Back in Time - Automobile Classic, Vintage Car and Steam Engines

A very warm Saturday afternoon in early October 2019 unexpectedly provided a tour back in time.  There was an automobile classic rally with vintage cars and traction steam engines in the Tinkers Park near Hadlow Down village in Eaast Sussex. 

A selection of old automobiles, starting with the old buses near the entrance, greeting visitors. 

The rally at Tinkers Park dates back to the 1960s and it is one of the oldest such events organized in the affluent South, quite a tradition there.

Beautifully restored models from 1940-1950s, treasures in a garage. We have thought of hiding our first family car under a pack of straw in our barn for the next generation to discover but the models from 1990s lack features that could be appreciated, we decided. 

We may regret it in the future - the 'old' always appeals, this is what vintage is all about.

The venue is owned by Jessett family whose collection of steam traction engines, steam rollers & fair organs stretches back to 1940s. 

There is so much at-traction in those old ladies! Full steam ahead!

Hadlow Down village is well known among the owners of the steam engines vehicles; they have been used in the local farming and mining industries. 

The village is within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it had been prominent in the iron industry since very early on - the 17th and 18th centuries. Those are the first prototypes of tractors and mobile machinery the Industrial Revolution had brought up.

The parade of those traction steam engines is a massive experience, they are quite noisy but the enormous power they present themselves is atonishing.

The members of the public were enabled to steer a steam engine, under supervision of the owners, what a thrill. 

And there was quite a chilly reminder - Remember, drive carefully. 

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Sources:

https://www.tinkerspark.com/