Charles Polkey's 3" Traction Engine
By Charles Polkey

Hi all,

Saturday 22nd May 2010 was the day we decided to raise steam on the traction engine. The machine was picked up from our cottage by Martin and Andries and taken to the PMES grounds. After a long session sorting out a few problems, the fire was lit and steam was raised and the tractor was put into motion by Andries who ran alongside as it started off. The driving car is not yet made so the youngest and fittest member (Andries) copped for the job. The engine was set to travel without a driver in a circle which it did for many times without deviation. It steamed very readily and produced plenty of power.

During construction, over a long period, and even when tested on compressed air, there is always the worry that the engine may not perform as well as it should, but the expression on the face of the builder says it all. Unfortunately, Jean who has given me a lot of encouragement and support was not able to be there because of her current problem with shingles, but she will get her share of smoke and hot cinders when the riding car is available.

Happy day!!
Charles

The builder and his machine

The fire was lit

Getting the new chimney dirty

Testing the whistle

Posing after the first steaming

And they steamed off into the sunset!