ALL STEAMED UP AT WHITBY

The fourth Whitby Traction Engine Rally took place over August 6-8 and attracted a good selection of entrants in all classes. Organised by Outdoor Shows, this three-day event was located on the cliffs high above the North Sea in the shadow of historic Whitby Abbey, and really drew in the crowds writes David Reed.

First up were a couple of Mark Ellis’ Allchin engines that dated from 1904, both of which came from Australia. The first returned as a boiler with no wheels, although the cylinder block had been found in Australia, “The rest of the parts were gathered together with a set of wheels coming from Australia,” Mark said, “While a new crankshaft was made in the UK,” Mark bought the Allchin six years ago, with 2021 being its first year of rallies, while his other engine was numbered No.1342 and named It came from the same place in Australia, eventually passing to Mark who has had