Acton Bridge Steam Party

I always like to attend this one. It's a small but interesting gathering of steam at the Leigh Arms, Acton Bridge, on the River Weaver that takes place at the end of the rally season.

I went down on the little bike (the ride over there is a delight in itself, all along Cheshire lanes through Ollerton, Lower Peover, Plumley, Lostock Gralam, Budworth, and Comberbach). Early morning rain had cleared and we even saw the sun in the afternoon.

Being on the river, steam boats also attend. The 'big ones' (Steam Tug 'Kearne' and Daniel Adamson) were absent this year, but there was a gathering of narrow boats.

As ever, click on any picture for a larger image.

 The Little Bike at Acton Bridge. Car parking is a problem here, but not for one of these!

Smokey miniature 

Peter Flitcroft on the right, chatting to the chap who is building his steam tractor.

Several other members of Urmston & District Model Engineering Society were there, as was Matt Jodrell with his Fordson tractor and living van. He would have brought his steam roller but apparently his delivery of coal arrived too late to fire it up and drive it to the steam party. A week ago we met at Consall where I was signalman and he was driving the big S160 loco. 

Nice 3/4 size steam lorry 

Fred Dibnah's 'Betsy' 

A late arrival rolls into the car park of the Leigh Arms

.