Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2025 i Old Glory

On Saturday 15 March near Ticehurst, East Sussex things were brewing as some late 17th century 5ft diameter oaks were pulled out of the woods for use in the construction of a replica 7th century boat in Suffolk, using Sam Crawford’s ex-military 1944 Caterpillar D74T. It will be present on Sam’s Caterpillar display at the High Weald Steam & Working weekend near Scaynes Hill, Haywards Heath, Sussex on 14-15 June. It will be alongside his D8 2U, D4 7J and 25-30 other ACMOC Chapter 2 club member’s machines, which will be celebrating the 100th anniversary. Anyone interested in exhibiting a Caterpillar machine for the weekend or simply wanting to join in should contact Sam on 07469 736014 or email samcrawford53@gmail.com. A full article on this historic occasion in the East…

Recently put up for sale by the Smith family is the venerable 1886 Marshall 3-shaft 6hp traction engine No. 14421 BP9045 based near Banbury. The engine is in perfect condition and is a better looker these days compared to the picture we show here. The Marshall was shown new at the Smithfield Show and sold as a convertible to Sparkes of Yapton; they kept it until 1919 when it went to Carter Brothers, Billingshurst, West Sussex. They sold the engine in March 1942 to EHT Broadwood of Capel, Dorking, Surrey. Later it was with J Dale from the same village. It ended up in the Charlie Russell collection for years until the Russell dispersal sale. Now called Sparks, the engine has been in the Freeman family ownership for near 30…

Cardigan Bay is the place to be on 15 June for this year’s Welsh National Tractor Road Run. Under the leadership of Dai Rees and the members of the North Pembrokeshire Tractor Enthusiasts, the run will support three main charities of the Wales Air Ambulance, the Crymych First Responders and the Cardigan First Responders. Starting the south side of the River Teifi just inside the Pembrokeshire border at Awenfryn, Glanrhyd (by kind permission of the Evans family), the route of 35 miles will be weaving in and out of the counties of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. It will take in both spectacular coastal views as well as inland with the beautiful, lush countryside surrounding the Teifi valley. HGV parking has been arranged at CCF, the local agricultural supplies depot located nearby.…

This year the Chiltern Vintage Tractor Charity Run is on Sunday 1 June and will take place in conjunction with the Ferguson Club. It’s a very family-friendly event and will be starting off from the village of Fingest, Buckinghamshire at Hanger Farm. Tractors to assemble from 08.00hrs, with a start at 9.30hrs sharp. Bacon butties and hot drinks will be available prior to the start. The run consists of a gentle trundle, mostly off road around the beautiful Chilterns. They will stop for two hours at Wycombe Air Park (Booker Airfield) – approx. 12.30hrs to 14.30hrs. We will then continue the run and finish at the starting field by approx. 16.30hrs. All monies raised will go to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA). Entry tickets will be required for all…

Hugh Dougherty reports that the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has issued a report on the incident of 3 September 2020, when PS Waverley collided with the pier at Brodick, Isle of Arran, while berthing, around 5.00pm. The engine’s high pressure piston stuck on top dead centre (TDC) and engineers were unable to reverse the engine in time to slow the boat for the final approach. 21 of the 186 passengers and three of the 27 crew were injured in the crash which triggered a full response by emergency services. Listing the safety issues raised, the MAIB report states that the specific skills needed to recognise and prevent a TDC event were neither formally documented within Waverley’s safety management system nor included in the training of the engineers. The agency…

1 Showman’s living wagon in 1/87 from Oxford Diecast. 2 Oxford’s flatpacked Land-Rover Series I is in 1/76 scale. 3 Marge Models’ soft-top Land Rover Series III is in 1/32 scale. 4 Safari-roofed Station Wagon version of Marge Models’ Land Rover Series III. 5 Wiking are now producing more 1/32 tractors, like this John Deere 9620Rx. 6 IHC 1455 XL tractor from Wiking in 1/32 scale. 7 Britains’ 1/32 scale David Brown 1410 4WD. OXFORD DIECAST Oxford’s 1/87 scale Showman’s Living Wagon casting has been issued in green and cream [1]. The RRP is £18.95. It is a new version of the casting issued as a promotional model for the much-missed Great Dorset Steam Fair in 2018. There is some fine gold coachline detailing on the sides and the cream…

Just weeks before this event took place on 1-2 March, the sandy loam land of Joseph Camm Farms Ltd was just too wet to even get on the land. But by the time the event took place the sun was out and the land was perfect for it all to take place. One has to say it was to be a thoroughly enjoyable match, nearly as good as the World Ploughing Championships at Crockey Hill, York in 2016 and of course the Steam Plough Club’s anniversary event which saw the largest selection of steam ploughing tackle gathered together this century. On Saturday evening it looked as though 2012 Reversible European Ploughing Champion John Whelan (New Holland T5040) was on to win again, after being placed first on Saturday evening. However…

Regular readers may remember that in OG 394, the magazine’s German friend Busso Hennecke had sent some information and images of the German-produced steam tractor - the LOWA. Busso has recently advised that his friend Christoph Beyer was busy trawling the internet during the holiday period at the end of 2024 and has come up with details of a similar type of vehicle which was built in Russia. They both hope that readers will also find this of interest. The Russians indicated, perhaps not unsurprisingly, that they had used a Shrewsbury-manufactured and produced Sentinel S4 waggon as one of the prototypes of their design for the NAMI-012 wagon and that’s probably quite evident when the various accompanying images are viewed. Two more of this version of 100hp were produced in…

Regular readers may recall an article in 2019 relating to the discovery and identification of an Aveling & Porter steam roller in Laxmi Bai Park in the historic and touristy fort city of Jhansi - in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Information has now come to light about railway locomotives which are also plinthed in the city, one being located outside the Divisional Railway Manager’s office and which was originally used on the Daulpur to Tantpur narrow gauge (2ft 6in) section of the Central Railways’ Jhansi Division. This 1955-built loco was manufactured by Krauss-Maffei in Germany; works number 17813 of the ZE Class (2-8-2) - running number 29. There is also a narrow gauge loco in the Coach Midlife Rehabilitation Workshop in the town as well. This is a…

I have been to four events that feature stationary engines already, you are a hardy lot, but some of you are certainly having problems with modern fuels. From what I have observed, some of the engines have not been running for some years, yes you have a spark, the rest we will sort out when we get to the event some of you say. Are you sure that’s the way to go about it? From what I can see, in many cases, fuel tanks are all gummed up and the fuel is old, placing newer fuel over old is not the way to go and nine times out of ten it doesn’t work. To do the job properly the tank needs to be removed, if you can, give it a…

On Saturday 14 June the Brattle Farm Museum at Staplehurst, Kent will be finally dispersed says Bob Moorman, although a number of the lots have been sold off previously. The Thompson family have been here since 1950. Brian Thompson soon took over the running of the farm from his father and over the years collected numerous farming bygones including tractors, stationary engines and horse drawn equipment. It was set up as a proper museum and had, at one time, a successful working day at the beginning of August every year. But by the turn of the new century however, this stopped. Brian did however carry on collecting items, especially locally used or manufactured items, such as from Weeks and Drake & Fletcher of Maidstone. Brian sadly died some 10 years…

It’s sad to see yet another pioneer pass into history as was the case with David Ambler who died in a nursing home just weeks before the sale of his collection at Upper Balsdon near Pangbourne, Berkshire. His 245 acre farm was in a beautiful setting with winding roads and hills abounding. This farmer was a very mechanically minded person and used Fordson and Fords on the farm, even though his eldest son (one of seven) is a John Deere technician. Starting so early, David knew many of the pioneers like George Watkins, David Edgington and many others. When he found and purchased his engines he was paying little money for them, mostly £5 to £30 in the 1960-70s. He was a regular at various rallies, including the John Keely…

Rob says: The Crossley records say the engine was shipped to the Netherlands on 9 April 1926, to Rotterdam (office in the Hague). He has already carried out an intensive investigation as to where the engine worked in The Netherlands, but to no avail. However he does know it was used in the repair of the mains electricity. There were rumours that the engine was in the now defunct Netherlands Electriciteits Museum, which was situated at Hoenderloo, but this doesn’t exist anymore. However, the remains of their administration have been carefully researched by Rob and associates, but without any trace of the engine. He found the engine a couple of years ago, after some tip offs by some friends, in a farm store building to protect it away from the…

You are ALL welcome to join in, please do! If you have a story or pictures no matter what, do get in touch peterlove@madasafish.com Tel: 01323 833125. David Reed Editor-at-large - Former York school teacher who has worked with the editor since 1995 and has a wealth of knowledge on steam, commercials and tractors. Derek Rayner Technical and Vintage World Editor - Derek’s knowledge is extensive, a steam roller owner since the 1960s and a world traveller in search of nothing but the best. Bob Moorman Rally Archive Editor-This former engineering inspector is a fount of knowledge and has been rallying since the 70s. His own restos are award winners, as his ex-Kings 1927 Foden will be now that it’s finished! Mike Neale Diecast Models Editor – It’s a great…

The Market Weighton Young Farmers Club is staging a charity vintage 24-hour ploughing marathon on 9-10 May in celebration of their 85th year, all for Cancer Research UK. It will start during Friday evening and will finish at 10pm on Saturday evening at Moor Farm, Londesborough Road, Shiptonthorpe, Yorkshire YO43 3QE. There are lots of things organized for the Saturday as besides the ploughing there will be a display of over 50 vintage machines as well as modern dealer displays, beside food and craft stalls. There will be a licensed bar and children’s activities and evening entertainment. The ploughing will feature a number of ploughmen using vintage 1940s John Deere, Fordson and International at the head end with a two-furrow plough behind. However there are plots for you all to…

Following our shock news that Jeff Burgess’s 1916 Burrell 7hp single-cylinder No.3728 Prince had been condemned by the boiler inspector, we are happy to report that Jeff, Alec Hume and the happy bunch of riveters have make great strides with the engine. The new three-quarter off-side hornplate is in place and riveted up. A complete new backhead made by David Bicknell is in place and the near-side is back like new again. As for the new firebox, again made by David Bicknell, this is now in place and all riveted up. On inspection the riveting is superb and no unequal rivets have been fitted here. All the stays have been fitted and riveted up including the crown stays. The inspector has recently passed the engine and the tubeplate, also made…

While you are reading this the last Wheels at Wanaka event near Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand would have happened over 18-20 April. It’s the last one they will be staging unfortunately at this venue, which is also famous for its air show. The show also celebrated 100 Years of Caterpillar. Overseas visitors from Horsham, West Sussex, England are the Searle’s with their “Old Banff” 1934 Sentinel S4 waggon No. 8933, which they are touring around New Zealand at this moment. They intend to keep the waggon out there into 2026 when they will be touring some more. We know everything is going well at this stage what a lovely way to travel around this wonderful country that the editor recommends.…

On Sunday 9 March 1959 Polish 7Kh 0-6-0 tank steam locomotive, ex-Huta Ostrowiec Steel Works No. 5374 Lord Oliver Brown was launched into public service at the Plym Valley Railway in Devon after extensive restoration. James Hamilton reports. The locomotive, owned by Marc Bellin, has been painted in a very eye-catching livery of ‘hot pink’ and shades of green and has been named after a local boy, Oliver Brown, who sadly died at the age of eleven from a rare condition, Myelodysplastic Syndrome. He loved steam trains and his favourite colour was ‘hot pink.’ The shades of green represent Children’s Hospice South West, where he was cared for. The intention is that the colour scheme will raise awareness for the charity. The inaugural train for family and friends - his…

The National Association of Road Transport Museums (NARTM) has named James Freeman as its new President. He succeeds Lord Peter Hendy who stepped down last year after becoming a minister in the Government. “We are delighted to welcome James to this important role, said Chairman Dennis Talbot, “NARTM now represents nearly all the formal collections in the country, taking in over 60% of the preserved buses and coaches across Great Britain. Right now, our team of Bus Inspectors are making huge strides with our comprehensive project to catalogue and grade all these vehicles, so that we can explain to the outside world the significance of all these vehicles. “James is ideally placed to take on the role of NARTM President. Not only is he an enthusiast well known for his…

HARRY FERGUSON: the Man, the Machines, the Memories – A memoir of life at Abbotswood By the late Peter Warr. Published by Ferguson Club 2.35cm x 1.65cm softback 95 pages b/w some colour pictures ISBN 978-1-3999-9063-9 £14.99. Available from: see details below. Peter Warr’s name may be known to many of you as the man who was the curator of the Ferguson Family Museum on the Isle of Wight. Peter spent his early adult years working for Mr Ferguson at his country estate, Abbotswood, near Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire. He continued to work for the family right up until his retirement. Peter has written a personal memoir of his time spent at Abbotswood, from 1950, to the time of Mr Ferguson’s death in October 1960. This was the period during which Ferguson…

In what was perhaps a surprise for some visitors to the Australian Lake Goldsmith steam rally in Victoria last November, was the appearance of a part-completed restoration of a Yorkshire steam wagon, one of several examples of the marque which are able to be seen in various locations in the country. The most notable of these is the oldest-known surviving wagon - Works No. 34 - which is a regular attendee at the Booleroo Steam Rally, some 170 miles to the north of Adelaide in South Australia. The wagon which was on display at Lake Goldsmith is known to be Yorkshire ‘W’ Type No. 1373 of July 1921 with the name The Lady of the Lake. The first preservation owner was Tom Mulchay in the mid-1960s and she was later…

A major auction of stationary engines is to take place at Holme on Spalding Moor, East Riding, Yorkshire on Saturday May 31. The sale is being conducted by Spicers of Waterways Salesrooms, Goole under the instructions of Andy and Phil who live locally and will see approximately 30 engines go under the hammer, which will be online and live says David Reed. Looking at some of the stationary engines in a bit more detail, several manufacturers’ engines are represented in the sale. Starting things off, a Crossley twin cylinder, open crank horizontal stationary engine, will surely generate a lot of interest. Although it will have to be dismantled by the new owner, having not been run in recent years. The engine is fitted with compound split 7ft.6in flywheel and was…

Fowler No. 15489 T3 compound 8-ton roller was new to Wrexham Rural District Council in 1920 and was then with Denbighshire County Council by 1924. In its later life worked out of Cerrig Y Drudion into the 1960s when it was condemned. Luckily it was saved by the Lloyd Jones brothers at Llanfair DC near Ruthin. However the engine was hardly used and was stripped down. In 1970 George Bridson of Neston, Cheshire purchased the parts and converted her to a tractor. It was later converted back to a roller by George Bridson Jnr who carried out much restoration at the same time. The engine changed hands to Hedd Jones in 2001 with the boiler overhauled and other parts rebuilt, presenting the engine in its 1960s-style livery. It made its…

PS Medway Queen was requisitioned for the Royal Navy and converted for minesweeping in 1939. When the Dunkirk Evacuation began in May 1940, she was part of the 10th Flotilla, based in Dover. The ship and her crew made seven trips in all rescuing thousands of men from the beaches and East Mole of Dunkirk Harbour. During this operation she mainly worked out of Ramsgate, landing her evacuees in Margate on just one occasion. The ship is currently moored at Gillingham Pier, Medway, where she is undergoing restoration. In 2015 Medway Queen was towed to Ramsgate to participate in the 75th anniversary commemoration. It is planned to repeat that operation in 2025 for the 85th anniversary. Medway Queen will be open to visitors at Gillingham Pier until Saturday 3 May, after…

The Rother Valley Railway Supporters Association are holding their SAMREX Model Railway Exhibition at Robertsbridge Village Hall, Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5DA on 24-25 May. Approximately 10 layouts and two traders will be taking part. The Colonel Stephens Robertsbridge station just across the road will be open with a shop which sells pre-loved books, models and more. You can see their station building currently under construction as well as the new turntable. Refreshments will be available. Adults are £4 and accompanied children free. You can also return free on Sunday with Saturday’s ticket. There is some free parking available at the hall as well as pay and display parking at the station and limited street parking. Further details from Jack Evans: evansj@rvr.org.uk…

Marty Gilroy has been appointed as the new manager at Donegal Railway Heritage Museum, reports Hugh Dougherty. The 33-year-old native of Drumkeen, County Donegal, is a graduate in English and history from University College Dublin, and also holds masters and doctorate qualifications. He cut his teeth in tourism as marketing and events co-ordinator at the James Joyce Centre in Dublin, and was part of the team promoting the highly successful annual Bloomsday Festival. The new manager, who has taken over from the charismatic Niall McCaughan, said: “When I saw the job advertised I decided it was for me as I wanted a whole new challenge and to further develop this award-winning museum. Although I’m much too young to remember the railways of Donegal, I do remember, as a child, the…

THAT BROKEN AXLE Dear Editor Regarding the picture of a broken axle in Old Glory issue 414. Granted the limited clarity of the photograph, this looks like a fatigue failure rather than a ‘shear’. But perhaps I’m being picky and you were not applying the term in its strict technical sense. The mechanism of fatigue failures doesn’t seem to have been studied in detail until into the 20th century. It’s now recognised as resulting from stress raisers such as an abrupt change in section where no/inadequate corner radius is provided, apparently minor damage, perhaps occurring during fitting or poor fit of mating parts. Any of these can cause a small crack to occur due to high local overstress. Over time and possibly thousands of cycles of use, the crack is…

Old Glory correspondent Phil Barnes first reported on the 1912, British-built mail ship (Correio) SS La Palma in OG 373 after his visit to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, just pre-Covid in January 2020. Since those difficult times, which saw preservation across the globe virtually brought to a halt, La Palma has undergone further restoration but still hasn’t had its boilers and engine refitted - as can be defined by the fact that the ship still rides high in the water. Although Phil has never been on board, research has shown that internally, the walls and floors are now glowing due to the constant task of painting. Staying inside the ship, a steam-powered dynamo has been installed ‘down below’, albeit with no boiler, so it’s still not possible to power it…

Well known stationary engine fan Paul Holmes recently debuted his 1933 Lister A that’s been in the family for years all seized up! It became a 2024-5 winter’s project and made its debut at the excellent Hadlow College SEVAC Workshop Open Day, on Saturday 15 March. The weather was not overly warm, with a easterly wind, but the sun came out to make the day fine. Steve Pike and his team of first and second year students, got out a whole raft of engines that the college look after, which they had running. While across the yard were some 20 engines from fans of these engines including members of the Sussex and Kent Weald Stationary Engine Group. The engine was previously preserved by Paul’s father and its thought it had…