Today Ann, Liz Allport, and I, set off (two cars) at 7a.m. for Long Melford Antique Fair, and spent a reasonably successful day there. Ann and I set off for home at about 4p.m. and on our way out of Long Melford met a large STEAM ROLLER (yes really steam!!!!!) coming into Long Melford, doing about 3 1/2 miles per hour, and followed by a long stream of traffic. I very much regret to say I had not got my camera aboard. We all hooted and waved at the engineer and fireman on the steam roller, which was emblazoned with the name 'Lady Hellen' (it seemed to suit her) and they blew her whistle in acknowledgement of our applause. Nobody minds being held up by a stylish engine like that. Cold collation (polite expression for leftovers) for supper - much enjoyed. Been catching up on correspondence - email- since then. Bedtime now - Goodnight all.
8 comments:
Methinks I see two familiar little faces. Now where is mama?
Hi Pi. See my blog entry for Saturday 27th June. Nea is slightly left of centre in the evening entry.
Regards, Mike and Ann.
Two of my friends collect pre 60's tractors. One has 2 and the other has three! I think that silver, clocks and guns are easier to accommodate.....
An ex-brother-in-law of mine collected early tractors. But he did have a large barn going spare.......
My favourite amongst his tractors was the grey single cylinder, 5 litre two-stroke which was started by inserting a smouldering linen fuse at the front and cranking a massive fly-wheel at the side. I think it was a Fergusson, but it may have been a Field-Marshall... Memory fails... the Romans were right... tempus fogs-it! Ah well...
My favourite one was a large red job that you started by opening a flap, inserting a blank twelve bore cartridge, closing the flap, and walloping it one with a hammer!! Tried it. Did the job ever time.
According to Joe Davies (English master) spitfires had a similar starting device, certainly some of the Russian aeroplanes of WWII used this percussive start. I remember reading a war correspondent's report of his flight from Petrograd to Moscow. He was clearly worried that the engineers thought they could bring an engine to life by beating it with a big hammer - and astonished that they succeeded!
It was a Field Marshall tractor
Post a Comment