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, 2 Farlaine Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 1XJ. 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 £20.00 for individuals and family membership and £10.00 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, 'Dolfarni', Church Lane, Kirkby la Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9NU. Treasurer: J.T.G. Harris, Oak Cottage, Cottesbrooke, Northampton NN6 8PH. Chairman, Rally Sub-Committee: A.J. Semple, Penyghent, 8 Chelwick Close. Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 7BY. Chairman, Engine Owners Sub-Committee: M.O. Davies, Hill Farm, Avon Dassett, near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV33 OAA. Chairman, Steam Apprentice Club: Mrs Sylvia Dudley, 12 Hillway, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL. Insurance Officer: R.J. Blenkinsop, Cornerstones, Church Lane, Claydon, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 1EW. Publicity Officer: S.J. Parrott, Cherry Cottage, Crendon Road, Shabbington, Buckinghamshire HP18 9HE.
binder Each binder can take up to twelve copies — that's three year's issues. Produced in royal blue with the magazine title and club motif nicely blocked in gold on the spine — a fine addition to your bookshelves and an excellent way of keeping your magazines in good condition whilst near at hand.
-40111k,
For engine owning members ... The Trust's
CODE OF PRACTICE for Traction Engines and similar vehicles is now available. Please refer to the Engine Owners Column in the Summer 1992 issue for the introductory description of this Code. Price £15.00 each plus f1.50 postage (to members only)
Price £4.95 0 inc. poste Available by Rost from Mrs S. Dudley, 12 Hillway, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL.
from — Mrs Sylvia Dudley 12 Hillway Woburn Sands Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL Autumn 1993
STEAMING
The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust Volume 36 Number 4
Autumn 1993 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, 'Dolfarni', Church Lane, Kirkby la Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9NU 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 news items, recent photographs and small adverts is 26th November 1993. For the date for Steaming Around see that section. 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. STEAMING Autumn 1993
Editorial With this issue of the magazine we are able to produce a colour spread to our centre pages. Hopefully, it will be found pleasing from the pictorial point of view, but more importantly it has been thought out to be constructive and useful as a part of the restoration of engines. We have no doubt the comments and illustrations will cause further discussion — and we welcome it. At the Dorset event a hundred or so of the members visiting the Trust tent kindly took time to fill in a brief questionnaire on various aspects of our magazine. Quite what is expected by readers has always been an enigma to the Editors and maybe this small sample will point the way to seeing if we are on the right road — more in the next issue, perhaps, when the replies have been analysed. Despite the increased number of pages, this edition has proved a most difficult one to assemble from the material in hand, largely because there was an excess of articles and notes which were of topical interest and would have dated badly if held back. The Editor therefore apologises to a few contributors whose more historical articles or photographs have been put aside for another time. Just as this issue was going to print, we learnt the sad news of the death of Alan Duke, the Records Officr of the Road Locomotive Society. His painstaking documentation, from widespread sources, of the history of individual steam road vehicles and their owners is well known and all enthusiasts and historians will mourn his passing. It will leave a void that, truly, can never be filled, for Alan had the amazing capacity, whether you were speaking to him at a social meeting or on the rally field, of instantly recalling from his memory the details within his engine lists. His lifetime's work will survive to the future benefit of surviving engines, their owners and all those interested in that now vanished period when road steam engines worked around our cities, towns and villages.
This issue 172 178 182 186 190 191 194 197 201 217 219 223
Trust News A Handful of Eccentrics David Eves Speed Six Update 5 Richard Parkinson Forty Years Ago Derek Marder Edmonds on Engines Chris Edmonds Technical Topics More Swiss Rolls Derek Rayner, Kurt Hurlimann Aveling's Green Steaming Around, compiled by Derek Rayner Around the World Letters Books, Videos, New Members, Small Adverts
Cover This year's Great Dorset Steam Fair saw one of the final appearances of Burrell 3197 of 1910 in its weathered Thetford paintwork of the 1920s. Owner Dave Allen, and Len Crane before him, have carefully nurtured the paint surfaces put on seventy years ago by the St Nicholas Works craftsmen, whilst rallying the engine over the last few years. Now, the time has come to put right the machine's mechanical and structured ills and inevitably the old paintwork will have to go, but not before many have had the opportunity to study this little piece of Burrell's history. Photographed by Roger West at the GDSF in September. 171
Trust News From the Chairman As usual there has been little committee activity during the last three months when most of us have been actively engaged on the rally field. Some who are engine owners are engaged all the year, but summer is the time when non-engine owning members really come into their own. Some make up engine crews, some help with events of all types, whilst others just attend rallies to enjoy the sight and sound of engines in steam. I hope all members have had a good season. The Trust generally has a duty to ensure the continued survival and active operation of traction engines and portable steam engines. Many are the pressures of modern life and legislation which can affect the operation of our engines. Engine owners, to whom we are all indebted for making possible rallies and similar events, have been under some pressure of recent years with increasing costs of insurance and maintenance. With this in mind the Trust is producing its Traction Engine Code, which sets out to be a guidance document for engine owners with particular reference to insurance and maintenance. There is every indication that this Code will become as important a part of our activities as the Rally Code has to that aspect of our work.
Talking of the Rally Code, this summer has seen the first practical experience of operating Authorisation within the Approval system. Generally speaking the new arrangements have been well received by the rally organisers who have appreciated the increased responsibility Authorisation brings. The fact that ninety-one rallies have applied for and been granted Authorisation and Approval (the largest number ever), is an indication both of their acceptance and faith in the new arrangements and the amount of work carried out by our officials. Elected officials of the Trust serve for a period of three years; thus at each Annual General Meeting a third of our officials retire and a similar number are elected (or re-elected). The next Annual General Meeting is approaching and will see the retirement of two of our longest serving officials. Dick Blenkinsop has been an officer for more years than I care to remember and holds the record by far for the different offices he has held, all with equal success. We shall miss him at our meetings and his wise cousel and hard work in his varied tasks will be equally much missed. We wish him well in the future and know that his engine interests will continue. Thank you Dick. These will be the last 'From the Chairman' notes I write, as I too will he retiring in November and not seeking re-selection. May I take this
The National Traction Engine Trust's
1993 AGM will be held at 2.00pm on SATURDAY, 20th NOVEMBER 1993 at Conference Room, Department of Physics and Electronics, University of York, Heslington, York Please refer to the formal notice in the Report and Accounts which are distributed with this issue for details of agenda etc. and to the Future Dates column for notes on the arrangements that have been made for the day.
172
opportunity of conveying, to all those members I have had the privilege of work with, my sincere thanks for their support and great assistance. Their work has done so much to keep our Trust alive, ever increasing the scope of its activities over the years I have been associated with it — 45 years in fact. Of serving officials only Jack Wharton, our President, exceeds this; he has been associated with and an official of the Trust and its predecessors since inception in 1954. In closing, I would like to thank Jack particularly for his support and wise counsel over so many years. (Eric Fillmore, chairman)
Rally Organisers Column Rally sub-Committee I am pleased to see from looking at this year's rally reports, that it seems the weather has been more helpful to events than last year, thus enabling event organisers to recover from problems incurred in 19:0 Annthar feature of some rallies this year was the more frequent use of steam coal, resulting in a much better atmosphere. I would urge rally organisers to consider buying good steam coal for their events; generally speaking a bag of Welsh lasts longer on the engine and so the higher price can be offset by issuing less per engine. Details of the autumn Conference for Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs are published elsewhere in this issue, die venue arid format are much the same as previous years except that in the afternoon we will have two guest speakers. The first is Phil Read, organiser of the Parham rally which is now well established, but as a relatively new event in terms of years I am sure we will find Phil's philosophy of how to run a rally will be most interesting. The second speaker is a serving police officer, who will talk to us on the problems and solutions of policing events such as rallies. Autumn 1993 STEAMING
This year many events will have had visits from Trust inspectors; this activity is one we are required to carry out under the 'Off the Road Events Regulations'. The visits have been well received and have proved that the standard of events continues to rise. One of the major tasks for a Rally Safety Officer is to check that engines have valid boiler inspections and insurance. To assist this the Insurance Disc Scheme was introduced. Next year engines attending events authorised by the NTET will be required to display a disc before raising steam. This decision was made at the last Rally Organisers Conference and will make the Safety Officer's task much easier. Engine owners who do not insure with John Scott & Partners can obtain a disc free of charge from the NTET Insurance Officer by sending their documents to him. If, as an engine owner, you feel this is an imposition, do please try and look at it from the rally organisers point of view. All of his helpers will be under great pressure during the event, and it is one less problem for him to deal with on the day. We are planning more Safety Training seminars this coming spring; details will be announced in the winter Steaming. My thanks are due to the members of the Rally Safety sub-Committee for their work during the summer, especially Smudge Smith who has put in many hours ensuring the Authorisation Scheme has worked smoothly. At this time of year many organisers can be forgiven for thinking 'never again'. However, we need the information on next year's events earlier than ever. This year we have had several meetings with the English Tourist Board with a view to obtaining much more effective publicity for rallies, but they need the information on 1994 events well before the turn of the year. So please make up your minds to go on again next year and send the information with dates as soon as possible to Smudge Smith. (Andrew Semple, chairman, Rally sub-Committee)
Members who have purchased the Code should now take the green paper 'Voucher Part 1' that is enclosed with their binder, and send it, duly filled in and with a large stamped addressed envelope, to Sylvia Dudley, 12 Hillway, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL to claim the new section. There is no charge all the Parts yet to be written and issued will be sent free to holders, when ready, through the voucher system — but the envelope for the return of Part 1 will need to be of 1 6in x 12in minimum size, and bear postage stamps for 54p, first class, or 41p, second class. Copies of the Code are available (to members only) from Sylvia Dudley at a cost of £15 plus £1.50 postage; additional sheets for Part VIII to cater for other engines in the same ownership, are available at £2.50 per set, including postage. (Michael Davies, chairman, Engine Owners sub Committee)
The Trust's Technical Board The Technical Board was established earlier this year to fulfil a number of functions (mainly arising from the introduction of the Traction Engine Code) which do not fit in with the
work of existing committees, and to act as a link between the NTET and other organisations, government departments, etc. In setting-up the Board, the Trust's National Committee made two important decisions. These were: • that the members of the Board should be persons whose qualifications, experience and standing in industry are such that outside bodies, such as the insurance companies or government departments, will be prepared to listen to what they have to say; • that, to ensure that there can be no suggestions of self-interest, they should have no personal financial interest in owning or running traction engines or other preserved steam vehicles. The Board's terms of reference are as follows: • mediation/arbitration in disputes arising from the operation of the Trust's Codes of Practice; • when so requested, to advise the appropriate committees of any matters of concern which have come to the notice of the Board and upon which the committees may wish to take action; • to clarify problems or doubts as to interpretation of the NTET Code, where these are of a technical nature; • when so requested, to assist the appropriate committees when reviewing NTET standards and
From Alan Martin's Collection
The late John Boughton was able to provide me with background information to this very typical but so evocative scene. The engine is his father's single cylinder R class Fowler 11362 of 1907, working a threshing drum at Flaunden, Hertfordshire about 1942. The driver is William Harris, held to 'e one of the Amersham Common firm's best, and one who kept whatever tackle he had in tip top mechanical condition, as well as always clean and tidy.
Engine Owners Column Traction Engine Code of Practice We are pleased to announce that 'Part 1, Operation and Maintenance' of the Trust's Code of Practice for Traction Engines has been completed and is ready for despatch. STEAMING
62
Autumn 1993
.0
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Codes of Practice; liaise with HSE, insurers and other appropriate bodies on standards for repairs, boiler examinations, etc; where appropriate, to monitor proposals for new legislation and represent the interests of the NTET and engine owners at the consultation stage; liaise with other bodies e.g. BSI, on standards appropriate to preserved traction engines, etc; setting standards (in line with appropriate British or other standards) for repairs, etc., where the matter is of general application, rather then relating to an individual engine; to consider standards set by other bodies e.g. model engineering organisations, where these may differ from NTET standards in respect of vehicles or equipment likely to appear at rallies; advice to members (via Steaming) on technical matters of general interest e.g. the current concern about non-asbestos jointing materials; to evaluate new materials e.g. non-asbestos jointing materials or new water treatments, and advise members;
•
•
•
•
•
•
to advise individual members who feel that their insurers are imposing unreasonable standards for repairs or demanding alterations or additions to original designs e.g. the insurer which wanted a new cylinder block to be cast in nodular iron or the boiler inspector who wanted test cocks fitted to a Sentinel boiler, to inquire into accidents or incidents e.g. the Dick Martino accident, which have aroused widespread concern and to advise the appropriate committees land possibly, via Steaming, the membership as a whole); to consider applications for approval, under the NTET Code, of organisations, inspecting independent boiler inspectors; to monitor the standards and quality of inspections being carried out by independent boiler inspectors inspecting and organisations; to maintain records of approved inspectors and inspecting organisations, and to umvide lists for publication in Steaming; so far as possible, to assist in safeguarding the interests of the Trust and its members in any public debate following an accident or
incident which has received wide publicity; • to provide initial advice and support for any member who has been involved in an accident (other than road traffic) or incident which is receiving media attention or may be the subject of action by 'the authorities'. It is not intended that there should be more than five or perhaps six Board members. The three present members are: Jim Newnham, MIOSH, RSP, MIIRSM, MBAE, Occupational Health & Safety Consultant, (chairman). Originally trained in agricultural engineering, Jim worked in the Mechanical Engineering Department of East African Railways & Harbours before returning to the UK in 1960 to become HM Inspector of Factories, which he continued until 1984, when he took early retirement to become an independent consultant. Now specialises mainly in personal injury litigation. Has been Hon. Safety Adviser to the NTET since the mid-1970s. Harry Pounder, C.Eng, FIMarE, MIPlantE, MBES. After training as an engineer, Harry went to sea and worked his way up to Chief Engineer, holding the traditional Board of Trade
Traditional Machinery - Traditional Values These days it seems that maintaining traditional machinery means not-so-traditional prices or standards of service.
- Further discounts where more than one item of plant is to be inspected at the same time and place.
So, we are pleased to he appointed by the NTET as the official provider of inspection services to its members at specially discounted costs
And with Cornhill Insurance being BS 5750 Quality Assured and a member of the NCSIIB you can be sure of a service that is to the most exacting of traditional standards.
- Flat annual charge for statutory inspections - thorough (cold) and working (hot) - and including fragmentation cover. All at L150 per item
ull CORN H I LL
n
111' Insurance
For further information contact Geoff Godwin at Cornhill Insurance PLC, Engineering Department, 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GII1 1DB
For Members of the National Traction Engine Trust 1 74
Autumn 1993
STEAMING
'tickets'. Following another tradition, he left the sea and worked for various insurance companies as an engineer and finally as Chief Engineer of Plant Safety Ltd. Has served on various committees and official bodies responsible for setting standards within the industry. Richard Swithenbank, C.Eng MIMechE, MIMarE DipNuc. Richard served in the Royal Navy, holding the rank of Commander, specialising in nuclear submarines, before he, too, 'swallowed the anchor' and took a shore job. He is now with D.C.White & Partners, Consultants in Applied Mechanics, who specialise in the safety of steel structures and pressure vessels, such as in nuclear power stations, oil refineries, etc. Although none of the Board Members has any financial interest in running traction engines, etc, all are keen supporters of the steam preservation movement. Since its formation the Board has upon establishing concentrated standards for independent boiler inspectors seeking approval under the NTET Traction Engine Code. In general terms, the standard required will be equivalent to that required by insurance companies when recruiting engineer surveyors, except that rather more emphasis will be given to practical knowledge and experience of locomotive type boilers and a little4ess STEAMING
Autumn 1993
Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3626 of 1914 makes a Friday evening arrival in the Buckinghamshire village of Stoke Goldington, ready for the weekend's 1992 rally activities. (John Maund)
to purely academic qualifications. A number of candidates have come forward and it is hoped that some or all of them will have received approval in time for their names, together with the names of the insurance companies which will be operating the NTET Scheme, to appear in the next issue of Steaming. Other matters are being actively pursued and more information on these will be given in the next issue of our magazine. Finally, any members still smarting after the subscription increase will be gratified to know that Board members do not make any charge for their time or travelling expenses when attending meetings. (Jim Newnham, Chairman, NTET Technical Board).
Roads and Road Transport History Conference The second National Road Transport History Symposium will be held on Saturday 6th November 1993 at the National Tramway Museum, Crich, Derbyshire. The theme of the symposium, chaired by Prof. John Hibbs of the University of Central England, will be 'The Crown of the Road, The Rise and Fall of the Tram'. for request and Enquiries application forms should be directed to Rosie Thacker, National Tramway Museum, Crich, near Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP.
Membership Secretary Obituaries Change of Address John Cook, the Trust's membership secretary, has moved house and members should note that his new address appears inside the front cover and on page 3 of this issue.
Arthur Cobley It is with great regret I write of the death in July of Arthur (Sonny) Cobley of Baston, near Bourne in Lincolnshire at the age of 87. I first met him in the 1950s when 175
visiting F.B. Gibbons' premises at Market Deeping where he worked all his lift, first as an agricultural machinist and then as a gardener, retiring when he was 80 years old. I came to find that Arthur was a good friend, always cheerful and willing to help. Following the sale of Gibbons' engines and threshing equipment in 1956, Arthur looked after the one engine they had kept for preservation — Robey 29330, a road engine the firm had bought new in 1910. For many years it was Sonny who took the fine, brown liveried Robey to rallies and shows in the south Lincolnshire and Peterborough areas. (Lewis Sommerfield)
1-13,.GIBBONS*
SONS
VP Market Otepult PHONES 22[43Pi
SWIM 'lit •—•
IVA
Charles Lloyd Many steam enthusiasts and engine owners throughout the country will be saddened to learn that Charlie Lloyd of Liverpool died, aged 73, in June. He had suffered a stroke a few weeks previously. Although he was not a Trust memher those of us who knew him will remember him as a true man of steam. Not an engine owner or restorer, Charlie made his contribution to the preservation world by his activities as an archivist. Countless people, including myself, have benefitted by his work. He listed engines all over the country, long before preservation had begun. He often did this whilst on holiday with his wife Doris; out on long uuulary walks lie would find forgulLeii engines hidden away. He paid par ticular attention to his local area and listed fleets of traction engines, wagons and rollers in the Liverpool area. Wiwi' i had jubi puiciiased my
Of importance...
Autumn Conference for Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs SATURDAY 23rd OCTOBER 1993 The Harborough Leisure Centre, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire See Future Dates column for further details. 176
The late Sonny Cobley with 6hp compound Robey 29330, which he looked after for so many years, outside F.B. Gibbons' premises at Market Deeping, Lincolnshire. (Lewis Sommerfield)
roller about five years ago, I recall phoning Charlie and I had only to mention the works number and he instantly remembered he had photographed it forty years previously — the picture appeared in the last issue of this magazine. As well as his passion for steam, Charlie was a very religious man, attending Goodison Road Methodist Church for over forty years, latterly serving as a lay preacher. Professionally
Up to six weeks ago Harold was still casting, in his own backyard, name plates, prancing horses etc and not long ago a cylinder block for a veteran de Dion motor car. His expertise on all matters mechanical will be sadly riiissed. Our condolences go to his sister. (Ran Hawthorne)
d quail fled dULoul lid!
having his own practice. Charles Lloyd's death is a great loss to all who knew him. Condolences are offered to his wife and brother and sister-in-law (Richard Mawrisley)
Harold Tame Harold Tame, brother of the late Bill Tame, died in August. He was involved with steam and mechanical matters until just a few weeks before his death, aged about 77. Many readers who may never have heard of Harold will be familiar with the magnificent cast iron flared chimneys seen to this day on ploughing engines that have been reboilered by Oxford Steam Ploughing Co. These chimneys were cast at Walter Wilders foundry at Crowmarsh, near Wallingford, where Harold worked most of his life, and where for many years he was chief moulder.
Future dates Autumns Conference for Rally Organisers and Affiliated Cluhs The Autumn 1993 Conference for Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs will take place at The Harborough Leisure Centre, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire on Saturday 23rd October 1993 at 11 00am Please note the changed date from that provisionally arranged. 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. Discussions under the usual headings will take place in the morning and after lunch Phil Read, organiser of the Parham rally, will give his views on rally organisation, followed, it is hoped, by Autumn 1993
STEAMING
a similar presentation from a representative of the police force. Coffee will be served prior to the morning meeting from 10.15am; a buffet lunch will be available during the mid-day break (prior booking is essential) and tea will be served at the conclusion of the conference at about 4.00pm. First time attenders are invited to contact General Secretary Sue Jackson for further details and bookings. The venue is located on the A508 road on the extreme southern edge of Market Harborough town and within 30 minutes car journey of the M1 and M6 motorways; suitable InterCity train services are available from London St Pancras and Leeds.
AGM 1993 The 1993 Annual General Meeting of the Trust will take place on Saturday 20th November 1993, at the Conference Room, Department of Physics and Electronics, University of York, Heslington, York. Formal notice of the meeting, the agenda, and the Annual Report and Accounts will he distributed with this issue of the magazine. In the event of any voting being necessary at the AGM only current Trust members will, of course, be eligible. Members are therefore asked to ensure they have their current membership cards with them at York. Tea will be served at the conclusion of the AGM at about 5.00pm. Other arrangements have been made for the Saturday and Sunday, centred around the National Railway Museum in York. From 10.00am until noon on Saturday 20th November, and all day Sunday 21st November, members of the Trust will be eligible for reduced price admission to the National Railway Museum (£3.45 adults; £1.75 children) on production of a current membership card. On the Saturday evening a special opening of the National Railway Museum has been arranged. A two course evening meal, with coffee and a pay bar has been arranged in the restaurant, which is centrally located on one of the platforms in the South Hall of the Museum. This will commence at 7.1 5pm and give members a chance to meet one another and discuss the year's events. Members attending the evening meal will have access to both the Great Hall (which tells the technological story of the railways and displays many locomotives and carriages including the Mallard, the world steam speed record holder) and South Hall which displays the outstanding collection of Royal STEAMING
Autumn 1993
York and York University
• NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM
A
CITY CENTRE
YORK STATION \ Hull Road
A166/ A1079 from Hull and A64 bypass
A64 from Leeds
The University lies to the south-east of York, between the city and the A64 outer bypass Easiest access by car is from Selby (A 19) or Hull/Bridlington (A 1079/A 166) roads. From these junctions the University is signposted.
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS Physics/Electronics NI Building
He village
cc Broadway
\
\ Al 9 from Selby and A64 bypass
carriages. Entrance for the evening will be by ticket only which must be booked before 13th November. The cost will be £10.00 per head. The evening promises to be a most agreeable occasion, taking place in surroundings that will be full of interest to members. Would those members requiring tickets please send cheques (made payable to the National Traction Engine Trust) to Susan Jackson, 153 Micklefield Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 7HA. Susan will also provide an accommodation list and maps to those members requesting them. Please send an SAE for all replies. There are ample car parking facilities at both The University of York and the National Railway Museum. The Railway Museum is within walking distance from the centre of York and the railway station — follow the tourist signs. For the benefit of members travelling to York by public transport, a NTET courtesy coach will make the journey from the front entrance to the Railway Museum (leaving at 1.00pm) to York University at Heslington, returning after the (Susan Jackson, General AGM. Secretary)
London Area Social Meetings The 1993/94 season of social meetings in London will commence in November, and all members, potential
members and interested visitors will be welcome to attend one or all of the evening talks or slide shows which have been arranged for the Trust by Bill Timmings. For the coming winter's meetings the function room has been booked at the Yorkshire Grey public house, Langham Street, London W1. This location is off Langham Place and Portland Place and little more than five minutes walk north of Oxford Circus tube station. Meetings will be held, generally, on the second Tuesday of each month, at 8.00pm, with the room available from 7.30pm. It is hoped members will continue to support our speakers in the enthusiastic way they have in the past. For the first two dates in our calendar, the following programme has been arranged: TUESDAY, 9th NOVEMBER 1993 — Mick Tuxworth will be talking about Sentinel wagons he has driven. TUESDAY, 14th DECEMBER 1993 — On this evening we have Alan Vessey from Napier Power Heritage, speaking about Napier engines on land, sea and in the air. (Bill Timmings, London meetings organiser)
'Driver seeks re-engagement, used to Straker, Mann, Thorneycroft, Leyland wagons, 32 years, life abstainer, own repairs, town or country. — Box 66 care of The Commercial Motor.' (from that magazine's advertisement columns, 12th December 1907.) 177
A Handful of Eccentrics David Eves Steam traction has been pert of my family's life over several generations. My grandfather, Alfred, along with his brothers Frederick and George (the latter of World's Fair 'Van Talk' fame) constructed during 1920-21 a model traction engine. To make the project possible the brothers, all in their early twenties, first had to make machinery; from such obscure articles as an old bicycle wheel and a bedstead they produced a lathe! The finished result, however, was a freelance model traction engine that won them a silver medal at the 1922 Model Engineer Exhibition and a place in many of the national newspapers of the day. The published photograph showed the small engine hauling a trailer full of men around Vincent Square in London. It has been licensed in Kent for road use and carried the registration mark KE7440. My grandfather Frederick drove engines for a short time for such well known Kentish firms as Thomas Wood. He was to see the traction engine evolve from being an everyday tool of the trade to become the subject of a new hobby for a handful of
178
'eccentrics'. From the very first famous meeting of two engines in a field in the Thames Valley, to the rally scene of today my father has been a regular attender or exhibitor with his own models. It was with these models that I was introduced at a very early age to the world of the traction engine. It came as a bit of a surprise however, when in late 1985 I decided to buy a steam roller. The late James Callen told me of one that was for sale and arrangements were made to view it. The roller turned out to be an 8 ton Fowler T3B of 1927, works number 17234. It had been owned in preservation by T.T. Boughton of Amersham where it had always been known as RUFFIE after the late Rernnrrl
who played a major role in the roller's restoration. It changed hands a number of times after leaving Boughtons, but when new had been delivered to David Way & Son, a private contractor from Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. It was part of a small fleet of Fowler and Aveling rollers and a Foden wagon owned by them. A boiler inspection was arranged on a special service prior to purchase. I wanted to know the true condition of the boiler and firebox from a professional source, as at that time I had no experience on full size engines. On 19th November 1985 the boiler inspector gave it a clean bill of health, so the purchase was concluded. A lifelong family friend, Jim
Two fine period scenes. The Eves brothers Fred, Arthur and George caught the interest of the press with traction engine enthusiasm in the days when the motor lorry was new-fengled and horse-drawn traffic quite usual. Arthur (left) and Fred are pictured at the doorway of the shed in Eynsford, Kent, in which the engine was built, shortly before it was shown at the Model Engineer Exhibition at the Horticultural Hall, London, in January 1922. Arthur is also seen driving the single cylinder engine, seemingly in Eynsford's main street for the benefit of the press photographer — 'the smallest engine in the world to be licensed for road tianspuri' the caption claimed. (collection, the Eves family)
Autumn 1993
STEAMING
Sarney, drove 17234 home for me, and anyone who has seen him in the capable charge of his own Burrell road loco LORD ROBERTS will know how out of place he must have felt on this mere 8 ton roller! By mid afternoon we were in the yard of the farm at Eton Wick, near to Windsor, which was to be the roller's new home. During the winter I did a couple of jobs that I immediate required see could attention. A new cab roof and chimney were made and fitted, a lot of cleaning done, and a Baker water cart purchased and patched up to make it reasonably watertight. A dozen or so events were attended in 1986, and by the end of the year I was getting quite used to driving the roller on the road. At the end of that year it was decided a few more jobs had to be done, but first, another boiler inspection to ensure everything was in order for the coming season. All was well. I was aware that a new main bearing was needed in the differential, and so the back roll and gear case were removed. It was at this point that events took a turn for the worse. It was now evident that a lot more needed doing than had been thought. A complete mechanical overhaul and repaint was the only remedy. The early 70s green and red livery was certainly past its prime. The opening months of 1987 saw the dismantling completed; all that was left on the boiler was the cylinder block, headstock and front rolls. All the grease and paint was scraped off to bare metal using an old wood chisel as I had no access to sand blasting equipment. The key securing the flywheel to the crankshaft had to be drilled out as the crankshaft required regrinding. The journals were badly scored and had worn oval. I made patterns for new bearings to be cast for many items: differential, back axle, second shaft, big ends, small ends and valve guide bushes. The pin holes in the motion were all badly worn so these were jig ground and new pins machined to suit. The pump received a new plunger and gland. Most of the gearing was in excellent condition with the exception of the final drive pinion on the second shaft and differential planet bevels, all of which were worn to razor edges. The most economical method of repair was to have the teeth built up and reprofiled. The job was undertaken by B & C Reconditioning, with superb results. During this time I had seen a stunning example of a Fowler roller owned and restored by Bob Payne. He was to become a good friend, with a wealth of information that he had STEAMING Autumn 1993
Stripping down the engine in the barn workshop, early 1987. (Dave Eves)
researched for his own project. His subject knowledge, especially on livery, is second to none. The paint therefore was mixed by T. & R. Williamson to the original 'purple brown' specification that they themselves supplied to Fowlers. Cleaning and painting continued until the chisel went through the side of the tender! Luckily it was thin only where the steersman's foot had worn away the plate over the years. So, a patch was welded in — and a new floor and
bunker plate also. After oxiding, the tender was refitted along with the back axle, crankshaft, second shaft and the fully painted and varnished flywheel. The cylinder bores were found to be hardly worn, and cleaned up by honing. Pistons and rings were too sloppy in the bores however, and had to be remade. I had some of the motion work dull chromed but it looked ghastly so it was stripped off again and looks far better done with oil and
Problems with the piston rods — they would not come out of the crossheads and had to be cut. The ends were later drilled out. (Dave Eves) 179
Painting work on the refitted tender — priming and rubbing down (left) and top coats and lining before varnishing. (Dave Eves)
emery cloth. The motion was refitted and new valve rods, piston rods and regulator rod made from stainless steel. The chimney base had a badly repaired crack in it and having the opportunity to borrow a pattern, I had a new one cast in iron. With the removal of the old chimney base the smokebox was found to be very thin at the top. The renewal of this was a job which I was not equipped to tackle. With this in mind it seemed to make sense to have a retube at the same time. Although the boiler inspector had not been concerned with their they were a bt thin on the ends. After all, I did not want to take off all the lagging again in just a year or so. With the roller now back on its wheels, it departed on 28th November 1988 for a smokebox and retube at the works of A.G. Bicknell & Co at Hollycombe, West Sussex. I returned home from work on 15th December to be informed that Robert Bicknell had phoned with some bad news. While the tubes were out of the roller, the boiler had been inspected by my usual company but a different inspector. He had condemned the firebox, front tube plate, a section of the backhead and boiler barrel which was found to be less than Yisin thick
Several weeks later, the new barrel and firebox riveted in place with the firebox stays still to be placed. (Dave Eves) 180
Start again the nearly completed roller outside the barn late in 1988 awaiting the low loader to take it to Bicknells for, ostensibly, a new smokebox and retube. (Dave Eves)
behind the tube plate at the bottom. It was, and still is, somewhat distressing that previous inspections had failed to show up the extremely dangerous state of a boiler that had but recently stood amongst hundreds of people on rally fields. Work halted for a few days while a trip to see the bank manager was arranged! Three days later I was able to give Robert Bicknell the go-ahead on the repair work. Early in the new year of 1989, I arrived at the Hollycombe works armed with tools to yet again dismantle the roller so the boiler work could commence. To my surprise there was no sign of it in the yard and so once in the shed I enquired as to its whereabouts. "You're standing next to it", I was told and, horrified, it dawned on me that the small box that comprised two hornplates, backhead and throatplate was all that remained of 17234. Weekly visits to Bicknells became routine and slowly the box grew back into a boiler. By Easter 1989 I was witnessing the steam test of what now looked like a Fowler roller. There was not so much as a wisp of steam or droplet of water from a rivet or stay. The job was a credit to Robert Bicknell and his team. With that in the past the roller returned to the farm at Eton Wick, near Windsor, for finishing. A new smokebox door was made and fitted, boiler lagged with wood and new steel cladding sheets fitted to boiler and cylinder block. The painting was finished with the exception of the rollers. During its stay at Hollycombe I had purchased a set of front rolls from
STEAMING Autumn 1993
Complete and rallying again, 17234 at the Newbury event in 1991. (Dave Eves)
a T3B that had been converted to a fake tractor. My own rolls had been cracked and plated on the inside. All the fittings were then cleaned and re-machined as necessary to take out the years of hammer marks and stilson prints. New brake gear was fabricated and fitted, along with a new threaded brake rod which had a proper left hand thread machined by Bob Payne. The bright steel work had pitting cleaned out and was in turn put back on. A
new brass Fowler chimney top and boiler bands saw the job nearly finished. The first public appearance of the now renamed RUFFIE (it had been called SUSIE when I purchased it) was appropriately at Hollycombe Steam Collection in May 1990. The only other appearance that year was at Newbury. The wheels were painted and lined early in 1991 and the roller was driven
Further tribulations — the roller strikes an embarrassing and dispiriting pose after breaking its rear axle. (Dave Eves)
181
to many shows in the south together with the rebuilt water cart, now back on iron wheels, and the recently acquired Bomford & Evershed living van. In September the roller took pride of place at my wedding reception. Two weeks later disaster struck on the road when the back axle broke! John Keeley and his men were soon to the rescue with a low loader, a lorry for the departed rear roller and
SPEED SIX UPDATE 5 Richard Parkinson Progress on the rebuild of Foden Speed Six wagon 13750 over the last year hasn't been as rapid as I would have liked, largely due to outside influences. Firstly, having a business close down, mainly due to the recession, with all the attendant ramifications inherent with these situations, and secondly an irritatingly persistent bout of sickness, which put me out of action for a lot of this summer. However, to what has been achieved... The engine rebuild is occupying much of the time at present. Towards the end of last year we got the valve chests, cylinders, connecting rods, crossheads, pistons and cylinder heads fitted, and got the engine
a Scammell recovery truck. The debris was taken back to his yard where it remained resident for the winter while a new axle was made and fitted. It was only luck that nobody was injured in the accident, as my steersman Kevin Harrison was thrown off into a ditch. Other damage to the roller was only superficial. 1992 was a trouble free year of extensive roading and rallies. RUFFIE
turning over by hand to set clearances etc. This all went very well, and subsequently I fitted the poppet valves, inlet manifold (complete with cylinder lubricating test cock), plus compression relief valves etc. The first illustration shows components before assembly of the 'top end' of the engine. At the rear are the original lower valve chests; in front are the new cylinder heads plus the new poppet valves (single head exhaust, double head inlet), springs, relief valves, etc. The next photograph shows the 'top end' after all these bits had been fitted up and 'bump' clearances set. Other jobs done have been the fitting of the newly rebuilt steering wheel; the lifting out of the back axle differential unit for fitting of new oil seals to the half shaft tubes and a check over — the latter partly necessitated by a change of oil type, and the need to thoroughly clean out the axle. The bronze components are in very good condition, and once the seals are done, it will be a re-assembly job on the axle. Then the chassis will be mobile enough to be pulled out for fitting of the water tank, which Is iII finished and ready. Members may be aware that John Sawle of St Agnes, Cornwall has recently purchased the Foden Sun tractor which came here from South Africa a little while ago. John made contact with me and we have been able to assist each other with
was sold in the September to enable me to purchase a traction engine.
I am greatly indebted to Jim Sarney, Bob Payne, Robert Bicknell and John and May Keeley for their help, guidance and friendship during and beyond the restoration of 17234, and last but not least to my father and normally tolerant wife Claire!
information. Not least of this was my introduction to John's boiler inspector, who is prepared to take on the Speed Six boiler and who has intimated that he cannot foresee any major problems in getting it up and running to current standards. Needless to say, if this is so, it will make things a lot easier, and hopefully will mean that the return to steam of the vehicle will not be too far off. To this end, I am still in need of some elusive parts, and hope readers may be able Lo help me. The handbook illustration reproduction shows the distinctive mechanical cylinder lubricator fitted to the Speed Six; it is the round object in the centre of the picture. You can see the traditional ratchet drive arm coming from its centre and pointing back to the right. I suspect the fitting is BII alloy casting (although I'm not certain) and it bears a plate (visible on the left face) probably carrying the inscription MOORS & SON. WARMINGHAM, SANDBACH, CHESHIRE.
The last picture shows the double clack valve fitted to the Speed Six boiler; this was photographed on the Sun tractor, but it was identical on the wagons If anyone has either, or both, of these hard to get items, I'd be delighted to hear from them, and hopefully they might be made available for purchase. So please have a look in your piles of bite, you never know what might be there, even if you didn't know what it was! My location
'OP TIMING sl.nFf not mrmr,
WORLD'S The outdoor entertainment weekly incorporating
Preservation World N41, or. ,,E.1 Er 1014. SHP, I
nowt., +Jun ---ROL k 61 IIACt Ar41.1
and acquisition of these parts would be extremely helpful to the completion of this project. Lastly, the boiler has been taken into the workshop and about half of the foundation ring rivets are now out, and we are progressing with the boiler strip-out. My thanks as always go to all those who are contributing to the re-birth of the Speed Six. (Anyone able to assist with the parts mentioned should write to Richard Parkinson, 6 Okefield Ridge, Crediton, Devon EX17 2EG; z 03632 5611.1
Place a regular order now with your newsagent for your weekly copy of the World's Fair and keep up to date with news, rally reports, club events and much more within the world of steam preservation. And if you have something to sell or an event to promote, advertise it where it will be noticed in Preservation World. For advertising and subscription details contact: The World's Fair Ltd., P.O. Box 57, Daltry Street, Oldham OL1 4BB. Telephone: 061-624 3687. Fax: 061-665 1260
VALENTINE WELDING lk ENGINEERING Co 12 Enterprise Road, Raunds, Northamptonshire NN9 6JE
tr 0933 460946 Fax 0933 625551
Boiler manufacture and restoration on full size and model engines Welder approval test certificate to BS4871 (EN287, 288) All welding certified and approved by Cornhill Insurance Group
TENDERS, BELLYTANKS, WATER CARTS WHEELS RETYRED and SPOKED WHEELS MANUFACTURED Big enough to cope
STEAMING Autumn 1993
Small enough to care
183
The Great Dorset 25th Anniversary Video Collection At last a collection of videos that take into account the varying intereasts of enthuiasts at Englands largest Steam & Vintage event.
Remember a video makes a great Christmas gift ! ! !
The Great Dorset The 1993 Show Video We had the sun, we had the atmosphere, now sit back and relive the highlights of the great Dorset 25th anniversary. (60mins (approx) £12.00 including postage and packing)
THE GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR 0E3
The Great Dorset Amalgamated Heavy Haulage One of the most spectacular sections of Tarrant Hinton event is the Heavy Haulage demonstrations put together by a great team of men we go behind the scenes apd meet the character who relive this important part of early English Transport. (60mins (approx) £12.00 including postage and packing)
The Great Dorset Organs & Interludes Known throughout England as the place to go to see best collection of Organs we take our cameras on a search for some of the countries finest exhibits. Mixed with some scenes of the show put In music ils enjoyment all the way. (60mins (approx) £12.00 including postage and packing)
The Great Dorset Commercials, Bikes, Cars, & Rollers Respected commentator Gerry Burr takes us on a journey round his favourite exhibits at the show, this video an insight into a man who knows his subject well. (60mins (approx) £12.00 including postage and packing)
Important Message Some sequences may be repeated on some videos
184
Order your video on the next page
The Great Dorset Steam Fair 1969 to 1993 (The Greatest Show on Earth) After 3 years of extensive dedicated research RallyScene Video Productions are proud to bring to your television screen this exclusive insight into The Great Dorset Steam Fair
The Great Dorset Steam Fair 1969 to 1993
Available Now ! (FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY) For only
£15.00 (including Postage & Packing) no more to pay Please make cheques/Postal Orders payable to : RALLYSCENE VIDEO PRODUCTIONS (Video sales department) 14 Brook Vale Close Barlow Sheffield Telephone (0742) 891494 ALL VIDEOS ARE VHS ONLY (Forign formats available on request)
An Interesting DOCUMen
Worlds.
Running time 60 minutes (approx) Please allow 28 days for delivery
G3tMIAM-2143 Q WOOL'© QaMtgg. tC3ga4 t0e4
Trade and retail enquires welcome please cut along this line ORDER FORM (Please Enclose Cheque) Please fill in the details below. Name Address Post Code Phone Number
El im =is IN Ram= U t■■tNratlltr--Elim=wat---
Please tick the video you require
The Great Dorset 1969 to 1993 The Great Dorset 1993 Show Video Great Dorset (Amalgamated Heavy Haulage) Great Dorset (Organs & Interludes) Great Dorset (Commercials,Bikes,Cars, & Rollers) I enclose a cheque/postal order for
Rallyscene Productions is in no way assoicated with CMS Rallyscene (Stamford) 185
FORTY YEARS AGO Derek Marder This year has seen the 40th anniversary of the first Andover traction engine rally and I have collected together some reminiscences, reports and pictures in honour of that initial event. I and a few others believe it to be the first actual rally of traction engines, for the earlier events at Appleford were races, but its a contentious point and I don't want to upset anybody. I suppose we in this arca could go back further in fact, for in 1938 our local paper reported on a race between steam rollers on the parade grounds at Barton Stacey — this was for the navvies working to complete the surface of the grounds at the Militia Camp and it caused excitement as bets were laid on the results! But I digress; that wasn't a rally, of [Diesel vation. Gordon Howell, of Andover, recalls that in 1952 he and a few others from the Andover & District Model Engineering Society got together in an old pre-war van and made the trip to see that year's Appleford Traction Engine Race. As they walked into Bridge Farm, they saw Ian Woollet's Fode.n D type trartnr rnmp $tearnirla out from behind one of the sheds and Cecil Barnett, whose van had been used for the journey, was thrilled to pieces, for he was a Foden wagon driver who had finished his time on a Speed 6 for Salters at Salisbury. Hie words to Gordon were "We ought to have one like that! We could keep it in my paddock at the back of the house". The race was all the talk on the return journey and at the next Society meeting it was decided, on Gordon Howell's suggestion, that they held a proper road locomotive rally in 1953. With this in mind Barnett and Howell went into action to find a Foden for the forthcoming event, arranged to be held on Easter Monday, 6th April 1953. The Foden was finally obtained from P.W. Cole, showman, of Martock, Somerset, and towed back to Andover in September, and made steamable by the following Easter. The rally was held at Dances 186
Engines on their way to the rally pass along Ox Drove; Marshall 6hp single 73040 leads cars of the day and Foden 13358. (R. G. Pratt)
The entrants Foden 0 type tractor 14078 of 1932 (MJ369) owned by Gordon Howell and Cecil Barnett, Andover, Hampshire Foden D type tractor 13358 of 1929 (DF8187) owned by Ian Woollett Sentinel S4 wagon 9208 of 1935 (BYL485) owned by William Selby, Newbury, Berkshire Sentinel Si wagon 9163 of 1935 (AER800) owned by Frank Rivers, of Aldermaston, Berkshire Burrell scenic showmans road loco 3887 of 1922 (HR6658) PRINCE OF WALES owned by R. Corbett, lichen Abbess, Winchester, Hampshire Foster scenic showmans road loco 14632 of 1934 (AAU370) SUCCESS owned by J. Hardwick, West Ewell, Surrey Fowler showmans road loco 19782 of 1932 (UB9763) THE LION owned by E.A. Lucas, Salisbury Burrell showmans tractor 3497 of 1913 (HO 59931 owned by Arthur Napper of Apple ford, Berkshire Marshall Q class traction engine 73040 of 1920 (BL2179) owned by A.E. Newbery, Kingsclere, Newbury, Berkshire Wallis & Steevens Oilbath tractor 7641 of 1920 (BW4668) owned by A. Kanes, Andover, Hampshire Wallis & Steevens steam motor, c1904 (GRX400) owned by Giles Romanes, Dorchester White steam car, c1903 (BH534) owned by W. Blackford, Caine, Wiltshire large model traction engine owned by J. Fisher Autumn 1993
STEAMING
Foden D-type tractor 13358 of 1929 pictured in Ox Drove, Andover on its way to the rally, from Jubilee Farm, the author's own premises. (R.G. Pratt)
Meadow, Vigo Road, Andover, a field near to where local fairs were staged. It was the first where all entrants were given a brass plaque, and where there were organised events for different engine classes, a model tent and a coal supply — not free, but it was available on the field. Unfortunately, as many later rally organisers were to find to their own dismay, the variable British weather played a large part in the happenings of the day. Press reports of the day give us good accounts. The Andover headlined its story Advertiser 'Locomotive Rally ruined by Rain' and reported: 'An elderly man pushed his way through a crowd of spectators and went up to Mr R. Corbett of Itchen Abbas, the present owner of a 1923 20 ton Burrell showmans engine named PRINCE OF WALES and said "Here she is photographed when only six months old". This incident took place at the Road Locomotive Rally organised by the Andover Model Engineering Society at Dances Meadow, Vigo Road, Andover on Easter Monday, The man who produced the photograph was an E.P. Mr engineering enthusiast, Heginbotham of Vine Street, Frome, who came up to Andover for the sole purpose of seeing 'the old Prince of Wales' as he called it. — I can remember the days when it used to pull Jennings Fair all over the West Country from Wiltshire to Devon and back again," said Mr Heginbotham. "She's a grand old steamer" and with a twinkle in his eye added "You won't find workmanship like that anywhere else today". He gave the photograph he brought with him to the present owner of the machine, Mr Corbett, another keen engineering enthusiast. 'Unfortunately, for the Andover Club and in particular for the hard working Hon Sec Mr R. Pemble, the rally was spoilt by the rain and from a financial point of view was disastrous for the Club. The entire programme that had been planned — an obstacle race for the nine or ten engines that had turned up to be followed by a
Burrell scenic showmans 3887 of 1.922 PRINCE OF WALES. (R.G. Pratt)
Burrell Gold Medal showmans tractor 3497 of 1913; Arthur Napper on the footplate. (R.G. Pratt) STEAMING Autumn 1993
187
Sentinel S4 wagon 9163 of 1935. (R.G. Pratt)
Gordon Howell (right) and Ian Fraser (left) stand by Foden D-type tractor 14078 on 6th April 1953. (D.R. Smith)
Grand Parade — had to be cancelled owing to the soggy conditions. As it was, many of the bigger vehicles especially the 20 ton showmans type, became stuck in the mud and it was only through the efforts of Mr A. Newbery of Porch Farm, Kingsclere with his 1920 Marshall agricultural that some of the engines were dragged clear. 'Mr Pemble had gone to great lengths to inform many clubs of the Andover Rally and among those present were representatives of the Road Locomotive Society, the National Traction Engine Owners & Users Association; British Fairground Society; Vintage Sports Car Club; Friendship Circle of Showmans Fans and the Southern Federation of Model Engineers. 'There were two Andover exhibitors: Mr A. Kanes of Eastfield Road, Andover who brought along his 1921 Wallis & Steevens 5 ton engine and Mr G. Howell of The Crescent, Andover with his 1932 Foden tractor.' Then, as now, the showland paper The World's Fair was ready to report the happenings of fairground and other steam engines to its readers and their coverage, by an unknown reporter, records more of the 1953 occasion: 'Plans for a Spectacular Road Locomotive Rally at Andover, on Easter Monday were spoiled by the weather. Heavy overnight rain and a downpour just before the engines arrived softened the turf so much that the heavy showmans type engines with their rubber treads were literally bogged down. 'Although some of the engines had arrived at Jubilee Farm the day previously, the first on the scene were Dr. G. Romanes' Wallis 3 ton motor and Mr Fisher's large model on a low luadei. Owing Lu the state of the meadow they decided to off-load on the roadway (having steamed up on the way) and no sooner were they earth bound than a cloud of steam heralded the arrival of a procession from the farm. Headed by Mr Lucas' Fowler they made a grand sight and one felt that all the hard work of organising had been worthwhile. 'Then came tragedy. Having taken the hardcore entry to the field with a grand burst of speed, THE LION
Showing signs of proceeding so far and no further, Fowler 19782 THE LION stands on the sodden Andover turf. Built in April 1932, the engine was but twenty-one years old! (collection D. Marder) Autumn 1993
STEAMING
The general scene at Dances Meadow — the crowd consists almost entirely of men and boys, mostly wearing raincoats. (collection D. Marder)
promptly bogged down leaving just room enough to allow the others to pass her. PRINCE OF WALES followed her and a little further on she too dropped anchor. The sedate Marshall with her steel strakes bypassed the two wrecks and proceeded gracefully on her way followed by Mr Napper's Burrell tractor, Mr Woolett's Foden tractor, Mr Kane's 5 ton Wallis and Mr Howell's Foden tractor onto the rally field. They amused the public by doing trial runs over the wet turf. In the meantime bales of straw had been secured and laid down liberally in the paths of the two showmans engines and Mr Newbery's Marshall was brought into service to haul them out of the soft earth. 'Just as operations were commencing, into the field came Mr Blackford's White steam car, thumbing her nose to the bogged down giants, and being greeted with astonishment and cheers. She was soon surrounded by photographers and sightseers many of whom had never seen such a car and were hard to convince that she was driven by steam. 'Back to the breakdowns, the Marshall began her rescue work and slowly both PRINCE OF WALES and THE LION were hauled to firm ground and proceeded to the field. In the meantime Mr Fisher on his miniature and Mr Romanes on the Wallis were having the time of their lives, but it didn't last. The two Fodens and the 5 ton Wallis were in trouble. At this moment into the field like streaks of lightning arrived Mr Selby of Newbury and Mr Rivers of Aldermaston with their Sentinels but they too, seeing the STEAMING
Autumn 1993
The 1904 built White steam car. (collection D. Marder)
fate of the others, kept very quiet. It was then decided to cancel the programme for the day and concentrate on getting back on the road. 'What the position would have been without the Marshall I shudder to think; both she and her driver deserve a gold medal as big as a frying pan. I should like to express my thanks on behalf of the Society to the members of the British Fairground Society, VSCC etc.' The engines that attended are detailed in the accompanying list. It is interesting to note that two remain in the same ownership after all this time — THE LION is still owned by Ernie Lucas of Salisbury and Giles Romanes still travels with his small Wallis motor.
Wallis & Steevens Oilbath tractor 7641 on Ox Drove. (R. G. Pratt) 189
A splendid outfit — Foster scenic showmans 14632 SUCCESS aboard its low loader hauled by a Foden tractor unit. The engine never did leave the trailer, due to the weather conditions. (R. G. Pratt)
See too, how young some of the engines were — over half were less than 25 years old and three were still teenagers! I am grateful to the proprietors of the newspapers concerned for their permission to reproduce the contemporary press reports. The pictures came from my own collection, but were taken by a variety of photographers, some unrecorded. I hope we have correctly credited them.
EDMONDS on Engines
Chris Edmonds
What a day! I've just had an income tax demand and a bank statement that shows the two are not compatible. The dishwasher has dropped the plug, which has given the missus the hump, and the Pekinese has decided the most delectable place to go to the toilet is on our bed! So I am in the mood for a right good moan. (I quite enjoy it.) When you actually look at the financial arrangements of the traction engine movement, its enough to make a Gnome of Zurich leap from a seventh floor window! What other organisation can hire thousands of pounds worth of priceless equipment and pay them a pittance for appearing. What other organisation allows organisers to live in the lap of luxury by staging just one event, and then not paying all the exhibitors. Hire yourself a field (or buy it), 190
stack it full of tat that is a lot younger than me, bankrupt the showmen with the rents, and laugh all the way to the bank with around fifty grand. That's the way it is. What about the so called old-time entertainment. One time of day we danced to an organ being driven by a showmen's engine outside the beer tent. Today the likes of me can't hear ourselves in the beer tent for the sheer racket kicked up by these highly amateur pop groups. Who needs them for God's sake. The steam engine owner is being used, it not abused. Call it a steam rally? Some might feel it is a heaven sent opportunity for every tax avoidance expert and pseudo-criminal to get in on the act and go away with a non-declared fortune. Thieving and violence aren't unknown at some of the larger events, and as for real steam men — you just can't find them these days. Gone are the days of cosy chats with real enginemen who actually knew a thing or two about steam. All you've got today are a load of posers hell bent on self aggrandisement. I know a man who has got an engine worth, conservatively, eighty thousand pounds, yet as a working man he can only just about afford to tax and insure it and take it round to the shows by driving it on the road. That, of course, is a sin in many people's eyes these days. This is the age of the bossy boots. If it isn't someone from the NTET telling us what to do, then it is Jacques Delors of the EC. They ought to join forces and we could all go home. Of course, there is one way to make money out of this rally lark and have a real dose of self aggrandise-
ment. Field more than one engine, and preferably five or six named after all your sons and daughters. That will really put you in the front league. I am surprised that rally programmes don't publish the price each engine owner paid for his engine — printed on pink paper it would be like the Financial Times wouldn't it? Engines aren't allowed to smoke any more; organs aren't allowed to play after seven for fear of waking up the Caravan Club kids, but the generators and pop groups can go blue murder till two in the morning. Yobbos tie whistles down and pinch generators, and every caravan has its telly to watch Neighbours. I'm decamping down to Sussex this weekend to drive a Burrell showmans tractor to a rally. When I get there I shall go and jump nff Brighton pier having committed the cardinal sin of holding up traffic on the main Brighton road. I haven't driven this engine since 1967 at Woburn Abbey. Things were different then — a lot of different. The name of the engine is LION LORD OF THE FOREST and all I can say in the mood I'm in is 'Praise the Lord'I
'Back from Belfast. — A standard 6 ton 'Sentinel' wagon by Alley and MacLellan, Limited, of Polmadie, Glasgow, has just been shipped from Belfast by the Midland Railway Company, as the machine is now required elsewhere, the strike of carters having terminated: (from Commercial Motor, 5th September 1907.) Autumn 1993
STEAMING
TECHNICAL TOPICS McLaren and Burrell Springing — Again The near two pages devoted to the above subject in the Spring issue have engendered even more useful comment from readers and we are pleased to set down further details.
Steve Neville, of Saffron Walden, Essex, writes: The small cast-iron plates bearing the words WORKING POSITION DOWN relate to the position of the rear springing on McLaren and Burrell double-drive road locomotives. Although I do not know who copied who, the fact that this occurred is fairly obvious, for the rear suspension on both makes is more or less identical, and might I say it, equally ineffective! An ex-McLaren apprentice told me, many years ago, that the springs should be adjusted to allow a fiveshilling piece to slide into the space between the top of the axle tube, and the underside of the horn-box opening. This would leave about % inch underneath for spring movement, which is not a lot on the best of days! The patent spring-levelling device consisted of an eye-headed stud, screwed vertically into the upper
surface of the top retaining block. A further stud, with a plain end and retaining nut is screwed horizontally into the inside of the tender plate. This is positioned in such a way as to align the eye on the first stud, horizontally with the centre-line of the second. An indicator bar, with a hole at one end, and a second hole some quarter of the way along the length, is then fitted with the latter hole passing over the plain diameter of the second stud, and the first hole being connected by a loose-running pin to the eye of the first stud. One can easily see that as the spring block moves up and down, the free end of the bar will reflect that motion. This free end was actually formed as a pointer, to line up with the various markings on the WORKING POSITION plate. There was a similar device on both sides of the engine, so that both springs could be adjusted. All three road engines I have
operated, Burrells 3886 and 3593, and McLaren 1652 have all been fitted with this arrangement at some time or another, each device dying a natural by shaking itself to bits. I still have the remains to show! I suppose that when the engines were brand-new, one could set them up to be fairly quiet and comfortable. Years of working, however, took their toll, and wherever the spring was set, the ride was much the same. Too much tension and the springs would not move, too little and the gears would bottom, making the engine sound like a Fowler and send one running for the ear protectors. It would certainly be interesting to know whether there are any Mac or Burrell engines about now with this indicator feature surviving. If not, there remains a project in setting one up again.
Burrell Drawing No 2029, dated 31st March 1903, entitled 'small details of Spring Gear for 8hp Traction Engine'. (collection Les Burberry)
MINI N 2.1-05
1 4
-1 . 41 1-1 02811
WORKINCe
El_IIS1-1141V
4II
tie I
DOWN-: a THUS
SNAI-1 DETAIL., OP
STEAMING Autumn 1993
Pow
I-P -rqA
191
I
k
- J&H lek.ARENS -- SPRING 4 GEAR
roR TRACTION
Les Burberry of Aldershot kindly sends a copy of the Burrell drawing for the device described by Steve Neville (who also provided a freehand sketch from memory). Les remarks that since most of the engines in preservation seem to have lost the fittings, the reproduction of the drawing may be of interest to some owners.
Michael Lane of Bury St Edmunds comments: I have been very interested to read the correspondence regarding the spring gear on McLaren engines and its connection with Charles Burrell. I cannot categorically answer the questions posed, but I enclose a McLaren drawing showing their single drive spring mounted hind axle assembly. The reverse of the print has McLaren's rubber stamp imprint with 'Mr Chas Burrell, October 6th 1902' added. I do not know if this is an 192
ENCIN
acknowledgement of Burrell's copyright to the design. Certainly they never patented the arrangement. I feel the likely expidlialion is Litsl Burrells were given a licence to use the design from October 1902. Co-operation between the traction engine builders was not uncommon. Both Fowlers and Marshalls used Robert Burrell's famous patent No 4432 of 1877. Some Fowler ploughing engines used Burrell single crank compound cylinders, the latter's patent 3489 of 1889. Fowlers, Burrells and Aveling & Porters used the Boulton wheel patent acquired by McLaren. Later, Burrells used the McLaren water heater on the Italian type direct traction ploughing engine supplied to Societa Italiana Macchini of Pincenza, and so on. The principals of those great firms were well known to each other and they met regularly at meetings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Usually, royalties of between £1 and £5 were
J.& H. McLaren's drawing for their Spring Gear. An interesting thing about this particular blueprint is that the reverse bears that maker's rubber stamp impression, filled in in handwriting: DRAWING No. SUBJECT. Spring Gear for Traction Engines FOR: Mr Chas. Burrell DATE: Octr 6th 1902. (Collection M.R. Lane)
agreed between the firms. I believe the first occasion on which Burrells used this spring hind axle assembly as depicted in the attached drawing was on a pair of large 12nhp double crank compound crane engines, 2524 and 2559 built respectively in October 1902 and April 1903. I believe, subject to confirmation, that McLarens used the arrangement prior to 1902. Nor am I Autumn 1993
STEAMING
To illustrate the spring indicators in work Richard Marsh had kindly photographed the restored examples on his own Burrell 3886 LORD LASCELLES. Whilst the left hand side is easily seen, the right side is rather more obscured from view. sure if Burrells used the spring mounted spur gear encompassing the compensating gear shown in the McLaren drawing, but the axle springing was basically the same. I hope better informed members may be able to throw some more light on this fascinating subject.
out of the drain line and glass contains only steam. 4. With a very gentle flow of steam out of the drain line, hold cup of ammonia to the end of drain line
Wanted Cleaning gauge glasses The following tip is culled from the pages of our American contemporary Iron Men Album, a contribution (from an earlier unknown published source) by Chuck Sindelar of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Practices do not necessarily easily cross the Atlantic, either way, so it would be interesting to hear if this method was used or was efficacious in Britain. As Chuck remarks 'water level is of paramount importance to boiler safety. Thus a clean, easily readable glass means more than merely a mark of good housekeeping, but of much more importance; it is the mark of a safetyconscious engineer. This is a goal that we must work towards'. How to clean boiler gauge glasses. Follow these simple steps to clean gauge glass without disassembly. 1. Fill a cup with ordinary household ammonia. 2 Close top and bottom gauge valves. Open drain valve beneath column. 3. Barely open the top gauge valve so steam pressure blows all the water STEAMING
Autumn 1993
All kinds of steam engines and working steam models for
Dordt in Stoom 1994 Holland's unique steam rally, to be held in the centre of Dordrecht (10kms east of Rotterdam and 30kms from ferries)
so steam bubbles up through ammonia. 5. Close top gauge valve. Steam will quickly condense in the gauge glass causing a vacuum. The resulting traction will suck ammonia up into the gauge glass. Repeat until the glass is sparkling clean. (We would like to think that these columns offer the chance for ongoing discussion of technical subjects which cannot always be explained in a onceoff categorical manner — different opinions and experiences often prevail and are not always contradictory. The regular quarterly publication of our magazine allows the opportunity for continuing debate and examination of a wide variety of traction engine topics and we solicit further contributions from readers. — Hon Editor.)
28th, 29th May Participants may be able to make a combination with the rallies at Almere (12-15 May) and Rotterdam (21-23 May)
Please write with picture of your exhibit to: Robert Deventer, Postbox 23, 9468 ZG Annen, Holland
'Steam Threshers a Problem — Steam threshers have been playing havoc in many parts of the state this fall. Although few accidents have occurred from explosions, many have resulted from sparks from smokestacks, and considerable property has in consequence been destroyed. As the fall has by no means been a dry one, it is rather difficult to give a reason why so many more fires than usual have been caused by these engines.' (Problems in the northern USA state of Wisconsin reported in the Appleton Post in October 1889.) 193
More Swiss Rolls i• -Ii;!1,F,11111111,r-:.y.li',`,..:1-;Plii.lil;i1 I 411
,1',V,I;11;111111,
riy
Derek Rayner, with information supplied by Kurt Hurlimann In my article on steam rollers in Switzerland in the Spring 1992 issue of this magazine I enthused over the unusual Schweizerische Locomotivund Maschinenfabrik (SLM) design of steam roller. Following advice from member David Fielding that another example of the breed has appeared in steam at a vintage transport event near Zurich in September 1990, I have subsequently been ahle in make contact with the owners of this roller and can set down more on the history and mechanical details of these SLM machines. The working survivor, named FVA, ignnw "wned by Fa Toiler AG of Meilen and I am grateful to Kurt Hurlimann, mechanic to the company and now a member of our Trust, for much of the content of these notes.
Views of Schweizerische Locomotivund Maschinenfabrik steam roller number 1, built in 1923, and now steamed in preservation by the road construction firm of Toiler. A considerable amount of technical and dimensional information on the SLM design appeared in our Spring 1992 issue. Note from these pictures the plate frames which run the full length of the machine and form the substantial bed to build the machine on — arguably a more sound arrangement than the traditional method of using the boiler as the structural basis. (Kurt Hurlimann/Toiler AG) 194
EVA carries a plate indicating it is SLM No 1 and it was the first of a series of six built by that firm — presumably the prototype. It also has SLM boiler number 4074, this from a series which does not seem to be the same as those used for SLM's principal product of railway locomotives. (Perhaps some members who are continental railway enthusiasts may be able to comment on this.) 4074 was built in 1923 and went new to road construction company Franz Vago of Mullheim, Thurgau, in the east of Switzerland. The other known examples of the type were turned out as 4075 and 4076 in 1923, and 4120 to 4122 in 1924. As mentioned in the earlier article, two of these survive on display on plinths in the suburban area west of Zurich, presented by Walo Bertschinger. 4120 had also been used by the Walo company and 4075 by Frutiger and Sohne, Oberhofen. The rolls on EVA are of a slightly different design to later machines. No 1 (4074) came into the ownership of Jakob Toiler of Meilen in 1958 and his firm used it for some ten years at construction sites around Lake Zurich. At this time it was given the fleet number 13, which it still carries in brass numbers on the smokeplate door. Since being retired in 1968 the boiler inspection has been kept up by Schweizerischer Verein fur Druckbehalter uberwachung (SVDB — Swiss Steam Boiler Association). That association's membership plate, 224, is carried above the firehole door. In recent years the roller has been restored with a fine finish — the boiler, dome and chimney in black with brass bands; the wheels, forecarriage, water tank, coal bunker and toolbox and cab supports are in mid green and then various fittings are picked out in red. The canopy logo, the letters of the name Toiler arranged as a stylised road roller, is carried on the bunker and toolbox. In October 1992 EVA contested with seven other rollers in the first Swiss Steam Roller Race and after several heats and a semi-final, became the winner.
The first Swiss Steam Roller Race Although this event, held in Winterthur, was not the first organised gathering of steam road vehicles in Switzerland, it was certainly the first time so many steam rollers were gathered together for such an event. It was organised jointly by Verband Schweiz Strassenbau-unternehmer (VESTRA-Swiss Roadmaking School) and Berufschule fur Strassenbauer, Sursee as a silver jubilee celebration. STEAMING Autumn 1993
Flower be-decked Fowler compound roller 10959 glistens in the rain at Winterthur with dedicated spectators sheltering under their umbrellas. Note the heavy cast weights added within the wheel rims. (Ziegler AG)
Entrants at Winterthur KLARA, built Henniger, Darmstadt, Germany 164 of 1923 owned by E. Heller, Schupfen • BERTHA, built Fowler 10959 of 1907 owned Strasseninspektorat, Stadt-Winterthur ■ EVA, built SLM 1 of 1923 owned Toiler AG, Meilen • DORA, built Garrett 29008 of 1911 owned A. Kappeli's Sohne AG, Chur ■ LISA, built Maffei, Munich, Germany 9111 of 1925 owned Morant & Co AG, St Gallen • VERA, built Zettelmeyer, Konz bei Trier, Germany 604 of 1934 owned Ernst Frey AG, Kaiseraugst • GINA, built Aveling-Barford AC607 of 1937 owned Ziegler AG, Liestai • STELLA, built Henschel, Kassel, Germany 1934 owned A. Kapelli's Sohne AG, Wohlen •
Two contestants at the Winterthur event. The German built Henniger roller stands left whilst EVA, right, is on home territory, having been built in the town. (Ziegler AG)
An estimated 4000 spectators watched the various rollers put through their paces in the town's streets — a 1500 metre course had been laid out around several specially closed streets of one of Winterthur's suburbs. After the final race at two o'clock the event finished with demonstrations in the yard at the town's Strasseninspekorat (road surveyors), the owners of one of the participating rollers. The event attracted much attention from the local press and seemed to catch the imagination of the public in much the same way as did the early engine races at Nettlebed in England. As at that location over 40 years ago, the Swiss event was straight forward racing between the machines and the sights were nothing if not spectacular, with the cold damp weather giving ample amounts of smoke and steam. However, the initial enthusiasm for the excitement of the races ought in future to be tempered by safety considerations, especially as the venues are hard level surfaces in urban streets. For the event, all entrants had been given a female name and they were collectively referred to as Dampfgirls, being decorated with floral displays and flags. Some of the machines would have had a familiar outline to British onlookers, being the products of Fowler, Garrett and AvelingBarford. The latter was owned in Co. Durham by Don Proudlock until 1988, the only surviving compound example in Britain of the hybrid Ruston designed, Ransomes built design sold by Aveling-Barford either side of World War 2. The Garrett is of the type that had a superheater built into the base of the chimney, vviiiist die Fovvier D2 class has additional heavy cast weights affixed inside the rims of the rolls, which bring it up to 16 tons in
Maffei of Munich built this roller (9111 of 1925) but a Rochester workman of the 1920s would have guessed it a product of the local Aveling factory. (Ziegler AG) working order. Several other D2 class rollers survive in Switzerland and 8244 of 1898, owned by Ziegler AG of Liestal is presently in Co. Durham for restoration. Such was the interest generated by the Winterthur gathering that it is likely to become a regular event. Although European Traction Engine Register listed 38 steam rollers in Switzerland, Kurt Hurlimann advises there are actually somewhere in the region of 85, of which about twenty are roadworthy. The Winterthur event has acted as a catalyst for interest within the country, and the level of interest, previously dormant, hes surprised many who perhaps believed themselves the only Swiss interested in steam rollers. As a result the Dampfwalzen Club Schweiz (Swiss Steam Rolle' Club) was ruinied in November 1992. It is hoped its activities will encourage other owners to return their charges to working order,
'Steady Married Man, 37, seeks situation as secondErnanl, Foden or tractor, [will] drive if required when used to road, can drive locomobile or portable. — Wales, Chalk Pit, Oxted.' (a somewhat cautious man seeking work in Motor Traction, 27th May 1911.)
Spectators wisely stand back as STELLA, built by Henschel of Kassel, races into a lead in her heat. (Ziegler AG)
*
DAD1993 AT♦L AS •
Another 60 minute 'gem' from
MOONLIGHT PRODUCTIONS £18.00 post free from 14 ARRAN AVE, SALE, CHESHIRE M33 3NQ Autumn 1993
STEAMING
Aveling's Green Apologies are due to members for the length of time it has taken to continue the discussion on Aveling & Porter's green paintwork. The cover of our Summer 1992 issue featured an illustration from Aveling's 1902 colour brochure (of a fine high wheeled road locomotive) and suggested that further discussion on the subject of the shade of green of the engine's livery might be of interest. Such discussion would be so much better when accompanied by colour illustrations and colour samples, and we are now able to include illustrations of Aveling livery as applied to two restored engines, to accompany the comments made by several readers in response to the Editor's suggestion of over a year ago.
Richard Willcox, Hon Engine Liveries Officer of the Road Locomotive Society: I was very interested to see the cover picture on the Summer 1992 issue and I see we are invited to comment on it. Firstly I would say that overall it is very accurate, and conveys the general colour scheme well. Even the colour green is as close as one could expect; the nearest match I have found being in the ICI Autocolour range, ref HX 93. Many years ago Avelings told me that in the earlier steam days they mixed their own paint in the paint shop from indigo and yellow ochre to make the green. This almost certainly varied between batches as it was certainly only done by eye to the foreman's direction. Only in the latter steam days, say the 14000 series rollers and those with Aveling-Barford plates, was bought in paint used, and this was more of a middle green shade, I believe. Another complication is that engines supplied to, or sold through H. Richards of Newport, were painted a different shade, known in the works as 'Richards green', but no information seems to survive as to the shade of this. Returning to the cover picture, I feel the brass chimney top, a la Fowler, is a bit of artistic licence, as to my knowledge, this shape of chimney top on an Aveling was always cast STEAMING Autumn 1993
iron, painted black. Although copper caps were fitted to some engines, these were a different shape entirely. I would have expected the beading on the motion screen to be brass however, but it could have been steel painted green. The three colour lining gives the impression that the black, red, and yellow were together, but whereas the red did edge the black bands, the yellow was set away slightly, such that there was green on either side of it. The correct layout of the lining is however, clearly shown. A lot of the surfaces which appear grey in the picture, were in fact matt black, and this includes the flywheel — both sides. A pity the illustration does not show the near side, as I have great difficulty convincing some people that Aveling flywheels were, almost always, black. Also the crank appears black, another point clarified that I have had difficulty convincing people. Well there we are, a most interesting early example of colour printing, which has I think reproduced very well. Can we see some more please?
Sandy Ross, owner of two Aveling rollers: The Aveling road engine shown on the front cover of the Summer 1992 edition sheds some interesting light on the vexed question of the true shade of Aveling green. Modern day Aveling owners happily deck out their steeds in every shade of green from lime green to dark holly. It is worth noting that the two engines owned by my brother and myself, built in 1911 and 1923, were painted and lined out at Rochester in a partly stripped down condition. When we originally restored them we found that after removal of the handbrake fulcrum pin bracket castings from the tender sides, the original livery and lining out was revealed, having been protected from sunshine, heat and oil for over half a century. This was duly recorded by colour photography. The green paint on both engines was certainly nearer Light Brunswick green than the lime green 1902 Aveling depicted. Perhaps an owner of an early Aveling could carry out the
same research process in an attempt to ascertain whether the shade of green did vary over the years. Mike Thompson, Aveling owner and coachpainter With reference to the Editor's suggestion we may care to comment on 'Aveling green' I hope the following may be of interest. Whilst removing parts from our roller, 8717 of 1916, I discovered traces of light fern green. Some of the original lining was also visible. The best sample, which had been protected from the light, behind the boiler washout plate on the frontplate, was gently cleaned with Brasso to remove a layer of yellowed oil or varnish. This was matched, using the ICI Autocolour Spectrum system, and it gave a very close match to their green colour reference HX 93. A colour sample has been seen by Richard Wilcox, Engine Liveries Officer of the Road Locomotive Society and confirmed to be very close to Aveling standard green, and I understand Mr Wilcox is contributing notes to the discussion. Incidentally, this colour bears no resemblance to the green recommended by Aveling-Barford over the years. Their Drawing 7829 'Painting for steam rollers' claims the green to be BS (British Standard) 381C colour 225 Light Brunswick Green, but the information is somewhat suspect. The remaining sample of HX 93 was sent to T. & R. Williamson of Ripon,* who matched the colour in synthetic gloss for brushing — Ripcerol Transport paint. The actual colour was slightly deeper than HX 93, so Williamsons kindly included some tinter with the order, so that I could adjust the final colour direct to the paint on the roller. This tinting was achieved with the aid of a cattle syringe! The end result was sampled onto a piece of card and returned to Williamsons, who now have the colour on record. The paint is available under special order, reference SP 91289, but
T. & R, Williamson Ltd, 36 Stonebridgegate, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 1 TP (2r 0765 607711). 197
Aveling's Green The colour illustrations show two Aveling & Porter engines that have been repainted in original livery after careful research. On this page is tractor 9225 of 1920, owned by Peter Williams of Chipperfield, Hertfordshire. The paint is Williamson's SP91289 as described
by Mike Thompson in his contribution to the text of this article. The colour sample on this page is a photograph of paintwork on the tender side of Aveling roller 10647 of 1923. However this shade may appear to us here, it is undoubtedly original Aveling paint; it was hidden from light and general wear behind the gear casing but has sixty years of oil deposit altered its appearance? The lighter area to the right is where the painter didn't cover the colour with varnish.
The 8 ton Dtype roller 10753 of 1924 was finely restored some years ago by Norris Lawton and Frank Hardman, of New Mills, Cheshire, the colour being matched by their judgement to the original paintwork still on the engine at the time of restoration. The colour sample shown on this page is Williamson's SP91289, Avelino & Porter Green. (illustrations from transparencies by Roger West)
STEAMING
Autumn 1993
199
there is a 15 or 20 litre minimum order on special mixes. A few points of detail may be of interest to the not inconsiderable number of Aveling owning members. The sheet steel casings to the cylinder block seating are not all black — only the top rim was so painted to coincide with the base of the steam chest, the rest being the green colour, as the adjacent lagging sheets. Several pictures in the 1920s catalogue show this quite clearly even though the illustrations are retouched, but it is probably best seen in the illustration of Stroud UDC's convertible on page 93 of J.M. Preston's Aveling & Porter Ltd (North Kent Books, 19871. Having been involved with Peter Williams' Aveling tractor 9225 of 1920 — I painted and lined out the machine during the winter of 1991/92 — and now that I am writing of getting things right, I had better confess that the gear guards on the tractor were incorrectly lined in 'Fowler style' — Avelings lined only the outer faces with the return edges left plain. We learn as we go! Another Aveling practice which has come to light through careful examination is the treatment of the timber base behind the pressure gauge, which was originally painted black, not varnished as often seen in restoration. The black also went onto the front plate pressing for 5/B inch all round and this was edged red and lined yellow in standard fashion, though, I believe, the lining was only added to larger engines. Further, my crank pit shows signs of having once been painted in the Deep India Red. Can anyone comment on this?
Aveling-Barford's information Many Aveling owners will have been supplied with a suggested colour scheme for their engines by AvelingBarford at Grantham. A letter from them to Gerry Doherty in 1962 stated they had no exact details of the colour scheme for the engine enquired after (KND tractor 9317 of December 1920) but 'the general paintwork of the machines during this period consisted of Deep India Red (BS colour 448) to the forecarriage and steerage forks, with the boiler in Mid Brunswick Green (BS 226) and the following items in a Matt Black finish: wheel boss and inside wheel rims; smokebox and door; hornplates; chimney and saddle; inside of tender.' The wheel spokes were to be green, as were the engine side covers. Similar responses from Grantham later in the 1960s suggested the green was Light Brunswick Green (BS 225). The references are to British Standard 381C, a document for colours for industrial (as opposed to domestic decorating) paints. The Standard dates from about 1930 and is still current, being last revised in 1988. But it is very expensive to purchase! An anonymous shade card for BS381 C in the Editor's possession shows the 200 Green group to consist of 23 shades; both 226 and 225 are darker than the HX 93 colour illustrated with these notes. Perhaps Aveling-Barford have, since the 1960s, been quoting the only written colour references they had on record. As we have seen there is the suggestion that Rochester moved to bought in paints in the 1930s and it might be reasonable to assume they
then accepted a slight change of tone. Certainly the slide valved rollers of the 1930s land the last of the earlier piston valved examples) seem to have had a darker, less yellow tinted, green. And the yellow seems to have been dropped from the lining out.
A note of caution should be added to any judgement of the samples or illustrations printed here. In making an assessment of the colours in printed form it is essential to realise the attendant shortcomings. There will inevitably be a difference between paint applied to a metal surface, overlaid with varnish finishing coats, and printing inks put onto paper, not to mention the quality or intensity of light falling onto any colour. The photographs will have been taken in different lighting conditions and the way light and shade, and particularly how yellow, red and black lining is applied, will alter our perception of the shade. Further, our understanding of what we see in an old illustrations — or what we think we are seeing — can be confused by the way in which the old black and white film showed up various colours, not to mention the skills of studio artists in touching up prints for use in reproduction in catalogues etc.
We hope this short article can be treated as the basis for further discussion in these pages on Aveling's green and that later we may be able to feature other makers' colours.
g
ESTABLISHED 1968
BOILERMAKERS — BOILER REPAIR SPECIALISTS — BOILER PLANT ENGINEERS Craftsman built flanged and butt welded fireboxes complying with The Boiler Code BSS 2790' — made and fitted. All types of traditional high class boiler repairs
Farling Top, Cowling, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD22 ONW Tel: 0535 634674
200
Fax: 0535 636802
Autumn 1993
STEAMING
Writing this introduction a few days before the August hank holiday, with my newly re-assembled and nearly finished Aveling roller 8506 WHITE ROSE now sitting on the rally site at Harewood, I feel justified in sharing a few personal reflections. The roller has been off the rally fields for several years and it really is strange how time, and one's memory, plays tricks. A month or two ago I had to complete an entry form and give notes for the programme. Only when I looked in the insurance file did I realise that it was in 1985 that the roller last attended an event, the firebox being condemned in the spring of 1986. In the intervening eight years much has happened. The decision to strip down was delayed for a year or so, thus allowing forays to be made around the extensive farm premises where the roller was based, pending adequate finances. In a sad and unfortunate coincidence, on the very day that a boiler firm came to give an estimate for a new firebox etc, my close colleague, helper and steersman of some years, Mick Craven, collapsed and died. Mick's tragic passing at the age of 37 considerably affected me and caused further delays. Then, the dismantled engine and many years' acquisitions plus living van and water cart had to be removed to other premises on the retirement of the friendly farmer. A further removal of bits and pieces to another new location on the other side of York was necessary after most of the roller had gone into Israel Newton's boiler works at Bradford. Following completion of this work and the hydraulic test carried out in April 1992 at Bradford, the roller has come together, very slowly at times, at the 'Stanningley Steam Rolling Company's' premises in Leeds. It became apparent during this time that many renovation jobs would have to be left until later, as the objective set was to make the Leeds & District club's 30th anniversary rally this year. This has now been achieved but there is still lagging to see to, the rolls to paint, canopy to fit, etc. However, the important thing is that WHITE ROSE has a valid NTET insurance disc and is mobile once more. So now I send my grateful thanks for the continuing encouragement and help offered by Barry and Liz Wood and to Mark, Martin, Richard, Andrew and Billy, not forgetting my own family, without whose assistance the reappearance of my Aveling on the rally fields would not have been possible. I feel, as many other engine owners must do when taking to the rally field again after an enforced lay STEAMING
Autumn 1993
Steaming Around
1 1 41 6
Compiled from members notes and reports by Derek Rayner
off, a sense of major achievement. I'm happy in the knowledge that I have done right by my steam roller, which has already given me twenty years of pleasure — and is now fit for another twenty plus, for me and a future generation. I would like to express thanks to all members and friends who have sent in the various details by letter or marked up rally programme, together with the affiliated club magazines and newsletters which go towards making up the notes for this section. Banbury Steam Society, Hollycombe Steam Collection, Lancashire TEC, Leeds & District TEC, The Robey Trust, Scottish TES, Somerset TEC, Southern Counties HVPT, Steam Apprentice Club, Steam Plough Club, Thames Valley TEC, West of
AVON Several engines were on static display as an attraction at the Bristol Leisure and Motor Show at Durdham Down in mid June. Glorious sunshine greeted the engine line up arranged by Nick Baker. Engines noted included Steve Gunn's 1929 Wallis Advance roller 8030 (0U37871, Dave Allen's Burrell crane engine 3197 of 1910 (AB8904), Ian Taylor's 1919 Garrett Suffolk Punch tractor 33180 (BJ4483) and Aveling roller 14125 of 1931 (KJ1871) owned by Gerald Peacock. The Goold brothers Sentinel S4 tractor 8843 of 1933 (I1,12117) was also present. An item of added interest was the Grenville Steam carriage of 1875, from the City of Bristol Museum. It was giving rides around the perimeter of the event, its narrow wheels having proved too much for the softer ground. This unique machine is fitted with a twin cylinder simple horizontal 5in x 6in
England SES and Derek and Heather Bouch, M.A. Brown, Percy Dabbs, Dave Davies, Adrian Dawes, Gerry Doherty, Ian Duff, Graham Fellows, Keith Flinton, Pat Freeman, Steph Gillett, Peter Haining, Peter Haywood, Richard Hesbrook, Nigel Keene, Allan Lloyd, Julio Morley, John Newton, Denise Rayner, John Reeves, Sandy Ross, Lyndon Shearman, Mick Smith, Neil Smith, Barry Thirlwall, Alan Thomas, 'Tomo' from the Living Van and Michael Watts — not forgetting Traction Engine Register for the detail references. Please note the press date for the next issue is the last day of October. Information, news and letters by then please to D.A. Rayner, 'Invicta', 9 Beagle Ridge Drive, Acomb, York YO2 3JH. Press dates for future issues are the last day of January and April 1994.
engine, water tube boiler pressed to 1201bs and weighs nearly 2 1/2 tons. At the end of June, Robert Crabbe drove his 192 / Fowler roller '17501 (SY3413) from his home to Clevedon to take part in the annual Carnival procession. This was the Fowler's first appearance following a 2 1/2 year overhaul and repaint. At the time there were still one or two outstanding jobs to be done before the roller's next planned rally appearance at Bleadon. With Robert on the engine was Bob Garnett whose own Aveling roller 10555 of 1923 (YA5591), ex W.W. Runcomhe, is also nearing the end of an overhaul and should be back in action before the end of the season. In addition to the steam tug and launches, steam crane and Avonside built steam locomotive, the Bristol Steam Festival in mid July provided a free show at which ten engines appeared. Most of these were locals; the total included six rollers. All the 201
engines took to the roads of Bristol on the Sunday morning. Included in the show were Henri Collings' former Dingles Aveling 12 ton roller 8548 of 1915 (AF4442); the resident Bristol Industrial Museum Aveling roller 8196 of 1914 (DF5055), owned by Neil Baker; Ian Taylor's Garrett Suffolk Punch tractor; Ford Brothers 1902 Aveling roller 5124 (N07541; Foden wagon 11850 of 1925 (MB9404) belonging to Colin Wait and Burrell showmans tractor 3631 of 1915 (OR2729) KATHLEEN owned by Kevin Gamlen. The latter is now running on solid tyres throughout, having previously had pneumatics on the front. Noted for sale recently was 1924 Clayton & Shuttleworth roller 48946 IYA95761. This belonged to Terry Hughes and is reported as having gone to the Buckinghamshire area.
BEDFORDSHIRE Towards the end of May, the Bedfordshire club held a road run starting at Watts' farm in Clifton and meeting first at the Cock pub at Broom. Twelve local engines steamed along the quiet and wooded country lanes to Old Warden and then on to the Green Man where Reg Saunders' organ played for a couple of hours. The twelve mile run ended with a
barbecue back at the starting point and a most enjoyable day was had by all who attended.
BERKSHIRE A cavalcade of engines through Maidenhead preceded the opening of John Carter's Traditional Steam Fair at Pinkney's Green. This included some notable showmans machines — Burrells THE MASTERPIECE, owned by Kelston Sparkes and FERMOY, owned by Ken Miles together with PRINCESS MARY and PRINCESS MARINA whilst also there were Foster VICTORIOUS, Garrett tractor COUNTESS belonging to Steve Dean and John Carter's own 1913 Fowler D2 conversion 12905, now resplendent with new nameplate. The second Monday in June is the traditional date on which the Thames Valley club visits a member's premises to have a look around. This year the Smiths at Hurst were the hosts. Those members not in the know were pleasantly surprised to see some fellow members had brought along their engines during the day and no less than thirteen engines were in steam. Included in the visitors were Paul Fowler's Foster showmans, David Fowler's Burrell showmans EARL KITCHENER, John Keeley's
1873 Fowler single ploughing engine 2013 (AL8463), Fowler roller 17506 of 1928 (UA35821 belonging to Ralph Fear and Fred Cooper's 1915 Aveling roller 8489 (0K581. The home based Fowler ploughing engine, 15164 of 1918 (WR7185) and Ransomes traction 27277 were also in steam and Dave Spooner, as well as bringing along his 1912 Aveling Shay tandem roller 7411 (XP29151, was also in charge of his barbecue on which he cooked countless sausages and beef burgers. A late finish of a splendid occasion meant that some who stayed the night in their living vans were woken at 6.45 the following morning with music from Boz Oram's organ! It is said that Fowler traction 13140 of 1913 (Y9955) belonging to John and Barnaby Newton will soon be home, following a rebuild at Bicknell's works.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE An opening of Ed Bolton's collection around Easter saw his newly acquired Fowler conversion in steam for the first time in his ownership. This is 17502 of 1928 (AV1632), formerly Boughton's. Also in steam were Ed's 10hp Clayton portable and Steve Dean's 1917 Garrett showmans style tractor 32969 (BJ32801. Other
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 NEW — small works department for those silly little jobs you have Traditional flanged and riveted firebox recently completed for an Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller. (M. Staniforth)
202
Autumn 1993
STEAMING
engines to be seen were an acquisition from the Antipodes — 1903 Foden road loco 664 — and 1910 Clayton traction 43200 (6E8003) and Garrett tractor 32762 of 1915 (AD 8954) also owned by Ed Bolton. The peace and quiet of 'Sleepy Hollow' was shattered a little earlier than normal this year by a last minute request for engines to attend the Rickmansworth Canal Festival at the end of May. Six engines duly mustered for this three-day event which was the first of a series marking 200 years of the inland waterways. Engines attending were Phil Honour's 1921 Aveling roller 9314 (1-1R4399) and Boughton's Fowler traction 7788 of 1897 BLACK JACK and their 1916 Tasker tractor 1697 (SRI 516). Also present was Alan Garwell and Dave Pond's 1930 Fowler roller 18659 (3969DG) and Dave Knott's AC6 Aveling traction 9096 of 1920 (AF6001). Work on the valve rods on this engine has enabled Dave and Richard to now see where they are going. Lastly, and deserving of special mention, was Ian Woollett's Sentinel SD4 wagon 8448 of 1930 (0X8724), which earned its keep transporting coal for the engines and, more importantly and in keeping with the event, taking a cargo of peat to Chenies garden centre — both of these loads had been brought down the canal by narrow boats and were traditionally loaded onto the Sentinel by hand. The day after the Sarratt Day, Roy Latchford left early with Black Jack to attend a small charity gala at Bedmont. On the way they encountered a low bridge and, having nhpcked the cleerence over the chimney top by driving up to the bridge and looking very closely, Roy opened the regulator to proceed. Unfortunately, the engine, which up to that time had seemingly been gently dozing, took fright and reared up as often is the wont of Fowler singles. The result was a violent confrontation and the chimney shearing off at the base. An impressive chimney demolition job; Fred Dibnah eat your heart out! Park Lodge Farm open weekend in mid June was a Burnham club event, supported by engines from the Chiltern club. McLaren road loco BOADICEA, Aveling roller 9314 and Fowler BLACK JACK together with Fowler roller 18659 and Aveling traction 9096 joined Mike and Rosa Collier's Aveling roller 14187 of 1937 (FPH122) and Peter Bowers' 1931 Sentinel DG4 wagon 8454 (UX7958). The field was decidely unfit, due to excessive rainfall, so the engines were STEAMING Autumn 1993
An engine restored for a good number of years but rarely seen by the public is Burrell showmans road loco 3871 of 1921, new to Ipswich showman Sidney Stocks and named by him TERESA. Alan Porter's photograph shows the 7hp engine at Duncombe Park, Tyneside, in July 1992, shortly after its acquisition by &mucks of Aberdeen,
accommodated in the fairground along with Morris men and other rare species. A total of 38 engines attended the Chiltern Club's rally — their 31st. The blazing hot weather contrasting well with last year's rained-off event. Arthur Grover's Aveling Colonial tractor 9170 of 1920 (KN9352) finally made it to a Chiltern rally, after a gap of some sixteen years. James Davis's 1919 Fowler DN roller 14126 (BH 8260) was the latest offering from the Davis stable and had not been seen in public since its working days with Ruckinghnmhir.r_'niinty It ic somewhat heavily lined out, but nevertheless was running very nicely. Gary Smith returned to the scene with a late entry, purchased just a week prior to the event and delivered direct to its hastily arranged peg on the rally field. This was Clayton & Shuttleworth roller 48946 of 1924 (YA9576), from the Bath area, a former Buncombe engine and quite an unusual specimen for these parts. Old favourites included Jim Sarney's Burrell road loco LORD ROBERTS; Anthony Heal's McLaren BOADICEA and Phil Honour's Aveling roller. This notable machine under look two rolling jobs on the way to the rally — surprisingly, both were car parks at public houses and, amazingly, the wages in each case were in a liquid form... All in all, the Chiltern rally is a good old fashioned club rally; this year was blessed with fine weather and certainly made up for 1992.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE A steam up at the Black Bull at Godmanchester saw three full size engines in attendance along with several other preserved vintage vehicles. The engines were Bill Davenport's 1909 Allchin traction 1458 (DD2006); McLaren road loco 1332 of 1912 (D57128) owned by Tony Warwick, and Peter Coulson's 1918 Garrett 4CD showmans style tractor 33380 (C14565).
CORNWALL The Trevithick Day celebrations at Camborno in April achieved ',,hat 'Nes thought to be an impossible dream. This year was the tenth anniversary, and with something special required, engine organiser Alan Thomas just made a total of 50 engines for the event. A procession or road run with that number of engines is quite remarkable. Participants included Colin Knight's 1930 Aveling conversion 14060 (DW7125), Nick Baker's Burrell traction 4049 of 1926 (TW5228) but the first engine in the procession was Dave Goodwin's Burrell showmans THE GLADIATOR, which towed the West of England SES's Merryweather steam fire engine (retitled 'The President's Carriage' for the day), together with Arthur Thompson's 1912 Foden traction 3384 (SN 1646) and the unusual Foden Sun tractor 13630 of 1930 owned by John Sawle. All in all, probably the biggest ever parade of traction engines seen in Camborne's streets. One wonders how this can be 203
bettered at the next special Trevithick Day anniversary in 2001 — the 200th anniversary of Cap'n Dick building his first road locomotive. Earlier in April, the Cornish TPC held its spring steam up at Summercourt. The Daniel brothers' 1918 Fowler ploughing engine 15163 (WR7151), Alan and Mary Henwood's Fowler roller 19205 of 1932 (AAF 130) and Dave Goodwin's Burrell showmans THE GLADIATOR participated. During the Easter weekend, road and rail steam complemented each other at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. Robin and Charlie Daniel took along both of their ploughing engines — the Fowler and the 1919 McLaren 1552 (BD5504) — and these were joined by two Burrells, agricultural 3919 of 1922 (BW6030) owned by David and Judith Walker, and Steve Buscombe's 1926 roller 4041 (U0793). Several events over the Spring bank holiday weekend fell foul of the weather and two were cancelled or curtailed. John and Jane Sawle's Marshall traction 62121 (TA3624) supported the St Agnes Victorian Fayre and later, the Truro Edwardian Festival, though not quite qualifying for either by age — it was built in 1913. Launceston Rally went ahead, although ground conditions were very poor. Engines present were the Beard's Fowler conversion 17290 of 1927; John Dyke's 1912 Burrell showmans 3423 STAR, Roger Pridham's Aveling roller 11220 of 1925 (RL1085) and Marshall traction 69303 of 1915 (NM340), belonging to Richard Sandercock. Amongst other engines present was the Devon County Council owned 1917 Green roller 1968 (TA2431). A fortnight later, the Royal Cornwall Show celebrated its bi-centenary at its Wadebridge site. Again, weather was poor leading up to the Saturday and a decision was then made to abandon the event, the first time this had happened in the event's long history. As it happened, Rex Curtis had assembled the biggest ever collection of steam engines for the show, including several already mentioned. Some action did take place, with THE GLADIATOR being used to power a set of chairoplanes in the fairground and the Daniel brothers staging a cultivating demonstration with their ploughing engines. Other engines there were John Nicholls' 1927 Fowler roller 16979 (WW1442), Dennis Warren's 1924 Foden wagon 11208 (YA7952) and Aveling roller 11969 of 1927 (VB11071 owned by David Cowling. 204
Roche Rally also suffered from bad weather and no engine movement was possible until late on Sunday afternoon. Steve Buscombe's Burrell roller was here, along with Mark and Steve Syms's Burrell traction 3816 of 1919 (AF3518) and Alan and Mary Henwood's Fowler roller. THE GLADIATOR and Don Hussey's Aveling roller 11448 of 1926 (NP7791) were among other engines present. A lot further to the west, on the same weekend, the Lands End steam gathering took place. Dennis Warren's Foden wagon, Len Hosking's 1921 Burrell traction 3902 (MA7503) and Jed Cox's Aveling roller 8581 of 1915 (DW2166) were among the participants at this most westerly event in the country. May saw the long-awaited arrival in the county of David Hicks' 1919 Burrell compound traction 3798 (TA369). The engine appears in reasonable condition — though it is known to require a new firebox. Somewhat unusually for a Burrell, the chimney hinges forwards. After the successful outing to the Trevithick Day, John Sawle has been experimenting with his Foden Sun tractor 13630, now named ZULU. He put the machine to work on his farm, towing a 2 ton ballast roller on a seven acre grass field; the task was achieved very successfully. John has reservations on extending the activity to hay or cornfields however, for hot cinders are seen to fall frequently from the ashpan. On the road, the engine can travel very fast in a light condition but would benefit from towing a trailer. On the topic of fast engines, George Hawkins has recently advertised his 1937 Sentinel S4 wagon 9307 (DYY134) for sale.
CUMBRIA A Sentinel DG8 chassis was to be seen at the Cumbria rally in July. Richard Straughan, well known for his re-creation of Sentinel Super 5676 of 1924 (EC5927), rescued from a Lake District ravine in many pieces, has the ambition to build up a DG8 from components — no DG eight wheeler is known to survive. The wagon will take the identity of 8016 of 1929 (UX5355) a wagon originally supplied as a DG6 and then converted to a DG8 for Tarmac Roadstone. Aveling roller 7857 of 1912 (5I-14274), now owned by Derek and Heather Bouch, and reported in the last issue as needing firebox repairs, has been returned to steam much earlier than expected. Following hard work by the owners over the winter
period, the roller has been passed as fit for the road and events have been attended as far afield as Aberdeen, as well as locally. This was the roller which was reported a while ago in the North Yorkshire area at Ben Farrow's premises, needing repair and subsequently sold on.
DERBYSHIRE As part of the three week Belper Festival, a vintage show was staged attended by a selection of local engines including Aveling roller 2957 (MA9867) belonging to Amber Valley District Council. It was supplied new in 1892 to the Belper Local Board. Others present were John Bosworth's 1920 Foster traction 14410 (UP6481), Aveling roller 6340 of 1907 (E5333) owned by Dave Maris and Palmer's 1915 Ruston Proctor roller 50735 (8E9143). From just up the road came Fowler showmans RENOWN owned by the Howard brothers, whilst Geoff Lamb's 1896 Burrell traction 1941 (YA5799) was also present. An engine noted for sale was Fowler conversion 15732 of 1923 (P1832), a single cylinder machine owned by Stuart Woodbine. In need of restoration, it was active in the West Riding of Yorkshire in the mid 1960s. The engine has now gone to Alan Howard in Bedfordshire.
DEVON Following a successful 1992 show, a second event was held at South Molton in June. Engines present included the Devon County Council Green steam roller 1968 of 1917 ITA24311, in the custody of Clarence de la Cour. Also there was Ruston traction 51737 of 1917 (E68164) owned by George Train, and Aubrey Sanders' 1914 Aveling showmans style tractor 8432 (NM244).
DORSET On the Monday of Spring bank holiday, Burrell showmans 3949 PRINCESS MARY, owned by David Hedgeman, was undertaking what seems to have become an annual duty — generating power for the small fair outside the Brewers Quay complex in Weymouth during the annual Trawler Race festivities. The weekend prior to this, the third Dorset Spring Fair was held on the GDSF site at Tarrant Hinton. Despite excellent weather on the Sunday, the event seemed to be only moderately patronised and there looked to be little trade for the fairground and stall holders. However an interesting selection of 28 engines were there and whilst most were old favourites, one Autumn 1993
STEAMING
interesting newcomer was Fowler road engine 8721 of 1898, a recent import owned by Alan Sparkes. Also present were D. Isaac's 1924 Burrell roller 3991 (AF9803); Wallis expansion engine 7293 of 1913 (8H6808) owned by Colin Knight; Colin Wait's 1916 Fowler K7 ploughing engine 14256 (KE3135); G. Chiverton's 1918 Ruston Proctor tractor 52329 (CT5554); Nick Baker's Burrell road loco 3368 of 1912 (TA1849) and Burrell showmans 3090 FERMOY, owned by the Miles family.
EIRE The annual rally organised by Ashville Vintage Club took place in July in the grounds of the Cistercian Mellifont Abbey, Colton, Co Louth. As usual, the crowd was small on the Saturday but Sunday brought good weather and a huge crowd resulted. There were eleven engines; these included J. Dillon's Burrell traction 2644 of 1904 (1Y36) and his 1913 Aveling roller 8036 (XN4688); H. Rowntree's 1917 McLaren traction 1447 (Al 3164) and Ruston showmans tractor 52656 of 1919 (Y12853) owned by Gerry Doherty. First time attenders were D. O'Mahoney's 1936 Fowler traction 21626 (IP3320) formerly with Kilkenny Co. Council, Paddy McKendry's Foster traction 13111 of 1913 (A115496) and Marshall traction 72446 of 1920 (1C1603). This latter engine featured in another of our reports when quite by chance, a portable was seen adjacent to a garage in Carlow. It turned out to
be a big Robey portable and the owners Norman and David Sixsmith, kindly invited our reporters to view their other engines, kept some distance away. These turned out to be the Marshall traction, still on its low loader and Robey roller 42493 of 1925, a conventional single cylinder machine and apparently unregistered.
ESSEX A relatively new event, the Steam & Transport Extravaganza at Rettendon, attracted a number of engines including Trevor Ellis's 1935 Fowler roller 19546 (SP9484) and Aveling roller 10994 of 1924 (WT6042) jointly owned by Roy Chapman and Ruth Atkinson. Arthur Bullman's Sentinel Standard wagon 1716 of 1917 (AW3833) was also present along with a line up of three Burrells, which included Ashley Brown's 2147 of 1898 (BL4716). The South Woodham Ferrers Steam Engine Rally clashed with the event at Weeting in mid July but nevertheless there was a good turn out of nearly twenty engines. A well known entrant was 1921 Garrett tractor 33991 (FK1300) in the hands of Pat Burberry, Albert Fensom's daughter. The engine had been purchased by her grandfather in 1932 for £30.10s.Od and worked in the
family timber business until 1947, being rallied since 1954. A couple of Aveling rollers caught the eye, one being the former Tucker collection 11833 of 1927 (YC29) which was acquired by Mike Lis and Paul Whipps at auction in 1990: the other was Steve Bullman's 1923 piston valve 10571 (NU1916). Others present included Garth Holman's 1929 Foster showmans style tractor 14605 (YC7165), which spent part of its past life in Northern Ireland, and Wallis traction 7683 of 1919 IBL795), owned by R. Osbourne. The Saffron Walden Crank Up saw fewer engines than usual in the line up. Old faithfuls included Bob Pumfrey's 1914 Ruston traction 50278 (CE7949), Clayton & Shuttleworth traction 32900 of 1899 (HK9836) owned by the late Cyril Philp and driven by John Garwood, Steve Neville's 1914 Burrell road loco 3593 (KE3865) and Terry Young's 1913 Garrett tractor 31633 (BJ1696). A week al ter attending the Rettendon event, Steve Rkillman and his father Arthur took their Aveling roller on a solo run to the home of Albert Halls. Albert is an old thresherman who, the previous day, had celebrated his 100th birthday. The visit was much appreciated by Albert and brought back happy memories of
Hampshire contrasts. Two 10 ton single cylinder steam rollers built in the county stand side by side at the 1992 Great Dorset Steam Fair — Wallis & Steevens 7779 of 1923 from Basingstoke to the left and Tacker 19.1.'?, turned out from the Andover workshops three years later, on the right. (John Maund)
his time spent with steam engines.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE The third bi-annual Cheltenham Steam and Vintage Show was held at the end of May. About ten engines were expected to be present at this NTET authorised rally. In the event, only four were present: Nigel Partridge's 1931 Allchin conversion 3058 (NV100(; P. Chapman's Fowler showmans conversion 17578 of 1928 ILJA55971; Vince Hawkins' 1927 Marshall roller 82389 (U02835) and, a surprise, Peter Wright's Burrell showmans tractor 3951 (HU 978). The latter was built as a showmans tractor in 1923, then rebuilt by the makers and sent out again as 4028 in 1925 and has recently been returned to showmans specification. The rally site was very cramped and the engines moved only when taking part in a parade. Our correspondent wondered at the justification of calling four engines a parade, and also points out that NTET Authorisation does not necessarily mean recommended. Further the event did not seem any safer than some non-Authorised events he had attended. Burrell traction 2426 of 1901 (BL4843) belonging to Colin Hatch and Richard Hurley ventured into the county early in the season to attend a small and informal gathering at the Trout public house in Lechlade. It arrived from its Wiltshire base via Highworth and made a fine sight towing its well preserved living van and coal trailer. Two other engines at the venue were Pete Best's 1910 Garrett traction 28410 (N011861 and John Cam's Wallis tractor 7872 of 1930 IOU 5247). The Lister-Petter Tynedale Rally at
I •••-_1
_3
—J
For further details contact
North Nibley in June continues to grow in size. Around twelve engines appeared this year including the Hawkins family's two rollers, Marshall 82389 and Aveling 14089 of 1930 (YD973), Nigel Partridge's Allchin was also present. The weather was very hot although the ground conditions were still a little spongy from previous heavy rain making the going difficult for the rollers.
HAMPSHIRE An engine new to the area is 1926 Marshall roller 81119 (SF5348) which is a 12 ton machine, not as listed in Traction Engine Register. The new owner, Graham Fellows, purchased it from J.S. Whitfield of Co Durham at the end of May and it will now be based in the Southampton area. An engine noted for sale in the area is 1916 Burrell traction 3728 (NO 8061. The owner is Robert Corbett.
HEREFORD and WORCESTER Around two dozen engines attended the Herefordshire Traction Engine and Vintage Club's rally at Much Marcie in mid July. These included the collection of five showmans from the Cheshire stable of Frank Lythgoe; D.A. Smith's 1899 Fowler traction 8282 (AC9321); the Hawkins pair of rollers and N. Weston's locally owned Aveling roller 9158 of 1920 (WR7274). This latter was at one time owned by West Riding County Council, then passing to Corfield's of Abermule. Another roller at the rally with the same history was Fowler 19053 of 1931 (WX7694), now in the ownership of P. Matthews of Shropshire. Also present was the
unique Gibbons & Robinson traction 959 of 1891 (AY9874) owned by Richard Hesbrook. An excellent turnout of engines and two days of good weather combined to make the Bromyard Gala an extremely well attended event. In view of the rest of the midsummer weather, perhaps this event had one of the best weekends of the year! Amongst engines at the event were some long distance visitors from the West Country — Hedley and Tyrone James with their 1900 Marshall traction 34022 (TA2876) and Dave Allen's Burrell crane engine 3197 of 1910 (AB8904). The former was also at Much Marcie. Others present were A.J. and V.A. Matthews' 1924 Aveling roller 10997 (M03687) reportedly recently acquired from Tom Burton-Shelley; Peter Wright's 1925 Burrell showmans tractor 3951 (RL1978) SUPREME and D. and P. Wedgewood's Sentinel S4 wagon 8980 (TJ4651) newly repainted in the colours of its first owners, the Enfield Brick and Terracotta Co, Accrington, to whom it was new in 1934. In deepest Worcestershire, Stuart and Rachel Buckland's 1931 Fowler roller 19049 (11(6488) was retubed in time to steam to the Avoncroft Museum event at Bromsgrove at Easter and Allan Lloyd's Aveling roller 11467 of 1926 (CP4694) VIATECT had her set of new tubes installed before the Upton-on-Severn show at the end of July. Work continues on the Buckland's former Beeby Bros Fowler living van which came from Market Harborough and Allan Lloyd intends to return to working on his relatively new acquisition, 1920 Burrell showmans 3836 (BH8020) STARLIGHT, as soon as he has some free time.
We specialise in the construction and repair of locomotive type boilers. Firebox construction can be of the traditional flanged and rivetted design, or flanged and welded. Construction is to the appropriate British Standard Specification and all welding is by coded welders to BS 4870. Work being done is approved at all stages by an engineering surveyor from your boiler insurance company. Construction of tubeplates, smokeboxes, tenders etc, also undertaken.
Roger Pridham, Hollybank, Chilsworthy Beam, Gunnislake, Cornwall. Telephone Tavistock (0822) 615276
206
Autumn 1993
STEAMING
Although the general public should gain immensely from being able to view partially assembled exhibits on the rally grounds, even the most knowledgeable enthusiasts can also take advantage and profit from the study of them. Clayton & Shuttleworth 7hp single agricultural 36731 of 1904 was shown at the Helmsley event in North Yorkshire. (Dave Bagley)
HERTFORDSHIRE The first outing of the new season for many engines was the annual Whipsnade steam event at the May bank holiday weekend, expanded in scope this year. It saw the first appearance, after many yews as s roller, of the Vickery family's Aveling convertible 6319 of 1907 (9P7501 I. Freed of its roller features, this little tractor shows an unaccustomed turn of speed on the field. In new hands was Sentinel S4 wagon 9074 (BEV466), new in 1934 and now in the ownership of Barry Two. This wagon is now in a light hliie livery promoting the products of Charles Wells Brewery at Bedford. The recently built Spider steam tractor from Silsoe, with return flue boiler and some other strange modern fittings was, appropriately, seen in action. The machine was designed for potential use in third world countries and should have been in its element, surrounded by the inhabitants of the zoo park. A feature of the event was the daily delivery of engine coal supplies utilising 1908 Kerr Stuart railway loco EXCELSIOR, running on the 2ft 6in gauge tracks of the adjacent Great Whipsnade Railway. The annual Sarratt Village Day (near Hemel Hempstead) attracts a growing number of steam exhibits. In the late sixties, Francis Grover's Aveling tractor 9170 of 1920 (KN9352) was a familiar sight in the area but it then went into hibernation whilst repairs, including a new firebox, were carried out. Francis died several STEAMING Autumn 1993
years ago and the little Aveling is now out and about again under the direction of his son Arthur. Another Aveling present of similar vintage and also well embellished with the Agricultural & General Engineers insignia, was Dave Knott's Aveling traction 9096 of 1920 (AF6001), a relative newcomer to the area, having at one time been in Dingle's fleet in the West Country. If the 1992 Little Wymondley rally had been considered a near washout, the 1993 event took the prize as the wettest ever. Despite a re-scheduling of the show a week later than usual, it still managed to coincide with a period of country-wide flooding. No engine movements were possible and many exhibits remained on their low loaders. Engines present included John Brice's Rueton roller 115123 of 1022 (XM 6374), Sandy Ross's 1923 Aveling roller 10596 IYA5385(, both engaged on road making whilst John's Ruston portable 163864 of 1931 drove the Pegg crusher which provided the stone. It was a first rally appearance for Saunders' 1924 Aveling E type piston valve roller 10916 (MB5721) whilst another new Aveling was 8842 of 1917 (1102590) belonging to Peter Lidgett. This is a former Hertfordshire County Council roller, being No 7 in that fleet; it has recently been fitted with a new box. Another newcomer, although not in steam, was Marshall conversion 73290 of 1920 (BE9749) owned by Peter Badger. This was new to Lincolnshire County Council (Lindsey) as a roller. A further fresh
engine was what was once the remains of a Garrett tractor. At one time owned by T.C. Fensom of CoImworth and last worked about 1945, the tractor had been sold to the late Keith Edwards of Woodwalton, Hunts towards the end of the 1960s, and was acquired by the Saunders family a few years ago. The identity of this engine had been confused by the habit in working days, of exchanging registration numbers with other engines. It is now confirmed as 32682 of 1914 INM1791 and not 33488 which it had purported to be. A first time entrant in the traction engine section was Marshall 34151 of 1900 (TB2649) owned by George Middleton. Also appearing, following purchase by John Mead in 1991, was Burrell agricultural 3125 of 1909 (AF4574); this has recently been extensively repaired including the construction of new wheel rims. The Annual Steam Owners & Drivers Club Punch Bowl rally was held in early July, this year under the control of a new committee team_ Eleven local engines were present, including the annual outing of Bill Colebrook's 1917 Fowler ploughing engine 13880 (N03711 which still carries its Lord Rayleigh owner's plate on the bunker. This low key event is enjoyed by most engine owners because of its small scale and realistic expectations. Steaming has, from time to time, reported on the limited action by Peter Hudson's Wallis Advance 7963 of 1928 (0T7939). Since its sale from Bristowe's Tarvia of Grantham in 1968, this engine has remained in basically unrestored condition — in fact some parts were cannibalised from it before it left Grantham — but we now hear that Les Bouchicr has purchased it. A new firebox crown plate has been welded in to make good the platework around the fusihle plug. I lopefully the roller will see an early return to steam. Of the forty engines present at the eleventh Great Amwell Rally, ten were Burrells of which six were traction engines, three showmans and one road locomotive. The latter, Steve Neville's 3593 was accompanied by Tony Warwick's McLaren 1332 of 1912 (DS71281 and very impressive they looked. Rollers included Avelings 10994 of 1924 (WT6042) owned by Roy Chapman and Ruth Atkinson and Andy Caldow's 14113 of 1931 (TM8871) whilst among wagons present were Chris Lavery's 1913 Foden 3510 (M4673) and McMullen Brewery's Sentinel DG4 8694 of 1932 (YG746). Two features of this rally which 207
Heavy haulage was also demonstrated using the Isle of Man Steam Railway's locomotive number 4 LOCH on a suitable trailer as a load. The DUKE OF YORK acted as the haulage engine with James Hervey-Bathurst's Fowler road loco 17105 of 1928 (VM2110) ATLAS as trace engine during the uphill journey and at the rear to act as brake engine whilst descending gradients. Not to be outdone by the big engines, Brian Allison and John Heselwood had a plan of their own to do the TT course. Their Aveling tractors, 11839 of 1927 ISM 64481 and 9081 of 1919 (KN5785) respectively, set off in the early afternoon and went through villages and places with romantic sounding names — Ballacraine, Cronk-y-Voddy, Gooseneck and Windy Corner. The first engine back, 11839, completed the circuit about seven hours later, but John's machine managed to run out of coal, water and steam about half a mile from the summit — on the wrong side — from where it was only six and a half downhill miles to the finish. There was subsequently found to be a problem with disintegrated piston rings, causing excessive fuel and water consumption. In the course of the week that the engines spent on the Isle of Man, five traction engines, two Sentinel wagons and numerous vintage commercials and buses completed the course — all in the cause of fun and enjoyment!
LANCASHIRE
Fowler B6 road engines ATLAS and DUKE OF YORK engaged in heavy haulage on the Isle of Man in June. They are pictured passing Baldrine with the 3ft gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway's number 4 locomotive, a 2-4-0 tank built in 1874 and weighing about 16 or 17 tons. (Jim Peden)
our well travelled contributor had not experienced at other events were that the programmes were complimentary and admission tickets purchased on the Saturday were also valid for entry on the Sunday. Other events might do well to copy this very visitor friendly gesture.
ISLE OF MAN Considerable road steam activity took place on the Island this summer in connection with the centenary celebrations of the Manx Electric Railway. Quite a contingent of engines from the mainland made the trip from Heysham on a special charter of the ferry KING 208
ORRY. Sixteen engines were involved, ranging from Aveling tractors through to road locomotives. The two biggest engines, Fowler showmans 15653 RENOWN owned by Ian and Gary Howard and Fowler road loco 17106 DUKE OF YORK belonging to Paul Scholey made a circuit of 37 miles through the north of the island. This circuit was not without incident however, for the crane engine developed a fire at the wrong end of the boiler, necessitating a stop for it to be put out — and then the showmans engine lost its ash pan. Nevertheless having set off at eleven in the morning, the pair arrived back by sunset.
George Coles' Clayton traction celebrated its 80th birthday with a special party at the Holly Bush inn during July. 46059 (CE7943) was new in 1913. The engine blew out the candle on a cake in traditional manner, and was surrounded by its friends including OLD ERNIE, a Burrell roller and LITTLE AUDREY, a Davey Paxman traction. Eddie Hatfield's organ played Happy Birthday to round off the event. Earlier, on the way to Heysham and en route to the ferry for the Isle of Man, George, in preparing to take the engine down a 1 in 10 hill in Lancaster, screwed the brake hard on to help in the descent. There was a loud bang and the parts fell into the road in pieces. A temporary repair was effected and re-fitted at Heysham Harbour prior to the engine being loaded onto the boat. George had a bit of a rest after the engine's birthday as this was the last of seven consecutive weekends steaming — a very hectic time in the early summer! A roller to change hands is Wigan Council's Borough Metropolitan Aveling 8601 of 1915 (0T4239), recently based at Astley Green. This is Autumn 1993
STEAMING
now owned by Dave Riley who is facing up to undertaking crown stay replacement as well as retubing of the boiler. An engine to come into the county, into the ownership of David White, is Burrell traction 3918 of 1923 (PU 578). The engine thus returns north, almost to its old haunts of the Craven district of West Yorkshire where it spent many years in preservation before travelling to Cornwall.
LEICESTERSHIRE This issue's notes deal mainly with the sale or proposed sale of engines in the county. At the end of June, Richard Vernon's much discussed sale of steam ploughing tackle took place near Lutterworth. The first engines on offer were a pair of Fowler K7s, 1 551 6/1 551 7 of 1920 (C14051/ 4052), last in steam about ten years ago. Bidding was brisk and the successful buyer, from East Sussex, paid £14,000 per engine. The pair of Fowler BB1s, 15334/5 of 1919 (N02045/44), went to Suffolk for a price of £25,200 per engine. Both have been fully restored to full working order by Richard Vernon. A bidder from the Manchester area paid much the same price for the rare B4 engine, 11637 of 1909 (HK9843). This was also in good order. Several implements also changed hands at the sale, and some of these went abroad. George Simpson has advertised his 1910 Burrell showmans conversion 3220 (TB37191 for sale. There is no record of it having attended any events in its present ownership; George bought the engine from the late Tony Myers' sale a few years back. A further engine advertised for sale has been Frank Knight's Fowler traction 181bb of 1929 (AV9387). An asking price of £36,000 was fixed for this engine which Frank has owned since 1975, having purchased it from Stewart's disposal sale at Bridge of Don, Aberdeen in that year.
LINCOLNSHIRE A good sprinkling of engines appeared at the 110th Lincolnshire Show during the summer — more, in fact, than appear at some smaller rallies. Those present were publicising the annual Lincoln rally which takes place on the site later; they included the Ragsdale family's Burrell showmans 3118 of 1909 DREADNOUGHT and 1910 Garrett traction 28249 IFX8223); Glyn Macdonald's 1929 Burrell showmans style tractor 4073 (VF5265) and the Robinsons' Burrell showmans THE BAILIE. Pat Allen's STEAMING Autumn 1993
1901 Fowler traction 9271 (AJ5819) represented the Leeds manufacturers and other engines present included ploughing engines and a Foster agricultural. Peter Auger has purchased Fowler T3 roller 15490 of 1920 (CA6328) from Herbert Epton and the new owner had it in steam at the Carrington Rally at the end of May. Also steamed in new ownership for the first time is Neil Smith's Marshall roller 74648 of 1921 (SP6292). This exHeggie & Robertson machine had not been steamed for forty years. One of the last jobs done on the restoration prior to steaming was the fitting of a modified regulator valve, as recently seen in Steaming (Summer 1992 issue) and this proved very successful. Neil has also fitted one of the these valves to Henry Marshall's Marshall 7hp single 45415 of 1906 (BE7798).
LONDON The large event staged by the Enfield & District Veteran Vehicle Trust attracted a broad display of exhibits as well as a huge crowd. Steam wagons appearing included Stuart Gray's 1925 Sentinel Super wagon 6327 (NE4770) and Foden 13764 of 1930 (TF3106) owned by John Forshaw. Rollers included a first time exhibitor at any event — John Saunders' 1924 Aveling 10916 (MB5721) which has just been restored after standing for some thirty years. Others present included the Saunders' family 1925 Burrell showmans EX MAYOR and Ray Osborne's 1919 Wallis expansion traction 7683 (BL795), Work has cnntint Jeri at Rirknall's workshops in Hampshire on the restoration of Aveling roller 10114 of 1921 (XD8230), found in 1989 under a childrens playpile near Regents Park, London. Ron Walker, custodian of the F type compound, has now spent much time preparing painted parts, gear cases, tender, wheels etc, and in May the machine was largely reassembled after the boiler work and refacing of the regulator valve had been completed. The latter, necessary after the block had spent 25 years underground, sweating itself a good amount of corrosion on machined surfaces, had meant the cylinder block needed to be removed. First steamings should have taken place around Hollycombe in the late summer and after running in there during the late season the roller will return to the London area for the winter.
NORFOLK A new look to the Strumpshaw
rally was provided at Spring bank holiday with the organisation under the auspices of the adjacent Steam Museum rather than the Norfolk Steam Engine Club as in recent years. Fifty engines or so were on show, a figure which included the permanent exhibits in the Museum hall itself — to which the public could enter at no extra charge on this occasion. Those at the rally included Willem Middlemiss' 1915 Burrell showmans NERO (ex Bostock & Wombwell's), Burrell traction 1563 of 1891 (AH7350) owned by J. & H. Bunn Ltd and another Burrell — Barry Freeman's 1930 traction 4088 (VF9646). A new exhibit was Brown & May portable 4561 of 1890, a 6hp machine, though it was unable to be steamed as renovation works have only just been put in hand by new owner Russ Tate who had only owned the engine for about two months. A second successful event was held at another Norfolk mecca for engine enthusiasts — Bressingham. This was attended by several local engines as well as some from further afield. In the latter category was Colin Brothwell from Nottinghamshire who brought along his 1922 Ruston & Hornsby traction 115100 (D02953) whilst a more local example of the same make was Geoff Wheeler's 113043 of 1920 (CE7977). Bill Bird showed his ex-Italian State Railway's Aveling roller 8766 of 1916 (MNG 259V) whilst another relatively local engine was 1916 Garrett agricultural 32936 (ER603) owned by David Nourse. A real Royal event was the verdict of the exhibitors at the second Sandringham Country Weekend held in the grounds of the Queen's residence in the north west of the county. Engines present included several of Richard Parrott's collection, one being the Burrell crane engine 3695 of 1915 (TB2740) and Barry Freeman's pair of 7hp Burrell tractions 3923 and 4088. A former Scottish Aveling roller, 10121 of '1921 (ES4162), was also present in the ownership of Francis Earl.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Fourteen different makes were represented by the 27 engines at the Hollowell Steam & Heavy Horse Show in July. An example from the nearby Northampton builder, Allchin, was present, this being agricultural 1546 of 1912 (AP9079) owned by Allen Eaton. Other rarer makes were represented by Lyndon Shearman's Brown & May portable of the 1860s, whilst Will Dakin travelled across from Cheshire with his 1911 Davey Paxman 209
traction 16849 (AF3373). A newly restored local engine was 1900 Marshall agricultural 34151 (TB2649) owned by the Middleton family. Road locos were represented by Allen Eaton's Fowler 14888 of 1917 (H06420) and Bob Hyatt's Aveling 8471 of 1914 (AF4478). Dave Parris showed his 1919 Ruston & Hornsby roller 52694 (NR5056) — a steam roller which was converted to diesel in the past using a Nuffield tractor engine. An engine to change hands is Wallis roller 7333 of 1912 (H06341) which has come from the Amersham area to R.J. Poole of Welton, near Daventry.
NORTHERN IRELAND The Traction Engine Club of Ulster held its annual rally in mid July at Shane's Castle, Antrim. Two dozen engines were in attendance and among this year's visitors from across the water was Bill Barrack with his superbly turned out Burrell showmans 3871 (DX3076) TERESA, all the way from Aberdeen. A welcome first time visitor, also from Scotland, was Richard Kingain who brought along 1928 Foden C type wagon 13156 (UR1328). Eire was represented by no less than four engines, among them 1920 Marshall traction 72446 owned by Norman and David Sixsmith and Denis O'Mahoney's Fowler traction 21626 of 1936 which made the long trip from Cork. Representing England
was Richard Metcalfe from Cheshire with Fowler ploughing engine 15139 of 1918 (HR3399); this teamed up with Rory Woolf's Fowler 15223 (CT4290) in the ploughing area. A good turnout of local engines was complemented by the return to the rally fields after a three year absence of Burrell 'Special Irish Engine' 3092 of 1909 (N12073). This engine was specially designed and marketed for use in the narrow lanes of Ireland and is a very compact, well proportioned little machine. It is believed to be the sole survivor of its type and was turned out in its usual immaculate order by the Patterson family. The wet weather over the two days made the going very soft and engine movements were hence somewhat limited. In the local workshops, things have gone rather quiet while people concentrate on outdoor events. However, work has started on the recently discovered Ransomes portable 26653 of 1915 belonging to William Carlisle. The main work required is the replacement of the front tubeplate and a new firebox.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE On the Monday evening of the Spring bank holiday, three road locos were to be seen outside the Plough Inn, Farnsfield, having travelled twelve miles from the Edwinstowe rally en route to their base near Oxton. These were 1900 Fowler 8712 (DE2439)
A familiar engine on East Midlands rally fields of the 1960s and 70s has made a welcome return after overhaul — John Blagg's 8hp McLaren road loco 1421 of 1913 CAPTAIN SCOTT is seen here at Rempstone in July 1993. (Dave Bagley) 210
owned by Jim Smith, and towing his restored living van incorporating water tanks and coal bunkers; John Blagg's 1913 McLaren 1421 (6E7518) running light after its fourteen year rebuild and initial rally re-appearance and, finally, Mike Ward's 1911 Burrell 3257 (AH5317) towing his eightwheel heavy haulage trailer and Brayshaw living van. The three road locos of differing sizes and makes together must be quite a rare occurrence. Colin Brothwell took his Ruston & Hornsby agricultural 115100 of 1922 back to its first home, Carters of Tydd Manor, Wisbech, on the way to the Bressingham Rally in June. The purpose of the visit was to collect two drums of steam oil which the Carters have had there since 1952. One drum had the name VULCAN OILS on it. Colin asks if any reader has any information on this firm (letters to DAR will be passed on). Another of Colin's journeys was to Weeting rally the following month; for the second year running, the Ruston took first prize in the show. Not bad for a Lincolnshire engine to go to Norfolk close to Burrell workshops and steal the show! Pete Gull has sold his Fowler roller 15688 of 1921 (AD9802) to a new owner in Oxfordshire. Peter restored this roller from a totally derelict state after purchasing it from Danson Lane playground in Hull a number of years ago. The departure of the Fowler will allow Pete to concentrate on his 1913 Marshall tractor 62387 (SL9940). Work undertaken on this engine to date includes a new firebox, foundation ring, backhead, barrel, front tubeplate, perch bracket, front axle etc — but a great deal more remains to be done, including completely new back wheels. The machine has recently been re-united with its original registration number (6E1877) which it carried whilst one of Marshall's own yard engines, until sold to Coles of Sleaford in 1936. More tractor news from the same area: David Ragsdale has been working on his newly purchased 1925 Foster tractor 14514 (CA8534) including fitting new bearings and repainting. David's Tasker tractor 1625 of 1914 (BP5833) passed to his father Bruce with the arrival of the Foster. A club which flourished in the area for several years folded in November 1992. This was the Notts and District Steam and Vintage Machinery Club which staged the Kirkby in Ashfield events. Out of this has risen the North Notts Preservation Club in the Retford area. This meets every fourth Tuesday evening at the Clumber Inn pub at Ordsall and any local reader is assured Autumn 1993
STEAMING
of a warm welcome should they care to attend.
OXFORDSHIRE The annual Stoke Row run from Robin Greenaway's yard took place at Spring bank holiday and some fourteen engines participated. These included Dave Last's 1928 Foden tractor 13222 IFK39251; Ted Gale's similar 13484 of 1930 ILG87841, crewed by Derek and Marion Farrow; Derek Marder's 1918 Ruston Lincoln Imp tractor 52453 (0R8501) and Bob Staunton's 1913 Aveling roller 8116 (TA2435). Most of the engines went on to the Stoke Row rally in mid June but the weather was so bad that engine movement was impossible. However, in a field opposite the rally site, two ploughing engines had a go at cultivating. These were John and May Keeley's 1914 Fowler DD class 13910 (AB9987) and Mick Smith's 1918 Fowler BB1 15164 (WR7185), which was working for the first time in over forty years following an extensive reht did
SCOTLAND Work continues on Archie Rennie's 1938 Fowler roller 21636 (CS7859). Earlier this summer the boiler was to be inspected and hydraulic tested after tubeplate repairs and retubing. A new chimney has been made. By the time this is being read, the roller should have made its first outing in Archie's ownership. At the Summerlee Museum at Coatbridge, Fowler roller, 17251 of 1928 (DS7206) has had a new washer fitted beneath the cap on the roll head to take up the excessive slack. The result is a considcrablc improvcment to the running of the roller. Jimmie MacFarlane has rolled a new piece of plate for the underside of the smokebox on Foster portable 14657 of 1940 and welded it into position. Sentinel Super wagon 5670 of 1924 (EC5927) spent the winter at Chris Hutchinson's premises where the front axle and steering mechanisms were dismantled to enable castings to be made from them for use in Chris's own wagon which is rapidly nearing completion. The opportunity was taken during this strip-down, to fit new phosphor bronze bushes and to rectify eel tain other known defects which must have been occasioned when the Super plunged into a river bed in the Lake District in 1932. The vehicle certainly feels much better on the road having had this remedial work done. On returning to Summerlee, both the Sentinel and the Fowler took part as extras in BBC-TV filming of street STEAMING
Autumn 1993
scenes for episodes of a new series of Para Handy, to be shown early in 1994. Several engines were up for bids at the beginning of July when a number of machines from the late Freddy Forrest's collection were offered for sale at the auctioneers premises. Surprisingly, nothing soldl Burrell showmans 3610 WILLIAM V was offered in dismantled condition and in need of reboxing; bidding went to £40000. Aveling traction 6890 of 1909 (1W3565), an 8hp single from Ireland, went to £7000 but failed its reserve, and Fowler 16948 of 1927 (J13913), built as a convertible roller/ tractor and now in the latter form after a life as a roller, was opened by the auctioneer at £25000 but failed to attract any bid at all. A Robey 8hp portable and a Marshall 12hp piston valve portable remained unsold after bids of £2000 and £3000 respectively.
SHROPSHIRE A carnival procession with a difference headed through the streets of Market Drayton during the summer, for included in the parade were several traction engines, the largest of which was Richard Metcalfe's 1918 Fowler ploughing engine 15139 IHR3399). Also there was Denis Woodward's 1906 Aveling tractor 6093 (D2800), Will Dakin's Davey Paxman traction 16849 of 1911 (AF3373) and the Dale family's Burrell agricultural 2950 of 1907 (AF3532). The Matthews family are reported to have purchased Aveling roller 10997 of 1924 (M03687) from Tom Burton-Shelley in Staffordshire.
SOMERSET A new event was held at Wincanton in early July, though having no connection with the much discussed 1992 Great Somerset show. It was organised by Don and Gill Cooks, on whose land the 1992 event was held, along with some of their friends. It turned out a smaller, happy and friendly weekend — and a successful one. About twenty engines were present, including a notable first in the shape of Jan and Gretha Brinksma's 1917 Fowler Russian hauling and winding engine 14925 (YKJ381), which has been extensively renovated and repainted by Alan Fry. It was making its English rally debut in Jan's ownership having previously been at the German rally of Peter Borstel at Bad Laer in 1992. Other engines back in action were John Uphill's Marshall roller 71833 of 1919 (ER697) and Wallis Advance 7933 of 1927 (0T5326) owned by John
OUR MAGAZINE 25 YEARS AGO
A long Editorial from John Crawley set down the reality of the production of the magazine — not, as some obviously thought, by a highly staffed office but by John himself and a small group of area correspondents. Despite the passage of 25 years and the enlargement of the magazine, perhaps two or three fold, the account makes familiar reading, for today's magazine is produced by an Editor, with Assistant Editor for the Steaming Around section, both largely working from material provided by members on a regular or occasional basis. Then, as now, Steaming presents itself very much as a club magazine News from Bedfordshire was the regrettable close of J. & W. Gowers boiler works; Wally Gower after years of hesitation had finally retired and concluded three generations of boiler making at the Progressive Works. There was more news on NANCY, the Burrell showmans retrieved from Cornwall earlier in the year, and taken to Yorkshire. The forty years of abandonment in a harsh upland climate had resulted in eccentric rods rusted to the dimensions of pieces of wire and although the firebox looked good the barrel proved to be wasted through. Plans for a new boiler were overtaken by the discovery that the engine during its brief 17 year working life must have been severely used and the whole project was reluctantly abandoned with the various reasonable parts to be set aside as spares. Whatever remains of the Burrell is now in Gloucestershire. The diary of rallies for 1969 covered 40 events but only two of them are recognisable as names on today's Rally List with an accepted continuity of organisers and fairly nearby site — Rempstone and Redruth.
Hatcher. Other rollers at the event were Reg Hawkesworth's 1929 Aveling 12400 (TK2922) and Alan White's Fowler 16134 of 1924 (U9493). James Gilbey's Burrell Scenic PERSEVERANCE THE SECOND and J. Inge's Ruston Lincoln Imp tractor 52573 of 1918 (TF8240) also appeared. 211
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE NEEDING ECONOMICAL REPAIRS ON THEIR TRACTION ENGINES
B. & C. Reconditioning (Gears) Ltd PINIONS
SPURS
BEVELS
All types and makes of bevel gears, spur pinions, spur wheels, helical gears etc rebuilt to standard
Our address is.
B & C Reconditioning (Gears) Ltd, off London Road, Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7EQ Telephone Amesbury (0980) 623210
212
Autumn 1993
STEAMING
The now well-known long arena of the Somerset Club's Longport rally was again well used at their July event. There was a good crowd attendance, despite other local attractions and some not too good weather. There were about 30 engines at the event of which three Burrells were first time attenders: Kevin Gamlen's 1915 showmans tractor 3631 10R2729) KATHLEEN and the venerable 1895 agriculturals 1840 (YA2481) and 1861 (CF3302) belonging to Stuart Baines and David Nicholson respectively. Two other tractions were Fred Britton's 1896 McLaren 547 (BD5448) and Wallis 7411 of 1915 (AP9261) in the ownership of Paul Lock. This latter was on the threshing machine. It was good to see the late Arthur Field's Fowler roller 18652 of 1930 (TK4285) out again, being rallied by Percy Guppy for Mrs Field. The mode of transport of engines to the event varied considerably from those who chose to drive under their own steam through to Alan Fry's Burrell showmans 2879 PRINCESS ROYAL which travels in a canopied and sheeted transporter, arriving ready groomed. J. Miles' 1901 Marshall traction 36033 (NK2524) travels on a trailer towed by a 1950 Leyland Super Hippo tractor unit, itself a rally exhibit. A number of engines attended I he Royal Bath & West of England Show at Shepton Mallett. Jack Miles' Marshall drove a threshing machine whilst Colin Wait showed his 1925 Fnden wagon 11850 (MB9404). Others present included PERSEVERANCE THE SECOND, David Maidment's 1901 Allchin traction 1173 (KE1984), which was ip EIS a so...A: bench and Alan White's Fowler !oiler 16134. An engine to move into the county is Brian Casely's 1919 Burrell traction 3824 (YA366) which has been purchased by Ron Bond. At the end of July, a growing event, with more steam participation than ever, took place at Huntspill near Highbridge. There were seven engines and one of the highlights was the passing by on the M5, en-route to Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway of the famous railway locomotive FLYING SCOTSMAN on one of Mike Lawrence's low loaders. Mike also drove his Wallis traction 7685 of 1919 (H05587) to and from the rally hauling his former W.J. King Marshall thresher, a fine sight in the late evening sunshine. Other engines present included Barry Humphry's with his 1923 Clayton & Shuttleworth roller 48751 IYA6182), Ruston Proctor traction 51737 of 1917 (E88164) owned by STEAMING Autumn 1993
George Train and Martin Hawkins' Wallis Advance roller 7929 of 1927 (0T4812). Jerry Hawkins was in charge of Fred Britton's McLaren traction and another engine was Geoff Young's Fowler conversion 19354 of 1933 (YSV866).
STAFFORDSHIRE The Easter weekend had extra exhibits appearing at the Bass Museum's premises at Burton-onTrent, an occasion billed as the Black Hand Gang's Steam Party. Ian Wright's unique Fowler/Allen roller 8111 of 1898 (BW4798) was present and there for the first time was the Fowler Tiger tractor 14805 of 1920 (UG 1496) owned by David Cope. Other engines were the Museum's own 1917 Sentinel Standard 1488 (AW3407) and the Aveling rollers of Steve Jacobs, 12342 of 1929 (UT4405), and Barry Littlewood, 12079 of 1928 (PH9633).
SUFFOLK The small event at Woo!pit in June was attended by several local engines including the Burrell agricultural THE EMPRESS OF BRITAIN, 3399 of 1912 (AH5446) from the Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket. There was another similar Burrell — John Mead's 3125 of 1909 (AF4574) — and two other tractions: Wallis 7497 of 1916 (N04710), owned by Natal and Judie Taylor, and Alan and Linda Hines' 1914 Ruston Proctor 49804 (FR3554).
SURREY A total of nine engines took part in the Cranleigh rally in June. These included Burrell tractors 4072 of 1927 (PH2900) owned by Ron Walker and 3545 of 1914 (AH0173), owned by Arthur Mills and Ernest Summerhayes; 1931 Aveling roller 14090 (NG564) belonging to Terry Hinton and Bicknell's 1920 Ransomes crane engine 31066 (PV4943). At the end of July, the excellent and well organised event at Redhill was held in relatively good weather. About thirty engines were present and many owners thoroughly enjoyed trying the hill climb at the farm. Among those present were some well travelled visitors — the Howard brothers from Derbyshire with their Fowler showmans RENOWN, Peter Wyeld from Norfolk with 1908 Ruston Proctor agricultural 34987 (AH5654) and Burrell traction 3935 of 1922 (NK4450) owned by D. Spearman of Essex, together with Barry Two's 1934 Sentinel S4 wagon 9074 (BEV466) from Bedfordshire. Others present included Richard Francis's 1912 Marshall traction 59435 (PB9888), 1918 Garrett showmans style tractor 33374 (CE8250) owned by Boxhill & Headley Pest Control Services and David Wallis's 1914 Aveling roller 8455 INM971). This latter made three successful ascents of the hill over the weekend — both pins in, high wheel and steam on the red mark. The sound
iIflhuIII
Burrell showmans road loco 2879 of 1907 PRINCESS ROYAL basks in the sunshine at the 1992 Wincanton rally. (Peter Love) 213
of an Aveling single working hard was music to many ears.
SUSSEX Four engines made the 50 or so mile journey from Sellindge rally in Kcnt to the Tinkers Park event in June. These were Bill Gocher's 1927 Sentinel Super wagon 6887 (DL 5478), Peter Haining's 1909 Garrett road loco 27946 (016818) VERA and two Aveling rollers, 11240 of 1925 (R0641) belonging to Martin Staniforth and Barry Foord's similarly dated 11206 (PE2458). The event featured a record number of engines — 22. First time visitors included David Birch's 1922 McLaren showmans conversion 1713 INH39981; James Hatfield's 1930 Sentinel DG6 8213 (GF8655) and Aveling roller 2754 of 1890 (KE1999) owned by J. Ullman and entered by the Casey family. Also at this rally for the first time was Alan Stiller's newly acquired 1902 Fowler road loco 9456 (KK3634) — it came from Eastwood's in Kent — Marshall traction 59435 of 1912 (PB9888) belonging to Richard Francis and the Burrell 1924 family's Garrett showmans 3950 PROGRESS. Mid June saw the Fireman's Arms at Five Ash Down graced with the presence of three engines at a Summer barbecue. Peter Haining's Garrett was joined by Jonathon Vartan's 1936 Fowler roller 21833 (CRL110) and Aveling showmans style tractor 7899 of 1913 (D9079) which is owned by Joyce Jessett. The following day, the Fowler and Garrett made an early morning journey to attend the East Grinstead Town & Country Experience, to be joined there by Jim Hatfield's Sentinel. Six engines took part in the Gatwick '93 Rally in early July. Included in 214
these were Peter Haining's Garrett; Fowler roller 17022 of 1927 (WW 4017) owned by A. Kenwood; 1923 Burrell roller 3942 (TA5563) belonging to Ron Armstrong and Derek Bishop and Jonathan Wheeler's Aveling-Barford roller AC 606 of 1937 (DTM 538). Another Aveling was roller 14149 of 1932 (SM9415) in the ownership of the Taylor family, this machine being of Scottish extraction. The following week saw four engines participating in the Horsham Carnival. These were Burrell showmans 3887 PRINCE OF WALES, Burrell crane loco 3829 of 1920 IPB9687) HIS MAJESTY and Fowler showmans style tractor 19050 of 1931 (CV5630), all from the Searle family's stable and 1910 Wallis traction 7155 (M020151 last reported as owned by John Taylor.
WALES At the Hunslet Hundred Steam Festival organised by the Festiniog Railway over the early May bank holiday, four road engines were to be seen in Minffordd Yard. These were Steve Miln's Aveling convertible roller 9264 of 1922 (EJ966); Burrell tractor 4072 of 1927 (PH2900) owned by Ron Walker; 1920 Fowler showmans REPULSE belonging to Terry Gibson and Robin and Sue Daniel's Burrell road loco 3937 of 1922 (SU1212). A visitor en route to Eire at the end of July was surprised to see the Equipment Vintage Anglesey Society's venerable 1889 Aveling roller 2439 (EY1382) taking part in the Holyhead Festival. An engine noted for sale in South Wales is 1899 Richard Hornsby portable 8278. The owner is Richard Scourfield.
WARWICKSHIRE In early June, Seven Trent Water had a Fun Day for its employees at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh and Len Crane arranged for several engines to he present. Ray Preece's 1918 Ransomes traction 27524 (E5123) drove Lawley Bros racksaw whilst Len manoeuvred the timber with his 1929 Fowler crane engine 17212. Robert Bate's 1900 Aveling traction 4561 (KE3775) ran his threshing machine; others present were Len Crane's 1925 Marshall roller 79087 (NR6120), Lyndon Shearman's 1860s Brown & May portable and John Wootton's Garrett showmans tractor 33987 of 1920 (BJ5597).
WEST MIDLANDS Shareshill Rally was held in support of the parish church in June. Peter Hough was there with his 1930 Aveling roller 14062 (HV861), Robert Bate with his 1900 Aveling traction and Ray Preece with Ransomes 27524. The same day, Lyndon Shearman hitched his little portable to the back of his car and trundled along to Oxley Parish Church for the summer fete there. Clearly this ecclesiastical clash of dates will have to be resolved in another year. Blists Hill Museum's midsummer evening opening saw Lyndon Shearman's portable driving their Corbett corn mill, milling feed for the museum's chickens and ducks. The following weekend saw Dave Bennion attend with his 1919 Burrell agricultural 3812 (AW9198). Dave spent some time driving a stone crusher and later attending the Museum's fair organ. The end of July brought Dudley Show at Himley Hall. This large show Autumn 1993
STEAMING
An excellent job was made of the cultivating demonstration at the 1992 Carrington Park rally by Fowler BB1 class ploughing engines 15154 (left) and 15155 (right). To acclaim their commercial owners the engines are respectively named WARD and DALE. (Peter Love)
was poorly organised and some engine owners took their engines elsewhere as a result of a lack of information and decisions. As a result, only four engines were on view, supported by several miniatures and other vintage vehicles. Present were Len Crane's Fowler crane engine, Peter Hough's Aveling roller 14062, the Robbins' 1897 Burrell traction 2051 (CF3638) and Shearman's Brown & May portable.
WILTSHIRE Castle Combe is normally the home of motor racing but at this year's show in mid May, the steam section was much larger and as well as fourteen traction engines, also present were a Stanley steam car, a Merryweather Valiant fire pump and a Haleson steam motorcycle. Most of the steam exhibits were familiar local engines and six of them had been at the Yeovil event reported in the last issue. Those present included 1923 Marshall conversion 76301 (EC4680) belonging to I.D. Jones; Neil Baker's Aveling roller 8196 of 1914 (DF5056); Colin Hembury's Aveling 10594 of 1923 IYA6375) and Marshall roller 82389 of 1927 (U02835) owned by Vince Hawkins. The Goold family's Sentinel S4 9032 of 1934 (US5430) was also present.
YORKSHIRE The event at Temple Newsam, Leeds at Spring bank holiday had one or two surprises in store, as well as appalling weather which resulted in something of a mud bath. Frank Lythgoe was there in force as usual with three showmans plus Fowler traction 21647 of 1936 12131135), a former Irish engine. Several of the local engines put in an appearance including Keith Bygraves' 1932 Fowler roller 19353 (YG914) and Richard Gillam's 1910 Burrell traction 3201 (13P5919). It was a first time attendance for recently acquired Burrell showmans 3285 of 1911 (AH5304) KING GEORVE V, now in the ownership of Brian Dunford whose venerable Foden wagon 763 of 1904 (D1396) has gone to Don Eastwood in Kent, apparently in an exchange deal. Some other exchanges gave interest for local enthusiasts and livened their STEAMING
Autumn 1993
dampened spirits. Graham Whitwell showed Fowler roller 16971 of 1927 (IN1970), only recently obtained from Eire as a result of a swap which involved Garrett showmans style tractor 33459 of 1919 (TC64) going to J. Walsh near Cork. Fowler conversion 21222 of 1937 (CS5409) was in attendance, the result of a previous engine exchange by Graham. Wakefield's Thornes Park was the venue for a Friday evening gathering in late June when a large display of commercial vehicles converged on the location. As an added attraction, Richard Hullah, whose two rollers are based in the vicinity, steamed to the show for the evening. The machines are 1889 Aveling 2481 (CE9187) and his recently acquired Garrett, 28408 of 1910 (A06201). The Greet Yorkshire Traction Engine Club marked the 40th anniversary of the Pickering 1953 event at Duncombe Park, Helmsley, in early July. One of the original attenders at this first North Yorkshire event was again present in a part completed state on the back of a low loader, this being Vic Makey's 1904 Clayton traction 36731 (AJ5890) OLD GLORY. A good selection of other engines were present including Robin Knox's Fowler showmans 11108 of 1909 DREADNOUGHT and virtually the whole contents of John Smith's yard — some of them not yet steamable but they included the most unusual Fowler colonial engine 10773 of 1907, as detailed in the last issue of Steaming. An unexpected entry was the very newly acquired Marshall traction 47592 of 1907, now belonging to Martin Robinson. This, end Marshall 60137 of 1912, also reported in Martin's ownership, have come back from Australia; 47592 was
in steam at Helmsley. Another surprise was an Aveling 'tractor', previously with Jim Grattan in South Yorkshire. Aveling roller 10662 of 1924 (PR2045) had passed through Brian Dunford's hands into the ownership of Ron Baker earlier this year and was entered at Helmsley in part converted state — still with roller back wheels. It has subsequently been offered for sale at £20,000. Masham Rally in mid July was, as usual, interesting. An engine with had only just come into the area was M. Sutherland's 1923 Wallis traction 7769 (PD71721. Philip Ogden's Burrell tractor 3808 of 1919 (AH570) was as immaculate as ever and another attractive example was Andrew Hauxwell's 1929 Garrett 4CD, the last built, 35225 (0U3239), now sporting tvp y included AvBlii iy 10575 of 1923 (PR280) owned by Bob Baker of Co. Durham and S. Ritchie's 1923 Fowler 16008 ISG8149). Richard Preston's unusual Foster electric light engine, was pieseriled by Percy Dabbs and son Derek. Also there was Dennis Bainbridge's 1931 Fowler conversion 19456 (5E3563); the engine had suffered a loss during winter storage when someone had removed the Fowler works plate, much to Dennis's disgust. He considers it was not a casual scrap thief as the Fowler owls on the engine, also very handy, had been left intact. Pickering Rally at the end of July also claimed to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the 1953 event, this time in Pickering itself. Frank Lythgoe's five showmans were present along with a host of other showmans engines in what must have been the biggest gathering of such exhibits in the North for some time. A 215
way back home. Other entries were Ann and Chris Rhodes' 1928 Wallis Advance 7962 10T81171 and Nigel Crisp's similar 8069 of 1931 (GN 1 804), which is still under restoration and John Bolton and Ian Jackson's Marshall traction 35554 of 1901 (N026).
THE ROBEY TRUST
Two Burrells that are fresh faces for Yorkshire rally-goers were photographed by Dave Bagley at the Rother Valley event, Sheffield, in June 1993. Eight horsepower showman road loco 3285 of 1911 KING GEORGE V (converted to scenic specification in 1920 by Abbott and Barker of Norwich), has previously spent many years of preservation in Kent, whilst 5hp road loco 4010, without its belly tanks and boiler cladding, is spending a summer running in after restoration.
total of eighteen, including tractors, were assembled and these included Steve Hardy's 1910 Burrell 3191 (VLJ346) FURIOUS, Robin Knox's 1909 Fowler DREADNOUGHT, a first reappearance on the right side of the Pennines by Richard Marsh's splendidly restored 1921 Burrell 3886 LORD LASCELLES, the Saunders family's Burrell EX MAYOR and Willem Middlemiss' 1915 Burrell 3669 NERO. Other big engines included an 216
impressive pair of Fowler crane engines — Bainbridge's 8920 of 1901 (SG4713) and Paul Scholey's 17106 DUKE OF YORK — whilst rollers present included Aveling 8956 of 1918 (AY9690) belonging to H.E. Curry of Lincolnshire and Steve Corston's 15 ton convertible Aveling 8679 of 1916 (BT8812) — on a long distance safari from the same county; Steve had actually driven all the way up to Helmsley and was by then on his
The third annual steam fair organised by the Robey Trust took place at Tavistock, Devon in June. This year saw all three of their own road engines present. In addition to Robey tandem roller 42693 of 1925 (FE7490) STUMBLES; tri-tandem roller 45655 of 1930 (VL2773) and the 1914 traction 33348 (Z200), John Woodley's Sentinel Standard 1465 of 1916 (AW3321) also was present. Once again, donations were made to Trust's small relics collection including a Robey Auxiliary Fire Service fireman's jacket, a Robey (stamped) canteen knife, the lightning conductor from the top of the Robey works chimney, a straight edge, an apprentice-made surface plate and a drawspike from the Robey foundry. Many Robey Trust members made the journey to Tavistock to see the collection and were made most welcome. Meanwhile there is a possibility of an as yet undisclosed engine joining the Robey Trust fleet. This is of a type which will be unique in this country. Having successfully secured the ownership of tri-tandem 45655 with the formation of the Tri-Tandem Partnership, the group recently held its first AGM at the Abbey Garage workshops. Points were discussed relating to the roller's condition, its upkeep and crewing arrangements. It was pointed out that shares can still be purchased by interested parties to enable the paying back of outstanding loans. Anyone interested in becoming a part owner of this interesting machine should contact Dave Davies (address below). The production of rubber strakes, as discussed in the Autumn 1992 issue of Steaming is now going ahead as shown in. Figure 2 in that article. To those with whom contact was made, the 100mm x 50mm shaped strakes have proved acceptable and the large investment in a suitable die in which the strakes will be moulded has now been made. Production is anticipated to start in September. Readers will be kept informed. (David A. Davies, 9 Churchill Road, Whitchurch, Tavistock, Devon PL 19 8BU — Tr 0822 615960.) Autumn 1993
STEAMING
Around IcOpir the World
The Editor gratefully acknowledges receipt of magazines, etc from Iron Men Album (USA); Stanley Museum (USA); The Heritage Eagle (USA); Stoomwalsenclub Nederlands; Dampwalzen-Club Schweiz; Steam Traction Society (New Zealand); the South Canterbury club (New Zealand); The Lake Goldsmith club (Australia) and reports from other correspondents as individually credited.
AUSTRALIA The Lake Goldsmith Steam Society held its 60th steam rally on 31st October/1st November 1992 with a record number of entries including 19 traction engines and rollers and a steam wagon. Bad weather plagued the first day and gumboots and mud were the order of things! The Sunday was quite different and a good crowd was attracted to the event. It featured the first Australian fair organ rally with 18 mechanical musical instruments being on show, including an 89 key Gavioli built about 1897. John Smyth's recently restored 7hp Fowler road loco had its first outing at a Lake Goldsmith event; built in 1913, number 13086, the three speed machine spent most of its working life in New South Wales. On the smaller side Tom Mulcahy exhibited single cylinder Ruston Proctor 4hp tractor 43189 of 1911. Over two hundred oil engines and the ex Victorian Railways 3 ton steam crane and a steam shovel by Ruston & Hornsby were favourites with spectators — the latter tops the scales at over 90 tons and is the largest nonrailway steam exhibit in Australia. It was built in 1925, class 20 SNC (steam navvy crane), number 923. (John Norris)
FRANCE
The agricultural portables built by Merlin & Cie, of Vierzon, France, were of distinctive design with the whole of the engine and crankshaft built up on a cast bed fixed on top of the lengthy boiler barrel. Reports of restoration in working order of engines in France are rare but in September 1992 a threshing demonstration was held in the centre of Paris, of all places, near the banks of the Seine. Mike Jones sends this picture, taken by friend I. Adams, which shows the portable in steam with preparations being made to ready the threshing drum and uncover the stack of corn. The general lines of the Merlin portable are seen more clearly in the second picture, by Frank Jones, of the example at the Autotron Museum at Rosmalen, Holland, though this one lacks most of its steam fittings. STEAMING
Autumn 1993
Chris West kindly sends details of the two British built portables in a museum in northern France. At the Centre Historique Minier at Lewarde, Nord 125km east of Arras). They are a large compound, Robey 35544 of 1916 and Ruston Proctor compound 51427 of about the same year. Both, presumably, originally went to the area during World War 1, and would have an interesting tale to tell of their early lives.
GERMANY The German road making firm of Teerbau, celebrating an anniversary in 1993, has commissioned the restoration to working order of Ruthmeyer single crank compound 217
Ruthemeyer roller 521, fresh from the paintshop. (Busso Hennecke)
roller 521 of 1927. The work has been undertaken to a high standard by Erhardt Beloch of Essen. The 8 ton roller, nicely painted in dark blue lined livery, will be exhibited by its owners over a wide area of Germany during this year.
HOLLAND The Autotron Museum at Rosmalen has two French built portable engines on display. A small example built by Millot of Gray, Haute
Saone, is inside the main exhibition hall, while a larger engine built by Merlin & Cie of Vierzon, stands unprotected in the open. (John Morley)
NEW ZEALAND On a Saturday in May 1993, in perfect weather, members of the South Canterbury club enjoyed an interesting day of threshing to celebrate and recall W.J. Clarke and Tom Kyle's threshing days. Clarke
started contracting at Rosewill 90 years ago with horses and later moved to Seadown continuing the business using traction engines. When the business was at its height there were 13 engines and mills in use. Kyle had started 60 years ago. Eleven engines were gathered in John Winter's yard (formerly Clarke's and Kyle's) and nine left for the trip to Rosewill taking with them three mills and some stinkies (crew living vans!) The engines were the South Canterbury club's Fowler 13597, Garrett 29773 and Burrells 2602, 2618, 3255, 3259, 3348, 3522 and 3558. Some of these had been owned by Clarke or Kyle when the fleets were working. One of the Burrells threshed a trailer load of oats in the afternoon and the engines then returned to the club shed where members and spectators enjoyed a barbeque tea. (South Canterbury club Newsletter)
PORTUGAL Holidaymakers to the Atlantic island of Madiera will find a well cared for Fowler roller, DNA class 16946 of 1927, in its own fenced off area in public gardens adjacent to the Palace of the Regional Governor at Funchal. The machine appears to be in good condition when seen recently. (The Editor nearly passed over this item on the grounds it had been in one of the last few issues, but on checking, the Illustrated mention was in the Spring 1986 issue. Perhaps then a timely reminder that wherever you are off to on holiday, it's worth a few minutes flicking through back numbers to see if Around the World features any road steam near your destination. And we are always pleased to receive further reports of sightings as members travel abroad.)
SWITZERLAND It is good to record that Switzerland has joined the ranks of countries around the world that are organising public events centred on the road steam engine. Following the recent formation of Dampfwalzen-Club Schweiz (Swiss Steam-roller Club), an event was held in nice warm weather on 5/6th June at Uster, a little east of Zurich, and it attracted nine steam
rollers plus one elderly diesel example. The entrants offered a wide variety Several times in recent years these pages have featured pictures of German built Ruthemeyer rollers constructed to the Wallis & Steevens Advance design. At the 1991 Almere event in Holland Jaap van Pelt was able to arrange examples of the original design and the copy to be posed together and we can see just how close the appearances are. To the left is Wallis & Steevens 10 tonner 7909 of 1926, and on the right Ruthemeyer 10 tonner 716 of 1930. It is still unclear whether the design was in some way licenced out by Wallis or whether it was simply pirated by Ruthemeyer from an example bought in. 218
of manufacturers and designs, including a majority number of British built machines, Most of the rollers have been in static preservation for some time, but with a growing number being made available for steaming again, street rallies are now possible. British built rollers were represented by Avelings 7615 of 1912, Autumn 1993
STEAMING
7765 of 1912, and an F type of 1923; Aveling-Barford AC607; Fowler 10959 of 1907; Garrett 29008 of 1911 and Wallis & Steevens Advance 8039 of 1929. All these, except the Advance, were compounds. Swissbuilt Schweizerische Lokomotiven u. Maschinenfabrik 4074 of 1923 (illustrated elsewhere in this issue) and Henninger single cylinder 234 of 1928, built in Darmstadt, Germany, completed the steam line up, but Aveling single cylinder oil engined roller 12886 of 1932 also appeared. Most of the rollers are owned by road construction or plant hire companies but others are preserved by individuals, or in the case of the Fowler, by the works department of the city of Winterthur. An excellent illustrated programme was produced for the Uster event, giving a very full
set of statistics for each of the rollers. (Dampfwalzen-Club Schweiz)
TURKEY Evidence, perhaps, that almost anywhere in the world a surviving steam roller is considered worthy of keeping, either for its local historical interest or for export to somewhere where it might fetch good money, is a German built roller, seen in Istanbul in December 1992. Photocopied pictures sent by Busso Hennecke show a superheated compound Henschel roller which looks as if it may have been rescued from the edge of a coal slurry tip. It lacks a major part of its anatomy, the front rolls and fork, but otherwise seems complete if disreputable, standing in a compound with what looks like newly imported vans and pick-ups.
Letters Water Dandies I read John Middlemiss's notes on Water Dandies in the last issue with much interest. As he suggested, double tubbed dandies were made and I can tell a little story about towing one whilst I was driving Sid Stocks' Garrett tractor down the turnpike between Ipswich and Norwich, I haven't got a phntngraph but imagine something like Mr Middlemiss's photograph but with a Garrett tractor; the centre truck behind, then in turn a second truck with the roundabout equipment, Mr Stocks' living wagon (which I was told had cost £4000 — a tidy sum in those days), the organ and finally the dandy. This had heavy bags placed over the tops of the barrells to keep the water from splashing out. You may ask why not lids, and I can't answer that one but I can say I was grateful for them being well wetted on this occasion. I was doing about 10 miles an hour or more down one of the hills, trying to catch the three speed Burrell probably a mile away in front of us. I could only see so much in the rear view mirrors especially as the Garrett tractor wasn't a particularly wide machine. But out of the corner of my eye I saw STEAMING Autumn 1993
a young lad on a bike trying to overtake and frantically waving one arm. I cased up and he shouted "I li, Mister, your load is on fire — I've been trying to catch you for miles". Sure enough there were smoke and flames coming from the centre truck's sheet. I clainbeied up oil the Garrett's canopy and shouted to my crew to get the wet bags from the dandy — and to my relief I'd soon got the firo extinguished. It turned out those bags were the best thing I could have had and the dandy certainly was a godsend to me that day. I was only 17 years old! My time with the fair was short, but I could write a lot. I had to drive the Garrett on the road and then the ride when built up. The job was a killer in the Flower Show season. The ride needed the cranks checking and greasing; the Savage centre had to be steamed up and oiled round, then a dummy run to be ready to start about six in the evening. From then on there wasn't a break until 10.30 or even 11.30. Tea consisted of someone fetching me fish and chips and two or three pints of oatmeal stout and I had that while we were running. Of course, sometimes there weren't so many punters about but they often
flocked out of the pubs about 10 and then it was bedlam for an hour or so. The boss used to keep an eye open for this sort of thing for it didn't do to let your fire go and have a full boiler and then have a flock of punters waiting. These are nowadays referred to as the Good Old Days! Jack Aldrich
Louth, Lincolnshire
Steam in Czechoslovakia With reference to the photograph of the Koppisch Nurnberg engine shown on page 77 of the Spring 1993 issue of Steaming, the caption claims it 'will repay close study'. Well, it certainly did for me! Although, unfortunately, I am unable to provide any details of the machine itself, I can comment in full on its surroundings. This location is some four miles north west of Brux (Most) at the edge of a comparatively flat area with the Erz Geberge (Ore Mountains) in the background. The faint outline of these hits can be seen about level with the tops of the electricity power line supports on each side of the photograph. From 5th October 1943 until 20th May 1945 I saw this landscape daily when I was at Kolumbus Lager, a prisoner of war (PoW) working camp within a mile or so of this location. This hutted camp was adjacent to Kolumbus coalmine, one of many in the area. Another, Herkules pit, and surrounding buildings call be seen on the extreme right of the photograph. The caption to the photograph mentions the building of 'the central workshop of the mining establishment', but this is rather a misnomer. What was being built in June 1941 was an enormous coal products plant covering many acres, which was known as Hydriewerke Brux, Hermann Goering Werke. The main output of this was fuel for the Luftwaffe, together with bottled gas for lorries and buses, margarine, and various other commodities all derived from coal. Adjacent to the main factory a new coal preparation plant was being built, consisting of six railway wagon tipplers and reception hoppers, a coal crusher house, a screening and grading house, and a block of silo bins, all connected by conveyor tunnels and gantries, so that a thousand or more tons a day could be dealt with and then transferred to the main processing plant. There were around 1600 PoWs in Kolumbus Lager; some 1200 worked in the coal mines (about 800 at Herkules, with smaller groups at 219
several other pits) and 400 or so were surface workers employed as general labourers for contractors building the new preparation plant. I was one of a party of 65 working for Dyckerhof & Widmann (the 'McAlpines' of Dresden), the contractors who were building the reception hoppers below ground level, the tippler foundations and a sloping conveyor tunnel. The main factory was in full production until 12th May 1944 when it was bombed in daylight by wave after wave of US Air Force Flying Fortresses (some reports estimated that there were 500 in all). That stopped production completely. As soon as it started up again ten weeks later it was bombed once more. In all there were twelve raids during the last year of the war, eleven by the US and then on 16th January 1945 the RAF Pathfinders arrived by night followed by a large number of heavy bombers, reputed to be Lancasters. The area was overrun by the Russian Army on 8th May 1945, and eventually we were collected by the American Army on 20th May and taken by road to Pilsen airfield which was then in American hands, and later flown back to England. Cheslyn Mileham
Woking
(The above reminisence has, of course, little to do with the fascinating Koppisch traction engine but we make no apology for including Lyn's corn-
mentary, because the co-incidence of one of our members recognising the hazy background of the photograph after 48 years is quite remarkable. Lyn also sends a sketch map of the area and some photographs of the camp, taken by a fellow PoW with a German camera, the latter acquired by him when it was abandoned before the approaching Russians. — Hon Editor.)
Fowlers in Thanet I gave a copy of our Spring issue, containing the feature Rough Hard Work on Thanet, to Mr David Ashenden, whose family were the land agents and quarry proprietors written about in the article. He replied: 'I am most interested in the notes on Baldocks' activities. With regard to the accident on Sarre Hill, I wonder whether the real cause of the 'blow up' was quite as came out in the Report! As you will know it was quite a performance to change the gears on these traction engines — at least it was when I, as a boy, watched the three-truckers returning to our quarries, which necessitated a stiff climb up the farm road. The engines could just about do it in top gear with the empties and many a time I watched the driver hold down the safety valve to generate just a little extra steam pressure to get them over the brow without changing gear. 'I was told by my father the Baldocks were well known for doing
this, although frequently warned of the dangers. I wonder if this happened at Sarre Hill? Certainly we always understood this was how Walter Baldock perished. 'Our loads of crushed grit for Thanet RDC often went via Manston, so it is possible the broken axle picture on page 70 occurred with one of our loads. I cannot throw much light on the Gaskin reference; I believe there may have been a haulage business in that name in the Wingham area.' Turning to the subject of the Broadoak Sunday School outing behind Fowler 7490, featured in Alan Martin's contribution in the last issue, I have recently come across another photograph. Whether it is of the same occasion I don't know — the flags and bunting may be arranged differently and there is a tree to be seen behind the engine's chimney, so it may have been taken before leaving Broadoak or at a stop en route, rather than at the seaside. I can confirm Alan's picture was taken at Whitstable as it is in front of Peter Kemp's Refreshment Rooms on Beach Walk — right on the beach front. Although I have searched several local papers of August 1905 for a report of the Broadoak outing, I have had no luck. There was a large Carnival and Regatta at Herne Bay, 5 miles east along the coast from Whitstable, where a great many floats etc, sported all types of bunting. Maybe the hardy trippers did a triangular journey by Fowler to take in both Herne Bay and Whitstable! Tim Keenan
Stripped down for assessment and repair at Bicknells boiler works in Sussex, the unusual form of this traction engine boiler might cause puzzlement. It is in fact from Richard Vernon's Howard ploughing engine — a picture of the machine soon after it came back to England from America was published on page 147 of our Summer 1991 issue. Note the old patch on the back head. (Peter Love) 220
Margate, Kent
I would like to make some observations on the fine photographs accompanying the article 'Hard Rough Work in Thanet' in the Spring issue of Steaming. Firstly, I would like to say that the engine in the photo on page 68 looks more likely to be a D class engine rather than the A3 class as stated. The overall size of the engine compared to the men standing around point to it being the smaller class D also, the cylinder on the engine in the photograph is too short for the 12in stroke of a 6hp rated A class engine. The D class was 9in stroke. Most D boilers were built with an angle ring around the front of the barrel for attaching either a similarly made smokebox or the cast iron roll head then in favour at Fowlers. This method of attachment can clearly be seen on the engine in the picture. I have in my workshop Fowler D2 number 8244 of 1898 which presents Autumn 1993
STEAMING
Another picture of Fowler single cylinder heavy haulage engine 7490 of 1896 at the head of a Broadoak Sunday School outing. (collection Tim Keenan)
an identical outline to the engine on page 68. Moving on to the three photographs nn pages 70-71, as is there suggested, they do appear to show the same engine, a D2 in various stages of its life. Points worth noting are, again, the ring of bolts holding on the smokebox and rollhead casting. Note how the bottom of the smokebox carries an extension plate forward for the axle perch bracket. This was necessary for the front wheels to clear the fore water tank. On the second photo the centre figure is leaning on a projecting shaft; this is the front scraper bracket and it can also be picked out on the third picture. The pierced upright plate mentioned in the article is not an addition, but a Fowler design feature and fitted on many, but not all, compounds. Two were fitted on the frontplate, in line with each crank throw, to act as an oil splasher, They were quite handy for attaching various items, hence the two later holes. Another small point vvui LII Holing is the height of the motion side plates or screens. On the earlier Fowlers they were carried up to the top of the cylinder, as in the illustratons on pages 68 and 69; later engines had shallower plates as seen on pages 70 and 71. Looking at the superb B4 class road engine on page 69 one can also see the oil splashers on the front plate. An interesting point on this engine concerns the boiler feed pump, seen below the steering wheel. Notice that the clackbox, air vessel, and pipework are all missing, although the delivery pipe and boiler clackbox are in place. The delivery pipe on the B4 class curved up over the front tank and passed along inside the crankbox to the pump. Early Fowler design was for STEAMING
Autumn 1993
the pump clackbox to be screwed into the end of the barrel casting, as can be seen on the photograph of 8289. This was not a very satisfactory method of fixing; later design had the barrel and clackbox flanged and bolted together. Having pointed all this out it could just be that 8289 was fitted with two injectors, and the pump clackbox and plunger, eccentric etc were not fitted. The pump body casting, incidently, was also used for mounting the steering spindle top guide, as can be seen. Also in the article a mention is made of the oval Fowler transfer. Several works photographs show engines fitted with them, two good examples being 9984 and 10324, two B6 class showmans locomotives, both to be seen in Showmens Road Locomotives, published by the NTEC some years ago. The company appears to have stopped using the transfers around 1910. Graeme Thirkell
Shildon, Cu Duiliam
(Clearly, from Graeme Thirkell's observations, the caption to the picture on page 68 of the Spring issue offered a wrong identity to the engine. Alan Duke's lists contain only one 5hp D2 class engine in Albert Baldock's ownership, this being Fowler road engine 12905 of 1914, acquired from Lewis Baldock some time before November 1917. This is the engine now owned by John Carter and travelled with his Steam Fair in the Berkshire area. — Hon Editor)
Buried treasures Following the articles in the Summer magazine on buried or near
buried engines being discovered, readers may be interested to know I have recently been given a Fowler works plate, possibly from a ploughing engine, found recently in excavation work in Cornwall. The oval plate has the usual detail .1. FOWI ER & CO, ENGINEERS, STEAM PLOUGH WORKS, LEEDS and the number 3474. Could, perhaps, Alan Duke give a history of the engine and an explanation of the reason for the burial of the plate in Cornwall? I understand there was no sign of other parts of the engine. Robert Whitby
Preston, Lancashire
(Alan Duke kindly advises that Fowler 3474 was an 8hp traction, sent new in May 1878 to John Luxton of Calstock, Cornwall. By 1920 it was with D, Barrett of Albaston — barely a mile from Calstock — but no further history is recorded.)
Burrell corrections I write over some small items in the Summer edition of Steaming. In the editorial there is reference to Burrell 3419 CLYDE as being 12iilip. This is wrong; it was rated 10nhp by the makers and is so described in the specification. With the larger compound engines Burrell's nhp rating was not necessarily a direct function of cylinder diameter and there were many apparent discrepancies. These must be accepted, since to do otherwise is to re-write Thetford history. On page 156 is illustrated Burrell 4088. While the date of dispatch is given as 13th September 1930 the records do not reveal whether it was sent away from Thetford or Leiston, However, the specially made general arrangement drawing for this engine was endorsed '2nd at Leiston'. The boiler was made sometime earlier, the date of the hydraulic test being 9th 221
Highland Steamboat Holidays Cruise the beautiful sealochs and canals of Scotland in an original coal-fired Clyde Puffer. Good food, Cainfortabte accommodation.
owned by N. Ashton, the Hull showman. I have a very similar picture of McLaren 1599 SAMSON to that on page 133, but taken more from the front. The engine appears to have been the only one owned by J. Watts, a Tottenham showman, but I do not know what ride he used it with. Surely there wouldn't have been any great demand for its services as a portable in London in the 1950s. Bernard Fielding
Crosby, Liverpool
Challands Sentinel
Send large SAE for free brochure to Rachel and Nick Walker, The Change House, Crinan Ferry, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8QH (Tel 054 65 232).
March 1924. It was actually a road locomotive boiler with straight hornplates and longer firebox than that for a traction engine, but the time loss of over 6 years before despatch was nothing unusual at Thetford. The decision to transfer production to Leiston was announced in Implement & Machinery Review for July 1928, all machinery having stopped at Thetford at the end of April. A number of Garrett items were used on 4088 including the flywheel. It would be interesting to have documentary proof that 4088 was the last engine to be constructed at Thetford, but so far this information has not come to light. Geoff Gilbert
Woodwalton, Huntingdon, Cambs
A Sussex Marshall Some readers may recall my old picture of a Marshall, included in our Autumn 1992 issue (page 172), which I felt was owned by the Bourn family. Having had the picture reproduced more locally in The Agriculturalist I am pleased to have confirmation of the owner from Harry Lambourn of Ashbourne village. Harry writes: 'I knew the later members of the Bourn family and remember their steam threshing in the area. The man at the engine's wheel is almost certainly Tom Bourne — I knew his son, 'Young Tom', quite well and the man we are looking at in the picture appears so much like him. As for where the picture was taken it is my guess it was The Kings Head pub at Albourne. In the early years of the century Thomas Bourn was the licensee; could the lady be Mrs Bourn dispensing beer and baccy to the 222
workers? Look at the shadows — it's about midday in summer so no threshing to do, and its off sawing wood with the rack bench. I'm surmising the engine is at the rear of the old pub (it was demolished and replaced by the present building in the late 1930s), for the front was so narrow anything stopping would obstruct the highway. 'Bourns yarded their tackle on land beside The Kings Head, but later a base was established in one corner of the brickyard in Reeds Lane, Sayers Common, a site now occupied by a business centre! I recall going to the latter yard as a boy; it was summertime and the men and tackle, having finished the threshing season, were back cleaning, painting and preparing for the following winter. Two of the threshermen lived there permanently in living vans. In addition to the tackle, there was a four wheeled drawbar trailer, sometimes used behind a Tasker Little Giant tractor and in the corner, covered with a sheet, a rackbench. Who knows, perhaps the one in the 1908 picture.' Peter Love
Herstmonceux East Sussex
Showland histories I was interested in two mentions of engines with showland histories in the Summer issue. Regarding Burrell 1606 SPANKER, I am still unclear as to what happened to it between 1892 and 1896. I seem to remember reading somewhere that its short stay in showland was due to the driver's incompetence. Can anyone comment on this? The engine appears to have been the only engine
I am sorry that I cannot give much further history about Sentinel Super 5104, pictured on page 124 of the last issue, but to answer the question that was posed, the gentleman standing in front is Brian Challand, son of the owner. The location of the picture is outside their garage, which stands beside the B1186 Gainsborough to Newark road. Frank Strange
Brigg, South Humberside
Schoolboy memories As a young schoolboy living in Oxford in the late 1920s and early 30s I enjoyed Sunday afternoon rides to the local countryside in my grandparents' car. When we went one particular way I used to ask if we could stop at a point between Dorchester and Nuneham Courtenay on the A423 where, from an entrance gap in the hedge, I could look into the space beyond. A short distance inside, facing out towards the road there was always an overtype steam wagon. I assumed it to be a Foden but that was probably because my school in east Oxford was next door to Tuckwells contractors yard — they ran a fleet of wagons of that make. The fact that it was never in steam could have been due to my visits invariably being on Sundays. However as it always appeared to be in exactly the same position I concluded that it was derelict although I do not recall that the machine appeared to be in bad shape. I remember that the ground seemed to drop away sharply behind and I have since wondered if there was a sandpit there in which case the wagon might have been used as a winch. The whole area has long since become a housing estate but I estimate the grid reference to have been about 569963. I have often wondered since what the wagon was and what it was doing there. I am hoping that as a result of Autumn 1993
STEAMING
this letter there may perhaps be a reader who can satisfy my very longstanding curiosity. Ron Wilsden
Harlech, Gwynedd
Aveling 7673 I would like to hasten to correct a statement I made in my letter in the last issue (page 160) when writing about my Aveling roller 7673. I have since had the opportunity of having copies of the Royalty Book entries for the machine from the
Aveling-Barford deposit at Lincolnshire Archives. I find it is in fact described as a 12 tonner (its actual weight was well over 13 tons► and the 12 ton fork was fitted from new. It seems the original rolls had cast rims 3 1/2 inches thick, which I believe was the way manufacturers beefed up the weights of some products. So, my apologies tor my error and especially to Traction Engine Register who had it right all along. Richard Mawdsley
Southport, Lancashire
Books ODD ODES, Christmas verses of an Engineer, by Ronald H. Clark. 104 pages, paperback, 8% x 6in, 52 illustrations. Published 1993 by the author and available from The Black Horse Bookshop, 8-10 Wensom Street, Norwich, price £4.50 plus 50p postage.
Ronald Clark's name as an author will be known by almost everyone with an interest in traction engines. His list of published books on the subject numbers almost a dozen and dates back 45 years and this, his latest title, is a venture into self publishing which certainly offers a fresh approach. The pleasant little volume consists of a collection of verses which Ronald Clarke has composed for his distinctively individual Cluisin idS cards over the last half century. These personal seasonal greetings cards started in 1942. Not surprisingly, as a professional engineer he used a reproduction of an old steam engine. The ensuing years followed suit, and from the later 1910s the cards included verses composed by RHC. The accompanying illustrations came to cover a wide variety of mechanical contrivances or unusual engineering objects, and the subjects mused over in verse were equally various. Mr Clark's poetic style shows his enthusiasm for the works of Gilbert and Sullivan and his amusing observations are most entertaining in, for example, his 1960 offering A Little List, which advances some gentle STEAMING Autumn 1993
this respect it is unsurpassed. To my knowledge it is the only comprehensive record of the works of Abner Doble, whn represents a massive landmark in the development of steam powered vehicles. Abner Doble advanced the design of monotube boilers and their comparatively complex temperature and pressure controls to a point which is used to determine design criteria to this day. Practically, the book is essential reading for any person building or restoring a monotube boilered vehicle and I have known drawings from the book to be scaled, manufactured and used successfully in vehicles with no further development. Doble's exploits as a consultant engineer in Germany, New Zealand and at Sentinels in Shropshire are chronicled in great detail and only emphasise the importance of the work carried out by this great man. (Ray Clark)
MATERIALEN ZUR VOLKSKULTUR, NORWESTLICHES NIEDSACHSEN, by Herman Kaiser, published by Museumdorf Cloppenrebukes to the odd sorts within our midst. The verses will, no doubt, have given much pleasure (and perhaps bewilderment and surpise) to their recipients oath Christmas past. With that season now approaching, this review will be a timely notice of a wider availability in book form. (Roger West)
DOBLE STEAM CARS, Buses, Lorries and Railcars by J.N. Walton. 200 pages, hardbound, 9in x 6in, 113 illustrations or diagrams. Published 1975 by Light Steam Power and available from them at Kirkmichael, Isle of Man, price £17.00 plus £1.50 postage and packing in UK.
Mr Walton's book operates on two levels. Firstly it is a history book giving a fascinating insight into the life and works of Abner Doble, a brilliant American engineer who attempted, and largely succeeded, in producing a steam powered car capable of competing on equal terms with contemporary internal combustion engined vehicles. Abner Doble's experiments and products including, of course, his fabulous cars, are described in great detail, along with many photographs and drawings, throughout the book. A wealth of technical information is also interspersed. This does, however, detract from the historical aspect, making the latter a little disjointed and difficult to follow. The other level of Mr Walton's book is as a technical reference, and in
burg, 1982. 168 pages, softback, 230mm x 200mm, 68 pages of diagrams.
This book is a history of the bringing to cultivation by steam ploughing of a largo area of moorland in north west Germany, close to the Dutch border. These words will have to be more in the nature of a book notice than a review, for it would not be right for us to attempt the latter on a book in the German language, not being able to read it! However, some members may appreciate notice of this well produced and printed volume. The content of the book is divided between the topography and history of the moor and the work of the steam ploughing engines. I his work continued until the early 1970s, with the firm of Ottomeyer using huge German built engines, constructed specially for the purpose. Examples of these survive at the museum devoted to the peat moors. The book is copiously illustrated with old pictures and catalogue illustrations featuring a range of equipment by fowler, Ventzki, Heucke and Kemna, but the German text is a considerable proportion of the book and, clearly, the ability to read technical German is necessary to get the most from this seemingly excellent book. Copies are available from Museumdorf Cloppenburg, Niedersachsisches Freilichtmuseum, 4590 Cloppenburg, Postfach 1344, Germany at a price of 25
Deutschmarks plus 5DM postage. (Roger West)
223
Videos THE BIG ROAD ATLAS, VHS Pal, 60 minutes running time. Produced by Moonlight Productions. Price f18.00 inc postage from 14 Arran Avenue, Sale, Cheshire M33 3NQ. Moonlight's latest video release again centres on the former Norman Box road loco ATLAS — and again benefits from the nice play on words of its title. The acquisition of an old transformer shell to make a suitably contemporary load for his 1930s
Dyson low loader, gave James Hervey-Bathurst the chance to use Fowler 17106 on a return road run from Eastnor Castle to Gloucester to make the collection. And as a bonus to the task Mike Hynd organised sponsorship which resulted in a useful cheque for a local charity. The video programme covers the preparation of the engine and trailer for the empty outward run, with an interesting sequence where the Fowler has to run with its chimney lowered over the smokebox front to clear one of the Castle's gatehouses, and the onward journey to Gloucester. Having collected the transformer — it has now been filled with concrete in lieu of oil to make up its weight — and called at Gloucester's restored dockyard during an anniversary event, the return journey with the load is covered at greater length. The steep gradients and sharp bends on the route make for excellent photography and there is plenty of 'stack music' and smoke
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.
J. Howard, 11 Salcombe Grove, Swindon, Wiltshire. C. Maddison, Assurity, Main Street, Fulstow, Louth, Lincolnshire. P. Hampson, 395 Warrington Road, Leigh End, Glazebury, Lancashire. A.E. Honey, 22 Winterbrook Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire. Valentine Welding & Engineering Co, 12 Enterprise Road, Raunds, Northamptonshire. E. Freeman, 11 Town Furlong, Bodicote, Banbury, Oxfordshire. R. Freeman, 3 Heath Close, Milcombe, Oxfordshire. L.G. Dickens, 2 The Cottage, Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Northamptonshire. P. Allen, The Firs, Langton-by-Wragby, Lincolnshire. C.A. Pittock, 95 Guys Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. Major H.D. Marshall, Moor Green, High Street, Corringham, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, A. Aldridge, New Cottage, Deadmans Lane, Goring Heath, Hertfordshire. D.J. Wothers, 2 Cox Close, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester, Warwickshire. A.J. Matthews, 19 Woodhill Road, Highley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. R.W. Brown, 15 Stamford Street, Awsworth, Nottinghamshire. J. Quincey, 98 Station Road, Bardney, Lincoln. J. Jeffery, 2 Coombe Close, Axminster, Devon. A.G. Smith, 79 Stephens Firs, Mortimer, Reading, Berkshire. K.R. Alford, 9 Birchy Barton Hill, Heavitree, Exeter, Devon. 224
effect to please the enthusiast. The crew were James HerveyBathurst, Richard Wilcox and Fred Dibnah, and the microphone nicely picks-up their incidental conversation and chat as they go about their tasks of oiling, watering etc. The production of the video is to Moonlight's high standards of other tapes we have reviewed and at a hour's running time, it was not overlong. The only thing missing is the smell of hot oil and coal smoke ... (Derek Rayner)
Till ri if; Ell'ClinEr
J.K. Bevan, 16 Whalley Drive, Aughton, Ormskirk, Lancashire. T. Proctor, No 5 Almshouse, The Green, Stoneleigh, Coventry. J.A. Evans, Ash Barn, Bury, Callington, Cornwall. G.M. Ancliffe, Kirkmichael, Asterby, Louth, Lincolnshire. C.N. Spinks, 209 Norwich Road, Wymondham, Norfolk. S.A. Ellis, 11 Meadowside, Blo Norton, Diss, Norfolk. R. Baylie, Hillside, 33 Spring Lane, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, Essex, E. Beswick, 15 Ivedon Road, Welling, Kent. D. White, 28 The Lea, Fleet, Hampshire. C.H. Goodyear, 54 Sherborne Rd, Chichester, Sussex. A.J. Matthews, 2 Wheelwright Way, Stow cum Quy, Cambridge. G.W. Viant, Fernleigh, Manor Parsley, Mount Hawke, Truro, Cornwall. G.I. Ashdown, 8 Oakwood Lane, Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire. G. Parsons, 59 Meadowsweet, Eatonford, St Neots, Cambridgeshire. M.A. Corson, 9374 Roosevelt Street, Crown Point, IN 46307, USA. D. Robinson, Beechwood, 39 Caistor Road, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. R.G. Young (family members: Rosemary, Geoffrey and Robert), Ashleigh House, 25 Church Road, East Huntspill, Somerset. F. McNabb, 52 Oakfields, Oranmore, Co Galway, Ireland. D.H. Stone, 102 Abbots Garth, Seamer, Scarborough, Yorkshire, R. Jackson, The Adits, Main Street, Bagworth, Leicestershire. M. Allatt, 10 Dover Gardens, Carleton, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire. F. Forrest, Bonnybank Yard, Bonnybridge, Falkirk, Scotland. D. Riley, 175 Harwood Street, Darwen, Lancashire. R.B. Yeoman (family members: Chantal, Matthew and Francoise), 4 Upper Platts, Ticehurst, East Sussex. D.A. McNamee, Hollins House, Slaidburn, Clitheroe, Lancashire. J. Saunders, Moorlands Farm House, 119 High Street, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. D. Hall, 11 St Johns Street, Darwen, Lancashire. B.C. Ross, Highfield, Hallier How Lane, Gt Urswick, Ulverston, Cumbria. T. Cragg, The Lodge, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria. T.D. Marriott (family member: Joan), 33 Ravendale Road, Selby, North Yorkshire S. Goddard (family members: Christine and Victoria), 90 Grinstead Lane, Lancing, Sussex. J.W. Downs, 11 Church Road, Wickham Bishops, Witham, Essex. M.T. Street, 2 Maple Close, Chasetown, Walsall, Staffordshire. B.F. Manning, 5b Bury Lane, Codicote, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Autumn 1.993
STEAMING
Terris & Culverwell (INSURANCE BROKERS) LTD 36 ST. JOHN'S STREET DEVIZES WILTSHIRE SN10 1BL TEL. 0380 729369 FAX 0380 729379 Established 1882 If we can help, please telephone
I,C. Vinton, 33 New Montgomery Street, Suite 1620, San Francisco, USA. A.J. Rixen, Friday Street, Minchinhampton, Stroud, Gloucestershire. W.G. Bradfield, 4 Beech Close, Overton, Basingstoke, I lampshire. R. Watson (family member: Carol), 1 Fairfield Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leicestershire, G, Monill (family members: Natalie, Damien and Virginia), 32170 Laas, France. T. Knight, 58 Chantry Gardens, Southwick, Wiltshire. D. Coates, Yafford Mill, Shorwell, Newport, Isle of Wight. P. Burge (family members: Brenda, Kate, Christopher), 23 Elmdon Place, Haverhill, Suffolk. P.D, Cove, 14 Well Close, North Waltham, Hampshire. S.D. Frost, 31 Laxton Close, Olveston, Bristol. A. Hume (family member: Diane), Polwarth, Straight Half Mile, Maresfield, East Sussex.
Small Adverts Small advertisements for private SALES, WANTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS, and appertaining to road steam engines and their associated equipment (inc. 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.
STEAMING
Autumn 1993
We are registered insurance brokers who pride ourselves on giving personal service to all our clients. We arrange insurance for motor vehicles, houses, life, medical cover, liability, etc. Traction Engine insurance inspection and/or comprehensive insurance
A, Dunderdale (family members: Susan, Keith and Kerrie), 7 Waveney Drive, Higham, Barnsley, North Yorkshire. P.M. Priddle, Padora, Hillcommon, Taunton, Somerset. D.J. Reynolds, Alenray, Kennel Lane, Slade, Haverfordwest, Dyfed. R. Lawrence, 50 Colombo Ciescent, Weston super Mare, Avon. P. Standing, Trwyn y Buarth, Tre v Doll, Machynlleth, Powys, M. Rhodes, 6 Rosehill House, Peppard Road, Emmergreen, Reading, Berkshire. C. Clark, 4 Constable Close, Dronfield Woodhouse, Sheffield, Yorkshire. R.G. Huxtable (family member: Susan), Penshurst, Blackwater Road, Newport, Isle of Wight. R. Coles, Orchard Lee, Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury, Dorset, B. Underwood, 77 St Luke's Avenue, Penarth, South Glamorgan. J. Underwood, Flat 4, Court Mews, Court Rood, Barry, South Glamorgan. P. Lucas, 10 Briarswood Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset.
Wanted — for Aveling 1930 AB type roller: chimney or chimney base, 101/2 in p.c.d. holes; main drive gear centre, 6 spoke, gear is 33% in inside diameter. Alternatively patterns for castings. — tr 0509 506079. For sale — Steaming Vol 3 No 3; Vol 4 No 1; Vol 5 Nos 3/4; Vol 6 to Vol 36 No 3, in excellent/mint condition. Would prefer to sell as one lot. Offers to — J,E. James, 10 Littlemeer, Orton Waterville, Peterborough, Cambs PE2 5HL. For sale — complete set of drawings, castings and gears for 2in scale model of a Ruston Proctor light steam tractor, £300. — a 0684 (Malvern) 561267. For sale — Steaming Vol 14 to 23 complete. Any offer. — P. Starling, is. 0362 84300 evening. Wanted — Fowler parts for 5hp D2 class: % and 'Ain bsp taper cocks, gland packed; injector clackbox and seating, 3 stud type; displacement lubricator mounting elbow; waterlifter complete; hosepipe strainer, 1%in bore hose; Klinger or Reflex water gauges; two rear axle sand caps„ — Tr Bishop Auckland 772578, Hollycombe Steam & Woodland Garden Society, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LP operates up to 35 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. For sale — Robey transfers, authentic and accurate reproductions of the originals. Large 19in x 1 2in, small 9in x 6in, available loose or mounted and varnished for display, — Robey Trust Sales, 1 Churchill Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 9BU (a 0822 614405). 225
For sale — 87 issues of Steaming up to Volume 34. Offers for the lot or might split. — Peter Bowers, Station Lodge, Priory Road, Sunningdale, Berkshire SL5 OEN (2s. 0344 21286). Wanted — Steaming Vol 1, Nos 1 to 4; Vol 2 Nos 1, 2. — Peter Bowers, address as above advert. Wanted — any Sentinel items, brochures, works drawings or catalogues, as we are creating a mobile museum in our Sentinel bus. — Peter Bowers, address as above advert. For sale — Steam car, twin cylinder double acting, Stephenson link reverser, vertical fire tube boiler, gas fired, box section chassis, Escort steering and suspension, moulded plywood open body with trunk, licensed for road use. Many successful road runs and rallies. To view please contact — R. Mitchell, West Sussex (Tr 0243 603653 (evenings). Wanted — 5in dia pressure gauge to replace the one lost by contractors during rebuilding of my Burrell tractor. It was a 5in Budenburg 0-3001bs fitted by Burrells; condition is not important. — Ron Walker IT 081 954 1864 evenings or 081 951 0222 daytime. For sale — Savage 8hp traction, first class rally condition, excellent boiler report, £19,950. Also living van, wooden wheels, cut glass windows, 12ft, very ornate, £5950; original Foster tractor makers name plate with tank; gauge glass fittings; %in water plug cock; lubricator check valve; four wheel trailer with V bar; rivets s/ in, %in c/sunk, r/head 1%in and 3in; traction engine brass nameplate ROB ROY — 17 021 501 3190. Wanted — traction engine lamps, chime whistle. — Tr 0 2 1 501 3190. For sale — unused solid rubber tyres, 18 no sections, 42in long, 6 x 3. Also 6no rings 16 inches i.d., 5 x 3. Best offer over £30 each. — J. Evans, Ash Barn Bury, Callington, Cornwall PL17 8BP (Tr 0579 51071 evenings) Wanted — for my small private museum: brass builders plates from traction engines, steam rollers, steam wagons, steam boats, stationary steam engines, old boilers. Also interested in large unusual cast iron signs. — Alan McEwen, Tr 0535 634674. Was it too wet to get there? 1993 Little Wymondley rally programmes for sale. Professionally produced booklet, colour cover, four high quality black and white photos; listings for nearly 60 engines (plus many other exhibits) and update sheet. Send SAE 6% x 9in plus £1 to — Sandy Ross, Harts Steam Engine Preservation Society, 2 Bassett Close, Redbourn, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 7JY. New Book by R.A. Whitehead — Steam is the Essence, 144 pages, 150 illustrations, A4 hardback, £16.50 and a successor to Steam in the Village. Also still available — Jesse Ellis and the Maidstone Wagons, £11,50, — R.A. Whitehead, 42 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1 NZ, For sale — RLS Journal, May 1974; Steam Engines at Bressingham; Garrett 200; Garrett's of Leiston; 1 1/4 in bsp Fowler 3rd shaft brake bush drum, new; semi-rotary liquid pumps, various sizes; Instruction Book for CSB type engine on AvelingBarford roller, — 13` Bishop Auckland 772578. Wanted — photographs and details of fairs on Town Quay, Fowey, Cornwall up to 1938 in May and August. Also photographs of Burrell showmans 3869 in ownership of Nibble & Mellors TERRY, or J. Rowland & Sons CITY OF PLYMOUTH. Costs will be met, — P,J. Tambling, 2 Albany Court, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 2NY (Tr 0209 313889) Wanted — Durance water gauge frame, 4%in long for Garrett 4CD tractor. — TS 0939 260921. For sale — 76 copies of Steaming. Vol 17 No 1 (Dec 1973) complete through to Vol 35 No 4, including special issues. £76 the lot plus f6 post and packing, or buyer collects. — a 0621 (Colchester) 819368. Steaming — back numbers: Vol 7 No 4; Vol 14 No 3; Vol 17 Nos 1, 2 (Cornwall special), 3; Vol 18 Nos 1, 3, 4; Vol 19 No 1, 2 (Lancs special), 3, 4; Vol 21 No 2 (Yorks special), 3, 4; Vol 22 Nos 2, 3 and many later, £2 each, specials £2.50. -- Ran Hawthorne, 69 West Chiltern, Woodcote, Reading, Berks RG8 OSG (13. 0491 680484). Albums — 14 colour photos of showmans engines, early 1960s, £5; 13 colour photos, steam fairs 1962-65, Shottesbrooke etc, £5. — Ran Hawthorne, address as above advert.
226
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. Catalogues — Norman E. Box Ltd, road contractors, Manchester and Edinburgh, c1930; Fowler Tarspraying and Grouting Rollers; Fowler Road Spraying and Surfacing Plant, c1926; Tarspraying & Grouting Rollers; leaflet Instructions, Pickering high speed engine governors (cut away drawings, parts); The House of Thurston, illus. leaflet history of showland firm; Britannia News, July 1965 inc photo of tandem steam roller; Garrett Heisdampf-Lastwagen, steam wagon catalogue in German, 36pp, numerous excellent illus, c1910/12; Garrett specification form for (a) traction engine, (b) steam motor tractor; Garrett official sepia prints 9 x 7in (a) tractor, (b) overseas t.e., (c) superheated t.e. plus other Garrett items. — Ran Hawthorne, address as above advert, For sale — Old Glory magazines, Premier edition to latest copy complete in binders, superb condition, £75. — a 0969 663484, For sale — several parts for Wellington Foster tractor — please state requirements; Manzel lubricator in good condition; Yin r.h. Penberthy injector, original, new and unused; Durance steam valve, 'Yin BS2060, 5100 5001bs, new; vertical and swivelling slide for Myford Lathe, as new, — .zr 0247 472304 Wanted — for my Aveling 10 ton single E type roller: water lifter and tender attachment (believed part numbers H468/H478); hose, hose frame; steam manifold with extra take-off for water lifter; cast aluminium cover for 1st gear end of crankshaft; Menzel lubricator, feed pump drain cock; water sprinkler bar and fittings for front roll. — R.A. Gouldby, 25 Kirkley Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 OLW (Tr 0502 573930). For sale — pair Marshall threshing box front wheels with axle; '/ in 1.h.. Penberthy injector; gland packing extractors; quantity Yin and %in square packing; chimney flange 9Y in i.d., steam gauges; various steam valves; set heavy water gauges; cast iron pulley; 10in dia, 6in face, 1%in bore snatch block; 6ft snatch chain; box of steel lace 035 belt fasteners; box of conveyor belt fasteners; timber dogs; CMUA brass and enamel badge (ex Sentinel steam wagon); Garrett drivers badge; Case traction tie clip; 40 Whitworth brass dome headed nuts. — L.J. Lambe, 84 Redditch Road, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR (Tr 0527 31398). Wanted — Steaming, Vol 1 Nos 1-4; Steam Traction Engineering by Eighinger and Hutton; German Developments of Steam Road Vehicles, HMSO — M.A. Poole, 89 Glebelands, Pulborough, West Sussex.. Wanted — track rod ends for Super or DG Sentinel wagon. I need four complete joints, but any parts would help if not complete. — C. Hutchinson, 171 Bo'ness Road, Grangemouth FK3 9BT (Tr 0324 483865) For sale — Steaming Vol 5 No 4; Vols 6 to 35 complete; RLS Journal Vol 14 No 3, 4 5; Vol 15 Nos 2-6; Vols 16 to 20 complete; Scottish TE Society The Bothy Vol No 1, Strake Marks Vol 1 No 2; Scottish Traction Engines Vols 1 to 9 complete; Vol 10 No 1, 2; Vol 11 No 1; Steam Preservation (East Anglian TES) Spring 1962; Old Glory Nos 1 to 41 (inc elusive No 2); Old Glory Steam Festival programme 1992; rally programmes (as one lot), Pickering 1966, Hexham 1979, Isle of Man 1989, Summerlee 1986, 1987, 1988, Scottish TES rallies 1978, 1979, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1990, Weeting 1993, Doune 1990, 1992 1993, Bon Accord 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, Kendal 1976, 1977, 1983, Flookburgh 1986, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1993; steering wheel supposed Marshall 18in dia, 6 spokes, unmachined on outside, square hole tapers; gauge glasses, assorted sizes; various valves, gauge glass rings. Buyer pays carriage, Offers — James Houston, 9 Main Street, Plains, Airdrie, Lanarkshire ML6 7JE (Tr 0236 842667)_ 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). Autumn 1993
STEAMING
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. Threshers Yard. A story of North Oxfordshire steam threshing contractors Lainchburys of Kingham. Over 40 illustrations including Lampitt portable and Lampitt chain drive traction c1868. Published by and available from East Anglian Traction Society, 55 Grenfell Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex RM12 4DN. Price £2.75 post free. Gauge glasses - many sizes available. Send lop list. - Ray Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8NR 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 LN6 8NR (a 0522 6824061. For sale - showmans living van, 30ft, Mollycroft roof with cut glass, two doors, 3 rooms, new roof canvas, sandblasted and ready for painting. Original interior, needs finishing. Offers or part exchange, w.h.y.? Also 3ft Pollard radial drill (modern) with Insta brake, £450 o.n.o. - 12 0455 220340 or 0831 571227. Wanted - stone crusher; anything considered. - its 0455 220340 or 0831 571227. Wanted - steam roller or ploughing engine living van, preferably earlier type one requiring restoration. Please indicate make, approx condition and price. - Malcolm Siddall, 3 Tremcelynog, Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery, Dyfed SA20 ONU (sr 05506 303) For sale - Fowler 7hp road loco 15371, built 1919 GENERAL SMUTS, rallied in 1960s but needs restoration. For price and further information contact F. Bygrave, Meadowden, Semhill, Semley, Shaftesbury, Dorset. Wanted - small horizontal boiler suitable for 1%hp portable engine, separate engine type such as Dodman. Also 2%in die single throw crankshaft with straight webs, not bent crank, Sin throw. - N.R. Wood, Broomebank, Church Road, Colaton Raleigh, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 OLL (a 0395 682961. For sale - 26ft showmans living wagon, teak and Formica interior, cut glass windows and mirrors, gas cooker, stove, safe, Mollycroft roof etc. Sleeps 4. Lived in until August. For full details ir 0938 83393 or 0922 26580/26588. For sale, or exchange for other sizes: two 160 x 771 new Dunlop solid tyres. Also two 4 wheeled trailers on solid tyres. s 0924 405107. For the more ambitious model maker - castings for Garrett undertype steam wagon piston valve engine, scale 12 inches to one foot. - it 0924 405107. For sale - Burrell 6hp dcc traction engine 1916, restored hut not painted. Iron wheels. Offers invited - tr 0822 810575 evenings only. For sale - Aveling single R10 roller, fully restored, excellent boiler report, can be seen in steam. £14000. - J. Coleman tr 0305 777043 after 6pm. For sale - tank track pads, 3'/ in wide x 11/4 in thick military spec. rubber on steel backing, already cut for one pair of 16in wide traction engine wheels, plus a few spare. £200 the lot. Also Mumford Colchester boiler feed pump, restored. Also original catalogues, working instructions etc, drawings winding engines, beam engines, antiquarian/collectors books, engineering subjects. Send for lists and details. - Robey Trust Sales, Dave Davies, 9 Churchill Road, Tavistock, Devon PL19 ODU (Ts 0822 615960). The Burrell Museum - Anyone who is interested in Burrells and would like to become a friend of the Burrell Museum, to receive a quarterly newsletter, help restore and eventually to assist in running a Burrell roller or help run and maintain the museum, please write and enclose a SAE to - Membership Secretary, Mrs K. Barrett, 8 Crown Way, Benham, Norfolk. For sale - autographed copies of The Story of the Britannia Iron Works (Marshal's) and The Story of the Steam Plough Works (Fowlers), available from the author Michael R. Lane, Street House, Boxted, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP29 4JY. Marshall £31 and Fowler £29, both post paid. STEAMING
Autumn 1993
Apprenticeships Wanted - for members of the Steam Apprentices Club. in most areas of the UK. Engine owners willing to involve young people and teach them the principles of traction engines please contact - Steph Gillett, SAC Magazine Editor, 93 Devon Road. Easton. Bristol BS5 6ED. Tr 0272 511399. Lost - at Much Marcie rally, the removable section of cab roof from my'/ scale Burrell scenic road loco. Reward for finder. Also information wanted particularly drawings or photos of steam calliope (steam piano). - Rod Dix ir 0579 84012. For sale - my vast collection of rare steam traction books. EATEC Steam Preservation, RLS Journals, Steam Plough Times, NTET Steamings, Rolling, traction engine works catalogues, NTEC Newsletters, Sale catalogues, Old Glory No 1 to present, Vintage Steam, photographs, slides, videos, rally programmes. Please send SAE for list - B. Thirwell, 21 Ringsted Crescent, Overcombe, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 6PT. For sale - Fowler D5 5hp traction 16276 of 1924, in good order, recent boiler repairs to barrel and tube plate, new smokebox, current certificate: offers. Also 1977 Leyland Marathon 32 ton unit with Tasker 4in line low loader, 22ft well, integral ramps and hydraulic lifting; accommodation module on swan neck, sleeps 4, cooker, sink etc. To sell with above or split. - Jim MacFarlane a 0389 78800. For sale - toilet units, mains connections. 1 x 6 cubicle 13+3) tandem axle; 1 x 6 cub 13+3) jack leg on single axle; 1 x cub ladies/gents, single axle; I x 3 cub (2+11 single axle; 1 x 4 cub (3+1) single axle; 1 single disabled skidded unit; quantity soil pipes, all good clean working order. Sensible offers invited. To view Ir 0509 880343. Mike Beeby. For sale - An Album of Sentinel Works Photographs, No 1, Standards and Supers by Anthony and Joseph Thomas. 155 pages, reviewed in Spring 1993 issue. £15.95 post free from Woodpecker Publications, Woodpecker Lodge, Barneshall Avenue, Worcester WR5 3EU. For sale - threshing machine, French manufacture, early 1930s? Needs rebuild. Any offers? - It 0305 852036. 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, Dave Crampton, 6 Norwood Close, Mackworth, Derby DE3 4GA.
-I rt
•
"so'
;ON.. --1111C1_
•
'We'll give it a coat of paint, then nobody will know we stole it' - a cartoon from Commercial Motor, 20th January 1939. (courtesy A. Bennison) 227
to
the
•
N
ie •
/ 4/
—a/
s era ec, On -e
tio et.
A.„ 0,ir 970 6.*
0 %.
FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS . . . COLLECTORS' CAR INSURANCE
FOR 'ENTHUSIASTS' & COLLECTORS: Over the past 28 years we have developed a range of schemes, all underwritten by leading insurers, to meet the special needs of club members and collectors. The team in Farnham will be glad to help you on 0252 72 5555.
FOR RESTORERS, DEALERS Si. MUSEUMS: ' One of our unique schemes is designed for specialist restorers and dealers and for museums and large private collections. It too is underwritten by one of the UK's leading insurance companies. Rod Mitchell and his team in Kingston will be glad to help on 081 977 9121.
JOHN SCOTT & PARTNERS LTD THE FINANCIAL ADVISERS & SPECIALIST INSURANCE BROKERS ESIMILMKP til43
Uf MIN 111V-1 10114
VCWW0frf I INK114
KINGSTON OFFICE IMPERIAL HOUSE, HAMPTON WICK, Kit 4EP TEL. 081 927 512 ARNHAM OFFICE- THE OASTHOUSE, PARK ROW, GUS 7JH TEL: 0252 72 5555 OFFICES IN THE CITY 01 MARLOW, BUCKS
111. 44.15
.Ira ov 4,4 MAkr..44 »I$ fl AC.
Mr Min. e miNg, he. MOW ft*
411.
.111. .1/V.