BSEPS rally, Old Warden 2025
 

Yuehong and I had a hectic but satisfying two days at Old Warden (Friday and Saturday). To give an idea of just what this entailed, I walked some 10km on the first day.

It was the biggest and probably the best one that we have been to this year. I counted 133 engines and my report includes pictures of them all (thanks to Rod Smith for the one that escaped). That figure doesn't include steam cars, 'fun engines' or the galloper centre engine, not because I wasn't interested but because I ran out of time when the clouds and rain came over on both days around noon.

There were lots of highlights but perhaps the best was the 'reconstituted' Burrell wagon closely followed by Fowler Showman "Enterprise".

There were more 'gricers' here than I saw even at Welland, most camped out in front of the 'house'.

Be sure to come next year when there will be a joint celebration for the BSEPS 70th anniversary and its 65th rally.

My usual report can be accessed from here:

https://www.internationalsteam.co.uk.../ukindex25.htm

Thanks again for taking the time with the photos, they are great

Looks like I missed 2 Traction Engines, but no matter, I think I saw both of them at other Steam Rallies earlier in the year. If they do something simliar to 2012 (over 140), 2017 (over 150) or even better 2016 (over 160) then that'll make it even better. I doubt they'll be able to do a 'Tarrant Hinton' (over 200) mind you. I don't what they have in store though, but looking forward to annoucements

What is the obsession with engine quantity?

Ten good ones would be better than fifty average ones.

Nobody's forcing you to go, anyway. If you prefer the smaller rallies then stick to them. Just saying!