Welcome to the
National Vintage Tractor Club
& Engine Club
Questions & Answers
What is the NVTEC?
It started over 30 years ago. The National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club is made up of a number of local groups. These provide a meeting point for enthusiasts interested in older agricultural tractors and stationary engines.
How old is 'older?
Most of the stationary engines are models that were first produced before 1945 although some were actually manufactured much later. Tractors are usually models first introduced before 1952.
My tractor was built after 1952.
The club actually encourages the preservation of all tractors over 20 years old. We wish to see these 'Classic' tractors preserved for future generations. Classic Tractors are built between 1952 and 1976.
Do I need a tractor or engine to join?
No. Many members join without owning any equipment. Mind you, they often get tempted later on!
I'm no mechanic, so would I be out of place?
Members get involved for all sorts of reasons. Non- mechanics often find they have other abilities which the club needs.
My son is 13 and mad about his Lister D, could he join?
Yes, and he would be most welcome. Sister, dad and mum are welcome as well, so club night can be a family night out. You may be interested to know that several young members feel that photographs of their restoration work helped them get the apprenticeship they wanted.
I have acquired this old tractor/engine, where can I find out something about it?
Take a few photographs along to the club meeting. Show them round and somebody will probably identify it for you. If they cannot you have either got a rarity... or some very poor photographs!
What happens at a group meeting?
They vary, but usually there would be news of forthcoming rallies, and other invitations to the group, then a speaker probably with films or slides. Most clubs mix the programme with more general speakers as well as the specialists. Probably the most popular part of the meeting is the break. Members then have a chance to chat to each other and comment on the latest news in vaporising!
Who runs the group?
Group members elect a committee from the membership.
What is Vaporising?
The quarterly club magazine which is posted out to all members and affiliated clubs. All are posted on the same day.
Can members advertise in Vaporising?
Yes, any group or National member can advertise sales or wants, or information sought, free of charge (up to 60 words). As a result the column is always a rich mixture of everything from a finished rally exhibit to vital spare parts.
What else is in Vaporising?
Reports of rallies, descriptions of vintage equipment, reports from other parts of the world, forthcoming sales, technical features, drawings and photographs. Most issues now include several photographs in full colour, which do justice to the standard of restoration.
What is the National Executive?
Three times a year, each group and affiliated club can send representatives to an all-day meeting. In addition, the elected National Officers attend as well. There they discuss matters which might affect more than one group. All the delegates and officers are enthusiasts, none of them are paid for their work for the NVTEC.
It sounds like a talking shop to me. Do these meetings do any good?
Certainly, 'Vaporising' is an good example of a benefit to all members that comes from the National Executive. Some of our greatest successes have come from resisting Government threats to our hobby.
That is a big claim - what sort of threats?
Vintage tractors still used in commercial agriculture have to have Government-approved roll bars fitted. Thanks to the efforts of the NVTEC, the Health and Safety Executive accept these are not required for rallies and Ploughing matches.
There was a Treasury proposal to charge duty for all vehicles, including vintage tractors, not used on the road. The NVTEC added its protests to the clamor that got these proposals dropped. Our safety code for rallies is accepted by the Health and Safety Executive as satisfactory. This reduces the risk of local Safety Inspectors trying to impose different standards.
So really, if I join a group, I get the benefits of joining both a local and a national club!
That is true. No local club could produce a colour magazine for members. No nationally run club could be as friendly and flexible as a local group.
How do I find my local group?
Contact the Club via email or see our page of where to find us.
What is an affiliated Club, how is that different from a Group?
Affiliated clubs are local enthusiasts who have their own independent club which is nothing to do with the NVTEC. By affiliating they get a copy of Vaporising sent to a club official, an invitation to send an observer to the National Executive meetings, and get minutes of each meeting. This provides a link for clubs that remain fully independent.
There is nothing in my area at all, what can I do?
You can still join as a National member. Contact the (National) membership Secretary. You will get Vaporising sent to you. The National Executive are keen to encourage the formation of new groups .... who knows, you could become one of the founders!
Will I enjoy belonging to the NVTEC?
You will not know until you try it, but out present members do. Why not contact your local group NOW!!!