Traction engine nears finish line in 8mph journey

A 94-year-old traction engine is on course to complete a journey of more than 400 miles from Oban to the Peak District on Saturday.

Chris Hutton has driven Vernon, the last traction engine made by Ransomes Sims & Jefferies of Ipswich, at about 8mph (12.8km/h), consuming four tonnes of coal and 300 gallons of water every 30 miles.

He said he was looking forward to celebrating when he rolls into the Red Lion in Litton and the Anchor Inn in Tideswell, Derbyshire, having raised raised more than £5,000 for the RNLI and Give A Kidney through his journey.

"We're all tired, everyone really wants to get back. We'll make it one way or another," he said.

Hutton said he inherited his enthusiasm for steam engines from his parents, when his dad bought a classic steamroller when he was 12.

"It's just in your blood," he said. "It's the same as any hobby - you're influenced by your parents. Some kids like football, my parents liked steam engines, so here we are."

Hutton has been accompanied on his journey by friend Dave Bosworth, riding a 1910 Garrett tractor.

He was also joined by Andrew Betney, who was on a 1916 Clayton & Shuttleworth tractor called Nelson, but it was too slow to keep up the pace and dropped out at Ardrossan on the North Ayrshire coast.

While travelling through Scotland from 18 May, Hutton said the journey had resulted in some queues for drivers.

"There's a lot of people around Scotland who know what the story is, so they've been really good - we've not had much trouble at all.

"If you get any more than nine ten mile an hour, Vernon shakes a bit and wobbles you about, so it's pretty uncomfortable.

"It's like trying to drive a mobile toaster or a mobile kettle. You're stood on something that's got a fire at your feet."

Hutton wanted to raise money for Give A Kidney as his friend's son is going through kidney dialysis and in need of a transplant.

Hutton is hoping to add to the fundraising total when they arrive at the Peak District pubs on Saturday afternoon.

The Anchor Inn in Tideswell is deemed a fitting finishing point, given that the pub claimed to have installed the world's first tractor parking bay in 2022.

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