Richard and Marion Francis always wanted a Burrell
three-speed engine and their dream came true when
No 3739 of 1916
Pride of the West came on
the market. James Hamilton was there for its first outing
in new ownership, where it is now located firmly in the east!
On a cold grey day last December, I spent the afternoon photographing Marshall traction engine No 59435 of 1912 Uncle George as Richard and Marion Francis took it for a Christmas trundle to the pub. At the time, it didn’t cross my mind that in three months time I would be repeating the exercise, only this time with a different engine – and in sunshine!
The couple have both, as long as they’ve been interested in steam engines, harboured a desire to own a Burrell three-speed traction engine. When they heard of such an engine on the market through the steam grapevine, and which had been recently fully restored, it was too good an opportunity to let pass by.
Richard and Marion Francis and their ‘new’ engine, Burrell No 3739 of 1916 Pride of the West.
They acted quickly and secretively. The first I heard of the purchase was a telephone call from Richard, enquiring if I was busy at the weekend and, if not, could I take some photographs of their ‘new’ engine for Old Glory? I didn’t need asking twice.
I could smell the smoke in the air as I approached their yard near Sevenoaks, Kent, on 19 March. Standing outside its shed in the sunshine, brass and copper gleaming in contrast to its maroon paintwork, was Burrell traction engine No 3739 of 1916 Pride of the West.
A leisurely morning of 19 March is spent raising steam and polishing – for the first time in Kent.
Richard and Marion were unhurriedly preparing the engine, taking stock of smaller, previously un-noticed, details – and discovering one or two items not present that would require replacements to be found or fabricated in the quieter winter months.
It was decided that, before launching themselves upon the Queen’s Highway, a couple of circuits round the yard to familiarise themselves with their new charge, would be prudent.
Marion finds the steering harder to turn than she is used to.
In so doing, a problem was revealed that could potentially have scuppered the rest of the day’s plans: the steering, Marion felt, was dangerously hard to turn. Richard set about making adjustments and liberally applying oil to anywhere it might be of benefit. More manoeuvring around, and anxious moments for me as I visualised some good photographic conditions going to waste. Marion seemed happier, so it was decided to try as far as the first pub down the lane and re-assess the situation there!
