Quote:
Originally Posted by jamespeterbrett
The people who make comments of this are normally poorly educated in how much it costs to take a engine to a show, weather on a lorry, lowloader, or roaded in, and many who say this (wrongly) think just because you have a engine, you are loaded with money and can afford to take you engine to shows out of your own pocket. There are shows about that do not have steam, but these are not as popular as those that do. Stradsett park rally is organised by NvTEC, and in the last few years has started having a few steam engines present as they have realised they are a more of a crowd puller than 100's of pop and bangs, and static tractors.
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Some also make the point however that it can cost as much to low load a tractor, combine, large piece of machinery as it does to move a traction engine. And costs are going up for everyone, its costing us over £1k to get a new chromed surround made for our ERF Showmans tractor, a similar amount for two new front wings (at a very good price), a similar amount to have the radiator re cored, more again for the dynamo to be rebuilt. We've staggered it over several years, as we can afford it all in one hit. High costs are not the exclusive province of the steam movement
There is a very diverse mix in the steam (and vintage) world, be that backgrounds, jobs, age, funds but it is our hobby and I do feel we are lucky that we have somewhere to take our toys to, and that people are willing to pay to get in to watch us enjoying them!
As has been said before if you own a set of golf clubs, you still have to pay to use the course!
I agree Steam is a big draw, Stradsett is a good example of introducing steam to a tractor event and I went last year with a friends engine and organ. They didn't pay us however and the steward was keen to point out that his sugar beet harvesting machine opposite (very large and complicated) had cost him money to transport to the event and to replace parts to get it working. The provided coal which seemed a fair
I think the payment issue is a separate one to that effecting Melford (though its a relevant concern). Really if its a club event or a charity event I feel the money is best in their pot and put to good use. Commercial events however should make a reasonable contribution if you are helping them make a profit.