Brief Overview of the Society
Since its inception, the Society has
sought to provide a forum for the exchange of information about the steam
road vehicle in all its forms. The historical and academic aspects are
predominant, although the encouragement of those involved in preservation is
actively pursued. The prime objective of complete records for all
manufacturers of traction engines, road locomotives, rollers, wagons,
portables etc. is unfortunately unattainable but by pooling knowledge and
research on the subject, the most comprehensive information possible has
been assembled.
When the Society was formed
in 1937, the steam road vehicle was a comparatively common sight on our
roads and in the countryside. In the immediate post-war years, efforts were
made to establish a museum in which to preserve representative types of the
examples then available. This was not possible due to cost even at that
time, and would be impossible to maintain in present times. The preservation
movement was started by individuals, and has since more than fulfilled the
need for a museum. The concentration on the historic and academic course,
which followed from that time, has amply justified the vision of the
founders. The registration in 1969 of the Society as a Charitable Trust of
an educational nature and its recognition as a learned body serve to
demonstrate its standing. (Reg. Charity No. 1102574).
The records, which have been amassed, and still being increased, are under
the control of Section Officers. The various sections are briefly outlined
in the sections area of this web site, these will show the breadth of
activity of the Society.
Overseas contacts are also maintained with representatives and associate
members in several countries. Although not retaining engines in active
preservation, various items have been acquired and placed in appropriate
institutions, including the Aveling and Porter traction engine for the
Science Museum, South Kensington, and the Burrell Drawings which are now
with the Museum of Rural Life at Reading.
