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A mate of ours, Ian Houlgrave, used to own Foster Traction Engine 7.N.H.P "Saint" of 1937. Works number: 14637, single cylinder, 2 gears, 10 tons. Registration plate: VL8371. Dad has been friends with Ian for many years, along with Ian's mechanic, Phil.
Phil takes the engines to rallies, and now I have been lucky enough to have been asked to go with him! It's a bloody good experience aswell! Nothing better than waking up, looking out the window, and seeing several lines of steam engines or all shapes and sizes all getting steam up.
The Saint was thought to have been used by Fosters to tow a threshing set around rallies to promote the company. She was also thought to have more intricate lining out on the wheels to the average Foster of her kind, but there was not enough of it left to reproduce it in restoration.
Well, the first time I saw this engine, I can remember thinking "Bloody hell! That's nice!". Nice is very much an understatement. After meeting Phil for the first time, getting a rag and Brasso in my hand, I felt right at home.
With steam up, and the fire blazing, it was time to move her. Now you might think that steering a steam engine is much like steering a car, well it is, apart from you have to start turning the wheel about 5 minutes before you actually turn! After a while I soon got the hang of it, and once I had started I didn't want to stop! It takes 2 people to drive a traction engine, one called to operate the reverser, regulator, fire, and brakes, and the steersman, who does as the name suggests- steers!
Phil taught me alot about full size steam, and I really must say a huge thanks to him for it. Also, a huge thanks for putting up with me on these rallies! Also, a thanks goes to Ian for letting me near his engines in the first place!
I could rattle on all day about it, but my arms are already numb, so I will just say I am really looking forwards to the new rally season, and to many more fun filled days!
