TERRY SMITH talks us through his recent trip out.
Tinkers Park, home to the 'Claude Jessett Collection' of steam engines, holds an annual steam fair in their grounds, just down the road from Hadlow Down. While billed as a steam rally, the show, which is near Uckfield every early June, is more of a festival of transport. Yes, you will see a large selection of steam powered vehicles, but also classic cars, motorbikes, buses, commercial and military vehicles too.
Of course, many come to wonder at the giants of the steam age, with almost every kind of road roller, field, and showman's engines on display and in steam, there is something for everyone at this event and the stalls selling diecast models, books and memorabilia seemed to be packed with potential buyers. Although, due to Covid restrictions, there were no bus rides this year, it was a great day out and the weekend is already booked for 2022 over the weekend of the 4th and 5th of June.
This showman's engine was built by Burrell & Sons of Thetford and is typical of the type used to pull touring fairground rides and caravans around the country. These engines usually had this style of ornate awning, while field engines and rollers often had no awnings at all.
Military vehicles are always popular at shows. Nearest is a Bedford-based civil defence 'Green Goddess' fire engines I can remember seeing these being deployed on our street during the early 1980s strikes. hiding in the background is a Scammell recovery vehicle. Both have been made many times by companies like Oxford Diecast.
Rock ‘n Rollers - here is a pair of road rollers. The nearest was manufactured by Burrell in 1926 and is immaculate, while the one behind is an Invicta. built by Aveling & Porter of Grantham.
This is a post-war AEC Matador although you often see the earlier ex-Military version used as fairground tow vehicles. These are nearly always turned out in this beautiful condition. The events held at Tinkers Park always has a diverse range of vehicles on display.
Traction engines, like this 1919 Fowler AA7, would have been a hard-working field engine in their day and would have been put into much use at harvest time. The huge drum under the boiler was used to belt drive many different types of farming machines. The Fowler engines were seen all around the country.
This lovely old Sentinel steam-powered open truck has been painted as if it was operated by Fullers Brewery of Chiswick. This Sentinel was built in 1924 and at some time it has been converted to run on pneumatic tyres, over the original solid rubber ones.
Looking like a 1920s Indianapolis race car, this stood out in a field of Rover 2000s, Minis, and Ford Cortinas. The badge states it is a Chevrolet, but I am sure it is some sort of tribute/replica. I went back twice to have a chat with the owner to find out more about the car, but they were nowhere to be seen.