Raising Steam 1988 Vol.2 No.2

STEAMAPPRENTICECLUB

ADDRESSES

The Chairman, Robert Herring, Bellacourt. Blacklocks hill, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX8 70H

The Membership Secretary, David 0uffill .• 181 Foden Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B42 2EH_

The Editor, Richard Hurley, 2 Reaburn Close, Halllbrook Park, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Glos, 6L52 6NL_

Cornwall and Devon Branch Officer, Tyrone James, 6 Fernhill

Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 lLE (0637 873258> road,

As w1th every summer there is alot on, so that is why the newsletter has been delayed. As I said in the last newsletter Ny family and friend Colin Hatch have recently bought the Burrell Single Crank Compound which I have been driving for- 'a great aany years, so this again has given me less time to spend on the magazine.

As some of you may know we now have a Cornwall and Devon section, which is going to be run by Tyrone James; you can find his addr-ess in the front of the magazine. later on in this issue you can find out more. Let us hope that this is the first of many local sections. We shall be trying to find more officers to look after different area, so if you are interested why not write to ae.

Also later on in this issue we have details of this years Stourpaine meeting, and let us hope ·this year that we h~ve better weather.

This year so far I haven"t been able to go to aany rallies just to look around, but one I did manage to go down to was Banbury_ Here I met David, who showed me some of the photographs he took at the Bishops Lydeard sale netr Taunton. I must say that I was very shocked at some of the prices espl!'cia I ly Nhen one thinks of the cost of restoration, again we have an article on this in this issue just incase you missed it in steaming_

Finally I plea from the heart, although I aa short of at the moment the magazine must keep going so more articles please.

This photograph put a smile on my face~ and although sack for publishing it I am sure it will Make you Graham Austin for this and many other photographs_ Page 4

I may get the grin too. Thanks to

Serve Your Time by Tyrone

A CHANCE TO SERVE YOUR TIME------------

James.

Since showing a willing interest in the Stea.a Apprentice Club the powers that be asked me to form a Cornwall Section of the saae. This possibly difficulties_ involve Devon as well depending upon travelling

Now since be1ng an apprentice myself once_ I know only full well of the distances faced in trying to get to S_A_C_ events fro• Cornwally and the problem covering these distances without transport The solution ? Hold our own event here in cornwall and Devon and let the up-country apprentices try to get to us < Getting our own back). First things first though 7 getting enough interest stirred up in cornwall to warrant a series of events in our own area. The 1987 suaaer saw ae application / membership forms in hand; ay best YOU-WILL-JOIN-OR-ELSE look on my face and lo and behold there are now 4 Cornish aeabers_ A start7 the thing is I need help fro• you 4 aeabers to generate interest and recruit new members then our area section can take shape_ To help our task the Editory Richard is putting ay address on the cover of future publications7 Dave Ouffill is writing to the Cornish and Devon members to contact me if interested 7 and I a.a in ~he process of arranging the inaugral meeting and training weekend at the St_ Agnes rally in August on 20th-21st. Here I hope to aeet anyone with an inkling of interest and arrange another date to aeet wi1;h a view to forming our own section_ By holding two or three events <one acre in

September/ October and one at Christmas) I hope to make people what ~e are up to and also promote the S_A_C_ to people ignorant to our existance and importance in the preservation world_

Future possibilities are:-

Coach trips to those distant far-away Training weekends_

Training with local steam men at various locations throughout the year i_e_ My yard with three engines~ or a friends yard with three engines_

Christmas specials at a Newquay Hotel that I have already arranged a deal with_

Chance to learn the skills of boiler maintenance and repair ski I led men_

The list is endless_ Anyone reading this and has any advice please do not hesitate to contact111e or anyone interested please get in touch_

Here~s to the Cornwall and Devon section_

STOP PRESS First meeting will take place at the WESES rally at Tynwarnhayle Farm~ St Agnes 20~21 August_ The venue each day will take place around John Hardwick's Burrell ShoH1Dan's engine WINSTON CHURCHHILL at 12_30

One Saturday in June, I helped my dad steaa up our engine LORD FISHER OF LAMBERTH as we had been invited to our village Fete_ Stea• was raised by half past eleven and as we were not due to be at the fete unt1J halt past two in the afternoon, and it being a lovely day, it was decided to steaa over the hi11 to the next village Nhere we stopped at the inn and had cokes and leaonades_ When leaving we picked up water with the engine in a streaa which ran along the side of the road, by first of all getting the shovol the engine and digging a slight hole in the bed of the strea•- The shovel was put in the hole and the end of the suction pipe was placed on the shovel. so that M'len the water was sucked up into the engine, the aud on the streaa bed was shei~ed by the shovel_

Having filled the back tank and belly tank. we were confident that ..e had enough water for the rest of the day_ so we trl.WKlled off down over the hill, back towards our village_ As we entered it, we caae t4>0n a three cross road with a tri~ngle of grass in the we stopped the engine on the quietes~ ••.irt of the road. and decided to fry out lunch on the shovQl_

Out came three rashers of ba~ ~. an egg and cooked new potatoes for each of us_ Whilst these were be1ng produced, dad was busy hosing his shovel under the inJector \M'\til it gleaaed like new_ One •eal of bacon. egg and potato was placed on it, the unusual and delightul of frying pans_ The shovel was then held just inside the door of the firebox_ The smell of bacon sizz-ling us all teal hungry. After a few ainutes it was fried and then lifted off the

shovel and put onto my plate_ Two more lots were fried for my brother~ Johnathan and my dad_ We then sat on the grass and ate our aeal~ what fun_

We washed the dishes under the injector and PUt it all away_ We then steamed to the village rectory ...t)ere the fete was being held~ where we stayed for two hours with the engine ticking over_ When it was over we steamed to the and 1oaded the engine for the Bath ra 1 ly the following week_ As we were .-alking back to our house~ I thought that perhaps other s_A_c_ would like to hay.e their bacon and eggs

fried on the shov.a-1~ so if we are allowed to bring the engine to the N_T_E_T_ tent at Stourpaine on.the Saturday when the S_A_c_ meeting is arranged bring your plate~ knives and forks and food to be tried~ and enjoy a breakfast off the shovel_

yours Maria Casely

A REQUEST FOR HELP

D1d you know that each copy of our club costs over 50 pence a copy to have printed, and don't forget ...e produce four each year_ That's over £2_00 per member and that's not including postage_ To help us keep our costs down when writi~, to any club representative please include a stamped addressed envelope of a reasonable size_

10 th ANNIVERSARY

1989 is the S_A_C_ tenth anniversary with the club officially started on January 1st 1979 and our very first newsletter being Jl.ree 1979_ We are looking to celebrate this, so have you any ideas ? Send suggestions to David Ouffill please_

CLUB SALES

S _A_C_ PENS

15p each

s_A_c_ BAOGES _______________ 65p each

TEE-SHIRTS <Dark blue short sleeved with white club logo) SMALL,HEO,LARGE

All these can be obtained post free the aeabership secreta~y also items sold by the NTEC 1984 Ltd can also be obtained_

Derelict Engines

Concerning the question of de~elict engines still about. that in Cornwall we have atew as well as Devon_ I can say

One that springs to mind is another Marshall No_42 ___ of 1904/1905, owned by Charlie Powell of Rumford near Wadebridge_ It • is pa,-ked outside his yard, < he is an agricultural contractor) where it has stood since 1939_. It has been robbed of govenors and reversing lever plus a few other parts that you cannot see because of the brambles_ It had a new· firebox in 1934, the old box is outside of Nr_ Powells back door, lying there since 1934_ She was used tor threshing up until this time by c_ Powel 1, the faini ly won'.t sell her because she has been owned by them for so long, as c_ Powells father bought her new_

Two more views of the Marshall showing the condition of the saokebox and the tender_ Pictures Tyrone

Lets hope we see more of this at Stourpaine this year7 engines working as they should_ Photos Colin Hatch_

The engine was so1d through 6£0RGE THURLOW 7 STOWMARKET and is a 6 n_h_p_7 sing1e cylinder agricultural engine of the standard Marsha11 design_

Another is a Burrell_ A bit of a mystery engine because it has no number but it is dated circa 1900_ lt 7s origina1 naae was "PONTON and I can tel1 of the engine being in family in 1930 7 s owned by S_Matthews of Summercourt near Newquay_ The registration EB 8351 and a six horse power single crank COIIIPOU'ld7 sprW)9 7 and of the sing 1 e drive design_ She was used for threshing all her life and was a suprisingly fast engine on the road considering the size of her back wheels7 when rallying began Sid Matthews took her once or twioe then sold her on his death bed to E '"NeddY.: Newton of Redruth_ He took her on for afew more years unti1 the firebox croNn caved in_ She ...as then sold to Theobo1d Grenville in 1962 and he took her to pieces and left her in his yard to the present day_ The tender has coapletely rusted away. several parts are lost in the U'ldergrow~and on no occasion will he sell her_ A shame but nonetheless a fact of life that has befallen several engines_

Tyrone James_

well then are there any more stories of dere1ict engines out there if so please send to ae_ ED

Hints· n • Tips

This is an open letter to all the Stea• Apprentices either •ale or female. We have to keep in aind the fact that today all the instructors are amat~~~s- Yes; there are no professionals left in the traction eng1ne aovement under sixty years of age_

Some aaat~urs are more than others. in fact h~ve no idea at all. So. we have to try to pick the efficient engine aan to work with.

Over the past few years we have had a few accidents on the road both with traction engines and rollers soae of Nhich should not have happened if the drivers had carried~ scotch instead of depending on the screw on parking brake. When stopping on the road to pick up ..ater or coal or oiling the or even for a'CUP of tea. &et the scotch in. on the low side of the drivi09 wheel.

The scotch is a three sided block with a chain nailed on each side to carry the block also when throwing it into the Nheel. the chain should be placed under the scotch between it and the road. to stop it kicking out. The scotch should be hung on a hook next to the steps up to the footpla-te. so it is at hand when required. The scotch should be at least 18 inches high to give it a good bi-te.

Screw brakes are not always dependable. Stange ta rela-te the professional road locoaotive drivers i worked with never used thea even on the road for slowing the engine. they only used the reversing lever.

When attending the engine we have to aake sure there is enough water in the boiler, at least half way up the gJ~ss and plenty in the tanks for we do not want to drop the plug which no doubt you have all heard about_ The~e are plugs dropped today than ever before, one reason being the drivers absence in the beer tent_ There are also certain rules that we.all must reaetnber_ Never leave a steaa vehicle to look after itself unless the fire is low and the glass is full then get back as quickly as possible_

Another fault of todays drivers is to start the injector then dis~pear_ Then a passer by has to shut it off Nheri the priaiag starts_ Its like the guy who filled the boiler with a kettle in the morning not knowing it should have been filled at night Nhen there was steam available_ Ignorance is bliss. a Nell know quotation and it's true_ Firing can be done right or wrong and it's possible to do it right without much effort_ A red fire is fed, a lit~le and often, spread it all oyer, not just heaped in the aiddle_

Steam and how to keep it_ If you are at a rally and happen to see any of the seai-professionals like Steve Neville, Ji• Sarney or Len Crane to name a few_ Watch and their engines, they do not have thea blowing off when its not required. again they nor.ally do not stand ticking over like soae who race the engines for no p11rpose when stationary_ The road locoaotives have enough lbs on the clock to aove the vehicle and a couple of shovels of coal with the da:ew>er open will soon have a full head of for hauling_ It is not necessary to waste coal in blowing off_ Showland locoaotives that are driving a dyna•o are different they require to be up near the all the tiae

especially if they are driving a machine not only an organ_

Another point which should be always carried out especially on a hot summersday_ Always wear a boiler suit or bib overall ls wih jacket, heavy boots and a cap_ Why? it's too hot! Because no one knows when a gauge glass is going to blow or even a pipe and heavy cloths pt-o'tect the skin_ This goes for YOU"l9 ladi'es too, a good heavy pair of overalls~ none of this nylon that curls uP with the heat_

So we now have the apprentice with proper clothing complete with a duster to wipe dirty hands and knowing what a scotch is for_ While· cleaning the engine or steering can lkeep an eye on the water and the tiring_ Therefortif you keep all those points in we could have a semi-professional engfne driver in no your Tam f'lcTaggart

Thank you Tam there are some very useful points-there which I aa sure that we will all find useful_

DON' T FORGET if your membership renewal is due send your old card plus £2_00 to David Ouftill as soon as possible, also include a S_A_E it would help us alot also_

if you could

Stourpaine

Due to the success of lasts years meeting we have decided to give it another go_

On Saturday afternoon at P - m_ at Stourpaine Bushes we will be holding an informal meet'ing for our members_ We wi 11 meet in the s hospitality tent_ As last year again we would like membet·s who are conected with engines at the show to bring them with them. If you 1ntend to bring an engine please Jet us know in advan&:e to see if there will be enough room to do this especially as thet·e may be already two showmans engines there_

The N_T.E.T. hospitality tent is open to all N.T.E.T. and S_A_C_ membersto use during the show_ It will have club displays and provide refreshm.et1t~ for members. It's also a good place to in1.t·oduce new members and make new friends_

Saturday Morning about 10 am Maria Casely is organising engine cooked breakfast, those wishing to take part must bring their o~ food_

WHERE TO FIND US David will be based in the N.T.E_T. tent, I shall be around from Tuesday, but I'm not quite sure quite Nhere. I aa not st.n-e either where Robert wi 11 be but I'm sure it will be near the tent_ As for Tyrone I expect he will be based around the IRON MAIDEN if it is pres,ent.

Going,Going,Gone

By David Duff ill

While on holiday in Somerset7 I spent the last day of the week long holiday in a contractors yard at Bishops Lydiard; to see some very large sums of money being spent_ Up for sale were some 12 engines~ 3 general purpose and 9 Foden steam wagons_ Also included in the sale was a long row of tractors~ a number of threshing drums and other equipment_ The three agricultural traction engines 2 Burrel ls and 1 Marshall had stood in a shed tor 40 years and were in very coaplete condition_ Although they had been o;led up to make the• look presentable 7 but I understand that the boiler reports were quite good_ Four of the Fodens had been dragged into the centre of the yard_ One had a· tree sawn through to get it there_ Par-t of the trunk was sti 11 around the front axie. and in the As for the other engines the picture tell the whole story_ Prices were sa"id to be three t;ines norma1 and it is generally hoped this is put down to sale fever as it could cause a large increase in prices generally_ Here are a list of the engines 7 prices and buyers or loc•tion where the engine is to go to_

394 Faden 13456 1929 LG2347

395 Foden 13750 1930 LG4815

6 ton tipper sold to A_Eaton and R_Bulley price £12200

Speed 6 tipper sold .to ~r-Parkinson

price £13000

401 Faden 11962 1925 TU219

6 ton tipper sold to RUGBY buyer

price £.11200

402 Faden 12388 1926 TU3113

-6 ton tipper sold to DEVON buyer

price £.14600

403 Faden 12116 1926 TU1215

404 Foden 13274 1926 LG544

405 Marshall 74614 1921 TA1937

6 ton tipper sold to DEVON buyer price £.16800

6 ton tipper 6 wheel sold to M_ Hibble price £22~500

6 n_h_p_ Single sold to J_Hurst

price £.15500

406 Burre11 1941 1896 YA5799

6 n_h_p_ Single sold to G_ Lamb

price £.13000

407 Burrell 4014 1925 TT5615

5 n_h_p DCC sold to DEVON buyer

price £.19000

RUST, RUST, RUST here lies lot no_393_ I think there is a very long restoration task ahead_

Above lot no_401 one of the wagons in slightly better condition and below the Marshall agricultural engine looking in somewhat better than the rest_ Photo David Duffill

The question is where do you start lot no_391 above and below a rowof threshing machines-