The Velocipede Pages

Fourth National Velocipede Rally 2004 by Steve Kay
An event that is becoming an essential part of the calendar of a small but enthusiastic group of railway enthusiasts and cycling historians took place at Hampton Loade Station this July. The manually operated three wheeled velocipede was widely used for track inspection and the movement of Permanent Way men from its invention in the 1870s until the gradual introduction of the motor powered trolley in the early years of the Twentieth Century. Some railway companies still kept velocipedes in use however, the Great Westerns machines staying in operation long after nationalisation.
The velocipedes that visit the Severn Valley Railways idyllic country station close to Shropshire’s river demonstrate at their rally, operating out on the main line in between steam trains passing at Hampton Loade. Machines this year came from the Bluebell Railway and John Wilkinson’s preserved station at Rowden Mill. Neil Brooks restored example contrasted with the original Hampton Loade machine showing all the evidence of having been at the station as long as could be remembered.
The only machine that did not demonstrate was the velocipede based at Quainton Road. This example was barely unchanged since being delivered from Sheffield Velocipede Co in the 1880s in America, its condition excitingly original but too delicate to operate.
Restorer Steve Lester was present to make notes and measurements, reporting on the progress of the machine he acquired last year. Apart from a little rain at lunchtime, good weather encouraged extensive operation courtesy of a helpful and understanding signalman, different crews swapping machines to discover differing idiosyncrasies and operating behaviour.
The rally was universally pronounced a success, and it is hoped that other preserved railways and private owners will hear about and come to contribute to this year’s event.
Back to Hampton Loade Station	Velocipede Rally 2005