How to operate a steam engine

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This particular steam engine is a Ransoms, Sims & Jefferies Traction Engine No 26995. Reg. EW 2320. It was built in 1916 and was probably used for baling and transporting hay, as support vehicle to the many thousands of horses used by the British Army during the Great War.

Ransoms, Sims & Jefferies

Records show that the speculator Edgar J Edgar, with offices in Kensington High Street, acquired the engine in 1920 following a deal, in March, with the Disposals Commission for ex Forage Dept equipment. Edgar was a ‘get rich quick’ entrepreneur and acquired scores of ex WD engines at a fixed price with 12½% down and the balance to be paid after one month. Not surprisingly he went bust, and many engines were repossessed by the Army to be sold on again to more reputable dealers. Records show the engine as being taken over by someone from Colchester.

By 1921, the engine was with Stephen A Whittome, a large threshing machinery contractor of Ramsey, Huntingdonshire, moving in 1922 to Benwick, Isle of Ely. After changing hands a number of times in the intervening years, the current owner, Richard Hemington, acquired the stripped engine at the end of 1996 and it was returned to steam by April 1997.

Thanks to Richard we are able to get a close-up view of how this beast breathes, from starting a fire in the firebox, clearing the ashpan and checking the smokebox, the view from the man stand is mighty impressive. And LOUD. Don’t forget your earplugs!

Words, photos and video by Robert Ely - Gasolini.

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