Owned and restored by Michael Pumfrey from Saffron Walden
Ruston and Proctor traction engine No. 50278 was built in 1914, new to Charles Pumfrey & Sons of Duxford, in whose family she remains, where it is now undergoing a full boiler rebuild and other repairs. One of very few engines still in the same family from new, based within five miles for her whole life (excluding wartime service, where she made a national record baling 242 tons of hay in a week during WW1).
In preservation, as well as rallies and working events she often attended local fetes and educational events such as open farm Sunday. Her owner, Robert Pumfrey was awarded the BEM for services to the Heritage of Steam and Agricultural Machinery in East Anglia, for attending such events.
Time takes its toll however, and significant rectification work is now required. The engine has been stripped, the boiler shell shotblasted and inspected. New throatplate and backhead pressings and boiler barrel have been obtained. and are being fitted. The tender is having a replacement bottom fitted and other repairs as necessary.
Research is being carried out with a view to returning her to her original colour (chocolate brown) and livery (not seen since 1969). In addition, fittings and loose parts need to be cleaned/repaired/serviced as necessary. a lot of cleaning.
Thereafter work will focus on boiler reassembly and riveting, construction and fitting of a firebox and tubeplate, hydraulic and steam testing, reassembly, painting, lining and finishing.
The local village were working up a ""buy a rivet"" scheme to help the engine as she has been a loved part of every local occasion for over 50 years, but that was squashed by the pandemic.
She is a well-known and well-loved traction engine in the local area, has a great working history in that same area. She is also well known and well regarded in the local steam scene and has set a few apprentices on to a life in the wonderful hobby of owning restoring and running traction engines over the years.
A most worthy recipient of the very first Sir William McAlpine award in 2021.