Articles
Hugh Dyson’s interest in steam engines began early in life. He started off restoring a Lister D single-cylinder stationary engine, and was soon helping his father with his growing collection of vintage tractors, including a Wallis and Steevens steam roller and a 1918 Garrett 4CD steam tractor.
His enthusiasm has now spread to his wife and two children. Both children are members of the Steam Apprentice Club, the junior wing of the National Traction Engine Trust. The club aims to equip the younger generation with the skills to operate and maintain road steam vehicles.
Hugh Dyson says: “I hold the role of vice-chair for this organisation and was privileged to project manage their Build a Burrell project, where the apprentices built a one-third scale fully working traction engine from a series of kits supplied by our generous supporters. It was a great privilege to be able to pass on some of the skills I have had handed to me over the years.”
During the 28 years Dyson has been involved with road steam he has driven engines to lots of events, covering many thousands of miles. He says one of his best experiences was at last year’s National Traction Engine Trust 60th anniversary road run, which saw 180 steam vehicles take to the lanes of Bedfordshire.
It was decided to return the Garrett tractor to its original livery, that of the Ministry of Munitions, which used the engine for the haulage of military materials during the First World War.
“The engine received some new paint and signwriting,” he says. “We also undertook work on reboring the cylinder, which was done on site by a specialist restorer, and rebuilding of the valve gear which we managed in our own workshops.
“We researched the Ministry of Munitions and managed to obtain period dress and badges which took extensive research and tracking down.”
More information about the National Traction Engine Trust and the Steam Apprentice Club can be found at www.ntet.co.uk and www.ntet.co.uk/sac/
Do you have an interesting mechanical engineering-related hobby? Email liz.wells@caspianmedia.com