Long Melford . Suffolk .

[jamespeterbrett]

Originally Posted by Mr B

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.

Repairs to you exhibit, regardless of what it is, is down to you, and not a case for you to seek payment. Steam engines are the biggest crowd puller at any show, and a lack of steam is what most people seam to talk about when a shows is down on a big way on numbers of steam. The lack of money (or coal) towards transportation of a engine to a show is the main reason why Melford rally was only able to field 11 engines, and the discontent and upset did spread to fiends of the full size engines,

Most members of the public who are not even steam enthusiasts love seeing steam engines, but most members of the public would not look twice as a piece of harvesting machinery, old tractor or classic lorry. My advise on a stationary engine forum a few years ago when they were jealously moaning about the money steam engines get at shows, was if your not happy with the fact they get paid and you don't, don't go to that show. if neither of you attended, it would be the chap with the steam engine who would be missed the most. If people are stupid enough to think the money that shows pay out covers the transportation fees of taking a engine to a rally, then they are seriously mistaken.

I for one at Raveningham always try to pay the engines attending well, either in coal or money towards their lowloader. The committee know what a crowd puller they are and have no issues with paying out, as their attraction in their own right will pay for its self. Sadly the same cant be said for most other type of exhibits, regardless of their transportation needs. In regards to tractors, yes most use a lorry, of which 99% of them are owned by the exhibitor, cars use a few pounds of fuel and then sit there all day, stationary engine transportation costs and running fees are low. vintage commercial fuel feels are much greater, but what percentage of those present have to higher a lowloader to attend, and how many can say that the commercials are the star attraction at a steam and/or vintage rally? How many owners of the other type of exhibits are normally with their exhibits and are on hand to answer questions, hoe many of the other types of exhibits are willing to take part in fun and games in the ring. I know from the shows I organize, that the hardest people to please are the classic cars, and the most helpful tend to be the steam section.