STEAMING VOL. 69 No. 4 AUTUMN 2026
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 areEngine engineTrust owners a of the Nationalthey Traction is openortonot, all ofhave those who, Membership of thein National Traction Engine Trust is open to allsteam of thoseroad who, genuine interest the preservation of self-propelled whether they are engine owners or not, have a 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.
annualsubscription subscription rate is £38 thosetooutside the EU). The Trust’s TheThe annual rate is (£48 £38 to(£48 thoseofoutside of the 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. Other benefits of membership include very advantageous terms at the end of January, July and October. Other benefi ts October. Other benefits April, 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 onDriver technical matters excellent Training courses.and access to the 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 NTET, formed toat support other aspects of information found our formed website The Steam Apprentice Club is the junior section of theon NTET, to support youngsters up to the age of 21 in learning about and appreciating road steam. www.ntet.co.uk 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 engine reading andplease other items: about and appreciating road of steam. findreading out more NTET Sales offer a large selection tractionTo engine 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: President: Treasurer: Richard Semple Andrew Semple, Linden Lea, AmyTechnical Reynolds Services treasurer@ntet.co.uk Spares andspares@ntet.co.uk Pattern Register: Unit: President: Spares and Pattern Register: Technical Services Unit: President: Lydham, SY9 5HB Systems Support: Richard Semple spares@ntet.co.uk Tony Seddon tsu@ntet.co.uk AndrewBishops Semple,Castle, LindenShropshire Lea, Technical Services Unit: Richard Semple spares@ntet.co.uk Tony Seddon tsu@ntet.co.uk Andrew Semple, Linden Lea, 01588 630 664 president@ntet.co.uk Nick Bosworth general.support@ntet.co.uk Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire SY9 5HB TonyPublic Seddon tsu@ntet.co.uk V765 Registrations Officer: Relations and Communications: Lydham, Bishops Shropshire SY9 5HB V765 Registrations Public Relations and Communications: 01588 630 664 Castle, president@ntet.co.uk Vice Presidents: V765 Registrations OffiOfficer: cer: John Hunt v765@ntet.co.uk ViaRelations General Secretary. Public and 01588 630 664 president@ntet.co.uk John Hunt v765@ntet.co.uk Via General Secretary. Paul Davis and Colin Hatch JohnSales Hunt v765@ntet.co.uk public.relations@ntet.co.uk Vice Presidents: Dick Blenkinsop, David Smith Communications: Officer: public.relations@ntet.co.uk Vice Presidents: Dick Blenkinsop, David Smith Sales Chairman: Via General Secretary. Section: Sales OffiOfficer: cer: Kathy Smith, The Cottage, Main Road, Rally Organisers’ Chairman: Kathy Smith, Cottage, Main Road, Rally Section: Chairman: Rob public.relations@ntet.co.uk Kathy Smith, TheThe Cottage, Main Road, New Bolingbroke, Boston, Lincs. PE22 7JU JohnOrganisers’ Wye rally.chair@ntet.co.uk RobClifford-Wing, Clifford-Wing,Trelissa TrelissaCottage, Cottage,Philleigh, Philleigh, New Bolingbroke, Boston, Lincs. PE22 7JU John Wye rally.chair@ntet.co.uk Rob Clifford-Wing, Trelissa Cottage, Philleigh, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5NE chairman@ntet.co.uk New Bolingbroke, Boston, Lincs. PE22 7JU 01205 480 836 sales@ntet.co.uk Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5NE chairman@ntet.co.uk Rally Support Offi cer: Rally Authorisation: 01205 480 836 sales@ntet.co.uk Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5NE chairman@ntet.co.uk 01205 480 836 sales@ntet.co.uk Rally Authorisation: General Secretary: Gavin Young rally.support@ntet.co.uk Training Officer: Alan Holmes rally.auth@ntet.co.uk General Secretary: Training Alan Holmes rally.auth@ntet.co.uk General Secretary: Nick Hirst general.secretary@ntet.co.uk Training OffiOfficer: cer: Joe Black training@ntet.co.uk Anne Whittingstall general.secretary@ntet.co.uk Steam Apprentice Club: Steam Apprentice Club: Joe Black training@ntet.co.uk Anne Whittingstall general.secretary@ntet.co.uk Charlie Coulls training@ntet.co.uk Steam Apprentice Club: Vice Chairman and Engine Owners Section: Paul Stingmore sac.chairman@ntet.co.uk Coal and Alternative Fuel Trials: Nick Bosworth sac.chairman@ntet.co.uk Vice Chairman and Engine Owners’ Section: Coal and Alternative Fuel Trials: Nick Bosworth sac.chairman@ntet.co.uk Vice Chairman and Engine Owners’ Section: Bob Farm House, Castle Hill, Coal and Alternative Fuel Trials: Tom Attwood coal.trials@ntet.co.uk BobSiddall, Siddall,Stud Stud Farm House, Castle Hill, Compliance Officer: Compliance Officer: Tom Attwood coal.trials@ntet.co.uk Bob Siddall, Stud Farm House, Castle Hill, Carlton-on-Trent NG23 6NX Tom Attwood coal.trials@ntet.co.uk Compliance Officer: Carlton-on-Trent NG23 6NX Charlotte Garbett compliance@ntet.co.uk Steaming Editor: Charlotte Garbett compliance@ntet.co.uk Carlton-on-Trent 6NX 01636 engines@ntet.co.uk Steaming Editor: CharlotteDisc Garbett compliance@ntet.co.uk 01636821 821991 991NG23 engines@ntet.co.uk Steaming Editor: Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk Insurance Administrator: 01636 821 991Secretary: engines@ntet.co.uk Insurance Disc Administrator: Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk Membership Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk Insurance Disc Administrator: Membership Secretary: Louise Maunder discs@ntet.co.uk Advertising in Steaming: Louise Maunder discs@ntet.co.uk Membership Secretary: Richard Semple, NTET Membership, Linden Lea, Advertising in steaming@ntet.co.uk Steaming: Louise Maunder discs@ntet.co.uk Richard Semple, NTET Membership, Linden Lea, Advertising in Steaming: Paul Ritchie FBHVC Liaison Officer: Richard Semple, NTET Membership, Linden Lea, System Support: Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY9 Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY95HB 5HB Paul Ritchie steaming@ntet.co.uk System Support: John Durling fbhvc@ntet.co.uk Lydham, Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY9 5HB David Smith support@ntet.co.uk membership@ntet.co.uk 07964 360538 membership@ntet.co.uk David Smith support@ntet.co.uk membership@ntet.co.uk FBHVC Liaison Officer: Treasurer: FBHVC Liaisonfbhvc@ntet.co.uk Officer: Treasurer: John Durling Amy Reynolds treasurer@ntet.co.uk John Durling fbhvc@ntet.co.uk Amy Reynolds treasurer@ntet.co.uk NTET General Council: Nick Bosworth, Rob Clifford-Wing, Charlie Coulls, Paul Davis, John Durling, Gareth Ellis, Charlotte Garbett, Richard Hurley, Louise Maunder, Amy Reynolds, Dee Searle, Tony Seddon, Bob Siddall, Kathy Smith, Paul Stingmore, Mark Waite. NTET General Council: 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
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@The @TheNational NationalTraction Traction @The Engine National Traction EngineTrust Trust Engine Trust
Steaming • Autumn 26 Steaming • Winter 2023/24 Steaming • Winter 2023/24
Chairman’s Welcome
W
elcome to this issue of Steaming. As the 2026 rally season draws towards its close, it is once again a pleasure to reflect on the year and the many opportunities we have had to celebrate, promote, and enjoy our shared steam heritage. Sadly, we must also recognise that the world in which we operate has changed and will continue to do so. Health and safety, environmental considerations and public expectations are all increasingly important aspects of running and displaying our engines. We should never lose sight of the fact that we are custodians of historic machinery, and with that privilege comes responsibility. This Summer saw record breaking temperatures and wide scale droughts across the country. By making sensible decisions on whether or not to drive engines to and from rallies, we reduced the risks of roadside fires and protected the good name of our hobby. This protection extends to good firing, sensible operation, and consideration for those around us all have an important part to play. None of us wants to see the traditional spectacle of steam become something that attracts unnecessary criticism. Plumes of thick black smoke must be avoided wherever possible, otherwise I fear for our future. By working our engines responsibly and making the best use of the fuels available to us, we can continue to demonstrate that historic steam and modern standards of responsible driving can sit comfortably alongside one another. We must not gamble with the next generation’s ability to enjoy our engines. Their future rests with us! Seeing young people developing an interest in steam, whether through the Steam Apprentice Club, working alongside experienced crews or simply visiting rallies, is hugely encouraging. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who gives their time to encourage and support newcomers. Your enthusiasm and patience are helping to secure the future of our hobby. I am deeply saddened to report the loss of three stalwart members of the Trust since our last issue of this magazine: Johns Garman, Wakeham and Wharton. These three members were huge characters within our steam movement and will be greatly missed. On behalf of us all, I extend our thoughts and condolences to their families and friends at this sad time. The Trust itself continues to look towards the future. Our Annual General Meeting provides an important opportunity for members to come together, discuss the Trust’s work and reflect on how we can continue to develop. I would encourage members to consider becoming more actively involved, particularly by standing for General Council. Currently there are opportunities to serve. The future direction of the Trust is something in which we can all play our part, and fresh ideas and new perspectives are always welcome. As this is my final report as Chairman, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the past six years. It has been a privilege and honour to have served as Chairman of the National Traction Engine Trust. Six years may seem a long time, but looking back, the time has passed remarkably quickly. Being Chairman is not something one does alone. I am extremely grateful to my fellow Trustees, General Council members, officers and volunteers for their support, advice, and friendship throughout my term of office. There have inevitably been challenges along the way, but there have also been many rewarding moments, and I will look back on my six years as Chairman with enormous affection. I commend to you my proposed replacement Richard Hurley. Richard has had a lifelong passion for steam. I have absolute confidence that he has all the characteristics and qualifications to take the Trust forward in the coming years. On a personal note, I continue to feel enormously privileged to be involved in this wonderful hobby. Over the years, steam has brought me opportunities I could never have imagined and, perhaps more importantly, introduced me to many people who have become lifelong friends. That sense of friendship and shared enthusiasm remains one of the greatest strengths of our movement. Thank you all for your continued support of the National Traction Engine Trust and thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your Chairman for the past six years. Happy Christmas to you all and best wishes for the New Year.
Autumn 26 • Steaming
STEAMING The Magazine of the National Traction Engine Trust Volume 69 No. 4 Autumn 2026
In This Issue From the Trust 4 AGM dinner 11 Obituary John Wharton 12 Obituary Jon Garman 14 Obituary John Wakeham 14 Photographic competition 16 Calendar 17 National Transport Trust awards 18 Technical Tips - Washout plugs 20 Steam Years and the Engine Journal 22 Book review 25 Steam Plough Club 60th 26 Steaming Around 28 Members Benefits 44 Shop 46 Correspondence 48 Steaming Past 50 Cover photo: Aveling & Porter BT class road roller No. 9074 passing the 1920s vintage garage scene at Amberley Museum on 4th July 2026. Photo: Simon Colbeck Published quarterly for the membership of the National Traction Engine Trust Virginia Cottage, Upper Vobster, Radstock, BA3 5SA 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 © 2026 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.
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FROM THE TRUST... TSU Report – Summer 2026 Welcome to the TSU report for the Autumn issue of Steaming. I hope 2026 has been kind to you and you have got to all your planned events. My report this issue will focus on the forthcoming departure of a key part of the TSU team – that being our Compliance Officer, Charlotte Garbett. Charlotte has worked extremely hard during her tenure to bring up to standard the policies and compliance systems that the NTET relies on. The hours she has put in are vast and the professionalism she has shown throughout this process has been fantastic. On behalf of the NTET and personally, I wish to place on record my thanks to her for her endeavours. It has been very much appreciated. So, thank you Charlotte. Charlotte leaves the TSU at the AGM, or before if a replacement comes forward, which brings me to another point… If anyone with
Compliance Report Since my last update, there have been no major legislative changes that fundamentally alter the operation of historic steam vehicles on the road. The existing arrangements around historic vehicle taxation and MOT exemption continue, with steam vehicles remaining recognised within the historic vehicle provisions. As ever, exemption from MOT testing does not remove an owner or operator’s responsibility to ensure that an engine is safe and roadworthy whenever it is used on the public highway. DVLA updated its guidance on the registration, repair and restoration of historic vehicles in August. While much of this guidance is aimed at other types of vintage vehicle, the relevant message for the steam movement is the importance of maintaining good records and preserving the identity and provenance of our engines. Where substantial restoration work is undertaken, owners should retain photographs, invoices, registration documents and other records relating to the engine and the work carried out. For road-going steam vehicles, the fundamentals therefore remain unchanged: appropriate insurance, correct registration and taxation where required, suitable driver entitlement, proper boiler examination and certification, and ensuring the complete vehicle is maintained in a roadworthy condition.
a legal or regulatory background would like to talk about what the role covers and the time commitment, please contact me on the details listed in the front of the magazine. You will be joining a great team, and you will be supported. On other matters, the team continues to work hard on your behalf and as always, if you need any assistance with any matters under our remit, please contact one of us. I hope you enjoy the rest of the 2026 season – see you at the AGM and please feel free to say ‘Hi’ if you see me anywhere. Tony Seddon Head of TSU
Responsible operation on the highway remains important not only from a legal perspective, but also in maintaining the reputation and freedoms of the wider steam preservation movement. As mentioned in the previous issue of Steaming, this will be my final legal update, as I will now be stepping back from the role. It is important that the Trust continues to keep abreast of legislation and regulatory developments affecting historic steam vehicles, so if anyone would be interested in taking the role forward ahead of November, please do reach out to me. Finally, thank you to everyone who has supported me and contributed information, questions and advice during my time in the role. It has been an honour to support the National Traction Engine Trust during my tenure, and I am grateful for the support and contributions I have received along the way. I wish the Trust, its members and the wider steam movement every success for the future. Charlotte Garbett
FBHVC News Summary – Historic Issue 11 September 2026 Tighter checks on your vehicle’s emissions Most of you will, I’m sure, have seen posts or ‘click bait’ adverts announcing the impending end to using your older vehicle because it won’t comply with the current emission standards! This is a classic example of certain people and sections of the media trying to create a scare story out of nothing. It is true that the Government are consulting on the ways in which ongoing vehicle testing can verify that any given vehicle is still running in 4
compliance with the emission standards applicable when it was made. This consultation is only considering vehicles built from 2001 onwards; therefore, not of concern at the moment to historic vehicles (which must be 40+ years old in England Steaming • Autumn 26
and Wales). We all know of various ‘mods’ that are carried out to improve the performance and/or reliability of a vehicle. The classic ones being the removal of the DPF from a diesel exhaust system, or disconnection of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Again, not likely to be of concern to operators of historic vehicles. I’ve yet to see a steam engine with EGR although in the late 1800s legislation did require road steam vehicles to be ‘constructed so as to consume their own smoke’! DVLA After many meetings and much discussion with the DVLA the FBHVC can now announce that the formal approach to the registration of ‘reconstructed classics’ and vehicles originally supplied as CKD has moved to one where, providing the owner can demonstrate that the vehicle has been rebuilt using materials, style and construction methods typical of the time when the original vehicle was made, a registration can be issued. The NTET does have a V765 Officer who can help with the recreation of an original or lost registration on an engine where the registration paperwork does not exist. Heritage Skills Training In the last issue of Steaming I mentioned the Heritage Skills Academy and the successes with passing on the skills necessary to keep our older vehicles running on to a new generation of
engineers and mechanics. In issue 11 of Historic there is an article detailing the work being done to persuade the Government to increase the funding for Apprenticeships, and particularly heritage apprenticeships. This points out that the level of funding available has not risen in eight years and is putting increasing pressure on the organisations try to prove these skills. It’s worth a read if you are worried about how the next generation is going to be able to look after HVs. I think that the steam world, particularly the road steam world, is rather better off in this regard. The Classic Motor Show The biggest indoor classic car show is once again being held at the NEC in Birmingham in November. For anyone with an interest in older vehicles, custom builds etc. this is an excellent day out. I’m led to believe that this year, there will be some steam interest too. For the last few versions of this missive, I have finished this with the words “as always, go https://fbhvc.co.uk for all these articles and more”. I have now been informed that, if you don’t already have a FBHVC registration, this is what you need to do. Go to https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/register Input your email address, create your own password, and choose NTET from the drop-down list. Registrations are normally approved by return. John Durling FBHVC Liaison
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Autumn 26 • Steaming
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Engine Owners Section Report As you will see from the advert elsewhere in this issue, we are making some changes to the way the Driving Course is run. The first is that we are introducing a payment plan whereby you can secure a place on the 2027 course by paying a £50 deposit then spread the remaining cost with £100 due by the end of November, £100 by the end of February and the balance by the end of March 2027. We have also had to make some difficult decisions and in 2027 we will not be able to accept any Foundation students who are under 16 years old.
Steam Apprentice Club As I write this I am in a pensive mood. Just over two years ago I went to my first rally as a volunteer with the SAC and within a few months had been elected as Chairman - there weren’t many takers! It’s been a whirlwind couple of years with a new website and members area, logbook updates, many more driving days and the Senior Apprentice Team up and running. I’m pensive because I’ve just attended my last rally with the Club as Chairman. I am hopeful we have found someone to pick up the reins from me in November, bring fresh ideas and maintain the work we’ve done. This is therefore likely to be my last Steaming entry. I want to say a huge thanks firstly to the other volunteers who are the mainstay of the club. Also, to all who support the Steam Apprentice Club with engines etc and every one of you who has helped me when I’ve asked for it. To the Apprentices, who have made me smile almost every step of the way and finally my partner Ian. He is generally there, keeping us all fed and watered and generally making sure everyone is ok! Along the way our membership numbers have grown and so have our volunteers. I’d like to welcome our latest recruit, Grant
We have also sent out a questionnaire to this year’s students to obtain their views on the course and how we can improve it and those comments will be built into a review of the format of the course which we will be undertaking soon. Look out for details of the next Engine Owners meeting in the Winter issue. Bob Siddall
Tulley, who will be liaising with parents and coordinating driving day bookings. To reduce the burden of Driving Day Coordinator I am delighted to welcome John Durling to the team. He will be helping organise Driving Days to make sure everyone has they need, agree the dates and locations etc. On the subject of Driving Days, so far this year every place has been taken for every day which has taken place. We’ve got two more days to go and a handful of places left (Newbury and Hadlow). The demand is clearly there, and our apprentice numbers continue to rise. If you don’t have a regular apprentice as part of your crew, it might be a good time to consider it. Harry (a regular apprentice on my engine) has graduated to being one of the crew. He drives and looks after the engine better than I do. A friend recently asked if he had given me permission to take my engine out on my own given it’s normally him looking after it! In my eyes this
ABOVE: The SAC gazebo at Weeting rally. Photo David Warren. LEFT: An apprentice gets to grips with the job of cutting a gauge glass to size.
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Steaming • Autumn 26
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ABOVE: Apprentices looking after the miniatures at Gloucester.
is what it’s about, making sure that the next generation of engine people is ready to go! So, this is me signing off folks. I hope I’ve delivered on the commitments I made when I first sought your nominations. It’s been a real pleasure. I look forward to having a pint with you on a rally field soon! Please continue to support the Club as you all do, it really is the future of steam. Paul Stingmore RIGHT: An apprentice is seen having the opportunity to steer Lord Roberts at High Weald.
Membership Musings Hello everyone from the membership desk. I hope this finds everyone well after a long hot Summer, which brought challenges for many rallies and members alike. The August Bank Holiday was on cue with the weather and created some challenging conditions at Onslow Park but a grand parade happened on both days albeit miniature in size. The Steam Apprentice playpen was well received and busy both days following on from their driving day on Saturday before the rally opened to the public. I sit here catching up with paperwork having spent a very enjoyable day at Apley Park, Shropshire celebrating 60 years of the Steam Plough Club. A club close to my heart as I was a committee member and membership secretary for many years and a member for nearly 40 years. A wonderful collection of engines with some rare and unique ones. Work continues to iron out the last of the website problems and membership system that runs in connection with it. Part of the improvements allows me to stop reminders going out to all Autumn 26 • Steaming
members who renew by direct debit. I have gone through the file and "ticked off" current users which is some 300 odd. This will take a little time to work through the system completely so please bear with us. Another small reminder please to those who pay by cheque. Please put your membership number on the back, and I only need the bottom third of the letter. Anything with your details on I must destroy for your security, so just to save on bonfires, many thanks. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the AGM in November. Richard Semple 7
NTET AGM 2026 The AGM takes place on Saturday 14th November at 2pm at The Engine Shed at Matt Farwell’s yard located at Higher Barn, Bushes Road, Stourpaine, Dorset DT11 8SY. The annual dinner will take place at the Crown Hotel, Blandford on the evening of Saturday 14th November. Full details of booking for this and meal choices appear on page 11 of this issue of Steaming. Rooms are available to book now, please quote NTET dinner for special rates when booking with the Crown on 01258 456626. The weekend visits are planned as follows: Saturday Prior to the AGM and trophy presentations all the resident
engines at Matt’s yard will be in steam, together with a number of visiting engines, and there will be a number of demonstrations taking place. There will also be a selection of miniatures present across different scales in steam. Should you wish to bring an engine please contact Keith Reynolds or the Editor of Steaming or Matt direct. Sunday A visit to the private collection and museum of Mark Farwell based at Downend Farm, Bushes Road, Stourpaine, Dorset, DT11 8SY which features a display of vintage tractors, equipment and implements with an emphasis on local Dorset heritage, with a few special exhibits as well.
From the President
Sadly we have seen the demise of several events this year, not all pure steam events but we enjoy a good relationship with other similar events which have folded. Why one asks? Well firstly there Yesterday as we were heading home from Fordingbridge vintage festival I was thinking, what are the challenges ahead for our hobby? is the cost of putting on events, fencing, toilets, marquees, first aid, power supply and so on often these are “gold plated” by enthusiastic local councils just to add to the pain. However another issue which has 8th & 9th May 2027 been quoted “declining public interest”. SE Davis & Son Ltd, Sandhills Farm, Edgioake Lane, Astwood Bank, How do we as a movement tackle this Redditch, Worcestershire, B96 6BG for the future. Wearing my Trust hat £335 for NTET Members I must go on record as saying what a fantastic job the Steam Apprentice BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE WITH ROAD STEAM Club has done to generate interest in Looking to build your confidence and hands-on experience with road steam engines? youngsters, this could not be done The NTET Driver Training Weekend offers a rare opportunity to learn from experienced without the SAC team’s hard work and owners and drivers while gaining practical steam experience in a supportive and safe the vital support of many enginemen environment. who willingly entertain the apprentices. Whether you are expanding your steam knowledge or looking to further develop your After all they might be the one who driving skills, this weekend blends classroom learning with practical instruction to help buys your engine in years to come when develop competent engine drivers with a thorough understanding of steam engine you have finished with it. operation and management. I feel it is all about education WHAT’S INCLUDED because while knowledge is power • Practical driving experience on a variety of different steam engine types it also creates interest. I know many • Expert training from experienced operators enginemen will happily engage with • Technical and operational instruction • Maintenance and safety awareness people when they come and ask what • Learn alongside fellow enthusiasts to us are the most amusing basic questions. How many young people IMPORTANT INFORMATION have never seen an open fire or indeed • Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis • No under-16s will be permitted on the 2027 course know what is coal? The answer - quite a lot. FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE I have been known to natter on Secure your place with a £50 deposit, then spread the remaining cost: from the commentary box from time to £100 — Due by 30 November 2026 time and realise the content has to be £100 — Due by 28 February 2027 simple and more basic than years ago £85 balance — Due by 31 March 2027 so what is my conclusion? To help our Alternatively, payment in full (£335) is accepted at the time of booking. hobby survive we need to all work to BOOK EARLY promote the knowledge and history to encourage people to support the future The NTET Driver Training Weekend is always popular and places are limited. Early of events, for we form a part of our booking is strongly recommended. nations glorious industrial heritage and For further details or to reserve your place, contact: training@ntet.co.uk we must promote it. Here endeth the sermon!
NTET DRIVER TRAINING WEEKEND
Andrew Semple 8
Steaming • Autumn 26
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10 Winter 2023/24 • Steaming
Steaming • Autumn 26 15
NTET AGM DINNER – THE CROWN HOTEL, BLANDFORD SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2026 – 7PM FOR 7.30PM MENU CHOICES STARTER Smoked Mackerel Pâté ciabatta toasts and pickled cucumber Pea, Mint & Basil Arancini pesto, mixed leaf salad (PB) (V) Braised Beef Croquettes pulled beef, caramelised onion, bacon wrapped in breadcrumbs, mustard aioli, watercress MAIN Crab & Hake Fish Cake with brown crab mayonnaise, curry oil, watercress & pickled fennel salad Mediterranean Vegetable Tart watercress & shallot salad, lemon dressing (PB) (V) Roast Pork Loin served with stuffing, crackling, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, maple-roasted carrots & parsnips, red cabbage, leeks, peas, gravy PUDDING West Country Cheese Plate Cornish Yarg, Dorset Blue Vinny and Somerset Capricorn goat’s cheese, water biscuits, grapes, onion relish & quince jelly (V) Chocolate Fondant honeycomb, vanilla ice cream (V) Berry Muddle meringue shards, vanilla cream, forest fruits, raspberry coulis, mint (PB) (V) Tea & Coffee is available to purchase after the meal
Please email your choices to treasurer@ntet.co.uk or complete the online form
PAYMENT
Please return menu choices and payment of £38 per head no later than 30th October 2026. Payment ideally by BACS: Name: National Traction Engine Trust Account number: 97898473 Sort code: 56-00-60 Please put “AGM” and your surname as a reference Alternatively please post a cheque with the menu choices to: Amy Reynolds Virginia Cottage Upper Vobster Radstock BA3 5SA Autumn 26 • Steaming
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OBITUARIES John Wharton – 1953-2026 It is with great sadness that I record the passing of John Wharton, and I offer these words as an appreciation to him. When Fred Harris, a long-term friend of John’s, was working for the Witney blacksmiths, F and W Jordan, in August 1953, Will Jordan came into the workshop with the news that Jack Wharton had now got one with a tap on! Well, I suppose that was one way to announce the birth of the new baby boy to the Wharton household. John was born on 7th August 1953 and was almost immediately thrust into the world of steam, for, as a christening present, his father presented him with the Burrell Scenic showman’s road locomotive No. 3896 Earl Beatty in October of that year. His father, who was to be a founding member of the National Traction Engine Club, had purchased the Burrell and driven it from Cinderford in the Forest of Dean to the family home in Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire. Looking further back, John’s grandfather, Alfred Wharton, was the chief engineer at the nearby Eynsham Park Estate in North Leigh. In 1887, the estate had taken delivery of a new Marshall traction engine, No. 15391, an engine that John’s father and then John himself formed an unending bond with.
It was therefore against this backdrop of accomplished steam history that John entered this world. As well as acquiring the Burrell Earl Beatty and Marshall traction engine, John’s father purchased the Burrell showman’s road locomotive No. 3489 King George VI in 1951. In 1961 the Marshall was exhibited at the Royal Counties Show at Windsor Great Park, and the engine had a thorough restoration for the occasion. With gleaming paintwork and sparkly bright steelwork, the engine looked a picture of perfection. These are John’s own words, recounted to your writer: “I can remember that day as if it were yesterday. Dan Young (my godfather) had just given me a ham sandwich. HRH Prince Philip arrived, and I asked Uncle Dan what I should do with the sandwich. ‘Shove it in,’ he said. I did, and the Prince came straight to us. I was embarrassed and could say nothing. There was laughter from the engine men when Prince Philip said, ‘How do you fellows manage to be parked so close to the beer tent?’”. During the 1960s, John formed lasting friendships with his newfound mates at traction engine rallies, all of whom were similarly raised on coal dust and cylinder
John trying his hand on King George VI at the Food Fair at Olympia in 1958, this Burrell being an engine that John was to become very familiar with in later years.
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oil. Thus the “Bunker Brats” or, as John put it, “the Beaulieu bratpack” of Messrs Barber, Barker, Oram and Wharton came into being. 1964 witnessed the landmark event of the time, The Great Steam Fair, held at Shottesbrooke Park near Maidenhead. As well as King George VI being present, a whole range of showman’s engines took up the challenge to provide the entire electrical current required to run the fair. In glorious late Summer sunshine, amongst an atmosphere laced with every possible nuance of an old-fashioned steam fair, John, who had attended, must have been bitten by the bug of a working showman’s engine, for it remained embedded with him for the rest of his life. Following his education at Cokethorpe School, John had taken up an apprenticeship at British Leyland and, in later years, joined the family firm of S J Wharton Ltd in production engineering. As John progressed through his teen years, he became increasingly adept at handling the Marshall and at one of the last Appleford traction engine rallies, he managed to beat Arthur Napper in an obstacle race. John commented that following the race, he and Arthur sat down and did justice to a bottle of scotch. During this time, the Marshall was extensively rallied, and John kept it in immaculate condition; his preference was for keeping the steelwork bright while his mate attended to the brass. By 1970, John was able to see his father’s restoration of the Fowler showman’s road locomotive No. 20223 Supreme come to fruition. The gathering of the Sunday team helping with the work included John Hirons, Fred Wilkins, Fred Harris and Bob Griffin, all first-rate craftsmen. Although John was very much the junior member giving a helping hand, he became firm friends with all of these men and learnt much from them. King George VI had come off the road in 1965 when requiring boiler repairs, and in 1975, after the fitting of a new firebox, the engine made its first outing on the NTEC 21st anniversary road run from Nettlebed to Appleford. John Steaming • Autumn 26
considered he had drawn the short straw that day, as he had to remain on the field at Appleford, and look after Supreme rather than be with King George VI. A few years later, John and Fred Harris accompanied John’s father when they took the Burrell on the London to Brighton Commercial Run, a long and arduous day for them. Over time, John and the Burrell became firm friends and many a road run was enjoyed with a variety of crew members. John was always keen to get the belt on and was on the lookout for the leads whenever he could. This was often possible over the years at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, which John and his family just loved and made into a regular holiday. John was always most encouraging to any would-be owner of an engine, and storage at the yard in Minster Lovell was extended to many. John loved counting chimneys from his office window; the more the merrier as far as he was concerned. John was also keen for anyone joining his band of helpers to have a go at steering or, indeed, in time, driving an engine. He enjoyed seeing everyone feel part of the team and was responsible for active encouragement to many younger steam-interested people, myself included. It was therefore wholly appropriate that John became the first Chairman of the newly formed NTEC Steam Apprentice Club in 1978, a role that he had much enjoyment from. John was also chairman of the NTEC Engine Owners SubCommittee from 1982 until 1989 and a General Council member over the years. John and I attended the Paisley sale in 1980, and I remember him saying, “Look out for Little Buttercup”, referring to the 6nhp Robinson & Auden traction engine. John had a particular interest in engines with local history and a keen eye for aesthetically pleasing ones. A saying of his was, “Looks good from any angle”. With the passing of his father in 1994, John found himself having to deal with his father’s wishes to see Supreme housed at the National Motor Museum. Work on Earl Beatty was resumed, and John and his team undertook the fitting of a new firebox. However, John decided to sell Earl Beatty when it became possible to bring Supreme back into the family. Boiler repairs later became necessary, and following this, Supreme emerged in its Road Engines & Kerr cut-back format, pushing the boundaries of some people’s expectations, which amused John. Autumn 26 • Steaming
Meanwhile, John gradually honed the appearance of King George VI to fit with its later 1930s style, and nowhere was the engine more at home than the Pinkneys Green Steam Fair hosted by the Carter family. Here, John was simply in his element, right in the centre of the fair, his engine hard at work; he was to coin a phrase, “living the dream”. When the chance became available in 2006 to use King George VI for a whole season with the fair and actually haul and provide electrical current for the very ride that it had last worked with commercially, John literally jumped at the chance. With great support from several team members, Mike Lewendon in particular, Photo Stan Lewendon. the Burrell made its way the fair. Tragically, this is where the story from fair to fair, and this would not have ends as John was taken seriously ill at the been possible without the unwavering Pinkneys Green Fair on 25th May 2026 enthusiasm of John to see the engine do a and died later that day. real job of work. John had an extensive circle of friends When it became necessary to fit a who were as widely spaced from Wales further new firebox to King George VI to Scotland and to Ireland. John found in 2012, John was keen to undertake as conversation easy with people who he much of this work himself as he could. could see shared kindred interests, once John thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie a friend of John usually meant being a of the workshop days and evenings with friend forever; he enjoyed continuing not only King George VI under repair, but correspondence. John was therefore a other engines as well. Despite his busy man of notable attention who could work and family life, John always found command, in the nicest of ways, friendly time to help others; his personal dynamo company, and we will forever remember worked every bit as hard as his engine’s. his laughter that he brought with him His knowledge of engines and their wherever he went. histories was quite encyclopedic, and he John was taken too early, for his had built vast files of photographs and work here was not done. In 2019 John information on engines to fill in any spare had purchased Foden No. 13228, and time. restoration was well underway having With boiler repairs completed in first received major boiler work. John had 2023, the Burrell emerged as a stunning wanted a Foden for as long as I could example of retrospective restoration, and remember and it is such a shame that he the engine was returned to its original never got the chance to play with it. road locomotive guise as the City of I doubt there will be many more London. Following this, John rightly characters quite like John; he was received the NTET Arthur Napper absolutely unique and leaves a huge hole Cup at the 2024 AGM. With the 75th in the hearts of so many. To Angela and anniversary of the first traction engine their children, we extend our most sincere race looming in 2025, the Burrell came sympathies in their great loss. out again as King George VI and, once Jeffrey Shackell again, John could return to his love of 13
Bernard Jonathon Garman – 1940-2026 It is with great personal sadness that I report the death of Jon Garman. Bernard Jonathan Garman died at 85 years old having been house bound for over two years and for the last 18 months bed bound. He was born in Broadway, Worcestershire, not far from the family home in the village of Great Barr, now swallowed up in Birmingham. During the war his family moved to Knighton where his father was the family doctor for over 50 years. There was never any likelihood of Jon following his father, indeed in his early teens he could be found helping B & J Davies’ men driving a prototype Vickers Vigor crawler bringing wood out of a forest near his home. He attended Radley College where he soon found Arthur Napper, one of the fathers of road steam preservation who lived locally. He was frequently in trouble for leaving school to steer Arthur’s engines. He went into plant hire and purchased a Marshall roller No. 65650 built in 1914 and converted from a tractor, ideal for chasing the tar sprayers. This ultimately went into the well recorded Dick Woolley sale. It was entered early on because Jon planned to buy the pair of Fowler AA ploughing engine which were also in the sale. These were 1918 Nos. 14728 and 14729. He was successful and purchased them with the dredging scoop and had sufficient work planned for them to enable him to complete payment six months later. He was well known in the area for his skill as a plant operator, working in all types of jobs. His favourite task was probably knocking out access roads for the Forestry Commission with one of his several Caterpillar D4 crawlers. He operated some bigger machinery boasting a D6 and a 22-RB dragline in his fleet. His great love was ploughing engines and was able to reunite his last pair of 1919 BB1 ploughing engines Nos. 15332 and 15333. He purchased the last plough that was offered in the wellknown Philp sale at Castle Heddingham. It was just a bare frame which we made it into a 4 furrow plough using the components off a Dowdswell reversibe plough. This made it a plough much more capable of coping with modern farming conditions. Latterly he owned a 4nhp 1918 Garrett tractor No. 33278, he would have been the first to say he was not that fond of small engines! He was always keen to charm the ladies and was a dab hand at handling a good malt whiskey. He was widely known in the
world of steam, bringing a wealth of practical experience from his commercial dredging work frequently utilising his ploughing engines. He was always able to offer a full and frank opinion; you knew exactly where you stood with complete clarity! There was a celebration of his life at Leintwardine church at 3pm on Thursday June 18th. Andrew Semple
John Wakeham – 1943-2026 John Wakeham, who passed away on 21 July of this year, was a highly respected figure within the steam preservation movement, remembered equally for his professional accomplishments, his enthusiasm for traction engines and the many friendships he forged throughout the heritage engineering community. Born on 4th April 1943 on the family farm near Newton Ferrers, Devon, John came from a distinguished farming family. Following his education at Plymouth College, he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and joined a well-respected local firm, now known as Kivells, where he spent 14
the entirety of his professional career, latterly becoming Senior Partner. Across the South West he became renowned as one of the region’s most accomplished auctioneers, admired not only for his knowledge but also for his distinctive and entertaining style in the auction rings of both agricultural and steam sales. John’s involvement with steam preservation began in earnest with the purchase of the well-known Burrell roller No. 4040. As a regular member of the Thursday evening working group at Richard Sandercock’s Dingles Steam Village, he joined fellow enthusiasts in
carrying out extensive restoration work, including the complete re-boxing of No. 4040. Later, on the advice of his close friend John Dyke, John sold No. 4040 and acquired McLaren No. 1534 from Ireland, rescuing it from an intended conversion into a pseudo showman’s road locomotive. Once again, with the support and expertise of the Dingles team, the engine underwent a meticulous restoration and emerged as the magnificent example of McLaren engineering that it remains today. John became a Trust member in 1997 and played an active role in supporting the Steaming • Autumn 26
preservation movement for over thirty years. Working closely with the Oliver and Coles families, John’s organisational abilities were put to excellent use at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, where he was responsible for arranging several memorable “specials”. Among the most notable was the celebrated McLaren gathering, which brought together an unprecedented collection of engines from across the world. The 2013 roller feature, bringing together the largest gathering of steam rollers ever assembled, was arguably his magnum opus. As the years passed, John, like many enthusiasts, found that operating full-size steam became increasingly demanding. His interests gradually turned towards vintage motor cars. I had the pleasure of sharing some lengthy journeys with him up and down the country in search of a suitable vehicle to purchase. This culminated in the acquisition of a beautiful Alvis Speed 25, which gave him immense pleasure. Only a few weeks before his passing he was enjoying the Alvis gathering at Buckfast Abbey. As a longstanding member of the Road Locomotive Society, and serving as Vice-Chairman, Chairman and later its President, John was one of the Society’s most respected figures. Following the death of Michael Lane, the original author of The History of McLaren, he was encouraged to complete the longawaited publication. Working with Henry Roskilly, he produced what is undoubtedly the definitive work on the company. His painstaking research took him on numerous visits to New Zealand, Autumn 26 • Steaming
where he established many lasting friendships with fellow enthusiasts. The resulting volume quickly sold out and is now highly sought after, commanding many times its original publication price. Whilst contained within Cornwall and arguably the antithesis of his book detailed above, John’s annual publication of Red Roller News was a coveted publication, enjoyed by all who frequented Cornish rallies, so long as his camera had not captured a compromising or amusing event which pertained to a reader. Unsurprisingly, the RRN, was a satirical take on the previous year’s events and coveted by all recipients. Closer to home, few friendships meant more to him than that with the late John Blagg. Regular Sunday evening telephone conversations, always at precisely 8.00pm,
became a cherished tradition for the two Johns over many years. John’s presence at rallies across the country with engine and living van, endeared him to a broad cross section of the steam movement. Perhaps the bestknown location where he was found, was as a leading character of what was affectionally known as ‘Millionaire’s Row’, at the top of the Great Dorset Steam Fair’s heavy haulage ring. His endearing laugh, love of folks and sophisticated sense of humour will be remembered by all who entered his living van or, who were the beneficiaries of his many mischievous pranks. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His sense of humour and friendship touched countless people throughout the preservation movement. His enthusiasm, generosity, encyclopaedic knowledge and ability to bring people together, made him one of the most respected figures in the world of steam preservation. In accordance with John’s wishes, a private family funeral has taken place. A celebration of his life for the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched will be held later in the year, with details to be announced in due course. He is survived by his wife Rosemary, their children Richard, William, Mary and grandchildren Noah, Chloe, Amelia, Lily and Evie. John’s legacy lives on through the engines he restored, the publications he completed, and the many friendships he made throughout the preservation community. Rob Clifford-Wing
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2026 photographic competition In this issue we recognise the 2nd place photographs in each category.
▲ ▲
People - Alison Morrison Fowler K7 ploughing engine No. 14257 Linkey.
Portraits - Richard Warren Burrell tractor No. 3626 Jane Eyre.
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Steam on the Road - David Warren Sentinel S4 waggon No. 9087.
Working engines - David Warren Burrell No. 2909 Cornishman and Burrell No. 3919 Susie.
NATIONAL TRANSPORT TRUST AWARDS
Neil Gough’s Burrell steam wagon No. 3684 at the awards.
T
he National Transport Trust 2026 awards were presented at McAlpine’s Fawley Hill museum on 8th September, with several awards being made for road steam amongst the wide range of transportation restoration honours.
Awards were made by Judy, Lady McAlpine, president of the National Transport Trust and TV presenter and motor specialist Edd China of TV’s Wheeler Dealers fame together with Johnny Ball, the television presenter and writer. Neil Gough won an award for the
restoration of his 1915 Burrell steam wagon, a project that was featured in Steaming Vol. 69 No. 1. Charles Burrell & Sons did not make many steam wagons only 113 in total and this is now the only one that is complete. Neil went to great lengths to ensure
Marshall No. 65908 during restoration. LEFT: Neil Gough.
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Dan Jones.
the restoration, over an eight-year period, from a few original parts and a boiler was 100% authentic. All the original parts sourced are from the original wagon which was scrapped in 1931. It was noted that it is a truly magnificent restoration/ rebuild from a pile of parts that have been lying around in various places for the best part of 100 years. Using a contemporary picture of a wagon being built up in the Burrell works at Thetford, Neil was able to ensure the pipework in the cab was all in the correct place and followed the original routes. The final finish of maroon paint on the wagon’s wooden body is 13 coats thick. Next up was Dan Jones for his restoration of 1914 Marshall 7nhp traction engine No. 65908, which included: an extensive boiler rebuild, full mechanical overhaul, full overhaul of steam fittings, sand blasting, full repaint and lining throughout. Dan is no stranger to the NTT awards having won back in 2021 with his Aveling & Porter restoration. Its first owner was James Allen of Burton Latimer, Northants, a threshing contractor, and it retired in 1953 but remained unloved until 1987 when it was initially brought back into steam, though not given a full restoration until 1990. This second restoration began in 2020, and everything was dismantled, inspected and repaired or replaced as required, including fabrication of a copy of the original Marshall patented firebox. Dan’s attention to detail was especially noted. The engine was Autumn 26 • Steaming
Gordon Newton.
originally supplied without an injector – this was an optional extra from Marshalls. So, Dan made one, in addition to the existing water pump. Receiving a lifetime achievement award was Gordon Newton who is the sixth and last generation of his family to own and manage Israel Newton & Sons Ltd, a 200-year-old boiler making business in Bradford. In 1979, under Gordon’s direction, it became a major player in repairing and building riveted boilers for the steam heritage sector - rail, road and marine. The Boiler & Engineering Skills Training Trust (BESTT) has been
chaired by Gordon since 2013, designing and delivering training to support the safe repair and maintenance of heritage steam boilers. Since 2014, BESTT, has trained over 30 young people in boiler smithing and mechanical repair skills, through one-year traineeships funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. He is often the recognised face of BESTT, whether professionally for such as the Boiler Code of Practice Committee or in promoting the organisation across the steam heritage sector and at the age of 82 he remains energetically committed to the organisation.
Also visiting Fawley Hill was the Thwaites family’s Fowler No. 14406 Pandora.
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Technical Tips – WASHOUT PLUG ANOMALY Head of the Engine Owners section, Bob Siddall, suggessted a re-print of this Colin Hatch article originally published in Volume 58 No.1 of Steaming.
D
uring routine preparation for ten year hydrostatic testing of a traction engine boiler, an anomaly was identified with a tapered washout plug, nominally 1¼” BSPT. The threaded hole in the boiler plate needed a tap inserted to “chase” or re-instate the thread to full form. Prior to inserting a tap a thread pitch gauge was used to confirm number of threads per inch, (11 in this case), the size and taper being confirmed as 1¼” BSPT. A visual inspection of the plug caused concern as it looked too steep an angle. Further checking revealed that the angle was steeper than 1 in 16 taper for a BSPT thread. Photograph 1 shows the plug in the 4 jaw chuck of a lathe equipped with a taper turning attachment. The plug was clocked with a dial test indicator (DTI), to run concentric. A cut has been taken at the correct taper of 1 in 16, and the difference can be seen at the large end of the plug. Photograph 2 shows the re-cut thread, done so by “picking up” the original first thread on the small end of the plug, then screwcutting in the normal manner, achieving the correct depth of thread, (.058” in this case). Fitting the plug into the thread in the boiler plate proved a perfect fit, and although the plug tightened in to a greater depth, there remains plenty of
1
life in it. Photograph 3 shows three tapered washout plugs which at first glance look similar. From left to right we have 10 TPI with a taper of 1 in 12, 11 TPI with a taper of 1 in 16, and 12 TPI with a taper of 1 in 12. Although modern repairs to traction engine boilers are most likely to be utilising BSPT for tapered plugs, it is by no means certain that historical / in service repairs had done so. Accurate measuring of the pitch and angle of plug / hole is essential for the safe use of washout plugs. Incorrect angles can lead to limited engagement of threads. Incorrect pitch of threads can lead to tearing & stripping of threads. Both of these scenarios possibly culminating in the plug blowing out under strain of working pressure, especially if “following up” is taking place. Some Tips for checking threads / angles on holes and plugs: Use of a screw pitch gauge will identify number of threads per inch. Measuring the angles with a vernier protractor will give a comparative indication that the angle is the same. Any good workshop tables pocket book will give all the
2 information required to assess thread details. A quick check on thread angle, if you have a matching tap to hand, is shown in Photo 4. Invert the tap against the plug as shown, then take a measurement across the crests of the threads, at each end of the threads, if the figure is the same, then the tap and plug will have the same angle. Using a lathe with a taper turning attachment, a simple way of setting the plug to the known tap is to put the tap in the chuck to run true with a DTI. Engage the taper turning attachment, wind the saddle along, set this to clock true with the tap. The plug can then be set in the chuck, clocked to run true, and the angle checked using the saddle and DTI. When generating a thread onto a plug blank, the other variable to consider is that the centreline of the tool is perpendicular to the axis, in the case of BSPT, and in other cases, the tool centreline may well be perpendicular to the taper. Importantly, in the case of all types, the hole and plug should be produced to the same standard. In the case of more than one plug of the same size being used on a traction engine boiler, a system of number stamping for each will ensure the correct plug is fitted to its mating hole. During annual inspections the competent person should check the condition of the thread, including wasting or rounding off the threads, easily shown up by the use of a straight edge. The Heritage Railway Association has produced a Guidance note for railway locomotives on washout plugs, HGR-B9009-Is01. Page 5 of the document tabulates no less than 11 variations of taper plug.
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A
Steam Years and the Engine Journal
dam Ward has kindly supplied this transcript from a series of interviews that his girlfriend (now wife), Emma Mills, conducted with his father, Mike Ward. It followed a request in 2022 from the Chairman of the Bugatti Owners Club (BOC) to find out about Mike’s life with vehicles, and here we reproduce the pages relevant to his involvement with road steam. When did steam engines become part of your life? I have always been interested in traction engines particularly those on fairgrounds, and I hankered after the idea of owning one. In 1958 visiting the Lincoln rally I was told about a steam tractor for sale in a scrap yard in the village for £150. I went to see it and although it was in a derelict state I agreed to buy it. I then went over with our Chevrolet ex-army breakdown truck, and a push pole, to try
and bring it out of the scrapyard. It was so deeply embedded in mud, that there was a bang and the back of the gearbox of the Chevrolet broke off and hung on the speedo cable. The scrap yard owner, from whom I’d just purchased it, took pity on me and arranged for Pickfords to have the engine delivered. It arrived and was deposited in a field opposite our house. One Saturday afternoon I decided to have a go with it. I was able to fetch buckets of water from the farm, pour them through the filler hole in the boiler barrel, and having lit a fire in the firebox, I continued to fill it, and the water started to boil before I had sufficient in. So, things became a bit complicated, but eventually I got the boiler full, some steam on and pressure generated! This of course was all rather fool hardly, with no indication of what state the boiler was in, but I did drive it up and down the farm entrance. To my great satisfaction I then managed to drive it across the road into
our garden behind the house. I then had it inspected by a boiler inspector who found numerous faults, including the necessity for a new section of barrel, and so I instructed a boiler repair company in Nottingham to carry out the work, which took quite some time. Eventually they had the boiler reassembled and pressure tested. But when I received the bill I was horrified to find that it was £4,000. And the engine had only cost me £150. I went to see the managing director and explained the situation. He was quite sympathetic and allowed me to pay it off over several years. We assembled the engine, and began visiting rallies and enjoying using the engine as a family. 1970’s onwards trips on the Burrell Around the same time, one of my friends who had a three-speed Burrell had moved to Lincolnshire where there were weight limits on bridges and narrow
The Burrell in July 1972 en route to Rempstone with Mike, a very young Adam and Philip Warrener, a farming friend who used to steer for Mike on occasion.
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lanes — too narrow for the engine, and he was not able to use it. He asked if we could exchange engines. Which is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Because although his Burrell engine had come out of the scrap yard, it was basically all complete and 3 speed. Being a Burrell, you couldn’t wish for anything better! Over the years I restored this engine to a better and better state until you could rely on it to travel anywhere in the country. We roaded the Burrell all over the country. Norfolk, Cornwall, across the Midlands, Yorkshire and Dorset. As a family, we drove the engine on the road from our home in North Nottinghamshire to the Great Dorset Steam Fair in Blandford, a total of three times. That’s where we had our family holidays, in the living van and at rallies with the children. We went along on the engine and we were towing behind us three trailers including a showman’s living van. We were on the traction engine, Clinker, then the trailer behind us on which was coal, sheets to cover the engine, tools etc. Then the showman’s living van, and then on the back of that was a 1960’s Land Rover. The living van was an original 1921 Brayshaw that was formerly owned by a fairground lady called Mrs Oadley, of Alfreton, Derbyshire. She owned it from new and it was a lovely van, absolutely original! The first time I saw it, it was parked next to a Fowler engine outside a pub in Sheffield at one of our traction engine monthly meetings. The landlord of the pub had bought them from Mrs Oadley who had raised her family in the living van. The engine was for sale for £30,000. We couldn’t afford that, and it sold to someone else. But the living van stayed there. When I visited that pub one night, sometime later, the landlord said, ‘that living van, you know, that would suit you’ — I said, ‘Yes I’m sure it would Arthur!’ And you know, by that time our family was getting bigger. ‘How much do you want for it?’ I asked. ‘Make us an offer’ he said. Of course, with these things you Autumn 26 • Steaming
The steam engine pulling the two living vans and the Land Rover was Mike’s second engine, the 7nhp Burrell called Clinker.
don’t know where to start do you. This negotiating went on over the next several visits to the pub. I didn’t know what to offer, but in the end, I said to him, ‘If I said £100 what would you say?’ and he said, ‘I’d take it!’ and so I towed it home with our breakdown truck, and it really was a super van. Having the living van was brilliant. We were completely self-contained! The first time we roaded to Dorset we got to Morton-in-Marsh and stopped overnight in a contractor’s yard - Barbara, I and
the kids. The second day we got to Warmington, and stopped in a park there, using the army base amenities. The next day we arrived in Dorset and everyone came out to cheer us! Three engines in a row we were. They all knew we were doing it, and very few people were roading their engine that far at this time. What kind of preparation is involved in a successful journey like that? You’re stopping for water every few miles, so you need to know where all the
The £100 living van served the family well.
23
Mark and Adam with an unknown traction engine.
hydrants are. You take on 300 gallons at a time. I had all the kit for lifting and using a hydrant, and I’d never ever been stopped! Not until we were in Goole in Yorkshire. I’d pulled up at the side of the road, we’d filled up with water and put the hose back on the rack and I was just dropping the lid on when I looked up and saw a chap with a blue jersey that said Yorkshire Water. He said ‘are you taking some water then?’ I said, yes, he asked how much we had taken, ‘Ooh about 20 gallons’ I said. (Well, actually about 300 gallons), and he said, ‘Oh, oh that’s alright then.’ I met John Blag just as I was getting into steam engines. He was very knowledgeable. He knew men who’d actually worked on engines in their working days, and we got all their information fed back to us. For example, one thing we discovered on our engines was, there was a big reversing lever which worked in slots. Forward to go forwards, back for reverse etc. But when you went forward it didn’t go all the way on my Burrell, there was a piece of steel inserted to stop it going all the way forward, and we worked out that sometime in the engines working life it had had a new cylinder fitted, and they’d bolted it on in a slightly different position with new bolt holes so it altered the dimensions of everything. You couldn’t get the valve timings correct unless you used a spacer. I have all these small notebooks. As you go through them there’s a list of all the journeys we did on the engine and what happened on them, mileages and everything. After each journey, I’d come 24
home and do all the repairs and servicing and write it up in the notebooks. I’ve always liked to keep records of things. It’s nice to go back to. Like we’re doing now. the steam engine pulling the two living vans and The Land Rover was his second engine the 7nhp Burrell called Clinker. It’s a kind of self-learning curve, restoring an engine. If it isn’t going well you haven’t got it right. You run out of steam, or you run out of water or you have to wait while things improve or centralise themselves. In the end we got it just right and could drive non-stop, all day every day. And Adam could too, I taught him how to do it, quite a skill! Because you’ve got a pressure gauge that you need to keep up to near 200 lbs pressure, and you’ve also got a tank of water that you’re standing on. You’ve got a dip stick, a water gauge on the boiler in front of you and you’ve got a glass tube that shows where the level is. When the engine is coming downhill the level falls, so you have to be careful and keep an eye on it. And when you get to the bottom of the hill and you go up the next hill suddenly it comes right up again, so you’ve got to be aware of that. And you’ve got an injector on the side, when you need water in the boiler you can put it in with an injector, which makes a hissing noise. When you are going along a road like the Old Fosse, it’s up down up down, hardly any level road at all. So, you’ve really got to be on your metal, making sure when you go downhill you’ve still got plenty of water so when you get to the bottom of the hill you’re ok to get up the next side. You
know, it’s quite a skill, in fact it’s a great skill if you can do it properly. You then have to maintain it every day, and every night. You’re not only the driver, you’re the engineer and the maintenance man. You look after your own engine, you make all the adjustments, you do what needs doing large or small. That really is what made me sell it. I got to more than 70 years of age and I was out there every night till at least 9pm. We’d get back from a rally, and then we’d spend two or three nights a week getting it ready for the next rally. Ashing it out, taking the fire bars out, putting them all back in again. And then every ten years we’d have a big inspection by the insurance company which involved taking it all apart. It was a big job, I couldn’t carry on at that age. Adam pleaded with me to keep it but the roads were also getting too busy. The traffic in 2006 was different to the traffic in 1972. Plus, the drivers were less amenable and wouldn’t give you space. We did have an argument with a chap down in Gunthorpe one night. We were coming back from a rally in Grantham, and at a roundabout in a queue of traffic, moving and stopping, I looked both ways and I said ‘It’s all clear Adam’, because he was steering, and he said, ‘Where did that motorbike go?’ I hadn’t seen a motorbike, so we stopped. Adam climbed off the engine and we had partly run over it. I said to the chap riding it ‘You must have passed us, pulled in front of us and stopped where I couldn’t see you?!’ He said ‘oh, that effing great thing! You shouldn’t be allowed on the road’. He was really upset, so I said ‘Ok, let’s exchange insurance details’. After that he went on and on and wouldn’t go away. I told him we better get going because it’s getting dark and we have no lights. Adam smoothed things out with him and eventually he went on his way. I said to him, ‘When you put in for the insurance claim, they will probably be quite surprised that you stopped right in front of a steam traction engine where you couldn’t be seen’. Anyway, a few days later it came through and it turned out he was the President of the Suzuki Owners Club, and lucky to get away with a damaged exhaust and nothing else! We got home and Barbara said that you look a bit phased. Adam was diplomatic of course. We decided to sell the engine. Steaming • Autumn 26
Book review
Black Jack The Life Story of Boughton’s Fowler Traction Engine by Rob Boughton and Trafford Boughton
The fascinating story of a Fowler traction engine owned by the Boughton family’s engineering business is the latest traction engine publication from Amberley Publishing. Written through the eyes of the engine itself (which does take a bit of getting used to at first, as to the use of the word funnel, rather than chimney), it is a unique account as to the life of Black Jack, starting with the engine’s appearance at Royal Counties Show at Prospect Park, Reading in 1897. Priced at £375, John Boughton made the offer of £350, with a compromise price of £360 being agreed, on the condition that Fowler added a steam injector as part of the deal. The story then unfolds of the journey from Reading to their yard with the various incidents that happened on the way. One of the first of these took place after their first use of the water lifter hose, after which the hose pipe had unraveled and trailed alongside the rear offside wheel before finding itself under the wheel, with the pipe and strainer flattened and rendered useless. Before WW1 it was on farm threshing duties primarily before finding itself on war duties and spending much time on Salisbury Plain. One particular story of interest was when Black Jack and stable mate Marshall Croydon were hauling a load just past the gates to Cliveden House, Berkshire. With the engines working hard, a spark from one of them set a thatched house on fire, with the crews being oblivious to this fact. The company was presented with a very large bill for the damage, which would have led to their bankruptcy. Boughton’s insurance company refused to pay out for as the engines were not fitted with suitable spark arrestors. The influential farming community lobbied the insurance company saying they would all move their business if the insurance company did not pay up. Amazingly the insurance company “saw sense” and paid up, saving from bankruptcy. The story continues with Black Jack escaping the scrapyard and entering preservation, having a starring role in the 1978 Lord Mayor’s Show in London and in 1997 celebrating its 100th birthday having attended the Fowler special at Dorset the year before. With a great array of rare and unseen images to complement the text, it is certainly an interesting book.
The Alan Thomas Collection Volume 4 Burrells of Thetford The latest volume of the Alan Thomas Collection, as compiled by Kevin Lean and the West of England Steam Engine Society is entitled Burrells of Thetford. It makes a great addition to the other volumes, with a fine selection of images from the camera of Alan Thomas, whose kept his photographs and records so carefully up to date. The front cover shows his personal favourite from the Burrell stable, namely road locomotive No. 3395
The Dalesman, and this volume is full of excellent quality photographs of Burrells. If you are a Burrell fan then this copy will be an essential book, but equally if you want to see a great historical record of what Alan photographed and captioned, with dates, locations and ownership information then this is very much for you as well. LEFT: Burrell No. 3777 Queen Mary recorded here by Alan Thomas in 1996 at Sandringham, before the flywheel was replaced with a solid one.
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STEAM PLOUGH CLUB 60th
C
ongratulations to the Steam Plough Club on their 60th anniversary, founded by Harold Bonnet back in 1966 in the Great Northern Railway Hotel in Peterborough writes Andrew Semple. The celebration weekend was held at
1868 Fowler No. 1050.
Apley Park Estate between Telford and Bridgnorth where the club was most welcoming and first-class hosts. Some 20 engines attended which made for an amazing selection of ploughing engines. Robin Daniel attended with one of the
only two surviving McLaren ploughing engines, No. 1552 and it can claim, I think, to be the only engine to have attended all the Steam Plough Club events over the years. A wonderful selection of single cylinder engines were working, and very recent working arrival was 1884 Fowler No. 4223 Aethelflaed now owned by Paul Davis. Another rare sighting this far south was Sir Robert Goodwill’s 8nhp K5 single which was assembled in Fowler’s Magdeburg works. The two “top change” singles from the Stanier/Pierce partnership were also present along with the unique single crank compound Fowler Burrell also from their stable. Deserving a mention of course is Paul and Jan Ransley’s 1873 single No. 1908. Just two years younger is another single The Chief, a 14nhp belonging to the Debes family. Space does not permit me to talk about all the engines present, but a number of unique machines were present: the T1, B4, the DDs and BB1s. As well as steam we had the McLaren engined Fowler BB owned by Mark
Fowler No. 4223 Aethelfaed on the plough.
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Steaming • Autumn 26
1907 Fowler K5 No. 11082.
Walkers along with McLaren motor windlass and a 40 horsepower Gyrotiller. Travelling around the site was the 4” Burrell crane engine belonging to the Matthews family to add more interest. There were insufficient implements to get everyone working at once, but the ploughs and cultivators and harrows were all employed. Sunday morning took a very different turn when a challenge was made to an Apley Park estate tractor driver. So, it was decided to organise a “fun” plough off
Fowler B4 No. 11637.
between two of the singles and the estate John Deere with his Lemken reversible plough. The two ploughs started together, the modern outfit getting away first, but the Fowler plough overtook the John Deere about two thirds of the way up the run. The tractor driver said he had been “flat out” at 11.2kph but could see the Fowler plough coming past. Looking at the work afterwards it was agreed that the Fowler plough travelling at 11kph did a better job that the modern outfit which to give the same standard of firm seedbed would
normally travel much slower. So, step forward Sir John Fowler another plaudit. All in all, a lovely weekend for the club and its members and many customers of the Apley Park shop and restaurant who came to look and enjoy the spectacle. Those who would like a copy of the excellent colour souvenir programme which lists, with colour pictures, all the engines should get in touch with Simon the sales officer of the SPC at sales@steamploughclub.org.uk . All photos: Simon Colbeck
An impressive line-up celebrates 60 years of the Steam Plough Club.
Autumn 26 • Steaming
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STEAMING AROUND CONTRIBUTORS George Dexter, David Foster, Bob Moorman, Simon Nuttall, Chris Raworth, Philip Steer, Barry Thirlwall, David Warren, Anita Waters. 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
CHESHIRE
The Astle Park rally in August produced a large turnout of both full-size and miniature engines, including all the key traction engine manufacturers. From Aveling & Porter came 1915 class KA 7nhp single cylinder No. 8597 Maud Foster, which was well presented for the rally. Double crank compound 5nhp Burrell No. 4037 was one of several Burrells in attendance which also included 8nhp single crank compound No. 2336 Stanley Monarch. There is not many Robinson & Auden from Wantage engines in preservation, so it’s always pleasing to see 1900 6nhp No. 1376 Little Buttercup in steam.
Aveling & Porter No. 8597 Maud Foster.
1926 Burrell No. 4037.
CORNWALL
The Cornish Traction Preservation Club put on another good show in 2026 building on the foundations of recent years with additional entries and ways of entertaining the public and enthusiast alike. A significant change was the facilitation of a play-pen area, whilst it’s always good to see our events playing homage to the past, with barrell rolling being an event held in the main ring. Engine entries numbered 36, the vast 28
Robinson & Auden No. 1376 Little Buttercup.
majority being resident in the county, albeit some temporarily, with a couple of additional visitors from Devon. A trio of portable engines comprised, Raymond ‘Scooby’ Hoskin’s Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies No. 26915, Frank Hambly’s Ruston & Hornsby No. 52591 Harvest Queen and John Boyling’s Floether No. 8785. Five Burrell general purpose engines were in attendance, making a return visit was Dave Venn’s 3-speed example No.
3657 Morning Glory which has been back at Sam Henwood’s largely for paintwork. Although looking somewhat forlorn, it was great to see No. 2298 The Monk appearing at an event for the first time in Tom Morcomb’s ownership. The remaining trio were, No. 3919 Susie, No. 2909 Cornishman and Matt Young’s No. 3763 The Model. Other general-purpose engines were Chris Smith’s McLaren No. 1534 Cracker, the Simmonds family’s Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 48656 Sonsie Quine, ➜ Steaming • Autumn 26
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McLaren general purpose engine No. 1534 Cracker pictured as part of the engine line-up in the main ring.
Dave Knott’s Aveling & Porter No. 9096 Jubilee and Doug Palmer’s Marshall S-type conversion No. 88360 Seraphina. A trio of ploughing engines comprised Robin Daniel’s McLaren No. 1552 Hero along with Fowler BB1 No. 15163 and Geoff Westlake’s K7 No. 14694. An impressive collection of showman’s engines comprised, Terry & Sandra Sleeman’s replica of B6 Fowler showman’s road locomotive No. 19989 Onward along with Burrell No. 3979 Earl Haig. The Barker family’s lovely old Burrell, No. 2651 Challenger and the Goodwin’s Burrell No. 3159 The Gladiator were joined by the Newton family’s 5nhp Burrell No. 3950 Progress in the season long custody of Sam Henwood. These were joined by a pair of showman’s style tractors, Aveling & Porter No. 8432 Mendip Star and Garrett No. 34706 Lady Sylvia. A pair of Foden steam wagons were Treve Nicholls’s No. 10530 Pride of the West and Dennis Warren’s No. 11208 Lorna Doone. Whilst steam tractors comprised Chris Vincent’s Burrell No. 4071 Empress of Britain and David Boyling’s Fowler No. 14798 Firefly. Ten steam rollers completed the engine entry, half being Aveling & Porters. From very close range came No. 9008 George and No. 10824 Smokey, being joined by the Brooks family’s No. 10385 John Bull, No. 10594 Hercules and Piers Limmer’s No. 8116 Dolly Gray. A trio of Fowlers were No. 19205 Lady Gwen, No. 18075 Britannia and No. 18873 Truro City. Last but by no means least were Marshall S-type steam roller No. 88097 Toby and Burrell No. 4060 Pride of Newquay. The Boconnoc Steam Fair changed its Autumn 26 • Steaming
Aveling & Porter convertible traction engine No. 9096 Jubilee pictured en route to the rally.
John Antell’s Fowler traction engine No. 11491 Dreadnought is pictured awaiting a day powering the saw-bench.
dates in 2026, being held on the second full weekend of August, therefore being the week before the WESES rally and the weekend following the Torbay rally. The reasoning was no doubt based on merit, theoretically it created the potential for engines to take in all three events following a fairly direct. Ultimately only two or three engines attended all of the events, with all three being three-day events, the commitment needed with time out of work etc obviously proved too much for most engine owners. The event was dealt favourable conditions as were most events during the Summer and the public attendance was certainly strong. The majority of the 29 full-size engines in attendance came from out of the county. Joseph Mitchell, although living in Scotland, has been regularly seen at
south west of England events with some of his engines, having been through George Balsdon’s workshop near Exeter in recent years. His Burrell 7nhp showman’s road locomotive No. 2879 Lord Nelson attended the Boconnoc club’s event when it was held at the Port Eliot Estate, it was present again this year along with his 1915 Foden steam wagon No. 5218 on its wooden wheels. At one point it was to be found in the working area powering a stone-crusher. Other Fodens were Dennis Warren’s wagon No. 11208 Lorna Doone, Chris Vincent’s steam tractor No. 13536 and Trystan Jones’s D-type tractor No. 13762, whilst another steam wagon was the Robey Trust based Robey No. 42522. A trio of steam rollers comprised, Marshall S-type No. 88096 Hilda, reunited again with its ¾ length canopy. Two ➜ Aveling & Porters were No. 10385 John 29
➜
Bull and No. 4604 Mona, now owned in Devon by Jack Blade of South Molton, which spent some time undertaking a rolling demonstration. A trio of Burrell road locomotives, unusually comprised a pair of local single crank compound examples, No. 3937 Janet and Rich Hurley’s No. 2646 Hawkes, along with No. 3257 Clinker making a return to the county in the ownership of the Goddard family of Devizes in Wiltshire. A trio of big McLarens, all of which have been repatriated into the UK in recent years, were to be found. Joseph Hawkins’s 10nhp colonial traction engine No. 772 is a recent import from New Zealand. The further pair are owned by Mike White in Somerset, No. 1148 Hercules is now in road locomotive form having arrived on these shores from Italy as an almighty steam roller. Mike also had No. 1532 on static display, this one was owned for a number of years by Kevin Bragg, it having spent much of its life in Chile. Kevin’s current charge, Burrell No. 3812 Haig was one of a trio of Devonshire type engines present. Matt Young’s No. 3763 The Model was joined by Michael Pearse’s No. 3676, making its annual rally appearance here. An engine that could be classed in the same bracket is James Armstrong-Evans’s lovely Garrett 4CD steam tractor No. 34684 Hot Favourite, the pair being great examples of 1960’s style rallying and both still on strakes. Chris Vincent’s Burrell No. 4071 Empress of
Mike White’s 8nhp McLaren road locomotive No. 1148 Hercules is seen with timber carriage in tow.
Britain was the other steam tractor at the event. A further pair of fine Fowler traction engines still running on strakes, were John Antell’s No. 11491 Dreadnought and the Patch’s No. 11554 Enterprise. Returning to engines from overseas, out for its first rally season was Shaun Robins’s Foden Colonial traction engine No. 2072 Intrepidus, which spent much of its life in Australia. Also creating some variety was the American built Case traction engine No. 14540 which now resides in Somerset. The other engines in attendance were,
Marshall S-type steam roller No. 88096 Hilda has recently been re-united with its traditional ¾ length canopy.
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Wallis & Steevens No. 7103 Warspite, Marshall S-type conversion No. 88360 Seraphina, Aveling & Porter showman’s style tractor No. 8432 Mendip Star and the pair of Fowler ploughing engines K7 No. 14694 and No. 15529 Badderidge. During May we lost Rex Curtis who arguably, was Cornwall’s greatest preservationist within the field of transport. Rex was someone who seemed to know everyone and was popular with everyone on the local rally fields. He joined the WESES committee in 1989, become Vice President, something he was quite surprised about. He went on to serve the club for over 20 years, as Chairman, President and Rally Field Director amongst other roles. He held these prominent roles, and was at the heart of everything, during what could be defined as the Society’s glory years. The range of vehicles that he owned and restored was vast, all types of vehicle seemed to have passed through his hands, from motorised pushbikes to full-size steam engines. Amongst the highlights, would no doubt be his 1935 Reo Speed Wagon, whilst he owned four engines, Armstrong Whitworth steam roller No. 10R19, Wallis & Steevens road roller No. 8095 Amy, Fowler traction engine No. 11594 which he named Prosper Gem and Marshall 8nhp traction engine No. 69303 Titan, the engine he is probably most associated with. Rex will be much missed on the Cornish rally scene but his contribution will never be forgotten. Steaming • Autumn 26
1956 line up - Foden No. 13218, Fowler No. 15625, Aveling & Porter No. 12766 and Fowler No. 15649.
COUNTY DURHAM
There was a fine turn out of engines to celebrate the 70 years, at Lambton Park Chester-le-Street, County Durham over the last weekend in June with 36 fullsize engines and an equal amount of miniatures present. Just seven engines were at the 1956 rally but four of those were back once again, these were photographed together in front of White’s Mammoth Gavioli organ which was also on show 70 years ago. There were several engines that had come down from Scotland including James West’s Aveling & Porter tractor No. 12766 Orinoco and Aveling & Porter roller No. 10346 Buster, also from the Aberdeenshire area was the Low family’s Tasker steam tractor No. 1911 and a Fowler roller No. 17580 on what is thought to be its first time out of Scotland since it was supplied new to Fife where it has resided until recently in 1929. An excellent feature of this year’s rally was an enlarged playpen where a plethora of different sized trailers with loads were available for use over the weekend.
Fowler DNA roller No. 17580 down from Scotland for the occasion.
McLaren No. 1421 on a big load.
Miniature Burrells in the playpen.
Autumn 26 • Steaming
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CUMBRIA
It was very much a Fowler affair at the 2026 Cumbria Steam Gathering at the end of July; not altogether surprising given that the John Fowler works are now located at the engineering workshops of Alex Sharphouse at the nearby village of Bouth near Ulverston. Four engines made the journey by road from Bouth, Alex's rebuild B6 No. 16263 Talisman complete with heavy duty low-loader trailer carrying a replica oil tank destined for Morris Oils, was followed by Ian Taylor`s ploughing engine No. 11637 and the 8nhp single cylinder general purpose No. 11983 entered by Mat Davidson. They were joined by Stuart and Chris Harrison's D2 road locomotive No. 12899 which travels everywhere under its own steam and has been a regular attendee at the Cumbria rally since the early days at the county showground in Kendal. The road train attracted much attention, particularly in the evening when a triple header consisting of Ian Taylor's ploughing engine and Mat Davidson's agricultural “assisted” Talisman in making several runs extending the entire length of the central runway of the old airfield. More Fowler engines attending were the two showman’s conversions of Alex Steel, No. 17506 and Jonty and Val Hutchinson's similar conversion No. 16971. Steam tractors were represented by Derek Hubbuck with his ex-Ayr County Council No. 21222. Continuing the Fowler line up was David Conway's unique wagon No. 19708. Chris Alderson's Fowell No. 108 was unable to steam on Sunday as a leak from around the area of the fusible plug developed, hopefully this turns out to be a minor problem and is soon fixed. Aveling & Porter honours were upheld by a cluster of rollers, David Lomas’s No.
Matt Davidson makes good progress on the road with 8nhp Fowler No. 11983.
10753, Tony Cross’s No. 9139 and now nearing the end of a fourteen-year restoration Jon Turner's No. 11200, now sporting a new canopy. Alan Atkinson's Wallis & Steevens Advance now in original MOD livery completed the roller line up. Miniatures were well represented with a number of 3- and 4-inch scale engines on display. They were joined by the immaculate 6-inch scale Wallis & Steevens Simplicity from James Stanley which was accompanied by another half-size engine, this time a Burrell general purpose from Stephen Faulkner.
Reconstructed Fowler B6 No. 16263 arrives at Flookburgh.
DERBYSHIRE
During 20th - 21st May a rally was held in the grounds of the Moira Miners Welfare Club for the first time in many years. Three full-size engines were present along with many miniatures. The full-size engines being Aveling & Porter R10 roller No. 5163 Thistledown, 1919 Aveling & Porter BHOD compound road roller No. 9027 Eva May and Marshall 3 speed 7nhp single cylinder No. 46276 Pearl. The 44th Slaidburn Steam & Vintage Display took place on the 13th - 14th June, where six full-size engines were present. They were Aveling & Porter R10 roller No. 4403, Aveling & Porter showman’s 32
conversion No. 8585, Burrell No. 3808 Laddie, Fowler R class traction No. 9271 Alice, Fowler DN1 road roller No. 16519 and Wallis & Steevens conversion No. 7830. An extensive rally covering a number of fields took place at Brackenfield near to Cromford on 1st - 2nd of August. Over 70 miniature engines were present and half as many larger ones. Just one being a genuine showman’s engine, Burrell Scenic No. 3912 Dragon. Derbyshire based Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies No. 27596 was seen currently sporting the name McVernon following its exploits in Scotland earlier in the year. A further Ransomes which
only returned to the rally fields last year after being away nearly 60 years was No. 27014 Cambrian. It was good to see the pair of Fowler BB1 ploughing engines Nos. 15441 and 15442 Tiger and Lion in steam together. There were two portable engines on site, Lyndon Shearman’s much travelled 1860 Brown & May Little Dragon and Clayton & Shuttleworth 5nhp No. 43151 driving a threshing machine which was pulled from a barn after many years storage and with a few new belts fitted was able to be worked once more. There was a splendid display of no less than 14 steam rollers from six different manufacturers. ➜ Steaming • Autumn 26
➜ LEFT: Aveling & Porter R10 roller No. 5163 Thistledown at Moira Miners Welfare Club. RIGHT: 1921 Burrell Scenic showman’s No. 3912 Dragon.
The most unexpected steam exhibit was found among the commercial vehicles in the form of Super Sentinel waggon No. 6680 which has been kept under cover at the Sheffield yard of Sydney Harrison & Sons ever since it was sold to them in 1971. An event that has been missing for several years is the Elvaston steam rally that is held in early July. This year the rally was revived albeit at a different site that was close to its previous ones. The new site has given the organisers plenty of room to grow and expand and it was a delight to visit as everything was well laid out and plenty of room between the engines. Ruston, Proctor No. 33189 made her first appearance at this rally some 29 years previous after a 14 year restoration that took over 7000 man hours to complete. She was found in the working area driving a small saw bench. Ex-Hornsworth Quarries and Tom Paisleys Wallis & Steevens advance roller No. 7784 in the ownership of the Johnson family stood out in her red paintwork. An ex Scottish engine that once was
Ruston, Proctor No. 33189 on the belt at Elvaston.
in the ownership of Aberdeen County Council and came south of the border back in the 1980’s was Aveling & Porter No. 5065 which is now in the hands of Andrew Finch. Ashley's steam gallopers were one of the fairground rides in attendance being driven by Savage engine No. 422 and having an organ engine number of 423 A total of 43 engines were to be found in all scattered around three sides of the very large engine field.
Marshall No. 46276 Pearl.
1917 Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies 8nhp No. 27014 Cambrian.
Autumn 26 • Steaming
Super Sentinel waggon No. 6680 made a welcome appearance.
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LEFT: 1925 Green roller No. 2135 Well Chuffed. RIGHT: Wallis & Steevens No. 8052 East Lothian Star.
DEVON
Honiton Hill rally is not as the name suggests at Honiton but an ex-RAF airfield at Smeathorpe which is a few miles north. Being based on an airfield has the advantage of car parking being on a runway and not wet and muddy grass. The area for the traction engines was well placed being right by the first row of cars. There were 21 engines in attendance with Tom Freeman’s repatriated Aveling & Porter No. 10494 being one of only four steam rollers and she was making her rally debut this year after extensive restoration work. Also to be found was a rare 1925 Green roller No. 2135 Well Chuffed.
Howard Moss with his recently purchased Burrell No. 1840 Duke of Windsor was making one of her first appearances in his ownership. Wallis & Steevens No. 8052 East Lothian Star was to be found in the working area on wood sawing duties. Later in the weekend Fowler ploughing engines No. 1368 and No. 15164 could be seen giving ploughing demonstrations in one of the fields alongside the runway. A pair of Fowler showman’s engines No. 17585 The Wanderer and No. 17290 Jubilee and Burrell No. 3159 Gladiator made a fine sight against the Devon skyline.
Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 8089. RIGHT: Jimmer Marsh’s Foden No. 13138 at Roads to Rail.
DORSET
The Swanage Railway Roads to Rail rally was held at Norden from 26th – 28th June 2026 with 33 engines present. The show comprised of a good selection of local engines and some from further afield. It is always a pleasant rally and is steadily growing in size with a larger area being used this year. The engine attendance again showed an increase on
last year and at 33 represents the highest to date. It was pleasing to see some engines not seen locally for some time, including Foden traction engine No. 3384 and wagons No. 11414 and No. 13138. Newcomers were well
presented Burrell road locomotive No. 3777 in W J King livery and Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 8089.
1910 Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 43200 The Gaffer.
Mann compound tractor wagon No. 1747 at Chickerell.
Aveling & Porter No. 5446 Poppy at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park.
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Steaming • Autumn 26
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The annual Chickerell Steam & Vintage Show was held at Moor Farm, Knights in the Bottom, Chickerell on 4th - 5th July 2026 with 15 full-size engines mostly local present, although the total was again reduced from last year. A noteworthy newcomer to the event this year was well presented 1910 Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 43200.
Sold at auction in Verwood on 5th September was 1914 Aveling & Porter road roller No. 8394 Reliable with the hammer falling at £24,000. A short distance away from the auction saw another Aveling & Porter road roller, No. 5446 Poppy, in steam at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park where it now resides.
1914 Aveling & Porter road roller No. 8394 Reliable sold at auction.
HAMPSHIRE
Hollycombe’s main steam event of the year draws a large entry of portable engines which made up 30 of the 62 engines that could be found on site. This year Roger Luck brought his entire collection of rare portable engines from Kent to celebrate a personal milestone. This included the only known Aveling & Porter portable No. 3338 that is currently under restoration. Also to be seen was his Garrett No. 9984, Allchin No. 1544 and the only Smith’s No. 136 amongst others. Roger’s most recent purchase was 3nhp Brown & May built c1860, which was bought from the Arthur Bright sale in America. The boiler under restoration for Aveling & Porter portable No. 3338. It worked in this country being once owned by Chris Lambert in Kent before being exported to America in the 1960’s. This year saw the staging of a Barrows special where four engines were brought together in what must be a first at any rally in this country. Three of the four were in steam No. 1601, No. 316 and Hollycombe’s own No. 2667. No. 2511 was in an “as found” condition. Other engines to be seen working included two of the oldest Fowler ploughing engines No. 1050 Hienz and No. 1908 The Mistress. Ruston & Hornsby No. 52543 was to be found crushing bricks for the road making display whilst a variety of engines and portables could be found wood sawing. Of course Hollycombe is well known for its steam driven fairground and while a number of rides and engines are under A few of the 30 portable restoration a great time can still be had by those who visit. The engines in attendance. gallopers are driven by a Tidman centre engine, the bioscope show is powered by Garrett No. 33818, Brown & May engine No. 6691 was coupled up to the swing boats ride. During the day Sentinel No. 8393 was to be found giving rides around the site to the public. The Fordingbridge Steam and Vintage Fest saw 27 engines in attendance. The many weeks before the event without rain meant that engines did not light up on the first day to reduce the fire risk. However, by Saturday morning, the previous night’s exceedingly wet weather meant the tarpaulins were going to stay on, as the heavy showers just kept rolling in. By late morning the weather had started to clear, and word went around that the heavily amended arena programme would start with an engine parade at 1pm. 1873 Fowler ploughing engine No. 1908 Owners and crews went about unwrapping their charges only to be caught out by yet The Mistress. another downpour. Ten out of the 27 engines that were in attendance were steam rollers with Ollie Trubridge’s Aveling & Porter No. 10271 being among them. Also nice to see again was the ex-Skipton UDC Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 7869. In the working area Marshall portable No. 28810 and Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies portable No. 12622 could be seen hard at work. Wallis & Steevens Advance roller No. 7869. Ollie Trubridge’s Aveling & Porter No. 10271. Autumn 26 • Steaming
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KENT
At the Weald of Kent rally in August held at Woodchurch, there was a good variety of entries, several making their first appearance at this event. Bob Hobbs had his 5-ton 1922 Foden showman’s wagon No. 10734 Gorgeous on show; it was the first time it had moved further than the length of his drive. The wagon was new to the war department as a tipper being one of the last 5-ton wagons to be made by Foden, before changing to the C type in 1922. The wagon had several owners, including the Foden Museum, ending up in a ditch on a pig farm in Wales having been robbed of most bits. A previous owner had started the restoration when Bob bought it 20 years ago. It had a boiler, cylinder block, chassis, wheels, axles and some motion. It was decided to restore it as a showman’s wagon as none exist, several were converted by showmen in the 1920’s for transporting side shows and small rides. Bob’s late Father, Malcolm, built the body & cab from scratch leaving Bob to do the rest. Phil Retnam from Essex exhibited his 3-ton 1918 Foden wagon No. 7926, which has not been in Kent since owned by Don Eastwood. It had the misfortune to break its rear axle last year while driving to a local rally, so a new axle had to be made. Phil’s brother Mike exhibited his Sentinel tractor No. 9593. There was many Sentinels on show including some long-distance travellers from County Durham, No. 9278 owned by Mark Stafford and No. 9207 owned by George Vardy. They had both been to the Cart Marking ceremony at the London Guildhall a few weeks earlier along with Derek Gransden with his 1933 S4 No. 8850 The Lion. On the Sunday the opportunity was taken to photograph George Vardy’s S4 No. 9207 with Julian Hopper’s S4 No. 9208 as they were both supplied new to Price’s Bakery in 1935. It was the first time they had been reunited in about 80 years. Two other first-time entries were Tony Corner’s 10-ton 1932 Fowler roller No. 19356 Old Tom, which was supplied new to JG Shields for his Breedon & Cloud Hill lime works and the Yeoman family’s 4nhp 1920 Aveling & Porter tractor No. 9183 The Pirate, having recently had extensive boiler work by Allison Engineering,
Bob Hobbs’s 5-ton 1922 Foden showman’s wagon No. 10734 Gorgeous.
having spent its working life with Lancashire County Council. The following Saturday an open day was held at Richmond Railway, near Headcorn, to raise money for a local riding charity. There were nine road engines and seven portables on show along with the extensive collection of resident 2ft gauge steam railway locomotives. Most of the road engines had been at the Weald of Kent rally, Bob Hobbs drove his Foden showman’s wagon the 15 miles to the railway, it being the first time on the road since restoration. Bob was very pleased with the way it went. Will Day drove two engines from his farm 5 miles away, 1917 Aveling & Porter No. 8809 Flower and Wallis & Steevens 5-ton wagon No. 7720, which is now running much better having had the motion work rebuilt over the Winter, apparently, it is a relatively fast wagon on the road. Over two years ago Steven Brett from near Canterbury, bought 6-ton 1896 Aveling & Porter single cylinder roller No. 3781, which has an inside flywheel and single speed. The mechanics have had a lot of work including overhauling the water pump, clacks and pipework. The roller was steamed recently and driven around Steven’s fields for the first time with no problems.
RIGHT: 10-ton 1932 Fowler No. 19356 Old Tom, at Woodchurch.
Sentinels No. 9207 and No. 9208, both new to Price’s Bread seen together for the first time in 80 years, at Woodchurch.
LANCASHIRE
The 44th Slaidburn Steam & Vintage Display took place on the 13th - 14th June, where six full-size engines were present. These included the double crack compound 4nhp 1919 Burrell tractor No. 3808 Laddie. The following weekend the Fylde Vintage Rally took place not far from 36
Isaac Ball Ltd former Wharles yard with five full-size engines were present. These included the Morgan brothers’ Aveling & Porter showman’s conversion No. 8585, Anthony Cowell’s Burrell tractor No. 3808 Laddie and Burrell roller No. 3535 Old Ernie. Michael Ward was there with Aveling & Porter roller No. 10915 Sooty and Burrell roller No. 2649 Owd
Isaac, which had originally been bought derelict from the Isaac Ball yard by Bryan Rawstrone in 1973, who restored it with friends over a number of years. Bryan, who was the great grandson of Isaac Ball, was a well-known character in the area. Latterly, prior to retirement he was a Blackpool tram driver and steamed the roller to most events, with his helpers. ➜ Steaming • Autumn 26
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RIGHT: Burrell roller No. 2649 Owd Isaac, now in the ownership of Michael Ward. BELOW RIGHT: The 3D sculptures displayed with Owd Isaac in memory of Isaac Ball and Bryan Rawstrone.
1919 Burrell No. 3808 Laddie at Slaidburn on 14th June.
On his unexpected death, the roller was left to Michael Ward, who in Bryan’s memory has created the 3D sculptures shown in one of the accompanying pictures, this is displayed on the engine at events.
LEICESTERSHIRE
The Battlefield Railway Rails and Ales Festival took place over the last weekend of July at Market Bosworth and was attended by nine full-size engines. There were six Aveling & Porter engines present, all were
The venerable 1899 Fowler D2 No. 7942 Jonah stands alongside Garrett 4CD showman’s tractor No. 33358 Lord George.
Aveling & Porter road roller No. 10873 at Market Bosworth.
NORFOLK
Weeting Steam Engine Rally & Country Show took place once again at Fengate Farm in South Norfolk on the 17th - 19th July, with over 100 full-size engines and 60+ miniatures to be seen with a good number of which involved in working areas including threshing, roadmaking, steam ploughing and a timber yard. Number 1 in the programme was the oldest surviving Burrell traction engine No. 748 Century from 1877 belonging to Richard Parrott which has spent its entire life in the area following its construction at nearby Thetford. As is usually the case a trip to the works museum was made by visiting engines made there on the Thursday, this year that included traction engine No. 1463 Ole Bill and Gold Medal tractor No. 3689 owned by Jack Thwaites. Autumn 26 • Steaming
road rollers except for GND tractor No. 9267 Emma. Passing through on the Friday evening was 1911 8nhp McLaren road locomotive No. 1236 Baltasha
It was good to see a nice selection of portable engines on display including two Ransomes in the timber yard. There were a further pair of Marshall 3nhp engines in the road making area both owned by Keith Grimsay with restoration of No. 43368 having just been finished. Two engines which have not been seen much in recent years were 1919 Marshall steam tractor No. 72096 and Fowler 7nhp No. 8334 Susanna which has had a new boiler and firebox fitted. Two visiting Fowler steam rollers were Jack Carbutts T3 No. 16392 from Cheshire and ex Kays of Horsham Fowler DNA No. 17583 which is now resident in Ireland. A long-distance visitor having travelled on the road all the away from Kent was Super Sentinel waggon No. 5104. The very dry conditions and the sandy soil led to a few parts of
1919 Fowler BB1 ploughing engine No. 15413 in steam at Belvoir Castle.
The Belvoir Castle Steam and Country Fair was held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, and like most rallies that weekend suffered with the wet weather.
The oldest surviving Burrell engine No. 748 Century.
the field where engine movement became difficult and Sam Hodson with Fowler No. 9271 Alice had to help out Foden No. 1308 Earl of Dudley which became stuck trying to haul to loaded timber wagons in ➜ 37
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the arena. As night drew in showman’s engines were seen working in the fairground area including Burrell No. 4000 Ex-Mayor and Foden No. 1423 Storyteller both of which have recently received major restoration work. A first time visitor was Sentinel No. 5104 that had come up from Canterbury in the hands of Andrew Wildish. Steam cultivation demonstrations were being given by Fowlers No. 15454 Bonzor Tom and No. 15453 Saucy Sue, both engines having been named after racehorses and in the hands of C H Cole of West Tilbury. The portable fraternity were well supported with a number of engines in attendance, the only Youngs portable drawing a lot of interest.
Fowler T3 roller No. 16392.
Marshall portable No. 43368.
Burrell No. 2855 Ole Bill making a welcome return to Norfolk.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
The final 3 speed engine to be built by Burrells No. 4093 Dorothy and in the ownership of the Smith family of Wroxton was joined by ex-Isaac Ball’s Burrell road roller No. 2642 which once laid up in his yard for 18 years but is now in the hands of the Woodbine family. Not far from her original birthplace was Allchin No. 1546 Rebel which travels to all her events under her own steam and is currently in the hands of Jane Eaton.
The Hollowell Steam and Heavy Horse show took place in July where the Howard brother’s 1920 Fowler R3 No. 15653 Renown was to be found along with their Savage set of gallopers No. 664 by the fairground. Amongst the other 26 engines were Allen Eaton’s 1924 Clayton & Shuttleworth roller No. 48944 and M J Kirby’s Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies No. 42036 amongst others in the line.
LEFT: Allen Eaton’s 1924 Clayton & Shuttleworth roller No. 48944.
RIGHT: 1896 Savage No. 664 Lady Go Lightly.
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Steaming • Autumn 26
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NOTTINGHAM
11th -12th July saw the Rempstone Steam and Country show celebrate its 70th anniversary. Scattered over five show fields there were 86 engines to be found. All the popular makers were well represented with road rollers, road locomotives and showman’s engines all taking centre stage. The earliest Wallis & Steevens engine built in October 1883 No. T169 Mayrnach owned by I. Briggs was an engine not seen by your reporter before as was Clayton & Shuttleworth No. 43194 Frank. A line up of showman’s engines alongside the fair included
Clayton and Shuttleworth No. 43194 Frank.
OXFORDSHIRE
Hook Norton brewery in North Oxfordshire has a long association with steam and still retains its original Buxton and Thornley 25hp steam engine installed when the six-storey brewhouse tower was built in 1899. The engine is still run on the first Sunday of each month and as the October steaming coincides with
The Buxton and Thornley 25hp steam engine drives a system of shafts and belts.
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Fowler No. 11108 Dreadnought, Burrell No. 3703 Princess of Wales that is part of the Ragsdale collection and Foster No. 12509 Maid Marion. Amongst the road locomotives were ex-EW Wright and R. Coulson’s engine Fowler No. 9904 Alice and ex-John Blaggs McLaren No. 1421 Captain Scott that belongs to the Woodward family. Among the portable engines was Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies No. 15169. The steam roller line up included Wallis & Steevens No. 8099 Chichester that’s in the hands of the Crampton family and Aveling-Barford No. AE998.
1883 Wallis & Steevens No. T169 Mayrnach.
‘Steam it Sunday’ the brewery plays host to a good number of visiting miniatures, and one or two full-size engines. It is the last commercially working open crank stationary steam engine in the UK. Hook Norton brewery is a major sponsor of the Bloxham Steam and Country Fair and provides a range of its fine ales in the popular beer tent. This year, with the kind approval of James Clarke the brewery MD, the ‘rally special’ beer honoured another landmark in the world of steam when it’s Old Steamers at 3.9% marked the 60th anniversary of the first meeting of the Oxford Old Steamers
club in Cowley. Although the club ‘retired’ ten years ago (what had been just a quirky name had become an accurate description of its members) quite a few folk still have fond memories of attending talks and film shows, its annual model engineering exhibition or The Great Debate when John Carter and Jim Sarney faced Michael Oliver and Chris Edmonds under Oxford Union rules to argue John’s proposal that, ‘The only tangible reason for holding steam rallies is to promote brewers profits’. John lost the day but, certainly, steam rallies and brewers go hand in hand!
The brewery’s three shire horses enjoy a pint of beer after work.
Steaming • Autumn 26
American Case engine No. 14540 at Langport.
1927 Yorkshire steam wagon No. 2108 Yorkshire Lad.
SOMERSET
Lady, No. 13482 Fearnought and No. 1368 Margaret from the Leeds works of John Fowler could be seen preparing for the day’s cultivation demonstration. Burrells of Thetford were represented by No. 2767 King Sedgemoor that is now back with the Heard family, Nick Baker’s No. 3798 Redgauntlet, No. 1840 Duke of Windsor and No. 3126. Three steam rollers from Aveling & Porter; No. 5623, No. 12088 Margaret and No. 11085 Energy joined the other engines on site.
The Somerset Steam & Country Show at Langport in July drew a total of 19 engines including a few engines that one does not come across at most rallies. Yorkshire steam wagon No. 2108 Yorkshire Lad and an American Case engine No. 14540 that was built in 1904 and worked in Canada before going to Germany and then these shores were part of the line up. Four ploughing engines No. 15231 Prince, No. 15164 Berkshire
Aveling-Barford No, AE998 and Aveling & Porter No. 10873 Thomas stand alongside a replica Spitfire at Statfold Barn.
STAFFORDSHIRE
The 40s weekend in July at the Statfold Barn Railway produced six engines in steam and one static on display. The out of steam engine being 1901 built Fowler B5 No. 9177, which was in the process of being moved into
SUSSEX
It is not often that smaller rallies attempt to hold a ‘’Special’’ but High Weald steam rally in the heart of the Sussex countryside did just that with their Marshall Special over the weekend of 13th -14th June. One Autumn 26 • Steaming
the workshop yard. The engines in steam were Aveling-Barford W class roller No. AE998, Aveling & Porter Nos. 9024 Rosetta and No. 10873 Thomas, Foster No. 3452, Fowler A8 No. 12761 Elsa, and Marshall 6nhp portable No. 43090 Conchita.
can only wonder if the idea of this special came from the portable engine that resided in a hedge by The Sloop public house just down the road from the rally field. This Marshall remains as unidentified as there is no markings to be found and it is hoped
that when she is stripped down to allow restoration to start that numbers can be found. Of the 64 engines on site 12 were from the Gainsborough manufacturer. The ➜ Webb family travelled all the way from 41
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Acton in Suffolk to attend with their Marshall engine No. 40101. The Searle family steamed a number of their engines on the road down from Horsham and along with others could be found demonstrating heavy haulage in the playpen. Paul Attwater’s McLaren No. 1713 was one of a number of road locomotives that joined in playpen activities.
One ex-Scottish engine to be found on site was Foden No. 9052 which now resides in Sussex in the ownership of Jamie Croft. One of the beauties of this rally is that you can get a double dose of steam for your money as the Bluebell Railway runs alongside the rally field. Railway locomotives would whistle as they passed
From the hedgerow of the Sloop Inn came a Marshall portable.
and most of the engines on the rally field would return the compliment. A correction: In the Summer Sussex notes it was reported that, Jimmer Marsh’s Foden was made in 1925 not 1928, and that Robin Greenaway’s Foden took part where in fact due to crew illness it did not. Also, Ben Nicholson was a late entry with his Foden No. 13488.
Paul Attwater’s Mclaren No. 1713.
YORKSHIRE RIGHT: James and Tracy with their new acquision.
The Sheffield Steam and Vintage show took place on 27th - 28th June where a total of 33 engines burning what looked to be enormous lumps of coal. One owner was heard to say that as long as it went through the firebox door then it was alright by him as it all burnt the same. You can visit many a rally before you will see a Garrett roller, low and behold like London buses two were to be found here gently ticking over under the latest heat wave namely No. 28408 and No. 28273. Almost half of the engine line was taken up by steam rollers, most from Aveling & Porter. Several ploughing engines could be found in the line up with ➜
WILTSHIRE
Vince Hawkins has passed his 1914 Wallis & Steevens expansion engine No. 7370 Fair Rosamund on to James Bates and Tracey Lewington. It was sold lock stock and barrel, engine, trailer, living van and Land Rover. James and Tracey have been helping Vince for a number of years. James has been involved with steam since the age of 15 when he began by helping with a 7nhp Marshall traction engine. Over the years he has helped other people with engines and his interests are in all vintage equipment and machinery. Tracy has been involved with steam since she was very young. In the early 1970s her Dad, Les King, bought an Aveling roller (and many other engines since) and weekends from May to September were spent on a rally field somewhere. They both thank the Hawkins family for giving them the opportunity to become Fair Rosamund’s next custodians. 42
1910 Garrett road roller No. 28408.
Steaming • Autumn 26
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the Pantry’s family Fowler No. 15413 drawing a lot of attention from the paying public. The Great Yorkshire Traction Engine Club staged its annual rally in the delightful setting of Duncombe Park, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, on the first weekend in July, marking its 36th year at this site. 22 full-size engines and two half-size road locomotives were on display, and an even bigger number of miniature engines were present. Making a first appearance was 1926 Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies traction engine No. 37087 Titch which has been acquired recently by Gary Burbidge from the Inch family of Stamford, the crisp strakes and original gears a testimony to the fact that that a good deal of its working days were spent as a stationary boiler. A new set of boiler tubes have been installed since coming to Yorkshire after one failed, so it’s now fit for some work. The Tom Varley Memorial Trophy was awarded to Gary in recognition of restoration work. Two other newcomers were Aveling & Porter rollers No. 5605 Sandman and No. 10465 Buster which was previously in Kent and is now with the Robinson family of Northallerton. In the working area two engines were busy, John Appleby’s Marshall No. 35554 Old Lass driving a threshing machine and Mark Angus was powering a saw bench with his own built Foster tractor No.14744 Scamp. Another steam tractor back at Helmsley after attending for the first time last year was the Bygrave family’s Wallis & Steevens No. 7740 which has now had a few finishing touches completed and looked very well. Club President Sir Robert Goodwill brought along Fowler K5 ploughing engine No. 11082 Jaraslava and Super Sentinel No. 6079.
1926 Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies traction engine No. 37087 Titch and K5 ploughing engine No. 11082 Jaraslava.
RIGHT: Aveling & Porter roller No. 5605 Sandman coming through the gates back from the town on Saturday evening.
Engines of all sizes on parade.
Autumn 26 • Steaming
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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
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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 • Autumn 26
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Autumn 26 • Steaming
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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 Engine Owners Code of Practice £40.00 Alan Thomas Collection Volume 1 £10.00 Alan Thomas Collection Volume 2 £10.00 Alan Thomas Collection Volume 3 £10.00 WESES Collection Volume 1 £14.99 Some Early Robey Steam Engines PJM Southworth £18.00 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 £16.99 Road Rollers Anthony Coulls £8.99
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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 When Steam Ruled the Roads Colin Tyson Steam Waggons in Preservation Malcolm Batten Steam Rollers in Preservation Malcolm Batten Steam Up! Traction Engines on Parade Jack Hampshire classics Apprenticeship In Steam I Worked With Traction Engines Memories of Steam Rallying 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
£15.99 £15.99 £15.99 £15.99 £10.95 £10.95 £7.95
£6.99 £6.99 £6.99 £6.99 £6.99 £6.99
Steaming • Autumn 26
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
Autumn 26 • 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 £14.00 £4.00
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... Battersea Park Expo 1972 Dear Editor, I read with interest the article in the Summer issue of Steaming regarding the Battersea Park Expo 1972. I attended the rally and can confirm that Wallis & Steevens No. 7640 owned by John Crawley was there. Photographic conditions that day were very difficult, more so with colour slide film. The engines were parked under trees and this being the month of May were not yet in full leaf. There was brilliant sun for most of the day with the result that engines were lit with alternative bands of bright sun and deep shadow. Even running black and white film, as I was that day, results were indifferent.
You mentioned the film The Iron Maiden which many of our younger members, i.e. those under 70, may not have seen. A classic 1960’s British comedy and is the only film to feature traction engines front of stage and has stood the test of time well. It is still available. As an aside, during the film the heroine was required to drive the engine single handed. Rather than give the actress a rapid course in engine management John Crawley had to don a rather nice frock. Something he was never allowed to forget. Best Wishes, Doug Roseaman
FROM THE EDITOR
O
ur Autumn issue of Steaming goes to print as the busy season of rallies, events, road runs and steam ups draws to a close. It’s been another Summer where the weather has made the headlines, and I for one cannot remember ever being at a rally where you weren’t allowed to light up due to fire risk. A sensible approach is needed and spark arrestors essential; for further reading Steaming Vol. 66 No. 4 in the Engine Owners report carried a useful article on the subject. This issue has one of the largest Steaming Around sections ever and covers a record 20 counties. Thank you to all our contributors, in fact they were still coming in as we went to press, so we will hold those reports over to the Winter issue of Steaming. It’s encouraging to welcome some new contributors, and I have even had some events being reported on by multiple attendees, thank you. My home county of Dorset is hosting the AGM in November, and we look forward to seeing a wellattended weekend based, in the Georgian town of Blandford Forum, which was of course home to Fred Sharp where many engines were based. There will be plenty to see and do over the weekend, with the visits to Matt Farwell’s engine sheds on the Saturday, and then on Sunday to view his father, Mark’s, collection. I expect some attendees will pass the site of the Great Dorset Steam Fair and reminisce over the good times we enjoyed there. Equally, the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway ran through the town and there is some evidence of this for those keen to trace old railway locations. My apologies for an inaccuracy that appears in John Blaggs obituary, where it says that Captain Scott was sold to Will Woodward. Adam Ward has advised that the engine was actually sold to Leyla Woodward. He was there with his father, Mike, and Leyla and Will on the day it was sold. I look forward to seeing you at the AGM. Paul Ritchie 48
Steaming • Autumn 26
Autumn 26 • Steaming
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STEAMING PAST
T
he Autumn 2001 issue of Steaming included much information about the fatal explosion of the boiler of a Case 110 traction engine at Medina in Ohio, USA on 29th July 2001. Andrew Semple, then Chairman of the NTET, happened to be nearby a few weeks later and was able to see the wreckage and visit the Sheriff’s office to meet the investigating officer. In summary, the crown of the firebox had totally failed, ripping away from the stays with the resultant explosion of steam sufficient to lift the engine 10-16 feet in the air. Five people were killed, including both crew. Thirty others were injured. The incident fortunately happened on a setting up day, otherwise casualties were likely to be a lot higher. At that time there was no requirement for preserved boilers in Ohio to be subject to boiler inspection. It was found that the crown sheet had started at 3/8” (0.375”) but had corroded to between 0.210” and 0.085” and there were signs that it had previously started to bag between the stays with scale build up in the dips, which could have increased the risk of local overheating of parts of the crown. Further it was found in the investigation that the safety valve would not lift at the intended setting of 160 psi and still did not lift when taken up to 250 psi. There was uncertainty whether this may have been down to damage during the incident or if it had been stuck for some time, but people could not recall it having gone off at all at event a few weeks before. As the engine had just arrived at the show by road, the working presumption was
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that pressure had started to rise when it stopped and reached a level at which the corroded crown suffered catastrophic failure. The authorities in the state took much interest in the inspection and insurance regimes in the UK and the HSE looked into whether there was any learning from the incident that needed to be considered for implementation in UK legislation/guidance. The article also reminded that when the water in the boiler was no longer under pressure it instantly flashed into steam with its volume increasing seventeen hundredfold. It was this physical change that gave much of the impetus to the explosion and resultant damage and casualties. Elsewhere in the magazine, Derek Rayner provided a further article on the use of ploughing engines for mines rescue purposes during World War 2. He had positively confirmed a total of eight engines, both Fowlers and McLarens, had been modified for the purpose and wondered whether there might have been more. The Kent area notes reported that Aveling & Porter roller No. 10784 had appeared for the first time since reassembly and was seen to be sporting rubbered rolls. This was probably one of the first to get this treatment, which is far kinder on engine and crew with the increasingly poor state of roads and far better than conversion since it has little impact on appearance when dusty or muddy on the rally field. As it also gives better grip it may also have helped the crew of another Aveling in the Hertfordshire area if that had been so fitted. Whilst descending a hill with a heavy trailer in tow on a wet road the offside drive pin worked loose, fouled on the stay to the scarifier and locked the back end up. This caused the engine to skid and crash, resulting in a broken roll head, bent crankshaft and other damage but mercifully no injuries. With Foot and Mouth still curtailing many countryside events, the area notes still contained reports of a good number of rallies that had been able to go ahead. One of those had been held at the, then newly opened, Milestones Museum in Basingstoke. Twenty engines had attended, with many built by Wallis & Steevens including the second oldest and second youngest survivors. Most of the
Wallis’s, and a few interlopers, took a short run on the Sunday evening to the station thus taking them back as close as possible to where they had been built on Station Hill (now somewhere beneath the town centre shopping centre and car park). I recently obtained a handful of back issues of Steaming from when they were A5 size. Amongst them was the August 1976 issue, which being Volume 19, No. 4 would be the one from fifty years before the issue you are currently reading. So how do they compare? It was the last to be edited by Ran Hawthorne, who was standing down after five years so that he could spend more time restoring his roller Busy Bee. It consisted of 64 pages, with the only colour being the photo on the cover (Burrell No. 3526 Lightning II). Photos only appeared on 14 pages and there were seven pages of adverts plus three of classifieds. In terms of other content, there were two long articles by working day drivers/ owners, a short report on the restoration of an engine and of a lengthy trip to Australia, during which a number of engines had been seen. Five pages were allocated to Area Notes, with a further eight covering rally reports, museum news etc. (none of the rallies covered are still taking place). Letters to the Editor covered five pages, with several on the much-aired subject of conversions – some things never change! No mention was made of the weather, probably because much would have been written too early in the Summer to record how hot and dry it had been. Stuart Gaines Steaming • Autumn 26
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