The commercial life of traction engines and steam wagons largely came to
an end in the 1950s and early 1960s. It was also at this time that
preservation and display in the form of rallies came into being. It is
generally acknowledged that the traction engine rally scene has its
origins in a race between two engine-owning farmers at Appleford,
Berkshire in August 1950. The rally movement soon grew as area
preservation societies were formed. Some of these early societies and
rallies continued to flourish and a number of these have now celebrated
fifty or more years of activity, albeit not always on the same site
throughout. Other rallies flourished for a while but then ceased for
varying reasons. There have also been a number of 'one-off' events.
The initial concept of rallies has developed over the years. Instead of
just ring events many now try to incorporate working areas where the
different types of engines can be demonstrated doing the tasks for which
they were built.
This book features a number of these rallies, starting with some of the
early events of the 1950s and 1960s. Then a few 'one-off' events are
featured, followed by looking at some of the rallies that no longer take
place, and finishing with examples of those that are still flourishing.
It aims to show something of the individual character of each rally, and
some of the highlights of events that the author has visited over the
last fifty years.
