Shrewsbury Steam Rally ready to roll in to town

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the show, which is held at Onslow Park on the outskirts of the town, has become a staple in the calendar.

This year there will be a new attraction of a working display of the Trevithick 1802 Coalbrookdale replica locomotive.

Edward Goddard, society chairman, said: “We are privileged to have the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust’s full size 3ft gauge model of one of Richard Trevithick’s engines which will be demonstrated on a 60 metre track, providing a fabulous steam spectacle.”

The steam rally will showcase over 1,000 exhibits and there will be displays in the main arena of working steam engines and preserved vehicles from days gone by.

There will be parades of historic commercial vehicles including buses, fire engines, vintage cycles, tractors and pre and post World War II cars.

Among the cars on display will be one belonging to David Beddoes who will be taking his Model T Speedster racing car built in the 1920’s.

David said: “I have owned the three litre inline four cylinder side valve engine for seven years after rescuing it as it has a special rear axle that made it valuable for parts.

“Originally a Model T car, at some time in the future a previous owner in the 1920s converted the vehicle into a Speedster.”

Competition Trials motorcycle, a 1964 BSA Trials and a 1932 OK Supreme with a JAP Competition engine. I frequently ride in trials and have achieved some good success with these old machines.”

Mr Goddard said: “We are always extremely grateful to our exhibitors who provide a spectacular and informative display for visitors to the Rally. David’s car is just one of over 1000 exhibits that provide a wonderful spectacle in the main arena.”

There will also be a working field and horses.

Making its debut at the show is the Hunslet 2-6-2T locomotive No. 85 courtesy of the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. Built in 1954 for service in Sierra Leone and purchased from a scrap dealer by the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) in 1975, it will take centre stage at the show.

The show is on August 27 and 28. Visitors can buy tickets online at www.shrewsburysteamrally.co.uk