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OLD PLOUGHS AND OLD PLOUGHS AND OLD PLOUGHS AND OLD PLOUGHS AND

PISTONSPISTONSPISTONSPISTONS Newsletter of the Machinery Preservation Club of W.A. (Inc.)

www.machinerypreservationclub.com.au

PO Box 1471, Midland 6936

THRESHING ON LIDWELL FARM IN 1914 AT DAWLISH U.K. TRACTION ENGINE OVER TO THE RIGHT DOING WHAT COMES

NATURALLY, SUPPLYING POWER TO THE THRESHING MACHINE VIA A FLAT BELT.

PRESERVING FOR THE FUTURE

Vol.12 No.2 JUNE 2012

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PRESIDENT: Peter Dymond 95742688 pvdymond@avon.net.au

VICE PRESIDENT: Dave Ashfold 94588363 dash@iinet.net.au

SECRETARY: Jim Riddle 92741905 jriddle@westnet.com.au

TREASURER: Judy Ashfold 94588363 dash@iinet.net.au

SHOW CO-ORDINATOR: Steve Barlas 93518703 sbarlas@westnet.com.au

SOCIAL CO-ORDINATOR: Ross Morton 93740375 grmdraft@optusnet.com.au

WEB MASTER: Ralph & Wendy Thomas 94585435 rwthomas@mail2me.com.au

SAFETY OFFICER: Dave Ashfold 94588363 dash@iinet.net.au

MAGAZINE EDITOR: Les Jones 95254079 jonesey01@netspace.net.au

MPC ARCHIVES/MUSEUM: Bob.Wallis 0417788292 bob.wallis@iinet.net.au

LIBRARIAN: Les Jones 95254079 jonesey01@netspace.net.au

MEMBERSHIP & UNIFORM REGISTRAR: Dave Ashfold 94588363 dash@iinet.net.au

NHMA REPRESENTATIVE ( State Rep.) Ralph Thomas 94585435 rwthomas@mail2me.com.au

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

Monday 4th June Woodloes Open Day set up between 8-9am.

Sunday 22nd July Vintage Motor Cycle Club will be visiting the MPC for a BBQ lunch start 9am. (see NOTE

below)

Sunday 26th August Steamers Day and Open Day . (see NOTE below)

Sunday 2nd September Waroona Show set up Saturday, free camp sites ( Not confirmed only proposed)

Sunday 23rd September Trek The Trail Shire of Mundaring. Is between Wooroloo & Chidlow set up 8am at

Chidlow. Club trailer ?

Saturday 13th October Toodyay Show. Club trailer taken by Peter Dymond.

Saturday 20th October Kelmscott Show. Club trailer ?

NOTE: SET ASIDE April 19th – 21st 2013 for the Mudgee 14th National Machinery Rally

We also need someone to take the trailer to Woodloes Open Day. From what I’ve been told part of the fuel cost

will be reimbursed.

If you wish to exhibit at any of the shows please contact Steve Barlas 9351 8703 or Email him at

sbarlas@westnet.com.au so that he can arrange the area and fencing requirements.

NOTE: Any member wishing to attend the Vintage Motor Cycle day on Sunday 22nd

July will need to book a ticket with Jim Riddle. There will be NO CHARGE and

breakfast is included but no ticket no entry.

Steamers Day on Sunday 26th August will also be a ticket entry at $10 per head

which includes breakfast. Entry without breakfast and children is $5, breakfast will

finish at 10am Any friends or family are welcome to attend at the same price. (see

Jim Riddle) refer flyer on page 6 of newsletter.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Jottings from the presidentJottings from the presidentJottings from the presidentJottings from the president

Looking through some of my old OPP’s I found this

logo that I used a few years ago, it still seems relevant

today as sometimes I feel a bit like the ring master

trying to control many different acts. With the threat

of finding a permanent home for the Club, trying to

put together the guest list for the official

commissioning of the Clayton, moving all our stuff

from bay 2 into our extended bay 3 of block 3 at

Midland and trying to cull some of our acquired odds

and ends (that’s not easy as what is rubbish to one

person is a treasure to another). Hey ho that’s life as

they say, no matter how big a space you seem to have

it is never big enough.

Enough of my grumblings to more important things to

report on- first as you see further on in this

publication Ralph has written a short bit on the

successful running of the Clayton & Shuttleworth

steam tractor the other week. Like all commissioning

a few little problems came to light the main one was

the misalignment of the Stephenson linkage which

made the control of forward to reversevery difficult.

This has hopefully been fixed by Lindsay and Peter last

Tuesday; with fingers crossed the next run should be

fine. If all is fine on the next run painting will start.

Our steamers day is coming up on the 26th August and

I will need plenty of help to make this day a very

profitable one, so I ask you all to spread the news to

all your friends. The cost will be $10 adults and $5 for

children this will include your breakfast for members

and guests. Please let a member of your committee

know expected numbers who you think will be

attending so we will have an idea.

Peter.

Old Faithful “ARTHUR” before he went out to

pasture (Cannington show 2010)

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EDITORIAL by Les Jones

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful

support in publishing this newsletter. I’ve

had some great articles sent in, as you will

see further in the letter. It seems like only

yesterday that the 1st one was completed and

the editing and writing of the newsletter has

become more of a full time job, but saying

that I’m enjoying the search for articles

which are of interest to members.

The 1st Mudgee meeting was held at my place

and was a great success. The weather was

perfect so we held it out under the alfresco.

After the meeting finished I put the BBQ on

and the guys wandered around the place

checking out the old farm machines or what

my wife calls the rat pile and then finished

off with a walk back in time, through the

display room with themes on farming,

blacksmiths, aircraft, dairy, shearing, war

and petrol/garage memorabilia.

We came away with some excellent ideas for

Mudgee and our bellies full from the lovely

sweets that the girls put on. More meetings

will be held and Ralph has a run down on

the 2nd meeting in his Mudgee article.

Thought for the month

ALLIANCE REPORT by Bob Wallis

While the Wheels of Government turn slow

so does the Alliance Group.

In the past month I have been busy writing

to Minister Buswell, Minister Morton, Alyssa

Hayden MLC for East Metro with a copy to

Ken Wyatt, Federal member for Hasluck

about the Alliance Group (us). No replies yet

but Alyssa Hayden is working with us.

Last Tuesday, 17th April, I had the

opportunity to have Darryl Trease JP and

councillor for the City of Swan visits me at

the Workshop – he understands our plight

and will support us where possible.

Last Wednesday 18th April I was to meet with

Minister Buswell, unfortunately it was

cancelled due to another pressing g matter.

The new CEO for the Metropolitan Regional

Authority has not been appointed as yet –

however the City of Swan has sent us a letter

introducing the group to the MRA, but we

need some support from the current

government before this visit takes place.

An eighth group have proposed to join us,

being Central TAFE who is looking for

premises in the Midland CBD and I will meet

with them

this

Tuesday

the 24th at

Midland.

Some of Bob’s collection of handtools ( Brookton )

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RALLY AND SHOW REPORTS

Historical Agricultural Environmental Festival –

13th May 2012.

Swan Hill Farm, Jennapullin Road, Southern

Brook, via Northam.

by Ralph and Wendy Thomas.

It was quite a long drive to the festival, off the main

highway, and at times we wondered if we were on the

right road; even though we followed a horse float we

guessed had Clydesdales on board. After some time

we caught sight of the silhouettes of several large

animal sculptures on the skyline, followed buildings

surrounded by

caravans and

vehicles.

We were

directed to our

allocated site,

which was at

the end of the

line of

exhibitors and

stalls, as we requested to be allowed to keep our

vehicles adjacent to our engines. The site itself was

well strewn with small stones making it a little difficult

to walk and push engines around.

It wasn’t long before the rest of the members arrived

and we had the fence erected ready for engine start

up. The sixteen members including wives, displayed

ten engines (some running pumps), a tool display plus

a shearing hand piece display in the shearing shed.

This was certainly by no means one of our bigger

displays, but we had a nice variety of engines and

sundries.

This Festival was somewhat different from a lot we

have attended; most stalls were rather unusual and

created a pleasant rural atmosphere. Spread over a

very large paddock away from the stall area, were lots

of sculptures consisting of scarecrows, incredible

creatures and machinery.

There was a huge variety of entertainment; from

Bush Bands, Bush Poets, Highland and Irish dancing,

Highland Battle re-enactments, and the list goes on.

Vintage cars were displayed by the Avon Valley

Vintage Vehicle Association, free rides supplied by the

Quairading Vintage Association on their Mini Road

Train and the

Clydesdale horses

pulling their

wagon. Roving

entertainment

was by “Gugge

Burras”; a group

of musicians aged

between 19 and

82 years; now they were something different! I would

not have put their musical ability into a very high

class; but for their dressing up and exuberant

enthusiasm in wanting to please the crowd -

absolutely top marks!

The motto for this Festival is ACT BELONG COMMIT –

A good motto for all clubs.

As you can see from the previous reports; one of

the benefits of being an MPC member is that it

enables you to participate in displaying and enjoying

your hobby at any of the Club’s organized events. All

MPC activities are covered by a $20m Public Liability

Insurance, as an affiliated club to the National

Historical Machinery Association Inc. You can be

assured of having a lot of fun at the rallies and you

meet the public, who always enjoy our engines and

quite often you can be lucky enough to collect the

piece of equipment you have been looking for. Even

if you don’t have an exhibit, you are quite welcome

to come along and join us at the next function.

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The 2012 annual steaming

day at “The Workshops”

Midland

(Block 3, Centennial Place)

A great day to meet friends and the slightly eccentric

WHEN? 26th August

2012

all in our newly extended

workshop

Breakfast 8-10am $10 (including

tea/coffee all day) entry without

breakfast is $5 and children $5

Portable steam engine running,

scale traction engines, steam train

and steam boat (under steam but

not sailing)

Small and large Stationary

engines running

Trash and treasure, stall (findwhat

you have always needed!) donations

welcome

The main event will be

the commissioning and

official thanks for the

restoration by the Club

and generous

manufacturers and

friends of the1904

Clayton& Shuttleworth

steam tractor after

5years

For catering purposes

please reply to Box 1471

Midland 6936 or email

pvdymond@avon.net.au

by 30 July latest

FOOTNOTE

Volunteers are required to

erect fencing, preparing

engine displays and running

of engines for the upcoming

Vintage Motor Cycle and

Steamers open day. See Jack

Bellotti, John Milne or Steve

Barlas.

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NHMA 14th National Rally Mudgee NSW.

by Ralph Thomas.

The group of members that is organising the MPC

display of exhibits to take to Mudgee next year had

their second meeting on Thursday 10th May at the

Lynwood Arms Tavern, Ferndale. Members enjoyed a

nice meal in the very busy restaurant, which is always

very popular particularly on a Thursday night. After

the meal, things were a little quieter and we got down

to business; discussing plans for our assault on

Mudgee. We have intentions to take the Clubs ‘Trusty’

and ‘Edwards’ engines. Work on both is still required,

but a team has been formed and will hopefully soon

have both of these engines up to scratch. Other

members will be taking exhibits in utes and trailers to

make up a well organised display, for which the MPC

is renowned. Our next meeting will be on the 2nd June

at 2.30 pm at MRW where we will discuss progress

and fill out exhibitor forms, followed by afternoon tea.

Over the next few months we will probably use an

area at the Workshops to get our display set up.

For those of you who may wish to attend this

prestigious event, accommodation is filling fast so it is

important to get organised now. You can find all the

information required by going to the MPC website

and follow the links. Anyone else who would like to

contribute their help to this project, please contact

Les Jones or Ralph Thomas.

The Mudgee brains trust at the Lynwood Arms

The better half of the Mudgee crew.

Blue X is the location of the Mudgee Riverside

Caravan Park where some club members are staying

and the show ground south of the town is the other

location which is also the rally site.

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STATUS OF OUTSTANDING JOBS IN THE

WORKSHOP by Les Jones

(MEMBERS) INVOLVED WITH THE

RESTORATIONS AND HELP REQUIRED

THE TRACTION ENGINE “BERT” is

nearing completion thanks to

(Lindsay Hill, Ian Lyons, Peter

Glasfurd and the rest of the Tuesday

gang) who have been involved. Will

require painters

1. MRA MOTORISED TRIKE on hold due

to concentration on floor sweeper. (Les

Jones).

2. EDWARDS 2 CYL. ENGINE in progress

(Les Smith). Will require occasional help

3. LISTER ENGINE AND POWER BOARD

in progress (George Chappell). Requires

voltmeter gauge 0-50 scale.

4. COOPER 2 POST SHEARING PLANT in

progress (Jim Riddle).

5. LAUSEN OPEN CRANK HORIZONTAL

ENGINE nearing completion, painting in

progress (John Furey)

6. COOPER LITTLE WONDER SHEARING

PLANT in progress (Paul Freeman).

7. HORNSBY HORIZONTAL OPEN CRANK

START ENGINE will require 2 volunteers

to restore

8. BFW TOW TUG (McDonald engine)

brake repairs in progress (Ross Morton &

John Milne).

9. MUDGEE RALLY DISPLAY manufacture

of shipping box to house the Trusty for

the Mudgee Rally. Mike Pedley. Ralph

Thomas to supervise.

10. LIBRARY UPGRADE relocation of library

from sea container to office in new floor

area. On hold due concentrate on floor

sweeper. (Ralph Thomas and Les Jones)

11. TENNANT FLOOR SWEEPER

requires new batteries, rewire and

general clean up (Les Jones), awaiting

parts, will require volunteers to help.

12. TRUSTY ENGINE requires sorting of

carbie and governor setup. George

Chappell, Colin Redden and Les Smith.

Dave Ashfold to supervise.

ANY MEMBER WANTING TO HELP WITH

RESTORATION PROJECTS PLEASE LET US

KNOW AS THERE ARE OUTSTANDING

JOBS AS WELL AS THE PREPARATIONS

FOR THE OPEN DAYS.

HISTORY OF CLUB ENGINES – Clayton

& Shuttleworth Traction Engine

“Bert” by Ralph Thomas

After several years of dedicated work; club President

Peter Diamond and his hard working team, were

rewarded last week, 17th April, 2012, when they fired

up the restored “Bert” for the first time.

The normal Tuesday work gang all stopped to share

Peter’s delight at the success of doing a great job and

to watch him drive proudly up and down the

workshop.

Apart from a

few minor

problems, the

boys were more

than happy with

the test run and

after

manoeuvring it

back into its

parking area, set about sorting them out.

Next, ‘Bert’ will have his livery and other bits and

pieces fitted, ready for his official presentation to the

public; which will possibly be at the Steamers Day in

August, at the Midland Railway Workshops.

Thanks here must go to Lachlan Milne, a visitor from

Sydney who became a curious spectator, who just

happened on the scene with some friends, and kindly

obliged by taking some photos for me to record this

important occasion.

Check our Forth Coming Events page on this Website

for information on the Steamers Day.

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CLAYTON & SHUTTLEWORTH of

Lincoln England by Les Jones

They were an engineering firm located at Stamp End

Works, Lincoln U.K. The company was established in

1842 when Nathaniel Clayton (1811-1890) formed a

partnership with his brother-in-law, Joseph

Shuttleworth(1819-1883). In 1845 they built their first

portable steam engine, and in 1849 their first

threshing machine. By 1890 they had produced

26,000 steam engines and 24,000 threshing machines

and had branches throughout Eastern Europe. Their

workforce had also increased at Lincoln to 1,200.

The firm

became a

limited

company in

1901 with

Alfred

Shuttleworth,

son of the founder as their chairman. In 1911 they

started building oil engines, gun tractors, and crawler

tractors till 1929. They were also the first British firm

to make a Combine Harvester.

During the First World War they built aircraft (Ed. I

don’t know how well a steam powered wrought iron

plane would fly). Surprise surprise they made Sopwith

Camels, over

500 being

manufactured.

One of their

planes is

credited with

shooting down

the Red Baron

in the hands of

the Canadian

Roy Brown which probably explains why they built 49

tri-plane versions of the Camel.

The company failed in 1930 due the depression and

were taken over by Marshall, Sons & Co. Of

Gainsborough, to obtain their Combine Harvester

technology.

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE Report

by Ralph Thomas

The Service organized by the Metropolitan

Redevelopment Authority in association with the

Returned and Services League of Australia WA Branch

Incorporated (Bellevue Sub-Branch) was once again

extremely well attended. The turn up of spectators,

we estimated approximately close on 300; was even

better than previous years, probably the best since it

was restarted something over ten years ago.

The addition this year of Mr Jim Clarysse as Piper put

a nice touch to the service by playing the National

Anthem leading the spectators singing. It also

complimented Mr Reuben Christman the Bugler who

as usual played the “Last Post” both from their lofty

positions on the fire escape.

The order of the service was as follows:- The

Calafalque Party Mounted by Guildford Grammar

School Cadet Unit,

Introduction - Chaplain Nick Stuurstraat, RFD.

Address - Professor Fred Affleck; Board Member,

Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.

Prayer of Dedication and Remembrance - Chaplain

Nick Stuurstraat, RFD.

Mayoral Address - Cr Charlie Zannino; Mayor, City of

Swan.

‘Last Post’.Ode of Remembrance, - Chaplain Nick

Stuurstraat, RFD.

‘Rouse’ - Let us now commend to the mercy and love

of God all those whose heroic deeds we recall today,

especially those who laid down their lives for their

country in all conflicts.

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‘Lament – Wreath Laying

‘Benediction’ - Chaplin Nick Stuurstraat, RFD.

National Anthem, “Advance Australia Fair”.

Calafalque Party Dismounts.

Bugler: Mr Reuben Christman.

Piper: Mr Jim Clarysse, APM

Members of the Machinery Preservation Club once

again excelled themselves in the setting up of

infrastructure and serving morning tea to those

attending the service. This gesture by the Club is done

as a thank you to the Metropolitan Redevelopment

Authority and to the People of Midland.

MEMORIAL to FALLEN SOLDIERS

At the courtyard entrance to the Workshops is the

Memorial to Fallen Soldiers. The memorial

commemorates the 70 railway workers who enlisted

from the workshops and died in World War I. A

further 25 men who lost their lives in World War II

were later added to the memorial. The figure of Peace

atop the memorial was the work of Pietro Porcelli.

The Memorial reads -

“In enduring

commemoration of

the loyalty devotion

and sacrifice of

workshop comrades

who fell in the Great

War 1914-1918. These

our glorious dead. Erected by their fellow employees.”

Footnote: I am of the understanding that this War

Memorial is one of only two in Australia with a Statue

of a Woman depicting a sign of Peace; the other is in

the little town of Jeparit, in Central Western Victoria.

We saw it when travelling from Murray Bridge to

attend the nearby Warracknabeal Easter Rally in 2009.

ANZAC DAY – 2012 – Mt Eliza by Bob & Brenda

Wallis

On the 25th Brenda and I rose at 03:45 hours dressed

for a cold and windy morning caught the train at

Maddington 04:30 hours. It was soon realised that this

Anzac Day would be a record as there were no less

than 30 people on the platform scrambling for a non-

existent seat on the train. As the train moved towards

Perth the train became worse than a ‘Sardine Tin’ as a

record crowd converged on Mt Eliza (Estimated at

over 40,000). At the station the mob from Midland,

Armadale and Fremantle converged on the Wellington

Bus Station. Joondalup and Mandurah had their own

Bus Station. Bus after bus travelled the route towards

the memorial along with thousands of people. Brenda

& I have made this commitment to pay our respects

to the fallen soldiers a number of times over the years

and find it very moving as dogs-on-leads, children-in-

strollers, and people of all ages, religion and

nationality move silently into position near the

memorial, or as near as possible (no crushing). This

year we were much further back than previous and

could only see the “Flame of Remembrance” if I stood

on tippy toe. The eight or more giant screens reflected

the goings on, but people were glad just to be there

and respected others space. Wreath laying

completed, dawn arrived along with the Last Post and

a single RAAF aircraft flew over. As dawn disappeared

and the service was complete five bi-planes flew over

and completed a few manoeuvres as we all started to

move away in small groups. No rush, no hurry just

ordinary people filled with teary appreciation of what

these men and women did for us, and allowed us to

live in the best place in the world. We made our way

to the bottom of the hill for bacon and eggs and back

home to rest. Always a very moving experience.

May they never be forgotten!

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From the MPC Website Masters

Ralph and Wendy Thomas.

CAN WE HELP? We have recently received several

queries via the MPC website, from various people

looking for help with a variety of enquiries.

“Carbide supply” From Barry Munt who lives in

Tibooburra, North Western New South Wales; and

who has opened a Central Australian Memorabilia

Museum. He was trying to locate a supply of carbide

so he could demonstrate his collection of carbide

lamps. I did my best to help him and had thoughts of

dropping some off next year on the way to Mudgee to

attend the 14th National Rally. My chivalrous thoughts

soon diminished after looking on the map for

Tibooburra; which is 345 kms north of Broken Hill on

the Silver City Highway; and also includes over

100kms of dirt road. Even so, Barry assures me they

get plenty of tourists through on a regular basis. From

the photo he sent me it looks pretty good, so if you

are passing through, call in and tell Barry, ‘Ralph sent

you’.

“Hot Rivets”

Phillip Thompson, a member of the Military Section

of the WA Vintage Car Club, is restoring a 25 per

artillery gun and seeks help with fitting “Hot rivets” to

the armour shield. We passed this on to Peter

Dymond, but if you can help, contact the writer at

phillip_thompson@rocketmail.com.au

“West Arms”

And from the Land of the Long White Cloud, a very

interesting request with a West Australian flavour. A

gun collector from Waiuki, North Island, New Zealand,

is looking for information on a rare West Australian

built 22 calibre rifle. I asked at our Tuesday work day,

but no one had heard of the manufacturer or the rifle.

However I knew of a gun dealer and collector near us

and we paid him a visit. When asked about it, he had

all the information required and also had a West Arms

rifle. He offered to contact the NZ collector and help

him with anything he needed to know. The collector

showed Wendy and I his mind-blowing collection of

guns and associated military equipment, and although

I am in no way a fan of guns, this collection was

something else. I have purposely omitted names in

this item for security reasons and to protect the

identity of the collectors.

I hope to get some information on West Arms at a

later date and will do an article for OP& P.

“Clayton and Shuttleworth”

Tony and Sebena Gummer from Fielding, North Island,

New Zealand, informed us that they have in their

possession what appears to be a set of wheels off a

Clayton and Shuttleworth traction engine, which they

wish to sell. Again I passed this on to Peter Dymond,

with a reply to Tony and Sebena, in which we thanked

them for their offer but thought it a bit far away to

collect; but if anyone is passing!

PART 1 of HOT AIR ENGINES by Les Jones part2 Aug.

(Extract from American Stirling Company).

Robert Stirling was a minister of the Church of

Scotland who was interested in the health of his

parishioners bodies in addition to the well being of

their souls. He invented the Stirling engine (he called it

an "air engine") because steam engines of his day

would often explode killing and maiming those who

were unlucky enough to be standing close by. Robert

Stirling's engines couldn't explode and produced more

power than the steam engines then in use. In 1816 he

received his first patent for a new type of "air engine".

The engines he built and those that followed eventually

became known as "hot air engines" and continued to be

known called hot air engines until the 1940's when

other gasses such as helium and hydrogen were used as

the working fluid. Robert Stirling was an active

minister and inventor all his life. Perhaps his most

important invention was the "regenerator" or

"economizer" as he called it. This is used today in

Stirling engines and many other industrial processes to

save heat and make industry more efficient.

12

A TALE OF THREE HORNSBYS sent in by Eric Coates (extract from Stationary Engine 2002)

Thanks Eric for the interesting background on the Titanic sinking that you gave at the last monthly meeting.

Unfortunately the hardship of the deceased crew member’s families has never been explained, not only

losing a loved one but also the only source of income. (No liability payment from the shipping company or

government) thank God we live in today’s era.

13

14

Mundaring Community Men’s Shed

Midland visit

by Martin Beal.

Tuesday 8th May saw nine blokes from MCMS visit the

Machinery Preservation Club at Midland Workshops.

We were welcomed by Ralph and Peter, given a

morning coffee and shown around the collection. And

what a collection!

The display area was at least 60 metres long and the

full width of the workshop bay. The blokes in the club

had arranged their machinery into subject areas,

mining, agricultural, steam and so on. In the mining

area there was a stamping mill made by Frazer &

Chalmers of Erith, UK. What a coincidence, that was

where I served my apprenticeship! The area also

included some mining industry tools, a model of a

mineshaft head gear and info about good old C. Y.

O’Connor.

The next area was a massive collection of stationary

engines of all sorts including a Douglas horizontally

opposed petrol engine probably used to generate

electricity in a Lancaster bomber. Another interesting

item was a Wankel engine used to power an outboard

motor.

Further along the building was a magnificent Clayton

and Shuttleworth steam traction engine. Members

had had the engine running recently but found a

problem with the valve gear which they were

currently fixing. I was interested to hear that the

original boiler had been a write-off and a new one had

been designed and built by the members. All the more

impressive as the boiler was also a load-bearing part

of the machine. It supported the steering gear at the

front and the drive train and driving wheels at the

rear.

Heading back along the other side of the bay we saw

an eight ton stand-by Ruston generator that had been

salvaged from the old Perth telephone exchange.

Alongside was a great collection of machine shop

lathes, milling machines and so on. Colin was in his

element.

The collection was enormous and I have only

mentioned a few of the exhibits here. As Ralph

indicated, there is a wealth of history saved in the

collection and at the moment a wealth of experienced

men to tend it. Will there be a next generation to

continue the task of refurbishing and maintain these

wonderful machines into the future? I wonder.

THE JOKE CORNER no reference to the

above

I don’t know WHY I didn’t figure this out before.

I wash my hair in the shower and the shampoo runs

down over my whole body.

Printed very clearly on the label is the following

warning. “FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY”. No

wonder I have been gaining weight!!!

Well, I have got rid of the shampoo and I am going to

start using Dish Washing Liquid instead. Its label

reads,

“DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO

REMOVE.!!!

Problem solved! If I don’t answer the phone ....... I’ll

be in the shower.

SENT IN BY Dave Pether

There was a fellow who always had bad luck. Finally

he found a magic lamp, rubbed it and a genie

appeared. At the fellow’s request, the genie bestowed

on him the “Midas Touch”

15

For the rest of his life, everything that he touched

turned into a muffler.

SENT IN BY Myself

No matter what your job, you should always try and

make it interesting.

VINTAGE MACHINERY SALES

DONATIONS OF ANY OLD VINTAGE EQUIPMENT

WOULD BE GREATLY APRECIATED, AS THE SELLING

STALL IS GETTING A BIT THIN ON ITEMS FOR RESALE.

THIS AREA GENERATES GOOD REVENUE WHICH

HELPS FUND THE NEWSLETTER AND THE

RESTORATION PROJECTS. SO START CLEANING OUT

THOSE RAT PILES AND BRING IN YOUR UNWANTED

ITEMS.

ANY MEMBER WISHING TO SELL ITEMS ON THE CLUB

STALL WILL NEED TO DONATE 10% OF THE SALE

PRICE.

NOTE: No responsibility will be taken for any

member’s item that is advertised by the MPC. “Buyer

Beware”.

There is only a limited space available so I’ve

set the max. number of ads to 12 For Sale

and 12 for Wanted or a combination that

total 24 ads.

• A limit of 2 ads per member will apply

if our total space is exceeded. If space

is required for new ads then the first

on, first off rule will apply.

• Member’s ads must include

description, full price, name and

phone number.

• Wanted ads will be for engine parts

only.

• Please notify me when ad is no longer

required

FOR SALE:

1. Numerous booklets “Model Engineering”,

“Steam Engines” and “Farming Gazette”.

2. Blank “V” belt pulley wheels various sizes

Refer Willy at club stall next to sea container

3. McDonald foot path roller 4T 6hp CPI eng.

with Ronaldson Tippet spray trailer $10,000

4. Groper engine manufactured at Midland

Workshop, copy of Casey Jones eng. $3,000

5. Ronaldson Tippet X 2 - Diesel engines

Type CM 3.5hp $650ea

Refer Ralph Thomas 94585435

6. Moffat Virtue 3hp vertical petrol eng.

serial nbr 11379 good condition $300

7. Moffat Virtue 3hp eng. with 32V lighting

plant, running, good condition $900

8. Cooper XC 4hp petrol eng. with 32V

lighting plant, cast iron base/wheels $800

9. Southern Cross 3hp diesel eng. with 32V

lighting plant, separate switch board $350

WANTED

1. Mushroom style muffler required for a

Cooper RV/PT 1hp engine.

2. Cream Separator parts or dairy industry

memorabilia.

3. Cast iron muffler to suit Ronaldson Tippet

3hp. vertical

Refer Les Jones 95254079 or 0407945398

16

4. Cooper “Little Wonder” parts required for

club project. Magneto, Spark Plug (tapered),

Gear 3 3/8” dia x 52 times teeth and oilers

5. 1” wide flat belt x 2. 3.2M & 3.3M long

Refer Paul Freeman 93304868

6. Rear cast cover for a Crossley 1030 eng.It

carries the magneto & has internal sprocket

Refer Bob Wallis 94596425

7. 6” dia. Pulley to suit 4hp Sundial eng. 3

mounting holes w/out thread. Refer

Dave Pether 92941774

8. Marino Water Pumps – any info on the

pumps (Usage and History).

9. Cooper RV & PT – Information, reference

publications, books, parts cat. Alternative

manufacturers that re-badge the engine.

10. Parts for a SE McDonald (cyl. head,

valves and springs, atomiser).

11. Parts for a Commando engine (fuel tank

and brackets, carbie, Maggie dog drive,

starter gear cog and associated parts). ANY

INFO ON THE ABOVE ENGINES.

Refer Clive Griffiths 95760304

SUGGESTION BOX

SHOP CO-ORDINATOR/MEMBERS PHONE

LIST by Mike Pedley

Could we have a workshop co-ordinator to

liaise between the committee and the

members who are doing club jobs, this

person would be able to find help getting

parts made for the job, purchase parts,

organise painting, fuel etc, arrange for areas

to be tidied up, cleaning of parts etc. This

last item is something that has been

discussed by members who would rather

work than stand around talking.

RESPONSE TO MIKE’S SUGGESTION

I (Les Jones) have been nominated as the

Workshop Supervisor, while I’m happy to do this

chore, I feel I can’t concentrate wholly on the job

due the numerous half completed projects that

I’m currently involved with. Ralph Thomas and

Dave Ashfold will support me and continue to

allocate work and supply materials as required.

GUESS WHAT THIS IS AND WHERE IS IT LOCATED ?

QUIZ – Answers on page 18.

1. Where did Captain Cook land in Australia?

2.What event does Australia Day remember

3. Were there any survivors from the sinking of HMAS

Sydney

4. Was high pressure steam used on the first mine Beam

Engines.

5. Do the Whitworth and UNC threads have the same pitch?

6. What nick name was given to Robert Menzies?

7. How many states are there in the USA?

8. Which country has the biggest Muslim population ?

9. What engine did the Mustang fighter use in WW2?

10. How many smoke stacks did the Titanic have ?

11. What iconic agricultural company helped start Western

Australian Airways in 1921?

12. Which has the biggest land mass, Australia or Antarctica

13. Who invented the 1st

steam locomotive to pull

passengers and run on rails?

14. Where was the ocean liner Queen Mary 1 built?

15. Last but not the easiest, go to the top of the class if you

know this one without Goggling. What year was the Sydney

Harbour Bridge completed and for the real smarty bums

how it was load tested?

17

WOMENS INTEREST (Grandma’s Recipes)

18

ANSWER TO QUIZ

1. BOTANY BAY NSW

2. Celebrates the arrival of the 1st

fleet at Sydney Cove in

1788.

3. No but one seaman’s body was found on Christmas

Island where he was buried.

4. No, steam was used to form a negative pressure on one

side of the piston and then atmosphere air pressure pushed

on the other, so they were called Atmospheric Engines.

5. Up to ½ ” they have the same pitch, after that they differ.

6. He was called “Pig Iron Bob” after selling iron to Japan

just before WW2.

7. ( 50 ).

8. Indonesia

9. Rolls Royce 1,030hp Merlin alloy V12s, later versions had

2,035hp Griffon cast iron V12s.

10. 4 stacks but only 3 were operational; the fourth was

installed to improve the visual aspect.

11. Hugh McKay of Sunshine fame, helped finance WA.

Airline in 1921 by going guarantor for their overdraft.

12. Antarctica

13. Richard Trevithick, a decade before George Stephenson.

14. Glasgow SCOTLAND, its increased draft meant it was

never able to return to its launch site.

15. 1932 and load tested with 90 steam locos, this was

done mainly to calm the sceptic’s nerves.