Click on a thumbnail to view the following photos (JPEG) :

These photographs were all taken during the Traction Engine driving course, that was Cherry's best ever birthday present.
The course was run by Stuart, with his beautiful 1912 Fowler road locomotive, in a wonderful setting in the southern Lake District. A fantastic day, with lots of hands on experience, from preparing the engine, lighting the fire, and on to driving and steering lessons.

After a brief demo run from Stuart, Cherry did most the driving and Duncan did most the steering (with assistance and supervision from Stuart).

At the end of the day Cherry was very tired, very happy and extremely dirty. Duncan was tired, happy and relatively clean!!

The Traction Engine driving experience

• An unusual view - down the boiler tubes.
• Which then have to be cleaned out!
• Stuart explains everything you need to know.
• Once the ashes have been emptied out, the fire can be lit.
• The 'patent spring' refers to the unique suspension system
• Fowler 12899 - built in 1912 by John Fowler of Leeds as a road locomotive.
• A double clack valve (def : a non return valve in a pipe).
• A nice grey smoke shows the fire is burning well.
• Pressure is well up, and it's almost time to hit the road
• Lunch stop at the beautiful Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
• Getting up steam for the final push up a 1 in 4 gradient.
• Western Star in the evening sunshine at the end of a perfect day

Links

Ringhouse Cottages
The Traction Engine driving experience
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway