I had some discussion with myself about whether to go to another steam rally so soon after the last one. But the weather forecast was good and the Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre is the largest rally in these parts. Probably one of the biggest in the country now that the one in Dorset hasn't taken place for a couple of years. But then there's another smaller show at Stotfold very soon - though it could be a wet weekend. Maybe I could concentrate on some different subjects, like the scale model steam engines. Perhaps the Cornish pasty seller will be there. OK, lets go.
Most of these photos are just quick snapshots as they sped past. The owners of these little beauties make full use of the 700 acre site at Old Warden. And if some of your friends pile on the back it's even more fun. You rarely find them standing still, unless they are parked near one of the bars or food stalls. Some models are built from scratch, but many are assembled from kits, though even that seems to be a considerable undertaking. They come in various sizes, from half-size models down to one-sixth scale. And they can cost as much as a car - not counting your time. The ones below are more within my budget!
LOTS and lots of fun. And charm.
ReplyDeleteAnd there is an incredible amount of power even in the smallest ones..great fun too
ReplyDeleteHad no idea there were so many small versions of the big steam machines. Amazing show of enthusiasm
ReplyDeleteThese models are quite amazing. I once met a fellow in Birmingham who had built an accurate working model of Stephenson’s Rocket. I am quite sure that his relationship with it was far more important than any of the human variety!
ReplyDeleteThe models are pretty amazing. We don't have such things here, that I'm aware of anyways. Of course, I had to wander off and have a look, and...well...we DO! But the amount of time (and money) that it takes to assemble something like this is incredible. And, most importantly, was the cornish pasty seller there?
ReplyDeleteYes, pasties for lunch.
DeleteThey are real beauties but the cost is too much for me. My grandson would love that show!
ReplyDeleteYes, my grandsons would love that show, too! And we would have to stop and buy some of those Matchbox vehicles before we headed home. Thanks for the fun post, John. Amazing to see!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful. Such effort has gone into making them little showpieces, John.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Thank you for the stroll down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteNever knew there were small model versions. They are amazing to see and I'm sure people love seeing them.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good time was had by all! Which one did you catch a ride on?
ReplyDeleteNone unfortunately, though there were times when walking around this huge site that i was tempted to try hitchhiking - or hi-jacking!
DeleteYes go to the fair. There's a lot of creativity in these machines.
ReplyDeleteThese were all wonderful, John, and a lot of work went into these and it shows. It looks like another fun outing for you!
ReplyDeleteI bet they were fun to see....I did not know there were scaled down models either.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun little vehicles...so charming and yet functional, and they definitely are well made. I love good craftsmanship, engineering, designs!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like fun. I've never seen a steam rally, or even heard of one happening in my area!
ReplyDeleteI think I am more impressed by these smaller models than by their bigger counterparts.
ReplyDeleteThese are so great! Imagine riding on one. Cheers to those who build them!
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