Getting your hands on an ancient piece of farm or engineering machinery to restore or display is a tougher task than ever before, says the president of the Ballarat Engine and Machinery Preservation Society Peter Bandy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While a traction engine or diesel pump that had finished its working life may have been left in a paddock to rust or broken up for scrap, they’re now highly sought-after items worth thousands of dollars.
Once upon a time people looked for older stuff; but now they collect up to the 1980s...
- Peter Vandy
“Once upon a time people looked for older stuff, but now they collect up until the 1980s, Holdens and things like that,” says Mr Bandy.
The society is having their one day rally this Sunday December 4 from 10am at the Ballarat Showgrounds. Mr Bandy hopes there will be over 100 displays, with participants coming from as far afield as Warracknabeal, the Mornington Peninsula and Torumbarry.
On display will be a threshing machine with a rare Foos engine, an enormous 1898 printing press from McPherson’s, a stationary haypress and many other rare and fascinating machines, as well as ‘naked radiator’ cars – all pre 1930.
Entrance is $5. A sausage sizzle and coffee is offered.
.
