Volume 29 August 2015

Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015

ROAD MAP

From the Editor P.2

At the Wheel P.3

ECAIP Info P.3

BATS 2015 P.4-5

Central Island Report P.6

E-Type Gains International Fame P.7

High Country Report

P.8-9

Kootenay Report P.10-11

South Island Report

P.12-13

Van. Coast Report

P.14-15-16

The Steam Wagons of British Columbia 17-18-19-20

1 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015

From the Editor

Wow, talk about a long, hot summer! Most of us have been doing just that- pro and con. While there can be no doubt that the unusually warm and dry weather is concerning (and THE SPANNER: Editor, Les Foster, downright frightening in some regions) it has been a boon to many of our outdoor events and our enjoyment of our hobby in general. 101- 210 11th St. New Westminster, B.C. V3M 4C9 Surprisingly, the old chestnuts about British cars overheating have proved largely unfounded despite record high temperatures around our province and elsewhere, too. It just goes to [email protected] show that our well engineered vehicles just need to be well maintained to function in any OECC MAIL: The Old English Car Club climate. After all, they were built to be exported all over the globe! I confess that I did expect of B.C. Secretary, to hear some horror stories from Brits Around the Sea which dared to venture into the furnace 5181 Polson Terrace, Victoria, BC V8Y 2C4 of central Washington in July. However, no serious cooling problems were reported even

OECC Email: among the unmodified cars. The people in the cars probably felt it more!

[email protected] Not all of us have been roaming the highways and byways in our sports cars or saloons, though. Some of us have benefitted from the long dry spell by being able to work more often OECC WEBSITE: and more easily on our project vehicles. I’m one such member. I’ve been consistently able to

www.oecc.ca get my Thames pickup outside where I have more room to work for months, now. This has made progress much easier! CENTRAL ISLAND BRANCH On the subject of cooling and hot weather, I was happy to solve the problem of a thermostat Chair: Catherine Gislason for my truck by reaching back to my youth. Now, the upright Fords don’t really need water

[email protected] pumps. They operate on “thermosyphon”- hot water rises and cold water falls. No moving parts! It works just fine with their huge radiators and little engines. The Canadian models HIGH COUNTRY BRANCH: came with the “Export” water pump, though, as its needed to push water through a heater (the Brits just put on more sweaters). With a water pump, the Fords are seriously over-cooled! Chair: Stephen Way Thus, a thermostat is required. Over the years I’ve seen quite a few articles with rather overly- [email protected] complicated solutions of how to fit one (the water pump is an externally-mounted accessory so their is no thermostat housing or such). Thinking back, I remembered seeing a little Genuine KOOTENAY BRANCH: Ford Parts box kicking around amongst my collection of bits. The mouse-nibbled box Chair: Cliﬀ Blakey contained a small brass thermostat for a Ford ’N’ tractor that I had purchased at Richmond Parts in Brighouse (long gone) in 1967, for my first Thames. A very hot crawl in the garage cliﬀ@westernwireless.ca attic finally located it. I had never actually used it so it was as new despite the ravaged SOUTH ISLAND BRANCH: packaging. Installation was a matter of pulling off the upper hose at the spout on the top of the flat (sidevalve, remember) cylinder head, dropping the thermostat onto the rim of the spout and Chair: Kelly James re-attaching the hose. Problem solved! A perfect 160 degrees is maintained no matter how [email protected] warm the weather.

VANCOUVER COAST BRANCH: I hope you’ve enjoyed the positive aspects of this weather (or, perhaps, “climate” from now on). We might as well enjoy it and try to use it to our advantage. Happy motoring! Chair: John McDonald !

[email protected] Front cover photo: Wayne & Pam Peddie (CIB) enjoying their TR6 on the BATS tour in July

2 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015 A t T h e W h e e l : THE MAN IN THE WOODEN CAR President Ken Miles The past summer has been a good one for our hobby. Lots of sunny days with little rain provided us with many good days of driving. The annually scheduled events of summer included the Father’s Day Picnic in the Park, Brits Around BC, Brits on the Beach, the Western Washington ABFM and our AGM in Kamloops. Each one of these events was spectacular in its own way. The Picnic in the Park and Brits on the Beach allowed us to renew old friends who we haven’t seem for several months and to make some new ones. The Western Washington ABFM, now held at beautiful St. Edward State Park in Kenmore, was smaller than it used to be but there are still some OECC members who attend the event and compete with their cars. Our numbers were well down from previous years, though, probably due to the issues with crossing the border. For me, the AGM was the highlight of the summer. Along with Bart and Audrey Shaw, Allan and Mary Lou Miles, John and Lorna Hoare, we left for the Quilchena Inn early on Thursday morning. We took the long route through Hope, Princeton, and Merritt before reaching the Inn late in the afternoon. The next morning two cars returned to Vancouver and John and Lorna and ourselves continued on to Kamloops. The AGM started with a short drive around Kamloops on Friday night and continued with the Mini Monte on Saturday afternoon followed by the actual AGM and dinner on Saturday evening. New officers who will take their new position on Jan 1, 2016 were elected and these are Ken Miles Past President, Trevor Parker The 21st Annual President, Stephen Way Vice President and Inez Parkinson as Treasurer. We are still English Car Affair looking for a new Regalia Chairman and it was quite evident from a discussion held that in the Park the club wants to continue along the path set by Judy Unia, however we need somebody to step forward to perform this function. We will also need a new secretary to replace Pat Sparks as she would like to resign. We need some people to step forward and perform these functions! The AGM was an excellent event and a big thank you to Stephen Way and his committee for putting on such a wonderful event. The OXO trophy was awarded to Adele Hedges, the The Montagu of Beaulieu trophy Featuring the MGA to John Beresford, the Link trophy to Darrell Price and the Mini Monte to Ken and Pat Date ◆ English cars, motorcycles and Miles. Sunday, September 13, 2015 commercial vehicles As the year moves onto fall, don’t forget Time ◆ Automobilia displays, live music English Affair in the Park and other club and activities for the whole family 10:00am to 3:00pm events coming up such as the London to ◆ Bring a picnic or enjoy the on-site Place food concession Brighton Run on the first Sunday in Fort Rodd Hill November. National Historic Site, ! off Ocean Blvd. in Colwood

If you have an English vehicle & would like to participate, please call Kim at 250-656-3128 http://www.oecc.ca/event_ads/ 2015_ecaip_registration.pdf

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Mountains and Diablo Lake. could be ordered from British Parts Brits Around the Sea When planning this trip in July 2014, I Northwest in Oregon. Being a weekend, had no idea that the weather would be so this could not be done until Monday Adele Hedges hot and also that our Canadian dollar morning at Coulee Dam. By this time would not go so far. Nevertheless this Bob & Melba Nelson’s MGB was making did not deter a very happy bunch of an awful squealing noise when using the Central Island Branch Tour OECC people from having a great time brakes, so rotors and pads were also BATS 1V June 27 to July 4, 2015 as can be seen on the pictures on the link ordered. These were delivered to Wagon Masters Ken and Adèle Hedges (P. 5) which were sent daily to our branch Manson on Tuesday. That same day Webmaster, Paul Tilroe. It was also Dave Harris found he could not open the decided against having drivers meetings bonnet to his TR6, even though he had a The route – Sidney to Anacortes, each d ay as many wanted to leave secondary bonnet opener. Those of us A n a c o r t e s t o L e a v e n w o r t h , earlier to try and beat the heat. For one relaxing in the pool could hear lots of Leavenworth to Coulee Dam, Coulee reason or another, some members ended banging and they eventually got it open. up bringing their Latch had broke! A cloth was used as non English opener for the rest of the trip. Gerry of cars, so we had Mountain View Lodge was kind enough 1 1 E n g l i s h , to erect a tent over the TR6 and an (included is umbrella by the MGB so the mechanics Brodie’s newer would get a break from the early morning Mini – MGB GT sun. was not running) Gerry Parkinson could not start his MGB and 6 non GT when trying to leave Anacortes on English and 33 Day 2, so a phone call was made to his people including son in Vancouver who put his MGA on a Missy from trailer and drove down to Anacortes and Japan. All did then returned home with the MGB GT. the whole route They stayed behind along with Alan and e x c e p t o n e Mary Lou Miles and caught up with us the Dam to Manson (2 nights), Manson to couple who left us next day at Leavenworth. Winthrop, Winthrop to Anacortes and after Coulee Dam to visit relatives in Participants took advantage of the pdf then home. Quesnel. giving daily suggestions of places to visit This is our 11th consecutive car trip with along the route and final destination, The scenery was fantastic, going from either BRBC or BATS and boats at Anacortes and La Conner, to as usual there is always climbing up the Snoqualmie Pass to some kind of car trouble. Leavenworth a Bavarian-like town, Upon arriving in Anacortes through Okanagan-like hills, beautiful Dave Harris found that his Lake Chelan, cowboy town of Winthrop TR6 was leaking brake and finally the magnificent Cascade f l u i d . Ken

knowing the splitting up into smaller groups and often seriousness of this seeing one and other at a shady lunch got up early the spot. next day and did Despite the hot weather, a great time was some research as had by all with comments like, “I don’t to where a brake want it to end” or “let’s do it again!” ! master cylinder (see more BATS photos on P. 5) could be ordered. He found that this 4 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015

BATS 2015 Gallery

See All the BATS 2015 Photos at: http://oecc.ca/cib/BATS%2015.htm

5 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015 neighbourhoods seemed to really enjoy Central Island Branch our Old English visit and many waved, honked and stopped to talk to us. The Mini Monte was a riot with all of us Cathy Gislason going in different directions but seeing each other at different locations. It was quite the learning experience…who knew This summer has gone by so fast, and they had seven different types of much of it was spent trying to stay cool in “Get your red hot regalia here!” the blistering heat! I have seen many convertibles driving in the hot weather already and the AGM in Kamloops is just with the top up to get some relief from the over. A handful of us form the Central Hot cars! sun. Island Branch met up with a handful from Brits on the Beach was another great the South Island Branch in Chilliwack and success this year. We didn’t get as many travelled together through the Fraser Valley, along Highway 3 to meet up with others in Manning Park. We then traveled the lovely Highway 5A to Quilchena where we all stopped for lunch before taking the last snakes?! The banquet was fantastic leg through the scenic followed by lively discussion at the AGM. “Empire of Grass” and into On Sunday after all the events were over Brits on the Beach shelters from a rare downpour! Kamloops. There was some members went to Salmon Arm for plenty to see and do as the RJ Haney Village Museum and cars as we had in the past likely because there were the OECC events Classic Car Show while others were of the impending downpour. which was and the Hot Summer Nights car show escorted to Spences Bridge. We were in an exception to the rule this summer. going on at the same time. the latter group and had the pleasure of Even so, we had over It’s always great stopping at the local watering hole. It 150 cars and lots of seeing the many was a “biker bar” that had surprisingly participation in the wonderful folks good food and hospitality! After that was draws and vendors. from other a slow and blistering hot trip home We had many more branches that we through the Fraser Valley having arrived spectators attending don’t get to see just as the Abbotsford Airshow was over, this time, perhaps very often, and the but we made the ferry and got home on because it was cooler Thompson Valley time. The whole weekend was very by the water! At the end of the show the Branch were terrific hosts! On Friday enjoyable – a big thanks to Steven Way sky opened up and dumped copious night they took us up above the city to a and his members for all they did to make amounts of much needed rain on the very fantastic viewpoint. The quiet it such a great success. dry grounds of the park. We have had several other fun Unfortunately for us it was events this summer and several just as we started cooking more to go before the end of the for our after barbecue! It season including the Wednesday turned out well once we night picnics on the beach. We are shuffled around to find all looking forward to the ECAIP covered areas to sit and event in Victoria next month. We eat. High Country- Friday night AGM drive looks over Kamloops hope to see everyone there. ! Here we are in August

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magazine, Classic Car, E-Type Featured in (published as Thoroughbred International Classic Car a n d C l a s s i c C a r internationally) wanted to Magazine feature it as one of the 12 cars a year they cover in their Stephen Way “Lifecycle of a Classic” article. I forwarded further input from High Country Chair Stephen Way’s E-Type the three former owners with gains fame in a international magazine! whom he keeps in contact Original owners Michael and Jackie Stephen is the second OECC owner after Brian and was asked to provide Wainwright honeymoon in Germany 1971 Lees (VCB) who bought it from the original some “typical Canadian purchaser in 1983 and sold it, 5 years later, to a scenery pictures” in addition “pirate” fisherman (quite a character, to the early pictures he had apparently!) who intended to export it to Japan. going back to 1970. After it passed through one more owner, a fish taking pictures in front of the broker, before Stephen became the owner in Rocky Mountaineer train, an September, 2008. -Editor old CN railway station and RCMP detachment didn’t A number of readers are likely familiar seem to be what they wanted, with my white, right hand drive 1970 they sent out a professional Jaguar E-Type fixed head coupe which photographer, Andrew Snucins, frequents many club events throughout who takes all the car the Province. The car is one of only 1,071 photography for Subaru Michael flanked by present owner, Stephen series 2 fixed head coupes built 1969– Canada. He took over 400 Way and second owner Brian Lees at the 1970 and likely one of a few this side of pictures in about 2 hours Vandusen ABFM in 2010 the Atlantic. including hanging out the back Through my research, the car now has a of a mini van doing 50 MPH at very complete ownership history and has minus 16C on an October been reunited with three of the previous morning. We even managed to four owners, excluding only the “pirate”. get some stationary shots with a herd of The story of the international search to mountain sheep on a hill– can’t get more find the original Canadian than that without owner who factory engaging bears! ordered the car, (an Several draft edits were Australian resident completed including a staying in England at Skype call to Croatia and t h e t i m e ) , h a d the final electronic edit in received a full page January 2015 was Alyn Edwards story completed via e-mail while in the Vancouver Sun in August, 2012. While attending the Sun Peaks Run to the Sun Car Show in September 2014 I was approached by a vacationing British automotive journalist, The five page article appeared in the June Robb Pritchard, who was interested in the 2015 edition of Classic Car in UK and the rather complete and interesting history international edition Thoroughbred and and documentation of the “Henlys” car Classic Car. Much to my relief, the and asked if he could do a story on it. previous owners were happy with the Several weeks later I heard from Robb, Robb was sitting at a cafe in Argentina article which portrayed the car being in who actually lives in Croatia when he is covering the 2015 Dakar. The Old English semi retirement on the open roads of not travelling the world reporting on car Car Club of British Columbia is mentioned Canada. The original owner bought 5 events and he advised me the British car in the article. copies of the magazine!!

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Ken Finnigan was recognized at the Adele & Ken Hedges’ peaceful home. The High Country Branch VanDusen ABFM show this year, Ken won Hedges’ kindness and generosity was the “Mike Powley Motor Mouth Award”; very much appreciated. Darrell Price presented to the person who best Thirty eight degrees celsius! That was the represents a true classic British car temperature on the day of our annual enthusiast. Also Ken’s car came second Walker barbecue and drive; and so the Summer is very much here in the Interior, in the MGA category; well done Ken! day could be described as a warm one. and it has been summer-like for a while Stephen Way’s E-Type was also on now, but then again summer has been display and several other members everywhere this year! from Kamloops made the trip down as Our first task of the driving year was the spectators. Stephen’s Jaguar was the annual Spring Tune Up where we made feature car in a substantial article in significant improvements to the health of a the British “Classic Cars” magazine couple of member’s cars. Al Watson is this June (see the write-up from always generous with his skills, time and Stephen about this on the previous well equipped workshop and a Triumph page). and an MG were all the better for some Our cars have also been putting in fettling that spring Sunday. appearances at the numerous small We have continued our monthly “Gather & local car shows held in this area throughout the summer; we continue Brian & John talk things mechanical to try to offer a g o o d m i x o f social, technical, show and driving events to accommodate all member’s p r e f e r e n c e s . Stephen & Darrell drove down in the Jaguar for Brits on the Beach in Tony & Stephen at the”Gather & Go” drive L a d y s m i t h . Ken (MG Magnette) and Stephen (E-Type FHC) They were made very welcome at Go” drives this year and they are proving Special mention must go to new member to be quite successful; on the second Victor Galbraith who Tuesday of each month we get together drove his 1957 Austin for an evening drive and refreshment Healey down from stop and have had the pleasure of Quesnel to join us for seeing an assortment of members out the day. We had a enjoying their cars. There are only so good drive, trouble many roads leading out of Kamloops free despite the heat, but we try to keep it varied and and we stopped in at interesting. In May we headed west to one of the four new Tobiano Golf Club on Kamloops Lake, wineries we have in June saw us head south to the Falkland the immediate area. Pub, while in July we headed north to After this pit stop we Chinook Cove Golf Course, just north went up to Jim & Nora Walker’s beautiful of Barriere. These drives have not only The Walker BBQ- Victor Gailbraith’s ’57 Healey draws provided good exercise for the cars but home at Pinantan Lake also had a social component which has attention from fellow members for a very social added to the enjoyment of the evening. barbecue; always a Long time and well respected member great day. (cont. P. 9) 8 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015

High Country Branch continued

Our annual pilgrimage to Brian & Carolyn Chandler’s home in Lac Le Jeune brought witness to great progress on the Austin Healey restoration; it is amazing what sheer determination can get done. The Club’s AGM was held in Kamloops this year over the weekend of August 7th through 9th. Thirty Nine members attended what was a very busy weekend

Rick & Stephen catch up

Nihal & Al tuning the TR

there followed John Moss to Spences Bridge were a before continuing on their way home. few Others opted to drive east to Haney options Heritage Village in Salmon Arm for the car available show. There Rick MacDonald won First and Place with his Morgan 4/4- well done Rick! some And so it has been a long hot summer in members the interior but we are pleased to report … from the no overheating issues so far! ! c o a s t

in Kamloops. Friday night took us on a short drive to gain a different view of the city than many of us are familiar with, looking from the north side towards the south side of the valley. Saturday morning a number of us took in the “Hot Nite in the City” car show downtown, Saturday afternoon was the annual running of the Mini Monte; expertly organized by Brian Chandler & Chris Stabler. Pat & Ken Miles were this year’s winners of the Mini Monte. In the evening the AGM and banquet were held at Hotel 540 on Victoria Street. After an enjoyable Darrell Price receives the OECC Link Trophy from Stephen Way buffet meal, the the annual awards ceremony was taken care of. Sunday

9 Ol.d English Car Club of B.C The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015

Kootenay Branch STOP PRESS: Brits Invade Kaslo, Sept Cliff Blakey 13/15 http://www.oecc.ca/krb/events/events.html We started our year off with a cruise and dinner up to Kimberley and back on May 9th to a new restaurant called “Britner's Fish and Chips”, operated by a British couple who recently immigrated from the UK, where they’d had experience running a fish and chip restaurant, so we had the real British style in Kimberley. We had four of our

Fish, Chips, and Brits!

Brits Best at Radium!

Mike Bradley’s ’64 Alpine

British cars parked in the front of the establishment to add to the décor, Mike Rieman’s 1974 MGB and on top of that, the atmosphere and food were excellent! Award winning Hillman June was a busy month for our branch for events. On June 13th we had a picnic at a local Provincial Park and had a good turnout and a lot of fun. On June 20th, we were involved in the 1974 MGB belonging to Mike Rieman. annual “Brits Best”, a British car show in The show was a great success with Radium, put on by the Calgary MG Club. over seventy cars, the largest gathering I managed to get individual shots of our so far. Our branch brought home two newest cars in our club, a 1964 Sunbeam awards, one for Mike Bradley's car and Alpine belonging to Mike Bradley, and a one for my Hillman. (cont. P. 11)

10 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015 Kootenay Branch continued

The Saskatchewan British Car Club was on a tour through B.C. We caught up with them in Creston on June 26th and they registered at one of the local motels and took over the Almost twins- two Stags meet in Creston Not your average trailer park! parking lot with British cars. The week before the Creston meet, we had a new member from Bonner's Ferry, Idaho, who had a Triumph Stag and I mentioned to him the Saskatchewan club was coming through Creston. One of their members also had a Stag, so the two of them got together and compared notes on their cars right in the parking lot. In July we had a small get-together at Wayne Emery's place at Fairmont which was a garage tour and “Beef-on-a-Bun” meal- an all round “full” filling venture! Last Sunday, August 16th, we had a chili feast at Kelvin's at his cabin on the lake (Moyie Lake). We had a quick downpour when people were coming in which prompted car tops going up, but once Please, Sir…more! Chili feast at Kelvin’s Moyie cabin there the weather cooperated it was a fantastic afternoon and we had lots of

We still have the local Lordco show next weekend and our own “Brits Invade Kaslo” on September Chili-ing out! 13th so this Tops up! Sudden shower chills the chili should keep us busy through most people with lots of food to go round and lots of conversation. of the rest of the season. !

11 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015

with an in-floor system. An adjacent South Island Branch utility room contains the electrically- John Beresford fired boiler and the dust collection unit, as well as a large air compressor. The floor itself is covered in particle board Cobble Hill Shop and Home Tour panels, the central area being Sunday, May 24 removable for access to the dust Report & photos by the Editor collection ducting. A separate finishing The woodworking shop Long time club members will recall a visit room is supplied with filtered air, so to Karen Trickett and Cam Russell’s that projects may be finished without the combination of conventional framing with workshop and home, way back in January danger of dust contamination. a timber frame which supports the second 2004. At that time everyone was Upstairs from the woodworking shop, floor. The timber framing was done by the impressed with the spotless woodworking a studio contains finished projects, some same firm that restored the Kinsol Trestle. shop and charming 1922 home, restored of which were available for purchase. Great care was taken to ensure that no by Cam and Karen. Subsequently we Moving from the woodworking area, machining marks were left on the framing; learned that plans were in hand for them we entered the garage, where two very no small task considering the size of the to move to “the country”, and later in 2004 spacious bays accommodate the fully pieces. All the exterior and interior trim property was purchased in Cobble Hill. restored Triumph TR3 and a soon to be and doors were done by Cam and Karen. Construction of a new home and started Morris Traveller. As in the wood Some 7500 board feet of fir was used, workshops began in 2009. including flooring salvaged from an aircraft It is hard to believe that so much hanger in Comox. The ground level floor could have been accomplished in six is of marble, quarried on Vancouver Island years, largely just by Cam and Karen and laid by Cam and Karen, although themselves. Planning began with the Karen emphasized she did the hard work construction of models of both the of grouting the joints! workshops and house (according to Karen A large patio off the back of the what we saw was version 4). The house ends with a wood-fired pizza oven, attention to detail is amazing; there is little the components of which were brought doubt that both Fine Woodworking and Cam & Karen’s home back from California by Cam and Karen. Fine Homebuilding magazines could A nearby fenced vegetable garden is soon devote many pages to the Trickett/Russell working shop, everything has its place, to be joined by a greenhouse, the shop and home! and there is no doubt this would be a very foundation of which has been built. Our tour was conducted by Karen, pleasant environment in which to work on In thanking Karen for a most as Cam had a medical imaging an old English car or two. A long enjoyable visit, Kelly remarked on the appointment which understandably took workbench is equipped with ample amazing amount of high quality work that priority. The visit began in the electrical and air outlets and cabinets Cam and Karen had done over the last woodworking shop, which contains all beneath. Additional equipment in few years. The attention to detail in both sorts of machinery, including table and evidence included a MIG welder, metal- the workshops and the home, from the band saws, a combination planer/jointer cutting bandsaw and an engine hoist. design to the final finishing are surely an with indexable carbide cutters, a large Next up was a visit to the house inspiration to us all. drum sander and much more. All the itself, which is a two story structure of The afternoon concluded with machines are connected to a dust 1680 square feet in total on both floors refreshments at the Cobblestone Pub. collection system which runs under the (taking priority, as some would argue it Considering the size of the group, the floor. And speaking of the floor, the should, the Shop/Garage/Studio occupies service was good and everyone seemed building (and the home itself) is heated 2150 square feet). The house is a well satisfied. (cont. P. 13)

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crowds who were obviously enjoying the South Island Branch spectacle. Though the display area seems to continued become smaller every year, Wayne Watkins and volunteers from the OECC, Beacon Hill Father's Day Picnic Mini, MG, Morgan and Jaguar clubs Sunday, June 21 organized the available space very Report & photos by the Editor efficiently. Once again organizers Bruce Cornfield As always, there were some and Jim Walters put on the eagerly unusual cars to be admired. A freshly anticipated Father’s Day Picnic at Beacon restored Aston Martin, a GTM and a Hill Park. And as always it was a relaxed certain DeLorean attracted much Picnic Security? day (no set arrival or departure times) in interest during the day. And of course, “My Dad/Uncle/I had one of these” was the company of anyone with an English From the Ashton Museum came a commonly heard. vehicle and hundreds of visitors from far Daimler Ferret armoured car, which made quite a sight on the city streets with the commander sitting up in the turret, waving at other motorists along the way. Motorbikes seemed a little scarce this year, although fine examples of Triumph and Norton were seen. Once again, our thanks to Bruce and Jim (both honorary members of the South Island Branch of the OECC) for once again putting on SIB cars bask in the June sun! this popular show. We hope it will continue! !

Several OECC members made the effort to bring more than just one c a r a l o n g , including the Maycocks (Singer and Morgan), the John Beresford tells me that the South Island Branch has Parkers (Austins and wide. Perhaps those who attempted had more than enough activities put on by other Branches to Westminster and to upset the event should have appeared attend this Summer, and with their own big one, ECAIP, Healey) and the Sparks later in the day to see the appreciative coming up in mid-September, they’ve only had time for two (multiple MGs). SIB-sponsored outings! -Editor

13 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015 appropriately, about 60 MGA’s attended. The more than 500 British vehicles on Vancouver Coast Branch display were a glorious sight! Tour de Silverdale” -Alan Miles Alan Miles, Walter Can a car run be educational? I mean, other than learning that one should fill up Reynolds, Chris Green, the gas tank before starting said run (not Mike Speke, Les Foster mentioning any names, Mr. Grant). Turns out they can be. Walter Reynolds started his “Tour de Silverdale” run with the first of two “history lessons”. Walter “talkin’ ‘bout a Rovalution” gave us an informative talk on Britain’s -Alan Miles first motor car and its 56 mile journey May’s Branch event, held on Tuesday the which took place on July 5, 1895. More 5th, took us to Rovalution Automotive in enjoyable event. Don and Chrisma could info can be found in Walter’s fascinating North Vancouver. Owner Don not have been more gracious hosts and it article on this subject in the January/ was nice to see such a well-organized MacDonald and Customer Service February 2014 issue of the Roundabout person,Chrisma Wortley, were our hosts and clean shop. Approximately 30 members showed up http://www.oecc.ca/vcb/Resources/ with about half that amount meeting at Archives/RA_2014_19_1.pdf . the Red Robin a few blocks away for After Walter’s first lesson was complete dinner beforehand. route sheets were handed out with The VanDusen ABFM-Les Foster Walter’s usual proviso that this would not The Church of English Cars (a.k.a. The be one of those “divorce rallies”. In other All British Field Meet at Vandusen words, no complicated questions to Garden) was held on May 16th. As answer, just follow the route and have always, it was devoutly attended by our fun. A tree was down across the road at members. Our “congregation” took many one point and further travel in that Class Awards and the pleasant weather direction was fruitless. Our fearless “Lean on me…”- Richard Taylor contributed to a heavenly day! leader Walter then devised an alternate This was the 30th anniversary route to our first stop and second “history lesson”. and provided a very welcoming Our second history lesson concerned the environment for our first visit to this establishment. area known as Silverdale, which I’m Don is a graduate of the BCIT Automotive slightly embarrassed to say I hadn’t Technician Diploma Program. After heard of. Walter gave another short talk finishing at BCIT he then went on to do on this subject. Notable points were his apprenticeship and Land Rover Silverdale’s notoriety as the site of Factory Training at a local Land Rover Canada’s first train robbery by Billy Miner dealer. He opened Rovalution on March and as the birth place of Phil Gaglardi, 1st, 2007 and has recently doubled its former BC Highways Minister, and speed- shop size. Don and his technicians skater Eden Donatelli. (cont. P. 15) handle repairs to all makes and models but as their name suggests, specialize in Land Rover products old and new. They Mike Speke captures the Tour also boast a large well stocked Land Rover parts department. John McDonald started things off with a short business meeting and then owner Don gave a talk on his history with Land Rovers and the history of Rovalution plus of the ABFM which began in 1985. answered many questions from the The featured Marque this year was members present. All in all it was a very MGA, celebrating its 60th birthday and,

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we met to conduct our meeting and view a was well voted. Everyone we spoke with Vancouver Coast Branch DVD produced by the Malahat Historical was excited to cast their ballot!! Society on the history of that famous Towards the end, a quiet stealth entry of a continued highway and area on Vancouver Island. hulking 1933 Talbot AV 105 Tourer (Owned Introduced by Les Foster, It was a very by our very own Robert Follows) caught interesting and entertaining show and most everyone’s attention, and then The tour finished up at the Mission thanks go to SIB’s Pat Sparks for slipped away, unnoticed…. Springs Pub on the Lougheed Highway facilitating its acquisition. Gerry Parkinson Thanks to all the volunteers, until next where we all enjoyed a great meal, great gave us a talk on Facebook and the year!!!! OECC Facebook Group, even signing up Les as guinea pig! It all made for pleasant and enlightening evening.

Walter Reynolds: Lesson Number One… Two Lions Pub Show -Chris Green Our 2nd refreshments and great conversation. annual Two Two Lions Pub Show Chairman John McDonald gave a short Lions British Car talk thanking Walter for organizing the run Show was a great and all for attending. Turnout for the run success! was excellent with 16 cars taking part, The weather was stellar making it easy to Stewart Farm -Walter Reynolds get up early and give a quick wash to the most being VCB members, but with On a sunny and hot August 4th evening 32 Spitfire and get on the road. I was excited Vancouver Coast Branch members and several LAMB (Langley Area Mostly British to have my car running and in the show Car Club) and Rover Car Club members guests met at the Historic Stewart Farm in this year! Surrey for the Branch's 2015 Annual also taking part. Twenty nine people sat Breakfast was served, water station set Picnic. Included in the 32 were several for lunch. up, hats and sunscreen, check, ready to Triumph Register members. We had Dinner and DVD’s enjoy a fine British enthusiast day with old invited the Triumph Register club as a way Alan Miles & Les Foster friends and new. The early bird Ken Miles to reciprocate the invitation they extended Our June Meeting started with a pleasant was placard #1- he was already parked to us to attend their 2014 BBQ. The get-together at the New Westminster Old when I got there. Chris from the Two Farm's parking lot was jammed with old Spaghetti Lions was actively providing the tables British cars. I counted 17 at one point. A Factory for and tents, volunteers were parking cars special car in attendance for a short while dinner. Lorna and the lot was filling with shiny metal was the 1951 Daimler Barker Special of surprised us and chromed British representation. Dave Warlimont. with a In total, 37 cars were on display: many While at first they didn't realize it, Brian wonderful distinctive and original cars to see like Lees and Richard Taylor were dressed OECC cake the mint green Aston Martin, a la James almost identical and even sat together like made by her Bond (People’s Choice Award winner they were twins! d a u g h t e r . belonging to David Price). I was amazed Once food was devoured, I made a few Afterwards we once I really started to look at it! The announcements and tried to corral the walked some of little, original, Morris 1000 convertible, in four members present who had signed up that off on our robin’s egg blue- ADORABLE! Healey, for the "Man from UNCLE" movies passes. way up the hill Rapier, Jag, Triumph (3 Spits this year) This was because we had to provide to Douglas Austin, MG, Rover, Morgan …and more. Warner Brothers with a photo of as many College where The Haggerty People’s Choice Award (cont. P. 16)

15 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015

and it would be great to see more Vancouver Coast Branch cars turn out for them in the future ! A&W. Cruise-In Alan Miles continued July’s Branch event, billed as the VCB Cruise-In was held at the A&W Restaurant on 102 Avenue in of the pass holders as possible, in front of Surrey on Tuesday, July 7th. a British car. Once I had the four together, Seventeen members attended as I realized one had walked away. "Like well as three non-members. The herding cats!" one observer quipped. c a r s , o f w h i c h t h e r e w a s Next on the agenda was the run to White approximately fourteen or so, were Rock which was led by Ken & Pat Miles. parked up in the lot behind the A&W, creating Chris shows her Spitfire at the A&W our own little car show of sorts. It was a most enjoyable night of socializing with other members and meeting some new folks, as well. Quite a few people stopped by to look at and Rootes group photograph the cars. A funny moment occurred when one 2015 VCB Stewart Farm Picnic little girl pointed to

All the British cars participated in the run and we must have made a pretty sight driving along in groups, waving to passers Lotus position by. This was probably the most people we have had to the picnic, (2014's group photo showed 19). Interestingly neither of the 'twins' is in the photo and also missing is the photographer, Sarah Wilson! Louis Brier Home Show Thanks to Lorna for looking after the details. Louis Brier/Masonic Care Homes Les Foster Brits draw a crowd at the A&W A small but important event event was our annual Louis Brier Home car show for the Seniors on June 14th. Only the window winder on Sarah’s TR 250 and about four cars attended but these were asked her mom “what is that for?”. I guess much appreciated by the residents. she’d never seen a manual one before. A similar event had been held for the Made me feel old! Masonic Care Home in southeast All in all, a very nice way to spend a Vancouver on May 21st. These kind of warm July evening. Thanks to Lorna Hoare and John McDonald for shows are really important for the Seniors Masonic Care Home Show organizing this event. !

16 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015

logging company at Jerry's Cove, just The City of North Vancouver Archives has The Steam Wagons of west of Vancouver, to haul logs out of the some good pictures and information about British Columbia bush. This became the first piece of their Straker Squire. The Royal BC mechanized logging equipment in the Archives have a picture of a privately Steve Diggins Pacific owned Foden with its owner, Northwest. John Duncan, standing By nineteen beside it. In the book, The British Columbia in the late eighteen hundred the Automobile Saga Of BC, by hundreds was one of the most dynamic internal W.G.Taylor, this Foden is places in the world. People who came combustion mentioned and the owner here after the two big gold rushes of that engine was lived in New Westminster. mid century realized what a rich and coming into This steam wagon was last diverse land this is. There was an i t s o w n . seen on a barge heading up abundance of natural resources and great However, Royal BC Museum & Archives the coast to a logging opportunities in forestry, fishing, mining a t t h i s o p e r a t i o n i n 1 9 1 3 . and farming. early stage Information had to be searched This was also the exciting era of steam it was only good for powering small cars for. I read in the paper about a post power which is still one of mankind's and trucks with one or two cylinder card collectors show so decided to take a largest technological advancements to engines. Steam vehicles were quite look and ask around if anybody had seen date. Prior to this, our industry and common and for large trucks was the best anything about steam wagons. I drew a transportation had to rely on wind, water option. Production of steam trucks started blank with everyone I asked and decided and animal power. The steam in the late eighteen hundreds providing to leave. Just before going out the door I engine could move large machines strong and reliable service. Also, at that asked the last collector if he had seen with speed and power that was hard to time coal was easier to get than gasoline. anything. He said yes and that he used to imagine prior to its introduction. Steam Prior to World War One a small number of have a fine picture of the Gilley Brothers powered trains, ships, factories, farm steam trucks were brought into BC. We gravel hoppers in New Westminster taken equipment and the first road vehicles know in 1909 the District of North in 1913. There were three trucks parked changed our world. Vancouver had one built by Straker Squire in front and one of those was a steam Our province has a rich and interesting of Bristol, England. In 1912 the City of wagon. He didn't know where the postcard history with steam power. The Hudson's Vancouver had six Mann Patent Steam came from. Bay Company's ship, the SS Beaver of Wagons built in Hunslet, Leeds. The City Just as a chance effort, the City of New 1836, was the first Westminster Archives were contacted and steam vessel on the City of New Westminster Museum & Archives asked if they had a picture of the Gilley west coast of North Brothers operation taken in 1913. I was America. The first told it didn't sound familiar but they would steam locomotives in the take a look. A couple of days later a call western half of this was received saying such a picture was c o n t i n e n t w e r e i n found. I then asked if there were a few Nanaimo in use by the trucks in the foreground. Yes, there were Vancouver Coal Co. in three, so I was over there quickly and sure the mid 1860's. By the enough one of them was a Foden with the late eighteen hundreds city name on the side. This is a great we had more steam panoramic photograph of the business paddle wheelers on our with workers and office staff posed along inland water ways than with many horses and wagons. there were on the mighty While at the archives I asked if there were Mississippi. of New Westminster in 1912 had two any records of city equipment being In 1871 the first road going vehicles came Fodens built at Sandbach, Cheshire. bought or sold. No, nothing like this to BC. Four steam tractors from Scotland These ancient trucks were called steam seems to exist. I also wondered about the arrived to tow wagons on the Cariboo wagons because of the type of steering possible mention of city equipment at City Wagon Road. This did not work out due they had which was a beam front axle with Council meetings. That didn't sound to slippery conditions on long hills during a pivot pin in the middle as on a wagon. familiar to anybody either. spring thaw. Three of the tractors were Information and photographs about BC About a week later I received a call from sent back but one was bought by a steam wagons is very hard to come by. the archives (cont. P. 18)

17 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015 continued to say that two items to research the steam wagons which me that back in the sixties he went to look relating to Fodens in came to BC. He was quite helpful in a at one in a scrap yard in Burnaby. It was the minutes of City number of ways. The first thing he told a Foden and looked to have been used for Council meetings had been found. The me, which came as a surprise, was that logging. Unfortunately it had been laying first is to do with John Duncan. It is two of the steam wagons still survive. on its side for many years. When the yard recorded on May 19, 1913 that "The offer Both are ex-City of Vancouver 1912 Mann crane operator was able to lift it they of J. Duncan to dispose of his steam Patent Steam Wagons. At the time they found the boiler was rotted out. Brady- wagon for $2,000 not to be accepted. were both under restoration, one at the Brown decided he didn't want it but said Present equipment satisfactory." There forestry museum in Duncan and the other years later he wished he had saved it. was a serious recession that year and it one was in Kamloops. Both of these are They are so rare and boilers can be seems Mr. Duncan had run low on work now restored and are at the forestry replaced. and was tying to sell his Foden. museum. They have interesting stories of A story we had heard from a couple of The second interesting piece of survival. sources was that the steam equipment, I a s k e d m y tractors and possibly wagons, did not brother to ask work out well on the coast because the around about terrain was too rough and the flat areas the steam were too mushy. Some were taken to wagons flatter, dryer areas where they were better because he was suited. This prompted me to contact in touch with a museums and archives in the Interior and number of the the Gulf Islands. old steam I didn't have any luck with this until I e n t h u s i a s t s . contacted the Nicola Valley Museum and T h e y d i d n ' t Archives. Here archivist, Jo Atkinson, know too much said they had some steam equipment about them but photos and she would have a look for did have a few them. After a couple of days she called to n u g g e t s o f say she had located a couple of photos i n f o r m a t i o n . which might be of interest. Jo was good This is how we enough to send me some photocopies. City of Chester Archives What I received was a delightful surprise. There were two photos of a steam wagon with information came from a financial report to loads of logs in a timber yard. the City Council in 1915. A part of this This was taken at Tyner's Mill states, "Twenty- three miles of in the Lower Nicola Valley, macadamized roads were oiled during the c1920. It appears the logs are year at a cost of $55.00 per mile. This is a being delivered to the yard. great reduction in cost compared to the One photo shows the wagon previous years. In 1914 the cost per mile arriving with a load and the was $90.57. The saving is due to an other is of it about to be improvement carried out by the unloaded. Unfortunately, superintendent. A tank was placed on one there is no information about of the Foden Steam Wagons and a pump Tyner's Mill. placed inside the tank and the oil sprayed Having a close look at the two City of Chester Archives on the road under pressure. The oil was photos I thought the wagon also heated by tubes connected to the was a Foden. However it boiler of the steam wagon. The oil so seemed smaller than the applied penetrated farther into the road heard that the City of New Westminster others and the wheels were definitely and also covers a greater area and had two Fodens. So, I got a few more smaller. You can see the front wheel has generally gave better results under these directions to look in and talked to thick straight spokes which is quite improved methods as a dust arrester.” someone who’d seen one. different from other Fodens. So this could I have a brother, Glen, who is an avid The very knowledgeable gentleman I be one that had been modified or, maybe, steam enthusiast. I told him I was trying talked to was Neil Brady-Brown. He told another make of wagon. (cont. P. 19)

18 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015 continued Edwin Foden, Sons d i f f e r e n t b o d y w o r k . T h e to see if the plates were in the collection and Company started company brochure for the new Colonial and, if they were, would it be possible to in 1856 making model featured John Duncan's wagon on have photos made. He came back with steam engines for the cover. the good news that most of the plates agriculture and industry. By the late According to factory records, John Duncan were there and were in good enough eighteen hundreds they were producing had a second wagon on order. However, shape to have photos made. We asked steam tractors. In 1901 the War Office he changed his mind on the purchase, him to please go ahead and have that decided to stage a trial of steam wagons presumably when it was built. His name is done. from various companies. Foden made on the build sheet for No. 2980 but it has This second Foden was listed as a three and entered a prototype three ton model been crossed off and the words, "Taken ton wagon referred to as a 5 mph model which performed very well. When put into over by C. W. Stancliffe and Co. " have sold to the company of Higgins and Fisher. production this three ton model was well been added. This company was the agent I could find no mention of this company in received and brought success to the in BC for Foden and it seems this wagon Vancouver or New Westminster city company. was brought here. There is a photo of this records.However, research at the I had heard from my brother that when the wagon with John Duncan's name on the provincial archives provided copies of company sold out in 1980 they gave their side and No.2 is painted on the front body legal documents listing this as a company company records to The Foden Society to panel. based in Eburne. This was a sawmill town keep in their at the mouth of the Fraser a r c h i v e s . I and in 1916 the name was wondered if they changed to Marpole. On might have any the legal documents information about Higgins' profession is the steam wagons recorded as a general which came to BC. contractor and Fisher's I contacted fellow profession is recorded as a old truck lumberman. enthusiast,Les When the photos arrived we Foster, to see if he were delighted to see these would be interested ancient trucks just as they in contacting the had been brought out of the Foden Society build shop. The pictures about this. Les include John Duncan's No.2 was keen to help wagon, the two Colonial and sent a letter off. tipper wagons for the City of Within a short time New Westminster, the we had a reply from brochure cover with John their historian, Duncan's No.1, the 5mph David Bloor, who model for Higgins and was pleased to Fisher, plus the build sheets hear about our City of Chester Archives and plan drawings of the Fodens and see Colonial model. The City of the few pictures we New Westminster wagons had. He said he would take a look through The second Foden (previously unknown to look the old records to see if there was any us) is listed in the photographic records very smart with the mention of them. and no build sheet was found. When a lettering on the side. What David Bloor found was amazing. wagon was finished in the assembly shop Both are dump This started with the build sheets of the it was towed outside to have a picture trucks one which three that came here plus two more we taken. David Bloor explained to us that tips to the back and didn't know about. We discovered that the most of the negatives of these factory the other which ones we knew about were a new Colonial shots are in the City of Chester Archives. tips to the side model. These were the five ton model They are the glass plate type and are in most likely for upgraded with larger wider wheels which delicate condition with some of the silver sidewalk gave higher road clearance for better off gelatine falling off, so making photos might construction. road use. They also had larger decks and be out of the question. He would go there (cont. P. 20)

19 Old English Car Club of B.C. The Spanner Volume 29 August 2015 continued

The photo of the 5 mph model was interesting as I had never seen one before. I quickly realized it looks very much like the one carrying logs at Tyner's Mill. The wheels are the same. It is a 3 ton wagon so it is smaller than the others. I am sure it is the same one. I contacted David Bloor and asked him what year he thought it Nicola Valley Museum & Archives was. His opinion is that it is 1906. So, here you have photos of a steam wagon working as a logging truck. The owners, Higgins and Fisher, were in the timber business. Their company was based in a sawmill town. We have a picture of it when new just pulled out of the build shop. It is recorded on Foden company paper as having been sold to Higgins and Nicola Valley Museum & Archives Fisher. We have expert opinion that it was built in 1906. I put forward that bought logging truck, a Foden steam this was British Columbia's first purpose wagon. !