Vintage engines on display at Saffron Walden Crank Up

The Crank Up took place at Carver Barracks on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, and is organised by volunteers on behalf of the East Anglian Traction Engine Society.

Families braved the rain to enjoy the vintage engines (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Visitors were able to enjoy a wide range of exhibits from a bygone age - many of which have links to the Saffron Walden community.

This year's show included a working funfair which featured a steam-driven carousel built in 1893, as well as a vintage chair-o-plane ride built in Germany.

Vintage engines at the Saffron Walden Crank Up (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Music was provided by traditional mechanical organs, including one that was brought to the event from Cheshire.

Among the steam engines on display was one that was purchased by the owner at the 1980 Crank Up, and was making its first rally appearance in 2024 after 44 years of restoration.

Vintage engines at the Saffron Walden Crank Up (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Exhibits were also featured from Saffron Walden firms such as Cleales and Jossaume - including a vintage tractor which had been sold new by Cleales in 1947, and has been on the same farm ever since.

Organiser Michael Pumfrey said: "Naturally the weather did harm the attendance figures, but the organisers would like to thank all those that did attend, as well as the exhibitors and traders for making the best of the wet conditions."

The next Crank Up will take place on April 26 and 27, 2025. 

Vintage cars were also on display (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Vintage cars were also on display (Image: Celia Bartlett)

A vintage carousel at the Crank Up (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Vintage steam engines were on display (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Families braved the rainy weather (Image: Celia Bartlett)

A range of vintage vehicles were on display (Image: Celia Bartlett)