Steam Rally (Non Kilt)

[Jock Scot]

I well remember seeing those machines working for their living! The threshing machines and steam engine, were a delight to a wee lad such as me.The health and safety inspector of today would die of heart failiure within the first five seconds of seeing it! I vividly remember the horse drawn waggons bringing in load upon load of "Best Steam Coal" for the engines.The most wonderful thing I ever saw,as a child, was a pair of steam engines ploughing.One engine,with a winch, was one side of the field, another with a large pully wheel underneath the other side, would pull a six furrow plough back and foreward across the field. My brother and I tried to persuade my mother to let us have a ride on the plough---- to no avail. We gave up that idea when we saw the result of the steel hawser breaking.It took off,clean as a whistle, one of the engines chimneys. We also moved house with the help of a steam powered lorry.Great days in many ways, particularly for me and my brother, but "the good old days" I am not so sure.

Thank you for the pictures and thank you for the memories.

[Livingston]

David, I will have to share those with my brother-in-law. He is also a fan of steam engines and has rebuilt some for shows in Iowa.

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

Wow very nice!!
Sara

[Hamish]

Superb photos, David.

I have to agree with Jock Scot, in that I too remember steam engines being used to plough fields in the way he describes. Also steam engines driving the threshing machines and the whatayacallit device that carried the bales to the top of hay/straw ricks under construction. Steam rollers were common sights on our country lanes and roads when they were being re-surfaced too. I can smell those beauties even now!

There is a steam rally here in Storrington every year - I hear them trundling along the main road almost a mile away - but I have never been. I should make an effort next year.

Take care,
Ham.

[berserkbishop]

cool pics. its amazing to see those machines in such great condition!

BB