A wonderful collection of vintage steam traction engines, tractors, lorries, cars, motorbikes and bicycles with their enthusiastic and equally interesting owners.
The growth in the use of steam traction engines in the 1850’s to provide the power to drive other large machines, replacing horse and manpower, transformed farming practices and changed the character of rural England. There would have been much concern, hardship and upheaval in rural communities as the nature and availability of traditional farm work changed forever. Here is a traction engine driving a machine making bundles of reed for thatching. This would have replaced dozens of men.
This gentleman told me that he started work at 16 in a engineering works in South Molton, repairing and rebuilding tractors. He is now 73 and still does it for fun. This model is the same as the first one he rebuilt 57 years ago.
Big trucks, tractors galore, mini traction engines, motor bikes and classic cars.
This group of enthusiasts convert and race lawnmowers. Who knew?
