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.

Open May 20th. - Sept. 30th.
Mon. - Thur. incl. and school summer
holiday weekends
10:30am to 5:30pm

For details phone Dingles Information Line:
01566 783425