A 1946 British built tractor unit, usually a static exhibit at Dingles Fairground Museum in Lifton, was unexpectedly brought out of retirement last Thursday. The museum truck was fired up on March 13 in order to haul fairground rides out of deep mud at Newton Abbot Racecourse — modern trucks just could not do the job. A race against time was on to move the rides from Newton Abbot to Central Park Plymouth for the start of the Easter Fair. The truck 'Scammell Showtrac', one of only 18 produced, is owned by George DeVey of Devon based Anderton and Rowlands Fair. Simon DeVey, son of owner George, said: 'I'm so glad our family kept our two Showtracs. Nothing can winch heavy loads off a muddy ground like these magnificent vehicles.'