Castle Hill Show Report 2011
– by Ian Browning
It is quite some time since our Club has participated in the Castle Hill Show, but this year Tony Pettitt secured an invitation to show some of his Howard collection, and he extended the invitation to other members. The Show organisers allocated a nice, level, grassy area adjacent to the Harvey Lowe Pavilion which is close to the pedestrian entry on Showground Road. They even provided an
area for rotary hoe demonstration along the fence, complete with a load of topsoil. On the Friday, a few members attended and it was reportedly rather slow. On the Saturday Tony brought his two truck loads of Howard gear, as well as a couple of other members with engines, Mick Bendeich with a vintage motorcycle and his Penny Farthing bicycle, and Bill Maddy with his International truck. The highlight of the day was a parade led by Mick on his Penny Farthing, and Bill with two ladies dressed in period costume on the back of his truck. After slow start, there was quite a consistent stream of interested visitors, and Tony demonstrated his 12HP Howard rotary hoe in operation several times. Sunday was back to just a few Club members with engines, including Lawrie Winney’s recently acquired little outboard trolling motor. They reported quite good interest. Tony is to be congratulated for organising our participation in the show. There were firm indications we would be invited again, and a larger area was offered. We just need to balance the displays over the three days a little better.
Canberra & District Historic Machinery Club Rally.
March 2011.
N.R.M.A MotorFest 2011.
NRMA Motorfest happened on Australia Day in Sydney, a great event with a couple of Sydney Club Members attending.
NRMA Motorfest 2011 - Australia Day Wednesday 26th January
Report by Kevin & Tim Brodie.
I have always had an opinion to consider the alternatives of our hobby. Rather than do much the same thing each year, why not expand our horizons? With this in mind arrangements were made for club members to attend the NRMA Motorfest 2011.
Early registrations were made last October informing the organisers that we would be able to bring and display a 1927 Chevrolet Truck and a 1926 Dodge Ute. After some time had elapsed, we thought that they had forgotten us or not received our application but lo and behold a letter was received in December informing us that the Chevrolet was accepted but not the Dodge, with no reason or explanation.
So now full preparation of the Chevrolet would begin. We had an ambition to drive the Chev to the event, so the brakes needed to be adjusted, headlights, taillights and stop light all to be tested and a thorough service was completed.
So with great enthusiasm in the early hours of Australia Day we set off to drive to the event. Not more then a kilometre along the road we realised other motorists had little consideration of our poor acceleration and maximum cruising speed of only 50 km/hour.
We headed towards the M5 East Tunnel with cars and trucks often sounding their horns, I hoped in celebration, but maybe in frustration. Having no doors and windows ever fitted to this truck made you realise just how far comfort and safety had played a major role in the development of the motor car. Starting off from numerous traffic lights certainly taught you how to use a crash gear box. The speed or lack of it is an issue in modern Sydney traffic.
Onwards for ever it seemed, onwards we travelled over broken roads, remember no shock absorbers, but the wooden artillery wheels eventually got us to the Domain Car park as arranged, only to find we were too high to enter. Another problem unforseen. We were instructed to proceed around the corner to the road level entrance and park and enjoy a breakfast provided by NRMA.
We met up with other similar vintage vehicles with the problem regarding the car park and were made welcome by members of The Vintage Vehicle Club of Australia.
Everywhere NRMA-appointed persons were directing Motorfest vehicles to assemble and proceed in escorted groups to their allotted parking spots along Macquarie Street, outside St Mary’s Cathedral and Hyde Park areas.
I could not count the great number of NRMA persons, Police and no doubt volunteers, who where out there early and all day to direct and assist not only the exhibitors but also the general public. A great Well Done to them all. We were advised later that near 1000 vehicles attended.
Our time came and in company with other Vintage Vehicles including Dodge, Plymouth, Bayliss Thomas and Chrysler we proceeded to our parking spots immediately in front of the Mint Building. The morning was starting to warm up. The public were swarming around and a continuous discussion soon started with, it seemed, everyone wanting more information about the vehicles. The weather was becoming very hot and cold drinks were the order of the day. Frozen water and juice saved us from serious dehydration on the day.
We did find time to have a quick hike up and down the rows of vehicles and also see what was happening in Hyde Park. It was now just too hot for a lot of hiking about but we were determined to find fellow Sydney Antique Machinery Club members Morrie Barrett and Brian Jub, both displaying Simca motor cars. Also fellow members Don & Barbara Scanes, whose Simca car didn’t get fixed in time to be put on display.
There were motor bikes, cars both Veteran, Vintage, Classic and modern Military vehicles and trucks all to be found displayed. All too soon the afternoon was closing and about 5pm the roads were opened again to traffic, and we all decided to make our way home.
Now remember the Chevrolet got us there and now its task was to make the return to home at Mortdale. Maybe the adrenalin was still flowing well, the return trip was without mishap, over the same bumps and pot holes etc.
Other motorist seemed more tolerant this time with our Aussie flags fluttering, the Chev never missed a beat.
Would I do this again, Yes! I think the club could put on a bigger display at Motorfest 2012.
We are already making plans for the Chev and the Dodge in 2012.
Report by Kevin & Tim Brodie.
I have always had an opinion to consider the alternatives of our hobby. Rather than do much the same thing each year, why not expand our horizons? With this in mind arrangements were made for club members to attend the NRMA Motorfest 2011.
Early registrations were made last October informing the organisers that we would be able to bring and display a 1927 Chevrolet Truck and a 1926 Dodge Ute. After some time had elapsed, we thought that they had forgotten us or not received our application but lo and behold a letter was received in December informing us that the Chevrolet was accepted but not the Dodge, with no reason or explanation.
So now full preparation of the Chevrolet would begin. We had an ambition to drive the Chev to the event, so the brakes needed to be adjusted, headlights, taillights and stop light all to be tested and a thorough service was completed.
So with great enthusiasm in the early hours of Australia Day we set off to drive to the event. Not more then a kilometre along the road we realised other motorists had little consideration of our poor acceleration and maximum cruising speed of only 50 km/hour.
We headed towards the M5 East Tunnel with cars and trucks often sounding their horns, I hoped in celebration, but maybe in frustration. Having no doors and windows ever fitted to this truck made you realise just how far comfort and safety had played a major role in the development of the motor car. Starting off from numerous traffic lights certainly taught you how to use a crash gear box. The speed or lack of it is an issue in modern Sydney traffic.
Onwards for ever it seemed, onwards we travelled over broken roads, remember no shock absorbers, but the wooden artillery wheels eventually got us to the Domain Car park as arranged, only to find we were too high to enter. Another problem unforseen. We were instructed to proceed around the corner to the road level entrance and park and enjoy a breakfast provided by NRMA.
We met up with other similar vintage vehicles with the problem regarding the car park and were made welcome by members of The Vintage Vehicle Club of Australia.
Everywhere NRMA-appointed persons were directing Motorfest vehicles to assemble and proceed in escorted groups to their allotted parking spots along Macquarie Street, outside St Mary’s Cathedral and Hyde Park areas.
I could not count the great number of NRMA persons, Police and no doubt volunteers, who where out there early and all day to direct and assist not only the exhibitors but also the general public. A great Well Done to them all. We were advised later that near 1000 vehicles attended.
Our time came and in company with other Vintage Vehicles including Dodge, Plymouth, Bayliss Thomas and Chrysler we proceeded to our parking spots immediately in front of the Mint Building. The morning was starting to warm up. The public were swarming around and a continuous discussion soon started with, it seemed, everyone wanting more information about the vehicles. The weather was becoming very hot and cold drinks were the order of the day. Frozen water and juice saved us from serious dehydration on the day.
We did find time to have a quick hike up and down the rows of vehicles and also see what was happening in Hyde Park. It was now just too hot for a lot of hiking about but we were determined to find fellow Sydney Antique Machinery Club members Morrie Barrett and Brian Jub, both displaying Simca motor cars. Also fellow members Don & Barbara Scanes, whose Simca car didn’t get fixed in time to be put on display.
There were motor bikes, cars both Veteran, Vintage, Classic and modern Military vehicles and trucks all to be found displayed. All too soon the afternoon was closing and about 5pm the roads were opened again to traffic, and we all decided to make our way home.
Now remember the Chevrolet got us there and now its task was to make the return to home at Mortdale. Maybe the adrenalin was still flowing well, the return trip was without mishap, over the same bumps and pot holes etc.
Other motorist seemed more tolerant this time with our Aussie flags fluttering, the Chev never missed a beat.
Would I do this again, Yes! I think the club could put on a bigger display at Motorfest 2012.
We are already making plans for the Chev and the Dodge in 2012.
Australia Day at Fagan Park – report by Ian Browning
As predicted, the day was extremely hot and humid, and this severely limited public attendance at Fagan Park for picnics etc. Nevertheless, there was a steady steam of visitors, but we exhibitors wisely stayed in the shade much of the time. Several SAMCI members attended, as well as a couple of regulars from the Northern Beaches. A new SAMCI member, Bill Maddy of Kenthurst, brought along his 1964 International truck. Thanks, Bill.
We took the Museum’s vehicles on a parade through the park late in the morning, when most boiled their radiators. The Rider Hot Air engine was run until its cooling water was no longer cool enough to do the job. Also given a run up and down the track was the McDonald PN 8-ton road roller, and the Austral 20HP was enthusiastically started by SAMCI members. For some reason it did not run very well (not hot enough??), but still it drew quite an audience. Our Blacksmith did not fire up as it was simply too hot to contemplate doing so, but his display of artefacts attracted many admirers.
Most packed up early due to the extreme conditions, though it was 4.30pm by the time I reached home and the air conditioner. Many thanks to those who braved the conditions to help us make a good display.
As predicted, the day was extremely hot and humid, and this severely limited public attendance at Fagan Park for picnics etc. Nevertheless, there was a steady steam of visitors, but we exhibitors wisely stayed in the shade much of the time. Several SAMCI members attended, as well as a couple of regulars from the Northern Beaches. A new SAMCI member, Bill Maddy of Kenthurst, brought along his 1964 International truck. Thanks, Bill.
We took the Museum’s vehicles on a parade through the park late in the morning, when most boiled their radiators. The Rider Hot Air engine was run until its cooling water was no longer cool enough to do the job. Also given a run up and down the track was the McDonald PN 8-ton road roller, and the Austral 20HP was enthusiastically started by SAMCI members. For some reason it did not run very well (not hot enough??), but still it drew quite an audience. Our Blacksmith did not fire up as it was simply too hot to contemplate doing so, but his display of artefacts attracted many admirers.
Most packed up early due to the extreme conditions, though it was 4.30pm by the time I reached home and the air conditioner. Many thanks to those who braved the conditions to help us make a good display.
The 2011 Great Snowy River Tractor Stampede Bombala
Hosted by Bega & District Historical Machinery Club Inc.
Sunday 2nd to Wednesday 5th January 2011.
Pictures taken by Tim Brodie during the Trek.
Attendance: Tim Brodie, Kevin Brodie, Barry Chadwick, Russell White, & Maurice Hickham from Menangle Steam - Campbelltown.
45 Tractors started the trek. We enjoyed a fantastic 4 day tractor journey, of 400km's, through some of Australia's most spectacular mountain scenery that follows the legendary Snowy River. A great time by all, and now starting to get ready for next's year trek, they say it could turn into a 5 day trek.
Attendance: Tim Brodie, Kevin Brodie, Barry Chadwick, Russell White, & Maurice Hickham from Menangle Steam - Campbelltown.
45 Tractors started the trek. We enjoyed a fantastic 4 day tractor journey, of 400km's, through some of Australia's most spectacular mountain scenery that follows the legendary Snowy River. A great time by all, and now starting to get ready for next's year trek, they say it could turn into a 5 day trek.
The Sydney Antique Machinery Club Inc. not only runs it’s own annual show on the 3rd Weekend in September, but we attend other shows within New South Wales and interstate. Although based in Hawkesbury Area, at the Hawkesbury Showground site, the Club has members all around NSW & interstate and accordingly there is a social calendar which take it far and wide.