YOUNG ENGINEERS
I would like to introduce my youngest son James, who has a fascination for Mamod steam models, and has built up a fine collection of engines over the last few years . Some of the models are new and some James has restored from wrecks he has been given or bought at car boot sales. I am very proud of James efforts and see him following in my footsteps as my eldest son Daniel has. In today's world of television, computers and electronic games our children are losing out on an important part of there development and understanding of engineering and hand skills for later on in life. Here are a few pictures of James collection and one of his demonstrations at Sherbourne Castle country fair back in May. You model engineers out there, try and encourage your children ,or grand children into you workshop and let them have a go, Our future depends on it!
James in the workshop repairing a damaged crank.
James in the models tent at Sherbourne castle with 8 of his models.
In the middle of one of his popular demonstrations.
Recently we attended the Berkeley steam rally and James bought this little Jap engine on one of the many stalls. The enginge was in a terrible state, and he managed to buy it for £15.00. He has since stripped it and with a little help and guidance from me, has restored it. He has since ran the engine on several occasions and he is very pleased with it, so am I .
BERKELEY STEAM RALLY 19th - 21st JUNE
Each year we attend several rallies and this year we attended the Berkley steam rally for the third year. The rally is set out in the large meadow shadowed by the famous castle. We decided to take two of our Fordson tractors , the living van and our road works display. We thought it would be fun to drive the tractors the 28 miles to the show and drive the return journey, so on the Thursday afternoon we set off. My son , Dan coupled his living van and series 2a landie and off we went. The weather was perfect, and 4 hours later we arrived at the show ground and proceeded to set up our display.
The road train stopped for an on route "brew up"
By late evening our road works display was all ready for the show opening on the Saturday.
During the show, Shelia Didnah set her sales stand up next to us and I must say we found her to be a very warm hearted and jolly lady. We were all in stitches with her tales of Fred and her impressions were fantastic! Here is Shelia next to me beside my tractor.
Shelia posing for the camera, enhancing my Fordson standard "N" of 1942.Dans tractor is of the same vintage.
"james" visits conwy valley railway
On a recent holiday to North Wales we took our "Tinkerbell" locomotive "James" with us to Colin Cartwright's super railway and ran for the week. We were made most welcome by Colin and his staff and we had a super time, Take a look at their web site and a visit is to be recommended.
http://www.conwyrailwaymuseum.co.uk/
James on shed soon after arrival on the Thursday evening.
My son Dan, tending to James fire in readiness for yet another trip. This line is nearly 1 mile long and is very scenic. We were sad to leave and will return soon.
Our landrover collection
Her is our Land Rover collection, mine is the series 1 and the 110 CSW at the end and Dan's are the two series 2a`s.
This is "Jimmy" my series 1 land Rover. This is the 1951 model and was actually built in August of 1950. It is vehicle number 20 and is the second oldest on the register, she still has the original 1600cc engine.