Wigan Album
Steam Traction Engine.
10 Comments
Photo: Barrie.
Item #: 32845
Brilliant photo,love steam engines of any kind
What a treasure this photo is Barrie for your family. My husband loved steam engines, and I still have a replica of this, in working order, and thats a treasure as well.
By the looks of the cable drum under the boiler I think these chaps are about to do a bit of ploughing.
BrianB, the cable drum you refer to is, actually, a rope haulage which is driven by pto off the primary gear. Tha' sees.
Reet James!A rope haulage to drag a ploughing frame across a field to the ploughing engine ont tuther side.
I am glad that you all like the photograph from a bye gone age. I used to take my wife & son to the steam rallies at Grappenhall & Lyme Park in the 198O's when Fred Dibnah used to show his traction engines.
My Father bought me for Christmas about 1980 ( I was in my 30's) a Wilesco fully working model Traction Engine "Old-Smokey" along with a driving cable that could be attached to the steering arm that I used to "steam up" and run it around the house. My young son loved it but the dog couldn't make it out and tried to attack it. The following birthday, I received a Mamod Workshop that could be connected to the steam engine and operate the various miniature tools attached to it.Both are still in the boxes in pristine condition. Now I'm in my 70's should I run them again one day? They will pass to my Son in due course if he would like them as a keepsake. Steam engines on a highway can be frustrating if you are behind one and can't pass it.
Barrie, I'm sure the ones your Father bought for you, will become treasure's as well in your family.Thank you for the photo.It brought back lots of memories.
Barrie, you're getting 'old' as we all are, if you'll pardon me. Great photo with some great memories for you. My grandparents were at 11 MG.
Barrie there is a forum devoted to mamod and other small steam engines, Google it and I think you will find it interesting.
Roy, I've been racking my brain on the names of all the neighbours in MG during the 1950's & 60's and couldn't remember all . No doubt it will come to me in due course.
I've accessed the forum mentioned and looks interesting to spend a period of time with. Wilesco company is also listed and I found the model I have was an upgraded one from the original brought out in the 1970's.