STEAMING VOL. 68 No. 2 SPRING 2025
The Magazine of the
£4.99 where sold
NATIONAL TRACTION ENGINE TRUST
The The National Engine Trust TheNational NationalTraction TractionEngine Engine Trust Traction Trust Preserving ourour heritage with on the road Preserving heritage with steamsteam on the road Preserving our heritage with steam on the road Registered CharityCharity No. 291578 Registered No. 291578 Registered Charity No. 291578
Founded in 1954, our aim is to promote the preservation of our heritage with steam on the road. Founded in 1954, our aim is to promote the preservation of our heritage
Founded in 1954, our aim is to promote the preservation of our heritage with steam on theEngine road. Membership of the National Traction Trust is open to with steam on the road. all ofMembership those who, whether they are engine owners or not, have a of the National Traction Engine Trust is open to all of those who, Membership of thein National Traction Engine Trust is open to allsteam of thoseroad who, genuine interest theowners preservation whether they are engine or not, haveofa self-propelled genuine interest in the preservation of whether they are engine owners or not, have genuine interest in the preservation of vehicles, portable andaassociated self-propelled steam roadengines vehicles, portable engines andequipment. associated equipment. self-propelled steam road vehicles, portable engines and associated equipment.
TheThe annual rate is (£48 £38 to(£48 thoseofoutside of the annualsubscription subscription rate is £38 thosetooutside the EU). The Trust’s The annual subscription rate is £38 (£48 to those outside of the EU). The Trust’s magazine Steaming is sent free Steaming to members atisthe endfree of January, April, July and EU). The Trust’s magazine sent to members magazine Steaming is sent free to members at the end of January, April, July and October. benefits of membership very advantageous terms at the end ofOther January, April, July andinclude October. Other benefi ts October. Other benefits of membership include very advantageous terms for boiler and other insurances, advice on technicalterms mattersfor and accessand to the of membership include very advantageous boiler for boiler and other insurances, advice on technical matters and access to the excellent Driver Training courses. other insurances, advice on technical matters and access to the excellent Driver Training courses. excellent Driverofficers, Training Full details of the Trust’s activities, newscourses. items and many other aspects of 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
can beactivities, found on ouroffi website www.ntet.co.uk Full detailsinformation of the Trust’s cers,atnews items and many The Steam Apprentice Club is thecan juniorbe section of the formed toat support other aspects of information found on NTET, our website The Steam Apprentice Club is the junior section of the NTET, formed to support youngsters up to the agewww.ntet.co.uk of 21 in learning about and appreciating road steam. youngsters up to the age of 21 in learning about and appreciating road steam. To find out more please contact the chairman (see below) or visit: To find out more please contact the chairman (see below) or visit:
The Steam Apprentice Club is the junior section of the NTET, www.ntet.co.uk/sac www.ntet.co.uk/sac formed to support youngsters up to the age of 21 in learning NTET Sales offer a large selection of traction reading andplease other items: about and appreciating road steam. Toengine find out more NTET Sales offer a large selection of traction engine reading and other items: see below) the advertoronvisit: pagewww.ntet.co.uk/sac 46. contact the Chairman (see see the advert on page 46. NTET Sales offer a large selection of traction engine reading and other items: see the advert on page 46.
W HO’S WHO AT THE NTET Who’s Who atthe the NTET Who’s Who at NTET
Spares and Pattern Register: Treasurer: Richard Semple AmyTechnical Reynolds Services treasurer@ntet.co.uk Spares andspares@ntet.co.uk Pattern Register: Unit: Spares and Pattern Register: Technical Services Unit: Systems Support: Richard Semple spares@ntet.co.uk Tony Seddon tsu@ntet.co.uk Technical Services Unit: Richard Semple spares@ntet.co.uk Tony Seddon tsu@ntet.co.uk Nick Bosworth general.support@ntet.co.uk TonyPublic Seddon tsu@ntet.co.uk V765 Registrations Officer: Relations and Communications: V765 Registrations Public Relations and Communications: V765 Registrations OffiOfficer: cer: John Hunt v765@ntet.co.uk ViaRelations General Secretary. Public and John Hunt v765@ntet.co.uk Via General Secretary. JohnSales Hunt v765@ntet.co.uk public.relations@ntet.co.uk Communications: Officer: public.relations@ntet.co.uk Sales Via General Secretary. Section: Sales OffiOfficer: cer: Kathy Smith, The Cottage, Main Road, Rally Organisers’ Kathy Smith, Cottage, Main Road, Rally Section: public.relations@ntet.co.uk Kathy Smith, TheThe Cottage, Main Road, New Bolingbroke, Boston, Lincs. PE22 7JU JohnOrganisers’ Wye rally.chair@ntet.co.uk New Bolingbroke, Boston, Lincs. PE22 7JU John Wye rally.chair@ntet.co.uk New Bolingbroke, Boston, Lincs. PE22 7JU 01205 480 836 sales@ntet.co.uk Rally Organisers’ Section: Rally Authorisation: 01205 480 836 sales@ntet.co.uk 01205 480 836 sales@ntet.co.uk Rally Authorisation: Vacancy Training Officer: Alan Holmes rally.auth@ntet.co.uk Training AlanAuthorisation Holmes rally.auth@ntet.co.uk Training OffiOfficer: cer: Joe Black training@ntet.co.uk Rally Offi cer: Steam Apprentice Club: Joe Black training@ntet.co.uk Joe Black training@ntet.co.uk Steam Apprentice Club: Vacancy Coal and Alternative Fuel Trials: Nick Bosworth sac.chairman@ntet.co.uk Coal and Alternative Fuel Trials: Nick Bosworth sac.chairman@ntet.co.uk Coal and Alternative Fuel Trials: Tom Attwood coal.trials@ntet.co.uk Steam Apprentice Club: Compliance Officer: Tom Attwood coal.trials@ntet.co.uk Tom Attwood coal.trials@ntet.co.uk Compliance Officer: Paul Stingmore sac.chairman@ntet.co.uk Steaming Editor: Charlotte Garbett compliance@ntet.co.uk Steaming Editor: Charlotte Garbett compliance@ntet.co.uk Steaming Editor: Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk Compliance Offi cer: Insurance Disc Administrator: Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk Insurance Disc Administrator: Charlotte Garbett compliance@ntet.co.uk Advertising in Steaming: Louise Maunder discs@ntet.co.uk Advertising in steaming@ntet.co.uk Steaming: Louise Maunder discs@ntet.co.uk Advertising in Steaming: Paul Ritchie Insurance Administrator: SystemDisc Support: Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk System Support: Louise Maunder discs@ntet.co.uk David Smith support@ntet.co.uk David Smith support@ntet.co.uk FBHVC Liaison Officer: FBHVC Liaison Officer: FBHVC Liaison Officer: John Durling fbhvc@ntet.co.uk John Durling fbhvc@ntet.co.uk John Durling fbhvc@ntet.co.uk NTET General Council: Tom Attwood, Joe Black, Nick Bosworth, Rob Clifford-Wing, John Durling, Gareth Ellis, Charlotte Garbett, James Huntley, Louise Maunder, Amy Reynolds, Dee Searle, Tony Seddon, Bob Siddall, Kathy Smith, Paul Stingmore, NTET General Council: Mark Waite, Anne Whittingstall. NTET General Council: Tom Attwood, Joe Black, Nick Bosworth, Rob Clifford-Wing, John Durling, Charlotte Garbett, James Huntley, Louise Maunder, Amy Reynolds, Andy Rimell, Tom Attwood, Joe Black, Nick Bosworth, Rob Clifford-Wing, John Durling, Charlotte Garbett, James Huntley, Louise Maunder, Amy Reynolds, Andy Rimell, Dee Searle, Tony Seddon, Richard Semple, Bob Siddall, David Smith, Kathy Smith, Mark Waite, Anne Whittingstall, John Wye Dee Searle, Tony Seddon, Richard Semple, Bob Siddall, David Smith, Kathy Smith, Mark Waite, Anne Whittingstall, John Wye
President: Andrew Semple, Linden Lea, President: President: Lydham, SY9 5HB AndrewBishops Semple,Castle, LindenShropshire Lea, Andrew Semple, Lea, 01588 630 664 Linden president@ntet.co.uk Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire SY9 5HB Lydham, Bishops Shropshire SY9 5HB 01588 630 664 Castle, president@ntet.co.uk Vice President: 01588 630 664 president@ntet.co.uk Dick Blenkinsop Vice Presidents: Dick Blenkinsop, David Smith Vice Presidents: Dick Blenkinsop, David Smith Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Rob RobClifford-Wing, Clifford-Wing,Trelissa TrelissaCottage, Cottage,Philleigh, Philleigh, Rob Clifford-Wing, Trelissa Philleigh, Truro, Cornwall, 5NE chairman@ntet.co.uk Truro, Cornwall,TR2 TR2 5NECottage, chairman@ntet.co.uk Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5NE chairman@ntet.co.uk General GeneralSecretary: Secretary: General Secretary:general.secretary@ntet.co.uk Anne AnneWhittingstall Whittingstall general.secretary@ntet.co.uk Anne Whittingstall general.secretary@ntet.co.uk Bluebell Cottage, High Street, Hartfield, ViceSussex, Chairman and Engine Owners’ Section: East TN7 4AD Vice Chairman and Engine Owners’ Section: Bob Siddall, Stud Farm House, Castle Hill, Bob Siddall, Studand Farm House, Castle Section: Hill, Vice Chairman Engine Carlton-on-Trent NG23 6NXOwners Carlton-on-Trent NG23 6NX Bob Siddall, Stud Farm House, Castle Hill, 01636 821 991 engines@ntet.co.uk 01636 821 991 engines@ntet.co.uk Carlton-on-Trent NG23 6NX Membership Secretary: 01636 821 991 engines@ntet.co.uk Membership Secretary: Richard Semple, NTET Membership, Linden Lea, Richard Semple, NTET Membership, Linden Lea, Membership Secretary: Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY9 5HB Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY9 5HB Richard Semple, NTET Membership, Linden Lea, membership@ntet.co.uk membership@ntet.co.uk Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY9 5HB Treasurer: membership@ntet.co.uk Treasurer: Amy Reynolds treasurer@ntet.co.uk Amy Reynolds treasurer@ntet.co.uk
CConnect ONNECT TO THE NTET tothe theNTET NTET Connect to https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ ntetHQ/ ntetHQ/
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@The @TheNational NationalTraction Traction @The Engine National Traction EngineTrust Trust Engine Trust
Steaming • Spring 25 Steaming • Winter 2023/24 Steaming • Winter 2023/24
Chairman’s Welcome
I
’m pleased to welcome all members to the Spring issue of Steaming. As I write this, Winter has officially passed, and with only two weeks left in March, we’re about to see our calendars fill up with rallies and events. This marks the beginning of the usual rush for boiler inspectors, joints, and all the essential parts needed to recommission our engines. A big thank you to everyone who participated in the recent webinar on the new Rally Support Scheme. Special thanks to Tony Seddon, Charlotte Garbett, and Paul Stingmore, who led the session and provided a detailed overview of the scheme. For more information on the changes, be sure to check out the full report later in this issue. I thoroughly enjoyed attending this year’s Engine Owners Conference. My thanks to Paul Davis for generously offering his venue, which allowed for remote participation and increased attendance. Although the nearly 500-mile round trip from Cornwall wasn’t easy, it was definitely worth it for such an informative day. Thank you to our Vice Chairman and Engine Owners leader Bob Siddall for managing a superb day again. Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of celebration! The Trust is teaming up with Appleford 75 to support this year’s rally, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first organised steam event. We hope as many members as possible will join us for a nostalgic and fun-filled weekend. To get a glimpse of that inaugural event, be sure to check out the multi-page article on Appleford’s first event in 1950! On the topic of coal and smoke, a major coal producer has recently launched a new coal-based briquette. Early feedback has been positive, both in terms of performance and price. If you’re interested in learning more about this product and fuels in general, be sure to explore the advertisements in this magazine, which will provide further insights. Later in this issue, Paul Stingmore, the Trust’s new Steam Apprentice Club Chairman, will share his thoughts on managing the facility for newcomers to the hobby. We’re proud of our success in attracting new members, especially when compared with other vintage vehicle clubs. Be sure to read his report, One hour for future Steam Power! You’ll notice I’ve included a photograph of a tug in my Welcome. Growing up near the River Fal in Cornwall during the 1950s and 60s, I always enjoyed watching Falmouth’s tugs guide ships into harbour. The St. Mawes was an ocean-going vessel originally powered by a steam engine. I hope you’ll enjoy seeing this beautiful ship as much as I have. I look forward to seeing everyone working on recommissioning their engines, ready to enjoy and share them at shows and events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for a stronger Trust presence at rallies, as we strive to expand and enhance our support for events nationwide. As we’ve lost many dear friends in this pastime, let’s embrace the upcoming season with enthusiasm and treasure the fellowship of like-minded individuals. I wish you all a fantastic time at the Spring events! Here’s to the first steaming of the new season!
STEAMING The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust Volume 68 No. 2 Spring 2025
In This Issue From the Trust Fowler Legacy Toby Robinson Obituary Alan White Obituary Henry Netherway Obituary Appleford 75 Birthday return for Ex-Mayor Breda Roller Update SODEM Road Run Steaming Around Steam Rollers Damage the Roads Book Review Members Benefits Shop Correspondence Steaming Past
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Cover photo: Burrell No. 4000 Ex-Mayor sits by the Waltzers at Kings Lynn Mart on 14th February 2025. See pages 26-27 for the full story. Photo: Simon Colbeck Published quarterly for the membership of the National Traction Engine Trust 4 Church Green East, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 8BT Editor: Editor: Paul Ritchie email: steaming@ntet.co.uk Consulting Editor: Colin Tyson Designer: Anita Waters neetz-design@outlook.com Print and distribution by The Lavenham Press, 47 Water Street, Lavenham, Suffolk CO10 9RN © 2025 The National Traction Engine Trust. Reproduction, transmission, storing or copying, by any process whatsoever, without the written permission of the publisher is forbidden. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NTET. CONTRIBUTIONS – We welcome any relevant contribution, large or small, to the Trust’s magazine. For advice or to discuss potential articles, please contact the Editor.
ISSN 0260-2962 Steaming is printed on wellmanaged FSC®-certified paper using vegetablebased inks. Printing plates are aluminium and are recycled, as are any surplus/old inks while printing blankets are shredded and used for rubberised play areas and footpaths. The wrapping it comes in is degradable and will break down in the soil.
Spring 25 • Steaming
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FROM THE TRUST... TSU Report – Spring 2025 Happy New Year to you all! With this being the first report for 2025, I thought I should start with that, despite it being ages ago! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year and you are now all looking forward to the 2025 season – it is fast approaching. For those who crew engines, like the Sunday gang at Seddon Towers (it really isn’t that posh), doubtless you will be getting ready for boiler tests and finishing off all those jobs you promised that you would do at the back end of 2024. OK, let’s be honest - if you are anything like us, other family priorities got in the way, and you have now started the mad dash to get what should have been done in the four months over winter started and completed in a month or six weeks… Last year was the first 10-year test for the roller since we rebuilt it (where did that time go?) and this year is the second 10-year test on the engine whilst in our ownership and since the Nich Bailey and the team at Dingles restored it. That means the next time these come round, I will be in my sixties… which came as a shock when I thought about it! Leaving that parked firmly to one side, on to matters TSU. It will come as no surprise to you to find out that the main project focus of the TSU team has been resolving the Rally Authorisation issues we have faced. Charlotte will be going into more detail in her report, but I can say that it has taken a huge amount of time between myself, Charlotte and many others to resolve where we should go, culminating in a presentation to the General Council to furnish them with sufficient detail to make an informed decision about what the NTET should do moving forward. When I first started to look at this, as we had recognised we had concerns, I sat down and jotted down my understanding of the Off Road Events Regs and the Road Traffic Act, how each related and how they affected us as the NTET, the SAC, rally organisers and engine owners and crews. This document was subsequently sent to the TSU team for review and comment before we engaged the services of
The Sunday gang: L-R - Aled Morris, George Bridson, Zach Fields-Pattinson and Andy Tatton. Engines in the background are 1924 Aveling & Porter E Type roller No. 10906 Cinderella and 1914 Aveling & Porter general purpose engine No. 8401 Avellana. Also sheeted over is George Bridson’s 1919 Fowler road locomotive No. 15376, which his family have owned from new.
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a regulatory and traffic law specialist lawyer to make sure our interpretation of the risks was accurate. Suffice to say they were, and his advice was we should act. I can assure everyone, particularly the rally organisers and engine crews, that the resulting withdrawal of the Authorisation process was not a decision taken lightly. To be clear – as we detailed in the recent webinar – the only real impact of the removal of Authorisation is to remove the exemptions from prosecution provided to drivers from offences under Sections 1-3 of the Road Traffic Act – those being: • Causing death by dangerous driving • Dangerous driving, and; • Careless and inconsiderate driving Nothing else that was previously provided under the scheme really changes in the long term. Looking at this in the light of day, I struggle to think that anyone would believe that exempting people from those three offences would be a reasonable thing to do at a steam rally. The good news is that having looked at everything else we did under the old scheme; the new Rally Support Scheme will provide more benefits on top of the existing benefits. I will leave this subject there for now. We are still doing all the ‘normal’ work that Team TSU do. Whilst the disc scheme will be quiet in the Winter months, there is still work to do, which Louise quietly gets on with. John D has been flying the NTET and road steam flag at the FBHVC. John H has been processing a couple of applications to reclaim original numbers. We have now got an agreement with the Road Locomotive Society, which means that John will process applications for both NTET and RLS members and he now has access to the RLS Archive to help provide the information to support claims. This is a brilliant collaboration, which I am sure will continue for years to come. Fuels wise, things have stabilised and as I reported in the last issue of Steaming, the 2024 season ran well. Tom has a report from a trial carried out recently in his notes. I will leave him to report in detail. We carry on with our (mainly) monthly evening TSU calls. These are a great way to keep the TSU Team informed and understanding what each person is up to. Our Chair, Rob, joins the calls when he can, which is great as it means he is also informed. So, to close this report, I’d like to thank the TSU Team for the tireless work they are doing and also to thank Rob and the rest of the General Council for supporting our work. I look forward to seeing some of you on a rally field or event in the coming months. If you see me, please come and say hello, and don’t forget the standing message – we are your TSU, so please let us know if you need our help! Tony Seddon Head of TSU Steaming • Spring 25
Compliance Report It hardly seems possible that we were writing the Winter issue of Steaming just a few months ago, but with so much change within the Trust, there is plenty to report. Over Christmas, I undertook a full compliance review, assessing and updating all existing legal policies. However, this was somewhat overshadowed by developments in the Rally Authorisation Scheme, which Tony and I will cover separately. A recurring compliance question has been the impact of Martyn’s Law, which I was asked about at the Engine Owners Conference. In terms of an update, the legislation has made significant progress, passing through the House of Commons with crossparty support and currently under review in the House of Lords as of March 2025. Once it receives Royal Assent, there will be a 24-month implementation period, allowing venues and public spaces time to meet the new security requirements before enforcement begins. As I mentioned at the Engine Owners Conference, we can provide training for Rally Organisers if there
is demand once the legislation is in force. Please let me know if this would be helpful. The past few months have been intense as we worked towards a solution for Rally Authorisation. When I wasn’t at Tony’s reviewing forms, slides, and documents, I had the pleasure of attending the Sentinel Drivers Club AGM in Shrewsbury. It was a privilege to tour the Sentinel Works, kindly hosted by the Goddard family, and to see two Sentinel waggons on-site—the Argentine Sentinel S6 and the Sentinel DG4 waggon. With Spring in the air, I’m looking forward to getting out to a few events. I will be joining the SAC and NTET at the Anderton Boat Lift on the 10th-11th of May, and we look forward to welcoming our members there. Charlotte Garbett
The Argentine Sentinel S6.
The Sentinel DG4 waggon.
NTET Rally Authorisation Update and Introduction of the Rally Support Scheme In the Winter issue of Steaming, we expressed optimism about reinstating Rally Authorisation for the 2025 rally season. This was reinforced at the Engine Owners Conference in January 2025. As communicated to members at the AGM in November 2024, we sought legal advice on our responsibilities under the Road Traffic Act from a specialist lawyer. Legal Review and Key Considerations The legal advice, received in late January, highlighted two crucial considerations under the Road Traffic Act 1988: 1. The applicability of Sections 1-3 regarding offences committed in public places. 2. The circumstances in which unlicensed driving is permitted. For clarity, Sections 1-3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 are in short; Causing Death by Dangerous Driving, Dangerous Driving and Careless and Inconsiderate Driving. Spring 25 • Steaming
The law distinguishes between roads and public places, and as an authorising body under the Motor Vehicles (Off Road Events) Regulations, the NTET has the discretion to grant event authorisations under Section 13A of the Road Traffic Act, provided that appropriate conditions are met. However, compliance must go beyond a simple ‘tick-box’ exercise. Key aspects such as event risk assessments, insurance, and control measures must be thoroughly reviewed. Additionally, while unlicensed individuals may drive in some public places, event organisers must ensure proper oversight and adherence to safety standards. Decision to Withdraw Rally Authorisation Following this legal review, the General Council held extensive discussions on the available options and how the NTET could continue supporting rallies. Recognising the long-standing history of the Rally Authorisation Scheme, we were committed
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to ensuring that support for rallies continued in some form. However, it became evident that the NTET lacked the necessary resources and volunteers to fully reinstate the scheme. Despite advertising for a Head of Rally Authorisation and several Safety Officers, volunteer numbers remained limited. Given these challenges and the legal Charlotte and Tony chairing the webinar on 5th March 2025. obligations, the General Council made the difficult decision to withdraw statutory Rally Authorisation. these materials for a comprehensive understanding of the new This means that rally events are no longer exempt from Sections scheme. 1-3 of the Road Traffic Act. This decision was necessary to ensure compliance with legal requirements while still providing critical Appointment of Rally Support Officer support to event organisers. A key part of ensuring the success of the Rally Support Scheme is having dedicated personnel in place. We are pleased to announce Introduction of the Rally Support Scheme that Gavin Young has stepped forward to take on the role of Rally To continue assisting rallies, the NTET has introduced the Rally Support Officer. Support Scheme, which retains many of the key benefits of the Based in Cambridge, Gavin brings a wealth of experience, previous scheme without the statutory exemptions. Organisers still having supported the Authorisation Scheme for over 15 years have access to essential resources, including: as a safety inspector and overseeing the health & safety aspects • The Code of Practice (soon to be updated as the Guide to of the Haddenham Rally for an incredible 30 years. In recent Good Practice). discussions, Gavin has demonstrated great enthusiasm for • The Purple Guide, a key industry standard for event safety. supporting the NTET and ensuring the continuity of rally safety • The Insurance Disc Scheme. measures. We are confident he will be a fantastic addition to the • Direct support from the NTET approved providers in legal and Trust, and we look forward to working with him. Health and Safety matters. All these resources remain available free of charge throughout the Next Steps 2025 rally season to help organisers maintain best practices and We are in the process of updating the Code of Practice, which will event safety. soon be rebranded as the Guide to Good Practice—a long-overdue revision. We hope this will be available on the NTET website by Implementation and Communication the time this issue of Steaming reaches members. To clarify these changes, NTET hosted a webinar on 2nd March While we continue to refine the Rally Support Scheme, we 2025, where we discussed: welcome additional support from members. If you can offer • The withdrawal of Rally Authorisation. assistance in any capacity, please do not hesitate to reach out. • The introduction of the Rally Support Scheme. • The impact of these changes on rally organisers, NTET, and the Conclusion Steam Apprentice Club. These decisions have been made with the long-term safety and sustainability of rally events in mind. We greatly appreciate the Members were encouraged to submit questions in advance, and patience and understanding of our members as we adapt to these key concerns were addressed during the session. A recording changes. If you have further questions or require assistance, please of the presentation, along with slides and a Q&A document, contact us at rally.auth@ntet.co.uk. has been uploaded to the NTET website for those who were Charlotte Garbett unable to attend. We highly recommend that members review
What are we offering as an alternative? WHAT DID WE OFFER?
WHAT’S ON OFFER NOW? REBRANDING TO ‘RALLY SUPPORT SCHEME’
Code of Practice to Rally Organisers Access to the Purple Guide Circulation of Rally List Access to the Disc Scheme Training Events to Rally Organisers
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Provide a ‘Good Practice Guide’ for Rally Organisers Access to the Purple Guide Circulation of Rally List Access to the Disc Scheme *Training Events to Rally Organisers
Exemptions from offences under the Road Traffic Act. A person is not guilty of an offence under ss. 1, 2 or 3
*Support from a H&S and Legal professionals
Demonstrate compliance with the Offroad Regulations, H&S Legislation and Insurance Acts
Scheme is free for 2025, but a fee will be payable from 2026 onwards
Steaming • Spring 25 7
FBHVC News Summary – Historic Issue 5 – March 2025 General Product Safety Regulations There is a detailed report on the EU’s update of the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) which govern the sale of most consumer goods in the EU. The GPSR was introduced in 2005, when the UK was still in the EU, and governed the consumer safety requirements for goods sold in the UK; it is still the basis for the UK regulations. In 2023 the EU revised and updated these rules. I don’t intend to go into detail of what these changes are, as I don’t think it will affect many of our members. However, if you do sell items commercially into Europe, reference to Lindsay Irvine’s notes would be a good idea. See https://fbhvc.co.uk/ newsletter-archive MOT or not MOT Over the Christmas period things must have been quiet as far as motoring news was concerned, leading to one paper to come up with the following headline “Classic cars to face MOT for the first time”! Some diligent digging revealed that this came from one question in the DVLA’s Call for Evidence last year, asking whether there should be a new type of safety check in place which takes into account the age of a historic or classic vehicle. The way that the numbers of respondents answering each question was counted led to an artificially high number who apparently thought that some form of testing should be (re) introduced. The FBHVC is not aware of any plan by the DVLA to change the current system regarding MOTs for vehicles over 40 years old. Of course, this does not apply to steam powered vehicles anyway. As ever, the situation is being monitored.
DVLA It is pleasing to note that the relationship with the DVLA is improving considerably following representations by the FBHVC to the DfT last year, and also as a result of their contributions to the Call for Evidence, also from last year. Ian Edmunds, the FBHVC officer charged with dealing with the DVLA, along with the David Whale, the Chairman, attended a Historic Vehicle User group meeting in Swansea and were very pleased with the positive approach shown by the DVLA to the question of issuing registration numbers to vehicles not currently registered and also to the question of vehicles being repaired or restored. The FBHVC were asked not to share the details of the DVLA proposals as it is still ‘work in progress’, but Ian’s report in Historic Number 5 does give a lot of information on the way these issues are progressing. Again, go to the FBHVC website to see this and previous copies of their magazine. Drive it Day The annual Drive It Day, sponsored by the FBHVC, is on 27th April this year, just after you should receive this issue of Steaming. This is an opportunity to get out on the road with whatever vintage toy you choose. It is organised by the FBHVC and NSPCC Childline, which has been selected as the chosen charity. Of course, they only benefit financially if you purchase one of the plaques from www.driveitday.co.uk and display it on your vehicle. FBHVC National Historic Vehicle Survey The National Historic Vehicle Survey is conducted (approximately) every 5 years by the FBHVC. The first one was held in 1997, and the resulting information is used to support the representations to Government and the DVLA when discussing changes and new regulations that can affect the Historic Vehicle movement. It is, of course, only as good as the data it collects, therefore please go to www.fbhvc.co.uk/survey and complete it. The closing date for this survey is 31st May 2025. The report will be published in the Autumn. John Durling FBHVC Liaison
Engine Owners Section Report Engine Owners Meeting The 2025 Engine Owners Meeting was held on Sunday 19th January at the premises of S E Davis Ltd at Astwood Bank. The proceedings were also broadcast on the internet via Zoom. The meeting opened with a presentation from Paul Stingmore, the newly elected Chairman of the SAC. Paul’s presentation covered the content that appears in his section of this issue of Steaming. Paul Davis then gave a presentation on The Safe Transportation of Traction Engines. He emphasised the dangers of loading and unloading by stressing the need to take in to account the location, ground conditions and members of the public. He went Spring 25 • Steaming
on to illustrate the different ways of transporting engines and then illustrated different loading methods. Moving on he illustrated the best practices of securing loads. Tony Seddon then introduced members of his Technical Services Unit and first up was Tom Attwood who gave an update on the sources of coal and its alternatives with an indication of approximate costs as at the time of the meeting. He stated that several local independent merchants are sourcing coal, ➜ 7
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so it is always worth checking with your local provider and other owners. There are also a handful of enterprising people bringing smaller quantities of coal to other fellow enthusiasts, from bulk purchases. These are often available at favourable rates, but quantity and geographical availability may be limited. He reminded the meeting about the CO2 information leaflet which was originally produced in 2022. It is available on the website at: https://ntet.co.uk/2022/06/03/Co2-stats-leaflet. Our approach at the present time, is to provide simple facts and feedback to members of the public or anyone who enquires. The Trust will continue to monitor and review the appropriateness and update the information accordingly.
The CO2 information leaflet which was originally produced in 2022 is available on the website.
Steam Apprentice Club One hour for future Steam Power ! A cheesy title BUT one hour on an engine can provide the spark for a lifelong love of steam - that’s certainly how I was bitten by the steam bug. Think back to who gave you the opportunity and if you can, try to pay it back this Summer! We’ve been busy through the Winter working on refreshing the Apprentice’s Log Book and also on developing our SAC Contract…take a look and feel free to share your thoughts. I’m determined to make it as easy as possible for engine people to have apprentices on their engine and the ‘SAC Contract’ is one step towards that. I’m hoping it makes engine folk more comfortable with taking apprentices onto their engines whilst not feeling obligated to have them on all day. We’ll be ensuring parents and apprentices see the Contract and play their part in it. In return, I’d ask you to take the time to play your part, get them on your engine for an hour and invest in the future of steam power. [I can hear you all groaning and feeling slightly nauseous]. Unfortunately, we’ve lost a couple of driving days from our calendar this year so it’s even more important for engine people to provide opportunities for apprentices to get time on engines at rallies. If you’d like an SAC Magnet to put on your engine and show apprentices you are open to them asking for a bit of time on the footplate, please drop me a message and we’ll get you one in the post. We are hoping to be able to do something special at Appleford - if you are taking an engine, we’d love it if you would sign up in advance to take an apprentice on for an hour each day. Wouldn’t 8
Charlotte Garbett updated the meeting about work that was taking place regarding the Rally Authorisation Scheme. Since the meeting there has been a webinar on the subject and more information is elsewhere in the magazine. John Durling, our representative on the FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs) explained that the FBHVC is a federation of 513 member clubs and over 50 museums, representing over 250,000 historic vehicle supporters. He went on to explain the issues that he has covered in his notes in this issue of Steaming. As usual Bob Siddall asked for any interesting experiences with driving or maintaining steam vehicles to be reported so that the experiences can be passed on to the next generation. These experiences can be anonymous if so desired. He also reminded the meeting that the Driving Course would be held at Astwood Bank again on Saturday and Sunday 17th18th May 2025. The fees for members are £325, SAC 13 to 15 years old £110 and 16 to 21 years £165. See the website for more information under Owners and Drivers. Our President, Andrew Semple, gave an update on BESTT, and said that he was stepping down as our representative and had proposed John Durling to take over from him. Our Chairman, Rob Wing, rounded off the meeting by thanking all those who had made presentations and all those who actively support the Trust in various ways. During the meeting a presentation was made to the winner of the Photographic Competition, Allison Morrison, who was not able to be at the AGM. This trophy was given by the Cook family in memory of John Cook, former Membership Secretary and Vice Chairman. Bob Siddall
it be amazing if Appleford could inspire the next generation of engine owners and crew? On the subject of driving days, I’m really pleased to say that Sam Bozson and the Lancashire Traction Engine Club have offered to run one for us. We would love to be doing more in the North of England, but we have no volunteers there at all. If there’s anyone in the North who would be up for becoming our Northern contingent and represent the club at rallies please let me know! More volunteers are always welcome, whichever part of the country you are in to ensure we get to as many rallies as possible! We have also been busy contributing to the new SAC website design and hopefully by the time of reading this it will be online for all to see. Feel free to send pictures of apprentices on your engines (with parental permission) so we can post them there. My final reflections are on the work Charlotte and Tony have been leading on in regard to rally authorisation and the legal position re apprentices driving on rally fields. There has been quite a lot of work on this over the past few months and it’s a complex and legally grey area! There has also been a lot of misconception about what the law is and isn’t. We are seeking to update the NTETs guidance based on both legal interpretation and common sense. The pertinent points for me are: Clearly ➜ apprentices driving engines on the road are illegal unless they Steaming • Spring 25
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The SAC dedicated Playpen is the ideal location for experience to be gained in safety.
A fine 6in Burrell with an apprentice in control of the steering.
ABOVE: The late David Smith, sharing the footplate of his Burrell with two young apprentices. LEFT: The owner of Ruston & Hornsby No. 115100 Hildary allowing a couple of apprentices to get to grips with a single cylinder engine.
have an appropriate driving licence. The situation in regard to steersman is tied up with the type of tyres the engine has (steel or rubber). More detail to follow on this. For apprentices driving engines on rally fields, it’s clear a driving licence is not required despite most of the road traffic act applying to places where the public have access. Nonetheless drivers need to be competent and under the direct supervision of a competent driver and crucially, insured - so please check your policies! From our perspective, we will continue to ask for a dedicated playpen with no public access. This allows us to be confident that we have the space to provide those novice learners with a bit of latitude. It takes one of the big risk variables away when we are teaching apprentices to drive engines (ie that a member of the public will do something unexpected in front of the engine). The reflections above are mine but do consult with Charlotte and Tony’s article so you can form your own opinion. Happy steaming folks and if you think you might be up for helping, get in touch for a no commitment chat today! Paul Stingmore Spring 25 • Steaming
Where to find the S AC in 2025: 10 - 11 May
24 - 26 May 31 May - 1 June 20 - 22 June 27 - 29 June 18 - 20 July 26 - 27 July 2 - 4 August
Anderton Boat Lift an
Eastnor Castle
d Visitor Centre
Hertfordshire Steam
and Country Show Appleford 75 Tewkesb ury MSRVS Swanage Road to Rail Weeting Steam Rally Netley Marsh Gloucestershire Vint
age and Country Extra vaganza West of England Steam Engine Society Rally 22 - 25 August County of Salop Steam Rally 12 - 14 September Bedfordshire Steam an d Country Fayre 16 - 19 October Midlands Model Engin eering Exhibition 15 - 17 August
9
The SAC Contract – Guidance for a great apprentice experience Encouraging young people to enter our hobby is critical to the survival of road steam. Without them we will see fewer and fewer people with the skills to safely and correctly maintain and operate the engines we love. Offering an apprentice one hour today could ignite their own love of steam and secure our hobby in the future. We recognise that creating time for apprentices takes effort. The principles set out below seek to value that effort and ensure mutual respect for everyone involved. Please follow them to ensure a great experience for everyone. Apprentices should: 1. Appreciate the engine and crew, and the opportunity to work with them. 2. Be curious and do not be afraid to ask lots of questions. 3. Bring your SAC Logbook with you and use it with the engine driver/crew. 4. Listen to the engine driver/instructor and follow any instructions - if you do not know or understand then ask. 5. All the jobs are important and many happen when the engine is still. Value those jobs as much as steering or driving. 6. If the engine is moving, lots of attention is needed to avoid hurting yourself or others. Listening and ensuring that you feel safe are essential. Tell the engine owner if you are anxious at any point. 7. When you start to get tired please let your parents or the engine owner know. You will have other opportunities.
Parents should: 1. Appreciate the engine and driver/instructor and crew for taking the time to teach the apprentice. 2. You are responsible for the behaviours of your apprentice at all times so please stay nearby and be available if needed. 3. Ensure the apprentice has food/drinks as needed. 4. Check in with the driver/instructor regularly to see if they are happy for the apprentice to continue – aim to give the driver/crew a break after an hour or so. 5. Let the driver/instructor know if they think the Apprentice has had enough. 6. Check in with any SAC reps on site, if they are looking for opportunities to get their apprentice experience on an engine. 7. Ensure their child has suitable gloves, boots and goggles, some old rag in their pocket and if possible overalls of the correct size or long trousers of hard wearing cloth. 8. If at any point you are concerned that your apprentice is struggling or unsafe please politely speak to the engine owner and remove them if necessary. 9. At times there may be physical contact with your apprentice (ie lifting to see part of the engine). If you are not happy for this, or become concerned, please speak to the engine owner or remove them and come to speak to us.
Parents will be welcomed in offering volunteering support to the club at shows but it should be noted that this will not result in preferential treatment for their children 10
Engine drivers and crew should: 1. Let the SAC know if they are willing to show apprentices their engines and spend time building up their experience (as little as 30 minutes is still greatly appreciated). 2. Check in with the apprentice and parent/guardian introduce yourself, learn the apprentice’s name, ask what experience they have and reinforce safety advice 3. Ask if there is anything the apprentice would like to learn from their logbook and sign it if they successfully demonstrate a task. 4. Be patient and remember they were also a learner at some point. 5. Try to explain what they are doing and why, and if possible, ask the apprentice to have a go at doing this for themselves and check in that the apprentice is ok. 6. Consider what is appropriate in regards to where they position themselves in regards to the apprentice to be safe whilst avoiding body contact as far as possible - if they need to physically assist the apprentice they should ask if the apprentice is ok with them doing so. 7. Feel comfortable in saying they need a break or telling an apprentice/their parent when they think the apprentice has had enough time on their engine – feel free to direct them back to the SAC stand if we are present at a show. 8. The age of apprentices varies hugely – if you are uncomfortable with having very young apprentices on your engine please just say so. 9. If you are unhappy with the behaviour of an apprentice or parent please speak to us.
Any help that you can offer will be appreciated. This can be offering for an apprentice to join you for an agreed duration or simply stopping at the SAC stand (where present) and allowing an apprentice to join you by sitting in the tender or standing on the footplate for a short time. If you are happy to help in any way please speak to us. The SAC will: 1. Try to attend as many rallies as we can. 2. Facilitate as many opportunities for apprentices to gain engine experience as possible. 3. Ensure we have safeguards in place for apprentices like police checks and safe guarding training for our regular volunteers, risk assessments etc. (see our Safe Guarding policy). 4. Provide advice support to engine drivers which help them feel comfortable in having apprentices on their engines. 5. Improve learning opportunities and experiences for apprentices. 6. Work with other parties to overcome barriers to entry for apprentices. 7. Treat our apprentices, their parents, engine drivers and our volunteers with respect and welcome all to our hobby.
Steaming • Spring 25
Membership Musings Spring is finally starting to show signs of appearing here in Shropshire so hopefully the rain will be a bit warmer. A quick reminder if you move house, please tell me so I can update your records and make sure Steaming arrives. A full address please as Royal Mail now seem to take great joy in returning mail for anything that’s not correct -even addresses that have been fine for years. A recent return from them was for an address we’ve been using for over ten years in Cornwall, which I returned back in the post with a note saying it’s in the same place you’ve delivered it to for the last ten years, it’s not moved as I have checked! Please quote membership number in any correspondence as it makes finding you on the system much easier. Membership renewals continue to arrive in all forms, cheques
From the President Spring is here and today I have struck a blow in the garden. What has that to do with the Trust, well nothing but sitting down to write this was a good excuse to put the rake down! It has been a busy winter for all the team in the NTET Council. Much has been said and written about the changes the Trust can offer rallies. I sat in on a meeting to consider and discuss the options available and it was refreshing to listen to a legal expert on road legislation giving clear and firm advice, none of this “we would advise” or “it is only an opinion” - we had very clear and concise facts laid before us. Hence the decision was made to re-brand the support for rallies. All the detail can be seen on the Trust website
are still popular with some of our members. All I ask is please put your membership number on back of cheque. Please check you have asked your bank to stop any Standing Orders in our favour as I cannot control those, sorry. If you wish to renew automatically, please fill out the Direct Debit Mandate elsewhere in this issue and return to me or use the on-line version on the website. Let’s hope we have a favourable Summer and an enjoyable rally season for all. See you on a rally field somewhere hopefully. Richard Semple
if you need to see it. My thanks go to Tony Seddon and Charlotte Garbett for their outstanding work on this task. Life moves on and things change, and this situation is a good example of how we are working to keep up to date. I have a string of rallies in my diary when the caravan will rest including the celebrations at Appleford on June 21st—22nd and I look forward to meeting many of you there. Andrew Semple
NTET AGM 2025
Shop We have a few new titles in stock, so please take a look at the NTET shop pages in this issue of Steaming. Several of these books have been reviewed in the magazine in recent issues. I am looking for help to man the shop at South Cerney on the 1st - 3rd August, Shrewsbury Steam Rally 24th - 25th August and Old Warden, Bedfordshire on the 12th, 13th and 14th September. Do please make contact if you can help at any of these via email sales @ntet.co.uk or 01205 480836. Kathy Smith Spring 25 • Steaming
Advance information – the 2025 AGM of the NTET will take place on Saturday 15th November. This year the AGM will be based in and around the historic city of Lincoln, known for its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and charming atmosphere. It was of course a major centre for steam engine manufacturing and together with the famous Lincoln Cathedral it blends medieval charm with modern life and will once again make a splendid centre for our AGM weekend. On the Saturday morning there will be the opportunity to visit a private collection of steam vehicles, followed by the AGM in the afternoon. In the evening there will be a dinner with speaker. After a leisurely start on Sunday there will be customised visit to a local heritage centre. Full information with hotel and dinner details will be in the Summer issue of Steaming.
NTET DRIVER TRAINING COURSE
The NTET Driving Course will be held on 17th and 18th May 2025 at Astwood Bank. Enjoy a weekend of driving and lectures
£325 for the two days for members (reduced cost for SAC members) DISCOUNT of 15% If you pay for 2 years at the same time More information at www.ntet.co.uk Owners and Drivers Contact training@ntet.co.uk
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Direct Debit Mandate for Existing Members To preserve your copy of Steaming you may Copy/Scan and Print this form and then fill in all of the details and send by post to: NTET Membership Secretary, c/o Linden Lea, Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY9 5HB or, email to: membership@ntet.co.uk
Note: This form should only be used if you wish to Renew an existing NTET or SAC membership. If you do not wish to deface this in-magazine form visit ntet.co.uk/renewing for the PDF version If you wish to Join the NTET or SAC you may do so on-line at ntet.co.uk/joining Note: Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of accounts. Name:
Member No:
Post Code:
Email Address: Phone No: I wish to renew my subscription to the NTET by Direct Debit in the category I have ticked below NTET Single £38.00
NTET Joint £57.00
SAC Single £15.00
SAC Joint £22.50
1 NTET + 1 SAC £53.00
1 NTET + 2 SAC £60.50
2 NTET + 1 SAC £72.00
2 NTET + 2 SAC £79.50
I wish to start the Direct Debit payments on 1st 20 which is the month of my current expiry date, and then renew annually on the anniversary of this date until I cancel this notice in writing. To the Manager
Bank or Building Society
Address Post Code Account holder(s) name(s): Sort Code:
Account Number: Service User Number: 6 9 1 2 1 3
Signature(s):
Date:
Charities Aid Foundation, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA Instruction to your Bank or Building Society Please pay the National Traction Engine Trust from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction with remain with the Charities Aid Foundation or the National Traction Engine Trust and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. I am a UK taxpayer and would like this and all future subscriptions I pay to the NTET to be Gift Aid Donations. To add 25% to the donation at no extra cost to the donor Rev 1.1 09/23
I will contact the NTET if I wish to cancel this declaration, change my name or my home address or if I no longer pay sufficient tax on my income and/or capital gains.
Please tick Agree or Disagree Agree Disagree
National Traction Engine Trust is a Registered Charity No. 291578 – Registered in England No 1302197 Registered Office: 4 Church Green East, Redditch, Worcestershire. B98 8BT
12Winter 2023/24 • Steaming
Steaming • Spring 25 15
COMPETITION
Photographic competition 2025 Once again we are announcing our annual photographic competition. The competition is open to members and non-members of the Trust, of all ages.
The family of the late John Cook, who was a great servant of the Trust, presented a cup in his memory to be awarded in a photographic competition. The competition consists of four categories. First, Second and Third place winners will be selected from each category, as well as an overall winner. The winning photos will be made into the NTET’s 2026 calendar. A display of pictures will be made at the 2025 AGM where the John Cook Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the overall winner. ENGINE PORTRAITS A photograph featuring one or more engines posed in a picturesque off-theroad setting, with minimal accompanying modern objects or people. PEOPLE A photograph of one or more adults operating or associated with an engine. They may be wearing period clothing or taking part in a traditional activity related to the operation of the engine. This category is intended to show people in-action, rather than posing for, or looking at the camera.
STEAM ON THE ROAD A photograph featuring one or more engines out on the road, with minimal accompanying modern objects or people, possibly hauling a traditional load or seen in a historic location. WORKING ENGINES A photograph of one or more engines engaging in their traditional working roles, such as driving a sawbench or threshing drum, ploughing a field, hauling a load or rolling a road. Again, with minimal accompanying modern objects or people.
Entries should be sent via e-mail to photocompetition@ntet.co.uk and be with us by Monday 10th June in order to be considered by the panel of judges. You should include full contact details (and age if under 16), and you must specify the category each photo is entered into. High resolution digital photos are preferred. Only one photo per category, per person is allowed. Your entry into this competition is on the agreement that the NTET has the right to publish your photos, display them on our social media, website and also print the 12 best photos in our 2026 calendar. First, Second and Third place will be selected for each category by our panel of judges. One overall winner will also be chosen. The judging panel reserve the right to accept or reject entries. The decision of the judges is final.
The first place prize for each section is two memberships of the NTET or SAC, which may be gifted to a friend if you wish. All winners will receive a copy of the 2026 Calendar. The overall winner will receive a complimentary place on the 2026 Driving Course and will also receive the John Cook Memorial Trophy. Winners will be announced in the Summer issue of Steaming magazine, and the John Cook Memorial Trophy will be awarded at the NTET’s AGM in November.
Spring 25 • Steaming
ck u L Good 13
Fowler Legacy Project Update Since the Fowler Legacy Project was reported in Vol 67. No. 4 issue of Steaming the Museum of Rural Life has successfully digitised over 6,000 Fowler engineering drawings, making significant progress in preserving and improving access to this invaluable collection. As the digitisation process has progressed, the Museum took the opportunity to enhance the cataloguing of the drawings. Each digitised drawing was carefully checked against existing catalogue entries, allowing any inconsistencies to be identified and corrected. During this process, over 900 previously uncatalogued drawings were uncovered. These were systematically added to the collection, ensuring that an even greater number of Fowler drawings became accessible to researchers, historians, and enthusiasts. Alongside the engineering drawings, the Museum also worked on improving the cataloguing of the Fowler photograph albums. One of the key outcomes of this effort was the ability to search by Fowler order number, making it easier to find images of specific engines. This enhancement was applied to 18 albums, significantly improving the usability of the collection for those looking to trace the history of individual machines. By combining digitisation with careful cataloguing, the Museum of Rural Life not only preserved important engineering records but also made them more accessible and easier to navigate. The work undertaken ensures that a wider audience can explore
Set up for digitalising drawings.
Coal Trials During the Engine Owners Conference, I gave updates on general availability of coal and manufactured fuels that have proved popular within road steam. A new product to market at the end of 2024 from CPL is their ‘Coal Briquettes’ aimed specifically at the heritage steam market and a briquette made up entirely of coal fines and binder. The price point of these briquettes is similar, in some cases cheaper than coal - something that many engine owner has asked for over the last few years. CPL conducted trials themselves in both road and rail steam with seemingly positive indications although further feedback is welcomed as more people try this product. Ken and Steve Milns purchased some to try and Ken kindly provided his first-hand experience during the EOC and now furthers that feedback below having since gone on to 14
Hind rollers for T3 5 ton roller (TR FOW DO1/63667).
and study these historical materials with greater accuracy and efficiency. With this initial phase now complete, the NTET is moving into the second phase of the project, which will build on these achievements and continue expanding access to Fowler’s engineering heritage. Progress updates will be shared with NTET members in future issues of Steaming. Charlotte Garbett
Photograph of Class Z6 compound ploughing engine with superheater (TR FOW PH2/17/B1107).
trial it on their well-known family convertible roller. “Dad managed to get hold of a ton of the new CPL processed coal (Coal Briquettes) but as it was late in the season, we didn’t get chance to try it straight away. On 30th December I steamed 1907 Foster No. 3452 Wellington for a little gathering at a local pub. I lit up on what was left in the bunker. Dad arrived with 3 bags for trial. After cleaning the fire I put on a light round ready for the 2.5 mile gentle run to the pub. The fire responded quickly with some light grey smoke, which quickly cleared. Steam was plentiful during the run with no additional coal needed. We stayed at the pub for a couple of hours where the fire was “tended by committee”, after we had all drunk, ate and chatted it was time to return to the yard. I threw another light round on which once again responded well, and we trundled back. After a quick turnaround we were ready for the 6-mile run ➜ Steaming • Spring 25
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to home for some winter maintenance, I threw a good round on, and Laura and I set off. All went well with plenty of steam, once on the main road and another sprinkling of coal, the final leg was a “spirited run” as the light was fading fast. Again, the fire responded to the demand. A total of 5 hours steaming, 11 miles – 2 bags of coal, very little ash in the box, ashpan or smokebox. The second run was a few of weeks ago on Aveling & Porter GND No. 9264 Lady Hesketh. I was asked if I could roll the car park at The Tidley (my local!). I lit up on the new CPL offering at 6am. By 8.15am I was ready to lead off on the 15 mile run Foster No. 3452 Wellington from Dad’s to The Tidley, this time single simmers outside the pub. manning. The first 6 miles went really well, ample steam and only needing one stop for a quick top up of the fire. I stopped on the road out of engine lit quickly and steamed well throughout the day, both of us Wem to fire up ready for the steady 3-mile climb, initially the fire taking turns in driving around the village. responded well but soon died back and I struggled to maintain We probably covered 3 miles, steamed for 4 hours and burned steam and water. After turning off the main road I found a approx. 1 bag. Once again, with little ash produced. suitable place to stop so I could clean the fire, which isn’t easy on I have used various manufactured fuels over the past few years a GND due to the side ashpan door – meaning you can’t “prick from Trevithick to Wildfire, but this new CPL – 100% coal is the the bars”. Steaming capability mostly returned and I continued best I have used to date.” to the pub, arriving at 10.30am. It was felt that the fire had been Thank you to Ken and Steve for their feedback and readiness to too thick which had hindered the steaming in the second half of share it with us all. Also, on a the outward trip. Hedd Wyn Jones, Dad and I took it in turns to personal note I am extremely spread, rake and roll over the next 4 hours, including a well-earned thankful for the afternoon break for lunch. Keeping the fire thin during rolling cleared the on their delightful engine, bars themselves whilst maintaining steam and water. in a rare (but thankfully ever With the rolling complete I had to take “Lady H” on to the increasing) warm and sunny shed, another 5 miles, this time with a co-pilot in the shape of day for the time of year, really one Tom Attwood. I was able to spend more time maintaining helped clear the winter blues. a thinner fire, which worked well with no signs of clogging or Tom Attwood shortage of steam. 11 hours in steam, 20 miles roading, 3 hrs rolling. 8 bags of coal. The last trial was on our newly acquired 6” Ruston SD tractor. RIGHT: The Milns family’s 6” Ruston The lumps are too big to fit through the door so Dad broke them SD tractor steaming successfully on with a small chipping hammer easily with little dusting. The the CPL coal briquettes. Aveling & Porter GND No. 9264 Lady Hesketh on rolling duty.
Spring 25 • Steaming
15
OBITUARIES Toby Robinson 1997–2024 Toby Robinson was one of the original members of the young volunteers at the Horsham Traction Company, based at Les and Dee Searle’s yard in Horsham – which was soon to be known universally as “the Creche”. Thursday evenings and weekends would see the Creche learning about steam, transport and life in general, under the gentle guidance of Les and Dee, and the other experienced folks around, followed by sustenance and chat around the kitchen table. Despite being a “straight-A” student, halfway through his A-levels Toby decided that higher education was not for him, and he wanted to do a mechanical apprenticeship. He soon secured one with Ernest Doe near Hassocks, where Toby would travel an hour and a half each way catching two trains and then cycling the remaining distance to work. His consistent dedication resulted in him winning Apprentice of the Year at the end of his course. He would go on to turn his hand to many jobs, and like with most things, if he put his mind to it, he always succeeded. Work however was not Toby’s primary focus; he loved working on and driving steam engines. From his first day at Horsham, he had eyes for only one engine, Burrell crane engine No. 3829 His Majesty; which Les took him to his School Prom on in 2014. This engine would be a significant part of Toby’s life. He would go on to drive it thousands of miles in the following years all over the country and master the art of Heavy Haulage. Firstly around the playpen at Dorset and then on the roads when he became driver of the lead engine when the Creche took the Pickford’s trailer and transformer on the London to Brighton Run in 2022. This was
Toby receiving the Transport Trust’s restoration award in September 2024 from HRH The Princess Royal.
a full circle moment where the Creche were no longer the lads cycling behind the heavy haulage loads anymore, they were the ones driving themselves. It was only fitting that His Majesty and the trailer he towed countless miles took him on his last journey. From the beginning Toby showed his artistic talent, from creating things on Paint on his computer to make his friends laugh and this soon led on to drawings and paintings. These were
Burrell crane engine No. 3829 His Majesty heads a road train, with Toby on the regulator.
16
Steaming • Spring 25
soon being commissioned by customers and now proudly line the wall of homes across the country. It was not long before he had taught himself how to coach paint and the art of traditional sign writing, something at which it turned out he was a natural at. In later years he painted and lined all manner of vehicles from veteran cars, vintage lorries to traction engines. Toby was passionate about owning and restoring his own vehicles as well. From early beginnings with his Lister D stationary engine, which he ran in his parent’s back garden in Bognor. He went on to buy and restore a Fordson E27N tractor, an AEC Matador and a Humber car, but it was not until 2019 when he finally found what he was looking for when he purchased his own solid wheel lorry. This 1919 Thornycroft J Type, he would go on to pour his life into it for the next four years as he completed a full mechanical overhaul and made a whole new cab and body. Finished off with one of the best paintjobs around, in typical Toby style, he did what he liked to call a “YouTube learn”, where he managed to master the art of gold leaf from only a few videos. Toby completed a dream when he took it on the 2024 HCVS London to Brighton Run, a run which he used to watch with his dad from the roadside. His efforts were duly rewarded with several trophies at Brighton. A trip to France followed where the lorry performed faultlessly for 150 miles, he sampled the delights of the local red wine and cider and sang and danced around the accordion. The final highlight for him with the lorry came when he was awarded a restoration award by the Transport Trust which was presented to him by HRH The Princess Royal. He was Sussex through and through. He loved the place, from bike rides up on the South Downs, to sampling his beloved Harvey’s Beer in as many pubs across the county as possible. His smile would light up any room and he would do anything to get a laugh.
Toby’s engaging manner will be remembered by his friends at Horsham Traction Company and all who knew him.
Toby will live on in the hundreds of drawings and paintings he created, on the vehicles he painted and lined, and in all the memories and photographs we all have of him. Sometimes in modern times the phrase, “a generational talent” can be overused. But this describes Toby perfectly. It was a pleasure and an honour to know him. He will never be forgotten. The Creche
Alan “Chalky” White 1936-2024 Chalky was born in Willesden, London in 1936, where his father Jack was an engineer in a local factory and Chalky would often be taken to work when he was growing up. This sparked his interest in engineering and led to him applying for, and getting, an engineering apprenticeship with the de Havilland aircraft company, which included two years at Durham University leading to a long-standing friendship with one Steve Neville! Working for de Havilland Chalky developed his widespread and incredible knowledge of anything engineering, working on everything from jet engines to helicopters with time also spent in the stress office, the drawing office, and the various machine shops. Chalky then joined Middlesex Polytechnic as a lab technician which led to various promotions and eventually, he became Assistant Dean. Always being hands on and practical, his classes would often involve a trip to some local engineering works (often steam based) followed by a debrief in the local pub! It was while he was at Middlesex Polytechnic he gained his Doctorate PhD in Fluid Mechanics, becoming an expert in his field, giving lectures and attending seminars all over the world. Steam was always the biggest love of Chalky’s life and during his younger years he was constantly down at the engine sheds of the GWR, train spotting and talking to drivers and the crews. He
Spring 25 • Steaming
Chalky and Jean on his Fowler road roller.
➜ 17
➜ acquired an intimate understanding of the workings of anything steam and he could tell you what was happening in the cab by looking at the gradient and listening to the noise the engine was making. As a keen model engineer, he built a 3 ½ inch gauge Gladstone, and much to the bemusement of his neighbours he built a track in the back garden to run on. He was often seen in local parks giving rides on steam days. During the late 1960s a chance reunion with Steve Neville at the Eastern Boiler Works would lead to him buying, and restoring, the Fowler road roller No. 16134 Progress from Steve Hubbuck in Dorset. The roller was built in 1924 and supplied to the Mechanical Tar Spraying & Grouting Co Ltd. Chalky fitted a new firebox and rebuilt the rear wheels. Once restored he was never precious about the roller, lending it to various people over the years including Smokey Sheppard in Kent, where it was kept at Thomas Wood’s yard at Crockenhill. Smokey was a real character in the local steam scene and Progress was taken on many ‘interesting’ adventures normally involving pubs in the area. Chalky attended steam rallies all over the country building a huge network of friends and acquaintances, and was a regular at Stourpaine Bushes. One year a stopover at the Damory Hotel in Blandford would lead to him meeting and later marrying the other love of his life – Jean. The constant travelling from Dorset to London took its toll and at the beginning of the 70s Chalky took early retirement and moved lock stock and barrel to Dorset. John Antell low-loaded Progress to its new permanent home, and he was welcomed by the locals becoming lifelong friends with the Antell family, the Cluett family and another local steam fanatic, Arthur Field. He set up the Fiddleford Engineering Works, and crammed in as much engineering equipment he could. This included lathes, milling machines, borers, a blacksmith’s forge and he also had a woodwork shop.With his incredible engineering knowledge and expertise he soon became the go-to man for anyone, not only in
His engine line up – his two Fowlers and his narrow-gauge railway locomotive.
the local area but all over the country - if you had a problem Chalky could sort it! He was a big fan of bartering and would often do jobs in exchange for goods or favours. Always willing to share his knowledge, he would take people under his wing, helping various friends over the years to achieve their engineering goals. As a true Fowler man, he also built a fully working scale model of a Fowler road locomotive which would regularly be seen at various shows around the country, such as at the Bath and West Show. He was also a founder member of the ‘Cunning Stunts’ display team on the Isle of Wight. Chalky never lost his love of the railways and was heavily involved with the Gartell Light Railway in Templecombe, which led to him designing and building from scratch his narrow-gauge locomotive which of course he named Jean. As he got older, Chalky was quite happy to take a backward step with the running and showing of Progress, loaning the roller to Arthur Field’s one time steersman/driver Percy Guppy to take to the local shows. As a keen gardener he would grow all sorts of fruit and veg, supplying the local pub and friends with anything he had spare, never a flower man and growing up during the second world war his mantra was, “What’s the point of growing flowers? You can’t eat them!” A measure of the man is the number of people who came from all over the country to pay their respects at his funeral, many observing a boilersuit dress code and having in his words ‘a bloody good piss up’! Chalky’s Fowler Progress was present, as too John Antell’s Fowler No. 11491 Dreadnought and the Antell family’s Robey No. 29333 Wally. He will be greatly missed, his skill and knowledge which often bordered on the genius has gone but his legacy will live on through the people whose lives he touched over the years. From the Antell stable, Fowler No. 11491 Dreadnought and Robey No. 29333 Wally at the Fiddleford Inn on Fred Lenton the day of Chalky’s funeral. Photo: Tom Antell.
18
Steaming • Spring 25
Henry Netherway 1946-2025 Henry sadly passed away at home on the 28th January. He was born in Worcester on 15th November 1946, and as a young child he started attending fairs with his mother and soon discovered the love of the majestic steam engines he saw there. He later went on to help Eric Middleton and Frank Holl at Hartlebury, a well-known collection of engines in the early preservation days and here Henry was charged with the care of a delightful Garrett 4CD tractor No. 27673 Conqueror. Henry was later apprenticed to the Central Electricity Generating Board at Stourport Power Station. This put his problem-solving skills to the test but happily there was plenty of time outside of work to continue engineering with his beloved steam engines. So much so, that by the age of 26, Henry had acquired two steam rollers – City of Worcester - a 1931 Wallis & Steevens Advance and the 1915 Aveling & Porter road roller Councillor Billy. Letters and invoices, saved by Henry from this time, paint a picture of politeness and care taken by various suppliers. In October 1972, a picture and report of Henry and Councillor Billy appeared in the Birmingham Post under the headline: “When it comes to the crunch a steam roller is an investment!” It was certainly a lifelong investment – 43 years later, when Councillor Billy celebrated its 100th birthday, cards came in from all over the country, and a party
Henry at the helm of his Foden No. 10320.
Spring 25 • Steaming
was given in its honour! Henry later worked at Bulmers, a job that brought him across the border to Herefordshire. He had first met Margaret at the power station and while steam was one of the loves of Henry’s life, it was clearly not the only one and Henry and Margaret were married in 1988. Their home was acquired in a semi derelict state, a huge amount of work needed to be done to make it liveable (not to mention the need for a shed for Councillor Billy and later the Foden!). Henry, ever hardworking, lived on site in a living van while the work was done… and most salubrious accommodation this was too, complete with wallpaper! Holidays were typically spent around steam, be it rallies, A young Henry, very much at home at an early rally. Beamish, steam museums or preserved railways. Often accompanied and service to the church. Growing up by the various dogs that they had over the he was a server at St Stephen’s Church years, a staple sight at many a rally, not to at Barbourne and later as Honorary mention the homemade cakes! For some Churchwarden at Amberley Chapel years Margaret’s grandchildren would also – a place he was called from while attend steam rallies with the engines. A undertaking repairs, by an enthusiastic time of happy memories for all. and youthful Tom Attwood to help assist By the late 90s and early 00s, Henry repairs on a broken steam tractor passing along with Richard Hesbrook and Dave through the area. Always one to help, a Godwin were becoming somewhat speedy trip to the workshop for tools was formidable at boiler work, helping with soon underway. a few local engines as well as their own. Many youngsters and people ‘new’ to It was around this time that Henry the hobby will be grateful to Henry for and Margaret set upon the his willingness to share his knowledge extremely derelict remains of and get involved with his engines at a Foden 5-ton wagon kept at a rally or on the road. This included Beamish Open Air Museum. assisting the NTET with the voluntary This was duly purchased driver competency scheme. For several and the monumental task of years, he was assisted by Barney Hill and recreating the Foden began, particularly during the difficult Covid which was completed in just years some very convivial steam gatherings 6 years. They enjoyed many were held at Henry and Margaret’s as years rallying the Foden, restrictions allowed. particularly returning to Since Henry’s passing, a great number Beamish, a place they loved. of people have commented what a kind, The Foden often being gentle and wise man he was. A man pressed into service for village of principle and if he disagreed with events, moving chairs and something that was said, he had that tables stacked high on the wonderful ability of gently and carefully deck for the church fete, putting his own point across. He was a giving rides around the village not a man of excessive words… but every from the local school and word counted. delivering Father Christmas Henry, we shall miss you. We shall to the Bazaar were all a miss your wisdom, your kindness and common sight. your care. May you rest in peace. Henry had a strong faith Tom Attwood 19
O
APPLEFORD 75
n 30th July 2025 it will be 75 years since Arthur Napper and Miles ChetwyndStapylton raced their engines in a field and accelerated the preservation of road steam. To mark the event, on 21st – 22nd June 2025 in the sleepy village of Appleford, the first two-day steam rally will take place for over 53 years. The National Traction Engine Club (NTEC) celebrated their 21st Anniversary
in 1975 with a road run from Nettlebed to Appleford and then a steam party at Appleford on the Sunday. In 2000 a one day gathering took place on the recreation ground to celebrate the 50th Anniversary since the first race. A dedicated team of volunteers, led by Jeffrey Shackell, made a commendable effort to organise an event for the 70th Anniversary in 2020. However, due to
the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was unfortunately unable to take place. A vague plan to stage the event for the 75th anniversary in 2025 was agreed. Since then, the world has changed and in particular the cost of putting on steam events has rocketed skyward. With Appleford relying on donations to proceed, it seemed unlikely that the event
The Daily Mirror article following the 20th August race in 1950.
Eileen and Old Timer racing at Nettlebed with a huge crowd watching. Photo. The late Giles Romanes.
20
Steaming • Spring 25
The race in 1952 at Appleford was a spectacle not seen before with 5 traction engines racing flat out. In this John Meredith photograph we can see Bill Cross and Miles Chetwynd-Stapylton on Ladygrove battling it out with Esmond Kimbell and Harold Lines on Kim. But it is Arthur and his steers-person Dick Blackwell on Old Timer way out in front who once again won this race. Photo. John Meredith.
would ever take place—until a chance conversation with Tony Waistell, the organiser of the Stoke Row Rally, changed everything. Tony has led the Stoke Row Rally committee and turned the Stoke Row Rally into one of the most successful events in the area. The Stoke Row team have agreed to use their expertise, equipment and infrastructure to help stage the Appleford 75 event. The commercial element simply must happen to help pay for the event’s costs, but the Stoke Row team assure us this won’t spoil the early rally atmosphere. The early Appleford races, and subsequent rallies are widely recognised as the start of road steam preservation. There is no doubt the preservation movement would have started without Appleford, but these events and the publicity they drew helped give it the ‘push’ it needed, and no doubt meant many more engines were saved from the cutters torch than would have been otherwise. In 1954 the then NTEC was formed as a result of Appleford, which itself is in its 71st year. Now, you need to be getting on for 60 years old to even remember an Appleford Rally, and probably getting on for 70 to have ever exhibited. So why recreate nostalgia for an event that the majority can’t remember? It is a chance to mark the anniversary of what our forefathers did which has given us the hobby we all enjoy today. Also, it is a chance to put road steam on a pedestal and in the spotlight. Rallies today have Spring 25 • Steaming
to offer a wide variety of attractions to entertain everyone, and this has in some cases diluted the focus on road steam, and we see less of the ring events, games, and demonstrations using engines. Appleford 75 will have something for everyone – it simply must, so that tickets can be sold and help pay for the event, but it will definitely be putting the steam enthusiast first. Engines will be displayed in an area without modern clutter in the background so they can be appreciated properly and photographed; recreating some of the old photographs we know and love. There will be a dedicated ring for steam engines where many of the games and demonstrations of old will take place. This will include musical chairs, beer in the bucket, obstacle racing, a winching demonstration using a ploughing engine, and some mock flat racing between engines. With the demise of some of the larger rallies we have less of an opportunity to bring engines and people from far and wide together, and Appleford looks like it will also do this with engines booked to come from as far as Cornwall, Sussex, Norfolk, and Scotland. The fact that these exhibitors are willing to come from so far away at their own expense shows the enthusiasm for this event.
A reminder of how it all started From the first two races at Appleford on July 30th and 20th August in 1950, the beginnings of the steam infection spread. 21
Race number three in 1951 at Nettlebed. Giles Romanes, the challenger, shakes hands with Lord Nuffield prior to the race. Fred Ham is Giles’s mate that day and was responsible for sending Giles the Daily Mirror article from 1950 and whereby Giles and Arthur met to set up the 1951 race. Photo. The late Giles Romanes.
The beer tent at Appleford in 1952 following the race that Arthur won. Left to right, Harold Lines, R. C. Moore, Esmond Kimbell who was the challenger in 1952 and Arthur Napper. Photo. Esmond Kimbell collection/RLS.
22
Marshall No. 37690 Old Timer and Aveling & Porter No. 8923 had battled, with Arthur Napper on his Marshall being the winner on both occasions. The second race in 1950 attracted the attention of a journalist from the Daily Mirror, and this really put the word out about what was happening in Appleford. The August 21st newspaper cutting was handed to a traction engine owner who lived near Maidenhead, his name was Giles Romanes. Giles made a visit to see Arthur Napper in early 1951 and challenged him to a further race. His engine, a Wallis & Steevens and Arthur’s Marshall were driven equidistant to Nettlebed in June 1951 and the following week on a bright Sunday morning at midday, the race took place. Despite a great effort by Giles and his steersman Fred Ham, the eventual result was a further win for Arthur and Old Timer. Thousands of people witnessed the spectacle due to Giles alerting The Times newspaper and the fate of the traction engine took another step towards safety. Steaming • Spring 25
The scene at Appleford for 1955. A mass of people, engines and above all, interest. Photo. Ivan J. Belcher.
In 1952 five engines were lined up to blast across the meadow at Appleford, being the three so far mentioned plus Marshall No. 69326 owned by Esmond Kimbell from Northamptonshire and Wallis & Steevens No. 7293 owned by the Quick brothers from Bampton. Once again Arthur and the Marshall were home first, there was clearly something special about that winning combination. The assembled crowds that day must have been stunned though with the sight of an immaculate Burrell showman’s engine, freshly restored and driven over to Appleford from Minster Lovell by owner Jack Wharton. The years following saw a steady rise in interest in collecting redundant traction engines across the country as news spread of this new entertainment. By 1953 the Appleford rally was arranged for Saturday 6th June, starting at 2pm. The National Traction Engine & Tractor Association Incorporated had a part in the organising and met with several traction engine enthusiasts before the event to get an idea of what should happen on the day. At this meeting the idea of a National Club was mooted as enthusiasts needed to be linked together and to keep up with the steam news. Spring 25 • Steaming
Among the judges for 1953 were Norman E. Box, Christopher W. Lambert and Captain J.J.C. Allen. 16 engines were entered in the programme although it’s possible only 13 turned up. A full
afternoon of activity was set out ranging from Engine Elegance, Steam Tractor racing and Obstacle Competitions for the various classes of engines present. It is noted that some 5,000 spectators attended,
1955 at Appleford and Alastair Dacre Lacy (left) stands with Raymond Glendenning who opened the rally that year. Alastair Dacre Lacy ran a publicity company that drew up the NTEC/NTET logo. Photo Ivan J. Belcher.
23
and Arthur Napper was undefeated in the racing events. The now world-famous logo of the NTET was used on the cover of the 1954 programme, with the then NTEC being born in that year. The Trust is delighted to be involved in joining and supporting the Appleford 75 celebrations and will have an active role in June. The finer details of these arrangements between the Trust and Appleford 75 are being worked on as this issue of Steaming goes to the press and will be announced via social media channels once finalised.
It’s not just the engines… The engines stay the same, but the people change. We have all known a great number of amazing characters over the years that have come and gone. At Appleford we will be remembering those wonderful people who taught us, entertained us, and gave us good friendship.
Steam Rollers at Appleford It was 1960 before the first steam roller appeared at an Appleford rally, 10 years after the initial race and first decade of traction engine preservation and the brilliant hobby we all enjoy today. Prior to this many rollers would have still been working for a living. The first roller in
Jack Wharton seen with his son John on Burrell No. 3489. Jack Wharton was a lifelong friend of Arthur Napper and first took King George VI to Appleford in 1952. His tireless work for the NTEC and fundraising for Cancer Research for the rest of his life earned him the high esteem in which he was regarded. Photo. Oxford Mail & Times.
question was Fowler No. 14674 Busybee, manufactured in 1922 and new to the Henley-on-Thames Rural District Council, later being transferred to Oxfordshire County Council in 1930. It worked right up to 1960 and jumped straight from work to rally. Peter Barker was the purchaser of the roller and sold it onto Ran Hawthorne
(who was the Editor of Steaming for a number of years in the 1970s), with both Peter and Ran becoming great personalities of steam in the Thames area.
Come and join us So, if you are free on 21st and 22nd June come and join us and help celebrate our
Fowler No. 14674 Busybee as she was in 1960 when she first appeared at Appleford rolling the Bridle Path in Woodcote, Oxon with owner Ran Hawthorne on the left who joined the organising committee soon after. Photo RGH Simpson / David Warren collection.
24
Steaming • Spring 25
A happy ‘Appleford gang’. Left to right, Bill Tame, Percy Palmer, Arthur Napper, unknown, Eric Filmore, unknown, unknown, Tony Stockwell, Lis Stockwell, Wally Dell. All these characters have enough stories about themselves to fill multiple books. Photo. Arthur Napper collection.
wonderful hobby together with how it all started. If you have an engine that attended an Appleford Rally or the 1975 NTEC road run, and are not yet booked in (entrants to all the Appleford Rallies are listed here:
https://tvtec.info/2018/12/24/appleford70-the-invite-list/ ) then contact Reg Dore (radi0reg@yahoo.co.uk ) for an application form. For all other enquiries please contact Tony Waistell (tonywaistell@yahoo.com).
Follow news about the event on the website: https://www. appleford75thanniversary.com/ or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ appleford70 The Appleford Team
A look back to Appleford in 2000. The diminishing line of Appleford stalwarts, now further deleted with the passing of another 25 years. They may be gone but they are not forgotten. Left to right. Ran Hawthorne, John Wharton, Nick Barker, Alan Lawrence, John Crawley, Sally Edmonds, Chris Edmonds, Stephen Hubbuck, Ian Woolett, Jim Sarney, Peter Barker, John Davis, Gordon Howell, Joe Powell, John Hirons, Megan Napper, Viv Kirk, Peter Barber, Chris Barber, Don Shackell, Ivan Fear and Fred Owen. Photo Dick Blenkinsop.
Spring 25 • Steaming
25
B
Birthday return for 100-year-old Ex-Mayor
urrell Super Scenic Ex-Mayor made a triumphant return from overhaul in February. The distinctive blue Burrell embarked on a road trip in celebration of the 100th anniversary
of it leaving the St. Nicholas Works in Thetford. The factory build sheet for No. 4000 Ex-Mayor is stamped that the engine left the St. Nicholas Works on the 13th
Fresh out of the box, 1925 Burrell No. 4000 Ex-Mayor raises steam inside the St. Nicholas Works in Thetford.
Ex-Mayor in the gloom of Thetford Forest on route to Kings Lynn.
26
February 1925. One hundred years to the day the big blue engine returned after the completion of a mammoth overhaul which has included, amongst other things a new barrel, new firebox, new gears and new tender. The hard deadline of such an important anniversary certainly focussed the minds of Dave Roberts and the restoration team and sure enough on the morning of the 13th February the showman’s engine arrived at the Burrell Museum in Thetford. John and Ted Saunders were on hand to witness the return of the engine they have owned since purchasing it from the late William McAlpine in the 1980s. Now the longest owners in Ex-Mayor’s history, the Saunders Collection showed the engine at rallies up and down the country until it was time for a lengthy and costly bottom-up rebuild. It was a very proud day for them both and the rest of the Saunders family as Ex-Mayor raised steam outside the former paint shop at the St. Nicholas Works. The Charles Burrell Museum in Thetford felt like the perfect place for Ex-Mayor to start its 100th birthday celebrations. A champagne reception was held to toast the return of Ex-Mayor for its birthday. Although there is some contradictory documentation about the exact ex-factory date on the engines build sheet it is widely accepted that on completion in Spring 1925 the engine went to the Kings Lynn Mart for its Fairground debut with the Tuby Family. And so, after plenty of photographs, Ex-Mayor headed out through Thetford Forest for a 36-mile road run to Kings Lynn Mart and a starring role for the opening day of the fair. On Valentine’s Day the fair was opened by the Mayor of Kings Lynn, Paul Bland, followed by an opening address by the Chair of the Norwich & Eastern Counties section of the Showman’s Guild, Nipper Appleton. Positioned next to the waltzers, ExMayor was the centre of much attention as it generated for its own lights on the Friday night with plenty of visitors from the road steam community coming to welcome back the return of this popular Steaming • Spring 25
engine. From Kings Lynn Ex-Mayor went to Roger Tuby’s Leeds Valentine’s Fair where the current generation of the family have been running the fair there for over thirty years. It was George Thomas “Tom” Tuby who started the dynasty, and it was he who ordered Ex-Mayor from Burrells. It was to be the seventh and final steam engine ordered by Tuby’s, all being Burrells. Ex-Mayor was positioned in front of the Leeds City Museum and thus provided a perfect backdrop for pictures of the engine with local dignitaries and members of the Tuby Family. The current Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung was given a personal tour of the footplate by Harrison Haslett-Saunders. She was joined by five ex- Mayors of Leeds for a group photograph in front of the suitably named engine. After two days in the rain and cold of Leeds it was time to head to Doncaster where an appointment with another important location in the Tuby family history had been arranged. George Thomas Tuby was renowned for his dedication to the people of Doncaster and in fact his engine names reflected his role in Doncaster society at the time of purchase. Sadly by 1925 this was ex-Mayor, hence No. 4000’s name. Ex-Mayor roaded through the streets of Doncaster to the Mansion House where it sat with the belt on as the town’s dignitaries came to admire the engine ordered by the Mansion House’s last resident 100 years ago. The Tuby family came out in force to see the engine and reaffirm its long association with Doncaster. During its birthday tour the engine had completed over 40 miles on the road
Ex-Mayor sits by the Waltzers at Kings Lynn Mart. The very same fair it was delivered to 100 years ago.
John Saunders with the current Mayor of Doncaster Julie Grace outside Doncaster Mansion House.
and had been in steam from dawn till dusk for five days without any shake down issues. A real credit to the restoration team and the crew. Simon Colbeck
The current Lord Mayor of Leeds Abigail Marshall Katung on the footplate with Harrison Haslett-Saunders.
Spring 25 • Steaming
With thanks to John and Ted Saunders. Alex and Harrison Haslett-Saunders, Dave Roberts. Rob Sharps and Roger Tuby. All pictures by the author.
Rob Sharps in charge of Ex-Mayor’s birthday at Kings Lynn Mart.
27
Breda Roller Update
I
n the Summer 2023 issue of Steaming (Vol. 66 No. 3) Kent based NTET member Ed Gardner introduced readers to the story of the acquisition of his 1928 Breda road roller No. 4660, and the work he and his father had carried out to date. In the Spring 2024 issue we re-visited the project to be updated on their progress, and it is now time to catch up with their work – Ed takes up the story: “All of the 104 firebox stays have now been fitted, the original threads were in fairly good order, but we were struggling to find a stay tap to suit. So, we decided to go up from 7/8” to 1”, this of course involved drilling out, reaming and then re-tapping. We then fitted the stays and closed all 208 ends to seal them up. The boiler has also had a coat of paint all over to try and keep the external corrosion at bay. Next on our to-do list was to source a set
28
of new tubes. Dave Rowley of Steam Engine Tubes was extremely helpful and within a week we were furnished with our new tubes, swaged and ready to go. We decided to blast and paint the tubes with apexior to match the rest of the boiler internals. The original smokebox door and its retaining angle were in very poor condition, so we opted for all new metal here. As the front of a roller boiler is cut at an angle, we decided to fabricate a new smokebox door angle rather than trying to roll an angle to the correct shape. This was then fitted and riveted in and the new door cut to suit, we managed to reuse the old hinge and Dad turned up a new tapered handle. When we bought the engine and started the strip down, we noticed that the cast iron surround of the firehole door was cracked. Now the boiler is coming together
again we have had to repair it. Dad is quite experienced with repairing cast iron, so he took this job on. After a good clean, prepping and welding with nickel rods, the welds were peened to remove any residual stress, and it’s now bolted back onto the boiler. We have had to make up a new pair of support angles for the fire bars as the ones which came with the engine were well past their best. The original chimney was mostly made up of poorly welded patches and was falling apart, it did however still have the original base and top ring. We drew up the new chimney as two separate halves and then formed the shape with a segmented fold, the two halves were then welded together and the base/top ring riveted on. After all the work on the smokebox was finished, we set to with rebuilding the
Steaming • Spring 25
Inside firebox looking forward, stays finished.
Front tube plate with tubes expanded.
front end, the headstock, forks and front rolls are all now back on. Alongside the overall reassembling, we are also working towards getting the boiler ready for its hydraulic/steam tests. All the valves in the water gauge system and the injector system are being overhauled and new pipes will be made where needed in due course. We needed some space in the workshop to repair the tender as the space to the rear of the engine was taken up largely by the crank/flywheel. The main bearings are in good order, so we decided to refit the crank to make some space. With the space created by refitting the crank, we have been working hard on the restoration of the tender, as the top and
bottom of the water tank were in very poor shape when the roller arrived. But as the front, back and sides are all in usable condition, we have cut the top and bottom out and have now
Spring 25 • Steaming
Smokebox door ring, welded, not cleaned up yet.
riveted the new top section in. Next steps are to get the boiler sealed up and ready for its tests and to finish off then fit the tender so that we can fit and plumb up the injectors.”
OPPOSITE: With the headstock refitted and the chimney trial fitted, the engine is starting to take shape. RIGHT: New tender top plate bolted in prior to riveting. BELOW LEFT: Trial fitting of water gauges. BELOW: Refitted right hand crank base casting.
29
l tract Burrell Gold Meda
N
ce.
or No. 3458 Defian
Tasker B2 No. 1822 Little Jim II.
SODEM road run
TET member Simon Nuttall sent in these notes from the SODEM road run which unfortunately just missed the copy date of the last issue. Nonetheless they make a good record of the event. “I am not sure that this esteemed publication is the place to discuss SODEM but since its demise, the end of season road run has continued. It is shall we say coordinated by Mike Lewendon of Witney - I did accuse him of organising it but he said that overplayed his part! That said the weekend went swimmingly so he must have done something right! The format
Simon on Johnny White’s Burrell No. 3665.
nce roller.
Wallis & Steevens No. 8005 Adva
30
Aveling & Porter compound tractor No. 9179 Whippet.
the Bull before returning back to the Trout this year was the same as the last couple in that it is based at the Trout Inn just outside where a special menu had been laid on for us as well as live music and the inevitable Lechlade which is blessed with a camping field and is very traction engine friendly - it raffle admirably called by John. I remember reading about the runs even has a hydrant right outside! years ago in Old Glory and thinking it This year we had no less than 15 full would be great just to watch them go by so size engines which for an end of season to be able to partake with an engine is so run just for the fun of it is brilliant and good. Three days of road steam, amazingly it included three Gold Medal no parade to take part in, just engines, tractors - they are just so common! My friends and the odd beer - what more Fowler was still being repaired following can a chap want!” its con-rod incident earlier in the year - so Words by Simon Nuttall, Johnny White lent me his beloved 1915 additional photography by Burrell 6nhp single crank compound Paul Fisher. No. 3665, which is currently living in my Cirencester engine shed and looking very at home. It has to be said we were one of the slowest engines and lots whizzed past us. John Wharton’s 3 speed Burrell road locomotive made us look like we were standing still as it rattled past. The route took us through Lechlade and then to the delightfully named and indeed delightful Old Spotted Cow at Marston Meysey for a lunch stop then back around Fairford air base and through Fairford where some enjoyed further hospitality at 1925 Foden No. 12018 Emily.
Simon Nuttall and his
crew in front of Burre ll
No. 3665.
Steaming • Spring 25
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Spring 25 • Steaming
31 25-107 V5
STEAMING AROUND CONTRIBUTORS John Durling, Paul Fisher, Colin Harris, Richard Hemington, Bryn Kemp, Kevin Lean, Bob Moorman, Simon Nuttall, Tony Seddon, Charlotte Vickery. NOTE: The information within this section is only as accurate as we are provided with. Any discrepancies are purely incidental, and we will try to ensure accuracy where possible.
Contributions are welcomed – steaming@ntet.co.uk
AVON In January, the yard at Stanton Drew, Bristol of the Sparkes family was alive with the steaming of 1925 Fowler No. 16439 Delilah. The 8nhp engine was built in1898 and delivered to the Blue Mountains, Australia for War Department use. After working in both wars, mainly transporting guns (having been shipped to France) the engine returned to Australia. It then was sold for private use and used for land reclamation before returning to the UK in 1982. With the engine coupled to Dennis Croker’s newly restored Fowler living van, a 6 mile trip was planned to take the van back to Dennis’s from Alan Sparkes’s yard. However, a few issues occurred, and the move did not take place on the day.
1925 Fowler No. 16439 Delilah coupled to Dennis Croker’s newly restored Fowler living van at the Stanton Drew yard of the Sparkes family.
CHESHIRE Andy and Margaret Tatton from Cheshire are progressing with the work on their 6 ton Wallis & Steevens Advance No. 7915 at a pace. Stripped down in November, the engine is now down to a bare boiler, which has been further stripped in readiness for the boiler inspector. The engine needed a new firebox, and once that was removed, it was decided to remove the boiler barrel and tubeplate for replacement. The rest will be reviewed shortly to see what further work may be required.
CORNWALL The close of the 2024 season saw Steve Corbett taking his Aveling & Porter steam roller No. 9128 Major to the King Edward Mine near Troon, where it was joined by Treve Nicholls’ Foden steam wagon No. 10530 Pride of The West. Following the event, both engines went off for some Winter maintenance. A number of steam rollers are, or have been, through Dean Parkin’s works, many potentially with an aim of being back out and about in time for the West of England Steam Engine Society’s 70th anniversary event in August, with some of those likely to be seen ascending Porthtowan’s ‘Engine Hill’ prior to the event. 32
Mort Betty’s Wallis & Steevens Advance steam roller No. 8095 Amy has been assembled after a piston and valve exam. The modified piston ring layout, made by Dean does seem to have made an improvement in performance. The second new water tank has been painted, lined and fitted. Over the course of the year, Matt Blench has been taking the parts of his Aveling & Porter C-type steam roller No. 10510 up to Dean’s works, where the assembly has been progressing at pace. The motion and crank have been assembled, and the misalignment of the bearing housings has been corrected. The second shaft has been fitted and a new third shaft made and fitted, along with the gearing. Scott Yeo
has completed the machining of the new headstock casting and related parts. During the first week in January, this was drilled and bolted up to the smokebox, along with the assembly of the front forks, rolls and sweeps - the front end is more or less complete. The steering gear is in place, and the tender is soon to be delivered, which will allow the back axle boxes to be set up and the new axle machined. It may not be long before the roller is up and running, a major achievement for all those concerned. A final decision on her livery is yet to be made, Eddison green is a possibility! Dean is also working on the cylinder and motion of Connor White’s Aveling & Porter E-type steam roller No. 12081 Evelyn and Kevin Bragg’s Aveling & Porter ➜ Steaming • Spring 25
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C-type roller No. 11216 Obby Oss which is receiving an extensive boiler rebuild. An engine to have changed hands within the county is a second Aveling & Porter E-type steam roller, No. 10291 Rob Roy, which was formerly owned by the late Harvey Lander. No. 10045 An Gof passed to Mark Rideout and family last summer and Rob Roy has now been acquired by Trevelyan George & family. Last steamed in 1963, her boiler report is deemed to be more favourable than An Gof. Another Aveling & Porter engine re-taking up residence in the county is showman’s style tractor No. 8432 Mendip Star which is now with Mike James of St Allen. This little engine was converted in the late 1970’s from a roller by Bill Lobb of Sticker, having been owned more recently by the late Aubrey Sanders & family over the border in Devon. Early March saw some steam activity in Truro when the Ellis family brought their Fowler steam roller No. 18873 Truro City back to the city centre to celebrate the
DORSET The annual Commercial Transport in Preservation vehicle meeting in Gillingham took place on Sunday 23th February, in and around the Station Yard area and NTET member Nick Baker’s yard. Nick, who has been a member of NTET for over 40 years, had his engine 1919 Burrell 6nhp double crank compound No. 3798 Red Gauntlet in steam. He acquired the engine
Fowler steam roller No. 18873 Truro City pictured with the cathedral’s three spires in the background.
county’s St Piran’s Day event. The engine was new to Truro Corporation in 1930 and although having been a resident of Cornwall or Devon throughout its life, has
rarely been seen back on display in the city. On this occasion it was stationed on the Piazza at Lemon Quay, where it certainly attracted the attention of young and old.
in July 2021 after restoration work was carried out by David Glanville of Liskeard. David finished the engine off, with work including a new tender, back axle, and drive gears resulting in it moving under its own steam in April 2019 for the first time in 37 years. Since the late 1980s the engine has been Cornwall based in the hands of David Hicks of Truro and then Glen Carter from St. Agnes. During these two owners time with the engine, it received
a new tube plate, smokebox and firebox. Originally it was supplied new on 5th February 1919 to G.H.Kingdon of Bridge Wood, Umberleigh, Devon, where it spent 30 years with the threshing contractor. It received its name Red Gauntlet from its next owner, Mr Newbury of Hampshire. It changed hands twice more before ending up in 1982 in Derek Marder’s yard at Andover, when the boiler overhaul work commenced.
No. 3798 Red Gauntlet stretches its legs from Nick Baker’s yard with a trip around Gillingham.
Spring 25 • Steaming
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KENT I start with a correction to the notes in the last copy of Steaming. I said Mark Williams had recently bought 1904 Aveling & Porter 12 ton roller No. 5467, in fact it was bought by Mark Newman, which I apologise for. There is not much to report at this quiet time of year, but some work has been carried out at Goblands Farm, Hadlow. The Pierce family have taken the front wheels off 1920 Fowler 7nhp road locomotive 14754 Endeavour to renew the wheel bearings which are quite worn. 1896 Fowler ploughing engine No. 1050 Heinz
is undergoing a 10-year boiler test along with the renewal of some of the pipework. The plan is to rally it this year with Paul Ransley’s 1908 Fowler ploughing engine No.1908 The Mistress. Just up the road from Goblands Terry Maynard has decided to sell his immaculate 1917 5nhp Burrell road locomotive No. 3777 Queen Mary which was totally rebuilt 9 years ago and now he is concentrating on finishing the restoration of 1909 8nhp Burrell No. 3131 which was steamed for the first time in about 40 years in February, having had a complete rebuild including all the motion work, gears and shafts - it ran very well. There are a few things to finish
STAFFORDSHIRE Since the last report in Steaming Vol. 68 No. 1, things have moved forwards a bit with John Durling’s Aveling & Porter No. 11486 Morning Star. The wheels are on, the chimney is on (albeit not finally fixed) and most of the pipework is fitted. This enabled the first steaming, and therefore movement under her own steam, on 16th February. A cold but bright day, that went very well with the whole team together and movement up and down the yard at Tom Fields-Pattinson’s. As expected there were
off and a canopy will be fitted later. It is due to debut at Strumpshaw rally at the end of May. Jeremy Martin’s 1927 Fowler 4nhp tractor No. 16948 Colleen is due to go to Brian Allison’s boiler works for some major repairs including a new firebox and smokebox. Ian Gilbert is due to take his 2007 Foster 3nhp tractor No. 14739 Johnboy to Dawson Engineering for a new set of tubes and a few other mechanical items including the fitting of a set of governors, which should have been fitted when it was made. Bill Giles has recently sold his 1901 Burrell 7nhp traction engine No. 2386 Titaness.
a couple of rivets that needed a little attention from the caulking chisel, but nothing serious. It was the first time she had moved under her own steam since 4th November 2017 – 7 years and 104 days! Preparations are underway at Klondyke Mill for what has now become an annual event, the North Staffs. and Cheshire club’s contribution to the FBHVC Drive it Day to be held on 26th April. This is a very informal gathering of vintage vehicles and a few of the resident engines in steam. If you’re in the area, do pay them a visit.
Tom Fields-Pattinson, John Durling, Ian Durling, Martin Treanor, Molly Grace, and of course Morning Star on 16th February.
SUFFOLK Plans are now advanced for a gathering of Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies engines back in Ipswich where they were built in July 2025. A good number of engines representing a 34
broad range of types and sizes, some from far away including Scotland, are booked to attend. A highlight will be the expected return to Ipswich of the two surviving Ransomes’ works engines, No. 31066 Hooky and No. 23266 Back’us Boy.
Saturday 6th July will see engines leave the Ransomes Jakobsen works (successors to Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies) for a 12-mile run into and through Ipswich town centre, including along the historic waterfront for ➜ a lunch stop at the site of the Ransomes Steaming • Spring 25
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Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies No.26996 Boudicca returns to Ipswich’s waterfront ahead of the celebrations in July 2025.
Orwell Works. On Sunday 7th July, engines will be in steam at the excellent Ipswich Transport Museum. The museum will be
hosting participants on Saturday evening with a mini beer fest and barbecue. All Ransomes engines are invited, and
more details are available from Richard Hemington by email at steamingdick@ talktalk.net or 07736 962572.
Working steam exhibits, like threshing demonstrations, are popular attractions at High Weald. LEFT: The Bluebell Railway’s Freshfield Bank is going to make a fine setting for High Weald 2025.
SUSSEX The High Weald Steam Working will be holding its fourth event on 14th & 15th July 2025, at Freshfield Mill Farm, Sloop Lane, Scaynes Hill, RH17 7NP with a backdrop of the worldfamous Bluebell Railway. 2024 saw 1922 Mclaren road locomotive No. 1713 The Banshee owned by Paul Attwater haul the boiler assembly of ex Barry scrapyard Bulleid Merchant Navy class 4-6-2 No. 35025 Brocklebank Line to the show for use in the heavy haulage ring. By coincidence, around the same time a picture of the Mclaren
Spring 25 • Steaming
was published in Raising Steam, when the engine was operated by Northampton Corporation. If all goes to plan the same outfit will be undertaking the HCVS London to Brighton Road Run in May. The main theme of the show is around steam working with the plan for three steam powered threshing machines along with steam powered wood sawing and haulage. The team have secured ex Henton’s engine, 1909 single cylinder 7nhp Marshall No. 52483 to help out in the threshing area, a true threshing engine which has recently joined the fleet of engines based in Sussex.
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WARWICKSHIRE Last year a post appeared on Facebook asking if anyone knew which engine carried a certain Wiltshire registration plate and included a photograph of that plate. Another Facebook user quickly recognised it as that belonging to Wallis & Steevens No. 7248 Pedler and alerted Colin Harris to the post. Colin Hall, who had the plate, generously refused all monetary offers to buy it. Apparently, Colin’s father removed the plate in the very early 1960’s when Pedler was in Fairford gravel pits, and it had been in his workshop ever since. Since his father’s passing, Colin simply wanted the plate reunited with the engine. The two Colin’s met last May when Pedler was on display at Toddington railway station where, in a rather emotional moment, Colin Hall handed Colin Harris the plate. On Tuesday 11th March the plate was fixed to Pedler’s toolbox reuniting engine and plate after around 65 years. We are sure that both Sam Love, the original restorer and first preservation owner of Pedler, and the late Tony Harrington, the
Reunited – the Wiltshire plate returned to Wallis & Steevens No. 7248 Pedler.
last owner, would have been pleased to see another part of Pedler’s past on the engine again. We just need a working-day photograph of No. 7248 now for the jigsaw to be complete – perhaps a reader can help?
WILTSHIRE Simon Nuttall had a major mechanical failure with his 1903 Fowler No. 9691 coming up from the Saturday pub run at Castle Combe steam rally - he thinks a broken valve buckle and worn thread on the valve spindle was the cause. The consequences of which was a bent and snapped con rod and a broken way shaft casting. As often, once he started taking things apart one thing led to another and this led to what is in effect has been a full motion overhaul all the way to the second shaft. James Cummings of Universal Steam has made two new con-rods and
Out with the old, and in with the new – the new connecting rods for Simon Nuttall’s Fowler No. 9691.
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ABOVE & RIGHT: The fitting of new quad tracks to Burrell No. 2319 Finem Respice.
Johnny White has done his magic with the way shaft casting. Simon has been busy working on the little end pins, little end bearings and big end straps amongst other things. Still to go are the crosshead slides, mains and second shaft bearings. Being a Chartered Accountant by profession he admits it has been a steep learning curve. Meanwhile Ian Hands has been fitting new quad tracks to his single crack compound Burrell No. 2319 Finem Respice, the previous owner roaded it so extensively that the previous set of quad tracks were worn flat! By all accounts it’s quite a job putting the quad track on. Together with rubbering the fronts should make getting about a whole lot more comfortable for him. Ian says he has spare tracks that would fit a 15” wide wheel and also another smaller set that would suit a tractor. Ash Upton has been working on the regulator of his R10 Aveling & Porter roller No. 7195 Lilly which is “horrendously heavy” making slow speed manoeuvres very trying. The ports have
been refaced and a number of pucks made out of different materials to see which works best. They are also trying to manufacture a simpling valve of sorts with the aim of injecting steam into the valve chest and equalising the pressure on the regulator. They have worked hard to make it as unobtrusive as possible and they will be at Castle Combe in May. Luke Raworth-Crowther is currently working from his original workshop in Swindon and a second workshop in Dauntsey . He has currently got two 4” Steam Traction World agricultural Burrells for commissioning and selling, one 4” Plastow Burrell in for major overhaul, a 4.5” Steam Traction World /John Rex Foden LWB lorry but shortened to a SWB in for new injector and glands repacking. He is also just finishing off a 3” Fowler ploughing engine which has been in for some light mechanical work and cosmetic works, and lastly a 4” Burrell Scenic showman’s which requires a retube. Steaming • Spring 25
As reviewed in Steaming Summer 2023.
Steam rollers damage the roads
G
By Roger C Mills based on documents supplied by Sandy Ross
iven the dismay amongst some affected groups after the recent budget, maybe it’s apt to be reminded that we have been here before – time after time. I want, here, to go back in particular thirty years to the budget of 1994 when aside from announcing the privatisation of Railtrack, something I suspect the government of the time would rather forget, the Chancellor Kenneth Clarke made this announcement of vehicle taxes: “I also intend to bring up to date the system of concessions and exemptions from vehicle excise duty. The existing highly complex arrangements go back, in some cases, to before the Second World War and have little relevance to the modern world. The number of different concessionary classes will be reduced from 132 to nine, a simplified and sensible handful. This will come into effect from 1 July 1995 and will yield about £30 million a year.” Oh dear - the words bring terror even now since politicians’ promises to simplify things invariably end up causing difficulties which have to be dealt with later on - and that is precisely what happened in at least one case here. Which incidentally involved Clarke adding his signature to one of the most mystifying
claims I have ever had the delight to come across. Now to an extent with hindsight you could see what he was trying to do. Vehicle taxes were bedevilled by concessions and exemptions added piecemeal since the 1920 Roads Act and particularly the 1933 Roads and Railways Act. Usually around uses which were felt to deserve special treatment and/ or rebated oil (what you and I call Red Diesel) with all manner of descriptions and categories. Put simply the proposals were to abolish a number of classifications and allocate the vehicle types, excluding emergency vehicles, either to the main band of commercial vehicle duties or to include them in two new classes: Special Vehicles and Special Concessionary. Special Vehicles would pay the standard rate of £135 under 3.5T and £150 over that weight. Special Concessionary would pay a flat rate of £35. At the time my only awareness of the changes at all - I was still a teacher with interests in vintage vehicles but a greater one in the fairground - was the fuss that blew up around the abolition of the various Showman’s categories which were all lumped together and added to Special Vehicles. Whether there was any
Sandy Ross owned Aveling & Porter No. 10596 No.41 for 55 years. Originally one of W.W. Buncombe’s fleet, in the 1930’s it worked in the Mildenhall district while under contract to West Suffolk CC and was probably transported by rail from Highbridge. Seen here No.41 is taking water at Old Welwyn in the 1970s.
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real cause for concern I don’t know 30 years later but elements of the fairground trade felt they were having hard won exemptions taken away and made a heck of a fuss about it. The bill when published didn’t help as it used the phrase ‘will be taxed at the basic rate’ for HGV when the word ‘minimum’ would have served the intention better. As for older vehicles when the Finance Act of 1995 was passed it contained this provision: In Schedule 1 to the 1994 Act (annual rates of duty) the following paragraph shall be substituted for paragraph 1 (annual rate of duty where no other rate specified)— 1 The annual rate of vehicle excise duty applicable to a vehicle in respect of which no other annual rate is specified by this Schedule is— (a) If it was constructed after 1946, the general rate; (b) If it was constructed before 1947, the reduced rate. (2) The general rate is £135. (3) The reduced rate is 50 per cent of the general rate. Seemed fair enough I suppose - for the steamer the maximum tax would seem to be £75 – though for those listed in Special Concessionary it was £35 But one category of owner did get a shock - those who owned and roaded steam road rollers who found themselves excluded from Special Concessionary (unlike anything that could conceivably be seen as ‘Agricultural’) or pre 1947 and were faced with a bill for £150 as Special Vehicles. Why? Read the above again. Yes, you’re right - it turned out they were amongst one of the groups for which an annual rate of tax was specified. No distinction was drawn between preserved steam and commercially used modern plant. One such sufferer was Sandy Ross owner of Aveling & Porter No. 10596 and he was not best pleased. Why, he wondered, were steam rollers which might do a few miles a year, if that, being lumped in with all other rollers mostly in commercial use? It’s Sandy’s papers and recollections that form the basis of this piece which is compiled at his suggestion. Sandy wrote to his MP Peter Lilley in Steaming • Spring 25
April 1995 when the finance bill for that year was published making the following, it seems to me pretty unanswerable, points: “At present there are possibly 1,000 surviving steam road rollers in this country, built between about 1880 and 1938, which are cherished by enthusiasts such as myself. These are currently classified as exempt vehicles for the purposes of vehicle excise duty, along with certain other categories of primarily maintenance vehicles. I understand that the above Finance Bill will reclassify all road rollers over 3.5 tonnes as a special vehicle class and become liable to tax at the proposed basic goods rate of £150.00 per annum. (That’s about £330 now adjusted for inflation – RCM) To a private owner such as myself, running two preserved steam road rollers for presentation at charity events and local carnivals, this tax will become a severe financial blow. I know that some owners within our Society would find difficulty in adding this additional cost to the already heavy burden of operating such obsolete equipment. I am sure that those drafting the above bill were unaware of the impact on steam road rollers. Since the construction of steam road rollers had finished by 1940 there is no difficulty in identifying them for what they are i.e. historical artifacts maintained purely for education as part of our heritage. I look forward to your urgent involvement in this problem which may appear trivial, but which flies in the face of the basic proposal of this bill which was merely to rationalise the vehicle classes.” Now look, I don’t want to stop you writing to your MP - if you have nothing better to do - listening to constituent’s concerns is what they’re paid for. Actually, Lilley passed it on to the Chancellor who replied. Now I know, because I’ve seen the unreadable squiggle, that Clarke signed this letter - who knows he may even have read it - but probably it was written by some junior civil servant in the department to back the official line. In short Ken told Pete he wasn’t shifting, but in the letter, he says: “I very much agree with Mr Ross that such vehicles are worth preserving as part of our heritage and admire the devotion of him and his fellow enthusiasts to this end. They clearly deserve a degree of special treatment for VED purposes. But this Spring 25 • Steaming
No.41 at Windridge Barn in 2019, just a few years before it moved into new hands. Sandy continues to enjoy his 1911 Aveling & Porter 4 ton road roller No. 7385.
is offered by the classification as special vehicles - without this, the vehicles would pay up to £5000. I do not think that exemption from VED would be justified.” He then makes the comment that road rollers: “do significant damage to roads when they travel on them, and unlike the bulk of vehicles for whom exemption is offered they are not emergency vehicles or vehicles used by the severely disabled.” No concession, then, for vehicles that make roads because they might damage them! Mind you he did also point out that they could have been paying thousands and anyway Mr Ross could claim back the VED for any time he wasn’t using his rollers. We’ll pause here to note that this was obviously the law of unintended consequences coming into action and that a simple phrase exempting steam powered rollers inserted into the act as an amendment would have sorted out a problem that I’ll bet hadn’t occurred to anybody until it occurred. (Yes, I know every sinew was being stretched to keep John Major’s doomed administration afloat but really the mistake should have been so obvious that someone in the Treasury or Department of Transport should have put things right in a few minutes.) No, instead they even managed to close off both the pre 1947 rate and what might have been a get-out-of-jail loophole, the idea that you could tax the things as an agricultural. Someone wrote to the DVLA along those lines to receive this reply: “In your letter you mention
that you have been advised that the vehicle may be eligible to licence in the Agricultural Machine class. If the vehicle is constructed as a roller, I am afraid that it will not be eligible to licence as an Agricultural Machine. However, if you can provide me with evidence that the vehicle is not a roller (eg. photographs) I will look into the matter again”. As you’d expect the Road Roller Association raised the issue, helped by the FBHVC who thought they could get some sort of hearing leading to a fairer deal. But in a letter to members asking them to write to their MPs the then RRA Chair Steve Arrowsmith reported that no progress had been made. A model letter was provided for members to send off. Again, the cynic in me - twenty years of reporting on all sorts of legislation from both home and the EU has not helped - can only say model letters in quantity won’t do any harm and at least the MP will feel honour bound to give you some sort of reply. Truth is that the individual backbencher has about as much chance influencing policy as me but the nuisance of all those letters might get them to at least have a go. (I’m not getting at them, just trying to be realistic. After all, a few hundred engine owners spread over 650 seats is never going to amount to a tidal wave of discontent.) So, what happened? Well in the short term everyone with a roller got a road tax bill for £150. But in the following year’s, 1995, budget Clarke announced in the section about the new rates of VED and ➜ 39
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other changes a complete volte face: “To make sure that the new system does not penalise vintage and classic car enthusiasts, many of whom run their cars on the road only occasionally, we shall be exempting from duty all cars and motorcycles over 25 years old, taking 150,000 historic vehicles out of tax.” He didn’t mention steam rollers, but the following clause was implemented without any fanfare in the Finance Act 1996: Section 16 Steam powered vehicles etc (1) In Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 (annual rates of duty), after paragraph 4E there shall be inserted the following paragraph— The RF60, showing taxation details for No. 10596. “4EE A steam powered The moral? Ignore - don’t even waste vehicle is a special your money on - the usual ‘day after’ concessionary vehicle.” newspaper Budget Specials which consist Thus, a stroke achieving what was seen of (under the inevitable Budget for Jobs to be both undesirable and impossible a and Budget for Growth headlines) of year previously.
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cut and paste jobs from the welter of government press releases. In reality it takes nearly a fortnight for all the gruesome detail to really hit home and many a loudly trumpeted measure to at best and, most often, vaporize into thin air or at worst as here blow up in some innocent bystanders face. Toward the end of my writing career, I refused to write Budget comments for at least a month. It took that long to read the Red Book. The price of security is eternal vigilance, and the same applies to taxation. Preservation is too small a sector to ever be targeted in whatever agenda comes along, despite what some of the more alarmist brethren might fear. As the above tale shows it’s the law of unintended consequences waiting hoof in mouth round the corner where the snares lie. If there is any mention of VED in any budget or any new transport legislation especially on testing is announced don’t wait for the newspapers (or even the increasingly dire BBC) – get straight on to the web and look for the detail. You never know…
Steaming • Spring 25
FORDINGBRIDGE, HAMPSHIRE
22 - 24 August 2025 Gates 8am Gates Open 9am
STEAM ENGINES, STALLS, WORKING HORSES, FUN FAIR
FUN DOG SHOW On each day
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www.steamandvintagefest.co.uk Summer 24 • Steaming Spring 25 • Steaming
25 41
Book review
When Steam Ruled the Roads A Traction Engine Archive Colin Tyson
With many rare and previously unpublished images, Colin Tyson’s latest book, featuring 96 pages and 180 images, and available from the NTET shop is a must for anyone interested in steam on the road. The book illustrates the period in the late 1800s through to the late 1920s when steam traction engines really did “rule the roads”. It is split into the logical sections of road locomotives and heavy haulage, steam rollers, steam wagons and showman’s engines, together with a few pages on the accidents that sometimes were recorded, when disaster struck on a road trip. The road haulage chapter has a sumptuous selection of images of road trains, and the renown haulage companies such as Hickey’s, Coulson’s, Box’s and Wynn’s to name a few illustrated, with their loads such as boilers, steam beams, removals, and other machinery. Many of the photographs show the men at work with the crews and enginemen, and bystanders enjoying the novelty of being photographed which adds to the heritage scenery. It’s worth noting their attire too, with the working men in flat caps, whereas the hierarchy in their more formal bowler hats! There are a few engines shown that made it through into preservation, such as Burrell No. 3949 Princess Mary seen in an image with its fairground load, instantly recognizable by its canopy which was lower and rounder to fit under the bridges around London. Another survivor shown is Amberley’s Marshall S-Type roller No. 79669, which is seen at work for West Sussex County Council near Midhurst and became WSCC’s last active roller. Amongst the photographs in the accidents section of the book are an interesting array of engines that have suffered mishaps such as being sunk into cellars, collapsed bridges or having unfortunate runaways. It’s a fine collection, all in one place, unlike the images that pop up on the internet, and a book that is hard to put down once you start browsing. Available direct from the NTET shop, priced at £15.99.
FROM THE EDITOR
W
elcome to this Spring issue of your Steaming magazine, which includes a feature on the Appleford celebrations which are now only months away. It is set to be a great weekend, which the Trust and Steam Apprentice Club are pleased to be a part of and hopefully many people will be able to attend the celebrations. As the last issue went to print a sad week of funerals took place, including those of Toby Robinson and Chalky White, who are both remembered in this issue as well as Henry Netherway. We offer our sincere condolences to their family and friends, and we reflect on the impact to the preservation movement that these gentlemen had - they will not be forgotten. When the late David Smith first started to engage with me about the editor role for Steaming magazine some two years ago, he was very keen for me to attend meetings of the General Council. These are typically held using Zoom and he felt it was important for me to see the work of the General Council and the priorities and focus of the Trust. As with all of David’s advice, it was good advice, and I have kept up attending the meetings since then. It has been helpful to understand and to see the council members “in action”, and I have always been impressed 42
with the commitment and dedication taken to serve the membership of the Trust, and to keep the Trust’s aims of “keeping steam on the road” at the core of their actions. I have seen them handle challenging tasks and difficult situations, such as the vexed issue of rally authorisation. The topic has been covered thoroughly both by the webinar and within this issue of Steaming and needs no further words from me. I would like to acknowledge the General Council for their efforts, particularly regarding this topic, as they face challenges regardless of their decisions and it does feel that often they are damned if they do, and damned if they don’t. Our Summer issue of Steaming has a copy date of 15th June and your contributions are most welcome, in particular to the pages of Steaming Around. Thank you in anticipation, and as the season starts to warm up with events, I wish you well as we carry on our aim of keeping steam on the road. Paul Ritchie Steaming • Spring 25
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Following the launch of Berrybrook’s new online shop, NTET members can benefit from the following discounts online: 10% discount on Miniature parts and accessories 10% discount on Steam Experience Days and 7.5% discount on their Mamod range. Website: berrybrooksteam.co.uk Email: steam@berrybrook.co.uk Phone: 01392 833301 Contact: Matt Anthony
of wet paints, discussions started regarding a good quality easy to use coach paint that could be offered at an affordable price to all users. As things progressed, a full range of paint products suitable for all vintage machinery and vehicle restorations was put together, ranging from anticorrosive primers to high build primers all the way to top end coach gloss. Heritage Paints also offer a complete professional painting service from shotblasting and priming through to the final finish of top coat, lining and varnish. They have been involved in many prestigious projects over the years including the recently completed new
build Talisman which will be finished in the full Norman Box Livery next year. Heritage Paints’ high-quality coach gloss paint is available in many colours matched to the original colour schemes of traction engine manufacturers. NTET members also receive a 2.5% discount off their engine painting service. To use the discount simply provide your NTET membership number when placing your order. Website: www.heritage-paints.co.uk Email: sales@heritage-paints.co.uk Phone: 07919 234090 Contact: Graham Morrison
in stock which covers a wide range of applications and all products are sold by the metre and are cut to order, and they also supply in 25m and 50m drums for higher volume requirements. As products are requested by steam preservationists, they will be added to the specific website section so if you cannot find what you are looking for please give them call. The Seal Extrusion company offers a large range of gasket and packing materials suitable for steam boilers,
including boiler door seals from the popular manufacturers. NTET members receive 15% discount on all Seal Ex products. For online orders please contact publicrelations@ntet.co.uk for the discount code or provide your membership number when ordering over the phone. Website: sealextrusions.com Email sales@sealextrusions.co.uk Phone: 01787 827070 Contact: Stuart Bulbeck
Steaming • Spring 25
15% off Vehicle Advertising Services Supplier: Legacy Vehicles Ltd Legacy Vehicles Ltd has been set up to offer a unique, dedicated and, most importantly, honest sales service for both sellers and buyers, run by vintage vehicle enthusiasts, husband and wife team Tom & Sammy Allen. Bringing together years of marketing experience and a life long passion for steam and other vintage vehicles, Legacy Vehicles offer sellers a range of options to sell their vehicle from free classified adverts through to a competitive full brokering service. With extensive use of online
5% off Mamod Special Editions Supplier: Promod Ltd Promod supply all major brands of die cast collectables, including their own Promod Originals range, and many Post Office-licensed models, buses,
marketing practices and traditional printed advertising, Legacy Vehicles reach customers from both the UK and abroad and across all age ranges. Although a young company, their new approach to marketing steam engines has seen them quickly become a well-recognised name within the road steam scene for both full size and miniature engines and establishing an ever-expanding customer base. Their new professional advertising service offers sellers most of the benefits of selling through a dealer but without the large commission bills and has proved a popular choice with many sellers and buyers alike. Alongside the advertising services, Legacy also offer full dealer facilities including a selection of quality engines from their own stock, competitive finance solutions and part exchange on pretty much all types of vintage vehicle.
Even if purchasing a steam engine privately, they can help arrange finance, possibly bringing that dream engine within reach sooner than expected. For more information please see www.legacyvehicles.co.uk or give Tom and Sammy a call on 07891 063077. Don’t be put off with them only having a mobile number, always being out and about means calling a landline will inevitable mean reaching an answer phone! NTET members receive 15% discount off their Professional Advertising Service and preferential brokerage rates. To use the discount simply provide your NTET membership number when placing your order. Website: www.legacyvehicles.co.uk Email: info@legacyvehicles.co.uk Phone: 07891 063077 Contact: Tom Allen
cars and much more. They have the latest models as they are released, and also carry the full product ranges from many manufacturers including many obsolete items you cannot find in the shops. They have a popular collectors club which offers many special models, and the chance to visit the warehouse on Open Days. The company also specialise in the production of custom-built models, perfect for corporate promotions and executive gifts with a small minimum quantity of 50 models. They can also custom paint existing model ranges as
special limited edition runs. Promod are one of the largest dealers of Mamod steam engines and are pleased to offer NTET members 5% discount off their limited edition model ranges. Current editions include engines in Pickfords, Anderton and Rowland District council liveries. To use the discount simply provide your NTET membership number when placing your order. Website: promod-diecast.com Email: sales@promod-diecast.co.uk Phone: 01785 224212 Contact: Graham Ward
10% Off Home Insurance 20% off online courses
Supplier: One Broker One Broker are specialist insurance brokers for most types of personal and business insurance. All NTET members receive 10% discount off the standard One Broker price for home insurance. Website: https://ntet.co.uk/insuranceservices https://www.onebroker.co.uk/personal/ specialist-insurance/classic-vehicle-insurance Email: hello@onebroker.co.uk Phone: 0330 055 2659 Contact: Carly Nineham
Spring 25 • Steaming
Supplier: The Sign Painters Academy The Sign Painters Academy is a new online learning platform created by signwriter Paul Myerscough to teach the traditional methods of
the trade, including coach lining. Each course is filmed in real-time video, showing in great detail the different skills and processes from choosing the right brush through to gold-leaf application. Paul has worked on many steam and vintage vehicles over the years, for details of his coach lining and signwriting service, please see: Website: www.bespoke-signs.com Phone: 07768 516 256 Email: paul@bespoke-signs.com www.thesignpaintersacademy.com
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The National Traction Engine Trust
Preserving our heritage with steam on the road
NTET SHOP 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 Alan Thomas Collection Volume 1 £10.00 Alan Thomas Collection Volume 2 £10.00 WESES 50 Golden Years £9.95 WESES Collection Volume 1 £14.99 Some Early Robey Steam Engines PJM Southworth £18.00 Agnes, a 500 Horse Power Corliss Valve Steam Engine PJM Southworth £8.50 A Brush with Road Steam Phil Braithwaite £10.50 Lincolnshire Industrial Heritage Colin Tyson £15.99 The Story of Ruston Traction Engines (including Steam Road Rollers and Steam Tractors) Michael Thexton £30.00 Reflections of Living Steam Barry Finch £12.95 More Reflections of Living Steam Barry Finch £15.95 Ploughing Engines at Work Barry Finch £9.95 Preserved Steam Powered Machines John Hannavy £9.99 Threshing Days William R Anderson £9.99 Herberts of Dorchester Kay Townsend £8.50 Traction Engine Register (2020 edition) £9.50 Threshing Machines Trevor Gregory £27.95 The Story of the Invicta Works History of Aveling & Porter Michael Lane £25.00 Driving and Operating Traction Engines Mike Dyson £25.00 Portable Engines Trevor Gregory £24.95 British Steam Fire Engines Derek Henderson £12.99
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Road Rollers Anthony Coulls £8.99 Sidney Harrison - His Life & Times with Burrell, Fowler and Scammell Ian Hall £20.00 Steam at Southbrook £19.00 Tuxford and Sons - Excellent Victorian Engineers of Boston - By L Pinchbeck, A Rundle, L Sergeant, A Southcott and F Winch (Editor - N R Wright) £10.00 Traction Engines Anthony Coulls £8.99 J & H McLaren J McLaren 1904 reproduction £18.50 Stationary Steam Engines Anthony Coulls £8.99 Best of the Tests M Dyson £9.95 Aveling & Porter, The John Crawley Collection Colin Tyson £14.99 Fosters on the Fairground K Mason £35.00 When Steam Ruled the Roads Colin Tyson £15.99 Steam Waggons in Preservation Malcolm Batten £15.99 Steam Rollers in Preservation Malcolm Batten £15.99 Steam Up! Traction Engines on Parade £15.99 Jack Hampshire classics Apprenticeship In Steam £10.95 I Worked With Traction Engines £10.95 Memories of Steam Rallying £7.95 Torton Tales (brilliant children’s series) by Wendy Wakelin Victoria and the Teddy Bear Victoria’s Busy Day Pop comes to Seward’s Yard Colouring book Rosie & Tanner, Steam Roller friends Victoria meets Finnigan
£6.99 £6.99 £6.99 £6.99 £6.99 £6.99
Steaming • Spring 25
The National Traction Engine Trust Preserving our heritage with steam on the road Road Locomotive Society Archive series The Traction Engine Archive Vol.1 The Traction Engine Archive Vol.2 The Traction Engine Archive Vol.3 The Traction Engine Archive Vol.4
£17.00 £26.00 £22.00 £25.00
Photographic albums Traction Engines At Work in Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Ely Mike Dyson Steam Scenes Vol.6
£19.95 £15.00
Nostalgia Collection albums Malcolm Ranieri Aveling & Porter of Rochester Fowlers of Leeds
£5.99 £5.99
Paul Stratford Road Rollers Steam in Agriculture
£6.00 £6.00
DVDs The Stanley Steamer
£13.50
To claim UK post free purchase: ● Write your name, address and order ● Enclose your current NTET membership card ● Make cheques payable to National Traction Engine Trust ● Send your order to: NTET Sales c/o Mrs K M Smith The Cottage, Main Road, New Bolingbroke Boston, Lincs PE22 7JU
Spring 25 • Steaming
Introduction to Boiler Maintenance & Inspection Steam in the Furrow 1996 NTET Road Run Sentinel Waggons (double DVD) Going For Gold
£10.00 £17.00 £10.50 £20.00 £10.50
Trust Items 60th Anniversary Road Run programme 60 Years of the NTET Steaming Binder - A4 Size Steaming binder (From Vol.24 to Vol.62 No.1) NTET Members Badge NTET 2000 showman’s badge NTET traction engine lapel badge NTET Foden wagon badge NTET steam roller badge NTET road locomotive badge NTET navy cap NTET bag with logo 38x37cm
£2.00 £5.00 £8.00 £7.25 £3.25 £5.00 £5.00 £5.00 £5.00 £5.00 £11.75 £4.00
Card purchases can be taken over the telephone: 01205 480836 after 7pm, if there is no answer please leave a name and number and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Non-members add 10% for postage. Overseas members – please contact the sales team on sales@ntet.co.uk to enquire about cost for postage of items to be purchased.
sales@ntet.co.uk www.ntet.co.uk/shop
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CORRESPONDENCE... Dear Editor, I recently returned from a trip through Chile where I seemed to come across many examples of fine British steam engineering that were on display in parks, fields, hotel gardens and other spaces. Sadly, many of these engines were in a bad state after being left outside for many years, but they seemed to be everywhere, so I wanted to share some photos with other members. Regards, Peter Walsh
A trip to South America saw Peter Walsh stumbling across a number of portables that were exposed to the elements.
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Steaming • Spring 25
Dear Editor, I was recently looking up something in an old 1990s Redhill rally programme and found the attached print of one of Bill Druce’s exploits in 1951, which made interesting reading. I thought that it might be of interest to Steaming readers. Yours, Bob Moorman RIGHT: En route from Glasgow to Earnley near Chichester, Fowler showman’s No. 20223 Supreme.
Spring 25 • Steaming
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STEAMING PAST
T
he Steaming Around section of the Spring 2000 issue of Steaming recorded a number of locations where engine owners, crews, families and friends had gathered to mark the start of the new Millennium by steaming engines and blowing their whistles at midnight. It was reported that none of the engines had succumbed to the much-feared Millenium Bug. For younger readers up to that time many computer systems only stored the year as two digits and there was much concern as to what might go awry when those systems that still only had two years reverted to 00. Many companies, including where I worked, paid out a lot of overtime for extra staff on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in case of problems, that fortunately failed to materialise. Elsewhere in the magazine it was reported that the committee had issued a Policy Statement following the motion at the AGM opposing the practice of converting engines in preservation to types they had not been during their working lives. The motion stated “One of the major objectives of the National Traction Engine Trust
is to preserve our steam heritage, including the original design of steam road vehicles, their use and maintenance. Therefore the Trust does not support in any way the conversion of any steam road vehicle into a form which that particular machine never had during its working life.” Surprisingly this policy statement does not appear to be on the current NTET website and the only apparent reference to conversions is a FAQ on the matter which merely mentions that a statement had been made following an AGM motion. The upcoming Pressure Equipment Directive had been mentioned regularly in Steaming for some time. With the implementation of this imminent progress had finally been made as to when a costly conformity assessment would be required for repairs. Essentially it had been agreed that so long as major components were reused then the assessment would not be needed, even if more modern materials or jointing methods (such as welding in place of rivetted seams) were used. Design appraisal may however still be needed, being long standing good practice. As mentioned in this column a year ago derogation had been obtained to continue the use of asbestos in boiler door joints until 2004 or suitable alternatives were available. The Spares and Pattern Register reported on what alternatives were available to be trialled. Of the half dozen companies and various products mentioned only Beldam Crossley look to remain trading and only Topog-E gaskets still available. At the time they were limited to 180 psi, though subsequently that has been raised to 250 psi subject to a continuous service life of 6-8 months. Fittingly an article marked the fiftieth anniversary of Arthur Napper’s race with Miles ChetwyndStapleton at Appleford on 29th July 1950 at Appleford, which is generally considered to be what led to the rally movement starting. The anniversary was also to be marked by a one-day event on Appleford recreation ground on 29th July, with engines attending that had attended Appleford rallies over the years, led by Arthur’s Marshall No. 37960 Old Timer. Miles’ engine No. 8923 Ladygrove was of course amongst the engines that made it into the early days of preservation but were later scrapped when extensive repairs became necessary.
Stuart Gaines 50
Steaming • Spring 25
Spring 25 • Steaming
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SHOP | STEAM ENGINES | HISTORIC VEHICLES | EXPERIENCE DAYS | TRANSPORT | VALUATIONS | WORKSHOP
B E R R Y B R O O K S T E A M . C O . U K
MINIATURES BOUGHT AND SOLD
DAWLISH ROAD, EXMINSTER, EXETER EX6 8DN
ARE YOU BUYING OR SELLING YOUR ENGINE?
LET US DO THE HEAVY WORK!
COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE
Welcome to Berrybrook Steam & Classics, a family owned firm that has been working in the world of transport for generations. With our unique expertise and experience, we can offer a complete service to enthusiasts wishing to buy or sell, full size and miniature traction engines.
Taking care of every detail we can: •
Organise collection from you
•
Arrange secure storage
•
Coordinate professional marketing
•
Complete sale
Leave it to us and Call:
01392 833301
Scan the QR code for Berrybrook Steam website
OFFICIAL RETAILERS OF WILESCO, MAMOD, MAXITRAK AND MORE! V IS IT : WWW.MILBURYMODELS.CO.UK O R C O N TA C T U S : 0 1 3 9 2 7 1 5 3 2 2
Berrybrook Steam & Classics, Dawlish Road, Exminster, Exeter EX6 8DN Call us on 01392 833301 Email us at: steam@berrybrook.co.uk Visit www.berrybrooksteam.co.uk Steaming • Summer 2024 52