A Steaming Success

Posted by on 01 Apr 2010 by admin in Uncategorized

Highlight of the 2010 show is likely to be the collection of steam engines, lorries and waggons from the Bon Accord Steam Club in North East Scotland. In addition to the eight magnificent full size
steam engines will be two miniature 4″ scale machines recently completed by Mark Sawkins in Gulberwick and another from the West Coast of Scotland. Part sponsorship for bringing the vehicles to Shetland is provided by Northlink Ferries and the coal for burning while they are in Shetland is by Buildbase Hay & Company for which the organisers are most grateful.

Mobile steam engines have never been in Shetland with the exception of a road roller very many years ago and the show committee have been keen to bring a steam engine of some sort north for the people to appreciate the power and magnificence of these machines. Bill Davidson of Northlink Ferries received the initial enquiry from the Bon Accord Steam Engine Club through RNLI connections and passed this on to Maurice Mullay on the show committee.

The Bon Accord Steam Club hold an annual Steam Fair at Castle Fraser and, in June last year, the Shetland Classic Motor Show were offered stand space at the event. Maurice and Marcus Mullay took up the offer and persuaded the owners of the eight majestic machines to participate in the Shetland event this year, the steam club’s 40th anniversary.

The majority of the machines were produced during the 1920’s and
cover a variety of makes and types of appliance built for general and special purposes and all both individual and impressive. Prior to the show, they intend to tour the Central and South Mainland show which will be a unique and spectacular visual and aural experience. The miniature engines will also be in steam and travel around the venue and town. Approximately 9 tons of coal is likely to be consumed during the four days in Shetland.

Maurice Mullay commented: ‘A hugely impressive collection of steam engines will be on show in Shetland for the first time. Most Shetlanders will never have seen this type of machine before, so this is a unique opportunity to see the engines in their full glory and in full operational mode. The steam, smoke and sound of the engines is equally as impressive as the sight of them.’

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