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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.

President: S.J. Wharton Vice Presidents: Esmond E. Kimbell; Richard N. Parrott Chairman: E.A. Fillmore, 34 Northwick Park Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 2NU. Vice-Chairmen: Mrs Sylvia Dudley, 12 Hillway, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL; A.J. Semple, Penyghent, 8 Chelwick Close, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 7BY.

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 Susan Jackson, 153 Micklefield Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 7HA. 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 Clnse, Chtirch 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: Mrs Sylvia Dudley, 12 Hillway, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL. 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.

Be wise before the event...

For edification or entertainment —

Traction Engines and the Law The Trust's newly revised

CODE of PRACTICE for the better organisation of Steam Traction Engine Events is now available and is essential reading for all rally organisers and safety officers

by David Tew

SECOND EDITION

A second, completely revised edition of this

exceedingly useful hook is now available. It covers the history of the requirements of the law as applied to traction engines, details present day practice and covers many other points of interest to engine owner or enthusiast.

Price £3.00 each plus £1.50 postage from — Mrs Sylvia Dudley 12 Hillway Woburn Sands Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL

Available only from NTEC Sales or NTET Rally Stands £2.25 NTET members £2.75 non members

The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust

Volume 35 Number 1

Winter 1991/ 1992 Editor: Roger West, 14 Charles Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9AB Assistant Editor: Derek Rayner, 'Invicta', 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York Y02 3JH Display Advertising: to the Editor Small Ads to the Editor Distribution and Change of Address: 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 is voluntary and payment cannot be made for any material published, although expenses incurred may be met. The opinions expressed in the magazine, with the exception of those printed as Trust announcements, are those of the contributors and do not indicate the views of the Trust as a whole. All items are held copyright by the contributors and/or the NTET. Next issue: The press date for any news items, recent photographs and small advertisements is 22nd February 1992. 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

Editorial Enthusiasm for traction engines takes many forms. Most people will spare a moment to admire a passing engine on a local road run, and thousands with but a minimal interest eagerly make for that very established form of outdoor entertainment, the traction engine rally. There they will find people quite deeply involved — those who photograph, those who record the numbers and changes of owners, those who find the surroundings so captivating that they are running the event; the list goes on. And then, of course, the engines have owners and crews and their respective families, those who are considered to be at the very centre of the wide circle who find road steam engines so fascinating. Naturally, sixty and more years ago it was rather different. You either worked on the engines, which was hard but probably gave as adequate a wage as many other jobs, or you owned them, which was often just as difficult a way of making a living, despite what the employees thought. One of the principal articles in this issue offers a brief insight into the considerations a traction engine proprietor might come up against sixty years ago — a difficult time. By then most owners would have agreed the road steam engine was on its way out, but that still left them with the problem of running their business in a recession generally much more severe than that which we are currently suffering. No doubt many a steam threshing operator looked through the figures quoted in the NTEO & UA's report and shook his head. Reading the extract today, however, leaves us with only part of the story — the apparent differences in prices must have reflected varying local practices, all of which are part of the history of traction engines. 1930 is within the lifetime of some of our older members — can any of them comment on their own or their family's experiences of that time, and write about the different practices of the various county's threshing round proprietors?

This issue 4 10 15 18 22 24 28 30 31 32 49 50 53

Trust News The 1930 Report Ken Judkins Elworth Experiences Morris's of Shrewsbury, Oil for Steam Stephen Carter and Ray Hulock Steam on Man, part 2 Savages on Merseyside Bob Payne The Spirit of '91 Stephen Hans ford A Unique Ruston Peter Love Memories Revived Steaming Around, compiled by Derek Rayner Around the World Letters New Members, Small Adverts

Cover Ruston & Hornsby 10 ton roller 114059 and living van rumble past the Gate Inn at Hook Norton, Oxfordshire in July 1991, on the final part of their journey from Banbury rally to a small event in the town. (Paul Stratford) 3

Trust News From the Chairman It has been practice in recent years to hold our Annual General Meeting in different parts of the country, as even our British membership is well spread throughout the land. This arrangement gives those in a particular area an opportunity to attend with much less travelling. It has been a few years now since we were in the London area and this is where we held our Annual General Meeting in November 1991. It was most gratifying to your committee that there was such a good attendance, well over one hundred members being present — many from considerable distances outside London. I would thank them for their efforts to attend.

We were made most welcome by Historic Steam Ltd, who run the Kew Bridge Steam Museum. Its excellent display of steam engines, mostly in steam, and some in their original setting, was a feast for all lovers of steam engines, and which members and friends attending were able to enjoy. Of particular interest were the Aveling roller and the Foden wagon which had been put in steam specially for our visit, a nice touch and 'thank you' to the owners and all those concerned with the steaming on the day. Each Annual General Meeting bids fair to produce some .particular highlight. This year was no exception and it concerned the elections: we now

From Alan Martin's Collection

have not shown a Fowell engine in this series before now. The St. Ives, Huntingdonshire firm built tractions of a distinctive design and despite the small numbers, several have survived into preservation and can still be seen on rallyfields. This is Fowell 96 of 1906 (D02059), pictured on the road with its threshing set at Tydd St Giles, Cambridgeshire in September 1935, when owned by C. Portass of Long Sutton, Lincolnshire. 4

have a President, an additional Vicechairman and some new committee members. Jack Wharton, almost, but not quite, a permanent fixture over many years as President of this organisation, had kindly consented to occupy that position again and was duly elected amid much acclaim. Jack has given many years of support and sound advice to our organisation under its various names and was a member of the original steering committee forming the National Traction Engine Club in 1954. Esmond Kimbell, one of our current Vice-presidents was also at the original steering meeting; both these men had earned their living from steam. We are indeed fortunate in having two such knowledgeable veterans with us. Andrew Semple is our new and additional Vice-chairman. He has shouldered the responsibility of the chairmanship of the Rally subCommittee for some while and was largely responsible for the recent revised edition of our Rally Code of Practice. This Code is accepted by the large majority of rally organisers as a standard guideline. Should the proposed extension of sections of the Road Traffic Act to 'off road' events be put into force, our Code will in all probability be much more widely considered even than at present; this could place much more responsibility on the Rally sub-Committee. It is fitting and proper that a senior official of the Trust should be our spokesman in this sphere. I extend a welcome to both Jack and Andrew in their appointments, both of which give me considerable personal pleasure. In addition to these officials, we have three new committee members — John Bosworth, Dave Smith and Michael Ward, who were elected in place of two members relinquishing their appointments, and one vacancy. I would welcome them to our Committee and assure them that they have joined an interesting and lively body to whom, no doubt, they will bring knowledge considerable and expertise. But two members, Brian Johnson and John Wharton, are leaving us for personal and business reasons. I am sorry that they have left

the committee as both had been most co-operative and helpful members who have given much assistance to us over the years — thank you both for this. So with these elections and the appointment of Susan Jackson as General Secretary during the year, our team is complete. I trust we can continue to serve our members well in the ensuing months. (Eric Fillmore, chairman)

Engine Owners Column Engine Owners sub-Committee The sub-Committee met after the summer break on 9th November. The main item of business was to approve the draft Boiler Safety Code for submission to the Health & Safety Executive. We are obviously hoping that by making our own standards, we shall be better off than having them imposed from outside. The main thrust of modern legislation is towards selfregulation, and also the inclusion of all fixtures and fittings which operate under pressure. We hope to make this Code available to members as soon as we have heard back from the H.S.E. We also approved at our meeting arrangements to hold a second engine driving weekend. This will be on 11/12th April at The Klondyke Mill Centre, Draycott-in-the-Clay. It is intended to have the camping in the adjacent field, and so allow rather more room for engine movements. We much appreciate the co-operation of our affiliated North Staffs & Cheshire club who are again making us most welcome. We are prepared to run the course in two groups. One group, as before, for inexperienced members, and the other group as a follow-up from last year to include rather more advanced driving and also some basic engine maintenance. It is intended to be an informal, hands-on weekend and we hope that the experience of last year will enable us to make a few improvements in the running of the event. Last year's cost of £30 per participant turned out to be rather inadequate and so there will have to be an increase in order to cover site costs and the expenses of transporting and fuelling the engines. The final figure will obviously depend on take-up but it is likely to be £45. Will all interested, please contact me for an entry form as soon as possible — my address is inside the front cover. (Michael Davies, chairman, Engine Owners subCommittee)

Engineering requisites We are advised by James Gibb & Co Ltd that they have for disposal large stocks of engineering requisites that might, for a traction engine enthusiast, form the basis on which to found a speciality merchants' business. The stocks consist of traditionally sized (imperial/Whitworth) bolts, spanners etc, as well as other varied stock which is nowadays hard to locate. The firm's interest is to sell smaller quantities at a reasonable price, or dispose of a large part of the total in one lot at a substantial discount. If any member is interested they should contact Mr J.C. Gibb at Royston Works, Royston Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5JY.

Officers and Committee 1992 President

S.J. Wharton Vice Presidents

E.E. Kimbell R.N. Parrott Chairman

E.A. Fillmore Vice Chairmen

Mrs Sylvia Dudley A.J. Semple General Secretary

Mrs Susan Jackson* Treasurer

C.J.C. Barber Hon Solicitor

T. Driver * Hon Safety Adviser

J.M. Newnham * Membership Secretary J.R. Cook * Committee

Rally Organisers Column Rally sub-Committee The Autumn Conference of Rally Organisers was held in October at Rugby, Warwickshire. It was well attended by delegates from both affiliated clubs and rallies. The discussions were wide ranging, but of prime interest was engine insurance and new legislation which is affecting rallies. Many rally organisers are proposing to ask engine owners to display an NTET insurance disc on their engine as a condition of entry to their rally. This is very helpful to rally insurance/safety officers. It does not pose any problems for engine owners if you do not insure through John Scott & Partners — simply contact Dick Blenkinsop, our Insurance Officer, who will issue a disc on sight of your current engine insurance documents. The year has seen the impact of more legislation which is being enforced to considerably varying degrees by local authorities. To assist rally organisers and safety officers we are organising two one-day conferences to help update people on the new legislation and other aspects of safety requirements. These are provisionally booked for 15th February in the Swindon, Wiltshire area and 22nd February in the Grantham, Lincolnshire area. Those of you who are on NTET circulation lists for rally conferences etc will receive details automatically. If anyone suspects they are not on the lists, please contact me for further details of these

R.J. Blenkinsop J.R. Bosworth (Derbyshire) N. Boyes (W. Yorks) R.A. Copp (Surrey) M.O. Davies D. Duffill (W. Midlands) S.K. Durance (Derbyshire) A. Fookes (Essex) R.T. Herring (Oxfordshire) I.D. Howitt (W. Yorks) R.F. Oliver (Surrey) S.J. Parrott (Bucks) R.J. Sandercock (Cornwall) A.J. Semple K.D. Shakespeare 0. Slade (Devon) P.G. Smart (Hampshire) D.S. Smith (West Midlands) M. Ward (Nottinghamshire) R.E. West Representatives

P.G. Smart (Road Loco Society* R. Mastless (NV Tractor & EC) Auditors (and registered office) Hamiltons, Forum House, 1-6 Millmead, Staines, Middlesex TW18 4UQ This column lists, for the information of members, all Officers and Committee of the Trust for 1992. The addresses of those with special duties are given inside the front cover of each issue of this magazine; others may be contacted via the General Secretary or sub-Committee Chairmen. Names marked with an asterisk* are appointments by the Committee and are nonvoting positions in Committee.

conferences. As I write we have 32 applications for rally approval for 1992. Please, if you have yet to respond, get your application to us as soon as possible to ensure you enjoy the maximum benefits of the publicity we organise. By the time these notes are published I hope you will have all enjoyed a good Christmas and are 5

looking forward to a successful 1992. (Andrew Semple, chairman, Rally subCommittee)

The Rally List 1992 The Rally List 1992, those rallies organised under the Trust's approved rally scheme, will be published as usual as a supplement to the Spring edition of this magazine, but many organisers have already decided their dates for 1992 and we publish now a list of rallies notified to and approved by the Rally sub-Committee by 1st December. 1991. Although only a brief title is used the rallies should be identifiable by readers, and we hope this advance information will enable notes to be made in diaries etc, earlier than usual. Further details and addresses of organisers will be in the next issue. May 2 to 4 — Abbotsfield, Manchester 14/15 — Carrington, Lincs June 6/7 — Lydiard, Swindon; Wymondley, Herts 13/14 — Parham, Sussex; Pewsey, Wilts; Great Amwell, Herts 20/21 — Berry Hill, Notts; Claybrooke, Leics 27/28 — Banbury, Oxon; Bon Accord, Aberdeen July 4/5 — Chiltern, Bucks; Heddingtnn, Wilts; Flvaston, Derbys; Hollowell, Northants 17-19 — Weeting, Norfolk 18/19 — Woodcote, Berks; Langport, Somerset 24-26 — Netley Marsh, Hants 25/26 — Upton-on-Severn, Worcs; Cumbria August 1/2 — St Columb, Cornwall; Redhill, Surrey 8/9 — Cadeby, Leics 14 - 16 — St Agnes, Cornwall 22/23 — Fairford, Glos; Knepp Castle, Sussex 28-31 — Isle of Wight 29-31 — Harewood House, Yorks; Liskeard, Cornwall 30-31 Bishops Castle, Salop September 12/13 — Malpas, Cheshire; Haddenham, Cambs

Recent Committee Meetings I have been asked, as General Secretary, to submit for publication in our magazine a précis of the items covered in the Trust's committee meetings. In this way members will be aware of the subjects under discussion at various times. I have found compiling this survey rather difficult as most of the items already get a mention elsewhere in the Trust News columns in each issue. However with that caveat in mind I can record the following points have also arisen in discussion at meetings in July, September and November 1991. Membership — the availability of life membership and of subscriptions to be given as presents were both agreed to be desirable. Steam Apprentices — the legal age for SAC drivers to be covered by insurance is being looked into. Health & Safety — the Trust's Hon Safety Officer raised points in the 1990 Environmental Protection Act which our Hon Solicitor has investigated in depth; briefly, he advises

co-operation with the Local Authority as far as possible and to consider an appeal if an abatement notice should be served over nuisance from a rally or similar. NTET Insurance Discs — the Autumn Conference had agreed that these would be advisory during 1992 and mandatory in 1993 for Approved Rallies. FBHVC — Peter Smart had been elected as a committee member of this group, representing steam vehicles. Rally Approval and Affiliation — an explanatory letter explaining the benefits of the Trust's Code and rally approval scheme will be sent to known rally organisers who, to date, have not joined in. ( Sue Jackson, General Secretary)

NTEC Sales On the new Mail Order Form, distributed in a different form with this issue of Steaming, you will see that

If the magazine Editor in 2017 is still continuing the 25 Years Ago feature, these young Steam Apprentices probably won't thank him for recapturing their 1991 breakfast habits. However, from the evidence of this photograph there is no doubt that the SA Club's fry-up on a shovel at the Great Dorset Steam Fair is going down well, judging by the big bites and flashing forks. (Peter Jackson)

Mick Garrett has taken over the bulk of this arduous task, although phone queries for kits, and orders by Visa/ Access, will still be dealt with by Keith and Tracey Shakespeare. This alteration of the arrangements gives us the opportuity to concentrate on the wholesale side of the trading company's activities which includes supplying stock to many of the other traction engine society stands. We would like to thank those members who turned out to support us at the Astwood Bank Steam Party, either as exhibitors or visitors, by braving the weather on the wettest weekend in September. (Keith and Tracey Shakespeare)

Steam Apprentice Club It is much regretted that the publication of the Magazine for Steam Apprentices has been delayed, and I have to report that our Editor has decided that he is unable, due to career commitments, to carry on with the production of the quarterly editions. (See advertisement elsewhere in the magazine.) However, to make up for the delay, I am attempting to put together a bumper issue at present and this should be with the members shortly — please accept our apologies for lateness. Plans have been provisionally made for a Training Weekend for SAC members between 14-21 years of age to take place at Weeting on the weekend after Easter, and hopefully still in most of the school holidays. It will be possible to attend on one or both days and camp/caravan space will be available if required. A number of interesting plans are afoot for the event so watch for further details, which will be published in the SAC Magazine. Members will notice elsewhere in this issue that the J.T. Beeby Cup for Steam Apprentices was awarded at the Trust's AGM to one of our original members, Graham Austin. Graham has been supportive of the work the section has been doing for a long time, not least with assistance with the magazine — quite a few of his articles appear in past issues. He is now too old for membership, so it is nice to see his efforts marked in this way. Again, may I say that articles, photographs and drawings for our

magazine, on subjects past and present, are much needed to retain the interest of our next generation of engine enthusiasts. We look to help in this quarter from Trust members. Can you help please? It would be much appreciated by both the editor and members of the SAC. (Sylvia Dudley, chairman, SAC)

Trust Trophies The Annual General Meeting held in London in November provided an occasion where a good number of members were gathered together and could witness the presentation of the Trust's considerable collection of trophies. It has been tradition for some time that the awards are made to members or friends local to the area in which the AGM is being held, and this arrangement usually results in most recipients being present to receive their trophy in person. The awards were presented by Trust president Jack Wharton, the citations being announced by vicechairman Sylvia Dudley. THE PERCY HIRONS BOWL for support of the movement was awarded to Bill Timmings of Edmonton, organiser of the London social meetings for some years. THE ARTHUR NAPPER CUP for TRACTORS was presented to Jack Beale, an official of the Chiltern club for countless years, for his restoration and running of Garrett tractor 33296, PRIDE OF PENN. The ARTHUR NAPPER CUP for TRACTIONS was given to Bob Davis for his engine restoration and for providing facilities for steam charity events and preservation. THE CONNIE HUTCHENS BOWL, often reserved for presentation to a lady member or friend of the movement, went to May Keeley as recognition of her support to her husband John Keeley and the Knowl Hill restoration team. THE CURTIS TROPHY was presented to Les Burbery for his assistance on many steam restoration projects, both his own and others, and including a Foster showmans engine, a Sentinel wagon and a Ransomes. THE EDNEY TROPHY was awarded to David Wren-Davis, a Chiltern and a Thames Valley club supporter for many years and restorer of a number of road steam engines. His family provide threshing demonstrations each year. THE JACK HOLLOWAY BOWL was

Steam Apprentice Club

Wanted...

Apprentice Editor No our valued Editor of Steaming is not retiring, but the Editor of the Steam Apprentice Club Magazine has, and we are looking for someone to gather material and then edit and arrange the printing of the four issues a year, each of 24 pages, A5 format. if you would be interested to know more about this post and feel you may be able to help, please write to Sylvia Dudley, telling her about yourself and asking for more details of this vital part of the future of our movement. The SAC Magazine is the main point of contact with many of our members who are not able to travel to events under their own steam, and whose interests cover a wide range of the aspects of our hobby. Please contact Sylvia Dudley, 12 Hil!way, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL

chosen for Fred Cooper marking his restoration of Aveling roller 8489 and the provision of road making displays as well as charity events at his own premises. THE GOLDEN FILM SHIELD was presented to John Newton, chairman of the Thames Valley club, steam author and spokesman for steam. THE JOHN CRAWLEY BOWL was awarded to Albert Fensome, a very long time member of the Hertfordshire club. Albert worked commercially with steam and has assisted very many individuals in restoration in preservation years. THE ERIC MIDDLE FON CUP, donated for preservation work on an unconverted engine, was awarded to Derek Marder, a prominent provider of steam repair facilities on his own premises to many individuals, and also a champion of portable engines. THE CHOISY & SIMPSON CUP was received by Jack Hobbs, for his services to the Trust and the Thames Valley club over many years. 7

commence at 8.00pm with the room available from 7.30pm. those attending should note the need to ring the door bell for admission to Keen House. The next three dates in our calendar are: WEDNESDAY 5th FEBRUARY 1992 — a most interesting talk, by Frank Strange and Robert Oliver, on Mornement & Ray's steam dredging activities in the Fenland drains. WEDNESDAY, 6th MARCH 1992 and WEDNESDAY, 3rd APRIL 1992 — at the time of going to press the speakers for these dates had yet to be confirmed. (Bill Timmings, London meetings organiser)

Personal

Robin Greenaway received one of the Trust's trophies at the 1991 AGM, the award being in recognition, among other things, of his and his family's involvement in wood sawing demonstrations in the Thames Valley. Pictured here is Noel Greenaways 5hp Burrell traction 3917, photographed by Roger Newbery, in the appropriate surroundings of the Engle field Estate sawmill, near Reading. The tarred black wooden sheds with their soft red tile roofs provide a timeless background for the green liveried double crank compound.

Michael Maskell, of Wilstead boiler works (and owner of Fowler agricultural 140121, would like to thank his many friends and acquaintances in the steam and vintage movement for the many cards and telephone calls he has received following his recent illness. We wish Mick a speedy recovery!

Future dates THE DACRE LACY CUP was presented to Robin Greenaway in recognition of his restoration, with members of his family, of many steam road vehicles, for providing accommodation for engines passing through the district and for the wood sawing demonstrations put on each year. THE J.T. BEEBY CUP is presented to a member of the Steam Apprentice Club and was awarded to Graham Austin, who was one of the original group of SAC members, and, still a good supporter of that section, is now serving them as a sub-committee member. (Sylvia Dudley/Steve Parrott)

London Area Social Meetings The 1991/1992 season of social meetings in London continues in February, March and April arid 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 8

for the Trust by Bill Timmings. Members are reminded the meeting place is at Keen House, 4 Calshot Street, off Pentonville Road, London N1, about 500 yards from Kings Cross tube and railway stations. A detailed description of the location was included in our Autumn 1991 issue; parking is not a problem. All meetings

Spring Conference of Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs The Spring 1992 Conference of Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs will take place at The Clifton Court Hotel, Lilbourne Road, Clifton-onDunsmore, near Rugby, Warwickshire on Saturday, 14th March, 1992 at

The Engine Owners sub-Committee presents a second

PRACTICAL ENGINE DRIVING COURSE to be held on the weekend of 11th and 12th April, 1992 At the Klondyke Mill Centre, Draycott-in-the-Clay, Sudbury, Derbyshire, by kind permission of the North Staffs & Cheshire Traction Engine Club Ltd The site hus full facilities including caravans and camping. See Engine Owners Column for further particulars.

We specialise in the construction and repair of locomotive type boilers. Firebox construction can be of the traditional flahged 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.

For further details contact Roger Pridham, Hollybank, Chilsworthy Beam, Gunnislake, Cornwall. Telephone Tavistock (0822) 615276

11.00am. Invitations and formal notices, together with details of the venue, will be sent out in the usual way, but newcomers are always welcome to these instructive and mutually beneficial gatherings. Coffee will be served from 10.30am; lunch is available at the hotel (prior booking is essential) and tea will be served at the conclusion of the meeting at about 4.00pm. First time attenders are invited to contact Trust Secretary Sue Jackson for further details or bookings. (Andrew Semple, chairman, Rally subCommittee)

Poor Steaming The brief Editorial survey of Mornement & Ray's ex War Department McLaren engines (page 170 of the last issue) introduced an error to the list inasmuch that there is no evidence the now preserved 1652 was ever owned by the firm. Alan Duke records it with Watson Bros, dredging contractors of Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, from 1940 to at least 1952. Watson Bros had acquired it from C. Cole & Son, also of Whittlesey, but the previous known owner to that was Shaw & Gaskell of Hull, who acquired it in 1929. It is not known how long they had it or whether there were other owners between them and Cole. On page 173 of the Autumn issue, the reference to the German built Kemna engines should no doubt be that they arrived under a reparation scheme, that is compensation for war losses.

OUR MAGAZINE 25 YEARS AGO

The first magazine for 1967 was the usual enlarged single subject issue, the portable engine being featured. Editor John Crawley remarked that the portable was the poor relation of the steam engine interest, their very immobility precluding them reaping the glamour of their mobile sisters; to the man in the street they were rather inanimate. The same holds today and it is unfortunate that probably even fewer portables grace our rally fields now then did 25 years ago. The issue consisted very largely of

'Sir, As one keenly interested in the commercial side of motoring ... I shall be glad if you can ventilate a little grievance which I ... have against the steam wagon. A few days ago I was cycling along one of the main roads leading out of London when I overtook a well known make of wagon. Part of the road was up, and I could not pass the vehicle but was obliged to run alongside just behind it. At every few feet from underneath the boiler came a little shower of red hot embers and I had all my work cut out trying to avoid these. I have since noticed the same thing about other makes ... notably one or two of the dust collecting wagons operated by the London

illustrations of portable engines taken from makers catalogues, with tabular information on types, sizes and dimensions. Two dozen different makers were featured, some from familiar builders, others from smaller local and long defunct workshops (Hempsted of Grantham and Stanford at Colchester), whilst a few came from well known names we don't usually associate with portables — Foden, Fowler, McLaren and Sentinel. Both the display adverts in the centre of the magazine and the few small adverts on the last page well illustrate the effect of a quarter of a century of inflation — almost everything was a tenlli of our current prices — the subscription at 30 shillings £1.50; large bound books at 38s (£1.90); genuine Aveling & Porter brass horses and Invicta scrolls for £8 and the new Old Motor magazine at 4s 120p).

County Council which leave little heaps of hot cinders behind them when they move away after a few minutes stop. It seems a pity to bring the steam wagon in disrepute through a fault so easily avoided as this, Yours faithfully, Cyclist, Merton Surrey.' (from Commercial Motor, July 1907. The Editor added comment: 'The matter is one that has caused much annoyance to other users of the road. In some cases the trouble arises through insufficient depth of the ashpan, but more often it is due to the omission of the driver to take the trouble thoroughly and periodically to clear out the burnt ashes.')

The 1930 Report We are grateful to Albert Fensom for kindly loaning his family's copy of the National Traction Engine Owners & Users Association's 36th Annual Report, for the year ending 30th September 1930. The Report covers several interesting subjects — probably rather more than usual in the wake of a spate of recently introduced legislation. We apologise for the rather small size of the print of our facsimile reproduction, but felt it better to be so, and to be a complete copy of the original, rather than offer edited portions. The guide prices for steam threshing make interesting reading and give a brief insight into practices prevailing in different areas at the time. We would be pleased to receive further comment from readers who may have personal or family reminiscences of the time. Whilst 1930 may have been past the heyday of the traction engine, few at that time would have forseen the day being so close when steam threshing was largely defunct.

Mr. Humphreys lead been Consulting Enginnie to thy Association for shirty years, and swill be Lett remembered for his splendid work in Estraordinary Traffic easel during the catty days when Tractions Engine Owners were fight log for their very existence. He had suained a reputation as sn Expert Witness of unquestioned authority, he was Utterly fearless under cross-examination, and was so well known in this roped that he sem taken approached by both sides in a cue, but his allegiance to the ASSIXilMi011 never relaxed, and Traction Engine Owners [today have much to thank him kr because of ihmc early battles oil their behalf, which drew attention to the need for bringing the standard of road construction up to meet the requirements of modern traffic. Fie was a clan of infinite churns, indomisabk courage and snot, he had 4 profound knowledge of his work anti his atheist was always mud anti reliable. His speeches were characteristic of him, informing and cal tellai nil% but always with the natural grace and geniality of the Your Committee deeply regret to report the death of Mr. James Falconer, a Vice-Chairman and Member of the Association for many years. Mr, Falconer was taken ill and died quite suddenly on th, 9th October last. He was a regular attendant at meetings and a staunch supporter of the Association; his advice was always sound and helpful, for he was an able Farmer and could judge matters from the farming as well as the eon/ratting point of view. His cheery Kr-tonality and friendship will be greatly missed by his fellow colleagues on the Corurntroso.

Death of Mr. James Falconer

THE NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE OWNERS' & USERS' ASSOCIATION (Incorporated)

Salicilor• MESSRS. JOYNSONHICES, CARDEW & MACDONALD EveRHAli National Traction

C. W_ W_ BURRELL, Esq. F. C.c.s, EsQ. A. D. Conms, Esq. W. J. ELLtarr, Esq, H, CECIL FOSTER, ESQ,

W. KEIGHTLEV, ESQ, H, W, PAAYLVN, Esq. E. GODFREY POLLS, Esq. L. D. WILLIAMS, ESQ. J. C. WOOD, Esq.

Notional Threshing

thirtp.%ixtb

annual 'Report

J. J. C. ALLEN, ESQ. 3. F, BORLEND, ESQ. H. B. Hotmon, Esp, S. JACKSON, EsQ. W, LAMPARD, ESQ. S D. Ms.-rusts, ESQ, G. Hexer, Esq.

S. I. D. MICHELL, Esq. WILLIAM MOORE, ESQ.

E. G, PRICE, Esp. A. E. Solon, Esq_ A, G. STRATTON, Esq. J. WILDER, Esq. W. WiLson, Esq.

M, Ronsveu Hsu.

FOR THE YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30th 1930

The National Traction Engine Owners' and Users' Association GRIM

(INCORPORATED)

17, VICTORIA STREET, WESTMINSTER LONDON. S.W I

Tele.M1one 5550 VICTORIA

REPORT

VIIRn Alf AUL SOwRST. LCINENAN -

ROAD TRAFFIC ACT, 1930 It will he remembered in the lass Annual Report, mention was made of the various points in the proposed Road Traffic Sill, affecting Traction Engine Owners and Users; since thus dale the Sill has been passed by a Standing joint sllamminve of the Holm of Ijonimons, received Reyal sahccian and placed on she Soak, under the side of " The Road Traffic Act, /93o." By the time this Reran is in the hands of hkmbers, Pans I and III of the Act will probably have come into Inter. Oihrr parts of the Act will come into form on the ist day of hloamy, and the ins day of hlatelt, 1931. Copies of the Act may be *Wallin] from H.M. Sim variety Once, Kingsway, ihrkC1/.. The following COOPtIOIM a brief moon! of the Inert important sections of the Act which affect Members of this Association. Heavy Locomotives ats, URAL CLASSIFICATION (not constructed to carry any load) which exOP VEHICLES teed eleven and a half (II X) tons in weight unladen. (Pour 1, Light Locomotives are those motor vehicles SECTION 2) (not constructed to carry any load) under //J/ tons, but exceeding 7 ,/, tons unladen weight. Motor Tractors are motor vehicles (not constructed to carry any load) that do not exceed 7y.j tons. Heavy Motor Cars are those motor vehicles which carry a load or passengers and whose weight unladen exceeds 2% tons.

for the Year Ending 30th September, 1930 Every Driver and Steersman must now hold a LICENSING OF driving license (price 5/-). Owners are not DRIVERS (Poor bound to supply these licenses, the men should PmNdant

THE Rr. HON. VISCOUNT BRENTFORD, P.C. Vice.PrenideM

JOHN ALLEN, ESQ., 0 D.E.., J.P. Chairman

Msion G. W. G. ALL., M.G., Vine.Chairman

N. E. Box, Esq. F. M. M.., ESQ. W. H, GOTOBED, Esq. G THURLOW, EsQ. Comulling Engine...

MESSRS H HOWARD HUAIPHREVS & SONS

To the Members of the National Traction Engine Owners' and User? A”ociation (Incorporated) Gentlemen, Your Committee have pleasure in presenting their ThirtySixth Annual Report. It is with the deepest regret that your CornDeath of mitten have to record the death of their ConMr. Howard suiting Engineer, Mr. Howard Humphreys. at lila early tip of GI. Ho kid been in failing NSIIISPILEMYR health for souse months before. and passed away on the 5th July last.

I, SECTION 4) take them out themselves; licenses must be carried by the drivers and steersmen when on the highways and must be shown on demand to any police constable. Men in attendance on an engine need not be licensed, if they take no part in the driving or steering of the engine. This section comes into force on the 1st December, 5930. AGE FOR Datvsas OF Moms VEHICLES (PART I, SECTION 9)

No one under die age of as years may drive a Heavy or a Light Locomotive on the highways, unless he has Urn in she habit of driving for sit months before the ist 141111Afy. 1910. This does not mean that men under thus age may not drive when on farms or in the fields.

The speed of Haney Locomotives has been increased to 3 miles per hour in towns and and 5 mites per hour outside towns, cities to SBC11ON cities or village-t. 'Me speed of Llrht Locomotives- when Seamen') not drawing a trailer or not more than two trailers. if all the wheels both of the TOTOOMMICC and reailer are fitted with soft or elastic tyres shall he 8 ma. Per room. in any other CMC 5 miles per hoot, Motor 'Fr-actors when OM drawing a nailer, if all the wheels of the tractor arc fitted wills soft or CIABDC tyres. 16 mil. oar hour. Whets drawing a trailer, if cell she wheels of both 1faClOP and any trailer drawn by it arc final with soft Or elastic tyres, 8 miles per hour. SPEED (PART

A clause has, for the first time, been inserted in an Act Scaling with "Careless Driving; 'r Corona DRIVING (PART Members SIMilld therefore men their dove. SECTS*: to) and secersmen shut they should always observe due awe and consideration onwards other users of the highways.

NUMBER or ATTENDANTS (PART SECTION 17)

One mats only in addition us she driver need he in :maidens< on a Thmhing core and its necessary gear, when travelling on e high. way. mi. is a concession which your Con mime hare been endeavouring to obtain for many years, mid will be id great benefit to

Owners,. The number of mon with a locomotive doing haulage work will be as follows -... With a locomotive and two trailers .... With a locomotive and three trailers

With a locomotive and one trailer

z men 3 men q men

With a f111.1111 roller two men will be required only when the roller is climIling on the road; of these, the second man need not be licensed if he takes no part in driving or steering the engine, only one man is necessary when the roller is at work rolling.

TheMiniucris now given prowess to make rep. Rsomannoss lotions on mactically every pant concerning the operation of Road Transport, and Regula. (Pater I, Secrion 3o) lions as in constructioo, weights, emission of visible vapour and .parks, mikrs and their broils, noire, tyro, tic.. en., are under conAderation. Venn Committee are III close touch with the Minister au these matters and several memorandums have been prepared pointing out the unfairness and burden which would be placed on Owners if some regulations which have been suggested came into force,

Your Chairman has eepresented. the Association and bar put forward the taw of Engine Owners at several ronfeirntes at the ?throaty of Transport. Members may rest assured thar their interens arc being very carefully watched and potato'. these regulations are nearly completed and will be pub lished at an early dam It is expected that they will be put into force MI arc to lanuary, 1.901. Your CONITIMDE are preparing a MCIMISAM111111. 011 the Road Traffic Att. anti the Regulations omit under it. This Memorandum will be forwarded toMarthers as loan =possible. It is nosy more essential than ever that every Owner should rally to the ASIOCiatifl11 and assist the Committee in their fight against any unfair MilffiCDODB. On and :dieu the ist (BUDD y next it will be an offence far any person Of persons to use or cause to be used a mechanically propelled eels• ink on the rued, unless there is in force in respect of such person or peruses a Policy of limonite in respect of Third Nifty silks or such other security as prescribed by the her. bottaaPfel

The save of the Aet is limited to Third Pasties for death or personal Iniury. A certificate of insurance must be tarried on the vehicle and protium/ to any Police Constable on demand: also this certificate of insurance will be required as necessary evidence that a policy has been effected at the time

the Road Fund Licence is applied for. All Members who are insured through the Association will be supplied with the necessary certificates. Your Committee would pains exit the advantages of the Association's Pull Indemnity Policy arranged with a group of Underwriters at Lloyds and approval by the Association's Solicitors. The toyes granted under this policy is more can. plea especially that the Indemnities are not limited so risks whilst your tackle is on the mad. Insurance Companies are with increasing frequency endeavouring to prove negligence ass the part of the Owner of made involved in a faros fire, and heavy claims costs have arisen through such eirciantissoca. Your Association can offer alternative rates on very moderate terms for Third Party (including sparks) liability or full comprehensive policies. All information and forms will be sent on application to the Secretary.

Actaieuseumat. The old restriction as to haying a man national on the highway when machinery is Momenta at work within as yards of such highway, !IRS (Pane Ill, SX1t1ON 9) now been repealed.

A fascinating threshing scene from the photographic archive at Beamish Museum, Co Durham. Though largely unidentified — it is thought the picture was taken somewhere in the Harrogate area of Yorkshire about 1890 to 1900 — the single cylinder portable is seen to be a Robey and the threshing drum a Ruston Proctor machine. Notice the large number of workers needed — over two dozen have assembled for the photographer.

'Phis clause in the Act is to the effect that where ROPES ACROSS a rope has to be stretched across a road, adcTHE HIGHWAY quate warning must be given of the danger. (Parer III, It will be remembered that several accidents Stermai 51) how occurred owing to adequate notice of this operation not having keen given, Memben Mould worn their drivers, and tee that they are provided with Red Flags and that TM arc stationed on the road at a sufficient distance to give ample warning to oncoming traffic

Unfortunately, the law as to Bridges remain, in practically the same stare as before; in rpao bridges Act was passed, the result of which may be seen in the impro, menu on 6011W of she Main Road Bridges, but the situation, as a whole, is still very unsatisfactory. Loral Ambulates are showing small anxiety to avail themselves of the oppnriunity attended by the Act, of banging about a rapid improvement in existing bridges. We Fear that until meant are adopted for forcing the halals of local author. Ries in this matter by public agitation and otherwise, the CRin• iog conditions will continue. Midge*

Summer Meeting

The Annual Summer Meeting was held at Manchester, on Thursday, the loth fitly; in view of the locality and conditions prevailing in the industry, the attendance was good.

The Annual General Meeting will he held at Annual the Smithfield Cattle Show. Royal Agra ultural General Hall, Islington, in the Princes Saloon, at a p.m.. Nesting on THURSDAY, the t Ith December. 1930. It is hope) that a large number of Members will attend and ialte part in the diwussitin, ercially with regard to . the new Road talk Act and the Rep atium. thereunder, ail other !DAUM Of interest to the Trade.

Signed on behalf of the Executive Committee, G. W. G. ALLEN, Chairman, N. E. BOX W. H. GOTOBED

F.M. ELGAR

Vice-Chairmen.

G. THURLOW ) Your Committee have been notified by the Wyre Bridge, Wnreestet County Council that Wyre Bridge, Worcester Worcester. which has been in course of reconstruction, has now been completed and no restrictions with regard to weights of vehicles will be in force after the t3th October, agiao.

Bye-Law,— During the pair year the followingg. Authorities Roads Act, hare applied to the Ministry of reimport for 1920 confirmation of Bye-Laws to close certain roads to heavy traffic. County Council of Roxburgh Northumberland Devon Lancashire Hampshire (Southampton) In each case the two claims as to Exemption of apical. tural engines and for the delivery of goods, have been included and no oppenhion was therefore necoury. The County Council of West Sussex alw asked foe an order to close Starry Street, ShorchamonSea. but after consideration the Minister was not impaled en make any order in the matter.

Ramos.' and Your Committee desire to notify Members that Chong* of it has been necessary to move their offices from Offices the present building to No. 17, Vittoria Street (3rd floor). It is hoped that Members will make a note of this alteration for future reference.

December tot, agia.

t7, Victoria Street, Westminster, SW.,

BUCKS (North) and NORTHANTS (South) Threshing, per day ... Threshing and Chaff Cutting, per day ... Chaff Cutting, per day ... Straw Tying, per day ...

3 5 0 0 0 2 roc

o 15

(To include 2 men only, Engine Driver and Feeder.)

CHESHIRE (East and Mid.) Threshing and Baling, 8 hour day ... Threshing and Haling, 6 hours Threshing and Haling, r set up to 4 hours Threshing and Rindi ng, 8 hour slay Threshing and Binding. 6 hours Threshing and Binding, t set up tu 4 hours

5 10 15

3 12

a 18

6 6

s. d.

If twine is found, the farmer is charged 26/- per day extra, or so much Per ball of twine used. A Discount of to"; is animal nil the Threshing and Baling: arm! a Discount of 5% off Threshing and Binding. if paid within 14 days from date of invoice.

CHESHIRE (South and West)

Prices

According to infrormation rrerierd by the Secretary the (annexing is a table of prices per railing In different districu for the t9.So.t93t Season.

Thrediing and Baling with a wires. per day o(8 hours --• •• o day -111:eling aid Trussing. per day of 8 hours

Extra for Twine al the rate per day s, d. BEDFORD Engine, Machine and z men, per hour ... or 5/6 per hour, in which case the farmer pays the two men gd. per hour each. Engine and Chaff Cutter and a men, per hour y/-, or 5/6, as above. Chaff Omer behind the machine, per hour Trusser behind the machine, per hour extra

7 o

...

5 '3 4 to 6 3 so 6 3 6 a 13 6 2 4 o I 2 0

(All to include a men, food to be pro. sided. and if the now provide own food. 4/- per day pee man extra to be charged.) Las io% discount foe cads in I month. CORNWALL

n a 6 o t 0

No fixed pa ices, imicnt pikes range approximately the same as charged in previous years.

A Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies 7hp single cylinder traction engine at work in Bedfordshire, driving a 54 inch thresher and a chaff cutter, also by Ransomes. The picture is taken from the makers' catalogue of May 1912. (collection Welland Valley club)

DERBYSHIRE ._. Threshing only, per day ... Chaff Cutting only, pee day Chaff Cutting whrn sprctal journeys am ... day per only. Cutting made for Chaff Chaff Cutting while Threshing, per day ... .. Trussing, per day

2 Is 0 3 to es

o o s so o 0 15 a

(Above prices are for 7 men, Driver and Feeder.)

DEVONSHIRE Threshing, ay.d. per bushel. 10/- for fixing. ... Reed Making, with a men, per hour

0 12 0

£ s. d. ESSEX (Braintree District) Threshing, 8d, per sack, or per day Dom Hulling, per day ... Chaff Cutting, per day ...

3 0 11

3 5 2 15 0

(a men only sent with Machine, third

mark paid by Farmer.)

ESSEX (Colchester District) La t5 0 10 3 0 0 Threshing, per day (including Driver and Feeder.) Chaff Cutting, per day ... Hulling, per day 3 5 -.

ESSEX (Rochford Hundred) August and September, Threshing Wheat, per qr. Threshing Oats, per qr.

0 4 o 3

0 3

October to February, Threshing Wheat, per qr. Threshing Oats, per qr,

From the 1st March, Threshing Wheat, per qr, Threshing Oats, per qr. (Full set of men.)

0 3 9 0 3 o

3 6 9

These prices include 5/3 per quarter for Machine.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Engine, Threshing Machine, and a men.

per dayy

Engine,Threshing Machine, 5-knife Chan Craw and 3 men, per day Engine and Chaff Cutter and a men, per Straw Trusser, per day ...

a 10

HUNTINGDONSHIRE Threshing, per day Threshing, per hour

0 .„ Minimum tharge for a fix (Where load is nal provided, 3.5. per day re be paid to each of Machine men in lieu.) (Cash Discount of 5% will be allowed off items z and a where a day or more is worked.)

3 ° 0 4 ,0 0 2 15 0

2 16

1 PO

Traction Engine and Machine, per hour ... Use of Eirrator, per hour or part of an hour Minimum Charge Portable Engine and Machine ... Use of Elevator, per hour .— Minimum Charge

o 10 0 0 a 10 o

6 0

Plus 7/. per day each to Driver and Feeder. Less 5% for cash in 3o days from receipt of Account.

NORFOLK Prim vary conoderaldy generally speaking, they range from at/ to r3/- per score wombs.

WARWICKSHIRE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Threshing, per day NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Engine and Thresher, per day Chopper, per day Elevates, jzr slay Trusser, per day

5 ° 7

KENT Same as Last Year, i.e., ... Engine and Machine only, per hour Driver and Feeder OM by the Farmer the time of Threshing. Farmer also employs and pays the Casual Labour.

SUSSEX (East)

Engine and Thresher, without Trusser, per 2 5 0 12

(Men's allowance extra, 3s. for Drivers, as. 6d. for Feeders, per day each. insures charge to be for 72 day.) HERTFORDSHIRE Prices vary, average price: — .-• Thmhing, per day Threshing and Chaff Coning, per day ... ... Chaff Cutting only, per day (Engine Driver and Feeder only. Third man when at double work.) ins Is. per day for cash in a month. 6 days work, or 1 week of 48 hours, flowerer made.

This is Fowler R3 class 8hp traction 12751. The single cylinder engine was new in 1911 to G.F. Saul of Barnet, Hertfordshire and, registered NK1131, moved to Cambridgeshire and the ownership of P.E. Elbourn at Meldreth in 1926. The date of the photograph and the location is unknown but it could have been about the time it passed to its third owner S.A. Flack of nearby Orwell in 1937. Although the outfit is still coupled up the engine has not been sheeted, so whether it has been dumped or is still available for further work is not clear.

LINCOLNSHIRE Engine, Machine, Elevator and a men, per day, varying from La to 13, according to District.

OXFORDSHIRE and BERKSHIRE . Threshing, per day Threshing and Chaff Curling, per day Chaff Cutting alone, per day .•• Clover Hulling, per day ... . Baling behind Machine, per day ... Baling by the Ton, behind Machine, per ton Victuals Monty, 5.1. each per day for Driver, Feeder, and third man. A reduction of 5s. per day in the case of farmers who hire the tackle for twelve days or more,

2 Io

Traction Engine, Machine and a men, per Trusser ... Chaff Cutter extra.

I 10

0 0

a 12

6 0

8/- to r7/- per day extra

WILTSHIRE Prices vary considerably. Nominally the same as last year.

a 15

5 't 55 0 315 0

II 0 0 0 11 0

YORKSHIRE (Doncaster District) Threshing, per day Straw Trustee, per day ... Chart Cutting, per hour • •

L2 so o to

15 15 12

6 0

s. d. YORKSHIRE (Leeds and District) Threshing, per day

£ s. d.

£ v . d. MONMOUTHSHIRE Engine, Thresher and Trusser, per day ...

3 4 0

SCOTLAND Prices vary accenting to District. They range from about £3 5s. to £3 159,

... £3 to 3 5 0 Lx 15 o to 2 o o (Day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Overtime wiper !lour.)

YORKSHIRE (North and East) ONE Day—Threshing Machine and Engine Elevator or Trusser

o 5

DAY (not beyond 3 p.m.) Ekeator or Trusser .. HALF-DAY (to finish at r1.3o a.m.) Elevator or Trusser ... Engine, Man and Belt, per day (1/6 extra per day charged for each Driver and Feeder when Food not provided.) TVIIII.QVAPTEll

0o 8 n

3 15

Self-Feeder, per nay . .. ... Engine and Man and Saw Table and Man, per day . _. ... .., oavvrime—Tbmihing Machine andEngine and a two, per hour .... Elevator Or Trusser per hour ... ... These prices in Ix subject to xo% discount for Cash inn month.

The Steam Car Club of Great Britain

3 o o

9 1

4 0 0

THE

National Traction Engine Owners' and Users' Association (with which is incorporated The National Threshing Machine Owners' Association) HEAD OFFICE :

17, VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S.W.T Telephone 5870 Victoria

Telegrams " Threshaul, Sowest, London "

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP 19

Please enter my Name as Member of the above Association. 1/We own Threshing Sets,

Haulage Engines, and will pay an Annual Subscription of k 11We enclose Cheque value L Cheques in be crossed LLOYD'S BANK

Entrance Fee, 5s, per Member, SUBSCRIPTIONS Haulage Engines. LI for the first; 10s. for earh additional Engine. per Threshing Set. 7.. Rood Rollers, Se. each.

ea.

Signed Address .

Following a successful gathering of steam cars at the 1990 Chiltern rally it was decided to form a club as a focal point for those interested in this aspect of steam. The first event to be organised was in May 1991 when twenty cars and one steam motorcycle assembled at the Black Country Museum. Many favourable comments were made by the public on the sparkling peformance of the vehicles — a Stanley steamer in full gear, and on top form, tackling a hill has to be seen to be believed! August saw six members' cars at the Salop club's rally — the Saturday involving a run up to Llangollen and on up the Horseshoe Pass. No problems with the terrain, but Alan Emass' steam motorcycle had to take evasive action to avoid an apparently blind driver of a Reliant Robin. In a bit of show-jumping over the grass verge, Alan's steed refused at an iron drain cover, but Alan completed the jump! On the return trip to the rallyfield John Gould set an undesirable record of six punctures in 3 hours on the same wheel. The Great Dorset Steam Fair saw a showing of eight of our cars. Bob Dyke contrived to bend a piston-rod on his White steamer, so he stripped the engine, straightened the part and rebuilt everything within a couple of hours — then discovered a small spanner was missing! Philip Hopes' 10hp EX type Stanley of 1908 could be seen fairly rocketing up the hill alongside the steam ploughing demonstrations. A challenge to any pre-1914 internal combustion cars that were present to try the hill climb brought forward no takers. At the end of Ontnhar Philip Hopes' car joined John Limings home-built steamer and Alan Emass' motorcycle at the Midlands Model Engineei illy Exhibition at Stoneleigh. It was possible on most days to give demonstrations of the acceleration of a steam car on the good internal roads of the showground. Our final outing for the year was to provide a half-way service halt at Redhill for steam cars on the Veteran Car Club's LondonBrighton run. Anyone interested in joining our club should contact me, Tony Vince, at 47 Ellsworth Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 2TU.

Marshall 6hp compound fraction 43560 has been regularly and widely rallied by the Fensorn family from the very earliest days of engine rallies in the 1950s, and always immaculately turned out. In 1991 Albert Fensom 'Oakham RDC is to purchase a ventured south to join the Marshall gathering at the G.'eat Dorset Steam Fair, steam wagon at an estimated cost of and, despite the all-pervading dust, was still able to m iintain his standards. . £1000.' (from Commercial Motor; (Roger Newbery) 28th March 1918.) 14

Elworth Experiences Ken Judkins continues with tales of his experiences with Foden wagons in the later 1920s.

A Winter Delivery to Hereford I'll start this tale off with a wild run to Hereford — 80 miles or so from Fodens. Our garage foreman at that time in the winter of 1926 was E.F. Williamson. He said "Kenny, tomorrow morning; that wagon you took out of the paintshop on Friday, I want you to take it to Hereford Flour Mills. You'll have to do Sunday work because she's registered to start work on Monday morning." Another driver had got the machine ready for the Saturday and had booked out the tools etc but hadn't gone for some reason or other. When I walked over to the garage on the Sunday morning to light up it was snowing. By the time I eventually set off there was about two inches on the ground and Mr Charlesworth, who lived nearby, rang Mr E. Foden with the news that Judkins had set off with the Hereford flour mill wagon with a couple of inches of snow down — was it wise? Well, my foreman had said please yourself what time you go: you'll be on double time. It was a five hour journey going by the proper speed limit and I'd judged it to depart about 9 or 10 o'clock. I had no problems and cracked on through the day but by the time I'd got through Ludlow, 60 miles or more, and was heading for Leominster there was a good four inches of snow — and it was getting dark. Past Leominster I approached the hill at Hope-underDinmore where the road goes down over the railway line from Shrewsbury to Hereford and Abergavenny. There were no other wheel marks in the snow. I thought, I'm not going to slide off the road and down through the trees onto the railway lines below, so I gently crossed over to the other side of the road and put the offside solid rubber wheels in the gutter — and, hey presto, I got down the hill quite safely. About a mile or so further on was a little pub, where I oftimes called. I went into the bar and the landlord said no one had been past in either

direction for hours. He was amazed when I told him I'd come through from Sandbach and with no more ado he stuck a glass under the whisky bottle and served me a double — "That's on me!" By then I'd only got five or six miles to go to the mill and once there I knocked up the manager to let him know I'd arrived, ask where to put the wagon and seek out some digs. E.R. Foden had been on the phone to him telling that I'd set out for Hereford but no telling when I would arrive in that weather, so the mill manager rang back to advise I was safely there, despite five inches of snow. That earnt me another stiff whisky on the flour mill! Next morning, the Monday, I started my delivery week and loaded to 101/2 tons with the trailer. I started in middle gear, then top, and away for Malvern, with two drops there and the

rest at various places. The chap I was staying with had asked how much coal to take because he was used to a Sentinel Super. I told him four hundredweights in the bunker and on the footplate and a couple on the trailer and we'll be alright. What, he said — the Super needs 7 cwt in the bunker and three on the back, and it would all get used on this Malvern run. The Sentinel went back to Shrewsbury because of this enormous appetite. But this Foden had a problem. In bottom speed on the Malvern Hills it made such a noise from the gears. She had never been tested in the low gear (we should have tried every wagon in all the gears under the test load) and everyone noticed it, as well as myself, so I had to let the mill manager know when I returned that I'd have to take the wagon back to Elworth next morning and have another set of gear wheels fitted. Back at Fodens, Jim Blackmore, the superintendent, asked "What's the matter Sonny?"; he always called me that — I was still only in my early 20s. I told him the problem and he

W.VERNON & SONS ,

LTD,

FLOUR MILLERS.

VICTORIA DOCK.E.I6.

One of the Fodens delivered to its new owner by Ken Judkins — 11498 of 1925 (AN7110) went to W Vernon & Son Ltd, flour millers of Victoria Dock, London E16. It had a finely sign written and decorated body and lasted but seven years with them before being sold on. (RLS collection) 15

jumped into the driving cab and set off in the bottom gear, but after half a mile run around the works he shut the regulator and told me to take the engine round to the erecting shops and to tell the foreman to fit a new set of gears. Here I might add that J. Blackmore was a direct descendant of the Blackmore who wrote the classic Lorna Doone. With Blackmore I tested the first hydraulic brakes fitted to Fodens' rigid 6 wheeler, a platform bodied wagon from the Marley Tile company in Kent, which was in our repair shop. The brakes were previously operated by a series of cables, which were not too good loaded or unloaded. I got a bit of easy overtime hanging around to take the Hereford wagon back, as I didn't do anything over the replacement of the bad gears, only keep tip steam or move the wagon as the fitters required. Our usual hours were 8 in the morning to 5.30 and then after half an hour tea break, we got time and a quarter between 6pm and 8pm; time and a half from 8 till midnight and then double time midnight to 4am; time and a half round to 6am; time and a quarter to 8am and so back to our usual rate. So as we went on through that night we all picked up a lot from that hiccup. Everything was ready about 3pm on the Wednesday and I set off again for the mill, getting there about 7 in the evening. What a difference to the nine hours it had taken three days earlier. The snow had gone and it was just cold. The optional windscreen that had been fitted to the wagon was very welcome — later these were fitted with the all-in cost.

Coal and Water Some readers may well wonder just how we went about getting coal and water supplies in the times of everyday use of steam wagons on the highway, especially when we were on longer journeys and off our usual routes. Most of the local coal merchants — at their rented premises at the railway companies' yards or sidings — had a fair stock of good Welsh steam coal, so there was not much difficulty in getting supplies as you went about your job. Water was a different thing: difficult on a strange road. But on the routes where we had a regular run one knew where the most suitable watering places were. Delivering a new wagon to a new owner often meant going along an unfamiliar road, so that trip wouldn't always be easy. 16

Views of Fodens' rigid frame six wheeler showing the flexibility of the driving wheels and axles as shown in their contemporary catalogue. (RLS collection)

For a wagon whose job was mainly on town work, the gaffer usually had tallies or hydrant keys, so one could stop at any hydrant and top up the tank, provided you did not hold up other traffic. For that you could get pinched, also for standing within so many feet of the abutments of a bridge, say by a canal or river, when taking water by a lifter. We had to keep a sharp eye if an arm of the law was about. When Fodens developed the three speed overtype we would fill up the

water tank before we left the works on a delivery run. If I was on a London run the next water hole I would need was a lovely brook just before Fenny Stratford and that pick up would see me safely through to London. The tank on those C type wagons held 165 gallons and if one was careful, and I was, you could do 70 to 80 miles on that with an empty machine. Even loaded I've managed 56 miles. Perhaps I can end this time with a few notes I can recall on coal and water consumption. One run was from

Bootle back to the Foden works, 45 miles or so. I'd got on the back 16 tons of timber for our joinery shop at Elworth — wood for future use on bodywork and cabs. I travelled via Prescot, Warrington, Knutsford, Holmes Chapel and so to the works. That took 2 1/2 hours, working in all the gears at different times, but in top that wagon would touch 52 mph empty and could manage 45 with an average sort of load. She had a 27 tooth sprocket on the rear axle; of course I used to like to let the wagon go for it. The run from Bootle to Elworth would take 3 cwts of Welsh coal, and on another hundredweight I could run back to St. Helens for a load of lead piping for the water supply for new housing estates near Liverpool that were being built at that time. No other make of steam wagon could manage that economy.

Welded fireboxes of yesteryear The Foden firm quite early did away with riveting its fireboxes and started to use welding to construct them. In the early days the men in the shops were not accustomed to the

Fodens all-welded firebox for their 5 ton wagon of the early 1920s, pictured in their contemporary illustrated spare parts list. The accompanying price list, dated October 1922 was 'subject to alteration without notice' and included 'Firebox complete with roofing bars, welded pattern, £21 Os Od.' This price 3 or 5 ton has been crossed out in ink and a revised figure written in — £16 16s! Prices had risen astronomically in the two or three years after World War I and seem to have come down again just as sharply. Grade I specially treated Swedish steel solid drawn tubes for a 5 tonner cost 3s 6d (17 1/2 p) each; N in waterspace stays were 10d (3p) each and an undrilled foundation ring £3 lOs Od.

idea so much as nowadays, so there was much breaking off of the arc gap of the electrode, and breaks occurred in the weld joints. Several times I saw in the Elworth works, wagons with early examples of welded fireboxes, which had been brought back for attention. If the wagon had worked in the Widnes area, the problems could be quite bad — engines of all makes and types suffered there because so much of the area was dominated by the chemical industry, the waste from which found its way into water holes used for feedwater. Anyhow, where the arc gap had faulted in firebox welding it soon showed up on a water test — the seams would let water stream out just as if rats had nibbled at them. So much for early days of welding fireboxes; later, CO2 welding came along — a different kettle of fish. The later Speed Six model wagon

had its whole boiler made up of welding. I gather it was Sentinels' Liverpool depot that murmured to Fodens' insurers that the Speed Six boiler was probably unsafe. Sentinels were not confident of welding for their own wagon boilers (which were always made by outside firms — they never had a boiler shop of their own) and the main vertical seam had a riveted strap top to bottom. Further to the 0 type boiler — the Speed Six one — Fodens' designed a very strong frame around it but there was just sufficient room left for the overhead crane man to drop a 'tupp' accidently onto the welded seam. Believe it or not, there was never a weep from that seam although it had had a good bashing. But because of the insurance company being whispered to, Fodens welded straps across the seam, which kept everyone happy.

'A Traction Engine Owner Summoned. Catharine Bird was charged with drawing more than three wagons with a traction engine on the highway at Aston Clinton. Defendant pleaded guilty. P.C. Greig said that at ten minutes past seven in the evening on September 7th he was on duty in the London road, Aston Clinton, when he saw a traction engine drawing four wagons, the property of the defendant. He saw her, and inquired whether she had permission from the Clerk of the Bucks County Council to draw

more than three wagons and she said she did not. Supt Pitson said it was to the advantage of persons like the defendant to draw four wagons with an engine instead of sending one by rail or having it drawn by horses. The Chairman said the byelaws were framed for the safety of the general public and the defendant would be fined 40s. including costs, or in default, fourteen days' imprisonment. The money was paid.' (from Agricultural Chronicle, January 1902.)

1915 built Fowler 10 ton compound roller 14342 at the Waddesdon Steam Working in September 1990. (Jim Semple) 17

Morris's of Shrewsbury Oils for Steam The name of Morris & Company will be well known to many readers for its range of lubricants suitable for steam engines, and for the Sentinel wagon bearing its name and livery, which is entered at many rallies. We are pleased to present here two articles on the Morris company — one detailing the intriguing and varied history of a company with diverse interests, the other describing the re-introduction of its range of traditional steam lubricants and bearing oils to serve operators within the leisure industry and preservation circles.

1. MORRIS & COMPANY (SHREWSBURY) LTD — A brief history Trevor R. Daw Steam engine owners in these modern times seem to show more concern over the quantity. rather than the quality of coal and water they ranaive when attending events They never seem to attach the same importance to the oils which are so necessary to avoid permanent damage to working parts. Perhaps it could be that coal merchants have a higher profile than do oil blenders. Whatever an engine owner may imagine, blenders do exist, and can often be found in most areas of the country. A little research in the Ye/low Pages directory will reveal companies who specialise in small quantities that will be suitable for traction engine needs. A brief explanation of what you require, and they can produce a blend made up to take account of the extreme conditions both inside and outside the cylinders. Never buy oil for steam engines from the local garage; it is quite unsuitable for the purpose, and contains additives that would do extensive damage to bronze bearings, or would break down too quickly inside a cylinder. 18

One such specialist blender is better known to engine owners, because they can see the firm's vehicles regularly on the roads, as well as sponsoring a Sentinel steam wagon on the rally fields. Known generically

as Morris's, they are famous for their range of Golden Film lubricants, and continue to produce the special nonemulsifying oils required in the sumps of Sentinel engines, The writer's interest in Morris's was brought about whilst he was doing research into the history of brewing in the West Midlands, and came across some interesting facts about the origins of the company. Morris & Company (Shrewsbury) Ltd, started business in the year 1869, when James Kent Morris left his home in Ruyton-Xl-Towns to set up as a candle maker in the Frankwell district of Shrewsbury. From that time the company has continued to progress, adding to their portfolio property; varied commercial premises throughout Shropshire; grocery; baking; the oils division and a thriving chain of SaveRite supermarkets. The tightly knit Morris family bought their first grocery store in Frankwell, a short time after JKM had set up the candle works. They then became involved with top quality baking and confectionery and later concentrated activities at new premises at Welsh Bridge, near the centre of the town, which still houses the company headquarters. The oil business developed from the original candle works and was based in premises at Hills Lane, which included the historic Rowley's House, later donated by the family to the town. As the use for oils increased, this division was moved to a spacious site at Castle Foregate, where it is still based today. The family continued their interests in grocery when they bought a shop in the main shopping area of Pride Hill, and later in 1922 they went

Morris's first steam wagon was Sentinel 4152 — a 6 ton AS model delivered new, with Sentinel trailer, in June 1922. (collection Morris & Col

on to buy a ladies outfitters to secure a 73 foot frontage onto the town's main shopping street. In 1927, the family launched the Pride Hill store project — to build a prestige store in the centre of Shrewsbury. The design was based on the stately home of Blickling Hall in Norfolk, and opened for business in 1927 to wide acclaim. The imposing building housed a large ballroom, with 18,000 individual springs under the floor, a top quality food hall, two oak panelled restaurants, and a ladies and childrens fashion department. On sale were Morris's own bread, confectionery and chocolates, which have earned the company a number of awards at various exhibitions throughout the country. Customers could take seats at mahogany counters and give their orders for delivery. Businessmen would select a table in the Elizabethan room for meetings and enjoy a good luncheon entertained by a small orchestra playing in the Minstrel's Gallery. At times the ladies would be entertained over lunch in the Tudor room with a fashion show, since Morris's was the leading fashion house in town. By the 1960s trading patterns were changing rapidly, and customers

were looking for self-service and low prices, rather than prestige values of the Pride Hill store. Its doors closed for the last time in the early sixties and soon after John Menzies moved in. The Company still owns the store site which contributes to the success of the property division. After closure of the Pride Hill shop, Morris & Co then went on to modernise and develop its stores throughout the County of Shropshire and beyond. It launched the SaveRite chain of supermarkets catering for discount style shopping demanded by its customers. As a new decade commences, shopping trends have turned their full circle, and the SaveRite chain is moving towards being high-class food halls again. The same high quality theme is reflected by the Company's oil division and since the early days of this century has been a major producer with rigid quality controls, which has brought continuing success for the Golden Films range. When members next see a Morris's oil delivery vehicle on the roads, it stands as a modern reminder that steam engines, particularly the Sentinel marque, have been responsible in no small way for Morris's success in the closing years of the twentieth century.

2. STEAM OILS FOR THE 1990s The foundations for Shropshirebased family business Morris Lubricants' success as pioneers of steam technology lubrication were laid in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By the middle of this century the company was a market leader in the manufacture of steam cylinder and bearing oils and the company is now the largest independent lubricant blender in the UK. But the company has never forgotten its early beginnings in the age of steam power, and has now introduced a new range of steam oils specifically for the leisure industry. From as far back as 1869, when James Kent Morris set up a grocery business from which Morris Lubricants was spawned, diversification has always been a part of the company's philosophy. The first tentative connection with the then embryonic oil business was made when the Morris family began to manufacture candles. Due to the untimely death of the founder in 1891, the business was left to his eldest son, also James Morris, who had already completed his apprenticeship in the candle works. He quickly realised there was no long-

term future in candles, for more efficient forms of lighting were being developed. It was at this time that the lubricants division was formed, and

began importing best Pennsylvania oils from the USA, often referred to as Golden Penna Stocks. The widely known and much respected Golden Film trade name originated from these imports. When Scottish family engineers Alley & MacLellan opened a new factory close to the Morris & Company's base in Shrewsbury, the two companies soon established a very close working relationship. The Sentinel Waggon Works was set up to solely produce steam wagons and Morris's remained sole supplier of steam cylinder and crankcase oils for forty years. This unbroken working partnership over the years of steam-powered lorries included a period of vehicle refurbishments when wagons were returned to have pneumatic tyres fitted. Morris's themselves were the proud owners of four Sentinel wagons for about 20 years when they were used to collect oil and flour from Liverpool Docks for the lubricants and for the newly-formed bakery division. Using the vehicles daily gave Morris's substantial experience and knowledge of lubrication problems, which enabled the company to develop the art of blending steam lubricants. During this period of steam power most oil companies obtained their technology from the United States. However, with the demands of increasing boiler pressure, steam temperatures and higher performance, the traditional low viscosity fixed oils then produced did not provide adequate wear protection. Developments within the now progressing UK refining industry were

Later in the twenties came a third Sentinel — DG6 six wheel 12 tonner number 7458 was new in June 1928. (collection Morris & Co) 19

providing heavier or more viscous base stocks which needed to be used under increasingly arduous conditions. These early mineral oils did not possess the oiliness characteristics of the fixed oils and so blending was introduced to combine all the required properties and advantages of both raw materials. With steam power eventually giving way to petrol and then diesel engined vehicles and British Rail closing some of its lesser used lines, the tradition of blending oils for steam use became somewhat obsolete. However, an extensive planned market research programme by Morris Lubricants into all aspects of steam powered preservation revealed that there was still a demand for their oils. And the new range of products especially for steam-powered vehicles working within the leisure industry is the result of this research and planning.

The realisation of a potential market was brought home to the Chief Executive of Morris Lubricants, Mr John Alton, when he admired several preserved steam railway locomotives which passed his office window. Subsequent investigation revealed that most such steam-hauled trains are usually over-subscribed with passengers. Research through the company's archives revealed the original formulations and confirmed that the new products conformed to the same requirements. All Morris steam oils are manufactured to MT 276, which is recognised as being the ultimate authority, prepared by Dritish Rail. The oils have been formulated to provide exceptional protection against wear, ensuring long and trouble-free operation. The comprehensive new range comprises no less than five steam cylinder oils: two of these use

compounding agents and three straight oil formulations, using specially selected steam cylinder base stocks of a type similar to those in original use. Bearing oils comprise viscosities from IS068-IS0680, all compounded. An additional straight IS0220 for use in steam traction engines completes the range. Experiments in the laboratory have revealed some startling facts on the syphon effect of worsted wool trimmings. Freeze-frame photography is one fo the more unusual techniques used by Morris's laboratory manager, Andy Litchfield, to ascertain exactly what happens and why. Because there was little ur nu previous research completed around this fundamental aspect of bearing lubrication, Andy had to treat the project similarly to his research days at university. He comments, "When I was set the task of providing information to enable us to understand what happens when bearing oils syphon, and the effect that a change in viscosity has on their efficiency, I literally had to go right back to the first principles of research to try and get some repeatability into my experiments. This has been extremely difficult, but eventually I was able to provide the data required." The development of the products has benefited from the 'hands on' experience of David Goddard, a director of the company and the proud owner of Sentinel DG wagon 8571 of 1931. Mr Goddard provided a wealth of knowledge gained from his many contacts in the steam industry. With smaller volumes of what are now regarded as specialist products being demanded by its customers, Morris have installed special blending equipment to meet this requirement. The new equipment has been dedicated to the production of the oils to avoid contamination with other products which use additive systems not always compatible with oils for steam use. This specialised batch blending facility ensures flexibility, and enables a quick response to the many and varied requirements for the oils. Morris's steam brochure recommends products for use under particular conditions of steam, and its sales team is also able to provide onthe-spot advice to customers. This advice includes problem-solving and guidance on general application. Information sheets available include:

Morris Lubricants' dedicated blender for manufacturing steam oils.

anyone engaged in the operation of steam engines. Specific technical sheets for all the products are also available on request from Morris Lubricants, Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 2EL.

Position of Owner Drivers

The company's final steam wagon in commercial days was one of the shaft driven models, Sentinel 9081 (with trailer 9082) stands outside the maker's works when new in May 1934. It was to have a working life of but five years. (collection Morris & Co)

application chart for steam temperature and boiler pressures; product data sheets; problem solving data; Sentinel waggon and traction engine recommendations.

Morris Lubricants, which provided the above article, has available a colour brochure Keeping Steam Alive, which sets out its extensive range of traditional oils. It will be of value to

BOILER MANUFACTURE AND OVERHAULS TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY'S ENTIRE SATISFACTION Also Flanging and Platework for Tenders, Tanks, Smokeboxes, Tool-boxes, Chimneys, Ashpans, and Gear-guards.

'Dear Sir, I have noticed several letters in Motor Transport recently on drivers' hours, and would like to add my opinion, as I have been driving steam wagons since 1902. Steam drivers have more to occupy their attention with firing up and taking water etc, than petrol drivers. For 12 years before the war I drove a wagon on steel tyres having to stand all the time, and often put in 20 hours out of 24. Then came the war, where I did four years in France and had rubber tyres for the first time. The war over, I did six years for a brewery firm, often putting in 16 hours a day, but never had an accident. I then started on my own with a new Foden and have been an owner driver for 41/2 years. I cannot help wondering how the new Act is going to affect me and others similarly placed. I usually do one or two journeys to London (57 miles each way) each week which takes me about 18 hours. The next day I do a short journey to get extra rest, but could not manage this in the 11 hours, which the new law demands. If the idea is to make more employment, I fear it will have the opposite effect, seeing that each lorry employs two men. — John Motor (from Werrell, Oxford.' Transport, 17th November 1930. The wagon that Werrell owned was Foden 13124, a rigid six-wheeler, new in November 1928. A picture which accompanied the letter shows it with a huge load of hurdles, piled sixteen feet or more high, though clearly not of The sign writing much weight. suggests Werrell made his business in carting gravel, sand, ashes and stores. The Foden was later sold to Taroads Ltd for conversion to a tar sprayer, cut down to a 4 wheeler and put on pneumatics in 1934. It was probably the various changes in taxation in 1931 for solid tyred steam lorries that eventually forced Werrell to part with his pride and joy, rather than the problem of working hours.)

Boiler Department: New Road; Whaley Bridge, via Stockport, 6' Cheshire SK12 7JQ Tel: 0663 - 733544 Fax: 0663 - 734521

Steam on Man Stephen Carter and Ray Hulock

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Part 2

The sad story of the run-away mill In the early weeks of January 1916, when Europe was gripped by war, the farming community of the Isle of Man was shocked by an horrific fatal accident in Santon, just south west of the island's capital, Douglas. A traction engine towing a threshing mill ran out of control and crashed on Crogga Hill killing the twoman crew. The engine was Marshall 6hp single cylinder traction 34217 of 1900, owned by Messrs Radcliffe and Callister of Ballagarey St Markc, who also owned the mill. The rig had been threshing at Mr T.H. Gelling's Blllown farm and was travelling to Southampton Farm, then farmed by Mr E, Cormode, a total distance of seven or so miles. The engine crew consisted of two men; the driver Paul Maddrell of Woodville Terrace, Douglas, a 45-year old bachelor who lived with his sister, and who had worked on the mills for 15 years and driven this engine for the previous four; and feeder Jeremiah Kermode, a 25-year-old single man of Ballacallin Cottages. I he rig had apparently travelled from Billown via Ballasalla and the Fairy Bridge, before going up Oatlands Road to reach the Old Castletown road. Witnesses at the subsequent inquest testified that the engine and mill had been proceeding in a normal fashion. A staff member from Crogga House said that the engine appeared 22

to begin the descent of the hill at a very slow speed, but then speeded up very quickly and ran into the wall. By the time the staff had reached the engine, both men were dead. Doctor Marshall, a local doctor,

attended the scene. He stated at the inquest that the men were killed by being squashed by the mill which trapped them against the engine's firebox. He did not detail their exact injuries as he said that he thought it would be too horrific for the jury to hear. There were allegations at the inquest that the governor on the engine might have stuck open. Mr Joseph Mylchreest, an engineer in the employ of the Forrester family who at that time owned the Port Soderick estate, said that he arrived at the scene shortly after the accident. He said that he could not see the dead men because of the amount of steam escaping from a broken valve on the engine. He managed to turn off the steam but it was his opinion that the engine was carrying too much steam for a descent of such a steep hill. Mr William Knox of the Douglas engineering firm which bore his name, was called as an expert witness. He said that it appeared that for some reason, which would probably never be known, the engine ran away on the hill and the driver had steered it into some old quarry workings opposite the Crogga top gate in order to try to stop the engine. Unfortunately the engine ploughed through the workings and hit solid rock at the lower end and this caused the drawbar between the engine and the mill to break allowing the mill to run forward and trap the

Marshall 34217 and its threshing mill after running away on Crogga Hill in Santon in January 1916, killing the driver and steersman. Note the timber prop and the chain at the hind wheel — the chain probably goes across the engine and up to one of the trees on the bank. (collection Stephen Carter)

men on the footplate. The threshing machine was fitted with a straw funder (straw tyer) at its front end, this fitment causing the men's injuries. The allegations that the engine was defective was disputed by Mr Radcliffe, one of the owners. He said that the engine had been 'pulled asunder for overhaul' by one of Marshall's own fitters at the start of the season lie the threshing season or about October the previous year) and there had never been any complaint about the engine which at that time was about fifteen years old. Mr Radcliffe stated that the mill weighed about 5 tons and the engine about 10 tons.

The bodies of the men were trapped for over three hours until another engine could be brought to tow the mill off the crashed engine, and before this could be done the engine had to be propped and chained to prevent it falling on its side. The Coroner, Mr J.S. Gell, recorded a verdict of accidental death and it appears that the engine and mill were soon returned to work, the next driver being Billy Bell, who passed away in more recent years. There is a sad sequel to the accident, or at least to which the local press at the time attributed to it. A 70-year-old widow, Mrs Cretney, who farmed Ballachrink, a mile or so along

the road, was passing in her dog cart and observed the bodies of the two men still trapped on the engine. Mrs Cretney had farmed Ballachrink since the death of her husband some years earlier and she was not in good health, having recently been seen by her doctor. Whether or not she knew the dead men is not recorded, but it would seem probable. At any rate, she was most distressed by the sight and was found dead in her bed the following morning. The Marshall later passed, about 1933, to J.T. Corlett, of Middle Farm, Douglas.

Threshing at Bradda This fine threshing scene was taken at Ballarhenny, Bradda near Port Erin, sometime before 1908. It is from the collection of Terry Faragher of Castletown. Stephen Carter feels the engine is probably Marshall 6hp single cylinder traction 48076 of 1907, delivered new to Fred Cooil, who had earlier worked threshing mills for Joseph Hoff of Port Erin, and prior to that is thought to have driven engines for Robert Bridson, who was of Manx descent, at Neston in the Wirral. When Hoff sold his threshing business, Fred Cooil bought the outfits which included Marshalls 16240 of 1888 and 18624 of 1890, both 6hp single cylindered engines. The machine in our picture looks in quite crisp order and thus appears fairly new and could well have been having its photograph taken, with locals and families, for that very reason, as the owner's freshly acquired pride and joy.

Something of a mystery picture this one -- an unidentified but large Clayton & Shuttleworth compound engine, being used by R.G. Shimmin and hauling cut timber from Sky Hill, just west of Ramsey, Isle of Man and turning towards the town. (collection Stephen Carter) 23

SAVAGES on MERSEYSIDE The 5 ton steam tractors built by Savage Bros Ltd of Kings Lynn did not sell in great numbers and are relatively obscure machines, of which no examples survive in preservation. Whilst the traction engines, portables and roundabouts that were made over the years at the Lynn St Nicolas Works are fairly well documented, no written records of the single cylinder Little Samson steam tractors are known to exist and, indeed, no serial makers' numbers for Savages tractors or steam wagons have ever been recorded. Had such numbers appeared on the engines it is likely that they would have been declared, as required, on licence applications to the various Councils, but none have ever been discovered. Accordingly it is more difficult to trace these tractors and to judge how many were built and when, or for who. But one surprising fact is that at least four of the breed were sold about 1907 to owners around Merseyside — who was it representing Savages in the area that achieved such relative success over his rivals? We thank member W. Bibby of Neston, Wirral for loaning two old photographs which prompt these brief notes on Little Samson tractors. The first picture shows an example, owned by Line Bros, haulage contractors, of Huyton, Liverpool, drawing a trailer loaded with dismantled gear-driven hauling engine. The scene is distinctly unindustrial and looks to be a better class residential suburb — note the stone slab and sett paved pedestrian crossing which was so necessary across the dusty or muddy roads in more salubrious areas in Victorian times. To protect the ladies long skirts the crossings were regularly swept clean. The Savage is Borough of Birkenhead registered CM515, and lettered up with its weights — 1 ton 18 cwt front axle and 3 tons rear totalling 4 tons 18 cwt. It possesses an exhaust steam feed-water heater mounted by the smokebox, a canopy with decoratively carved side members and the wood tread wheels which the makers offered as an optional extra. Worlds Carriers, in July 24

1907, noted this latter innovation by Savage Bros, the patent of Mr Affleck, which they thought promised to do much towards reducing noise and vibration. iW.J. Affleck was Savages works manager for many years.) The tractor was probably supplied to Line Bros when new about 1907, and was sold during the 1914-1918 period,

Savage Bros 5 ton steam tractor CM515 pictured, presumably, somewhere on Merseyside. (collection W. Bibby)

Another of Line Bros' Savage tractors — note the repair to the wheels referred to in the text. (collection W. Bibby)

later being owned by Gregg & Sons of Larne, Northern Ireland. The second picture, from a rather faded original, is probably a second example owned by Line Bros, registered TB1052 and said to have come secondhand from Cox's Stores, address unknown; it was for sale again in 1924. The tractor has minor differences from CM515 — the latter has more heavily built front wheels. Indeed, TB1052 shows evidence that its wheels have proved to be too lightly built, with loose spokes at the hind and front offside wheel centres repaired by casting fresh metal around the hub. Some of the single riveted front wheel spokes have also been replaced with double riveted palmed spokes. Although Savages were engineers of repute, the steam tractors, visually, had an air of crudity compared with most of their contemporaries. The manufacturer's publicity leaflets for the tractors provide further interesting reference. Savage Bros proposed that their machine was 'the most useful tractor for timber merchants, builders, military purposes, market gardeners, furniture removers, contractors and general hauliers' and the illustrations show the engines coupled to a furniture pantechnicon van. Specification sheets indicate that each tractor was supplied with one spring drawbar — presumably a separate vee drawbar which could be fitted to the purchaser's own horse drawn vans or wagons in lieu of the existing shafts, and thus make them suitable for a more hectic life behind the steam tractors.

LOG

TRACTOR.

1909. Aug. 23 --Van to Gargrave via Preston, loaded and back to Liverpool 134 miles .. 71 30- -Van to Kirkby Lonsdale 31 —Loading ditto, put up all night, left Sept. lst for Liverpool 5 a.m., arrived 8.30 p.m. ... 71 . Sept. 2—Took same van to West Kirby unloaded then to Heswall and ... 16 11 prepared for loading 3— Loading at Heswall, left 5 p.m. for Slough . 196 7--Arrived Slough 8 & 9—Unloading and station, three 22 tourneys Slough to Farnham 22 10 Slough to Holloway

1909. Sept. 15 --Loaded at Holloway, left for Liscard 200 miles 10 -Arrived Liscard Liscard to Birkenhead 16 --Birkenhead to West Kirby and ... 18 back to Birkenhead 17- Birkenhead to Chester and back 32 18 -Washing out ... 41 22- Van to Prestatyn 23- -Unloaded, left ditto for Shrews67 It 25 —Shrewsbury to West Kirby (6 ... 60 ... ton load) ... 10 27 —West Kirby to Liverpool 960 miles

The record of Copplestone's steam tractor's travels during August and September 1909. The Farnham is Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire.

The expectations of a proud new owner of a tractor are well illustrated by an 'unsolicited testimonial' sent by Copplestone, Unsworth & Co of Liverpool to Savage Bros in 1909. Their Little Samson, registered K1544, was virtually identical with the ones we have already discussed — single cylinder, wood tread wheels, feed water heater and lightly constructed front wheels — and was illustrated on the makers publicity leaflet hauling a well loaded furniture pantechnicon, a former horse drawn vehicle. The tractor had been purchased two years earlier and the owners sent a log of the work it had done from 23rd August to 27th September 1909. A mere glance at a road map shows the wonderfully extensive travels that had been made. The 960 miles covered some very hilly

Copplestone Unsworth's men pose with their Little Samson tractor and loaded pantechnicon — a picture used on the maker's publicity leaflets.

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roads and three days were spent idle (a no doubt much needed washing out, actually) at Liverpool. The owners thought it a very good record, especially as there was delay at stations and at gentlemen's houses unloading vans and reloading. They also appreciatively noted that the distance was covered on one set of wooden blocks. This remark gives us today an indication of how much of an advantage to adhesion the blocks must have been considered in everyday working, for there must have been an awful lot of time and effort in fitting the replacements. Copplestone's experiences also featured on a second leaflet where they set down details of an undated furniture trip to Colwyn Bay, North Wales, seemingly with one of Savages own drivers. They referred to 'your Tractor' — possibly the trip was at a time when the machine was still on trial or hire. At their destination the

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Spencer Bros of Liverpool also used a Savage Bros tractor for their contract work — another maker's leaflet illustration.

crew found they 'had to mount a very steep mountain' by little more than an ordinary limestone path and which the foreman reported was 1 in 5. The first van was taken up in wet conditions with some difficulty but quite safely, and the second and third vans in drier conditions were accomplished much more quickly. It was judged that with horses the job would have been impossible without partly unloading at the roadside. The method of working, incidentally, seems to have been that the contractors' steam tractor took one of the furniture vans on these longer journeys, with one or more similar vans following by rail to a station near the same destination. The tractors could then act locally rather than the contractor hiring horses on the spot, before returning with one empty van by road or perhaps taking another gentleman's household effects on a second leg in a similar fashion. Removal contractors would previously have been completely in the hands of the railway companies and stablemasters in distant locations to complete any work outside the range of their own horses in their own town or city. A fourth example of a Savage Bros tractor in the Liverpool area was one owned by Spencer Bros, again, furniture removers. This engine had six-spoked cast front wheels but was otherwise similar to the others of the marque. The owners were similarly pleased with the performance, their driver stating he had never met so 26

Another steamer from Line Bros fleet of vehicles, K1562 was a Hercules wagon, probably dating from about 1906. The breed, built in Manchester, at that time used a patent vertical boiler and a compound undertype engine. The driver sits with his right hand on the steering shaft and his left on the wheel valve steam regulator. The bowler hatted figure on the right appears also in the Little Samson tractor picture and could be one of the Line brothers. (collection W. Bibby)

capable a hill climber. At one of their Welsh destinations, a London firm doing similar work had needed to use four horses to haul up each of their empty vans, whilst the Savage tractor took a 5 ton loaded van without a hitch. The makers specification sheet for their tractor set down the following details of the design: weight, empty: 4 tons 10 cwt firebox: suitable for coal or coke: 3.48 sq ft boiler: 29 tubes, 2 1/4 in dia, 1401bs working pressure, 2501bs tested hydraulic pressure cylinders: 61/2 in dia x 9in stroke gearing: two speeds, 3 and 6mph at 200 rpm flywheel: 3ft disc wheel road wheels: diagonal steel plates or patent wood-tyred hind 4ft 6in xl0in front 3ft Din x 6in water capacity: 90 gallons winding drum (60 yards rope), feed pump, injector, water lifter, sprung rear and front axles

Thanks are due to W. Bibby, as mentioned earlier, for the loan of pictures and to Alan Duke for engine histories.

Progress with TINKERBELL It is now over ten years since Burrell Gold Medal tractor TINKERBELL was rallied. At that time major boilerwork became necessary and early in 1982 TINKERBELL was taken to Bicknell's at Liphook to receive a new firebox, boiler barrel, front tubeplate and smokebox. That work was finished by mid 1983 but then the cylinder block developed a crack and since then owner Ron Walker and others have spent much time and effort in exploring ways of solving the problem. A decision was made to cast a new block. In February 1990 a set of new patterns was delivered to DM Foundries of Thrupp, Stroud, Gloucestershire, but here more difficulty emerged in understanding exactly how the pattern maker had designed the patterns to cast the block. And unfortunately the pattern maker had lost the damaged block, so no one could have the benefit of referring to it whilst the work was going on. After some time, the foundry has managed to borrow the Burrell Gold Medal cylinder block from the Birmingham Science Museum, and has

taken it to a specialist X-ray company in Gloucester. This will give, it is hoped, sufficient insight of the interior of the casting to see how the various cores were held up and where the webbing was holding the whole thing together inside. Although Ron had a set of sections and plans of the cylinders dated 1905, the later and different 1924 drawings are missing from the surviving drawings in the Burrell Collection. Also missing from the Burrell Collection is the Foundry Notebook. Most foundries keep Notebooks of technical specifications of the 'do's and 'dont's' on various castings but unfortunately the Burrell examples that might have helped seem not to have survived. The DM foundry is now able to make progress and if all goes well in the next few weeks, should be in a position to put all the 20 patterns and core boxes together to have a go at casting the first new Burrell Gold Medal tractor cylinder block for over 50 years. (Ron Walker)

'Wanted — Foden steam wagon or other good make, also compound steam motor tractor. Graven, Broad St, Ely, Cambs.' (from Commercial Motor, 14th February 1918.)

The Borough Council of Taff-Ely LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AVAILABLE FOR RESTORATION — AVELING & PORTER STEAM ROLLER Model — Aveling & Porter single cylinder slide valve steam roller Registration number - FX7043 Year - 1917 Works number - 8794 Tenders are invited from persons interested in purchasing the above mentioned item, now available for restoration. This roller is from a static exhibition that has been located in one of the Borough's playgrounds for approximately 25 years. Many of the mechanical parts are intact and restorable, but a detailed surveyor's inspection has not been carried out. Further information can be obtained by contacting (0443) 406441 ext 3511/3512, or arrangements to view can be made by contacting (0443) 400785 during normal office hours. Tenders are to be supplied in writing to the address below, no later than Monday, 2nd March 1992 in a sealed envelope clearly marked 'TENDERS FOR STEAM ROLLER'. TAFF ELY

Taff Ely Borough Council, Leisure Services Department, 37 Mill Street, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan CF37 2TU

11 /1 TAF ELAI

The Spirit of '91 words and pictures by Bob Payne

Sentinel S4 model 9032 coasts down across the 1300ft contour on its return from the top of Horseshoe Pass, above Llangollen, North Wales. The road run from Shrewsbury, along an old works test run route, was organised by the Sentinel Drivers Club, and attracted a good variety of Sentinel wagons.

For many, the star exhibit to arrive at the Horseshoe summit appeared in the back of Stuart Woodbine's Transit pick-up! After much consideration and effort, and with the aid of a furnace and the ex-Abbotts of Newark (Sentinel's boilermakers) hydraulic press, authentic Sentinel fireboxes have been manufactured. Just as with the original product the job started as a rolled steel core with a welded seam. The four flats are then formed in the press, one at a time. Following that, the flanged ends are worked up in stages using additional dies in the press. Next, the sloping tube holes are drilled and/or tapped. Finally, the ends are turned and serrated, prior to the stud and fusible plug holes being drilled. All in all, the result is a masterpiece of the boilermakers' art. Perhaps we may now see some long out of action Sentinels running again. I hope so!

Looking the part at the Long Shop Museum's 10th anniversary event in July is recently restored Garrett 4CD tractor 34641. Now sporting the same chocolate brown with red wheels livery it carried when exhibited at the 1924 Smithfield Show, this must be one of the most authentic Garrett tractors about.

The appearance of the ex-Australian 8hp three speed Marshall road engine 52962 of 1909 was probably the highlight of the excellent Marshall event at Tarrant Hinton in August. This is one of the very few of our larger engines to have been completely sorted out mechanically. It is great to see this important, and potentially intimidating, restoration achieved in a remarkably short time and to such a high standard.

A Unique Ruston

gathering of Ruston Proctor and Ruston & Hornsby engines and other products was assembled and QUEENIE aroused much interest with engine enthusiasts and the general public alike. A month later the machine was shown nearer to its home base, at the Yeovil Festival of Transport. One particular feature on the engine which causes curiousity is the

Stephen Hansford One particularly interesting engine to reappear in steam on the West Country rally fields during 1991, after an absence of around 20 years, was a unique Ruston Proctor — an SP class general purpose traction engine. The 6hp machine, number 51737, named QUEENIE and registered EB8164, is now owned by George Train of Woolavington, near Bridgewater in Somerset. It was purchased by George in 1986 in a poor but complete condition from a Mr Buffrey of Aldbourne, near Marlborough, Wiltshire. Although the engine's date is given as 1916, the boiler barrel and cylinder block were made around 1914/1915 and laid in stock at Ruston's Sheaf Ironworks yard at Lincoln. This colonial design single cylinder and single speed engine was originally built for export to Argentina as a straw burning engine, hence its large firebox. However it was not completed or delivered, and was taken over by the War Department in 1917 and the boiler completed to their specifications. In 1920 the Ruston was sold to Gravens of Ely, Cambridgeshire and subsequently passed through several ownerships in the course of its working life. In preservation, too, it has had several owners. When acquired by George Train the engine was moved to the premises of R.H.G. Stone Engineering of Walton, near Street in Somerset, Georges' place of work at the time. Here it was completely stripped down for restoration. The boiler and firebox were, in particular, the subject of a very thorough overhaul, which included renewal of firebox stays and retubing. The motion was reconditioned and a new back axle was manufactured. When the engine had been partially re-assembled it was moved to George's home, he by now working in his brother's engineering business. It was at their works at Bridgewater that a new tender was fabricated for the Ruston using copies of the original makers works drawings. Before this item was completed however, George exhibited the engine in its incomplete state at a couple of events. At Weeting in 1990 a 30

Ruston Proctor 51737 was exhibited by owner George Train at a couple of events in 1990 in a near completed state, minus tender and boiler lagging cladding sheets, which enabled the public to see some of the works normally hidden to their view. One Weeting bystander, freshly surprised at his discovery that engines had wooden boilers, needed some hasty re-education! Stephen Hans ford's picture shows the Ruston at the 1990 Yeovil event.

Resplendent in its newly completed restoration, Ruston class SP poses for the camera at Yeovil Festival of Transport in August 1991. (Stephen Hans ford)

Spanish inscription on the offside rear wheel hub — 'ES NECESSARIO QUITA EL PERNO PARA DU VUELA'. This translates as 'it is necessary to remove the pin before turning a corner'. Early in 1991 the new tender and new boiler cladding were fitted and the engine passed its steam test. Then the

final top coats of paint were applied. Brian Wilkins, who owns Ruston traction 52266 CORN MAIDEN, then completed the livery by lining out the paintwork.

Late May 1991 saw QUEENIE

making its rally debut in steam and in George Train's ownership at the Royal Bath & West Show at Shepton Mallet. Other events during the year included the Somerset club's rally at Langport, the Yeovil event, St. Agnes rally in Cornwall and the Great Dorset Steam Fair. yrj

Memories Revived Peter Love One of the entrants at the Rosson-Wye Steam Engine Society's event at Upton-on-Severn last summer was an engine which brought back pleasant memories for me. Gathered there among all the other rollers on exhibition to get admiring glances, Fowler DNA roller 21698 of 1937 looked very different to when I had last seen it when on holiday in Wales in August 1969, working for a living in the ownership of Merioneth County Council. I shan't forget that 1969 holiday. Somehow we missed all our train connections from Kent and it was late afternoon before we got to Shrewsbury, to take the evening train on the Mid Wales line for Barmouth. But then, nearing Fairbourne, to my delight I saw a Fowler roller standing near the line. So, on the Sunday, temporarily taking leave of the ladies, we sought it out.There was no Sunday service to Fairbourne and we had to walk across the estuary on the footpath on the lengthy Barmouth railway bridge and on down to Fairbourne. As often seems to be the case with Welsh holidays, the weather was not all that good but it was nice to see 21698 nn site in working order. My notebook records the coal partition was rusted out at tloor level, letting bits of coal through to the manstand; there was also quite a lot of what looked like original paintwork. My picture shows the Fowler taking its Sunday rest. It was our intention to travel again during the week to see the roller in steam and at work. We glimpsed it one day as we travelled hack to Welshpool by train but for one reason or another — the weather was poor — we never got round to another call. And it was the last time I saw a roller properly at work — not one being used out of preservation. Memories of an interesting holiday 22 years ago were rekindled at Ross-on-Wye rally last summer.

Do you own or manage a business? Are you familiar with all new and existing safety law? Do you require advice on any aspect of health and safety at work? For a free informal discussion, contact

LYNDON R. SHEARMAN FIOSH, RSP, MITD, MIIRSM, MiSecM

on 0902 783239

* Safety Training * Safety Inspections * Accident Investigation

STEAM AV ONGST THE

TREES ANOTHEI? ,,c

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A 60min. film to delight engine crews and rallygoers as exhibits travel to attend the 1991 ASTLE PARK RALLY £15 from Withers Lone, (Post free) High Legh, Knutsford. WA16 OSF 31

Steaming Around Compiled from members notes and reports by Derek Rayner

vehicle fit this definition? For this issue I have been delighted by the number of letters etc I have received containing news and information, but please note that I do not welcome telephone calls to give me news; a letter is preferred. More individuals have responded than ever before and it is heartening, although difficult, for me to prepare these notes given the sheer volume of facts to be is nevertheless processed. It extremely disappointing that the number of magazines etc received from clubs can be regularly counted on one's fingers. I, at times, wonder whether most do not publish newsletters or magazines, or are maybe too ashamed of the contents to allow a complimentary copy to be sent to the assistant editorial address below for the ultimate benefit of enthusiasts nationwide. May I wish you a Happy New Year with good steaming, wherever 1992 takes you. My grateful thanks are extended to the many contributors for this issue. Details have been received from the following members and also information has been taken from magazines of clubs and societies, as acknowledged.

Interesting comment has been made by Henry Marshall, of the well known Gainsborough firm, following my remarks in the last issue on the lack of gauge glass protectors on some engines. Henry agreed that engines should always be fitted with such items in the interests of safety but went on to point out that as a further safety precaution, Marshall's design of water gauge fittings was such that in the event of breakage of a glass, an internal valve within each fitting dropped and immediately shut off the steam and water. From personal experience with his own Marshall engine about three years ago, whilst on the way to a rally, a gauge glass broke and the automatic valves did their job immediately, enabling Henry to turn off the gauge cocks and continue, utilising the duplicate gauge. The defective glass was replaced on arrival at the rally. This arrangement, which may not be solely the preserve of Marshall products, does not mean that it is unnecessary to fit a gauge glass protector — it merely acts as an added safety feature in addition to such a shield. On another matter, a reader has observed that more and more engines seem to be devoid of front registration plates. This may be historically correct up to the 1921 period when it was not necessary for some engines to be

registered in that way. Indeed, current legislation for an agricultural tractor registration does not call for such a plate to be carried. Many traction engines are, of course, registered in such a way, but to be without an index number plate just does not look right and is not historically correct for many engines. Scrutiny of the excellent photographs accompanying the Switchback Venture feature in the last issue seems to show that two of the three engines carry no front registration number; these, by the nature of the loads being hauled, cannot be considered as agricultural tractors — and hence are outside the law in this respect. There are, of course, many engines which never pass along a public highway, except on a low loader — probably many of these are unlicenced and as such are not required to display registration numbers. But I would, however, ask owners of such engines built after 1921 whether they are satisfied that their engines are historically correct restored to condition. Perhaps it is worth drawing to the attention of all engine owners, and especially to those of conversions, the paragraphs under the FBHVC notes in the last issue (page 1611 relating to the proposal for the definition of a preserved historic vehicle. How many of our type of

Press date for this section for the next issue is the last day of January. Information, news and letters about current happenings by then please to D.A. Rayner, 'Invicta', 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York YO2 3J H. Press dates for future issues are the last day of April and July.

AVON

Kevin Gamlen, providing lights and power for a penny arcade — except when interrupted by running repairs to the belt. Others present were Marshall conversion 76301 of 1923 (EC4680) belonging to I.D. Jones and two rollers — 1923 Aveling 10594 (YA6375) owned by Colin Hembury and the late

Bill Vaughan-Jenkins' Clayton & Shuttleworth 48946 of 1924 IYA9576). A small event on the last weekend of October was held at the Bristol Industrial Museum on the City Docks where the Burrell showmans tractor KATHLEEN appeared with the

An evening event outside the Ring 0' Bells pub at Priston near Bath at the end of October saw many families enjoying the fine weather. There was a village fair atmosphere with Burrell showmans tractor 3631 of 1915 (OR2729) KATHLEEN, owned by 32

Banbury SS, Hollycombe Steam Collection, Scottish TES, Somerset TEC, Southern Counties HVPT, Steam Plough Club, Thames Valley TEC, West of England TEC and John Bainbridge, Reg Bosley, Gerald Burns, Martin Craig, Percy Dabbs, Uncle David, Dave Davies, Gerry Doherty, Mrs E. Finch, Martin Fletcher, Pat Freeman, Clive Gibbard, Steph Gillett, Andrew Hall, Dennis Harnaman, Stuart Harris, Colin Hatch, Peter Haywood, Richard Hesbrook, Ray Hulock, Michael Kent, Henry Marshall, Vic Makey, Keith Millington, John Newton, Steve Parrott, Trevor Rees, John Reeves, John Richardson, Sandy Ross, Brian Shaw, Lyndon Shearman, Neil Smith, Paul Stratford, Alan Thomas, C.D. Thomas, Deryk Vernon, Ron Walker, Michael Watts and Barry Wood.

Museum's resident roller, Aveling 8196 of 1914 (DF5055), owned by Neil Baker.

BEDFORDSHIRE At the 23rd annual Roxton rally were five engines making their first appearance at the event. Ruston & Hornsby portable 173763 of 1934, belonging to Julian Measures, was working a sawbench; it was in the care of Pete Johnson, whose Fowler compound roller is off the road at present whilst boiler repairs are being effected. Also on the list of newcomers was Garth Holman's Ransomes tractor 36220 of 1920 (UE2496), John Forshaw's Foden wagon 13764 of 1930 (TF3106) and S4 Sentinel 9016 (HV3865) new in 1934 and now owned by Barry Cousins; it now displays its original dark green livery of Shadracks of East Ham, coal hauliers. Last of the newcomers was 1903 Aveling roller 5161 (CT6902), belonging to the Chaplin family. Ted Wootton's 1920 Fowler Z7 ploughing engine 15510 and David Adkin's similar 15670 of 1922 were demonstrating steam ploughing. However, the former suffered a breakdown when the vertical shaft on the two

speed ploughing gear broke, thus putting the engine out of commission. With two other of Ted's ploughing engines to choose from, Alec lbbott got up at 4.30 on the Sunday morning and lit up Fowler BB1 15209 of 1918 (AJ6406) to take over the demonstration from the disabled Z7. A new shaft has subsequently been made by Ted Harris, one of the helpers at Ravensden. An engine recently arrived here from Lincolnshire is Clayton traction 47015 of 1914 (BD5483); it needs a new firebox, tubeplate and tender and this is being undertaken by the workforce at Ravensden.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Worminghall rally in early August was another good event, although things were rather spread out over a large site. Mick Cherry's 1920 Foster traction 14418 (LVN891) was driving a saw bench. Both of the oldest entrants — 1898 Burrell agricultural 2112 (TB2849) owned by Alan Stevens and Fowler 8282 of 1899 (AC9321) belonging to D. Smith — individually made a good job of hauling around a large trailer of timber. Also present were Peter Best's 1910 Garrett traction 28410 (N01186), Ruston & Hornsby roller 149813 of 1928 (VF:1186) belonging to Nick lo Count and Ted Freeman's 1912 Burrell

The sole surviving Garrett showmans road locomotive (as opposed to 4CD tractor versions) has recently changed hands. Garrett 27160 of 1908, a 6hp two speed machine, is now jointly owned by Charles Saunders and Bruce Whatley of Huntingdon. The engine spent its early working days in Gloucestershire, named COTSWOLD QUEEN. In 1911 it was acquired by Thomas Shepherd, a Wellingborough, Northants showman and fitted with a dynamo, twisted brass and a new title — CRIMSON LADY. The Garrett was owned by John Rundle of New Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire from 1935, until it moved to Maldon, Essex in 1958. Around that time the engine attended one or two rallies but for the last 30 years or so it has not steamed in public, being stored in a barn, and because of this the Garrett will be unfamiliar to most readers. (Eric Sawford)

Burrell road locomotive 3395 of 1912 was restored to a high standard by John Crowther as long ago as 1967. The 6hp engine (with 7hp shafts and gearing) here shows off its maker's livery, of dark green with chocolate wheels, at the 1991 Worminghall event. (Dave Bagley)

road loco 3395 (FJ1536) THE DALESMAN. Our correspondent, who did not arrive at the event until 3pm, records that one engine, T.F. Tomlin's 1909 Burrell traction 3121 (N01310), was on its low loader by 3.15 and left the site by 4pm. Many people arrived after our correspondent and one queries whether early departures by locally owned engines are justified. One engine in the Worminghall programme but not present was Steve Parrott's 1908 Marshall traction 51025 (D02056), at the time receiving a new firebox at Fairford. It was, however, back together a month later, working at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, driving a threshing machine. Steve later took the engine to Derek Marder's yard at Andover for attention to the bearings and it should be ready for further long distance travels in 1992.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE Haddenham rally in early September attracted around 50 engines which included one or two rare exhibits. In new ownership was Davey Paxman agricultural 13073 of 1907 (NK967) now with Duncan Marston, whilst one of the few 10hp McLaren road locos was also present — Tony Warwick's 1332 of 1912 (DS7128). Garth Holman exhibited his 1920 Ransomes tractor which was used as the maker's show engine until 1926. 34

During those six years it attended quite a few shows and was renumbered each time, thus remarkably possessing some six successive makers numbers — 31109, 32011, 33070, 33233, 34181 and 34359 and finally being sold as 36220 (UE2496). A Burrell Devonshire engine being looked after by Reg Stutely was 3135 of 1909 (BJ6398) which had just received extensive overhaul with new front tube plate, barrel, smokebox, tubes and chimney being fitted.

CORNWALL During the first weekend of August, the Cornish TPC held its annual rally at Tredinnick Farm, St Issey and although the weather was unsettled, it remained dry. It was a first time appearance from Dorset for Dave Allen's 1910 Burrell crane engine 3197 (AB8904), and this spent the weekend loading timber for sawing demonstrations. Another visitor from Dorset was the Miles family's 1909 Burrell showmans 3090 FERMOY. Making their first CPTC appearances were the Aveling rollers of Phil Williams — 5697 of 1905 (DD6064), and Don Hussey — 11448 of 1926 (NP7791). Dave Dicker's Wallis & Steevens traction 7294 of 1912 (H05601) was also present, following recent heavy boiler repairs; another Wallis in the same situation was Alan Wheelhouse's 1930 Advance roller

8065 10U5979). The West of England Club's rally at St Agnes attracted both a record crowd and engine attendance in very good weather. The mid-August event had 50 engines present, among these possibly the most interesting crosssection of types ever assembled on Cornish soil. Pride of place was given to Will Dakin's immaculate Davey Paxman agricultural 16849 of 1911 (AF3373), all the way from Cheshire but which many years ago lay derelict locally in Dingle's yard. From the same part of the country were Bill and Jackie Briggs with their 1908 Foden wagon 1742 (M2128). Standing next to this wagon was Peter Bowers' 1931 DG4 Sentinel 8454 (UX7958) whilst another long distance Sentinel was Super 5665 of 1924 (RS5540), owned by Peter Clare from Lancashire. A further engine with previous Cornish connections was Bob Hyett's 1914 Aveling road loco 8471 (AF4478); this was its first time on Cornish soil since working days with Sidney Carlyon of St Day. Mention must be made of three local engines making their first appearance at the event: 1905 Aveling roller 5697 (DD6064) owned by Phil Williams; John Nicholls' Fowler roller 16979 of 1927 (WW1442) and Sentinel S4 wagon 9307 of 1937 (DYY134), which George Hawkins had taken delivery of only two weeks prior to the event. A mammoth journey was undertaken by Fred Britton to appear at the show. McLaren traction 547 of 1896 (BD5448) was driven there — at a steady 3mph — the 85 miles from Yealmpton on the far side of Plymouth. The Robey Trust was present in force. All in all, the organisers can feel very proud to have achieved such a memorable event. At the end of August, the Liskeard Steam & Vintage Club staged their event at Merrymeet. Making its debut in the county was Fowler 9381 of 1902 (WR6770) LADY BETTY, from Gerry Stoneman's yard in Devon. Also there was Kelston Sparkes' 1898 Burrell showmans 2072 (AD8785) THE MASTERPIECE, which came straight from a trip to the Netherlands the previous weekend. Another engine at this event was 1905 Marshall traction 43345 (AF3520) belonging to Tony Beeching, and Peter Bowers' Sentinel also appeared. Two engines have recently left the county. George Hawkins has sold Fowler showmans 15657 KITCHENER to Derbyshire and Brian Sanders' 1905 Aveling compound roller 5683 (TA2433) has gone to Paul Beard in the West Midlands. Brian recently married and Roy Richards' 1937 Marshall S-type roller 88096

(DAF560) was engaged as transport for the groom and his bride Heather from the church at Mabe to the reception at Penryn. The sale of Brian's roller, which has not been rallied for a number of years, leaves him free to concentrate on the rebuilding of his 1903 Burrell traction 2575 (TA1489) BULLER. A local engine noted for sale is Marshall agricultural 48341 of 1907 (TA1488), owned by Paul Tucker. A visitor to Launceston Steam Railway museum in August found Nigel Bowman's 1901 Aveling conversion 4735 (PC1414) on show. Two of the county's engines incurred problems during the summer months. David and Judith Walker's 1922 Burrell traction 3919 (BW6030) developed strange noises in the differential whilst en route to the St Issey rally and was subsequently taken off the road in order to effect repairs. Phil Gregory's Aveling roller 10824 of 1923 (PT3595) suffered a similar result due to a broken eccentric after the same event. To end on a happier note, Glenn Carter celebrated his 40th birthday in style in September by taking a day off from the farm and going for a trundle round on his 1907 Fowell traction number 97 ICE78931.

CUMBERLAND Gerald and Michael Burns have sold their Aveling roller 11565 of 1926 (TW3931) to Paddy McHendry of Coleraine, Northern Ireland. In its place, they have purchased 1910 Marshall traction 54492 (CT3859) from John Ostle in the Skipton area; the engine has lain in a barn for some sixteen years in need of firebox repairs, but was very active on rally fields in the early 1970s. One of the Burns' other engines has been making progress on repairs - Foster traction 2728 of 1903 (V7917) is to receive a new smokebox, chimney, tender and a set of tubes. Work required on their other agricultural, Ruston & Hornsby 113143 of 1920 (AO 6340), includes a new firebox. Aveling roller 12174 of 1928 (K54086) has been purchased by Harry Cains of Hayton from the Stirling area of Scotland. An engine under repair in the area is Foster showmans 14153 of 1916 ADMIRAL BEATTY belonging to the Steam Museum at Penrith; this is having a new firebox fitted. An engine from the Penrith museum was active in early September. Foden wagon 13042 of 1927 (TP9530) was seen being refilled lit was hoped with water) at a Kirkby Lonsdale petrol station, and presumed to have been exhibited at a Victorian

Fair which had been held in the village

that weekend. E.G. Holland's 1931 Fowler roller 18877 (WX6358) was observed during last summer sheeted up at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway's yard at Haverthwaite; keeping it company was Ruston motor roller 159737, class CSR.

DERBYSHIRE The Buxworth Steam Group's event at Hartington Moor turned out to be a most friendly and enjoyable rally. From the engine owners point of view, the organisers pay the highest of appearance monies before one leaves the site, and they go out of their way to make you welcome. More importantly, from the public's point of view, this rally had something going on in the arena all the time — at how many rallies does one see that being achieved? Engines attending included Nigel Else's Wallis Advance roller 7943 of 1927 (016007) CHIPCHASE, Harry Palmer's Ruston roller 50735 of 1915 (BE9143) and Tasker tractor 1625 of 1914 (BP5833) owned by Roy Tideswell. Another tractor was David Cope's 1920 Fowler Tiger 14805 (UG1496), whilst Colin Brothwell was also present with his 1922 Ruston & Hornsby traction 115100 (D02953). Lyndon Shearman's little Brown & May portable of the 1860s was also present, driving the air pump which supplied the diver at Dudley, mentioned in the paragraph on page 181 of the last issue. An engine which has come into the area, and quite a surprise at that, is Fowler showmans 15657 of 1920 KITCHENER. Previously owned by George Hawkins in Cornwall, it has for some years been an attraction at Buxworth Steam events and it perhaps comes as no surprise to !eel n its new owner is Tony Marchington, owner of the gallopers at the I lartington Moot event and one of the leading lights of the Buxworth Steam Group.

DEVON In August, at the Exmoor Miniature Railway near Bretton Fleming were Wallis Advance roller 8070 of 1930 (0U7354) and partly restored 1926 Foden wagon 12116 (TU1215), the latter ex Kings sale. They are owned by J. Stirland and Archie Nott respectively. Stored in the workshops was Aveling roller 14162 of 1933 (RD4520), also belonging to Mr Stirland. Restoration continues on Tony Yelland's Marshall portable 56555 of 1910 in the Exeter area. Wallis Advance roller 7840 (H06430) new in 1925 and Aveling roller 12450 of

1929 (PG1711) remain with Jack Gilbert. Near the county's south coast, Robin Barnard keeps 1923 Aveling roller 10574 (PR205), whilst amongst the exhibits at the Country Life Museum at Sandy Bay there are now three Burrell showmans engines — 2877 HIS MAJESTY, 3711 KING OF THE BELGIANS and 3884 GLADIATOR. Another Burrell showmans in the news is Clive Gibbard's 3509 RAJAH, one of the former Bostock & Wombwell duo. This is currently at Roger Pridham's and Clive works on it in his own time; he has finished the boiler work, built a new tender, restraked the back wheels and fitted new brake rims to them. Clive is hoping to have RAJAH completed to his satisfaction in 1993. Going through the Pridham works at Lamerton at present are boilers belonging to Graham Vincent's Burrell showmans 2351 EPHRAIM, Richard

STEAM on VIDEO

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Weeting Steam Rally 1991 Running "-- approx 2 hours Price £15 inc post*

bth Lincolnshire Steam & Vintage Rally 1991 Running time approx 2 hours. Price f/5 inc post*

25th Anniversary of Steam Plough Club at Wilney Running time approx 2 hours. Price f/5 inc post*

Essex Steam Rally

1:30 at Rarleylands

Running time approx 2 hours Price £15 inc post*

* UK only; overseas post on application VHS format only

S. Coupland, ;2 Sea Road, Chapel SI.Leonard~, Skegness, Lint PL24 5SA 1iT 07 54 7 2600

owned by Jim Snell and Dave Dicker's Expansion engine 7294 of 1912 (H05601).

reveal how exhibitors and visitors eventually react, but it is said that the extension is practice for a ten day event to celebrate the 25 years of the Great Dorset Steam Fair in 1993. The 1991 Fair was undoubtedly the best attended yet in terms of engines. It was dusty again; the heavy haulage attracted huge crowds and it was very spectacular. The Marshall display, organised by Robert Coles, was excellent and included types of Marshall which our contributor did not know existed — albeit they were motor powered versions — not steam. Certainly pride of place in entry numbers for the year must go to Marshalls, with 36 present. But hard on their heels were 33 Burrells, 26 Fowlers and 21 Avelings. There were definitely over 200 engines present — although an accurate tally was difficult to record for several engines were tucked away and seemed reluctant to venture onto public display. The number does include engines in fairground rides, steam firepumps etc. Probably the most interesting engines to the enthusiast were the two Marshall products recently imported from Australia. One was Robert Coles' enormous 3-speed road loco 52962 of 1909, attending its first ever rally in preservation; the other was dismantled 8hp traction 37823 of 1901, only recently imported from Tasmania and owned by R. Pocock. An engine from over the Irish Sea was J. Rochford's 1889 Marshall traction 17287 (M11954) from Co. Wexford, whilst another long distance visitor which drew attention, not having been seen much outside of its native Scotland, was Archie Rennie's Aveling tractor 5917 of 1906 (ST3083) PROGRESS. Rare breeds included the Gibbons & Robinson traction engine owned by Richard Hesbrook; Mann's tractor 1325 of 1918 (U47481 belonging to John Phillips of Anglesey; Brown & May showmans GENERAL BULLER owned by the Rundles from Lincolnshire and Mervyn Wine's 1927 Yorkshire wagon 2108 (UA1788).

DORSET

CO DURHAM

The superlatives continue to flow with regard to the Great Dorset Steam Fair held, as everyone must know now, the weekend after August Bank Holiday. However, 1991's programme gave advance notice that this year's event is to be of eight days duration, extending from the Bank Holiday weekend through to the next. According to many comments passed both on site and since, this has not proved a particularly popular decision as it cuts across established Bank Holiday events. Obviously, time will

There was a good turnout of engines at the Durham Vintage Collectors Society rally at the Meadowfield Sports Centre. Those present were virtually all the resident county engines which are rallied on a regular basis including Ken Harburn's Aveling roller 5347 of 1903 (GA7832), R.G. Baker's Aveling roller 10575 of 1923 (PR280), Fowler road loco 15649 of 1920 (CT3940) belonging to Bob Stafford and John Bainbridge's 1914 Fowler DDS ploughing engine 13910 (AB9987). (In the last issue this

Haddenham Rally 1990: the cultivator nears the end of another of its journeys towards Fowler AA class ploughing engine 16053 of 1925. Beneath the footboard, the boiler cladding bears the original owners brass nameplate — A HERBERT CARTER, TYDD MANOR, WISBECH. (John Maund)

Sandercock's 1937 Marshall roller 88097 (DAF499) and the new boiler for Charlie Daniel's Fowler single cylinder ploughing engine. At the end of August, the Chapelton Barton event was attended by 14 engines including long distance visitor Bill Briggs from Cheshire with 1908 Foden wagon 1742 (M2128), illustrated in the last issue on its return to Devon for the first time in 61 years. Others present included Fred Britton's 1896 McLaren traction 547 (13D5448); Burrell roller 3999 of 1924 (RL74) owned by Brian Sanders and Wallis Advance roller 7929 of 1927 (0T48121 owned by Martin Hawkins. Two Wallis agriculturals were also there — 8052 of 1936 (0U7435) 36

machine was classified incorrectly — our apologies.) Another engine present was one not seen for a number of years due to heavy boiler repairs, this being Micky Glenn's 1928 Aveling showmans style tractor 12115 (VW51721 which was steamed there and back by the old team of Micky and Fred Horseman. Eight engines attended the George Stephenson Museum's annual open day in September, together with a collection of firepumps. The highlight of the day was an impromptu lunchtime road run by four engines to the newly opened and nearby McDonald's drive-through restaurant. Engines at this event included Vince Allen's 1920 Aveling tractor 9183 (KE18), George Vardy's Aveling roller 10005 of 1921 (BB5023) and Clayton convertible 38742 of 1906 (NL1216) owned by Digger Lister. Barry Stafford's 1929 Foden wagon 13476 (KX5003) and the Walker School Project's 1947 Aveling-Barford roller AH363 (CTL225) were also present. George Vardy was out threshing with his other engine in late October. His 1899 Foster traction 2373 (D02050) appeared at the Northumberland Vintage Tractor Club's annual event and powered Mick Mill's Foster threshing drum with almost effortless ease — for an engine of 92 years young. On the restoration front, John Bainbridge's ex-N.E. Box's Fowler road loco 9279 of 1902 (SY11251 is making steady progress at Bill Milner's workshop; the engine was in a desperate state when purchased recently, after standing outside, partially stripped, for 30 years. John has recently acquired another big Fowler — crane engine 8920 of 1901 15G4713) purchased from Barracks of Aherdeen The Stafford's well known Fowler road lor•.o 15649 PROVIDENCE is to receive a new firebox this winter, the old one having given good service for 70 years. Mark Stafford is proceeding well with the rebuild of Sentinel S4 tractor 9278 of 1936 (BTD868) — this vehicle has not seen the rally fields for almost twenty years. An engine to change hands within the county is John Bainbridge's Fowler roller 16008 of 1923 (SG8149), the last event it attended in John's ownership being the Stephenson Museum rally. The new owner is Stuart Ritchie. This roller was new to Edinburgh's Public Works Department and was driven by one man from new until his retirement in 1958. The engines at Beamish Museum have not been steamed during 1991 with any regularity, due to minor boiler

The Beeby brothers 18/3 howler ploughing engine 1368 pauses from its work at the 1990 Manby event whilst the second engine takes charge of the cultivator prior to the return pull. (Jim Wade)

problems. They include 1925 Fowler roller 16615 (UM3296) and Mann's tractor 1747 of 1926 IMUP662), just newly restored.

EIRE One of the longest established rallies in Eire was again held at Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath in early August. It always attracts large crowds and 1991 was no exception. The public came to see country crafts and steam threshing and as well as butter making, horse shoeing and a pig roast, barley was being cut by the first combine harvester to come to Ireland in 1934 — this being an International model. Engines present were 1899 Fowler traction 8635 (165747) owned by B. O'Gorman, J. Glynn's Ransomes

agricultural 11412 of 1897 (F11407), John Dillon's general purpose Burrell 2644 of 1904 (1Y36) and a further two tractions, Gerry King's 1915 Clayton 47134 — the first time at Moynalty — and Harry Rowntree's 1917 McLaren 1447 (AI3164). A Garrett compound portable engine, 33588 of 1919 has recently been found and acquired by Art Killeen of Hollymount, Co Mayo. This engine is not in Traction Engine Register and is somewhat incomplete. Already research by the owner has revealed it to have been supplied to John Maud, Sawmills, Leeds for the sum of £720-0-0 plus £14-17-6d for additional piping supplied. Mr Maud set up a sawmill in Westport, Co Mayo in the 1920s and there are two local 37

men, one of 87 and the other 82, who recall the portable working. The owner is looking for pistons, rods, slide valves, flywheel and a pump amongst other parts, to enable restoration to commence.

ESSEX Two main rallies have taken place in the county during the latter part of the season — at Thurlow, and at Barleylands Museum, Billericay. Thurlow was the smaller, twenty engines being in steam. These included one of the Barleylands pair of Fowler ploughing engines, 14728 of 1918 (001918), and Brian Nevard's 1924 Garrett tractor 34539 (CF5488) which has recently been fitted with a new firebox and tubes. The fifth Essex Steam Rally and Craft Fair at Barleylands saw almost 100 engines in attendance including — remarkably — nine ploughing engines. One pair of these was operating a recently repaired dredger. Several engines were making their debut at this event and these included Peter Leman's 1922 Aveling roller 10190 (FX8654), Mike Cherry's 1920 Foster traction 14418 (LVN891 ) and D. Hardiman's Tasker tractor 1895 of 1922 (SA5861). Also present for the first time was Richard Parrott's 1903 Burrell traction 2626 (TB3717) and Foden wagon 13454 of 1929 (KX3340) owned by David Hirst. John Mead entered 1911 Burrell traction 3313 (AH6813); he has just acquired a similar Thetford engine, 3125 of 1909 (AF4574) on which he will be working over the winter period. An engine driven to the Barleylands event was the Museum of London's Aveling roller 10175 of 1921 (N02142) PRIDE OF ILFORD, down from its Kew Bridge base in the capable hands of Neil Bates. Woodsawing was carried out by the Retman brothers using their 1920 Aveling convertible 9181 (EP1649) and 1909 Foden road loco 1294. Two engines kept on the premises of octogenarian engineman Jim White are being re-lagged. These are 1892 Burrell agricultural 1606 (N02533) owned by Jim's son, which is nearing completion, and the other is Trevor Ellis's 1935 Fowler roller 19546 (SR9484) on which Trevor is doing the work.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE A recent arrival at Alan Prout's workshop is Aveling roller 10625 of 1923 (YA5592), owned by Tony Mitchell. This joins the several engines listed in the previous issue awaiting renovation. A day of heavy rain and showers

Fowler B5 class number 8721 of 1898 spent its working life in Australia and came back to England about five years ago. Roger Newbery photographed the 8hp engine on its first appearance in steam at a rally at Upton-on-Severn in July 1991.

didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the organisers and public at the tenth annual event at the Norchard Steam Centre of the Forest of Dean Railway in late October. The event, a preservation rally and steam day, was dominated by public service vehicles but two steam engines attended. These were Richard Hesbrook's 1891 Gibbons & Robinson traction 959 (AY9874), whilst making a good job of improving the surface of the car park was Vincent Hawkins' Marshall S type roller 82389 of 1927 (U02835). Major repairs have recently been undertaken on this roller and apart from some work at the front end these are mainly complete.

HAMPSHIRE The Netley Marsh event in late July was climatically a somewhat damp affair. Not all engines could move because of soft ground resulting from the previous week's rain but engines generally don't move much at this event anyway. Clearly the public likes the event for there were good crowds to see the 29 steam entrants which included George Chiverton's 1918 Ruston Proctor tractor 52329 (CT5554), Garrett showmans style tractor 32981 of 1917 (BJ3282) owned by Tina and Stuart Maggs, and Colin Hancock's 1930 Aveling roller 14035 (MW8224). Also present was Ron Giddings' 1928 Ransomes tractor

39127 (PN1903), Peter Denham's Armstrong Whitworth roller 10R19 of 1923 (FJ2795) and the big R15 Aveling roller 6090 of 1906 (13T8883) belonging to Don Edwards. The latter was auctioned at Tarrant Hinton in September. Another engine in attendance was R. Meader's 1919 Wallis Oilbath tractor 7640 IBL8236), an engine not rallied much in recent years. On the same weekend as Netley Marsh, the Rushmoor event took place near Aldershot. A much bigger field was present there — with some fifty engines attending. These included the Hampshire County Museum Services' display which featured some of their Tasker steam engines — a 1872 semiportable, 1898 portable, 1905 traction, 1924 wagon and 1926 roller. Other engines there were W. Mitchell's 1944 Marshall roller 89549 (FRX129), Derek Marder's 1918 Ruston tractor 52453 (OR8501), Jonathon Vartan's Fowler roller 21833 of 1936 (CRL110), Fowler roller 10714 of 1906 (WR7737) owned by J. Beale and Jumbo Palmer's Wallis roller 7790 of 1924 (H06281). The Hollycombe Steam Collection have acquired yet another engine, this being a French made 1896 Brouhot portable, BERNADETTE. The engine is of typical French design with cylindrical firebox, gear driven governors

(via a shaft from the crankshaft) and a crosshead driven feed pump. It is destined for sawmill duties when renovation is completed. The last public opening of the 1991 season saw the first public steaming of the 1913 built Allen ploughing engine number 67 (BW4613) following major surgery along the road at Bicknell's workshop. Fowler BB ploughing engine 14383 of 1917 (NM1284) PRINCE was also in steam and it was interesting to compare the detail of two engines. An engine having its first steaming in new ownership was also on show at this event, being Aveling type D roller 10217 of 1921 (MV /63) recently purchased by Darryl and Wendy Chapman. Both are active members of the Hollycombe Society and the engine will be stabled at the Collection. Near Winchester, S.P.F. Phillips keeps his three engines — 1896 Burrell showmans type 1945 (CF3355) SPARKIE; Marshall roller

79260 of 1925 (FG225) and Clayton portable 34986 of 1902. An engine recently to come into the vicinity is a new acquisition by Stuart Harris — 1925 Aveling roller 11215 (IY2326). It will be sharing premises with Mike Hillary's McLaren agricultural 1160 of 1912 (H05570).

HERTFORDSHIRE After a long term decline in the county's roller population, it is pleasing to note the arrival of an active newcomer. Aveling 12103 of 1928 (SM7013) has been purchased from the Egham area by Mr Harvey, who has stabled his new acquisition in the north east of Hertfordshire. It was new to Dumfries County Council, hence its Scottish registration number; it has been reboxed relatively recently.

The autumn has seen the usual engine sightings in the Redbourn and Gaddesden areas, as engines either migrate to their winter quarters or owners take their charges out on a final run around, following the end of the rally season. One such outing was by Betty Vickery's little Aveling GND convertible 6319 of 1907 (BP7501). Following extensive rebuilding, the engine remains as a roller but is now repainted in a green livery. Chris Lavery's 1913 Foden wagon 3510 (M4673) has been offered for sale. This remarkable wagon was exhibited in the Henry Ford Museum in the USA for a long time and although recently reboxed, it retains its original paintwork and is one of the few engines to do so.

Norris Lawton casts a critical eye at an unknown engine in the Astle Park arena from his comfortable stance alongside the ex New Mills UDC 10 ton Aveling roller 10753, which he and Frank Hardman so excellently restored and rallied for several years. (Jim Stevenson)

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ISLE OF MAN In the Autumn issue, Ray Hulock's Marshall roller 75408 of 1922 was erroneously credited with the name SOUTHERN MILL, which perpetuated a misquote in a local paper's report of the Steam Day in Mooragh Park, Ramsey. The event raised over £400 in collections for the RNLI, despite it being a free entry event. Fowler showmans 15117 of 1920 HEADWAY now carries the Isle of Man registration 1920MN, for British registrations are not continued when vehicles are taken onto the island. Note that the number in the registration index is the year of build. Some preserved Manx buses have been re-registered in a similar fashion. Tony Gillett was back on the road in July with his 1903 Aveling conversion 5293 (MN9033), following retubing and minor repairs undertaken on the road outside his home in Douglas. This engine was formerly 181726 and historians may like to carefully note for the future that the registration it carries is that which used to be on Aveling traction 8048 of 1913, long since scrapped. Having said that, it is nice to know that the Manx vehicle registration office is obviously so helpful in allocating suitable numbers. The Aveling's first outing after retubing was a journey of some 25 miles to Ballagunnell Farm Museum, and this took some three days to complete due to a proliferation of minor faults, now put right. The final event of the season on the island was the annual Mill Day at Ballagunnell where four engines were in steam — Billy Kneele's 1912 Burrell ex (MANI 999, 3391 traction N0404), driving a Crighton drum; 40

Peter Jones' 1931 Foden wagon 13848 (RB3525) and Ray Hulock's two engines, 1922 Marshall 75408 and 1917 Ransomes portable 27162. It was the latter engine's first public steaming since restoration — and its last on the island for it has since gone to a new home with David Rice in Northamptonshire. It is rumoured that an island recluse, Foden wagon 8304 of 1918 (BY7646) which Les Gleave had stored near Baldrine since the early 1970s, has left the island. Can any reader confirm the whereabouts of this machine?

LANCASHIRE A July visitor to the Red Rose Steam Group's Steam Centre at the former Astley Green Colliery near Leigh found Wigan Education Authority's 1915 Aveling roller 8601 (0T4239) at work. The engine is a permanent resident here and was preparing the vehicle standing area for the Red Rose Rally, held the following weekend and being the starting point of the HCVC's Trans-Pennine run. It was to be engine's last steaming before repairs, which will include attention to motion, new tubes and possibly a new firebox and tyres. The only major structure remaining at the former colliery is one of the engine houses complete with winding gear, a partially restored twin tandem compound engine built in 1912 by Yates & Thom Ltd of Blackburn. Also on site is a Barford & Perkins Type TH-D motor roller and a living van body by John Allen & Sons (Oxford) Ltd, said to be identical to that of Fred Dibnah's and mounted on an Eagle World War 2 barrage balloon trailer chassis.

One of the Avelings recently repatriated from Sri Lanka has arrived in the county, having been purchased by the Lander family. This is single cylinder roller 14017 of 1932. The father and son team spent a considerable time in early July freeing the seized motion work and a visit from the boiler inspector was due at the end of the month. The East Midlands Steam and Vintage Society staged an event at Fred Dockray's yard at Long Whatton. Six engines took part in a road run on the Saturday; amongst these were Arthur Henton's 1903 Allchin traction 1261 (AY9878) and Geoff Goodall with his rare 1902 Aveling A7 type traction 5065 (SA4835). Out for the first time in four years at Rempstone was Frank Knight's 1929 Fowler traction 18155 (AV9387). It is interesting to note that the Aveling mentioned above and Frank's Fowler were stable mates when they both belonged to D.C. Stewart at Aberdeen. A steam tractor having a fresh coat of paint for the 1992 season is Aveling 9267 of 1920 (KE1290), owned by Arthur Henton. The tractor has not been rallied for a number of seasons. The annual Barrowden Steam Up in September saw the late Bill Story's 1922 Allchin traction 2146 (FP1259) out in the fresh air once again, although not in steam. The engine is still retained in the family and Bill Story junior had his Aveling roller 12468 of 1929 (LJ322) in steam. The Aveling has not been out of the yard during 1991 due to difficulties booking into a rally. Robin Williamson provided lights at the event with his 1902 Fowler showmans style engine 9475 (BS8015).

LINCOLNSHIRE Mr Lynegar has let his 6hp Marshall traction 23803 of 1894 (6E7795) go to Philip Clements, with the box unfitted. Philip has sent the engine to Glyn Macdonald in Louth to have that work done. In addition, the engine will require a new smokebox, tubes and repairs carried out to the tender before it can be shown. At the Lincolnshire Steam and Vintage Rally in mid August, 57 engines were present. These included Fowler ploughing engine 15416 of 1919 (BE7517), newly restored by Mr Hammerton. Sister engine, 15417, should be ready later in 1992. Another Fowler was Pete Gull's 1921 Fowler roller 15688 (AD9802) which was extracted from a children's playground in Hull. Pete's other engine, Marshall

tractor 62387 of 1913 (SL9940) awaits completion and it is hoped that it will be out on the rally fields during 1992. The Grand Parade at the event was led into the arena with a musical flourish — not for this event the Pomp and Circumstance of the Salop club's rally but the Vikings Jazz Band playing atop a Foster traction wagon hauled by the Museum of Lincolnshire Life's Ruston Proctor traction 45696 of 1913 (SFE519L). Others present at Lincoln included John Blagg's Marshall traction 36575 of 1902 IBT3667); Rundle's 1912 Brown & May showmans 8742 GENERAL BULLER; Burrell showmans 3334 THE BAILIE owned by Don Robinson, and Ray Wilcox's Marshall Universal roller 87635 of 1935 (APX542). The latter was seen in Lincoln city the day before the rally enroute to the showground and with a dense cloud of black smoke hanging over it — goodness knows what they were burning! Incidentally, in the notes of the last issue, another Universal roller based in Lincolnshire was observed at Carrington, this being Robert Crawford's former West Riding County Council machine 87260 of 1934. This was quoted as registered VG6178 (as in TERI, which is incorrect — the roller was No 63 in the West Riding fleet and is correctly registered YG6178 (VG is Norwich). Another TER slip of the pen may be noted here — these Universal rollers are conventional three point machines not tandems ao recorded.

Another rally in the county, at Brocklesby, was washed out on the first day and the engines remained static. However, Sunday turned out fine and there was a good attendance with the ground dried sufficiently to enable the engines to move. Twenty to twenty-five engines attended. In the north of the county, Neil Smith has recently acquired a derelict, although virtually complete, Marshall roller from William Carswell in Scotland. The engine, 74648 of 1921 (SP6292), was originally supplied to Heggie & Robertson of Dunfermline via the Highland Show of 1921, one of a pair. The original specification included many extras, as befitted a show engine and included in these were compensating gear, winding drum and rollers, governor, two injectors and even a spring seat. The roller carried the name ARIES when new. Since Neil served his time at Marshalls, the engine should be assured of a good home in the hands of a competent restorer. A late season event took place in mid October at Market Rasen in the form of a Bygones show. Steam threshing was undertaken by Ray

Booty's 1927 Robey agricultural 42675 (JU8198), a Foster drum, and baling equipment owned by Ron Vickers. In addition, Don Robinson presented both his showmans engines, Burrell 3334 THE BAILIE and Foster 14502 VICTORY. Another engine out in October was Lincolnshire Museum's Ruston Proctor traction 45696 which attended the Metheringham Feast. This engine also visited the continent in mid 1991. An engine out of commission is Maddison brothers 1914 Ransomes traction 26475 1E5122). It requires a replacement firebox, which is now underway 'across the water' — in Lincolnshire parlance, at Hull and the boiler making firm of Snowdens.

LONDON John Carter's Fowler showmans conversion 12905 of 1913 (KE2838), which languished so long as a roller in Fylde, is now named WHY HURRY and is finished to a very high standard in its new guise. During the summer it was driven from its base at Maidenhead to the House of Commons to meet Conservative MP Sir Teddy Taylor. The object of the exercise was to seek

Foster 7hp class LR showmans road loco 14501 of 1920 VICTORIOUS makes light work of its train and the Dorset hills as it sweeps past Cashmoor, just a few miles from the end of its journey to the 1990 Steam Fair. 'This [type ofl engine will haul, in the medium speed, a gross load of 23 to 25 tons on good roads, including gradients of 1 in 20, and will also haul the same load, in the slow speed, up gradients of 1 in 8' stated the maker's catalogue of the 1920s. (John Mound)

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Member John Wykes of Altrincham kindly sends this picture of a Sentinel Super owned by the Altrincham Gas Company in Cheshire. The photograph was taken at the makers works when the wagon was new in June 1924 and also shows the accompanying matching trailer; both had been fitted by Sentinels with removable tanks, probably for the transport of tar, one of the by-products of producing the town's gas. The 6 ton wagon, Sentinel number 5479 registered NT5792, was converted to a tractor in 1933 and last licensed for use on the road for 1945. Its activities seem to have included operating the '/2 mile long railway siding which ran from the goods yard at Altrincham station, along the centre of Moss Lane, to the gasworks. The Industrial Railway Society's records show that this line (bringing in coal, the raw material of the gasworks) was worked by horses until 1927, and then by a Sentinel steam wagon until 1943, when the Company purchased a small four-coupled Peckett locomotive to work the line. Perhaps by 1933 it had been decided the Sentinel wagon would perform its railway wagon haulage duties more effectively — and safely — in cut down form as a tractor. Sentinels managed to do repeat business at Altrincham in 1947 when they sold the Gas Company their second locomotive — one of the new model patent 100hp Sentinels, number 9375. But can anyone tell us more of this wagon that thought it was a railway loco?

Government reassurance that the law will not be changed in 1992 to prevent showmen hauling three trailers. In the Netherlands and Germany, showmen can only haul one trailer and it is feared that as a result of future EEC harmonisation of law, the freedom to take more, dating back to the nineteenth century, will be taken away. John found an ally in Sir Teddy who was quoted as saying: "It would be a disaster if one of the finest examples of British engineering is prevented from going on the roads because of bureaucracy". The Fowler has been used on the showground since its London visit and was driven from its home base to Amersham for the weekend fair there. Work on the restoration of the Aveling roller 10114 of 1921 (XD8230), in custody of Ron Walker and belonging to the Borough of 42

Camden, has continued steadily during the summer and further investigations have been undertaken on the boiler. These have resulted in rather more boiler work being required than at first thought necessary, including the replacement of part of the external box below the firehole door and a new firebox. When this work is completed and a hydraulic test carried out satisfactorily, re-assembly can commence. All the team are looking forward to a date being set for the first steaming.

NORFOLK Burrell traction 1563 (AH7350) celebrated its centenary last year and the opportunity was taken during the Weeting Rally in July to steam her back to the Burrell works in Thetford. On the Friday evening prior to the rally, the Museum was open for visitors and

exhibitors and the Mayor of Thetford was asked to drive the engine through the town and up Minstergate to the old works area. A party was held in the Museum and a special birthday cake, made by Mrs Thomas, was cut to celebrate the occasion. The engine is owned by J. & H. Bunn Ltd and was driven by C.D. Thomas and J. Pigg. Another Burrell traction also celebrated its centenary at Weeting. 1522 (CF3579) owned by Colin Piggott, featured in more birthday celebrations by crew and friends.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Friends of the Hollowell Steam Group marked the end of an eventful year, at their last 1991 gathering at the Red Lion at Clipston. Four engines attended — Allen Eaton's 1917 Fowler road loco 14888 (H06420) and his Allchin traction 1546 of 1912 (AP9079), together with Jack Betts' Garrett traction 28218 1909 (CF3556) crewed by Ken Mallard, and Aveling roller 5161 of 1903 (CT6902) belonging to the Clayton family. This made a spectacular appearance, complete with, or without, depending on when you looked, a detachable chimney. Living wagons on display for the two days were supplied by Bob Clements, Basil Bailey, David Parriss and Allen Eaton. Various other vintage vehicles were present and took part in a road run around the village streets. With help from friends, the Hollowell group have purchased a 50 acre field to ensure the future of the event. Local charities, who have benefitted to the tune of over £100,000 during the six years of the event, will be able to gain continuing benefits as time goes on. The new site

is next to the old rally field but is over twice as big so there will be room for expansion in 1992. Restoration work being undertaken by the group has continued at a steady pace during the year. Work has been carried out on Dave Parriss' Ruston & Hornsby roller 52694 of 1919 (NR5056), a diesel conversion which has a yearning to return to steam, and on Foden wagon 13456 of 1929 ILG2347), another of the ex Kings examples, jointly owned by Allen Eaton and Russ Bulley.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Michael Ward planned to bring back home the boiler for his 1911 Burrell road loco 3257 (AH5317) from Stuart Woodbine's works near Chesterfield in October. A new firebox and barrel have been fitted; reassembly will follow. An event at Nether Broughton gave photographers a real rarity — the sight of three Fowler Tiger tractors in convoy from Robert Tyler's home to the event was well worth recording. The engines were 15970 of 1924 (NW6092) and 16365 of 1928 (YC3689), both being owned by Robert and the third, the ex Olive & Partington, Glossop, machine, 14805 of 1920 (UG1496) owned by David Cope.

SCOTLAND Mention was made in the last issue of the ex-Roxburgh County Council Aveling compound roller 12174 of 1928 (KS4086) having been sold. It has been acquired from Freddie Forrest by Tarmac Ltd and will be based by them at Carlisle, and from there rallied in the north of England and Southern Scotland. The other engine mentioned last time with Forrest family connections wos Aveling traction 6890 of 1909, which appeared in a sale of contractors plant near Falkirk. It does not appear to have been sold, however, and remains within the Forrest family's ownership. An open day in the grounds of Pollock House, Glasgow, organised by the City's Parks Department was attended by three engines. The arrangements were in the hands of Jimmie McFarlane and those present were Archie Rennie's Aveling tractor 5917 of 1906 (ST3083), the Summerlee's Fowler roller 17251 of 1928 (DS7206) and Jimmie's own Fowler conversion 16276 (NW9212), new in 1925. In addition, Chris Hutchinson brought along his Merryweather fire pump 2691 of 1908 and also a 3 inch scale Burrell traction. It was a most enjoyable family fun day, which was appreciated by all, and an event likely

to be repeated in 1992. Later in August, the Summerlee Steam Weekend attracted a variety of engines to the Industrial Museum site close to the station at Coatbridge, and very easily accessible by public transport. In spite of a rather dismal forecast, the weather remained fine and dry for the event which featured 10 full size engines. Herries McCulloch's 1923 Aveling conversion 10760 (VN723) appeared on Sunday only. Other engines there included Richard Straughan's 1924 Sentinel Super wagon 5676 (EC5927); Bill Barrack's remarkable 1901 Fowler crane engine 8920 (SG4713) — subsequently sold; Foster portable 14657 of 1940, owned by the Summerlee Heritage Trust and which provided steam for several stationary engines and pumps, and Eric Lipski's newly restored Burrell traction 1694 of 1893 (3118SC), resplendent in new paint and making its first rally appearance since completion.

SOMERSET Firstly, a correction to the notes in the last issue, from a chronological point of view. Ron Sams' purchase of Aveling showmans style 7612 (F5218) followed his sale of Aveling roller conversion 10563 of 1923 (DD2068) to Mr Musselwhite of Wiltshire. Clayton traction 48224 of 1919 (BH7651) went to Des Fry a couple of years ago when Ron bought the little Aveling — and not as stated

in the last issue. In early August, the Taunton Agricultural Show was attended by four engines and Gerry Stoneman's Stanley steam car. Gerry's well restored Kings Foden wagon 12388 of 1926 (TU31 13) and Foden trailer were on show as was his Aveling showmans style tractor 8432 of 1914 (NM244). The other two machines were Alan Fry's Burrell showmans 2879 PRINCESS ROYAL and Robey Express tractor 43388 of 1929 (VL983) belonging to Ian Bray and in the capable hands of John Reeves for the day. In early September, the South Somerset Agricultural Preservation Club staged an event at Thurlbear, near Taunton. The Stoneman and Alford Foden 12388 was present and also Ian Bray's Robey. Other engines were the Marshall family's Aveling roller 9128 of 1920 1E5336) and the Aveling of Ron Sams noted above. The ploughing field was shared by R. Coles' 1925 Fowler BB1 ploughing engine 15452 (SD9377) and the Daniel brothers McLaren 1552 of 1919 (BD5504) whilst the working section featured Clayton traction 48225 of 1919 (BE7639), owned by Cyril Thomas, and George Train's 1917 Ruston Proctor traction 51737 1E68164). This latter was seen driving a Clayton threshing machine. Brian Casely's Burrell road loco 3824 of 1919 (YA366) LORD FISHER OF LAMBETH had its firebox con-

The boiler of Mike Ward's 7hp Burrell road loco 3257 CLINKER had appropriate transport for its 20 mile or so journey on return from Stuart Woodbine's workshop to Ox ton, Nottingham. It is seen here in November 1991 being hauled by Fowler 6hp road loco 8712, and loaded aboard a very heavily built trader recently acquired by Mike from railway workshops at Derby. Can anyone say more about the solid-tyred 4-in-line vehicle which looks capable of 50 tons or so? (Paul Thurlow)

demned shortly after its new canopy was fitted. Maurice 'Lew' Lewis, after years of caring for and crewing other people's engines now has an engine of his own. He and his family have purchased Aveling roller 9024 of 1919 (NT2019) from Peter Spokes. In midOctober, Lew and Cyril Finch steamed Cyril Thomas's Clayton 48225 for some rack bench work at the latter's yard. Also steamed for the first time in many years was Cyril's little 6 ton Aveling roller 14009 (0U4153). The 1930 built roller was new to Winchester Corporation, then to Buncombes and finally to Thomas Bros in 1961. It is hoped that following its final boiler test, restoration and repainting will be completed in the not too far distant future. Our Somerset correspondent, who was supposed to be helping with the sawing, spent the whole day driving this lovely little roller round its owner's premises. It gobbled wood offcuts into the fire as though it was newspaper! Late in October, John Cooper's 1910 Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3245 (AH054) was noted parked up for the night in a layby near West Monkton on the outskirts of Taunton. It was enroute to Woolavington for storage, pending its appearance in Bridgwater Carnival in November.

STAFFORDSHIRE The North Staffs & Cheshire Club's Aveling roller 8316 of 1914 (E5335) has enjoyed a satisfactory but uneventful season and during the forthcoming winter will have its top works partially dismantled for attention. It is expected this will include a cylinder re-bore and a new piston. Phil Jeff's own 1931 Fowler roller 18507 (SM8832) has likewise enjoyed a quiet but satisfactory first

season after its major rebuild. The other engine owned by the Club is Burrell traction 2706 of 1904, ADMIRAL TOGO (to give it the full Isaac Ball name — usually shortened to THE ADMIRAL). It continues to receive attention and a new tube plate has been manufactured by Stuart Woodbine who will be visiting the site for fitting and testing. Andrew Hall's 1929 Aveling roller 12081 has suffered a set back in that the throat plate has proved to be irredeemably thin. Fred Dockray has ordered a replacement but the supply of this has, of necessity, held up progress. However, the new firebox and barrel are on site and the remains which are reusable are in the workshop for minor weld restoration to the backhead and hornplates, which are showing slight general pitting. A successful steam party and 'Grande Illuminated Victorian Evening' was held during October at Klondyke Mill, where a reduced admission fee was charged to anyone arriving in Victorian dress. The Saturday evening saw activities continuing until late, lit by Tilley lamps, naptha flares, oil lamps and stationary engines with generators. Visitors were able to see the extensions being made to the Mill premises to house and provide a permanent setting for a large Crossley open crank stationary oil engine. When completed, this engine will form an excellent additional display.

SURREY There was a very interesting and varied selection of engines at the Redhill Steam Rally in early August. It was a very hot day on the occasion of our correspondent's visit but he rated it one of the best events in the south which he had visited during 1991. Engines present included long distance

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visitor — Fowler showmans style 9177 of 1901 (BS8013) owned by Sandy Steele in Scotland. Others attending were Adrian Tarrant's 1921 Burrell showmans ISLAND CHIEF; Garrett showmans style tractor 31193 of 1913 (BJ1659) belonging to Bill Gocher; Peter Haining's now unique 1909 Garrett road loco 27946 (01 6818) VERA and Aveling roller 11206 of 1925 (PE2458) owned by B. and E. Foord. Les Birch's pair of Fowler BB1 ploughing engines, 15226/15227 (NR77/76) were also present as was one of the relatively rare Marshall portables with a patent Britannia firebox, 87866 of 1937, owned by A. Landgrebe.

SUSSEX The fifth Rudgwick steam rally held at Cox Green took place in mid August and nineteen engines were in attendance. Included in these were two Aveling rollers — Lin and Terry Hinton's 1931 AC type 14090 (NG564) and the 1925 C type 11366 (RM2114) owned by John Cartmell. Two Fowler ploughing engines were performing the task for which they were designed, these being 1919 BB1 15332 (AL9854) owned by Terry Hand and Basil Gibbons' diesel conversion 15198 of 1918 (AL8509). Gerald Russell's 1924 Sentinel Super 5104 (CA6395) was also there as was the Searle's 1922 Burrell showmans 3887 PRINCE OF WALES. Later in the season, the Northchapel drain-out party took place. The event has perhaps lost some of its charm since it has been moved from the Green. It is now located around the village hall and nevertheless attracted eight engines, several models and some oil engines. The steam road vehicles were C. Hooker's 1922 Aveling conversion 10143 (FX9693);

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George Freemantle's Aveling roller 14179 of 1934 (BKX861 I which was roaded to the event by Barry Tidbury, and a trio from Charlie Russell's stable — 1926 Foden timber tractor 12370 (TT8659), Burrell agricultural 2933 of 1907 (CF3507) and the newly restored Marshall convertible 14421 of 1886 IBP90451. Doug White's 1934 Sentinel S4 9075 (BEV467) was also driven there and finally, the Hollycombe Steam Collection's Garrett showmans style 33348 of 1918 (SZ100) LEISTON TOWN, made its annual 'escape' from the bioscope front at Liphook.

WARWICKSHIRE A report was received some time ago about possible developments in the old Stratford-upon-Avon & Midland Junction Railway station yard at Bidford-upon-Avon, where several ploughing engine hulks have laid for a number of years. Indeed at least one of these was purchased, by Steve Parrott, as recorded in these pages at the time. It has now been learned that all the engines, belonging to Mr Hales, have now moved and are located in a field at Wixford, not far away.

WEST MIDLANDS The Dudley Show in early August saw the same engines as the previous year, with the exception of Hunt's Foster showmans 14446 THE LEADER, which has boiler problems. There were also some newcomers — the 1975 Savage replica chain drive engine 905 (OAH14P) owned by Robert Millward; a workmanlike Foster traction, 14422 of 1924 (CT6708) owned by Ruth Groom and Robert Bate's Aveling road loco 4561 of 1900 (KE3775) JIMMY which appeared in place of his Aveling roller CRUSADER. An exhibitor commented very favourably on the coal provided at the Dudley event. It was Welsh steam coal of the quality which used to be available in the 1960s and 70s. In recent years, such coal has not been of the same excellence but apparently the organisers obtained this good coal from a drift mine which has tapped the old Ferndale seam. This could be good news for engine owners and rally organisers as the mine owner is keen to secure more trade.

surprisingly and annoyingly locked away (on an open day!) as well as all the road transport items. Engines in this hidden away collection include a Foden road loco, Foden wagon and Sentinel wagon, a portable, an Aveling roller, a McLaren traction and two Fowler ploughing engines. To conclude this sad tale, rumour has it that there are to be no open days at all in 1992. On the other hand, a most enjoyable steam party was held in early October at Norman Goddard's premises near Chippenham, when six engines attended plus a Merryweather steam pump owned by Colin Hill. Among the other exhibits which took part in a local road run was the Lucas family's Fowler conversion 21221 of 1937 (CV0734); Hardiman's Tasker tractor 1895 of 1922 (SA5861); David Hirst's 1929 Foden tractor 13454 (KX3340) and Arthur Thompson's Burrell showmans 3847 PRINCESS MARINA. Two engines have recently come into the county. Mike Woodroffe has purchased Marshall portable 8839 of 1881 from Richard Hesbrook in the Hereford area — Richard is now rallying his Gibbons & Robinson traction engine. Jeff Bond has bought a Wiltshire registered Aveling roller 10448 of 1922 IHR7446) from Allen Prout, and the machine has been stripped for a complete restoration.

YORKSHIRE August was a busy month for rally-

goers, with three events on successive weekends leading up to the Leeds & District TEC's Harewood Rally at August bank holiday. The East Riding Engine Club's event at Driffield was first, this attracting over 30 entries. Included in these was one surprise — Sentinel Super 8381 of 1930 (KF21101, owned by D.H. Stone & Co Ltd. This was the Sentinel in Tom Paisley's collection when he died, but not included in the 1980 sale. It has since been in Glasgow before being purchased by the present owners. A long distance visitor was Sandy Steele's 1901 Fowler conversion 9177 (BS8013), from Scotland, while local engines included Steve Hardy's Burrell showmans tractor 3191 of 1910 (VLJ346) FURIOUS; Martin Jones' 1907 Allchin traction 1406 (KE1985) and Marshall agriculturals 85620 of 1930 (TF2954) owned by John Stephenson and 87003 of 1934 (TL3612) belonging to Chris Rockliff. Chris's 1930 Aveling roller 14071 (VN2095) was also present, so too Chris Keeton's similar model 14029 (TM6672), also of 1930. The following weekend, a new commercially organised event was held at Nun Monkton, near York. There were a dozen or so engines attending and it was a first outing after a new firebox and other works for Tony Hunt's Burrell 3849 of 1921 (TA905) MARSHAL FOCH, which had been driven to the show by Ian Fearnley. Also present was Dave Robinson's

WILTSHIRE The Science Museum's open day at Wroughton near Swindon saw only one steam exhibit in late September — Colin Hatch and Ray Hurley's visiting Burrell traction 2426 of 1901 (BL4843). The eight or so engines in the national collection were somewhat

A newcomer to the ploughing engine scene in 1991 was Fowler 3195, a single cylinder ancient of 1877. After over 50 years of abandonment in Worcestershire it has been most excellently, and speedily, rebuilt from genuine hedgerow condition by owners Peter Stonier and Richard Pierce, and was creating much interest here at the Knepp Castle event in September. (Roger Newbery) 45

Ambling past the old buildings of Chatham Historic Dockyard in May 1991 is Fowler B6 class road locomotive 13600 of 1914. (Robin Walker)

1902 Marshall traction 38024 (TA629) CRESSING TEMPLE; Ann and Chris Rhodes' Wallis Advance roller 7962 of 1928 (0T8117) and John Corcoran's 1902 Garrett traction 23992 (CF3473), out for the first time following a very extensive strip down, refurbishment and repaint. Two or three weeks later this engine was auctioned at Tarrant Hinton, and although believed not sold on the day, it has subsequently been bought by S.E. Davis in the West Midlands. Mr Davis also has Aveling roller 14150 of 1932 (DW7867). At the end of August all roads led to Harewood House. A committee decision to allow a further six engines to attend the event was widely welcomed. Perhaps the most commented upon engine at the show was what is believed to be the only complete and restored Fowler-Woods tar spraying outfit, on its first appearance at a rally — Robin Knox's 1928 Fowler roller 17492 (U12066), ex Londonderry City Council — is

complete with operating tar pump and tows a Fowler grit spreader. Also in attendance was Stuart Harrison's 1912 Fowler D2 type road loco 12899 (BX1937), Keith Collins' award winning Fowler tractor 14406 of 1917 (CJ4338) PANDORA and the two Fowler ploughing engines owned by E. Flear, AA6 13881 of 1917 (N0372) and BB 14375 of 1917 (6E7548). An engine not seeen at a rally in the county before was 1901 Marshall traction 35554 (N026), which has been receiving an appreciable amount of restoration work by John Bolton and helpers over the last ten years. Also present was the tiny Tasker tractor 1318 of 1906 (AA2143), owned by Craven Tasker Ltd, Doncaster and crewed by John Carr and colleagues from Sheffield. In early September, the seventh Hunton Steam Gathering took place in North Yorkshire. Organised as usual by Dave Robinson and his helpers, this friendly event grows each year. Six engines were present and these included the now unique 1900 Robinson & Auden general purpose 1376 (A08889) owned by Harry Lyon, Dave Robinson's Marshall traction 38024, R. Baker's 1923 Aveling roller 10575 (PR280) and David Webster's 1924 Fowler conversion 16289 (NL8292). At the end of the month, as the nights were drawing in, a steam up was organised in aid of the Tickhill Lions Charities at the Royal Oak hostelry in the village. Paul Scholey

was present with his 1903 Foster agricultural 2775 (FW3333) together with Aveling rollers belonging to Richard Hullah — 2481 of 1889 (CE9187); Chris Keeton — 14029, and Andrew Bigland — 1908 tandem 6530 (NM291). Also in attendance at the event was John Blagg's Marshall traction 36575 of 1902 (BT3667)• At the end of September, David Mitchell had his 1920 Fowler Tiger tractor 15625 (U7148) in action, as in most recent years, at the Harvesting Day held at Temple Newsam, Leeds. The engine was driving a Ransomes threshing machine. In early October, a number of engines gathered at the Black Swan, Burn Bridge near Harrogate for an informal get together. Robin Knox's magnificently restored Fowler roller 17492 was present, along with its Fowler gritter and also a living van and watercart which Robin has recently acquired. The Jackson's Fowler roller 15851 of 1923 (NX3974) was also in attendance, sporting a real generator, clamped on the front by a removable fixing (later it would be used to provide light for the proceedings — a showmans roller, no less)). Also present was their newly restored Marshall traction 35554, Harry Denton's Fowler conversion 16854 of 1927 (UA1684) from just down the road and Mann's wagon 881 of 1914 (TF2598) owned by Ian Fearnley, on which progress continues to be made in its restoration. The yard in which these engines are kept has now two more to keep them company. On the very morning of the Burn Bridge event, a large 10hp Marshall portable 71396 of 1919 arrived from Scotland, to join a somewhat smaller Barrows portable which has recently been acquired from the south. The owners of these two machines are Robert Midgley and Peter Denton respectively. It is good to see these portables in Yorkshire as the county has been somewhat short of this type of engine on the rally fields in recent years. Much work requires to be done on both but they are in capable hands and we look forward to seeing one or other at an event in the future. In mid October, an event in the east of the county, known as the Welwick Heritage Weekend took place at Bernard Blashill's yard and this had more steam presence than usual. Mainly an event for local enthusiasts, it enables threshing to take place as in days of old and also an amount of ploughing, with vintage tractors. In 1991, Bernard's own Aveling roller 10991 of 1924 (BC9483) was in steam along with a visitor from afar — Fred and Linda Dockray's 1923

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The rally at Pickering was one of the earliest gatherings of preserved traction

engines and 1993 is the 40th anniversary of the first one. The 1953 scene shows a goodly crowd watching four single cylinder engines furiously engaged in the then acceptable flat race. Still neck and neck not far from the Shell sponsored start line are (left to right): Clayton & Shuttleworth 7hp 36731 OLD GLORY; Marshall 6hp 32092 BLACK BESS; Marshall 7hp 84679 MARY and, nudging for the lead, Burrell 7hp 1426 OLD FAITHFUL. (collection Brian Shaw)

Marshall roller 76116 (YA5040) driven, as one local was heard to comment with surprise, 'by a lady'. Also on site, but still undergoing restoration was some of what can only be described as a Yorkshire recluse — Aveling roller 8688 of 1915 (AT1218). It is hoped that this machine will be in steam at the 1992 event. The boiler is currently in Snowdens of Hull where it is undergoing stay replacement and also having a new front tube plate fitted. The owner is busying himself replacing the tender whilst he awaits the return of the boiler. Parts of another local engine were also at the event, albeit only the nameplate, whistle and owners plate. These were from Vic Makey's 1904 Clayton & Shuttleworth traction 36731 (AJ5890) OLD GLORY. Work continues on this engine. So far the front carriage has been tackled and this has included a rebuilt spud pan, new tyres and new front wheel bearings. Many other parts are being repaired, as necessary, including the gearing and differential which are currently away at a specialists receiving attention. Although the restoration of this engine is still a long term project, it is hoped to be near completion by mid 1993, since this 48

celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first event in the north — Pickering Traction Engine Derby. It is sad to record at this time that Les Lazenby (senior), the one time owner of OLD GLORY, and one of the instigators of the 1953 event at Pickering, died recently. An engine to come into the county and the ownership of Graham Whitwell is Fowler roller 17470 of 1928 (PX9047) WANDERER. Graham has also bought Garrett tractor 31210 of 1913 from the Greenaway family in Berkshire. Sentinel Standard wagon 1960 of 1918 (AW4131) owned by John Richardson, and which has been stored at the National Railway Museum, York for many years, has moved to East Anglia. John has made a long term loan arrangement with Mervyn Mayes and Paul Hemnell and the wagon is now in Norfolk where it is expected to be rallied during 1992. On the restoration front, the expected appearance in the summer of the completed boiler unit of Fowler conversion 14948 of 1918 1E84999) PRINCE OF WALES owned by John Corcoran did not materialise and reassembly has had to be postponed until the autumn. Progress on Derek Rayner's Aveling roller 8506 of 1915 ICT50121 suffered a setback recently.

He was pleased to learn that the front tube plate did not need to be replaced whilst the roller was undergoing the provision of a new firebox at Newtons of Bradford, but shortly afterwards, laminal cracks were found in the foundation ring whilst it was being prepared for refitting. A new one is having to be made. This is an unusual defect and one which, with due regard to the age of the original, may have been as a result of this having an amount of wrought iron in it, causing some de-lamination to occur during the ensuing 75 years.

THE ROBEY TRUST Following the Tavistock steam fair, the most important event in the Trust's late summer season was the Robey Stand at the St Agnes rally of the West of England club. Circled around the sales stand and caravan was Robey traction 33348, tandem roller 42693 — making its first public debut at a steam rally, although not yet in steam — and John Woodley's tri-tandem roller 45655. The two rollers shown side by side drew a lot of attention from people comparing the constructional details. Unfortunately a Robey Express tractor which was to complete the line up failed to turn up. The grand parade at the event saw the traction engine wearing its 'Trevor the Traction Engine' face (much to the amusement and delight of children) and towing the tandem roller around the ring. The engine was very ably steered by one of the Trust's active lady members — Sue Fowler.

Sue takes in good part the ribbing she inevitably gets from having the wrong surname, despite it being very appropriate to traction engine enthusiasm. The Trust could do with more ladies able to take the wheel when necessary, so volunteers please step forward. The continuing search for premises may be over, for the Trust has been offered a parcel of land — a length of disused GWR railway line — which seems appropriate for a steam based society. Planning permission for a suitable depot for the Trust's engines is now being submitted to, and with the support of, the West Devon Borough Council. (Contact Dave Davies, 9 Churchill Road, Tavistock, Devon (120822 615960)

ROAD ROLLER ASSOCIATION

I0 R.R.A.]

Following the accident which took place at a training course at Leicester Museum of Technology on 27th April 1991, when a roller was damaged, the Association has carried out an investigation into the circumstances. A report has been prepared and the recommended changes to the working practices on future courses will be implemented. It is not practicable to list the recommendations here, but a copy of the report is available for perusal by interested parties, by prior arrangement, at the RRA secretary's address (see Small Adverts section). Members of the Association were well in evidence at the Great Dorset Steam Fair where a splendid display of both working road making exhibits and artefacts was on show. Alan Brice's 1931 Ruston & Hornsby portable 163864 drove a stone crusher, many rollers were to be seen and a living van, tar boiler, water cart, display of signs and lamps all contributed to on excellent set-piece. The Brice Ruston portable was also in evidence at Barleylands in late September where a road making demonstration featured two stone crushers, one driven by the Ruston and the other being driven by Andy Caldow's 1931 Aveling roller 14113 (TM8871). This was another impressive turn out, both in machines and artetacts and like Tarrant Hinton, was blessed with good weather. The Association's 1992 AGM will be at Bolton on Saturday, 14th March and will include an informal visit to Fred Dibnah's premises, together with a talk by Fred after the meeting. For further details, contact the RRA Secretary.

Around olc4/41ro the • 2 4 , World BELGIUM John Morley kindly reports on a July 1991 visit to preservation centres in Belgium. At the Stoomcentrum at Maldegem, near Bruges, the Ruthemeyer roller 572 was in steam, and now sports a Belgian registration JEX538. The Bakkersmolen museum at Wildert in the north of the country continues to be an attractive location to visit, with Marshall portable 7772 in steam and four other engines (and two 600mm gauge railway locos) in the main building. Two of the four were American — Gaar Scott twin-cylinder 18hp engine 15610 and a Buffalo Pitts self moving portable, the others were single cylinder portables by Floether, 7572 of 1914, and Societe Francaise Vierzon.

PAKISTAN The Fowler roller pictured in our Spring 1990 issue has, in fact,

survived the cutters torch, reports Paul Stratford, and according to the chief mechanical engineer of Pakistan Railways, at Lahore, the machine is to be an exhibit at a proposed railway museum.

SOUTH AFRICA Paul Stratford discovered several engines on a railway tour of South Africa in July 1991. At Messina, a town near the Zimbabwean border crossing of Biet Bridge. Fowler DN1 class 10 ton roller 16480 of 1925 can be found on display near the railway station, in faded grey green livery with red wheels. Also present here is Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies portable 36119 of 1925. At Lydenburg, east of Pretoria, Robey portable 33340 of 1914 is similarly on display but its latter use was merely as a portable boiler, for cylinder block, crankshaft and all topworks have been stripped.

Ruthemeyer single crank compound roller 572 in steam at the Stoomcentrum at Maldegem, Belgium in July 1991. (Frank Jones) 49

East Yorkshire. If it is a coal merchants sign with Frank's name on it in the background, that is not surprising for such a trade was not an uncommon combination with timber merchanting in rural areas. The firm became Benjamin Frank & Sharp Ltd around the 1940s.

Letters

Alan Duke

Mystery photograph With reference to the pictures on page 200 of the last issue, showing a Foden engine being loaded or unloaded from rail, I can add a little. I have notes on Benjamin Frank & Sons, who owned the Ryedale Saw Mills and Station Saw Mills at Helmsley, North Riding. The firm

owned at least four engines — Wallis & Steevens 8hp traction 7013; an Aveling & Porter registered PY2318; Fowler B5 compound traction 9713 and Fowler 10325, a B6 class road loco that was originally a showmans. I have no record of any Foden connected with them, but quite a few of this make were owned in North and

Rebuilding the wooden front wheels for an unidentified Marshall portable. (Norman Bash ford)

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A Marshall portable I am restoring a Marshall portable of 8 or 10hp, and wonder if any members can assist in finding out some of its history and to identify it for me. The machine is almost identical to Richard Hesbrook's 8839 of 1881 which was pictured on page 196 of our Autumn 1989 issue, but it has wooden wheels (8839 has now changed hands — Ed). I took the engine from a field in pretty derelict condition nearly 30 years ago, and have been waiting for retirement to start restoration. I have now completed the wheels, which were made up on a mandril on the back of a DS&G lathe. All of the boiler front mountings were missing and I can find no identification marks on the engine. All I have been told of its history is that it was delivered by train to South Molton, Devon some time before the turn of the century. The railway had reached that town in 1882. The portable worked a local sawmill for years. If any member can suggest further aspects of the engine's history or how I can identify which Marshall it is I would be pleased to hear from them. Norman Bash ford Stolford Farm, Brendon Hill, Watchet, Somerset TA23 OLP

Gauge glass protectors I would like to comment on Derek Rayner's remarks on gauge glass protectors in the Steaming Around section of the last issue. I think he should look very carefully at the construction of certain manufacturer's engines before making such generalisations. Derek is lucky to own an engine — an Aveling — that exceeds all the standards of its day, but he should not decry those who own lesser engines — certain types of Fowler road locos and virtually all ploughing engines — which are unable to have gauge glass protectors fitted. The simple fact is that the fear of danger Mr Rayner seems to be adopting will only harm all that has been achieved in forty years

WORLD'S FAIR The outdoor Plb entertainment weekly incorporating

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For advertising and subscription details contact: The World's Fair Ltd., P.O. Box 57, Oldham OL1 4BB. e 061-624 3687 of steam engine preservation. It is therefore disheartening to read of the hard work put in by the FIVA and FBHVC to safeguard our rights in Europe, whilst he assists the insurance companies in eroding those rights, without even the protection of the law. If gauge glass protectors became mandatory for each and every engine, it could easily lead to the end of steam ploughing demonstrations and magnificent Fowlers taking part in heavy haulage runs.

Regarding the 'competence' of boiler inspectors, surely we should give them some credit for understanding our engines and problems. And given the choice of inspecting a clean, well maintained boiler, owned by a genuine enthusiast for his own enjoyment, who has probably supplied sacking to sit on and a decent cup of tea afterwards, or inspecting a filthy oil-fired industrial boiler, with half of its inspection plugs unable to be removod and that has not hod a proper

washout since its last inspection, followed by tea in a mug in similar condition to the boiler — I know which owner I'd rather look after. It should also be borne in mind that there is still no legal requirement for boiler inspections on farm boilers! Please do not think I am trying to promote dangerous practices. I feel that if glasses can be fitted with some sort of protector, then they should be, but such presumptuous statements that hove been made by Derek can do nothing other than distort our excellent safety record. The vast majority of engine owners know where the dangers lie and are quite capable of dealing with an emergency. Those who cannot, should sell their engines and hiiy a Tnnka tnyl Steve Bullman

Chelmsford, Essex

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Recently returned to steam at the Ho/lycombe Steam Collection in Hampshire is Aveling & Porter 10050 of 1921, one of the early examples of that maker's popular F type 10 ton compound rollers. It is seen here travelling the Hollycombe roads in August 1991. (Peter Love)

I take exception to Mr Edmonds remarks in his column in the autumn Steaming. I refer, of course, to the sweeping generalisations concerning Rotary Clubs which are unfair and totally exaggerated. As president of the Rotary Club of Hoddesdon in 1982 I conceived the idea of holding a steam rally in the Lea Valley area to raise money for Rotary charities, and as an attraction for the general public to enjoy. The first Great Amwell rally was held in June the following year. Since then, with the support of our club members and local voluntary organisations, we have raised over £200,000 for charity and hope to increase this further with a bumper tenth anniversary event on 13/14th June 1992. I would, therefore, like to 51

respond through the columns of your otherwise excellent magazine, to what I consider to be totally unjustified criticism. Rotarians are a body of professional and business men, whose main objectives are to encourage the ideal of service as a basis for worthy enterprise. They are not trained rally organisers although over the past ten years our Club has gained experience, and endeavoured to adopt the highest standards of organisation in traffic control, engine and vehicle rostering, management and safety. We do not allow motor vehicles in the public areas during the main events except for security and servicing purposes and I can only assume that the Range Rovers Mr Edmonds refers to are being used for these reasons and the Porsches are connected with the traders stands whose financial support is greatly welcomed. His inference that all Rotarians drive expensive cars and have pseudo upper class accents leads me to believe that he suffers from a form of social complex. Does it really matter if you are educated at Oxford or at Bow as long as you are willing and able to volunteer time to organising the events for the enjoyment of others? I'm sorry that Mr Edmonds is constantly walking into 'little posts' which serve an essential function on the engine lines as well as defining the arenas for the public's safety. If he must tour any site after dark, I would respectfully suggest he carries a torch or spends less time in the beer tent. His story of the Fordson driver perhaps refers to our event, where a tractor driver whose engine failed to start was, in fact, holding up a meticulously timed grand parade. It is not surprising, therefore, that a marshal asked him to 'get steam up' — surely a well known cliche! On an associated topic I see from Steaming Around there was confusion over commercial sponsorships at the Great Amwell event last year (page 191). Maybe this relates to the fact that I regrettably had to turn away some owners who had requested to attend. I therefore offer explanation as to why this happened, as I do not wish the same situation to recur next year. Each year I try to cover the cost of steam entries by way of sponsorships through local business, trades, etc, and until recently our targets were achieved. However, as the recession began to bite sponsors were harder to find; it became necessary to reduce the number of entries but at the same time maintain high standards of presentation. 52

As our rally is principally a 'show' the presentation and appearance of the engines is very important. I have learned to appreciate that to the owners a well-groomed showmans locomotive and a grimy ploughing engine are both working representatives of their respective classes. Unfortunately, sponsors do not take the same view and get upset if their exhibit does not look as good as the next one. After all, they expect value for their money. John Saunders (from whom I have received tremendous support over the years) and I will be looking for new entries from further afield for next year's rally. Regrettably, we may have to decline some applications from regular supporters. I sincerely trust, however, that I will be able to raise sufficient sponsorships to support between 50 and 60 engines, so that our tenth anniversary rally will be the biggest and best ever. chairman, Hoddesdon Rotary Club Traction Engine Rally Committee

Peter Haynes

Fowler 12761 I have recently acquired historical information on my 1911 Fowler traction engine 12761. The first owner was Lawrence J. Faulkner of Linslade, near Dunstable. I understand he was a threshing contractor working around the Dunstable area. In 1945 the engine finished its working days in

the Forest of Dean on timber work at Parkend, Gloucestershire. If anyone has any information or photographs on Laurence Faulkner's business or engines, or knows how the Fowler was transferred to Parkend I would be most grateful if they could write to me. Stuart Tomlinson 18 Burnham Rise, Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Some old Log Books I have just rediscovered in my possession, four of the old type brown original and continuation Log Books, belonging to engines that have at some time passed through my hands. Checking in my early issue of Traction Engine Register I see that three of these engines survive in preservation; the fourth might be in a later edition, I don't know. If the present owners of these engines would like to send me a suitable sized stamped self-addressed envelope, with some proof of current ownership, then I will be happy to send the Log Books to them to help complete their engine's history. The engines are: Aveling 11976 (TR4486) Fowler 15941 (NW5265) Fowler 16134 (U9493) Marshall 89543 (FJB990) Jim Hutchens

Greenacres, 1 Bottle Green, Little wick, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3RY

Fowler 10 ton roller 16134 of 1924 basks in sunshine at Alderholt Rally in August 1983. (Robin Walker)

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.

I.K. Black, 12 Whauphill, Forth, Lanark, Strathclyde. D. Broadley, (family members: Richard and Elizabeth), The Smithy, Church Lane, Elstronwick, Hull, Yorkshire. W. 01ley, 52 Wallingford Road, Goring-on-Thames, Wallingford, Berkshire. N. Addiss, 68 Lloyd Street, Cannock, Staffordshire. P.A. Hanger, 875 Dorchester Road, Upwey, Weymouth, Dorset. B.J. Precey, Treviso, Nelson Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire. P.J. Berry, 11 Glebe Path, Mitcham, Surrey.

Small Adverts Small advertisements for private SALES, WANTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS, and appertaining to road steam engines and their associated equipment linc. items suitable for their maintenance and support), are free of charge to National Traction Engine Trust members, subject to a maximum of 75 words, excluding name, address and telephone number. 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.

Can't find it? — If all or part of your advert is missing from this issue please refer to the revised conditions for free advertising on pages 117 and 165 of our Summer and Autumn 1990 issues. Traction engine and road steam associated items only from now on please! Wanted — Vol 1 Nos 1 to 4 of Steaming; NTEC members lapel badges — tractor, general purpose and wagon; German Developments of Steam Road Vehicles (HMSO); A Century of Engineering, Savage Ltd (R.H. Clark); Steam Power on the American rarm (11.M. Wik); The Thirlmere Lake Accident (Fairground Society) — M.A. Poole, 89 Glebelands, Pulborough, West Sussex RH2O 2JH.

R.P.W. Bennett, (family member: Sheila), 52 Woodfields, Christleton, Chester. K. Evans, 2 Gibson Close, Pensby, Wirral, Merseyside. N. Davey, Lower Millcombe, Linkinhorne, Callington, Cornwall. J.E. Graham (family members: Rita, Louise and Daryl), 16 New Place Gardens, Upminster, EssexJ. Young, 55 Grenfell Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex. J.B. Wallace, 86 Copthall Road, lckenham, Middlesex. N. Gray (family members: Susan, Thomas, Sophie, Alex and Ashley), 104 Lincroft, Oakley, Bedfordshire. P.J. Kelly, 313 Gillott Road, Edgbaston, Warwickshire. P.J. White, (family members: Susan, Michelle and Andrew), 177 Moor Lane, Cranham, Essex. G.G. Dawson, PO Box 510, Madang, Papua New Guinea, J.M. Charlton, 14 Knightsbridge Avenue, Grappenhall, Warrington, Cheshire. B. Fisk, 12 Alpha Road, Stretford, Manchester. D. Knott, 71 Rusper Road, Horsham, Sussex. H. Bowcock, 104 Wardle Crescent, Leek, Staffordshire. G.W. Ward, Gate Cottage, Leasey Bridge Lane, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire. C. Waghorn (family member: Mary), Stable Flat, Borocourt, Wyfold, Reading, Berkshire. D.C. Moss, 36 Guildford Road, Bookham, Surrey. K. Harrison, 2 Bevelwood Gardens, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. E. Wortham, 27 North Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. K.C. Shephard, Ave 303, 19-21 Bloque A, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain.

For safe — Pickering governors, no 2. 2in steam pipe: dynamo no 25151. 1350 rpm, 70 amps. 100/150 volts: fifteen bonded rubber wheel rims — S x 4in wide, 2in thick with casing, 20in outside diameter; ex 26in die; 1 x Bin wide. Reasonable offers invited. w 0480 73646, For sale — vintage rally programmes — send SAE with your wants list, — M.A. Poole. address as above advert. Wanted — for Fowler D2: water lifter complete plus hose strainer: blowdown or sludge cock; three stud injector clack valve; di5rplanamant Inhtinatnr And n -Hinting elbow; two iron axle sand caps; Reflex or Klinger gauges; boiler pressure plate; water line plate; engraved type makers plate; steam jet cock 31i bap plug cock; injector steam cock 'A bap plug cock; 41n die. pressure gauge 180Ibs, eccentric hand type; brake wheel /ltdri-8in dia. live spoke with handle. — sot Bishop Auckland 772578. For sale — purpose built two wheeled water trailer, approx oalInntr, a very useful trailer with tool howac and mill space, £250; three lengths 140ft each/ of genuine Shand Mason water hose. beautiful cast bronze ends. 3 inch die male and female, £20 per roll. — please ring Goff Radcliffe during uffice hours, 0323 833295. Wanted — lot Super Sentinel, cast chimney lop, water-pump con-rod, steering box. injector, steam brake cylinder and valve. safety valve body to suit DG type. — C.R. Hutchinson, 171 Bo'ness Road. Grangemouth, Stirlingshire PK3 98T (is-0324 4838651. For sale — 2 inch Fowler compound. rebuilt copper boiler, showmans equipment available but not fitted, air tested. Illness prevents further work. — Rigby, Halifax la 0422 2029091. Cotswold Legends — Tore, fact, fiction. humour, pathos, all in Joe's World. 88pp, cover in colour, many illustrations. Price £3.75 inc. from author — John L. Crompton, 55 Grenfell Avenue, Hornchurch. Essex RM12 40N. Road Roller Association — for all who are interested in steam or motor rollers, road making machines, practices and history. Quarterly journal ROLLING. Subscription £10.00 per year. — Membership Secretary. Mrs Alison Arrowsmith, 7 Worcester Close. Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 7SP. New Fowler parts — firehole door 111 e 9); chimney base ID, B811; smoke= door makers plates (881 brass); cast iron toolbox; firebars. wetei lime Wale, wire bound suctiun hose; tube brushes. — Dorothea Restorations Ltd, New Road. Whaley Bridge, Stockport, Cheshire 51(12 70W Iv 0663 7335441.

For sale — Aveling roller, 1902, £12,000; Garrett agricultural engine, 1931 ROB ROY, on rubbers, needs boiler work; 1918 Fowler living van, 17ft, offers; rolls, front fork, saddle for Wallis Oilbath; heavy two axle drawbar trailer, was small tank transporter; Scammell Highwayman 1964, Leyland engine, with original semi-trailer restored. — W.G. Best, The Warren, Bredgar, Kent ME9 8AT (a 0627 84 254). Wanted — Marshall S type steam roller front forks (cast spoke type) 25%in x 46in. Also for Aveling & Porter 8 ton compound roller (ex playground) — numerous parts required: boiler clack, injectors, piston rings, oilers etc. Please telephone A, Green a 0508 45 392. Wanted — Stourpaine programmes for 1969 (the first) and 1990, also Great Yeatmans steam party (the second) and spring Stourpaine events. Can pay good price, to complete my set. Also require fair organ tapes/records for my collection. Write — R. Desouches, 32 St Johns Road, London E17 4SQ (IT 081 531 8936 after 7.30pm). Wanted — Vols 1 and 5 of Steam Scene by R. Blenkinsop. — A. Jenkinson, 97 Chequers Ave, Lancaster LA1 4JA (a 0524 62457). For sale — Clayton & Shuttleworth traction tender, sound condition; oblong spud pan 28in wide x 6in deep, 49in long to fit on front axle. — a 0209 713169 evenings. Wanted — four wheel water and coal trailer. — Parrott, Cherry Cottage, Crendon Road, Shabbington, Buckinghamshire HP18 9HE (a 0844 201282) Wanted — chimney base for 7hp Wallis & Steevens traction engine. — 'a. 0904 87665. 6in Burrell for sale — a superb half size double crank compound showmans road loco, built 1981 by Huw Richards to very highest standards. Equipped with 10kw generator, full canopy lights and a set of genuine King of the Road side and tail lamps. Offered for sale complete with a new boiler certificate at £32,000. — a (office hours) 081 892 8138; (evenings) 081 977 1772.

For sale — Robey transfers, authentic and accurate reproductions of the originals. Large 19in x 12in, small 9in x 6in, available loose or mounted and varnished for display. — Robey Trust Sales, 1 Churchill Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 9BU la 0822 614405). Required — Robey portable any condition/age. Robey vertical stationary engine, open crank preferred. Robey catalogues, literature, photographs, drawings to purchase or copy and return. Robey paraphenalia: tools, nameplates, fittings, patterns, etc. — The Robey Trust, Dave Davies, 9 Churchill Road, Tavistock, Devon PL10 9BU (a 0822 615960). For sale — Richardson low loader, hydraulic fold flat neck with donkey engine, minimum load height, suitable for steamers, tandem axle, plated 33.8 tons gross, test 1992, £5250. — a 0452 741243. For sale — Old Motor enlarged photos of showmans engines etc; colour print of G.D. Coulson's painting of Burrell PRINCESS ROYAL; rally posters and over 70 rally programmes etc. SAE for lists and prices. — Marlow, 116 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 OHS. For sale — Apprenticeship in Steam and / Worked with Traction Engines by Jack Hampshire. £3.25 each inc postage. — Marlow, address as above advert. For sale — new Fowler type whistle; small boiler test pump, no pipes; 6in Morrisflex portable grinder; machine vice; Klinger water gauge; Aveling roller axle boxes; Aveling sliding pinion; portable chimney; new snatch block; 1 ton chain blocks; heavy type water gauge fittings; solid rubber tyred wooden wheels; quantity 2%in Balata belting, new bottle screw jack; large open ended spanners; tool boxes; timber rolling chains; 12in four-jaw lathe chock; coil %in wire rope; ditto %in; 13in x 2in drive wheel pin. — L.J. Lambe, 84 Redditch Road, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove 860 4JR (a 0527 31398). 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.

The Chatham Steam Restoration Company The Steam Centre, Slip 6, Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE Telephone 0634 826555 or 726377 BOILER MAKERS and STEAM RESTORATION ENGINEERS New boilers — welded or riveted Repairs to any type of boiler Welding to ASME 9 Full machining service Models built — model boilers in copper or steel Canopies built in wood or steel We can supply stays, rivets, bolts, nuts, etc Tenders, smokeboxes, fireboxes, tubeplates, chimneys, firebars and castings all made to order Fowler BB1 boiler leaving Chatham in October 1991 — a 90% new boiler with new backhead, firebox, crownsheet, barrel and front tubeplate. (M. Staniforth)

Road Locomotive Society Sales — Fowler Steam Cultivating Machinery (Gilbert) £11.95; Review of Steam Tractors (Whitehead) £10.95; Traction Engine Locomotives (Hutchinson) £3.50 paperback. Available post paid from — RLS Sales, Foxgrove, Burnt Common Lane, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6HT. Solid Wheel Tyring Service — solid rubber tyres cast to size and bonded onto your existing metal wheels as special refurbishment process. Owners of traction engines and other preservation vehicles please note. Highly durable tyre coating for large metal wheels now available using latest V-Thane synthetic rubber. Gives excellent cushion, wear resistance and load capacity. Tyres can be one piece with no jointing, or section build up. Attractive traditional appearance. Send for details — W.J. Cave, Hallam Polymer Engineering Ltd, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, Sheffield S18 6XR (ir 0246 415511), National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club — caters for all enthusiasts (3500 members nationwide). 28 local groups organise meetings with illustrated talks and help for members. Club magazine Vaporising with articles of interest and free ads to members. Basic membership £10. Details from Mrs P.E. Sims, 1 Hall Farm Cottages, Church Lane, Swarkestone, Derby DE7 1JB (sae please, sample magazine £1.00 stamps). For sale — RLS Journals 158); RLS catalogue No 3 Foden, No 6 Burrell; colour slides 35mm 1 5p each, on approval if necessary. — Coleman, 3 Hornbeam Close, Southill, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9UJ (lr 0305 777843, 6pm-9pm). For sale set of four hub caps ex Ransomes 7hp traction engine, £60 the set. — a 0502 723012. Wanted — siren whistle, Savage 2%in preferred or w.h.y.? loan of patterns, details or raw castings considered. Tr 0379 88 795 evenings.

For sale — Fowler steam roller 19049 of 1931, 10 ton single cylinder. Current boiler certificate, extensively overhauled and ready to rally, £12,500, — Contact Steve Arrowsmith iv 0543 268931). Steaming — Vol 14-29; RLS Journals Vol 26-38; Steam Preservation Nos 36-65. List of books etc send SAE. — M. Clark, 1 Templestone Hill, Leeds LS15 7EJ (ff 0532 647976 evenings). Wanted — help required from owner of any Fowler wrought iron ploughing engine c1870/80 (as rebuilt by Oxford Steam Plough Co) to co-operate with completion of set of working drawings. Please help. I need maybe only 3 or 4 hours to view an engine to take photographs and remaining measurements I am lacking, Also any person having drawings or catalogues or any associated literature willing to lend so I may copy and return, would be most gratefully received or person able to put me in contact with owner of above. — A. Grimmett, Ivy Cottage, St James Lane, Coventry la 0203 305564), Wanted — information regarding showmans living van recently at Tom Mann Mining Museum, Skinningrove. Anyone knowing history of this van would they please contact the above advertiser. Photos, stories etc all welcomed. Costs reimbursed. For sale — surplus workshop machinery, some 3 phase, some single phase: bench drill 1/2 in cap; Harrison 11in swing screw cutting power feed, chucks, steady, coolant; Taylor lathe, screw cutting power feed, gap bed, old but good; Adcock & Shipley horizontal mill power feed, coolant; small horizontal mill; Qualteis & Smith Gin hacksaw; compressor, large, single phase; various dividing heads; rotary tables; angle plates and surplus tooling. All open to realistic offers or part exchange or w,h,y.? — A. Grimmett, address as above advert. Wanted — copies of The Engineer or Engineering. — A, Grimmett, address as above advert.

Steaming — Vol 6 No 2, Vol 7 No 4 and many from Vol 14 No 2 onwards, area specials £2.80, others £2 post paid in UK. G. Ran Hawthorne, 69 West Chiltern, Woodcote, Reading RG8 OSG 112 0491 680484).

For sale — Marshall 6hp cross-arm governors base casting (compound type) with some top parts and Marshall works drawing. f110 the Int. Alan Allen 2-tine scarifier, £50 ono. — Ray Hulock IT 0624 82 4293.

Foster showmans engines drawings by W.J. Hughes, 1% scale, £4; official Foden photographs. — G. Ran Hawthorne, address as above advert.

Hollycombe Steam & Woodland Garden Society — Liphook, Hants GU30 7LP operates up to 31 steam engines, 2hp to nearly 2000 every Sunday and Bank Holiday throughout the season. Adults £4.00, OAPs £3.50, children £3.00. Please apply to Membership Secretary for membership details.

Road Locomotive Society Sales — last few makers catalogue reprints: RSJ/Foster road locos/Nayler wagons, set only £5.95 post free from RLS Sales, Foxgrove, Burnt Common Lane, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6HT.. For sale — Wallis & Steevens eccentric, piston (part S1478), slide valve (part S1043), slide valves 5 1/2 in x 61/2 in and 5in x 61n. Burrell pump check valve and elbow (part BF1055, 1152), governor pinion, set of canopy stays for 8 ton roller. Crankshaft pinion (Aveling ?) internal dimension 2% square x 15 and 31 teeth. Fowler reversing lever quadi ant. Set of Sentinel stay tube taps. Various fusible plugs, steering and brake wheels, new Penberthy injector, small crosshead slipper. Write — Mrs J.S. Briggs, Oak Lea, Moss Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 7BU. For sale — low speed pinion; nine new fire bars; almost new link motion (A&P); brake wheel; boiler blow down cock; Burrell water lifter. — IT 0245 361308. For sale — set of 30 new 2in dia tubes, swollen to 21/2 in 10g, 5ft -long; set of Marshall roller wheel scrapers; set of Pickering governors, three mechanical oilers, Offers — tr 0665 711137. Wanted — for early 8hp Burrell showmans, new twisted brass, 2in and 3in diameter; water pump with connecting rod; new tyres for 7ft wheels. Please TT Graham Vincent 0726 81 3912. Wanted and For sale— books/catalogues on farm and construction machinery, steam or diesel/tvo. Collections purchased. — A.C. Mole, tr 0844 238 305 (Dorton, Bucks). many sizes available. Send for list. — Ray Gauge gl Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln (Tel 0522-682406). Ruston Hornsby transfers — full range of designs and sizes; send for list. Engines dated gratis. Full sets of publications available for most models. — Ray Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln (Tel 0522-682406).

Felis Domesticus is a breed of animal well noted for its curiosity and we are not surprised to be receiving reports that several insurance companies are holding trials in the training of specially selected cats to assist in the boiler inspections of preserved steam engines. Our exclusive picture (courtesy Lyndon Shearman) shows a small black trainee — the short haired black variety are proving to be the most assiduous workers — emerging from an instruction session at a secret West Midlands location. 55

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