Basingstoke & District 2014 Miniature Traction Engine Rally

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Basingstoke & District 2014 Miniature Traction Engine Rally

In the clubs 34th year, we will be holding a miniature steam rally on the 12th and 113h April 2011. The objective of the two day event is to show model traction engines, road vehicles and similar models to be operated in the open air in steam working machinery such as balers, threshers, stationary engines as the full size used to in the past. All other activities of the Society will be operating including the 5″ gauge railway giving public rides and the club’s new garden railway making its first public appearance

The event will be run alongside the Basingstoke club’s Viables site, thanks to the co-operation of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Our location provides space to not only allow a large number of steam vehicles to be used on the rally field, but also for leading model engineering suppliers to attend and to provide space for exhibitors to camp. Don’t be fooled into thinking the show is just for model engineers! The location and timing of the rally provides the opportunity for visitors to experience many other local family and engineering-oriented activities while enjoying spring in the North Hampshire countryside. We aim to provide a show which is educational and fun for all the family. We would like to share an insight into Basingstoke’s industrial past, a town rich in engineering history from traction engine manufacturers Wallis & Stevenson’s to vehicle manufacturers Thornycroft’s – but all in miniature!There will be plenty to see and do. Visitors can experience the thrill of riding on the Society’s 5-inch gauge railway hauled by one of our steam or electric traction and the weekend will also be the first public running of the Club’s new gauge 0 and 1 Garden Railway featuring miniature steam and electric trains. The site is part of the Viables Craft Centre, with 14 independent craft businesses including art studios, aroma therapy providers, florists and wood turners operating from converted farm buildings; so the event also provides attractions for other family members. On-site there is also an Indian restaurant and bar, and catering will be provided on the rally field from 7:30am each day by the on-site cafe.On top of all that, unlike many other steam rallies big or small there is no fixed entry fee, as the entire Viables site is open to the public, however, we do kindly request donations to help offset the club’s expenditure.

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