How to Operate a Steam engine

RANSOMES, SIMS & JEFFERIES
Traction Engine No 26995. Reg. EW 2320. Built in Ipswich, 1916.
Built to Ransomes’ Production No. L466, this engine is one of a very large order of agricultural engines supplied to the Ministry of Munitions during the first World War.
The engine passed inspection on 28/10/1916 and was despatched to the War Dept (Forage Dept) on 17/11/1916. The engine was probably used for baling and transporting hay in support of the many thousands of horses used by the British Army during the Great War.
Records show that the speculator Edgar J Edgar, with offices in High Street, Kensington, acquired the engine in 1920 following a deal made 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 at Colchester.
By 1921, the engine was with Stephen A Whittome, a large threshing contractor of Ramsey, Huntingdonshire, moving in 1922 to Benwick, Isle of Ely. The engine was first given the Huntingdon registration EW2322. Subsequently, in 1964, the engine was acquired Robert Baxter of Eye Green, Peterborough. In May 1971, the engine was noted for sale with dealer F C Lambe of Bromsgrove and by 1974 was with Des Penny of Binegar, Somerset, who regularly rallied the engine locally working a sawbench (including at the Great Dorset Steam Fair). After Des Penny’s death, the engine stayed locally (1989) with Mr A Talkowski. The engine came to Terry Swann at Heybridge Basin in Essex for boiler repairs and remained in Essex when Mr Talkowski also died.
The stripped-down engine was acquired by the present owner, Richard Hemington, at the end of 1996. In just 15 weeks, a small team of friends completed the reassembly including new inner firebox, tubeplate, tubes, smokebox and other repairs. The engine returned in steam to the public road on 30 April 1997. Two days later the engine embarked on the 4-day, 105 mile, ‘Three Counties Steam Tour’ from Thetford, Bressingham, Leiston, Ipswich and Colchester which it completed without problem (returning, in the process, to the latter two towns for the first time since 1916 and 1920 respectively).
More recently a new boiler barrel and front tube plate have been fitted, new back axle and tyres, cladding repaired and will soon be treated to a new set of gears to be manufactured by Percival Engineering.
Thanks to Ricard Hemington for taking a day off to show us his fantastic engine.
Thanks also to Percival Engineering for allowing us to use their equally fantastic premises. For large gear machining, traction or otherwise, or to view some of the gears they have made check out their Facebook page.

[@justarandomuser267]

it must get hot because of the firebox. Steam engine operators deserve to be recognized for having to operate such complex machines, great work.

[@GasoliniASMR]

Yes, it does get hot and also very noisy. Would be quite uncomfortable if it wasn't so enjoyable!

[@Conrail_Studios12]

@@GasoliniASMR I agree & I should know I've driven a steam locomotive before

[@nousername4402]

Complex in what sense? Relative to today's engines, maybe not.

[@theartificer3456]

@@nousername4402 Complex in requirements for manual operation by the driver

[@ispeel2644]

i just love steam engines idk why

[@kicka55]

I'm so glad people exist that keep this tech alive!

[@ichangedmyname0001]

This is not technology, this is ingenuity

[@LegoWormNoah101]

Must be a treat to drive in winter

[@jaswmclark]

Here in Canada I sometimes get called by the Pickering (Ontario) Museum to run their SAWYER MASSY engine. I also tutored other operators to get their "Steam Traction Operators" certificate. Since we don't have coal in Ontario we fire with wood. Preferably hardwoods cut one winter and dried for a year under cover. In Canada, "Implements of Husbandry" and "portable tools" do not require road license number plates.

[@SportyMabamba]

It’s also impossible to clamp or tow a Traction Engine; so you can park wherever you want 😄

[@marimyth8190]

@@370.y I’m proud of him :) There are much better ways to help the environment, you being here using electricity on your phone that took years to develop and design using insane amounts of electricity, that is produced in a heavily polluting factory, that then flies your phone to wherever in the world you are in a highly polluting plane, that then gets transported in a lorry or van to a shop or straight to your house, is not helping. If you want to help the environment do something actually effective, people in these comments will most likely not be swayed by yourself anyway as a significant amount of people here are enthusiasts of this type of thing. I promise you getting that phone is much worse than the few people that still maintain these great pieces of our human history. I commend these professionals for still keeping something so cool and interesting alive. I understand why you want to help the environment, it’s great it really is i find it amazing that people do such so diligently. Just here is not the place to do it. Go to the massive mega corporations not small communities.

[@bill_]

@@370.y If you spend a day on one of these, your mind will be changed. If you speak to a driver for a few hours, your mind will be changed. Have a great day.

[@jynnandtonnyx]

Best video EVER! Perfect amount of detail for a very well done introduction. I realize there can be in depth discussion and opinions, but I really enjoyed every minute. Thank you!

[@GasoliniASMR]

Glad you liked it!

[@bill_]

I agree

[@brianrigsby7900]

@@GasoliniASMRhow exactly does a traction engine work? I’ve seen videos of them sitting still with the pistons and flywheel at full tilt

[@bobesposito7235]

I thought he left a few things out. Like when you sit in the driver's seat, what do you do next and with what.

[@jonesthesteam]

@@brianrigsby7900 When a traction engine has it’s flywheel and piston going round but not actually moving, it’s because the road gears are disengaged. Gears can be operated by the driver but must only be changed when the engine is completely stationary. You still use the same control (the regulator) to start the wheel and piston turning.

[@MrCh0o]

The weather combined with the constant noise and the hot engine make for a very comfy-looking experience (although the thing does get deafeningly loud at times x)

[@Twisted_RC]

I was a steam apprentice. This brings back brilliant memories. You just cant beat that steam smell 👌

[@trevordeane3940]

I remember this engine well as I steered her for many years when she was in Somerset.Brings back fun memories, especially wood sawing at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

[@sierkdejongh8984]

Hi Trevor, My reaction is a bit late.... I never drove the engine on the road, I only know that it was a terror to set up to the belt, especially on uneven ground. I also remember that we never took it much above 100psi when sawing because the injector was difficult to start at high pressures. I have never seen the pump working, so we only had the one injector. A but tricky, but it worked perfectly at or below 100 psi. I am sorry I cant't remember you, but I have been to Stourpaine about 6 times and have met so many people.....

[@richardhemington890]

@@sierkdejongh8984 Injector has been ok in my time - perhaps it just needed 'pickling' in acid to remove crud? I used to avoid using the pump as it sprayed more water over bystanders than went in the boiler - much better now that we've corrected lift of the clack valves in the pump and fitted a tighter spring in the relief valve.

[@Zunree1869]

Respect for the people for mot only keeoing the tech going but willing to bear the sheer racket of the metal grooved wheels on the concrete.

[@whippyboy6272]

This machine seems decidedly louder than other steam tractors I've seen videos of...particularly that constant ringing

[@richardhemington890]

The 100 year old gears have been replaced since the video was made - much quieter now!

[@whippyboy6272]

@@richardhemington890 excellent

[@pegleg1514]

Dear Mr. Hemington, Thank you so much for taking the trouble to take me on this fantastic and educational little trip back in time.

[@Willian_Boa_Tarde]

This is one of the nicest videos I've ever watched on KZbin! It brings good vibes, information and takes us on a time travel. Thank you so much for posting it!😀

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks for the lovely comment. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nltalbottgmail]

Your steam engine is beyond cool. I love watching these things.

[@hastyone9048]

Incredible piece of equipment. I have a scale model very similar to this tractor. Looks quite dangerous to operate but man is it a work of art. 👍💯

[@TheDevonblacksmith]

You have to love steam. It's wonderful to see in operation

[@nishantsingh5385]

WTF ! This vintage engine looks so advance at times. I just love it.

[@vuilbaardgames3280]

This is exactly what society needs, instruction film on how to operate a steam engine lol

[@kleverich]

16:34 - That's just a great shot, a ghostly image of such a historic piece of hardware amid all the steam.

[@tonyloechte9994]

The old girl is sad when the trip is over Those were made to practically run non stop. What a beautiful machine.

[@carolinepena5633]

Hi! Thanks so much for making this video. Even though I'd be too scared to drive one of these, I'm making a 3D model of one so understanding what each part does was very helpful :)

[@GasoliniASMR]

No problem. Glad it is of some use. Good luck with the model.

[@carolinepena5633]

@@GasoliniASMR Thanks 😄!

[@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695]

Oi get a wilesco toy steam tractor it will get some steam oil under your nails and start your addiction with steam power

[@jonaspfister682]

@@wesbrackmanthercenthusiast4695 Just dug out mine! Oh the joy (and one or two slight burns :P)!

[@francisbarrington3047]

Don't be put off driving! Start by steering or as crew. You learn more on the job. Many women are driving engines now.

[@chrisanderson7370]

So now I need a traction engine🤗

[@adammarriott3325]

Brilliant little film.

[@chriscollins47]

A mechanical marvel! And the wonderful people who keep them running! They are loved! 😊

[@scottsnodgrass4361]

You’re so lucky to have such a great piece of history and mechanical genius.

[@cobbler1539]

That was really quite magical, thank you. I was very fortunate in helping to crew an Aveling & Porter Invicta to and from the Steam rally at Duncombe Park, Helmsley in the late nineties, a wonderful experience that's never left me, though nerve wracking on the steeper hills of the caravan route we took home to Dalton (Thirsk). The biggest surprise after a fifteen hour trip (too many tea breaks?) was when I layed my head on the pillow, the room started spinning on a vertical axis, the result of a day spent along side the flywheel and those big wheels!

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks for sharing the memories! I can recall the ringing in my ears were a rather irritating but at the same satisfying reminder of a day well spent.

[@joevaghn457]

most likely not that bad in person, but the video makes my ears feel like they're gonna blow hahah

[@danilob766]

This was very informative. Also scary as hell, so many gearwheels exposed.

[@phoenixproto3149]

That's the most terrifying 6 mph ever, I'd love to try driving one of those beasts!

[@stratocaster1greg]

What a beautiful machine. I think machines can have a soul.

[@stewartross1233]

Most informative and absolutely brilliant, I thought I was travelling with you! Thank you.

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks Stewart!

[@waldfruchttee]

Its nice to know how to opperate one now

[@Pomegranate44]

I did not expect it to sound so loud

[@peterc4450]

Thanks for taking the time to make the video, most enjoyable watching it. Carry on steaming.

[@muhammadanassiddiki5753]

I hardly have seen any traction engine this much fast !!

[@uppishcub1617]

Such a beautiful machine. Its a shame they don't make them like this anymore.

[@cptmilius5561]

Great video and wonderful engine. Thanks for sharing!

[@lamaha564]

Brilliant film. Everything about it opens my eyes to the power, weight and what’s involved in caring and driving one of these beasts. 👏👏👏

[@neildelaney5199]

That has to be the best Traction Engine film on youtube,, i really thought i was stood next to you throughout the whole film,, many thanks ,,like to see more when you have time.

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks Neil. Much appreciated.

[@scratchdog2216]

Nice post. Thanx for the backstory in the description.

[@mongkolpitivetrasmee_bac6138]

Imagine sneaking out of the house at night 😂 😆 😝

[@johnbuller2132]

A wonderful and unique trip into the past; thank-you for your hard work!

[@jfcdefg]

When it was overpassing a highway with those seemingly silent little cars moving there along straight lines I FELT how we're literally in the "future"

[@GasoliniASMR]

That was my favourite part of the trip. I remember thinking 'I hope those cars appreciate the sight'

[@benedictroberts678]

I don't think I could think of a more terrifying way of getting around

[@allanmollison6971]

Thanks for taking the time to make the video. Much appreciated ☺️👍

[@matejzubek5545]

Oil price: *goes up* Me:

[@karenmaxted7312]

How fabulous! I got to ride on the back of a Fowler engine yesterday, 4hrs through the Kent countryside, magic! Now I know a bit about how it works! 👍😁😁😁🚂

[@GasoliniASMR]

Sounds great. Hope you remembered your ear plugs!

[@chaleco82]

Excellent video. Thank you so much.

[@richardcloudbase]

I have heard so much about this engine over the last few years. Its so good so see it and on the move too :) Fantastic. It looks a lot faster that 6 MPH

[@richardhemington890]

Thanks - I'll have to properly check the speed with SatNav next time out, but being a single cylinder engine it does bounce a bit if pushed too hard.

[@trevordeane3940]

It is, at 300 rpm it is more like 8mph!

[@concernedshrimp7816]

The new Need for Speed footage looks lit🔥

[@brucesstreet8204]

Wow, what a livin beastie. I was sad when the ride was over to.

[@Zwillix]

This is a really great video! One almost never sees such a machine being set in motion. Normally you only see videos in which these wonderful colossuses drive on the road. It was very interesting to see the engine come to life and also to get the exact data on all the details. I have "borrowed" this fantastic video (link provided) to provide a site on the internet for readers of my novels to gain an insight into the workings and operation of a traction engine. Because in one of my novels such an engine plays an important role. Thanks for this great video and please never take it off youtube.

[@GasoliniASMR]

Glad you enjoyed it and carry on spreading the word!

[@Crazmuss]

It's funny how complex those things are. Even amateur can design electric car, steam car requires genius.

[@Peanutcat]

Thank you youtube I absolutely have one of these. This is totally what I needed.

[@enterprise0523]

What a beautiful beast, I absolutely love it

What a great locomotive. You do a beautiful job. The footage is great. I will follow your channel and watch more of your videos.

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks very much!

[@meekbaylake4771]

What a complex extraordinary machine!

[@ap4709pk]

I love seeing stuff like this.

[@cptfrecell]

Thanks 4 uploading

[@Briebabcock8052]

Imagine driving down the road and getting cutoff by a steam traction engine. 😂 that would be something for sure.

[@gregaldworth1200]

Beautiful!

[@01driver]

What a superb video... Lovely country setting too 😊

[@guitargod259]

That thing sounds like something you'd get chased by in a horror movie.

[@PolarBear71169]

I had a chance to drive a small Marshall and sons traction engine, took a bit of getting used and getting over the fear of been jolted around a bit haha, was very enjoyable tho, I’m a steam buff myself and love working with them and been involved when I can

[@Gewehr2180]

I love this video! Very Very cool. Specially the part where you get to see that authentic antique steam tractor cell phone hit the floor. All jokes aside really a superb video. Great vantage point. Almost scary to think that at sometime when these were in operation that someone probably got caught up in all the unguarded large and heavy steel parts moving around. Gruesome to even think about. I have fairly recently found out about these little Wilesco toy steam engines and tractors and I'm hooked! They are so cool. And to think it's powered by water.

[@janmn6910]

what a beautiful machine

[@mattappleyard92]

Great video, thanks for sharing

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesely379]

I love this so much! Keep watching that water level boys! Nice machine!!

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thank you kindly Sir!

[@colinb4392]

Excellent video. Thank you !

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks!

[@mrwizzardknight]

Hey look! It’s Trevor the Traction Engine! 😃😂👍

[@juango500]

My God these are loud, love 'em!

[@johannkrammer4069]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@CorvusLaborat]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@GasoliniASMR]

No problem. Glad you liked it

[@Firzj]

Fascinating technology

[@1258-Eckhart]

What a beautiful engine! Many thanks for the informative guided tour.

[@JintySteam1]

Its certainly a good way to get rid of unwanted junk mail. :)

[@petergardner2334]

nice traction engine

[@Seabass1206]

amazing video thank you

[@cheyennereynoso4116]

Wow, that’s incredible

[@jfcdefg]

Epic video

[@mikaelabowen5781]

This is glorious! The onboard footage reminds me of riding on a Wallis and Steevens roller in the 1960s near St Albans, when I was a child, it was owned by a chap called Laurie Brooks. Sadly I don't know the roller's number, so have no idea if it survives.

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

Absoltely delightful and so well presented. :-)

[@GasoliniASMR]

Cheers!

[@peterslade537]

Best traction engine video ever

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks Peter

[@bettermetal8306]

I’m sure this will be very useful to me in the future

[@schitthe]

What a masterpiece!

[@swatbcn3550]

Thanks for Up this videos ! Awesome

[@Pit_Winder]

i most definitely will use this info in my lifetime

[@petermcneill80]

Great video beautiful country side 👍🏻

[@GasoliniASMR]

Cheers

[@hmyes7800]

Video: how to operate a steam engine Me: but I don’t have a steam engine.. Also me: WATCHES ANYWAY-

[@joaopetersonscheffer]

looks like my dad's garret steam tractor, the stationary gears, the cockpit looks the same, and it's a 19 century one also. Nice video!

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks. Glad you liked it

[@TheVasan693]

Good job!

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks!

[@mkhidir93]

Imagine travelling like this to work on a daily basis.

[@b111372]

Makes sense now..hell burn trash..to get to work..

[@001Neal100]

So many places where you could lose a finger or even get dismemberment! Truly impressive bit of machinery. You wouldn't be able to sneak up on anyone driving one of those! 😂

[@FEStanley]

Excellent video, used to own sister engine 27277, new to Sheridan & Flynn, Killmessan, Eire, together with a 54" Ransomes threshing drum, which I believe is still on the farm. But more of a squeak and thump than mine, but she had major boiler work a little before I bought her, and was run in.

[@aadyncarter3880]

I am a beginner and this helps a lot! Thanks!

[@GasoliniASMR]

Happy to help!

[@c.fisherfighter638]

I love the soud of it🤣🤣it's too funny seeing it on the road

[@alexadams3704]

Tamatoa "yet I have to give you credit for my start and your hard work.

[@alexadams3704]

Aw man

[@blackheavyblans]

8:45 this gives me so much adrenaline. So brutal vehicle to comparing new vehicles. 😁

[@jlp7289]

Que da hora .. show de detales 🤝

[@SuperlativeCG]

Best in the business.

[@alv27435]

Que bacana! Como é trabalhoso veículos de combustão externa. Ótimo trabalho ! Parabéns pela conservação do equipamento.

[@GasoliniASMR]

Obrigada!

[@TrinityCore60]

To think these behemoths walked so the internal combustion engine could run.