A rare vintage engine belongint to a County Durham collector will take pride of place at the UK's largest tractor festival set to take place in North Yorkshire.
The restored Ruston & Hornsby 1HR, a single-cylinder model manufactured in the 1940s, will be displayed at Tractor Fest at Newby Hall, which takes place on June 6 and 7.
The engine once belonged to Brian Chester, a founding member of Tractor Fest and a former chairman of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club.
Jeff Hall, a collector from Peterlee who now owns the engine, said: "I have always been interested in engines and have exhibited my collection at vintage rallies around the country for more than 40 years – it’s a great way to meet people.
"I started to search seriously for an 1HR during lockdown in 2020, having previously seen Brian’s at Tractor Fest.
"I soon discovered that they are as rare as hen’s teeth so when I spotted Brian’s engine in an auction, I had to bid on it."
Mr Hall said the engine, previously used to drive a saw bench, was not working when he acquired it and had no compression.
He said: "Vintage engines are a huge part of our country’s engineering history, and it is important to preserve them.
"Ruston engines, in particular, are highly regarded by collectors.
"I restored the engine over a period of two years and it now runs a water pump at home.
"I am delighted to be taking it to Tractor Fest this year."
The fully restored 5bhp engine will be part of an exhibition featuring 350 engines at the festival.
Ruston & Hornsby HR engines were produced in Lincoln from 1929 to 1965 and were widely used to power mills, pumps, and generators across farms and industry.
Many are now preserved as collectors' items and exhibited at museums.
Tractor Fest, organised by the Yorkshire Vintage Association, is expected to draw more than 15,000 visitors.
Displays will cover 120 acres of the Newby estate and include vintage and modern tractors, stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
This year’s themes include tractors and engines made in Scotland, motor rollers, and the Zetor tractor brand.
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The event will also offer entertainment, crafts, and food and drink stalls.
Admission includes access to Newby Hall’s RHS Chelsea gold medal-winning gardens, an adventure playground, and the dolls’ house and teddy bear exhibitions.
Tractor Fest runs from 10am to 4pm on both days.
Tickets cost £22 for adults, £16 for children, and £65 for a family of two adults and two children.
Entry is free for children under four.
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