STEA 1 ► G
The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust Vol 58 No 3 Summer 2015
Preserving our heritage with steam on the road www.ntet.co.uk
STEAMING
The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust
President: Andrew Semple Vice-President: Charles Daniel Chairman: Anthony Coulls, 1 Vaughan Street, Shildon, County Durham DL4 1LD (01388) 772213 chairman@ntet.co.uk
Membership of the National Traction Engine Trust is open to all of those who, whether they are engine owners or not, have a genuine interest in the preservation of self-propelled steam road vehicles, portable engines and associated equipment.
Vice Chairman and Engine Owners' Section: Bob Siddall, Stud Farm House, Castle Hill, Carlton-on-Trent NG23 6QR (01636 821991) engines@ntet.co.uk
The annual subscription rate is £30 (£35 to those outside of the EU), The Trust's magazine Steaming is sent free to members during the early part of January, April, July and October. Other benefits of membership include very advantageous terms for boiler and other insurances, advice on technical matters and access to the excellent Driver Training courses.
Vice Chairman and Technical Services Unit: David Smith, Yew Tree Cottage, 98 The Ridgeway, Astwood Bank, Worcs B96 6NA (01527) 893427 tsu@ntet.co.uk General and Company Secretary: Jeffrey Shackell, Thatched Cottage, Lew, Oxfordshire OX18 2AZ (01993) 703375 general.secretaiy@ntot.co.ulc Membership Secretary: Lisa Crankshaw, PO Box 10348, Hinckley LE10 9FB (07935) 312695 membership@ntet.co.uk Treasurer: Julie Smith FCA, Yew Tree Cottage, 98 The Ridgeway, Astwood Bank, Worcs B96 6NA (01527) 893427 treasurer@ntet.co.uk Rally Organisers' Section: Lance Jackson, Mangerton, Lea Cross, Shrewsbury SY5 8HR (01743) 860091 rally.chairfintet.co.uk
Full details of the Trust's activities, officers, news items and many other aspects of information can be found on our website at www.ntet.co.uk
I LZ
•
1011 5A5111.13H01.115514il[1101.51,1541 10155,
NONA 0•50.11.flbeig. •1••• s•••••• tam Ow., 60....pre bAlre J.510 Id. inn
W10.1051.5• 110 Ihe 0001. Of Rood 9.0•••1• 155••••.01,10510 The National Track:. Er0.• .5.5015.55•••••N••••.....1 4•11•1p1•••• WM. P 1•••• ..G orbanlealion Reed 5.01Our or0en•eLlsn
C,nk••• Chobtelir•
Rally Authorisation: Jo Donkin, 16 Wiltshire Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 OEY (01689) 27468 rallies@ntet.co.uk Public Relations and Communications: Matt Shipton, Roadmenders Cottage, 20 Gloucester Road, Stonehouse GL10 2HG (07807) 616320 public,relations@ntet.co.uk Commercial Section: Stuart Gray, 9 Walnut Way, Ickleford, Hitchin SG5 3XT (01462) 431848 commercial@ntet.co.uk Steam Apprentice Club: Elaine Massey, 21 Down Close, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 6NS (020) 8248 6570
Collin.. Club. b 0001•015 Ported 10 5012015
,Z=Z2iVr""" .....:••• ."7....55.50 • bes Wb. 51.
Julv Even1 0051.130 Jun 21115 .0.1 Mean ibunlbs ue booed xs Jun 2015
hivaedetorlilbwm aro
The Steam Apprentice Club is the junior section of the NTET, formed to support youngsters up to the age of 21 in learning about and appreciating road steam. To find out more please contact the chairman (see left) or visit www.ntet.co.uk/sac
NTET General Council: Bob Garnett, Colin Hatch, Richard Hurley, Kevin Munn, Tony Seddon, Joe Black, Paul Davis, Tim Holt, Dan Brothwell, Bob Allison, Nick Bosworth, Kevin Mills, Guy Debes, Paul Cook, John Gilbert, John Wharton, Charles Cribbes, Mark Waite, Bill Evans, Reg Mattless
A hearty welcome to the new issue of Steaming, and an apology for the slight delay in landing on your door mat. I hope that you will enjoy the new layout; feedback, good and bad, will be much appreciated. The rally season is of course in full swing, engine folk are generally cheerful and - at least in this part of the country - the weather has been kind to both crews and photographers. A good gang of regulars have been keeping the Steaming inbox full, but there's always room for more, especially of the more unusual locations and seldom seen engines. I have myself been out and about with the engine and have just got home from a splendid
weekend at Rempstone. This is an event which thankfully allows sensible engine movement and trusts the engine crews to act responsibly. Sadly the news on the steam grapevine is that this is no longer the case at a growing number of other so-called steam rallies, including (even more sadly) some long-established affairs. I and many others feel that a 'zero movement' event has zero attraction, from both the exhibitor's and the visitor's point of view. What do you think? It would be good to hear all sides of this; 'elf & safety' doesn't cut it as an excuse; event insurance providers putting down conditions may do, and if this is the case, is there anything the Trust can do to help? steaming@ntet.co.uk
Above: Mowing the grass will have to wait as Brian Knight raises steam on Fowler BB1 15452 of 1925; the first fire following a full rebuild and much boiler work. (Becca Mills) Front cover: Coaling up at Beamish; Fowler A9 road locomotive 15649 of 1920 prepares for another day. (Ian Cooper) Editor: Kevin Mills, 2 Fydell Row, Morcott, Oakham, Rutland LE15 9DJ (01572 747594) steaming@ntet,co.uk Steaming Around: Dan Brothwell, 214 Stapleford Road, Toton, Nottingham NG9 6GB steamingaround@ntet.co,uk Steaming magazine is published quarterly_ The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NTET. Published by the National Traction Engine Trust Ltd, 4 Church Green Easi, Redditcli, Worcestershire B98 8BT Printed by Hulbrouke Printers Ltd, Portsmouth P03 5HX
From the chairman Anthony Coulls
By bringing in other activities, it also increases the Trust's appeal to the general enthusiast.
2015 is flying by as we head into June. It's been an interesting few months as the Trust has settled into getting the swing of the season with the
Matt and team have continued to run in leaps and bounds with the PR side of the Trust — if only we could turn the Facebook followers into
attendant activities that brings.
members! That said, the Trust has a much higher
For me, the highlights have been the Training Weekend at Astwood Bank and the debut of our new exhibition unit. Both have had their challenges,
profile in social media now, and I do apologise for not posting as much as I perhaps ought. I am also looking forward to putting the NTET member disc
and issues require resolving, but I would like to pay
into the holder on our borrowed Marshall engine
tribute to the hard working officers of the Trust who have worked so hard on both projects — it would
and joining Kathy at Masham in July as we take the Trust back North. Whether Kathy can cope with
be invidious to single out folks, but you know who
my mathematical inability is another thing!
you are.
Matt's pop up gazebo is also meeting with great success and waving the flag for us wherever he goes. I am finding new friends of the Trust
The Training Weekend in particular may have outgrown its current format, and we are considering separating out the road driving
all the time, and there is genuine good feeling towards us out there — we must harness it, and
element as well as perhaps introducing a different "traction engine driving experience" aimed for
continue our openness, but also be there to listen
those who just want to have a go and learn a bit
— and that includes between ourselves There will
about the engines. That way, the Training Weekend can concentrate on those who desire to increase
be times where we don't get on with each oilier, but sometimes a little humility and willingness to go
their technical knowledge and practical capability.
with others point of view helps in the long run.
STEAMING 4
TRUST NEWS Accounts have been approved and I have also represented the Trust in discussions about
stake in the display is not so high. I am discussing the possibility of publishing the
the Association of British Transport & Engineering Museums' revision of guidelines in looking after
amendments and corrections to the late Michael Lane's Aveling book with the compilers of the much
large and working historic machinery. It has been
vaunted errata and signs are positive that we will be able to get this agreed very soon. I hope that
pleasing to be able to point them at the Engine Owner's Code of Practice and say that we are already there in offering guidance. We have
our release of the corrections will encourage sales of the remaining stocks of what should be a much
also been in touch with two television production companies with advice and also a proposed BBC4
sought after publication like the other titles Michael
documentary on road steam has moved forward with a submission to the commissioning editors, who
Mention of Michael brings me to the other
are very keen on the Appleford/Doc Romanes connection. Our relationship with other steam societies
produced. sad duties I have had this year attending various funerals, and whilst I could not make Michael's, I was able to join friends and Trust members at the funeral of our dear friend, and member No. 75,
continues to go well and some very good
John Plaister, earlier in May. We shall not see their
discussions have been had with colleagues at the
like again.
RRA and SPC, indeed with the latter, Stuart Gray & I are meeting with Simon Fisher in July to look at how we can work together in 2016 to celebrate the Steam Plough Club's 50th anniversary at Dorset but in such a way that the NTET's financial
Nonetheless, it does bring me back to sustainability and succession management once more, and I do ask you all to consider how you might help the Trust going forward. In particular we are going to be needing a new Head of Commercial, Head of Technical Services, and Head of Engine Owners Section. If you are
The Trust's annual driving course is described well in these columns, so here are two pictures to capture the feel of a great weekend; on the opposite page, Chris Forbes gets to know McLaren 1295 while below, Paul Davis looks on from Garrett 23922 as pupils recieve instruction on the finer details of using an engine's winding drum. (Elaine Massey and Nick Bosworth)
interested please do not hesitate to get in touch. chairman@ntet.co.uk
STEAMING 5
TRUST NEWS
Together once more Two Sentinels which spent the twilight years of their long, hard working lives at Brown Bayley Steels in Sheffield. SlunduiLl 1408 or 1917 met up with Super 7591 of 1928 at BeamIsh's Great North Steam Fair in April. More on this event elsewhere in the issue. (David Warren)
Technical Services Unit David Smith
from the EIF. It has already been circulated to Authorised Events by Jo Donkin.
The question of whether rates should be paid on green field sites used for events is continuing to cause considerable angst among organisers, particularly since assessments are being
Rates on Agricultural Land used for Non-
backdated to 2010.
Agricultural purposes
While discussions have been taking place with the Valuation Office in an attempt to revolve matters — and challenges are being made both politically and legally — there
In late 2014 the events industry was shocked to learn that the Valuation Office had decided to apply a rateable value to green field agricultural land for the duration of any period that land was being used for other than agricultural purposes. Moreover is the VO is to apply the rates retrospectively to the year
remains considerable uncertainty over the issue, made worse by the Valuation Office issuing 'Forms of Return' to some land owners. Furthermore some organisers have been asked
2010.
for information about turnover which has further
Through the NTET's affiliation with the Events Industry Forum, the TSU has made strong representation on behalf of rally and event organisers where elements of our hobby may be affected. To date there is considerable uncertainty, even within the VO, as to how far reaching the decision to apply rates will be enforced. The following is a statement received STEAMING 6
confused things and we would suggest that this information is not provided at least until this issue has been resolved. Following discussions today, the Valuation Office has now apologised for any confusion caused where landowners have been sent these forms, which they say were sent out in error. Their Central Data Team has been advised to
TRUST NEWS issue any more. The Valuation Office says that the action they are now taking to rectify the error will resolve
gave no opinion as to on what basis. On the advice of others I approached two highly regarded people who were knowledgeable of law as applied to the
the situation, they are happy to talk to any members who have any further issues. The contact at the
transport industry and in particular Drivers Hours regulations, but regrettably despite promising remarks initially they did not provide any
Office is Richard Axford - Tel: 03000
information that I could use as 'evidence'. Having asked the DfT for an extension to the April 30th deadline I did feel somewhat frustrated that I could not put forward a tangible case for asking for derogation on
abort the forms that have been sent and not
500026 - Mobile 07917828713; Email: Richard.p.axford@voa.gsi.gov.uk It would also be helpful if any organisers or venues being approached for rates contact their (jim@tesa.org.uk ) so that we can keep track of the situation. Watch this space.
behalf of our members. Eventually as time had run out I put forward to the DfT a germ of an idea suggesting that
Derogation of LGV drivers' hours for noncommercial activities In March 2015 the NTET was approached by
consideration be given to allowing a limited number of 'extra driving hours' to be accumulated within a monthly cycle whenthose
trade association or the Events Industry Forum
for as far as safety was not compromised
hours related to non-commercial activity. We the DfT advising that 'if there was sufficient await the outcome. tsu(C1~ii ntet.co.uk supporting evidence the DfT would consider applying for relaxation of Driving Below we see our Chairman's steed for the next five years. Marshall Hours Rules, insofar as they engine with affected carrying non-commercial loads to non-fee paying events'. In order to gather 'evidence' required by the DfT I devised a
bhp agricultural 23885 of 1893, an unusual three-shaft set back front axle, is currently in the ownership of Alex Hayward and family. With work taking them to Australia, the Coulls family have the venerable machine in their care - it has already been spotted out and about in the North East. (Anthony Coulls)
10 question Survey Monkey questionnaire and invited anyone with an interest to participate. In summary the results of the survey were unusable as far as providing evidence to the DfT. What became apparent to me was that too many non-commercial drivers had little or no understanding of the Driving Hours regulations. Out of 106 responses only 68 got past page 2 — 'Tell us about you driving and events' and of these only 28 aired an opinion about derogation with mainly commercial drivers saying 'if it isn't broke don't fix it'. However nearly all of the 68 'usable' responses wanted the DfT to apply for derogation but
STEAMING 1
TRUST NEWS Engine Owners Section
Steam Apprentice Club
Bob Siddall
Elaine Massey
A very successful Driving Course was held over the
The SAC have held several successful driving days
weekend of 9th and 10th May at the premises of S E Davis and Co Ltd, Astwood Bank near Redditch. 36 students took part on a cool and
since the last Steaming. My appreciation of the organisers and enginemen taking part knows
blustery but dry weekend. My thanks go to the 14 engine owners who came and passed on their knowledge whilst allowing the students to practice driving their engines. Also a big thank you goes to all the lecturers who did an excellent job. A special mention and thank you should be made to Trevor Daw who has been lecturing at the Driving Course for 26 years. He has now decided to retire, although he has volunteered to assist his replacement next year.
no bounds. These are now our "main events" as trying to host activities at rallies is no longer as straightforward, or even possible, as it once was. As such we do need to offer more of these events and I would encourage anyone who feels that they might be able to host a driving day to get in !ouch. Help and assistance are available, advice, programme and certificates etc can be provided. Lady Sylvia, our 4" Burrell has been out and about promoting the SAC and is running well. She has a new seat to enable an apprentice and an adult to sit beside each other, a better arrangement for our needs.
The biggest thank you must go to S E Davis and in particular Paul Davis for his excellent assistance and Bob Davis for inviting us to Astwood Rank
Summer now, and I really need to ask all of you to remind ripprAntir•as that although it
Their involvement ensures that we have a very
may be hot, they do need to dress adequately
successful weekend and their site ensures that we can operate the course whatever the weather. We have been invited back to Astwood Bank next year
for engines, arms and legs covered, with good footwear.
and the course will take place on 7th and 8th May
The next Steaming will be published in the autumn. The AGM is when we present our
2016.
trophies:
STEAM THRESHING DAY 31 BARDWELL WINDWILL
- A traditional steam working - Guided windmill tours - Freshly baked refreshments - Exhibitors and campers welcome - Entry 64
SUNDAY AUGUST 23K : BARDWELL P31 IAD
enquiries@bardwellwineindll.co.uk
1111131 NEWS Apprentice of the Year: given for consistent effort, dedication and willingness to learn. Technical Achievement Award: awarded to an apprentice who is nominated for engineering skills, and presents good evidence of their activities. Submissions are judged and candidates are usually interviewed prior to a decision being made. If you know of any apprentices that fit this category, then please get in touch with me, but also encourage them to photograph work in progress and write a little about their projects.
Apprentices enjoying their driving day at Bedford - in the foreground, the SAC'S own 4" Burrell Lady Sylvia which has obviously enjoyed a thorough pampering from eager young hands. Thanks to all the full size owners and crews who continue to turn out for these most enjoyable training and play days. (Clive R. Flack)
Public Relations Matt Shipton It has now been a good six months since I took on the role of Head of Communications here at the National Traction Engine Trust. From the outset it was clear that the various lines of communication going forward seemed a little blurred with some confusion on the messages that we as an organisation were trying to convey to the
Trust was concerned. I was a little confused and unsure of exactly where it sat and what it's aims were, which like so many others led to suspicion and a desire to keep at arms length. Having been encouraged to 'stop moaning' and 'get involved', I thought I would give it a go. Nothing to loose and to be honest I have a background in some really dodgy bands that I used to promote many years ago. Shining a good light on something called -->
membership and beyond. Initially I saw it as an exercise in change, but I quickly figured out that like most organisations that are governed by committee, change is often looked at as a dirty word. Brakes were swiftly applied and a change of
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE TRUST
EXHIBITION UNIT MANAGER In late 2014, the NTET invested in a new mobile exhibition unit which has now gone into service for the 2015 rally season. The Trust now require a dedicated Exhibition Unit Manager to handle the day-to-day management and logistics of this important asset to the Trust. The unit manager will liase with the sales manager to book into and attend events and rallies across the country, handling the logistics of moving the unit between events and a secure storage
gear selected. Before I was co opted onto the General Council and Exec Committee, I
facility, and setting up the unit 'on the field'. The unit manager will be responsible for arranging maintainance and repairs on the unit to a budget agreed with the Trust.
was one of those former members who were a little disillusioned by what I was looking at where the
If you are interested please contact Jeffrey Shackell, NTET General Secretary on 01993 703375 or email general.secretary@ntet.co.uk
This is a voluntary role although out-of-pocket expenses will be covered. Ability and correct licences to tow a large 3500kg twin axle trailer would be an advantage.
STEAMING 9
TRUST NEWS The National Traction Engine Trust had got to be
and lines of communication to show the good
easier than doing the same with a band called
things that go on on rally fields, pub car parks,
Cradle Of Filth - surely?
owners yards and most importantly on the
I clearly underestimated the job.
road. Whilst we still work towards converting
My initial drive for root and branch change
a lot of those that are talking about the Trust
has given way to a more subtle, softly softly
into members I do hope the work being done is
catchy monkey sort of direction. If we can
appreciated by the actual membership and that
collectively turn one detractor at a time back
you are happy now to be part of an organisation
around, In turn they themselves by the very nature
that Is Inclusive to all and that In truth needs the
of how this beloved hobby works will inevitably
members support to carry it's remit and aims
become an ambassador for the Trust. Word of
forward.
mouth is the key in my book, and the good vibes
There are plenty of things on the horizon and I
are already starting to filter back and that light
am sure that things will continue to improve as we
that we endeavour to shine has been turned from
move forward. As I implied previously, from the
dip swicthed to full beam, We must remember
outside looking in I thought a lot of things were
though that the Trust isn't perfect, and I am happy
broken beyond repair. To be honest (and I don't
to talk about the good things it has achieved,
mind admitting it) I was wrong. Not a lot was
but equally addressing the screw ups are as
broken at all, there was some collateral damage,
important, if not more so. So here we are six months in. The face of the Trust has improved as we use modern platforms
but it's all under repair and everything just needs steering in the right direction, which I believe is the job of the membership as much as mine.
The new Trust exhibition unit
ti
The Trust's brand new exhibition unit made its debut in May at the Strumpshaw rally. Replacing the larger (and somewhat clumbersome) drawbar outfit which has served us well for many years, the new unit is on a twin axle chassis and specially built to our requirements by Lynton Trailers. Eye-catching graphics, the handiwork of Nick Bosworth, adorn the outside while inside the well-illuminated sales and hospitality area should prove
an extremely pleasant place to browse the latest books, renew your membership or even sign up a friend... (Photos Kathy Smith)
1
From David Collidge's Collection
Burrell 3837, Perserverance, new in September 1920 to J.H. Norman of Norwich before being sold in 1932 to H. Harvey of Redditch. Here it is pictured en-route to the next fair with the Norman family in front of the engine. The majority of this batch of 5 horse showmans road locomotives survived, with only three of the eight not making it into preservation.
Call this particular section of the Trust what you like, Communications, Public Relations or even the Ministry of Propaganda as it was recently dubbed - the idea is that it is two way street, meaning ideas, concerns, problems and even slaps of the back will always be listened to and acted upon. I never thought I would say this out loud but sitting on a fence is actually not that much of a bad place to be at this time, so that is where my team and myself will remain for now and do what we can to promote the National Traction Engine Trust both inwardly and outwardly to both members and non members. public.relations ntet. co.uk
Membership Lisa Crankshaw Well, it's been about a year now since I took on the membership secretary role. Firstly I'd like to thank all the membership for their patience and understanding. Some of you have had membership queries that have taken me a while to sort out and then recently some of you were reminded about payments that you had already paid! Also those who pointed out the date error on the reminder
letter, something we didn't notice and has now, thanks to you, been corrected. I know I've had the pleasure of talking to some of you, but I thought it maybe useful for you to know a bit about me. I'm not going to bore you with my life history, but just a few things to help you get to know me. I've been married to Paul for 5 years and we have a daughter Emily (who is rapidly becoming a steam enthusiast!) Prior to meeting Paul I knew very little about the world of steam, apart from the odd steam fair up at Caldecote and Cadby when I was much younger. It was only really when Paul started to attend the NTET driving course that I became interested. This year I attended the driving course myself and loved it! We are very lucky to be able to be part of the crew of Pedler and help out Tony Harrington and also lend a hand to Tim Bowman with Angelina. I'm sure a lot of you could tell me lots about both engines - far more than I know right now! I work full time in the automotive industry planning legislative test work for prototype vehicles. I've worked in this sector for almost 20 years and spent 8 of those test driving. I'm also a leader in the Girls' Brigade and when I do get spare time (which isn't that often) I love STEAMING 11
TRUST NEWS researching family history. So I am a very busy
hopefully be more durable than the standard card
girl, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Over this first year, I've made changes to the way we run the system. Do you know that on average it takes 4 minutes to process a standard renewal? I've got to know the team in the local bank and post office very well, as I make weekly
you had previously. Those of you who are kind enough to send a stamped addressed envelope, please can you ensure it is DL size (the size that is a piece of A4 portrait folded equally into 3). This is so that I can send out your new card with the NTET
trips. I've had the pleasure of being able to meet some of you and I've also been saddened by those memberships I've had to close because the member has passed away. About half of you by now will have received the new style membership card. This is credit card size and should fit neatly into a wallet or purse and
members 'tax disc' easily. Thank you also to those who are online members and responded to our membership survey. The comments were useful and valuable. Over the next year there will be more changes, some you may not see, but hopefully will benefit all of us. I do love being a member of the NTET, and I hope you do too. membership©ntef.co.uk
STEAMING PAST Our magazine 25 years ago...
The editorial in the Summer 1990 Steaming recorded that the Environmental Protection (aka Green) Bill had been amended so that it could not be applied to traction engines or steam locomotives, the Minister having acknowledged that they "give much pleasure to thousands at negligible cost to the environmen!". The edilur however cautioned that there was still plenty of other historic legislation that could he applied to smoke emissions from our engines with court cases being common in working days. An article from the Commercial Motor of 1907 elsewhere in the magazine however recorded a successful appeal against a conviction for smoke emissions from an Aveling & Porter tractor. One of the main factors seeming to be that T.C. Aveling had given evidence that the engine was designed to consume its own smoke as is supposedly the case with most surviving engines. What those mysterious design features are is not stated there or anywhere else the editor has come across and we all know that they do not always seem to work! Three of the four obituaries covered men who had either owned or driven engines commercially and then became involved in the preservation era — Dan Howie, Wilfred Lane and Red Rawlinson. There can be very few people left for whom the same can now be said. An article covered the history of rollers owned by the councils in Pudsey, West Yorkshire. They started with a Green's 10 ton roller in 1881 which STEAMING 12
was part exchanged with Fowlers for 15816 in 1921, in use until 1954. Then in 1959 another Fowler entered their ownership when donated by Sir Walter Ward to stand in Pudsey Park as a plaything. This is of course No 15752 currently under restoration under the auspices of the Road Roller Association. Steam coal was being advertised at £90/tonne excluding delivery. At the moment it is around three times that, though that amount includes delivery and 5% VAT. By comparison petrol has, perhaps surprisingly, little more than doubled. Is this greater increase in coal process why the £60/day appearance money recommended by the Engine Owner's Committee at the time a figure that is still seldom met? Stuart Gaines
eritage
Stearn .4 Division
0,
SUppr
les
Industrial Roilerhouse Supplies Ltd.
Unit 34 Brunel Way, Segensworth East, Fareham, Hampshire P015 5SF England
www.heritagesteamsupplies.co.uk PRODUCT CATALOGUE PRODUCT CATALOGUE
COMPOUNr STEAM CYLINDEOL T
MRIA. COLDER Hill
=7:
PRODUCT CATALOGUi CATALOGUE
• FOR MORE INFO
1:1
PRODUCT CAT/ PRODUCT C AT) PRODUCT CAT, PRODUCT CAST' PRODUCT CAT/
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ORDER YOUR FULL CATALOGUE
Traditional leaded and 'National' Fusible Plugs Fine Gi aphirc Fluke
Ftrll r,rigo of leaded aneNational" Fusible Plugs with Cemmi 'Button"
nI & Brass Tube
Cleaning Brushes for Models & Miniatures
MORRIS LUBRICANTS
D' Handle Kit For making up Tube Rods of any length
Heritage Steam Supplies
Tube Bi ushes &'D' Handle Kits
P, ett ,'67 Supplier of Cassic Steam Oii P Lubriccirila
• Sovereign Straight Steam Cylinder Oil Golden Film • Sentinel Crankcase Oil • Steam Car 1000 • Mainline 1000 • Ankor Wax & Ankor D • Drum Pumps & Pourers
• Developed by Rolls Royce and manufactured under license. • Non-Flammable, Easy Partability and Non-Hardening. • Thread Connections & Flat Face Joints. • Resistant to lubricants and coolants.
UNIVERSAL STEAM OIL • Suitable for steam at 180psi • Non-Staining • 1L Bottle with pouring spout • No need for seperate cylinder or bearing oil.
=
All Major Credit Cards Accepted
1113
%
1 1
Secure Online Payment Powered by Cayl Minimum Order Charge 010.00 +VAT Inc VAT & UK Mainland Only, Maximum Shipment Weight 30kg
MANUAL DRUM PUMP
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS
II
pay
Contacts & Opening Hours Sales Office: 01489 570737 (8 Lines) Fax: 01489 570767 Stuart Gray: 07785 258169 E-mail: sales@heritagesteamsupplies.co.uk
Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:30pm Saturdays 8am-1 2 Noon
Unless otherwise stated an prices exclude VAT I E & 0,E,
t1I
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE TRUST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2015 The 2015 AGM of the NTET will be held on Saturday 21 November 2015 at the Thistle Aberdeen Airport Hotel, Aberdeen. Some fantastic visits are being arranged and a special rate has been agreed with the Thistle, which can be booked via www.thistle. com/NTET. Further details will be published in October's Steaming. Formal notice of the meeting, along with the Agenda, Report and Accounts, together with the names of those standing for election, and an Appointment of Proxy form, will also be distributed to all members with the October Steaming. Any member may submit a Motion for discussion at the AGM. All such motions must be in writing, and signed by a proposer and a seconder, stating their respective Trust membership numbers. Under Article 16 of the Trust's Articles of Association, items for discussion must reach the General Secretary, Jeffrey Shackell, on or before 10 October 2015 in order that they can be published
in the Agenda. Members retiring by rotation, after their three year term of office, are:- Charles Daniel, David Smith, Elaine Massey, Antony Seddon, Paul Davis, Nick Bosworth, Kevin Mills and Guy Debes. All are eligable for re-election. Tim Holt also retires but does not offer himself for re-election. A nomination form is published below and may be cut or copied from this magazine, or even written out on plain paper. All nominations should be sent to the General Secretary, Jeffrey Shackell (address below and inside rear cover) and must be recieved on or before 10 October 2015. The names of the nominees will be included in the published Agenda to be distributed with the October magazine. Those standing for election will be required to provide a brief introductory profile of about 150 words, outlining themselves and their interests.
• ************************ •••••• • • • • • • • • • • goo m v m m fli•••
a NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE TRUST • • Form of nomination for election of Vice President, Vice Chairman, • or member of the General Council • (delete as appropriate) • • • Name of Nominee: • • Membership Number: • • Address: • • • • • • I agree to accept the nomination for this office and if elected serve the Trust • and abide by its constitution. • • • Date: Signature of Nominee: ▪ • Membership No: Signature: • Proposed by: • Membership No:..... Signature: • Seconded by: • Send form along with a brief introductory profile to: • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
■ • •
fit NTET Secretary, Thatched Cottage, Lew, Oxfordshire OX18 2AZ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • OOOOOOOO • • ******** • • OOOOOOOOOO • • •
Scottish Fowlers Seen resting at the BA Stores working weekend are two Aberdeenshire-based products of the Steam Plough Works. K7 ploughing engine 15405 of 1925 is one of the younger Fowler ploughers to survive; alongside stands 1908 R class agricultural 11594, superbly restored some years ago by Steve Wing and now owned by Mark Allan. (James West)
CHUFFS • Spotted lurking in the Black Country: a certain East Midlands based ERF (with more than one tea making connection) fetching home an Aveling & Porter living van. Restoration is rumoured to have been fastracked following a tent pole disaster on the Strumpshaw rallyfield...
• Charminster resident Barbara Beeston celebrated her 90th birthday recently - by fulfilling a long wish to have a ride on a steam roller. David Loader and his charming little 1922 Wallis Oilbath were only too happy to assist - and got themselves photographed for the Bournemouth Echo with it...
• Fancy driving a Garrett tractor... and a selection of narrow gauge railway locomotives on
• Congratulations to several members who recently recieved awards from the Transport Trust. Charles and Robin Daniel from Cornwall picked
the same weekend? Bressingham Steam Museum
up a mightily-well deserved Lifetime Achievement
are offering all of the above on their 'Ultimate
Award, while Trust chairman Anthony Coulls
Steam Driver Experience' on 14-15th September. Ring 01379 686900 for more details...
was presented with a Restoration Award. This takes the form of a monetry donation towards a
• One of the most admired 6" scale miniature engine designs - the Burrell Devonshire of Chris Lord - has been given a new lease of life by Little Samson Models. As well as the original SCC agricultural engines, there are castings, drawings and many parts now avaliable for DCC machines, third speed options and the 5nhp road locomotive. www.littlesamson.co.uk has all the info...
project, in this case Anthony's living van and water cart... • The oldest steamable Aveling & Porter steam roller, 2018 of 1884, comes under the hammer at Kivells' 10 October sale at the Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre. The 10 ton single has been with the current owner since 1970 and wears some delightful maroon paintwork that dates back to early preservation days...
ntetshop Many books, DVDs and other items of interest to traction engine enthusiasts are avaliable from the Trust Sales section. Members are urged to take advantage of this service (which also benefits Trust funds) for troublefree and economical shopping. Mail order, via the address at the bottom of the page, is now joined by our online store
at www.ntet.co.uk/shop
Traction Engine reading
Road Locomotive Society Archive series The Traction Engine Archive Vol. 1 The Traction Engine Archive Vol. 2 The Traction Engine Archive Vol. 3
£17.00 £26.00 £22.00
Photographic albums Traction Engines At Work in Cambridgeshire £19.95 and the Isle of Ely Mike Dyson The Great Dorset Steam Fair 1989 on Paul Stratford
£14.99
Sentinel Works Photos Vol. 2
£20.00
Aliens of Oxford Jonathan Brown
£27.00
Malcolm Ranieri Nostalgia Collection albums
Brown & May Ltd Lew Bedder
£32.00
50 Glorious Years: The story of the County of Salop rallies
£19.50
Burrells of Thetford Aveling & Porter of Rochester Fowlers of Leeds Garretts of Leiston
£5.99 £5.99 £5.99 £5.99
Preserved Steam Powered Machines Hanavy
£9.99
Threshing Days William R Anderson
£9.99
Traction Engine Museum Guide
£8.50
Herberts of Dorchester Kay Townsend
£8.50
The Steam Age
£9.99
Traction Engine Register
£8.95
Trust Items
Threshing Machines Trevor Gregory
£27.95
60th anniversary Road Run programme
£2.50
Steam at Southbrook (NZ)
£23.00
60 Years of the NTET
£5.00
The Story of the Invicta Works history of Aveling & Porter Michael Lane £30.00
DVDs The Stanley Steamer
£13.50
Introduction to Boiler Maintenance & Inspection
£8.00
Steaming binder, 12 copies (Up to Vol.23) £7.00 Steaming binder, 12 copies (From Vol.24) £7.25 NTET Members Badge
£2.60
NTET 2000 showman's badge (boxed)
£2.95
NTET traction engine lapel badge (boxed) £2.95 NTET Foden wagon badge
£2.95
To claim UK post free purchase, just do the
A Life With Steam Joe Challis
following: • Write your name, address and order • Enclose your current NTET membership card • Make cheques payable to National Traction Engine Trust £27.00 • Send your order to:
Driving and Operating Traction Engines Mike Dyson
£25.00
Portable Engines Trevor Gregory
£24.95
Thomas Green & Son John Pease
£18.00
Jack Hampshire classics I Worked With Traction Engines Memories of Steam Rallying
NTET Sales, Mrs K M Smith The Cottage Main Road New Bolingbroke Boston, Lincs PE22 7JU
£7.95 £7.95 Card purchases (£10 minimum) can be taken over the telephone - tel. 01205 480836 after 7pm. Non-members or overseas members add 10% for postage.
kr *
Drivers' Certificate of Competence Voluntary Scheme
Examination Syllabus For The
to take part. The feedback shows has it has given
scheme was
NTET's Voluntary Traction Engine Driver
them great satisfaction and those I have spoken to
introduced
Competency Certificate
who have completed it by the examination route
it's detractors
The scheme is very much alive and people continue
enjoyed the day. Some members may not be aware that I am
When the
shouted long and loud, we were apparently working to a number of
now managing the competence scheme. Thus
secret agendas, none of which I am aware of! Well
anyone who currently has paperwork outstanding
I wouldn't be - they don't exist! The scheme proved
needs to remember to send it to my address not
most useful on the occasion of a meeting which
to John Durling as detailed on the older forms.
took place in the Swansea offices of the DVLA
We are continuing to offer the experienced based
about 3 years ago. There were representatives
scheme at present as well as the the examination
of Federation of Historic Vehicle Clubs, Historic
route.
Commercial Vehicle Society and the Trust. There
If you are considering the experienced based
was a proposal to increase the driving license
scheme you will need to prove you have at least
requirements for various classes of vehicles -
750 hours experience of engine work as well as
including engines. The scheme was very useful in
answering the question paper. The examination
illustrating to the officials that we were working
route is open to all ages and lower levels of
ourselves to maintain the standards of driving
experience. We have assessors dotted around the
competence for our very specialised vehicles and
country who will be happy to visit you to do the
it helped to convince them that they did not need
assessment. It is not set up to be full of tricks and is
to take any further action. It must be good for the
not a particularly formal affair, more a detailed
long term future of our movement if we can keep
walk around the engine to test your knowledge of
up the momentum on the competence scheme.
its structure and fittings as you raise steam, some manoeuvering tests and a road run accompanied by your assessor. Apprentices can take the test however it needs to be remembered that a site will be required where they can be seen "roading" the engine if they cannot drive it on the highway.
If you want to know more or would like to become certified (!) please get in touch. Andrew Semple Linden lea, Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire SY9 5HB 01588 630664 - sempleaj@aol.com
MAN OF STEAM
GILES ROMANES John Reeves
and Giles's Wallis Eileen the Erring, were present at the reunion of 2000, as was Giles himself, who
Readers will, I am sure recall the splendid
drove his old charge in the re-enacted race on the
'Reunion' organised at Appleford by Jeff Shackell
recreation ground at Appleford, a mere stone's
in the summer of 2000, to celebrate the fiftieth
throw from the Carpenter's Arms where the 1951
anniversary of the famous 'Wager for Ale' of
firkin's contents were shared after the race.
1950, when two young Oxfordshire farmers,
Giles Romanes, generally known to most
Arthur Napper, and Miles Chetwynd-Stapylton,
people in the steam world simply as 'Doc', is the
raced each other on their respective Marshall and
elder statesman of the modern traction engine
Aveling traction engines, the prize being a firkin of
movement, though he prefers to think of himself
beer. Following a second race, Arthur Napper was
as 'the survivor'! After a distinguished career as a
contacted by Giles Romanes, a young eye surgeon,
highly respected surgeon, he lived for many years
who issued a further challenge, of which more
in retirement near the Dorset coast at Portesham.
later. Sadly, neither Arthur nor Miles is still with us,
(More recently he has moved to live closer to
and the latter's Aveling, Ladygrove, is also long
the family near Edenbridge in Kent). However,
since gone. However, Arthur's Marshall, Old Timer,
'retirement' was something of a misnomer in Giles's case, for when I met him to discuss
At the end of the June 21st 1951 race, landowner and judge Lord Nuffield congratulates Giles on his second place! A hot bearing on the Wallis had led to an enforced stop, giving Arthur Napper the advantage. (Giles Romanes collection)
this article, it was at his 'town house' and surgery in Dorchester, where he still saw the occasional patient. —>
STEAMING 18
mNn 111r it I ERIN
-•.. C Jr.r•
MAN VF STEAM Giles was born in Dublin, but spent his childhood at Dunmow in Essex. An old Etonian, he began his education at a pre-preparatory school in Switzerland, then preparatory school in Hampshire. However, his interest in steam goes back much further — in fact, for as long as he can remember. "I was always besotted with traction engines and steam rollers. I remember being taken for walks by my nanny. We'd go just over a mile to Duton Hill; just beyond that, on the main road, so-called, they were mending the road, with, of
On the race field at Nettlebed. Wallis Expansion 7683 forms the backdrop to (left to right) Joe Kingdom, David Smith, Fred Ham, Giles Romanes, Tom Fisher and G. Denman. (Giles Romanes collection)
course, a steam roller. No traction engines passed our house, so I would
beginning of the Second World War, he obtained
persuade Nanny to take my sister in the pram, and
a job driving a second threshing set. "They wanted
me walking alongside, to the roller. She didn't mind,
to get the harvest in quickly, as there was a fear
cis she could chat up the steam roller driver!" Mind
that if it were left stacked, it might he destroyed
you, in a typical example of Giles's humour, he
by enemy action, by incendiary bombs. A scratch
suggested that there might be a more fundamental
team was put together; I, a student, was one, there
medical reason why he developed his passion
was a Cockney dealer, a jerry-builder and the
for steam from such an early age. "Now this is a
steerer and feeder was a regular worker with the
hypothesis. I was born in Dublin, in a private house,
firm. That was near Stebbing. We started at 6am,
brought into the world by an obstetrician. No you
and I would cycle ten miles. I got up at half past
must bear in mind that there were no throw-away
four to get there in time to get steam up. It was
instruments in those days, everything had to be
good fun. We went on till it began to get dark at
sterilised. When the surgeon injected me, I suspect
about eight o'clock. We worked all day, and the
that there was still some steam left in the syringe,
local brewers profited! I was paid 1 /1 d an hour,
so I had 'steam in the blood' as they say from the
and a farthing 'quarter money'; I forget how many
very beginning!" Next door to where Giles lived, there was
quarters a day we did." And the purpose of this work? Well, partly so that he could obtain a more
a man with a threshing set — a Garrett engine,
effortless form of transport to his bicycle. "It took
and drum. "He was a farmer, and in the twenties,
me the whole of August, I suppose, perhaps a little
farming was not up to much, so he operated the
bit more, to earn the 16 guineas to get a James
threshing set 'on the side'. When I got older, and
Autocycle. It served me very well, it did nearly 100
more independent, and had a bike, I was allowed
miles per gallon, petrol was not easy to come by;
to go on cycle rides, find out where the set was
but at least I could get around."
working, and talk to the men. When I was old enough, I was allowed to fire the engine, stationary,
Prep school - Highfield - was at Liphook, though, of course there was no steam attraction
then eventually he coached me in driving it. His
at Hollycombefor our young pupil in those days.
name was Fred Townsend." This experience was
There, and at Eton, he had to wait until holiday
to stand the young Giles in good stead, for at the
time to return to his beloved steam engines. He
STEAMING 20
MIIII ur 0 I CUM does recall an occasion when two traction engines came through Eton from Slough, heading for Windsor. One did go over the Windsor bridge, but the second was stopped by the police and sent back. One tale that Giles told me, with an Etonian connection, was of an event that occurred some twenty years on, after he had qualified and lived in Bray. An Etonian Housemaster's wife, Grizel Hartley, contacted him, and invited him to lunch — "And you must bring the engine". It turned out that
was 7nhp Wallis & Steevens traction engine (no 7683), Eileen. She came, in 1948, because it was my intention at the time to make a collection of the four different types of engine that were used on the land — the single cylinder, the single crank compound, the double crank compound, and the 'Expansion' type." Eileen was to be the example of the latter kind in the collection. She had been owned by Don Wootton during the war, and named after his daughter; in fact, she still carries
it was the anniversary of an occasion when she and a partner had taken part in a treasure hunt, where their task was to find a steam roller, and bring it
the `H.W.A.C.' plate from those War Ag' days. He told Giles she was for sale, at he put in a bid for £50. This offer got him the engine in working order, and Don Wootton showed him how to drive it home, which in those days was in Basingstoke. Later, when he moved to Bray, Don Wootton again helped with moving the engines. Giles drove the
back — which they did! The first engine that Giles owned was the little 1936 McLaren tractor 1837, nowadays called Bluebell, and owned by the Coulson family. The last engine of that make recorded in the present day `Traction Engine Register', it was bought by Doc out of a field from its owner Don Wootton, for all of £195 — which was quite a lot of money in those days. Don Wootton was an independent threshing contractor with the Hampshire War Agricultural Committee. Giles told me, "I had that engine for a number of years, but I really had my eye on the Wallis tractor I now have (2694 Goliath!), which
McLaren most of the way, and Don helped him drive the Wallis. Whilst Giles was living in Bray, one day, Tom Fisher came over. He said, "I've finished restoring that little engine. I'd like to go for a drink on it on Sunday mornings. It's a two speed on steels, and your McLaren is three speed on rubbers. Can we
do a deal?" They did a straight swop, and, of course, Goliath! is still a member of the Romanes family and has been rallied all over Britain, with was in the back yard of Tom Fisher at Earley, trips to Eire and the Continent thrown in. Note the Reading. He would not sell the engine because exclamation mark after the name — every other he wanted to restore it himself. My second engine engine that has carried the name Goliath has been a very large Well, it was a wager for ale... Giles enjoys a pint with Arthur Napper. (Giles Romanes collection) machine; the little Wallis is one of the smallest full size engines in existence! Another instance of Romanes humour ..... Giles told me that he had found the little McLaren difficult to handle; if it did not have its full 200 psi pressure, it would not pull. The involvement with Arthur Napper and their own 'wager for ale' came about almost by chance. The 1950 events at Appleford had been reported in the Daily Mirror, and a good friend, Fred STEAMING 21
MAN OF STEAM behind Eileen. We went round the town on the one way system as it was then, to get water from the river. A police car came along, and they asked questions of Joe Kingdom who was driving the McLaren that we had also taken along. Joe tried to stall, then they came to me. When they learnt that there was another engine on the road, they hared off. But when they got to Nettlebed, Arthur had just got into the field!" The Appleford reunion in 2000 saw many of the engines and personalities from 'the early days' reunited - here, a somewhat more sedate race is started by the late John Crawley. Doc is on the Wallis. (John Reeves)
Ham sent Giles the relevant cuttings. Fred Ham worked for a company whirh produced medical equipment, amongst which was apparatus for dealing with detached retinas. Fred would take the apparatus to hospitals, operating it for the surgeon, and as the operations were always done under a general anaesthetic, Giles and Fred would occasionally 'talk steam'. He asked Fred to help him move the engines from near Basingstoke to Maidenhead, and he did. On receiving the newspaper cuttings, Giles decided to issue a further challenge to Arthur Napper. "I wrote to him, thinking that he had a 7nhp engine as I did, and we later met at Arthur's home, Bridge Farm, Appleford. He took up the challenge and we decided to handicap the engines by making them travel sixteen miles to the place where we would race, which turned out to be at Nettlebed, half way between Bray and Appleford. On the way there, to get water at Henley, we had to go down a 1 in 6 hill, which I had never done before. I was not sure whether the coefficient of friction would get us down safely, so I got a patient of mine named Hacker, who made radios, to work out what it was. He did so and it seemed alright. Now Fred Ham had brought a motorbike with him, which was in the trailer STEAMING 22
In actual fact Giles was summonsed for carrying the motorbike as cargo — an item that was not required for agricultural purposes, or for the
engine. Later, at Henley Magistrates Court, he was fined twenty pounds. The local paper in reporting the case, used the lieudir le, "Eileen Ihe Erring". This so amused Giles, that he immediately changed her name adding "the Erring" to her smokehox nameplate, an amendment she carries to this day! The fine, incidentally, though a lot of money, was nothing to what it might have been, as Giles explained: "The
MAN OF STEAM maximum penalty was three times the difference between what I had paid for a licence and what I should pay. It was a nine ton engine, and it was ten pounds a ton — so that would have been three hundred pounds as near as dammit. Another result was that Ian Fleming wrote about it in the Sunday Times, pouring scorn on the police and the authorities. The result was that since then everyone has gone on an agricultural licence until they were cancelled, so as I only paid twenty quid not three hundred, I reckon it was money well spent" The race duly took place on a fine summer's day, Sunday 21st June, 1951. The participants had discovered that the field was actually owned by Lord Nuffield, who actually came along to witness the proceedings and was asked to act as judge. By the appointed start time of 11 am, Old Timer still did not have enough steam; the decision was taken to drop the fire and start again. A shovelful was taken from Eileen's firebox, and in about threequarters of an hour, Old Timer was ready to go. In the ensuing race, Arthur and Old Timer pulled ahead, and Eileen was trailing, and a little short on steam by the turning point; to add insult to injury, a bearing began to run hot, and Giles had to stop to oil it. As a result Old Timer won the race. Giles had arranged with the landlord of the Bull at Nettlebed that a firkin of ale he available, so all repaired to the hostelry to celebrate. The three 'wagers for ale' were the start of steam rallies as we know
races as increasing concern was felt about the strains imposed on engines, particularly on the flywheel, by relatively high speed racing. In fact this was brought home to Giles when on a visit to Basingstoke to obtain some spares, he met Mr Horne, who was the senior draughtsman at Wallis & Steevens and had designed the little 3 ton motor; he had actually worked out the stresses in flywheel rotation. The limiting factor governing the speed of an engine was in fact the exhaust pipe; after a certain speed, the engine was incapable of getting rid of the exhaust steam quickly enough, and effectively choked itself. All the same, in Giles's race with Arthur, he had practically no fire left in the grate at the end of the run! In 1954, Alastair Dacre Lacy was instrumental in setting up the National Traction Engine Club (now Trust), and Giles became, and still is, member no. 2. He also became the editor of its newsletter, Steaming, building it up from a couple of sheets, to a magazine, which is now, of course, one of the very best of its kind. Recognising his contribution to the road steam preservation movement, he is now President of the NTET. When he first moved to Dorset, the late Jack Miles approached him and invited him to be President of the Dorset Historic Vehicle and Steam Club. As a result of this, he was
For many years Giles has been associated with the Crcat Dorset Steam Fair. At the 2008 'recreation' of the original show, he joined show boss Martin Oliver and recreation organiser Stephen Hubbuck for the opening ceremony; a job Giles also had at the original 1969 show! (John Reeves)
them, as well as the catalysts for more people to become involved with the preservation of steam engines. The year after Arthur and Giles's race, the first Appleford Rally was held at Bridge Farm on June 8th 1952, and amongst the ten engines present were Giles's Eileen — now the Erring, and his little three ton Wallis & Steevens tractor, Goliath!. From that day on, the Romanes engines were regular participants in the new rallies, no longer STEAMING 23
MAN OF STEAM an hour with Giles and Goliath! in his early
days, learning not only engine maintenance and handling, but more technical things such as boiler tube replacement. One feature of this delightful little tractor which has always intrigued me is the tiny brass monkey perched on the front of its smokebox. What was its origin? Giles explained. "When I was a young doctor at East Grinstead, I went out one evening for a meal with a group of The little Wallis gets a lift at Dorset 2008! Both engines - the Fowler is the late Len Crane's famous 17212 - are no strangers to each other having travelled to many of the same events all over Europe. Giles produced his pilot's licence for the occasion - see opposite page! (John Reeves)
involved with the setting up of the 'Great Working of Steam engines' at Stourpaine Bushes in the late sixties, and was one of its original Directors. Giles always enjoys telling me, as a member of the Somerset Traction Engine Club, that the one of the most embarrassing experiences of his rallying
dental department and secretarial staff. During the course of conversation, the old adage about brass monkeys and cold
weather came up - which in fact I had to explain to them. I though it would be a good idea to have a brass monkey on Goliath's! smokebox, as the monkey could then tell me if he wasn't warm enough! To my delight,
days occurred at one of our early rallies at Ash Cross, Thornfalcon near Taunton. Someone told him
a member of the dental department made me one using the 'lost wax' system, and it has been on the Wallis ever since." In fact, when Jimmer Marsh finished restoring his little 'Oilbath' tractor, Gunner,
that for the engine parade, crews were to wear
Giles presented him with a replica, one of two that
fancy dress. Accordingly, he and his son dressed up
black mask. I think my son might have blacked his
Alan Fry had made for him. That now travels on the front of Jimmer's Wallis. The second went to a young Dutch lady, Carolina Schriever who owns a similar Wallis 3 ton tractor to Goliath! Yet another
face. The holes in the mask were very small, so it
now adorns the Brackstone brothers Wallis 5nhp
was difficult to see to drive the engine. When we drove into the ring, everyone fell about laughing;
tractor, 7881 Little Atom.
as the Black and White Minstrels. "I had a St John blazer, and we took sticking plaster on it. I wore a
when I took off my mask, I realised that we were
I am sure that not many readers will be aware that Giles also owns an aeroplane, and has held a
the only ones dressed up. The whole thing had
civilian pilot's licence for as long as he has owned
been a massive wind-up" My apologies on behalf
steam engines. The plane, which he keeps near the Hardy Monument, is a rare little Piper PA15 Vagabond, new in about 1946/47. It was the first
of the club!!! Giles has always been keen to involve young enthusiasts with steam engines, and can regularly be seen training members of the Steam Apprentices Club (the junior section of NTET) at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Ammer Marsh, one of the most skilled and knowledgeable of our younger steam engineers and drivers spent many STEAMING 24
of its type to come into this country, brought in by an American Travel Agent. Giles bought it soon after, and later improved it by adding a second set of controls. He has flown to France and the Mediterranean in it, and now his two grandsons are also qualified to fly it, so the tradition goes on.
MAN OF STEAM
Finally, I suggested to Giles that he and his fellow traction engine owners of fifty years ago could not possibly have even imagined the
Dorset 2014, and Giles addresses the gathered crowd in the NTET marquee as the Trust celebrated its 60th anniversary. The engine is Giles' old Wallis - Eileen the Erring. (John Reeves)
situation that we now have, with so many engines preserved, and
scrap value in those days, the realisation dawned
restored to such a high standard, as well as the
that anybody could do this sort of thing. That has
interest, and the variety and number of events
branched out into motorcycles and old cars and so
that take place each year. "Because we ordinary
on — I like to think that we were in the vanguard,
chaps had steam engines, which we could get for
and showed that it was possible to take part in heritage in its best and widest sense, and of course to use the things and make them usable, rather than have them sat in museums. Until that time, it was only the very wealthy that owned old cars, or collected antique china or furniture, but we showed that this sort of thing was within the reach of everybody. I think that it has enriched the community." What more need one say? One certainly cannot disagree with that, except perhaps to comment that it is a typically modest summing up by a delightful pioneer of our preservation movement. My thanks to Giles for all that he has done for our hobby over the years, and for so willingly giving me of his time to tell me of those early days. This article originally appeared in Vintage
Spirit magazine and we thank the publishers for permission to reproduce in Steaming.
STEAMING 25
These four pictures from the collection of David Collidge give a
1979
flavour of the rally scene back in 1979. Above, taking part in a road building demonstration at the original 'Dorset' site of Stourpaine Bushes is a very spick and span looking Robey tri-tandem 45655; a long way from its lolier workiiiy-duy liuuiils of Ilie eilibluyilic wok)! wuy Hui woi k. Standing out in the rain at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu is Foden wagon 10788, still looking quite superb after
ftwoomplgi
LEE
WIrrATEILYLE's 11 pit)PACKET SUGAR.
PEASE & WANDLE WHARF IVANDSWORTH- SAWA 1101.1
tiT
24t0
13 OL I 1•4 GT3R CIKE ILAOL-',err H. EP T ON gi SON, NEW Okylois,,, es, ,,.. ligli iftWir
. .,
,0k
. .h• 1 igir J, ._. ,, , ,__ _ .
_.....
,,,/,.. --.tti:•---._7---•--)„,,„ -
the full restoration given by the owners, Tate & Lyle. Still in their ownership, the Foden can be seen today at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland, where it has been on static display for some years. Back to Stourpaine above, and a well known little engine in Lincolnshire and beyond. Foster three speed tractor 14639 stands in the fairground, showing off the pneumatic tyres gained during the latter days of commercial work. Below, you could be forgiven for thinking this was a working days scene as McLaren ploughing engine 1541 rests awhile at an unknown event. After many years with the same owner, the sole survivor of a 12nhp Mac plougher now resides in Leicestershire.
A series of 'idle and pointless' researches by Roger Mills, set off by photographs in his collection The other day I was sorting through a packet of pictures which for some unaccountable reason I'd got it firmly in my head were Anderton & Rowland based - anyway the initial sift produced a couple that proved particularly interesting. Now it may be my innate denseness but details in a shot can often blind me to the obvious, so as I ran the lens over the print it only slowly occurred to me that a) the engine was a Wallis & Steevens and b) as far as I knew A&R didn't own one! So it was on the platen, the scanner wound up to Spinal Tap's number 11 and what emerged was
quite fascinating. The canopy sides carried the legend 'Mrs A Lock & Sons Amusement Caterers Plymouth' and yes it was definitely a Wallis, works number probably starting with 7 but certainly christened Queen Elizabeth on a cast name plate under the dynamo which is permanently wired to a terminal block, unusually at the front of the bracket. Atop the upturned crate at the front is a model traction engine while behind is a frame truck also carrying the name Lock and the time of year seems to be early spring. What really attracted me were the mirrors — presumably to allow the driver to see what was going on - something I've never seen before. In both are clearly reflected a set of gallopers with the side sheets on. So far so good but then I recalled that there'd been an article about Mrs Lock in the Fairground Mercury illustrated with a rather tired looking Noah's Ark — how long ago? Was it BLE or ALE? (Explanation - I tend to date things either before I left the education world 18 years ago!) After mentally tossing a coin I guessed BLE so picking up an ale I started at 1997 working back. After hours reading bits and pieces on the way I found the answer in Volume 17/3, 1994. The Wallis was 7192, a seven horse from 1912, ex S.IKeast of Wadebridge and converted to showman's form by Mrs Lock-nee-Gess.
STEAMING 28
WASTING TIME But even better the article carried a picture of Lock's Burrell 2874 Prince of Wales purchased in 1922 and photographed at Bideford that year. And in front was the same packing case and the same model engine - all standing alongside a set of gallopers with the side sheets on. Like the Wallis she's on iron, which has the high polish of hard use
Smart, Billy Watkins, Raymond Beardow, Charles Hart, J Messham and eventually Frank Lythgoe before returning to Plymouth with David Rowland in 1993. Another session of searching found my one picture of them at Marlborough — near enough to Pewsey in all conscience - in 1995.
Burrell appears to have it dynamo permanently
So there you have it. Time wasted? Maybe, especially if the details are already widely known to all but me. But the wasting was fascinating
wired to the headlamps as if they were electrically lit on the road. Was this typical?
and it just shows what even pictures with no accompanying info can yield!
on the rough old roads of the time. Incidentally the
So the next question was obvious — same day? Well there are more people in the Mercury shot but, yes, the chap by the wheel and the one by the model are in both and in the same clobber too! Anyway a sudden thought took me back to the packet and a rather muddy 'nth generation copy' snap I'd discarded earlier. Similar analysis revealed, yes, this was the same Wallis from the flywheel side but much later. Now, wheels rubber shod, the canopy's lettered for 'Locks Flying Chairoplanes on Tour' and at some point it appears to have received a new chimney cap. Only a single headlamp is carried and a number plate added with the registration CR 5862 — the right letters for Basingstoke. Finally I recalled that the three abreast, which still survives, had a widely roving subsequent career going to Black Bros of Pewsey, George
Clockwise from opposite top: Queen Elizabeth showing her shiny strokes and the mirrors referred to; close up detail of the mirrors showing the gallopers; in later years and on rubbers - any idea of time and place? And finally that super old miniature, still in the family according to the Mercury. (Roger Mills)
STEAMING 29
' For one weekend in May the grounds of Bressingham Hall once again echoed to the chuffs, whistles and ringing gears of visiting engines. The current management of the Bressingham Steam Museum, encouraged by the road steam volunteers there, organised a revival of the Traction Engine Gatherings which were once a regular feature - and thanks to the good offices of John Riley we were invited to attend with Village Queen. This was my first visit to Bressingham, and while I had been told there was nothing to see anymore I found the exact opposite. First the 'outdoors' exhibits. The engines had been arranged very nicely facing the museum buildings, with various living vans, trailers and water carts parked on the grass behind. Two of the museum's own road engines were in steam; Garrett 34641 is a nice example of the erstwhile No. 4 compound steam tractor which looks spot on on steel wheels and with mellowed paintwork. I was fortunate to be offered a spin round on her and she is an engine full of character. The second machine is the super Burrell single crank compound portable 2363; a big old 10 horse job but with lovely proportions. This engine has
Bressingham Bash
relatively recently returned to steam after a long slumber in the museum buildings. On the Sunday, the Sentinel DG4 bus 8714 which is on loan from the Saunders Collection was in steam and giving rides.
Key Mills and Paul Cook report on the start of a road steam revival at this iconic museum STEAMING 30
Next up, the visitors. Two had roaded in from the Charles
Burrell Museum at Thetford; 8 ton roller 4061 was restored some years ago but still looks good, and is now seen more regularly out and about thanks to a madkeen crew. The other engine was Queen Mary, the late Viv Kirk's Burrell showmans 3833 which looked just right standing alongside the museum's gallopers. From just up the road, Danny Wheeler brought the family's Ruston & Hornsby traction 113043 Oliver which looked very spick and span and sounded lovely. Then there was us, with Brian Knight's Robey tractor 33957; apart from a short spell in the 70s with dealer Cliff Aldrich, I'm not sure if Village Queen has ever spent much time in this part of the world but it was certainly nice to take her to such an iconic place in the traction engine world. Last but not least, a former Bressingham resident was warmly welcomed back after some major boiler and mechanical repairs. Fowler AA 15237 Cissie was sold along with her paired engine at Cheffins some years ago, where many commented
on just how worn out they were. Simon Cruikshank and helpers have put plenty of work in and the result is an engine which runs very nicely indeed. The rest of the resident engines live undercover in the museum buildings. I made an immediate beeline for one of my all-time favourites - I met Fowler B class agricultural 6188 of 1890 back in 1996 at the Great Dorset's Fowler gathering. For the interested observer of ancient Fowlers this old lady has quite a few differences to any of the other surviving engines of this era. Also of interest is the welding in the firebox which dates back to early preservation days... things sure were different then! Looking much smarter than it has done for years is the little Robey tandem roller 42520; the only one left, so I'm told, with all motion covers and guards intact. Nearby and standing underneath a replica Doran Brothers sign are three engines. The former Dorms' Burrell roller 3962 Boxer is a super little 8 ton single boasting a full canopy and the sort of weathered paintwork you just can't buy in a tin. Foster 2821 is a
STEAMING 31
IllitlitilMhilii.
nice earlyish example of the classic Lincoln-built traction engine while alongside her stands the
Bressingham shed.... well, I am a Sussex lad. Bressingham was for many years run alongside
first arrival at Bressingham back in 1961 - Burrell
founder Alan Bloom's nursery business, and the
3112 Bertha. This is a nice 7 horse single crank
roadways through the now disused nursery gave
compound, very typical of the area she worked and is preserved in. In one of the rail sheds, John Riley's usual steed was undergoing preperation for the hydraulic test. This is the museum's 12 ton Burrell roller 3993, a handsome double crank compound job with Rutty scarifier hanging on the side. Of course there is plenty of other steam interest; the narrow gauge railways have engines in action and the range of standard gauge locomotives in the sheds is quite impressive, though your editor has to admit that the extent of my rail knowledge runs to knowing a little about the Brighton Terrier undergoing repair in the
STEAMING 32
IMMINGHAM us a nice circuit to stretch the engines' legs and get some photographs alongside the narrow gauge line - credit to Paul Cook, who as well as taking the pictures you see here, did top crewing duties on Village Queen and brought along his own restored Field Marshall. It was a great weekend and once home I was inspired to re-read Alan Bloom's book, Steam Engines At Bressingham (Faber & Faber, 1976). It really is a great read. The enthusiasm which shines through this book is still evident in the Bressingham volunteers, so
Bressingham Steam Museum
hopefully the museum management will consider
Low Road, Bressingham, Norfolk IP22 2EA
running some more events along these lines in the
(01379) 686900
future. Just a suggestion, but what price Bertha or the old Fowler towed out into a nice setting, with an
www.bressingham.co.uk
oily rag ablaze in the smokebon...?
HETHERINGTON OIL CAN COMPANY (
1 PINT POURER
4
1 LITRE OIL BOTTLE
‘1
3,4
1 LITRE POURER
TEL: 0044 (0)1938 850 393 EMAIL: enquiries@hetheringtonlamp.co.uk
10 PINT OIL Bo-FELE
THE GREAT NORTH No, not the Horsham-based Fowler of the same name, but Beamish Museum's annual Great North Steam Fair. Held over four days in April, the event is rapidly becoming a must for many enthusiasts. Invitation only for exhibitors keeps
' 0
the engine line up vibrant and different from year-to-year, and the superb settings of the museum's town, village, mines and extensive roadways are a gift to both photographers and engine crews. This year, local engines from Northumberland and County Durham were joined by travellers from Aberdeen, Nottingham, the Fens, Stamford, Wales, Yorkshire and Lancashire with a good cross section of engines and types represented. Details of the 2016 event will be revealed towards
Michael Charlton and his immaculate Burrell 2093 on the perimeter road (above), while the Sentinels of Mark Allan and Richard Straughan take a rest in the town. (Rebecca Mills)
the end of summer.
TARMAC ow. or
STEAMING 34
ETTI1 5SHALL
LIMITED, WOLVERHP PION
BEA
Many engines overnighted in the museum's railway yard - like most of Beamish a wonderfully authentic setting. Above, Henry Netherway prepares Aveling roller 8550 alongside the Ingall family's McLaren 7110; below, Henry is framed by (clockwise) the Jennings Bros' Meting I ulleo 5598, Puul ahuley's fowler 17106, the 'Northampton' AI!chin roller 7131 and Brian Knight's Robey tractor 33957. (Rebecca Mills)
STEAMING 35
your restoration projects are all welcome. I would
TEAMING AROUND
particularly like to encourage news on activities in Scotland or Wales, namely as I know that plenty goes off across the borders, but we rarely here of it, particularly in Scotland with our forthcoming AGM in November being held in Aberdeen. I'd like to wish all our members and those non-members
4 4
reading this, a good rally season this year and to
.
try to find a quiet five minutes between re-packing
•
-
Edited by Dan Brothwelt
that gland, or cleaning the engine down between events to try and drop me a message and let us all know what you've been up to — emails to steamingaround@ntet.co.uk.
Now that we're all back out on the road and
NOTE: The information within this section is only
beginning to enjoy the summer rally season, I'd
as accurate as what we are provided with. Any
like to thank those of you have helped to create
discrepancies are purely incidental and I will try to
the information I have been able to compile
ensure accuracy where possible.
for this issue, I would like to encourage more members out there to contribute to this section in
Contributors to this issue: David Llewelyn,
order to help it grow and hopefully become more
Dun Gricing, Colin Harris, Bob Moorman, Pete
interesting to our readers. Any little jollies out or
Humphries, Sandstones, Bob Siddall, Kevin Mills,
small gatherings are welcome, any updates on
Nick Timothy Bosworth, Andrew Semple, Anthony Cowell, Matt Shipton, Neil Thompson,
Making its debut this season is a wonderful restoration of a colonial traction engine. Fowler 9691 of 1903 spent her working life in Australia; here she is on the first public appearance at Dartford, Kent in May. (Bob Moorman)
Peter Heywood, Hockley Heath Steam Association, David Marsh, Jack Hardman, Thomas Baines, Dr Allan Marchington, Jonathan
STEAMING 36
Wheeler Weston, North Staffs & Cheshire Traction Engine Club. BEDFORDSHIRE In May, our thoughts were being sent out to Nigel & Robert Emerton after they were involved in a traffic collision with their Aveling 10 ton roller. The incident involved an empty coach, destroying the water cart and ex Beds County Council living van. The roller is reported to have suffered little damage. Nigel has suffered a broken shoulder blade but is on the road to recovery. Robert suffered bruising. Both have
Some fresh coal onto a good fire adds a bit of smoky atmosphere us Fowler roller 17071 hurries along en-route to the Chipping Steam Fair. (Phil Steer)
been shook up by their unfortunate experience and it is hoped that both recover to full roading fitness once again. Unfortunately one of the risks we take every time we go out on the roads with our engines... BERKSHIRE Carter's Steam Fair saw Fowler road locomotive 20223 Supreme road over from Witney with Stuart Oram's Savage of Kings Lynn light engine. Additional engines joining in the fun of the fair at Pinkney's Green were Burrell showmans' 3836 Starlight, 2894 Pride of Worcester and Garrett tractor 33374 Verify. CAMBRIDGESHIRE The Marchington family have expanded their collection of engines and in May acquired Fowler Tiger showmans tractor 14412 Tiger and Burrell Special Scenic Showmans engine 3909 Winston
by the Downs family of Essex and used with their Gallopers. Speaking with the Downs family, it is said Iliui Mrs Downs used the engine as transport - to go shopping when the fair first arrived In a town! The engine was brought into preservation in the 1950's by Mr Harris of Poole in Dorset, who under Alf Pepper's guidance restored the engine. Burrell Special Scenic Showmans engine 3909 was delivered new fitted with crane and exciter dynamo, to Albert Holland (Holland Bros.) of Swadlincote, Derbyshire in 1922 and named Prince Albert. The engine was left in a quarry by Holland Bros in the late forties before being rescued and restored by Eric Middleton. For a number of years the engine has been owned and cared for by Neil and Freda Corner, and has been looked after by Vince Allen. The engine has been maintained in excellent condition. Much work has been undertaken over the
Churchill. The Tiger tractor was built for Banbury Haulage Co, and delivered new June 1918 as one of the first batch of 14 Tiger T3 tractors built by Fowlers. In the 1930s 14412 was purchased by Greenways Amusement Caterers and converted
winter on the Marchington's other showman's engine - Fowler A8 class 13922 Girlie. After receiving a new firebox, boiler and additional work including new bearings and some gear work, the engine is going back together nicely and is now on all four wheels with only the
to showmans specification with the addition of extended canopy, twisted brass and dynamo bracket. In the 1940s the engine was purchased
remaining top-works to be fitted. It is anticipated Girlie will be back in running condition for next Season. STEAMING 31
Richard Gregory's Fowler 8hp B3 traction engine 8635 Blackjack has spent the winter having a facelift and minor mechanical overall. This has involved new piston rod, little end, big end, cylinder end cover and cross head replacement. Upon closer inspection it was found that the old crosshead, presumably the original, was heavily cracked. The end cover was replaced by the correct casting as it was found that the old one was a two piece steel fabrication. In addition to this, a new chimney and the smokebox has received some attention at Israel Newton & Sons premises. Richard would like to give thanks to SAC member Thomas Fields-Pattinson who has done all the machining and setting up of the engine, Dan Brothwell and the Israel Newton team. In addition to this Steve Hardy's Fowler 14758
Tasker B2 chain drive tractor 1697 recently returned to these shores following a spell in the Netherlands. The three-speed machine is now resident in Shropshire - our picture was taken at Riverside in April. (Brian Dobbs)
CHESHIRE Over winter Richard Metcalfe has treated Fowler showmans' 15375 Supremacy to a new set of boots. The old rubbers were getting extremely tired and although its nice to see an engine in what could be classified as working clothes, it was felt that it was better to keep the tyres on the engine rather than lose any whilst out on the road. Engines at Smallwood event over the spring bank holiday weekend (23-25 May) were Aveling 10905, Fowler 9187, Davey Paxman 16849 (Sunday only). Byley Rose Day on June 13 was a lovely little village fete, a 1 day event and a cracking do organised by Alison and Graham Morrison. Engines present were the lovely old Wallis & Stevens T169, Aveling 10072, Aveling 10905, Aveling 11024, Clayton 48232, Fowler 9187, Fowler 17071, Foden M8562 sporting WD livery, Garrett 34084 - and Tony and Sarah Seddon popped in briefly with Aveling 8401 on their way north to Cheshire Steam Fair. DERBYSHIRE John Bosworth's Foster traction engine 14410 Sprig and Marshall roller 82842 Coolie went for a run to Horsley for Drive it Day, and on May 13, Sprig took a Groom and his Best Man to a wedding. STEAMING 38
The Iron Duke is only weeks away from being
steamed once again for the first time in at least 20 years - and the first time on English soil for 30 years! The engine has undergone a full and thorough restoration and is hoped to be out and about on the rally fields very very soon. Steve has been very grateful to Thomas Fields-Pattinson, Matthew Healey, Colin and Graham Brothwell, Richard Gregory, Simon Atkins and lastly Dan Brothwell for all the hard work that has gone into the engine over the last 18 months. It is hoped now that the engine will get out and about, with all the hard work paying off to those involved. Guy Debes has managed to get Clayton & Shuttleworth 6hp traction engine 43194 of 1910 stripped down and assessed for repairs. The works required on the engine aren't as bad as originally thought and it is hoped that the engine will be back in service later this year. Elsewhere within the county, Jack Hardman has been recreating days gone by with his Aveling & Porter 7nhp single traction 8597 of 1915 Maud Foster. Jack discovered that Jubilee
locomotive 45690 Leander was heading The East Yorkshireman (Manchester - Scarborough) excursion through Chinley. Jack also drafted in the assistance of a couple of friends with vintage cars (a Riley Kestrel Sport Saloon of 1938 and an Austin 7 Sport of 1935) and motorbikes in order take the scene back those glorious halcyon days. The results can be found on YouTube: search for "45690 Leander in the Halcyon days — The East Yorkshireman 2015". On a slightly different note, Michelle Maris and Dan Brothwell have recently taken ownership of an Aveling & Porter 3 berth contractors van. The van is believed to be circa 1920s and was still fitted with its original Aveling & Porter stove, although upon removal it was found that this has suffered and is slightly worse for wear. Michelle, Dave and with some assistance from Michelle's nephew Charlie have assessed the van and begun making tracks into the restoration. The week leading up to the Belper Steam Rally was glorious. However around half seven on the Friday evening, the rain set in and it was set till the Saturday afternoon. Some of the engines had fires in them during the Saturday of the show whilst
Cope's Fowler Tiger 14805 Lord Doverdale and Ian Strange's Garrett 33632 That'll Do roaded over from Cromford — unfortunately not all in convoy. John Bosworth's Foster 14410, Cliff Rogers Marshall roller 82842 and Dan Brothwell & Michelle Maris headed over with the Brothwell's Ruston & Hornsby 115100 Hi!dary from Ilkeston. Mark & Emily Hilditch roaded in with Dave Crampton's Wallis & Steevens Advance roller 8099 Chichester from Derby via Wirksworth to collect the living van and their nephew for the trip. Ian Durling also roaded in with Andrew Hall's Wallis traction engine 7008 Eileen.Other engines in attendance were David Palmer's Ruston, Proctor 33189, The Hurley family's Marshall roller 78572, and Amber Valley Council's Aveling roller 2957 in the care of the Cook family. CO. DURHAM NTET chairman Anthony Coulls & family have recently taken a five year custodianship of Alex & Rosy Hayward's 1893 6hp Marshall traction engine 23885. With the help of Michael Davison, Phil Doran and Andrew Cook, the engine was delivered to Anthony's workplace. Anthony is hoping to be on the road with engine heading over to Masham rally in July. Meanwhile Anthony
others remained sheeted up from the elements. The event did quite well for engines arriving under their own steam rather than on the hack of a wagon. Peter Green with Jack Hardman's own photographic charter is described in the Derbyshire notes; here we see a still from the resulting (and brilliant) Burrell 2933 Marmaduke headed YouTube video. The traction is Jack's Aveling 8597; the locomotive over from Chesterfield; Richard LMS Jubilee 45690 Leander; supporting cast is a 1938 Riley Kestrel Gregory with Fowler 8635, Dave and a 1935 Austin Seven special. Great stuff! (Ian Hardman)
STEAMING 39
a bigger event could be staged in the surrounds of the historic docks in the future, something former South Cerney steam section organiser Matt Shipton has been hinting at for a while now. 32969, is of course owned by the Scourfield family from Pembrokeshire who have kindly loaned the Shipton Family Countess to run alongside Fowler roller 15813. The engine is proving to be a big hit in the area, which included a lot of after dark Always well turned out is the last steam roller to be built at Rochester. Aveling-Barford 14187 of 1937 is an example of the AD type introduced in 1930. (Paul Cook)
activity late last year at various Christmas events. including a week-long stay (with 1581 3) in Gloucester Quays Outlet Centre.
continues to the repair and restoration work on his Aveling & Porter roller 3315 of 1894. Drive it day this year saw the Brothwell's Ruston
There is plenty more activity planned for both engines this year including a few pub runs, which will be staged by the newly
& Hornsby 115100 Hildary with Michelle Maris &
formed `Severnside Preservation Society', details
Dan Brothwell at helm, go out and tackle some of
of which can be found via search on Facebook.
the local terrain aong with Michael Davison, Phil Doran, Andrew Cook and Marshall traction 17134
HAMPSHIRE
Mary Margaret. The engines set off from Beamish
At Twyford Waterworks Spring Rally, full size
Museum and headed over to the Tanfield railway,
engines included two Garrett tractors. John and
then proceeded back to Beamish. It's little wonder
Mary Rackham's showman's tractor Lady Olivia
that these boys won The Wirksworth Assessment
was one of 16 convertible 4CD tractors that went
Trial when you see just a hint of the terrain!
new to Walter Odham in 1920. She was later
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
entering preservation in 1954, after a number
converted to showman's form by William Summers Following a few steamings around the yard -
of working owners, at a cost of £40. Malcolm
including two successful boiler tests - Fowler 15813
Hudson's 1919 tractor 33782 Dorothy was new
and Garrett 32969 took to the roads between
to William Flowers in Berkshire for timber work.
their base in Stonehouse to Gloucester Docks over
Ian and Eric Best's Wallis & Steevens roller 7779
the Spring Bank Holiday for their attendance at
Sir Lancelot was as well turned out as usual. An
the 2015 Tall Ships Festival.
interesting selection of miniature steam included
The event is a huge undertaking and attracts
Steve Chambers and family's Steam Traction
many thousands of visitors, many of whom welcome
World 4" Burrell, a beautifully finished example,
the sight and sound of some road steam at the
complete with water dandy and just completed
event. The National Traction Engine Trust was
well trailer with dummy load doubling as
also represented at the event with the debut of
passenger seats.
the Top Up Stand', which proved popular with
Amongst the entries at May's Hollycombe
members and non members alike. As a result of
Miniature Steam Gathering were Andy Donovan's
attending the festival, there is a good chance that
very impressive half scale Burrell Devonshire
STEAMING 40
Engine scratch-built over four year and based on the Lincoln Plans. Once built it was dismantled to be painted with lining out by Adam Meredith. This delight was joined by Richard Perkins' half scale chain drive Clayton articulated outfit — a full fourteen foot long when shown with the trailer — built by Steve Clarke; McLarens were represented by road locomotive Prometheus, Brian Brook's three inch scale road loco based on Boadicea. Keith Tilstone's Foster agricultural was scratchbuilt by Bill Newcombe and completed by Chris Ardite; next door was Stuart Howick's Burrell built from the Plastow design over a period of five years and making — as these plans do — a very pretty engine. As is so often the case many of the entries were buzzing around the large site making a complete listing impossible and it is also likely that
The rolling hills of the editor's home county make a picturesque backdrop as Tom Smith and Sarah Worbey pilot Marshall agricultural 43560 towards the market town of Oakham. (Paul Cook)
the entry on the second day would have been different.
to Brighton on the A23. A notable first for a
HERTFORDSHIRE
to a drive through McDonalds in Thornton Heath!
miniature steam engine may have been the visit Timothy Watson and crew set off, in pouring
Their route followed over the very hilly Sussex hills
rain, from St Albans at 06:00 on June 13 with
on the B2036 — the main road might have been
their 1/3rd scale Burrell Scenic showmans road
easier — but much less pretty, to arrive in Brighton
locomotive Frederick. Their route took them up to
at 01:30, with the last four hours with the lights on!
London on the A5, where they had an unscheduled
The engine didn't miss a beat for the whole
stop because of the atrocious road surfaces in
journey and they maintained the same fire.
North London. An unseen pothole in the road
Clayton Hill was the last main challenge and was
was hit at some speed and stretched the steering
taken in second wheel with a few sparks out of the
adjuster linkages on one side: they had spares,
chimney. The final run into Brighton on a deserted
but refitting the new chain slowed them down a
A23 was accomplished at great speed (for a
bit. They passed by a very congested Westminster
miniature). The team consisted of Tim Watson
Abbey and Houses of Parliament, then down
and Steve Traill on the engine, with Mike Randall
STEAMING 41
and John Traill in the close support van. Tim's wife Cecily, who has Parkinson's, and Tim's daughter where in long-range support. After sorting out the engine and team, Tim's head finally hit the pillow at 04:00, exactly 24 hours from when he got up. Tim would like to extend thanks to everyone who has made a donation to Parkinson's UK (www. justgiving.com/Parkinsons-miniaturesteamrun) for this odyssey with a miniature traction engine and of course any readers who wish to donate, please go the link as provided or see the NTET website for more details. ISLE OF WIGHT Attending a new, free gate, vintage gathering at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in May was Peter Taylor's Wallis & Steevens 8 horse single which is still, at least according to the smokebox door, technically owned by the Basingstoke company. One assumes that the final payment was indeed obtained from first owner, Watson Garbutt of Seamer! Now named Pride of Bangbourne she's the earliest of only four survivors of the 8nhp size fitted with patent Expansion gear.
brought the crowds out to see the various attractions, which this year included a free fairground with a big wheel, chair-o-planes and steam driven gallopers, all of which were full most of the day. There was a good line up of road steam organised by the resident steam club; the Hopper family had their Marshall portable 20146 of 1891 driving a threshing drum, Colin and Vicky Hazlehurst had their Marshall 6nhp portable 44110 of 1905 driving a saw bench and their Aveling & Porter roller 10399 of 1922 was also in steam. Colin had persuaded his brother John to bring Wallis tractor 2758 of 1904 painted in Pickfords livery and Marshall 10 ton roller 79597 of 1925, both from Lincolnshire. Among the other exhibits Colin Wheeler was driving a stone crusher with his Foden 7536 of 1917 and Peter Haining had driven over from Hadlow Down with Sentinel tractor 9097 of 1934. The last two engines, after the rally, drove over to Hadlow in Kent for a small road run held in April to the pub in East Peckham. Other engines joining them were Ian Gilbert with Foster tractor 14739 of 2007, Duncan Pierce with Fowler road
loco Endeavour (14754 of 1920), and on its very first road run Roger Luck and Simon and Melanie Fisher's Fowler 6nhp A4 traction engine 9691 of 1903 which survived the journey and performed well. It is thought that this was the first time the engine had ever been A genuine convertible engine - Aveling & Porter 6943 of 1909 is one of the few preserved with both sets of wheels. In tractor for m she is seen driven on tarmac and been fired here on the streets of Dartford in May. (Bob Moorman) on coal, as its life in Australia was spent mainly driving a pump while burning KENT Chatham Dockyard held its annual rally over Easter in unusually warm sunny weather which
wood. The wheels still have the rivets proud of the strokes. While at Hadlow progress on Paul Ransley's Fowler ploughing engine 1908 of 1873 could be seen; the large crank shaft brackets have been fitted and the firebox is being riveted in, when completed the cylinder block can be bolted on and the tube plate riveted in. On the second weekend of May the STEAMING 42
annual rally and road run was held in Dartford to commemorate Richard Trevithick, who is buried in the town, organised by Colin Wheeler, a very good turnout of all forms of transport greeted the visitors including a good variety of road steam and a large number of steam models. Dave Main was driving Colin's Foden wagon 7536 of 1917, John Hughes brought his Wallis & Steevens 8 ton Advance roller 8033 of 1930 up from Chatham, Nick Seymour made a rare appearance with his Fowler showmans type engine 17502 of 1928 Sir Bernard along with his organ, while Martin Jones had his
Looking different without the canopy is Burrell 3808. The Gold Medal tractor was spotted running around topless at Chipping in May, following the fitting of new gears. (Phil Steer)
bushes. The engine was stripped immediately
5nhp Aveling & Porter 8632 of 1915 which was converted from a roller several years ago and now has a crane jib attached. Two engines were driven over from Essex; Roy and Ruth with Fowler road loco 12754 of 1912 Nightmare and Burrell 8nhp single cylinder traction engine 3882 of 1921 The
after the NTET road run and reassembly took place just in time for the Chipping rally in late May. The work was completed by George Hudson who is also making a new tender for Burrell roller 2649 owned by Brian Rawstrone from Cleveleys. Another Lancashire Burrell roller, 2642 Ethel is
Lurcher, both engines later driving on to Hadlow
slowly being rebuilt having been re-boxed by the late Mark Filer. A new engine into the area is Marshall roller 79087 Jane, originally restored by the late Len
Down rally. David Rushton drove his Aveling & Porter convertible 6943 of 1909 Daisy to the rally, William Pierce brought Fowler Endeavour and Fowler 9691 of 1903 made its first appearance at a rally. On the Sunday all the engines went on the road run around the town pausing for the Mayor to say a few words outside the pub where Trevithick died and then back to the overnight stop and home. Fowler 9691 gave several people an uncomfortable ride due to its unworn strakes but, by the look of them, it will not be long before the rivet tops will disappear giving a slightly better ride; apart from that the engine performed well. LANCASHIRE Over the winter Burrell Gold Medal tractor 3808 Laddie has been fitted with a new rear axle, a full set of new gearing, differential rebuild, crankshaft grind and recut splines, and all new bearings and
Crane and now owned by the Wainwright family from Mellor. She was delivered to Chipping steam rally and shortly afterwards a small steam party was held at a pub near Mellor with the Marshall roller, Burrell GMT 3808 and Foden D type George owned by Mike Wilkinson. An afternoon road run and hill climb was followed by a meal in the pub and enjoyed by all. Lee Chadderton purchased Aveling RC10 roller 5446 of 1904 from Andrew Jackson of Ely, Cambs, in April 2014. Andrew was almost at the end of a full restoration of the roller which had stood in a playground in Collier Row, Romford, Essex for twenty years before being rescued for preservation in 1973. The engine under Andrew's ownership received a new barrel, front tubeplate, throat plate, back head repair, re-tube, new STEAMING 43
Two of the Hinch family's Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies engines parade in the ring at Carrington. 5 ton tractor 39149 of 1928 follows 6nhp compound agricultural 37087 of 1923. (Paul Cook)
tender, new front axle, new chimney and smokebox and all but one of the non ferrous parts needed replacing. When Lee purchased her she still needed all the pipework fitting, new reach rod to be made, new drive pins, new simpling valve assembly and a thousand little jobs such as gland packing etc that seem to take forever. She was successfully hydrauliced in August 2014 and was test steamed on 8th November. Two weeks later she moved under her own power for the first time since 1953 when she'd retired from the Essex Steam Rolling Association - she was built new in 1904 for Wrexham Corporation. Her first rally was at Ashley Hall near Altrincham over the May Bank Holiday, the first rally the engine had ever attended. She covered the twelve miles there under her own steam with no problems.
LEICESTERSHIRE Andy Collyer and crew had a trundle around the roads of Leicestershire on Sunday 24th May on his Aveling & Porter BSD type roller 9024 Rosetta STEAMING 44
of 1919. The engine is new to the
county having only been owned by Andy since September 2014. It was new to Shropshire County Council on 21st July 1919 and is believed to have spent its working life there. In
1967 it passed through the hands of dealer Mr. Nash of Wednesfield and then had several owners including a retired headmistress, Mrs. Francis Bates who named the roller Rosetta after her mother. Andy has rallied at Quorn, and Market Bosworth so far this year and intends to show the Aveling locally as often as possible. A new arrival in the north west of the county is Fowler A9 road locomotive 15462 which joins Arthur Henton's stable of engines. Arthur acquired the engine, which older members will remember in John Connor's ownership, from the Middlewood family in East Yorkshire. The 2015 season in this area commenced at Easter with Road and Rail Steam, held in the former goods yard on Loughborough's Great Central Railway. Amongst the dozen road steamers on site were Mick George's Armstrong-Whitworth roller 10R2, Aveling roller 9024 of Andy Collyer and Michael
Beeby's Clayton traction 44103 in the care of team Wright. At this event Bill Ford, GCR's top man, was reunited with Fowler traction 14600 Victoria, now also with Arthur Henton. This engine arrived in Leicestershire in the mid-1950s with Bill's late father, Jack Ford, who with Bill rallied the engine extensively in the area until the eighties. More recently the Fowler has been in West Sussex where it received a full restoration. Another heritage railway in the county is the Battlefield Line at Market Bosworth. The station yard played host to a miniature steam rally in
sale; the big compound was previously with the Birch family in Kent and prior to that, in Australia. From the Baines shed... Ruston, Proctor & Co compound portable 52173 has been stripped for rebuild. The owners are keen to hear from anyone with a 1 2hp Ruston portable to make drawings for a pump pattern to complete the restoration. Fowler AA7 15355 of 1919 has recently been purchased from Derek Marder and will be given a full rebuild. Ruston & Hornsby roller 122282 has had repair works undertaken by Brian Allison Engineering although will not appear back out until Thomas has rebuilt his Ruston living van to tow
late April, with three large road steamers joining in. Andy Collyer's Aveling 9024 was joined by F
behind!
type Aveling roller 11240 of Phil Bates and Arthur Henton's Allchin traction 1261.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE On a sunny Friday in mid-May, Bob Siddall's Babcock & Wilcox roller 'Toby' and six very nervous individuals took their 'C' Category driving
Mark Johnson has completed the repair work on the engine of his Sentinel Super 7651. Mark intends to ott!=1,-!th!.‘ Sentinel gathering at Onslow Park in August. LINCOLNSHIRE Changing hands within the county is Fowler DNA roller 16979 of 1927, previously with Steve Ross and now owned by Mike Palmer. Mike has also recently acquired the 1 2-inch-to-the-foot replica Ruston SD 3 ton steam tractor which was so excellently built by Colin Dix. St. George's day saw five Midlanders take on the challenge of their Group G test. John Cook, who looks after Amber Valley Council roller Aveling & Porter 2957, Alex Savoury who is currently restoring Ransomes 27014 Cambrian (along with David Hurley), Nick Bosworth who needs very little introduction, David Hurley owner of Marshall 78572 and lastly Dan Brothwell all undertook the challenge on David's Marshall. All who took part on the day passed with zero faults. The examiner coincidentally had been testing for over 30 years arid ihis was the first time he had
test in Nottinghamshire. The first candidate was able to explain to the Examiner that although the roller had a parking brake, the approved method of preventing movement was to use a wooden chock as a more positive and reliable method! As the morning wore on successive candidates were hemming even more nervous wondering if the Examiner was working on a 'quota' system where he needed to fail a proportion! However, in the end all six candidates passed and can now dispense with the 'L' plates. The owner then had the opportunity to drive the roller on his own, a situation that had seldom occurred in the recent past due to practice sessions for the driving tests and was much enjoyed. Well done to Emily Drury, Matt Alcock, Keith Stenhouse, Naomi Stenhouse, Charlotte Briers & Dave Briers. David Shelmerdine's Fowler plougher Lion is currently undergoing restoration work. The engine is having some new bearings made ready in
carried out a group G and he subsequently retired
preparation for next years Steam Plough Club anniversary. It is unsure at present if the engine is to receive a cosmetic restoration at this point
six weeks after testing our merry gang of roller
in time or if Lion will come back out in working
drivers.
clothes, as seen at Rempstone's Fowler special back
A steam roller to come back into the county after a spell in East Yorkshire is Fowler 15942. For many years this machine was owned by Ron
in 2013.
Heugh; it now lives in the Market Rasen area with Pat Allen and Monty.
OXFORDSHIRE The Witney gang have been out and about with Fowler B6 Super Lion 20223 Supreme. It is also
Albert White was the successful bidder on Foden
understood that the engine is set to be making a
showmans style engine 1423 at Cheffins Spring
welcome return to the Banbury Steam Society's STEAMING 45
Robin Williamson and team have completed the overhaul of 1932 Fowler roller 19356 by refitting the original Fowler canopy. This single cylinder DNA class machine has in recent years had a full boiler overhaul. SHROPSHIRE Earlier this year, Bob Bailey of Horsehay took receipt of Sentinel tractor 6426 after acquiring it from Dave Maris of Chesterfield. It Cinderella, Aveling & Porter E type 10906 of 1924, returned to steam last year following major boiler repairs. The 10 tonner is seen here setting off for a run around the lanes of Shropshire; in the background is an example of the contemporary rival product from Leeds, Fowler 10 ton DNB class roller 17022 of 1927. (kin Cooper)
is understood Bob has already conducted a few road tests with it, and Edward Goddard has been on hand to assist. Bob's Foden D type tractor13784 has now changed hands and moved to the Yorkshire area.
rally 45 years after making her first appearance there. Supreme is of course currently being exhibited in the format of a road locomotive, which the engine spent the majority of its working life as, and is every bit a credit to John Wharton and the Witney gang.
SOMERSET Sentinel DG6 Steam Bus Elizabeth of 1931 is set to be operating this year in Weston-Super-Mare after being purchased by operating company Crosville Motor Services Ltd. After a long fight
RUTLAND
with the local council at Whitby, it was eventually
Returning to steam after several years' absence are two engines which live but a mile from each other. Richard Hinch has owned his Ransomes tractor 39149 of 1928 for many years now and
time to call it a day with the well known steam bus service which resulted in Elizabeth being offered for sale. It is sad to hear that the Sentinel will no
has recently carried out various heavy repair jobs. The engine made its debut appearance at Carrington rally over the border in Lincolnshire. The other engine returning to active duty is
at least the bus will still be out, about and actively carrying passengers once again. We hope that it
Fowler BB1 ploughing engine 15452 of 1925 Dreadnought owned by Brian Knight (see page 3). This former Baldocks of Haverill engine has received a new firebox, boiler barrel and backhead at Alton Engineering and a complete repaint and line-out, the latter being done 'inhouse' by Brian himself. Next up is a new set of boiler tubes for Ruston traction 161250 of 1929 - this 6 horse single has been with the Knight family for over sixty years. STEAMING 46
longer be operating within Whitby anymore, but
proves to be as popular in Weston-super-Mare as the trips used to be in Whitby. STAFFORDSHIRE SAC member Thomas Fields-Pattinson has purchased Aveling & Porter GND tractor 9453 of 1923, a former resident of Loch Ness. Since buying the engine back in December 2014, Tom has since fitted his front tubeplate and block saddle making the use of facilities at Claymills Pumping Station with the assistance of fellow Aveling owner James Allison - and is now well underway with the
manufacture of a new flanged and riveted firebox. Tom has also begun working on the belly tanks. Along with this he has also acquired the missing trunk guide courtesy of a good spot at a recent Cheffins sale by James Ragsdale. Tom is still on the lookout for many components he needs to complete the restoration of the engine. Full details can be found in the wanted section of this quarter's issue.
rubbing the verge on both sides; a sinuous, hilly lane too, so some expert steering was called for. Apart from some suspect coal catching out the crew on a hilly section and having to wait for steam, all went well and they called at The Cottage Inn for the engine to get it's breath back! Following the run it was all hands to the deck preparing Pedler for her boiler test.
Prominent North Staffs & Cheshire Traction Engine Club & S.O.D.E.M member, Mr Chris
WEST MIDLANDS
Arrowsmith has been up to his usual tricks with Foster tractor 14608. This time he roaded 180
Hockley Heath Steam Association The Association Fowler T3 roller 21629 of 1937
miles in 17 1/2 hours, all in the name of charity. Chris undertook the run in order to take part and compete at this years London to Brighton run. He has also attended Tinkers Park whilst down in
is in the final stages of having the boiler renewed
Sussex and then took two days to road the 220 miles back to base at Klondyke Mill.
at Colin Hatch engineering in Swindon. The engine has had a new lapped and rivetted firebox. new boiler barrel and tubeplate along with a new smokebox, The hydraulic test should be carried in the next few weeks.
The Wheelers have been busy with Ruston 113043
David and Debbie Marsh's Marshall Britannia portable 44605 of 1905 is being rebuilt at Hockley and has now had 80 rivets replaced in the
Oliver with outings on National Mills day to
outer wrapper, and the front tubeplate has been
Bardwell Windmill, a rally at nearby Bressingham Steam Museum and roading to the Rural Pastimes Show at Euston. where the Wheeler family's Davies
drilled and is ready for fitting. The new firetube tubeplate has been fitted to the new firetube and that in turn fitted to the backhead, and the whole
Rack Bench was put to good use. Lots happening in Suffolk!
assembly has been trial fitted to the engine. A new smokebox and chimney have also been made and
The Ruston will also be back at work on August 23rd for their Annual Steam Threshing Day at Bardwell Windmill - a
of the day!
SUFFOLK
friendly traditional steam party where all proceeds go towards
await fitting. Drilling lots of holes is now the order
Busy doing the task it was built for - ex-lssac Ball Burrell agricultural 2512 of 1902 runs a beautifully restored Marshall drum. (Ian Cooper)
the restoration of the Windmill. A warm welcome extended to all who can come and share the day. Exhibits always welcome! WARWICKSHIRE Wallis & Steevens 7248 Pedler of 1914 was out
and about for drive-it day on 27th April when owner Tony Harrington and crew drove her around the back lanes from Shawbury to Fillongley which included one road so narrow that the engines wheels were STEAMING 41
Steam Fair was held at Castle Fraser with 41 full size engines in attendance. New to the event was Richard Straughan's DG8 8016 of 1929, which operated alongside examples of Super, DG4 and S4 Sentinel Waggons, and the unique Standard Sentinel from the Grampian Transport Museum - 753 of 1914 - was giving rides to the visitors. In the fairground area, Mike Dreelan's Burrell 4030 of 1925 Dolphin provided the electrical power for Black Isle Amusements 1937 Chair-O-Planes that were making only there second appearance since full restoration. Positioned between the two, and making its first public appearance was mini Dolphin, the recently completed 6" scale model of Dolphin. In the enlarged and relocated working area, the Barrack family's Fowler Finella (13138 of 1914) was belted to the thrashing drum, while Mark Allan's Fowler was belted to a saw bench, and the Brown family's Ruston Proctor traction Jack (49804 of 1914) was winching timber on to a timber trailer.
Sentinels at Castle Fraser - the unique Standard 753 of 1914 joins later DG, Super and S waggons. (James West)
WILTSHIRE Joanne Grennard's Fowler Iron Ada recently moved under it's own steam for the first time in five years at the Hatch Bros premises in Swindon. Originally a DH class roller, the engine was rebuilt by Boughtons using wheels and parts from a extremely old Fowler agricultural. SCOTLAND Its been a slow start to the Rally Season this year north of the Border. The first event of note was the annual BA Working Weekend at Dunecht, Aberdeenshire where the Barrack family's K7 Fowler 15405 of 1925 was paired with the Cook family's BB1 Fowler 15139 of 1918 and demonstrated steam ploughing. They were supported at the event by Mark Allan's Fowler Prosper Gem (11594 of 1908). On the Sunday afternoon the three engines were joined by Alfie Cheyne's S4 8933 of 1934 which has recently undergone full restoration. At the beginning of June, the Cook's Marshall 30164 of 1898 was put to work driving the thrashing mill at the Fife Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club gathering near to Cupar. Over the weekend of the 20th and 21st June, the 45th Bon Accord Steam Engine Club STEAMING 48
WALES Cardiganshire Marshall 65650 has been on holiday from Aberystwyth since mid March, taking part in two events at Beamish Museum in Co. Durham, the Great North Steam Fair from the 9th. to 12th April and the Power of the Past weekend on
the 2nd to 4th May. This must be one of the most photogenic locations in the UK for all forms of vintage
STEAM ENGINE RESTORATION •
vehicles, a fabulous event where movement
Engine alignment problems solved
•
Valve setting, motion overhauled
•
Crankshaft bearings re-fitted
•
Lap jointed chimneys
on the roadways is an essential part. The engine will be on show back in Aberystwyth for the Ceredigion County show on the 13th June.
•
Boiler repairs, fireboxes, re-tubing
•
Tenders repaired or renewed
•
Cast iron welding
•
30 years experience
Pembrokeshire Richard Scourfield and family recently steamed and drove their Marshall
George Hudson, 64 St James Gardens, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 7X6 Tel: 07811 664363 or 01772 451383 - georgehudson192@btinternet.com
6hp compound traction engine 44977 of 1906 for the first time since its working days. Arriving at their yard a few years ago as a kit of parts, an extensive restoration has been completed with great attention to authenticity.
New items include: firebox, backhead, smokebox, tender, flywheel, chimney, spud pan, gear guards, back axle, third shaft, waterpump, injector, brakegear, etc. The motion and cylinder completely overhauled, new studs and bolts where needed, lagging etc. After a professional
On holiday since March has been Marshall tractor 65650; usually resident in Cardiganshire, the engine and matching superbly restored Carrimore trailer are seen at Beamish in April. (David Warren)
paint job she will make a fine sight on the rally fields this year.
STEAMING 49
LOOKING ON
the time as I can find. I particularly delight in travelogues which tend to be whimsical rambles through rural England, very much a genre of the 1930s. This is, of course, the last part of the era in
with Allan Lloyd
which the machines that interest us were commonly to be found at work. The more observant (and thus, usually, the less whimsical) author will sometimes make mention of a steam roller or a set of thrashing tackle or maybe even a ploughing gang
Farewell Mr Mills, hello Mr Mills! I do like this rag's editorial trend for continuity — it makes things so
seen in passing. There can be no better way to get a feel of what times in history were like than to have them described to you in the pages of a
much simpler, especially for an old fogey like me who can scarcely recall his own name on occasion. But I can remember enough of the last four years to realise what a sound and important job Roger did for our Trust, being prepared to pick up the reins following the long and hugely successful incumbency
contemporary, well-written book. "Well-written" does not do this particular book sufficient justice. The volume is J.B.Priestley's English Journey, in which the gruff, pipe-sucking playwright describes an extended tour through the towns and cities of his native land in the autumn and early
of Roger West and steer the magazine away
winter of 1933. Although already well known
from the rocks upon which it might otherwise have foundered. (How about that for a mixed metaphor? I can hear my old English master spluttering in exasperation!). Thanks, Roger, and long may we
as an author, this was fully seven years before Priestley was catapulted to national celebrity when he broadcast his regular Postscript programme on the Home Service, going head-to-head on the
continue to reminisce and enjoy a bit of gossip
wireless against Lord Haw-Haw. There is no whimsy
whenever we meet on the rally field or fairground. oOo
here, no flowery page-filling language to pad out a notebook's worth of jottings into a whole book. It is so beautifully and simply written that even if you disagree with every word in it, it is still a joy to
There are two reasons why I would describe a book using that lazy reviewer's cliché `unputdownable'. The first is the rare occasion when a thriller is such a good tale that you simply have to keep turning the pages to find out what happens. The other is when you are reading something so enjoyable that you don't want to stop; when you are immersed in the writer's world and that world is wherc you wished you were at that moment. So it is with the book I have been reading recently. My fascination (have I mentioned this before?) with the inter-war years, those two decades so aptly called The Long Weekend by the poet Robert Graves in the title of his social history of the period, leads me to seek out as much literature about and especially of
read. Priestley's interest is in observing his fellow man, and in particular the circumstances in which the working man found himself at the height of the worst depression for a century past or to come. He is at his best when describing the deprivations of the north where the collapse of heavy industry
R. 01 N pia — mining, steelmaking, shipbuilding, the
8
travelling funfairs in the land. Gallopers and
Lancashire cotton trade and the wool towns of
scenics would have been open alongside more
his native West Riding — caused the slump to
modern dodgems and arks and ghost trains, and a
bite deepest and most cruelly into the working
sizeable portion of the fair would still have been
population. His vivid account while in the East
steam-driven. But Priestley is there to observe the
Durham coalfield of coming across a tip village —
people and what they are doing, not the means by
unmarked on any map — almost unimaginably grim
which they are doing them, and so he is not looking
and ghastly leaves an indelible Impression on the
at the machinery. No doubt the World's Fair report
reader's mind. However it is elsewhere that he
of the '33 Goose Fair could tell us more about the
touches on matters that might interest us more.
rides, and therefore the engines, present. He has
In Lincoln he meets up with two acquaintances
a ride on a scenic with whale- or dolphin-themed
who he describes as engineers. When he enquires
cars ("I climbed into the tail of a ruby and emerald
of his companions if the city is still renown for
fish..."), and takes a trip on a ghost train ("...at the
the production of "agricultural implements", they
end of two or three minutes I felt that I had had a
chuckle and promise him a visit to their works the
terrific adventure"). His most telling comment comes
following day. Priestley must have been aware in
as he departs and views the fair from a distance,
a vague, urban sort of way that Lincoln sent more
comparing the sparkling, inviting wonderland with
thrashing equipment to the world than any other
the crowded, cheap and tawdry reality he has
town, but that does not prepare him for what he
just left. Which of us at some time has not felt the
is to see on the morrow, when his friends show
same?
him around the Ruston factory where they were
If the mood takes you this winter, seek out a
making Bucyrus excavators. And when, continuing
copy of English Journey, go with Jack Priestley to
his travels south as he returns to the metropolis,
the fair, and marvel.
he arrives at King's Lynn he is surprised to learn
oOo
that the manufacture of "merry-go-rounds for fairs" is one of the borough's principal activities. By this time flat painted scenery was replacing the carved work of scenics and gallopers — Savage's catalogue of the period would be instructive, if such exists. It was his visit to Nottingham earlier in the
And Finally... A couple of pictures to brighten up this otherwise drab offering. At Pinkney's Green it took me a moment or two to realise that the two Burrells standing alongside each other on the toter were the two Worcester engines, a photo opportunity I had
coincide with the Goose Fair, and there follows
not come across before. 2894 Pride of Worcester, new to Stricklands in 1907 first for their bioscope and later gallopers, needs no introduction as to its
several pages of the most absorbing description
home city. 3836 spent eight years (`22 to '30) with
of what was then (and now) one of the largest
Darkes, the timber merchants. Here the engine is seen with two large petrol storage tanks destined for a new filling station (the first
book as he made his way north that I found the most revealing. He plans his arrival in the town to
one in the city, up the Bath Road, perhaps?) loaded onto the drugs from the GWR siding which came down the steep incline to street level at Pitchcroft, by the racecourse with the river behind. A nice "Saturday morning job" for the timbermen!
Long distance travellers On the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society's annual London to Brighton run in May were two engines and crews who well and truly fly the flag for steam on the road. Chris Arrowsmith and Foster tractor 14608 Ikanopit are seen above scooting through the darkness of South London; this is after completing the 180 mile trip from Staffordshire to Surrey in just 17 and a half hours. Below, Mike Fuller with Aveling & Porter roller 14044 Rhoda arrives in Brighton - no sweat for an engine and team who, last summer, drove from John O'Groats to Lands End. (Both: Paul Cook)