POINT-TO-POINT

Series

Series Name

Mining Review 9th Year

Issue

Issue No.

1

Date Released

Sep 1955

Stories in this Issue:

1. 1SAM WATSON, D.C.L.
2. 2VALLEY MATCH
3. 3POINT-TO-POINT
4. 4GIANT CLEANER

Story

Story No. within this Issue

3 / 4

Summary

BFI synopsis: National traction engine rally at Appleford, Berkshire
NCB Commentary - Near Appleford in Berkshire all roads lead to the National Traction Engine Rally. The display of old faithfuls attracted a crowd of thousands. Among them were many of the real enthusiasts who collect and tend the engines with loving care. Models on shown dated from the 1890’s up to comparative newcomers built just before the war.
They all have this in common. Coal or coke raises the steam to keep them going. Proceedings were opened in contrasting styles with an old-fashioned delegation going out to meet Raymond Glendenning, who landed on the rally field by helicopter.
Greeted by the Chairman while the local bookie shouted the odds on the 1st race, Glendenning declared "Let Battle commence".
Traction engine racing, they say, is a dangerous sport. With these juggernauts tearing down the course, Appleford takes on a look like a cross between a point-to-point and a Blacksmith’s festival.
Getting off to a good start is half the race, and if she won’t go the remedy lies in the driver’s own hands.
Even the ladies have their place in this heavyweight hobby. With a male mechanic aboard, just in case of trouble, and to keep an eye on the steam gauges, they prove that the hand that rocks the cradle can apply its talent to weightier deeds.

Researcher Comments

Commentary recorded 29 July 1955.

Keywords

Vehicles; Engineering; Exhibitions and shows

Locations

England; Berkshire; Appleford

Written sources

British Film Institute Databases   Used for synopsis
The National Archives COAL 32   /3 Scripts for Mining Review, 1949-1956

Credits:

Production Co.

Documentary Technicians Alliance

Sponsor

National Coal Board