enough pressure for the ascent. It is hoped to have some engines on loan to the Steam Collection at Hollycombe for the 1990 season and details of these are awaited.
WARWICKSHIRE It was a good weather show at the Town & Country Festival at Stoneleigh at August bank holiday when 26 engines took part in the event on the National Showground. It is a huge show of which the traction engine involvement is only a small part. Engines workina included W Griffith's 1919 Ruston & Hornsby tractor 52766 (AW4996) on a stonecrusher; Dave Prout's Ransomes traction 15609 of 1904 (CJ4220) driving a sawbench and Dennis Smith's 1899 Fowler traction 8282 (AC9321) which was demonstrating threshing. Also present were Steve Hill's 1923 Fowler roller 15902 (KR8728), and Avelinq roller 14129 of 1931 (WD2760) owned by A. Henton, which used its scarifier to very good effect. An engine noted for sale was 1926 Aveling 8 ton roller 11448 (NP7791) owned by R. Thompson. The roller is now with Raymond Hoskin in Cornwall.
WEST MIDLANDS The Dudley Show in early August, held at Himley Hall, had seven engines present. There were two rollers, including Steve Arrowsmith's 1931 Fowler 19049 (TK6488), and these did a little rolling. The Road Roller Association's tar boiler was present and fired up, although no tarring was done. Other engines there included Lyndon Shearman's tiny Brown & May 2 1/2 hp portable of about 1868 and Alan Moi ell's 1933 Ruston & Hornsby traction 169167 (TL5452). Lyndon also had the pleasure of attending the Heart of England Beer Festival at Wolverhampton Low Level Station with his Brown & May in early September, where they created the right atmosphere with the smoky coal they were given. The portable may well be the last steam engine to be there, for the property has now been taken over for development. Lyndon has also taken to having steam ups at home, on the front of the house, just for his own enjoyment, but totally amazing passers by. Another piece of local news is that the Aveling roller which stood for so many years by the canal at Oxley and known locally as the Oxley roller, Aveling 10824 of 1923 (PT3595), has now left the area and gone to Cornwall. It was rallied in the Wolverhampton area in mid 1989. 39
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE NEEDING ECONOMICAL REPAIRS ON THEIR TRACTION ENGINES
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BEVELS
All types and makes of bevel gears, spur pinions, spur wheels, helical gears etc rebuilt to standard
Please note our new telephone number Our address is:
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40
WILTSHIRE Our Autumn 1984 issue catalogued an article on the return to the town of their manufacture, Devizes, of a number of Brown & May products. One engine missing from those which made the pilgrimage, being in a dismantled state at its Lincolnshire home at the time, was Rundle's Brown & May showmans 8742 of 1912 (AU4705) GENERAL BULLER. Last year saw the appearance of that engine at the Heddington & Stockley Rally, and it was taken along to the old works, which is still standing, and photographed eutside itc birthplacc. At the Haddington rally, a first time entrant was J. Jones' 1902 Fowler showmans 9381 (WR6770) LADY BETTY; also present were Ted Gale's 1913 Burrell showmans tractor 3497 (H05993) in the hands of Derek Farrow; the Goddards' Garrett showmans tractor 32122 (BH8900); Paul Johnson's 1915 Clayton road engine 47216 (CT48171; Colin Hembury's 1923 Aveling roller 10594 (YA6375) and Bill Scurlock's Ransomes tractor 36220 of 1926 (UE2496). A steam wedding took place in the county in mid September when joint owner of Burrell traction 2426 of 1901 (BL4843) Colin Hatch married Karen Carter and Colin's partner, Richard Hurley, took the engine along to take the newly married couple to their reception. The Burrell was repainted early in 1989, the lining being carried out by young Frank at the yard of Edwards Amusements, Swindon, where both Frank and his father, Frank senior, were pleased to have a Burrell back in their yard after a long absence. Reg Edney has had his 1904 Aveling roller 5423 (N03270) mobile under its own steam again after fitting a final drive gear wheel. The roller was driven to the Fairford rally in August, the first time it had been out following sixteen years of restoration. This roller was for many years dumped in Edwards' premises at Fairford, next to Fowler road loco 9177, now a showmans conversion in Scotland. At the Science Museum open day at Wroughton, near Swindon in early September, museum engines in steam were Sentinel wagon 1718 of 1917 (AW3835) and 1916 Foden wagon 6368 (M8118), the newly restored Aveling 15 ton roller 2185 of 1886 (BY2185) and Hornsby portable 1851 of 1871. The pair of Fowler ploughing engines were not in steam due to technical problems; a visiting engine was the Burrell traction owned by Hatch and Hurley. A change of ownership during the
summer concerned 1923 Burrell roller 3956 (HT8219), purchased by Carl Brown from Dave Plant. This roller has one of the unusual patent Rutty scarifiers fitted and is now under restoration by Carl. An auction in mid September at Oaksey saw Dave Plant's collection go under the hammer. Early items of note were displacement lubricators which sold for £190 and £120 — and a Burrell version of the same for £160. A water cart made £50; a Bomford & Evershed living van, just restored, £1500; single cylinder 3hp Marshall portable of 1678, robbed OHd- OI lJ I .ewhat incomplete £2500; a Fowler conversion, from a roller, 19354 of 1933 (YSV866) with current boiler certificate sold for £15000, but the highest price, not surprisingly, was for one of only two surviving Robey Express tractors. Robey 43388 of 1929 (VL983), at one time in Scotland and also formerly owned by Tom Varley, changed hands for £29500. Engines not sold were a compound Marshall portable 57622 of 1911, 80% complete (withdrawn at £950); Ransomes 12hp portable 30005 of 1919 (£3300); 7hp Marshall portable 70528 of 1917 with generator and canopy (£58001 and Aveling roller 14002 of 1929 (KR4 /911E8800). It is understood that the first two mentioned were later sold and have gone to Mick Smith, owner of 1918 Ransomes traction 27277 IDS 7473) which, like the portables, emanated from Ireland.
YORKSHIRE Several engines appeared at the 1989 August bank holiday Harewood House Steam Rally, organised by the Leeds & District club, for the first time and these included a large contingent from South Yorkshire and just over its borders. Among these were Jim Grattan's 1924 Burrell showmans 3950 (M02916) PROGRESS; David Eansworth's 1902 Fowler traction 9230 (NP3049); Wallis roller 2524 of 1900 (BP8585) belonging to M. and L. Baines and the Craven Tasker company's Tasker tractor 1318 of 1906 (AA2143) — the Carr brothers were seen on or around all of these for most of the rally. Another first timer at Harewood, although no stranger to previous L&DTEC rallies with a past owner, and now belonging to Richard Hullah, was Aveling roller 2481 (CE91871, in 1989 celebrating its centenary and a worthy prize winner for all the authentic restoration work Richard and his friends have put into the engine. It was good to see Steve Hardy back with an engine again es he entered his 1910 Burrell tractor 3191
(VLJ346) FURIOUS, now with dynamo and twisted brass in place. Other engines included Jack Taffinder's 1923 Aveling roller 10629 (CA6016) and Harold Bell's Sentinel Super wagon 7591 of 1928 (WE3236). Despite such an impressive list of first time attenders, the total entry was well down on normal for this event — is this a sign of the times or a reflection of the static nature of the engine expenses over the last year or two? Engines attending various events in the county included Barry Wood's 1903 Aveling overhead slide valve roller 5306 (HD1573), which steamed to the Yorkshire Evening Post Family Day at Batley in early August and to the Middleton Railway's steam gala at the end of September, whilst Brian Kellett's 1929 Sentinel DG4 wagon 8009 (YD75091 appeared on the Stray at Harrogate for the conclusion of the HCVS's 21st Trans Pennine Run, along with Tony Hunt's Burrell 3849 of 1921 (TA905). The Sentinel was also to he seen at the York Historic Vehicle Run ill mid September, on display on the Knavesmire; a month earlier the National Vintage Tractor & Engine Group's event at Pateley Bridge had David Webster's 1924 Fowler conversion 16289 (NL8292) in attendance. A very successful fifth event was held at Hunton in early September there were seven engines present on a dull, cool day. Two saw benches were worked, one powered by David Webster's Fowler, the other by Harry Lyon's Robinson & Auden traction 1376 of 1900 (AD8889).
ROAD ROLLER ASSOCIATION
ICJ R.R.A.
The Association's Training Courses in the skills of roadmaking took place at Leicester Museum of Industry & Technology in May and September 1989. Both courses were fully attended. Leicester Museum kindly provided for use by the course participants their 1894 Aveling steam roller 3319 (HR6013) together with a 1936 Aveling DX motor roller, a 1947 Road Marshall and a small 2 ton Barford & Perkins pavement roller. A section of roadway is in the process of being constructed from first principles, using techniques explained on the course by the lecturers. In addition to this practical roadmaking course, it is the Association's intention to provide a full one day course — if there is sufficient interest — for those wishing to learn how to drive and look after a steam or motor 41
roller. Those interested in further details on the Association's training courses should contact the RRA Special Projects Officer, 55 Shaw Lane, Holbrook, Derbyshire. The courses are open to all — but Association members will be given preference. Dates for 1990 will be a Saturday in May and October at the same venue. Anyone interested in the learning to drive course should note this is a new concept as far as the RRA courses are concerned and will only be progressed if there is sufficient response. The venue for the RRA's 1990 AGM will be Gloucester on the first weekend in March. It is hoped during the weekend to visit the transport section of the local Folk Museum where the unique 1933 vertical boiler 1 ton steam roller made by A .W. Trotter is on display. Although in rather poor condition, it is hoped eventually to restore this interesting machine to working order.
STEAM PLOUGH CLUB
A li
to
The Steam Plough Club had a very successful 1989, with increased use repot Led of ploughing engines and tackle at demonstrations, and high participation by members at club activities. Following on from the publication of the ploughing engine list, further work is being undertaken on lists of overseas engines and of implements and living vans, the latter being a major task. The results will be passed to all members for comment before publication. The Club's participation at the annual Fairford, Farringdon and Burford Ploughing Society match at Clanfield went without a hitch, being regarded as a tremendous success by the organisers, and helping to recoup the losses of the wet previous year. Andrew Melrose's single cylinder Fowler 1368 and the Daniel brothers' BB1 15163 attended, using Colin Wait's lightweight plough. Undoubtedly the prestigious event of the year involving steam cultivation was the Royal East Berkshire Agricultural Society ploughing match in Windsor Great Park. Spice was added when the crews of David Adkins Z7 and Peter Stainier's AA6 13877 were informed that they were being judged, as well as the usual competitors. Peter won the prize, allegedly because his engine was not pulling when a vital spanner was lost from the implement! Club activities continue apace with a Spring visit planned to North Kent to 42
see progress on the restoration of Fowler singles 2861 and 3195, new to the area, and to see Edward Wood's historic foundry. The possibility of seeing steam ploughing in West Germany later in the year is being considered, and the AGM is scheduled for 31st March at the Aeroplane Research Establishment at Bedford
with a preceeding visit to the premises of Edward Wootton at Ravensden. A reminder of the advancing age of engines and tackle are reports of fatigue fractures of a rear axle, and of an upright shaft casting of engines in use during the year; both fortunately without serious consequences. (John Billard, secretary Steam Plough Club)
Around 10;14, the 04 World 0
The Editor gratefully acknowledges receipt of magazines etc from The Stanley Museum (USA); Iron Men Album (USA); The Heritage Eagle (USA); Stoomwalsenclub Nederlands; South Canterbury Club (New Zealand); Steam Traction Society (New Zealand) and from members and other correspondents as individually credited.
BRAZIL Mike Jackson kindly forwards reports of engines discovered by a
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1101' • 141114
friend in Brazil. Three portables are displayed in a park at Jaragua, Santa Catarina state — one is German built Lanz 41406 of 1924, a single cylinder portable with twin flywheels. At the Barranco scrapyard in Curitaba, 200 miles south west of Sao Paulo, lies a Schwartzkopff 10 Lon number roller, cylinder single unrecorded but built in 1928. It is identical to two examples of the distinctive design that are preserved in Holland, but the loss of its sheet steel gear casing offers a view of the otherwise not obvious chain drive.
11.4 31-2P
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Schwartzkopff 10 ton roller standing in a scrapyard in Brazil. (collection Mike Jackson)
The CMK piston valved compound steam roller at Kafiri, Czechoslovakia. (Frank Whiting)
CZECHOSLOVAKIA Member Frank Whiting noted a displayed steam roller during a tour of Czechoslovakia earlier this summer. Mounted on a plinth outside a factory in the town of Kolin, forty or so miles east of Prague, the compound machine is the same model as the steamable example pictured in our Summer 1988 issue (page 148). The only immediate identity this fresh discovery carries is the motif CMK cast in the headstock — presumably the initials of the maker. The roller is neatly presented in dark grey paintwork, with red wheels and yellow canopy.
WEST GERMANY A visit to the Museum fur Verkehr and Technik in West Berlin in August 1988 revealed Ruston & Hornsby 141498 single cylinder class PSG portable on display. The twinflywheeled engine bears a plate on the side of its smokebox AGENTE, CARLOS CORREA DA SILVA, LISBOA, SO its history and wanderings might appear to be less than commonplace. (John Morley)
ITALY Further to the sighting of a roller near Cagliari on the island of Sardinia (Spring 1989 issue), another is reported at that location by member C.G. Teverson. Standing in a park outside the Cultural Museum in Cagliari is Aveling & Porter 10 ton single roller 6300, sporting a yi een and black livery, shiny but with modest graffiti. Despite being on an Italian island, the instruction plates on the footplate are in French!
KENYA Gary Hendy reports the sighting by a friend on holiday in Kenya last summer, of Marshall single cylinder portable 87774. It stands, painted in blue and red, on display in the grounds of a cheese factory in the town of Nakuru. Apart from missing its chimney and boiler lagging, the machine appears complete and in good condition, even down to its governor belt.
Marshall portable 87774 standing at Nakuru, Kenya. (Tim Hunt)
A voting 10 ton roller 6300 on Sardinia. (C. Teveisut,)
SPAIN The mention of a Fowler roller under this heading in our Autumn 1988 issue, brought forth reports from quite a few members, and more comment and identification is now possible. Jack Hampshire first glimpsed the machine about 1980, standing in a highways department yard at Son Bonet, near Palma, Majorca. A couple of years later he returned and gained access, noting it had the appearance of a Fowler but that a large circular maker's plate on the headstock proclaimed SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE CONSTRUCCIONES BABOCK & WILCOX,
Later enquiries revealed the machine was destined for public display and sure enough in May 1988 Alan McEwen was able to photograph it, somewhat derelict, placed on a roundabout at Costa d'en Blanes between Palma Airport and the town. Shortly afterwards several other members also saw the roller — by now cosmetically restored in black and red paint, with varnished wood lagging to the boiler, but still very much a Fowler to all those passing who know of such things. Perusal of the Fowler archives at the Museum of English Rural Life, Reading, reveals a little more for the story. The Spanish roller appeared from the pictures sent in by members to be a class DN compound, the first examples of which were built in 1919. The maker's records indicate various batches of this class were built in the ensuing years until on 8th September 1922, Orders X3237 to X3241 are each written up as 'Parts for Class DN compound road roller' with the customer set down as Babcock & Wilcox — but unfortunately no destination or further amplification of the order. Fowlers used the X series of numbers in much the same way as their works or boiler numbers to identify the machine in its progress through the works and then in later life for spares orders etc, but seemed to allocate the numbers to larger odd jobs on steam engines: rebuilds of older machines, conversions etc. Because the Babcock & Wilcox parts were not given numbers in what would have been the usual contemporary sequence of 15xxx, it is highly likely that no boilers were supplied by Fowler — if that had been the case five boilers suitable for building up as DN rollers would have been drawn from stock for the order and the machines SESTAO, BILBAO, SPAIN. 1922.
BOILER MANUFACTURE AND OVERHAULS TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY'S ENTIRE SATISFACTION Also Flanging and Platework for Tenders, Tanks, Smokeboxes, Tool-boxes, Chimneys, Ashpans, and Gear-guards.
NEW ZEALAND Four hundred tractors and several steam engines attended a large rally at Glen Oroua, Winchester in April 1989 to celebrate one hundred years of the farm tractor. Clayton & Shuttleworth road loco 36810 of 1905 demonstrated the use of a haypress, whilst sawbenches and sawmills provided work for a Ransomes traction, a Marshall portable and McLaren 514 —
F.•
Boiler Department: New Road; Whaley Bridge, via Stockport, 4r:+ Cheshire SK12 7JQ Tel: 06633 - 733544 Fax: 0663 - 734521
the latter an entrant by the Steam Traction Society. Also present were McLaren traction 1425, Marshall roller 55620 and an Aveling roller. McLaren 514 had made the journey from New Zealand's North Island, transported from Maewa to Wellington for loading onto the boat for the crossing to Lyttelton, and then steamed the 40 miles to the rally. (Steam Traction Society)
Fowler class DN compound X3241 in Majorca, May 1988. (Alan McEwen) 44
recorded with the relevant five figure number. It would be interesting to know more of the arrangements under which this order came to be sold. The Spanish Babcock company (the parent company was American) was a heavy engineering concern that would have been purchasing the Fowler parts for further sale and would have been quite capable of producing boilers from drawings also supplied by Fowlers — later in the 1920s they started a forty year period of building large railway locos for the Spanish railway system. Whatever the circumstances. Fowlers quickly produced the parts in six weeks, delivery being recorded as 18th October 1922. One later order for (unspecified) spares is appended to X3238 (for which, of course, Babcock & Wilcox must have acted as agents for the then owner, as the roller itself proclaimed them to be the manufacturers) but that seems to be the sum total of the Leeds works' further involvement with the five. Babcock placed a small cast iron number plate on the offside of the tender of each roller — that on the Palma exhibit reads REFERENCIA No.95-5078-5, SO maybe the final digit indicates that it is the last of the order, Fowler X3241. For providing notes for the above account, our thanks go to those readers mentioned above, to Martin Craig, Roger Hickman and E.J. Snell and also to Jonathan Brown of Reading University for access to the wonderful and rich resource of
information that the Fowler archives provide. Our correspondents also suggest other rollers on display in Spain that might be of interest to beach or barbored holidaymakers. On Majorca an example stands near Marineland at Portal Nous (on bus route 4, Palma to Pagueral. Another roundabout provides a home for a roller near Tarragona — this was seen from a coach on a trip from Salou to Barcelona, and the accompanying courier mentioned a further machine near Reus not far from Tarragona. All these are brief siahtinas or IPACIS — further more detailed reports would be welcomed.
Continental Traction Engine Listing Although our magazine is mainly concerned with British road steam engines, it is acknowledged that this interest extends far beyond these shores. Traction Engine Register, published by the Southern Counties HVPT, provides a valuable record for all enthusiasts (it is often referred to as a bible in this country) and similar booklets are available in Australia and New Zealand. However, information is not widely available regarding engines in Europe and so, utilising details culled from the Round the World feature in Steaming, personal observations and many other sources,
Derek Rayner and John Toy propose to produce a Continental Traction Engine Listing, a simple and concise record of engines, rollers and portables known to exist on the continent. A limited number of copies of the Listing will be available on subscription to interested enthusiasts in due course — probably by the middle of the year. At this stage the compilers urgently require further entries for their lists, to make them as complete as possible on initial publication. These entries should include the usual form of engine details, location, date seen, owner (if known) and condition — that is, whether on display in the open on a plinth or similar, or inside a museum; whether operable or derelict, etc. Sightings of engines are required for all EEC countries, Switzerland, Austria, Scandinavia, all East European countries and all countries surrounding the Mediterranean. Contributions from the Trust's many overseas members would be especially welcome. Please send them to the compiler, John Toy, 41 Himley Green, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 7PY. If you would like to be placed on a reservation list to receive a copy of the Listing, when available, please send £2.00 deposit to John; a further announcement on the final price will be made when it is about to be produced. Readers are reminded that reports and photographs of engines throughout the world (except North America) are always welcome for inclusion in Steaming's Round the World feature.
the reading on the gauge. It is, in fact, twice the reading multiplied by the ratio length AB length AL which is rather less than 'as read'. If AC is long compared to BC then this adjustment becomes less important, but if not it may be considerable. Sorry Andrew, not quite 94 drawbar hp but a bit less! Nevertheless, a good effort.
Letters
N. Carney
Testing for Power The article Testing for Power in the last issue was most' interesting: what a good idea and how fortunate the Much Marcie organisers are in having access to such measuring equipment. One small point however — whilst I fully realise that the gauge will be fluctuating between wide limits and may be somewhat difficult to read accurately, the actual pull by the engine on its main cable is not twice
B
Bolton, Lancashire
C
Foden v Sentinel I was interested to learn of the amazing progress being made by Richard Parkinson with his Foden Speed Six 13750. I cannot recall having seen a Speed model Foden in their working days; they were never numerous and had unnaturally short lives, except for one which went to Ireland and was at work, I believe, 45
number of skilled Sentinel drivers about.
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Alex Reid 6 Highcroft Villas Brighton BN1 5PS
until after World War 2. The performance of the design was legendary, but their lives were shortened by a rather underdeveloped boiler which was difficult to maintain in good insurable order. However, the burden of this letter is to suggest that when 13750 is fully restored and operational it might be instructive to everyone to compare its performance with the breed's contemporary rival, the Sentinel S4, of which there are several well restored examples in preservation. I'm not thinking of a speed trial — interesting but probably reprehensible — but a trial of fully loaded wagons over several miles, possibly on a closed circuit such as an unused aerodrome, when fuel and water consumption, ease of maintaining boiler pressure over a period of time, a test of indicated horsepower and drawbar horsepower, hill climbing, acceleration etc could be assessed. Thus the two marques could be compared with each other and also, possibly, with contemporary internal combustion engined lorries with which they competed for sales when new. I, for one, would not like to bet on the result. The Foden would start with a slight handicap, of course, in that probably nobody at present living knows how best to handle a Speed Six, whereas there must be quite a 46
Bill Martin
Buxted, Sussex
Fowler 15657 I was pleased to see the picture of Fowler 15657 KITCHENER in the last issue. I have a copy of the same 1954 print, given to me by the late Sam Breedon many years ago. It is he who is driving the engine through Sheffield — he had just completed its renovation for Harry Hollingsworth, who many older readers will remember kept a pub near Conisborough on the Rotherham to Doncaster road. Sam also let me have pictures variously showing the Fowler (which worked in showland for Mrs H. Oadley around Derbyshire) as purchased for preservation and then when painted up, standing outside his house in a now-demolished part of Sheffield, probably when he was trying it out. K. Birkby
Wortley, Leeds
Demolition by steam There has been correspondence in Steaming recently on the subject of engines used during World War 2 for the demolition of bomb-damaged
buildings. Readers may like to know the Greater Manchester Museum of Science & Industry (housed in the former Liverpool Road station) has a permanent display 'The Manchester Story', and in the section covering the last war there is a continuously running documentary film, made by the CWS, of the Manchester blitz. This film clearly shows, in at least two scenes, a Foster showmans engine using its wire rope to pull down buildings. The canopy is lettered COLLINS AMUSEMENTS. As photos of engines performing such tasks are rare, surely this archive black and white movie film is unique? Peter Wells
Norwich
Burrells Patent System I was pleased to find Derek Hattam's treatise on the above system of compounding in the last issue so detailed and lucid. I would like to add two items of relevant detail. Firstly, no mention was made of the single crank compound block fitted to the firm's portable engines, and so I enclose an illustration of one of these. Note that in this application the cylinder block is mounted 'opposite hand'. From several users I hear they were equally
successful as on the self-moving engines. Secondly, has Mr Hattam driven one any distance? If so, his experiences may equal mine. On two occasions I drove Burrell 1876 EMPEROR from Holywell to Woburn and back when the then owner the late Major T.B. Paisley honoured me by appointing me guest driver. EMPEROR was docile up to about 6 mph, above which the combined horizontal and vertical forces produced a resultant such that one's body suffered from a form of vertical simple harmonic motion, the displacement being fully an inch at times. The result: one slowed down in self-defence old EMPEROR had got his own way. Very fatiguing trips, but grand experience! I concluded that true as its thermodynamic advantages are, this system would not be my choice. I find my own Collings single crank (tandem) compound far smoother and Mat it approximates to the double crank compound with cranks at 90°. An ancient driver many years ago told me that the Savage annular compound was as smooth as a good single cylinder engine, as one would expect. Away from road steam application, two other forms of single crank compound are the 90° vee twin steam motors by Aliens of Redford (where the engine will start with the crank in any position), and the Galloway layout comprising the two cylinders, one horizontal and the other (low pressure) forming a narrow angle of about 26° between them. Lambertons of Coatbridge made large mill engines with the high pressure cylinder vertical and low pressure horizontal. They called them vertical-horizontal engines! Delightful, wasn't it?' Ronald H, Clark
Shottesham All Saints, Norwich
Sentinel and Fodens Further to the comments made in the last issue (page 213) on the total production of wagons of these makers, I offer the following notes. Foden wagon production lasted from early 1902 to 1933; Sentinels output was from early 1906 until 1939, excluding the 101 wagons resulting from the post-war Argentine order. Fodens sold 190 wagons before the first Sentinel appeared. Sentinels sold 350 after the last steam wagon was sold by Fodens, again excluding the Argentine order. It should be noted that after about number 500 Fodens used only alternate numbers on their maker's plates. Initially these were sometimes rims of even numbers, sometimes runs of odd
FOI)EN WAGON. Fated with 1.1100-gallon Tani. and Coleman Patent `1 011000," larahr,ing A11 .1.111011101-
This is another example of the fitting out of a steam wagon chassis by Colemans of Derby — two previous specimens were illustrated in our Winter 1987/88 magazine, but remain unidentified. The Foden, however, bears the registration ES7337 and No 3, which Alan Duke's records reveal to be Foden 11510, new in 1925 to the Highland District of Perthshire County Council. The rectangular tar tank held 1000 gallons, and the spraying equipment was Coleman's patent 'Flapper' attachment. (collection Road Roller Association)
numbers. From number 1976 onwards only even numbers were used, save for a few exceptions for traction engines. In the case of Sentinel it should be noted that the continuous series of works numbers included (particularly after World War 11 a number of products other than wagons — these included railway locomotives and railcars, trailers to accompany steam wagons, and portable units. It follows that the highest number allotted to a wagon by either firm is nu yuide to the total number they produced. A more specific study has to be made and this is attempted in what follows. Irr Fodens' case, 'the complete registers of production exist. For some numbers pages are blank, so it is not certain whether the wagons in question were built or not. However, a count of all known to have been sold shows a total of 6350. No complete record of Sentinels' wagon production has ever been found. However, a company representative's book, in the possession of Joe Thomas, enables us to say how many wagons were built from number 5001 onwards. Other than that, some broad assumptions have to be made. Sentinel numbers seem to have started at or near 101. The last recorded number for a wagon built at Polmadie is 1010. There are indications that there may have been some gaps in the
sequence, so let us assume 850 were built at the Scottish works. Shrewsbury-built wagons appear to have started at 1101. The last recorded Standard type vehicle was 4426 but since there was overlapping in production with the first of the Supers it is thought there were probably some blank numbers towards the end of the Standards — again, let us assume a figure for production, 3250. An estimate of total Sentinel wagon production is thus: built at Polmadle 850 Standards from Shrewsbury 3250 Shrewsbury production from 5001 2660 6760 Alan Duke
London
Not what it seems My short article in our Spring 1989 issue on the heavy trailers supplied to Road Engines & Kerr, through recent research, proves to require further comment. Strange to relate, Dyson did not build the vehicles but subcontracted their construction to Crane of East Dereham, Norfolk. Dyson did not have the equipment to make up the heavy beamed trailer and nor, in fact, did Crane for they in turn subcontracted the fabrication of the frame to Teesside Bridge & Engineering Co at Middlesbrough. The Crane company designed and assembled the trailer and 47
then applied Dyson nameplates. Things are often not as they appear. N.E. Box ordered a 32-wheel trailer from Dyson in 1928, and the supply of that example was subcontracted to Crane, who carried out the design, and assembled it around the main frames which were cast in Belgium. Over the years there have been mix-ups in the description of this trailer, and with some people referring to it as the Dyson, others as the Crane, it is not surprising. From the early 1930s until some 20 years ago when European built trailers started arriving in this country, the bigger trailers used by heavy haulage firms were all designed by Crane regardless of the names appearing on the nameplate. Tam Mc Taggart
Hamilton, Lanarkshire
Aveling living van I have acquired the wheels, axles, forecarriage and rear body support castings of an Aveling & Porter ploughing engine living van, dated between 1874 and 1878. For restoration, I need as much detail as possible of the form of construction of the body — overall dimensions, sizes of timber framing, photographs of the ends and sides together with details of interior fittings. I would be grateful for any help members could give — any costs in providing the information would be met.
level-crossing gates. This would be done against the clock with penalty points deducted for any mishaps. A sort of Badminton Steam Trials perhaps Parham or Hollycombe would lend themselves to this? Mr Rayner goes on to ask how to maintain the existing interest at rallies. As a regular supporter of many years I would put forward the following comments: • Start on the stroke of your advertised time. If the official opening VIP is late (or still in the beer tent!) start without him; there is no reason why the crowd should suffer for his discourtesy. • Make your grand parade as brisk as possible, with brief and accurate commentary — save the comic patter for the later ring events. The more engines entered, the greater necessity to clear the arena quickly. Roxton managed beautifully with 80 engines plus, yet I once again went to a rally with less than half that number which became so hopelessly gummed up that some engines had not got in the ring at 5pm! • Impact; first impressions count. What better way of starting the Grand Parade than a portable in steam hauled by a team of shire horses, followed by your oldest engine and then the rest, to accompanying suitable music. (Woburn got it right with the grand march from Aida). Leave Wham or Kylie Minogue for musical chairs! On
the other hand beware of 'Land of Hope and Glory' and poetry readings or your happy summer afternoon will take on the air of a Remembrance Day parade. (Yes, Bishop's Castle, you have the right idea, and your timing is matchless, but a trifle too solemn I fear!) • Avoid long delays between ring events. If the next one is not ready, bring in a little tractor to show its turn of speed, or an agricultural or roller and have a marshal indicate the technical parts with a long cane. We all know what a chimney looks like, but would mum and uncle know what a headstock or forecarriage was? Remember above all, that the public have paid £2.50 plus to see a steam rally. If you advertised a veteran car rally and filled half the afternoon with steam trains, the Trade Description Act disciples would have a field day! John Champion
Gloucester
Another 'Stourpaine', for that is what many will always call it, has been and gone with its highlights, disappointments and problems. Highlights have to include the mammoth road journeys to the rally by some of the engines. Three of our local East Midland machines made the journey: Burrell 3257 CLINKER, Fowler 8712 PRIDE OF WALES and
Paul Abbott 9 Shaggs Meadow, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO4 7BN
Reflections on rallies Derek Rayner, in the Autumn issue, asked for comments and suggestions on rallies — so here are a couple. Firstly I have often felt that, provided the arena was big enough, some form of 'musical ride' could be tried. The engines, all of similar size, should come in in single file down the centre, then peel off alternately and form a line in pairs, again peeling off and forming fours, then perform various turns and formations. The snag — it might require rehearsals. Secondly, if a rally were held in a large park or estate, why not try an intricate obstacle course, which would demonstrate the prowess of the engineman. A number of engines, would pick up a trailer load of straw bales or timber, proceed along a marked track including inclines up and down, an S bend, a narrow bridge, a close fitting arch, and perhaps a ford or makeshift 48
Burrell 6hp single crank compound 2147 of 1898, pictured at the Barleylands event in September 1989. (Robin Walker)
Fowler 15323 EXCELSIOR. No praise is high enough for the owners and crews of these engines, and others that travelled long distances by road, for their epic journeys. I was disappointed, as I suspect were many photographers, that the addition of rows of catering stalls between the model, NTET and other marquees and the fairground effectively prevented photography at night. This cramped layout prevented the usual complete line up of showmans engines on the Saturday night, as several engines couldn't even get near the arena. As for Michael Olivers boast, on local radio on the Monday, of 70 showmans engines in a line, I found this far from correct, there weren't 70 engines there and those that were couldn't all get in one line. The main problem at this rally, as far as I am concerned, is safety and the irresponsible antics of some engine owners that put at risk the safety of engines, their crews or more importantly the public. I refer to, firstly, the use of a push pole to enable two Wallis & Stevens Advance rollers to double head a small load around the site, and secondly the taking of the haulage demonstration around on the Saturday night. Its route took in the extremly cramped space in front of the fairground and was unsuitable at any time, let alone when it was packed full with people in the darkness. I understand that the demonstration had been stopped by Jim Sarney earlier because of the crowds, for which he must be applauded. But on the Saturday night several engine owners took it upon themselves to run the road train. It must also be dangerous for an
Thomas Ashley (Contactors) Ltd of Hartford, Cheshire ran their fleet of rollers into the late 1950s. Photographed here, in September 1955 and out of use in their yard is a Burrell single crank compound, the works number not positively known but thought to be 2049. (Geoff Hayes)
engine to be moving around the site giving trailer rides when there are people walking about in noisy very crowded areas. The NTET have in recent years included Stourpaine as an approved rally and had a large sales and hospitality marquee, which has helped to publicise the Trust and no doubt benefitted it accordingly but until such time that the event, and other rallies which advertise the same attraction, stop such acts, I feel that the NTET
should totally dissociate itself with them, for its presence is effectively a seal of approval. Do others agree with me? Safety must he of paramount importance at any steam event as it will only take one accident to stop the whole concept of rallies as we know them today and to prohibit engine owners using their engines on the road. Alan Holmes
Derby
WORLD'S FAIR The outdoor entertainment weekly incorporating
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J.J. Hatcher, 3 Maypole Terrace, Shillingstone, Blandford, Dorset. L. King, Pentola, Merchant Lane, Cranfield, Bedfordshire. J.W. Toppins, 57 Feltham Road, Ashford, Middlesex. Family members — Joanne, Maria and Jenny. M. Leng, Newcroft, Roxby Terrace, Thornton Dale, Pickering, North Yorkshire. G.M. Lynne, 3 Orchard End, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Family members — Valerie, Trudi and Katy. J. Budd, 6 Chetland Croft, Hampton Coppice, Solihull, West Midlands. T.A. Redfern, 25 Orchard Street, Heywood, Lancashire. D. Eansworth, 46 Hardstoft Road, Pilsley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. G.E. Turner, 5 Wentworth Ave, Thormanby, York. R.L. Philbey, Trane Farm, Mount Hawke, Truro, Cornwall. A.J. Van Pelt, Handbalpad 15, Hellevoetsluis 3223 ED, Holland. M.A. Woods, Newpound, Wisborough Green, Billingshurst, West Sussex. R. Sledmore, 18 Kielder Oval, Harrogate, Yorkshire. N. Hosking, 18 Donnington Road, The Lidden, Penzance, Cornwall. S. Evans, 5 Bampton Road, Llanrumney, Cardiff. Family member — Eileen. A.J. Heywood, 8 Blackfirs Lane, Somerford, near Congleton, Cheshire. I. Fairclough, 1 Queensway, Coney Hall, West Wickham, Kent. A.V. Stockley, 1 Homefield Cottages, Church Road, Horne, near Harley, Surrey. M.H. Rigg, Rosebank, Church Lane, Ewshot, Farnham, Surrey. A.M. Simmonds, 43B Clifton Road, Henlow, Bedfordshire. G.H. Jones, Rhydden Farm, Lloc, Holywell, Clwyd.
G.W. Hughes, 2A Alderley Edge Road, Northwich, Cheshire. A.J. Fisher, 202 Lightwoods Road, Smethwick, Warley, West Midlands. Family members — Doreen, Mark and Paul. H.C. Nash, Hillcrest, Lancaster Road, Cockerham, Lancaster. Family — Barbara and Adrian. C.R. Middlebrooke, 19 Bank Parade, Otley, West Yorkshire. DI. Roberts, Smelt Farm, Brymbo, Wrexham, Clwyd. M.G. Wauchop, 58 Drumquin Road, Castlederg, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland. F.T. Doughty, 13 Fuller Road, Moulton, Northampton. S.J. Morley, Common Farm, High Catton, York. Family members — Marjolyn, Helen and Peter. H. Sutcliffe, 149 Lytham Road, Warton, Preston, Lancashire. M.P. Johnson, 1 The Butts Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire, D. Twist, Nova Fabrications, Nunn Mills Road, Northampton. R.W.F. Gardner, 15 Campion Close, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Middlesex. Family members — Eileen, Peter and Dorothy. P.A. Riley, 36 Hambro Hill, Rayleigh, Essex. D.J. Hurley, Leyland, Willington Road, Kirton End, Boston, Lincolnshire. C.R Histed, 93 Coronation Gardens, Battle, East Sussex, D.J. Osborn, Buckbury End, Longdon, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. D.A.J. Rolf, 180 Seafield Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset. Family member — Nigel, M. Rhys Jenkins, Flat 5, 22 Bourne Avenue, Salisbury, Wiltshire. A.F. Cox, Barbers Court Farm, Wicklaw, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. G. Presto, 46 Church Street, Merriott, Crewkerne, Somerset. Family members — Denise, Tracey, Shirley and Gareth. D.M. Baker, The Flames, Ovingdean, Brighton, East Sussex. I.D. Hatch, 17 Newery Road, Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire. S.J.M. Syms, 62 Newquay Road, St Columb Cornwall. F.J. Mark Syms, 1 Highfield Avenue, St Columb, Cornwall. G.B. Claridge, 63 Pinewood Avenue, Crowthorne, Berkshire. Family members — Kym and Kerryn. T.G. Langdon, 1168 Ringwood Road, Bear Cross, Bournemouth, Dorset. B.A. Wells, 129 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxfordshire. H. Linders, Deurneseweg 35, 5812 PA Heidee, Holland. D. Bell, 3228 Brooklawn Court, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA. M.R. Kightley, 2 Blackmill Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. T.A. Ashton, Graceland, Fulford Road, Fulford, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Family members — Sandra, Jane and Anthony. T. Crowley, Upper Glanmire, Co Cork, Eire. R. Kenward, 118 Bushfield Drive, Whitebushes, Redhill, Surrey. Family members — Eric, Robert, Pam and Judy. R.W. Wilkins, 25 Hoser Avenue, Baring Road, Lee, London. M.A. Pinsker, 46 Dalton Street, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. Family members — Karen, Stevie, Thomas, Benjamin and Aziah. M. Taylor, 2 Long Avenue, Clevedon, Avon. Family members — Susan, Darren and Hayley.
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Heading away from a weekend's rallying el Masham, Yorkshire in July 1989 is Robinson & Auden 6hp agricultural 1376 of 1900. (John Maund)
I.P. Morcomb, 6 Cleveland House, Crescent Road, Bugle, St Austell, Cornwall. Family member — Dawn. D.W. Paxton, Orchard Mill. Smarts Lane, Upper Tysoe, Warwickshire. B. McGinley, 52 Douglasdale, West Mains, East Kilbrido, Strathclyde. Family member — Helen. R. Hyatt, 5 Grove Hill, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire. F. Broome, 65 Meadow Road, Wythall, Birmingham. J, Linders, Hoebereweg 29, 5801 AK Vemray, Holland. M.D. JOIleb, 18 Silverthorne Close, The Willow. Colchester, Essex. G.J. Parslow, 7 Rowland Avenue. Polesworth, Tamworth, Staffordshire. Family — Diana. B.L. Willson, 24 West Bank, North End Road, Yapton, Arundel, Sussex. M. Cook, 110 The Village, Strenshall, York. D.J. Cambray, Langford Farm, Caswell, Towcester, Northamptonshire. R. Alderman, 143 Hale Drive, Mill Hill, London. Family member — David. H. Collings, Glanbaiden Lodge, Govilon, near Abergavenny, Gwent. Family member David. B.W. Evans, St Saviours Lodge, Congleton Road, Talke, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. R. Davey, College Bungalow, Tiverton, Devon. D. Hullock, 156 Batham Gate, Fairfield, Buxton, Derbyshire. C.R. Hill, 230 Bilford Road, Worcester. A.K. Grimmett, Ivy Cottage, 7 St James Lane. Coventry, West Midlands. Family member — Angela. G.G. Dennis, Windaire, Taylors Lane, St Marys Bay, Romney Marsh, Kent. Family — Rosalie. G.N. Read, Fairlight, Bakers Wood, Denham, Buckinghamshire. D. Brown, 9 Mellstock Road. Oakdale, Poole, Dorset.
P.G. George, 4 Tupoli Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand. I. Paterson, 2 Dell Close, Broadstone, Dorset. R.C. Hoare, Hames, Townsend Park, Bere Regis, Dorset. P.R. Smith, 29 Bryanstone Road, Bitterne, Southamplun. R. Dupont, 1 Godrer Mynydd, Gwernymynydd, Mold. G. Goodman, 7 Oyster Street, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire. T. Brown, 38 Albion Road, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. W.G. Young, 4 Brook Cottage, Lumley Lane, Westbouine, near Emsworth. Hampshire. Family member — Patricia. R.W. Hale, 108 Pooltown Road, Ellesmere Port, South Wirral. D.C.C. Leech, 4 Vine Road, Ottey, near Ipswich, Suffolk. J. Scott, 10 MornIngton Crescent, Hadleigh, Benfleet, Essex. Family member — Jolla. A.J. Treece, 41 Genets Road, Billericay, Essex. P. Upshall, 19 Romsey Road. Yeovil, Somerset. G. Home, 18 York Avenue, Corringham, Essex. Family member — Kathleen. D. Street. 63 York Crescent, Claydon, Ipswich. Suffolk. G.M. Jones, 3 Green Lane, Bomere Heath, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Family members — Beryl, Teresa and Karen. S. Brading, Palmers Brook Farm, Park Road, Wootton. Isle of Wight, Hampshire. B.H.A. James, 4 Greenacres, Pitstone, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. Family member — Dillis. D.J. Scott, 105 Rushtake Road, Brighton, East Sussex. P.W. Ewens. 98 Pound Road, East Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent. J. Berry, Hillside, School Lane, Newton Kirkham, Preston, Lancashire. Family member — Maureen. S. Stall, 24 Chercombe Close, Newton Abbot, South Devon. D. Flowers, 62 St Peters Road. Kineton, Warwickshire. G.W. Kneele, Glen Rosa, Whitebridge Avenue, Ramsey, Isle of Man. T. Shakespeare. 138 Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromagrove, Worcestershire {former family member} P. Grazier, 28 Barnsley Road, Norton. Bromsgrove, Worcestershire S.J. Fidler, 6 Heathland Close, Heath Hayes, Cannock, Staffordshire. Family members — Margaret, Nigel, Helen, Mark and Raymond. 51
W.H. Sayer, 24 Barnouth Avenue, Perivale, Greenford, Middlesex. C. Hancock, 233 Gosport Road, Fareham, Hampshire. N.P. Gettings, 29 Gordon Avenue, Church Crookham, Aldershot, Hampshire. K.R. Bowen, 18 Lochmore Close, Hinckley, Leicestershire. P.C. Huff, 28 Wesley Avenue, Colchester, Essex. J.M. Stewart, 24c Teith Road, Deanston Village, Doune, Perthshire. W.A. Parker, 28 Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire. M. Thompson, Room 7, 47 Amersham Hill, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A. Duffill, 181 Foden Road, Great Barr, Birmingham. K. Martin, 28 Repton Way, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. M. Bartrop, 29 Templeoak Drive, Wollaton, Nottinghamshire. B.H. Cook, 2 Bundys Way, Chertsey Lane, Staines, Middlesex. Family — Susan. Avengeline, Tracey, Jason and Matthew. F. Oldfield, 149 London Road, Great Clacton, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. D.G. Rossington, 6a Bligh Street, Tamworth 2340, New South Wales, Australia. J. Goodall, 35 New Road, Appleby Magna, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Family member — Mrs G. Goodall.
Small Adverts 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.
The National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club — caters for all enthusiasts (3000 members nationwide). 26 local area groups organise meetings with illustrated talks and help for members. Club magazine Vaporising with articles of interest and free ads for members. Basic membership £8.00. Details from Mrs P.E. Sims, 1 Hall Farm Cottages, Church Lane, Swarkestone, Derby DE7 1JB (sae please; sample magazine £1.00 stamps). Wanted — your old 8mm cine film of traction engine events, working engines, road runs, rallies. Genuine offer for good film by private collector, not trade. — Telephone S.J. Gray 0462-31848 with details. For sale — Tasker living wagon on steel wheels (ex W. Sussex CC); damaged roof and sides, repairable — Offers around £200. — Richard Harverson, Rusper, Sussex (a 0293 871267). £200 available — wanted 1 3/4 or 1% scale traction engine, non runner acceptable so long as it is complete and no structural damage. Please contact Len IT 01 488 1891 after 5pm, 52
For sale — Garrett spares: valve guide and bush, displacement lubricator top, cross head, clack box, slide valve, steering shaft top bracket, lifting links, die blocks. Other spares: big end brasses, 1 pair 3%in bore. 1 pair 336 in; Foster displacement lubricator; mechanical lubricator; gauge frame fittings; various gland brasses; wash out pump (brass); various steam valves, Kin injector; Fowler chimney base, 8%in bore x 13%in o.d., two more bases, 83Lin bore x 12in o.d. and 81%in bore x 13in o.d.; various valve guide bushes; die blocks; o.d., 11 tpi; 8 no ditto 29 no boiler stays 5%in long s 5in x %in, 12 tpi, 6 no ditto Sin; pump ram and gland 1 13A6in dia; drive pin 11in x 1%in; showmans tractor dynamo pulley, 2in bore x 7%in dia, 6%in wide (exc flanges); 1in Spirax steam trap. For further particulars contact Robert Millward, Castle Croft, 95 Stourbridge Road, Halesowen, West Midlands is 021 501 3190). For sale — Caterpillar R2 TVO tractor, immaculate condition, E1500. — tr 021-501-3190. Wanted — steam tractor or traction engine, any make and condition considered — v 021-501-3190. For sale — Aveling safety valve base plate, cylinder drain tap bridge, throttle linkage road, small fusible plug; pair cylinder drain relief valves — believed Clayton wagon; living van stove. — A.M. Black, 66 Lindisfarne Lane, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 2UL. (ir 0670 5111131. For sale — 'Richards Patent Steam Engine Indicator' in mahogany box, E200 ono. — A. Thompson, 12 Garden Terrace, Hexham, Northumberland (v 0434 605147 evenings). Portable or semi-portable engine wanted, no larger than 5hp, preferably in running order but not essential. — John Sawle, Beacon Cottage Farm, St Agnes, Cornwall (Tr 087 255 2347) Ransomes threshing machine and baler instruction books wanted plus other literature on same — John Sawle, address as above advert. Wanted — traction engine living van on rubbers, good price paid for good van. e 0935 79569. Wanted — front wheels, axle, perch bracket, badges for smokebox door, rubbers front and rear, suitable for 5hp Fowler tractor. v 0935 79569. Wanted — vintage tractors or spares, any condition, any make considered. — v 0935 79569. For sale — traction engine lamps, including matched pair in very good condition; various makers brass nameplates — all original; large brass Fowler whistle, steam launch siren and traction engine whistle fall complete with valves — all original; quantity new brass knuckles and some twisted brass; tube expanders etc. — v 0247 472304. Number plates — pressed aluminium, black background with silver letters. Send sketch with £13.50 for pair of plates, inc packing and postage. Cheque with order — B. Morton, 5 Cottisford Crescent, Great Linford, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK14 5HH 1/2 0908 677866). Wanted — Clayton & Shuttleworth traction engine wagon, any condition; also pneumatic rivet holder. Solomon, 30 Churchview Road, Tuckingmill, Camborne, Cornwall (yr Camborne 7131691. Wanted for Manzell lubricator (class XD), top glass sight feed rectangular dome, 2in x 1%in x 1%in high. Please v Stevenage (04381 813063 any day or evening except Monday/Wednesday. Wanted — sales catalogues, hard back books on tractors, earthmovers and ploughing engines; special interest in Caterpillar. Also good selection for sale or exchange. — Russell Jones, The Coach House, Hurley, Berkshire SL6 5NB (v 062 852 42371. Makers catalogues — reprints for sale: Aveling & Porter Rolling, 1907, £2.70. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies Engines & Threshing Machines, f1; Foden Wagons, 1904. £2.50: Foster Traction and Road Locos c1911, 1.80; Naylor of Hereford £1.50. Post free from Road Locomotive Society Sales, Foxgrove, Burnt Common Lane, Ripley, Surrey GU24 6HD. Wanted — for 1921 Marshall compound roller: flywheel, boiler clack valves, blowdown valve, simpling valve, mechlubricator, oilers and other related parts. v 0247 3757.
For sale - flywheel (flat) 3ft 6in diameter, 41/2 in rim to fit 4in shaft. Tr 02407 3757,
National Traction Engine Club (1984) Ltd
For sale - Apprenticeship in Steam (Hampshire), hardback and softback; RLS Journal May 1974; Aveling & Porter exhaust pipe casting D245, believed 8 ton compound piston valve, as new; Aveling rear axle brake bracket off tender side, fits most models; air start cylinder for oil engines, 15in dia x 48in long, new 1918, tested to 40001bs; one pair Thornycroft front wheels, 720mm x 120mm, solid rubbers, 2ft 9in overall dia; ex WD Scammell snatch block, as new; various new twist drills for engineers ratchet brace; front end loader foi Fordson Majoi tractor - sr Bishop Auckland 772578 aftr 6pm.
Mail Order
Wanted - Marshall traction engine Illustrated Wearing Parts Catalogue; Willcox semi-rotary hand operated water pump, size No 5, 1'/ in bsp in and outlets. - 12 Bishop Auckland 772578 after 6pm.
Many books, model kits and other items of interest to traction engine enthusiasts are available from the Sales section. Readers are urged to take advantage of this service (which also benefits Trust funds) for trouble free and economical postal shopping. Just tick the box for items you require and till in the address slip.
For sale - Marshall 8 ton diesel roller, fitted Ford D engine, 1441 hours only on clock, electric start, £1250; Aveling roller 2nd shaft complete with gears; Garrett tractor 2nd shaft with gears; Wallis & Steevens trailer front wheels; Foster trailer wheels on rubbers; Burrell 7hp copper chimney top; portable engine chimney; Penberthy 1/2 in injector; Lister 'Yin injector; 1in, %in, 1/2 in wheel valves and non return valves; new 1/2 in b.s.p. water gauge fittings; water lifter pipe rose; various drawbar pins; Sentinel superheater coil spacers; endplate for Sentinel pump; Sentinel knight figure; snatch blocks/chains; wire ropes. - L.J. Lambe, 84 Redditch Road, Stock Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs B60 4JR (a 0527 313981. For sale - postage extra or buyer collects: Steam in the Village (Whitehead) £5; Fairground Engines in Focus (Crawley) £5; Steam Traction Engines in Camera (Crawley) £6.50; Kaleidoscope of Traction Engines (Whitehead) £5; Traction Engines Worth Modelling (Hughes) £5; Steam Engines, Wagons and Rollers in Colour (Johnson) £2.50; Garretts of Leiston (Whitehead), soft, £6; Steam Rollers and Wagon of the Worcestershire C.C. (Ahead) £2.50; Burrell Showmans Road Locomotives (Lane), best offer; Steaming Special Showmans Engine issue, best offer - tr 0538 722379 (after 7pm).
Wanted - 3in or 4in scale model traction engine in full working order - Tr 0202 534201, Luke Nicholls.
For sale - heavy traversing screw jack; Worlds Fair about 10 years of back issues with rally reports; Fordson Major TVO gearbox, steering box and dash; dynamo by Fyfe Wilson & Co Ltd Glasgow, 34 amps at 1000 revs, believed c1910; Aveling 10 ton E type gears. Offers for above to A.J. Ross, 2 Bassett Close, Redbourn, St Albans, Herts AL3 7JY (sr 058 285 4453). For sale - R10 Aveling single cylinder spares: crankshaft with double gear wheel, front axle, two intermediate gear cases, two large boxes containing assorted items. £75 o.n.o. N.D. Buncombe, 12 Woodland Road, Weston-super-Mare, Avon BS23 4HF.
Wanted - for 1932 Fowler DNB 10 ton roller, wheel brake parts or drawings for patterns. - A. Henwood, Homestake, Summercourt, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 5ED (sr 0726 860923 evenings). Sentinel S- owners - there are now available the following castings: regulator body; cylinder head; bottom half to safety valve (boiler fitting half); water pump body. - H. Winterbottom, 484 Ripponden Road, Moorside, Oldham, Lancs 0L4 2LL (tr 061 678 0446). The Sentinel 1930-1980, - Volume 2 by A.R. and J.L. Thomas. This 320 page book with 153 illustrations still available. See book review in Spring 1988 issue of this magazine. Available from NTEC Sales or at £12.95 post free from Woodpecker Publications, Woodpecker Lodge, Barneshall Avenue, Worcester WR5 3EU
Road Roller Association for all interested in steam or motor rollers, road making machines, practices and history. Quarterly journal ROLLING. Subscription £7.00 per year. - Membership Secretary, Mrs Alison Arrowsmith, 7 Worcester Close, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 7SP.
TRACTION ENGINE READING New Iron Men of the Road (McTaggart) New Fairground Heritage (Wilkes) New The Great Nottingham Goose Fair New Roundabout Scotland (Showmans Guild,
£6.75 £8.50 £5.50 £4.50
Scottish Branch)
New Lincolnshire Steam in Camera (Bonnett) New Engine List (Steam Plough Club)
£8.25
Steam in My Family (Newton) Traction Engines and the Law (Tew)
£4.95 £2.25
£1.00
£2.75
non members Steam Engine Builders of Norfolk (Clark)
£17.95 £6.95 £9.95
Traction Engines (Morland) Steam on the Road (Gladwin)
£3.00
Aveling & Porter (Preston) Steam Power (Sawford) The Sentinel Volume 2 (Thomas)
£12.95
Fowler Steam Cultivation
£9.95 £11.00
Machinery 1900-1930 '
£12.95
non members
Steam Traction Engines in Camera (Crawley)
£12.95
now only £3.9b now only £3.95
Sentinel Diesel Lorries A Zoo on Wheels (Middlemiss)
A Parade of Steam Traction Engines, Vol 1
£1.95
Rally Scene, Vol 1
£1.95
Some Adventui es of Samson Cogg All the Fun of the Fair (Showmans Guild)
£3.96 £1.50
❑ ❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑
For sale - new set of gunmetal water gauges, 1/2 in bsp tapping; ditto (not new) suitable for larger boiler %in; two chrome plated drawbar pins; %in and 1in Penberthy injector; Whites type water lifters - L.J. Lambe, 84 Redditch Road, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR (sr 0527 31398).
ki
History of the Steam Plough Works (Lane) lower price Steam Threshing in the Cotswolds (Thexton) non members
£10.95 ❑ £6,25 ❑ £7.50 ❑
❑
Lincolnshire Built Engines
£2.50
The Big Box (McTaggart) Steam Rollers in Focus (Crawley)
£5.75 ❑ £9,95 ❑
Ploughing Engines in Focus (Crawley)
£9.95 ❑ 50p ❑ £2.50 ❑
Memories of St. Giles Fair Traction Engine Register A Little and Often (Edmonds) A Wager for Ale (Edmonds) Pioneers of Heavy Haulage (McTaggart) Traction Engines in Close Up (Sawford) Fairground Art Traction Engines Past and Present (Beaumont) Trucks in Britain - Articulated Lorries (Wright) Steaming binders
£4,95 ❑ £4.95 ❑ £5.75 ❑
❑ ❑ £4.95 ❑
£4,95 £29.95
£5.95 ❑ £3.95 ❑
continued overleaf
For sale - Savage No 3 type organ engine No. 874, fully restored but no governor (suitable one available); brass smokebox door plates for Garrett - one curved, one big G. (a 0484 (Huddersfield) 602360 evenings.
KITS FOR MODELMAKERS Wills Finecast ( 34th scale) Living Van
£49.95 ❑
Agricultural Engine
£64.95 ❑
Road Engine
£67.95 ❑ £72.95 ❑ £77.60 ❑
Showmans Engine Aveling & Porter roller
£77.60 ❑
Foden steam wagon water cart
£13.80 ❑ £2.50 ❑
man
£8.45 ❑
model tool kit
4mm White metal NTET Allchin engine
£3.50 ❑
non-members
£4.95 ❑
Other kits (plastic) £6.95 ❑ £8.95 ❑
Ferris wheel, 1:87 scale Carousel, 1:87 scale
Also other fairground model kits and white metal kits tel 0527 575003 for details and availability. Mamod and Wileso models and kits with 10% discount to members on makers recommended prices, also spare parts available. Telephone as above for details.
CLUB ITEMS: tall with NTEC logo and/or lettering) Ties, maroon with white logo (for members only) £2.50 ❑
T Shirts, navy blue with white logo, 'Engine drivers do it Under Pressure' £5.00 ❑
Sizes XL and XXL only
Sweat Shirts, navy blue with NTET logo Sizes XL and XXL only
£13.50 ❑ £15.00 ❑
(non members)
Special NTET badges, all priced at 95p each Showmans QUO VADIS Showmans SUPREME
❑ Tractor VILLAGE QUEEN ❑ ❑ Crane engine ❑
Showmans EVENING STAR ❑ Showmans VICTORY Showmans LIGHTNING ❑ Whites Gavoli Organ Tapestry kits PRIDE OF ENGLAND
❑ ❑
£25.95 ❑ £25.95 ❑
Embroidery kit, Fairground
To claim post-free for UK members please enclose current membership card. Non-members please enclose £2.50 postage per order. Overseas members please enclose £4.00 postage per order. PO/Cheques (in sterling please) to be made payable to: National Traction Engine Club (19841 Ltd Orders to be sent to:
NTEC Sales, 138 Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4DZ Please allow 28 days for delivery. Name
For sale •- living van coal fired range made by Callas & Son and May, Reading, good condition, £200. ALSO two old cement mixers powered by Lister D type, £75 or £100. - Phil Cherry, address as above. For sale - matching pair, voltmeter and ammeter, circular scale, 7in dia, 0-150 amps DC, vintage appearance, complete with shunt etc, suit small showmans engine, £40 pair. Heavy vertical single cyl piston valve engine, 3ft 6in high, approx 5in bore/stroke, ex German ship reciprocating pump, some parts missing but easily restorable, £30. Hayward Tyler duplex boiler feed pump, 3in x 3in x 1'/ in, £45. Lister D engine, complete, unrestored, £25. - Ian Woollett, 17 0442 (Hemel Hempstead) 833284. For sale - scale agricultural steam portable engine, rallied throughout rally seasons. - R.W. Johnson, Church Farm Bungalow, Sausthorpe, Spilsby, Lincs PE23 4JN (s. 0790 53247). For sale - 50 older traction engine books and Steemings from Vol 10 onwards. SAE for list please - Doug Roseaman, 101 Westbrook, Bromham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2EE. Wanted - any parts, castings or fittings suitable for Fowler 12hp single ploughing engine number 1908 of 1873. Also interested in any photos of this engine, or its later partner Fowler 2299, to either buy or borrow for copying. Details of parts, condition and price to A, Rogeis, 3 Kiikstall Di ive, Bei nuldswiuk, Colne, Lancs BB8 6EZ. For sale - 8 ton Aveling eccentric strap for water pump; 24in firebars, used but as new; solid fuel stove, ideal for living van; Marshall 6hp water pump casting; pair Stephenson links with die blocks for Marshall compound. 8 0295 710905 evenings. For sale - four dropsides, one tailboard made for Sentinel wagon, softwood frames, ash t and g inserts, reasonable order, two drops 90in x 16 1/2 in x 1 3%in; two 80in x 16Y in; tailboard 80in x 18in x 1 Nin, £35 each. - Winterbottom, 484 Ripponden Road, Moorside, Oldham, Lancs OL4 2LL (Tr 061 678 0446). For sale - Roxton Park 21st rally programme, 50p each inc postage. 1985-1988 Roxton Park rally plaques, £2.00 each inc postage. - Brian Sharp, 17 Castle Croft, Stotfold, Hitchin, Harts SG5 4BZ. Wanted - for Aveling 10 ton E type roller: any water sprayer pipework, Aveling whistle, grease lubricators for wheels, steel short canopy or just the framework, complete driving gear train, rolling gear pinion. Also Aveling living van either restored or one needing attention. - R.A. Gouldby, 25 Kirkley St. Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 OLU Or 0502 573930) For sale - 31 assorted copies of Steaming, between Vols 7 and 22. SAE for list. Wanted - January 1958 issue and Vol 18 No 1. - B, Johnson, 2 Ivy Lane, Westergate, Chichester, Sussex. The Robey Trust - for all interested in the history and products of Robey of Lincoln 1854-1988. Subscription £5, brings magazine published termly. The Trust exists to restore Robey machinery of all types and to collect information on all aspects of the firm. Registered educational charity. - Dave Davies (chairman),9 Churchill Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 9BU 010822 6159601. Required - any Robey literature, catalogues, photographs or drawings either to purchase or to copy for archive. Also personal memories or knowledge relating to Robeys of Lincoln. - Address as above advert.
Address
Membership No
Wanted - does anyone know where I can buy Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies shield transfers for boiler barrel? - Phil Cherry, Tower Lodge, Boarstall, near Brill, Bucks HP18 9UX (s. 0844 238073).
Amount Enclosed List 17, Winter 1989/90
Wanted - do you have some duplicates or an entire collection you would like to sell? I am interested in good quality sales catalogues, magazines and hard back books on farm tractor, traction engines, steam wagons and construction equipment. - Russell Jones, The Coach House, Hurley, Berkshire SL6 5NB 01062 882 42371.
Gauge glasses — many sizes available. Send for list. — Ray Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln (Tel 0522-6824061.
Wanted — valve chest cover for Aveling & Porter R10 roller. Also Marshall Mettle magazines. — Alan Hirst, Barnby Hall, Cawthorne, near Barnsley, Yorkshire.
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 0522-6824061.
Leyland steam wagon — any parts wanted, however decrepit; please help if you can, or know of any bits. Brochures, technical information etc also wanted and Leyland solid tyred wheels for petrol vehicles, tyres on bands (sizes 720, 771 and 850), parts for RAF types or earlier models c1908-1929. — M. Sutcliffe, 19 Woodland Rise, Studham, Beds LU6 2PF Is 01 204 3393 day or 0582 87321 home).
Holman air compressor for sale, 1949 model T18D, Dorman 3DL diesel engines, 120cfm at 100 psi, weighs 214 tons on four road wheels. Only needs servicing to run. — Northern Mill Engine Society, c/o John Philip, Tr 02572 65003 (Charley, Lancs). Wanted — loco type steam boiler (as portable but with no motion or cylinders) overall length about 10-11 feet, boiler 2ft 10in — 3ft dia, Robey or Foster preferred, — J. Schofield, Retford (ir 0777 702872 evenings). Wanted — for Fowler R3 class showmans — dynamo, Maudsley or Mather & Platt preferred. Also chime whistle, brass canopy supports, solid rubber tyres, name plates for smokebox door, Fowler chimney top. Also Foster or Garrett 4CD showmans tractor, condition immaterial, top cash paid: Please write R. Newton, 33 Thesiger St., Lincoln LN5 7UW. For sale — Marshall road roller, new firebox, tubeplate, tubes, painted and lined 1989, new certificate, immaculate condition, photo available, £10,000. — R. Newton, 33 Thesiger St., Lincoln LN5 7UW. American exhibits required for Town & Country Festival, Stoneleigh, on late summer Bank Holiday, 25-27 August — preferably large steam, diesel and petrol driven transport. Any other items suitable for large outdoor event. — Town & Country Festival, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warks CV8 2LZ. Wanted — steam tractor, traction or road loco, anything considered. — v 0935 76569 evenings. Foden spares — can you help please? I need high pressure lubricator, a steering wheel, a double acting boiler feed pump and loan of spare parts book for 6 wheeler wagon. — •zr 063 876 8143. Continental Traction Engine Listing — details required now of engines on the Continent for publication in limited circulation compilation to be produced mid 1990. Please send to John Toy, 41 Himley Green, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 7PY. For sale — rare Aveling-Barford 3 wheel dumper; single cyl. JAP engine for restoration, c 1948; fully restored BSA Bantam 1969; Worthington & Simpson(?) steam pump; new cyl head for Perkins L4, Offers to — tr 0228 76 474. For sale — 1922 Aveling & Porter steam roller, E type 10235 (N04558) fully restored including new firebox etc 1984, complete with partially restored Bomford & Evershed living van and Baker 200 gallon water cart, many other extras, photo on page 206 of last issue. Further details — B. Bertram v 0332 660592. For sale — Fowler type water cart, shotblasted and painted. Offers to D.S. Marston, ir 0638 713801.
Gas lamps — four needed for interior saloon of 1908 bus body, preferably Ross Patent with pineapple shaped glass globes. Also glass reflectors for acetylene headlamps. — M. Sutcliffe, address as above advert, Late 1920s/30s Dyson 4 ton drawbar trailer, 16ft bed, on 750 x 20 tyres„ with period lift off container, 1 5ft long, heiringlione timber panelling £1500, Possibility of second container. — M. Suiciiffe, address as SIJUVU advert. Gardner 5LW — early model, late 30s, complete and turns over freely, £300. — M. Sutcliffe, address as above advert. Wanted — large model or small full size open crank stationary steam engine, 2in to 4in bore. Any old books or catalogues on same. Table or beam engine 214in to 6in bore. Hot air engine, Robinson or w.h.y.? Baby portable 1 to 211p, Tuxford/Brown & May nr similar, restorable or restored, must have sound boiler shell. — 0483 225132 evenings. Wanted — wheels for large traction wagon, ALSO trolley suitable for mounting stone crusher. ALSO any interesting road wagon, pantechnicon, condition immaterial. Come on lads — don't be mean, they're out there somewhere! Please a 0392 73863 day; 0392 833508 evenings, reverse charge. Wanted — %inch Premier injector, complete or just body. J. & D. Walker Is. 0208 850 135. For sale — authentically shaped two piece spun copper chimney tops for Garrett 4CD tractors at a reasonable price. Details R. Payne, 31 Newton Road, Geddington, near Kettering, Northants NN14 1AU.
Racing at Brooklands This cartoon, by F. Gordon Crosby, appeared in The Autocar for 7th July 1913. Its caption read 'As an anticlimax to the high speeds which are being attained at Brooklands, it has been suggested that a steam roller race be held... this would not only serve the purpose of providing a fresh attraction, but also of rolling the track. Excellent suggestion, no doubt, but no such attraction is required at Brooklands, and we are afraid that to roll a cement skin on a sand foundation would be about as useful as applying a rolling pin to a baked pie.' (courtesy David Franklin)
For sale — wire ropes, %in dia, 400ft long, good condition, £30 each — lx 0425 619884 evenings. For sale — steering wheels for Marshall model M tractor, cast aluminium, £65 each. Steering box, internal gears, worm/wheel for Marshall M. — a 0425 619884 evenings. For sale — Bull Motors Ltd, 10hp, 86 amps, 100v at 1200 revs; large generator, would fit showmans engine, 230v at 750 revs, £300 for the two, owner retired and selling out. — A.W. Ogston, Freshfields, Strathview Road, Kirriemuir, Scotland DD8 5BZ (13. 0575 724371. Steam Plough Club — for all interested in steam cultivation, offering regular newsletter, events, visits, history and technical advice. Subscription £8.00 per year, OAP's £2.00 — John Billard, Old Station House, Twyford, Berkshire RG10 9NA. 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 Bi!lard, Steam Plough Club, Old Station House, Twyford, Reading, Berkshire RG10 9NA. 55
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