I’m thinking of purchasing (in ready to run form due to lack of time & knowledge) the coal fired version of either the 1" Maxitrak Fowler Ploughing engine or the 1" Markie Burrell ploughing engine. I am a complete newcomer to live steam models and would welcome any recommendations/advice.
Is the Maxitrak worth the extra cost ?
How much maintenance will be required? I live in SW France and model steam engine clubs are as rare as Frenchmen supporting Leeds rugby club ! So won’t have access to much local expertise. I am not an engineer, but my grandfather Harry Thompson was an engineer at Owen & Dyson/Steel Peech & Tozer of Rotherham in the 1960s so hopefully there may be something in the genes thet might help!
Any other words of wisdom for an absolute beginner would be much appreciated.

My Dad was an engineer and built a Burrell Traction engine. Sadly he died before he was able to finish painting it and put it all together, although I believe all the necessary parts are there. My son (15) has renewed enthusiasm to complete it as he worked on it with his Grandpa when he was younger. Could anyone suggest where I could approach to have the engine completed? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as the parts have been sitting in a large sealed box for 3 years now.

gilspel engineering is a company dedicated to the bespoke restoration of all steam engines and equipment from a 1"models to main line locomotives ,we also supply steam engine consumables at competative prices based in the midlands

services include:
complete restoration
parts restoration
new parts /castings
shot blasting
wood work/cabinet making
suppliers of consumables(mud joints, packings,fusible plugs,
gauge glasses,rubbers,gasket paper etc
pressure gauge callibration and repair
water treetment
wash out services
winterising services
cnc machining
coach painting
pollishing
rust pitted component restoration

our services are endless


for any enquiries or further information please contact richard at gilspel@yahoo.co.uk

Photo's from this years Cromford Steam Rally are now available for viewing in our Photo Gallery section!

Hi GIZSTEAM. Can you post some photos of that flower numbers? I really love to see it. :D

Here is a thumbnail of sunflowers image, click for larger view!

Can anyone identify the remains seen near Dunkeld in my mystery picture in photo gallery?

regards
S.

they

I'm glad that I've been of some use to you. The Traction Engine Register is an essential piece of kit for anyone wishing to get into the hobby of traction engines. It is a paperback book containing details of virtually all traction engines preserved in the uk. It gives details such as Manufacturer, Works number, road registration, Month and year of Manufacture as well as other information reguarding the engine. To obtain a copy I would recomend either buying one at a rally or going to the National Traction Engine Trusts web site and going to their sales page.
I also use mine as a spotters book much as a boy would with train numbers.

Thank you SHOOTS .... perhaps I should have also asked where the engine number is so I could attempt to date the FOWLER, or any other advice !
My searching only found the number shown and as they were the only discernible numbers I took the gamble !!!! Apart from your comment as to AA7 my admission is that all I know is it is a traction engine / ploughing engine.
I do appreciate your reply but can only say ...... as I am completely new to this game. what is the Traction Engine works register and where can I obtain same.

Quite happy to correspond per direct email if that suits anyone.

Regards. Mal.