11th October 2009

Cold, bright autumn days are always particularly appealing and today has been no exception as a variety of steam traction could be enjoyed in Co Durham. The Tees Cottage Pumping Station at Darlington was in operation and Mark Sutherland was roading home his Wallis & Steevens traction engine, giving plenty of opportunity for the crew to enjoy the run and the weather.

Taking a step back firstly, below are some photographs of Guy Rutter’s newly restored 6 ton Wallis & Steevens ‘Advance’ roller, at the Banks works of George Hudson who has carried out an extensive overhaul plus repaint of this engine. It was steam tested on Thursday and after passing this successfully was loaded and taken up to Guy’s yard.

Below: Lining up with the low-loader.

Below: Earlier on and making its first moves. Alongside is a Fowler T3 roller, also undergoing its steam test but still a little way from completion.

Below: Proud owner and restorer!

Below: Lit up this morning ready for a first road test (which showed the little Wallis to be a lively performer and requiring careful firing but very pleasing, especially its high potential top speed). I am hoping this engine will make an appearance at Beamish next month…

Below: Tees Cottage pumping station and filter ponds.

Below: Mike, when not assisting on traction engines also finds time to stoke at Tees Cottage! Seen here firing one side of one of a pair of original Lancashire boilers still in situ.

Below: Mark’s Wallis in the evening sunshine, after leaving Tees Cottage a few hours previously on the 22 mile run home.

Below: Out on the road.

Below: Catching the glint on the road to Sedgefield.

Below: Three short clips of the Wallis at work, taken at various locations along the route.