INTERNATIONAL AND FODEN by Helen Mayne

Thirty seven years ago an intrepid band of vintage enthusiasts set out to preserve machinery of the past for future generations to enjoy. The Traction Engine Club of Ulster was formed and it has grown from then until now, holding a two day rally each year to showcase all the best in vintage - now not only from Northern Ireland but also from the Republic of Ireland and throughout the United Kingdom. This year the rally will be held in Ballymena Showgrounds on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th July. Over the years the show has developed to continually try to have something different for spectators to enjoy. Last year two special features were hosted - Marshall tractors and engines and ERF lorries. This year it has been decided to continue in this vein, featuring CASE IH tractors and Foden lorries. Case IH came about through the merger of two firms Case and International Harvester. Case were established in 1863, manufacturing steam engines. After experimenting with gasoline engines their first gas tractor was built in 1894. They started commercial production of these machines in 1912, introducing 8 new designs in their first 7 years. Their crossmotor tractors were very successful, taking the company through the 1920's, but in the 1930's competition from the International Farmall started to take it's toll on the Case machines. It wasn't until the 1950's that Case again caught up with the competition with the introduction of the 400 and from then it never looked behind again- buying up David Brown in 1972 and International Harvester in 1985. The International Harvester company was like many other American companies - the result of a merger. In 1902 McCormick Harvesting Machines and Deering Harvester Company came together to form IHC. Having previously been rivals, McCormick and Deering were still in competition even after the merger - insisting on separate lines in the factory and separate dealerships in the same towns! The fledgling IH marketed two ranges of tractors - the Mogul and the Titan, McCormick sold the Mogul whilst Deering were responsible for selling the Titan. Internationals big break came in 1923 with the introduction of the Farmall which was to be very successful, soon outselling all other tractors in the IH range together. These machines were to be the downfall of many other tractor manufacturers. Many fine restorations from the IHC range will be on display in Ballymena including Farmalls, McCormick Deerings, Juniors, Moguls and Titans. Foden lorries have come a long way from when Edwin Foden began his career as an apprentice in an agricultural engineering firm in the mid 1850's. Within 10 years of joining the firm, which manufactured portable steam engines, Edwin had become a partner and was influencing the future direction of the firm. A new company, Edwin Foden Sons and Co Ltd was formed in 1887 and they started to develop a superior steam wagon. By 1901 a design had been developed which set the standard for steam wagons for the next 25 years. The company founder. Edwin Foden, died in 1911 and was succeeded by his sons, William and E.R. They worked together until the 1920's when it was found that the internal combustion engine was taking over from steam and it was at this stage that E.R. left the family firm to set up a rival vehicle manufacturing company, E.R.F. The evolution of Foden trucks has continued throughout the 20th century , producing models such as the DG, FG and dump trucks. The Foden brand has not been limited to lorries however, as they have also manufactured single and double decker buses, mobile crane chassis, heavy haulage and timber tractors. To see some of these wonderful machines of the past the place to be is Ballymena Showgrounds on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th July from 11am to 6pm. There it will be possible to admire the machines and learn more about them from their owners - many of whom have restored them to their now immaculate condition.