Kai-Lin Driving the Tractor!

Surrey: US WWII “Jeep”, Garage & Tractors! (30.5.2026)

Structures like this formed the early “Garages” – or “Petrol Stations” in the UK. This version caters to the early car-driver – who were few in number – and the bicycle rider – which were many in number. Bicycles were the main business – with the rich car-drivers forming a lesser number – although potentially lucrative due to the ongoing costs of maintaining a car. Below is a WWII US “Jeep”. The story is that these were originally called “General Purpose” (GP) Vehicles – but that a US shoulder spelt the initials “GP” as “Jeep” – and the designation stuck and is really popular. The US was an ally of the UK and USSR during WWII – and thousands of Jeeps were used during D-Day and afterwards!

Galmptom Traction Engine

Galmpton: Encountering a Superb Traction Engine! (1.8.2024)

Indeed, what Goldsworthy Gurney first envisioned as an “Automobile” to be driven on open roads – became widely known as a “Traction Engine” from around 1850 in the UK. Ironically, whilst carry a single driver on country roads – whilst moving between farming fields – these devices were not allowed to evolve into the Motor Car envisioned by Goldsworthy Gurney. Only much later would a petrol-driven motor car be allowed to be developed. Whilst driving back from Exeter to Galmpton on Friday evening (Friday, August 1st, 2024) – whilst traversing the narrow streets of Galmpton – we encountered the above “Traction Engine” which was apparently joining many other examples in a local fayre that was about to be held! How lucky we were!