National Traction Engine Trust - Training Weekend

The weekend of 7th and 8th May at the premises of S.E. Davis and Son, Astwood Bank, the National Traction Engine Trust hold one of several driver training courses for budding apprentices for the traction engine preservation movement. So many of these engines and owners that weekend I personally know from previous events. Sadly I could only attend on Saturday as a visitor, although strictly speaking all crew with the exception of qualified engine men should stand down and let the apprentices 'do the work'. This scheme attracts qualifiers for the course of all ages and it is wonderful to witness youngsters such as this 13 year old to this craft. Without such enthusiasm, this hobby would cease.

This young man is aboard the footplate of Michael Davies's Fowler road locomotive. I crewed/steered this locomotive with Paul Davis as the driver a couple of years ago from Astwood Bank to Warwick Market Square for the annual Christmas Victorian Evening.

Guy Deebes from Derbyshire with his Fowler single cylinder ploughing engine climbing the bank at Astwood Bank, complete with apprentice.

'Peglar' at the same location with young crew training.

Michael Davies's Fowler once again but this time on 'the bank'

Paul Davis with the Burrell engine on 'the bank' with a trainee.

Foster engine 'Sprig' on 'the bank' at Astwood Bank.

Mark Jones with 'Linkey'. A Fowler of Leeds ploughing engine.

For those who travel the steam rally scene, visualise of Fowler road roller, 'Jessica' as she was. This is the same engine now. Darren Wardell accompanied by Fiona Lyon dismantling the engine for major works to commence. A large wallet is required for this task.

Guy Deebes with apprentice negotiate a gate way at S.E. Davis's.

'Sprig', a Foster engine climbing 'the bank'.

NTET APPRENTICE TRAINING WEEKENDS

Our hosts for the Astwood Bank Vintage Gathering, organised by the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine of which I am Chairman, are S.E. Davis and Son.

Now the Davis family are excellent hosts for a number of events during a calendar year, and not only that, there is a fantastic selection of vintage memorabilia on their premises. If you get the chance next year on 12th and 13th June come and visit the vintage gathering and have a good look at the Davis collection.

Now one of the events they host annually is the NTET (National Traction Engine Trust) apprentice training weekend. In fact the NTET organise a series of training programmes during the year for people of many ages and both sexes to learn the basic rudiments of the principles of steam motive power and how to drive a traction engine. There are seminars covering all aspects including safety of course, but the hands on of the apprentices includes preparing the engine for work, Check water levels, rake and clear the fire bars and empty the ash pan then light the fire. Cleaning and oiling are all on the list of tasks that have to be done.

This a weekend that only the engine men or owners really get involved in the training, the rest of us sit back, relax and drink tea or coffee (day time that is) whilst later that evening, the nature of the beverage changes its texture and becomes stronger.

The photographs are a selection of engines used for training purposes and a engine owner, 'Big Dazza', his lady friend Fiona and 'Little Daz'