04-10-2017, 12:29 AM
Another superb day out, at an amazing place. Lots of great exhibits, both resident, and visiting. Weather was again not so bad as forecast it was a busy event with people coming and going. Walking into the site we were welcomed by Dale Johnsons lovely 'Home Guard' van replica, the beautiful pumping house and the sound of stationary engines putting away. We spent the day exploring the visiting exhibits and the incredible site, it is remarkable place with most all of the equipment that is original to the site, still there. You could really spend days there looking at everything, it is all well displayed with good information panels. They were running a number of their own engines on site including an 1895 Crossley Gas Engine, and a large circa 1935 3 cylinder Ruston Hornsby Diesel engine. In the afternoon we went on one of the free guided tours which were running throughout the day, which led by Dale Johnson, in his full Home Guard uniform, was brilliant, entertaining and informative. Pictures only cover a small part of what is there, I really would recommend anyone to visit especially as their next open day (2018), they will have the Triple expansion engine returned to steam.
As usual, I'll start with the Austin Seven, Dale Johnsons 1933 RP based 'Home Guard' Van replica
There was a wide range of other cars in attendance, mostly pre war.
1914 Ford Model T, with interesting period Hassler coil spring 'shock absorbers'
1919 Essex A Series
1926 Vauxhall 14/40 LM Type
1932 Alvis 12/60
1935 Hillman Aero Minx
1937 Rolls Royce 25/30 Landaulette
1937 Triumph Gloria Twelve Southern Cross
...
As usual, I'll start with the Austin Seven, Dale Johnsons 1933 RP based 'Home Guard' Van replica
There was a wide range of other cars in attendance, mostly pre war.
1914 Ford Model T, with interesting period Hassler coil spring 'shock absorbers'
1919 Essex A Series
1926 Vauxhall 14/40 LM Type
1932 Alvis 12/60
1935 Hillman Aero Minx
1937 Rolls Royce 25/30 Landaulette
1937 Triumph Gloria Twelve Southern Cross
...