Acton Bridge Steam up, 2013

The annual gathering of steam traction engines, steam boats, various engines, vintage motorcycles etc at Acton Bridge in Cheshire is always worth a visit. It's a compact meeting on the car park of the Leigh Arms pub hard by the River weaver, hence the marine contingent's attendance. But it always attracts the most interesting of visiting exhibits and people. Today, Malc and I fired up the little bikes and headed through the Cheshire lanes in pleasant weather; Marthall, Peover, Lach Dennis, Davenham, Hartford, Weaverham, to Acton Bridge. Ivan was ensnared by domestics, and couldn't join us.

As ever. please click on any picture for a larger image.

Today's route

Malc's T80 and my C90 at the Acton Bridge gathering

This very nice Rudge Whitworth from the mid 1920s took its proud owner five years to restore 

Note the hand-operated gear change 

This Harley Davidson sports a big single SU carburetor 

An Aveling steam roller enters the site 

 This lovely example is a Burrell

A couple of traction engines 

This roller, 'Rosetta', is sometimes steered by our mate, Mike. Note the Thames Trader lorry in the background. 

A contrast in front ends 

One of the marine contingent - a steam-powered narrow boat (as they all should be!) on the adjacent Weaver Navigation. 

The Weaver Navigation and Acton swing bridge. Steam tug 'Kearne' usually moors here, but maintenance on one of the downstream Weaver swing bridges means the bridge can't be swung, so 'Kearne' could not get up river to Acton Bridge. 

There are always lots of 'miniatures' (small scale working traction engines) at these meetings 

Malc has one of these Velocette Venoms in his garage in bits. We'll have to persuade him to get it fettled so we can have a ride! 

A bit of Italian style in Cheshire - a lovely Gilera

A 2/3 scale replica Lister Railtruck, available in kit form if you fancy one! 

Ivan joined us for a pint at the Bird in Hand, Knolls Green, not far from home on the return journey 

Ivan's Honda Vision, Malc's Yamaha Townmate, and my Honda C90 at the Bird in hand

.