I remember seeing a traction engine with a Diesel engine mounted on the boiler at the Knowle Hill Steam Rally in the late 70s. I was told that it was a fairly common thing to do when the TE was unserviceable.
I have to say it was a massive beast with what I think was a very large Diesel engine towering above the already TE. Very strange sight which sticks in my memory. No canopy though.
My late father-in-law was an agricultural engineer working with Bomfords in the Evesham area during and after the war. One of his jobs was to convert the steam ploughing engines to diesel power after the war, there being a ready supply of spare Valentine tank engines for the purpose. I remember seeing several converted engines in their yard near Evesham in the early 60s.
Jim.
No but they might need a can of WD 40 to start the Moggie lump in the rain...No shotgun cartridge?
JB.
Ooh, you have the steering rod, we need to get one of those! I was looking at radio control mamods the other day. Tempting, but too many other projects.
I think it is SALTY that has a Morris Minor engine to start the McLaren engine - doing the same job as an electric starter with Bendix gear:
View attachment 147338
A couple of pictures from the www - the first was from a National Preservation report on a rally at Fawley Hill Railway in 2013. Second unknown.Lovely picture of the McClaren where was it taken? I have a very vague memory of the actual engine as it was so long ago and of course the infamous CAMRA tent!!!! But it certainly made me look!
Julian
I wonder if the boilers might have had some ballast added to keep the C.O.G. a bit lower for running on uneven ground?A couple of pictures from the www - the first was from a National Preservation report on a rally at Fawley Hill Railway in 2013. Second unknown.
There was also a pair at Binton at one time with engines mounted lower down in the tender, listed as owned by Bomford & Carr - see
Ploughing Engines
Must say I'd have kittens taking one of those high-mounted engines anywhere other than level firm ground!
I'm not sure Fowler 14379 SALTY and his mate from working days 14380 SALLY do still live together, although both have attended rallies for some years.
Ian,Would the replacement engine be any heavier than the massive compound cylinder block, associated motion and chimney! These are slow moving ploughing engines which carry a heavy winding drum and 1/4 mile of steel rope under the boiler!
Ian.