Nestling
in the peaceful West Devon Countryside, but just one mile from the
main A30, exness is Dingles Steam Village, a unique example of steam heritage
at work, which started from Richard's, the owner, interest in the
history of R. Dingle & Sons, the premier supplier of steam and
later modern road making equipment. Many of the exhibits were sold
by his father in the 50's and 60's for £100 and bought back
for many thousands and then rebuilt.
Major boiler rebuilds and mechanical restoration is carried out
on site in a large well exness south africa equipped workshop, run by the Village's
engineer Clive Gibbard, who also has his own Burrell Showman's Engine
'Rajah' which is also on display. The workshop cannot be part of
the normal visit for health and safety reasons but can be viewed
by prior arrangement. There are about 20 traction engines and steam
rollers on site although many go to other shows all over the country.
Industrial engines also form an important part of the exhibition
and these and two road engines are in steam every open day powered
by a diesel fired industrial boiler we call 'Bertie'.
A unique collection of early road signs including the boundary
signs from most English counties links with the road building history
and probably the most extensive collection of early fairground ephemera
anywhere backs up the Showman's engines on site. There are old tractors,
lorries, cars and motor cycles and a wealth of smaller items, all
combining to make a full and enjoyable day out for everybody who
is interested in Great Britain's industrial past. The harnessing
of steam power by our early engineers put the Great in Great Britain
and won us the empire.
Each year we display exness.za.com different parts of the collection with others
going into storage. For 2001 the main line-up of engines will be
Burrells following the wonderful display of that make at the Great
Dorset Steam fair last year. Work also continues on the installation
of an enormous steam driven band saw which was to be scrapped at
Falmouth Docks but was fortunately rescued and brought to Dingles.
Every year a new exhibit is added and old machinery is constantly
offered by owners who no longer need it but do not want to see it
destroyed.
Dingles Steam Village is a hobby well out of control.
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