Raising Steam 2000 Vol.14 No.3

RAISING STEAM

STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB MAGAZINE

EDITOR

Barry Sumsion, Kearline Graphic Images, Fait-oak House Business Centre, Church Road, Newport NP19 7EJ Tel: 01633 262197 Fax: 016a3 259089

CHAIRMAN, STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB

John Durling, Hawthorn Cottage, Stubwood, Uttoxeter, SLnffc.H·<IHhirPWrt4 5HX Tel: 01889 591188 (between 08.00 and 21.00 hours only plcnH<')

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

John Cook, Dolfarni, Church Lane, Kirby la Thorpe, Slenforcl, 1,incolirnhiro NG34 9NU. Correspondence only. Me1nbership fee £5.00 p<w r1r1n11111,

The Editor welcomes any contributions of articles, shortm· Lt(l111H cff pltoLo~raphs for inclusion in future issues. All material submitted iHvolu,d,ury 111,cl puyu,ont cannot be made for any material published. Tho opinicmA PxprPAHl'tli111lrn magazine, with the exception of Club announcements, uro Lhott<•ol l.lw contributors and do not indicate the views of the Club as a wh0Jc1,/\II rlPmK are held copyright by the contributor and the NTET.

Please send your contributions to the Editor at least five WC'c,lrnhc~f"on• publication. Typed articles are preferred but not essential. If hauclwriUou put any names of PEOPLE, PLACES or ENGINES in BLOCK CAPITALS. I I'you require any part of your article (eg photos) returning please say so and enclose n stumped addressed envelope. Enclose your name, address and (if Apprentice) ago with any contribution.

The Editor reserves the right to amend or refuse contributions, and will attempt to correct spelling and grammar!

The Magazine is normally published during the early part of January, April, July and October. The Club accepts no liability for failure to meet intended publication dates.

The Steam Apprentice Club is a section of the National Traction Engine 'L'rust.. NTET is a Registered Charity, No. 291578. Registered in England No. 1302107. Registered Office: 4 Church Green East, Redd.itch, Worcestershire ll08 HH'l1

Typesetting and Artwork by Kearline Graphic Images, Faironlt Ilrnuu, li1rnluf,l~t1 I 1 1111••• Church Road, Newport, South Wales NP19 7EJ Tel: 016a:l 2fl2 LlY/11)1, n w:1;i 2tilllltiH email: bsumsion@kearline.fsnet.co. uk

Printed by The Whitehouse Press Ltd, High Streat, I ,y<l1wy,( <: 1,1h UI)I'

The rally season is now in full swing and I am pleased to say that my rally season has started better than in recent years. I already have two visits under my belt, with more planned. I know also, from observation, that there are Apprentices active on the rally field -but more on that subject later.

My first visit this year was to an event not essentially a steam rally, but was the Pecorama Steam Festival, encompassing model railways from N gauge up to 71/4''gauge, with model engineering, miniatures and a handful of interesting full size traction engines. I was 'officially' wearing my 16mm narrow gauge hat, running live steam on the Peco garden railwaY, but I made it my business to have a good mosy round the full size engines. A long side of the car park field

Marshall compound traction engine No. 68955 at the Pecorama Steam Festival. Its owner, Mr Slade (who can just be seen on the engine), was celebrating his eightieth birthday on the day of the photograph. Talking to him was very interesting, but the 'powers that be in Brussels' would have been less impressed to hear some of his views!

was cordoned off to allow the engines to be driven to and fro. The whole site is essentially built onto the side of the cliffs and just beyond, from the sea, and is very hilly. The field had a bit of a climb which proved interesting for the many public who were privileged to have a drive of several of the engines. This was a very good PR exercise for the traction engine scene -many adults coming away much more enthused and interested than they might otherwise have been. A splendid weekend in the sunshine with the right kind of people with the right kind of 'toys'.

Interesting plates affixed to the backhead of Marshall No. 68955. Notice the plate referring to the periods of washout of the boiler and the importance of not getting any oil or grease into the boiler. This form of contamination of the water causes priming, that is a form of foaming within the boiler which causes water to be drawn over into the cylinder block, which in turn can cause great damage to the block if not handled correctly. The reference to 'Marshall's Patent Firebox' probably refers to the design of the firebox crown which was pressed' to form a strong structure as opposed to a flat plate with stays. Perhaps someone can enlighten us further. Ed.

My second rally was at the village of Bloxham, near Banbury in Oxfordshire. I had never been to this rally before, but the listing in the NTET rally list made it appear to be a good one. In fact, as I write, it was only last weekend and so this snippet is very hot off the press! Well it was a good rally. The site covered

Richard Hornsby traction engine No. 6557 'Maggie' at the Bloxham Rally. This rare 8nhp single cylinder engine is believed to be the only one surviving in the •• UK, of seven, the others apprently in Australia and Tasmania. I have heard, however, that another such engine has been repatrial.ed from rrcurrnttnitt,lmt is not yrt restored Anyone hnow more abou.t this? Eel.

several fields, which made for plenty of space for exhibits and public alike. Approximately 35 engines were present and a very interesting mixture they were. A dozen or so miniatures were also present and they too provided mixed interest. One or two engines were particularly rare including a 5nhp Tasker steam tractor and a 8nhp Richard Hornsby single cylinder traction engine. This again was a most enjoyable weekend with the weather again kind to us. However the event ended for me and a few others on a slightly sour note. One of the miniatures was owned and driven by an Apprentice. Now everything was conducted properly and according to the requirements of the arrangement made for SAC members to drive at NTET Authorised Rallies. However, there is a clause which states that this will only be allowed at the discretion of the rally organisers. Regretfully after a good day steaming on the Saturday, an official put a bar on Apprentices driving part way through Sunday. To my

Tasker Road Steam Tractor No. 1765 'Jolly' of 1917. This engine was rebuilt in about two years from a very derelict state. Its owner told me that only the front wheels and the cylinder block are truly original parts of the engine. The engine is a credit to its restorers. Taskers like this one unusually have a chain final drive - the system being designed to the 'Hoare's Patent' - only made by W. Tasker & Sons of Andover Hampshire. This engine was believed to have been attending its first rally (at Bloxham) since rebuilding. Ed.

knowledge both the owner/driver of the miniature and an Apprentice driving on a full size roller were told they could not do so. This caused much disappointment and bad feeling. It seems that at this rally a decision had been made that Apprentices under age would not be allowed to drive. It is a great pity that this information could not have been made obvious before the rallyit would have avoided what nearly turned into an unnecessary row. I spoke to one of the event organisers, known to me, and it seems that a breakdown in communication may have been at fault. I hope that this kind of thing can be avoided for the future and that despite the obvious disappointment and annoyance, Apprentices will not be discouraged. If you are planning to attend a rally and intend/hope to drive whilst you are an 'under age' driver, please check with the rally organisers before you attend. If you need more information or feel the need to express your feelings on this matter, please write to your 3

Chairman, who will try to sort things out to the best of his ability. But please don't have a go at him, he's working hard for you, and he cannot force our wishes on others!

In John's 'Chairman's Bit' you see that it is intended to have my 4" Burrell on show. That is a great simplification of what I hope will happen. My Burrell is progressing slowly and is currently an ever-increasing pile of parts. Those of you who have read of my efforts before, will know that there are three of us building these engines. Many of you will also know that this year the Burrell is to be the featured make at the Great Dorset. Accordingly we will attempt to show Burrells being built in the new millennium. They are far from finished, but we shall show how far we have got and the methods we have used. We are not building these engines from kits or available castings -virtually everything is created from scratch. Please don't expect to see gleaming miniature engines -but a lot of Burrell parts and part assemblies, I hope you find it interesting. Now as well as pressing on with that project I will also (hopefully) be fitting in one or two rallies as well - watch this space!

Good Steaming, Barry Sumsion, Editor

Unique Barrows & Stewart Portable engine No. 542 of 1870 with its owner Mr H Orr-Ewing at the Bloxham rally. The engine was built nearby in Banbury and used by the same family business for nearly 80 years - still carrying their name on a plate on the engine. I talked with Mr Orr-Ewing for some time about his engine, during which we allowed the pressure to drop to about 20 psi - still plenty to keep this simple but effective engine running. Ed.

THE CHAIRMAN'S BIT

The rally season is now in full swing and we hope that you at•e uU enjoying yourselves, learning a lot and generally being useful. The series of Driving Days held earlier in the year were onco ngflin a great

success. Having been asked to make them more accessible to more youngsters, it was disappointing to have to cancel the two new events planned for this year in Warwickshire and Hampshire. Many thanks are due to all venue owners, engine owners and all who make these events such an enjoyable time for us all. I know from your letters afterwards (and some from parents) that you enjoy yourselves and get a lot out of these days. Paul Worbey from the Bedford Club has gone one stage further and run a whole weekend of events which have been very well attended - see the write-ups in Old Glory. We do plan to run more next year! On a sadder note, Grange Farm, the venue used by Richard Hullah in West Yorkshire, is no longer available due to demolition and the building of yet another shopping centre and, therefore, a new site will have to be found for next spring. Does anyone know of a suitable new site?Any offers will be greatly appreciated - the main criteria is space for Apprentices to be able to drive and steer in safety; well away from the public and 3 or 4 engines near by. If anyone knows of such a facility (Yorkshire or elsewhere) which could be suitable, please contact me.

Now to the Birthday Party. The SAC will be coming of age (traditionally - 21) at the Great Dorset Steam Fair in September. We shall be having a party on the Thursday evening in the NTET Marquee, from 7.00pm for members both past and present and also more aged persons who have been connected with the Club. Another thought we have had is to try to get as many engines, with Apprentices on them, in the Heavy Haulage Ring for a while and have a cavalcade of Engines - Apprentice Style. If you only get to one show this year, this has to be the one! We will of course be doing the usual activities of placing people with engines, running the SAC stand in the NTET Marquee and trying to answer your questions. Barry (your Editor) will be showing off the progress he has made with his 4" scale Burrell Showman's Loco. by puttinµ iLon display in the Marquee.

If you are thinking that you will be coming to Dorset please drop me a line before hand, so that we can expect you.

If any former Apprentice is reading this we would love to hear from you, as we want to see you in Dorset too. We would like to have a reminiscences page or two in the next issue of Raising Steam so any memories of yesteryear by past apprentices will be very welcome.

Don't forget the summer regulars of the colouring competition and the photogTaphic competition. Details of both are in the middle of this magazine. Lastly, don't forget; if you see my Aveling and Porter Tractor 'Morning Star' at a rally DO come up and say hallo.

Happt Steaming, John Durling, Chairman

MAIL BAG

Dear Editor

On the 2nd April I went to the K.londyke Mill Driving Day. I meant to write to you about it last year but I did not end up doing it. This year there were 5

engines and they are listed here:

Aveling & Porter 10 Ton Roller 'Little Alex' owned by Mr Cooper; McLaren General Purpose Engine of 1882 owned by Mr Arrowsmith; 11486 Aveling & Porter Tractor 'Morning Star' owned by Mr Durling; Mr Parton's Aveling & Porter Roller; Burrell Devonshire Engine 'Admiral Togo' of 1904 owned by the Klondyke Club.

I arrived at about 10.10 and John gave us a quick safety briefing on how to keep your fingers! It was wet and cold that day and luckily enough, a stove was lit to keep everybody warm! Most of the engines were lit up, but there was an exception 'Little Alex' which has just been lit. It took us the best part of two hours before we had 50 psi on the gauge. Mrs Cooper took it round on her own for a little while when were eating lunch as it had not been out since last year.

After lunch it was back to the engines. First of all me and Tom steered while Mrs Cooper drove. This went on for about an hour and then one ofus drove and one of us steered. Then I had a go on the Parton's roller. Totally different to 'Little Alex', a lot heavier at the wheel and a very stiff regulator. Then I went on John Durling's 'Morning Star'. First I steered and then I drove. Then me and Tom went on the Burrell which is an easy engine to drive and steer.

All too soon the end of the day came and I said thankyou and good bye to everybody who was there and owned an engine. Then John came to sort out which rallies I could go to with him and his engine this year.

TO THOSE OF YOU WHO DID NOT GO YOU MISSED LOADS!!

I would just like to say a big thankyou to John for organising such a great day.

From

Martin Treanor (age 12)

Duffield, Derbyshire

Dear Editor

I had a great day at the SAC day at Chatham Dockyard. My Dad took me in our 1918 Model T Ford van, it is older than some of the traction engines I went on. I was met by some very friendly people.

The engines I was able to steer and drive were as follows:

Julian Hopper's 1896 15 Ton Aveling & Porter Roller, which I found hard to steer on tarmac road, once I got onto the gravel I found it easier. ,.

The second one I went on was John Galvin's Fowler Roller, which I found easy to steer.

Then the steam train 'Achilles' 0-4-0 saddle tank, also the Grafton steam crane 558, which was on rails within the dockyard.

Fourth was the Fowler traction engine of 1923 'Sir Douglas' No. 15732, whose owner Tony Bastick and Dave Main have asked me to be an apprentice at the Chatham Dockyard Steam Centre.

The last one I went on was Aveling & Porter Roller 'Moby Dick'.

The only let down was the weather, it rained most of the day.

From Fraser Stroud (age 11)

East Malling, Kent

COLOURING COMPETITION

For Members aged up to 9 years old

CAREFULLY remove this page from the magazine - ask an adult to help if necessary - be especially careful of the staples.

COLOUR the picture using pencils, crayons, paints or felt pens. (Pencils are probably best.)

WRITE your name, age, address and membership number in the space provided.

POST your entry in a large envelope, to avoid folding it too much.

ENCLOSE a large stamped addressed envelope if you want your entry returned.

REMEMBER to send your entry to arrive with Fiona by Saturday 19th AUGUST. This date is important as John and Fiona go on holiday after this date and end up at the Great Dorset Steam Fair WITH YOUR ENTRIES!

ADDRESS for entries is:

SAC Colouring Competition Hawthorn Cottage, Stubwood, U ttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5HX

The 2000 Steam Apprentice Club Photographic Competition

The annual photographic competition is an on-going one, and starts almost as soon as the last one has finished, so let's have as many of you as possible entering your best photographs that you have taken this year. The competition is split into age groups - up to 15 years and 16 years old and over. Engraved medals and other prizes will be presented to the winners. The best overall entry will be presented with the Dorset Trophy and will receive a book donated by NTET Sales.

Rules

1. Entry to this competition is restricted to fully subscribed members of the Steam Apprentice Club (SAC).

2. Each member's entry will consist of three photographs, preferably 6" x 4" prints, colour or black and white, and should have been taken during the period 1st August 1999 to 31st July 2000.

3. Entries must be sent to the Secretary of the SAC at Hawthorn Cottage, Stubwood, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5HX, to arrive by Saturday 19th August.

4. All entries must have the following details on the reverse of the photograph: name, address, age and SAC membership number; place, date and details of the engine or subject. (It is better to write these details on a piece of paper and then stick this on the back of the photo.)

5. Copyright in all entries will remain with the SAC member submitting the photographs and the organisers promise that prints will not be used in any manner or display other than in connection with the 1998 photographic competition. (A selection of entries will appear subsequently in SAC magazines.)

6. All entries are to include a suitable stamped addressed envelope to ensure photographs can be returned. The organisers promise to return all entries if this rule is adhered to.

7. Entries will be displayed at the 1998 Great Dorset Steam Fair in the NTET tent. All entries will be returned after display and/or publication in the magazine.

8. The competition will be judged in two age groups: up to 15 years; 16 years and over. Prizes and engraved medals for First, Second and Third places in each group will be awarded. The best overall entry will receive the Dorset Trophy shield, to be held for one year.

Judging

The judges will be looking for originality, composition and technical ability. Photographs do not have to be of traction engines, but other subjects must clearly be related to the traction engine movement. The judges' decision on all entries will be final and members are asked to accept them in a spirit that will bring credit to themselves and the Steam Apprentice Club.

MORE MAIL BAG

Dear Editor

On 16th June I went to Chapel Lane Rally. The site is situated just outside Hurn Airport. I went with my brother, Craig Henderson. He took 'Little Laura' which he built. This is a 2" scale model of the Burrell No. 3646. It spent the weekend in the model tent.

Saturday morning began with cleaning 'Princess' which is Fowler No. 12255. The weather was brilliant. Everyone was enjoying the sunshine as it made a change from the rain we had experienced at earlier rallies. Saturday evening arrived and I watched the football on TV with Hillary, Tony, Andy and Neil Cobb. After the football we gathered around 'Princess' and spent the rest of the evening chatting.

On Sunday I polished 'Gertrude Lucy' which is a Wallis & Steevens steam roller belonging to Dave Loader, No. 7751. Then I went around the arena on 'Princess', Andy Loader was driving. Craig also had Roy Loader's 4" scale Garrett with him. It was awarded a cup for the best engine. At about 5;30 Craig and I went home.

Craig is restoring a Wallis & Steevens 10 ton steam roller, No. 7844. But it will not be finished for some time as it needs a new firebox.

From Kay Henderson (age 16) New Milton, Hampshire

Dear Editor

On 30th April I went to the SAC driving day at Grange Farm, Durkar. This was the first time I have had the opportunity to drive a road roller. The two othor boys I was with (Matthew and Richard) were very kind, we even took the roller out by ourselves and tried some rolling plus some driving techniques as well as having some fun. I think we scared a few people with the very loud

whistle. The steam roller we were on was Derek Rayner's 1915 8 ton, single cylinder Aveling & Porter 'The White Rose'. At dinner time Mr Hullah's mother and family put on a scrumptious dinner followed by a lovely pudding. It was a very educational and interesting day. I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who made the event possible.

From Alexander Morrison (age 10)

York

Dear Editor

The SAC driving day held on April 2nd at the Klondyke Mill site in Staffordshire was a great success. Unfortunately the enthusiasm of the apprentices wasn't matched by the weather; it rained for most of the day. No doubt one of them will be writing to tell all about it. Meanwhile I have included a few photos. I hope these are of some interest.

Yours Barry Job

Yes they have been writing to tell of their most enjoyable day at Klondyke Mill - obviously a popular venue. And as for the photos - wonderful, more of the same always welcome! Ed.

Apprentices at Klondyke Mill - above; driving Aveling & Porter 12450 of 1929 Wl,d below; on the 1882 McLaren No. 127, what a splendid engine - Ed. JJ/wtos by Barry Job

THE JOHN BEEBY CUP

I wish to thank all the people who proposed me for this award. I am very sorry it has taken me so long to write this note, school exams have to take preference (so Mum and Dad say) and winter maintenance, of course.

I would like to tell you how my interest with steam started. About eight years ago, whilst we were at the Great Dorset (my Dad loves steam engines) we were looking around and saw the SAC club advertised. Dad asked me and Keith (my brother) if we would like to join, which is the best thing I have done.

One of the ladies in the SAC tent asked if we were attached to an engine, we weren't, so they arranged for us to be with an engine. We spent the day cleaning and generally getting dirty, "great" though we were stationery. I had a great day. The next day we were invited to join the rest of the group to look around a steam roller, where I had the chance to have a ride on a moving engine. This was a lovely feeling. We were shown the moving parts and how to put on coal. I thought that it was thrown onto the fire, I did not know that there was a proper way!

On the next day we were invited to bring our breakfast to cook on a shovel, this was very tasty; we then went for rides on various steam vehicles, rollers, traction engines and a steam wagon. We all went back to the SAC tent for a demonstration on how an injector worked and we were taken to see some in action on a Fowler ploughing engine. I was quite amazed at the sheer size of them. Dad rode up and down on the plough, so he had a good week as well, he loves ploughing engines, I think that it is because of the size and power that they have.

This was the end of our week; we had to go home.

We spent the winter looking for an engine in our area where we could join up as apprentices. During this time Dad went on a driving course and met up with a few people in our area who would have me with tlhem. As the season went on, so Dad and I began working with some of these people. I met up with Chris Eves, who ran Graham Atkinson's Garrett Showman's Engine 'Princess Maud', who was kind enough to have the time to guide me through the correct methods for doing jobs, but mainly how to clean and polish and clean and then clean a little more -we spent hours cleaning and polishing. I must say that all this cleaning was made fun by Chris, who was strict with regards to safety, but still had time to explain how everything was done and why. He even taught me how to mud dance!!

I also met up with some of the other mad members of Graham's team, namely the Carr brothers, John and David, who are a great mine of information and full of energy and wit. I was invited to work on their own engines, a lovely Aveling & Porter roller and the Ransome Sims & Jefferies agricultural engine which I do when not out with Graham.

Mind you a lot has happened since then. I've worked on a few more engines and gained increasing experience. I learned how to look after 'His Lordship' about two seasons after joining Mr Atkinson, this being the big 8nhp Burrell Showman's.

Chris has unfortunately, stopped travelling with us, except on very special occasions. I have taken over looking after the 'Princess', assisted by my

apprentice 'Dad' when he's not working, not bad for a 15 year girl. We do get on the road sometimes, but mainly you will find us at rallies with the Verbeek organ and the Pauline Reader Dancers.

However, when the girls don't dance, we can still pull a good crowd with the 'Atkinson Suicide Squad Dancers'. This being the rest of the crews from both the 'Princess' and 'His Lordship' and organ master, doing the Can-Can not a sight to be missed. No, sorry that should be seen, especially when we get Graham to join us doing the Lambada!

I have just found out that Corgi Classics are to produce a replica of the 'Princess' this season, so all my polishing with Chris and the others will be on show to the world. Well in model form at least, and I have been asked to become part of the crew for the Burrell Scenic engine 'King George V'. I have made my commitments with Graham for this season, though what next season brings who knows?

A very big thank you again to everyone for your nomination and a very big thank you to all who have helped and supported me through these apprenticeship years, see you during the season.

I hope to see some of you apprentices during the season. If you want to come and assist us with the 'Princess' or 'His Lordship', then come and talk with one of us, we will try to fit you in, it's hard work, but fun, just bring your dancing boots.

The Great Dorset is the event where we all enjoy ourselves the most and our two Dorset apprentices Claire and Adam join us every year, bringing Neil and Andy Cobb, though, I understand that they might just be rolling up this year.

Well they have been with us for a long tiine now and hav , p1 0~ Jssed from being apprentice dancers!!

Kerrie Dunderdale

PRESS RELEASE

The Water Cart - one of the models now available from Mamod which would be of particular interest to SAC members. There are many other models in the range as well of course - read on.

MAMOD steam models has launched its own Collectors Club.

For a one-off membership fee of £10, members will receive a specially designed badge, signed certificate plus a regular newsheet giving an update on new products, a f arum for enthusiasts to voice their opinions and the opportunity to buy models at competitive prices from selected mail order companies.

The Collectors Club coincides with the launch of a new range of Mamod merchandise which members will be offered at discount prices. It will eventually include a whole range of accessory items, starting with badges, mugs, postcards and posters adding to a series of new models and accessories that have been launched over the past year.

This is another attempt by the Terry family to inject a new lease of life into this old established company since they took over direct sales last year.

The new Showman's Engine is on sale from May and there are several more models in the pipeline. It is also hoped to reintroduce parts for the railway models, starting soon with the O gauge track.

Anyone interested in joining the Collectors Club can write to Mamod Collectors Club, PO Box 2092, Stourport on Severn, DY13 9:XX(or fill in and send in the form included with this magazine - Ed.)

And here's the one to pull in the SAC members - the new Mamod Showman's Engine. A few have been built over the years, converted from the standard traction engine - now you can all go out and buy one!