Thousands turn out for Shrewsbury Steam Rally - with pictures and video
“We have this great array of engines, this great array of power – and we’re here today to pay tribute to it in Shropshire.”
And with those words, the cavalcade of steam kicked off.
Dozens of steam-powered vehicles weaved around the main arena surrounded by hundreds of fascinated enthusiasts of all ages.
It was all part of the Shrewsbury Steam Rally, a celebration of steam machines of all kinds taking place at Onslow Park this weekend.
It’s the 53rd annual event, and organisers were expecting as many as 20,000 people to turn out to enjoy the unique attractions and excellent weather.
“These are memories of long since past, and it’s something we must remember and work to protect,” the commentator said as traction engines and all manner of other vehicles started moving forward to cheers from the crowd.
Pomp and Circumstance blasted over the loudspeakers.
“None of us here today own any of these engines. We’re only custodians for the next generation. The engines have survived against all odds – from scrap yards, wood yards and fields. They’re here today as a tribute to British engineering.
“Shropshire is very well known in steam. Steam was very much alive in this county. We had two railways, we saw great variations of steam locomotions. I feel we’re paying tribute to that power here today.
“I’d like to give thanks to the organising team here, and so many people behind the scenes who’ve put the show together.”
There were more than 1,000 exhibitions to see during the show, including steam-powered tractors, cars and other vehicles, as well as historic military vehicles, veteran and classic cars and commercial vehicles, motorbikes, vintage tractors and fairground organs.
The old time fairground gave families the chance to try some more traditional fun, while acres of trade stands were available for those looking to buy a bargain.
Among this years biggest attractions was the Trevithick Locomotive, which was designed by Richard Trevithick and built by the Coalbrookdale ironworks in 1802.
Although these early designs didn’t work as well as had been hoped, it demonstrated the possibilities of steam and inspired generations of engineers.
The other headline act was the Portsmouth Action Field Gun Display Team.
The team performed the South Africa Challenge, when a Command 1 tonne, 12-pounder field gun and limber – a two-wheeled cart designed to support the trail and the stock of a field carriage – were raced across the main arena.
The challenge involved the teams racing each other to disassemble and reassemble the field gun on the carriage and fire a blank at each end of the run.
