ISSN 0260 - 2962
Vol 33 No 4 Autumn 1990
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.
Acting 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 8UL.
The annual subscription is £12.00 for individuals, £14.00 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).
General Secretary: Mrs Sylvia Dudley, 12 Hillway, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL. Membership Secretary: J.R. Cook, 25 Ripon Drive, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 8UF. 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. Chairman, Engine Owners Sub-Committee: M.O. Davies, Hill Farm, Avon Dassett, near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV33 OAA. Chairman, Steam Apprentice Club: R.T. Herring, Glebe Court, Stoke Lyne Road, Fringford, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX6 9RJ. National Sales Officer: K.D. Shakespeare, 138 Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4DZ. Insurance Officer: R.J. Blenkinsop, Cornerstones, Church Lane, Claydon, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 1EW.
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The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust
Volume 33 Number 4
Autumn 1990 Editor: Roger West, 14 Charles Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9AB Assistant Editor: Derek Rayner, 'Invicta', 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York YO2 Display Advertising: to the Editor Small Ads to the Editor
Editorial The 1990 rally season has drawn to its conclusion, leaving us with only a scattering of those less formal end of season steam ups, around which to finish off our steaming year. For some, a close season will follow, though many engine owners and their crews or workshop helpers will doubtless have much work to be done on their engines — more restoration on already rallied machines or maybe finishing off something fresh for next year's events. But for those who may have a few hours to spare on occasion and wish to retain year-round contact with the traction engine hobby, opportunities do exist to become more involved. The running of the Trust depends on volunteer labour by a relatively small group of people. Further hands would undoubtedly make the work lighter or perhaps more to the point — enable a wider spread of services to be offered to all members. Advertisements for additional help will be included in the magazine in the new year and members are urged to give some thought as to whether they may be of help to the Trust and their fellow em.husiasis in some way.
Distribution and Change of Address: John Cook, 25 Ripon Drive, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 8UF The Editor is pleased to consider contributions of suitable articles, shorter items or photographs for inclusion in future issues. All material submitted ib 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.
This issue 164 169 176 179 180 182 186 188 204 205 210 212
Trust News Dan Howie, North Staffordshire Engineman South African Museum Reports Edmonds on Engines Speed Six Update 2 Steam Down Under McLarens in Denbighshire Steaming Around, compiled by Derek Rayner Around the World Letters Books, New Members Small Adverts
Allan Baker Bob. Oram Chris Edmonds Richard Parkinson John Toy
Next issue: The press date for any news items, recent photographs and small advertisements is 23rd November 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. Tel: (0533) 769921
Cover Super Sentinel tractor 6504 of 1926 and matching trailer add to the street scene on arrival at Brighton after a successful run from London in this year's Historic Commercial Vehicle Society's event. (A. Swain) 163
Trust News From the Chairman The rally season is drawing to a close and it is perhaps opportune to consider what has been achieved over the last few months. Many owners have brought their engines and other equipment to the rallies and in so doing have given a great deal of pleasure to very many people including, no doubt, themselves. I am sure that engine owners regard a rally as a social occasion and an opportunity to meet with fellow owners and to enjoy their company. One aspect of rally activity as far as the Trust is concerned is the Sales Stand (actually there is more than one). They have attended many events up and down the country and are most ably organised by our seemingly inexhaustable National Sales Officer Keith Shakespeare, assisted by his wife Tracy. Their efforts reach a peak at the Great Dorset Steam Fair where most of the stands and standholders combine to provide a quite remarkable display for sale of books and other items of general interest with a 'traction engine' appeal. I was privileged to be present at Stourpaine this year and found the experience to be quite impressive with Sales starting quite early in the day and continuing until late in the evening. I understand record sales figures were achieved — well done and congratulations to all those involved.
Another aspect of rally field activity which particularly interests us is the provision by the Trust of a hospitality tent for Trust members where they can come to sit down (hopefully) and enjoy each others company; usually tea or coffee is provided free to members. These hospitality areas are normally adjacent to the Sales Stand. Although only on a limited basis at present, they may well be something we shall develop in future years. Sylvia Dudley has been much involved with this and it has been well received by members. (Eric Fillmore, chairman)
Rally Organisation Rally Sub-committee I am starting writing these notes early in September, sitting in the sun as it shines on the Fowler Z7s engaged at ploughing at Waddesdon Steam Working; I thus find it difficult to think 'about the coming winter and to reflect on the rally season drawing to a close. Surely, this year, no one's rally was washed out? For 1990 seventy eight rallies and events applied to operate under the Code of Practice for Approved Rallies; I am pleased to record that the number
of untoward incidents occuring at rallies, is reported as down on previous years. We must remain vigilant and enthusiastic about maintaining our safety record. The Rally sub-Committee has been active in its visits to rallies this year and has been able to assist organisers with several points. This column is my opportunity to thank the members of my Committee for their work, especially Ron Copp, who co-ordinates. the approvals scheme and undertakes the not inconsiderable amount of correspondence it generates. To obtain maximum publicity for approved rallies in 1991 we need to prepare the first edition of the Rally List before Christmas, so please, Rally Organisers, send us your applications for approved status as quickly as possible. The Autumn Conference will be held at the Midland Hotel, Birmingham on 17th November 1990 (see display advertisement elsewhere and Future Dates column). I see this meeting as an opportunity for us all to meet and to 'debrief' on the summer's activities, and thus to yield ideas for improvement for 1991 rallies. I look forward to seeing as many people as possible at the Conference, the agenda this year has as its special topic 'Rally Insurance'; but equally important is the time available for delegates to discuss items they may collectively raise on the day. (Andrew Semple, chairman, Rally subCommittee)
The National Traction Engine Trust's
1990 AGM will be held at 2.00pm on SATURDAY, 24th NOVEMBER 1990 at
The Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mill, Leeds Please refer to the formal notice in the centre of this issue for details of agenda etc, and to the Future Dates column for notes on the other arrangements that have been made for the day.
164
Engine Owners Column Engine Owners sub-Committee The Engine Owners sub-Committee held a meeting at the Waddesdon Rally early in September. Barnaby Newton, a member of the committee for some time, unfortunately feels unable to continue due to other commitments; his place is now taken by Bob Back of Norwich. Bob now holds the Register of Suppliers and I will be pleased to pass to him enquiries from engine
From Alan Martin's Collection
50
number of words per issue will therefore be 75, excluding name, address, etc.
Obituaries Harry Pitts The death has occurred of Harry Pitts of Carterton, Oxford. His father was the driver and in charge of the pair of Burrell ploughing engines now in the care of the museum at Stowmarket, Suffolk. These were brought by train to Bampton, Oxford during World War 1; Harry was the go-for and tea boy and helped look after the engines until they were laid up in a lane near Bampton station in 1925. In more recent years he followed many rallies, and as a modeller took along his Wantage engine and threshing set, made in 1933, to many events. (The Pitts Family)
Perhaps at first glance some readers might wonder if this photograph was taken at one of the recent Stourpaine gatherings. Not so, for it was near Redbrook, Gloucestershire in may 1938, when the River Wye Catchment Board owned a pair of 16hp compound McLaren ploughing engines 1552 and 1553 of 1918 (BD5504 and 5505) which were used for dredging. Whilst 1552 has been at Stourpaine several times, the engine shown here is 1553 which alas is no longer with us. owners for information contained within the list. Among other subjects discussed was the proposed weekend Engine Driving Course, which we hope to hold in late April or early May 1991, at a location somewhere in the midlands. More details will be available in the next issue of the magazine. (Michael Davies, chairman, Engine Owners subCommittee)
members and friends by Paul Bonsey; Paul and Jean Green and the Harrison family; and Brian Wells and his family kindly provided electrical power and general assistance. Thanks are also due to other members or friends who helped at odd moments when something needed doing quickly, and to our new Membership Secretary John Cook, his wife Sue and their two young sons who were thrown in at the deep end and had long days recording renewals, but who were also rewarded by the large number of new memberships.
The Great Dorset Steam Fair The annual gathering on the Dorset slopes, probably more than any other rally, demands extra stamina from visitors and exhibitors alike. We hope therefore that it will not be considered invidious on this occasion to mention by name those who helped in the Trust's Sales marquee and hospitality area. The year round Sales team and various Committee members were further assisted by Jeff Armit, Geoff Barnett, Martin Craig, Simon Duffill, Tony Flowers and the Newbery family; tea and coffee was dispensed to
Small Adverts Members submitting small advertisements for inclusion in the magazine are asked to ensure they comply with the revised conditions for free adverts that were set down on page 117 of the last issue. However, experience has proved that the new limit of 50 words is perhaps too restrictive bearing in mind the large number of short figures and dimensions necessary to describe some articles and the maximum
Bernard Ruff It is with great sadness that I write in fond memory of my friend and colleague Bernard Ruff, who served the Chiltern Traction Engine Club as Chairman so faithfully for twenty-one years. Having grown up with him and later worked together for nearly half a century I have a deep appreciation of Bernard who was a very special person. In common with his brothers and sisters he inherited some extraordinary gifts from his parents. His father, George, who worked in our family business for over forty years, handed down to him many skills and fine personal qualities among which was the ability to innovate and troubleshoot to an extent completely outside and beyond the scope of most of us. He had the knack of getting the best out of people and of getting things done. The word problem was not in his vocabulary. To him every new situation, however impossible it appeared, was a challenge to be overcome. To the steam preservation movement he was a source of strength and inspiration. Engine owners from a wide area beat a path to his door and invariably he was able to help in some way, whether their needs involved a new firebox, a broken axle or merely a piece of steam jointing. Everyone received a welcome and a word of encouragement. In wartime he served with distinction throughout the North African campaign, the landings in 165
Italy, Monte Cassino, and military actions to the North. As a Royal Engineer he was involved with the clearing of mine fields and other hazardous occupations. He worked on the development of the flail device fitted to tanks for mine clearing and was away from England for over five years. His sense of humour was contagious and his fund of stories and anecdotes endless. His passing is a grievous loss and he is greatly missed. Our sympathy goes out to his wife Molly, his sons Tony and Peter as well as his daughter Diana. (John Boughton)
Ted Sansome I regret to record the death in August of John Edward Sansome of Hinckley, Leicestershire. From boyhood, Ted was always interested in steam engines. Indeed, one of his earliest recollections was of being told off by his teacher for not paying attention to lessons whilst gazing out of the window at the Hinckley Council steam roller, busy outside the school. On leaving school, Ted soon found employment as a driver's mate on a Sentinel wagon, possibly where he first encountered the road transport industry that was to play such a great part in his later life. Soon young Ted
was lured by the fascination of steam to the LMS Railway, first as a cleaner at Nuneaton loco sheds, and then later as a fireman, which took him for a while to Camden, London. During this period he gained the experiences that enabled him later to tell enthralling tales about life on the footplate.
According to Ted, there was no better thrill on earth than to 'steam up Shap on a Lizzie'. Returning to Nuneaton shed after about two years he then fired locos on goods trains, one of which nearly preyed to be his undoing n.vhcn it WOG caught in the Coventry blitz, the loco being blown sky high. Fortunately Ted and his driver were sheltering in a culvert under the line and escaped with their lives. Shortly after, Ted left the railway and joined the Royal Engineers, who promptly dispatched him to Longmoor Military Railway so that he could learn how to fire a locomotive. His tour of duty in the Army took
him to Italy where it seems young Sansome did his best to modify the Milan Tramway system. The tale has it that when Sapper Sansome and some of his mates hurriedly disposed of some black market petrol by pouring it down a drain, futtlier down the road someone threw a lighted cigarette into
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the gutter. The ensuing explosion blew off several man-hole covers, derailing a tram in the process! On leaving the Army Ted joined the road transport industry working for several local firms, and even running his own transport business for a while. In 1964 Ted bought Fowler traction engine 12761 of 1911 as a birthday present for Elsa, his wife, after whom the engine is named. There then followed many enjoyable years of steam rallying with the Fowler, during which time Ted attracted quite a band of follow.... over the yeais engines belonging to friends arrived at Ted's yard at Sketchley, near Hinckley. In time Ted became somewhat of a father-figure to young enginemen who had just acquired engines of their own. Always helpful, always willing to listen and give advice, Ted could usually be relied upon to find the answer to seemingly insurmountable problems, mostly in an unorthodox manner that would leave better educated men dumbfounded! Ted will be sadly missed by his many friends and the steam preservation movement will be the poorer for his passing. (Dave Corbett)
Len Youd A member of the Trust for many years, Len Youd of Backwcll near Bristol died recently at the age of 70. Len had driven steam rollers for the local firm of Joseph Coles & Sons, a quarrying and contracting company. The first was an 8 ton Burrell 3956, used a lot around the Bi islol area for road making. During the late 1950s the firm sold the roller for preservation to Denis Chappell of West Buckland; Len was often called upon to drive at rallies for the new owner. The replacement roller with Coles was the 1948 built Aveling-Barford AH162, purchased new by the Great Western Railway. This Len worked until it, too, was sold for preservation to Charles Gregory at Camborne in Cornwall. Len Youd never lost his love for steam and was often seen at rallies with his wife and daughter, reminiscing about 'the old days'.
(Jean
The Charles Burrell Museum Once again Charles Burrell's paint shop in Minstergate, Thetford has been full of the smells of fresh paint as the work of preparing the new Museum gets under way. The building
This is to be at Keen House, Calshot Street, off Pentonville Road, London N1. Public transport to the Kings Cross area is, of course, quite good and Calshot Street is some 500 yards east of the main line and tube stations, up the Pentonville Road hill and the fifth street on the left. Keen House is a small somewhat plain building on the right hand side of Calshot Street, adjacent to the wine bar on the corner. There is, alas, no bar at Keen House, but tea and coffee are available. Meetings will now be held on the first Wednesday of each month, at the usual time of 8.00pm, with the room available from 7.30pm. It is hoped members will continue to support our speakers in the enthusiastic way they have done in the past. For the first three dates in our calendar, the following programme has been arranged:
The embryo Burrell museum at Thetford in July. The company's later paintshop — the large glazed timber doors and top lights to the right would have provided the necessary good lighting — has now had the exhibition gallery and access staircases erected across the back of the floor space; the area under will provide space for various set pieces illustrating the history of the Thetford firm. The invited engine owners and friends are inspecting various recent acquisitions. Smaller items of Burrell manufacture or usage are sought by the Museum Trustees for future exhibition. (Roger West) work has been completed including a new entrance and administration area at the west end of the site. Through the generosity of local businessman Paul Rackham, a steel viewing and display gallery, 90 feet long and 12 feet wide with staircase at either end, has been erected within the south side of the building. In the bays underneath the gallery mock-ups of the different workshops once found in the Burrell works will be created.
Engine owners attending the Weeting Rally in July were given the opportunity to see the progress made and meet the Museum Trustees and Friends, and a large number of interested enthusiasts were impressed by the work done and the beginning of the collection of smaller artefacts — recent acquisitions have been machine tools from the former Burrell works, discovered at Isaac Ball's premises in Lancashire. Later it is planned to hold a number of public open days, though the official opening of the museum is provisionally planned for Easter 1991. (David Osborne/Roger West)
WEDNESDAY, 3rd October 1990 — The traditional opener for each season of Members Slides, for which a projector and screen are provided. Another largely sun-soaked rally season should have provided plenty of opportunity for the photographers among our members to secure a host of superb engine pictures — bring some along! WEDNESDAY, 7th November 1990 — Arthur Bullman will be presenting a programme of video films on the Barleylands rallies, and other events. WEDNESDAY, 3rd December 1990 — 'Steam in the Village' — a illustrated talk by Peter Love with Fred Creasy, steam thresherman. The meetings for 1991 will be announced in the Winter issue, but please note that, due to the proximity of the New Year holiday, there will not be a January meeting. (Bill Timmings, London meetings organiser)
Remember...
Autumn Conference for Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs SATURDAY 17th NOVEMBER 1990 The Midland Hotel, New Street, Birmingham See Future Dates column for further details
Future Dates London Area Social Meetings The 1990/91 season of social meetings in London will commence in October, and all members, potential members and interested visitors will be welcome to attend one or all of the evening talks or slide shows which have been arranged for the Trust by Bill Timmings. As announced in our Spring 1990 issue, the closure to business of the previous venue made it necessary for us to seek out a new meeting place.
Autumn Conferences of Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs In response to requests from the Spring meeting, the 1990 Autumn Conference of Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs will take place at the Midland Hotel, New Street, Birmingham on Saturday 17th November 1990 at 11.00 am, with coffee and biscuits available from 10.30. Tea will be served at the conclusion of business at 4.30pm but lunch-time catering has not been booked as it is felt the last occasion was poor value for money. Numerous restaurants etc 167
are within a few minutes walk of our venue, as well as, of course, the Midland Hotel's own bars and restaurants. Invitations and formal notices will be sent to regular attenders in the usual way, but newcomers are always welcome to these interesting gatherings — please contact Rally subCommittee chairman Andrew Semple if further details are needed. Brief details of the discussions planned for the day are mentioned by Andrew in his column. Car parking in central Birmingham on Saturday is sometimes difficult and partirigaritc travelling by road from the east and south may find using Birmingham International railway station (National Exhibition Centre) as a park and ride facility to be economical and time saving — it is 5 minutes walk from New Street station to the hotel.
the left, Viaduct Road. Car parking is available. Members travelling by rail to Leeds should walk to City Square for a number 5, 5A or 11 bus, alighting at Viaduct Road for the few minutes walk to Armley Mill. To facilitate the task of the Membership Secretary and others during the course of the day, members are asked that they pay particular attention to having their Trust membership cards with them.
'The municipality of Barcelona is acquiring a steam roller and road scraper at the estimated cost of 25000 pesetas (about £8591.' (from The Worlds Carriers, March 1906.)
Poor Steaming In days gone by most enginemen had tips to pass on (or to keep to themselves!) on how to cure an engine of poor steaming, but proper diligence before printing would seem the best advice that could be offered to the Editor when it comes to errors and omissions in our magazine. The Editor therefore apologises to the Chairman for poorly proofreading the opening paragraph of his column in the last issue — Eric Fillmore was regarding 1990 as a year of consolidation, not rnnqr,intjnn as rinted The heading illustration to the article Pudsey's Public Pride in the last issue was incorrectly credited — the picture was, in fact, kindly made available from the collection of Martin I lallows.
AGM 1990 The 1990 Annual General Meeting of the Trust will take place on Saturday, 24th November 1990 at 2pm at Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mill, Canal Road, Leeds. Formal notice of the meeting, the agenda, and the Annual Report and Accounts will be distributed with this issue of the magazine. We are grateful to our local affiliated club, the Leeds & District Traction Engine Club, for acting as hosts on our visit to Leeds and for having undertaken various local arrangements on our behalf. The Leeds Industrial Museum is open from 10am until 6pm. It is a restored nineteenth century water powered textile mill with working machinery, and now additionally possesses a large collection of Leedsbuilt industrial archaeology including Fowler steam and petrol ploughing engines, narrow gauge railway locos and much else that will be of interest to members. Coffee is to be provided by the Leeds club at 11am and it is hoped to have some museum and visiting engines running during the morning. The museum does not have lunch time refreshment facilities available, but members should find suitable sustenance at nearby local pubs. During the course of the meeting several of the Trust's trophies will be presented. The Museum is easily approached by road from the main routes around Leeds city centre — the M1, M621 and the inner ring road. Follow 'A65 Ilkley, Airport' signs from the city centre for about one mile to crossroads and traffic lights just before the railway viaduct ahead. The Museum is signposted from here to 168
OUR MAGAZINE 25 YEARS AGO
The final issue of 1965 was a Rally Issue, with little other content, but extensive write-ups of that season's events, most reports providing a list of all the engines at that particular rally. The names of several rallies will be remembered with affection 25 years on, and the large number of engines appearing is perhaps surprising — Andover with 31; Gaddesden Row, 34; Great Wymondley had 35; Hykeham 42 and the same number at
Woburn. Other rallies mentioned and which still appear on the calendar were Birmingham Newhall Street, Rempstone and the West of England club's. Devon County Council had decided to sell a batch of redundant steam rollers — the first disposals for several years. The eleven engines (a further 22 were to remain on the books) comprised one Wallis, a Marshall and nine Avelings, many of the latter robbed of parts. Fowler showmans KITCHENER of The Iron Maiden film fame had passed from the ownership of John Crawley to George Hawkins in Cornwall, where 'three very keen young men', the brothers Daniel and R.J. Gunn, had purchased McLaren plougher 1552 for themselves.
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Dan Howle NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE ENGINEMAN Dan Howie, about 1960. (author's collection)
Allan C. Baker On 2nd April last, the death occurred at the Bucknall Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, of an extremely well known and much respected north Staffordshire gentleman, Dan Howle, at the advanced age of 94 years (see short obituary in our Summer 1990 issue). The funeral took place on the following Friday, 6th April, at Chesterton. Dan was a native of the nearby village of Red Street, where he had lived all his life, latterly at the Farm House Rest Home, in the village that he loved so much. Richard Daniel Howle, JP (Dan to all his many friends and associates), had been a 'steam' man for much of his life, and one of the protagonists and the first Chairman of the North Staffordshire & Cheshire Traction Engine Club on its inception in 1959. He was untiring in his support of that club, especially in its difficult formative years, and such efforts were his hallmark in anything, and everything, he ever turned his hand to. Dan was born in October 1895, the eldest son of Richard and Mary Anne Howle (nee Baskeyfield) who, at that time, had recently become landlord and landlady of the Wheatsheaf Hotel, in Red Street, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme in north Staf-
fordshire. There were three younger brothers and two sisters, Annie Rosalind being the youngest child of all, sadly dying of toxaemia, at the age of but 23, in August 1931. Richard Howle senior was born in 1868, and originally worked 'down the pit', to use a local phrase, being employed at the nearby Diglake Colliery in Audley. He was so employed at the time of the infamous Diglake Colliery disaster, when on 14th January 1895, at 11.40am, the men working in the Ten Foot seam were suddenly engulfed by an enormous volume of previously trapped underground water, believed to be from some abandoned workings above. No less than 75 men and boys were missing when the final count was taken at 5pm, but the cruelest thing of this disaster, even now talked about with reverence in a locality that saw so many lives lost in mining incidents, was a conclusion reached at the time — that many of those missing would have been marooned, having found their way above the rising water, but trapped from an escape route. Valiant efforts by the rescue teams failed to reach them. Thirtyeight years later, in August 1933 and long after the pit had closed, miners from the adjacent Rookery Colliery broke through into the old Diglake Ten Foot workings, and there they
discovered three bodies. It became apparent on examination that these men had died, as suspected, from asphyxiation rather than drowning, and it was then decided to leave the remaining 70 bodies entombed and undisturbed where they had died and there their mortal remains lie, to this day. Richard Howle was one of the lucky ones, for 240 men and boys were down the shaft at the time. It was this, the culmination of many bitter experiences, that led him to abandon coal mining, and take on the tenancy of the Wheatsheaf, one of four hostelries in Red Street.lt was in the same year of 1895, that he married, bought a horse and cart, and commenced another business as haulage contractor, principally hauling the black diamonds from pits to the local markets. The business soon expanded, so that by 1905 no less than 19 horses were employed, together with seven carts and vans. The horses were stabled both at the Wheatsheaf, which was at the extreme northern end of the village, and at a second set of stables behind the Anchor Inn, towards the centre of the village and on the opposite, east, side of the road. Red Street lies at the top of Crackley Bank, on a ridge of high 169
ground that generally separates Audley, and its coalfield, from the Chatterley Valley, being roughly midway between Chesterton and Talke Pits; all three very much mining communities. Red Street was a typical North Staffordshire mining village, and somewhat of a frontier between those similar villages of the Pottery, Biddulph Valley, and Audley coalfields; each with its own noticeably distinctive version of the local dialect. Red Street grew up around the local coal mining industry, and is today but a shadow of its former self, much demolition having taken place, with all too few new buildings rising instead. Of the four pubs, only the Crown remains to remind us of the colliers' watering holes. It was here, incidentally, that for many years, the North Staffordshire & Cheshire Traction Engine Club held its monthly meetings. The other pub was The Jolly Potter, at the top of Bells Hollow and both it and the Wheatsheaf have now been demolished; the Anchor is a private dwelling. When Dan left school he joined his father's business, as did his brothers after him. The amount of work was steadily growing, with furniture removal and other longer hauls largely taking over from the dirty business of local coal hauls. In 1912, a decision was token to branch out into the expanding sphere of steam haulage, Dan egging his father on, and an order was placed with the nearby firm of Foden, for a 5 ton steam wagon. Dan, as the eldest son, was despatched the ten miles or so to Sandbach to work at the Elworth Works for some four months, and so learn the business of maintaining, servicing and driving steam wagons. He actually worked on the construction of Foden 3594, which he proudly drove home early the following year. With the registration number M4795, it was named DORIS, after one of Dan's sisters. Doris, incidentally, later married Harry Clarke, the village blacksmith's son (who of course, shod for the Howle stable), and their only child John (but Jack to all who knew him) later drove for Howie's. The new wagon worked alongside the horses and vans, originally with a horse van as a trailer. Soon, however, Stoker Brothers of Tunstall purpose built a trailer for it — they were cheaper than Foden's! About this time too, an area of land was purchased in Deans Lane (the road from Red Street to Audley), alongside the yard of the Crown Hotel, and on it a garage for the expanding business was built. With the Foden wagon Dan travelled the length and breadth of England and 170
TEL' N°19 1i larrialorrulli, t
One of the early horse-drawn furniture vans outside the Crown Hotel in Red Street about 1910. Behind, on the opposite side of the road, is the Anchor Hotel. Left to right are Richard Howle, Sam Turner, a young Dona Taylor, and Jack Johnson. (author's collection)
Wales though rarely venturing north of the border into Scotland. The work was mainly furniture removal, but often other general haulage work was undertaken. In 1916, another Foden wagon was purchased to serve the increasing trade, but this time, due to pressure of war work, Foden were unable to give a quick delivery or indeed guarantee one at all, so a second hand wagon was purchased. This was Foden 1812, registration number M2253 and another five limner which had heen new in 1909 to H.A. Scott of Barnstaple, and came from them via a dealer. Dan's brothers Fred, Reg and Enos, became its regular drivers. In April 1917 Richard Howle died at the age of 49, and Dan and one of his brothers were called up, to serve King and Country during World War 1. There was, as a consequence, nothing for it but to dispose of the majority of the vehicles and the horses, and apart horn one van and a few horses, this is what was done. Foden 3594 went in 1918 to Escott & Company of Brixton in London, and 1812 to Carter Paterson & Co, also of London, both via a Manchester dealer. Foden 3594 was sold again in 1919 to J.K. Cooper & Sons of Maidenhead, but by 1921 it was with the Maidenhead Brick & Tile Company Limited — it was last licensed in December 1928. Foden 1812 was also sold again in 1919, this time to George Baker & Sons of
Southampton; it seems to have disappeared from the licensing records in 1921 and was, perhaps, scrapped about that time. Dan served in the Royal Naval Air Service, although the only time he actually flew was in the airship R34 (completed in 1919, this ship was built by Beardmore, and was of 1,950,000 cu ft launched volume, 643ft long and 89ft in diameter; it was powered by five Sunbeam 250hp engines, and capable of 62mph. After 500 flying hours it was scrapped in 1921). He spent most of his time, as would be expected, involved with various forms of steam power, including some Foden wagons. Demob did not come for Dan until later in 1919, but shortly before this, with thoughts turning to recommencing the haulage business, he went one Saturday morning whilst stationed at Wormwood Scrubs, London to see a Foden wagon advertised for sale in the area. You can imagine his surprise, when the found that DORIS was the wagon, but he was unable to knock the price down to what he wanted to pay, getting it no lower than £1400, some £400 more than he felt able to part with. However, luck was on his side, when his mother told him on a visit home, that the Harris Motor Company of Burslem, had a Foden for sale. Dan went along to see it. ' It turned out to be Foden 8158, registration number M9763, yet
another 5 tonner, but almost new, and on rubber tyres; apparently it had been a demonstrator, and Dan secured it, by dint of some hard bargaining, and cash down for £1100! He lit up there and then, and steamed home to Red Street, and so into business again, trading as Richard Howie & Sons. During this period, an order had been placed with Foden for a new wagon, and despite them being partly instrumental in Dan getting to know about the Harris Motor Company wagon, they delivered their 9382, registration number MA1732, again a five tonner, to fulfil the order placed earlier. Dan had tried to get Foden to cancel the order, but they would not — surprising because there was plenty of demand at that time. In the event, he never used the wagon, and managed to resell it within a few months of it arriving, and without losing any money, to R. Cornell Limited of London. Finances were not yet sufficient to manage two wagons, and 8158 was in excellent order, and performing well. The large number of second hand petrol lorries on the market on cessation of hostilities attracted Dan's attention, and he saw the obvious advantages they had over a steamer. So he decided to give them a go and the first petrol engined vehicle, an AEC, entered the fleet in 1921. However, the various developments in undertype steam wagons did not go unnoticed, and it was decided to try one of these too, the choice going to Garretts of Leiston. In September 1924, the firm took delivery of Garrett 34586, an 8 ton four wheeler, regist-
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Foden 3594 outside the Wheatsheaf, with Dan driving. His father is alongside the front wheel, Jim Brown in front of Dan, and between the wagon and its trailer, from left to right, are Dan's younger brother Reg, Sam Brown and John Shaw — the Browns were brothers. The sailor on the left would indicate that this photograph was taken in about 1916. (author's collection)
ration number E9629. It became fleet No 8, there being six petrol engined vehicles in the fleet by this time. Howles also purchased a Garrett trailer to go with the wagon. The Garrett unfortunately gave its fair share of trouble, particularly with the steering (radius rods) and back axle. Accordingly, after much correspondence with its makers, it was returned to them in
tyit ittikete 1 CHAF?DHOWLE. rIm CHESTERTON 111-1-1,
Foden 8158 at Red Street about 1922. Alongside, left to right are Dan Howie, Lawrence Hadget and Jim Brown, both the latter being drivers. Observe how the furniture was conveyed in early forms of containers, that could also be transhipped to and from rail. (author's collection)
January 1926, and exchanged for 34799, registration number RT1300, which took the same fleet number. This wagon had been a Garrett demonstrator, and although nominally an identical four wheel eight tonner to the original one, it had a number of modificatons based on production experience. resold subsequently Garretts 34586 to J. Palmer & Sons of Buckland, Surrey in April 1926, and by 1930 it was with H.J. Arthrell & Sons Limited of Strood. RT1300 was more successful, but generally Dan found the Garretts much before their time — "they could do 40mph easily, and just racked themselves to pieces with their rather crude, by current standards, suspension on the roads of the day". He used to drive them himself, and would do Liverpool and back, allowing for unloading and reloading, comfortably in a day and with the trailer in tow to boot! But so far as Howles were concerned, the sands were fast running out for steam, and the petrol engined lorries were proving themselves to be increasingly successful. So the decision was taken to get out of steam completely, and accordingly both the Garrett and the Foden were in 1928 sold to the Longsight, Manchester, dealers of Bason & Condliffe. Dan took both wagons there on the same day, the Garrett in tow of the Foden. The dealers resold them both 171
8
G ARC fia,MAIMAGF • RED STREET. STOKE-0! • _ ; E.
The first Garrett, number 34586, at the world-famous Twyfords sanitary ware works in Cliffe Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, with an export load for Liverpool Docks. The wagon is complete with its trailer from the same manufacturer. From left to right are a Twyfords packer; Jim Chillington, stoker; Dan Howie and in the cab, the driver, George Culverswell. (author's collection)
The second Garrett, 34799, on the Talke Road (A34), about where the present Michelin tyre factory is and between Parkhouse and Talke. The load is tiles, again for export via Liverpool, and with the same Garrett trailer as in the previous photograph. Dan is on the right, driver on this occasion, and George Culverswell on the left. (author's collection) 172
"1-..")23
very quickly, the Garrett going to Harold Whittaker of Denton, Manchester; in the following year it passed in turn to A. Cork & Sons of Levershulme being eventually scrapped by G. Hopwood & Sons Limited, of Romiley about 1933. The Foden was also sold in 1928 going to the Gorton, Manchester, haulier Thomas Lamb. He last licensed it in December 1930; the machine was scrapped thereafter. Also in 1928, a large new garage Was built by Howles on the site of the old building. In April 1930, Dan's mother died. Mary Howie had largely run the firm since the war, and always kept the books, her financial acumen, in the main self taught, being something of a legend in the village. It left, of course, the boys to drive the wagons. Just before her death, however, she handed over the reins to Dan. On 20th September 1930, Dan married his first wife, Amy Clarke (who was 35 at the time), who was the sister of Harry Clarke (Dan's sister Doris's husband, the village blacksmith). I he wedding took place at Talke Parish Church. The use of a petrol engined fleet led to the introduction of diesel powered lorries very early in their development, and the firm was a customer for three of the very first Gardner engined lorries built by Foden. However, this was not before that firm had spent a lot of time trying to
persuade them to buy one of their then new, Speed 6 or Speed 12 steam wagons, and had offered to loan them a demonstrator for extended trial several times. But Dan would have none of this, and once he had tried the new diesels, he was sure his decision was correct. Incidentally, the early Gardner engined Fodens used the 'Speed' series wagon chassis. Interestingly, at this period the firm had on hire for long term trials one of the prototype Kerr Stuart diesel lorries. This Stoke-on-Trent based locomotive builder had been trying all number of innovations to keep their workshops busy during the depression years and had developed a diesel lorry using a McLaren engine. These were the first purpose built diesel lorries built in this country as all previous examples had used a steam or petrol chassis. As we have seen, so did the early Fodens, but these postdated the Kerr Stuart anyway. The Kerr Stuart wagon was decked out in Howles colours, lettered with their name and fleet number 14, and would have been purchased, together with others, had the maker not fallen into the hands of the official receiver, in May 1930. By 1943 the company had 22 tractive vehicles and 12 trailers, being of Foden, ERF, Albion, Leyland and Maudsley manufacture, and the total annual mileage for the fleet at that time amounted to some 458,000 miles. During World War 2 amazing haulage feats were accomplished, but the increasing interference by the Government caused some pretty heavy losses to be made. Therefore, with the return in 1945 of a Labour Government pledged to the nationalisation of all inland transport the writing was clearly on the wall, and Dan and his brothers decided to get out whilst the going was still firm, or at least, better than they expected under the terms of the 1947 Transport Act. Thus, in 1946 they sold the business to a consortium of local haulage firms — Kimberleys of Newcastle, Horrace Davies of Stoke and Bartley Brothers of Longton. They in turn formed a subsidiary company, Howles Transport Limited, to operate the undertaking, but to no avail and the fleet became a part of British Road Services on its formation on the 1st January 1948. The Red Street garage did not last long and was closed about twelve months later. it subsequently had several uses and latterly belonged to the asphalt and road construction and repair contractors Limmer & Trinidad Lake Asphalt Limited. Some of the old fleet lingered on and at least one, an ERF 15 ton eight wheeler, lasted well into the sixties in the local BRS fleet; this was
ERE286, and I remember it well. Having sold the transport business, Dan and his brothers Fred and Enos, decided to try their hand at coal mining (the other brother, Reg, went into the flour milling business, in which he had many contacts as a result of the transport of grain to and from Liverpool). This new venture was somewhat ironic, in view of their father's experience, and the impending nationalisation of the coal industry! However, it was a licensed mine they bought, that is, one of the small workings that did not come under the Coal Mines Act of 1946. They bought the New High Carr Colliery, a small footrail, employing at the time some 54 men, and situated within sight of Red Street, and alongside the A34 Talke Road about one mile east from, and working the coal seams of, the Chatterley Valley — the Great Row and Little Mine seams. They formed New High Carr Colliery Company Limited, and Samuel Rogers was their manager. The venture proved very profitable, and continued to provide employment for around 60 men as well as a base for Dan's return to steam, after the formation of the North Staffordshire & Cheshire Traction Engine Club INS&CTEC) on 5th December 1958. Along with my father (Stephen Baker — 'Steve' to all who know him), Dan, Stan Wedgwood,
Alan Williamson and a few others, I attended the inaugural meeting at the Clough Hall Hotel in Kidsgrove, which became the venue for subsequent meetings over the next couple of years. First of all, Dan was partly instrumental in the purchase of the Mann's 5 ton steam tractor 1287 of 1908 (FU5027) which came from G.L. Lazenby of Pickering in early 1959. Subsequently, this engine passed to the ownership of a consortium of club members, of which Dan was one. In the same year, Dan purchased Foster Wellington 5 ton tractor 14434 of 1922 (FE3217) from John H. Rundle of New Bolingbroke in Lincolnshire. At first these engines were kept at the Colliery, and indeed remained there until Dan and his brother retired and sold the premises in February 1963. In August 1956 Dan's wife Amy had died tragically and suddenly of a brain tumour. He married again the following year, Clarice Lloyd Johnson (nee Scott) on 28th September at Chesterton Parish Church. The NS&CTEC held its first rally on Saturday 4th July 1959, a one day affair at Alton Towers, and this attracted some ten engines, of which club members owned four. However, engines came from as far afield as Castleford and Houghton-le-Spring. This was the start of a profitable few years association with Alton Towers, and one of its directors, Denis
The author is on the footplate of the Mann's tractor 1287, TINY TIM at the first Alton Towers rally in July 1959. Behind is the Fearnleys' 6 ton Foden 13120 of 1928. (S.A. Baker) 173
Bagshaw, became quite an enthusiast, all following a chance conversation with Ernie Durose, one of the club's Cheadle members. The rallies at Alton Towers encouraged that company to enter the ranks of engine owners themselves, and they eventually bought no less than six engines, including a portable and the famous McLaren showmans GOLIATH, which came direct from Pat Collins at Bloxwich in the early months of 1960. This engine and Collins' Burrell NO. 1 were the only two showmans engines I personally saw in showland use — I ran SPP them nnvv, w ith their Inane travelling along the High Lane between Chell and Hanley, destined for Stoke Wakes — this would be in 1952. I recall GOLIATH well, because at the 1960, 1961 and 1962 Alton Towers rallies, Dan and I crewed the engine. By the standards of engines within the preservation movement in those days she was a massive machine and as the club provided the crews for the Alton Towers engines, Dan was the only volunteer for GOLIATH, and what a brute it was on the rally field! I remember on one occasion one of her old drivers joined us on the footplate for a look at his old mount, and an absorbing couple of hours chat ensued. Much reminiscence and lore came from the old man that afternoon. After the sale of the colliery TINY TIM, the Mann's tractor, and the Foster were kept at the blacksmith's shop in Red Street, the village blacksmith by this time was Dan's nephew, Jack Clarke, who of course, had all sorts of other multifarious activities among his talents, Over the succeeding years we spent many a happy hour at the shop, where all the work on the engines was performed. In late 1961 Dan bought another engine, Burrell double crank compound 3746 (MA5733), from George Lea of Chelford in Cheshire. This a former Barlow of High Leigh, Knutsford engine, which had been new in January 1917 to A. Pennington of Altrincham, going on to Barlow's in 1924, and then to George Lea in 1960. Although Dan bought the engine (for the princely sum of £250 I recall) in late 1961, it was March 1962 before Dan, Jack Clarke and I, went to Chelford to fetch it. George had lit up, and we got away nice and early for the pleasant 25 mile journey to Red Street, getting to know the Burrell well in the process. This engine, which Dan christened PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, was a lovely machine, and with a 6hp engine on a 7hp boiler, steam was never a problem. It was in excellent condition, and we soon fixed 174
PRINCESS ANNE, Foster Wellington tractor 14434, at the 1966 South Cheshire Rally, held at the King George Vth Playing Fields in Crewe, in June that year. Behind is Foden compound traction engine 443 of 1899, al that time owned by Gerald Adamson of Lowton in Lancashire. (author) rubbers to the front wheels (they were already on the rear) and did a repaint with full lining out; my father also reset the valves. This was one of Dad's strong points, as he had served part of his time with Aveling & Porter at Rochester, and almost all the engines owned by club members, benefited from his experience in this sphere at one time or another, to the great advantage of their water and fuel consumption! With this Burrell Dan and I travelled many miles, to rallies at the extremities of both Cheshire and Staffordshire, and we never took her on a low loader anywhere — always under her own steam. My father and I frequently formed the crew too, if Dan, as JP, was tied up on the Bench, on holiday or whatever. Unfortunately, 1962 saw the last rally at Alton Towers, but the following year was the start of an equally successful series of rallies at Bellamour Hall, near Rugeley, and we took the Burrell there each year. As Dan got older, and other interests somewhat diverted Jack Clarke and myself, he decided to part with PRINCESS ANNE, the Foster tractor, and this game little engine was sold to Jack Stubbins of Nottingham in 1967. The Burrell lasted longer, going to Wells of Southampton in 1976. And so, for the second time this century, steam departed from Red Street. Incidentally, both the engines carried the title 'Richard D Howie' on them, despite Dan always being known by
his second Christian name. This was in deference to the original fleet, which always carried the wording 'Richard Howie' or 'Richard Howie & Sons'. Dan's second wife Clarice died in October 1969, and so too his brothers and sisters: Enos in February 1970, Reg and Doris in December 1977, and Fred in February 1981. Dan however, remained very active in the NS&CTEC and supported it to the hilt, as long as he was able. There was no malice in Dan's make up, and he was active in all number of Red Street charities, a staunch supporter of anything and everything connected with either children or old people in the locality; indeed we were always taking his engines to some event or other connected with all sorts of charities — but then that was all the more fun for us! He loved children, and it was to his lasting sorrow, that he was unable to become a father himself by either marriage, and he would have made a wonderful Dad. Had he done so, doubtless his latter day business activities might have taken a different tack. Dan befriended me at an early age, indeed almost from the day of that first meeting, taking me under his wing, so to speak. He taught me a lot about the operation, culture and lore of steam road haulage, and we spent countless happy hours together; on the road, the rally field, in the workshop, or perhaps just occasionally, propping up the bar! The Crown Hotel in Red Street, was a splendid estab-
Burrell 3746 at the 1965 Midland Festival of Steam, held at Bel!amour Hall, Rugeley in July of that year. The author is at the regulator. (B.J. Finch)
lishment, and landlord and landlady Reg and Mary Leake were smashing people, and there was always a friendly welcome with plenty to eat when we returned with the engines from wherever. We generally had a good thirst too, for as Red Street stands on a hill it was a climb home by whichever route one took, and this made it difficult to run down one's fire. However, the welcoming lights of The Crown made it all worthwhile! So, with the death of Dan, we have lost one of nature's gentlemen about whom one never heard an ill-spoken word, and a man respected by anybody and everybody who ever came in contact with him, be it in his professional life, going about his hobbies, in his good work in Red Street, or on the Bench as a local JP. I shall recall and treasure our friendship and experiences in his company for all time, for I can truly say, without any fear of contradiction, that I have novor come across anybody, who I have more respected and liked than Dan Howie. I will therefore, let Ralph Waldo Emerson have the final word because I can think of no better epitaph: Not gold but only man can make, A people great and strong, Brave men who walk while others sleep, Who dare while others fly, They build a nation's pillars deep, And lift them to the sky.
In putting together this narrative on an old and valued friend, I have drawn on notes made over many years, in discussions with Stan and Nancy Brookes (Nancy was Dan's niece, his brother Fred's daughter) and John Podmore, first treasurer of the NS&CTEC. As with almost anybody else putting together notes such as these, I have drawn freely and extensively on the records held by Alan Duke, and I offer him my special thanks.
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'One 8hp Fowler Compound Spring mounted Traction, belly tank, makers No 8922. £50.' (An engine for sale in Phillips Monthly Machinery Register in June 1921. The B5 class engine was new in 1901 to Thomas Barnes of Trowbridge, named BADEN POWELL. By September 1912 it was owned by Hawkes Brothers of Dudbridge, Glos and by August 1923, probably as a result of the advert, by W.L. Cartwright at Stockton, Warwickshire.)
We are registered insurance brokers who pride ourselves on giving personal service to all our clients. We arrange insurance for motor vehicles, houses, life, medical cover, liability, etc.
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175
South African MUSEUM REPORTS Bob Oram Having visited South Africa in recent times, and been able to see a few road steam engines etc, I have drawn a map incorporating various places that may be of interest to Trust members and offer these brief notes. Starting off in Namibia, there is an unidentified traction engine that was, so I am led to believe, driven there somewhere around the turn of the century, but abandoned due to boiler problems. The engine has been named MARTIN LUTHER, due to that man's famous statement "Here I stand, God help me, I cannot do otherwise". Other sightings will be best covered province by province.
Fowler crane engine 9403 of 1902 survives at the Big Hole museum at Kimberley, but is sadly in need of preservation. (Bob Oram)
Cape Province Cape Town sports many historical museums; three playground steam rollers at Pinelands, Deep Rover and near the Mount Nelson Hotel; The Table Mountain Cableway; The Clock Tower in the Old Docks, and stationed in Hout Bay the C.J. HARRISON, a steam tug that gives rides around the bay. Situated inside Cape Town, is Groot Constantia, a vineyard which is well worth a visit, probably the oldest vineyard in South Africa. Going north east from Cape Town up through Pearl, the picturesque fruit and wine region, we come to Worcester, which has the Boland Farm Museum, a reconstructed village, sporting eight portables and a Fowler winding engine. This museum has a lot of enthusiasm from various helpers and is improving all the time. Further on into the Little Karoo, is Matjiesfontein village, hardly changed for a century and well worth a night at the 'Lord Milner' (jacket, tie, plus indulgence!). East along the Garden Route are George and Knysna which have the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam railway still doing passenger and freight 176
The Gold Reef City, Johannesburg, is home of Garrett portable 35022 of 1926; the single cylinder machine has an enclosed engine. (Bob Oram)
traffic. Another place of interest in Knysna is Mitchells Brewery, a welcome break from the usual gassy mass-produced beer. Port Elizabeth offers occasional steam excursions on the 2ft gauge railway's Apple Express. Nearby
Bathurst, has an agricultural museum with a very good cross section of rustic implements set again in very picturesque scenery. The area between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is known as the Garden Route, and at certain times of the year
North west is De Aar which is the location, along with Kimberley, of two large steam railway loco depots. Permission may be granted by the depot engineer to view these sheds which are extremely interesting. Kimberley also has the Groot Gat or Big Hole, the world's largest hand made open diamond mine, started in 1870 — a very prosperous town in its day, being the first city in Africa to
have streets illuminated by electric light.
Transvaal Up in the Transvaal, the financial capital Johannesburg has the Railway Museum within the main station buildings — limited on space, it nevertheless is an interesting place to spend some time, as well as purchasing locomotive number plates etc in the
M OCAMBI QUE
the traveller can see copious quantities of colour lavishly provided by the flora. King Williams Town on the Ciskei border has what is known as the Kafrarian Natural History and Agricultural Museum, having as well as Marshall 76175, the most comprehensive collection of African mammals in the continent also featuring Huberta the famous (stuffed) hippo.
Transvaal BOTSWANA
NAMIBIA
17 16 14 15
JOHANNESBURG 'PRETORIA 77 013
12
SWAZILAND:
Republic of 10
.......... ...
Orange Free
KIMBERLEY •1
i 18 Natal
State 19
LESOTHO
South Africa
20
21
DURBAN 22 23
9
Cape Province
3
8
4
2 • CAPETOWN
7 •
PORT ELIZABETH
1 2 3 4 5
Swakopmund Cape Town Worcester Matjiesfontein George/Knysna
6
Port Elizabeth
7 8
Bathurst King Williams Town 9 De Aar 10 Kimberley 11 Johannesberg
unidentified traction engine Table Mountain Cableway (Tr 24 5148) Boland Farm Museum (' 0231 22225/6) Historic Village and Lord Milner Hotel Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Steam Railway le 0441 68202); Mitchells Brewery Apple Express, Hume wood Road Station Steam Railway Old Wool Mill agricultural museum Kafrarian Natural History and Agricultural Museum South African Railways steam depot Big Hole Diamond Mine Museum; SAR steam depot, Beaconsfield working tram Railway museum with main station buildings fir 77-39118/114); Pioneer Park, James Hall Transport Museum, Rosettenville Road (is 26-7147);
12
Heidelberg
13 Germiston 14 Pretoria 15 Rayton 16 Waterval Boven 17 18 19 20 21 22
Pilgrim's Rest Volksrust Colenso Greytown Howick Durban
23
Port Shepstone
Gold Reef City, Crown Mines (a 011 496 1600/24) Transport Museum, old railway station (ir 0151 6303) SAR steam depot Voortrekker Monument and Museum Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum remains of South Africa's only rack railway reconstructed gold mining village oldest known steam roller in South Africa Marshall Colonial traction engine agricultural museum Midmar Historical Village Museum Umgeni Steam Railway at Pinetown Power Station Banana Express, freight and public steam railway Orr 0393 22322);
177
shop. To the west of Johannesburg is Gold Reef City which is a disused gold mine open to the public with a reconstructed Victorian village surrounding it — portables and winding engines are featured here. To the south of the city is Pioneer Park and the James Hall Transport Museum which includes rollers, steam wagons, portables, fire engines, buses, trams etc — beside it is a miniature railway track which has the local model engineers exhibiting their pride and joys on certain days. To the east is Heidleberg which has a transport museum in the old railway station ana features the Fowier (Ilene shelter (see Steaming Summer 1982). North of Heidleberg is Germiston which, at the time of writing, still has steam locomotives stationed at the railway depot; again, proper permission will be needed to gain entry. Moving, on to Pretoria is the Voortrekker Monument. and Museum — a very impressive construction which has some exceptional stone carvings featured on the inside of the monument showing the Great Trek from Cape Town to the north, 150 years ago. Rayton, east of Pretoria has the Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum which has portables and many horse drawn carriages, as well as McLaren superheated traction engine 1471 of 1913 and Garrett portable 34686. Further to the east is Waterval Boven which has the remains of South Africa's one and only rack railway — when walking through the tunnel, beware — when the rains fall, deep gulleys are formed so it is easy to miss your footing and end up spraining your ankle. Further on is Sabie logging museum and this has engines and portables. North of Sabie is Pilgrims Rest, an old gold mining village — this is well worth a visit. There is a Sentinel bus here, which lives in its shed most of the time. The area around Waterval Boven and Pilgrims Rest is very scenic and has lovely views.
Another Garrett portable — 35274 of 1929 — can be viewed at the Willem Prinsloo agricultural museum at Rayton, Transvaal. (Bob Oram)
Natal Travelling south brings us to the province of Natal and a few more places featuring steam. Volksrust has allegedly the oldest Aveling roller in South Africa, whilst further down is Colenso which has Marshall Colonial 53048 belonging to the municipality. Greytown has an agricultural museum and two portables, and then at Howick is the Midmar Dam Historic Village Museum. Here there are many very interesting exhibits being enclosed within a tastefully set out village. At the time of my visit a narrow gauge railway was being built by local 178
McLaren superheated traction engine 1471 of 1913 is also to be seen at Rayton. (Bob Oram)
enthusiasts. There is also a steam tug from Durban Harbour mounted on land and visitors can view the whole vessel. Down on the coast is Durban, a large city which has very nice beaches to go and sunbathe upon and where the water is pleasantly warm for the majority of the year. Just inland is the Umgeni steam railway which is based at the Pinetown power station. Here they have a good selection of locomotives and rolling stock and some engines are in steam once a month. Going south along the coast is Port Shepstone which has the Banana Express — this railway has been taken over from the South African Railways by a private consortium and continues to use the two foot gauge articulated Garratts and carries freight from inland to the coast, as well as passengers. In addition to all the places noted in the text, there are many game reserves, the largest being the Kruger National Park, which is the size of Wales. It is advisable in the high season to book in advance for accommodation, as the reserves are very popular with tourists as well as residents of South Africa. There are
EDMONDS on Engines
Chris Edmonds
"Why can't an engine sit down? — Because it's got a tender behind". That must be the oldest steam joke of them all, but it is true that all engines do have tenders behind. Technically, I suppose traction engines don't have tenders, they have bunkers, but perhaps I am splitting hairs. The early engines had a fairly low butt-riveted bunker, probably of insufficient capacity. Later on came the larger version belled out at the back, and later still the bunker
A Fowler cable operated disc implement at Midmar Dam Historical Village, Natal. (Bob Oram)
campsites situated in most large towns. These are very reasonably priced, especially at the moment, with the rate of exchange being so favour-
able from our side. There are also Steam Rail Tours for which booking in advance is advisable from travel agents or South African Railways.
extension. These extensions rarely took the form of coal rails, which was mainly railway practice, and offhand the only showmans engine I can think of that was so fitted was the Burrell EMPRESS OF INDIA. Cut into the side of the bunker was the driver's entrance, invariably on the right for a Fowler and nearly always on the left for a Burrell. Avelings provided no such luxury and the driver had to clamber over the top. The Wallis Advance rollers have two 'tubs' either side of a rear entrance to the footplate and one wonders if Wallis took the idea from McLaren who fitted some of his WD road locomotives with two enormous round bunkers, the extant examples being the McLaren BOADICEA owned by Anthony Heal and GIGANTIC owned by Tony Warwick. Originally these engines would have had field guns mounted on them, and it would be nice if one or other of the owners could be persuaded to fit a suitable replica of the original guns, not with live ammunition I might add! (I know some ring marshalls can be a pest, but mowing them down from the footplate during the grand parade would do our image no good at all!) Seriously, though, just imagine trying to fight a war, driving a McLaren road
loco! Which do you do first — fire the gun or fire the engine? The mind boggles. Apart from carrying coal and water, tenders have other uses. They can become the receptacle for all those empty beer bottles which either you or your engine driver have got through. I well remember climbing up on the footplate of my Burrell PRINCESS ROYAL to find that quite a party had taken place, and it was time to go home. Arthur Napper will never forget that night either, as he was to steer for me. Apparently there were some thirty odd bottles lying on top of the coal and I threw the lot on the fire and put coal on top! The next morning there was a brown glass pyramid in the ashpan — I wish I had kept it, for today it would be classed as modern art! I date from pre-caravan days when you either slept under the engine or on it. I've passed many an uncomfortable night fitfully sleeping in the coal bunker, with, of course, built in central heating. Occasionally I wasn't alone and I suppose "Come up and see my coal bunker" was a bit more original than "Come up and see my etchings". That, however, is quite another story...
179
SPEED SIX UPDATE 2 Richard Parkinson As readers may recall from my last update (Autumn 1989 issue), we had reckoned to get the chassis of our 1930 Foden Speed Six wagon 13750 on its wheels within eighteen mnnths from the time we purchased it at the Kings sale in May 1988. This progress to a rolling chassis was achieved — with two days to spore! Much of the 1989/1990 winter months have seen most of the engine parts being sent away for attention. The crankshaft and connecting rods are at an engine specialist near Bristol, for the grinding of one crankpin and making new big end shells and caps for the con-rod to replace missing items. New pistons and piston rod forgings have been made at Kidderminster and these too are now at Bristol to be machined to finish and to have piston rings made to suit.
The rolling chassis as achieved within eighteen months of purchase. (Richard Parkinson)
The Speed Six in July 1990, with the framing of the cab taking shape, the rear panel being largely complete. (Richard Parkinson)
The front brake universal driveshaft and its leather gaiter as described in the text. (Richard Parkinson) 180
New helical Liming drive gears have been made, also the splined driveshaft to replace all of those parts which were missing. Through the kindness of fellow enthusiasts patterns have been made for the cylinder head and valve chest assemblies and these have been cast and are being machined at the time of writing (July). New bronze compression valves have been made locally for these heads and the new poppet valves are also under way. Two new cylinders have been cast
using the one original survivor as a pattern and these are now bored, honed and complete. Also honed and finished is the trunk guide casting. A major item that is also being made at present is the new crankshaft. Another large item to be completed during the winter was a new water tank — a very distinctive item, which has turned out very well, a credit to all concerned in its production. A large visual step forward in the restoration has been the making of
new back and side frames for the wagon's cab. These are now fitted to the chassis and painted up in Kings' livery of royal blue. So the thing really is now beginning to look like a wagon again. All of the alloy castings for the engine have been sandblasted and are away for alloy welding repairs and building up where necessary. Once all of the engine components come back we should be in a position to complete assembly of the power unit and refit it to the chassis. An interesting job that had to be tackled was the making of a pair of new leather concertina gaiters for the front brake universal shafts. These were eventually produced at a very reasonable cost by the leather workshops at St Loyes College for Training the Disabled in Exeter. My thanks are due to their Mr Dover for his help over this. Once the engine is under way attention will be turned once more to the boiler. This is still in the same condition as in the last report. In conclusion may I say that genuine enthusiasts are welcome to view the restoration on the Speed Six, but please by prior arrangement with myself: I can be contacted on 0392 211569 (office) or 03632 5611 (home) for further details.
'Threshing Day'
Burrell showmans road loco 3912 DRAGON was reunited with Anderton & Rowland's fair during Paignton Regatta week in mid August. The last occasion the engine appeared in Paignton was 51 years previously, in 1939. Here, driven by custodian Bill Gale and following the Torrington Town Band, DRAGON hauls its former owner's Super Dodgems truck into Sands Road, ' followed by a selection of the company's retained Scammells — each with a suitable load. On arrival at the tober at Paignton Green, the Burrell took up position by the Gavoli fair organ and the rest of the fair. The engine's canopy sides have been re-lettered AND ER TON & ROWLANDS GOLDEN GALLOPERS. (John Reeves)
From an original painting by
Michael Dale
A quality Fine Art reproduction, limited to 250 copies, featuring Ruston & Hornsby general purpose engine 115100 Image size 191/4in x 121/4in Each print is individually numbered and signed by the artist Price £32 including postage and packing
(E28 to NTET members)
Send PO or cheque to Michael Dale, 63 Little Moorside, Aston on Trent, Derbyshire DE7 2AD (Tel: 0332 792893)
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STEAM DOWN UNDER :ItaKE VALLEY 6
=
John Toy During October 1988, steam enthusiasts from all over the world travelled to Melbourne, Australia, to witness 'Aus Steam '88' — a steam spectacular organised as part of Australia's Bicentennial celebrations. During the last two weeks of October many steam-hauled trains left Melbourne with a variety of power on both broad and standard gauge tracks. All main line railways in Victoria were built to 5ft 3in broad gauge, and it was not until 1962 that the standard gauge reached Melbourne from the New South Wales border at Albury. It was this solitary route that visiting locomotives from New South Wales reached Melbourne, together with Britain's FLYING SCOTSMAN. Sunday 23rd October was designated 'Static Day' — a day on which thousands of people besieged Spencer ,St Station, Melbourne, in order to see the various locos at close quarters together with items of historical rolling stork. Outside the station, a number of vintage trams were giving rides throughout the day, whilst on display were a number of elderly buses, cars and lorries. Close by, half a dozen steam road vehicles were gently simmering in the warm sunshine. These comprised an Australian built Cowley roller number 1214; a 1900 built Stanley steam car; a very rare Ransomes wagon, 34036; a Yorkshire wagon; and two tractions — Foden compound 1138, named 182
Fowler single cylinder traction 11487 of 1908 ignoring the charms of a side trip to Snake Valley during its 100 mile journey from Melbourne to the Lake Goldsmith rally. (Mrs A. Toy)
Not represented in preservation in Britain is Ruston Proctor's class SP a small but well proportioned 4hp single cylinder tractor design. This is 43199 at Lake Goldsmith. Note the twin wood fuel bunkers on either side of the rear access footplate and the extra length of the wood burning firebox. (John Toy)
GINGER MEGGS, and Fowler single 11487. The owner of the latter, Bill Smith, told me he had steamed over from Tynong North earlier in the week, and that the next day he would be setting off on a 100 miles plus journey to Lake Goldsmith — and expecting to take four days! My wife and I had already planned arriving at Lake Goldsmith on the Wednesday. We chased a steam hauled special from Melbourne to Bendigo, visited a steam operated railway at Maldon, and then arrived at Lake Goldsmith in the evening as planned. We soon came across John Norris, President of the Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Society, and who had kindly offered to accommodate us during our stay. Next morning we drove to Ararat to see a Marshall portable at Sanderson's mill — unfortunately the Mill had closed a month or so before, but the engine and machinery were still intact. We then retraced our tracks and headed for Ballarat in search of a certain Fowler single! We were in luck. With some 20 miles still to go, we came across Bill Smith and his Fowler about to ascend a fairly steep hill. A
number of photographs were taken, and at the summit the Fowler pulled into a lay-by. Bill called and invited us into his living van for a very welcome cup of tea. On entering the van we noticed a neat pile of wood, this being the fuel for both engine and living van stove, and I wondered how many trees the engine had devoured during the long journey from Melbourne! During the next few hours numerous photographs were taken until the Fowler triumphantly entered the Rally site, with whistle blowing, just as darkness was falling. Next day, Friday, was preparation day, so I was up at 6.00 and ready to start taking photographs at sunrise. First of all I had a look at the engines
kept in the yard opposite the rally ground. These comprised an immaculate Ruston Proctor class SP 43199, and John Norris's Clayton wagon 47838 in the process of having a new canopy fitted. Both these machines were in steam later in the day. In a nearby barn was Fowler single traction 8841 in fair condition, whilst scattered around the yard were various engines waiting restoration — some in as found condition. Standing alone and looking very neglected was Aveling piston valve roller 11389, whilst near the workshop were two Clayton single portables, 31390 and 31999; two Brown & May single portables which I could not identify, and Ruston portable 47697. A pile of bits and pieces, boiler and wheels I
Clayton & Shuttleworth wagon 47838 of 1916 during restoration; its new partly finished canopy lying on the chassis. (John Toy)
was told belonged to the only known Cowley traction. Inside a shed, onto which a large tree had fallen, was another rare engine — a Spencer Carter portable, built in Hitchin during the last century! Most members of The Lake Goldsmith Preservation Society keep their engines on site throughout the year, in purpose built sheds situated along one side of the grounds. Rallies are held every six months, in April and October, and only at these times will the contents of the sheds be revealed! However, before reaching the individual buildings, which were still locked at the early hour of my visit, I first of all came across a large open sided building. A dozen or so engines reside here, but already half were outside, with several in steam. Engines noted in and around this building were Fowler compound tractions 9836 and 10395, Fowler single tractions 11267 and 11565 and another unidentified; Marshall compound traction 58389; Aveling piston valve compound roller 11149 and Aveling 11084, once similar to the previous machine but
now rebuilt as a tractor; Robey compound roller 42958, Foden single traction 2262, Marshall single portable 52220 and finally an interloper amongst these English built engines — O.S. Kelly single cylinder traction engine 2061. A rectangular shed opposite was home for five Marshall portables.
Largest of these is 16hp compound 52650, whilst the others are much smaller single cylinder engines 50240, 55527, 60831 and 76439. After a late breakfast I returned to the rally grounds to find some of the sheds already open. I approached each one with a certain anticipation, wondering what I would find within! The first contained a fine collection of restored stationary engines, whilst next door was a building full of tractors. In another building I found semi-derelict Foden compound 983, said to be the sole-surviving showmans engine in Australia, together with derelict Aveling piston valve roller 11798. Sandwiched between these two was the chassis of an unidentified
Sentinel timber tractor on strakes! By midday every building was open, with six containing steam engines. These were Aveling tandem roller 11453, Fowler compound traction 16107, Clayton & Shuttleworth single portable 40725 and 35239, Fowler compound traction 11314, Foden traction 1144, and Marshall single portable 55022. Visiting engines for the rally were Foden traction 1138 GINGER MEGGS (low loaded from Melbourne), Fowler 11487 already mentioned, and a couple of portables — Marshall single 36776 with wooden lagging and Britannia firebox, and Barrows 2391, a single cylinder engine beautifully restored. 183
Some interesting detail can be seen in this picture of partially restored Clayton & Shuttleworth wagon 47838. (John Toy)
Barrows & Co portable 2391 at Lake Goldsmith. (John Toy)
As the day progressed engines in steam made their way to an enormous log pile — no coal burners here! After loading up with wood and having their tanks replenished, engines were then driven into the main arena, ready for the start of the rally next day! Saturday 29th October was another sunny day and I was up again at 6.00 to take full advantage of the low sunlight. All too soon it was time
For further details contact
to leave Lake Goldsmith and go in search of another steam hauled train. I would like to thank John Norris, Brian Burke, Bill Smith and family, the Gold Prospectors and the many engine owners who so kindly placed their engines for photography.
The Editor apologises for causing the delayed publication of this article.
Christmas Road Run The Somerset Traction Engine Club will be making a road run around Taunton at the Christmas holiday period — either on Boxing Day or 27th December. Details of the day decided on, the times and the venue will be available nearer the time from organiser Bill Scurlock on 0283 335588.
We specialise in the construction and repair of locomotive type boilers. Firebox construction can be of the traditional flanged and rivetted design, or flanged and welded. Construction is to the appropriate British Standard Specification and all welding is by coded welders to BS 4870. Work being done is approved at all stages by an engineering surveyor from your boiler insurance company Construction of tubeplates, smokeboxes, tenders etc, also undertaken.
Roger Pridham, Hollybank, Chilsworthy Beam, Gunnislake, Cornwall. Telephone Tavistock (0822) 5276 Daytime, 832945 Evenings
184
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE NEEDING ECONOMICAL REPAIRS ON THEIR TRACTION ENGINES
B. & C. Reconditioning (Gears) Ltd PINIONS
SPURS
BEVELS
All types and makes of bevel gears, spur pinions, spur wheels, helical gears etc rebuilt to standard
P ease note our new telephone number Our address is:
B & C Reconditioning (Gears) Ltd, off London Road, Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7EQ Telephone Amesbury (0980) 623210
185
McLarens in Denbighshire
186
These four pictures (kindly sent by Mike Jones of Ruthin) record the activities of McLaren traction engines owned by J.T. Lloyd of Has Meredith, Cyffylliog, near Ruthin, Denbighshire in the early years of the century. Cyffylliog is a small village tucked away in the hills about six miles west of Ruthin. Lloyd had two engines, both 6hp McLaren single cylinder agriculturals, which seem to have been used for local roadstone haulage as well as threshing — and as motive power for certain festive outings. The engines were McLaren 243 of October 1885, new to W. Brooks of Northwich, Cheshire and McLaren 542, sent from Leeds to Charlton & Wylie of Dumfries in September 1895. Lloyd thus acquired them secondhand; just when is unknown. The first picture is believed to have been taken in the Cyffylliog area in July 1906 and shows one of the McLarens with an empty roadstone wagon, posing at roadworks with one of Denbighshire County Council's steam rollers and a dozen or so of the road gang with the tools of their trade. The County ran two identical Aveling & Porter 10 ton compound machines about this time — 5520 new in June 1904 and 5981 new in March 1906.
Close scrutiny of the roller shows bright steelwork of the motion and the regulator, and gear levers to be like new and it therefore is quite likely to be 5981 in our picture. A few years on, in 1910, we see the same McLaren pressed into use for a Sunday school outing from the Cyffylliog chapel. Three heavy roadstone carts Ithe third is off picture) are suitably equipped with temporary bench boards as seats, to provide parents and children with an exciting if sedate excursion. The preacher sits at the front nearside of the first wagon. The area around the village abounds with hilly roads and one can only imagine the state of the Sunday best clothes after a few miles of the outing. The third picture shows Lloyd again providing one of his engines for pleasure purposes. The scene is the celebration of the Armistice in St Peters Square, Ruthin in 1918 — the end of the Great War. Best clothes are again in evidence (only two people fail to sport a hatl) and we can perhaps surmise the flag be-decked engine has bought the good villagers of Cyffylliog into town to join in the junketing. Local tradition has it that the engine hauling the Armistice outing lasted until 1953 before being scrapped — if this is accurate it could be that the picture shows McLaren 542 for it was probably that engine that was registered DM3057 after 1921, and there is no record of 243 receiving an index number, implying it failed to survive use beyond the early 1920s. Certainly this picture shows a different engine to the other three for it has a cast iron
capped chimney rather than one with a D iron rim and the canopy construction differs in the style of the cross members and the camber of the roof. The other three pictures probably show McLaren 243. The final picture, said to date from after World War 1, shows a McLaren at work on threshing sheaves pitched from one of the stone barns at Ffordd Las Farm, Bontuchel, about halfway between Cyffylliog and Ruthin. A goodly gathering of farmhands, crew
and the family of the farm have assembled, again mostly clutching the tool of their trade — the driver has his oil can and his mate a spanner. We have already remarked on the hilly nature of the area, so it is interesting to see how much the engine has had to be precariously set up on rocks to bring it level. Thanks are due to Mike Jones for lending the pictures from his collection and to Alan Duke for adding engine detail to the local informaton.
AVON
Steaming Around
Work on Colin Wait's ex King's Foden wagon 11850 of 1925 (MB9404) proceeds apace. Colin has had to manufacture a new chassis for it, as the old one was beyond repair. The boiler is almost finished and reassembly work has started, making the machine again look like a wagon instead of an assortment of parts.
BEDFORDSHIRE
Compiled from mem • ers notes and reports by Derek Rayner
Accidents, accidents, accidents — this issue reports several incidents, some involving injury, which ought not to have happened. Travelling engines nn the road is nowadays a potential hazard; the majority of car and lorry drivers do not expect something in front which appears to be moving so slowly. Today's drivers are conditioned into believing that everything else on the road is going at much the same speed as they are and even the provision of a flashing amber beacon for slow moving traffic (which is a sensible thing to have accompany every engine on the road, whether it be exempt because of age or not), seems not to prevent rear end collisions. Should anyone have any suggestions on this topic, our letters column would be an appropriate place for a discussion on the subject. Another type of accident waiting to happen concerns engines noted on rally fields up and down the country with no gauge glass protectors fitted. Anyone who has seen a gauge glass burst will surely not be so reckless as to run without a suitable protector, for it only takes a less than well aimed shovel or rake to shatter the glass, or the fitting can just expire through old age; either way with potentially serious consequences. The flying glass pieces and scalding from the escaping high pressure steam and water can do considerable damage to faces and arms. Boiler inspectors should insist at all under steam examinations that gauge glass protectors are fitted — but perhaps they do, with engine owners subsequently removing them to clean the glass, and then foolishly not replacing them. I regret to record the death, after a short illness, of Alan Crockford from Fareham, one of my regular cor188
respondents. Alan was well travelled throughout the south and a fund of knowledge of engines, owners arid events from Dorset to Kent and further north into the Home Counties. These pages will be all the poorer with his passing. For this issue I have received information from more than the usual number of correspondents — causing extra work load at the wrong time of year for me; however a better news coverage has resulted, from which we all benefit. Please keep up the good work. Information and details are acknowledged from the following: Banbury Steam Society, Hollycombe Steam Collection, Lancashire TEC, Somerset TEC, Southern Counties HVPT, Steam Plough Club, Thames Valley TEC, West of England SES and John Albon, Brian Allison, R.A. Back, Len Ball, Reg Bosley, Martin Craig, Percy Dabbs, Dave Davies, Gerry Doherty, Mike Dyson, Mrs E. Finch, Martin Fletcher, Pat Freeman, D. Harnaman, Ran Hawthorne, Peter Haywood, Donald Henderson, Richard Heshrook, Alan Hines, Henry Marshall, Vic Makey, D. Marsh, J. Morley, John Newton, Andrew Phillips, Dean Rayner, John Reeves, Sandy Ross, Lyndon Shearman, Joe Thomas, Deryk Vernon, Colin Wait, Michael Watts and Peter Wells. Press date for the next issue is the last day of October. 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 January and April 1991.
The fourth Eaton Bray and District Steam Rally at Totternhoe had around eight engines in attendance as it clashed with another nearby event. Those present included Don Harding's 1919 Aveling roller 9008 (BH7167), recently reboxed; Doug Williamson's 1920 Garrett tractor 33782 (BL5337) and the Vickery family's Wallis & Steevens roller 2357 of 1896 (H06139). Also there was P.G. Williams' 1920 Aveling tractor 9225 (CJ4160) and 1920 Fowler traction 15466 (PF7364) owned by D. Scott.
BERKSHIRE 1990 Newbury Steam Funtasia was a Buxworth Steam Group production sponsored by Newquay Steam Beer. Along with the miscellaneous selection of entertainment which goes to make up this style of event were several relatively local engines including Ted Gale's 1913 Burrell showmans tractor 3497 (H05993) MAY QUEEN crewed by Derek and Marion Farrow, Brian Smith's 1915 Burrell conversion 3655 (FU822) and another Burrell, Charlie Russell's 1907 traction 2933 (CF3507). Others present included Steve Parrott's 1908 Marshall agricultural 51025 (D02056) — Steve incidentally, along with David Cooper, staged a delightful display of threshing tackle, road making equipment and tractors in their own roped off corner and Graham Smith's 1924 Aveling roller 10997 (M03687). A long way from home, but a regular on the Buxworth circuit, was George Hawkins' 1920 Fowler showmans engine 15657 (FX6661) KITCHENER from Cornwall. The first Bracknell steam show was organised at Warfield and among engines attending were Ted Gale's Foden tractor 13484 (LG8784), Sentinel DG4 wagon 8454 of 1931 (UX7958) owned by Peter Bowers, and Charlie Russell's 1907 Burrell traction 2933. Another of Charlie Russell's engines was Foden tractor 12370 of 1926 (TT8659) whilst the biggest there was Fowler ploughing engine 15332 of 1919 (AL9854) owned by Terry and Michelle Hand. Another ploughing engine in the news
machine was ceremonially stripped of its showmans fittings on the Saturday evening of Stourpaine in 1988. It was offered complete with those items, should the purchaser consider reinstating them — the engine was never so equipped in its working life.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Marshall 7hp traction engine 51025 looking perfectly ready to be off to work from the Chiltern Rally in July 1990. (Roger Newberyl
is 1916 built 14253 (AC9589) which is the sole surviving T1 class machine. This has recently been purchased by John Keeley and requires a certain amount of repairs carrying out to make it workable again.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Some two dozen engines attendea the annual Stoke Goldington & Gayhurst Steam Rally on the hill top site at West Side Farm in the north of the county. There were good crowds, indeed so much so that there were no programmes when our correspondent arrived just before two o'clock. There were a couple of locally built Allchin engines present, one of which had come into the area only a short time prior to the event, this being Allen Eaton's 1912 7hp traction 1546 (AP9079). The other was Ted Davenport's 6hp traction 1458 of 1909 (DD2006). Also there was Epton's 1939 Foster showmans style tractor 14639 (BWV338) whilst another similar Foster was Garth Holman's 1929 built 14605 (YC7165). Others present included Ian Clayton's 1903 Aveling roller 5161 (CT6902) whilst John Crawley's finely turned out Foden wagon, 12364 of 1926 (TW4207), in the charge of Albert Fensom, advertised Newquay Steam Beer. The Chiltern Open Air Museum at Newland Park, Chalfont St Giles staged a Transport through the Ages event in early summer and was well attended by representatives from various societies in the area. One
traction engine attended, this being Gareth and Edgar Bolton's 1910 Clayton & Shuttleworth traction 43200 (6E8003) whilst other attractions were stationary engines, motorcycles, commercials and organs. An engine offered for sale in the area is the 'denuded' 1914 Foden road loco 4752 (SN1647) SANDY MACNAB, owned by Bob White. This
A small one day event organised by Tony Warwick, owner of McLaren road loco 1332 of 1912 (DS7128), was held at the Bull public house at Godmanchester. In addition to the big McLaren. there was Peter Coulson's McLaren tractor 1837 of 1936 (AAM801), Dr John Middlemiss' 1914 Burrell showmans 3555 (A062621 THE BUSY BEE and Richard Coulson's 1918 Garrett showmans style tractor 33380 (CT4565). One other engine was Ted Davenport's 1909 Allchin agricultural compound 1458 (DD2006). Two engines offered for sale by auction at Linton did not reach their reserve price; they were Pentelow and Skinner's Aveling conversion 5293 of 1903 (1131726) and Colin Piggot's Fowell traction 93 of 1904 (CE7894). The Fowell was later sold to John Gorman of Essex. Colin has acquired Chris Way's 8hp single Burrell traction 1522 of 1891 (CF3579). Another engine noted for sale is Ian Bennett's 1915 Robey tractor 33957 (FE5043) VILLAGE QUEEN. A further event held at Godmanchester, at the end of July, was the
Huntingdon-built Fowell 7hp traction engine 93 of 1904 poses for the camera at the Bedfordshire club's members' event in August 1989. (John Maund) 189
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
MT M G HEDGES & SONS Written enquiries to: The Steam Centre, Slip 6, Historic_ Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE Telephone Medway (0634) 826555
• WINNERS OF THE 1987 STEAM HERITAGE AWARD FOR ROAD ENGINES • 190
Wood Green Rally. A few regular visitors were missing because of the clash of dates with another event in the south of England but the overall number of engines was not affected. The organisers chose to make this an old fashioned type of rally with a lot of ring entertainment from the steam engines (Oh, that more would do just that) — DAR) musical chairs and tug-
of-war were not only popular with the spectators but with the engine crews as well. Another innovation was the commentary being delivered as the engines left the ring. Three new
(BD5504) and 1918 Fowler 15163 (WR7151) together with J. and D. Walker's 1922 Burrell traction 3919 (BW6030) were present at the Bodmin Steam Railway. The following weekend, the latter Burrell had quite a different style of outing, towing the bridal carriage at the wedding of the owner's daughter Nicky, to Charlie Daniel, with the bridegroom at the regulator! Following the ceremony, the honours were handed over to the Daniel's 1922 Burrell road loco 3937
(5U1212), to take the wedding party to the reception near Wadebridge.
to attend. Rex Curtis's Marshall led the parade and making its first public appearance in the area since its arrival there was Raymond Hoskin's 1926 Aveling C type roller 11448 (NP7791). In May, one of the county's favourite engines returned to steam, when Burrell showmans 3159 of 1909 THE GLADIATOR came back to life. For the past five years, the engine has
been under repair by Dave Goodwin and his friends and it is intended to run the engine awhile in road loco guise to enable running in and obtain some well
engines to the event were Edward Wootton's 1918 Fowler ploughing engine 15209 (AJ6406), newly restored; Colin Piggott's newly acquired Burrell, in need of some boiler
An unexpected treat just after Easter for passers-by at Mabe, Penryn was the sight of two steam rollers working for a living when the West of England Society's vice-chairman, Roy
deserved pleasure from rallying. The Burrell took part in the St Merryn rally near Padstow at the end of May where It was Joined by Hedley James' 1923 Aveling 8 ton roller 10445 (FX9806) and the similar machine,
lagging and repainting, and Andy Caldow's Aveling 8 ton roller 14113 of 1931 (TM8871).
Richards, had his 1912 Aveling 7641 (FX6996) and Marshall 88096 of 1037 (DAI-560) rolling hardcore in preparation for building works and
11216 of 1925 (TT4018), owned by Paul Willis. The former was appearing in public for the first time and the restoration had not been fully
extensions to his premises. Another engine in use during April was Ian Beard's 1927 Fowler showmans conversion 17290 (AV1045), used to push Bernard True's 1914 Aveling
completed. The same spring bank holiday weekend saw engines appearing at the Launceston rally, with Dave Davies of the Robey Trust attending with his
roller 8301 (FX7026) from Mawla Well to Bernard's home in readiness for re-tubing. Bernard decided to put the roller back into working order
1914 Robey traction 33348 (Z200), Steve Buscombe's Burrell roller and Rex Curtis's Marshall — all here for the first time. At the Mabe Shindig, Roy Richard's two rollers were joined by
CHESHIRE Phil Priestner has sold his 1916 Aveling roller 8754 (VN2370) to the Hampshire area. This 10 ton single originally worked for Yorkshire's North
Riding County Council; one of its early preservation owners was Philip Ogden in North Yorkshire. The roller was in a dismantled state when sold and was not an easy engine to handle on the road, having very tight steering and being very fussy over water level in the boiler. Thirty-nine engines attended the Cheshire Steam Fair in mid July. Frank Lythgoe's 1936 Fowler traction
21647 (ZB1135) KINSALE and Foster 12539 of 1910 (MA5730) WINNIE were there, out for the first time since
having discovered that the front tube plate on his Garrett showmans style tractor 30959 of 1912 (BJ1458) required replacing. At the end of April, the annual Trevithick Day was held in Camborne, with some ten engines present. These included the Walker's 1922 Burrell
traction which had steamed from Bodmin, a distance of some 30 miles,
Brian Sanders with his 1924 Burrell roller 3999 (RL74). St Agnes Victorian Fair was attended by John Sawle's Marshall traction 62121 of 1913 (TA3624) and Bernard True's freshly
retubed Aveling roller 8301, out for the first time since 1986. The Royal Cornwall Show once more presented a steam display
being re-boxed by W. Goldstraw. Ransomes traction 26994 of 1916 (WT1271) attended for the first time, having been recently purchased by Pete Warby of North Wales.
On a sad note, when loading Wallis Advance roller 7851 of 1925 (H06459), Emily Atkinson, the young daughter of owner Alan Atkinson was seriously injured when she became caught in the low loader's winch.
CORNWALL Events in the area commenced with the Cornish TPC's annual pre-
season gathering at Roche around Easter time. Five engines attended, among them being Steve Riiscombe's 1926 Burrell roller 4041 (U0793), making its debut in the area. Out for the first time following its extensive recent overhaul was Rex Curtis's 1915 Marshall traction 69303 (NM340), looking now quite magnificent. During the same weekend, the
Daniel brothers two ploughing engines, McLaren 1552 of 1919
Ransomes Sims & Jefferies 8hp compound traction engine 38088 of 1927, being prepared for the day at Haddenham Rally, 1988. (Peter Love) 191
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Alex Reid, 6 Highcroft Villas Brighton BN1 5PS
adjacent to its olde tyme fayre. Among the engines at this event were Marshall traction 52540 of 1909 (BE7581), owned by Sid Hosking, and Burrell agricultural 3902 of 1921 (MA7503) of Len Hosking. Appearing in the Duchy for the first time was Alan Fry's 1907 Burrell showmans 2879 (N0698) PRINCESS ROYAL. The Roche rally in mid June attracted six engines this year, among them being THE GLADIATOR, Alan Henwood's 1932 Fowler roller 19205 (AAF1301 and Messrs Dingle's Marshall roller 88097 of 1937 (DAF499) in charge of the Morcomb family. The Lands End Steam Gathering took place during the same weekend. Ian Beard's Fowler and Len Hosking's Burrell traction 3902 attended whilst also present was Foden wagon 11208 of 1924 (YA7952) owned by Dennis Warren, then recently back from a trip between London and Brighton on the HCVS run. Despite one or two minor problems en route, that journey was successfully completed and Dennis is eagerly looking forward to next year's event. Fowler ploughing engine 15218 of 1918 (KE3175) was advertised for sale by David Hicks; the engine, in a somewhat derelict state, has gone to Martin Widger in Dorset. 192
CUMBRIA A visitor to the Haverthwaite Station yard at the end of June noted two rollers parked up in the yard. One was Fowler 18877 of 1931 (WX6358), owned by E.G. Holland; the other was oil engined Ruston & Hornsby 15937 (-ILI 762) which bore a plate 'supplied by Arthur M Cole, Roxholme, Sleaford'.
DERBYSHIRE A new event, organised by Charity and Steam Promotions, was held near Ashbourne and several steam engines were present. These included N.R. Else's 1927 Wallis Advance roller 7943 (0T6007); J. Wright's 1915 Aveling roller 8672 (HJ1732); Roy Tideswell's Tasker tractor 1625 of 1914 (BP5833); John Bosworth's 1920 Foster traction 14410 (UP6481) and Colin Brothwell's Ruston & Hornsby traction 115100 of 1922 (D02953).
DURHAM There was an increased engine presence for the Meadowfield event organised by the Durham City Vintage Collectors Society for as well as a large number of miniature engines, there were around a dozen full size engines which ranged from Stan Whitfield's 1926 Marshall roller 81119 I5F5348) and Ken Harburn's 1903 Aveling roller 5347 (GA7832) to H. (Digger) Lister's 1906 Clayton
agricultural 38742 (NU 216) and Milburn Stafford's Fowler road loco 15649 of 1920 (CT3940). Also there were Thompson's Foden tractor 13218 of 1928 (BUP71) and — a first time attender — Richard Straughan's 1924 Sentinel Super 5676 (EC5927).
EIRE For the first time the annual rally staged by the Ashville Vintage Club at Collon, Co Louth, became a two day event and though the weather prior to the event was wet, the rally days were dry and a good crowd attended on the Sunday. John Dillon showed his 1904 Burrell single crank compound traction 2644 (1Y36) and two other tractions from the Ipswich manufacturer Ransomes were B. O'Gorman's 1920 6hp single 31100 (1P711) and 7hp single 11412 of 1897 (F11407), owned by James Glynn of Carlow. Another agricultural was that owned by Harry Rowntree of Kingscourt, 1917 McLaren single 1447 (A13164) but the star of the show was undoubtedly the first rally appearance of Gerry Doherty's newly restored Ruston Proctor showmans tractor 52656 of 1919 (Y12853), in steam again in Ireland after more than fifty years, and having had extensive restoration carried out over the period 1986-90, latterly at Bill Hedges' premises at Chatham Dockyard. This engine, originally supplied to the War Office, had had quite a showland
Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies 7hp traction 11412 of 1894 in the engine line up at Upton rally in Co Cork, Eire in June 1990. (Geoff Hayes)
career, firstly with J. Davies of Stratford, East London and then with MacDonalds Amusements in Ireland, passing finally to Tofts Amusements of Dublin. Mrs Toft was Miss Mollie Macdonald. The engine lay derelict in Tofts' yard from around 1937/38 until acquired by the present owner in 1964. A photograph of this Ruston appeared in Alan Martin's spot in our Spring 1986 issue, shown whilst with the East London showman, J. Davies. An engine sold recently by Gerry King of Ashville is Aveling roller 10955 of 1924 (MI16991. This was fitted with a Deutz diesel engine some time ago, being originally steam, and is now owned by Tim Crowley of Cork.
ESSEX A new engine to be housed at the Barleylands Museum is Aveling roller 8837 of 1917 (N01221), which now belongs to Jim Stanley. He purchased it from Dave Philpott of Bedfordshire who had owned it since 1964 after acquisition from Taylor Brothers of Wimbish. This is Jim's first venture into steam engine ownership although for several years he has helped to look after the collection owned by Edna Driscoll, which are now also housed at Barleylands. At the Shire Hill Crank Up at Saffron Walden the 17 engines in steam included Fowler traction 10373 of 1905 ICE7922). This machine was new to Lord Ellesmere of Stetchworth, Newmarket and is now owned by David Gowlett, grandson of the late 011ie Taylor of Wimbish, who bought the engine for preservation as long ago as 1947; it now carries a plaque inscribed 'To the memory of Oliver Charles Taylor of Wimbish'. Another agricultural present was Cyril Philp's 1899 Clayton 32900 (HK9836), driven by John Garwood, who had done much of the restoration work on what is believed to be the oldest surviving traction of this make.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE A small event organised biannually at Frocester was staged in' good summer weather this year in the grounds of the Manor. Among engine attenders was Lionel Amos' 1889 Burrell agricultural 1426 (AJ6705) OLD FAITHFUL; Steve West's 1912 Wallis traction 7269 (N03343) and a couple of Fowlers — Chapman Brothers conversion 17578 and road locomotive 12902 of 1913 (AB8948) owned by Richard Wilcox, Other entries included Aveling roller 8754 of 1916 (VN2370) owned by Mrs Judith Mills (first time out in her ownership), 1924 Robey tandem roller 41602 (FE6319) owned by Charlie Price and
Contrast in Fowler road locomotives at Eastnor Castle in May 1990 — class D2 12902 of 1913 stands nearest the camera, next to 12226 of 1911, a B6 class engine. (Roger Newbery)
Marshall traction 65908 of 1914 (BD5609) belonging to D. West.
HAMPSHIRE As a tribute to the late Bill Targett, a one day event was organised by the Eastleigh Vintage Machinery Preservation Society in the centre of that town and although no specific area was fenced off, a collection was taken and donations subsequently forwarded to the Wessex Cancer Trust. A road run was held, which included part of the town's one way system — in the opposite direction, no less, but under the close supervision of the local police. In addition to a good selection of vintage commercials and barn engines, the five full size engines were Martyn How's 1912 Aveling roller 7771 (PC9014), an engine owned at one time by Bill and of course taking pride of place for the day, Wallis Advance roller 7869 of 1926 (0T1498) owned by Bob and Ann Millard on its first appearance since restoration; M. Hilary's McLaren traction 1160 of 1912 (H05570) and Babcock & Wilcox roller 95/4014 of 1926 (Y85088) owned by Mike Doherty. Completing the line up was the 1980's built Forman/Braishfield 3 ton Wallis & Steevens style tractor. A visitor to the I lampshire Narrow Gauge Railway at Durley in July spotted Fowler roller 15854 of 1923 (WT1568) stored there under cover. It belongs to B. and J. Curl. There was, as always, a large selection of engines at the fine rally staged at Rushmoor Arena, Aldershot at the end of July. It is believed that a late entry, Aveling roller 4932 of 1901
(FX6932), was making its first ever appearance at a rally — it still needed a lot of work doing to it to make it altogether presentable. This engine is owned by Phil Tracey. Others present in the assembly of 52 included M. Collier's 1937 Aveling-Barford roller 14187 (FPH122), Ian Woollett's Sentinel SDG4 wagon 8448 of 1930 (UX8724) and Wallis tractor 7637 of 1920 (H02779) owned by P. Lyons. A couple of Fowler rollers were the 1930 built 18659 (DG3969) of A. Garwell and D. Pond, and P. Haining's 1906 version 10714 (WR7737). The Paxton family's 1918 Burrell showmans tractor 3718 (AH0297) was also present.
HEREFORD and WORCESTER In early May, a worthy collection of engines was to be seen in the grounds of Eastnor Castle, the residence of James Hervey-Bathurst when, in conjunction with Denis Brandt and Richard Willcox, a number of interesting machines were on display. These included two Fowler road locos in the same black livery, one owned by James, the other by Denis, respectively 17105 of 1928 (VM2110) ATLAS and 12226 of 1911 (HL930) TITAN, lettered 'Norman E. Box Ltd Manchester & Birmingham' and 'Eastnor Steam Haulage Co' on the canopy sides. Also there was Denis's 1892 McLaren traction 435 (FI5) and Richard Wilcox's 1913 Fowler road loco 12902 (AB8948), a trio of Fodens and a Ransome agricultural belonging to the host, 26839 of 1915 193
(DCJ15), not in steam since it is awaiting major boiler work. The Marcie Steam Rally at Rye Meadows organised by the Herefordshire Traction Engine & Vintage Club in mid July had some twenty engines in attendance including Richard Hesbrook's 1881 Marshall portable 8839. Richard also provided the star attraction at the event — the first appearance of what is now a unique engine, 1891 Gibbons & Robinson 7hp agricultural number 959 (AY9874), which he has resurrected from a much dismantled and distressed state. The manufacturers, who only made seven traction engines, became Robinson & Auden (from which but one traction engine survives — in Yorkshire) in 1891 and then in 1900 Wantage Engineering Co. From this latter firm and era another of the rally exhibits came — 1908 built 7hp traction 1522 (BW4415) entered by Bill Hedges •of Kent. It was extremely interesting to compare these two engines of the same lineage. Others present at Marcie included N. Weston's 1920 Aveling roller 9158 (WR7274), lwan Jones Foden tractor 13762 of 1931 (VN291 1) and Jack Marshall's 1903 Ransomes traction 15012 (N04034). Fowler showmans 11108 of 1909 (YA92) DREADNOUGHT owned by Duncan Price was also present. At the end of the month, another rally was held in the vicinity, this being at Upton on Severn, organised by the Ross-on-Wye SES. This excellent rally attracted large crowds to see the 52 engines present. These crowds meant that getting both in and out was very slow but the attractions made up for the delays. There were five Fowler road locos and lots of Aveling rollers. A few of the traction engines had a go at tractor pulling and D. Smith's Burrell 3068 of 1909 (AH5978) did particularly well at this — but perhaps this sort of feat is to be expected of a Burrell. It was interesting to see 1898 Burrell showmans 2072 (AD8785) THE MASTERPIECE out again after a change of ownership — powering Bill Hunt's Wonderland organ. It is now owned by Kelston Sparkes. Amongst others in attendance were M. Sonley's 1929 Fowler traction 18539 (NM74), Wallis Expansion traction 2672 of 1903 (AF4740) owned by A. Miles, and Sentinel S4 wagon 9293 of 1937 (UJ9497) owned by J. and N. Cox. One of the Aveling rollers was the ex Yorkshire owned 8 ton C type 11467 of 1926 (CP4694) VIATECT, named thus from new and now owned by Alan Lloyd.
HERTFORDSHIRE The first local outing of the year 194
An interesting, and almost completely restored, newcomer to the rally scene at Much Marcie in July 1990 was the rare Gibbons & Robinson 8hp traction engine 959, built at the firm's Wantage Foundry in 1891. (Roger Newbery)
was held in mid May when the Steam Owners and Drivers Club of Redbourn organised a small steam event at the newly re-opened Old Chequers pub at Gaddesden Row. Local engines from Redbourn and Friars Wash attended, bringing back memories of the many Gaddesden rallies held ten and more years ago. Over 50 engines were present at the second Wymondley rally to be held at the current site, but one with a link to the earlier events of the 1960s was D. Scott's 1920 Fowler traction 15466 (PF7364); for many years, this engine was owned by the late Brian Halley on whose land the early rallies were held. Working demonstrations have been a feature of recent Hertfordshire club rallies and this year was no exception. Michael Watts brought along a Clayton & Shuttleworth drum, together with his 1902 Marshall conversion 36258 (FU92). Albert Fensom's rack sawbench was at work powered by his Marshall traction 43560 of 1905 (BD5414). The road rolling set piece was provided with both steam and petrol machines at work — Keith Honour's 1924 Fowler compound 15973 (BW7794) sharing the work with the usual Avelings. Another interesting roller was 10 ton Ruston & Hornsby 149813 of 1928 (VF3186) owned by N.J. Le Count. Ron Walker presented the Aveling F type roller recently rescued from entombment at Camden — 10114 (XD8230). Pending a complete
rebuild, it now sports a new chimney and the nameplate CUMBERLAND, making the roller rather more presentable to potential sponsors. The Amwell rally, the weekend after Wymondley, is now well established under the auspices of the Hoddesdon Rotary Club, with John Saunders arranging the steam entries. This event has the ability to attract crowds that would make many an organiser jealous. A large number of engines were present, including the Chamberlain's 1921 Burrell showmans 3912 DRAGON, which steamed from Peterborough. Some way distant from its Chilterns base was Boughton's chain driven B2 Tasker tractor 1697 of 1916 (SR1516). The ex-Colin Pigott Fowell 93 of 1904 (CE7894) appeared in fresh ownership. John Gorman is no stranger to traction engine driving but has now advanced from miniatures It was a first and last appearance at Amwell for 1913 Aveling roller 7920 (0H6783), now owned by
Rubens Steam Museum in Gotene, Sweden. The machine was in the hands of Tore Blom and left the rally to travel by ferry to Sweden where a warm welcome will be given to any English enthusiasts who care to visit the 60 engines in the Museum. Second time visitor to Amwell was Roy Chapman's Aveling 10994 of 1924 (WT6042). This was steamed to the event from Billericay with a traditional roadman's van in tow. Yet another Aveling which had been seen before but is now much rejuvenated was Andy Caldow's ex Bedford Corporaticn racr, 14113 of 1931 ITM88711. Bill Hedges of Chatham has fitted a new firebox and part of the barrel has been replaced; the roller is now repainted in Aveling green and correctly lined out. Pete Coulson and Paul Worbey were very lucky in not being more seriously injured when, roading McLaren tractor BLUEBELL home from the Amwell rally on the Al and hauling Garrett showmans SAPPHIRE, an articulated lorry hit them from behind, completely destroying Paul's Nissan pick-up at the rear of the convoy — which was carrying a flashing beacon and a slow moving sign. The Garrett suffered little damage, merely having a hole punched in the tender by a towbar but the McLaren was knocked through ninety degrees into a large ditch. The resultant damage includes a broken off chimney base, caved in smokebox, broken perch bracket and bent front axle, damaged belly tanks, distorted tender and the canopy rendered into firewood. (Having suffered a similar experience of being run into from the rear whilst displaying flashing lights and adequate signing, albeit only by a car, my heartfelt sympathy goes to Peter and Paul. The accident Is bad enough, but the consequent dealing with insurance companies is just as traumatic an experience. — DAR). The Punch Bowl rally at Redbourn (the S.0.&D.C.'s 22nd event) unfortunately managed to coincide with the Chiltern Club event but still managed to attract nine engines. Excellent weather on the Sunday cheered up the event, the highlight for enthusiasts being the return to steam of Bill Colebrook's Fowler ploughing engine 13880 of 1917 (N03711. Bill has been quietly rebuilding the engine for many years, the work including major replating to the tender, new boiler backplate, firebox, front tubeplate and tubes. The finished work is a credit to Bill — we look forward to seeing more of this engine in due course. Other engines present included Albert Fensom's 1905 Marshall traction 43560, the Vickery family's 1896
Wallis roller 2357 (H06139) and 1920 Garrett tractor 33782 (BL5337) owned by Doug Williamson. Another whiff of steam was provided in the area at the end of June when Carter's Fair visited St. Albans this show includes their well-known steam driven gallopers and yachts.
ISLE OF MAN Steve Carter's Fowler ploughing engine 15165 of 1918 (WR7180) referred to in the last issue as being offered for sale has now been sold to the south east of England.
KENT Spring bank holiday at Sellindge saw 29 engines in attendance with some extremely interesting examples among them. Several engines arrived by road, including the Barrington brothers' Fowler road loco 14910 of 1917 (CT9092) and Burrell 3931 of 1921 (WY1563) owned by Thomas Wood & Son. Also there was Tony Brett's 1908 Wantage traction 1522 (BW/1/115) and Robey conversion 40991 of 1923 (DS7819) owned by A.G. Monday. Another engine from the same owner was Marshall traction 56125 of 1911 (NT595) whilst rollers included J. Galvin's 1922 Fowler 15698 (BW6179) and Mrs B. Birch's unusual German built Zettlemeyer 553 of 1930. A visitor to Bill Hedges' workshops at Chatham in May found seven rollers five Avelings and two Fowlers — together with three traction engines (including the Wantage noted above) and two tractors, one of which was the recent retrieval from Ireland, originally a roller, Robey 40991. Bill Best has decided to sell some of his engine collection, mention of which was made in the last issue of Steaming. As a result, Aveling roller 5156 of 1902 ITU874) and Wallis Advance roller 8069 of 1931 (GN1804) have been advertised for sale at £13000 and £5,500 respectively.
LANCASHIRE Once again George Coles took his Clayton traction 46059 of 1913 (CE7943) to the Slairlhurn steam party. The journey was completed successfully without any engine associated problem but the journey was marred by an inattentive motorist who managed to run into the back of the living van in Bolton. The living van was unmarked but the front of the car certainly was not! Continuing from Slaidburn to Cockerham for the Morecambe Bay rally via the Trough of Bowland meant taking gradients as steep as 1 in 5, but these the Clayton
managed without problem — in top gear with plenty of noise and sparks from the chimney. Other engines making the same journey from Slaidburn were Brian Allison and John Heselwood with their Aveling tractors — respectively 11839 of 1927 (SM6448) and 9081 of 1919 (KN5785). On the first leg, Brian had the misfortune to break two gauge glasses on the same day and was forced to delay his arrival at Slaidburn until the following day when all was sorted out. It is not wise to descend 1 in 5 hills unless one is l.el tall) the engine I ldba lull At Bolton, work continues on Fred Dibnah'e 1912 Aveling convertible 7838 ITA2436). The old box is out and a new one is made. New belly tanks and tender have been fabricated — the tender now just requiring riveting up; some new gears have also been made.
LEICESTERSHIRE Mick Sansome, owner of 1923 Marshall roller 76913 (PU804), had an eight hour road run from his Leicestershire base to attend the rally at Birmingham Science Museum in mid May. Foster traction 14593 of 1927 (FE9179) belonging to Mrs Audrey Boston at Cadeby is undergoing a number of repairs which include new smokebox, tubeplate and extensive repairs to the boiler barrel. These are being undertaken by Fred Docking and Pete Golder. A local roller to leave the area is the late John Golding's Aveling 10991 of 1924 (BC9483), The new owner is Bernard Bashill from East Yorkshire. Thus both the old Bower Bros rollers, which were kept in the owner's yard at Kegworth for a time after ceasing commercial work, have now left the area. The other roller was Fowler 14342 of 1915 (AX3512), now in Buckinghamshire. First preservation owner of both rollers was the late Chris Dabell of Gotham. A visitor to Mountsorrel earlier in the year spotted an Aveling roller close to the main street which obviously hadn't moved for many a year. A view from adjoining property seemed to suggest it was 15 ton compound 6091 of 1906 (AY9526); subsequent enquiries have confirmed this to be the case — it was purchased by M. Wheat at Tom Burton's sale at Market Harborough in the early 1970s and has only received minimal attention since. By a strange coincidence, Jane Crane's now fully restored 1925 Marshall roller 79087 (NR6120) which has been seen at various rallies throughout the country this summer, 195
was sold at the same time, after Tom's death. Both these rollers were exLeicestershire County Council. The NVTEC's Midlands Area event at Claybrooke, adjacent to the A5, had a classy selection of exhibits this year. As well as the expected tractors and stationary engines, there were also some traction engines present and these included Jeff Goodall's recently acquired Aveling general purpose 5065 of 1902 (SA4835) whilst Richard Vernon presented his Fowler ploughing engines 15334/15335 of 1919 (NO 2044/2045). Alan Henton's 1903 Allchin traction 1261 (AY9878) was present, as was Fowler 12761 of 1911 (397TR0), long time rallied by the late Ted Sansome and now with Stuart Tomlinson who has looked after the engine for the past few years. Rollers included Dave Corbett's Aveling 7798 of 1912 (R7497).
LINCOLNSHIRE At the spring bank holiday 'Carrington' rally returned to Carrington after a peripetetic year or two. The new site on Mr R.E. Crawford's farm hosted two dozen engines in some extremely fine weather. John Selby's 1925 Marshall traction 79441 (FU4677) took the cup for the best Marshall engine whilst another Marshall, completely restored, was 1929 portable 84480 owned by Mr Dickinson, and occupied in driving a timber saw bench. Mr Carnaby showed 1927 Aveling roller 11793 (YT1265), which looked very smart, whilst also present was Don Robinson's Burrell showmans 3334 (GA2168) THE BAILIE and the unique Brown & May showmans 8742 GENERAL BULLER belonging to John Rundle. Lincolnshire Life Museum's 1925 Fowler ploughing engine 16053 1E65518) JOHN was in attendance whilst the other of the pair, 16054 MICHAEL, remained at home awaiting the raising of sufficient funds to allow restoration_ The Museum is to launch an appeal in 1991 for this purpose. An engine new to this event, indeed to the area, was Fowler roller 15490 of 1920 (CA6328) formerly with Shackells in Oxfordshire and now in the ownership of Herbert Epton. Brocklesby Rally took place in early June and the organisers were unlucky with the weather for Saturday was a complete washout with unceasing rain all day and engines never leaving their stands. Sunday, fortunately, was a better day and limited movements took place. This event is staged in a beautiful setting, in Lord Yarnborough's park. There were some twenty engines there, including Don Robinson's Burrell THE BAILIE, John
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Selby's Marshall traction, Maddison brothers 1914 Ransomes single 26475 1E5122), Davey Paxman 13073 of 1907 (NK967) owned by Jack Aldridge (and recently offered for sale), Coupland's Clayton traction 48162 of 1920 (CT8260), Tom Allen's Fowler traction 9271 of 1901 (AJ5819) and Rundle's Brown & May showmans GENERAL BULLER. Other engine news involves two Marshall tractions. Henry Marshall's 7hp single 45415 of 1906 (3E7798) has been out a couple of times during the early summer, whilst Geoff Kitching's similar machine, 38977 of 1903 (HR3775) has now returned home from Horace Smith's works complete with new firebox and a thorough overhaul including a repaint; it looks very good. Finally, after some twelve months in store, Don Robinson's other showmans, Foster 14502 of 1920 (XC9862) VICTORY had an outing to Sheffield at the end of June; nice to see the engine again, Don.
LONDON An Pvent at Crystal Palace in early May was held in conjunction with the HCVS's London to Brighton run and attracted a number of steam entries. The Wheels of Yesterday Rally has free public entry, sponsored by Bullens, a local firm. Those present included Thomas Wood & Son's 1921 Burrell 3931 (WY1563), Stuart Gray's 1925 Sentinel Super 6327 (NE4770), Andy Caldow's 1931 Aveling roller 14113 (TM8871) and Trevor Williams' Burrell showmans conversion 3894 of 1921 (NX947) SAINT BRANNOCK. Also there was a further Aveling roller, 12103 of 1928 (SM7013) belonging to D. Perkins and another wagon, still under restoration, Sentinel DG4 8606 of 1931 (VE6492) owned by A. Hill and C. Murray. A notable first at this event was the commissioning after an extensive rebuild of Savage centre engine 377 of 1886 in Peter Webb's four-abreast Savage gallopers.
NORFOLK Strumpshaw Rally at the end of May goes from strength to strength — organised by the Norfolk Steam Engine Club, there were many local engines present as well as some from further afield — namely Dorset. John Antell had made the long journey from the west with his 1909 Fowler agricultural 11491 (AH6486), a former Norfolk engine, whilst Giles Romanes was also in attendance with the diminutive 3 ton Wallis tractor GOLIATH! Ernie Eagle showed 1908 Marshall agricultural 49725 (BW4509) and other
agricultural engines were John Green's 1913 Fowell 103 (AH5456) and Ted Mack's 1898 Fowler 8334 (9314PW). From Wesley Key's large collection on display in the adjacent Strumpshaw Hall Museum came Foden wagon 13802 of 1931 (VN2912), ex North Riding County Council. Also present was Willem Middlemiss's Burrell showmans 3669 (G6470) NERO. An open day at the Norfolk Museum of Rural Life at Gressenhall saw their Garrett portable boiler in action, providing steam for a couple of large stationary engines. One of these is believed to be now unique, being a product of Riches & Watt of Duke's Palace Ironworks of Norwich in 1872. At one time, this firm was a prominent Norfolk manufacturer of portable engines and produced a single cylinder traction engine in 1865 — the company ceased trading before the beginning of this century. The Museum's Tidman portable was not in steam at this event, currently having boiler fittings overhauled, but it should be steamable before the end of the summer. One of the Gressenhall volunteers, Paul Lewis, has become an engine owner, having purchased, in June 1989, Aveling roller 4877 of 1901 (YA1975). In recent years lying in a dismantled state in storage on the Cardington airfield, Bedfordshire, the machine is a single cylinder R8 roller, unusual in that the flywheel is located between the hornplates. Originally new to North Finchley Council, it later passed to Buncombe's of Highbridge, hence the Somerset registration. Paul has had a new boiler barrel made by Mervyn Mayes at Yaxham and is now awaiting the arrival of a new firebox from a firm in Beccles. Weeting rally gets bigger and better. This year's special feature was a gathering of Rustons where a score or so Ruston Proctor and Ruston & Hornsby products were on display. In addition to traction engines, tractors, rollers and oil engines, two Ruston & Hornsby cars from the 1920s were also present — one shown by Roy Hooley from Lincoln, well known for his efforts in the repatriation of a Ruston Proctor engine from France, the other shown by James Gilbey from Somerset, owner of Burrell showmans PERSEVERANCE II. Derek Marder brought along his freshly completed 1918 Ruston Proctor tractor 52453 (0R8501) and Colin Brothwell exhibited Ruston & Hornsby traction 115100 of 1922 (D02953). Other makes of engine present included David Birch's 1922 McLaren 1713 conversion showmans
•,1.46-.
The splendid convergence of the Lincoln-built products of Ruston, Proctor and Ruston & Hornsby at the Weeting event in July. (Roger West)
(NH3998) THE BANSHEE; Keith Grimsay's 1919 unrestored Marshall portable 7'1725 and Foster traction 14622 of 1931 (FW1917) owned by K.G. Steward. An incident during the course of ring events could have resulted in far more serious damage than actually occurred; Tony Warwick's 1912 McLaren road loco 1332 (DS7128) was pitted against a Chieftan tank in a tug of war. As the strain was taken, the front end of the engine lifted and the front wheels and axle fell from the perch bracket. Luckily, when the
engine descended, its belly tank rested on the wheels, keeping the engine approximately level and enabling all to be reinstated with the minimum amount of disruption and damage. The evident absence of any positive fixing in the assembly should point to a moral in this story...
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE The twelfth Grand Transport Cavalcade at Higham Ferrers, organised by the Rushden Historical Transport Society, saw a debut at the event of Fowler showmans 15653 of
1920 RENOWN owned by the Howard brothers of Derbyshire. Also there were a couple of locally built Allchins — Allen Eaton's recently acquired 1546 joined company with Ted Davenport's 1458 of 1909 (DD2006). Not long after this event, Allen decided to take his engine on an historical pilgrimage, back to her birthplace, in celebration of the engine's 78th birthday. The engine was steamed to the site of Allchin's Globe Works, now the home of the Rice Foundry. A large birthday cake and a magnum of champagne completed the birthday celebrations. (One wonders how much of these luxuries the birthday girl received? — DAR)
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NORTHUMBERLAND A notable exhibit at the South Tyne TES rally at Tynedale Park, Corbridge, was the first appearance in public of Richard Straughan's newly restored Sentinel Super 5676 of 1924 (EC5927). This remarkable reconstruction was recognised by the organisers in their award of the best steam wagon prize to this machine, which for so long lay scattered in a gorge in the wilds of Cumbria. (The wagon's rescue featured in Steaming for Autumn 1989 and the final result is a remarkable transformation from the bits pictured in the article — DAR.) Other entries included Henry l'Anson's 1911 Burrell showmans 3195 (UP2936) COUNTRY GIRL, Bob Arthur's 1908 Garrett traction 27341 IBL8322) and Peter Corbett's Aveling roller 10921 of 1924 (PT3779). Aveling-Barford roller AH363 of 1947 ICTL225) built by Vickers Armstrong of Newcastle on Tyne and owned by the Walker Steam Engine Project was also present, as was another Aveling, Vincent Allen's 1920 tractor 9183 (KE18) THE PIRATE.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE At the spring bank holiday, the ONCA rally was held at Sherwood Forest Farm with 17 engines in attendance. Jim Gratton showed two engines, one being Burrell showman 3950 of 1924 (M02916) PROGRESS, the other his newly overhauled Aveling roller 10662 (FX9743), also of 1924 and believed to be on its rally debut. Another Aveling was Andrew Bigland's now unique 1908 tandem roller 6530 (NM291), whilst two Fowler ploughing engines were E. Flear's AA6 13881 of 1917 (N0372) and Beeby brothers 1874 built 2479 (NR1213). At Rempstone in mid July the weather was very hot and 34 engines sweltered in the heat. It was a good event though our correspondent found the layout a bit odd. There was an interesting selection of Foster engines, including Mrs Pat Parker's 1913 tractor 13031 (FE1456) and three showmans style conversions. There was also a wide variety of rollers five manufacturers being represented, which made a change from the ubiquitous Avelings at some events. In addition to the two ploughing engines mentioned in the ONCA report, above, another one attended this event, M. Hammond's 1874 Fowler 2267 (AL8344). Frank Knight was present with his 1928 Foden wagon 13138 (AN95681. One notable absentee was Mike Ward's 1911 Burrell road loco 3257 (AH5317) which although entered, 198
later failed its boiler test. This was one of the engines which made the long journey from this area to the Great Dorset Steam Fair last summer.
OXFORDSHIRE Another gathering was held this year entitled Stoke Row Puff 'n' Stuff — the first for a few years in the locale, which was certainly enjoyed by those who attended. Almost twenty engines attended this nice old fashioned event; not too commercialised and with a true village flavour about it. The site was almost within sight of Nettlebed, the venue for the first rallies and many of the engines which took part had also appeared at the Thames Valley TEC's second road run a fortnight earlier. These included Bob Hyett's 1914 Aveling road loco 8471 (AF4478), Bob Staunton's Aveling roller 8116 of 1913 (TA2435) and Burrell road loco 4066 of 1927 (VF589) owned by John and Brenda Newton. Also present was Fred Cooper's 1915 Aveling roller 8489 (0K58) — he dropped in on the way back from Hollycombe — and another long distance traveller, Steve Parrott's Marshall traction 51025 of 1908 (D02056), which was returning from Avebury Manor, a round trip of some 86 miles in two weeks. Another engine present was Kathleen Pile's Clayton portable 44140 of 1911, in the capable hands of Dick Jolly. Towards the end of June, the Banbury Steam Society staged their annual event which was slightly spoiled by showers but not sufficient to detract from the overall enjoyment of the event by the 39 engine crews attending. Dan Shorey's 1920 Burrell (BH8020) showmans 3836 STARLIGHT was present as was SIR JOHN FOWLER, 1905 Fowler showmans 9393 (YA44) now in the ownership of C. Buckland of Towcester, Northants. Ian Sparks presented his 1933 Foden tractor 14084 (AMB300) whilst a wagon making a rally debut was Sentinel S4 9016 of 1934 (HV3865) owned by Barry Cousins. Others present were Mike Thexton's Ruston Proctor traction 33471 of 1907 (EW2691), D. Curryer's 1924 Marshall roller 77550 (H06292) and Fowler road loco 13141 of 1913 (H05671) owned by Michael Davies. Banbury fielded a £1 programme which though it carried details of all the engines, was not as big as that of the Parham Rally (priced the same); the best programme seen so far this year was undoubtedly Woodcote's which for the same price had full colour pictures and a very adequate description of all twenty-one steam exhibits — all of which were
genuine engines, for this event does not accept entries from conversions. (This is a stand that perhaps some of the recent contributors to our correspondence on conversions would wish that other rally organisers shared — DAR.) The majority of the rollers present at Woodcote were single cylindered, one exception being R. Fear's Fowler tarsprayer 17506 of 1928 (UA3582). Kathleen Pile's Clayton & Shuttleworth portable, Fred Cooper's Aveling roller, Bob Hyett's Aveling road loco and Bob Staunton's Aveling roller were all present as were Foden wagon 12018 of 1925 (EU2683) owned by Robin Greenaway and David Wren Davis' 1904 Burrell showmans 2668 (NM257) BRITANNIA. It was the first time attending an event in this area for Aveling roller 8240 of 1914 (EE31 19); purchased from Kent in late 1989 by Arthur Aldridge, it has been reboxed during the earlier part of this year. Despite the so-called beautiful weather in which the event was held — it was really hot in mid July — the normal crowds of spectators usually found at this rally were not present and it is perhaps true, taking into account similar reports from elsewhere, that very hot weather has a detrimental effect on attendances as people just do not bother to turn out in excessive heat.
SCOTLAND A roller noted for sale in the Inverness area was 1928 Aveling compound 12174 (K54086). The asking price for this engine was £11,000; the owner A. Croxford.
SOMERSET The Abbey Hill event at the early May holiday was a three day gathering but at the time of our correspondent's visit it did not seem that all the engines in the programme had appeared. It was very much a local list of engines, much the same as those of the previous year and perhaps the only notable addition was Fowler showmans 9381 of 1902 (WR6770) LADY BETTY, now in the custody of Gerry Stoneman. Two regular road drivers in the area are Ron Sams with Aveling conversion 10563 of 1923 (DD2068), and Bill Scurlock with 1926 Ransomes tractor 36220 (UE2496). Both have attended local fetes and functions over the summer months, usually under their own steam. At the Somerset club's Langport rally in mid July there was a bigger than ever engine attendance with some 30 full size engines present. Saturday evening saw heavy haulage
under floodlights with Messrs Sandercock, Casely, Crane, Baker and Marsh in full flight. It was a very impressive scene and another first for the STEC. The sight and sound of engines hauling a 20 ton Caterpillar dozer on a lowloader up the slope will long be remembered. The cavalcade was enclosed for safety using the highly visible orange perforated nylon sheeting of the type now being used on road works and building sites, and which was also used for the arena. Although this safety fencing was much appreciated by engine owners and other mobile exhibitors, keen photographers may have been less enthusiastic, when trying to capture some authentic flavour. A minor Kings reunion took place at the Langport event when Arthur and Richard Bridge brought their 1925 Burrell roller 4004 (Y132010) down from Cheshire and were able to meet up with Gordon Bruce's Burrell traction 4014 of 1925 (TT5615). This latter engine was purchased by Gordon at the 1988 Kings sale and has not been repainted. Another exhibit from the north was Peter Clare's 1924 Sentinel Super wagon 5665 (RS5540). The owners of the Burrell roller, incidentally, ask whether anyone knows the whereabouts of the nameplate carried by their roller whilst in King's ownership — it was called PRIDE OF SOMERSET. Any information that might enable the original to be placed on the engine again would be gratefully received (to DAR please — address in front of this section). A notable excursionist was A. Yelland's 1910 Aveling roller 7095 ITA2661 I, normally resident in Devon where it spent its working life. Appearance at the Langport event was the first time it
Somerset Reunion At the Somerset Traction Engine Club's 1990 Langport rally in July two engines with local connections came together again on the showfield. Burrell roller 4004 and Burrell traction engine 4014 were both at one time part of the extensive fleet of W.J. King at nearby Bishops Lydeard. PRIDE OF SOMERSET, an 8 ton compound roller of 1925, was purchased new by Kings, remaining in their fleet until sold in 1970, initially to Hirsts at St Mary Bourne. Present owners Arthur and Richard Bridge of Grappenhall, Cheshire acquired the very derelict machine in 1977, and restored it to a very fine condition. PRIDE OF DEVON, a 5hp compound traction, was new to C. W. Davey of Abbotsham, Devon in 1925 and was therefore a secondhand acquisition by King. This engine was one of three traction engines in the well-remembered 1988 auction, being knocked down to Gordon Bruce of Dunsford, near Exeter, who had the engine back in steam in a remarkably short time (see Steaming, Autumn 1988). The Langport event provided the opportunity for these two old comrades to be briefly posed (top) together again. Burrell 4004 remained in the area to attend a rally at the West Somerset Railway's station at Bishops Lydeard. During that weekend the Bridges took the roller on a visit to the old Kings premises with their mellowed old red sandstone buildings, but a short distance from the rally field. In view of rumours prevalent in the village on the future of the largely empty yards, PRIDE OF SOMERSET may turn out to be the last King's steamer to leave the yard (bottom) under its own power. (photographs and notes by John Reeves)
had set roll outside of Devon! The whole event turned out an exceptionally good engine rally but being very hot, the public attendances were down, perhaps an inevitable result of the climatic conditions.
STAFFORDSHIRE The Weston Park Spring Spectacular at spring bank holiday was a large show organised by local police in aid of charity and six engines attended in addition to some miniatures. The large engines were N. Le Count's 1928 Ruston & Hornsby roller 149813 (VF3186), Roy Tideswell's 1914 Tasker tractor 1625 (BP5833), Marshall portable 62409 of 1913 owned by Hubert Ellis, Geoff Minshall's 1914 Clayton roller 46688 (EP3137), Aveling roller 14062 of 1930 (HV861) belonging to Peter Hough and Lyndon Shearman's diminutive Brown & May portable of 1868. In mid June, the village fete and vintage fayre at Shareshill, a pleasant one day event, was attended by four engines. In addition to Lyndon Shearman's portable and Peter Hough's Aveling, another Aveling roller, recently returned from a trip to' Abergavenny, was Robert Bate's 1926 single 11520 (MK5128). Also there was the Morrell brothers' Ruston traction 169167 of 1933 (TL5452) TREVITHICK. Lyndon made a little bit of steam history when he belted his Brown & May portable to his Dania threshing machine and 'threshed' a few bales of straw. It was the first time the engine had driven a thresher in about 60 years and as the threshing machine was made around 1953, there was the spectacle of one of the oldest surviving engines driving one of the newest threshers. An engine noted for sale by Cath Hart was Marshall traction 49222 of 1908 (8E7797).
SUFFOLK An engine to change hands is Jimmy Atkins' 1914 Ruston Proctor traction 49804 (EB3554). The new owner is Alan Hines who has been helping Jimmy with the engine for a number of years. The tender and tank have been extensively repaired and on one of the engine's first outings in new ownership, several tree stumps were removed in the grounds of Alan's son's school. As a result of acquiring this engine, Alan's 1922 Aveling roller 10190 (FX8654) has been sold to Peter Leman in Norfolk. A visitor to the Long Shop Museum at Leiston during the summer found Garrett tractor 32944 of 1916 (BJ3206) and Garrett portable 34471 200
of. 1925 on display, as well as Aveling roller 8796 of 1917 (EW2237) also owned by the Museum. The Transport Trust's Garrett roller 34265 of 1923 is currently away at Dereham for a new boiler to be fitted and other repairs carried out; it is hoped the roller will return to Leiston in 1991. Other items of interest are Garrett CCS class stationary engine 30877 of 1912 and Aveling-Barford DY diesel roller AB 803 (CXL227). When the Farm Machinery Preservation Society held its annual rally at Great Waldingfield near Sudbury just four engines were present; traction engines Foster 14622 of 1931 (FW1917) owned by Ed Steward; and two single cylinder Burrells belonging to Barry Freeman and Jim White respectively — 4088 of 1930 (VF9646) and 1606 of 1892 (N02533). The other engine, a late arrival on the field, was Kath Barrett's Burrell showmans tractor 3433 of 1912 (AH0108) PETER PAN. This was observed racing along the road to the rally field, thick black smoke issuing from its chimney, at a high speed. A comment to the owner elicited the reply that it was probably because one of the crew normally looks after the famous locomotive MALLARD at York Railway Museum!
SURREY The Mole Valley show at Leatherhead in May attracted seven engines this year including Mike Smith's Foster traction 14638 of 1933 (VL4777), J. and K. Taylor's 1932 Aveling roller 14149 ISM9415), Phil Retman's 1909 Foden road loco 1294 and Burrell roller 3047 of 1908 (AH6867) owned by David Horton. Cranleigh was the venue for the Central Southern Vintage Agricultural Club's 10th anniversary rally towards the end of June when, again, the memory of the club's founder, the late Tex Wallace was uppermost in people's minds. Engines attending this most interesting show included Ransomes crane engine 31066 of 1920 (PV4943) owned by Bicknells, Peter Lyons' 1909 Fowler traction 11698 (NK925) and the Langford brothers 1924 Wallis Advance roller 7790 (H06281). Also present were three Aveling rollers — Richard Perkins' 12103 (SM7013), Jim Taylor's 14149 of 1932 ISM94151 and 4932 of 1901 (FX6932) owned by Phil Tracy. Two engines have been noted as being offered for sale by Derek Trice — Aveling overhead slide valve road loco 4561 of 1900 (KE3775) and Mann's tractor 1260 of 1917 (U4298). The asking price for each was £25,000.
SUSSEX At the Hollycombe Collection's Festival of Working Steam Engines held over the May bank holiday weekend something like 13 out of the 18 engines were working at various times at such tasks as rolling, hauling, timber cutting, threshing or stone crushing. Most notable was P. Lyons' Fowler traction 11698 of 1909 (NK925) which spent most of its time working Bicknell's rack saw bench, whilst their own Ransomes crane engine 31066 kept the bench supplied with timber. Fred Cooper steamed the forty or so miles from Berkshire and spent the weekend working the Collection's stone crusher with his 1915 Aveling roller 8489 (0K58). The weekend also saw the return to the public view of the Collection's Aveling 10050 of 1921 (XM4037), a one time Islington Council roller. There is some paintwork to finish and a few minor mechanical problems to sort out but the roller nevertheless performed well after 18 years out of steam. It was also something of a family occasion for the Baldocks as on the Monday, the Aveling roller was named after John Baldock's eldest son DAVID and on the Saturday, the 1899 Hawthorn Leslie saddle tank was named COMMANDER B, as a tribute by the Society to the man who started the collection in the early days of perservation. Without his vision and faith in the efforts of volunteers to keep the collection going we would all now be the poorer. An engine now permanently resident at Hollycombe is J. Rowland's Aveling traction 8653 (KE6455). This
New Arrivals Two new exhibits recently arrived at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket, Suffolk, although not steam, will be of interest to members. They are paraffin engined ploughing engines made by Walsh & Clarke of Guiseley, Leeds in the late 1920s. They spent all their working lives as part of a fleet of 15 or 16 similar engines owned by ploughing and threshing contractors G. Miles of Great Ashfield, near Bury St Edmunds. The machines have been generously donated by Robert Miles, son of G. Miles, and they join the now unique pair of 1879 Burrell ploughing engines at Stowmarket. The latter were at work at the museum's 'Farming the Old Way' event on the last weekend of September, together with threshing demonstrations with Burrell 3399 and other visiting machines.
was new in 1915 and it is hoped the machine will be in steam most weekends. Another superb weekend's entertainment took place at Parham Park, when the many thousands of visitors were presented with a special Sentinel weekend as part of the normal rally activities. In a scene reminiscent of Bishops Castle than somewhere as far south as this, a dozen steam wagons were joined by two diesel powered lorries for a display in conjunction with the Sentinel Drivers Club. Two things ricivsit APPM tO change at this event — firstly the weather is always good but secondly the quality of the programme contents continues to be most inconsistent, rendering the publication, to an enthusiast at least, to be poor value. For something for which a whole pound is charged one would have expected at least details of all the engines to a fairly common level instead of six words for some and half a page for others. In addition to the Sentinels — is fourteen a record for a rally? — other engines present included Mick Smith's 1918 Ransomes agricultural 27227 of 1918 (DS7473) driving a saw bench, Richard Pierce's 1931 Garrett traction 35461 (0U93091, B. Gocher's 1913 Garrett showmans style tractor 31193 (BJ1659) and Amberley Chalk Pits Museum's 1925 Marshall roller 79669 (PX2690).
their current diesel powered state. In view of the time these engines have spent languishing in undergrowth, largely uncared for, our correspondent thinks that task to be immense.
WEST MIDLANDS More can be recorded on Len Crane's activities with his Fowler crane engine at a local brewery, as mentioned in the last issue. In order to celebrate a hundred years of brewing at Banks's Hansons brewery, the engine was used to lower a large 54 ga!Inn hPPr raak intri a hnia in tha grounds of the brewery's new packaging plant. The large cask contained a hundred items epitomising the spirit of the 1990s and of life in the firm's home town of Wolverhampton. Included in these was a poll tax form and a cask of Banks's special centenary brew, complete with recipe. Birmingham was the venue in mid May for the Rally in the Street — held outside the Museum of Science & Industry in Newhall Street. Two dozen engines were present and these included some impressive newcomers. Newly restored Marshall S type roller 79087 of 1925 (NR6120) owned by Mrs Jane Crane vied for attention with husband Len's well known Fowler
crane engine. Also there was Neville Melhuish's 1909 Fowler traction 11699 (AB9028), Fowler roller 15902 of 1923 (KR8728) owned by Steve Hill and Trevor Daw's Ruston & Hornsby roller 114059 of 1921 (CJ4853), whilst up from Cornwall came Richard Sandercock's 1924 Burrell road loco 3996 (E9597) CONQUEROR. Another long distance visitor was the National Motor Museum's showmans 3443 of 1913 (C03822) LORD NELSON. Inside the Museum, their Ruston Proctor portable torn along 1 R1 PR of 1RQ4 with other stationary engines. The following weekend, the Crofters Steam Fair was staged by the Castlecroft Rugby Club, Wolverhampton and fourteen engines attended. These included the Fowler showman twins REPULSE and RENOWN, Robert Bate's Aveling roller 11520, Tasker tractor 1675 of 1914 (BP5833) belonging to Roy Tideswell and Harry Palmer's 1915 Ruston Proctor roller 50735 (RF9143). This latter engine towed Lyndon Shearman's 1860s Brown & May portable around the arena on both days — a nice touch this for both Harry and his son David were involved with the late Roger Wyeld in the rescue of
WALES The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza started off the rally season in North Wales in early May. In addition to Jack Schofield's gallopers, steam engines present included C.P. Timmis' 1917 Garrett showmans style tractor 33074 (BJ3451), Fred Whitehead's Aveling roller 11675 of 1926 (RK8041) and Mann's tractor 1325 of 1918 (U4748) owned by John Phillips. Several engines from the extensive Lythgoe collection were also present, including all five showmans, together with Burrell tractor 3397 of 1912 (AH095) COCK OF THE NORTH and early Foden traction 443 of 1899 (DJ1142) VICTORIA.
WARWICKSHIRE Further information is available on the fate of the ploughing engines at Binton, mentioned in the last issue. The clear out results from the owner's intention to instal a gas plant on the site which required the removal of the remaining engines from their long-time resting places to another part of the premises. The owner says that he has no intention of scrapping or selling the machines, and that some day he plans to restore them to running order in
A most immaculate and thorough restoration by Len Crane of his wife Jane's 10 ton Marshall S type roller has impressed this year at rallies throughout the south and midlands. Marshall 79087 was new in April 1925 at a cost of £701 2s Od (£701. 10p) to Market Harborough Rural District Council in Leicestershire for use on their 130 miles of Class II roads and lesser byways. The roller is now returned to its original deep red livery, and this picture, by Robin Walker, was taken at the Parham, Sussex, rally. 201
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this engine in 1970 from its state of dereliction in North Wales. An interesting late entry was G. Minshall's 1914 Clayton roller 46688 (EP3137) which apparently was the last steam roller at the Buttington Road Roller Company's premises when Geoff purchased her in 1962. Castlecroft is attracting a wide range of exhibits now and bids fair to become a leading, perhaps the leading, event in the West Midlands, such is its scale of growth. Towards the end of June, engines were moving in all directions around 11Velverhampton. TL-.. Browri ex May portable appeared at Penn Hall Special School's Summer Fair whilst John Wootton's Garrett showmans conversion 33987 of 1920 (BJ5597) was seen heading to an event at the Lucas factory on Stafford Road. Meanwhile, Robert Bate's Aveling headed south through the town to a school fair, returning later in the evening. Engine drivers in this area are reminded that under a verie olde byelaw of the Parish of Oxley, any engine travelling along Stafford Road is required to whistle on approaching the bus stop just north of Goodyear Island in order that our area correspondent can nip out from his home and watch it pass.
WILTSHIRE In early July the weather was somewhat unsettled and there was quite a bit of drizzle about for the Heddington event. A varied selection of engines attended and, as usual, a short road run was staged before the rally on the Saturday morning. There were some two dozen engines there in total, including Bill Simpkin's 1920 Aveling roller 9260 (FX70771; Paul Antell's Robey agricultural 29333 of 1910 (AD9899); Wallis traction 7293 of 1913 (BH6808) owned by Colin Knight; Dave Allen's Clayton roller 48751 of 1923 (YA6182) and Colin Hembury's 1923 Aveling roller 10594 (YA63751. Two other engines in the news are P. Richman's Aveling tractor 11728 of 1927 (TW6713) which was noted in the Swindon Railway Workshop adjacent to the National Railway Museum on Tour exhibition in June, and 1917 Marshall portable 70528 belonging to Dave Plant which has been advertised for sale.
YORKSHIRE It is perhaps a little late but nevertheless worthy of record that Richard and Anne Preston organised a wonderful night of nostalgia and steam in late April in the north of the county which was attended by many enthusiasts. Indeed the much travelled Chris Edmonds was a guest speaker
and the thanks of those present are extended to the hosts for an extremely enjoyable evening. The spring bank holiday event at Temple Newsam, Leeds, saw first time appearances rally for Nick Meadowcroft's 1923 Aveling roller 10545 (HR7772) and also, although not in steam, the Fowler road loco which is under renovation by John Smith. Both of these engines were featured in the notes of the last issue. Further information is to hand on another roller also mentioned in the last notes — the diesel conversion Aveling 10800 ovyned by GI ahare Turner. Donald Henderson of Dalbeattie was familiar with the roller during its working days for Kirkcudbrightshire County Council, where it was employed in the Newton Stewart district, and he believed it had been scrapped. Barry Wood's 1903 Aveling roller 5308 WITHERNSEA has been out and about again, venturing in early June to the Yorkshire Evening Post's Shoppers Fun Day in Leeds and two weeks later to the Middleton Railway Trust's 30th anniversary gala weekend in Hunslet. An event organised at Ripley Castle, north of Harrogate, at the end of June had two Fowlers present. One was Robin Knox's roller 17492 of 1928 (U12066), an interesting tar spraying machine not yet much seen in public in the area, the other David Webster's 1924 conversion 16289 (NL8292). Another conversion, Marshall 76890 of 1923 (PY272), owned by Colin West, was also present. In the same area, a vintage tractor rally near Knaresborough in July was graced by the presence of Fowler roller 15851 of 1923 (NX3974) owned by Ian Jackson and John Bolton. Two rollers have recently come into the county: Nicholas Ramsden has brought home his 1922 Aveling 10235 (N045581 after purchase from Bernard Bertram, having learnt during the last few months a considerable amount from Bernard on how to handle and look after the machine. Nicholas was noted under tuition on the roller at Elvaston Castle rally in Derbyshire in mid July. Another similar roller, 1924 Aveling 10991 (BC9483) from Leicestershire has now been purchased by Bernard Blashill in the east of Yorkshire. This is from the late John Golding and remained in the Midlands for a time after purchase in order to participate in a road run at Kegworth in aid of cancer charities. An engine seen around quite a lot this summer is Tom Varley's now unique 1872 Howard traction engine 201; the machine's engine is mounted in the tender. It is in the care of
Richard Gillam at present and was noted at Temple Newsam and later at Masham in mid July. Here everyone enjoyed a typical Yorkshire Dales welcome with glorious sunny weather and other first timers at this event were Richard Straughan's superbly restored 1924 Sentinel Super wagon 5676 (EC5927), Martin Jones' 1907 Allchin agricultural 1406 (KE19851 and Aveling-Barford roller AH363 of 1947 (CTL225) owned by the Museum of Science and Engineering, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and roaded to the event by the Walker Steam Engine raen- bz, J, r. iiiiuiwii mid P. Davison. One other engine worthy of note which had returned to the rally fields after a very long absence is the late Arthur Fearnley's Fowler Tiger tractor PANDORA. Keith Collins now owns this 1917 built machine 14406 (CJ4338), and it was out for the first time at Leeds and subsequently of Masham. Keith and his assistants are to be congratulated on the reappearance of PANDORA, doubly so, in fact, for in addition to the tractor, Keith also searched out, bought and has restored 'Pandy's Pram', the former Crossley bus from which Arthur removed the body, and installed an electrically powered turntable and ramps amidships thus providing a purpose built transporter just for the Fowler tractor. One of Arthur's delights was to load up in the arena at the end of a rally — a demonstration of a fine and ingenious piece of engineering by a skilled craftsman — and always something which drew a large crowd of interested onlookers.
ROAD ROLLER ASSOCIATION
ie
R.R.A. Various committee members of the RRA have been working on a project which came to fruition at the Elvaston Castle Rally in Derbyshire in mid July. A reproduction trade stand, similar to that which might have appeared at an agricultural show in the mid 1920s has been produced, capable of 'advertising' various themes, the chosen one for Elvaston being the Eddison Steam Rolling Company. On display was Alan Porter's 1913 Burrell 3535 (T827101, an Aveling-Barford DX roller from Leicester Museums, an Eddison living van, a water cart and other sundry items. The hospitality tent served as the sales stand and 'salesman' were dressed in appropriate period costume. It is hoped to utilise the stand, perhaps in a different guise, at other functions as transport and time permits. 203
THE ROBEY TRUST Members continue in active restoration of tandem roller 42693 of 1925 (FE7490) and operation of 6hp traction 33348 of 1914 (Z200). In March, the agricultural was evicted from the farm where it was kept when the National Trust, the owners of Buckland Abbey, bought the farm. Apparently the agricultural steam engine didn't fit in with the image they wished to present! As a result, the engine was steamed the twelve miles to its new home nearer Tavistock, without a hitch and using only about half the coal and water consumed on the same trip a year previously. In June, the engine attended Chamber of Commerce celebrations in Tavistock by pulling the roller into the town square. The latter machine is now in professionally lined out paintwork and varnished but still awaiting the fabrication and fitting of the copper pipework. Both engines remained on the square for the day, attracting considerable interest, not the least from two young men who confessed that it was they, as teenagers, who robbed the children's playground roller of everything they were able to remove and hurled the parts into the Tavistock canal. (Is there a local sub aqua club who would welcome a challenge to recover some genuine Robey spares? — DAR). Restoration of the roller continues; Devonport Dockyard successfully cast a boiler feed pump body using genuine Robey patterns, 50 years old, loaned by a member of the Trust. Messrs Budenburg who have records of their pressure gauges supplied to steam wagon and engine manufacturers going back to 1901, have supplied the Trust with a new gauge, with period 'barb and crescent' pointer and 1920s style figures. The Trust is now able to offer for sale Robey transfers in the two original sizes: large for boiler sides and small for such locations as the tandem roller front headstock bracket casting and various i.c. engines etc. None of the known existing transfers were of a suitable quality for photographic reproduction, so a complete recreation of the art work was commissioned at a cost of several hundred pounds. Printing costs have taken the final bill well into four figures. The Trust now has enough transfers for every Robey known to exist and several to spare. Enquiries for purchase to the Robey Trust chairman, please — Dave Davies on 0822 (Plymouth) 615960. 204
Around Ic411r the World 416
The Editor wishes to acknowledge receipt of magazines etc from Iron Men Album (USA); The Stanley Museum (USA); The Heritage Eagle (USA); Stoomwalsenclub Nederlands;
Lake Goldsmith club (Australia); South Canterbury club and Steam Traction Society (New Zealand), and from members and other correspondents as individually credited.
Marshall 87298 in position for driving the line shafting at workshops at Khajuri, Nepal. The worksplate illustrates the examples fitted by Marshall Sons & Co (India) Ltd to engines ordered for the sub-continent. (Paul Stratford)
•
HUNGARY Member Ray Watson recently visited Budapest and the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, situated in the Castle of Vajdahunyad. On display is Clayton & Shuttleworth portable number 310, built in 1852, Mr Watson wonders what is the oldest traction engine type machine still in existence. (Old portables — the precursors of the road steam engine — will inevitably make strongest claims as the oldest. Derek Rayner, in Steaming, Summer 1985, described the Tux ford portable of 1850 exhibited in the National Technical Museum in Paris. Traction Engine Register lists a Humphries portable 219 of 1850 and an unidentified portable, alleged built in 1840. Perhaps readers can offer comment.)
The Almere event in Holland this year had no visiting British engines and therefore fielded 100% Dutch owned engines. Demonstrators to the crowd of what can be done with the steam engine's power and flexibility involved Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3846 (centre) winching Aveling conversion 12020 onto the beaver-tailed low trailer and then hauling the combination around Almere, assisted by Garrett single cylinder 3hp tractor 25565 of 1906 in front. (Jaap van Pelt)
just within India on the edge of the border village of Jaynagar, was TataMarshall steam roller 683J, a single cylinder piston valved machine of about 8 tons bearing the building date October 1950. Though dusty and dumped at the side of the road with an active diesel roller, it was complete.
USA A plaque, mounted on an old traction engine wheel, and which
commemorates the first traction engine gathering in the United States, has recently been moved indoors for safe keeping. It is housed on the farm of Roger Cox who purchased the property from instigator Le Roy Blaker at Alvardton, Ohio. The wording of the plaque, first erected in June 1948, reads: 'site of the first steam traction engine reunion in USA, June 30, 1945, by Le Roy Blaker and the Organization of the National Threshers Association, Inc.'
NEPAL A report from Paul Stratford of a visit a few years ago features Marshall portable 87298, the standby power source for the railway workshops of the- Jaynagar-Janakpur Railway in Nepal. This 2ft 6in gauge railway runs from the Indian border some 25 miles into Nepal, the midway workshops at Khajuri being responsible for keeping in working order the half dozen or so working engines land harbouring other less healthy examples). The piston valved single cylinder Marshall of about 10hp is set up for driving overhead line shafting during not infrequent electric power cuts. Many of the workshop machines — lathes, millers etc — are situated in the open air with no cover from the elements. A later visit to Khajuri by the Editor in 1984 showed the Marshall to be rather disused. Not far from the station at Janakpur was a rice mill with Marshall single cylinder horizontal mill engine 47257, built into a first floor engine house and working quite healthily at 90 rpm. Also in the area,
Letters Smoking Engines With reference to the Editorial comments in the last issue concerning traction engines consuming their own smoke, the following may be of interest to all concerned. I quote from notes made during a conversation with the late Joseph Brewer junior, who with his father and brothers travelled the west country fairgrounds with steam until September 1927. On 19th May 1924, he was summoned for 'smoking nut the City' at Truro. His engine had been on The Green (now gone, but originally behind
the Britannia pub) for a fortnight and after leaving, on their way up the hill in Lemon Street, the dead coal in the fire box began to break up and be pulled through the tubes. The prosecution made allegations of 'a certain locomotive which did not then as tar as practicable consume its own smoke...'. Joe Brewer had to pay four shillings and sixpence costs (about 22p) but was not fined, as he proved that engines were not fitted with 'smoke consumers' as alleged by the prosecution. He had to explain to the judge that the correct way to avoid such misdeeds was to fire up well 205
before passing through a built up area, so that while actually passing through he had a clear fire. In this case it had not been possible. The point illustrates that while at work, traction engines did not generally or normally emit large plumes of smoke and steam like railway engines, as is so often depicted on the rally fields and in some preservation photographs. Although often pleasing to view, this practice is neither good driving, authentic or legal! Whilst I do not wish to seem to be a killjoy, future legislation should not be encouraged by any such irresponsible actions on our part. I believe I am correct in stating that current legislation still states that every steam vehicle shall be constructed so as not to emit any avoidable smoke and visible vapour, and I would draw attention to the remarks of the Trust's former Hon. Solicitor David Tew in his booklet Traction Engines and the Law 11988) — pages 19 and 20. Our engines are already constructed on such lines, so come on fellas, let's concentrate on maintaining a high standard of driving. Derek Hattam Camborne, Cornwall
Fodens at Netherne Asylum Members may be interested to read this extract from Commercial Motor for 18th January 1906 referring to the Fodens working at Netherne Asylum, Surrey, which featured on pages 136/137 of the last issue. 'Messrs. JOHN BOWEN and SONS, Building Contractors, of Balsall Heath, Birmingham, write from the
Contractor's Office of the Netherne Asylum Contract, Merstham, Surrey, on the 11th instant: — "We have five of Foden's 5-ton wagons hauling the material for this contract from the station, brickyard, etc, to our depot off the main London to Brighton Road. They are giving entire satisfaction. When the roads are in good condition they draw trailers, but at the present time are unable to do so. "We consider that the wagons take the place of at least a stud of 40 horses, but owing to the position of this asylum it would be practically impossible to do the whole of the hauling by teams. The site is over 200 feet above the level of the railroad, so that a siding and railway on to works is impracticable. Had we been unable to have motors we should have had to have fallen back to tractors, which would, under existing circumstances, have been nothing like so handy as our wagons. "We have had the wagons photographed for you today in two different positions, and will send you two silver prints not later than Saturday. Please note that to obtain these photos it has been necessary to stop the wagons a good half day, and we are very busy. You will appreciate from this fact the trouble we have taken." Two illustrations accompanied this occasionally blunt account — one a line-up of Bowen's five Fodens neatly posed outside the firm's motor sheds at Merstham; the other a very similar view to that on our page 137, captioned 'Saving Time and Money Too. Messrs Bowens unloading depot, off the Brighton main road. All the
WORLD'S FAIR
wagons carry 2-foot gauge railway wagon bodies, which are craned off on to the [railway] wagon frames, and hauled to the works by an endless wire rope [tramway]. Empties are returned in the same way.' Aldershot, Hampshire
Les Burbery
Engines and Gallopers May I comment on two items in the last issue? The short reference to Fowler centre traction engine 4765 reminded me I have a rather poor photograph of this engine and its ride, a 3 abreast, taken at Faversham, Kent, in 1895. Reynolds & King were based in Fulham, London, but doubtless they travelled in Kent, as my photograph shows. They appear to have been amongst the earliest of firms to devise a means of making the roundabout horses 'gallop'. Their set is described as 'double-crank gallopers' and the engine was named EMPRESS. I believe the Fowler was sold out of showland in 1913. Changes at the firm of John Allen & Sons (Oxford) are mentioned on page 139; it is said they built four or five electric sets of gallopers in 1924 at the very time that old-established firms such as Savages and Walkers of Tewkesbury, were giving up building such machines. I have also heard it said they in fact imported them from Germany. What is the truth of this matter? I understand Aliens, from time to time, overhauled old fairground rides. Bernard Fielding
4
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ensure that no one will ever derive pleasure from the restoration and operation of that engine. Whilst it may be acceptable for an owner to put a covenant on an engine, if he so desires, to prevent its sale to overseas buyers, I do not believe it would be right to prevent an owner selling to whoever is prepared to pay the best price. Regardless of where one lives on the globe, it takes an awful lot of money to rebuild an engine, and such cost can often exceed its value in a particular entry If an infnrti !nate (-Flange of circumstances forces the sale of a restored engine, then surely the owner is entitled to sell to the highest bidder, and not have to accept a lower sum to satisfy heritage-minded people who have contributed nothing towards the restoration. John Davis
Fowler class A8 road loco 14754 of 1920 starts the year usefully on 1st January 1989, assisting in the removal to new premises in Hadlow, Kent of partly restored Fowler ploughing engine 2620, rebuilt at some time in its working life with Burrell single crank compound cylinders. In the background another Fowler relies on Scammell power. (Peter Love)
Exports and Imports I was interested in the article 'Exports and Imports' in the spring edition of Steaming (page 751, and whilst a number of good points were made, there are several other viewpoints to be considered. I can appreciate the need for legislation to prevent the sale to overseas buyers of national treasures which feature prominently in a nation's history, but if such restriction is imposed, who will take the responsibility for deciding whether to permit an engine to be exported, in the category of 'shared heritage', or to prevent it, on the grounds that it is being 'looted' to provide somebody with some easy money? Mr Brooks appears to support the idea of taking engines from France and Tasmania, in the name of shared heritage, but is he in favour of my purchase in England some years ago, of a derelict Sentinel S type lorry, for export to Australia? I do not believe that my acquisition made any serious impact on the heritage of Britain, which is awash with S types, but it has sure given me and many others a lot of pleasure, and has added a new dimension to steam road transport in Australia. Few, if any, of the engines which have been looted from Australia in recent years were in restored
condition; indeed, most would not even justify the description of being preserved, and some were in grave danger of being scrapped. Mr Brooks asks what has become of the imported engines. I cannot answer for all of them, but I did have the pleasure of driving the unique Atkinson wagon in England, after its restoration from a bare chassis which faced a very uncei Win future in Australia; I also drove the rare Aveling & Porter wagon which I had previously helped to recover from a remote quarry, where it had long suffered the debilitating action of the weather and light fingered steam enthusiasts. Incredible though it may seem, engines have been scrapped here in recent years. Examples which spring to mind include a tiny 21/2 hp Ruston Proctor portable, which only needed a boiler full of water and a fire to make it fully operational; a 3 speed road locomotive in complete condition and owned by an enthusiast; and a Super Sentinel wagon which I remember seeing in steam and running, but which has now been reduced to such a condition that it is doubtful if restoration to working order will ever be achieved. Far better that an engine should fall into the hands of an overseas engine dealer than into the clutches of the scrapman, whose unwelcome attention will
Wombarra, NSW, Australia
Being out of the country since last December I read with interest Richard Brooks' thoughts on export and imports in the 'Viewpoint' column in the Spring 1990 issue. He roundly condemns the importing of engines into the UK from Australia, New Zealand or wherever, and even more loudly damns export from these shores. Yet he states he has been involved in the former himself — so it's OK for him but unacceptable for others; an interesting stance. However, I do agree with Mr Brooks over conversions. Good valid engines are altered from their original design (very expertly, no doubt), into pseudo showinans somethings to add appeal and value, wood racks are promptly dumped — and I've done that myself but admit I was wrong. Few such engines now relate to their original setting. I've been an engine getter and I'd do it still. I would ship out my 22hp Buffalo Pitts engine if any Australian wanted it back in that country — its now restored and not the devastated relic I bought there years ago. I can sympathise with Mr Brooks' points on preservational integrity and in an ideal world would agree, but what goes one way, be it 1910 or 1990, can still go another. However awful the practice seems to him he has been right in there doing it with Ruston 46596 and now Hornsby 7297 — probably 18 tons of solid evidence, so his noble stance rather loses credibility. The subject is perhaps best summed up by the observation that the purest preservation ideals are one 207
thing but the rules of hard commercial consideration are quite another. If you are doing it for the money one can't afford sentiment; nobody hauls an engine half way round the world to scrap it. No engine I've known go through these circumstances was not made good and most were from a very poor state — all were earlier available to local enthusiasts. Maurice Taylor
Sheffield
concrete for December 1923. Until Reading Bridge was available, the only local cross-Thames link was the 1869 Caversham Bridge, consisting of two cast iron spans with the intermediate pier situated on a convenient island in the river. This bridge had a roadway only 20ft 6in wide and a maximum weight limit of 5 tons. As soon as Reading Bridge was made available, tenders were invited for the demolition of the iron bridge and construction of a new reinforced concrete bridge on the same site, with
a 32ft wide roadway and two 12ft footpaths. There were to be two spans, 106ft 41/2 ins and 126ft 4 1/2 in, with the intermediate pier on the island as before. This new bridge was completed in the late spring of 1926 and was due to be ceremonially opened by the Prince of Wales (Edward VIII/Duke of Windsor) during a visit to Reading on 12th May, but owing to the General Strike at that time, this visit was postponed. However, due to the abnormal road traffic conditions, and
Bridges at Reading In Steaming Around in our Spring 1990 issue the Berkshire notes contained a reference to 'the famous testing of Caversham bridge in 1925'. Unfortunately there were errors as to location, date, number of vehicles and total load, so I would like to put the record straight. The test was on Reading Bridge, approximately half a mile downstream from Caversham Bridge and took place on 25th September 1923. The bridge, on a completely new site, was constructed in reinforced concrete and crossed the Thames with a single arch span of 180ft (then the longest concrete span in the British Isles) and carried a roadway 27ft wide and two footpaths each 6ft 6in wide. The loading test, devised by Mr A.C. Cookson MICE, bridge engineer to the Great Western Railway, was for thirty-one assorted steam vehicles (road locos, rollers and laden steam wagons) to cross the bridge in close formation, ten rows three abreast with a solitary roller bringing up the rear, subjecting the structure to a total rolling load of 372 tons. This was about one third more than the 285 tons required by the Ministry of Transport, and the resulting deflection at the centre of the span was only one quarter of an inch. The cavalcade was led by three road locomotives — Burrell 3019 (DP4345); Fowler 13047 (DP3863) and Fowler 15298 (H05862), all owned by Charles Openshaw of Reading (Alan Martin has a photo of these being lined up), and the final roller was Wallis and Steevens 7329 (BL5503), owned by Fords of Wokingham from new in 1913 until 1951. These engines details are kindly supplied by Alan Duke. Shortly after the test, the bridge was formally opened by Alderman J. Wessley Martin, JP, chairman of the Borough Extension Committee, supported by many other local dignitaries. A full account of the construction and testing of the bridge appeared in the issue of Ferro208
The rolling load of 372 tons of assorted road engines, rollers and steam wagons passing over the Thames on the newly completed Caversham bridge a copy of an illustration in the contemporary press from Alan Martin's collection.
Some of Chas. Openshaw's fleet lined up in Reading (Fowlers 13047 and 16298 at the front) prior to the testing of Cavershem bridge. Further beck, the machines include Marshall and Wallis rollers, probably from the fleet of John Allen & Fords at Wokingham, and loaded Foden wagons, at least some from Reading Corporation. (collection Alan Martin)
as no trains were operating, the bridge was opened informally by the Mayor of Reading on 8th May, thus relieving some of the traffic congestion in the area. The Prince eventually went to Reading on 25th June and inspected the new bridge. Both Reading Bridge and Caversham Bridge were designed by L.G, Mouchel and Partners Ltd of Victoria Street, Westminster (my employers over a period of 46 years), and constructed by Holloway Brothers (London) Ltd of Bridge Wharf, Grosvenor Road, London SW. Although I have found many references to the construction of Caversham Bridge in 1924, 1925 and 1926, I have been unable to trace any report of a load test. I think that it is possible that no specific test was carried out due to the industrial action situation at that time, and as both spans were considerably shorter than Reading Bridge which has been tested so thoroughly in 1923, it was considered to be safe for normal traffic. C.G. Mileham
Woking, Surrey
Corps' steam tractors I noted with great interest the illustration on page 145 of the summer issue of Steaming of the Ruston tractors owned by Corps of Hanthorpe. I was given a copy of this photo some years ago by an elderly lady (who appears in the picture as the young girl to the left of the group in front of the trunk), because the young driver with his hand on the front wheel of the first engine is my late father, George Hollingworth. The dating of the scene in the caption is correct as my father had spent a couple of years at Foleys of Bourne after 'coming out of his time', but moved to Corps when work became scarce at Foleys. The photo was taken at Stainfield (not Stanfield), the neighbouring village to Hanthorpe and about three miles north of Bourne, at a time when Stainfield Wood was being cleared, Corps having the contract to move the timber to Morton railway station, a distance of two or three miles, for shipment to Yorkshire. It is not known if Corps felled the timber or just transported it. The crews of the engines are Corps men; those on the tree trunk were with the timber gang. The group in front of the trunk were part of the family who lived in the house in the background and worked for the local estate farm. The three by the front engine are the
estate manager, his wife and daughter, and the only person not accurately recognised is the man in the white hat who is thought to be a representative of an insurance company. Clive Hollingworth
Bourne, Lincolnshire
Steam Engine Rallies I write to register my protest at the Netley Marsh event being publicised as a Steam Engine Rally. This it most cei tainly is riot; it consists of a commercial enterprise designed to extract the most money from a gullible public. I am well aware that, these days, we have also to cater for the non-engine enthusiast. This does not mean that there should be a line of engines standing for three days with dead fires and not moving. The engines at Netley Marsh are not allowed to move, except into the ring for the grand parade: some three years ago when conditions were somewhat damp, the steamers were not allowed to move at all over the three days — the reason being given that they were too heavy for the ring surface. Nevertheless the heavy lorries were allowed in and really tore-up the grass.
'Steam Rally'? Netley Marsh certainly is not. The few engines are there to lure the public onto the ground, That the public will not see them work is, presumably, beside the point, I speak as a disgusted engineowner and exhibitor. Richard Smithers
Southampton
(Most rally organisers nowadays seem to consider it unwise to go ahead without a number of varying attractions in addition to steam engines. But have our engines thereby been relegated to the background? Elsewhere in this issue passing (and approving) comment is made on a rally reported to keep the tradition of a full afternoon's ring events, but many of us — owners, crews or watchers — will have seen engines abandoned and cold by mid-afternoon, the main ring occupied by motor cycle display teams or marching bands. Further discussion in our columns may reveal what engine owners, rally organisers and committed enthusiasts think on the subject but the attitude of Mr and Mrs Average Rallygoer (who bring in by far the major part of the gate money and traders' profits), is doubtless more difficult to identify — has anyone done any serious research on it? — Hon. Editor)
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209
Books STEAM IN THE VEINS, by John H. Boughton. 122 plus iv pages, hardbound or so ftbound, 11 1/2 in x 8'/a in, 122 illustrations. Published June 1990 by John Boughton, 69 Amersham Road, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire HP6 6SP. Price £12.95 (hard) or £9.95 (soft). One needs no steam in the veins to delight in learning of the Boughton family and its idyllic surroundings, and to feel their sadness when so much woodland had gone. When one has that commodity in one's system as well, however, the turning of every page reveals a new and exciting pleasure: sometimes a puzzle. Like — if the Mann's engine on page 17 had had no flywheel, I'd have thought it to be, with those double cylinders, a rebuilt Wallis Advance. The only Mann's tractor I knew, other than the sitting-on-the-side steam carts (first with slip eccentrics, then with Stephenson's gear), was orthodox apart from radial steering with rod geared direct onto the turntable. On double cylindered engines, the first Boughton roller I saw was a Foster double at the Wembley Exhibition. Later, Fosters said they never made a roller, but had tried out a one-off double tractor for a Pedrail experiment. It appears that father Boughton had bought this and
converted it to a roller. John Boughton's book is a personal account of his own youthful memories of the family steam business, always strongly tied in to the related happenings in his beloved Chiltern Hills. It consists of twenty three short chapters, running from the early years of the century, ending at the first days of rallying. A most generous spread of pictures accompanies the text, and practically all of them will be new to readers, coming from the author's personal collection. The rather murky presentation of some of them will be made up for by the rarity of the subject matter. Some of our members will recognise many of the engines, and have even shared in an event or two. But to all members, this book is a must! (Esmond Kimbell)
Characters of Wood, WurliTzer and Wesley, by Maurice Sanders. 186 pages, casebound, 9 %in x 7% in, 275 illustrations. Published by Cortney Publications, Baldock, Hertfordshire. Price f13.95. Maruice Sanders' previous two hardback books have been previously reviewed in these columns (Autumn 1984 and Winter 1987/88) and have
New Members A sincere welcome is extended to the following new members who have joined the Trust during the last three months. We hope they will all gain much friendship, information and enjoyment from their membership over a period of many years.
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sold remarkably well to members from our Sales Stands and Mail Order. The present volume should also follow that latter trend, for it is in the author's same idiosyncratic style and continues on the same story line of timber felling, removal and haulage, although, of course, with different subjects. Two fresh topics also receive the engaging Sanders style of writing — WurliTzer music and Methodism, hence the book's slightly cryptic title. Much of the first part of the book provides further short essays on firms engaged in the round timber business — some small, others, like Boughtons of Amersham, large, Other subjects touched on are heavy vehicle recovery and the local history of Bedford truck making at Luton. Whilst steam only takes its place in the widely spread story, over two dozen of the pictures depict steam tractors or wagons etc. The very large number of pictures within the book are excellently reproduced, even those from curled old snapshots. Few dyedin-the-wool steam enthusiasts will fail to find some picture that catches the eye as a reminder of the past. The general production and design of the book is excellent and good value at today's prices. As with Maurice Sanders' previous books, the proceeds of this one go to the heart charity CORDA. Reading the very full page of acknowledgements to people who have helped in this and the earlier books leaves one feeling the author has gained much companionship and enjoyment from his self imposed venture — the result shows it well. (Roger West) * Cortney Publications advise that Men, Mud and Machines has been reprinted a second time and copies are now available at £12.95.
J. Winn, 16 Hebden Banks, Heddon on the Wall, Northumberland P. Corbett, 32 Consett Road, Castleside, Consett, Co Durham. K.J. Steele (family members: Janet and Scott), 2 Oldbury Close, Church Hill North, Redditch, Worcestershire. A.P. Robertson (family member: Carole), 28 Symes Road, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset. W.H. Rogers, 2 Chiltern Close, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. T.A. Banks, 'Ghia', Dyserth Road, Lloc, Holywell, North Wales. N. Card, 32 Winnington Green, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire. J.B. Bates, Smithfield Farm, Ewell Minnis, Dover, Kent. D. Croucher, 51 Beresford Road, Gillingham, Kent. T.P. Devonald, 363 Delffordd, Rhos, Pontardawe, Swansea. J.A. James, 39 Easterly Close, Brackla, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan D.N. Saunders, Town Farm, Eye, Suffolk. R. Timson, 1C Fern Hill, Cotman Road, Norwich. C. Huntley, Needlers Green, Hill Road, Wymondham, Norfolk. C.A.H. Tucker, Remine, 36 Sandford Road, Bexleyheath, Kent. W.J. Hann, 44 Buchanan Road, Lordshill, Southampton.
A. Harris (family members: Christina, Anthony and Charles), 92-94 Lindon Road, Brownhills, Walsall, West Midlands. N. Bawden, 12 Acre Post, Brushford, Dulverton, Somerset. K.A. Anderson, The Coppers, Bondgate Green Lane, Ripon, North Yorkshire. A.R. Mason, 39 Tythe Road, Leagrave, Hockwell Ring, Luton, Bedfordshire, P.G. Leman, c/o 20 Lovelace Road, North Park Avenue. Norwich. J. Baines, The Cottage, Wood Lane, Bardney, Lincoln. E. Renn, 75 Lovelace Road, Bromley Kent. J. Parsons (family member: Brenda), 8 Firbank, Keepers Corner, Burstow, Worley, Surrey. M.W. Inmor, 22-28 Manor Road, Richmond, Surrey. K. Warren, 70 Springfield Road, Bai!don, York. P. Barker, (family members: Thomas, James and Gillian), 56 Robin Hood Crescent, Edenthorpe, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. R.E.G. Davies, 3 Sorrel Bank, Linton Glade, Croydon, Surrey. S. Watson. Flat 4, 14 Derby Road. Southport, Merseyside. B.E. Oxley, Vyne House. Snuggs Lane, East Hanney, Wantage, Oxfordshire, Claudette Caetta, 59 Avenue Aristide, Breand, 94110 Arcueil, France. M.J. Rogers, 7 Boxall Road, Dulwich, London, R. Dinsey, 4 Grange Farm Close, Harrow, Middlesex. H. Johnson, 27 Fennels Farm Road, Flackwell Heath, High Wycombe, Buekiligliainshire. R. Small, 47 Radnor Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire. Mrs A. Peedle, 11 Rowland Road. Cholsey. Oxfordshire. J.M. Hollovvell, 37 West Haddon Road, GuilsbOrough, Northamptonshire. Ms M. Hodgson, 7 London Road, Holybourne, Alton, Hampshire. G. Dyton (family member: Coral), 48 St Johns Way, Thetford, Norfolk, N. Hibbert, 57 Oak(sigh Road, Hillingdon, Middlesex. P. Sandy, 60 Bryanston Road, Bitterne, Southampton, Hampshire R. Crothers, 49 Hocky Road, Gilnahirk, Belfast.
S.T. Gaines, 'A-Page', The Square, Wickham, Hampshire. B.H. Stevens, 33 Colne Avenue, Rickrnantwerth, Hertfordshire. R.E. Turmaine, 112 St Johns Road, Wembley, Middlesex. N.J. Underwood, 5 Daws Close, Chelmsford, Essex. S.R. Proctor (family members: Christine, Cheryl and Jonathan), 1 Heath Road, Woolpit, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. A.T. Condie, 40 Main Street, Carlton, Nuneaton. P.G. Jenny, 1 Carbrooke Road, Griston, Thetford, Norfolk. Mrs E.M. Barry, 10 Eastern Dene, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. J.M. Esmarch (family member: Gwynnethl, 13 Goyfield Avenue, Felixstowe, Suffolk. J.R. Dansey (family member: Margaret), 165 Carlton Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, Essex. A.W. Flowers, 'Berea', Charlton, Banbury, Oxfordshire. D Pf,rker (fnrnily member: Dawn), 5 Sylmond Northamptonshire. S. Tidmarsh, 8 Highfield Road, Saintbridge, Gloucester. L. Birch (family member: David), Homested, Gibbonsbrook, Sellindge, Ashford, Kent. R. Shorland-Ball, 216 Mount Vale, York. T.R.G. Pratchett (Family member: Avril), 54 Heath Row, Bishops Storttord, Hertfordshire. R.J. Prior, 7 The Forty, Cholsey, Wallingford, Oxfordshire. D.J. Parker (family members: Jason, Stephen, Patricia and Sarah), Nooks Nook, 13 Fairlie, Poulner, Ringwood, Hampshire N.K. Peerless, Cageninen Farm, Black Rock, Praze, Cambourne, Cornwall, C.J. de la Cour (family members: Christian and Rosemary), 9 Chipmunk Walk, Gorwell Estate, Barnstaple, Devon.
High above the 1988 Great Dorset Steam Fair, Fowler K7 class ploughing engine 15278 of 1919 draws the plough its final few yards of the pull. (John Maund)
R.B. Shaw, 97 Swinnow Gardens, Leeds. C.F. Uden, 4 St Pauls Road, Boughton, Faversham, Kent. P.G. Pratt (family members: Janet Richardson and Kate), 29 Mill Lane, Fazeley, Tamworth, Staffordshire. Mrs B.M. Janes, 24 The Woodfields, Sanderstead, South Croydon, Surrey. D. Preston (family member: Evelyn Weir), End Cottage, Lodge Drive, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. M. Woodbine, 51 Piccadily Road, Spital, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. R. Izzard (family members: Mrs V and Raoul), Riverbona, The Avenue, North Fambridge, Essex. D. Mitchell (family members: Eileen and Katy), Charnwood, The Street, Haddiscoe, Norfolk. P.J. Bance (family members: Ellen, John and Robert), 31 Vine Road, East Molesey, Surrey. D.R. Gransden, The Old Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, Lower Halstow, Sittingbourne, Kent. J.R. Randall (family members: Karen, Cary, Caroline and Craig), 2 Lebanon Close, Watford, Hertfordshire. D.C. Thorne, Ankara, Zeal Honachorum, Crediton, Devon. K.C. Hall (family members: Ian, Alison and Barbara), 42 Inwood Avenue, Old Coulsdon, Surrey. M.R. Clarke, Wimborne House, 91 Victoria Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire. G.R. Pearson, The Farmhouse, Fields Farm, Green Lane, Alderley Edge, Cheshire. S. Skelton, 25 Eyre Street, Galway, Eire. P.E Hackett, 28 Ley Orchard, Willersley, Evesham, Worcestershire. S.G. Darby, Strafford House, Wentworth, Ely, Cambridgeshire. D.R. Viewing, 3 The Ridgeway, Welton, Daventry, NorthamptonshireC.R. Skelton, Hallam Polymer Engineering, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, South Yorkshire. J.E. Miles, 16 King Street, Tring, Hertfordshire.
Small Adverts Small advertisements for private SALES, WANTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS, and appertaining to road steam engines or associated items, are free of charge to National Traction Engine Trust members, subject to a maximum of 75 words, excluding name, address and telephone. 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.
Small Adverts — members are asked to note certain alterations to the conditions for free advertising in these columns — please see the announcement in Trust News in this issue,
212
M.A. Smith, 6 New Road, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. P.J. Gregory, 1 Church Park Cottages, St Ives, Liskeard, Cornwall. N.K. Gregory, 10 Grendon Gardens, Merry Hill, Wolverhampton, West Midlands. R. Dix, Fountain Farm, Launceston Road, Callington, Cornwall. G. Posthill, 98 Churchill Court, Stonehouse Drive, St Leonards on Sea, Sussex. T. Gall, 1 Russell Street, The Oaks, New South Wales, Australia. D.J. Stone, 5 St Catherines Mead, Ham Green Pill, Bristol, Avon. A.W. Jones (family members: Janet and Rebecca), 55 Stamford Close, Hooe, Plymouth, Devon. A.S. Prescott, 9 Donn Street, Blairgowrie, South Africa. M. Butler (family member: Susan), 10 Home Close, Shabbington, Aylesbury. D.J.L. Titley, 46 Parmin Way, Taunton, Somerset. A.J. Baker, 34 Abbey Road, Popley, Basingstoke, Hampshire, A. Newton, 2 Lloyd Maunders Road, Cullompton, Devon. R.A. Mullins, 6 Gangbridge Lane, St Mary Bourne, Andover, Hampshire. Mrs K. Telford (family member: John Smith), Pembridge House, Newton Farm, Welsh Newton, Monmouth, Gwent. D. Lordan, Kilbrogan Hill, Bawdon, Co Cork, Eire. G,C. Blunden (family member: Ruth), 8 St Andrews Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, P. Denby, Ferns, Co Wexford, Eire. S.P.V. Price, 58 West Leake Road, East Leake, Loughborough, Leicestershire. S. Knight, 14 The Tussocks, Marchwood, Hampshire. J. O'Shaughnessy, Ahare, Castletown, Gorey, Wexford, Eire. P. O'Dare, The Caravan, Penyard, Hirwaun, Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan. D. Phipps (family member: Judith), 136 High Street, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent. J. Lineham, Mill Road, Midleton, Co Cork, Eire. I. Anderson (family members: Sharon, Laura and Ruth), 69 Whinney Lane, New 011erton, Newark, Nottinghamshire.
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. Wanted — The Undertype Steam Wagon (Kelly); The Overtype Steam Wagon (Kelly); The History of Wallis & Steevens (Whitehead); A Century of Steam Rolling (Whitehead); AvelingBarford A Hundred Years of Road Rolling; Waterloo Ironworks — A History of Taskers of Andover (RoIt). Offers to — Michael Gundling, Hermann Lons Strasse 10, D-6050 Offenbach, West Germany. Wanted — one or a pair of Dependence No 443 oil lamps with iron body and brass trim, as used on Sentinel Standard and Super. — Graham Clegg, Box 408. Young, NSW 2594, Australia (v Aus 063 833274). Wanted — complete front end for Marshall 8 ton compound S-type roller, smokebox, headstock, fork, rolls, chain quadrants etc. Roll size 3ft 6in x 25ins. — Jury, Whelpley View, Newton Lane, Whiteparish, Wiltshire SP5 2QQ. For sale — brass plate Bomford & Evershed ex roller; brass Foster Wellington plate; Fowler steam whistle, new; Marshall brass plates; Buffalo class A injector; %in non-return wheel valves, water gauge fittings; Sentinel superheater coil spacers; portable chimney; Aveling clack valve; Fowler drive pin; Marshall S type compound weigh bar; new unfinished displacement lubricator and drain taps. — L.J. Lambe, 84 Redditch Road, 0527 Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, West Midlands B60 4JR 31398). Wanted — front forks for Fowlers 10 ton roller, model DH, 1922. — Tr 081 857 3586. Wanted — showmans living van for me to love and cherish, while Ken is loving and cherishing his steam engine! Anything considered. — Jill Honeybun, Ivy Cottage, Sway Road, Pennington, Lymington, Hampshire (v0590 675701).
M.R. Handel (family, members: Lena and Joanne), 86 Barnes Crescent, Ensbury Park, Bournemouth, Dorset, F.W. Kain, 7 Parsley Gardens, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. W.M.M. Cryms, Niesstraat 21, Ell Limburg, 6011 RB, Netherlands.: D.A. Wigmore, 215 Dalton Street, Orange, New South Wales, Australia. T. White, 183 Pendennis Road, Torquay, Devon. A. Cheater, 175 Kingsmill Road, Swindon, Wiltshire. B.J. lzzard, 116 Cressington Road, Reading, Berkshire. J. Minchin, 106 Ledbury Road, London. B.R. Stroud, 105 Abingdon Road, Drayton, Abingdon, Oxfordshire P.J. Chapman, (family member: Brenda), 4 Windsor Terrace, Henstridge, Somerset. A. Jones, Greanways, Bowerland, Okehampton, Devon. F.G, James, 6 Welwyn Avenue, Manning, Australia. B.C. Gibbons, Blueberry Copse, Nateley Scures, Hook, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Mrs S, Gillard, 127 St Johns Way, London, D, Proctor, 22 Kendal Drive, Gatley, Cheadle, Cheshire. M.D. Lavender, 53 Eastfields Road, Mitcham, Surrey_ J. Schofield, c/o 66 Carolgate, Retford, Nottinghamshire. V.A.E. King, 187 The Avenue, Kennington, Oxford. P.C. Sidey, 38 Carlton Hill, Herne Bay, Kent. R.J. Sandrey (family members: Carol and Laura), Wheatsheaf House, Main Street, Welwick, Hull. S. Barrett (family member: Linda), 113 Princess Drive, Worthing, West Sussex. C. Bush (family members: Dianne, Stuart and James), 18 Alsa Gardens, Elsenham, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire. B.J. Shelford, 17 Fleetwood Close, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, Kent. S.J. King, 80 Victoria Avenue, Porrhcawl, Mid Glamorgan. H.R. Mothersole, TO Park Lane, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex. I. Strange, The HoIlles, Holly Lane. Teasley, Matlock, Derbyshire. A. Gifford, Brockholt, Leigh Road, Chumleigh, Devon_
National Traction Engine Club (1984) Ltd
Mail Order 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 aign benefits T,ust funds) for troohlofree and economical postal shopping. Just tick the box for items you require and fill in the address slip.
TRACTION ENGINE READING New Wood, Wurlitzers and Wesley (Sanders) £13.95 hard £12.95 New Steam in the Veins (Boughton) soft
£8.95
New I kept a Troshin (Nicholson)
£6.50
New The Old Guard (Harding/Bullman) New Vintage Steam Albums (Sawford)
£6.00
1. Ploughing Engines
£3.95
2. Agricultural Engines 3. Showmans Road Locomotives
£3.95 £4.95
4, Steam Tractors
£3.95
New Hull and East Riding - Early Days on £4.95
the road in photos (Dodsworth ) New Fairground Heritage Vol 2 - the steam age (Wilkes)
£8.50
Wanted - Eli Griffiths & Sons offside sprung mounted roller lamp or matched pair, any condition. - M.J. Collier, a 081 897 3436.
Iron Men of the Road (McTaggart) Fairground Heritage (Wilkes)
£6.75 £8.50
The Great Nottingham Goose Fair
£5.50
Steam in My Family (Newton)
For sale - List of Parts for 10 ton Aveling & Porter F type piston valve roller, 1923. Offers to 126 Shenley Fields Road, Birmingham B29 5BU (Tr 021 475 7519).
Traction Engines and the Law (Tew) non members
£4.95 £2.25
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.
£2.75
Steam Engine Builders of Norfolk (Clark) Traction Engines (Morland)
£17,95 £6.95 £9.95
Steam on the Road (Gladwin) Aveling & Porter (Preston) The Sentinel Volume 2 (Thomas)
£3,00 £12.95 £9.95
For sale - one Penberthy injector size CC, 1 inch, brand new, never used, style no.4, front suction and overflow, back discharge, for either side of engine. - G, Doherty, Artoney, Louth Village, Dundalk, Co Louth, Eire.
Fowler Steam Cultivation Machinery1900-1930 Sentinel Diesel Lorries
now only £3.95
Wanted - Vol 1 Nos 1 to 4 Steaming; NTEC members badges (showmans, wagon, general purpose, tractor); Steam Apprentice Club Newsletters 1 to 16; RLS reprint Eddison's Instructions to Drivers; The Steam Fair (Hawthorne); Sentinel Steam Waggons (EP Publishing 1972); Steam Power on the American Farm (Wik); The Steam Automobile (Jackson, Indiana); The Stanley Steamer (Stein). - M.A. Poole, 89 Glebelands, Pulborough, West Sussex RH2O 2JH.
A Zoo on Wheels (Middlemiss)
now only £3,95 £4,00
Wanted - information as to whereabouts/purchaser of the Oxford Steam Plough wheels from Beeby's sale, ALSO Fowler flywheel and front wheels for BB; front wheels 1 6in x 4ft 4in and back wheels 20in x 5ft 6in suitable for early 1 2hp Fowler ploughing engine, also any spare castings for same. - is. 0282 816649 or 812898) 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.
non members Steam Traction Engines in Camera (Crawley)
Traction Engines of Rutland Historic Fairground Scenes (Ware)
0
E11.00 £12.95
Steam Wagons (Sawford)
£7.99 £2,25
Steam Power, Farm and Highway non-members
£12.95
£10.00
All the Fun of the Fair (Showmans Guild)
£1.50
Steam Threshing in the Cotswolds (Thexton) non members
£6.25 £7.50
The Big Box (McTaggart)
£5.75
Ploughing Engines in Focus (Crawley)
£9.95 50p
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)
£2.50 £4.95 £4.95 £5.75 £4.95 continued overleaf
Makers catalogues - reprints for sale: Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies Engines and Threshing Machines £1; Foden Wagons, 1904 £2.95; Foster Traction and Road Locos, c1911 f1.95; Naylor Hereford Wagons f1.50; post free from Road Locomotive Society Sales, Foxgrove, Burnt Common Lane, Ripley, Surrey GU24 6HD.
KITS FOR MODELMAKERS
For FaIlei, Meisel, Carnival and other fairground model kits and white metal kits tel 0527 575003 for details and availability. Mamod and Wiles° models and kite with 10% discount to members on makers recommended prices, also spare parts available. Telephone as above for details. STEAMING back numbers per copy non members members £2.00 £3.00 £2.00 £3.00 £2.00 £3.00
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)
£2.00 £2.50
Vol 33, No. 1, 2 (1990)
£2.50
❑ ❑
£3.50
❑ ❑
£4.00 £4.50
❑ ❑
CLUB ITEMS: (all with NTEC logo and/or lettering) Members badge Car badge
£1,25 ❑ £12.50 ❑ Ties, maroon with white logo (for members only) £2.50 ❑ T Shirts, navy bine with white Ingo, 'Engine drivers do it Under Pressure' Sizes XL and XXL only (members)
£5.00 ❑ (non-members) £5.95 ❑ Sweat Shirts, navy blue with NTET logo Sizes XL and XXL only £13.50 ❑ (non members) Car stickers - member
£15.00 ❑ £0.50 ❑ £0.25 ❑
- I love traction engines 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
❑ ❑
£26.95 ❑ £26.95 ❑
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 £5.00 postage per order. PO/Cheques (in sterling please) to be made payable to: National Traction Engine Club (1984) Ltd Orders to be sent to: NTEC Sales, 138 Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4DZ Please allow 28 days for delivery. Name Address
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. Wanted - boiler feed pump for Wallis 10 ton compound roller or 5hp tractor, or any parts thereof. For 6hp Wallis Expansion engine - boiler blow down valve; front valve spindle bushes; pressure gauge; water valve for injector; water litter. Ken Honeybun, Ivy Cottage, Sway Road, Pennington, Hampshire 1w 0590 675701). Sentinel S type - can supply castings for twin cylinder block, all crank case doors, bronze bearing caps for main bearings, auxiliary drive casing and cover, spark arrestor vane, twin safety valve and body for same, all castings for tipping equipment, bronze water filter box body, aluminium water lank door, brake drums rear, front axle chair, auxiliary drive shaft spider. - Kelvin Erskine-Levick, 51 Bay Road, Berrilee 2159, New South Wales, Australia (ir 61(021 655-1611). Wanted - steam cylinder oil displacement lubricator (w 0751 73999). Required - Robey catalogues and publications to purchase or to borrow and copy for growing archive. Can offer in exchange / ist of Parts, Clayton chain rail tractor, 1920; Illustrated catalogue of Mining Machinery, Ruston Proctor, 1903; Marshall Locomobiles; Robey List of parts for 5/6 ton steam wagons, 1925. - Dave Davies, 9 Churchill Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 9BU (iz 0822 615960). Robey - transfers now available: large 1 9in x 12in; small 9 1/2 x 6in overall inc. drop shadows, - Dave Davies, address as shove advert. Wanted - pair of matching gauge frames for traction engine; Robey clack box for same; quantity of thick walled copper pipc in short lengths; any Robcy ports and spares. Traction wagon, 5 or 6 ton size in any condition, even derelict, any make, or just wheels (not thrasher). Small living van to suit tandem roller. - Dave Davies, address as above advert. New Fowler parts - firehole door (11 x 9); chimney base BB1); smokebox door makers plates 1881 brass); cast iron toolbox; firebars; water line plate; wire bound suction hose; tube brushes. - Dorothea Restorations Ltd, New Road, Whaley Bridge, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 7QW 1w 0663 733544). For sale - magnetic base electric drill, 3 Morse taper, unstoppable, ideal for drilling fireboxes etc £250 plus VAT; gauge glass protectors, various sizes and spare glasses for same; boiler blow down tap - old but OK, £15; Tasker 4 wheel pole carriage, good tyres, £1500 ono plus VAT. v088-45-255 (Devon). Wanted - living van, preferably Fowler. - w 088-45-255. NTEC Newsletters (not Steaming) 1967-1970, rare items, numbers 2, 3, 5 to 9, 14, £35; English Fairs (Starsmore), £7. All prices include postage - C.R. Kilgour, 7 Sunderland Road, Easing Lori Village, Cu Durham SR8 3TP 1w091 5270743). For sale - Steaming Vol 5 (1961) to Vol 23 (1980) complete - best offer accepted, purchaser to collect. Frank Goodwin, w 02407 3476 (Chalfont St Giles, Bucks). Wanted - for Fowler D2 roller: displacement lubricator; water lifter; 2 cast iron steerage segments, left and right; uprights and crossmembers for Fowler half canopy; boiler blowdown valve; 2 cast iron rear axle hub caps; brass coat of arms badge; curved Fowler nameplate for head; Aveling brass horse, small size for 6 tanner, - Graeme Thirkell, Britannia House, Eldon Bank Top, Shildon, Co Durham DL4 2HJ. Gauge glasses - many sizes available. Send for list. - Ray Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln (Tel 0522-682406).
Membership No
Amount Enclosed List 20, Autumn 1990
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.
For sale — living wagon, approx 100 years old, in need of total renovation, 30ft long. Offers — sr 0732 850300 evenings. For sale — various engineering tools; rally programmes 1956 to 1990; Road Loco Society Journals; steam rally video; steam engine books and catalogues; various engine photos taken at rallies 1954-1990. For details send SAE to R. Newton, 33 Thesiger St, Lincoln LN5 7UW. Steaming — back numbers — Vol 6 No 2; Vol 7 Nos 2 and 4, many from Vol 14 onwards. Books: TE in Review (Finch) 1971; Age of the TE (Whitehead) 1970; Ploughing by Steam (Haining and Tyler) 1985 ed; Farming with Steam (Bonnett) 1974; A Century of TE (Hughes) 1959; TE at Work (Oakwood) c1962; More Working Engines, RLS 1974; Discovering TE (Bonnett) 1969. Photos of engines at work sent to members on approval. — G.R. Hawthorne, 69 West Chiltern, Woodcote, Reading RGB OSG (Tr 0491 680484). For bale — ex Bum ford plough van, in need of restoration; for further details contact M. Sansome IT 021-360-2169. For sale — postage extra or buyer collects: Steam Traction Engines in Camera (Crawley) £9; Steam Engine Builders of Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire (Clark), best offer; The Steam Lorry (Kidney) £1 — 1, 0538 722379 (after 7pm) For sale — postage extra or buyer collects: Steaming Vol 10 Nos 3/4, Vol 12 No 4, Vol 13 No 4, Vol 14 complete, Vol 16 No 2, Vol 17 No 4, Vols 19 to 31 inclusive, Vol 32 Nos 1/2/3; The Iron Wheel (Lancashire TEC journal) Nos 1 to 3 — hest offer; 25 rally programmes 11961-81) £3. — 1, 0538 722379 (after 7pm). USA — would any member of the NTET resident in USA care to correspond and exchange information and photographs on steam traction engines. Contact — S.A. Pryke, 2 Priory Lane, Burford, Oxfordshire OX8 4SG, England. Wanted — for 1909 Fowler B6 road loco 11982: feed pump barrel in good condition, or pattern to loan to make same; plunger guide 3in diameter; pump plunger 2in dia, length of stroke 2Yz in; valve box, flange mounted. Replies to D.J. Pollock, Ryelands Lodge, Taynton, near Gloucester GL19 3AT (1,045 279 706). For sale — Steaming Vol 4 to 28 — send SAE for full list. — A.P. Cowell, Three Mile Cross Farm, Grimsargh, Preston PR2 SSA. For sale — as whole or will separate: 19 sets of 4in scale traction engine wheels, some boiler parts. — A.P. Cowell, address as above advert (1,0772 653569). Fo► sale — pair steam wagon back wheels, believed Foden; pair wooden 'E.R. Foden' steam wagon front wheels; one odd steam wagon back wheel, believed Leyland; one odd ditto unknown; pair road loco front wheels; pair Burrell road roller rear rolls. — A.P. Cowell, address etc as above advort. Boiler Services — BR trained boilersmith, riveting, retubing, beading and caulking etc done at your premises. Mud lid/manhole joints made to your dimensions; please ring for quotes etc. — Chris Newton, Steam Services 12 097 422 661. Showmans Roller wanted for conversion to portable, or to save this desecration, who will sell me a small portable engine, up to 5hp. Reply quickly. — John Sawle, Beacon Cottage Farm, St Agnes, Cornwall (1, 087 255 2347) European Traction Engine Register: now published following information gleaned from pervious requests in these pages. Additional copies of this illustrated booklet now available, £2.50 — Derek Rayner, 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York Y02 3JH. Roller shutter doors for sale — made to measure, hand chain operated or electrically operated. Also security shutters and vehicle shutters, steel or aluminium. — Tambour Industrial Doors, 21 Marston Lane, Marston, near Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6DL (Tr 0606 42423, ring anytime). 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).
Waiting for work, to commence on reboxing, the boiler of Aveling 8hp traction 2436 of 1889 stands ready at Bicknells boiler works at Liphook in March 1990. The smaller boiler in the left background is from Aveling-Barford 6 ton roller AG758 of 1946. (Peter Love)
National Traction Engine Trust
Steam Party and Road Run on 13/14th October 1990 at The Ewe and Lamb, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcester. (near Avoncroft Museum of Buildings)
Exhibits will include various steam engines, vintage cars and commercial vehicles, oil engines, fair organs and much more. The Road Run starts approx 11.00 on Sunday, 14th and is open to any exhibit. Admission free. Car parking 50p per vehicle. For camping, exhibits or enquiries please contact Keith or Tracey Shakespeare on 0527 575003 after 6pm, or see them at Trust sales stands
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