22/09/2012 From Steam to the Cream!
60 Years of Technology

Few would disagree that the Olympus 301 engined Vulcan was the cream on the V-Force, but on Saturday XM655 came face-to-face with equally delightful technology from 60 years earlier.

7 Stanley steam cars line up before XM655
Copyright© Bryan Hull

On Saturday we had a visit from the Steam Car Club who arrived in 7 beautifully preserved Stanley steam cars, the oldest 10hp one dating from 1904, just 60 years before XM655 went into RAF service.

The Stanley range of steam cars was well represented with 5, 20hp and one 30hp model accompanying their 10hp sibling.

Copyright© John Stiles

It would be hard to say who was most impressed, our visitors with XM655 or the XM655 volunteers with the steam cars.

7 Stanley steam cars 'puff' their way down Wellesbourne Mountford Taxiway
Copyright© Bryan Hull

It's not often one sees steam technology on a taxiway!