Hi guys. Well, though it took over a year to sort it all out, Miniature Traction Engine Weekend 2014 is featured here in just one huge post. For those in the know, I solely organise MTEW, on behalf of the Battlefield Line. The event, in its second year this time, takes place at Market Bosworth Station on the Old Goods Yard there. Last year it was a success. This year I am pleased to say that it was a brilliant success and I am so, so pleased with both the attendance of the public & the exhibitors, not to mention the support given by the railway and its members. Although in reality a small player in terms of rallies, it was very well received and I am so thankful for that. I must firstly thank anyone and everyone who helped set up, helped during the weekend, exhibited or visited...thank you. To give you a brief overview, the 2014 event began planning immediately after the 2013 one. The date was set immediately for April 26th/27th and last years exhibitors were soon invited to return. A small write-up in the May 'Old Glory' magazine last year and reviews on the various traction engine forums certainly helped with the engine search, as did visits to local and further afield rallies such as the Great Dorset Steam Fair. By November, the forms were out and the official invites were underway. The forums were all filled in with all of the relevant information and various people contacted for either advertising purposes or to invite them to come. Every single engine or exhibit at MTEW is appreciated - it really is. Thankfully, around 35 miniatures turned out for us as well as various stands, two full size road engines, "Blue Circle", the organ, the 5" miniature railway and more bits & bobs. It was great fun. We were so lucky with the weather after a wet Thursday evening and soaking wet Friday set-up (12 hours in the pouring rain!). I was so despondent after Friday that the sun that came on Saturday was more welcome than ever. I must thank our Old Glory Reporter Malcolm Ranieri for the first 13 pictures on this post. He took some great photo's and sent copies to me. So, here we go, Saturday...
"Louise": one of our centrepiece big engines: gets into the line-up ready for the 2pm "Big Whistle"; the finale of the parade...
Our other big engine (alongside Phil's gleaming roller "Louise") was Statfold Barn's beautiful Marshall General Purpose Traction Engine of 1929. The single cylinder engine is named "Mary", and affectionately known therefore, as "Mary Marshall". I was so pleased with the attendance of the two big engines and am forever indebted to their owners for sending them...
In the 'working area' (new for 2014), we had Wood Sawing & Flour Milling, as well as a working demonstration of a 4" Threshing Machine; itself only finished days before the event. The 3" Sawbench was operated by the very impressive 3" Fowler "Lofty", from Suffolk...
Sawing in action...
On her first ever rally, 6" Burrell Gold Medal Tractor "Cranleigh Belle", from Bedfordshire, climbs the hill towards Market Bosworth town centre...
A rare and much appreciated American engine came in the form of 4" Case single "Filbert"...
"Cranleigh Belle"s stable mate (same owner) was also in attendance: a wonderful 3" Fowler Z7 type Ploughing engine...
Mr Nelson returns to the station aboard his 6" Savage 'Little Samson' "Firefly": another rare engine...
A wonderful 4" example of the Foden Steam Lorry (a C-Type possibly?) climbs towards Market Bosworth...
"Beautiful in Blue": Fowler Showmans (4") "Sir Henry" rubs shoulders with a 4.5" Scale Foden C-Type wagon...
The highlight of each day for me is arranging the engines into the parade line-up. We had to have two rows this year to accommodate them all! Here they are...
I must again thank Mr Ranieri for sending in the 13 images above: they are wonderful. The line-up one is just brilliant...I love it. So, after a successful Saturday we were all glad to see 5pm come so we could close and have a rest! The evening would see 3803 back in action, with my mate Eddie on the regulator, performing the "Pie & Chip Special" for all of our exhibitors, departing at 6pm. She is seen here, captured by Chris Simmons, departing Market Bosworth for Shenton with the special...
The staff of the Battlefield Line Catering Department did a fantastic job on the special and I could not fault them: thank you all. I tell you what though I was glad of a pint Saturday night! So, on to Sunday, and at 7:30am the big engines are still slumbering...
3" Fowler "Lofty" on the Sawing...
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| "Saturday Whistle Up" - By J.Bunn |
So, photo-wise, I think that will do! Thank you very much for reading/viewing guys. It was a fantastic weekend and I must again thank every exhibitor and every visitor. It was just fantastic and I am so pleased with what has been achieved. The date for next year is April 25th/26th so I look forward to beginning the organisation of the event again in the Autumn. Cheers guys - Sam...
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