Organ Update 13
UPDATE Compiled by Boz Oram
boz@historyinharmony.com
www.historyinharmony.com
Happy Easter...
Unlucky for some? I hope not, but I must admit that I was going to call it 12a as someone I knew a few years ago used to. Welcome to you all, including the latest people to join the Update circular.
As ever, should you wish to not be included on this update, then please let me know at boz.oram@andover52.fsnet.co.uk and I’ll remove you forthwith. Conversely, if you know of any other people who would benefit or enjoy this email, then please get them to contact me at the same address.
Also, I wish you a Happy Easter!
Thank you for your input in this issue.
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This edition’s few words of wisdom
“The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist fears this is true.”
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From Alan Holmes, Chairman of the Road Roller Association
Road Roller Association AGM 2005
The 31st AGM of the Road Roller Association was held on Saturday 5th March 2005 at The Novotel, Ipswich, Suffolk via History in Harmony. As has been customary for many years a whole weekend of activities aimed at the whole family had been arranged.
Because most members had long journeys to reach Ipswich no formal activities had been arranged for the Friday evening, apart from the social gathering at the Hotel. Members and their families, making inroads into the Real Ale that had been specially laid on, had a convivial evening.
On the Saturday morning approximately 50 people travelled by AEC Regent Double Decker, ex Ipswich Corporation Transport, to the Ipswich Transport Museum, passing the former site of the Ransomes, Sims and Jeffries works on the way. Ipswich Transport Museum has the largest collection of transport items in Britain devoted to just one town, and of particular interest to Members were a 1910 Aveling and Porter Living van, a 1925 Barford and Perkins Motor Roller and other items of road making machinery. After the visit the AEC Regent returned everybody to the Hotel Novotel in time for the buffet lunch. Afterwards, the AGM itself took place between 2:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., with approximately 50 Members in attendance. The normal business of the Association was carried out.
After the AGM Stephen Mael, the Museum Manager of The Long Shop Museum, Leiston, gave a short illustrated talk on Garrett’s of Leiston, as a taster for the visit the following morning. Approximately 60 people sat down for an Evening Meal at approximately 7:30 p.m. The social gathering continued until the early hours, with the Real Ale only lasting until 9:30 p.m.! (Well done, good drinking!)
On the Sunday morning a large selection of people made their own way to The Long Shop Museum, Leiston, for a private visit. Garrett Road Roller No. 34265, Consuelo Allen, of 1923, which had been steamed especially for our visit, greeted us in the car park. Following guided tours around the Museum those present were able to wander and view the artefacts at their leisure.
After a buffet lunch most people then travelled across to the other side of Ipswich to visit Alan Hines’ yard at Wattisham. Here there were 3 engines, with 2 of them being steamed especially for our visit.
As usual the social side of the weekend was very enjoyable. The Committee would like to thank all those members who attended and made this RRA AGM Weekend another one to be remembered.
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Remember FOPS AGM 2-3rd Bookings still available.....
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From eturbo news: Some of the oldest preservation in existence..
Solved Mystery: Boy Pharaoh Died of a Broken Leg
The secretary-general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities Dr. Zahi Hawass confirmed the results of the CT scan performed on the mummy of boy King Tutankhamun with the results from the test indicating that the teen pharaoh was not murdered as originally thought, but may have suffered from an infected wound from a broken leg. “We saw the fractured leg, which may have occurred a day or two before his death. The wound could have become infected. This theory on the murder has now been dismissed. Definitely, books will have to correct this particular line. Theories that Tutankhamun was killed after a blow to the back of the head are no longer correct. The research team also found out that he did not suffer from a crushed chest. The fracture on his left leg may have not been fatal however the infection that set-in perhaps killed him.
The mummy has now been studied more than in last 50 years, with 1700 CT images of the royal mummy being taken, which could last archaeologists a lifetime of research. The conditions of King Tut’s remains however are in bad condition. When Howard Carter took the golden mask out of the chest, he used tools with fire and he damaged the mummy completely leaving it brittle and almost thin-layered.
Later on this year, a four-state United States tour of the exhibition dubbed Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs (which opens June 2005 in Los Angeles and ends May 2007 in Philadelphia) is hoping to educate the public on the correct version on the life and death of the boy King, on the New Kingdom especially at the time of the Golden Age of King Tut. Portions of the imaging work will be shown when Tut travels back to the US after 26 years. People who have seen him between 1976 and 1979 in 7 key cities may wish to see the expo again, embellished with more than 130 objects, 50 of which will be King Tut’s very own.
Finally, as we are on this subject, a flurry of major archaeological activities Egypt have been witnessed recently with March 2nd, seeing an Australian team’s discovery of 3 well-preserved coffins and a 2500-year-old entombed, bead-covered mummy belonging to the 26th Dynasty in Saqqara. Only 30% has ever been excavated.
King Tutankhamun however, is still classed as the most important discovery in the Valley of the Kings so far.
I remember seeing the exhibition back in the distant past when it was shown in London – I was totally fascinated by the whole experience, especially as you felt as though you were actually entering the tomb itself.
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From The Week, January 2001
Police in Maiduguri, northern Nigeria are pursuing a witch doctor that turned a schoolboy into a yam. Mala Kachalla, an official working for the Governor of Borno state said, “there has been a strange incident” The vegetable has been locked in a cell for its own protection.
Just thought you’d like to see that one – does anyone know what the outcome was?
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From Jim Pickles
Hi Boz,
Thanks for issue #12 ... I see I have caused a bit of a mystery!
Tingalary = Player Piano (not to be confused with a Pianola).
With regard to Derek Legg's rivets...
For those who were not on the Update when this question was posed, Derek asked how to paint a vehicle’s body’s rivets, without rubbing the paint away when preparing the surfaces……
“I have some experience of preparing rivets on a preserved bus (but not as many as on Derek's van side!). Both of the methods I have used have been laborious but successful. The first method was using foam-sanding blocks. These can often be found at bargain shops. They can be used wet or dry, are far more comfortable on the hand than wet and dry paper and they flex nicely around the rivet head. The second method is to use a small steel wire brush. These too can be found at bargain shops; in packs of three assorted brushes (usually one of each of nylon, brass and steel) you could describe them as "toothbrushes with attitude!” One method that I have not tried yet (although I got close to it once!) is a small wire brush attachment in a 12-volt modeller's drill. After a bit of practice, that should prove quite quick.
Keep up the good work”.
Regards, Jim Pickles.
Thanks for that Jim – Tingalary put me out of my misery!
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From Joanna M Ormesher MinstD, Executive Director of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts USA
Boz
The article on the carousels was great - there is actually a 'trail' so that you can go all around the East Coast Carousels ... starting just down the road at the best one at Glen Echo Park http://www.glenechopark.org/kids.htm#carousel> ... just down the road. You should think of it as a trip - prices, exchange is so good right now!! I will check on the Farm Collector stuff from here and see if there is a contact and let you know.
Jo then came back to me with a host of websites, so thanks for that…..
http://www.jdheritage.net/JDHeritage_net.htm
http://www.farmcollector.com/
https://www.farmcollector.com/fcmec/router.aspx?PageId=ProBrowse&SubjectCode=FCS&TopSubjectCode=FCS
http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Antiques/Farm_and_Ranch_Equipment/Tractors/
http://www.marchofmachines.net/
Hope these help a bit Boz ……..
Yes they do and thanks for this – our readers will have hours of fun!
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Details of the MOOS agm
Just a quick run down of the Mechanical Organ Owners Society agm. The day was quite cold, with a biting wind, however a number of instruments were there playing really well and included the Vice Chairman’s Rob Wichall’s Gaudin of 47 keys. The instrument is in virtually original condition and sounds so original (you know what I mean don’t you), as well as the Len Crane Gavioli/Chiappa of 48keyless size. Many will have seen this instrument at the Great Dorset Steam Fair and it is quite an unusual organ with a unique sound. No more, you’ll have to go to the GDSF to find out for yourself. Returning back to North Newington - after a short absence after the Gavioli day just after the New Year was Jeff Shackell’s 87 key Gavioli that actually gave a recital for the well-known showman, Billy Irving who passed away just a few days previously. David Heritage’s 31kl McCarthy organ is an interesting exhibit - this organ was built for Peter Davey back in the late 80’s so that it could be used as a scale model at exhibitions. Despite its size, I remember one year at Parham Park Rally hearing the organ right over the top of general hubbub of the show, quite some distance away. Cleverly, inside the clubhouse was a place to warm up and there was a bar selling wines and beers. Also within the hall area was Bob West's Raffin 31 note hand turned organ. The meeting was held in this part of the venue and more information will be gleaned from the moos website. www.moos.org.uk
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From Peter Brookes-Tee.
Hi there. Pleased to receive your circular. Plenty of contacts and information on tap – can only be to the good. Please note that the Carlisle and District Vintage Society" will be holding its annual rally this year at – Lough Farm Brisco, over the weekend of 4th – 5th June. For more info email me at vin.society-carlisle@tiscali.co.uk.
Thanks for that Peter.
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Crofton Beam Engines
Just had a small tour around Wessex and one of the places that was visited was the excellent Crofton Beam Engines. Even though the pumping station was actually closed to the Public, after a call to their warden, the place was opened for our inspection. So grateful thanks for the tour and looking after all of us. For those people who do not know, but Crofton is some 6 miles from Hungerford in Berkshire and was originally built to supply water to the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal at its highest point. From the day that the canal was opened, the 1807 wooden beamed engine supplied water, however soon afterwards, the 1812 Boulton and Watt engine was installed and then later on in 1846 the older engine was removed and a Harvey of Hayle replaced. Interestingly, this engine over stroked last year and cracked one of the wooden beams (looking back at the log books, it seems to have been a regular occurrence during its working life). The engine was left out of action and during the winter months, the floor was strengthened and the engine is now running again. Much work has been done over the winter period so that the Public can enjoy this excellent piece of industrial heritage, such as the pumps, linkage and other niggling bits and pieces. The pumping station will be open daily from March 25th to October 2nd with steaming days being March 26th-28th, April 30th May 1-2nd, May 28-30th, June 25-26th, July 30-31st, August 27-29th and the final steaming days being October 1-2nd. For further enquiries, log on to www.croftonbeamengines.org Remember also that the Boulton & Watt engine is the oldest working beam engine in the world and it is still able to do its original job of work – well done to the volunteers who keep this fantastic temple to the past alive.
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From Graham Mackenzie
As mentioned in my pieces for the Shieldhall newsletter, please add the following..
History in Harmony are preparing a trip to Glasgow, staying three nights in the Glasgow Novotel. Travel by road, rail or air. Dates 23 - 26th July to visit Clyde River Festival for SS Shieldhall's 50th anniversary year, also trips on Sir Walter Scott and scenic excursion to Greenock. Price on application.
Also two-day excursion 3/4th July visiting the Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth, with accommodation booked locally and sailing back to Southampton on the 4th. Again, price on application.
Many thanks,
Graham Mackenzie
Managing Director, Solent Steam Packet (Services) Ltd
Mobile Phone 07751 603 190
Visit our website at www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk
From Mark Jefford
Boz
Sorry about the link to the government website on newsletter #12. Must have got some snow on the line!!
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/newsevents/newsreleases/21-12-04newrequirementsforroadspeedlimiters.htm
Mark
Thanks for that Mark – I must admit that I didn’t look at the site beforehand so wouldn’t have picked it up either.
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Coming Events USA courtesy of Steam Traction magazine www.steamtraction.com
Florida Deep South Gas and Steam Engine Annual Show and Swamp Meet at DeVoe Moore Farm, Tallahassee. March 18 – 19th 2005 ecmims@rose.net
Indiana. 11th Annual Winter Tractor and Engine Show March 18-20th held indoors at the Kruse International Auction Park on interstate 69 Exit 126 Auburn Ind.
MI North American Model Engineering Exposition April 23-24th Southgate Civic Center 14700 Reaume Parkway, Southgate, MI 48195. Precision tools, 9 seminars plus plenty more www.modelengineeringsoc.com
Minnesota. 28th annual Le Sueur County Pioneer Swap Meet April 22-24th. 1000 vendors expected www.pioneerpowershow.com and information from Bob Riebel dbriebel@prairie.lakes.com
Missouri April 29-30th Lathrop Antique Car,Tractor and Engine Swap Meet. www.lathropantique.com
Oklahoma Steam and Gas Engine Show Pawnee Oklahoma May 6-8th featuring Allis Chalmers Gathering of the Orange-West and featured steam engine Corlis plus plenty of entertainment. www.OklahomaThreshers.org
Wyoming Wind River Flywheelers annual tractor and engine show. June 11-12th email cmaule@wyoming.com
Missouri June 16-19th, 27th Annual Show, hosting JI Case heritage Expo, plus Rock Island gas engines. www.lathropantique.com
Ohio 61st annual reunion, Fulton County Fairgrounds, Waueseon, Ohio 23-26th June on state route 108 exit 34/3 featuring Huber equipment. Website www.NationalThreshers.com
Virginia Shenandoah Valley Steam and Gas Engine Assn July 29-31st at Clarke County Fairgrounds, 1 mile west of Berryville Va on Route 7. contact Rick Custer 304-229-2101
Oregon 35th Annual Great Oregon Steam-up. July 30-31
Oregon Antique Powerland in Brooks Oregon August 6-7th (both Oregon shows see www.antiquepowerland.com)
Indiana Northeast Indiana Steam and Gas Assn. 24th annual show featuring Minneapolis-Moline, BF, Avery and Twin City. 11-14th August. 4H fairgrounds LaGrange
Indiana 28th Annual Maumee Valley Antique Steam and Gas assn August 18-21st east of New Haven Ind. Interstate 46 to US 30 www.MaumeeValley.org
Illinois American Threshermen’s 46th annual Steam, Gas and threshing show August 18-21st Fairgrounds, 627 Ballpark Road, Pinckneyville IL. Feature Keck-Gonnerman www.americanthresherman.com
Minnesota 32nd Annual Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Show August 26-28th featuring Antique Cars, trucks and Carousel Band Organs www.pioneerpowershow.com
South Dakota August 26-28th Historic Prairie Village 2 miles west of Maddison on Highway 34 43rd Annual Jamboree featuring International Harvester with South Dakota Chapter 21. Forty restored buildings, parades, tractor pulls, ploughing, wagon trains carousel rides etc www.prairievillage.org
Minnesota Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion Rollag, September 2-5 www.rolag.com
Remember to check out www.steamtraction.com for up to date information.
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Finally, its time to put your clocks forward one hour!
That’s it so far – you can supply me with information for discussion or news in the limelight – if you want to be anonymous, that’s fine - all subjects are welcome to be discussed. If you feel that your subject isn’t being covered fully, then please let me know and also, please send in an article to cover it.
If you want to use the general material, please do, but please mention History in Harmony as the source and give the web address www.historyinharmony.com Please contact me on article use to ask permission from author.
As ever, should you wish to not be included on this update, then please let me know at boz.oram@andover52.fsnet.co.uk and I’ll remove you forthwith. Conversely, if you know of any other people who would benefit or enjoy this email, then please get them to contact me at the same address.
COURTESY NOTICE
Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Update Compiler. It may be on occasions, necessary to edit material. In such cases utmost care will be taken to ensure that alterations or omissions do not alter the context of the subject or create a misleading or false representation. As a matter of courtesy, the author(s) will be consulted about major alterations. Finally, (to those who don’t already know) I am a bit dyslexic, which doesn’t help me with the spelling or grammar, so if you are struggling with the content, remember I’m also having the same problem on a permanent basis! (thank God for the spell checker).
With kind wishes
Boz Oram
Email address for correspondence boz.oram@andover52.fsnet.co.uk
Website www.historyinharmony.com
tel +UK (0) 8700 113994
Published on iMOD with kind permission of Boz Oram.
