Annual Boiler Inspections are undertaken on most 'in service' traction engines by Boiler Surveyors or Inspectors. To assist owners in obtaining consistent standards of inspection the NTET is implementing a 'Boiler Inspections Audit Scheme' in January 2008.  This Scheme was devised following consultation with the 'Independent' Boiler Inspectors, Engineering Insurers and the Safety Assessment Fedaration (SAFed).  A pamphlet descibing the principles of this scheme can be viewed in 'PDF' format by clicking here.

Driving Experience Courses are held annually, visiting a different venue around the country every other year. These popular courses provide an insight to the theoretical and practical aspects of the operation, maintenance and road control of steam traction engines. They are held in a very informal setting. The courses cater for beginners, intermediates - those with some prior knowledge and experience, and for advanced students.

For details about future Driving Experience courses email Stuart and Hazel Tomlinson

The Technical Support Unit (TSU) provides legal, technical and engineering expertise to the NTET management team and to the members. The TSU also assists the insurance brokers and underwriters in providing 'as found' assessments of engines and equipment following accidents which may have caused damage to the pressure system. This latter scheme is designed to minimise any potential delays in arriving at a specification of the repairs required to return the damaged equipment to its former state in a reasonable time and at an economic cost. For details send an e-mail to David Smith

A Register of Spares and sources of consumables is maintained by the Spares Officer, Colin Hatch. Colin is always pleased to provide help and to receive information about your favorite materials or preferred supplier. If you require assistance drop an e-mail to Colin Hatch

For advice on all aspects of traction engines, information about the Code of Practice and dates of Engine Owners Conferences send an email to the Engine Owners Section Chairman Bob Siddall

A Voluntary 'Traction Engine Driver Competency Scheme' is operated by the NTET. This scheme examines the skills of individual drivers of all types of steam propelled vehicles. A 'Certificate of Competency' is awarded to those drivers gaining a pass mark above a minimum threshold. Whilst this certificate has no bearing in law it does reflect the driver's commitment to safety demonstrated through an ability to manage and control an engine in a highly skilled manner.

Where drivers attains points above a second, higher, threshold and these are combined with good communicating skills and an eye for detail then the driver could be invited to become a future assessor.

Take a look at the 'outline of the scheme' (PDF) or for a look at the syllabus click 'competency syllabus' (PDF) or for a hard copy of the current syllabus or for more details send an e-mail to John Durling

 Risk Assessments. An increasing number of event organisers are asking exhibitors, including owners of steam powered vehicles or equipment, to furnish 'Risk Assessments' in support of their attendance at the event.  The Technical Services Unit has prepared a family of pro-forma Risk Assessment Forms designed to represent the most common types of steam powered traction engines, showman's engines, road rollers and stationary engines.

The National Traction Engine Trust provides these Generic Risk Assessments without warranty; implied or expressed. The user may use the forms freely and modify them at will but no responsibility can be accepted by the NTET for these or any resultant ‘risk assessments’ which may be subsequently submitted for scrutiny to a Third Party.  For further advice email the Technical Services Unit.

The Risk Assessment forms are available in MS Word®  or 'Adobe Acrobat pdf® ' format and may be downloaded, printed or saved for amendment by the user by clicking on the appropriate type listed here.

Traction Engine: - MS Word or PDF,   Showman's Engine: - MS Word or PDF,   Road Roller: - MS Word or PDF,   Stationary Engine: - MS Word or PDF.