What's to see?

We are proud to present a good range of steam traction engines and steam powered wagons from a large range of our heritage industries.

• Agricultural (General Purpose) Engines
  These engines were most commonly seen working on farms. They were used to drive other machinery, usually with a belt fitted around the fly wheel, or used for haulage of heavy loads from farm to farm.

• Ploughing Engines
  A distinct type of agricultural engine, ploughing engines can be spotted by their large drum of heavy duty wire rope, usually slung under the boiler. During their working life they would normally operate in pairs, stationed at opposite ends of a field, and drag an implement, such as a plough or cultivator, between them.

• Road Locomotives
  Designed for the heavy haulage jobs on public roads these are usually the biggest and most powerful engines. They have the largest of driving wheels, often with suspension fitted to make the long journeys more comfortable. They also often have water tanks (known as belly tanks) fitted on either side of the boiler so they could travel further between stops.

• Showman's Engines
  These are a particular type of Road Locomotive, designed specifically to work on travelling fairs. Their primary purpose was to haul the heavy rides from town to town but they were also fitted with an electric dynamo, usually just in front of the chimney. This dynamo was belt driven from the engine flywheel and the electric power generated ran the rides at the fair.  These engines are also characterised by their highly decorative gleaming brasswork and beautiful paintwork.

• Steam Tractor
  These are smaller versions of the Road Locomotives. They are usually under 5 tons, which means they could be driven by a single man operator. They are fast, by steam engine standards, often being able to maintain speeds of around 15mph.

• Road Rollers
  These are the traction engines with the smooth rear wheels and a roll at the front instead of two wheels. They were used by local councils for flattening surfaces, for road or other flat area construction. They are usually heavy and slow. Some steam rollers are fitted with extra tools also used in road construction, such as tar sprayers or scarifiers (used to remove the old road surface).

• Wagons
  These were used for carrying freight and were the first form of road lorry. There are two main types; undetypes, which have the engine well hidden away under the cab body, and overtypes which look more like a conventional traction engine with load carrying body behind. These vehicles were still being made into the 1930s, but the development of the internal combustion engine  ended manufacture soon after.

Enjoy our collection of miniature engines at the show. Most types of Traction Engine are represented, in scales ranging from the tiny 1/6th size to the large 3/4 size. 

Many of the models have been built by the owners who will be only too please to tell you all about them.

In the winding house there is a 3,300 horse power twin tandem compound steam engine was built by Yates & Thom in Blackburn.
The winding engine, originally used to get the coal to the surface and men to and from the coal face, is the largest steam winding engine used on the Lancashire coalfield and the only one still running.
It will run a various times during the event using compressed air. A magnificent sight, not to be missed.

The original No 1 shaft head gear is still en situ from when the colliery was operational.  It stands almost 30 meters tall (98 ft) and is of riveted wrought iron lattice construction.  The two sheave wheels are 6.1 meters (20ft) in diameter.  It is now the only surviving head gear on the once great Lancashire Coal Field and is Grade II listed.  

We always like to show a large range of tractors from the 20th century.  Look out for the famous Grey Fergies (Massey Fergusons), Davey Browns, Fordsons, Field Marshalls, etc, some dating back to war-time.

We also have a large collection of other old vehicles. You will find vintage and classic cars, old land rovers, military vehicles and vintage motorbikes.

Don't forget to drop by and visit our fair. Many of the rides are historic pieces in themselves and a ride is a treat for the little ones.

Using restored industrial locomotives you can ride on original underground man riding carriages around the track.  A small charge is levied for this very popular attraction.  

Throughout the day you will be entertained by music.
The Wigan Ukulele Club always bring a lively performance, encouraging the audience to join in with the singing, or maybe have a dance.
And when they are on a break, you can enjoy the mellow tones of some authentic mechanical music from our fairground organ or our dance hall organ. If you are interested, pop your head through the door and see how these mechanical marvels work.