The Great Dorset Steam Fair

[firebird]

Hi

The daddy of all steam fairs in the UK is the Great Dorset steam fair. Julian and myself were lucky to be able to go and spend a couple of days there in September 2006. This fair is HUGE. We had 2 days there and didn't manage to cover it all. Everything from models to full size as far as the eye can see. The weather was not that good when we attended unfortunately but that didn't stop us having a fantastic time. The market and trade stalls alone cover acres which is where we spent the best part of our 2 days and didn't get to see it all. A return visit is high on our list of places to go. Heres a few photos to give a taste of what its like.

Look into the background and you can see how far it spreads with the fairground just visible

This full size loco was on its way to York railway museum. I think its the one that is now a cutaway exhibit. See my other post of a cutaway engine in photos section

A few general photos

£85,000 was the asking price

I have more photos if anyone wants me to post more

Cheers

 

[Brass_Machine]

Post more please.


Eric

 

[Powder keg]

I'll second that vote:O)

 

[Mike.S]

Yes more photos
ive seen videos from this fair, seems amazing.
id love to go to it.

and ive always wanted a small mini steam engine haha.

 

[firebird]

Hi

Heres some more photos, the first 20 off the cd. Some taken outside some inside. Theres more if you want them

Cheers

 

[deere_x475guy]

Firebird thanks for posting these. They were very interesting to look at. Something I just realized is that in Mason, Michigan which isn't to far from me they have a steam engine show in the summer. I need to find out who is putting that on and when it will be. I sure what to go this year. I'll take pics when I do and post them.

 

[rake60]

Great pictures firebird!

When I look at the old traction engines and think about their vintage it becomes
an amazing display of what the craftsmen of that era were capable of.

Think about it...

In 1900 a lathe was driven by a 4" wide leather belt slapping around on a line shaft
pulley in the rafters. Top speed may have been 60RPM if the water was strong under the
wheel that day, or if the uneven power from a big hit-n-miss engine was at it's best.
Tooling... HSS was a luxury only afforded the major manufacturing plants.
Yet, look what those men could make by tearing away steel a little bit at a time then hand
finishing and fitting the parts.

They made machines that are still here and operational 100 years later.

THAT is craftsmanship!

(OK, about now my brother would say, "You think too much!")

Rick

 

[Mike.S]

wow, 3 years and that green steam engine is 100.
it looks great!
anymore pics? ;D

 

[firebird]

Hi

Heres the last of the photos, I hope you enjoy them.

Cheers