RANSOMES READY FOR THE ROAD AGAIN
Deadlines, most significantly its 100th birthday, were sadly missed. Then, when finally ready to return to the road, the virus lockdown hit and the boiler inspection that was due that same week was cancelled. An inspection was later carried out and the engine is again street-legal, not that there’s any rallies to attend as such.
The engine might be best known as Mendip Lady from its years in the West Country. With owner Des Penny, it was a regular on a saw bench at the Great Dorset Steam Fair and around the area. After Des died, the engine stayed locally with Mr A Talkowski but moved in the mid-1990s to his friend Terry Swann in Essex to receive a new firebox and tubeplate. Sadly, Mr Talkowski also died and the engine stayed in Essex – Terry already owned Ransomes No. 42013 Sister Wendy and sold on Mendip Lady to Richard as a kit of parts late in 1996.
The East Anglian Traction Engine Society’s ‘Three Counties’ road run in early 1997 was the catalyst for a huge effort to ensure that Ransomes would be represented as the four-day road run passed the site of the former Ipswich works.
In just 15 weeks of spare time, the engine was rebuilt including fitting the firebox, tubeplate, tubes, rubber stakes, new plumbing and many other tasks.
Richard is quick to acknowledge the support received: “Many friends helped with the rebuild - I’m reluctant to single out anyone in particular, but it wouldn’t have been possible
