Steam wagon or lorries were developed from the beginning of the 20th century. The first of these were ‘overtypes’, having their engine mounted on top of the boiler in the same way as traction engines. These engines were chain driven. They were capable of speeds of up to 30mph. The ‘undertype’ wagon that followed was made with a vertical boiler with the engine mounted under the chassis, not unlike a modern lorry. The designs included 4, 6 and 8 wheelers, available in different forms, such as, tankers; low-sided; high-sided; flatbed; box wagon; articulated; tippers. Waggons were the fastest steam engines and later models fitted with pneumatic tyre and could reach speeds of 50mph, often breaking speed limits.

Steam tractors were built as small road locomotives and some could be operated by one man provided the engine was less than 5 tons in weight. They were used for general road haulage and in particular by the timber trade. The most popular steam tractor was the Garrett 4CD.

Below is a selection of exhibits from this year's event. Click on an image to view larger picture with engine details. Pictures courtesay of Mark Worbey, Pete Gray, Clive Flack and Alan Nash.