Chug chug chug...toot toot toot!

Chug, chug, chug went the steam engines as they paraded up and down the runway yesterday morning at the Weald of Kent Steam Rally.

As big traction engine followed mini traction engine the convoy started to line up in their thirsty queue for water. As my aviation friend and fellow fly2help volunteer Julie said: "It's like Operation Stack, 1930s style!"

After a good few hours selling raffle tickets and talking to the public about the charity, Jules and I wondered past the vintage funfair over to the Arena for a drive on a beautiful 1904 steam engine called Beth. Her owner Ross restored her back to beautiful condition after she was left neglected in a garage for many years.

Beth chugged along gracefully and responded at her own pace with a rather gentle turning circle. It was thrilling to drive her and felt like stepping back in time to the days where steam engines were the workhorses of the roads.

I was thrilled to drive her after a ride on her back in June at Biggin Hill Air Fair. I wasn't prepared for the shower of hot water when I gave her a toot mind you!

The Turb Team performed their usual colourful barnstorming act recreating the exuberant mix of low level formation flying, flour bombing and balloon bursting of the 1920s to entertain the crowd. I had no trouble finding the enthusiasm to commentate on the wonderfully eclectic mix of steam and aviation.

Aerobatics entertained the crowd with Lauren Richardson in the Pitts Special and former British Aerobatic Champion and legend Diana Britten. Rob Davies closed the air displays in true style in the P51 Mustang.

I can't wait until next year. In the meantime I might be venturing out on a steam engine pub run soon...

Air show applause traction engine style:

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