Old Glory Magazine

11/12/2023

Foden timber tractor lives on: BMB 634 was one of Foden’s very first, purpose-built timber tractors.

09/12/2023

Mike Neale takes his monthly look at the recently-released diecast and resin models of vans, ambulances, campers and other light commercials...

Mike Neale takes his monthly look at the recently-released diecast and resin models of vans, ambulances, campers and other light commercials.

07/12/2023

Looking good; No. 4004 on its steam test for the inspector in early August. (Pic: Reuben Carter)

06/12/2023

Simon Colbeck reports on a working weekend at Stotfold Mill, which saw the return of two very special steam engines to the ploughing field...

Simon Colbeck reports on a working weekend at Stotfold Mill, which saw the return of two very special steam engines to the ploughing field.

05/12/2023

Richard Bridge on the injector at Astle Park, back in August 1988. (Pic: Bob Moorman)

04/12/2023

Pride of Somerset: James Allison takes the engine for a road test, showing the later Burrell headstock in the process. (Pic: Reuben Carter)

01/12/2023

This Christmas, share the joy of nostalgia with our carefully curated collection of books, guides and merchandise. Whether you're treating an eagle-eyed trainspotter, history buff, tractor lover or vintage machinery enthusiast, you'll be sure to find the perfect gift for a loved one. Take a look at the collection here: shop.kelsey.co.uk/agri-gifts-23

29/11/2023

The 1879 0-4-04-0 double Fairlie Merddin Emrys was the first locomotive the Ffestiniog Railway Co built at its own Boston Lodge. Here it leads Russell over the bridge at Pont Croesor. (Pic: Matthew Ditch)

28/11/2023

Lilla, seen here at Pen-y-mount; the 1891 Hunslet 0-4-0 No. 554 was built for the Cilgwyn Slate Co Quarry at Nantlle. (Pic: Matthew Ditch)

27/11/2023

We report as Pride of Somerset returns to steam, and the other progress being made with this fine, 1925 Burrell double-crank road roller...

We report as Pride of Somerset returns to steam, and the other progress being made with this fine, 1925 Burrell double-crank road roller.

26/11/2023

Seen at Porthmadog Harbour Station is the pioneering 1928 Kerr Stuart 6wDM No. 4415 diesel locomotive. (Pic: Matthew Ditch)

25/11/2023

Here’s 1893 2-4-0 Hunslet Blanche, of the Ffestiniog Railway, with a short train of their stock at Snowdon Street returning from the WHHR. (Pic: Matthew Ditch)

24/11/2023

We report on a day spent with 1936 Orenstein & Koppel 0-4-0 engine Helga, at the superb 2ft gauge Bredgar & Wormshall Light Railway in Kent...

We report on a day spent with 1936 Orenstein & Koppel 0-4-0 engine Helga, at the superb 2ft gauge Bredgar & Wormshall Light Railway in Kent.

23/11/2023

Diecast and resin models: Tiny Toys’ Mini AA Van is to 1/50 scale.

22/11/2023

Foden 6-tonner Heilan Laddie of 1924 from Barrack’s Steam Museum at Kingswells. The wagon is pulling James Adamson’s 1991-built steam boat Ark Royal, complete with passenger in naval cap!

21/11/2023

Betsy, owned by Joseph Mitchell, made a triumphant return to the rally scene after being laid up in 1976. Now, after a four-year overhaul, the 1899-built Burrell 7nhp single-crank compound is in fine fettle, as seen at Castle Fraser.

19/11/2023

1913 Burrell 6hp No. 3489, George of London spotted 📸

Visitors excited to spot John Wharton's 1913 Burrell 6hp No. 3489, George of London, at this year's Welland Steam & Country Show.

18/11/2023

The Bon Accord Steam & Vintage Fair concluded with a lineup of showcased vehicles at the end of the steam parade, creating a pleasant blend of steam and a nostalgic atmosphere. 😃📸

17/11/2023

Enjoying driving in the grand tractor parade is Henry Pirie with his 1948 Ferguson TE-A 20, complete with ploughing attachments.

15/11/2023

Keith Haddock reviews one of Bucyrus-Erie Company’s lesser-known products including its close ties with the International Harvester Company...

Keith Haddock reviews one of Bucyrus-Erie Company’s lesser-known products including its close ties with the International Harvester Company.

14/11/2023

Steamy stuff!

13/11/2023

Local steam power: Garry Scott’s superbly-restored Sentinel DG 6T of 1930, in the livery of Aberdeen Harbour Board which it served until 1968.

11/11/2023

And here’s Mark Benson’s ‘Meteor’ ride pictured at Cirencester, in October 2009.

10/11/2023

Here’s a typical packing wagon for the more modern rides. This one is for the ‘Meteor’ ride and was pictured prior to setting up at Marlborough, in 2013. Note the extra under-chassis storage compartments, and the fact that there are double wheels on the front dolly as well as the rear.

09/11/2023

We report on the welcomed re-appearance in Cheshire of the 1919 Ruston Proctor SH class 8hp single-cylinder traction engine...

We report on the welcomed re-appearance in Cheshire of the 1919 Rushton Proctor SH class 8hp single-cylinder traction engine.

09/11/2023

Check out some of the entries for the Southern Counties Farming & Machinery Show's LIVE AUCTION taking place on 15 November at Newbury Showground courtesy of Symonds & Sampson - Agriculture and Farm Sales.

Tickets to the show are FREE, book yours here 👇🚜

https://southerncountiesmachineryshow.co.uk/

08/11/2023

This is the Waltzer built by Maxwells in 1982-’83, just before the firm went into liquidation. Once again it shows the skill of the artist in the ornate artwork and must indeed be The Pride of London. It’s seen here at Horsham, in 2001.

07/11/2023

The famous ‘Ben Hur’ Ark ride was a major Benson’s attraction for many years. It is seen here at Streatham, in June 1979.

04/11/2023

Zack Stiling spotlights a 1904 Coventry Humberette; a very capable and reliable performer that’s very popular on the London to Brighton Run...

Zack Stiling spotlights a 1904 Coventry Humberette; a very capable and reliable performer that's very popular on the London to Brighton Run.

03/11/2023

This is the highly impressive frontage for the Dodgems. Just look at the superb artwork on the top boards and the pillars. It’s exciting, it’s exhilarating, it’s stupendous, but what does ‘No Zebras here’ mean? We think it means that there’s no stopping for Zebra crossings! Mrs Mary Benson was in charge of this ride and her powerful voice and cry of “One more car, one more rider” gave rise to the title of an album by rock guitarist Eric Clapton.

02/11/2023

This Scammell is turned out in a special, fully lined out, ‘Heavy Recovery’ livery. In the rare event of a breakdown on the road, more often for tyre blow-outs, this is the go-to lorry for roadside rescue missions. The jib on the body would also come in useful for erecting the larger rides.

01/11/2023

Another Scammell Highwayman pulling a step-frame trailer on a dolly with one of the more modern fold-out rides.

31/10/2023

A message from the Editor 🗣

Great Dorset Steam Fair

Hi Everybody,

Following my Old Glory editorial in November 2023 when I stated that the GDSF 2022 road structure and the World War One trenches have all been filled in, Martin Oliver GDSF MD, has just told me that is not correct whatsoever. I actually drove down the main road, looked over the fence on my way to Somerton on Friday 23 June, and genuinely thought that was the case, but, I clearly didn’t have my glasses on and Martin assures me the structures are all still there and intact.

Martin and his team are working tirelessly to make the 2024 event possible but are not yet in a position to let us know the full situation. I apologise for muddling matters here. We can only hope for some positive news soon on the greatest event of its kind in the world. We want to see it carry on.

31/10/2023

This Atkinson Borderer Mk.2 is powered by the popular Gardner 180 engine, and has a custom-built body for the original Supreme Waltzer. The body features a semi curtain-side design and has extra under-chassis storage. The wagon sports dual headlights and chromed wheel-nut guards. Alongside is one of the latest purchases, an ERF, for the newer semi-trailer mounted rides.

30/10/2023

We report on the brilliant Chickerell Steam & Vintage Show, which took place near Weymouth, in Dorset, back at the beginning of July...

We report on the brilliant Chickerell Steam & Vintage Show, which took place near Weymouth, in Dorset, back at the beginning of July.

28/10/2023

Paul Ducksbury’s 1900 steam roller was the oldest exhibit displaying on Saturday at Marshall’s 175th anniversary celebration weekend. The engine’s seen here with Paul driving and Ben Knowles steering as it takes part in a run around the farm. (Pic: Stewart Robertson)

27/10/2023

Atkinson Borderer AWV 797B was purchased in the early 1970s, replacing an earlier Atkinson. Its prime function was to carry the heavy floor plates for the Dodgems. Of note is the belly box between the front and rear wheels used for extra storage, the chrome front bumper and the twin air horns.

25/10/2023

The Marshall Club’s Ian Palmer reports on Marshall’s 175th-anniversary celebrations that took place in Gainsborough recently...

The Marshall Club's Ian Palmer reports on Marshall's 175th anniversary celebrations that took place in Gainsborough recently.

24/10/2023

One of Mr Benson’s trusty Scammell Highwayman ballast box tractor units; a Gardner-engined vehicle carrying twin generator sets, probably for the Dodgems.

22/10/2023

‘The Skid’. This ride was purchased new from Lakins by Tommy Junior and his wife Mary in 1949 and features, among the many decorative effects, a picture of a moon rocket in which the faces of the passengers are all Benson employees. It’s seen here at Petersfield, in October 1977.