The Steam Apprentice Club (SAC) proudly marked this year’s milestone rally held on 21-22 June at Appleford OX14 4PH, celebrating 75 years since Arthur Napper and Miles Chetwynd‑Stapylton D.F.C. raced their traction engines – a curious start to what later became the steam preservation movement.

At this landmark event, apprentices from SAC unveiled the build project of a 4”-scale water bowser donated by John Rex Models, designed to accompany the club’s engine, Lady Sylvia. The build had been commenced earlier this year at the Appleford anniversary event and was brought to full assembly during the rally.

As part of their hands-on restoration journey, SAC apprentices showcased their skills in precision metalwork, fitting and finishing, demonstrating how their experience with road traction engines has broad relevance across heritage engineering. With the build now assembled, the next chapter sees the bowser painted by apprentices next summer.

This achievement underlines SAC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of steam custodians…young people who are actively shaping the future of the steam community, bridging the legacy of the past with the innovations of tomorrow.