EDITOR
STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB MAGAZINE
Nanette Sanders, Frog Cottage, New Road, Porchfield, Isle of Wight P030 4LS 'l'el: 01983 523317 e-mail: sac.raisingsteam@ntet.co.uk
CHAIRMAN, STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB
John Durling, Hawthorn Cottage, Stubwood 1 Uttoxeter, Staffordshire STl 4 5HX Tel: 01889 591188 (between 08.00 and 21.00 hours only please) e-mail: john.r.durling@uk. transport. bombardier.corn
VICE-CHAIRMAN, STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB
Elaine Massey; 21 Down Close, N01·tholt, Middlesex UB5 6NS Tel: 020 8248 6570 e-mail: elainermsssey@aol.com
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
John Cook, Dolfarni, Church Lane, Kirby Ja 'rhorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
NG34 9NU. Correspondence only. Membership fee £5.00 per annum.
APPRENTICE REPRESENTATIVE
Gareth Haase, 6 Poplars, Waltham Chase, Southampton S032 2RH Tel: 01489 891794 e-mail: gareth.haase@megabyte.co.uk
SAC CO-ORDINATORS
Sam Bate; 30 Mowbray Grove, Bishopsgru:th, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland TS19 BXA Tel: 01642 897153 e-mail: sambate@1ycos.com
Graham Chaffer, 32 Jubilee Way, Storrington, West Sussex RH20 3NZ Tel: 01903 745921 e-mail: chaffer.gang@ic24.net
Duncan Croser, 16 Tripps Hill Close, Chalfant St. Giles, Bucks HPS 4JZ Tel: 01494 875443 e-mail: duncan.croser@ntlworld.com
Steve ancl Donna Taylor, 17 Smith Crescent, Coalville LE67 4JF Tel: 01530 835213 e-mail: steve.tailor@btinternet.com
Matthew Lund, Willow Cottage, Twynam's Hill, Shlrrell Heath, Southampton S032 2JL 'fel: 01329 832462 e-mail: matt.lund@engineer.com
Barry Sumsion, 1 Leicester Road, Newport; South Wales NP19 7ER Tel: 01633 213332 (office) e-mail: barry@kearline.co,uk
The Editor welComesany contributions of articles, shorter items or photographs for inclusion in future issues, AU material submitted is voluntary and payment cannot be made for any material published. The opinions expressed in the magazine, with the exception of Club annow1cements, are those of the contributors and do not indicate the views of the Club as a whole. All items are held copyright by the contributor and the NTET.
, Please send your contributions to the Editor at least five weeks before publication, Typed rJr e,mailed articles ate preferred but not essential. If handwritten put any 11ameSof PEOPLE, PLACES 01· ENGINE8 in BLOCK CAPITALS.If you require any part of your article (eg photos) -returning please say so and encloHea stamped addressed envelope. Enclose your name, address and (if Apprentice) age with any contribution. 'l'he J<}dil.or reserves the right to amend or l'efuse ccintributions, and will attempt to Correct spelling· and grammar I 'J'lm Magazine is normally published during the early part of January, April, July and October. The Club acc11pt,i;m, liability for failure to meet intended publication dates.
The Steam Apprentice Club is a section of the National Traction Engine Trust. NTET is a Registered. Charity, No. 291578. Registered in England No. 1302197. Registered Office: 4 Church Green East, Redd.itch, Worcestershire B98 8BT.
Typesetting an.clArtwork by Kearline Graphic Images Ltd, Fairoak House Business Centre, Chul'eh lloml, Newport, South Wales NP19 7EJ Tel: 01633 262197 Fax: 01633 259089 email: general@koarlim1.1:o.11h P1inted by MD Jenkins Printers Ltd, Lydney, Glos GL15 4EJ
FROM THE EDITOR
I have been looking for something different to talk about and I have found a steam lorry. Sentinel S4 lorry no. 9277 was first registered in January 1937. The S4 means S type, 4 wheel waggon and the word waggon is spelt deliberately with two 'G's by Sentinels. All Sentinels are under type waggons meaning the engines are under the body giving more useable body length.
The lorries were able to carry a payload of seven and a half tons, and an extra four tons on a trailer if it had one fitted. There was also a speed restriction of 20mph on lorries over 3 tons. Steam wagons came under a road tax law from 1930, the road tax was calculated on unladen weight. Steam wagons not only had the weight of their load but coal and water to consider putting them at a disadvantage, this was to encourage the use of the new diesel lorries.
Sentinel 9277 was bought new by the London and Rochester Trading company of Strood in Kent. It was used to carry bricks to London until 1948. Its next commercial job was working for Fremlins Brewery, Maidstone, Kent..
The present owner Ralph Cook on the Isle of Wight has owned the Sentinel since February 1999. Ralph mentioned that 9277 has never been derelict and the cab etc is all original. He has done many road runs including the London to Brighton and local rallies namely Netley Marsh and Dorset Steam Fair. This year 9277 will be attending the same rallies and is easily recognized by its bright blue back. Originally of course it was a flat bed lorry but Ralph has decided to put a box on the back for safety when giving public rides .
Sentinel wagon 9277 owned by Ralph Cook on the Isle. of Wight.
It was interesting to note the differences between a traction engine and a steam lorry. The coal is dropped in through the top of the cab into a bunker which is accessible from inside the cab. The boiler is between the driver and passenger seat in a vertical position dropping down underneath the lorry where the firebox and engine are. Ralph mentioned that he thought the steam lorry is a little more complicated to run due to the speed the lorry is able to drive, especially up hills, the pressure has to be constantly watched.
Nanette Sanders, Editor
THE CHAIRMAN'S BIT
Morning
Star Update
Eureka! MS passed her hydraulic test at the beginning of March. Even when you know that everything is in order, son1ething like this can still be a bit stressful. At least I won't have.to repeat it again for another ten years!
Regarding the machining work, we now have the axle finish-machined, the axle bearings machined - including new bearing brasses - and a new second shaft. All new and shiny looking: wonderful!
The next jobs are now to fit all these new bits back on, and then start refitting things like the tender and re-lagging the boiler. There is, of course, still an awful lot to do before the summer!
As I am sitting here writing this and thinking about 25th anniversaries, it has occurred to me that there is another silver celebration happening this year. In May 1979 the Durling family (my Dad in fact) became the proud owners of one Aveling and Porter tractor! This means that we have owned her for longer than anyone else; the next closest being Kent County Council who used her for 17 years.
Now to Club news
Another year, another driving day.
As I write this the closing date has just passed and it appears that you have again decided that you like this particular activity. The Bedford Club had to ask us to put a note on the website telling everyone they were full after just 4 weeks!
There is, however, still time to apply for the NTET Driving Course being held at Hatton Country World in Warwickshire: just.
Elsewhere in this magazine you will see a list of rallies that have offered us the opportunity to work with engines. If you are going to one of these rallies PLEASE give the named person a ring before hand so that they know what to expect.
We have also included a list showing where the SAC Committee will be during the year (not that I will be going very far until Morning Star is finished). ,Just to make sure that you can't say "I didn't know it was happening", we have also included the NTET Rally List.
Now to other areas; we will again be running the colouring and photographic competitions, with judging taking place at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Last year there were a nice number of entries for the colouring competition but only two for the photographic. To try to tempt you into sending more· examples of your excellence with the camera we will be allowing digital pictures for the first tilne. Details of how to submit these will be in the next magazine, but don't wait for that to get busy with your camera, either digital or conventional.
Perhaps this is a good time for a reminder about the Log Books. If you haven't got one, or don't even know what one is, contact Elaine (address inside front cover) and she will be happy to tell you all about them.
Lastly, can I re-iterate Paul Davis' comments at the end of his letter in the last issue of Raising Steam? Surely 20 minutes isn't too much to ask!
Here's to a warm and sunny anniversary season.
John Durling, Chairman
Dear Editor,
Tern Valley Vintage Machinery Rally.
On Thursday 14th August I arrived at Klondyke Mill at 7.30am on a scorching day and met up with Andrew Hall. We got the 1908 Wallis and Steevens Agricultural no. 7008 Eileen lit up and ready for the 36 mile journey to Tern Valley Vintage Machinery Rally in Eccleshall. Ben Hicks joined us and after last minute preparations, including bacon sandwiches and mugs of tea we left Klondyke Mill. Our first water stop was around 2 miles from Klondyke and
Martin reversing the engine to connect up to the living van.
Ben and I swapped over so I was now steering and with Andrew driving we made our way to Uttoxeter. One interesting thing that happened going downhill to Uttoxeter was that the pump picked up and started pumping all by itself1 The trouble was that the pump leaks very badly so we got very wet. Apart from having to negotiate some nasty roundabouts and very narrow busy roads we made it through Uttoxeter town centre without incident. A second water stop was made on the B5027 just outside Uttoxeter where we discovered we had lost the little end oiler. Ben and I walked back to look for it but we could not find it anywhere. We carried on our way and stopped at Bramshall for water around 1.30pm. We drove the final couple of miles into Milwhich and stayed overnight in a layby. That evening I was taken to meet Tom Hammond and his family who own a Fowler D2 road locomotive that was converted to a Showmans by the late John Carter. After a drink with the1n, Ben and I went back to the layby and had our tea while Andrew went to choir practice and arrived later that evening.
On Friday morning we were up at 7.30am, we lit the Wallis up and Tom's son Chris who was steering for the day joined us at about 8.30mn. We were on the road by 9.00am and we went through Stone around lunchtime. We drove a further 5 or 6 miles into Eccleshall on the B5026 and Chris got the engine through the busy town very well. We parked up and went to the George Inn and investigated their menu. After a satisfying lunch we went back to the Wallis and found the fire had gone out. The fire was going in no time and the final 3 or 4 miles were very satisfying and we arrived on the rally field at 3.20. First we parked up the living van, then Chris and I parked up the vVallis, wiped her down and put her to bed. The next thing on the agenda was to clear all the coal and tools out of the living van and sweep it out. We went to investigate the interesting Clayton and Shuttleworth Colonial Traction Engine, recently returned from Argentina and now owned by Robert Millington. The engine was in an advanced state of dereliction, the boiler had worn through at the front end, the smoke box door was beyond repair and a tree had grown up through the back head and twisted one of the water gauges, and yes the tree was still on it. It is a fascinating machine, 18nhp tandem compound engine and it dwarfed every other exhibit at the rally. Andrew had to go and Chris~s dad came to pick the1n up. Ben and I had a very sociable evening spent with a few people in various places mostly between the ale tent and the engines peg.
Saturday morning dawned bright and Ben and I had a fire in the engine by 9.00am. vVe had our breakfast and sorted out the living van. The Hammond boys joined us and the engine was gleaming by the time Andrew arrived. Andrew and I took the engine into the arena and Wendy Turner from Channel 4's Pet Rescue steered the engine round the ring. We parked up at the beer tent and after relaxing in the afternoon sun we had an enjoyable l 1/2 mile run to the local pub in the evening.
Sunday morning fallowed the same routine except the arena parade was at 11am instead of 12 noon, Chris and I took her round the ring. The rest of the day was spent on the engine line, and Ben and Chris both left at 4.30pm. Andrew and I loaded the living van and took the engine to Stone. We encountered some nasty rain while taking water just outside Eccleshall and this lasted pretty much until we reached the main ring road that joins the M6.
On the road just after passing through Uttoxeter, Andrew and I are on the engine and Ben is sitting in the living van.
We carried on about another quarter of a mile and parked in a layby overnight. On Monday we were up at 6.30am on a very dull and drizzly morning. Andrew took the valve chest cover off because he thought the valve had 1noved out of place but it hadn't. The weather had cleared at about 7.00am and we lit the fire in at 7.20am. Chris Hammond joined us at a quarter to nine and he had conveniently missed all the polishing. We set off and took water a few yards down the road, then Mark Hilditchjoined us. The plan was to drive 22 miles to Andrew's house in Winkhilljust outside Leek. Mark and Chris took the engine the first 10 miles along the B520, we stopped for water and Andrew and I took it the rest of the way. We got to Andrew's house at 4.30pm. It was a long and enjoyable day and we raised over £500 for repairs to the All Saints church at Leek. A further bonus was a huge portion of fish and chips with lots of mugs of tea. Many thanks to Andrew and Ben for a very enjoyable time.
Martin Treanor (16), Duffield Derbyshire
Dear Editor,
First of all I would like to apologise for the lateness of this letter, I have been held up with football training and working on other things. I would like to thank Derek Birkumshaw for a great weekend at Holcot Steam Rally, where he let me help with his 3inch scale Wallis and Steevens 'Simplicity'.
Derek and his wife are really friendly and helped me to learn more about steam, and I hope we might meet at another rally sometime. Many thanks. David, Northants.
David did not include his surnanie at the end of his letter.
Dear Editor,
My name is Adam Jerrold , and I am 7 years old. I have a brother Ashley who is 4 years old. I joined the Steam Apprentice Club last year. I have sent you a photo of me and Ashley with Oliver which was taken at Bardwell Windmill where he lives. I go to lots of steam rallies with my granddad all the summer.
Adam Jerrold, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
" Dear Editor, I am sorry this is a late write up. I am writing to tell you about my first ever visit to Great Dorset Steam Fair. It all started on Sunday the 24th August 2003 when I was , picked up around 4.00am on the outskirts of York by Alan Admn Jerrold with Oliver and brother Ashley at Dunderdale who was driving Bardwell Windmill. the 97 key Oktoberfest organ which belongs to Graham Atkinson of the Flower of May holiday camp, Scarborough. Graham drove the low loader, which had Princess Maude and Island Chief on it. Jamie Clark who was traveling in convoy with us carried His Lordship on his low loader. We travelled for a few hours before we stopped at Wooclhall services for a quick break before we carried on down into Derbyshire. We drove through Andover and then eventually through Salisbury. I got my first sight of the show field at just past 6.00a1n coming up the hill from Salisbury, I could not believe the size of the field. I was told by Alan that there was a lot more to arrive and he was not wrong. We decided to put the majority of the stage up that evening, there were quite a few people helping so it did not take as long as expected to put it up. Everyone was happy to be there especially me. The next morning, Monday, we made the finishing touches to the stage. That lunchtime we all went out for a meal at Blandford which was very enjoyable. In the evening I sat on the front of the stage and watched all the wagons etc coming in and they just kept coming and coming. Tuesday 26th saw the arrival of the Iron Maiden which is looked after by Steve Denton and his family for Graham. Iron Maiden had attended a rally somewhere in Wales previous to coming to Dorset. Kerry (Alan's daughter) and I enjoyed a ride in the 'play-pen' on Princess Maude.
Wednesday 27th was the first day of the rally, I was really excited. We did all the usual, tubes, ashpan, oil-up, polishing etc before we could start the first show of the day. The show, perforined by the Julie Hatton Dancers and compere Dave Temple make it a show not to miss. We ran all day sometimes until midnight (and well past). I was amazed at the size of the site, and the amount of stalls to spend your money in. I managed to resist buying most of the interesting things Gust). Sunday 1st September was our last day. We packed everything up that evening and were pleased at how well the week had gone. We set off the next morning and headed for home.
I really enjoyed myself and would like to thank everyone who made my trip enjoyable especially Alan Dunderdale, Kerry and Graham Atkinson for letting me go. The list of everyone's name would not fit on the page but thank you anyway.
Alex Morrison, North Yorkshire
Dear Editor,
My name is Luke Phillips, I am a steam apprentice club member, and I saw in your last article that you needed some ideas for pictures and articles. So I thought I would send you some pictures of the 1929 Foden tanker wagon, of which I am part of the crew.
This picture was taken at Dorset Steam Fair 2003, at the time of the photo I was looking the wrong way. I have also sent you a picture of my 1 inch portable engine which at that mon1ent had not got its wheels on, but it is finished now and stemns nicely with some coal.
Luke Phillips, Salisbury
Luke Phillips on the Foden tanker wagon at Dorset Steam Fair.
Above: Luke's 1 inch portable before it had wheels.
Right: Luke's 1 inch portable finished.
Dear Editor,
I am writing to tell you how I became a steam apprentice. It all started when I was at Haddenham Steam Rally with my family. We were running to the car because it started to rain and we went past a stall that was handing out leaflets for joining the Steam Apprentice Club. Me and my brother Chris picked some up and filled them in when we got home. The first official event I took part in as a steam apprentice was at Old Warden in Bedfordshire. I went over to the steam apprentice tent and told them I was a member and asked what happens
now, they said they would put me on an engine. So after asking around I ended up helping on an engine called Margaret. There I met the owner whose name was Jeff. I spent the day helping him on Margaret. It was the best day of my life. Jeff showed me how to look after and run the old engine, he even let me steer her around the grounds. I would like to say thanks to Jeff and the people in the steam apprentice club for showing me this fun and exciting opportunity, and for showing me how exciting steam can be, thank you. Now it is winter and I am involved in a steam and technology museum in Cambridge where I help look after and run the machines. On open days I get to run the steam driven winch and stoke the 1nain boiler. I cannot think of a better way of spending 1ny time.
David Symonds (10), Cambridge
Dear Editor,
In the last issue of Raising Steam an error crept in on my article on page thirteen about quarter way through when I was writing about my Dad's steam car it read 'the car had over 150 paTts claytons' but I should have said 'the car had over 150 parts patented'.
Below is a picture of 'Bob' when it was new. If anyone knows any information on the engine behind please let me know. Anyway I thought I would write about another of my Dad's engines. He has a three inch model of a traction engine called Bob. This means every foot on a full scale engine is three inches on my Dad's model. We have owned it for about five years and it was made in the early 60s. My dad took it in payment for carrying out a large repair on a V-12 Jaguar E-type when he owned a specialist Jaguar repair company; he rebuilt the engine and replaced a four speed gear box with a five speed gear box. This suited everyone. The steam engine has two speeds and has a little trailer for the driver to sit on and room for a passenger. It is quite scruffy but we like it like that, it has the original paint and it has had
no cosmetic work done to it since it was new, it looks like a proper little steam engine.
Last summer we prepared it for a drive. My Dad was driving it around our field and made sure it was running properly, I also had a go at driving it. It was quite easy to drive and I had great fun making sure the pressure was right and the fire was making enough steam, and I liked changing gear it was a great day. Then my brother Billy had a go at driving the engine supervised by Dad. He was not very good at driving the engine because he kept on pushing the regulator as far as it would go and he went very fast. He enjoyed it but he was not a great driver. He is only five years old and has plenty of time to learn.
On page 9 is a picture of Bob looking cleaner than he normally is. As you may see a small device on the back of the trailer, this is a car dynamo, when a dynamo is in reverse it works like a motor. With a fan attached and placed on the chimney then wired up to a car battery it sucks air through the engine and helps the fire burn much easier. After the engine is steamed up the dynamo is taken off. This dynamo works considerably well and makes firing the engine a lot quicker. Also behind Bob there is my Dad's favorite motor bike. It is a four cylinder 1930 Indian. I really like it but there is only one seat so I cannot sit on the back and he leaves me behind. Behind that is my Dad's other engine his John Fowler 9177.
Jach Kenway, Hook, Hants
Jack Kenway, Hazelfield, South Warnborough, Hook, Rants. RG29 lRZ.
Hi All,
My name is Gareth and I'1n sure you have seen me at various rallies throughout the last couple of years - most probably from Dorset where I'm usually trying to get you all onto engines.
I'm writing in to say that at the last SAC meeting held back in October 2003, I was elected to become the Apprentice Representative for the 2004 season.
As your representative, I have the ability to put forward your ideas and suggestions to the SAC cmnmittee as well as keep you infonned of any forthcoming events that may require a response on your part.
Here's a little info about myself ......
I'm 20 years old, living in Southampton, but own a car so get out and about quite a bit. I've been to a few rallies - usually local, but I have been known to travel as far as Bedford.
During the last 2-3 years, I have had the chance, much like you, to work with several engines (my logbook shows I have worked with 11 so far), and I have been lucky enough to be invited back to assist the owners in the future.
I have also attended the NTET driving course which was held at the Beamish Museum back in May 2003. I found this course to be highly educational and very enjoyable - I'd recommend anyone who is thinking about taking part to do so as you'll be surprised at what you learn!
If there is anyone who is interested in taking part in this course, please contact John Durling for an application form.
Also, Raising Steam is your magazine; therefore we need your contributions. If you have something that you think may be of interest to others but are unsure whether or not you can send it in, please contact me for advice -it's what I'1n here for. You can find my contact details at the front of the magazine. Have a great season, and I look forward to seeing you on the rally sites.
Happy Steaming
Gareth
SAC 25th Anniversary Road Run
As some of you may/may not be aware, 2004 is the year in which the National Traction Engine Trust is celebrating it 50th anniversary. It is also the year in which the Steam Apprentice Club celebrates its 25th Anniversary. It has been announced by the NTET that there is to be a celebratory road run held on the weekend of September 24th-25th at Hollowell, Northamptonshire.
As it is the SAC's 25th Anniversary, we would like to invite any apprentices, who are interested, the opportunity to join in with the celebrations and take part in the road run.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of this event, we are not able to place extra apprentices on engines, (the organisers are insisting that there are only two people per engine) however, we are able to provide seating on a large trailer (with proper bench-like seats, so don't worry about bringing a cushion) for the Journey.
A certificate of attendance will also be presented to all apprentices who attend.
So that we can have some idea of the numbers involved please could all those interested contact me by the end of Dorset my contact details can be found at the front of the magazine.
Gareth Haase.
RALLIESOFFERINGACTIVITIES FOR APPRENTICES2004
Rally
May Day Steam
1 to 3 May Neil Carney 01204 303506
Scottish Traction Engine Society, 8 & 9 May Sandie Campbell 01241 434600
Balado
Isle of Anglesey
Chipping Steam Fair
Carrington Rally
22 & 23 May
John Phillips 01407 860255
29 to 31 May Mary Harrison 01995 61866
30 & 31 May Alan Rundle 01205 480630
Tom Rolt Vinage Rally
30 & 31 May
Abergavenny Rotary 30 & 31 May
Klondyke Mill Midsummer 5 & 6 June
Steam Rally
Leighton Buzzard ByPass Rally 5 & 6 June
Carlisle District Vintage Society 5 & 6 June
Whitwell Rally 12 & 13 June
Marsworth Rally 20 June
Banbury Steam Society Rally 26 & 27 June
Elvaston Castle Steam Rally 3 & 4 July
37th Ulster Traction Engine Rally. 16 & 17July
Ballymena, N I
Much Marcie Steam Rally 17 & 18 July
Masham Steam Rally 17 & 18 July
The Portland Steam & Vintage Show 17 & 18 July
Cromford Steam Rally 31 July to 1 Aug.
Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage 7 & 8 August
Extravaganza
Driffield Steam & Vintage Rally 14 & 15 August
St Agnes Rally Cornwall 20 to 22 August
Holcot Steam Rally 28 to 30 August
Town & Country Festival, Kenilworth 28 to 30 August
Great Dorset Steam Fair 1 to 5 September
Malpas Yesteryear 11 & 12 Sept.
Haddenham Steam Rally 11 & 12 Sept.
Old Warden Rally 18 & 19 Sept.
Klondyke Mill Autumn Steam Party 16 & 17 October
SAC RALLY LIST 2004
Duncan Croser
Weeting (possibly)
Old Warden
Elaine Massey
Bill Target
Netley Marsh
Dorset
Old Warden
Nanette Sanders
Sam Bate
Dorset
Pickering
Dorset
HeddJones
Anthony Davies
John Durling
Allan Burbury
Mr G Watson
Alan Burbury
C Griffiths
James Blenkinsop
John Durling
Fergus Dunlop
Richard Hesbrook
Flo Granger
MickMulley
Derek Roose
Matt Shipton
TBA
Dennis Warren
TBA
Trevor Daw
SAC Team
Allen Eaton
Robert Pumfrey
Elaine Massey
John Durling
01948 665014
01873 840665
01889 591188
01582 841694
01228 576285
01582 841694
07768 222127 01926 642016 01889 591188
028 295 71830
01432 830526
01765 689569
01305 822728 01629 822544 01453 823684
01377 241817 01209 216689
01604 781253 01926 484670 Lots 01604 505422
01799 530246
020 8248 6750 01880 591188 2 days 2 days 2 days 2 days 5 days 2 days 5 days 3 days 5 days
Steve Taylor
Hollowell Rally
Steve's wife Donna is expecting another baby this summer, so he is struggling to make any plans.
Please call him nearer to a rally to find out more.
2 days
John Durling
Klondyke Mill -June
Elvaston Castle
Dorset
Klondyke Mill -Oct 2 days 2 days 5 days 2 days
Dear Editor
I would like to tell you a bit about the fun that was had when I went in a carnival on a steam roller.
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to take part in Titchfield carnival in Southampton with my good friend Dave and his Aveling and Porter steam roller The Squire. We had a brilliant day and raised lots of money for charity. The day started off at Burseldon Brickworks where we and Katrina, a showman's Garrett were steaming up for the show. Polishing brass was the main job. Soon we were in steam and hooked up with the trailer ready to roll. Plenty of water and a trailer full of coal and we were on the road. r d never been on the road on a stea1n engine before so this was a new experience for me. It was good fun and soon we had to stop for lunch and to regain some stea1n, it just so happened we stopped outside a pub, what a coincidence! We only stopped for an hour because we had to be on the road and at the start by early afternoon.
Out on the road again and we had a good laugh at the looks on people's faces as they overtook or drove past. Soon enough we were at the start point with just enough time to put some potatoes into the smoke box before we headed out in to the thousands of people lining the streets to see us go by and to help us raise n1oney for charity.
I had the good fortune to have a steer of the roller whilst we were trundling round the town and I 1nust say how different it is from steering on the rally field. There are roads to follow and you can't just go anywhere.
That was the day time carnival but soon there was going to be the night show.
Just enough time to get back to the start, have a potato, then get down to the pub for a drink and a good old chat. The night was even better than the day! Although I didn't get a chance to steer it was good seeing the lights on the roller lighting up the highly polished brass and the bunting. Yet soon it was all over.
We hung about a while at the end and all got fed burgers that were very welcome after the day we had just had.
When the rest of the procession had finished we had to go all the way up to Titchfield Common where the roller was to spend the night. The engine was lit up, the roads were quiet and looking over my shoulder I saw fireworks being let off and it was amazing. Here I was, on the trailer of my favorite engine after
..
the best carnival ever, watching fireworks go off with my best friends, going home for a well deserved bath.
Thanks to Dave and Graham for making it a special day.
Elizabeth Stearne
Smoke box cooking
So you've mastered the easy bit, a baked potato, so lunch is ready but I have a question. What did you have for breakfast? Cereal? Nothing? Bread and butter? Well that's no good! You need a proper breakfast to start the day. But First you have to earn it. With all these recipes you need a cooker or in our case an engine in steam or certainly with a good fire or a hot smoke box. First things first, steam your engine ...
Done that? Good! For a proper full English breakfast you need a frying pan, so find a good shovel and wash it thoroughly or even better attach a frying pan to a shovel handle. Ok now we're ready to cook. You need: bacon, eggs, sausages, tin foil, oil-not engine oil, pan and a fire this time, not the smoke box. Oil the shovel and heat it in the fire. Put on the sausages and put it back in the fire, tip up the shovel so the food doesn't fall off and don't put it right down into the fire either. Because the fire is extremely hot things don't take as long to cook so a sausage will take 10 rather than 20 minutes and bacon and eggs take no time at all. You can do most of the breakfast in the same way including the fried bread but do be careful with fried bread because it often comes out incinerated. The only different one is the eggs. You need to make a cup out of the tin foil and put plenty of oil in the bottom. Note: put a flat part on the bottom of the foil cup so that it sits upright. You can try to turn the egg out once its done but I find it easiest to pull the foil from around the eggs. 1 breakfast and not much washing up. Enjoy.
At the end of the day, you will be tired and black from soot so you will not want to be cooking dinner late at night. So what do you do? Go to an expensive, greasy fattening burger bar right over the other side of the field? That's not what I do. About an hour before I want to eat, I prepare a 'meal in foil.' 2 veg and some meat all in 1 piece of tin foil with some gravy and no plates are needed.
Lay out a sheet of tin foil on a work space and pour on plenty of evenly spread out oil, cooking oil not engine oil. On top of that lay on s01ne sliced potato that has been cut fairly thick, next you need to add a layer of sliced carrot that is not so thick. On the top of the potato and carrot needs to go a dollop of minced meat, beef is good for this. If you are vegetarian, I suggest you put some different vegetables instead of the mince. Last of layer 1 you need about half an OXO cube for the gravy and then put a covering of carrot then more potato. Wrap up the meal in the rest of the foil. Turn it over and add another layer of tin foil for extra security. Place the meal on a thick baking tray and pop it in the oven, sorry, smoke box for 1 to 2 hours depending on how big you make them and how hungry you think you will be.
Be careful taking the tray out of the smoke box because it will be extremely hot. Unwrap the outer layer of foil then eat it out of the inner layer. Some of the potato may be well cooked but I'm sure there will be some that is edible and I hope you enjoy.
With all my recipes they can vary quite a lot, try experimenting with different vegetables. There is little or no washing up so enjoy your evening meal.
Elizabeth Stearne
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