National Steam Rally: 4th August 2024

The call was out, for an exhibition of as many Model Ts that we could muster, to recognise the 60th anniversary of the National Steam Fair in Stradbally, which was founded by four steam enthusiasts in 1964, one of them being deceased member Benny O’Gorman.

With a revolving management structure, just like the Taoiseach in Ireland presently, it was John Henry taking up the reins, ably assisted by his predecessor Paul Murphy.

To be fair to all parties involved, it was a Trojan effort, where little we know of the background in getting our pitch ready to accommodate transport and Model Ts, 46 in all, properly lined up with sufficient space intervals to make viewing convenient for all comers.

It was a pleasure to see new members present and a goodly number of Model Ts not seen before, to add to the variety and colour presentation. 

The common theme from visitors as expressed to your scribe, is the large numbers of Model Ts in Ireland, where many a folk thought they were an extinct species. 

No, one does not have to rely on Laurel and Hardy films to get a reminder of Model T motoring in the era at all.

Our catering corps were in full swing serving up a host of sandwiches and cakes to the ever increasing numbers flocking to our stand: rather like the biblical story of the loaves and fishes enjoyed by the unexpected crowds at the north west shore of the Sea of Galilee over two thousand years ago.

The display of cars and commercial was second to none. Of all the car clubs in our country, we as members feel justly proud  that we are able to amass such a presentation for all comers to enjoy. 

Twins in a family may be double the effort:  likewise our friends, those with multiple collection pieces, swelled the numbers at considerable time and effort, for which we are truly grateful, or so said our President John Brady when presenting hand turned Viking bowls to our chief organiser and his assistant.

This time, the hand crafted bowls were of the design of the Vikings, who first came to Ireland in 795 AD and establishes fortified bases in Dublin over the following 40 years.

During the excavations at Wood Quay, items of a culinary nature were discovered.  The pieces presented made from Walnut are based on uncovered artefacts on a Viking Settlement. The larger of the two, a six inch piece, was presented in order of seniority.

There was a huge variety of sideshows to visit and take in.  An interesting collection of road making equipment in full force had a huge crowd in attendance while dumpers, hand block making and towed graders were in action.

Sean McEvoy and colleague had a most interesting display of a miniature single cylinder four stroke engine powered by a 6 volt battery connected to a Model T coil feeding a spark plug in rotation on the firing stroke.  The model worked! 

Sean fuelled it up, rotated the flywheel and off it went. In the absence of a cooling system, it was allowed to run for a short time, more than sufficient to take in and admire the  craftsmanship and expertise involved in this interesting piece.

The Fordson stand was manned by  competent mechanics rebuilding the engine power plant of a Fordson Tractor where we all know of the Cork foundry,  and the commencement of manufacture at Marina in Cork by Henry Ford & Son.

The tractor community came out in full strength with an array of Ferguson and Ford to the fore with many unusual or rare exhibits to be viewed and enjoyed.

The high point of the gathering was of course, the steam engines.  Your scribe counted 64 of them in varying sizes and colours, horse power and sheer beauty.  

At the peak of the afternoon, the engines were steamed up to the viewing stand for presentation of brass plaques in the presence of the many admirers surrounding the circular enclosure.

We too had our moment of glory:  when the steam brigade cleared off, they were soon followed by the tractor men:  when these completed their round we were next in line. 

The audience were appreciative.  How well they would be,  for they got a day of variety, in all things mechanical that was  second to none. 

Sit back and consider how things have progressed.  What is surprising is that steam engines were being manufactured up to 1927, where at that time Henry Ford had completed a 15 year run of Model Ts, and almost 10 years of production in agricultural tractors.

True, the steam engine was a large and powerful beauty, but the agility and economy of the Fordson Tractor and the little grey Ferguson, changed the mechanical scene and farming mechanisation for all time.

Well worthy of repeating, if one may, the hospitality arrangements were the product of hard labour and enjoyment. The array of food, the array of variety and the constant drawing of water in churns for the kettle on the hob, was outstanding.

To these kind people, headed by Eleanor, we are ever so grateful, 

The scene was set for enhanced socialisation and fun for, which we strive; catching up with old friends and welcoming and making new acquaintances.

Long may we continue to flourish and enjoy our special hobby.

Until next year then…