Echuca Moama Steam, Iron and Trades Revival

“It’s a process to build one of these small-scale engines. One can take anywhere between three to five years to build,” Mr Sparks said.

“I went to night school (TAFE) for five years to learn to use the lathe and mill so I could machine parts.

“The only parts I didn’t manufacture myself were the crankshafts and the gears which need to be built by a specialist.

“Being part of a club helps members quite a lot, they readily give you information on where to get some of the specialist parts. There’s a great deal of brass and of copper piping.”

While Mr Sparks considers himself a passionate steam enthusiast, his grandchildren wer also part of the family day event showing their skills and knowledge to the visitors.

His granddaughter Chloe spoke of her interest that began at an early age.

“I’ve had an interest in these steam engines since I was about three, and now at (age) 12 my Pa has taught me to drive the steam car and other engines, and also showed me how they run with a fire and steam,” Chloe said.

“I’ve told my friends at school about my interest in old steam engines, and they think it’s cool.”

A display by father-and-son blacksmiths Luke and Patrick Wylie delighted and amazed many.

Patrick, 9, learned the different aspects of blacksmithing from his father.

“I used to watch my Dad in the shed make things, and I wanted to give it a try,” Patrick said.

“I get to make things out of the ordinary and this is my third time at an event like this.”

Tongala’s Trevor Hazelman and son Jesse were in attendance with Moses, built more than a century ago.

“It’s a Fowler 1920 Traction Engine — Stump Puller,” Mr Hazelman said.

“It was originally imported into NSW to work on the Murray River storages.”

Matt Bain was another keen enthusiast who shared his insights with visitors.

“I’m here with my 1911 Foden Light Agricultural Engine,” Matt said.

“Originally the engine came from Melbourne, where it was then taken to Pyramid Hill under ownership of the Regal Brothers, and then eventually to Gunbower Island.”

Mr Bain is mastering the many aspects of maintaining and operating a machine more than a century old.

Echuca’s Neil Hutchinson showcased an engine from the 19th century.

“This is my 1898 Fowler General Purpose Traction Engine, which was an entry level tractor if you like. It was used for driving a threshing machine or for clearing land,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“The engine was in Gippsland and then ended up in the bakery at Sea Spray where it was used to chop firewood.”

“We’ve owned this one for about six years along with a few other traction engines.

“It costs about $1000 a year for the engine’s boiler to be inspected by a qualified inspector.”

Donna Bevan and her 13-year-old Clydesdale Milly were there to remind visitors of the equine contribution that was made before large-scale machines were introduced.

“I’ve been coming to Echuca for 12 years now along with Milly,” Donna said.

“Clydesdale horses originated from Scotland and were able to quickly acclimatise to the Australian weather, where they were used for generations up until the 1970.”

The two-day event culminated with a grand parade as traction engines and tractors drove around the oval for the visitors to admire and take photos.

Many of the participants thanked the organising committee for staging the 2023 Echuca Moama Steam, Iron and Trades Revival.