The last time I posted some pictures was in February. They showed Stuart Hines bringing his Fowell No. 108 'Percy' home after major repairs, following an encounter with a blind car driver. Since then Percy has acquired boiler lagging and cleading plus a handsome new coat of lined-out paint. Except for the rear wheels which, I am told, will follow next winter. What better way to celebrate 'unlocking day' on 4th July than to take Percy home from the paint shop via 'The Bull' at Bacton? This Suffolk pub will feature next June as one of the lunch stops in the East Anglian Traction Engine Society's 'Route 66' Road Run.
Outside The Bull.
Getting ready to set off.
Proof of identity.
Percy has a wonderful pair of original headlamps, with the works number engraved on the glass - and now picked out in gold.
Nice lamp at the rear too. (Note the polished rose on the pick-up hose.)
On a very single track road, Percy pulled up by a driveway where there was a grass verge sufficient to let a car past.
Only to find a wedding taking place up the drive.
Percy immediately became the backdrop for wedding photos. You can just see the safety valve starting the feather in this picture. I should have waited for about one second more, when the valves lifted fully - with predictable consequences for the unsuspecting wedding group.
Just checking everything is as it should be.
Including the steering chains.
Not sure they noticed the speed watch sign.
Onto the 'main road' in Badwell Ash.
Picturesque Suffolk.
An oil round near Stowlangtoft.
Seeing to the fire.
Going nicely up the hill past Stowlangtoft church.
This was a memorable day. A wonderful feeling of normality. (As far as some of us are concerned!) Thanks very much Stuart. I hope more people and engines will be able to get out and about again as the summer progresses, even if formal rallies are not possible.
Bill.