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'.