one of the things I have always wanted ...

[messerschmitt owner]

...is a traction engine or steam lorry.

 

Don't ask me why, I just want one!

 

It's on my lottery wishlist, along with a half-track. In the meantime, I shall have to make do with these postcards I bought yesterday!

 

WE chivers devizes steam lorry prob battersea by messerschmitt owner, on Flickr

 

WE Chivers Steam lorry 1 by messerschmitt owner, on Flickr

 

WE chivers devizes steam lorry battersea by messerschmitt owner, on Flickr

 

I have another three if we want to see them.

[dollywobbler]

This thread should interest Mr Scruff...

[chaseracer]

http://www.devizesheritage.org.uk/chivers.html

[warren t claim]

What licence do you need to drive a traction engine on the public highway? They look over 7.5t so I'm guessing class2/cat c?

[messerschmitt owner]

I found the Devizes site, which was useful - I think all of these are taken in battersea at their transport depot.

 

WE chivers devizes steam lorry 2 battersea by messerschmitt owner, on Flickr

 

WE chivers devizes steam lorry 3 battersea by messerschmitt owner, on Flickr

 

WE chivers devizes steam lorry 4 battersea by messerschmitt owner, on Flickr

 

cost of these six, I could have bought an 'autoshite special' car!

[messerschmitt owner]

What licence do you need to drive a traction engine on the public highway? They look over 7.5t so I'm guessing class2/cat c?

you need a steam engine licence!

 

Seriously, according to the National Steam Engine Society people

 

Who Can Steer an Engine?

 

Question:

 

I will shortly be turning sixteen and was hoping you could inform me on rules and regulations for driving and steering steam rollers/traction engines. I have been told a few rules, though I would like it if you could clear them up, as I don't want to be doing anything illegal with the engines. I am especially looking for details upon being the steersman of a traction engine.

Jack Ayland

 

Answer:

 

Section 88 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act (RTA), sub-section 7 paragraph (a) states: 'a person who is not the holder of a licence may act as steersman of a motor vehicle, being a vehicle on which a speed limit of five miles per hour or less is imposed by or under section 86 of the [1984 c. 27.] Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, under the orders of another person engaged in the driving of the vehicle who is licensed in that behalf in accordance with the requirements of this Part and Part IV of this Act...'

 

The licence requirements for steersmen in the case of a vehicle capable of attaining a speed greater than 5 miles per hour are not clearly spelt out by the RTA, one way or the other. Subsequently I believe there are two considerations that might be used in a court of law;

 

a. by comparison to the minimum age for drivers of agricultural vehicles, (albeit a licence has to be held), and

 

b. the physical build and capability of the steersman.

 

Given that the underlying ethos of the Highway Code is Safety the NTET's Engine Owners Code of Practice (Part 2 - Conduct on the Road) advocates a minimum age of 16 and a height of 1.4mtr for steersmen of any type of steam traction vehicle, whether or not they are licensed.

 

My personal view is that at least a provisional driving licence should be held by the steersman thus indicating a commitment to road safety and a sense of responsibility.

 

Please be aware that whilst the 'driver' is deemed to be in charge of the steam vehicle, in the event of an accident the award of damages and any penalties may be applied to the steersman if that person's conduct was proven to be a contributory factor.

[messerschmitt owner]

Driving Larger Vehicles on a Car Licence

 

Normally, a Category B licence allows the holder to drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass (MAM). If the vehicle you drive has a maximum authorised mass, which exceeds 3.5 tonnes, but not 7.5 tonnes then a category C1 licence is needed and if the maximum authorised mass exceeds 7.5 tonnes then a category C licence is needed.

 

It has long been understood that the holder of a 'car licence' may drive a steam traction engine on the road, although the car licence acts only as a provisional licence when driving a steam road roller.

 

The DVLA, through its website and other publications, gives formal support to this arrangement and advises that there are special licensing arrangements allowing Category B licence holders to drive larger vehicles without having to hold the higher large goods vehicle (LGV) driving licence entitlement. Amongst the fairly long list of special exemptions to the Category B requirement are "a vehicle propelled by steam e.g. large goods vehicles with coal or wood burning engines". Who told them to include goods in this definition? You won't find it in any legislation! We have apprised them of this anomaly and await their reply with interest.

[Justin Case]

Thanks for posting those . I would also love to have one, but unfortunately they have acquired a 'Steam Tax' (as opposed to a 'Scene Tax' ):

 

http://www.cheffins.co.uk/lot/-470765-vintage-0

 

 

Looks as if I'll just have to make do with a couple of shelves of steam books and a pile of back copies of 'Old Glory'