Steam engine?

[Lindyloowho]

Excuse my ignorance but I'm wondering if anyone can help identify what uniform the man in the photo might have on?  Is he standing next to a steam engine

Maybe not a military uniform at all? 

Thanks, Linda

[meles]

It is not a locomotive on rails, but might well be an agricultural traction engine. And he's wearing the right clothes for that.

meles

[meles]

The cap is military - REs? Maybe he is helping out.

meles

[Lindyloowho]

REs?

This was amongst my dads things - I knew nothing about his background, other than he grew up in Sunderland.  Not many things agricultural there?

What do you mean about his clothing fitting for the agricultural angle?

Dad was in the army from age 18-45  -  Durham Light Infantry.  Of course it could be just a friend??

Sorry for all the further questions!

Thanks, Linda

[meles]

It is a traction engine. Trust me! 

I think he's wearing his military uniform and an old - ill-fitting! - jacket over it to protect it. So, he's helping or having a laugh.

No probs with the questions. Ask away. That's what we're here for!

meles

[meles]

See the similarity?

meles

[Lindyloowho]

Okay, okay, I believe you !

Now of course this sets me off on another tangent - trying to track down the possible era.  I always presumed this was taken during WW1, but maybe earlier?

What do you mean by REs in reference to his military cap?

Linda

[Michael J]

Meles,

Are you sure it's a steam engine and not a large artillery gun - there's a very large trunnion by his left shoulder.

Michael.

[meles]

Remind me - what's a trunnion....   

You could well be right...

meles