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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Steamed Up at Oberon OR The Passion Never Dies

Saturday 12th February we headed out to Oberon and the  Oberon Steam Festival 
A late start saw us arrive about 10.30am after a drive across the Great Dividing Range once known as the "Impassable Barrier". The Blue Mountains  towns were overcast and already signs of Autumn from tree's dropping their leaves this is very early.
I have a passion for steam going back to my childhood in England where I grew up around a time when steam was alive and in use daily. Having worked at Greens Motorcade Museum in the 70's where I was restoring vehicles, George Green had a few traction engines on display.

One of the vehicles I used to drive around the museum is now located in Canberra's national Museum.

I need to thank my Coach Building TAFE teacher Mr Bob Macky for his encouragement in pursuing restoration work of Vintage & Veteran vehicles.


I have digressed ah well.
Oberon lies west of Sydney some 2 hours drive through rural and forest, at any time of year a flurry of snow can happen.



 Commonly known as a "Widow Maker" this log saw has some kick.





An interesting display of Sheep Shearing tools from over the years. Caught Sue's attention as well as mine.


 A miniature set hand made by a lady in South Australia.


 A number of working Steam traction Engines and stationary engines were on display.











 The Best Of British a magnificent Rolls Royce


The Mini Car Club
Triumph
Australian Ford GT XW




 Mustang

The above Ford GT was released in the early 70's and one of the vehicles I started my apprenticeship as a Mechanic/Motor Vehicle Builder working at Wright Ford in Sydney.

Australian Holden FJ lovingly restored and an original looking 149 Grey motor. Note you can almost stand in the engine bay and work on it. You could do all the repairs yourself.







 Excellence in motoring
Honda 750 4 possible Ex-Police bike.

I must add after getting around to see everything, Sue had just ordered lunch when the skys opened and it still has not stopped raining at Oberon and its Sunday. We never got back to the stalls to buy tools and books.

2 comments:

  1. Some awesome cars here - great post! :)

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  2. Hello Ray

    I'm a curator at the National Museum of Australia and am working on a project documenting the history of the Delaunay Belleville tourer which you mention above. I'd love to chat with you about your time with the car if you'd be willing to. Could you contact me on laura.breen at nma.gov.au, thanks, I'll look forward to hearing from you.

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