Steaming
ISSN 0260 - 2962
Vol 38 No 4 Autumn 1995
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.
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 from that section's Chairman (see right).
President: Eric A. Fillmore Vice Presidents: Esmond E. Kimbell; Richard N. Parrott Chairman: R.J. Sandercock, Milford Farm, near Lifton, Devon PL16 OAT (v 01566 783425) Vice-Chairmen: Mrs Sylvia Dudley, 12 Hillway, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 8UL (v 01908 583006); A.J. Semple — see be/ow 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, The Bank, 36 High Street, Rothwell, Northamptonshire NN14 2BQ (D 01536 710399) Chairman, Rally sub-Committee: A.J. Semple, Penyghent, 8 Chelmick Close, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 7BY (v 01694 723139) Chairman, Engine Owners sub-Committee: M.O. Davies, Hill Farm, Avon Dassett, near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV33 OAA (v 01295 770217) Chairman, Steam Apprentice Club: J.R. Bosworth, 74 Main Road, Smalley, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 6EF (v 01332 880405) Chairman, Technical Board: J.M. Newnham, Penlands, High Easter, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 411W (is. 01245 231283) Rally Authorisation Officer: J.R. Smith, The Poplars, Grange Road, North Frodingham, Driffield, North Humberside Y025 8LN NT 01262 488722) Insurance Officer: D.S. Smith, 21 The Ridgeway, Astwood Bank, Redditch, Worcestershire B96 6LS (Tr 01527 893427) Public Relations Officer: Ian Dean, PO Box 12, Chichester, West Sussex P020 7PH (sEr/Fax 01243 641284)
Inside Steam If you've ever wondered what makes the traction engine tick, this video explores it all. Produced emh.d b. by Old Glory Produrum '^ in conjunction 1 fn. •le/i, .1.14/ (1 .r• with the NTET I everything from the injector to the steering is studied, with guidelines to safe working practice. VHS One hour Available by post price £12.95 from Colin and Val Brown 90 Devon Road, Luton, Bedford L1.12 ORL
Back numbers Back numbers of this magazine are available, by post, as listed below. Newer members will be able to find a wealth of reading and pictures in these earlier issues — and members of longer standing may be able to find missing issues to fill gaps in their collections, made when someone hasn't returned a borrowed copy! per copy non members members
Vol 29, all issues (1986) Vol 30, all issues (1987) Vol 31, all issues (1988) Vol 32, all issues (1989) Vol 33, all issues (1990) Vol 34, ail issues (1991) Vol 35, all issues (1992) Vol 36, all issues (1993) Vol 37, all issues (1994)
£2.00 £2.00 £2.00 £2.50 £2.50 £2.50 £2.50 £3.00 £3.00
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To claim post-free for UK, members please enclose current membership card. Overseas members please add 20% postage per order. Cheques/PO's should be made payable to NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE TRUST Orders to he sent tn: Colin and Val Brown, 90 Devon Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 ORL
Autumn 1995
STEAMING
The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust Volume 38 Number 4
Editorial
Autumn 1995
For the second successive quarter we are taking advantage of the Editorial space to bring members up to date with current happenings. Throughout the summer the VED-on-steam-rollers farce has rumbled on. We are grateful to members for sending copies of replies they have had from MPs etc, and news of fresh problems and inconsistencies. The subject seems one of constantly moving goal posts and alters too quickly for us to publish sensible summaries, but be assured all your letters are being kept by the Trust on one central file; please send anything you feel will be of interest. The latest twist to the sorry tale is that the DVLA is now rescinding the steam roller licences that have been issued at PLG rate. Today, 2nd October, the Trust steamed the VED problem to the Department of Transport's doorstep. Since July nearly 2500 signatures have been obtained, from visitors to the Exhibition Unit, on a petition against the £150 tax on preserved rollers. That petition was carried around Parliament Square by Fred Dibnah on his 83 year old Aveling roller, and thence to Marsham Street, where it was received by 'an official of the DofT'. Our grateful thanks go to Fred and his family for their ready participation and to Len Crane for providing transport. The same morning's national press revealed further developments in the Continuous Licensing proposals — cars over 25 years old are now, it seems, to be free of road tax! How can authority be treated seriously if they continue to unreasonably penalise 70 and 80 year old rollers? We hope the presentation of the NTET position, plus any suitable press coverage of the event, will be the means by which those who make rules at the DofT finally realise the illogicality of their classification of preserved steam rollers. In the meantime, do keep on at your MP ... roller owners, with their superiority in numbers among engine owning enthusiasts, must show a strong objection and so ensure that the next time we meet such problems the DVLA, the DofT and MPs all realise that road steam interest is a lobby to be reckoned with.
Editor: Roger West, 14 Charles Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9AB (2t. 01858 467326) 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.
This issue
ISSN 0260 - 2962
172 182 186 188 189 190 191 192 194 196 212 215 217 220 227
Published by the National Traction Engine Trust at 14 Charles St, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. PrintOd by AB Prititera Ltd, Leicester.
A strange survivor of Britain's imperial exports to India lies abandoned at the Public Works Department yard at Firozpur in the Punjab. Aveling & Porter inside flywheel, single speed roller 6465 of 1908 was photographed by Hugh Ballanryne In February 1995, and the unlikely design of the engine and Its kind are the subject of notes elsewhere in this issue.
Next issue: The press date for news items, recent photographs and small adverts is 17th November 1995. For the date for Steaming Around see that section.
STEAMING Autumn 1995
Trust News An Unusual Roller Design The Philp Sale HEATHER'S visit hack home A MAJESTIC return to Thetford Suolahti Steam Festival Viewpoint Anthony Heal, an appreciation Sentinels for Furniture Removers Steaming Around, compiled by Derek Rayner Around the World Letters RENOWN revealed Books, New Members, Small Adverts Technical Topics
Sandy Ross John Maund Michael Lane Robert Orem Michael Lane Joe Thomas
Cover
171
Trust News From the Chairman After two yours as Chairman I am saddened at our apparent inability to demonstrate to our members that we are carrying out useful work, which we most certainly are. However, It was made clear at the informal meeting we recently held at the Great Dui set Steam Fair that many members feel that all they get is four good copies of Steaming and that the subscription covers little else. In fact the Committee, all volunteers, work very hard, sometimes without any success, as in the recent road fund tax case, to ensue dial the aims of the Trust are maintained. I would like us to move forward rather than have to repeat a list of things that have already been done, but will now
top boiler insurance and inspection experience. ♦ Discount Vouchers for Rally Entry. • The Boiler Code — now accepted in most cases. Refinements needed but a good start. providing • The Sales Team specialist items for our interest. However, if none of these are of use to the members plese tell us what you want. We invite constructive ideas and will work on them. We do not want bickering and conflict within the movement; we must present a strong, united image. My earlier statements have sought to recognise the problems and the
need to have us all going in the same direction. It is clear to me that a national body to represent us is vital, otherwise I would stay in Devon rather than go to meetings in London. Certainly if you take issue with some of the views I express come to the AGM and say so and we can all try to find common ground. I do want the movement to benefit from our efforts. What are you doing to help? Again I repeat: ASK NOT WI 1AT THE TRUST CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THE TRUST. Without it we will all be the losers. (Richard Sondercock)
rin
• The Rally Code — widely accepted as best current practice. • The Rally Authorisation Scheme — to comply with new legislation. • The Disc Scheme — free and simple for everyone. • The Insurance Policies —for engines and rallies alike. • The Technical Board — access to
From Alan Martin's Collection
70
My picture this time dates from 1915 and shows a splendid scene at Heydon, a village just oil the main road, midway between Norwich and Holt, in Norfolk. Driving a rack saw bench is Burrell 6hp single crank compound traction 2952 of 1907, owned by A.B. Thrower of Heydon. The engine Is clearly being steamed on the waste products of the task in hand, as can he seen from the presence of the axe and the split timber by the engine's tender.
Rally Organisers Column
The National Traction Engine Trust's
Rally Organisers sub-Committee
1995 AGM
Once again the rally season draws to a close and this year the weather was kind to most events. However, it is clear that many rallies suffered reduced gates and others received reports of poor sales by traders; rides at several events were not well loaded. Many organisers have seen this trend and made efforts to provide more entertainment and interest on their field which is free. Many rallies too have taken care to peg prices of food and drinks to reasonable levels, an aspect of events which is commented on frequently by people attending rallies. Rally organisers will have received the Trust's questionnaire which it was agreed would be completed and returned so that the results could be collated, enabling events to compare themselves with others on a confidential basis. If you have not completed the questionnaire please do so quickly and return it to Smudge Smith. This year the Rally Code has come under the scrutiny of many environmental health departments and the results have been positive in that rally organisers have been seen working to a plan which promotes safety, hygiene and other facets which are of concern to the authorities. I would like to hear from any rally organiser who had any serious problems with authority in running their event. In recent years our accident record has been excellent; sadly this year a fatality occurred when a roller ran away after leaving Redhill rally. It travelled over 300 metres downhill out of control and the steersman died as a result of his fall from the moving roller during its descent. These are facts; we make no comment as the inquest is yet to be held, but offer our condolences to those concerned. The Autumn Conference (full details are published elsewhere in this issue► will be held on 21st October 1995. I must offer my apologies as I will be absent for the first time (this may improve attendance!). Robert Herring will chair the meeting, assisted by Smudge Smith, who is the anchorman for our work. My thanks to them and the other members of our subCommittee who have visited rallies during the summer and contributed information and knowledge to our meetings. Our sub-Committee meets around four times a year and we are interested STEAMING
Autumn 1995
will be held at 2.00pm on
SATURDAY, 18th NOVEMBER 1995 at The Dockyard Church, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent 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 rest of the day and on the Sunday.
in hearing from anyone in the movement who feels they can help us in our battle to stay in front of the rules and regulations which keep on appearing. We are most interested in talking on an informal basis with any professional people whose knowledge will help us in our work of updating the Rally Code
produce The Rally List 1996 even earlier than this year's so a speedy return of your forms from you all is required to enable me to comply with your wishes. (Smudge Smith, Rally Authorisation Officer)
of Practice.
Finally, rally organisers — please remember that this year we are hoping to have your 1996 dates earlier than ever to get a better shot at publicity, so please let Smudge have your dates as soon as possible. (Andrew Semple, chairman, Rally Organisers subCommittee).
Rally Authorisation Scheme The Autumn Conference, will be but few days away by the time this note reaches you, and I look forward to seeing you all and hearing experiences of this year's season. The questionnaire sent to all organisers earlier this year has resulted in a much greater response than expected, and initial scrutiny shows some large differences, both locally, and across the country. A full analysis will be given at the Conference. The Rally List 1996 will again be sponsored by Old Glory, and I would like to express my thanks to the Old Glory team for their continued help and support in these difficult financial times. By the time you receive this edition of Steaming all organisers should have had an invitation to the Autumn Conference and also request forms for Authorisation for your events in 1996. Anyone not in receipt of these documents should please contact me and I will ensure another set is despatched. Please remember, at this spring's Conference I was asked to
Engine Owners Column Engine Owners sub Committee The ever growing safety-consciousness of the 'powers that be' and the welcome and steady flow of new engine owners, highlights the need for the Trust to continue to run their Engine Driving Courses. Now that the majority of experienced operators, those who drove engines for a living, are no longer with us, great care is necessary in selecting suitable instructors and we now believe we have an excellent team. Our next course is provisionally booked for 11th and 12th May at The Rural Museum in York as this year. I would commend this course as both instructive and enjoyable. It is our hope that the experience gained will give people more confidence to enjoy their engines to the full. Incidentally, I understand that one of the issues of Farmers Weekly in December will include an article on their participation in the 1995 Driving Course — look out for it. You will see from Jim Newnham's notes that we have at last managed to make significant progress in our negotiations with the Insurance companies regarding the Engine Code of Practice and I now hope that things will go much more smoothly in the future. Part VI of the Code, on repairs, is 173
almost complete and we ask that you send your voucher back to Sylvia Dudley according to the instructions; she will then send it to you as soon as it is available. If any members have any matters they wish my sub Committee to discuss, please don't hesitate to contact one of us. My address is inside every front cover of the magazine, and others on my Committee are listed in the Spring 1995 issue. (Michael Davies, chairman, Engine Owners sub Committee) Engine Code of Practice The completion of 'Part VI, Repairs' of the Trust's Engine Code is very near, and it will be available for despatch to owners of the Code quite shortly. Please send in the green voucher (to the address thereon) to obtain this section. providing a self addressed envelope, 12'/2 in x 9in, with 36p postage for the return of the document. (Sylvia Dudley) Technical Board As reported in the last issue of Steaming, a meeting took place on 11th July between members of the Technical Board and representatives of the insurance companies which
are members of AOTC and IEIC. When writing for the summer issue of Steaming, I was optimistic that the meeting would result in full acceptance by those companies of the NTET Engine Code of Practice and Scheme of Examination. Unfortunately my optimism was not fully justified and there is still a matter, relating to the flexibility of the NTET Scheme, on which we have been unable to agree. Efforts to resolve this are continuing and I am confident that it will be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. This delay in reaching agreement has meant that we are once again coming into the boiler inspection season, so this seems a good time to spell out exactly who is responsible for what under the current Regulations. The Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 1989 apply to all pressure systems (including steam boilers and their attachments) used at work, and the primary duty to comply rests with the owner or user of the system. The first duty upon the owner or user is to prepare, and review as necessary, a written scheme of examination for each pressure system under his control. He can do this himself (if competent), get his boiler inspector or some other competent person to do it for him, or adopt the NTET scheme.
McLaren 1160 of 1912, an 8hp single cylinder machine, poses for Dave Bagley's camera at the 1995 Downs Rally in Hampshire. The fitting of belly tanks no doubt indicates the original purchaser had a certain amount of road work in mind for the engine. (Dave Bagley) 174
Whoever does it, the scheme must be certified by a competent person as suitable for that particular system. Certification of schemes of examination has been a problem for a number of owners using the NTET Scheme. We had hoped that their boiler inspectors would do this as a part of their customer service but, unfortunately, many of them have refused to do this, either on their own initiative or on instructions from their company, and others have agreed to certify NTET schemes — and then sent the owner an exorbitant bill for doing it. This is clearly most unsatisfactory so the NTET now has its own organisation for certifying NTET schemes of examination. Any owner requiring this service should contact either the General Secretary or myself. Once the scheme of examination has been prepared and certified, it is the owner's responsibility to have the system examined in accordance with that scheme. The boiler inspector carry out cannot refuse to examinations on the grounds that he (or the company that employs him) does not consider the scheme to be suitable but must carry out the examination, after which he must state in his report that he does not consider the scheme to be suitable and why. These reasons must be clearly stated and bland statements such as 'does not comply with current regulations' simply will not do. The owner's next duty is to ensure that his scheme of examination is reviewed at appropriate intervals by a competent person. The intervals between reviews should be stated in the scheme of examination but it is a matter for the owner, not the boiler inspector, to decide when this will be done and by whom. Obviously, an owner would be unwise to ignore the advice of his boiler inspector but, at the same time, a boiler inspector cannot arbitrarily decide to review an owner's scheme. Lastly, could I remind owners who use the NTET Scheme of Examination for their engines that the scheme comprises the whole of Part IV of the Engine Code of Practice, not just the two front sheets showing the details of the engine and reviews of the scheme; these two forms should be kept in the Code binder, at the front of Part IV and shown to the boiler inspector when he comes to do the examination. If any owner is still experiencing problems in relation to the NTET Code and their boiler inspector, they are welcome to give me a ring (number inside the front cover of each Autumn 1995
STEAMING
Steaming) and either I or one of my Technical Board colleagues will try to sort it out. Finally, on a much more positive note, the Health and Safety Executive has responded very favourably to the NTET Engine Code of Practice (including the scheme of examination) and has not raised any objections to its use. (Jim Newnham, chairman, Technical Board) FBHVC News Members will, I am sure, be sorry to hear that John Crawley has resigned from the Federation Committee due to failing sight. John had replaced the late Anthony Heal on the Committee some ten years ago and had been very active in putting the case on steam matters. I know that I shall miss his company, comradeship and his incisive approach to problems; the movement as a whole will be the poorer for the loss of his considerable talents and expertise. Since writing my last notes there have been no major developments. The introduction of Vehicle Excise Duty to steam rollers has been a fiasco. Roger West's Editorial in the last issue outlined some of the problems and confusion generated and, as the summer has passed, the number of known anomalies has increased. Members have been active in pursuing their own cases and I applaud them for their tenacity in fighting their cause. Many owners have secured PLG status for the rollers, gaining the PLG (preferential) VED of £38.50 for a six month licence. This solution may be fine from the point of view of current cost of rallying a roller. The implication, which I fear has been overlooked, is that if continuous licensing is introduced, all vehicles in the PLG class will be embraced and there may be other costs which at the moment do not apply. In my view it is still worth writing to MPs and Ministers stating our clear dissatisfaction with the situation that has been created and the way in which it has been handled. I would like to thank those members who have kept me informed of their correspondence — this has been very helpful. (Peter Smart, FBHVC representative) Continuous Licensing I quote from the latest FBHVC News Sheet: 'The debate rumbles on. We understand that the response to the Continuous Licensing proposal was massive, with roughly two-thirds expressing opposition to the whole idea. Peter Glover and Tom Ryland STEAMING
Autumn 1995
Presents for Christmas JERZEES SWEATSHIRTS Produced with embroidered NTET logo (approx 3in x 2%in) at left hand chest position, on plain sweatshirts QUALITY: Polyester/Cotton base colour logo colour med large Black Gold Yes Yes Bright Royal Gold Yes Yes Bright Red Black Yes Yes Winter Emerald Black Yes Yes
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SCREEN STARS 100% Cotton Tee-Shirts for Steam Apprentice Club members Full cut style, pre shrunk cotton.
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The above items are all available from the NTET MAIL ORDER SALES — see list at the back of this issue.
[FBHVC], our Chairman and Deputy Chairman, met Steven Norris, Minister for Transport in London in July — at Mr Norris' request. There was some evidence that the weight of opinion was having an effect, in that Mr Norris was at pains to emphasise that the consultation had been just that. Nonetheless, the background pressure for accuracy in the vehicle register to make electronic road tolling possible
has considerable influence on ministerial thinking, so any optimism that government will change its mind may well be misplaced. 'On 21st June, an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons saw Peter Butler, Conservative MP for Milton Keynes North-East, put the case against continuous licensing in effective fashion. It is unfortunate that the debate ran out of time before 175
Steven Norris could address all the issues, in particular the principle of transferring the basis for taxation from usage to ownership, raised by Paul Tyler, MP for North Cornwall, who pointed out that the proposals would impose a penalty on occasional users. Mr Norris did, however, state that under existing statute DVLA is empowered only to recover costs at a level at which they are incurred. 'The implication is that administrative charges for the issue of off road licences could be passed on to those taking them out, but no element of taxation could be involved without specific legislation. The fear is that such legislation might be included within the next Finance Bill, thus limiting the opportunity for proper debate. 'To make sure that MPs are aware of the Federation's views, personal letters containing copies of our response to the consultation have been sent to all MPs, many of whom have offered support for our cause.' Thus it can be seen that things are continuing to happen and the Federation is active in pressing the case for owners of preserved vehicles. It is still not too late to write to MPs; the larger the lobby the more chance there is that some notice may be taken! Roger West put the case in a leaflet that accompanied the last issue of Steaming — it applies equally to Continuous Licensing. I want to add a word of caution to just one item which is Trust policy, and that concerns the idea of a 'Vintage Vehicle' class of licence. The Federation has always opposed concessionary classes because of the potentially easy route that is available for authority to impose restrictions. At the moment we enjoy free access to the roads 365 days of
the year. A preferential VED rate could bring restrictions such as those that exist in some continental countries. We do not want to have to request a permit for each journey out of the gate, do we? (Peter Smart, FBHVC representative) Lost registrations I would like to thank those members who have responded to the notes in the last issue of Steaming. The level of response has been ideal, future for enquiries several applications and also a number of actual recoveries processed. DVLA have been re-issuing lost index marks in as little as three weeks, and we have had only one failure — that concerned a southern Irish number which is not available as a matter of policy. In processing claims I am constantly reminded of the debt we owe to the late Alan Duke. Without his vision and painstaking recording of interminable facts we would not be able to instantly verity the indisputable claim, for any engine owner, to an old or lost registration. The RLS Memorial Appeal (see our Spring 1994 issue, page 67) stands at almost £3000 and I hope it will not be too much longer before a start is made on the new building at the Rural History Centre at Reading. Meanwhile the V765 scheme continues and the chance of success is very high, each one a tribute to Alan's memory. (Peter Smart) Fatal accident with a roller Steve Arrowsmith, chairman of the Road Roller Association, sends the following notice: It is with much regret that I have to report a fatal accident
involving a steam roller being driven away from the Redhill rally on Sunday, 6th August 1995. Early indications suggest that the roller ran away while descending a hill and the steersman was fatally injured in the subsequent impact. I have been approached by the Police during the course of their investigations into this accident, to help explain some of the technical aspects of steam roller operation. The Police have told me that the roller was being driven on one pin and that it lost adhesion and then skidded approximateiy 200 metros downhill. I understand that the inquest will be held in December and I have asked the Police to let me know of any recommendations which result from this. These can then be fully publicised, so that if there are any lessons to be learned, we can avoid a repetition of this tragedy in the future. in the meantime, can i stress that great care must be taken when driving a roller with only one pin engaged. The adhesion afforded by different road surfaces can vary dramatically arid suddenly. I know from personal experience that it is only too easy for a steam roller to lose its grip, and then slide uncontrollably. In my opinion, a roller not fittprl with a differential should only be driven with both pins engaged, the second pin being removed only if the roller refuses to negotiate a tight corner. I known opinion is divided on this subject, but all the ex-professional roller drivers I have spoken to share this point of view, The difficulties associated with driving on both pins are nothing compared with the potential hazards of a roller losing its grip on the road. I would suggest that this very lack of grip indicates that there is little hazard to the back axle when driving on both pins.
The Engine Owners sub-Committee presents another
PRACTICAL ENGINE DRIVING COURSE including informal instruction on basic boiler management and repair, as well as mechanical operation. The course will be held on the weekend of 11th/12th May 1996 at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton Park, York The site has full facilities for caravans and camping, also an excellent restaurant. Please write to Michael Davies (address inside front cover) for an application form and further details.
176
Steam Apprentice Club The 1995 rally season is all but over and I am pleased to record the SAC has been able to be a little more active this year. The visit to the National Railway Museum was a success: about 40 Apprentices and parents attended and the working of the Museum was explained by Reg Towel. We had a tour of their temporary workshops. At my local event, Elvaston Castle, fourteen Apprentices turned up and all Autumn 1995 STEAMING
were allocated engines, though at other events I attended with my Foster agricultural, Apprentices seemed thin on the ground and others, unfortunately, didn't make themselves known until Sunday afternoon. John and Fiona Durley have done wonders with youngsters and engine owners at meetings they organised in Yorkshire and I am grateful to them for their time and efforts. Thank you too to rally organisers who have agreed to allow free admission to paid up SAC members — I see this as a great encouragement to our young enthusiasts and hope it is an involvement that will result in some long-term relationships with our hobby. (John Bosworth, chairman, Steam Apprentice Club)
Trust Exhibition Unit At the time of writing these notes for this issue, the Trust's Exhibition Unit will have attended twenty events since May — its presence without exception, has always been very much appreciated. During this period the STEAMING
Autumn 1995
On its way to the Prestwood rally in June 1994, Aveling piston valved tractor 12152 of 1928 climbs through the Buckinghamshire village of Great Missenden (John Maund) unit has travelled over 8000 miles and has been staffed by various Committee members of the Trust, together with their wives, families and friends. Our attendance with a second display at Weeting was possible through the local committee making space available within a large tent and at Dorset, where the unit is placed inside our usual marquee, we also welcomed under cover John Carr and his tiny Tasker tractor. This provided a very useful attraction and educational object for Steam Apprentices — and a surprising number of older people! It is hoped the unit will be present at the Rally Organisers Conference at Rugby in October and the Trust AGM at Chatham in November — both excellent chances to stock up on winter and Christmas reading from Colin and Val Brown's extensive book stocks. For much of this season the exhibition unit has provided the means of allowing individuals to register their concern of the VED imposed upon rollers owned by members. During the
later months of the season petition forms have been available and have been signed by many concerned members, friends and visiting enthusiasts. It is intended to present this to a Minister at Westminster, probably on 2nd October. It is hoped that the wellknown roller owner Fred Dibnah will do the honours with the assistance of our Chairman, Richard Sandercock and some angry in-steam rollers. (Robert Herring, Exhibition Unit Organiser)
Great Dorset Steam Fair It was gratifying to receive many offers of assistance from members (and their friends or partners) to staff the Trust marquee at this year's Dorset event. It gave these volunteers the opportunity to meet other members through the activities of the sales 177
and hospitality areas, and also the chance to meet those members of the Committee that were in attendance. We would like to thank all of those who assisted and hope they enjoyed themselves!
Magazine binders — A reminder that all three sizes of binder for Steaming are readily available. For full ordering details, refer to Steaming Vol 37 No 1, page 11. Back issues — Back numbers of Steaming are available by post, as listed on the inside cover of this magazine.
Subscriptions as presents I draw members attention to arrangements we have made to enable members, or others, to give an annual subscription to the Trust to relatives or friends as a Christmas present or birthday present. Subscriptions taken as a Christmas gift will commence with the Autumn issue of Steaming and will be sent out with a suitable greeting card announcing your gift to arrive with the recipient just before Christmas. The renewal reminder at the year end can be sent either to the giver or the member — whichever is requested. Similar arrangements can be carried out for birthdays, with the current magazine being sent out by us to arrive just before the appropriate date; again, the renewal reminder can be sent to giver or member. Please contact me for an application form or if you require further details of the arrangements. (John Cook, membership secretary, address inside front cover).
Affiliated Clubs Along with the invitation notices to the Autumn Conference for Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs, club secretaries will also have received a letter inviting renewal of affiliation to the Trust. It is more than ever important that local clubs add their strength of numbers to the Trust's dealings with national bodies on problems and topics that affect us all. If any reader knows his local club's secretary has not received a renewal invitation, or that the club would like to start up affiliation, please write to me and I shall be pleased to send details. (Sylvia Dudley, vice chairman — address inside front cover) Lancashire Traction Engine Club The General Secretary of the above club is now Mr N. Carney, 2 Catterall Crescent, Bradshaw, Bolton, Lancashire BL2 4AD. Road Roller Association
NTET Sales and Mail Order The arrival of the Autumn issue of coincides with early Steaming thoughts of Christmas and allows the Sales Team to remind members of items available that could well solve those problems of what to buy for presents. Club clothing — Adult Tee-shirts have been added to the range, which also includes sweatshirts, ties and SAC Tee-shirts. Full details are in a separate panel in this issue. Videos — The video Inside Steam, produced by Old Glory in association with the NTET, is now available and is one of eleven videos listed in the Mail Order Section. Books — Three new books make a first appearance in the extensive Mail Order List, along with many older best sellers. Please refer to previous issues for those which we have not been able to include, for want of space. 178
We send our congratulations to the Road Roller Association on the occasion of their coming of age. The Association was formed in 1974 and in the ensuing 21 years has become a well founded organisation, well serving the requirements of road rollers and owners throughout the country.
Obituaries Don Eastwood Although it is over a year since Don Eastwood died, I do not want his passing to go unrecorded in our magazine and I write these reminiscences in tribute to his memory. Don was 75 when he died in April 1994. He had become interested in steam at a very early age, as steam
threshing tackle visited the family farm. Later on, he and his brother John, decided to re-surface their farm yard. The late Chris Lambert supplied a steam roller; gave a crash-course in rolling and left them to it. Don was well informed on steam and Chris and the Eastwoods were good friends. Some years later Chris Lambert died and Don took over the roadmaking business at Horsmonden. The yard was also used for stabling his engines. In 1958 I was driving through the village and noticed a row of chimneys. I stopped and walked In the yard. One engine that took my eye was a very derelict old Fowler. I climbed onto the footplate, standing on inches of coal dust and oil which had set like concrete. It was then I noticed Mr Eastwood looking very hard at me — after all, I was trespassing. I got in quickly and said "Shall I dig this lot out?" meaning the coal dust and oil. His face then relaxed somewhat, replying "I wish you would, none of my men want anything to do with itl" From then on I spent my evenings digging out the tender. Don saw me still at it: he asked "Would you like to adopt the engine?" That was it, I'd got the steam bug and my wife became a steam engine widow, so she told her friends. Don didn't like canopies and I did not favour side cover plates on steam engines, so I removed them. We were certainly not purists and people would frown, but Don gave me a free hand and from then on it was full steam ahead. Don handled an engine as if it was a toy — he could park an engine in confined spaces without any fuss. He disliked engines blowing off steam unnecessarily and would tell you about it. If he was interested in an engine for sale, I would go with him. These outings I enjoyed. We went to the sale of the Tasker's collection in Andover, Hampshire in 1969. We viewed the engines the day before the sale. The engines were all painted, but one could see that a lot of restoration would be needed. As Don remarked, 'I would not give more than £300-£400 for them", So we eventually went home empty-handed. Prices ranged from £500 to £2,600 but there was one exception — that was Tasker class Al single cylinder motor 1296 called THE HORSES FRIEND which realised the princely sum of £4,400. Apart from interest in steam, Don took part in various sports. He was outstanding in the use of the twelve bore shotgun. I remember an occasion when a shoot was organised among his friends. I was one of the beaters. There were six guns dressed up in the gear, and they also had fancy cartridge Autumn 1995
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bags. Not so with Don — he arrived wearing an old mac, tied round his waist with hop string, and cartridges in his pockets. We were soon to discover he was the best shot. I remember a pheasant flying right over the line of guns. The first gun missed, the second gun snapped off two rapid shots and missed — I had the feeling he was trying to emulate John Wayne. Finally the bird was flying rather high when it reached Don and he seemed to throw the gun up to his shoulder, fired and the bird fell to the ground. Another instance, I was thrashing at brambles in the wood up to my waist to flush out game, Don saw me — "You don't want to struggle through those brambles, come out into the field and just tap with your stick along the fence!" Most unusual for a gun to tell a beater not to go through brambles. But that was Don. He walked at a leisurely gait as if there was always tomorrow. My relationship with Don Eastwood and Fowler compound road locomotive 9456 lasted 29 years. I will sadly miss a good friend. (Jess Swatland) George Hawkins It is with great regret that we record the passing of one of Cornwall's best known preservationists, George Hawkins, aged 70 years. George grew up and spent his life STEAMING
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Derek Rayner discussed and illustrated the unusual design of the Schweizerische Lokomotiv & Maschinen Fabrik steam roller in our Autumn 1993 issue; in August British enthusiasts only had to journey to the Lincoln rally to inspect the 1923 built No 1 machine which had accompanied a large group from the Swiss Steamroller Club on their second visit to Lincoln. (Eric Sawford)
in the village of Tredinnick, near Wadebridge, and became involved with the local preservation scene from the early days. He acquired his first engine in 1958, Fowler Tiger tractor 14798, which he restored to showroom style and named FIREFLY. Over the years, at various times, he was to own some fifteen engines, among them what was and probably still is the most famous of them all, Fowler showmans 15657, originally named KITCHENER but renamed the IRON MAIDEN when it became the star of the film of the same name. During George's ownership, the engine was rallied, not only throughout England but also on the continent. Many of the other engines which he preserved over a period of time were rare examples and included Robey Express tractor 43165 and the sole-surviving 16hp McLaren ploughing engine 1552, which he was instrumental in saving from scrap in 1961. Hardly was there a rally in Cornwall whose steam line was not graced by an entry from the Hawkins stable. By adding different engines to his collection he enabled local
enthusiasts to become acquainted with many examples which they would undoubtedly otherwise not have seen, bringing a welcome variety to many a rally field. From the beginning he was always eager to encourage young enthusiasts to take on active interest in steam preservation, taking them on as crew members of his engines. A number were later to progress to buying and restoring engines in their own right. George was a founder member of the Cornish Traction Preservation Club, a body with which he was continuously involved, becoming their President in his later years, and he was also a member of the West of England Steam Engine Society. Although, through failing health, he was unable to remain active with either organisation in recent years, he still ensured that their rallies did not lack his support. Engines from his collection, in the capable hands of his family and regular crew members, showed their paces as they have always done. A measure of the respect with which he was held both in the 179
community, where he lived and throughout the preservation movement could be made when he was laid to rest. On a beautiful summer's day during June, the tiny church at Trenance, near Tredinnick, was filled to overflowing, his mourners, some of whom had travelled from far afield to pay their last respects, filling the outside yard and lining the adjoining road. George Hawkins has his name carved deep in the annals of preservation. With the sound of each exhaust beat he will be remembered. To his wife Yvonne, daughter Julie, son Wyon and their families, we extend our sympathies. (Alan Thomas)
Joe Thomas It is with great sadness that I record the passing of Joe Thomas. Joe was best known to the steam world for his Sentinel Register, but his interests were far wider than Sentinels or even steam engines as a whole. He died on 25th May after a characteristic fight against cancer. Joseph Llewellyn Thomas was born at Penarth in 1909 and educated at Worcester Cathedral King's School and then as a boarder at Chipping Campden Grammar School. After taking up an apprenticeship with Alley & McLellan at their Worcester valve works, which "I hated because of being under a roof", Joe asked to be
released and set off for Australia. Friendships were established which were to last over very many years and these were renewed on visits in more recent times. One of .his enduring loves was for the Murray River and its steam boats which in the days he worked on them were powered by Marshall or Clayton twin cylinder portables of 16 to 20hp, power being transmitted to the paddle wheels by extensions to the crankshafts. It was to be eight years before Joe returned to England and Worcester where he was to spend the rest of his long life. He took employment with the Worcester Electricity Company and stayed with the nrganisation until he retired forty years later. Joe's interest in all things associated with transport led to an early involvement with the engines being gathered by several owners at Eric Middleton's home at Hartlebury, Worcestershire. Together with Tony, his son, a close acquaintance began with the Burrell 2147, a single crank compound named LADY BURRELL. This engine was later to become Joe's and it was rallied for several years during the latter 1950s and early 60s. However the love of Sentinels was now becoming more dominant and the puchase from Frank Rivers of an S4 chassis and enough bits and pieces to make up a wagon in about 1966 was a natural development of this interest.
While this project was going, much time and effort were being devoted to research into Sentinels in general and it was during this period that the idea of writing the Sentinel history was conceived. Joe's wife died in 1972, just eight months before he was due to retire and from that time on he devoted his life to his hobbies which included vintage tractors and engines. The membership number held by Joe was 815 denoting an early membership of the NTEC. The first mention of his name in Steaming goes back to an advertisement in October 1957, the fourth issue. From 1959 he was the contributor of the Worcestershire notes and from that time he has been a regular supporter of these pages. More recently his writings about Sentinels have been his main subject for this magazine. He was the Road Locomotive Society's President in 1988 and in his Presidential Address he told his story in far greater detail than it is appropriate to do here; it was a privilege and pleasure to get to know him rather better during his year of office. His support of both the RLS and the NTET, particularly through the pages of our respective journals will be sorely missed. Joe was cremated at Worcester Crematorium on 2nd June where a good gathering of friends paid their last respects. We extend our condolences to Tony, his two sisters, Rosemary and Margaret and their families. (Peter Smart)
London Area Social Meetings
Sentinel DG4 wagons 8393 and Supers 6979 and 5256 line up at Hampshire's 1995 Downs Rally — just a few of the large gathering of Shrewsbury built wagons presented by the Sentinel Drivers Club. (Dave Bagley) 180
The 1995/96 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. Autumn 1995
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For the first three dates in our calendar, the following programme has been arranged: TUESDAY, 14th November 1995. Dave Rollin tells of his experiences in Australia with LNER Pacific locomotive FLYING SCOTSMAN — and some traction engines there. TUESDAY, 12th December 1995. Charles Roads will present an evening on ploughing engines — a subject close to his heart. TUESDAY, 9th January 1996. From his years after the war at Stratford loco shed in east London, Stan Hinbert will give another evening's reminiscences. Further meetings are planned for 1996 and details will appear in the Winter issue of the magazine. (Bill Timmings, London meetings organiser).
Future Dates Autumn Conference for Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs The Autumn Conference for Rally Organisers and Affiliated Clubs will take place at The Auto-Cycle Union, ACU House, Wood Street, Rugby, Warwickshire on Saturday 21st October at 11.00am. Invitations and formal notices, together with details of the venue, will be sent out in the usual way, but newcomers are always welcome to these instructive and mutually beneficial gatherings. Discussions under various headings will take place throughout the day. Coffee will be served prior to the morning meeting from 10.15am; a buffet lunch will be available during the midday break (prior booking is essential) and tea will be served at the conclusion of the conference at about 3.30pm. First time attenders are invited to contact General Secretary Sue Jackson for further details and bookings (Sue Jackson, general secretary, IT 01494 521727) AGM 1995 The 1995 Annual General Meeting of the Trust will take place at 2.00pm on Saturday 18th November 1995 at the Dockyard Church, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent. Formal notice of the meeting, the agenda and the Annual Report and Accounts will be distributed with this issue of the magazine. In the event of any voting being necessary at the AGM only current STEAMING Autumn 1995
Trust members will, of course, be eligible. Members are therefore asked to ensure they have their current membership cards with them at the meeting. Tea will be served at the conclusion of the AGM at about 5.00pm. Other arrangements have been made for the Saturday and Sunday for members wishing to stop overnight in the area. The Historic Dockyard is open from 10.00am. It is well signposted throughout the Chatham area and access is via the main gate to parking by the Commissioner's House where the Trust's Exhibition Unit will be located. Admission is free to the Dockyard, and of course the AGM, but all buildings, galleries and demonstrations require a ticket — reduced rate tickets will be available from staff at the NTET unit. Attractions worth visiting include the Wooden Walls gallery historic boat collection and steam centre; the dry docks where HMS VICTORY was built; the Medway heritage foundry; the ropery; sail and colour loft and much more. The AGM will take place within the Dockyard church, a galleried Georgian building, from 2.00pm until about 5.00pm. After the meeting members are invited to visit the Commissioner's House where a pay bar will be provided, followed by evening dinner, at 6.30pm for 7.00pm, which will give members a chance to discuss the year's events. The price of tickets for the hot fork meal is £16.00 per head.
STZAMING past OUR MAGAZINE 25 YEARS AGO
The first issue of Volume 14 appeared in the latter part of 1970. It was the final issue prepared by John Crawley — his editorship had spanned 44 issues including the famous Special Issues, now sought after collectors' pieces. A lengthy article on the history of Leyland steam wagons was published coinciding with the recent completion of the rebuilding of an example brought back from northern Queensland. The task had taken two years and for a while the machine was to be rallied quite regularly on the English rally circuit. A dozen or more rallies sent in detailed reports of their entries and their successes or otherwise —
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. Please send an SAE for reply. Dinner will be followed at 8.30pm by a short talk and slide show on the Dockyard. On the Sunday morning, 19th November, we have been invited by Richard Pierce to visit his farm at Hadlow. On display will be at least six engines — the two ex Collings ploughing engines, Fowler road loco ENDEAVOUR, Bob Whitehead's unique Fowler/Burrell plough engine and Aveling and Armstrong Whitworth rollers. After lunch Eddie Wood has invited us to his workshops at Crockenhill, near Swanley. Thomas Woods is probably the last traditional workshop with traction engine machinery driven by line shafting, a foundry and some resident engines. The workshop will be operating on the Sunday afternoon. Details of how to reach these venues will be available at the AGM — they are both within a dozen or so miles of the Chatham area. Suggestions for overnight accommodation are: • Medway Manor Hotel, Rochester ( tt. 01634 847985) • King Charles Hotel, Gillingham ($ 01634 830303) • Medway Pavilion Lodge, Gillingham (zr 01634 377337)
despite the passage of time, two of them mentioned, the West of England's event at Redruth, and the Woodcote Rally, are still with us in name or on similar sites.
Poor Steaming The Editor apologises for spoiling readers' enjoyment of Derek Rayner's article 'Adieu to Yorkshires' in the last issue; the illustrations of the steam charabanc and the tip wagon, should, of course, have appeared above the other caption.
'For sale, cheap. Fowler's 6hp Road Locomotive with or without dynamo; also one Helter Skelter and one set of Large Swings. Any of the above can be seen by applying to Wm. Holmes, Fairground, Trafford-road, Sales.' (from The Worlds Fair, 6th January 1912.) 181
Most readers will be aware that the railways of India have in recent years been Mecca for the steam locomotive enthusiast. Early in 1995, with the broad gauge fleet reduced to a few score passenger engines in the Punjab, British visitors flocked to that north Indian state and Chris West (no relation. but a good friend of the Editor), ever on the lookout for items of interest just off the tracks, discovered an abandoned steam roller in the Public Works Department yard at Firozpur. It is some years since a working example has been reported from India and rollers still to be found are probably kept by local management out of sentiment — or bureaucratic intransigence! Most remaining engines will be of Indian Tata-Marshall build, delivered in large quantities after independence and based on Marshall imports of the late 1940s, but the little machine at Firozpur was British built, an Aveling and a peculiar one at that, for it is of the type with single speed, inside flywheel and the cylinder inclined steeply down to the front. A few of this unusual breed survive in preservation in Britain. It is difficult to see the reasoning for the features of the design and we are grateful to Sandy Ross, owner of a tiny 4 ton example, for writing some notes for use in our magazine. We would be pleased to have further comment from any readers knowing more on the breed.
An Unusual Roller Design
Aveling 3781 — a machine of about 5 tons nominal weight. Pictured by Sandy Ross in 1971.
•Im
Aveling 4698 — on the three shaft examples the cylinder is parallel with the boiler line. (collection A.J. Ross) 182
Sandy Ross writes: I was pleased to see the pictures of the Aveling roller 6465 that has been discovered in India. There is very little published documentation on the Aveling single speed rollers; even after owning one for 25 years, I find I still have many unanswered questions. Why were they built at all, when a two-speed engine with a proper flywheel was a vastly better machine for the job? Possible reasons were for cheapness, simplicity in underdeveloped countries, light weight or narrow width — or perhaps they were a natural continuation of the very first Aveling traction engines which were single speed. Whatever the reason, the single speed rollers did not have a good reputation — Norman Buncombe told me that 4877 was quite useless to the family business, being both underpowered and very slow. 7385 (my own machine) is impossibly fast and cannot be restarted when on heavy ground conditions! There seem to have been two distinct designs to the known single speed rollers. Numbers 3781, 4877 and now 6465 are four shaft engines Autumn 1995
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Aveling 4877 — an offside view. Although seen from the side the narrow width of the machine shows up, including the reduced size front rolls. Cast into the front forks is 'R8' — presumably the makers' nominal weight. The engine has this year been rallied in East Anglia by Stuart Hart. (Roger West)
with a very steeply inclined cylinder block and a large rollhead. 3781 is, I guess, 5 tons nominal weight, whereas the other two are probably 6 tons — although I do not know why the 8 ton description keeps appearing. R.A. Whithead's book A Century of Steam Rolling shows a good photograph of 3678 of 1896 between pages 64 and 65. And why was the crankshaft machined with a keyway at the nearside overhang — these engines had Avelings' contemporary design of fixed countershaft with the combined gear assembly being slid in and out of engagement, so there was no scope for an outside second gear. By contrast 4698 and 7385 are dainty little R4 class engines of 3hp and a working weight of just over 5 tons; they are immediately identifiable by being three shaft engines and having a small roll head (this latter being used on other small rollers, such as 7080 of 1911 which was active in the Northampton area prior to a crack appearing in the cylinder block). The nearside rear roller was keyed on to the axle on the R4 examples, whereas it was free on the larger engines. Avelings did of course, experiment with all sorts of strange designs, in particular the tandem rollers, some of which had only a single speed. Some other details of the previously known survivors are probably best set down under their respective royalty numbers.
Aveling 4877 — low evening light well shows how the centre line of the roller's engine slopes down to the front. A handbrake has been fitted to the overhanging end of the crankshaft using the keyway on the shaft. (Roger West)
No 3781 (AX 5645) I noted and took pictures of this 1896 built roller at Malvern in 1971. At that time the roller was in the ownership of D. Price; it is now at the Wye Valley Heritage Centre, Symonds Yat (Mr Williams) either awaiting or undergoing reboxing. This roller is well documented as having been purchased new for a private estate.
Aveling 6465 — abandoned but largely complete in the PWD yard, Firozpur, Punjab, in February 1995. Staff said the roller was last steamed in 1977. (Chris West) STEAMING
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183
Aveling 6465 — a close up of the cylinder. Lincolnshire Archives kindly advise details from Avelings' Royalty book, dated 29th February 1908: '6465, 4hp, 8 ton single speed' with the additional note '6 ton long box'. It had been ordered by the India Office, but no date of despatch is noted, or a destination. (Chris West).
No 4698 This 1901 built engine is similar to our 4 ton 3hp inside flywheel shaft roller 7385, but has a number of detail differences in line with contemporary Aveling practise, i.e. the boiler feed clacks are mounted on the side of the firebox, the spectacle plate is slotted for the connecting and eccentric rods instead of being open, and flat trunk guides are fitted instead of the later cast pattern. Oddly the rear wheels have fabricated rims rather than cast, and the front rollers appear not to be the originals, having plated ends with no spokes, rather as in modern diesel design. This roller has been owned and restored by Colin Healey for many years — originally from London, he and the roller live near Durban, 400 miles from any other preserved road engines. No 4877 (YA1975) I have to admit to never having seen this roller, but it has been well documented in Old Glory although the photographs do not show the interesting bits of the roller! As noted above, the Buncombes, when they owned the machine, did not think much to it — but why did Finchley, a well-heeled suburb of London, buy it?
Aveling 6465 — a view from the footplate. Note the keyway at the left hand end of the crankshaft. (Hugh Ballantyne)
No 7385 (FC4016) Our example was purchased by the City of Oxford as a 'light patching roller', but the minute books soy nothing as to why such a non standard engine was ordered! Oxford already had two heavy 10 ton Avelings. A study of 7080 (noted above) is interesting in that the same basic boiler
Avelings' catalogue — survivors 4877 and 6465 are the same as this illustration from the makers 1.920 catalogue. Avelings, however, seemingly only wanted to use the picture to show 'Steam Roller, fitted with Van Putten's patent Water Sprayer' for its rolls, and have failed to let us know whatever other attributes were possessed by the design. (collection Road Locomotive Society) 184
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(but with a longer box) was used in conjunction with a compound cylinder block to make a perfectly respectable roller without any oddities at all! I have here Aveling general arrangement drawing 4997 'G.A. of 5 tons roller' which is identical to 7385 but shows a longer firebox. Unfortunately this drawing and those noted below are undated. The RLS reproduction of Aveling's 1908 catalogue states that rollers were available between 4 and 30 tons, but only shows a 10 ton roller. However, their 1920 catalogue shows on page 27 a 'Steam Roller, fitted with Van Puttens patent water sprayer' which is clearly one of the 6 ton single speed 4 shaft engines of a considerably earlier date; a genuine 6 ton conventional roller is pictured elsewhere in the catalogue. (There are other examples of earlier engines — such as a crane equipped tractor — included for descriptive purposes in later catalogues when no near contemporary example was available.) The water spraying photograph is also reproduced in J.M. Preston's Aveling history, though incorrectly titled. No 6465 The photographs suggest the engine is very similar to 4877. I have Aveling 7385 — a front view of the tiny engine illustrates just how narrow the machine could be with the flywheel mounted between the homplates. A detailed account of 7385 by Sandy Ross appeared in our Winter 1985/86 issue. (Bob Payne)
in my possession drawing 4431 titled 'Tender for 6 tons road roller for India office (fitted with oil tank)', but then drawing 4431A, showing the hornplate arrangement, specifically states it is 'for 6 tons RR 2 speeds'; presumably both single and two speed 6 ton rollers were supplied to India, but what were the required modifications that necessitated special drawings?
26721
26720
23056
So, congratulations to your intrepid photographic agents who found the roller in India. Sadly all of the above highlights the fact that nobody has yet written the definitive history of Aveling & Porter, the information above merely scratches at the surface of what would make a fascinating study.
Avelings' parts list — although we do not know how many of the type were produced, Aveling-Barford, when re-vamping the List of Parts for 'old
slide valve type' rollers in 1934, after the move to Grantham, saw fit to include this diagram as Plate 202. It shows, from the top, the crankshaft and first and second intermediate shafts but not, of course, the main driving axle. (collection Road Locomotive Society) STEAMING
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(Robin Harding, Hon Records Officer of the Road Locomotive Society, has helpfully looked at the Aveling lists in his care, but they fail to distinguish or identify inside flywheel machines as such. Although single speed engines are noted in the lists, it is known such machines were produced with normal overhanging flywheels, notably for Ceylon, some of which were repatriated a few years ago.) IiM
'Amongst the representatives of traction engine firms Mr George Chapman is a veteran. West of England threshermen, etc, know him well and they still talk of his skill in showing off the capabilities of traction engines in past years. Friend Chapman is looking in fine condition this year. He is one of the strong men of the trade.' (from the Travellers' Notes column of The Agricultural Engineer, June 1899. Other contemporary issues revealed him to be Foster's representative.) 185
The Philp Sale Every few years there occurs an auction sale of steam engines that is destined to become a reference for years to come in the columns of Derek Rayner's Steaming Around feature. In late June thousands of enthusiasts and a few hundred potential owners snaked their way down the long and narrow track to Kirby Hall Farm at Castle Hedingham, Essex to attend the Philp Sale. The Philp family has been at Kirby Hall since 1920 and from just after World War 2 the land has been farmed by brothers Cyrii and Jim. A steam ploughing set had been acquired in 1939 and from the late 1940s through to 1964 Cyril Philp became well known in preservation circles for his acquisition from auction sales of a wide variety of steam engines, steam plough and threshing tackle and a myriad of items of old rural machinery. For many years in the 1960s, early autumn saw the Fowler AA class ploughing engines 15362 and 15363, LION and TIGER, in use on the heavy Essex clay lands about Kirby Hall farm; in more recent times Clayton & Shuttleworth 6hp traction 32900 has been a familiar entry at East Anglian rallies, whilst in the final stages of restoration at the farm is Fowler A9 class road loco 15467. These four engines, together with accompanying tackle, have been retained by the Philp family following the death of Cyril Philp, but the remainder of the huge collection, by 1995 in somewhat dilapidated condition, was dispersed on Saturday 24th June, at a well organised sale conducted by Cambridge specialist auctioneers Cheffins, Grain and Comins. Before long our columns will record the next stages in the lives of many of the engines sold that day — 'acquired at the Philp sale'. A total of thirteen road steam engines were listed among the 1200 lots in the auctioneers' catalogue — a well produced, collectable item in 186
itself. Adequate historical information was set down but potential buyers needed to spend much time inspecting the engines to judge the problems of restoration, for all the machines were very derelict, some being partially dismantled in the past or having collapsed by movement to the sale field. However, though in poor condition, many were very complete and original with regard to fittings, a useful point. The engines sold were as follows: • Garrett 6hp traction engine 33068 of 1918 (AH5400). An unusual engine from Leiston equipped with belly tanks (for road work?), and similar to several Garretts now preserved in Australia. Very rusty but nicely complete. Sold at £34,000. • Fowler BB Class ploughing engines 15230/15231 of 1918 (AC9510/9511). At one time owned by Ward & Dale, Sleaford. Offered as a pair — 15230 was complete but rusty: 15231 was partially dismantled. Sold at £15,500 the pair, but subsequently taken by two different owners. • Fowler BB class ploughing engine 15145 of 1918 (CF3348). Largely complete. Sold at £7,500. • Fowler BB class ploughing engine 15430 of 1919 (CF3349). Similar condition to above. Soid at E9,000.
• Aveling & Porter 10 ton slide valve roller 8838 of 1917 (No 1225). A former Essex County Council machine, locally based at Castle Hedingham until 1962. Sold at £4,000. • Garrett 10 ton roller 34156 of 1922 (PU1042) CLACTON QUEEN. A rare survivor as a roller of one of the maker's '10 ton light compound rollers' that were constructed new as such. Its front end had come away at the smokebox, but the machine was complete, with all its fittings. Sold at £5,000. • Garrett 10 ton roller 34706 of 1925 (PU7464) THE LONDON BELLE. Another original Garrett 4CD roller, as the above example — both were supplied new to Zachariah Fairclough of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. A new smokebox had been fitted up but not completed. Sold at £7,400. • Wallis & Steevens 8hp single traction 2959 of 1907 IHR51101. A very rusty and derelict Expansion engine. Sold at £10,600. • Wallis & Steevens 8hp single traction 7458 of 1917 (EB4590). Another far gone Expansion, one of the War Department Forage Dept engines of World War 1. Sold at £10, 000. • Marshall 10hp single portable uatoa of 1942. An engine that has
Star attraction of the Philp sale was the Garrett 6hp traction engine — perhaps road engine is a better description for a machine sent out from Leiston with a belly tank. Although the tank had been removed some time ago (and the steering arrangement adapted to suit) it was still with the lot as offered, along with the gear guards etc. (Roger West) Autumn 1995
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Speed Six Update For several years now Richard Parkinson has presented in each Autumn issue of our magazine a progress report on the restoration work done on Foden Speed Six wagon 13750. The extremely derelict wagon was acquired at the King of Bishops Lydeard sale in 1988. Richard writes to advise that this year there is little progress to report on the rebuilding, for he has purchased a well known Devon tourist farm — the Bickleigh Farm Heritage Centre. This will open next summer with steam on road and rail plus many other exhibits — and maybe even the Speed Six later on.
Birmingham Science Museum Fowler ploughing engine 15231 ready for careful inspection on viewing day. (John Cook)
Garrett '10 ton light compound roller' 34706 appears to have a new smokebox added in recent times — and then been abandoned. Photographed on the Friday viewing day by John Cook. probably done little real work — but it was well rusted. Sold at £2,800. • Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies 8hp single portable 12114 of 1898. Another complete but rusty machine. Sold at £1,600. • Davey Paxman 3hp single portable, unidentified but dated about 1918. A rare engine, lacking flywheel and crankshaft. Sold at £1,500. Also sold, at £450, was a large Marshall loco-type boiler, numbered 90913. Of the Fowler steam plough equipSTEAMING
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ment, a total of six 6/7 furrow balance ploughs fetched between £500 and £3,600; a 3 furrow balance plough £3,800; four harrows realised £450 to £3,800; a living van £500 and a water cart £320. An interesting old traction wagon, long ago crudely built up to a living shed and probably built by Aveling & Porter, sold at £650. Other agricultural items of interest here were twenty threshing drums or hullers (£20 to £1601; six elevators (£2 to £8) and six chaff cutters (£15 to £110).
Following a period of over three years in store the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry's collection of road steam vehicles is now back on display as part of a temporary exhibition called 'Steam Vehicles'. The exhibition spans over 150 years of history from Murdock's locomotive of 1784 to an 1892 road roller and a steam tractor from 1927. Murdock's vehicle stands just 13 inches high and weighs about a couple of pounds, yet it was the first self propelled vehicle ever to run on Britain's roads. Aveling & Porter 10 ton roller 2992 weighs over 11 tons and was used in the building of Birmingham City Road, over a mile of completely new highway in the 1890s. Also on display is 1904 built Foden 5 tonner 848 and Burrell Gold Medal tractor 4084 of 1927. The Newhall Street exhibition has been on display from July and continues until 29th December 1995 and includes a display of examples of enthusiast publications, including Steaming. Further details are available from Jim Andrew on Tr 0121 235 1650. 'DISTURBANCE BY FOUNDRY LADS. The foundry lads on strike at Lincoln have caused a great disturbance. They rolled a burning tar barrel up and down the streets, broke the windows at the house of Wilkinson, the foreman of Clayton & Shuttleworth's and pelted the special constables, who subsequently had to seek refuge in the Guildhall, the windows of which were smashed with stones. The boys were armed with staves.' (from Marlborough Times, 28th October 1871, courtesy Peter Donovan.) 187
HEATHER's visit back home The return of Burrell roller 4040 to the Thetford works — now the Charles Burrell Museum — for an exhibition of lining out of paintwork was featured in our Spring 1995 issue. Now John Maund sets down some additional notes on the engine's history, and presents pictures taken at the Easter event.
As planned, and as I set out in my article in our Spring magazine, Paul Harrison's Burrell 10 ton roller returned to the former St Nicholas works paintshops at Thetford at the end of April this year. The reason was to be able to give a short demonstration of lining out paintwork but the opportunity was taken by Paul and John Palmer, membership secretary of the Friends of the Burrell Museum, to examine the surviving records. 4040 has always been considered an unusual Thetford product in that, although a single cylinder roller, it had a number of features more commonly found on traction engines — differential, winch drum and wire rope, and so on, and it was wondered whether these features did, in fact, make the machine unique. Burrell's surviving records revealed
one other single cylinder Class A roller which had been built with an identical specification; this was 3990, built in 1925, two years before 4040. It was delivered to William Elworthy, contractor, at Crosslands, near Tiverton, Devon. As this village is very close to Bradworthy, where 4040 went when new, it might be wondered whether Thomas Turner had seen 3990 and been sufficiently impressed to order an identical engine for himself. For many years 4040 has been described as having a road locomotive type flywheel, but again, on examining the records this now appears unlikely. At 4ft 0in diameter, the flywheel (Burrell pattern RR2551( was smaller
in size than most other roller flywheels and of the single cylinder class A rollers, it only appeared on 3990 and 4040. There was insufficient time to establish if that size flywheel was used on other, compound, rollers, but no indication could be found on a representative selection of the records examined for road locomotives or road engines, and so it is assumed that this flywheel pattern was in fact only used for rollers. The smaller diameter is presumed to be to allow clearance for the winch drum and wire rope, which of course is mounted on the rear axle directly in line with the flywheel. With the lining out completed, exactly as Burrells would have done it, and with the addition of the white lead paint based calico roof to the canopy, once again lettered THOMAS TURNER, BRADWORTHY, DEVON on the side members, 4040 must now make a very authentic sight — and a fine indication of how it would have appeared when new in 1925.
Burrell 4040 pictured by John Maund against the background of the Charles Burrell Museum — the well-glazed doors and panels of the paint shop.
Burrell class A 10 ton roller 4040 poses beneath the ST NICHOLAS WORKS stone in Minstergate, Thetford on the occasion of its return to the Burrell works in April 1995. The picture shows the freshly restored and painted canopy but the lining of the cylinder and boiler casing had yet to be done. (John Mound)
A MAJESTIC return to Burrells The latest engine to be returning to the former Charles Burrell paintshops — now part of the Charles Burrell Museum in Minstergate, Thetford — is Burrell showmans road locomotive 3890 MAJESTIC. The 1922 built engine will return for a three week period in October when it will be on display inside the museum buildings. The machine spent its whole working life with original owner J.H. Herbert of Southampton, Hampshire and is thought to have worked throughout on fairgrounds, before being laid up in 1940. It passed into preservation in 1952, the first owner unfortunately not being known, but in 1954 it was purchased by W.T. Hunt of Oldbury, West Midlands, and remained in his ownership until 1965. The Millward brothers of Halesowen were the next owners, and they kept MAJESTIC until 1974 when it was purchased and fully restored by the Wessex Machinery Museum at Longparish, near Andover. The present owner, Ted Gale, acquired the engine in 1978. STEAMING
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MAJESTIC is a 7hp double crank compound and is one of the last of its type to be built for direct sale to a showman; just four more were produced after. This engine was originally turned out in crimson lake livery, and is believed to be the last Burrell turned out in this colour. The choice of name for the engine has an interesting history in itself. Sometime in 1921 J.H. Herbert was taking his family for a boat trip around Southampton Docks when he saw the White Star liner RMS MAJESTIC entering port, and was so impressed by the sight that he decided to name his newly ordered, but as yet undelivered, engine after this ship. Herberts had two other Burrells which worked for them. One of these, 1910 Gold Medal tractor 3192 ST BERNARD, survives in preservation; the other, a 1909 (6hp double crank compound showmans road loco called HOUPLA (number 3063), was less fortunate. As with MAJESTIC, HOUPLA was also purchased new from Burrells by J.H. Herbert, but ST BERNARD
came via the War Office at Chatham with a front jib crane, and was converted by Herberts to a showmans tractor. MAJESTIC is recorded in the 1930s as driving a set of dodgem cars and HOUPLA was driving Herbert's Golden Gallopers. Everyone concerned with the museum is extremely grateful to Mr Gale for allowing his engine to return to the former works to support the Burrell Museum. They would also like to thank John Saunders and the Saunders family for supplying the transportation for this engine, without which this event could not take place. On 8th October MAJESTIC will steam from the lorry park in Thetford and proceed down Bridge Street, turning into Minstergate where the museum is situated to arrive at about 11.00am. It will steam into the museum at about 4.00pm and will remain on static exhibition until Sunday 29th October, then to be once again in steam outside the museum from 10.00am to 4.00pm, before departing for home. This is believed to be the first time that MAJESTIC has returned to the former Burrell works since it left when new in 1921. Anyone wishing to find out more or to confirm any details is welcome to contact the Membership Secretary of the Friends of the Burrell Museum, John Palmer, Tr 01767 315226. 189
Suolahti Steam Festival Michael Lane The great industry of central and northern Finland has for centuries been forestry, occupying some 90,000 square miles or 78% of the total land area. The great forests are interspersed by over 1,000 lakes. Until 1993 the small town of Suolahti, 44km north of Jyvaskyla, was the railhead where the logs, which had been floated down Lake Keitele, were transferred to rail wagons for transportation to the hungry paper mills and plywood factories in the south of the country. Between 1990 and 1993 Russian engineers were contracted to build five large locks connecting Lakes Keitele and Paijanne. This gave 400km of uninterrupted water access to the factories which resulted in the railway line north of Jyvaskyla being made redundant. The 'City Elders' of Suolahti determined that something must be done to retain the pleasant little town's place on the map. It was decided that a Great Festival of Steam should be held in 1995 bringing together the growing number of Finnish preservation societies which included steam boats, railway locomotives, traction engines and other types of machinery of yesteryear. The chosen site for the Festival was ideally situated on the lake shore, adjacent to the railway station with its huge gantry for transferring the logs from the lake to rail wagons, and within easy walking distance of the town with its wide main street and attractive open spaces. A budget of £150,000 was approved and over 25,000 people attended the event which was held from 14th to 16th July. A bigger and better event is planned next year and it is hoped to give it a more international flavour. Our journey started in Helsinki where we boarded a special steam train hauled by the famous 5ft 0in gauge Pacific type steam locomotive 1009 UKKO-PEKKA, named after a 190
popular former Finnish President. To add to the nostalgia many of our fellow passengers were dressed in Edwardian period costume. The engine was in immaculate condition and hauled its 500 ton train through the lovely countryside at speeds of up to 100km/hour, calling at Tampere and Jyvasky15 to take water. The 350km journey took eight hours and we arrived at Suolahti to be greeted by the Minister of the Interior, civic dignitaries and a traditional brass band. Moored on the lakeside were ten beautifully restored steam ships which were formerly used on the lakes for logging. The oldest had been built in 1877 and they were supported by a host of small craft. Three big steam railway locomotives were at the show and a nice little tank engine, 665 built in 1921, was busily engaged in the yard giving people rides in an old preserved coach. A 3-car diesel railcar was also in attendance ferrying people to and from Jyviiskylii. The area around the station yard was filled with working exhibits which included two Marshall portables (27644 of 1897 and 48281 of 1907), Marshall S type road roller 80864, an American Peerless traction engine built in 1915, and other steam engines built by Kulleruo, Munktell, Nikander and Kenttasirkkeli. Vintage vehicles, stationary steam engines, working saw benches and stone crushers added to the lively scene. Two somewhat eccentric exhibits were a
motorised penny-farthing bicycle and a motor cycle converted to a tricycle and fitted with a helicopter jet engine. For three days the cloudless blue sky was filled with the smell of steam and wood smoke accompanied by the brass band, a local orchestra and a Dutch street organ. For the more serious minded and exhausted visitors a series of lectures and film shows were available in the local educational institute. Happy folk danced in the streets and listened to the music until 2.00am (still daylight!). The catering facilities were excellent, offering many local delicacies in what was described as the largest outdoor restaurant in Finland. A splendid selection of beers to suit all tastes was available throughout the day. Railway sleeping cars were available for those who wished to sleep on site and moorings and caravan parks were located in the town. Everything appeared to be splendidly organised and the event undoubtedly has great potential for future years. Our return journey started on Monday 17th July. We took the very new diesel boat from Suolahti to Jyvaskyla, a modern University town at the head of Lake Paij5nne passing through the five impressive Russianbuilt locks. These locks, each capable of carrying half a dozen vessels or a large quantity of floating logs, dropped over 460 metres in 40km to Lake Paijanne. We were surprised to find that in order to negotiate a low bridge adjacent to one of the locks the whole
An American built exhibit at the Suolahti event — a single cylinder Peerless traction engine. (Michael Lane) Autumn 1995
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Steam tug UURASTRAJA, built in 1908 for hauling wood across the lakes of central Finland. (Michael Lane)
of the boat's superstructure, its two funnels and mast were telescopic and disappeared below the main deck. The following day we boarded the lovely old steam ship Suomi, built in 1906, for the eight hour voyage to Vaaskay. Her triple expansion engine drove a single screw and she was in every respect a joy to sail in. Not least of her delights was the delicious smorgasbord luncheon provided. A quite emotional reunion took place in the middle of the lake when we passed, accompanied by the blowing of sirens and waving of flags, the preserved steam ships Metsa and Juno belonging to the Hare, family. These two vessels had been great
attractions at the Steam Festival. Metsa had in tow an old Russian gun boat which carried wood fuel for her boilers and carried the Haro family sauna on her upper deck. The last lap of our journey back to Helsinki was completed by train, ending what was undoubtedly a memorable, never-to-be-forgotten adventure. During our stay in Suolahti we spent sometime with a Russian delegation visiting the Festival. Who knows, we might be heading for a Steam Festival in Russia within a few years. Certainly engine enthusiasts would be well advised to start saving for next year's Suolahti Steam Festival. yy
Viewpoint Robert Oram Firstly I would like to congratulate the Trust and our Editor on such a consistently fine magazine, which continually improves with age. Please continue to do the good work. There are still people out here who appreciate quality! In the last two issues, a considerable amount was written on the future of our chosen hobby, and on the various legislation that is continually being thrown at us. I know only too STEAMING Autumn 1995
well what an uphill struggle it is. The Mechanical Organ Owner's Society has fought successfully against, firstly, excessive taxation, and secondly, change of use of the vehicles that transport the instruments. The DVLA's interpretation of the Oxford English Dictionary's words 'load and burden', appeared to be totally different to everyone else's. There was however one consolation; the Department of Transport took over the situation and have started to be on the side of the preservationist. It is unfortunate
though, that the situation is still not yet fully resolved, and it will take more than the four years of hard negotiation already undertaken to make firm the inroads that MOOS have successfully opened up. There was though, a very interesting outcome of the campaign. The help from preservation societies was merely to say "carry on the good work" or to "stop meddling as the problem is sure to go away!" The actual help received outside MOOS was from John Carter, Gerry Cottle, John Connolly and their respective groups, as well as Christopher Booker from the Telegraph newspaper. To me that was a rather sad state of affairs, as these groups are not normally associated with our hobby. Also the Heritage Minister at that time did not feel that our heritage was worthy of his support! Had the MOOS outcome not been such a success, preservation as we know it may well have not continued in its present form. What concerns me is that the NTET has only asked the membership to write to their MP on the subject. You are quite correct — lobbying does work; the majority of MOOS membership did so and they were heard. What hasn't been asked for though, is the help of those who continually benefit financially from our hobby — the approved rallies. If these organisations could support the movement from a financial point of view, then the money could be used to put pressure on the Ministry. It would be such a pleasure to see some of their funds actually replenishing the very source that they have fed off for so many years. In fact, if they were to give just a mere 10% of their gross takings to the Trust, it would probably give the necessary finances to help counter the barrage of legislation. Steam engines are not the only vehicles to have legislation thrown at them. Maybe it is about time that an affiliation of the national societies, on common interests should be undertaken. The Law now says that all self propelled vehicles on a rally field must be taxed, as they are now moving around on the Queens Highway. Maybe it is time for a new preservation taxation class to be implemented that is of the same cost to everyone, be the vehicle a lorry, car, steam engine, organ, tractor, motor cycle or whatever. This would make the situation more sensible as the whole preservation scene would be able to fight on a single and level footing. There is, I believe in certain countries on the Continent, a special class for preserved equipment, and they are taxed with a 90 day card. The card is 191
positioned on the vehicle and the date is written in to the card while the vehicle is on the road. If the vehicle is used for more than 90 days, then it is not being used for its intended preservation purpose! Thank goodness for Stuart Tomlinson's letter in the Spring issue on the rights of roading engines on the Queens' Highway. What should have been a packed mailbag for the magazine seemed fairly barren! Could it be that most of the owning NTET membership travels its engines on a 'bath chain Modern politics and bureaucracy now seem to be unaccountable to the voting population. In other words, if it does not hit the headlines and the MP's job is not at risk, then nothing will be done. Bearing in mind that all self propelled vehicles are to be taxed, then why not use them on the roads. Invite your MP to drive your engine; you never know, he or she may like it. There seem to be too few owners that road their engines. The
horse fraternity take their charges on the road; milk floats, at this moment, continue to deliver to the doorstep. Could it be that most drivers of steam engines are only interested in how much fuel they can conserve at a rally and how much coal they can pile onto their low loader for burning in the range during the winter? If the engines were to travel on the roads, car drivers would then see more of them, be more aware, and it would create more interest. The rally organisers would promote the Trust. The Committee, I am pleased to read, has realised that the existence of Steam on Common Roads is in their hands. With our new Chairman at the helm, I feel slightly more comfortable that we may be able to take our charges into the next century without further negative legislation. We have been sold down the river too many times — I am pleased that a stand is now to be taken. The apathy for new membership is
Anthony Heal An Appreciation by Michael Lane Earlier this year the preservation movement lost a true friend with the passing of Anthony Standerwick Heal. He was born on 23rd February 1907, the son of Sir Ambrose Heal and became the fifth generation of his family to head the great furnishing concern Heals of Tottenham Court Road. Founded in 1810, the firm became bed-makers to Kings, Queens and Princes. Anthony devoted his life to the maintenance and furtherance of the high standards of quality and design established by his antecedents. He was educated at the Quaker school at Leighton Park, Reading and at Grenoble and Munich Universities. In the period 1927-29 he served an apprenticeship with Gordon Russell at Broadway in Worcestershire. He became a director of Heals in 1936 and chairman in 1953, retiring in 1985. Anthony held many appointments in the furniture trade outside his own company. He was a Master of the Furniture Makers Guild; a member of the Council of Industrial Design; and a member of the City & Guilds of London Institute. He was closely involved with 192
training and education in the furniture industry and was awarded the Royal Society of Arts bicentenary medal for design management in 1965. His other great passions in life were vintage and veteran sports cars and steam traction engines. His book Sunbeam Racing Cars 1910-1930, published in 1989, soon became the standard work on the subject. In 1949 he competed in the Le Mans 24 hour race driving an Aston Martin. His many exploits in sports and racing cars and his involvement with the VSCC are well documented elsewhere. In 1965 he acquired the splendid 10hp McLaren road locomotive 1652 BOADICEA, built originally for gun haulage in World War 1. This immaculate engine was a regular sight at Thames Valley and home counties traction rallies for many years, with Anthony at the controls. In 1966 he succeeded the Rev Philip Wright as Chairman of the National Traction Engine Cliih, a role he fulfilled with great dedication and distinction. He was an ideal Chairman and working in partnership with the redoubtable Tom Paisley, Chairman of
always a problem, especially for a national society — most people do not actually understand what such organisations do or what they stand for. We all know that engine owners will receive help, even if they don't belong to the NTET. Maybe a membership form could be included with every issue of Steaming so that its existing members could then pass one on to non-members. I am sure that they would be only too happy to benefit and they could then use that new found wealth to give to the funds of the NTET. The rally organisers might also consider getting hold of some decent coal instead of the junk that is passed off as combustible fuel. The public and exhibitors do not want to wear an iron lung every time they go to a show. The former, after all, are the reason our hobby stays alive. The railway boys can find decent coal without any problem for their locomotives, why not we?
the Road Locomotive Society, did an immense amount of good work promoting the interests of the steam preservation movement. He served also as the Chairman of the Historic Vehicle Clubs Joint Committee. During the Queen's Jubilee Year some traction engines were invited to Windsor. Anthony had the honour of being presented to the Queen. When Her Majesty learned his name she enquired if he was connected with the great emporium in Tottenham Court Road. Upon being answered in the affirmative she replied with a twinkle in her eyes. "Oh, I now understand. The shop is your hobby and the engine is your profession!" Older members who had the honour of serving the Club under Anthony Heal will remember him as a true English gentleman. Always a very private person he was ever willing to help others who shared his great passions. In 1941 Anthony married Theodora Griffin, who pre-deceased him in 1992, and he is survived by two sons. Anthony died on 25th March 1995 and was buried at Penn Parish Church, his send-off being accompanied as he would have wished, by a splendid turn-out of veteran Sunbeam cars. In June he was awarded posthumously the Prince Henry Trophy — awarded annually by the National Motor Museum to someone who has made 'a major contribution to the world of the historic vehicle and its preservation'. Autumn 1995
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The Prince Henry Trophy awarded to Anthony Heal The late Anthony Heal, for so long an enthusiast for all things mechanical, has been awarded the National Motor Museum Trust's prestigious Prince Henry Trophy for 1995. This Trophy is awarded annually to someone who has made 'a major contribution to the world of the historic vehicle and its preservation'. In February the National Motor Museum Trust's Advisory Council voted on nominations received from members of the Friends of the Motor Museum. Anthony Heal came out a clear winner. Our letter informing Anthony of his Award arrived on his breakfast table on his 88th birthday. We were all saddened to hear that he has passed away at the end of March. Anthony was Director and Chairman of Heals of Tottenham Court Road; he retired in 1985. He joined the Vintage Sports Car Club soon after it was formed and spent forty years on its Committee. When MOT testing was mooted back in the early 1960s, it was Anthony who brought the Veteran Car Club and the Vintage Sports Car Club together to fight for
Oliver Heal (right) receives from Peter Glover the Prince Henry Trophy awarded to his late father, our former Chairman, by the National Motor Museum.
the right of the older car on the road. From this union came the Historic Vehicle Clubs' Committee, now the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. He was a founder member and past Chairman of the National Traction
Anthony Heal enjoying the presence of his McLaren BOADICEA. Although the picture has previously appeared on our pages, its repetition is entirely appropriate in this Appreciation. The scene is on the Stourpaine slopes in 1985. (Roger West) STEAMING Autumn 19.95
Engine Trust and was regularly to be seen driving his McLaren road locomotive BOADICEA. His particular interest was in Sunbeam cars and he often asked about the 1924 Cub which he had owned and which is on loan to the National Motor Museum from Peugeot-Talbot. It had been planned to present the Trophy to Anthony sitting in his 3 litre Sunbeam — which he had owned for nearly 50 years. This presentation was to have taken place at the VSCC meeting at Silverstone on 8 April, but sadly it was not to be. Our photograph shows Peter Glover from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs — the 1994 winners — presenting the trophy to Anthony's son Oliver. This presentation took place at the June meeting of the Vintage Sports Car Club. The Trophy takes the form of a Gerald Wyngrove model of the Cheverton family-owned 1913 Vauxhall Prince Henry which is in the National Motor Museum. (National Motor Museum)
'Steam Ploughing, Thrashing and Hauling Business for SALE, altogether or separate, with all tackle complete; just been thoroughly overhauled and repaired, new fireboxes &c; good connection in good district. — Lowe, Marden Lodge, Caterham Valley, Surrey.' (from The Engineer, 7th October 1892.) 193
Sentinels for....
Furniture Removers Joe Thomas My chosen trade this time will not, I regret, be able to illustrate much of a variety of Sentinel types. Of my many thousands of photographs of Shrewsbury built wagons, I find practically all of the machines used by furniture removers are from the earlier or middle years of the steam wagon era — perhaps it is true that the trade tended to move on to the internal combustion engined lorry sooner than some of the heavier trades such as coal or stone. It seems most steam wagons used for furniture removal were flat bed vehicles for accommodating the standard lift van of the trade — a container that was in use on horse drays and railway trucks even before the steam wagon became a popular alternative. In the larger firms' furniture repositories, the vans were hoisted by overhead crane to the various floor levels for loading and unloading. And, of course, most steam wagons could also be seen trailing a pantechnicon — the large rear wheel, low floor wagon from the Victorian days of horse haulage. My first picture shows John Freeman of Oldham's Standard model Sentinel number 2267 (AW4596). It is a 6 tonner, new to Freeman sometime about 1919, but its subsequent history is unknown. The second picture is of Sentinel 2620 lAW5740), new around the same period as 2267. 194
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Autumn 1995
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The Standard 6 ton machine does in this case appear to be a van, the body not being a removable container. Greenlands Ltd, the owners, not only moved furniture but also sold it from a large shop in Hereford. The trailer is a former horse-drawn vehicle, with solid rubber tyres added to the wheel treads. Another Standard 6 tonner is shown in the third picture — 2698 (AW5920) was new by December 1920 to Barnby Bendall & Co Ltd, of Cheltenham, their No 1. That company were furniture removers, but the vehicle is shown in pristine condition in a steam workshop; note the Foden at the right edge and another overtype, possibly a Foster wagon, just appearing behind the Sentinel. Can anyone suggest where the picture was taken? I offer yet another Standard machine for the next picture, not a very good picture because it has been copied from a printed image, but an interesting Sentinel nevertheless. It is works number 4102 10K632), an AS model new in April 1922 — the AS was designed and equipped to pull a braked trailer. The first owners were Chamberlain, King & Jones Ltd of Birmingham, who were, again, house furnishers as well as providing a service of removals and storage. Although the Sentinel is a flat bed
machine, the lift van body appears to be permanently attached, for it has had an extension built off the top of the cab — note the iron strapping to secure the new bit back to the original, and the four or five foot chimney extension which then became necessary. I wonder what sort of a difference that made to the fireman's task? The final picture shows a Super Sentinel purchased by Dickeson & French of St Leonards Road, Eastbourne — 5059 (HC3833) was new in September 1923 and was one of the
first few dozen Supers. This picture is from one of the superbly crisp Sentinel works photographs and it shows very clearly the detail of a furniture lift van — the timber boarding arranged diagonally to give the structure rigidity; the lifting straps from floor to roof for when the body was hoisted from floor to floor in the repository (or was put on rail), and the dignified but bold signwriting. Dickeson & French only kept the Super for five years, selling it in 1928 to Brighton Corporation — which scrapped the vehicle in 1935.
8511. EOHAR OS RD EASNON? TEL No 845
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195
Steaming Around Compiled from members notes and reports by Derek Rayner
It has been said many times that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Once upon a time there was a man who saw a bright shiny polished plaything and he thought, "What a lovely toy" — so he bought one and became a traction engine owner. He polished and played with his new toy at home and then decided to do what most other owners do, take it to a rally. His knowledge of things steam was somewhat limited but someone had given him some very good advice at sometime and that was, when looking after his new engine, he should keep the gauge glass full of water at all times. So he did. He filled the boiler up, lit the fire, and then shut both the top and bottom gauge glass cocks so water was in the glass all the time. One gathers he was somewhat surprised therefore when he eventually dropped the plug — not that one supposes he knew why the firebox was full of steam and water at the time. Undoubtedly, afterwards, he found out. And then, in loading his toy back onto its lorry to take it home, rather than split the unit from the trailer in the
AVON The Bristol Motor and Leisure Spectacular took place on Durdham Down in early June. Engines present included Brian Dando's 1926 Wallis Advance roller 7878 (HO 64821, back on the rally fields after some 12 years absence; Wallis Advance roller 8030 of 1929 10U37871 owned by Steve Gunn and Colin Wait's 1925 Foden wagon 11850 (MB9404). Burrell showmans tractor 3631 of 1915 (OR2729) belonging to Kevin Gamlen was also at the event. 196
usual place, he was observed trying to get it up over the beaver tail ramp at the hack and over the rear wheels. First attempts were unsuccessful and so the winch rope was brought into play. Not surprisingly the load was too great and the rope snapped. Fortunately a respected owner of a similar engine took charge and helped to safely remove the man's toy from the rally field. The final paragraph in this sad tale is a statement from the owner, this new 'preservation enthusiast', that he was not impressed with his new toy's stopping capabilities and was wondering whether the fitting of disc brakes would help to improve the engine's braking performance ... All this tells like a Grimm fairy tale of old, perhaps even something from the early days of the rally movement. The sad thing is that it is true and it happened in 1995. Although best described as a comedy of errors, it is fortunate that no one was injured or worse. Had there been very serious consequences, who would have been to blame? There is considerable food for
A month or so later, Bristol played host to another steam event which featured not only road engines but railway and water based machines as well. Two locally built railway locos (by Avonside Engine Co and Peckett & Sons) provided the motive power on the Harbour Railway service to the S.S. GREAT BRITAIN. The floating harbour area of Bristol has, in the main, been sympathetically restored and ten engines graced the event for the Bristol Steam Festival. The Burrell showmans tractor and Colin Wait's
thought here from this unfortunate tale. Perhaps a lead should be taken by the Trust to ensure that such a similar incredible story cannot be told in the future. The provision of responsible driving courses can only help, but the worrying thing is that anyone who has a licence to drive a car and who is over 21 can lawfully take a traction engine on the road or the rally field (which is now a public place and subject to the same restrictions) — and all this without any adequate basic knowledge of the machine. Thcrc has bccn an increased post bag for this issue and I would like to thank all new contributors for their efforts to improve the news flow. Thank you also to all regular contributors for the various letters, marked up programmes/photocopies etc from which information and details have been culled to form these notes. Details have been received from the following: Banbury Steam Society, Lancashire TEC, National Motor Museum, Scottish TES, Somerset TEC, Southern Counties HVPT, Steam Apprentice Club, Steam Plough Club, Sussex SEC, Thames Valley TEC, West of England SES and Brian Allison, Martin Brown, John Clifford, George Cole, Ian Corfield, Gerry Doherty, Peter Donovan, Mrs E. Finch, John Gamble, Peter Haining, Andrew Hall, Ran Hawthorne, Peter Haywood, John Hobbs, Trystan Jones, Allan Lloyd, Gordon Newton, Terry Pratchett, John Rhead, Chris Rhodes, Sandy Ross, Lyndon Shearman, Barry Thirlwall, Deryk Vernon, Ron Walker, David Wallis, Bernie Wood, Michael Watts and Vaughan Wray — 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, letters and marked up rally programmes 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 1996.
Foden wagon were present, along with Neil Baker's 1914 Aveling roller 8196 (DF5055) and Mike Lawrence's 1919 Wallis traction 7685 (H05587). The road run around the city centre was led off by the Museum's Grenville Steam Carriage of 1875, (Y27), said to be the oldest steam passenger road vehicle in working order. The 1861 steam tug MAYFLOWER and a number of other steam launches made trips around the harbour and the Fairbairn steam crane was also in use. A roller noted for sale in the area Autumn 1995
STEAMING
Chatham Historic Dockyard buildings — the huge covered work yards form the backdrop to Aveling & Porter D type 8 ton roller 11206 of 1925 in May 1991. (Robin Walker) was 1930 Aveling 14089 (YD973) belonging to S. Birch. The asking price of £16,000 included a custom built trailer, tools and spares.
BEDFORDSHIRE A successful road run was organised by the Bedford club in the early spring. Thirteen steam engines took part, stopping at the local pubs round the leafy lanes of Old Warden, Ireland and Stamford. The day ended with a barbecue and barn dance at Clifton with music provided at various times of the day by Reg Saunders' Gavioli organ. John Forshaw has made a new 13-toothed drive sprocket for his 1930 Foden steam wagon 13764 (TF3106). When last used for tar spraying, the wagon had a 12-tooth sprocket and it is now somewhat faster on the road. The Shuttleworth Collection's Clayton traction 46817 of 1914 (YA 2095) is presently at Maskell's where its big end is receiving attention.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Transport Day at the Chiltern Open Air Museum near Chalfont St Giles provided a venue for several local engines to gather; included in the group were Ed Bolton's 1910 Clayton traction 43200 (6E8003) and Dave Knott's 1920 Aveling agricultural 9096 (AF6001). Resident on site is 1929 Marshall roller 85106 (DV 40051, owned by Devon County Council and now in the care of the Chiltern Marshall Preservation Group — a number of Road Roller Association members. The following month, the STEAMING Autumn 1995
Marshall and several other engines attended the Chiltern Steam Rally at Prestwood. It was the roller's first ever appearance at a rally and was rewarded with the presentation of an award for the most original engine. Other engines at the event were George Fensom's 1927 Burrell traction 4055 (VF12731, Paul Harrison's Burrell roller 4040 of 1926 (TT7917) and Foster agricultural 14418 of 1920 (LVN 891) owned by Mick Cherry. The Heal family's 1919 McLaren road loco 1652 (WF1864) was also on display. On its way home from Prestwood to the museum, the Marshall roller was put to work in repairing a driveway and car park for the local scout group — a worthwhile exercise, and as a thank you, a barbecue was provided by the Scout leaders for all concerned.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE The early season steam up at the Black Bull, Godmanchester took place under cloudy skies but this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the several entrants who took part. John Middlemiss was present with his 1914 Burrell showmans THE BUSY BEE, whilst Mark Bray was a first time attender with Fowler roller 13453 of 1912 (EP3138). Another first time appearance was that of John Garrod's 1918 Ransomes agricultural 27277 (DS7473), an engine which had only recently come into the area. Others present included the Coulson's two tractors, the McLaren and the Garrett. At the Linton sale in late May, Bill Hammond's 1910 Clayton agricultural 43130 (BD5494) sold for £24,000 to
new owner Tim Beavan in Surrey, whilst a rough Ransomes portable, 17273 of 1905, imported from Portugal, was sold for £720 to Michael List-Brain of Kent. A notable 'double zero' was achieved by the showmans style conversion of ex-Isaac Ball Burrell roller 3220 of 1910 (TB3719). The machine had been in the auctioneers' previous sale in November but, again, it was not sold, bidding only going up to £15,000. Readers can perhaps again draw their own conclusions from this. The Whittlesey Steam and Transport Festival had a number of engine entries within its many exhibits. These included Richard Hinch's 1928 Ransomes tractor 39149 (UE7213), the Chamberlain family's Burrell scenic 3912 DRAGON in the hands of Bill Gale and two visitors from Nottinghamshire — Rob Tyler's pair of Fowlers, conversion 15970 of 1924 (NW6092) and tractor 16365 of 1928 (YC3689). Sentinel S4 wagon 8942 of 1934 (ATN320) owned by Ken Wooley was also present, as was 1904 Aveling roller 5598 (XD8052) owned by the Jennings brothers. A strange steam machine was the 1939 built vehicle THE BUG now belonging to John and Jo Jones. This was constructed using an American engine on a 1929 Austin 7 car chassis.
CHESHIRE Bernard Jeff's 1910 Foden agricultural 2312 IMA7770) has developed a bulge in the firebox crown which obviously requires attention. Bernard has recently also purchased Ruston traction 122300 of 1924 (CJ7207) from David Ragsdale in Nottinghamshire.
CORNWALL Camborne's annual Trevithick Day took place at the end of April. Twentyseven engines turned out for the occasion; these included Graham and Michael Stone's 1928 Aveling roller 12079 (PH9633) and John Vincent's Garrett showmans style tractor 30959 of 1912 (BJ1458). Making its Cornish debut was Graham Fellows' 1926 Marshall roller 81119 (SF5348), whilst Steve Syms' 1919 Burrell traction 3816 (AF35181 led the afternoon's parade. Glenn Carter brought along his Fowell 97 of 1907 ICE78931 and another newcomer was Wallis oilbath tractor 7289 of 1912 (AA5014), now belonging to Phil Williams. It was, however, a day of misfortune for some people — Graham Stone had charge of the Aveling roller when it mounted a kerb and broke the front fork and quadrants, whilst Phil 197
Gregory's 1923 Aveling roller 10824 (PT3595) blew a tube when being prepared to take part in the event — and then Graham Fellows suffered a similar problem with his Marshall roller later in the day. The prize for the most meritous engine went to Graham Viant's Aveling roller 10159 of 1921 (N03867), newly repainted in her makers original colours. An engine to leave the Duchy is Fowler road loco 11111 of 1910 (BE 7988), owned for the last few years by the late George Hawkins, and which has now been pi irebnQpri by Geoff Matthews of Gwent. Geoff is no stranger to Fowler engines for he has been a helper with the Daniel brothers' engines in recent years. Not in a position to leave the county is Charlie Powell's 1904 Marshall traction 40717 (AF9086), which still resides in the hedge near the crossroads to Rumford. The Launceston rally was rather wet this year and saw an appearance, for the first time in Cornwall, of Tony Yelland's newly restored Marshall 12hp portable 56555 of 1910. Also there was Steve Buscombe's 1926 Burrell roller 4041 (U0793) and a couple of Burrell showmans — John Dyke's 1912 STAR and the Glbbard family's 3509 RAJAH. John
Woodley's 1916 Sentinel Super wagon 1465 (AW3321) was also present. Further west during the same weekend, Roy Richards' two rollers, 1912 Aveling 7641 (FX6996) and Marshall 88096 of 1937 (DAF560), plus Brian Sanders' 1924 Burrell roller 3999 (RL74), supported the Mabe Shindig.
DERBYSHIRE The Derbyshire Steam Fair at Spring Bank Holiday is held on what is undoubtedly Britain's high...t rally site — about 1200ft above sea level. Lyndon Shearman's diminutive Brown & May portable, said to have been built before 1870, was noted at the event driving the Bowman family's 36in Clayton threshing machine whilst the Bowmans had their 1922 Aveling roller 10073 (RF7918) at the event. The Belper Festival's carnival parade and road run saw several engines gathering in the town. These included John Bosworth's 1920 Foster traction 14410 (UP6481), David Copo'c 1920 Fowler Tiger tractor 14805 (UG1496) and Aveling roller 2957 of 1892 (MA9867) belonging to the local Amber Valley Council. The Howard brothers' 1920 Fowler showmans RENOWN was also
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at the event, as was Geoff Lamb's 1896 Burrell traction 1941 (YA5799), which at one time was noted hauling around the ring Dave Maris's recent import from Australia — Fowler traction 11700 of 1909.
DEVON The 1995 Tavistock Steam Fair, organised by the Robey Trust, took place in the centre of the town in early June. A large crowd was entertained by the engines and many of the members of the public made the most of the occasion by taking rides behind as many engines as they could. In action were the Robey tritandem roller 45655 of 1930 (VL2773), Dave Davies' 1914 Robey traction 33348 (Z200), Foden wagon 11208 of 1924 (YA7952), owned by Dennis Warren, and Charlie Daniel's 1922 Burrell road loco 3937 (SU 1212). Two Burrell showmans — 3423 (CJ4152) STAR owned by John Dyke, and the Gibbard family's 3509 RAJAH, were also present, as was John Woodley's 1916 Sentinel Super wagon 1465 (AW3321). This letter has recently been offered for sale; another Sentinel for sale is Simon Caudwell's 1933 DG4 Timber tractor 9097 (ARE195). Also noted for sale is S. Dance's 1906 Wallis traction 2918 ITA351). The asking price was in the order of £30,000.
DORSET An early season event in the county was organised by the Three Okefords Preservation Club at Shillingstone. No stranger to the area was the late Anthony Heal's 1919 McLaren road loco 1652 (WF1864) which was brought down to Dorset by Martin Fagg specially for the event. The engine joined locals which included Dave Antell's Wallis Advance roller 8100 of 1936 (BAA432) and Robert Coles' Burrell showmans 3888 GENERAL GOUGH. In new ownership was 1929 Foden wagon 13316 (UU1283) previously with Horrell Bros and now belonging to Nick Baker. Also in attendance was the late Arthur Field's 1930 Fowler roller 18652 (TK4285) and Wallis tractor (GRX400) GOLIATH! owned by Giles Romanes. Following the death in January of Jack Miles, his will revealed he left his treasured Marshall traction 36033 of 1901 (NK2524) HAYDEN PRINCESS to the Dorset County Museum. The curator, Richard de Peyer, referred to the engine as an important piece of Dorset history — it will be kept at the farm where it had been maintained by Jack since he bought it in 1960, by courtesy of Jack's sister Olive. Autumn 1995
STEAMING
EIRE At the Monaghan Vintage & Veteran Club's threshing day at Clontibret there were a couple of engines present. The early July weather was good and John Dillon's 1932 Fowler roller 19191 (IY2784) put in an appearance with Aveling KND convertible tractor 9317 of 1920 (ID1345) belonging to Gerry Doherty. These were both former local authority engines, the Fowler being with Drogheda Corporation and the Aveling with Cavan County Council. The latter has only recently been reutorcd with a new half canopy covered in the traditional way with sailcloth and white lead, and lettered with the Council's name. The Ashville Vintage Club held their event at Collon the following week. The 1994 show was called off due to the torrential rain but the 1995 rally was held in glorious weather which brought tremendous crowds. Eleven engines at the show included the two at Clontibret (above) as well as T. Birmingham's 10hp Ransomes portable 27151 of 1917, Marshall traction 72448 or 1920 (IC1603) belonging to David Sixsmith, and John Dillon's 1904 Burrell traction 2644 (IY36). Other agriculturals were John Glynn's 1917 Burrell 3771 (MI1207) and Ransomes 44013 of 1936 (ZB965) owned by D. O'Mahony whilst John Dillon's 1913 Aveling compound roller 8036 (XN4688) was also present. At the end of July, the Lisdoonan Show was held near Carrickmacross and G. King had his 1915 Clayton traction 47134 present.
12103 of 1928 (SM7013) belonging to Andy Harvey. Kevin Swann was present with his 1918 Garrett showmans tractor 33358 (EJ545).
GLOUCESTERSHIRE A chance meeting of an engine on the road at the end of May proved to be a pleasant surprise. Richard Wilcox was roading his 1904 McLaren convertible 757 (A13029) in traction engine form back from Eastnor to his home location. A nice feature of the outfit was Fowler wagon 13890 and a living van. Early June saw a gathering at the Trout Inn, Lechlade. Five engines attended and all roaded both to and from the rally field. Burrell traction 2426 of 1901 (BL4843) belonging to Richard Hatch and Colin Hurley was teamed up with a saw bench, the main output from which was for two coffins, one of larch, the other of oak. Another traction was Peter Best's 1910 Garrett 28410 (N01186) whilst John Cam was also there with his 1930 Wallis oil bath tractor 7872 (0U5247). The other two participants were Aveling rollers: Nigel Keene showed his 1904 R10 5590 (CH3282) whilst the other was similar model 5423 of 1904 (N03270) owned by Reg Edney. Both of these roaded on to Fairford. Later in June the village of North Nibley was the setting of the Lister Petter Tyndale Rally. Saturday was cold, wet and windy but Sunday turned into a delight. Eighteen engines
were present including Dave Prout's splendid 1911 Burrell showmans 3288 (TA1118) NANCY, Michael Brain's Fowler conversion 17077 of 1927 (UW1331) and the Goold brothers' 1934 Sentinel S4 wagon 9032 (U55430). Alan Sparkes' Fowler road loco 8721 of 1898 put in an appearance as did Richard Hesbrook's unique 1891 Gibbons & Robinson 959 (AY9874) and Nigel Partridge's 1924 Allchin conversion 3858 (NV100). The rally was held in lovely surroundings but the placing of some of the accompanying items, stalls etc, mut.le photographing the engines something of a lottery. However, the willingness of many of the engine owners to pose their engines was much appreciated by our contributor.
HAMPSHIRE On 28th July members of the late Jack Wharton's family journeyed with Fowler showmans road loco 20223 SUPREME to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, there to formally hand over to its keeping the 1934 built engine, as Jack had requested in his will. Twenty or more years ago he had told friends that he wanted to ensure the engine would remain as a permanent tribute to Britain's steam era and its engineering achievements. Under the terms of Jack's will, the engine is not to be steamed again and SUPREME is now on display in the commercial vehicle section of the Museum. Lord Montague's 1913 Burrell
ESSEX The Saffron Walden spring run, now known as the Steve Neville Road Run, was tinged with sadness this year following the untimely death of Mick Charles, who has been chief marshal! for the event for a number of years. On the run were David Nourse's 1916 Garrett traction 32936 (ER603) and Terry Young's Garrett tractor 31633 of 1913 (BJ16961, whilst another similar 4CD machine was Pat Burbury's 33991 of 1921 (FK1300). McMullens Brewery's 1932 Sentinel DG4 wagon 8694 (YG746) also took part as did Robert Pumfrey's Ruston Proctor traction 50278 of 1914 (CE7949). The Crank Up at Saffron Walden later in the summer was host to twelve engines together with three motor rollers. Some of the previously noted engines were there and they were joined by David Gowlett's 1905 Fowler traction 10373 (CE7922), Keith Honour's 1924 Fowler roller 15973 (BW7794) and Aveling roller STEAMING
Autumn 1995
Marshall 8 hp compound 52962 of 1909 — a three speed colonial engine built for Australia and repatriated a few years ago. Picture by Peter Love at an event at Bishops Lydeard, Somerset in August 1992. 199
showmans 3443 LORD NELSON, previously on display at Beaulieu, and occasionally put in steam, has now left the Museum and will soon be seen on the rally fields around Oxfordshire. A milestone has been reached in the restoration of Aveling & Porter roller 10114 of 1921 (XD8230) — the 10 tonner is the one rescued from burial within a mound in a children's playground in Camden, London, in 1989 (see Steaming, Spring 1990). Restoration has been undertaken at Bicknell's works at Liphook and on a wet Saturday morning early in June the Aveling ran for the first time in nearly 50 years — and half of that period had been spent quietly corroding away, completely surrounded by earth. On this first and on subsequent steamings the engine proved satisfactory, including the hot examination by the boiler inspector. When other minor items have been replaced the roller will move to Stanmore, Middlesex in the care of Ron Walker with a return to its former haunts in Camden (it was one of the St Pancras Borough fleet) planned for later in the year.
HEREFORD and WORCESTER Bromyard Gala was held on the first weekend in July and drew a record attendance. Among the engine entries were a couple from the Davies fleet, namely 1902 Garrett traction 23992 (CF3473) and newly acquired Foden tractor 13832 of 1930 (HX 2197). Trevor Daw showed his 1921 Ruston & Hornsby roller 114059 (CJ4853) which worked in the Bromyard area in days gone by. Also there was Dave Prout's Burrell showmans 3288 of 1911 (TA1118) NANCY and ploughing engine Fowler BB1 15347 of 1919 (6E7542), belonging to Dennis Smith. All eyes were on Richard Pocock's finely restored 1902 Marshall agricultural 37823 which was brought back from Tasmania and made its first rally appearance after being put back into operable condition. Dave and Julie Smith had their Aveling roller 10981 of 1924 (AF9604) at the event. It has been advertised for sale following their purchase of Burrell traction 3121. This new acquisition has been out for 'a couple of miles' but it will apparently be some time before it is seriously roaded. One adverse comment made by our contributor on Bromyard was the distinct lack of space afforded to the engines. They were so tightly packed in the engine paddock, with smokeboxes right up against a rope, that it was virtually impossible to get decent photographs; 200
one wonders whether the engine owners liked the layout. A fortnight or so after the Bromyard event, many of the engines were at Much Marcie for the Marcie Steam Rally. Terry Gibson's Fowler showmans 15652 REPULSE was one of these whilst another was Dave Gleave who brought along his new acquisition, 1927 Foden showmans tractor 12782. Other engines to attend the event included Brian Dando's 1926 Wallis Advance roller 7878 (H06482), Martin Shepherd's 1931 Fowler conversion 19456 (5E3563) and the ex-Penrith sale Marshall 87005 of 1934 (BN0519), belonging to the Furness family. The Ross on Wye Steam Engine Society's rally at Welland at the end of July had two interesting developments associated with its souvenir programme, which could well be copied by others. An asterisk included before each entry indicated those engines likely to steam to the rally under their own power, and a specific section of the entries were categorised (perhaps somewhat controversially) under the heading 'Conversions'. This listed the four entries at Welland which were built and spent their working lives as rollers but are now displayed in some other form. Engines attending included the Peach's 1908 Marshall traction 51025 (D02056), Mark Bray's Fowler roller 13453 of 1912 (EP3138) almost back on home ground, Steve Parrott's 1937 Sentinel S4 wagon 9307 (DYY134) and H. Collings' Aveling roller 8548 of 1916 (AF/1/1/12). Brian Gooding's 1931 Aveling roller 14090 (NG564) was also in attendance as was Michael Brain's Fowler conversion 17077 of 1927 (UW1331), well recalled as a 12 ton roller in Harold Bonnett's ownership but now in showmans tractor form. As with many events in July, the weather was exceedingly hot and in some respects spoiled the attendance and the enjoyment of the show. Allan Lloyd's yard was the start and finish of several journeys for engines both before and after the event. Six engines left on the Friday prior to the show — Avelings 11467 and 10981, Fowlers 19049 and 15902, Burrell 3068 and Ruston & Hornsby 114059 and it was intended that nine engines returned afterwards. Most were then heading for the Fairford event, later in August.
HERTFORDSHIRE As is now the custom in these parts, the first major event of the year was the Whipsnade Zoo steam event over the VE-May weekend. This saw some 20 engines come out of
hibernation. A regular long distance road traveller to this event is the 1930 Fowler roller 18659 (3969DG), owned by Alan Garwell and Dave Pond. Once again the DNB single steamed over the Chiltern hills from Chalfont. This roller was repatriated from Portugal in the mid 1970s and then extensively rebuilt. (Later on in the season the engine suffered a piston failure while en-route to the Chiltern rally!) Present for the first time was Derek Wheeler's elderly Shand Mason steam fire engine, now in steam but bereft of horses on this occasion in deference to the zoo's animal population. This year's Herts Steam rally at Little Wymondley suffered for the fourth consecutive year with heavy rain on the Saturday, and the Sunday was not much better. But at least movement was possible and every engine managed to get on and off the field without difficulty. Thanks to the East Anglian club, their belt driven dynamometer provided a popular dis- • play in addition to the usual threshing, sawing and rolling demonstrations. A real surprise was the emergence of the big Fowler showmans CARRY ON 14425 (DP4418), following a dormant period at Redbourn. Built as a haulage engine during World War 1, this engine was converted for the fairgrounds in 1923. The late Sid Statham repatriated the engine from Ireland many years ago, since when it has been extensively rebuilt and rallied by Lance Statham. At present it is under the care of the Saunders family. A first local rally appearance was made by Frank Dell with his 8 ton Wallis Advance 7967 (0T7256), built in 1928. Owned by Eastleigh Borough Council until it went into preservation in 1957, it was purchased by Frank from Stoke-on-Trent in 1994. Liberal applications of 'Mr Sheen' makes this a very smart roller indeed! Another first was the Fowler T3 single cylinder tractor conversion 15732 (PT832), SIR DOUGLAS, built in 1923. Now owned by Alan Howard, this engine was built for Ryhope Coal Co, in Co Durham as a roller. The engine returned to the rally scene this year after 18 months of restoration, followed by an excellent repaint job. A real tractor making a welcome return to steam after about twenty years off the road was Aveling tractor 11486 (KM7100). One of many Aveling tractors new to Kent County Council (in this case as late as 1926), this was purchased in a rundown state in 1979 from the New Forest area. Over the years it has quietly been completely rebuilt including a new firebox, smokebox, tubeplate and many other major components. This Autumn 1995
STEAMING
L type tractor is unusual in having deep belly tanks arid a flywheel brake and was driven at the rally by John Durling. Another Aveling not seen in Hertfordshire before was the late 11929) 8-ton piston valve C type roller ex Bedfordshire County Council, now in the ownership of Christopher Case. Royalty number 12386 (TM4728) is fitted with a differential and shows a number of detail changes from the earlier examples of this series. The recently purchased Fowler 12hp ploughing- ploughing engine 16646 (R04520) was in steam in the hands of the Piggot family. As noted in the last issue of Steaming, this 1926 engine was previously owned and restored by Roy Lipscomb, who rebuilt the engine from a cut down state. It's final commercial job was as a stationary engine and boiler for a sawmill, so the tender and some other parts had been cut off. Many of the ' components were in fact salvaged from the sister engine of the pair. Finally, some readers will remember that steam rallies at Wymondley have a history going back to the sixties, when the late Brian Hailey of Great Wymondley played host to many gatherings. It was fitting that one of his enaines was at Wymondley this year, this being the Fowler traction 15466 (PF7364) of 1920, which is noted for being fitted with belly tanks and half canopy. Now owned by David Scott, the engine was new to the Duke of Northumberland and worked on his Surrey estate on sawing and haulage work until 1960. The Amwell rally the following weekend was held under mixed weather conditions, but to a certain extent the steam exhibits were second best to VE celebrations which gave the military folk front of stage this year. Most of the engines had already appeared the previous weekend at Wymondley. The annual Punch Bowl rally, organised by the Redbourn-based Steam Owners and Drivers Club, enjoyed excellent weather and good attendance by the public. In addition to the usual twelve engines owned by local steam families were two unexpected arrivals, firstly a welcome return by the Fowler CARRY ON (see above) and also a first visit by McMullens' Sentinel 8694 (YG746) from their Hertford brewery. Some more general news. One of the last traction engines in the area retaining straked wheels has finally succumbed to the luxury of bolted on rubber tyres. Ted Dyer's 1901 Burrell single crank compound 2386 (N0394) now sports these essential go-faster STEAMING Autumn 1995
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A surprise 'newcomer' to the rally fields this summer has been Gareth Jones' Foden wagon complete with a Bishop & Sons furniture container — almost a re-incarnation of the cover illustration to our Autumn issue last year. The machine is the one which has previously been identified as Foden 13042 (TP9530), but recent research in the Foden records has led to the conclusion it is works number 13624, delivered new as a 3-way tipper to West Riding County Council in 1930 and, unusually for that date, built with chain steering. The wagon has been loaded with an original furniture lift van owned by Bishop & Sons and the whole outfit excellently painted and sign written in that firm's striking red and lemon livery — a very nice representation of a steam removal wagon of 80 years ago. (photographs taken at the Dorset event by Dave Bagley)
items. Roy Swain's little Aveling 6 ton piston valve roller 11556 of 1926 (MK 6933) is now back in steam following the replacement of the firebox, and was out and about in early summer.
Les Bouchier has now sold his 1928 10 ton Wallis Advance 7963 (OT 7939) to a new owner in Basingstoke, so the engine has returned to its ancestral home, although the Wallis name has long since gone . 201
ISLE OF WIGHT A Foden wagon to change hands recently is one previously owned by John Lea in Cheshire. He has sold the C type wagon to John Attrill. Information received indicates that there has been a mix up in previous numbers quoted for this vehicle. It is shown as 1931 built 13798 (WX9057) in Traction Engine Register but these details are apparently incorrect; the wagon is now said to be 13746 (WX9030). Further thoughts on this from those knowledgeable about Foden histories would be welcome.
KENT It is rare to receive a report on Sellindge rally, held each year at the end of May. It is a busy event and in 1995 was graced with one or two new engines. Included in these was Alan Wood's 1927 Marshall roller 82206 (TW8155), whilst Tony Slingsby brought along his relatively newly acquired 1917 Foden wagon 7536 (T87501. One unusual exhibit was Les Birch's 1930 Zettelmeyer (German built) roller 553 which he acquired from France several years ago. Also present were Dover Demolition's 1890 15 ton Aveling roller 2754 (KE1999), Peter Haining's 1909 Garrett road loco 27946 (016818) and Alan Stiller's Fowler road loco 9456 of 1902 (KK3634).
LANCASHIRE George Cole suffered a set back with his 1913 Clayton traction 46059 (CE7943) earlier in the summer; in the last Issue we reported that he hoped to have it back in service during the early part of the season. One of the jobs undertaken whilst the engine was stripped down for its new box was to rebuild one of the gear wheels. After about a hundred miles on the road, this was still making a lot of noise, necessitating the crew to wear ear defenders when driving the engine. So equipped, on one journey they failed to hear groans of protest from the valve chest and cylinder due to a lack of lubrication. A nut on the pipe from the cylinder lubricator had slackened off and as a result, all the oil from the mechanical lubricator had been pumped on top of the cylinder block rather than inside it. Investigation revealed that the cylinder bore and the rings seemed in good condition but the slide valve and its face were badly scored and will have to be machined flat. An engine to leave the area is Pip Atherton's 7hp McLaren traction 616 of 1898 (HD1493). This engine was commercially with Hampshire Brothers of Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire and 202
has been semi-derelict for a considerable time now. It attended early Lancashire club rallies at Lowton, Haydock Park and Burtonwood. A considerable amount of rebuilding will be required by new owner Martin Howe of Wiltshire, to bring the engine back to rally condition. It is understood that considerable difficulties were experienced in both loading and unloading the engine due to the state of the smokebox. Back on the road again is Hughie Winterbottom's 1934 Sentinel S4 wagon 9086 (5E4013), once owned by the Fearnley's in Yorkshire. It was a regular visitor to rallies in the area until firebox problems struck a few years ago as a result of which it was taken out of service. The wagon's return to the rally fields has been long awaited and its present condition is extremely fine. Engines noted for sale recently have been Dave McNamee's 1940 3hp Marshall portable (number not known) and one of the rare AvelingBarford steam rollers, AD 073 of 1938 (CUP396) owned by J. Looker.
LEICESTERSHIRE Early May saw Michael Beeby on a twelve mile round road trip with his 1911 Clayton traction 44103 (AL9348), complete with Ransomes threshing drum. The occasion was the engine's appearance at the Leicestershire County Show at Dishley Grange near Loughborough. The Claybrooke rally held in mid June was a few engines down on previous years. Richard Poole's 1910 Allchin traction 1499 (AY9494) was a first time attender, and Brian Greenfield and Colin Brothwell had Fowler showmans 15652 REPULSE
powering Harry Wigfield's Ark ride in the fairground, whilst another Fowler there was Richard Vernon's 1918 ploughing engine 15170 (NR78). John Wootton's Garrett showmans tractor 33987 of 1920 (BJ5597) together with J. Goodall's 1902 Aveling convertible 5065 (SA4835) were present but the only roller in attendance was 1930 Fowler DNA 18279 (CV1503) owned by Bailey and Clements. Rempstone celebrated forty rallies in fine style. Seven entries which pioneered the first event were also present in 1995. Included among these were Fowler showmans 11108 of 1909 DREADNOUGHT, specially down from Yorkshire by Robin Knox, and Brian Knight showed Robey tractor 33957 of 1915 (FE1620). On the Friday evening, a road run from Rempstone to Wymeswold saw Fowler ploughing engine 1642 of 1871 (NR1213) towing its sister 1641 (NR1212) to the event. The ownership of this pair has changed from Beeby Bros (the firm) to Reg and Michael Beeby. Number 1641 was not steamed since some boiler work is required. A first time attender here was Mick Farmer with Wallis Advance roller 8058 of 1930 (0U4737) whilst returning after an absence of many years was Don Robinson's 1911 Burrell showmans THE BAILIE. Don's other showmans engine, Foster 14502 VICTORY is now completely stripped down at Fred Dockray's yard in the county. All the steelwork for the new half of the boiler barrel, tubeplate and smokebox has been acquired; before rebuilding commences, a visit from the boiler inspector has to be made. A traction engine which spent merely the best
Cruise the beautiful sea(ochs and canals of Scotland in an original cocd-fired Clyde Puffer. Good food, comfortable accommodation,
Send large SAE for free brochure to Rachel and Nick Walker, The Change House, Crinan Ferry, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8QH (Tel 01546 510232). Autumn 1995
STEAMING
It is several years since Sentinel S4 wagon 9086 was last seen on the rally field. The 1934 built machine attended the 1995 Astle Park event and was photographed by Dave Bagley.
part of a day at Fred's premises was Terry Gibson's 1911 Garrett 29764 (AC9326). This was for the riveting of the smokebox. In the middle of June, Lyndon Shearman paid a visit with his venerable 1860s Brown & May portable engine to the Stoney Cove Diving Centre where the Historical Diving Society's rally was taking place. The engine was put to work powering a pump which supplied air to members in historic diving dress. Four made successful steam-powered dives. It is hoped to repeat this exercise in 1996 but needless to say, it is only for fully trained participants. The Heart Link event held at Wymeswold saw thirteen engines taking part. Included in these were Mrs Wendy Thompson's Foster showmans style tractor 14564 of 1926 (FE8055), Foster tractor 13031 of 1913 (FE1456) owned by Mrs Pat Parker and Brian Johnson's 1923 Wallis Advance roller 7784 (XP2338).
LINCOLNSHIRE One hitherto unreported event of note was the appearance in October 1994 at Fred Coupland's open day at Carrington of Derek Stevenson's 1901 Aveling & Porter showmans engine 4885 (ME6052) SAMSON, in steam at an event for the first time in many years after major repairs and a repaint. The Tallington early season event goes from strength to strength. A notable attender was recently imported 1909 Fowler traction engine 11700, STEAMING Autumn 1995
brought back from Australia by Dave Maris. Another exhibit attracting considerable attention was John Bainbridge's replica Foden steam bus 11340 of 1923 (M6359) whilst other engines present included another from the Maris family, the big 1907 Aveling roller 6340 1E5333), one or the largest rollers in preservation. Jim Atkinson came from Yorkshire with his 1918 Garrett showmans tractor 33284 (DX3099) PRINCESS MAUD whilst from the other end of the country, Ron Walker showed his 1927 Burrell tractor 4072 (PH2900). Among rollers was Mick Baines' 1900 Wallis 2524 (BP8585) and Neil Parton's 1919 Aveling 9027 (BD5641). From deepest Sussex, Brian Gooding of Old Glory magazine presented Aveling 14090 of 1931 ING564), previously in Norfolk, and from nearer parts Ron Knight brought his 1930 Ruston & Hornsby agricultural 161250 (FW1509). At the end of May, a notable rally debut was made at the Carrington Rally when the Museum of Lincolnshire Life brought along their 1892 Hornsby traction 7297. This was exported when new to Tasmania, and largely through the efforts of Richard Brooks and others, was a few years ago donated to the Musum by the Scotsdale Rotary Club of Tasmania. Much work has been carried out on the engine by Smiths of Old Leake and by Rundles to enable its rally debut In steam. There is still a long way to go as the engine was very worn but considerable progress has already
been made. Another engine from the Lincolnshire Museum's Collection, Ruston Proctor traction 46596 of 1913 (SFE519L) appeared at the Lincolnshire Show held on the showground. A huge crowd attended the event and several other engines with an agricultural bias were on display. These included David Ragsdale's 1925 Foster tractor 14514 (CA8534), Glyn MacDonald's Fowler roller 18867 of 1934 (AFW301) and Bill Hambleton's 1919 Fowler ploughing engine 15416 (BE7517). The event is used as an advertising occasion for the Lincolnshire Club's Rally held on the same site in mid August. Barton on Humber carnival in mid July saw the attendance of steam engines after an absence of some twenty years. All that time ago, Don Robinson's 1920 Foster showmans engine VICTORY was present, and it was Don who brought his other showmans, Burrell 3334 THE BAILIE to the event in 1995. The other participant in the show was Richard Booty's locally owned Robey traction 42675 of 1927 (JU8198). We regrettably have to end on a sad note in recording the death in early July of Eric Riggall of Mawthorpe, the chairman of the Lincolnshire Steam Preservation Society. Eric was a well known character who rallied extensively in the early days and set up his own collection, which he turned into a Museum of Byones. He will be sadly missed, not only in Lincolnshire but also far beyond.
LONDON In order to clear up any confusion remaining from these notes in the last issue, Aveling roller 8242 of 1914 (BH7171) was sold from the London area and made the journey north, briefly staying in Brian Allison's yard in Shropshire for some work to be carried .out, before going on a little later to its new owner, Mark Tissiman who lives not far from the Seven Valley Railway. Several engines took part in the annual Wheels of Yesteryear rally at Crystal Palace Park in early May. These included the three wagon participants in the London to Brighton Commercial Vehicle Run — the Foden and two Sentinels together with Trevor Williams' 1921 Burrell showmans conversion 3894 (NX947), John Butler's 1935 Sentinel S4 wagon 9208 (BYL485) and Aveling conversion 10563 (DD2068), which was built as a roller in 1923 and is now owned as a tractor by Richard Perkins. An excellent attendance and a 203
large field of engines contributed greatly to the success of the annual Enfield Pageant of Motoring. Some 40,000 people attended the show which included much more than a traction engine rally among its attractions. Some twenty engines were present and these included the large collection from the Saunders family, Peter Lidgitt's 1917 Aveling roller 8842 (R02590) and Jon Gorman's Fowell traction 93 of 1904 (CE7894). The Vickery family showed their 1896 Wallis roller 2357 (HO 6139) whilst another Wallis present was traction 7683 of 1919 (BL795) owned by Ray Osborne. Richard Perkins' Aveling conversion and John Forshaw's 1930 Foden wagon 13764 (TF3106) were also present.
MIDDLESEX Recently converted 6 ton Aveling roller 10662 of 1924 (PR2045), which Ron Baker of Yorkshire has been trying to sell for some time, has arrived with Andrew Filewood, a new owner in the county.
NORFOLK A Transport through the Ages event on the Sandringham Royal Estate attrracted a number of engines from the locality and from further Robert These included afield. Pumfrey's 1914 Ruston Proctor traction 50278 (CE7949), Ken Frost's Sentinel S4 wagon 9308 of 1937 (DDC838) and a couple of showmans engines — Stan Burgess's 1924-built EARL HAIG and the Chamberlain family's 1921 DRAGON. A surprise was the appearance of a roller from the Thursford stable — not nowadays noted for their promotion of this type of machine, despite the fact that George Cushing spent many hours on rolling contracts in days gone by. 1925 Marshall 79108 (PW5042) was a very welcome visitor and a machine which has not been seen away from Thursford for a good number of years. Hopefully this will be the prelude to
more of their large collection being seen around the county in the future. Earlier in the year, Ruth Groom's 1924 Foster agricultural 14422 (CT6708) was seen at Sheringham, proceeding from a railway gala on the North Norfolk Railway (where it was appearing as 'Trevor the Traction Engine'), en route to Sheringham Park, a National Trust property. The reason was to try out a recently restored Dening sawbench before it was reinstalled in the estate sawmill. After a successful trial, the engine returned to base via a local hostelry on the seafront at Sheringham, much to the delight and joy of the many holidaymakers who were about in the town at the time. In the west of the county, an engine gathering at Brandon railway station was arranged in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the building of the railway through that town. Sir Henry Peto, a descendant of the original contractor, Samuel Morton Peto, was on hand to join in the celebrations along with the local MP. Guests were gven a ride to the station on Duncan Marston's 1913 Foden wagon 3510 (M4673) whilst other engines attending were three Burrells: Richard Parrott's 3695 of 1915 (TB2740), Ron Feak's Burrell 1522 of 1891 (CF3579) and Barrie Freeman's 1930 traction 4088 (VF9646). Seemingly out of place was Mike Smith's unusual Aveling & Porter
industrial tramway loco 9449 BLUE CIRCLE, running in the goods yard.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE The second annual event at Hunsbury Country Park entitled 'Steam on the Hill' found a good selection of road steam engines present. These included two locally built Allchin agriculturals — 1910 built 1499 (AY9494), owned by Richard Poole, and Allen Eaton's 1546 of 1912 (AP9079). David Viewing's 1922 Aveling roller 10372 (ME5769) complemented the two Aveling & Porter tramway locomotives SIR VINCENT and BLUE CIRCLE, which are operated by the Northamptonshire Ironstone Railway Trust under the chairmanship of Mike Smith. Also present was 1928 Foden tractor 13068 (EU3764) owned by Peter Richardson. Close by, the Hollowell rally celebrated its tenth anniversary in the middle of the season with a visit by Fred Dibnah and his 1912 Aveling roller 7632 (DM3079). Peter Richardson's Foden was also present as was Dave Maris with Aveling roller 6340. The oldest Ruston & Hornsby roller, converted in its working days to diesel operation by means of an engine from a Nuffield tractor, and now named NUFFRUSH (for obvious reasons) was 52694 of 1919 (NR5056) and owned by Dave Parriss. Others present were Lyndon Shearman's tiny
What do you think of this? This view, of the sale of John Allen of Oxford's threshing tackle on 16th July 1940 shows five engines in steam. Most, if not all, are belted up to their threshing machines and three can be seen to include an elevator in the set on offer. The first engine is believed to be a Marshall,• the second, identified by its registration number BW4506, is Fowler A4 class agricultural 7459 of 1895. It was sold at this sale w Lucas of Shin field, Berkshire and by 1955 was with Goodey Bros of Twyford. In 1965 the machine went into preservation with Arthur Hall of @infield, Berkshire and is now with @ob Langley of Chalky, Sussex, being regularly rallied under the name ENDURANCE. Further down the line the fourth engine is another Fowler, but can any of our readers say more about the sale? (photograph courtesy Ran Hawthorne)
Another link with the past has been broken with the retirement of Jimmy Murphy, who had a garage at the site of Kevin McGiven's yard in Warrenpoint, Co Down. McGivern's Amusements were the showland owners of Fowler showmans 14425 of 1916 (DP4418) CARRY ON,
Tyler had a new set of tubes fitted prior to the new rally season. Back on the circuit after a year's absence is Geoff Lamb's 1896 Burrell traction 1941 IYA5799). This is ex-Kings of Bishops Lydeard. After appearing at the ONCA rally in May with his 1911 Burrell road loco 3257 (AH53171, Michael Ward has had an enforced lay off on doctor's orders. However, with the help of his assistants, he hopes to be out and about with the engine later during the summer. Two newcomers at the ONCA event were Chris Dobbs' McLaren traction 510 of 1893 (NM54) and Robey agricultural 42675 (JU81981, new in 1927 and owned by Richard Booty. A rare steam roller here was 6 ton Babcock & Wilcox 95/4009 of 1926 (YB7976) owned by Bob Siddall. Later in the summer, crowds converged on Nottingham's Woollaton Hall where organiser Dave Hoyles had brought together quite a collection of exhibits. Included in these was the venerahle Aveling traction 1995 of 1884 (BT3939) shown by Pete Hodgkinson, Robert Tyler's pair of Fowler tractors and Barry Johnson's
returned to the rally fields this year and owned by Lance Statham. A tribute to
1923 Wallis Advance 7784 (XP2338). Also there — long distance visitors
the late Kevin McGivern appeared in Steaming Summer 1987; a number of steam items such as expanders, spanners, push pole, dynamo pulley, oil etc which Kevin had left over, including some coloured light bulbs
from Shropshire — were the Matthews family with 1922 Fowler traction 15710 (M07801 and Aveling roller 10997 of 1924 (M03687). Peter van Houten's 1928 Foden tractor 13196 (GC5832) was also present.
Brown & May portable of the 1860s and Alan Howard's Fowler conversion (by Parky Bates many years ago) 15732 of 1923 (PT832), back on the rally fields after a considerable lay off period. A roller fresh out at Hollowell was Alan Odell's 1912 Aveling 7583 (TF395), this latter being the subject of a major runaway accident in Yorkshire some time ago when it was severely damaged. The 1917 Aveling railway loco SIR VINCENT was also in attendance and running on a short length of track. An engine noted for sale recently is the late Ray Willcox's Marshall Universal roller 87635 of 1935 (APX542). This is a somewhat rare example of a Marshall product, there being only six of this type listed in
TER. NORTHERN IRELAND
when he converted his Garrett tractor 33899 of 1920 (BJ5333) to showmans form, were removed by Gerry Doherty for possible future use. Previously unrecorded in these pages was the death, in March 1995, of Jim McMenamin of Eglington, Co Derry. Jim's family were road contractors in steam days and they once owned a Thomas Green built traction engine — a very rare beast. It is recalled that one of their men lost an arm in a gear wheel on the engine — it was promptly driven to the railway yard in Londonderry and cut up whilst still warm. (A salutary talc about the possible lack of gear guards on old engines — present day owners, please note — DAR.)
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE A steam roller bitten by the firebox bug before the start of this year's season was Harry Palmer's 1915 Ruston Proctor 50735 (6E9143). Harry owns two other Ruston products, traction 33189 of 1907 (CT3949) and 8hp portable 29011 of 1904.
Fowler Tiger tractor 16365 of 1928 (YC3689) owned by Robert STEAMING Autumn 7995
OXFORDSHIRE Early June saw the annual Stoke Row rally held at Nuffield — very close to the site of the early Nettlebed rallies. A full programme of ring events kept everyone busy — including the public, and a 50 yard queue resulted at one time when steering and rides were offered, despite ten engines being in the ring at the time. During the course of the weekend, the weather deterioriated but did not spoil the fun. Ran Hawthorne, ever astute, poses a question on this event — has anyone before been to a traction engine rally which didn't have any traction engines? He worked out that Stoke Row was one such event, for with eighteen engines in total — a nice variety of showmans, tractors, road loco, rollers and wagons — the only agricultural engine booked failed to appear. Doubtless the public who were there did not realise the significance of the lack of this essential ingredient for a traction engine rally. Among those which attended Stoke Row were Steve Dean's 1917 Garrett showmans style tractor 32969 (BJ3280) and Ewen Davis' 1922
Aveling roller 10282 (FX90051. Having a first outing in the area was Wallis tractor 7479 of 1914 (AA 5413), now owned by John Bimming and previously embroiled in the Wigan local authority financial upset previously reported in these pages. Another newcomer to the event was Heather Mitchell's very late 1944 Marshall roller 89549 (FRX1291, driven by Tim Smith, whilst the one road locomotive present was Arthur Napper's 1931 Burrell 4093 (DV 9752). The lack of an agricultural to drive the saw bench was overcome by the use of Derek Marder's 1918 Ruston & Hornsby tractor 52453. (OR8501) which, despite its small 4hp size, performed well on the Tasker rack bench belonging to Robin Greenaway, despite some initial difficulties in lining the engine up to the pulley. The large event staged by the Banbury Steam Society at Bloxham had its share of excitement in late June. Engines listed in the programme numbered 47 and there was a good selection of makes and types. First time rallied outside Norfolk was 1903 Burrell traction 2613 (BJ7694) which, having spent some thirty years at Bressingham, is now owned by Ted Freeman and sons. Their Burrell road loco 3395 of 1912 (FJ1536) was as immaculate as ever. David and Julie Smith attended with 192/1 Aveling roller 10981 (AF9604), collecting their 'new' engine on the day after the rally. This is 1909 Burrell agricultural 3121 (NO 1310) recently advertised for sale by Tim Tomlins. Whether the Aveling will stay in their ownership as a result of this new acquisition remains to be seen. An engine making its first public appearance, and in beautiful condition, was Foden wagon 13178 of 1928 (MT4259). It started
Stolen models Trust member Myke Baigent suffered the distressing theft in June from the LighMater Country Fair, Surrey of three models that were of great sentimental value. Two were 31/2 in gauge railway locomotives — a 2-2-2 'Jenny Lind' type and a 'Rainhill' Rocket type — whilst the third was a 1'/tin scale Model Engineer design traction engine, its smokebox door cast with the legend M. BAIGENT 1938. Myke requests help in finding these models and offers a substantial reward for recovery. If any members find themselves able to offer information, please contact him on de 01252 26165 or Camberley Police, is 01276 27131. 205
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Burrell scenic showmans road locomotive 3886 of 1921 LORD LASCELLES has featured in recent times in our Technical Topics, where owner Richard Marsh has described in detail his restoration of the rear spring adjustors and indicators. Here the engine is pictured by Eric Sawford at the 1993 Pickering gathering.
life with Mylon Brothers builders merchants of Hayes, Middlesex, with a yard where the EMI factory was later built. John Waynham acquired the wagon in 1988 and his team of family and friends have made a fine job of the restoration. Several of the exhibits steam to and from the event and on the Sunday evening, one of these, heading back to Witney, was located by our correspondent in the village of Charlbury. John Wharton's 1913 Burrell showmans KING GEORGE VI was pulling two trailers and on the road through the village, which has a severe dip in it, the engine made a splendid noise and looked most impressive as it came out of the hollow. One of the joys for an enthusiast, prepared to go searching for engines on the road.
SCOTLAND The annual Scottish Transport Extravaganza in mid July was a big success this year, bringing plenty of visitors to the event. Organised by Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club in the grounds of Glamis Castle, the show catered for internal combustion engined vehicles but there was some steam presence. Willie Smith again won the best steam engine at the show award with one of his Fowler rollers, whilst another Fowler on show was Sandy and Heather Mair's 1925 conversion 16276 (NW9212). Two rollers noted for sale in Fife recently have been Aveling compound 10156 of 1921 (SP6369) and 1924 single 10919 (JS2044), both piston valve machines. The owner is John Brady. 206
1912 Aveling showmans style tractor 7612 (F5218) and Aveling slide valve roller 12400 of 1929 (TK2922) owned by Reg Hawkesworth.
SHROPSHIRE Jim Cook has purchased 1920 Foden wagon 10136 (MA4691) from Terry Lee of Leicester. This wagon has had much restoration work carried out but still requires more work and reassembly to put it into rally condition. A sad loss to the steam world occurred with the death of Don Pritchard of Montgomery. Don had only recently sold his 1914 Fowler roller 14333 (AD8773). A new event in the county was held at Churchstoke towards the end of July when ten engines were present. Included in the line were Garrett showmans tractors of Jim Cook, 33486 of 1919 (AD8787) and Peter Timmis, conversion 33074 of 1917 (BJ3451). Also there was Dave Gleave's recently purchased 1927 Foden showmans style tractor 1 2782 (DF4055). Driving a rack saw bench was Ray Matthews' 1922 Fowler traction 15710 (M0780), whilst also present was veteran Fowler ploughing engine 1368 of 1870 (AL8468) owned by Andy Melrose and in the care of the Semple family.
SOMERSET One of the first events in the West Country of the 1995 season was the Abbey Hill rally at Yeovil in May. Attending the event were George Train's 1917 Ruston Proctor agricultural 51737 (E68164), a single speed engine; Burrell traction 1840 of 1895 (YA2481) owned by Stuart Baines and David Maidment's 1 901 Allchin general purpose 1173 (KE1984). Others present included Ron Sams
The new rally season got underway at the Bass Museum in Burton on Trent with a gathering of about ten engines included in which was one showmans engine — Howard brothers Fowler 15653 RENOWN. Visitors from Shropshire were the Matthews family's Fowler traction and Aveling roller whilst from closer to hand was Ian Harvey's Fowler/Allen roller 8111 of 1898 (BW4798) and Mark Jinks' 1919 Aveling roller 9027 (BD5641) out at an event for the first time in 20 years. The latter was once with Northamptonshire County Council. Over from the North Staffs & Cheshire premises at Klondyke came Andrew Hall's 1929 Aveling roller 12081 (RF5715), which along with other Klondyke residents, Phil Jeffs' 1931 Fowler 18507 (SM8832) and Richard Buck's recently acquired Aveling roller 9347 of 1920 (L8953), have been out and about on several weekends during the summer. They have mostly travelled in convoy to attend both local events and larger shows such as Elvaston Castle rally near Derby in July. Les Wright's former Southend Aveling roller 8672 of 1915 (HJ1732) is presently for sale, together with living van and coal trailer; it will be a regrettable deletion from the resident steam fleet at the centre if sold away. Paul Hilditch's recently acquired 1910 Wallis 5hp traction 7159 has had one or two tentative outings, and it performed in a satisfactory manner apart from discomfort on the road due to its strakes. An event revived this year, after a brief lapse, was the Doveridge steam rally (formerly Palmer Moor). Late in 1994, one of the club's younger members, Chris Hutton suffered a serious accident which left him with no use in his left arm — indeed it nearly had far graver circumstances. Chris's parents, Kath and Des Hutton were offered the former Palmer Moor showground and decided to revive the event for the benefit of Derbyshire Royal Infirmary's Intensive Care Unit. Engines attending were most of the Klondyke residents — with Paul Hilditch's Wallis towing the club's Burrell traction 2706 of 1904 (TB2845) to and from the event — it was the latter's first trip away from Klondyke in twenty years — though not yet ready to steam. Visitors included Alan Williamson's 1933 Sentinel S4 wagon 8884 (TJ3319), Autumn 1995
STEAMING
Dave Cope's Fowler Tiger tractor 14805 of 1920 (UG1496), Dave Maris's Aveling roller 6340 (a one time native of Staffordshire) and Ian Harvey's Fowler/Allen roller. The result of the activity was over £4000 worth of equipment purchased for the DRI. Finally, also out and about locally this summer has been the North Staffs club's 1914 Aveling roller 8316 (E5335) on its final few outings prior to firebox replacement. The strip down of this engine is expected to start in late autumn.
SUFFOLK East Anglian Transport Museum's 1922 Armstrong Whitworth roller 10R22 (DX4602) is now back at the Carlton Colville site after its long sojourn at Mervyn Mayes premises at Yaxham. It has been fitted with a new firebox and the museum staff are well pleased with Mervyn's 'trade mark' of beautifully formed air tooled rivet and stay heads. Within fifteen minutes of being unloaded, the roller was back in action rolling in brick rubble with everything in apple-pie order. The Armstrong's stablemate at the Museum, Roger Goulby's 1926 Aveling roller 11648 (RT2474), now has had the notable addition of a scarifier. The former Borough of Lowestoft machine has been repainted in authentic Aveling & Porter livery and also sports a makers specification canopy, manufactured recently at Chatham Dock Yard. Other work has seen the completion of the Bomford & Evershed living van (ex-West Suffolk County Council) into its new role as a mobile exhibition van. This provides a display of rolling memorabilia, details of the engines plus railway items and matters relating to the museum whilst still retaining a living van atmosphere. It will in due course be useful for display and publicity purposes when travelled to events with either of the rollers.
SUSSEX Steam was represented at Brighton at the conclusion of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society's run from London in early May by three wagons, one Foden and two Sentinels. The former was an ex-Kings machine 11850 of 1925 (MB9404), entered by Tony Beeching, whilst Bob Moorman showed his prizewinning Super 6979 of 1927 (YH5763). The other participant was DG6 8213 of 1930 (GF8655), belonging to Jim Hatfield, fully restored, though sadly devoid of its original concrete mixer body — perhaps something for the future? STEAMING Autumn 1995
Four engines travelled by road the 50 plus miles from Sellindge to Hadlow Down for the event there. These were Martin Staniforth's 1925 Aveling roller 11240 (R0641), Bob Iveson's Fowler roller 17483 of 1930 (CV1454) and Garrett road loco 27946 of 1909 (016818), belonging to Peter Raining. The other one of the quartet, Bill and Mai Gocher's 1927 Sentinel Super wagon 6887 (DL5478) took slightly less time than the other three! The 30th Tinkers Park rally at Hadlow Down in early June was unlucky to be wet on both days — for the second year running. There were 24 full size engines attending and first time visitors included Sentinel Standard wagon 1716 of 1917 (AW 3833) owned by Arthur Bullman (which was carefully parked on metal track sections to prevent it sinking in at the front), Alan Wood's 1927 Marshall roller 82206 (TW8155) and, newly acquired from Cornwall by Clive and Carol Hiscock one week before the event, Aveling roller 5697 of 1905 (D06064). As well as the four long distance road attendees noted above, others at the event were Fowler roller 10714 of 1906 (WR7737) belonging to John Beale, Alan Bygrave-Jones with his 1913 Fowler ploughing engine 13830 (FN5020), another first time attender, and David Wallis's Aveling roller 8455 of 1914 (NM971), driven by Bill Hedges. The weather did not prevent eleven engines running down to the New Inn in the village for the traditional Saturday early evening gathering. The following weekend, four engines satisfactorily completed the four mile run from Hadlow Down to the Fireman's Arms at Five Ash Down for the traditional post-rally barbecue — out on Saturday and return on Sunday. These were Martin Staniforth's Aveling 11240, the Hiscock Aveling 5697, John Beale's Fowler 10714 and Peter Haining's Garrett road loco. In mid June, John Galvin roaded his 1922 Fowler roller 15698 (BW6179) from the Hadlow Down event back to Chatham Dockyard. The first weekend of July saw over 55 engines taking part in the Downs Steam Rally at South Hartington, near Petersfield. There was a large contingent of Sentinels at the event under the auspices of the Sentinel Drivers Club and these included the unusual SD4 8448 of 1930 (UX8724) owned by Ian Woollett and John Woodley's 1916 Super 1465 (AW 33211. Also there were the two 1934 consecutively numbered S4 models — 9074 (BEV466) owned by the Two
family and Paul Jewell's 9075 (BEV 467). Others at the show included D. Bird's 1926 Aveling roller 11640 (TW5338), Wallis tractor 7638 of 1919 (H026211, owned by J. Parker, and Keith Leadbetter's 1904 Burrell showmans 2625 (BD5257) LADY PRIDE OF ENGLAND. S. Cook's Fowler showmans 15319 of 1918 (FK7850) QUEEN MARY and Bicknell's 1920 Ransomes crane engine 31066 (PV4943) were also present. The following weekend, Horsham Carnival had just the one engine appearing — Searle's 1931 Fowler conversion 19050 (CV5630), but by coincidence, on the same afternoon Giles Romanes' Wallis tractor (GRX400) GOLIATH! was spotted heading for Searles' yard, presumably en route to or from an event in the locality. In mid July, on a long Sunday evening, ten engines roaded the short but hilly route from Ardingley to Horsted Keynes to be ready for the Bluebell Railway rally a couple of weeks later. These included several of those engines already mentioned in these notes plus Alan Stiller's 1902 Fowler road loco 9456 (KK 36341, Tony Slingsby's 1917 Foden wagon 7536 (T8750) and Aveling roller 14149 of 1932 (SM9415) belonging to Keith Taylor. The contingent were joined later in the evening by the Aveling rollers of Martin Staniforth and David Wallis (the latter driven by Bill Hedges), which roaded across from Hadlow Down. The event at the Bluebell Railway at the end of July was held in blistering weather in Horsted Keynes station fields. There were about three dozen engines present, several of which have been previously mentioned. Additional ones included Dover Demolition's R15 Aveling roller 2754 of 1890 (KE1999), Aveling-Barford roller AC606 of 1937 (DTM538) owned by John Wheeler and 1886 Marshall traction 14242 (H05913) belonging to Peter Fagg. Gareth Jones' 1929 Foden wagon 13624 (WX2682) was amongst others present, whilst on the fairground, the Birch family's 1922 McLaren showmans type road locomotive 1713 (NH3998) and Paul Fowler's Foster 14501 of 1920 VICTORIOUS worked hard to entertain the public. Boz Oram's 1891 Savage electric light engine 537 was also to be found here, whilst the following weekend, in early August, Terry Gibson's 1920 Fowler showmans REPULSE also joined in, The same weekend in August, the Redhill Steam and County Show had 27 exhibits including David Wallis's Aveling roller, Alan Wood's Marshall 207
roller and Jon Gorman's 1904 Fowell agricultural 93 (CE7894). Another unusual traction engine was A.S. Filsell's 1910 Wantage engine 1389 (PB9722) which is one of only two by this maker still in existence. Peter Wyeld's 1908 Ruston Proctor general purpose 34987 (AH5654) and J. Drew's Wallis Advance roller 7848 of 1925 (H06438) were also present, as was Brian Still's relatively recently acquired 1922 Aveling roller 10190 (FX8654). The latter was the subject of a tragic accident on the way home from the rally when it ran away down Hornecourt Hill in the village of Horne and the steersman, George Thorpe, was killed. The roller landed in a field and subsequently set fire to stubble.
WALES Llandudno was the venue for the early May Festival where regular cavalcades of vintage transport paraded around the town over the four days of the event. A notable newcomer was Dave Gleave's recent acquisition from the Hardwick collection, 1927 Foden tractor 12782 (DF4055), whilst a regular attender was the Dale family's Burrell single crank compound traction 2950 of 1907 (AF3532). From far away Leicestershire, Fred Dockray was present with his 1920 Foster showmans style tractor 14431 (FE3217) whilst an unusual engine was John Phillip's 1918 Mann's tractor 1325 (U4748). Anglesey Vintage Equipment Society's 1889 Aveling roller 2439 (EY1380) was the oldest engine to attend the event, and another roller was the Matthews family's Fowler 19053 of 1931 (WX7694). The Clark family's 1924 Sentinel Super 5558 (PD1854) was also present. Three new engines have come into the south of the principality. Fowler 11111 of 1910 (13E7988) has been purchased by Geoff Matthews of Gwent from George Hawkins in Cornwall. Ted Hopkins has bought the 3hp Marshall portable from Dave McNamee of Lancashire. This engine, built in 1940, and formerly in the Crowther collection, has never been identified by works number and is in 'as-new' condition, it having very little use during its working life. A very new arrival is the second Foden to be presently kept in Wales, and that is three speed road loco 4752 of 1914 (SN1647). At one time during preservation it was equipped with showland fittings but these were removed with great ceremony on a certain field in Dorset not so many years ago. Previously owned by Will Day in Kent, the engine stopped off at the Welland rally en route to its new 208
A neat and well presented example of Garrett's No 4 compound tractor is 32944 of 1916, rallied from the Long Shop Museum at the old Garrett works at Leiston and seen here at the 1994 Henham event. The engine has appeared in this livery for a remarkably long time — Antony Beaumont's Traction Engine Pictures published in 1961 (price 3s 6d: 17Y2p) illustrates it in just the same paintwork. (Dave Bagley)
owners, the Mason brothers in Dyfed. The Foden joins Ransomes traction 42032 of 1931 (H12816), in the same ownership. The other Foden in Wales is, of course, long time resident tractor 13762 of 1931 (VN2911) owned by Iwan Jones of Cardiff.
WARWICKSHIRE As reported in the previous issue, Steve Hill sold 1923 Fowler roller 15902 (KR8728) to the new partnership of Allely and Davis. In its stead he has bought 1935 Sentinel S4 wagon 9192 (CML781) from South Wales. This has long been in the ownership of George King.
WEST MIDLANDS The long established start of season rally at the Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry was attended in early May by 17 engines. The grand parade around the city streets was preceded by a visit of classic cars on a run from a show at the National Exhibition Centre, and then a convoy of WW2 military vehicles. The engines were led off by the Museum's 1924 Burrell tractor 4084 (FK3564) and the initial steep climb up Newhall Street was followed by the descent of Lionel Street on the
one mile circuit. Among those in attendance were the Bowmans' 1922 Aveling roller 10073 (RF7918), Len Crane's 1929 Fowler crane engine 17212 (RF6092) and Foden tractor 3398 of 1912 (M4489) owned by Jim Calder. Martin Shepherd's Fowler conversion 19456 of 1931 ISE35631 and 1933 Foden D type tractor 14084 (AMB300) owned by Ian Sparks were also taking part as well as several other engines. The following weekend the Wolverhampton Rotary Rally took place at Pendeford. This was a first time event with a pleasant atmosphere but, unfortunately poorly supported by the public. Engines present included Robert Bate's 1900 Aveling road loco 4561 (KE3775), Peter Hough's Aveling roller 14062 of 1930 (HV861) and Fowler showmans 15653 RENOWN, belonging to the Howard brothers. Also present was Andrew Melrose's 1870 Fowler ploughing engine 1368 (AL8468) in the capable hands of the Semple family and Ray Preece's 1918 Ransomes agricultural 27524 1E5123). In late July, just over the border in Shropshire, the latest in the series of Blists Hill steam weekends was held at the Ironbridge Museum site. On show Autumn 1995
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was Lyndon Shearman's 1860s Brown & May portable engine driving a corn mill and Ruston & Hornsby traction 169167 of 1933 (11_5452) owned by Morrell brothers, and driving a stonecrusher. This was being looked after by Alan Mountford.
WILTSHIRE The late May bank holiday saw a steam gathering at West Lavington. In 1994 this was a very enjoyable occasion with five engines present and a nice atmosphere, but this year just the one engine was present, this being Stuart Barnes' 1895 Burrell agricultural 1840 (YA2481), which was driving the saw bench belonging to Colin Hatch and Richard Hurley. An early season event, also in May, was the Castle Coombe Vintage Rally held at the race circuit. There were fourteen engines noted of which one, 1934 Aveling roller 14174 (GL1281), was attending its first rally after a long restoration period. It is presently owned by P. Cummings. Others present included Stuart Barnes' Burrell traction, Trevor Williams' Burrell showmans style 3894 of 1921 (NX947) and Colin Hembury's 1923 Aveling roller 10594 (YA6375). The two Sentinels belonging to the Goold brothers were also at the event, these
being S4 tractor conversion 8843 of 1933 (UJ2112) and 1934 S4 wagon 9032 (US5430), the latter in the colours of the Cowlairs Co-op Glasgow, its first owner. Also one interesting machine scheduled to attend was the steam motorcycle built by Mr Heale of Bristol in 1903. There was a new venue for the Wiltshire Agricultural Preservation Group's event in early June. It was held at Marymear Farm, Shalbourne but unfortunately the weather was not too kind and major counter attractions — elsewhere — considerably kept down the attendance; in the middle of Saturday afternoon, only 120 cars were counted in the car park. Nevertheless, the setting has a lot of promise and the eleven engines attending were a nice selection. From just down the road, Peter Barker and family brought their Burrell tractor 3458 of 1913 (AB8795) whilst Vince Hawkins showed Marshall roller 82389 (002835), new in 1927. David Hirst's attractive little Wallis motor 2656 of 1903 (H05834) was also there along with his 1929 Foden wagon 13454 (KX3340). Another Wallis product was Doug Roberts' 1913 tractor 7372 (H05608). In early July the 19th Heddington and Stockley Rally took place. Some of
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STEAMING
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the previously mentioned engines attended as well as Ted Freeman's 1912 Burrell road loco 3395 (FJ 1536), Bill Simpkins' Aveling roller 9260 of 1920 (FX7077) and the large 8hp Marshall portable 69778 of 1916 owned by Robert Herring, the latter having two flywheels, respectively linked to seperate sawbenches. In mid July a small rally entitled 'Strawberries and Steam' took place at Lotmead, Stratton and with no admission charge was an attractive proposition for those who either wanted to pick strawberries or just watch the engines. It was also possible to eat the fruit picked earlier with roast pig rolls for those with such tastes! Hamish Orr-Ewing's 1920 Marshall agricultural 73901 (N01213) was driving a saw bench whilst Norman Goddard brought along his 1914 Garrett showmans tractor 32122 (BH89001. A local roller which attracted a lot of interest was 1923 Fowler 15964 (WY7912), formerly with Guiseley UDC in Yorkshire. It has now been restored by Jason, Christopher and Nicola Howard as a tribute to their late father, Malcolm. Among other rollers present was Nigel Keene's 1904 Aveling 5590 (CH3282) — this the famous one which appeared in the 1960s comedy film The Titfield Thunderbolt. Nigel still seeks to obtain any photographs from the time the roller appeared in the film. (If anyone can help, contact may be made via DAHL Other Avelings included Carl Brown's 14002, one of the late slide valve machines, built in 1929 (KR479), and Reg Edney's 1904 10 ton single 5423 (N03270) in its first year of rallying after a three year break. It is currently in a shade of green which may make the purist wince, but apparently it is intended to apply a somewhat more suitahle top coat in time. One change in ownership to record is the purchase by Arthur Thompson of the Fowler Super Lion showmans engine 19782 of 1932 (UB9763) THE LION following the death of the previous owner, Ernie Lucas. The engine spent its working days in the West Country with Anderton & Rowlands before being put to rest in Bristol in the 1 940s, from where Ernie purchased her. It was one of the batch of four B6 engines built for showmen in the early thirties, all of which leaned more to Burrell practice than to Fowlers'. Two of these are (or have been) well known on the rally fields — KING CARNIVAL II and SUPREME. 1" he fourth, ONWARD, Fowler 19989 did not survive into the preservation era. The Science Museum's land transport and agricultural collection was on 209
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a
display at the Wroughton Nostalgia show at the end of July. Only one engine there was in steam and that was Ken Hicks' McLaren ploughing engine 1541 of 1918 (H05832), rather incongruously driving a cornmill mounted in the back of a wagon. It was somewhat sad to see this large assembly of the nation's collection all static and somewhat crammed together in a hangar — most of them also difficult to photograph. One surprise here was Aveling traction 721 of 1871 (KL3631), the oldest complete engine now extant from the Kent firm. It was, until recently to be found at the South Kensington Museum but apparently has been moved for redevelopment work to be carried out in London. Also seen were 1881 McLaren traction 112 (KL2176) complete with the ploughing windlass attachment driven off the crankshaft; Fowler ploughing engines 15194 /15195 of 1918 (FX6820/6821); 1886 Aveling roller 2185 (BY2185); Foden wagon 6368 of 1916 (M81181; Sentinel Standard wagon 1718 of 1917 (AW3835) and 1871 built Hornsby portable 1851. The 1918 Walsh & Clarke Victoria petrol/paraffin ploughing engine built at Guiseley was also of interest. Foden road loco 1174 of 1906 (SN1609) was not seen; it is reported to have been in the conservation unit.
YORKSHIRE The early season steam up at the Squinting Cat near Harrogate was the first outing for Graham Hayton's newly acquired 1919 Fowler K7 ploughing engine 15279 (FA1302). This and one or two other engines made the traditional journey to the Smith's Arms at Beckwithshaw before returning on a roundabout route via the bungalow where Graham's father George now lives — all to enable him to see the engine. As a result of this purchase, Graham's other engine, Fowler conversion 16854 of 1927 (UA1684), is now on the market. The York Steam Fair at Nun Monkton in mid June was well attended by exhibitors — a field of around 30 engines was a very creditable number for organiser Graham Whitwell. Public attendance was, however, disappointing, but the engine owners enjoyed themselves. A large contingent from the north east was headed by newly restored 1912 Marshall traction 60136 (SV5434), an import from Australia on which owner Stuart Ritchie has obviously lavished many hours of care and attention to bring it to the fine condition in which it is now presented. Others there were John Bainbridge's 210
Two showmans engines ventured on to this summer's rally fields after long breaks for overhaul — in both cases taking advantage of local events to run in mechanical work before final painting. Burrell 2625 of 1902 LADY PRIDE OF ENGLAND, a 7hp machine, is seen (top) at the Downs Rally, Hampshire on 1st July, whilst Fowler 13922 of 1913 GIRLIE, an A8 class 7hp machine, made a first appearance before most enthusiasts a week later at the Chesterle-Street, Durham, rally. (Dave Bagley)
Foden bus, Denis Woodward's 1906 Aveling showmans style tractor 6093 (D2800) and the ex-Irish Aveling traction 6890 of 1909 (IW3565) belonging to George Vardy. From closer to home it was a first time appearance at the event for David Parkin and family's 1920 Aveling roller 9093 (NK9344), still being gently nursed back into life after a children's playground sojourn, whilst other newcomers were Martin Robinson's recently acquired Fowler roller 18663 of 1930 (TF1851) and Dave
Ragsdale's 1924 Wallis conversion 7802 (HO 6352). Other conversions included John Corcoran's 1923 Fowler 16008 (SG8149) and Peter Claxton's ex Dingle roller 19570 of 1934 (AAF704). Wayne Ellis's new presentation, 1913 Fowler agricultural 11114 (GZ2065), now looks quite splendid and so very much like the other Fowlers from the Dalton stable that it takes a moment or two of concentration and a keen eye to tell one from another. Speaking of the North Yorkshire Autumn 1995
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restorers, work continues as time permits on 8hp compound Burrell road loco 2696 of 1904 which was recently repatriated by John Smith; he has, however, found time also to make a new firebox for Pete Denton's Barrows & Stewart portable 2450 and a tender for David Parkin's Aveling roller. A recent temporary addition to the engines to be found at the yard is Harry Denton's 1910 Wallis traction 7155 (M02015) which requires boiler attention. A new location at Renishaw House was the location for this year's Sheffield & District Steam Society's rally in late June. Derek Webb's Aveling showmans style tractor 7778 of 1912 (0S803) provided a splash of colour and lights, whilst Chris Keeton's 1930 Aveling roller 14029 (TM6672) BUSTER was among other rollers at the event. Also present was Chris Dobbs' 1893 McLaren traction 510 (NM54), David and John Carr's Ransomes agricultural 27596 of 1919 (WR6553) and Harold Bell's Sentinel Super wagon 7591 of 1928 (WE3236) which was 'returning home', for it spent most of its working life with Brown Bayley Steels in Sheffield. A most unusual presentation was the Seel ntinlERFbu ilt up L..v Irin Barraclough using an ERF chassis on which to mount an engine and boiler from a 100hp Sentinel steam railway locomotive. Another notable attender was Martin Burr's 1925 Burrell road loco 4010 (DD6888), an engine not often seen in public. Whilst we are in the south of the county, it should be noted that a large number of rollers have been put on the market recently, and if anyone wishes to buy an unusual Aveling roller, South Yorkshire is the place to be. Andrew Biglands has advertised his unique (to this country) tandem roller 6530 of 1908 (NM291), whilst the huge 15 ton single 6340 of 1907 (E5333) has been offered for sale by Dave Maris. A third machine — 1937 Aveling-Barford AC605 (DTM537) owned by Dennis Higgs — is also known to be available for purchase. Chris Rhodes is progressing well with the task of resurrecting his 1934 Sentinel S6 wagon 9101 (BMG714). A completely new chassis has been constructed, the boiler shell is mounted in position and the engine is in place. The three axles are also fitted and mountings are being made to suit. For the first time for thirty years the wagon is now standing on its own wheels — a major step forward. Some parts are still required but further progress is possible whilst these are being sought. STEAMING Autumn 1995
At the end of June, four engines attended a very cold vintage tractor event at Ferrensby, near Knaresborough. Peter Claxton's Fowler conversion joined John Bolton's 1901 Marshall agricultural 35554 (N026), Steve Denton's pretty little 1933 Fowler roller 19190 (MVS854) and Derek Rayner's 1915 Aveling roller 8506 ICT5012), now complete with lagging. A couple of weeks after Ferrensby, in mid July, was the Rally in the Dales — at Masham. Several curious looks were directed — not for the first time this season — at Keith Collins's 1917 Fowler Tiger tractor 14406 (CJ4338) which has been titled PANDORA ever since the late Arthur Fearnley owned it in the late 1950s. It now sports the name MTOTO which apparently originates from Africa and means 'The Little One'. But in most people's minds, the engine will always be PANDORA ... Others present included M. Sutherland's 1923 Wallis traction 7769 (PD7172), Brian Rockliffe's Aveling roller 14071 of 1930 (VN 2095) and John Ingoe's remarkable Davey Paxman Colonial traction 14766 of 1908 (N03645). It was good to see Andrew Craske's 1920 Fowler roller 15589 (U8709) again, complete with Wood's of Yeadon living van. This engine has been off the rally circuit for a while. Speaking of Wood's, their former premises at Yeadon have recently been demolished and during the preparations for this activity a Wood's sign was uncovered on the stone-walled building. Since this was painted directly onto the wall, it sadly could not be saved. The Saturday evening run from the rally up into the Masham Town Square was again the highlight of the weekend for many. The short sharp hill up from the Meadows certainly makes the engines bark and many spectators gathered in the hot evening sunlight to watch the procession of twenty engines or so make their way to town. Conversation during the time the engines were assembled in the square revealed that John Bainbridge, owner of the Foden replica bus and 1913 Fowler showmans 13922 (H05630) GIRLIE has bought another engine, this being Aveling roller 11649 of 1926 (TY2142) from the Leicester area. It is not a coincidence that the roller has former connections with the north-east. There were 34 engines at the Masham event, the greater proportion of which were agricultural types, these accounting for no less than fifteen of the line up which is a high proportion by usual standards,
In Absentia Some welcome responses have been received from members following the appeal in the last issue. • Aveling roller 9139 of 1920 (E5337) is no longer at Shugborough, Staffordshire, but is being cared for by the same person who looked after it there. It is currently housed in secure accommodation in the West Midlands but the custodian does not wish its whereabouts to be divulged. • Wallis roller 2931 of 1907 (AA 2167) shown in Traction Engine Register as a tractor was seen by a correspondent in August 1987 in the Liverpool Museum's large exhibit store near the Pier Head. It is understood that this store has subsequently been closed and cleared, so a more up to date report and confirmation of identity would be appreciated. • Fowler ploughing engine 15405 of 1925 (SU1827) is currently on display at the Alford Heritage Centre and is actually owned by Bill Barrack. Nothing further has been received about the list of Irish engines given in the last issue. Can some knowledgeable enthusiast please give us the benefit of any information there may be available on any of these engines. A further list of engines that have not been reported for a few years and which we presume to be museum owned and about which up to date information is required follows: • Aveling roller 10240; Ransomes portable 27413 (stored for Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagans, Cardiff) • Aveling roller 10272 (Welsh Industrial & Maritime Museum, Cardiff) • Aveling roller 10312 (Portsmouth Museum) • Fowler ploughing engine 15428 (Leeds Industrial Museum) • Marshall roller 85601 (Edinburgh Corporation Transport Museum) Finally, for this time, Mann's wagon 1365 of 1919 (U4990) is listed as being at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, but the curator has said that it is not and never has been. Can someone in the area throw any further light on this — is it a complete vehicle or merely a few recovered parts — and, more importantly, where is it?
ROAD ROLLER ASSOCIATION R.R.A.
The Association was founded in September 1974 and is thus currently celebrating its twenty-first anniversary year. One of the first major efforts by 211
the fledgling organisation was the publication of a list of 'Parked Up' rollers, listing all those machines, both steam and motor, which were known to be in public parks, playgrounds and on display or in store in museums. Now the list of playground steam rollers has reduced to a handful of well documented examples, the recent discovery of a fresh roller which has hitherto slipped the enthusiasts' net and which does not even appear in Traction Engine Register is an exciting and amazing co-incidence in this anniversary year of the RRA. The location of the new find may have been known to local enthusiasts who maybe thought others were aware of this single cylinder 10 ton piston valve Aveling roller's existence. The roller is in extremely good con-
dition but is not, at the moment, identifiable. The place on the hornplate where one would have expected to find stamped the boiler test number offers the number E027 — not the normal four figure sequence. This in itself is a coincidence, for investigations have been ongoing for some time on how to identify another Aveling boiler with E0845 stamped in the same location. Several records officers are presently baffled so if any reader can suggest any relationship between these E0 (Extra Order?) numbers and Aveling royalty numbers we would be pleased to have their suggestions (Replies to Derek Rayner). recently Reverting to the discovered roller, the disposition of the four holes in the right hand motion guard and on the headstock suggest
Around lic-fro the World The Editor gratefully acknowledges receipt of magazines etc from Iron Men Album (USA); The Stanley Museum (USA); Heritage Eagle (USA); Steam Automobile Club of America; Dampfwalsen-Club Schweiz (Switzerland); Steam Traction (New Zealand); Southland SE Club (New Zealand); the South Canterbury club (New Zealand); the Lake Goldsmith club (Australia) and reports from other correspondents as individually credited.
AUSTRALIA The 1994 steam, horse and vintage rally at Echuca, Victoria, included a noteworthy gathering of three of the four surviving Fowler single cylinder forest-clearing engines, specially built to assist in the stripping of township sites and making of irrigation channels in southern New South Wales. The last time the engines worked commercially was clearing farmland near Griffith, NSW in the mid 1960s. Two were then owned by Moses Gollen, a well-respected steam power 212
operator of the period. Note particularly the large belly tanks, the relatively small, spoked flywheel and the rear wheel strakes, set at right angles. The surviving engines, rated at 8hp, are Fowler 14850 and 14852 of 1917 and Fowler 15722 and 15725. The Echuca event is held yearly on the Queen's Birthday weekend. (Echuca S.H. & V. Rally) Member D. Crook recently sent a photograph of Fowler 18285 at an Australian rally — neatly presented in the maker's purple brown livery, the engine seems to be a surprisingly original example of Fowler's DNA compound convertible. We featured the quick change rollers-to-wheels arrangement of the model in our Summer 1992 magazine (and in the Letters column in the following issue). However, the works number 18285 might be questioned — unless the engine has wandered further across the world than might reasonably be expected. From Fowlers' record books (courtesy of Dr Jonathan Brown, Rural
a former Eddison roller, but the RLS Hon Records Officer advises there are about six in this category which are presently unaccounted for. It is not the intention to reveal the roller's location at present in order to protect its owners from potential harassment. However, as a major incentive, the roller's whereabouts will be made known to the reader whose information enables a positive identification to be confirmed in the Aveling & Porter records — he or she can then visit the location if they so wish in order to prove the point. Any entries in this 'competition' should be sent to Derek Rayner. (Note: if anyone with a piston valve Aveling has a similar EO number on their hornplate and can quote it and the royalty number to Derek, it would be appreciated.)
History Centre, University of Reading) we find 18285 was indeed a DNA roller — one of a large batch of two dozen, 18277-18300, completed in 1929 and 1930. Fourteen of these went to Fowlers' Bombay branch in India, most to the Gwalior Public Works Board (18728, 18284-86, 18289/90, 18292-94). Gwalior was a progressive princely state in the north of the country. One of the batch was officially photographed by Fowlers — 18291. That machine is recorded in Fowlers' books as going to Australia, to the Main Roads Commissioner, Brisbane, but it was not a convertible. Can any of our Australian members comment further on the history of the engine Fowler 18285?
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14,
Autumn 1995 STEAMING
Three Fowler 8hp traction engines Forest Engines in Australia — line up at the 1994 Echuca event. (Echuca Rally)
NEW ZEALAND
Fowlers' official picture of DNA compound roller 18291, taken 24th January 1930. It is fitted with water ballast front rolls and a Jackson scarifier. (Rural History Centre, University of Reading)
From the Southland Steam Engine Club we have news of two Burrell survivors. Ian Clark of Christchurch has recently acquired 1917, a 8hp single traction engine of 1896, and with the engine being incomplete, the hunt was on to locate the missing items. He was told of an old Burrell lying in the Hokonui Hills and soon an expedition party was formed to see what was still there. This engine, number 1779, had been converted to a log hauler for the timber industry in that area, but when all the trees had been milled out the hauler was taken back out on the tram (railway) track. However, a derailment caused the Burrell to be left behind, its boiler shell and many fittings being abandoned in the undergrowth Ian and his helpers found the remains to be in quite good order, and, more importantly, the required parts were present. Over a number of weeks several items were bought out of the bush. Number 1779 was an 8hp two speed machine of 1894, unusual in that it appears the single cylinder was fitted with Salter type safety valves, which might suggest it was originally built up as a continental order. Members of the Southland Steam Engine Club had, for the first time, four engines at their Christmas steam up in
Fowler DNA convertible 18285 of 1930 as rallied in Australia in 1994. Note the tender top racking for the wood fuel. (D. Crook) STEAMING Autumn 1995
213
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214
Autumn 1995
STEAMING
December 1994. Gathered at Brydone were John Scandrett's 8hp Marshall traction engine; George Dixon's single cylinder Garrett tractor 28404 of 1910, and two steam wagons. The latter were Howie and Bill Clark brought along Garrett 34033 of 1921, running on pneumatic tyres all round and having an open-sided bus type body, and Yorkshire 1535 completed the line up. The Yorkshire was built at Leeds in 1925, a WE type 3 way tipper. It is a lone survivor in New Zealand, but four others survive In preservation 'down under' in Australia. (Southland SEC/John Scandrettl Member Chris Britten sends a cutting from a travel magazine he recently read. Among the illustrations is one showing the 'delights of whitewater rafting on the Shotover River near Queenstown, South Island, but there, seemingly abandoned on a waterside plateau of rock and partly obscured in the picture by a low-flying helicopter, is a portable steam engine. It seems a most unlikely location for the machine to have been able to do any work — can any of our New Zealand members tell us more? The Newsletter of the Southland Steam Engine Club records the sad death of Arthur Wigley (an NTET
member), owner of Ransomes wagon 32039 (now within a Bedford chassis), Marshall 67913 and a Burrell. Also recorded is the local effort to bring forward enginemen of the future — 'A training day was organised at Brydone, for those members wishing to sit their traction engine drivers tickets, on the 5th August 1995. Although the grounds were too wet to warrant steaming the Garrett tractor, the theory side of traction engine knowledge was covered. Photographs col ishuullui I and showing boiler repairs in progress, at Roger Pridhams in the UK, were shown and explained. After lunch, the members were shown different examples of boiler fittings and how they are maintained. With the temperature inside the factory being low, despite the heaters being on, the rest of the afternoon's session was carried out in the meeting room. Another day will be held later in the year, where those members will be able to steam the Garrett and possibly the Marshall in order to get some practical knowledge. A day at Lumsden, with George Northcoat's, two Burrells will also be planned, so that members can get some experience at driving on the road.'
Letters Being more vocal Many years ago, an organisation known as the 'Traction Engine Owners & Drivers Association', was in existence to protect the interests of engine owners. One wonders at what 'clout' this organisation had during the heyday of the steam road vehicle. This year, despite much backroom work by the NTET and FBHVC, we have seen a Vehicle Excise Duty out of all proportion applied to steam road rollers. I am sure this has been done to get increased revenue from the many thousands of contractors firms all over the UK who are operating road rollers, but the point is, the Department of Transport has not listened to the NTET/FBHVC on this matter. In the Spring edition of Steaming I note, in STEAMING Autumn 1995
Trust News, our Chairman declaring "... we must also avoid being too vocal ...". I am now concerned that we are trying to close the gate after the horse has bolted with regard to VED, a situation highlighted by the inclusion of the flyer with the Summer edition of our magazine. Also in the Spring edition, the subject of engines on the road was aired in a letter by Stuart Tomlinson, and I agree with much of its content. Our Chairman's comments about slow moving vehicles, and the need to preplan the route are of course, very valid. Rear end collisions with steam vehicles are a rare occurrence and should be taken in context, with, for example the frequent accidents on motorway hard shoulders. Large
USA Bruce Waterworth, a new Trust member living in the USA, has acquired Wallis & Steevens Oilbath tractor 7572 of 1917 (H02035). It was purchased in 1993, lying at the Rough and Tumble Museum, Kinzers, Pennsylvania — the previous owners from Ireland took the 1917 built engine there in 1986, and steamed it a couple of times before offering a sale. Lack of information caused US boiler inspectors to decline inspection, so no sale was forthcoming and the mueiline gradually deteriorated. Bruce contacted Peter Wyatt (owner of Wallis tractor 7482 ROYAL STAR) and Dr Jonathan Brown of The Rural History Centre, Reading University and with the information received soon had the Wallis hydrauliced and inspected, and in steam at the Kinzers show in August 1994 — after several work trips of 800 miles each! The steaming showed a few deficiencies in the gearing and the engine, trucked to the owner's home in Vermont, is now having die differential rebuilt and axle re-bushed. Bruce hopes eventually to return to live in England and will repatriate Wallis 7572.
SLOW signs and flashing beacons will help on trailers, and I have proved this over 25 years. Our Chairman's comments on the 1993 Dorset road train are, again, I feel, out of context with the average engine owner travelling to a rally. I wait, with considerable interest, to see the Trust's section of the Engine Code of Practice dealing with 'Conduct on the Road'. This brings me to one other item in our Spring magazine. In Viewpoint Peter Clare protested at the tiresome trophy distribution at the AGM, which, I agree, unacceptably curtails the time for Trust members, who, gathered together at one venue, can debate and discuss important issues. This year, time would be better spent on members being given the chance to BE MORE VOCAL on the important matters of interest. To this end, I will be organising a coach from Swindon, picking up our friends from the Witney area en-route, and should any member wish to join us to travel on the 18th November to the AGM at Chatham, he or she is most welcome to contact me for further details. Colin Hatch
21 Blake Crescent, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon, Wilts SN3 4LR 215
Properly dressed In the Steaming Around notes in the last issue Derek Rayner advocates that to be appropriately dressed in a manner contemporary with the engines should be one of the most important things to abide by on the rally field. I can't wait — those Victorians really knew how to enjoy themselves! Mistresses, the Follies Bergere, beer at sensible prices! I was, unfortunately, not born at that time, so with that in mind, I can only wear something that is associated with my generation. At some considerable expense and on Derek's recommendation, I have taken the opportunity to go overseas and purchase some Andy Pandy overalls. I was however unable to find the right hat to go with the overalls. Another problem that I am now encountering with this new found realism is, do I wash this garment? How can I make myself look as grubby as some of those drivers from long ago, and get that marvellous shiny sheen on the legs of the overalls if I clean them? I presume that one also has to be unshaven, sport a moustache, drink like a fish, always stand on the running board of the engine every time a photograph is taken. And lie through your back teeth whenever anyone asks any moderate questions! Boz Oram
Andover, Hampshire
More on RENOWN I would like to add a little to the details in the caption to the picture of Fowler 15653 RENOWN, published in the feature Doing their Bit in the last issue. Shortly after buying the engine in the early 1960s, I called to see John Murphy (son of the John Murphy who had the engine when new), who was at that time living in retirement at Richmond, Yorkshire. Incidentally, throughout our conversation he always referred to the engine as THE RENOWN. In the winter of 1938/39, I was told, following the annual inspection of the boiler, it was decided to re-box the engine in the off-season of 1939/40. But the war came — and the old box remained until Gowers of Bedford fitted a new one for me in 1965. In late 1940 RENOWN went on contract to a timber firm (or possibly a Government department), working in Inglewood Forest, Cumbria. A condition of the contract was that on completion of the work the engine was to be returned to Co Durham. Had it 216
not been for this requirement RENOWN would probably have been cut up on the spot at the end of the work, as were so many engines in similar circumstances. The work in Inglewood Forest was not ground clearance, as suggested in the last issue. The timber, required for the war effort, was pulled to the edge of the forest at sites adjacent to the roads by teams of horses. RENOWN was positioned and used rope and winding drum to load the timber onto carriages for onward transport to railhead or sawmills. Careful study of the photograph on page 139 shows the two pins in the rear wheel are out and the wire rope can just be seen below the light coloured wood. Piles of cut timber are to the left of the picture. Notice also the AA commercial badge on the front of the canopy and the Thompson — Walton 'Feast' crane on the tender. Evidence of the countless hours of roping that the Fowler did at Inglewood was found in extensive wear in the winding drum and its bearing surface on the back axle. The picture was taken by 'Cyclist' — the late Jack Wilkinson. Ran Hawthorne Woodcote, Reading
Pictured at Upton During the Upton-on-Severn event this year I undertook some 'heavy haulage' with my half size traction engine SNAPDRAGON, aided and abetted by fellow Westcountrymen. Many people were taking photographs as I pulled the timber trailer around the ring and I would dearly like to see some of the pictures; I will gladly pay any expenses. By the way, what did that timber and trailer weigh? Rod Dix
The Lime Store, Florence Road, Kelly Bray, Callington, Cornwall PL 17 8E0
From Grocer to Showman On a very pleasant visit to Weeting rally this year I visited the Trust stand and ended up joining as a member. Reading through some of the back numbers I acquired, on my return home, I was surprised and pleased to see Peter Wells' letter in the Autumn 1994 issue on the Sentinels used by Stotts Circus, the Great Carmo. I have been trying to do research on those wagons myself, for they were part of the fleet operated by J.S. Sainsbury Ltd, the grocers, and my especial
reason is that I worked for that firm for many years and have an interest in their transport vehicles — I have many photographs of them, but pictures of the Sentinels have been hard to find, even in the company's own archives. The Sentinels run by Sainsbury (all Standards) were 1546 IAW35111; 3828 (X139768); 3829 (X139769); 3830 (XB9770); 3831 (X139767) and 3991 (XH2986). All were new to them in 1921 except 1546, which was secondhand from a Brighton owner. They were sold off in the early 1930s; 1546, 3828 and 3831 went to Stotts, the others to Grace & Sons of Bermondsey, London. Sainsbury's had used them on the longer hauls from their base at Blackfriars, London, such as to Redhill, Surrey, but found the drivers got too dirty to handle the goods when they arrived! I would be grateful if any reader can help with pictures of any of the above wagons — in Sainsbury livery, or in later ownership of Grace & Sons or Stotts showland use. I have managed to find one illustration in Sentinels' 1923 catalogue. A. Stevens
Reading, Berkshire
(An illustration of one of the Sainsbury Sentinel wagons appeared in an anniversary book published by the company earlier this year, and put on sale in their stores. — Hon Editor)
Sentinel's wartime rebuilds Ever since I started my Sentinel Register in 1946 I have heard varying stories about the Sentinel wagons constructed, or reconstructed, in the Shrewsbury works for their own use during World War 2. The numbers that were so built vary, it is suggested from one to four, and they were made up to the 1932 SGLW specification. I am sure of one, and that is what was originally Standard model 6 ton number 1465 (AW3321). This was new in 1916 to the Alton Court Brewery Co Ltd, Ross-on-Wye. It survives in preservation, of course, and has been seen recently on Sentinel road runs from Upton on Severn over the Malvern Hills and back, now owned and well maintained by John Woodley of Newton Abbot, Devon. The machine still runs under the same numbers. The only other wagon I believe could be another of those wartime works rebuilds is Super model B 4 tonner 5029 of July 1923 (MB31811. It was new to F.A. Frost & Sons, (continued on page 218) Autumn 1995
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RENOWN revealed We make no apology for including more comment and illustration on Fowler 15653 RENOWN — it is a very widely travelled engine today, taken by the Howard brothers to many rallies throughout this country and on the continent. Further, it is one, unlike many preserved showmans engines, that is very much used as a working machine in the manner its makers intended. Les Lambe started off this photographic survey by sending an old press picture, head on, of an engine in pool Gunditiun, steam leaking everywhere, but clearly taken on an occasion of note. The remains of the registration, painted on the canopy front and probably CU978, pointed to it being Fowler 15653 RENOWN. So, as Ran Hawthorne had written in with observations on the picture of the showmans engine 'Doing its Bit' in the last issue (page 139), we asked him for further comment. He kindly sends another photograph by Jack Wilkinson ('Cyclist) of RENOWN on its task at Inglewood Forest. On this we find several interesting points of reference which confirm our first picture as RENOWN — note the rough chisel-cut square hole in the backplate to the dynamo platform and the overlapping boards patching the canopy sides on both images. Cyclist's picture also shows the registration J7795 applied to 15653's spud pan, and other photographs sent by Ran and taken on the same occasion show the nameplate to read REPULSE (from Murphy's sister Fowler 15652). Pictures of 15652 at a yard at Wingate, Co Durham clearly show the name RENOWN, so it is not difficult to suspect nefarious activities were taking place of which, hopefully, the county registration department remained blissfully ignorant. Ran, who restored 15653 to rally condition in the 1970s, says that the engines are the right way round now, confirmed by the stamped works number on the hornplate. The first picture, with RENOWN at a mechanically low ebb, was probably taken about 1958 when purchased from Murphy for preservation by Tom Tate. Our final picture, taken by Roger Newbery at the Tailing ton rally near Stamford in May 1992, shows RENOWN as restored to its simple, unadorned original condition — little brass and dark blue paintwork — but note an AA badge on the front board of the canopy and look again at the Inglewood picture. 217
millers of Ellesmere Port — they were later taken over by Spillers. The wagon returned to Sentinels by 1942 and after 1945 was sold on to Scientific Roadways, Shipley, Yorkshire and last licensed by them in 1953. It has not survived. Could this, during the three wartime years it spent at Shrewsbury, have been a second of these reconstructions? Before memories fade — it is now 50 years ago — can anyone among our readership clear up for me this often discussed matter and end other vague suppositions.
This, together with the buyers name spelt the way it is set down in the notes, suggests that it was for the founder of the Dutch margarine empire — but this is pure conjecture! The swan-neck bend in the chimney must have some significance — perhaps to clear some part of the machinery it was to drive. The Dutch and German customers usually asked for the pressure gauges etc marked in atmospheres, in common with many other purchasers on the continent. Bob Whitehead
Joe Thomas
Tonbridge, Kent
Worcester
(This letter was received from Joe shortly before he died. His son, Anthony, will be continuing the Sentinel Register and we will be pleased to forward relevant material — Hon Editor.)
An unusual portable Although I can't add much to the information supplied by Les Burberry and Ray Hooley on the Ruston Proctor portable discussed in the last issue (Letters, page 1601, I can say that in Dutch DICHT is shut and OPEN is open.
Fowler 15139 Michael Lane in his article Fowler ploughing engines in Tuscany in the last issue suggests that Fowler 15139 was scrapped in 1977. The current issue of the Steam Plough Club engine list, indicates that 15139 is with R. Metcalfe, of Over Alderley, Cheshire. I photographed this engine at a rally in September 1968. From that photograph she appears to have been in fine condition, not a candidate for the scrapyard. Arthur Stratton of Alton Priors, the original owner, had a large fleet of
Some rare steam ploughing and cultivating activity took place in Cheshire in 1994, with Richard Metcalf's BB1 15139 paired with Michael Priestner's BB1 15148 and 6 furrow balance plough. 15139 is seen here turning over stubble at Green Lane Farm, Dunham Massey in August 1994. (Jim Stevenson)
ploughing engines. It would be nice to know that an engine once local to me is still in fettle. Peter Donovan
Marlborough, Wiltshire
TALISMAN The two fine photographs reproduced on page 130 of the last issue of Steaming were taken at Chester at the beginning of July 1925, the occasion being the annual show of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. TALISMAN was one of Fowler's exhibits on their stand there, and must have made a very impressive sight. How nice it would be if one could see and buy such an engine today at the original price of £1880 — the sum Mr Box paid to Fowlers! Dream on .... Alan Martin
Ruislip, Middlesex
QUEEN MARY and QUO VADIS I was very interested to see the picture of my Burrell showmans 3833 QUEEN MARY at Amesbury that Peter Parrish sent in for the last issue (Letters pages). I had not previously heard that the engine had been abandoned there, prior to me purchasing it from Mrs Flo Symonds in February 1950 — it was then standing in a showmans yard (the edge of a field) at Shaftesbury, Dorset, on the Southampton road. Apart from
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STEAMING
Autumn 1995
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the Burrell and an old single deck bus used as a living van, I cannot recall any other equipment there, but a clothes line stretched from the bus to the front canopy supports of the engine, a wood prop in the middle and washing swinging in the wind. Until about three years ago I had a photo of this scene, taken by the late Ernie Lucas — it was unfortunately stolen, along with other things of sentimental value to me, when my home was burgled. Perhaps other readers can enlighten me on QUEEN MARY's stay at Amesbury. Mr Fielding asks who first acquired QUO VADIS for preservation — this was Ken Coombe, then of Portland, Weymouth, who had at the time already saved Burrell 3483 PERSEVERANCE and Fowler 15319 QUEEN MARY (ex Townsends). Before getting to Hardwicks yard at Ewell, Surrey, QUO VADIS had been advertised by Wall Bros in Worlds Fair. I wrote off but the reply didn't quote a price — just "the first concrete offer would secure". I assumed this would be in the region of £75 and for some reason or other didn't go any further with the matter until after the engine had been sold to Hardwicks. One Sunday morning Blossom Trinder, Dick Jolly (owner of a Wallis tractor) and me set off for Ewell in Dick's 1931 Austin Doctors coupe. On arrival we asked one of the brothers if we could see the showmans engines: there were three — Fowler SUPREME and Foster SUCCESS as well as QUO VADIS. They thought we were interested in the former two but I said no, QUO VADIS. Jack Hardwick looked surprised and pointed to a clearing behind a pile of scrap. Jack wouldn't tell me what the price was there and then, perhaps because it was a Sunday, and said he'd write and let me know by post. I never received anything but later heard the good news that Ken Coombe had purchased the engine and so started the standard of restoration seen today. Viv Kirk
Oxford
Can I, for the second issue running, offer a reply to a question posed in our Letters column? Mr Fielding was unaware who first acquired QUO VADIS, Burrell 3938, and I can send a photograph taken by my late father showing the engine alongside the old gasworks and railway yard of Chesil at Portland, Dorset, just after it had arrived from Hardwicks scrapyard. The Burrell had been purchased by Ken Coombe of Easton, Portland. It was very much a case of the engine not being steamable and it was towed 220
Burrell 8hp scenic showmans 3938 QUO VADIS stands at Portland awaiting a tow to Easton, on the top of the island. (Archie Parrish) up Portland by Fowler showmans 15319 QUEEN MARY and Burrell tractor 3433 PETER PAN, both owned by Michael Salmon of Weymouth. The following year QUO VADIS and QUEEN MARY stood alongside each other at Portland November Fair, the Fowler generating lights for both machines. The Burrell was in steam
but I remember the fire box doors had rusted away and a piece of slate was being used as a door. Ken Coombe must be thanked for saving two scenic Burrells, for he also rescued 3483 PERSEVERANCE II, which he purchased in the early 1950s. Pete Parrish
Salisbury, Hampshire
Books VICTORIAN STEAMPOWER: an illustrated social history by Joy McCann with Matthew Church ward. Published by Victorian Press in association with Science works, Museum of Victoria, Australia. 179 pages, card covers, 7in xl0in, 160 illustrations plus 6 maps. Available from Plough Book Sales, PO Box 14, Belmont, Victoria 3216 Australia. Price A$24.95 + postage. The idea for this Australian book came from a sponsored Victorian Steam Heritage survey undertaken by Matthew Churchward in 1989. The results of this survey are published separately in a companion volume.
The Victorian Steam Heritage Register (also reviewed here). Comprising six chapters, this book reviews the massive contribution which steam made to the development of the State of Victoria, firstly with engines and machinery exported from England and then with home produced items after local technology had grown sufficiently adept. The various chapters deal with steam power in the country; in goldfields; in farms and flourmills and in the forests, continuing with applications on roads, railways and water — both inland and coastal. It was used in manufacturing processes, Autumn 1995
STEAMING
Fowler 10 ton single cylinder roller 9147 of 1902, owned by William Bland of Gosforth — a major local haulier and contractor in the Newcastle area. The roller is seen at work in Newcastle, operating a Fowler-built 'Patent Henderson Road Scarifier', which utilised revolving tines and was driven, whilst being trailed, by belt from the engine's flywheel. A note with the picture, which comes from the photographic collection at Beamish Museum in Co. Durham, reveals that for the device to work satisfactorily the roller had to be driven in bottom gear, fast, and then the scarifier dropped, otherwise the belt would not work. The same picture appears in Fowlers' catalogue of Road Making Machinery of the early 1920s, but although the various other scarifiers on offer were described in detail, the Henderson type has but the briefest caption. Perhaps it was a lost cause.
both by manufacturers and by brand name. There is also a useful list of steam museums and rallies in Victoria. In the traction engine section, the major British makers are represented but there are also surprises in the minor manufacturers. For example there are a lot more Brown & May products shown (all portables) than there are in similar UK lists and there are products still in existence from such as English manufacturers as Farmer, Robey, Brown & Co of Gainsborough; Jeffery & Blackstone of Stamford; R.& j. Rankin of Liverpool; J.J. Scekings & Co, Gloucester; Spencer, Carter & Co, Hitchin; Swallow, Liverpool; Tangye, Birmingham and Tennant, Edinburgh. All these are portable engines and none is represented in the UK. There are also a surprising number Australian built products. The book contains a considerable amount of information and in order to minimise its size, very many abbreviations are used. All are well explained and once understood — and the reasons for them — It becomes an interesting volume of reference for students of industrial archaeology and one to dip into from time to time for a browse. (Derek Rayner)
Australia. 200 pages, spiral bound with card covers, 8% x11%in, 50 illustrations. Available from Plough Book Sales, PO Box 14, Belmont, Victoria 3216, Australia. Price A$29.00 plus postage. The Victorian Steam Heritage Survey was initiated by Australia's Museum of Victoria in 1989 in order to record and document surviving items of the state's steam heritage. The survey was conducted by Matthew Churchward and the published Register contains a listing of over 2000 historic steam powered artefacts in the state and forms a companion to the same author's publication Victorian Steampower reviewed above. The Register consists of six groups of machinery — stationary engines and similar including marine engines; self powered road engines and portables; railway locomotives and trams; pumps and compressors; turbines and boilers. In each category an overview and summary is given together with a listing, by maker, of the various items. No indication is given as to the location of the items concerned to preserve guarantees of confidentiality given at the time the survey was undertaken. Appendices list such detail as Australian agents and importers and the brands they sold,
MOTOR ROLLER REGISTER. Compiled by Dave Crampton for the Road Holler Association. 16 pages including card cover, 8 % in x 5%in (A5), 3 illustrations/motifs. Published June 1995 by the RRA and available from D. Crampton, 6 Norwood Close, Mackworth, Derby DE22 4GA. Price £1.50 inc postage. For eighty years or so road rollers powered by internal combustion engines have been an alternative to steam — first in working days and now in preservation. The Road Roller Association is keen to promote an interest in the history of all forms of road making machinery and their latest publication is a pilot issue of a list of motor rollers known to survive. Details, mainly in the form well known from Traction Engine Register, are included of some 250 machines, dating from 1910 through to the 1960s and with nominal working weights from 10 cwts to 12 tons. Strange and unusual manufacturers are alongside the familiar names of Marshall, Fowler and Wallis but Aveling & Porter and Aveling-Barford entries comprise two-fifths of the total. This Register is an enterprising publication which should do much to encourage interest in motor rollers by preservationists. (Roger West)
providing water supplies via pumps, for sewage disposal and making electricity. The first engines made in the colony were portables; the earliest is believed to have been constructed in 1846. The search for gold accelerated the requirements and ultimately, traction engines and steam rollers, notably by the firm of Cowley, were produced at Ballarat. One amazing machine to the patented design of Thomas Quinliven was built in model form in 1906 and full size in 1910. It consisted of a four wheel drive traction engine, specifically for haulage and direct ploughing but was, unfortunately, not a commercial success. A most useful Appendix to the book is the copious notes on sources of information as well as a select bibliography, not only of books but of pamphlets, journal articles, newspapers, parliamentary papers and unpublished reports and theses. An excellently presented book and a good base for further researches. (Derek Rayner)
THE VICTORIAN STEAM HERITcompiled by AGE REGISTER Matthew Church ward. Published by Science works, Museum of Victoria, STEAMING
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A DREAM OF STEAM — Steam at Hollycombe, by J.M. Baldock. 36 pages inc colour card cover, 8 VI x 5%/n (A5), 57 illustrations. Published 1995 by Hollycombe Steam & Woodland Garden Society, Iron Hill, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LP. Price £1.50. The name of Hollycombe has been associated with steam engines for many years now and even if the Collection of preserved machinery has had its ups and downs, it has now completed 25 years of being open to the public — well founded enough to claim it is 'probably the world's most varied collection of working steam.' As well as a good representation of most types of road steam, the Collection has narrow and standard gauge railway locomotives, steam powered fairground rides, stationary steam engines in the sawmill and farmyard and the only land based
paddle steamer engine! Although this Guide and History is primarily for sale to those visiting Hollycombe lit also covers the history of the gardens) it is a worthwhile acquisition as a record of the Collection and as a memoir to visit when next in the area. John Baldock started it forty years ago with Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3815 SUNSET No 2 and that and over a dozen other road engines are nowadays looked after by the Hollycombe Steam and Woodland Garden Society, a body of volunteer members. (Roger West) MUCK SHIFTING for KING GEORGE, by Maurice Saunders, 52 pages, 9 Y2in x Tin, 29 illustrations. Publishd 1995 by Cortney Publications, price £5.95. Available from NTET Sales. Maurice Sanders' previous books have been good sellers from the
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.
Union Coal Company Ltd, PO Box 90, Birmingham G.L. Austin (family member — James), West Wantley Works, Storrington, Sussex. J. English (family member — Sheila), 57 Chequers Drive, Horley, Surrey. Mrs A. Smith (family member — Peter), Spinney Cottage, Church Street, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent.
P.J. Harman, 5 Cavix Field, Northiam, Rye, East Sussex. G.R. Nixey, Broseley House, The Square, Broseley, Shropshire. M. Richford (family member — Jean), 88 All Saints Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk. J.D. Waynham (family members: Patricia, Richard and Katherine), 293 Lugtrout Lane, Catherine-de-Barnes, Solihull, West Midlands. S.L. Goddard, Kingfishers Cottage, Frog Lane, Mapledurwell,
Hampshire. B. Ewing, 4 Mardleybury Road, Woolmer Green, Hertfordshire. P. Lidgitt, 42 High Street, Ashwell, Hertfordshire. J. Wheatley (family member: Elizabeth), 17 Kings Road, Sandy, Bedfordshire. S.C.L, Harris (family member: Sam), 5 Shelford Road, Trumpington, Cambridge.
D. Newton, 33 Armitage Road, Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. J. Barber (family member: Patricia), 83 Dawlish Drive, Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex.
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Trust's Mail Order section. This book, subtitled The Bulldozer goes to War records the development of Britain's first tank dozer and the testing of earth moving equipment during World War 2. The story covers many obscure military facts, the centre 16 pages offering a wonderful selection of probably unique photographs. (Co/in Brown)
Just received Submitted for review just as this issue went to press is Eric Sawford's latest book The Heyday of the Traction Engine. Published by Ian Allan the 80 page landscape format book is printed in full colour and illustrates a wide variety of engines in today's rally settings. An ideal Christmas gift for friend or relative, the book is now available from NTET Sales, price £10.99. A full review will appear in the next issue.
S. Goodall, 15 Arden Road, Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire, C. Newman, 35 King George Square, Kirk Sandell, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. T.P. Hillier, 5 Spa Lane, Hinckley, Leicestershire. J. Cowell, 33 Belle Vue Road, Ipswich, Suffolk. D.J. Sanders, 51 Armond Road, Witham, Essex. A. Stevens, 9 Jesse Terrace, Reading, Berkshire. R.J. Murphy (family member: Susan), Yew Tree Cottage, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, Essex. R.A. Harrison, 281 Verity Crescent, Poole, Dorset. S. McDonald, Union Farm, Thornhill, Stirling. G.R. Whitelaw, 3 Broxburn, Dunbar, East Lothian.
P. Walker, 175 Glenbuck Avenue, Glasgow. R. Bolger (family member: Patricia), 94 Main Street, Etton, Beverley, East Yorkshire. S.P. Carter, Clovenstones Cottage, Baldrine, Isle of Man. G. Channer (family members: Annie, Theo, Dorian, Anthony and Marcus). Walkeys Farm, Burrowbridge, Bridgewater, Somerset. D. Hubbock (family member: Vivien), Viender, Cherry Lane, Hexham, Northumberland. L.H. Barnes, 34 High Beeches, North Cray, Sidcup, Kent.
M. Hill (family members: Jane and James), Melrose Villa, 23 Alexandra Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Dr B.H. Kohler (family members, Wendy and Janet), Lokes End, Edgefield Road, Briston, Melton Constable, Norfolk. T. Hopkins (family members: Edwin and Christopher), Little Ty-Coch, St Brides, Wentlogg, Newport, Gwent. C. Winterburn, 25 Auster Bank View, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire P.L. Clements, Beeches Farm, South Scarle, Newark, Nottinghamshire. J. Illingworth, Laurence House, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York. M. Taylor, 24 Hall End Lane, Pattingham, Wolverhampton, West Midlands. J. Kenward, 14 Heol-y-nant, Llanon, Llanelli, Dyfed. P. Hayward (family member: Margaret), 11 Riverhead, Sprotbrough, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. T. Hewson (family member: Susan), 22 Brookers Lane, Bridgemary, Gosport, Hampshire. E. Williams, Bodawel, 6 Worsley Road, Frimley Green, Surrey. T. Kemp, Brynwyddog, Llanbister, Llandrindod Wells, Powys. R. Smith, 7 Hatfield Gardens, Farnborough, Hampshire. K.J. Watkins (family member: Jean), 15 Rosemary, Leintwardine, Craven Arms, Shropshire. F. Rozelaar (family member: Mark), 24 Clarence Road, Malvern, Worcestershire. C. Hawkins (family member: Samantha), 66 Waterdell Lane, St Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
Autumn 1995
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-14 ..ks 4
A fine fairground scene at the 1994 Astle Park event with Richard Marsh's Burrell scenic 3886 LORD LASCELLES and Jack Schofield's gallopers. (Jim Stevenson) Carolina Scriever-Groot (family member: Klaas), Batter 17, Iggi mj Velserbroek, Holland. F. Waldvogel, Puntstrasse 1, CH8492 Wila, Switzerland. P. Waldvogel, Puntstrasse 1, CH8492 Wila, Switzerland. T. Smallbone (family member: Nigel), 11 Ashlee Walk, Woodcote, Oxfordshire. D. Williams, Chestnuts, Symonds Yat, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. M.S. Tissiman (family member: Debbie), The Heathlands, Kidderminster Road, Bewdley, Worcestershire. G. Lightfoot, 26 Smith Avenue, Old Colwyn, Clwyd. H.O. Davies, Green Meadow, Newcastle Emlyn, Dyfed. E. Smith, Holmehurst, Cliffe Drive, Apperley Lane, Rawdon, Leeds. A. Tonkin, 3 Ashlyns Way, Chessington, Surrey. W. Strick van Linschoten, Room 12, York House, The Esplanade, Port Erin, Isle of Man. E. Smith, 37 Church Lane, Swillington, Leeds. Franz Vanier, Plutzweg 24, A-6833 Klaus, Austria. K. Mewett (family members: Maria, Craig and Kirsty), 110 Southfields, Polegate, East Sussex. J. Higman, 12 Longpark, Modbury, Ivybridge, Devon. R.W. Couch (family member: Daphne), 10 Bond Street, Southway, Plymouth, Devon. R.A. Daniel (family members: Susan, Rosie and Benjamin), Higher Henwood Farm, Henwood, Liskeard, Cornwall. K. Syms, 26 Berry Road, Newquay, Cornwall. L.H. Gosden, 32 First Avenue, Rushendon, Isle of Sheppey, Kent P. Watkins, 64 Clifton Road, Rugby, Warwickshire. G. Basevi, 25 Winston Avenue, Branksome, Poole, Dorset. S.M. Churchill (family member: Gloria), 22 Clifton Road, Watford, Hertfordshire. R. Stacey, Melotone House, 80 High Street, Wootton Bridge, Isle of Wight.
STEAMING
Autumn 1995
P. McGrath, Lower Chapel Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo, Eire. R. Oliver, Beech Cottage, 579 Queens Drive, Stoneycroft, Liverpool. R.G. Heath, Clay Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire. R. Flick, Flood Cottage, Drewsteignton, Exeter, Devon. A.J. Wood (family members: Karen, Angela & Julie), 32 Pitcairn Close, Basingstoke, Hampshire. R.A. Hughes, Wayside, Forge Hill, Aldington, Ashford, Kent. B.J. Shambrook, 2 Hillsborough Park, Camberley, Surrey. LC_ Vinton, 101 California Street, San Francisco, California, USA M, Baigent (family members: Marion and Andrew), Ohm, Ash Green Road, Ash, Aldershot, Hampshire. D.E. Heritage (family members: Lesley and John-Paul), 8 Blue Cap Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire J. Frith (family members: Doreen and Jack), 90 Station Lane, Scraptoft, Leicester. A. Craven, 72b Brockhurst Road, Gosport, Hampshire. Esko Haro (family members: Taru, Susana and Wille(, Linnan Kartano, 01750 Vantaa, Finland. P. Hollins, Lichfield, RD2 Putaruru, New Zealand. E.J. Walker, 13 Send-Barns Lane, Send, Woking, Surrey. D. Thomas, 1 The Glade, Nettlestone, Seaview, Isle of Wight. P.G. Randall (family member: Hazel), 53 West Valley Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. R. Newman (family member: Marion), 22 Hatfield Road, Weston super Mare, Avon. D.C. Titbury, Weecot, Barton Road, Bramley, Surrey. T. Jones (family member: Vikki), Grendon Manor Lodge, Bredenbury, Bromyard, Herefordshire. M.G. Berry, 22 Anthill Close, Denmead, Portsmouth, Hampshire. G.R. Cole, 3 The Crescent, Derby Haven, Castletown, Isle of Man. S.J. Buscombe, 1 Grose Hill Crescent, Penwithick, St Austell, Cornwall. P.D. Morgan, Pen y Maes Cottage, Brecon Road, Hay on Wye, Herefordshire. E. Croal (family member: Angie), 51 High Street, Market Deeping, Lincolnshire. P. Sabin, 71 New Station Road, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. 223
D.G. Nash, 31 Cherry Tree Road, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood, Gwent. R.W. Burton (family members: Keith and Joyce), 85 Greencroft Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire. P.T. Old (family member: Karen), 23 Downs Road, Canterbury, Kent. M.P. Hampson, 25 Taylor Street, Cleethorpes, South Humberside R. Clements, 58 Raleigh Avenue, Chelston, Torquay, Devon. D. Stokes (family members: Rosemary, Helen and Claire), 25 Ty-Draw Place, Bon y Main, Swansea. D. Southern, Ballykitty, Wicklow, Eire. D. Corbett, Durdon Lodge, Cheriton, Alresford, Hampshire. J. Parker, 13 Fairlie, Poulner, Ringwood, Hampshire. J.A. Bailey (family members; Pearl and James), 16 Priestlands Road, Lymington, Hampshire. Mrs S. Neal (family member: John), 14 Round Oak Grove, Cheddar, Somerset. Mrs S. Jeff eris (family member: David), Winkton, Wynnswick Road, Seer Green, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire N. Simons (family member: Annie), 67 Butts Road, Barton-on-Humber, North Lincolnshire. Mrs S. Hawkins, 66 Waterdell Lane, St Ippolyts, Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
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 20p per word, with a minimum charge of £3.00, payable in advance. Members wishing to use these columns for trade purposes may do so at 10p per word, minimum charge £3.00, payable in advance. All cheques to be made payable to National Traction Engine Trust. 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.
Sentinel for sale — number 9031 (US5431), S4 flat in wonderful condition. Steamed 2000 miles over last 4 years. New 40 x 8 tyres, all electricals perfect; 4 wheel brakes; excellent finish in original colours; winner Supreme Engine trophy. Bishops Castle 1990. Well known to active members of Sentinel Drivers Club; restored by J. Goold. Owner no longer school housemaster — no more army of willing apprentices. A.J. Joyce, 1105 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37220, USA (Fax (615) 834 4113). Wanted — Interesting and challenging steam wagon project, absolutely anything considered. — Chris Hutchinson, 171 Bo'ness Road, Grangemouth, Stirlingshire FK3 9BT. For sale — model oscillating steam engine, Vein bore x 'A in stroke, copper boiler, fully silver soldered. £27.00 inc post and packing. — ss 01229 835279.
224
B.M. Stafford, Sandylaw, Houghton Road, Hetton-le-Hole, Co Durham. J.M. Hutchings (family member: Suzette), Sentinel Villa, 10 Riverside Close, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. B.C. Dawes, 134 Milton Street, Toronto, Canada. G. Smith, Stringah Road, Colton, Co Louth, Eire. G, Baker (family member: Heather), 84 Newtown Road, Verwood, Dorset. C.R. Kibby (family members: Ann, Clive and Kate), Meadgate Farmhouse, Weekesley Lane, Tunsbury, Avon. P. Earles (family member: Devine), 48 Littlewoods, Redditch, Worcestershire. C. Philbey (family member: Amanda), 36 Orchard Glade, Headcorn, Kent. Mrs J. Jackson, The Coach House, 23a Saunders Street, Southport, Lancashire. C. Dinsdale, 9 Springfield Court, Eton Avenue, London. M. Jones (family member: Susan Griffiths), 65 Montgomery Avenue, Kinson, Bournemouth, Dorset. K. Harrison, 9 Cheviot Drive, Chervil, Reading, Berkshire. I. Larcher, PO Box 91, Wallerawane, NSW, Australia. A.J. Cobb, 190 Cutlers Place, Wimborne, Dorset. K.J. Beacham, Abbotts, Higher Crackington, Bude, Cornwall.
For sale — Kwik-Steam vertical fire tube boiler, 200lbs pressure, new top tubeplate, complete all fittings. Stainless steel chimney hinged to smokebox. Little used past 10 years but requires partial retubing. Boiler reports available. Also: Sissons single cylinder variable cut off instructional steam engine, 5hp, disc flywheel, no test gear; two 3in Weir feedwater pumps; one Turney steam turbine driven fan, complete with governor; one steam gantry hoist, needs attention. All items under cover with easy loading access, buyer collects. Inclusive price £1850. — ss 01789 778451 or 01926 484670. For sale — Ruston & Hornsby traction engine, 7hp, recent new firebox and boiler repairs, fully restored to cup winning standard. — tr 01782 517792. For sale — 30 keyless Dean fairground organ, three motorised figures, fitted into four wheel trailer. Four hours music, generator etc. Complete outfit for £7500 ono. — sr 01328 701417. Lothians/Borders young(Ish!) enthusiast with experience of running and maintaining steam wishes to help restore/run steam roller or traction engine. Finances preclude owning own engine at the moment, hence.advert. If you can help in any way please contact G. Whitelaw, 3 Broxburn, Dunbar, East Lothian EH42 1QN or Tr 01368 865376 (keep trying as I work shifts). Wanted — engine drain valve, boiler blow down valve and pressure gauge take off valve to suit S model Sentinel. — zr 01977 518905. —
For sale — pair of front brake drums to fit S model Sentinel. 01977 518905.
13*
Wanted — any history, information, photographs of Ruston Proctor general purpose engine 52266 (CJ4178) during working life in Herefordshire at Hay-on-Wye, and also during early preservation at Church Stretton. Would like to see any photos working or preservation and borrow for copying — expenses met. — Brian Wilkins (Is 01392 841134). Wanted — by genuine collector: works or builders plates produced by manufacturers in the Leeds area. — 'n 01977 519906. Wanted — part built 4in or 41/2 in model; Burrell, Foster or w.h.y. — tr 01980 610346. Wanted — for Allen or Oxford living van: rear wheels, 30in diameter x 4in wider rim, 2in bore, Y-shaped spokes — Andrew Harvey, 19 Beyers Gardens, Hoddesdon, Herts (is 01992 465330). 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.
Autumn 1995
STEAMING
Gauge glasses - many sizes available. Send for list - flay Hooley, 16 Alexandre Avenue, North Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 8NR la 01522 6824061. 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 la 01522 682406). For sale - flat belting; Alligator belt fasteners; vee bolts; chain sprockets; ball and roller bearings. - A.C. Belting, 58 Kingsholm Road, Gloucester Or 01452 4109681.
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). Wanted - any photographs, reminiscences or references in publications to any of the three Robey tri-tandem rollers when in use by Wirksworth Quarries on roadworks. What happened to Goodes of Royston, and do their records survive? - Dave Davies, The Robey Trust, 9 Churchill Road, Whitchurch, Tovictock, Devon PL19 9BU. For sale - The Undertype Steam Road Wagon (Kelly), £55 post free; The Overtype Steam Road Wagon (Kelly), £45 post free - Alan C. Mole, 01844 238305 (Brill). For sale - RLS Journals, 77 copies Feb 73-Nov 92; Stationary Engine, 12 copies, June 92-May 93; Locomotives Vol 1 and 2 (Morton-Bell); Encyclopaedia of Railways (Hamilton Ellis). All in mint condition. Offers please - Tr 01579 350447 (Cornwall). For sale - CHARLES BURRELL brass ring for centre of smokebox door and Foster makers plate for Wellington tractor, £50 the pair. - Tr 01 579 350447 (Cornwall). For sale - 'bin Penberthy injector; boiler tube drawer; small
National Traction Engine Trust
Mail Order Many books, videos and other items of interest to traction engine enthusiasts are available from the Sales section. Readers are urged to take advantage of this service (which also benefits Trust funds) for trouble free and economical postal shopping. Just tick the box for items you require and fill in the address slip.
TRACTION ENGINE READING New The Heyday of the Traction Engine (Sawford)
£10.99 0
New A Dream of Steam (Baldock)
£1.50 0
reviewed this issue
New Muck Shifting for King George (Sanders) £5.95 ❑
reviewed this issue
New Garrett Wagons, Part 2 Undertypes £18.00 0
(Whitehead) reviewed 38/3
New Steam Men of Yesteryear (Nicholson) £5.00 ❑
reviewed 38/3
New Harrogate Gas Works (Hallows and Smith) £6.95 ❑
globe cylinder lubricator, ex boat engine, % in bsp tapping; glass drip feed lubricator; wooden patterns of star and ring; pulley ?p block; gloLe valves; Klinger water glasses; non-return valves; snatch chain; wire rope slings. - L.J. Lambe, 84 Redditch Road, Stoke I leath, Bromsgrove B60 4J11. la 01527 8313981.
reviewed 38/3 European Traction Engine Register (Toy and Rayner) reviewed 38/3
For sale - back numbers Steaming - Vols 25 to 31 inc, complete, also Vol 24 No 4 and Vol 32 Nor, 1 and 2. Offors a 01980 610346.
Story of Queens Engineering Works Bedford £28.00 D (Lane) reviewed 38/2 Garrett Wagons, Part 1 Pioneers and Overtypes £18.00 ❑ (Whitehead) reviewed 38/2 Fairs and Circuses in the Black Country £9.99 ❑ (Williams), reviewed 38/1 The Portable Steam Engine (Wansbrough reprint) £10.95 ❑ reviewed 38/1 £4.75 0 Taskers catalogue c1919 reviewed 38/1
For sale - Tasker living van, ex Barnes Bros, Southwick, Wilts; needs tidying up. - Colin Hembury, Tr 01373 465648. Steaming back numbers: Vol 7 No 4, Vol 14 No 3, Vol 15 No 4, Vols 16 to 19 complete, long runs Vols 20-24. Also Scammell Owners Journals Vol 1 Nos 4 to 6, Vol 2 Nos 2-4 (1989-911; Farming with Steam (Bennett) 1974, £5; Midland Rolling & Haulage Co Ltd brochure of engine repair, service, c1930, pictures inc showmans; brochure Midland Tarmacadam Softener, c1930, pictures of engines; colour plate of Fowler showmans MAID OF CEFYN EDFA; blueprint 7hp Foster showmans (by Hughes); official Foden blueprint of 5 ton wagon. - Ran Hawthorne, 69 West Children, Woodcote, Reading RG8 OSG la 01491 6804841. One only: 9in wide solid rubber tyre, unused, £5; tube expanders, 1 %in, 177ain, set with alternative rollers for 2%in and 2%in; pair lamps 9in high, 3in dia glasses. - Ran Hawthorne, address etc as above. For sale - Robey tandem 7% ton roller, current boiler certificate, new tubes 1992. A small compact roller ideal for the back garden. My protesting joints mean selling after 32 years. Would take a modest sized portable in reasonable condition as part exchange. - Tr 01337 828826 (Scotland). For sale - Richard Hornsby agricultural traction engine, 8hp single, 1890, unrestored. Wantage agricultural traction engine, 8hp single, 1908; an older restoration but with current boiler certificate. Ransomes portable steam engine, c8hp single, complete but unrestored. - Tr 01227 722502.
For sale - steam engine spares: a wide range of new spares, supplies and parts, including injectors, valves, cocks, pipe fittings, level and pressure gauges, tubes, expanders, brushes, oilers, governors, whistles, lamps, packings, hoses etc.( Please ask for list. - 2:e 01227 722502.
STEAMING
Autumn 1995
£3.00 ❑
Carter's Jubilee Steam Gallopers (Braithwaite/Carter) reviewed 38/2
£7.00 ❑
Age of the Traction Engine (Whitehead reprint) reviewed 38/1 Steam Wagon Manual 1918 (TEE)
£5.00 0 £6.95 111
Steam Engine in Industry (Watkins)
£5.99 CI
Jump On, Jump On (Steptoe), traditional £1 9.95 0 fairs and showmen, 38/1 Special Sentinel Works Photos No 1 (Thomas) was £15.95, this issue £12,95 ❑ Scarce The Story of the Steam Plough Works £32.00 0 (Lane), appreciating rapidly! Jesse Ellis and the Maidstone Wagons (Whitehead) Britannia Iron Works (Lane)
£11. 50 0 £28.00 El
Steam Engine Builders of Norfolk (Clark)
£17.95
0
Fairfield Folk: History of the British Fairground People (Brown) Men, Mud and Machines (Sanders)
£15.95
0 CI
Lokomobiler Fran Munktells (h/back; now with English translation) J.& H. McLaren catalogue, 1914, facsimile
£14.00 CI
Angplogar i Sverige (Blom), now with English translation
£13,95
£6.95
0
£7.95
0
continued overleaf
John Ling's Memories of a Travelling Life (FAGB) Lincolnshire Steam in Camera (8onnett) Historic Fairground Scenes (Ware) The Old Guard (East Anglian TEC)
£5.99
0
£9.25 0 £5.99
0
£6.00 0 Instructions, Traction Engines, Rollers (Marshall) £2.00
0
Fowler Steam Cultivating Machinery 1900-1930 E12.95 ❑ (Gilbert) Vintage Steam Owners & Operators in the £2.75 0 Colne Valley (Harding)
n
The Story of the St Nicholas Works (Lane) £29.00 Steam Power Farm and Highway (Sawford) was £12.95, now £10.00 0 Steam Traction in the Royal Engineers (Preston) £4.50 0 Bricks and Rollers (Essam and Freeman) £6.00 0
0
Made by Garretts (Whitehead) Thresher's Yard (Compton) Steam is the Essence (Whitehead)
£2.25 £2.75 ❑ £16.50
Characters of Wood, WurlitLer arid Wesley (Sanders)
£13.95 ❑
•
0
VIDEOS
£12.95 £14.95
Traction Engines: A Technical Insight (VHS 37 mins)
£14.95 All Steamed Up - Fred Dibnah (VHS 55 mins) £12.99 The Ups and Downs of Chimneys Fred Dibnah (VHS 76 mins) £12.99 Harnessed to the Plough (VHS 65 mins) £14.95 First Steps to the Furrow (VHS 60 mins) £14.95 Sentinels on Parade (VHS 45 Mins) Travels with an Old-world Atlas (VHS) Heavy Haulage 1994 (VHS 52 mins)
£15.00 £15.00 £11.00
Classic Farm Machinery: 1940-1970 (VHS 60 mins)
£14.95
To claim post-free for UK members please enclose current membership card. Non-members please enclose 10% part postage per order. Overseas members please enclose 15% part postage per order (European); 20% (rest of world). PO/Cheques (in sterling please) to be made payable to: National Tradtion Engine Trust. Visa, Access and Mastercard accepted; please state card number, expiry date and name on card, or phone 01 582 33971 (evenings only). Orders to be sent to: NTET Sales, 90 Devon Road, Luton, Bedfordshire 11)2 ORL. Please allow 28 days for delivery. Name
For sale - Marshall round makers plate, genuine; Fowler brass oblong headstock plate; Burrell AGE smokebox door plate; mechanical lubricator; Fowler type false cylinder end covers, 14 1/2 in dia x 10in dia; Fowler flywheel hub cap, 7Y in over flange, 5 1/<in bore x 2in; Plastow Burrell drawings, 41/2 in scale single; Foster drawings, 4in scale single; various traction steam and water valves, showmans engine coloured electric lamps, 110V/25W - 27 0121 501 3190. For sale - surplus to requirements: Sentinel DG pressure gauge up to 460Ibs/sq in, will fit Supers etc, £75 ono; Pickering type 3 ball governor, 18in high, £150; Steaming Vol 4 No 1 Special Showmans Issue January 1960, offers. - Peter Bowers 1r 01344 21286 (after 6pm). Book wanted - Wallis & Steevens, A History, by R.A. Whitehead, 1983. - Tr 01244 545672.
For sale - 1920 Aveling & Porter 8 ton roller, single cylinder slide valve. Recent restoration, good boiler and box, many new parts including tender. All history known, current certificates. £14,000, - sr 01977 514521. A Childrens' book A Traction Engine Called SUSIE. An ideal Christmas present - twelve true stories of work and adventures undertaken by a Burrell agricultural engine each with a colour illustration. Includes saw bench, stone crusher and trip on Isle of Wight ferry. Available from J. Walker, Staindale, Michaelstow, St Tudy, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 3PD, price £4.50 inc postage. Wanted - any superheating parts that would fit a Fowler class K compound engine: the tube box castings, pipe cleaning blower valve, and the superheated cylinder top dome cover in particular. - 27 01622 814055. The Iron-Men Album - the American equivalent of Steaming. Subscriptions available at £15.00 per year for six post paid copies. 10%in x 81/, in format, about 40 pages. For further details or subscriptions contact NTET Membership Secretary, John Cook, sample copies available from NTET Sales, £2.50 each. Wanted - set of Aveling safety valves, to suit single cylinder, slide valve, - 'Et 01473 649171 (day), 464954 (evenings). Wanted - parts or information leading to parts for a 4hp Ransomes compound steam tractor; flywheel, crankshaft, cylinder block, motion, road wheels and water level gauges. David Southern, Ballykilty, Arklow, Co Wicklow, Eire (Tr 0402 37366). For sale two manhole door bridges, 13%in wide with 1 %in hole; five Sylvester chain tensioners; quantity used firebars; ten new mud hole gaskets, 5in x 3in. Offers - 12 01977 518905 (Castleford) after 6.30pm. Road Roller Association - for all who are interested in steam or motor rollers, road making machines, practices and history. Quarterly journal ROLLING. Subscription £12.50 per year. - Membership Secretary, Dave Crampton, 6 Norwood Close, Mackworth, Derby DE22 4GA. Firebars cast - to your requirements. Free pattern making: we may have your size in stock. - 2:r Andrew 01694 723139 after 6pm.
Address
Membership No
For sale - Aveling tandem roller 6530 of 1908. This now unique machine with its conventional loco boiler and motion has been restored to rally condition and travels to all its events by road. It is offered with a current boiler certificate and road tax. The engine is reluctantly offered for sale due to a new project. tEr 0114 255 1979.
For sale - Steam Road Vehicles (Meyrick Jones) 1923, £5; No 2 (%in) Buffalo injector £10; Bterell water lift, requires repair £10; pair of water gauge fittings, ;Plain dia glass, %in bsp attachment thread £15_ - G. Main, 27 01604 890801 (Northampton).
refer to recent issues for other available books and club items
Inside Steam - Old Glory/NTET (VHS 60 Mins) Farming with Steam (VHS 48 mins)
Steaming back numbers 1973 to present day, some bound volumes. - John Finch, 'Er 01474 702842.
Amount Enclosed List 34, Autumn 79Vb
The ideal Christmas or birthday present: autographed copies of Michael Lane's steam books - The Story of St Nicholas Works o history of Charles Burrell, Thetford, £20.00; The Story of Britannia Iron Works - a history of Marshalls of Gainsborough, £28.00; The Story of Queen's Engineering Works - a history of W.H. Allen of Bedford, £28.00. Please add L3 postage. Available trom - Michael H. Lane, Street House, Boxted, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP29 4JY (•zr 01284 830264).
Autumn 1,995
STEAMING
TECHNICAL TOPICS Firing techniques Sandy Ross's comments on firing techniques, under the heading of Exhaust Pipes in these columns in the Spring issue, prompts a further contribution from Philip Ogden of Thirsk, North Yorkshire: Referring to the
points made by Sandy Ross (page 88, Spring issue) on the subject of firing, and the recommendation of keeping the fire thickest under the tubes. This is correct for most engines as, with the ashpan opening being at the front, the pull of the exhaust when working hard draws most of the air through the fire directly under the tubes. However, I have seen some old Marshalls with a door at the back of the ashpan as well as the front, so that the direction of the air through the fire could more accurately be controlled. tv1ost Burrell engines, whether fitted with springs or not, had a sloping foundation ring and firegrate, making it easier to keep a thicker fire under the tubes. On my own engine, number 3808, I have fitted modified firebars, increasing the forward slope of the grate, so as to ensure plenty of fire at the front, which is difficult to see through the rather small and inaccessible fire-hole on a Gold Medal Tractor. When working an engine on the road or on the belt one should endeavour to keep the sides and especially the back corners and under the firehole door well filled, and not to have the all too common 'haycock' fire as this may allow strong jets of cold air coming through at the side, and causing cracks round the bottom stays or making them leak.
Flywheel speeds (The subject of flywheel speeds came up in our Spring issue; Hamish Orr-Ewing makes interesting comment: Esmond Kimbell, in his letter
paying respect to the late Jack Wharton, (page 107, Spring issue► , raised the question of whether in the Appleford race he ran a serious risk of bursting the flywheel of his 8hp Marshall, as suggested by Marshalls at the time. Whilst there is no definitive STEAMING Autumn 1995
answer to safe traction engine flywheel speeds, there is a lot of information on the subject of flywheels from which we can draw some tentative conclusions. Machinery Handbook of 1937, pages 312-324, gives the formulae for many aspects of flywheel design. Of relevance to Esmond Kimbell's point are the following: • The accepted Insurance Company safe maximum working speed for a 4ft 6in diameter cast, spoked flywheel was 373 rpm. • Bursting speed when tested to destruction was 395ft per second rim velocity, i.e. over 1600 rpm for a 4ft 6in diameter flywheel. But let us forget this latter figure because, bursting speeds should never even be approached and these tests wouid have been carried out in a laboratory — and quite exciting they must have been! The flywheels would have been tested in ideal conditions, supported by large rigid bearings either side to eliminate all other stresses. This is a far cry from real life conditions of a traction engine flywheel which works in just about the worst possible circumstances. The shaking from the road surface, combined with the out of balance effects of the motion, causes severe stress in a flywheel because the spinning rim acts as a gyroscope; the rim resisting being deflected by the shaking, resulting in the overhung end of the crankshaft and spokes distorting as the rim tries to stay in a constant plane. To these problems must be added the age of our engines with the possibility of unseen hair cracks in the flywheel or spokes, bent crankshafts, etc. It follows that it is impossible to define a safe speed for traction engine flywheels, but the old insurance company figures quoted above, probably for stationary engine flywheels, suggest that normal 'fast' road work is safe enough. All in all it seems unlikely that Esmond Kimbell was in much danger at Appleford if, as I am sure it was, his engine was carefully maintained. Furthermore a ploughing engine, stationary and therefore free from road vibration, would not have posed a significant risk at 450 rpm.
To round this letter off with a personal experience, which must have occurred on many occasions in earlier days, I was sawing, single handed, some 15 years ago with our 7hp Marshall 73901 (pictured, coincidentally, at Weeting on page 91 of the Spring Steaming) when it suddenly speeded up, the governor having seized. By the time I reached the engine the revs were such that it took some determination to climb onto the manstand and, crouching low, close the regulator. The speed must have been far higher that the figures that Esmond Kimbell quotes, but happily no damage was done. This is a reassuring tale, but nonetheless when working with the governor on my own I now always tie a rope to the regulator handle, just in case!
Aveling drawings Sandy Ross draws our attention, to errors in the caption to the drawing on page 18 of the Winter 1994/95 issue, namely the editorial interpretation of the Syston and R&H notes added to the original drawing. We are grateful to Sandy and to Tony Olive (formerly of Aveling-Barford Ltd) for the following:
Syston refers to the hamlet of that name about three miles north of Grantham. It was here that a Spares and Service centre was set up in 1946 by Aveling-Barford and Eddison Plant Ltd; presumably the original drawings, or copies, were transferred there at that time to cater for the continuing demand for spares for Rochester products. The R&H note is less clear cut but presumably of similar reason. Aveling & Porter drawings had passed to the new Aveling-Barford company in 1932, and the latter firm later took over the production of Ruston & Hornsby steam rollers, having become part-owned by R&H as part of the reconstruction. Perhaps Ruston undertook some manufacture of parts and needed copies of the drawings in their possession, but Sandy suggests the reference is to the former R&I-I works at Grantham, immediately adjacent to the LNER main line railway, which was certainly in more recent years an Aveling-Barford spares centre, and may have served a similar purpose before 1946. More please ....
Earlier good response to this feature seems to have dried up. Much experience on matters mechanical is within our membership — please down the spanner for a while and take up the pen. 227
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FOR RESTORERS, DEALERS & MUSEUMS: One of our unique schemes is designed for specialist restorers and dealers and for museum 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 0181 977 9121.
JOHN SCOTT & PARTNERS LTD 'THE FINANCIAL ADVISERS & SPECIALIST INSURANCE BROKERS 9A.1
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KINGSTON OFFICE: IMPERIAL HOUSE, HAMPTON WICK, KT1 4EP TEL: 0181 977 9121 FARNHAM OFFICE: THE OASTHOUSE, PARK ROW, GU9 7JH TEL: 01252 725555 OFFICES IN THE CITY & MARLOW. BUCKS
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