I thought you may like to see some lamps in action at the 1000 engine rally which took place last weekend. There is usually a 'light up' if the weather permits which involves many of the generating & lighting sets running late into the night. Typically a set will have a 'light box' plugged in with an array of lamps to give the generator a load which of course provides a great lighting display. Alongside are usually a number of lamps to add to the atmosphere. My 1930s Stuart Turner P4 lighting plant (1kW @ 50 volts) and lamps:- A friend's Ruston PT engine and his lamps:- The brightest of the bunch was the Relum Magnalux which I picked up cheaply from Ebay, it is fitted with a Peerless 111 mantle. The Tilley LT is also a very bright lamp and the track lamp is a great lamp to have at a vintage rally where it can be set down on rough grass with no problems. Quite a few comments from people about needing sunglasses around my display! Regards Dave
Nice to see them. When I'm at a rally, I often leave the discomfort of an overcrowded beer tent and take a walk round the engines with pint in hand to see all the lights - paraffin and electric. Even many of the non generator sets are running with a lamp or two beside them. Even though I display lamps, I usually only light one to see my way back from the beer tent. No point in having a light-up when I'm the only one there to appreciate it. Also, I'm not too keen on "suppin' baht ale" on a Saturday night. Henry.
...Great Pics !... ...Haven't been for years but remember it as one of the bigger rallys?... Great day out ! ...Love your Stuart genny.. .... ....Do you know anything of the history of it at all David ? Best wishes, PB
You are spot on Henry, a lot of the non generator guys fire up a lamp and their engine and sample an ale or two and soak up the atmosphere. I do like a lighting set though! A few years ago chinese lanterns were all the rage until one floated into the camping area....the organisers put a ban on them the next year!! I don't imagine air traffic control at Manchester would be best pleased either These days fire pits using washing machine drums and wood burners built from calor gas cylinders are commonly seen on the rallyfields to add to the atmosphere. Regards David
Hi PB... Astle Park is the 1000 engine rally, formerly at Tatton Park, Knutsford. Still a great rally (not to be mixed up with the Astle Park Steam Rally) for engine purists but exhibitor numbers have been on the decline in recent years. A change of approach and perhaps show title is needed to generate gate numbers and public interest to keep the show alive. After all a field full of engines may not be everyone's cup of tea without added interest. There is plenty more to see such as cars, commercial, steam etc. It is well attended by enthusiasts and a show we all hope will continue for many years, this year was another good show. The Anson Engine Museum at Poynton opens its doors on the Saturday night for exhibitors to attend which adds to the weekend, well worth a visit. My Stuart is a 1.5 HP P4 lighting plant circa 1935 rated at 50volts / 1kW. I am running around 600watts which is more than ample and not putting an undue load on old electrics! It was found on a farm near the village of Benderloch, Oban a number of years ago. Passed through a couple of collectors and was partially restored by the last owner. I bought it last year in the condition seen but am planning a full overhaul in due course as it would benefit from a further strip down, new piston rings, re-paint etc. Its a nice size to exhibit and transport. Many thanks David
Great pics David. It hardly gets dark in Aberdeenshire just now so a light-up wouldn't look so great.
... Ah, then I'm getting it mixed up with the Steam rally one.. ...Heard good things about the Anson museum and keep meaning to go, I've seen quite a few of their displays including one with this Huge long engine on it with was a lot quieter than i expected it to be for it's size.... ..It gave off an incredible 'Thrumming' resonance similar to a Gas engine ? ... ...Good to hear about your Stuart too ! regards, pb
