SINCE the dawn of preservation, traction engine owners have taken their charges to events at preserved railways. The undeniable feeling of brotherhood that exists between those of us who are involved with steam, either road or rail-borne, or sometimes both, serve above all to show members of the public that preservation in its wider context is alive and well. Of course there’s usually time for a ‘social’ along the way, which all adds to the ambience.

Marshall traction engine No. 59435 of 1912 Edna Laura in the yard at Northiam station, Kent & East Sussex Railway on July 19, 2003. Photo: Alan Barnes.

When considering which of our preserved lines (now under the more modern banner of ‘heritage railways’) have had steam and vintage rallies over the years it would probably be easier to list those railways which haven’t!
Space of course is the number one consideration for railways hosting rallies. A lot of the larger-lengthed and more successful heritage lines have tended by now to encroach upon all of their adjacent linear space for operational reasons and unless you have some friendly neighbouring farmers then a good rally isn’t an option. The other consideration, and not much less important, is the big question of who, within the railway organisation, is going to take the organising of a rally on board and know that he/she is going to get a good level of support from willing volunteers when it comes to the weekend in question.

An impressive engine line-up at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre’s Steam & Vintage Rally, held on September 20/21, 2003.
Photos: Alan Barnes.

Those long standing engine societies and organisations who hold their time-honoured rallies on the same greenfield site each year have all year to work out the organisational problems, but railway volunteers by their very nature will probably have other equally important jobs to do on their railway. This has been the problem, for example, at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway where no real new help to run the successful end of season rallies has been forthcoming and the organisers quite rightly are looking for a break. Concentrating on plans to extend the line northwards, now that the southern goal of Cheltenham Racecourse has been reached, the volunteers are leaning towards having a steam gala with visiting engines - something which would pull the crowds for less financial outlay. The 2003 rally last month has been widely accepted by all present that it would be the last but the jury is still out.