My Passion

My interest in traction engines began back in the 1980s at Rillington County Primary School, but unlike most schooldays hobbies it’s never diminished. In fact, the older I’ve got the greater the level of my interest and the greater the size of my ambitions.

Back in 1985, as a 12-year-old I began building a miniature engine, which weighed around 10kgs and was 18ft in length, which took approximately four years. Over the next 15 years I made another three and each one was progressively more complicated.

Two years after completing a four-inch scale model, I decided it was time to undertake a larger challenge.

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And earlier this year, after eight years, I completed a half scale model of a 10hp McLaren traction engine, which with the exception of the drawings, some castings, and the boiler, was made completely at home.

This fully functioning, and roadworthy, steam engine weighs 3,000kg and on a full day uses up to 60kg of coal and 300-litres of water.

The full size version pf the engine was last manufactured in Leeds by J&H McLaren around 1910.

When the engine was completed I had a great sense of satisfaction steaming it for the first time and taking my daughters for a ride, it was great reward for the help they had given me along the way.

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This help was something we chose to mark with a plaque on the engine that reads M Angus & Daughters Engineers – Scampston.

With the job done I’m now taking the time to enjoy the engine with my family, and travel to local shows to allow other enthusiasts to have a look at it.

Although when travelling to the shows the average speed is around 6-7mph so it’s fair to say you need to plan well in advance where you’re going and ensure you leave plenty of time to get there.

I am now planning to build a full size engine. This has been my ambition for many years, and hopefully it will not take much longer than the last.

I’ve already made a few alterations to my garage and expanded my equipment ready for the up and coming challenge.

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