Steam trains are always fascinating to me. They take me back to an era when life was simple and you could sit back and listen to the chug, chug, chug of the noisy engines while smoke and soot poured through the chimney and the open window!
I would term steam trains as nostalgic and the Thirlmere Festival of Steam 2023 is a community celebration of steam and nostalgia that I attended in 39-degree heat! The Powerhouse was asked to showcase our Aveling & Porter steam tip wagon, Object No. B1509. This steam wagon was made in England and used by Rockdale Council, as part of the equipment for making and repairing roads in the 1920s. Read more here.
Volunteers Wayne, John and Ernie shared stories with visitors about the steam wagon and steam in general. One story shared was that the steam wagon was operated by a qualified driver who had both a driver’s licence and steam ticket. He was aided by an “offsider”, usually a labourer, who not only shovelled out the load but helped the driver stoke the firebox and grease and oil the wagon.
The volunteers also assisted with the wagon’s operation and transporting it by truck to and from Castle Hill.
The festival attracted large crowds and was full of steam action with several locomotives in steam as well as live steam model engines. There was a display of steam traction engines, portable engines, and vintage machinery. The NSW Rail Museum was open and there were steam train rides, blacksmith demonstrations, driver’s cab visits, and mini-train rides. There were also street parades, music and a fantastic range of village market stalls.
It was a fabulous day celebrating steam and community!
Karen Griffiths
Volunteer Program Officer