Some photos at
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I was narrating at a Regia bash in Shrewsbury on Saturday & attended this event as a visitor on Sunday afternoon. We had an easy run to Welland in just under an hour from Hadnall, north of Shrewsbury on the A49. At the gate, my OAP fare was accepted without question, we parked at the top end of the disabled parking - were directed to it! - and saw all the engines, WW2 vehicles & motorbikes our little hearts might desire. I was much impressed by the working blacksmith exhibit, one CS driving a trip hammer, lathe, forge blower, pillar drill etc, etc through a frame supporting old line shafting. A true H&S nightmare! It must have taken a lot of hard work to build it all, get it on the truck, get it all off & set it up. Well done that man.
I was intrigued by the Sunbeam-Cooper engine from Australia - you don't see many o' they about in England. There were a number of Gardners I liked, any one of which I'd have been delighted to have follow me home, but my favourite must be the 1F, so pleasing in it's workmanlike grey jacket. I've never seen the little 1/8hp Otto before either, what a find for someone! Overall, though, I fancied the Hornsby "chain track tractor" model most, half scale, I'd guess. Ideal transport around a muddy site!
I met Roland, Dan & heard reports of others passing through, but saw only a couple of people I know from my own club. The ground was muddy in high traffic areas & Roland was doom meister for the afternoon, muttering darkly about everyone having to get out through one dark, small, downhill exit. If it was the exit I was pointed at, I fear his prognostication might have been well founded, especially when towing a trailer full of engine.
I bought two new ratchet straps for the baby Viking ship on it's trailer, a pasty & a bag of fudge. Hazel bought some earrings. Profligate swine, the pair of us! Having walked about two miles, we were away by 3.30, made an easy run home, catching a torrential downpour that lasted a single mile into Bristol.
A very pleasant detour off the M5 - glad I went. Looking through my albums, I realised that my presentiment that I'd been there before was correct, I've got pictures from 2002, amongst which are some of a sectioned Commer TS3.
Home to SEM on the mat - nothing of real interest to me in the classifieds, but it's noticeable that the number of ads is increasing now they are mostly free.
regards,
Kim Siddorn.