Steve Baldock 1955-2018

Diagnosed in the beginning of 2017 with the later stages of Prostate Cancer, Steve was able to spend some quality time for himself before treatment and the pokes and prods from all the specialists was to begin and travelled, visited friends and enjoyed life with the full knowledge of the dark days that were to shortly follow. Steve was able to enjoy the 10th Anniversary of Steam Traction World at the Banbury rally and to visit Great Dorset for their 50th Anniversary this year. He enjoyed both shows immensely. Steve was suffering in his last few weeks and the void he now leaves with his family, friends and colleagues is now helped a little with the knowledge he is suffering no longer. May he rest in peace.

Steam was Steve’s passion and we wish to continue his work. No doubt, Steam Traction World is a lesser place without Steve but it has galvanised the staff to ensure the company flourishes in memory of one of it’s founders. To work harder, to supply a higher quality, to send our your kits sooner, for you, both our loyal and future customers, to build a better engine, that will in turn be a fitting tribute to Steve. We look forward to seeing these engines continue to steam and win awards all across the showgrounds for many years to come.

“No amount of words will ever be enough..... At 3.10am this morning, 1 day before his 63rd birthday my best friend and business partner, Steve, finally gave up the fight against Prostate Cancer. For those that didn't know him, he was the total opposite to me, my yin to his yang..tall to start with, calm, laid back, hard working, flashes of genius and just an all round great guy. Impossible to replace from a personal and business perspective (and i wouldn't want to) and his passing leaves a massive hole in my heart. Together we've travelled the world for work and pleasure, taken a steam car from John O Groats to Lands End for charity, watched the F1 in Brazil, been to Vegas plus so many more memories that will last forever. We never had a fall out, got drunk many times, laughed and cried plus built a legacy with our business that will never be forgotten by so many. On every rally field throughout the country a part of you will be on show. Love you mate. Rest in peace.” Dean Rogers, Steam Traction World

“From across the pond, we were saddened by the news. Our thoughts are with Steve’s family and the team... from the Blanchard family. Love to all.” Robert Blanchard
“A huge thank you, Steve for fulfilling my dream. RIP.” Andrew David Lovibond
We will always remember what you and Dean have done for us and many others when we steam up our Foden.” Michelle Mahoney
“Steve Baldock was a great engineer and well known to many in the model engineering and full size steam fraternity, always willing to give advice and help, he will be missed. Our condolences to all his family - RIP Steve.” Harold Bell, Steam Car Club

Steam Traction World


“Without Steve’s unique skills, his unflappable temperament and his great sense of humour, so many of us would not have been able to enjoy the hobby of miniature road steam: his legacy will be seen on roads and rally fields for years to come.”
Tim Watson


Steve Traction World
Over the past few years our Christmas gift for all our friends and supporters has been a humorous adventure and song often featuring the engines and staff from Steam Traction World. Our very own character (we’ve called Dave) has been the performer for the previous two Christmases with a star-studded singing parody last year. This year, due to the sad and devastating news we all received, Dave doesn’t feel like singing anymore and, perhaps like all of us at the moment, heads off to find some answers. It’s a film none of us wanted to make.

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Steve was interested in steam since the age of 12 and built his first engine at 15/16 - a 3.5 gauge Titch. Steve then progressed to a 5" gauge Princess of Wales and a 5" gauge LNER Enterprise by the age of 24. Steve completed his first 4" scale Foster T/Engine at the age of 37 then embarked on building 2 half size Atkinson Steam lorries and a half size Burrell Showmans engine. Steve changed his career after his first mid life crisis from a senior manager at RS Components to building and manufacturing predominently 4" scale traction engines. Steve produced countless 4" scale Garrett and other engines before tackling his most challenging project - a 4" scale Hornsby Foster Chain Track Tractor - the first 4" scale version ever finished. This tractor was completed in 2004 and hailed by many model engineers as the best miniature ever produced!

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