2012 Miniature Traction Engine Rally

The objective of the first ever traction engine rally we held back in April 2011 was for a two day event to show model traction engines, road vehicles and similar models in steam, operating in the open air, working authentic scale machinery such as balers, threshers and stationary engines as the full size used to do in the past. It was also hoped that the event would be well attended by the general public to get the Society put back on the Basingstoke map!

The success of the 2011 rally was better than all had hoped; we were particularly overwhelmed by the support shown from the large number of exhibitors who were willing to try the new rally organised for the first time by a relatively small club. General feedback from our exhibitors when asked if they would come again next year - the answer was a resounding 'yes' and so it was agreed for 2012!
The 2012 rally will be themed so there will be something different to see on last year but will remain interesting to exhibitors and the visiting public alike. The theme for the rally will be ‘Hampshire Steam’ and will include a bias towards traction engines and models relevant to the Basingstoke and district locality. This will feature such names as Taskers and Wallis & Steevens, together with a display showing the history of the Basingstoke Railway Shed in the main exhibition hall. If you own a model that would fit into this theme we would be particularly interested to hear from you, However, all types of models in any scale will still be made equally as welcome!

Confirmed at the 2012 Rally so far:

In the Field...

  • Over 30 miniature traction engines and road vehicles in steam from 2" to 4.5" scales, examples from Burrell, Fowler, Foster
  • Remote control model tanks roaming
  • Bar and Catering facilities
  • Traders, including JB Cutting tools, Tools 2000, MJ engineering, Wizz Ink (radio controlled models)

In the Halls...

  • Model engineering displays of locomotives, traction engines, stationary engines, aero engines, model fairground rides, boats and model railway displays
  • Display from the Reading Society of Model Engineers
  • The traders 'View Models'
  • Displays from the Lavender Line group and Hollycombe Steam Collection Trust
  • Displays of the history of steam locomotives at and around Basingstoke's railway shed

On the Railways...

  • Recently completed miniature garden railway in steam all day
  • Passenger hauled rides by a variety of locomotives from the steam and diesel era, with some double headed trains throughout the day

Around the site...

  • The Viables Craft Centre will be open as usual with most the craft units open including the sweet shop, Parlour Tea rooms, Strawberry Fields art studios, Jeanettes engravers plus many more!

Traders who wish to come and support the rally can download the show invite and terms as well as the application for entry in PDF form below.

Trader's Invite and Terms

Trader's Application

Photos from the 2011 Miniature Traction Engine Rally

The engines & traders in the field...

Engines at the station...

...And engines & traders in the exhibition hall

More photos from the 2011 Traction Engine Rally can be found here

Please note that all engines are subject to availability. The Society will endeavour to offer the programme as advertised, however this may change at short notice.