EDITOR
STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB MAGAZINE
Nanette Sanders, Frog Cottage, New Road, Porchfield, Isle of Wight P030 4LS Tel: 01983 523317 e-mail: sac.raisingsteam@ntet.co.uk
CHAIRMAN, STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB
John Durling, Hawthorn Cottage, Stubwood, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5HX
Tel: 01889 591188 (between 08.00 and 21.00 hours only please) e-mail: john.r.durling@uk.transport.bombardier.com
VICE-CHAIRMAN, STEAM APPRENTICE CLUB
Elaine Massey, 21 Down Close, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 6NS
Tel: 020 8248 6570 e-mail: elainermassey@aol.com
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
John Cook, Dolfarni, Church Lane, Kirby la Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9NU. Correspondence only. Membership fee £5.00 per annum.
APPRENTICE REPRESENTATIVE
Gareth Haase, 6 Poplars, Waltham Chase, Southampton SO32 2RH Tel: 07720718008 e-mail: sac@ghaase.co.uk
SAC CO-ORDINATORS
Sam Bate, 30 Mowbray Grove, Bishopsgarth, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland TS19 8XA Tel: 01642 897153 e-mail: sambate@lycos.com
Graham Chaffer, 32 Jubilee Way, StoITington, West Sussex RH20 3NZ Tel: 01903 745921 e-mail: chaffer.gang@ic24.net
Duncan Crose1; 16 Tripps Hill Close, Chalfant St. Giles, Bucks HP8 4JZ Tel: 01494 875443 e-mail: duncan.croser@ntlworld.com
Steve and Donna 1'aylor, 17 Smith Crescent, Coalville LE67 4JF Tel: OJ530 835213 e-mail: steve.tailor@btinternet.com
Matthew Lund, Willow Cottage, Twynam's Hill, Shirrell Heath, Southampton SO32 2JL Tel: 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 welcomes any contl'ibutions of articles, shorter items or photographs for inclusion in future issues. All material submitted is voluntary and payment cannot be made for any material published. The opinions expressed. in the magazine, with the exception of Club announcements, are those of the coutributors 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 or e-mailed articles are preferred but not essential. If handwritten put any names of PEOPLE, PLACES or ENGINES in BLOCK CAPITALS. If you require any part of your article (eg photos) returning please say so and enclose a stamped addressed envelope. Enclose your name, address and (if Apprentice) age with any contribution. The Editor reserves the right to amend or refuse contributions, and will attempt to correct spelling and grammar! 'l'ho Magazine is normally published during the eorly 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 secLion of the NaUonal Traction Engine Trust. NTET is a Registered Charity, No. 291578. Registered in England No. 1302197. Registered Office: 4 Church Green East, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 8BT.
Typesetting and Artwork by Keut'line Grnphic Images Ltd, Fairoak House Business Centre, Church Road, Newport, South Wales NP19 7EJ Tel: 01633 262197 Fax: 01633 259089 email: general@kearline.co.uk
Printed by MD Jenkins Printers Ltd, Lydney, Glos GL15 4EJ
The island's very first steam up was held at Compton Farm in Brook. There was plenty to see, including the Traction Engine Clubs ploughing competition that is held annually and was celebrating its 30th. After watching the ploughing match which is the biggest on the island you could travel around the farm by tractor and trailer an event popular with the children. The steain line up included Ralph Cook's Sentinel which was in your last magazine and a miniature belonging to Stuart Wells. After talking to Stuart he kindly gave me the history of his largest engine an Aveling and Porter Steam Roller.
The roller is a 1927 C type piston valve 8 ton roller no. 11956. Tansfield District Council ordered the roller in September 1927 and taking only a month to deliver, it arrived in the October. It only worked for Tansfield Council for about 4 years as Stanley Council took over the area in 1931. The roller remained working for the council for a further 37 years until it was sold in 1968. I am afraid Stuart is unsure of the buyer's name from Houghton-leSpring near Sunderland.
The next available information on the roller is when Charlie Dore bought the engine in 1994. Several repairs were needed by now including a new firebox, barrel, tubeplate and tubes. Whist the boiler work was being carried out the block had to be re-bored. rrhis restoration work took two years and the roller was back in steam for August 1996.
Stuart has had a life long ambition of owning his very own full size engine since the age of 9 years and his dream was fulfilled when he bought the roller in November 2003, and has named the engine Christine after his mother who sadly passed away in 2001.
Stuart has also built a few miniature engines which include a 2 inch scale Durham and North Yorkshire traction, ~; engine, a 4 1/2inch Foden and at the moment ll l"l~~~ he is building a 4 inch Clayton and
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Morning Star Update. Shuttleworth roller.
Left: Mr Ted Wells, Stuart's father driving the 4'/2inch Faden built by Stuart Wells.
Nanette Sanders, Editor.
Work progresses, but progresses exceeding slow! Still, the tender is now on which, on an Aveling, means that the back axle has to be fully built up and installed as well. My son Ian has re-cut the regulator face, using an old hand operated valve facing machine. It now needs lapping in. This involves many hours of work with a flat gTound plate and grinding paste. It will feel to be a never ending task but will be worth it in the end. We also now have the new valve spindles and piston rods and, just to complete the set a new regulator rod; this last made from stainless steel.
Given that the new T irons haven't yet been returned from the man doing the bending, I don't think that I am going to be able to make the canopy before September, but I am determined that it will gain one eventually!
It's now all hands to the pump to get everything else bolted back together.
Now to Club news.
Another year, another driving day. You came, you saw, you worked (or played). The driving days and the NTET Driving Course were all well attended and, by all the reports I have received, enjoyed.
The rally season proper is now fully underway, although it does feel a little strange for me not to be going out and about. However, we must not loose sight of the main focus for this year, our 25th anniversary - and I suppose the NTET' s 50th as well.
Plans are progressing for the SAC area in the NTET marquee at GDSF and also for some special activities during the show.
We have also been promised the use of a couple of riding trailers for the NTET road run at Hollowell (25th September) so any of you who haven't been able to blag your way onto an engine for the run will still be able to take part. The organisers are going to be quite strict about not allowing more than two 2
people per engine when it is on the road, so there won't be opportunity for 'hangers on'.
I hope that you are making use of the information we put in the last issue, and getting out to the various rallies round the country that have said they will help us. Please let us know how you got on.
This brings me to other bits that we do at this time of year, like the colouring and photo competition. In the middle you will see another beautiful picture drawn by Chris Wells, and also the details of how to enter. I hope that we will see a good selection of entries!
I hope that you have a good steaming season and that I bump into you somewhere round the country.
John Durling, Chairman.
MAIL BAG
Dear Editor,
Just a note to say how disappointed we are that there was not a driving day at Alan Sparkes this year. I know he 1nust have put a lot of effort in to make us all feel welcome. We have attended the last four and are very gTateful to him for the support given. Can you print a big thank you to Alan and his team for all their hard work.
It is because we were at Alan's that Adam met Richard Willcox who was supervising the McClaren on one of the driving days. During a break they got chatting and he is now a regular helper with Richard's engines and goes to all rallies with him.
Claire was the only girl present at each day, but was given just as much encouragement and opportunity as Adam.
Thank you.
Adam and Claire Meredith, Cirencester.
Dear Editor,
Thank you for having me at the steam driving day at Southampton. My favourite part was driving the little miniature and learning about all the parts. Can you tell me please if apprentices are allowed on plough engines.
Thank you again, I enjoyed myself a lot.
From the editor,
Tony Oakford, Littlehampton.
Apprentices are allowed on ploughing engines as long as all the normal rules are followed and any instructions from the engine owners are carried out accordingly.
Dear Editor,
I thought I would write and let you know what I have been doing since I last wrote to you. I have been helping my dad with his engine Wilf, which is a 3 inch scale Burrell reg ET 1185. I have also been helping with his l 1/2 inch Allchin. We were asked by the owner of the guest house that we stay in when at the Great Dorset Steam Fair to finish his late fathers' l 1/zinch Allchin. We took a look to see what had to be done. We found that the tender and horn plates were completed, but everything else was there to be finished, we came home with a box of bits. Since coming home we have completed the smoke box, chimney, front axle and wheels. We are now working on the boiler; this project is going to take quite a while.
I have also been building my own 1 inch Mini engine. I have just finished the horn plates. I have got a long way to go. I have already exhibited my engine. As members of the Buxton Model Engineering Society we were invited to put on a display of our work at the New Mills and District Railway Modellers 30th exhibition in Chapel-en- le-Frith.
I hope to have more time when I have finished the carnivals to work on my engine. Those of you that have been reading Raising Steam for years will have read in Volume 14 Number 2 2000 that I am a carnival queen. At that time I was the Cancer Research UK Millennium Junior Queen and now I am the Queen of Derbyshire 2003-04. The Queen of Derbyshire is a senior title, which means that any girl that is finishing their year of reign can enter. The queen raises money for her good cause and attends carnivals and can crown the new carnival royalty for the town or village.
Yours busily.
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Two sides of Emma Turner. Left: are her 'Mini' horn plates displayed at the New Mills & District Railway Modellers exhibition and Right: Emma in carnival queen mode.
Dear Editor,
This is Gertrude Lucy my Dad's steam roller. She is named after my great grandmother. This 8 ton steam roller was built in 1922 in Basingstoke, Rants by the company Wallis & Steevens.
It worked on an estate owned by the company of the Pitt-Rivers family of Rushmore, Wiltshire from new and was used to roll the roads as well as drive a saw mill. In 1953 it was purchased by my grandfather and was used occasionally in the family road-making business. In the 60s and 70s it attended a few early steam engine rallies but was restricted by a cracked back wheel which was damaged on her last job rolling a road in High Cliff, Christchurch.
Major boiler repairs, repairing of the damaged wheel and a general recondition were under taken by my Dad in 1980. In 1986 she started going to rallies, fetes, and carnivals and has been ever since, and hopefully still will in the future. It is also believed that it is the only one left of its kind as it is an oil bath Wallis and Steevens 8 ton roller that has not been converted.
This is 'Gertrude Lucy' working last year at Stapehill Steam Weekend, Dorset.
Dear Editor,
I am supposing that you have all heard of the major musical event T in the Park held at the Balado air field in Kinross, but were you aware that there is
now an event called Steam in the Park held at the same site in May. This is a new, event that is being run by the Scottish Traction Engine Society. It was formerly at the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum carrying the name Senti1nental and Steam. This year's event included steam in full size and miniature, stationary engines, tractors, commercials and all the other usual rally entertainments.
At this years event I was involved with two engines, these were my own miniature Burrell traction engine and a full size Fowler traction engine owned by the Chairman and Treasurer of the STES Sandy and Heather Mair. The weather at this years event could only be described as spectacular which meant that you were always busy answering questions about your machine. During the course of Saturday afternoon there was a footplate experience for members of the public, this was when they could get a ride on selected engines. This went down very well although many did seem astonished when they found they might get a little dirty. At the end of the afternoon there was a road run to Kinross which is about a mile away from the site, this was done by steam, tractor and commercial. On the Saturday night in the beer tent for the entertainment of the campers there was a live band called Crooked Jack. They were brilliant lasting through into the early hours of the morning.
The Sunday was much the same fine weather bringing in increased crowds doubling Saturdays already high numbers. Sunday was rounded up with a parade of the steam engines. As I was so busy with engines I forgot about my camera and didn't manage to get any pictures, although if you visit the STES's Website at www.stes.org.uk there should be pictures there of the event. I hope that my letter interested you and I hope to see you in 2005 at Steam in the Park.
Happy steaming.
Gavin Lowe, (16) Aberdeenshire.
Dear Editor,
On the 29th May my dad planned on taking his steam engine out (Fowler B5 no. 9177) and driving it to the pub The Sun in Bentworth. In the early morning there was nobody there to steer the engine out of the barn while my dad pulled it with the digger. So I steered, it was quite hard because we live on a hill and there was only about six inches either side of the barn doors. I didn't quite get the brake in time and the front wheels jammed into the digger bucket, my dad freed it and it was alright. Luckily only a little paint on the front wheels came off.
The regular crew Alan and Tim came. I helped break up some wooden pallets and I brought several sacks of coal from the yard ready to use on the engine, it was hard work but I was looking forward to the journey and so I did not mind. When we had built enough pressure we were ready to take the engine out. This was its first outing in this form, previously it was a Showman's
continued on page 11
COLOURING COMPETITION
For Members aged up to 16 years old
CAREFULLY remove this page from the magazine ask an adult for 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 nu1nber 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 John and Fiona Durling by 21st August.
The competition is open to all apprentices up to the age of 16. Entries from those 12 years and under will be judged separately.
ADDRESS for entries is:
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
The 2004 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 3 photographs. They may be 6" x 4" prints, colour or black and white, and can be digital. If supplying digital entries they may be supplied on disc in jpeg form or you can supply 3 prints on photo quality gloss paper. Because they may be reproduced in this magazine afterwards, the resolution should be not less than the maximum setting on a 2 megapixel camera. All pictures should have been taken during the period 1st August 2003 to 31st July 2004.
3. Entries must be sent to the Secretary of the SAC at Hawthorn Cottage, Stubwood, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5HX, to arrive by Saturday 21st August.
4. All entries must have the following details on the reverse of the photograph (or on the disc): 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.)
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 2004 photographic competition.
6. All entries are to include a suitable stamped addressed envelope to ensure all materials can be returned.
7. Entries will be displayed at the 2004 Great Dorset Steam Fair in the NTET tent. 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.
engine, now it is a road locomotive. When we were a mile from home we sprung a leak which sprayed steam over the footplate and we could not see so we had to drive very slowly back home.
Fowler B5 no. 9177 owned by Jack Kenwa,y's dad, on the way to the Sun in Brentworth.
Having repaired the leak the next week was more successful. This time we drove the engine to the South Warnborough fete. On the way many people came running out of their houses to take pictures and wave at us on the engine. From my view the coal box, I could see the massive queue of traffic that we held up. On the engine it was incredibly loud, it was deafening because we forgot our earplugs. I won't forget next time. A man we know lives three miles away from our house and he said that he could here the whistle from that distance. The whistle is not the correct one, it comes from a South African railway train but we have fun with it.
When we arrived at the fete many people stopped and stared as we drove in. During the fete lots of people came up to my dad and asked about the engine. Towards the end of the fete a parade was organised and our engine was leading and I was steering. The commentator came to ask me about the engine in front of the huge crowd, but I froze and was lost for words, luckily he went in a short while. I did not like talking to him it was embarrassing I was glad when he went.
Jack Kenway aboard Fowler B5 no. 9177.
After the fete we drove the engine to the Sun pub in Bentworth. On the way it was great fun being in such a massive vehicle. We made lots of people jump with the whistle. When we stopped outside the pub the barmaids loved it and again lots of people were taking photo's, asking about the engine, and one of the barmaids was making a video, she said that she was recording over her husbands fishing video. After refreshments we drove it back home. I thought it was a good day out but we all had a constant ringing in our ears from the engine for a long time.
Q. Why can't a steam engine sit down?
A. Because it has a tender behind.
Jack Kenway, Hook
Dear Editor,
I am writing to tell you about the NTET driving course which some apprentices got the opportunity of going on. I am fairly sure in saying that everyone enjoyed themselves and learned lots. Despite all this the highlight of my weekend was when on the second day ( Sunday), our very own John Durling
managed to get the Fowler ploughing engine stuck in the mud - not once but twice! However, he might claim that he only got it stuck once, because the first time he managed to get it out again under its own steam.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped organise the weekend, the engine drivers for a great weekend, and my parents for taking me.
I had a great time with the Steam Apprentice Club at Klondyke Mill. I steered the two rollers, we also went on the road with one of the rollers.
Dear Editor,
On Sunday 25th April I went to the Steam Apprentice Club Driving Day at Bursledon Brickworks near Southampton. For the morning I was cleaning and scrubbing an 8 ton Aveling and Porter Road Roller called Dick Turpin. I was cleaning the horse on the front. Thank you for all the fun we had all day.
Robin Marshman (10), Clanfield.
Robin the second tallest above the wheel. We were lining up for the ''photo of the day" with all the engines taking part.
Robin on the Aveling and Porter Dick Turpin.
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank everyone at the Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society for the Steam Apprentice weekend. I attended at Old Warden on 24th
and 25th April 2004. This was my first time out as a steam apprentice.
I am 15 years old and suffer with mild cerebral palsy and learning difficulties. Mum and Dad are helping me to spell out this letter.
I had a really great time and would like to thank Ross on his steam lorry, and Steve Grimes on his roller together with apprentices Tom and David who helped me when the adults could not coax me to drive. I was so pleased with them for all their help as I really enjoyed driving this engine.
On Sunday I helped on a Fowler, Lord of the Isles with apprentice Robert, and drivers Keith and Pete who coaxed me onto the footplate and had me driving and steering with them (without the help of my dad ) . I even helped cook breakfast.
I really enjoyed this weekend. Thank you again to all concerned who helped me.
Kate Cleal ( 15 ), Leamington Spa.
STEAM APPRENTICE DRIVING DAY
Saturday October 2nd 2004
Brantham Hall, Manningtree, Suffolk.
The farm is on the A137, 3 /4 mile from Manningtree Railway Station. Could apprentices that would like to join in on the driving day please write to Verity at the address below. State your name, age, address and membership number. If you are under 18 please could a parent or guardian sign to say that they are happy with you taking part at the driving day.
All apprentice entries to be sent to;
Verity Askham, Percival Engineering, Spring Valley Lane, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex, C07 7SB.
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome as steam apprentices the following who have recently joined. Enjoy your membership and join in whenever you are available with any activity or contribute to your magazine.
Colin Boyd, Milton Keynes
Roberta Brile, Kent.
Lee Chapman, Herts. Tom Drabble, Macclesfield. Owen Edmunds, Warwick.
Zachary Fields-Pattinson, Winshill.
Thomas Fields-Pattinson, Winshill. Rachel Fox, Shillington. Aaron Guymer, Newark. Ben Herrington, Boscastle. Tom Herrington, Boscastle. John Johnson, Southport. Matthew Jupp, Newark. George Lydiate, Stretton.
Angus McLuskie, Beds. Douglas Morgan, Hitchin. Charlotte Partridge, Norfolk. David Ridout, Warrinton. Tom Sanders, Shropshire. Alexander Simmonds-Davis, Havant Samuel Smith, Ashford. Toby Smith, Ashford. Jack Stanton, Southfields. James Stephenson, Co.Durham. Ben Taribling. Redruth. Simon Taylor, Cleveland. Joseph Thatch, Shirley .. Louis Wassell, Castleford.
