A steam engine is a heat engine that uses steam as its working fluid to perform mechanical work. The first piston steam engine was built in 1690 by French physicist and inventor Denis Papin. But the real breakthrough came in 1781, when Scottish engineer James Watt patented a steam engine capable of producing continuous rotary motion. Reciprocating steam engines remained the dominant source of power until the early 20th century, when they were gradually replaced by internal combustion engines and electric motors.
Although steam engines aren’t widely used anymore, they are an important part of the history of the industrial revolution. Besides, many people are inspired by the aesthetics of 19th-century steam-powered machinery (there’s even a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy named steampunk). That’s why exhibitions that showcase steam-powered vehicles are quite popular.
The Great Dorset Steam Fair was established in 1969 by Michael Oliver and his colleagues in the Dorset Steam & Historical Vehicle Club. Oliver had an active role in running the show from 1969 to 2002 and sadly died in 2009. The event has been managed by his son Martin since the early 2000s.
The fair showcases an impressive selection of exhibits. The most numerous are traction engines, tractors and farm machinery, but the exposition also includes sections for classic carts and commercial vehicles, rustic crafts, working shire horses, and more. The Great Dorset Steam Fair also features live music, a market, and funfair where some of the rides are powered by steam engines.
One of the main highlights of the show is the display of steam rollers and traction engines performing the work for which they were designed. Such displays include road-making, plowing, sawing logs, threshing, and heavy haulage. In 2013, the Great Dorset Steam Fair set a world record for the largest parade of steam rollers that consisted of 103 rollers.
The fair also includes entertainment and variety shows, craft marquees and food hall, stunt displays, trade stands and auto jumble, special nighttime attractions, rural displays, and other attractions. Besides, GDSF also hosts a music festival consisting of six stages with continuous entertainment both during the day and late into the evening.
Photo: gdsf.co.uk
