***SOLD OUT***

Up to eleven engines, their crews & vintage machinery transport us back to the age of working steam, 15th April 2017

About this event

We are pleased to be able to offer you a splendid day out at Andover Steam Yard capturing scenes from the bygone age of steam. 

In road steam circles, Andover is well-known as having been the home of the engine manufacturers Tasker. The brothers Robert and William Tasker founded the Waterloo ironworks in the Anna Valley in 1809 (opened in 1815, hence it was named after the Battle of Waterloo) and it continued to operate until 1937. The engineering company, by now under the ownership of William's sons, produced its first steam engine in 1865 and they went on to produce hundreds; perhaps the most famous design was the 'Little Giant' though many of the company's early engines were to bespoke designs and therefore unique. The company went on to become well-known manufacturers of trailers (as Tasker Trailers) after the Second World War and, after several changes of ownership, the brand finally disappeared during the 1990s.

The yard is home to an extraordinary collection of steam road and portable engines (not to mention the occasional vintage tractor). Our day will see up to eleven engines of various types in steam. Six rollers will be in steam, plus two steam tractors and these will be joined by a steam cider tanker lorry and two portable (static) engines. In addition, we hope to have a small number of period cars and a vintage motorcycle to use in some cameo scenes.

One of the highlights of the day will be a line up of three Ruston engines together. We will be able to take up several steam vehicles out on the road coupled with some of the vintage equipment that is based at the yard and, in addition, will be setting up road rolling scenes with regular deliveries of road-making materials to site. There will also be a land clearance set-up based on the 1960s. 

Currently, those engines scheduled to go out on the road include...

1929-built compound Foden steam wagon No.13316 Sir Lionel, in the livery of Joseph Dovey

1914-built Tasker Steam Tractor No.1592 Pride of Anna Valley hauling a timber cart 

1918-built Ruston Proctor Steam Tractor No.52453 The Lincoln Imp with threshing tackle 

1910-built Ruston Proctor Steam Tractor No.38591 Midnight hauling a traction wagon 

1922-built Aveling roller No.10282 Stoney Broke with an Eddison living van 

1923-built Wallis and Stevens roller No.7779 Sir Lancelot hauling a traction wagon  

Expect all these and more to be in action around the yard during the day, working turn and turn about on rolling and stone crushing duties.  

We are looking forward to a very full day of photography. Our event will start at approximately 08.30 to see the engines being prepared for their day's activities and, with appropriate breaks for refreshment (available on site), we will run until 18.00. A short lunch break is scheduled for around 13.30 hours. 

This new location should provide a wealth of photographic opportunities and we look forward to seeing you at Andover Steam Yard in April to join in our Easter Steam Parade. 

Event cost £55.00 per person.

Event requirements