AHA Group Visit to Hollycombe Steam in the Country, near Liphook, Hampshire

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​The unusually small group who were able to join in this visit were treated to a rare and fascinating sight of some 50-60 large scale models of steam traction engines. All have been faithfully reproduced from actual monster machines now long gone.  In addition, there were the usual collection of fairground and working farm/estate machines plus the two narrow gauge railways.
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Whilst they have many machines awaiting full restoration, all of the above were in full working order and fully steamed up.   Hollycombe is said to be the largest traditional fairground in Britain, and the main steam powered fairground attractions, which included big wheel, golden gallopers, roundabouts, chair-o-planes, swings, etc.  Also on show were a bioscope, haunted house and much more, which were typical of those before WW2 and perhaps during our childhoods.  They certainly brought back many pleasant memories!

However, the additional attraction of the many different types of models, all exquisitely built, included ships in just about every form imaginable.  There were remote tanks which staged a reproduction of a well known battle shortly after the D-Day landings, and a huge variety of steam engine applications.  This was certainly not just a day for steam enthusiasts, because there was something to suit all tastes.  Conclusively the opinion was definitely a day to be remembered and a timely reminder of just how important steam was to the Industrial Revolution.
 
After a gentle day strolling around the attractions, some of us stopped off for an early dinner giving us another opportunity to reminisce before arriving home.
 
Ron Bryan & Rosemary Crumplin