The Ross-on-Wye Steam Engine Society put on a magnificent show for their 57th Annual Steam and Country rally. A week of heavy rain preceding the event made ground conditions difficult for the show setup, but thanks to a superb effort by all involved the rally site came together ready for the three-day weekend of non-stop steam action.
Prior to the opening of the show a road run was held on the Thursday with over thirty engines heading off on various routes through a number of delightful Malvern villages.
One of many engines visiting for the first time and out on the road on Thursday was the Foley family’s giant McLaren No. 897 of 1905 Colossus here on a visit over from Ireland. It was one of a fine selection of McLaren engines to attend Welland this year.
The road run. This magnificent engine had just completed a mammoth restoration at the hands of Neil Gough at Sussex Steam Restorations. Having been in the UK for the Dorset 2018 show the engine returned to New Zealand where after just a few subsequent steamings it was found to be in need of major boiler and firebox work. Owner Phil Kerr took the difficult decision to ship 3229 back halfway round the world again for it to begin what was to become a major restoration job at Sussex Steam Restorations. With the work completed just a week before Welland, a proud Neil Gough was on hand at the show to keep an eye on his latest masterpiece. Neil explained that the engine had needed a new firebox, boiler barrel and throat plate from Mervyn Mayes’ boiler works. In addition Supergears, using Neil’s specifications, had cut a full set of new gears and the engine had been fitted with a new set of rubber tyres amongst many other things!
