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From the Archive: Traction Engine Photos (Part 1)

With the beginning of the preservation movement in the 1960s, the attraction to traction engines became one marked by a nostalgia for days gone-by. At Berrybrook Steam & Classics, we understand that this nostalgia is central to the continuation of the preservation movement, and collectively, what can be referred to as our ‘industrial heritage’.

To ensure the survival of this heritage, and to preserve and promote, as custodians, the history of these prestigious machines, we have collected and maintained a collection of archival material and memorabilia relating to traction engines and the early days of motoring.  

Within this, an eclectic collection of traction engine related photographs, postcards and books offer an attractive resource telling the story of traction engines.

Shown in this blogpost, is a sample of the imagery contained within this collection, including some of our earliest postcards dating from 1911, to photographs taken during the 1960s, at the outset of the preservation movement. The photographs show iconic traction engines, including “Kitchener” (now The Iron Maiden), and Burrell Scenic Showman’s Road Locomotive General Gough, amongst others.

To see a full list of reference material held by Berrybrook, go to our Library.

Figure 1 A postcard dated to 1911 showing men working a threshing machine with an unidentified General Purpose traction engine. Photo by H. W. Harbord, 5 Crescent Place, Brighton
Figure 2 General Gough, circa. 1960s.
Figure 3 Light tractor, possibly a Tasker, with water bowser during its working life. Circa. 1920s.
Figure 4 Owner cleaning his Wallis & Steevens General Purpose 7115, “Boxer’s Beauty” (HO 5815) at a rally. Circa. 1960s.
Figure 5 “Bult in 1916. Still Going Strong”. Streetly Garage Ltd. Foden Steam Lorry at a rally. Circa. 1960s.
Figure 6 Unidentified Wallis and Steevens traction engine loaded with thresher and baler. Circa. 1910s.
Figure 7 A postcard. “Seen at the Annual Bealieu, Hampshire Traction Engine Rally is this Fowlers Showmans Engine No. 15657 “Kitchener” (The Iron Maiden) which was built in 1920 and is owned by Mr. J. Crawley of Turvey, Beds.”

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LOOKING TO SELL?

We specialise in the sale of steam engines and historic vehicles of all shapes and sizes! 

If you are looking to sell your steam engine or historic vehicle, we make both cash offers and sell on commission. We would be more than happy to discuss the possible sale of your vehicle with you.

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EXPERIENCE DAYS

Do you want to get involved in the world of steam? Are you considering buying a miniature steam engine? Are you stuck for a gift idea or are you simply looking for a good day out?

If so, we offer two different style days, tailored to suit your needs…

We offer a ‘Traction Engine Experience Day’, perfect as a gift and a fun day out learning a bit about what running a steam engine involves. We also offer a ‘Miniature Driving Lesson’ which is a half day course in the practical use of a scale traction engine.

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THE BERRYBROOK STEAM & CLASSICS SHOP

Visit the official Berrybrook Steam & Classics online shop where we sell a range of steam-related products including gifts, parts and accessories for your miniature steam engine, gift vouchers for steam experience days and branded clothing!

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The Milbury Model Company

We are delighted to announce the launch of our brand new partner website, the Milbury Model Company!

Our newest department is dedicated to supplying high-quality, brand new model and toy-sized steam engines, spares, accessories, gifts and more…

We are official stockists for Wilesco, Mamod, Jensen, Maxitrak, Oxford Diecast and more! All available from our Devon-based shop and online.

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The Berrybrook Blog

Looking to find out more about the preservation movement, traction engines, historic vehicles or our heritage?

The Berrybrook Blog visits a range of topics to interest all readers!

See our Blog

We can help you sell…

We specialise in selling steam engines and historic vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

If you are looking to sell your steam engine or historic vehicle, we make both cash offers and sell on commission.

Find out more

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*We are occasionally open on some Saturdays by prior agreement only – please ring 01392 833301 on a normal working day to arrange a visit.

We are typically closed on Bank Holidays.

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