EVENTS – THE 2021 SWEET PEA RALLY
John reports on the welcome return of this popular gathering which along with so many others fell victim to the Covid pandemic in 2020.
The 28th occasion of this long-standing event was held at the Broomy Hill track of the Hereford Society of Model Engineers over the weekend of the 21st-22nd August. It was especially notable for a couple of reasons, the introduction of a new trophy for the best engine on show and working during the weekend, along with a unique chain-driven version of the popular Metre Maid 0-6-0, more of that later.
Damp start
The rally started on Saturday to a grey damp morning which soon turned into a rather wet set of conditions for the drivers and visitors. However, in true model-engineer style the waterproof clothes were donned and running began as and when the locomotives were ready.
There is always a little competition between Malcolm High from Doncaster (Photo 1) and Dave Dick from Stockport (Photo 2) to see who can be the first on the track. This year the honour fell to Malcolm with Dave not far behind. Both these locomotives are well tried and tested and were soon making short work of the mile-long ground-level track.
On the elevated track preparations were also in hand and Martin Everett from the Isle of Wight club was soon enjoying some track time with his standard version of the Sweet Pea engine (Photo 3).
Inside the club house, event sponsor Blackgates Engineering had produced a small display showing off the history of the event along with the
original locomotive built by designer Jack Buckler – this being the first rally since Jack’s passing in August 2020. Jack’s engine was furnished with a nice bunch of Sweet Pea blooms to add a little colour to the display (Photo 4), while alongside it was a very nice example of the 3½-inch gauge version ‘Sweet Violet’ under construction by Paul Holland from the Oxford SME.
Unique locomotive
As Saturday progressed and the weather continued to be poor, track time was being taken by a few hardy souls who ignored the conditions. On the elevated track a unique locomotive was being put through its paces by Linda Gearing from Hampshire. This 5-inch gauge version of the ‘Metre Maid’ 0-6-0 Sweet Pea variant was totally different to anything else operating at the rally. It was chain driven to the rear axle and featured outside Stephenson valve gear (Photo 5/5A). Built by Martin Gearing the engine drove very well, taking the track with consummate ease.
The weather improved during the afternoon which made for better conditions for everyone. One of Hereford SME’S young engineers took to the track for the first time driving the club’s own Sweet Pea. Ollie Powell had not driven a steam loco before so it was a totally new experience for him. One of the other more experienced young engineers took him round the track and it was pleasing to see how Ollie took on board the instructions and drove round the circuit like a professional. After two circuits he returned to the station with both water gauges half-full and the safety valves just lifting – a good result for him (Photo 6).
On Sunday there was a great improvement in the weather with fine dry conditions and warm sunshine. This really made the locomotives stand out and Phil Owen’s 7¼-inch gauge ‘Jacquie O’ performed well with
a number of different drivers. Hester Pierce was really involved with the engine both in its preparation and driving in a very accomplished way (Photo 7-8).
Rob Davidge from Leicester had his very well turned out 0-4-0 ‘Molly’ in steam and running with his family as passengers which was nice to see (Photo 9). Brian Holland had his 7¼-gauge 0-4-2 variant in steam for long periods and this immaculate engine looked good in the sunshine (Photo 10).
New trophy
Of course, the highlight of the weekend was the presentation of a brand-new trophy for the occasion. Over the last 30 years or so the rally trophy has been presented by Ron Drake who, when the event started, owned the Blackgates Engineering company that all model engineers know. However, when Ron’s wife June passed away he thought it would be a good idea to dedicate this rally to her memory. This is how it has been for the last 27 years.
Reflecting on this, Ron decided that as he did no longer feel up to travelling long distances to rallies that perhaps a new trophy would be appropriate. Hence the Jack Buckler Memorial Trophy has been created to carry on the tradition.
This rally was the first to have the new award and trophy presented and in addition to a cut-glass vase for the winner, a suitably embossed poloshirt would also be awarded. Judging was carried out by two members from the host club and they presented their deliberations to Jacquie and Phil who then made the announcement on Sunday afternoon.
The winning locomotive was ‘Baloo’ (Photo 11-12) built and owned by Bob Danton from Bristol. It was a popular choice and a very surprised Bob was presented with the trophy and shirt by Jacquie Owen (Photo 13) to the acclaim of the assembled members and visitors. An emotional Bob thanked everyone for their support and then had the task of proudly wearing his new attire (Photo 14).
This more or less ended a great weekend which everyone seemed to enjoy and it only remains for me to thank Phil and Jacquie Owen for their tremendous support, along with all the Hereford SME members who contributed very much to the success of the weekend. I must also include all the catering staff, who provided endless tea and coffee together with some excellent food for all the visitors and members.
Next year’s rally is planned for the weekend of 18th-19th June at the Fareham club in Hampshire.
“In true modelengineer style the waterproof clothes were donned and running began as and when the locomotives were ready...”
“He returned to the station with both water gauges half-full and the safety valves just lifting – a good result...”