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Blueprints Steam Ahead – Engineering Drawings Inspire New Product Range
The following news regarding was released by MERL on 21st November 2023:-
As we launch a new range of bespoke products inspired by the engineering drawings held in the MERL archives, Principal Archivist, Caroline Gould, looks at what makes this one of our most consulted collections and we share an insight from an enthusiast into how the collection has helped with their personal project.
Over the last few months, colleagues working in archives, retail and marketing have been delving into the archives of the MERL and Special Collections to look for striking images to create new product ranges for the MERL gift shop. With the breadth of beautiful artwork and ephemera in the collections ranging from Suttons Seeds to the De La Rue archive, we are spoilt for choice, and have a list of potential collections to feature that would fill a department store! So the inspiration for our new range comes from what is maybe an unlikely source: we are about to launch a new range of shop products featuring, wait for it… agricultural manufacturers engineering drawings of steam engines, road rollers and road locomotives!
Perhaps it is not such a surprising choice, however, when you consider that over 100,000 engineering drawings are held in The MERL archives and that they are amongst the most popular series of records requested by researchers. The records relate to companies such as Charles Burrell and Sons Limited, John Fowler and Co. (Leeds) Ltd, Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies Ltd, Marshall, Sons and Co. Ltd and Wallis and Steevens Ltd. Model makers and steam engine enthusiasts contact us as they work on restoration projects, refurbishing their engines using the engineering drawings for their original purpose.
Many enthusiasts also use the production records of the archives to find out the history of their steam engine: Who was the first owner? Where was it shipped to? When was the engine built? The firms exported products all over the world, Europe, America, India, China, Chile, Australia and New, Zealand. So we receive requests from all of the world.
We are always delighted to see the results of projects which have used our collections. For example, model maker George King has used the archives to create a range of models including a Fowler Superba Plough engine.
For more images of this model www.georgekingwoodturner.co.uk/plough-engine-project-1
The Blueprints Range is available in the MERL Gift Shop and to order from our new online shop.
We are always trying to improve access to archives held at The MERL. Currently we are working on two projects relating to the agricultural manufacturing archives. Our Paper Conservator, Victoria Stevens, is undertaking a conservation survey to assess the John Fowler and Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies archive for items that require conservation care. Sharon Maxwell, Archivist and Emma Hunt, Archives Assistant are working with Beaulieu Motor Museum to digitise the 16mm reel to reel product publicity films for Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies. The films will then be catalogued and be available in the Reading Room.
We are grateful for the support and expertise we have received from The Road Locomotive Society, Steam Plough Club and the National Traction Engine Trust who have supported us creating access to these incredible archives for many years.
More information about the archives held at The MERL can be found on our website:
- Charles Burrell & Sons Limited
- John Fowler & Co (Leeds) Ltd. Archive. You can find out more in our online exhibition Fowler: National and International Steam Power
- Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, Ltd.
- Marshall, Sons & Co Ltd – The MERL (reading.ac.uk)
- Wallis & Steevens Ltd Archive
If you have an enquiry or wish to consult the archive, please email merl@reading.ac.uk to book an appointment in the Reading Room
PayPal Now Added to SPC Shop
It is now even easier to buy items from the Steam Plough Club Shop.
Most items can now be purchased through PayPal. A few items are shown below, visit the shop to add these to your basket and view all available items.
The 72nd British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival 14th/15th October
The 72nd British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival, Bishop’s Lydeard, near Taunton, Somerset, by kind permission of the K. S. Coles and Family. Over 250 top ploughmen and women from all over Great Britain will compete. There will be something for everyone alongside the ploughing competitions, from steam ploughing engines; vintage tractors and machinery displays; manufacturers and local dealers demonstrating the latest farm equipment available; agricultural trade stands; hedgelaying displays and competitions; shopping stalls and country crafts. And there will be 18 pairs of heavy horses at work ploughing each day. Look out for the Steam Plough Club sales team!
More at British National Ploughing Championships & Country Festival
The Fowler Motor Cable Ploughing Engine on Tour
The Fowler Motor Cable Ploughing Engine will be attending a few events in 2023.
Hands on Weekend Report – September 2021
Joe and Mary Nourish kindly hosted this year’s Hands On held over the weekend 4th-5th September – the third they have staged since 2018. This was the 17th such event to be held.
Twelve members participated, four having attended previous Hands On weekends while the rest had no steam ploughing experience. There was a late withdrawal due to unforeseen circumstances and the paid-for place was donated by a generous member to the Club in the hope that it could be used by a youngster. The Steam Apprentice Club was approached and they put forward two candidates, both of whom were offered places at no cost.
Hands On engines, crews and participants line up (Photo: Victoria Kocher)
Three sets were available – the two BB1s of Joe Nourish and Peter Wilson, Brian Knight’s two BB1s, Howard Bolton’s BB1, and Hal Debes’ single together with two ploughs and a cultivator.
Joe also made sure that three additional participants were able to attend a Hands On “Extra” over the weekend 11th-12th September at which two sets of engines were available. This provided the opportunity to put to work Joe’s mole plough.
6 furrow plough with land press (Photo: Rob Dickinson)
Thanks have been received from many of those who participated, in particular to the owners, instructors and helpers who gave up their time to make the event a success and to ensure everyone enjoyed their time on the engines and implements. Not everyone found it easy going and there were some exhausted bodies by mid-afternoon on Sunday. Several required rather more guidance than others and were most appreciative of the one-on-one instruction provided.
A big thanks to everyone who turned up to help over one or both weekends, to the members who turned up to observe and photograph the proceedings, to the Steam Apprentice Club, and to Joe and Mary for once again making the event so enjoyable.
Hands On Extra Steam Apprentice Jack Potter (Photo: Ron Johl)
Some of the comments from those who attended:
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A massive thank you for the Steam Plough Clubs hands-on weekend and to the engine owners, crews and the various owners who did not have engines present, but still gave up their time to help out.
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It was a fantastic weekend with fantastic weather, I really enjoyed myself and got a lot out of the weekend. My sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the weekend go ahead.
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Well, what a brilliant weekend! It might take a couple of washes to get all the grease and oil out of my overalls, along with some gentle exercise and stretches to get my aging body back into some sort of order, but who cares – it was a fantastic way to spend time out in the glorious Rutland countryside with a great bunch of folk, all determined to have a good time and happy to share knowledge and experience with some absolute rookies like me. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all of the ‘black badge holders’ and anyone else involved behind the scenes, for a wonderful experience.
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I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the Steam Plough Clubs hands-on weekend to the engine owners, crews and the various owners who did not have engines present, but still gave up their time to help out. I met so many nice people, who genuinely just wanted to help everyone.
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I enjoyed myself greatly at the weekend. The participants were interested and interesting, and all those I instructed made visible progress over a very short time.
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A very worthwhile event.
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Please pass on my thanks to everyone that was involved in the Hands On, especially Joe without whom it would not have been possible at all.
Dick Eastwood, October 2021
Paul Johnson under instruction with Richard Playdon (Photo: Ron Johl)
Archie Sains preparing the Mole Drainer at the Hands On Extra weekend (Photo: Ron Johl)
Presentation of participation certificates (Photo: Rob Dickinson)
Hands On Participants (Photo: Victoria Kocher)
Paul Johnson under instruction with Richard Playdon (Photo: Ron Johl)
DORSET STEAM FAIR REPORT 2019
The Club again put on a fine display of ploughing tackle in action at this year’s Great Dorset Steam Fair. It was reported that during the first two days there were many visitors with, at times, in excess of one hundred people watching the engines at work. The club stand enjoying, at the same time, a good trade in the merchandise that we had on offer. Trade and visitors tailed off somewhat mainly because of the extremely hot weather over the last two days of the event.
There were enquiries from the spectators about joining the club and three new members were enrolled. A number of interested people expressed a wish to join and said they would enquire through the website. Several members renewed their membership which follows a practice that has taken place for a good many years now. We welcome all new and renewing members and hope they find the activities of the club interesting.
The club helpers were kept busy answering questions about steam ploughing and the equipment.
We must thank the following for the time and help they gave the club during the event, Sean and Judy, Michael Beeby, John Rhead, Derek Saunders, Clive Flack and lastly and especially Bernard and Madeleine Weatherley.
We should also thank the members of the ‘back-room’. The tent, the signs, the merchandise stock all has to be transported to the event and it does not arrive without individuals’ time and expense to see that it does.
Peter Longfoot and Bernard Weatherley
2019 AGM Report
SPC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
13 APRIL
The 2019 Annual General Meeting of the Steam Plough Club took place on Saturday 13 April at the Town Hall, New Bolingbroke, near Boston, Lincolnshire.
This followed an interesting morning visit to the premises of J H Rundle and Sons hosted by Alan Rundle. Here, as a tribute to the late Charles Roads BB1 “Dreadnought” was in steam together with engines owned by the Rundles.
About 30 members attended the AGM to accept reports from the president, John Billard, chairman, Mark Jones and secretary Dick Eastwood on past and future events for the club, The treasurer, Richard Playdon confirmed that the accounts remained healthy. The membership secretary, James Hodgson, said that while a few members had yet to renew their subscriptions for the year the position was greatly improved from last year aided by the new PayPal system. It was announced that a further Hands On event was planned for September at a site in Sussex and just a few places remained available.
Mark Jones said that it gave him great pleasure to award the Steam Plough Cup to Mike Beeby for his many years unstinting service to the club. To mark his retirement from the committee Mike was awarded a well deserved Vice Presidency of the club, received by acclamation.
The present officers and committee were re elected to their positions. On her retirement from the committee Mark Jones paid tribute to Julie Chick for her work for the club particularly hosting the important club presence at the Great Dorset Steam Fair for many years.
After the conclusion of this meeting a further Annual Meeting of the trustees of the Steam Plough Property Trust was held, led by John Rhead. The formalities over those present enjoyed a splendid tea prepared by Bernard and Madeleine Weatherley for which great thanks were duly given.
STEAM PLOUGH CLUB BIENNIAL LUNCH REPORT 2018
The Biennial Lunch was held on the 1st December at the The Kings Arms, Polebrook, near Oundle, with thirty eight people attending, some covering considerable distances. The proceedings successfully took place in a jovial and up-beat atmosphere.
The Club invited Chief Executive Sue Frith and Chairman John Hill from the Society of Ploughmen to attend, and Sue kindly agreed to present the cups and medals to the winners of the awards. Mike Beeby brought one of his model ploughing engines which with the trophies made a splendid central display in keeping with the event.
Graham Sayers provided a preview of the film of Challenge and captured the prize giving. Dick Eastwood was Master of Ceremonies.
Two new members were recruited. Club merchandise was available to purchase at Christmas sale prices. Chairman Mark Jones gave his address and asked the question “How many Biennial Lunches had the club arranged?” Thanks went to those who helped organise the day, brought along things of interest, and were just there. Appreciation was given to the staff at the Kings Arms who helped to make it such a splendid occasion.
All photos courtesy of Dick Eastwood
50th Anniversary Challenge Report
MORE THAN A GREAT CHALLENGE
8-11 September 2016 Crockey Hill near York
Click here for Anniversary Pictures
Summary of Exhibits
44 exhibits – Full size & miniatures
Steam Exhibits = 31 Ploughing Engines + 4 Tractors = 35
Manufacturers represented -Fowler, McLaren & Foden
Fowler Single Cylinder Ploughers – 8hp, 12hp, 14hp, DD
Fowler Compound Ploughers – plus B4, BB, BB1, AA6, AA7, K5, K7, Z7
McLaren Compound Plougher – 16hp
Fowler Tractors – A4, B5, T3
Foden Agri-Tractor
Fowler Motor Cable PE + McLaren Motor Windlass + Gyrotiller
4 Steam Miniature Ploughing Engines + Plough
Kitson & Hewitson clip drum PE, Howard cultivator & Fowler self-moving anchor miniature display
Implements included
Ten ploughs
Six cultivators
Four harrows
Two combination implements
Two mole ploughs
Barford & Perkins design Roundabout Tackle
Our Sponsors
The Club has received very generous support from a good number of businesses and individuals in response to requests for sponsorship to help with staging the Crockey Hill event at York. In addition to monetary support, we have been loaned two 4WD tractors and a water tanker for replenishing the engines over the four days. One attendee has received free transport to and from the York event from a Cornwall based engineering company. Our thanks go to everyone who has helped to make the event a success by their kind support.
Demonstrations included:
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Roundabout tackle
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The double engine system
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Direct steam ploughing
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Diesel and paraffin ploughers
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Rotary diggers
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Ploughs, cultivators
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Harrows and more
Rare exhibits:
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Miniatures at Work
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Working demonstrations
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Photos, models, books and DVDs to buy
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Drive an engine!
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Competitions