FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || ISSUE 013
INSIDE >>
P10 Cruise For Clint 2018
>>
P11 Junee’s Roundhouse Museum >> P13 Flying Farmer
PAGE 3
A FIRIE’S FIERY
COLLECTION Chris Berry from the Coolamon Fire Museum cradles one of the many beautiful model fire engines on display in the former Coolamon Fire Brigade Station.
WHO ARE THE WORLD’S
BEST
DRIVERS PAGE 5
WE ARE YOUR LOCAL GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING ON WHEELS From skate boards to semis & cars to caravans. We have all your wheels covered.
|| DRIVER’S SIDE A MATCHBOX FULL OF FUN Matchbox cars turned 65 this year and I know that many people, myself included, recall with longing, apparently simpler days in our backyards and schoolyards armed with the miniature replicas of some of the most “want one” vehicles on the face of the planet. I can remember sitting with friends at Narrandera Public School in the mid 70’s under the big peppercorn tree, our classes simply being intermissions between rounds of the ‘Narrandera Public 500’. Bulldozing the loose dirt with paddle pop sticks to make tracks, racing your own cars, admiring other kid’s cars. On the odd occasion one of the other kids would bring their Matchbox car’s case we would gather round to bear witness to the goodies contained inside. We all hoped we would have that same luck when it came to toys and having mums and dads and grandparents showing their love at Christmas and on birthdays.
If you would like to be included in the next edition please contact Kieren on:
KIEREN L. TILLY
At that time many of my cars would have been Lesney Matchbox models. I still have most of them today. In fact, in compiling this editorial I just priced one of the cars I know I have.
TORQUE BIG WHEEL kieren@waggaweekly.com.au 0488 533 569 | 02 6923 3900 99 Peter Street Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650
I don’t know how much these cars would have cost at Mr Hopwood’s toy store in Narrandera back in the day, but now someone in Florida, USA is looking to get roughly $A100 complete with original box and postage. Mine is not in this condition. Mine has been loved to death. I doubt Messrs Smith, Smith and Odell, creators of Lesney Products, could have seen in 1949 when they began in an abandoned pub the impact their products would have in terms of not only popular culture but the prices their products would realise as used collectibles. For the record, Lesney Products sadly went under in 1982, the year I started high school. A dream as defunct now as the ‘Narrandera Public 500’. Safe Travelling, Kieren
WHAT’S ON 2018 National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing and Boating Expo Friday 17 August to Sunday 19 August Melbourne Showgrounds
|| IN THIS ISSUE Drivers Side
2
What’s On
2
A Firie’s Fiery Collection
3
She’s one Elli of a motorbike rider
4
Who are the world’s best drivers
5
Wagga Swap Meet
6
Answering the phone
8
Cootamundra Sprints
9
Cruise for CLINT 2018
10
Keeping Junee’s Roundhouse Museum on track is a team effort
11
David Meiklejohn on a “High”-lux.
12
Flying farmer soars above drought woes
13
R.A.M.B.0 Round 5 Wagga Wagga
On eBay now, someone is selling a Matchbox Lesney, No. 61, Alvis Stalwart -- Type “E4” series box, for those who remember them, they were the six-wheeler in white with BP exploration on the side.
14-15
2 || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
This show is a must-see for outback travellers, fishermen and 4x4 lovers. Featuring 200 leading exhibitors and retailers, unique entertainment and renowned industry experts to create a truly memorable experience. An estimated 32,000 fishing, 4x4 and outdoor enthusiasts across three days can’t be wrong. This fantastic one-stop shop will feature the latest products, great deals and real inside technical knowledge. Among the exhibits are new 4x4s, the latest aftermarket accessories, tents, camper trailers, boats and fishing tackle which will all be on sale. For further information check out www.4x4show.com.au/ melbourne
2018 Variety Vic Bash to Townsville Thursday 23 August to Friday 31 August
Australia’s largest and longest running charity motoring adventure - often imitated, never beaten. The Variety Bash is a fun event, touring the outback in cars that are at least 30-years-old. It is a chance to experience remote and regional Australia that you might not otherwise see, supporting Variety Australia - the Children’s Charity. Throughout the Bash, participants visit local towns, stopping into schools and organisations to visit the kids. Bashers get to see the direct impact of their fundraising efforts and provide a range of educational, health and mobility equipment to local schools and organisations along the route. The event is all about having fun in support of Aussie kids. The Bash has plenty of festivities along the way, from theme nights to entertainment, awards, activities and games. The itinerary is Geelong, Horsham, Swan Hill, Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Cunnamulla, Emerald, Charters Towers and Townsville. For more information check out www.variety. org.au
NatRoad Conference 2018
Friday 31 August to Saturday 1 September Hamilton Island The NatRoad conference brings together the who’s-who of the trucking industry in one location. The 2018 NatRoad Conference will, once again, host an audience of influential industry leaders, politicians, regulators, business owners and suppliers in a dynamic set-up. This year, the conference will encourage businesses to ‘Power Up!’ their thinking. The twoday event will feature sessions revealing the biggest opportunities for businesses to improve their productivity and efficiency while tackling some of the industry’s most challenging topics. The 2018 conference will have something for everyone. Delegates will walk away from the conference with practical tools to apply to their business and “big-thinking” inspirations for future planning. For further information check out www.natroad. com.au
ON THE COVER
A FIRIE’S FIERY COLLECTION || BY KIEREN L. TILLY
Coolamon is a town doing its own thing to survive as many small towns around Australia find they must do. If the population is decreasing due to lack of facilities and lack of work, one could understand that with all the best intentions in the world some towns would simply not be destined to live on. Thanks to an inventive band of people that call Coolamon home their town won’t be disappearing anytime soon.
In the small building which previously housed the Coolamon Fire Brigade, former firefighter Chris Berry and his wife, Jo decided to establish a museum to showcase Chris’s growing firefighting collection. A firefighter in his own right and retiring as an engine keeper with 22 years’ experience, Chris has spent many years developing the collection which now includes one of the finest collections of firefighting helmets, uniforms and tools. In fact, if you can think of it in terms of firefighting history then chances are Chris and Jo have got it.
“Over 300 models have pride of place in the office”
With the advent of the Coolamon Cheese Factory, Steve’s Bakery and Café and several other speciality shops bolstering the already established businesses known and loved in Coolamon, weekend tourist traffic is filling Cowabbie Street as the town undergoes a positive change moving forward. As a fan of Coolamon, it is very reassuring to find the town is open for business. In looking forward, Coolamon has a pretty good take on its past. The Up To Date Store at the top of Cowabbie Street harks back to a different time in shopping, however a must see in the Coolamon district is the Coolamon Fire Museum.
As a big kid at heart my favourite part of the display is the model fire engine collection. Over 300 models have pride of place in the office and cover the history of firefighting appliances from horse drawn vehicles to steam operated engines to the latest in modern machinery. The models come in a variety of sizes and surprisingly, colours. They are mostly red of course but there are a few white, yellows and greens among the collection. Chris can narrow down his collection to his favourite: a model from Ireland that he has had for a few years. It’s a little Dennis fire engine in red, however it’s not the only international example. There are English, German, Irish, American, Australian, Italian, French, Austrian, and Dutch models to name a few. And the most unusual or rarer examples Chris suggests are the Jim Beam collectibles. “They have a now empty concealed whisky decanter inside them. The Jim Beam Fire Engines are unique. A dear old friend Rod Bell gave them to me in the early 1980’s. Now they are so hard to find,” Chris said. How do people react to the model collection? “Visitors from around the world are amazed. They are so pleased that someone is preserving our history. School children are overwhelmed with so many different Fire Engine models and lap up the historical stories they tell.”
And the reaction of visitors to the museum in general? “By the comments in our visitor’s book: ‘Absolutely amazing, great collection, top exhibition, fabulous, a great service, fantastic, excellent thank you so much, mesmerizing, incredible display and fantastic historical stories’.” Officially opening in 2015, the museum has gone on to become a must when visiting Coolamon and in turn the headquarters for the annual fire engine muster. The next Coolamon Fire Engine Muster is on Sunday 30th September 2018, from 10 am till 4 pm. When asked why people should visit Coolamon Chris said, “Coolamon is fast becoming a tourist destination, just full of amazing history and the people are so friendly, you can’t beat good oldfashioned country hospitality.” For further information checkout, coolamonfiremuseum.wordpress.com. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || 3
|| GIRL TORQUE
SHE’S ONE ELLI OF A
MOTORBIKE RIDER || BY KIEREN L. TILLY
The town of Coleambally boasts a diverse range of agricultural produce, an interesting history considering the town was only opened in 1968 and a reputation as a close-knit community welcoming visitors travelling the Kidman Way for a break in their travels.
With regards to your bike, what sort of things do you check before actually racing? Before hitting the start gates we always check that the bike is full of fuel. We pump my forks up once the bike is on the stand and make sure that we have made the changes to the suspension we need to suit the track.
In this edition of Torque we shine the spotlight on one of the towns young achievers, 15 year old Elli Hay. We took time out to talk to her about the ups and downs of the sport she loves, her inspiration, achievements and what drives her to pursue her passion in life. Motocross. What motorbike are you currently riding? 2017 KTM 125sx. What is you favourite track? Favourite track would be my home track here in Coleambally. What do you personally get out of motorsport? What I take out of racing is the joy of having the drive to do the best I can do and be the best I can be. I thrive off good results and when it happens, it’s a good confidence boost to my riding and racing.
What’s the best advice you have been given with regards to motorsport? Elli at Swan Hill Northern Regions in March.
Most enjoyable aspect of your motorsport? Most enjoyable would be that I get to ride every weekend and grow myself as a competitive rider and also hanging out with my friends is always a fun time. Do you think you have discovered anything about yourself through motorsport? I believe I have discovered that I push myself as hard as my body can take it. I have also learnt that when I put everything I have into something and have patience that the hard work will eventually start paying off. Do you think people think differently about you when you tell them you take part in motor racing? I don’t believe they think differently, but I think some people think I’m either stupidly crazy or awesome when I explain what motocross is. If you could pick one famous motorcyclist to take for a couple of laps, who would it be and why?
Elli’s father Brett is assisting her to warm up her motorbike.
That’s a hard question but, it would probably have to be Chad Reed. He is one very talented Aussie motocross and supercross rider that has had a career like no other. He moved to America at such a young age to compete and he is very idolising to young riders and future stars.
4 || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
Best advice I would have been given is to continuously be aggressive and push yourself on the track. My coach Bronwyn Aplin taught me a lot last year and one of the biggest things I took from her was she told me ‘never give up, keep up and push yourself to the limit’. Bronwyn changed me as a rider. I believe without her I wouldn’t be where I am with my racing and I cannot be anymore grateful. What’s your scariest moment in motor racing? Would probably have to be last year at the first round of the Northern Region series in Cobram. I was sitting in 2nd place in the junior girl’s class with two laps to go. As I was coming through a set of ski jumps my hand got stuck on the throttle and I got sent 20 metres flying through the air. I landed on my head, smashing the jaw area on my helmet and suffering torn tendons, ligaments and muscles in my right elbow. I was lucky enough to be wearing a neck brace, which saved me from a broken neck. What is your best moment in motor racing and why? Best moment would have to be winning a race or championship. Last year I was lucky enough to win the Leaping Log Enduro Championship and came away with 3rd in the 14-15 years 85cc Wanabrook Motocross Series. I can’t thank my Mum, Dad and sister enough for their support, hours and money that goes into my racing and my main sponsor Bike Bits & Mechanical, Wagga.
JOY OF TORQUE
WHO ARE THE
WORLD’S BEST DRIVERS || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
We’re good at many things in Australia; barbecuing, democracy, farming, loyalty brewing, mining, winning, 2-Up, and having a red-hot go, just to name a few. In particular, we punch way above our weight in sport. What other country of similar population has produced as many world champions in swimming, tennis, cricket, golf, surfing, horse riding or any other sport that requires outdoor participation in our glorious weather, which is another thing we are very good at. We’re such world beaters we had to invent our own sports such as AFL, Surf Lifesaving, Touch Footy and possibly Beach Volleyball* because we’d won everything else. We’re renowned for our toughness and loyalty, two qualities that have made our military fortitude famous around the world. We’re even good at humour and friendliness. What other country would promise to throw another shrimp on the barbie when people visit? But you may be surprised to know we Aussies are pretty good at driving too. According to the World Health Organisation, Australia averages 5.5 road traumas per 100,000 inhabitants**. Not bad, considering the world average is 17.4, Europe 9.3, South East Asia 17 and Africa 26.6. But we’re not the best. Although I dislike giving the Poms credit for anything (yet another thing Aussies are good at), England averages just 2.6 road traumas a year. But when drivers rarely get out of second gear because congestion is so chronic England also holds the record for world’s slowest average speed. Other countries where it’s safe to drive include Norway, Sweden and Denmark with just 3. Then there’s Germany, where highways have no speed limit, the average just 4.3. I’ve driven on the autobahns and reckon that although they might have fewer accidents, they must surely
be the world’s most spectacular considering the ridiculously fast speeds they drive. At the other end of the spectrum, African countries dominate. Some of the worst include Libya at 45 and Nigeria and South Africa both at 33. Of our South East Asia neighbours, unfortunately one of our favourite tourist destinations, Thailand, is the worst averaging 38. Egypt deserves a special mention with an average 42 road traumas. I would rate Egypt as the world’s most terrifying place to drive. Sometimes it’s the little things, such as driving on an eight lane road with no lane markers or the cacophony of a thousand car horns that Egyptians use with gay abandon. It might be to warn an oncoming truck it’s on the wrong side of the road or to greet a friend on the other side of the street. You need to be aware that Egyptian taxi drivers have a propensity for falling asleep at the wheel. Another big watchout is many road users don’t have headlights, brake lights or indicators.
To sum up, as drivers we’re good and getting better. Our road trauma average was over 30 in 1970, which is a remarkable achievement. But if we stop driving in the overtaking lane while gazing at our mobile phones and start being more considerate of other drivers, we can be even better. It’s another thing at which we could beat the Poms. *My research reveals much conjecture about the origins of Beach Volleyball. Although Hawaii, California, Brazil and Australia all take credit for its creation, the one indisputable fact I can report is that in 1927, Beach Volleyball was named the principal form of exercise at a French nudist camp. Imagine the injuries. **Road trauma is the physical and mental injuries resulting from an event involving a transport crash to those involved directly and indirectly.
But back to good old Oz. Let’s break it down by States. No surprise that Canberra averages just 3.8 roads traumas per 100,000 residents because it’s a small place with few cars that drive short distances on very good roads. NSW averages 4.6, Victoria is slightly better at 4.2, Queensland bumps up to 5.1, South Australia 5.2, Western Australia 6.2 and Tasmania a surprising 6.6. Then there’s the Northern Territory which averages 20 road traumas per 100,000 – four times higher than the national average. Obviously, it’s not just drivers that make the roads safe. As much as we complain, the country’s transport infrastructure and roads are pretty good when considered on a global scale. Also our speed limits are relatively low and our road rules, especially for speeding, drink driving and wearing seat belts are strongly enforced. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || 5
WAGGA SWAP MEET SUNDAY 15TH JULY 2018 WAGGA SHOWGROUND
Quality SERVICES
Peace of Mind
• Radiators and Cores • Air Conditioning • Intercoolers / Charge Air Coolers
• Heat Exchangers • Oil Coolers • Wheel Alignment
31 Dobney Avenue, Wagga Wagga • Ph: (02) 6925 5400
YOUR ONE STOP HYDRAULIC SHOP Can be fitted to • UTES • TRUCKS • TRAILERS
NIXONS ENGINEERING
254 Hammond Ave, Wagga Wagga Phone: 02 6921 6011
Bek Reynolds.
Lou Hare.
WINTON FESTIVAL OF SPEED
FACEBOOK COMPETITION
WINNERS
Competition winners won 2 x Competitor Passes to Winton Festival of Speed on the 4-5 August 2018 LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE FUTURE COMPETITIONS www.facebook.com/waggaweekly
ANSWERING THE
PHONE
|| BY BRUCE HARPER
Sometimes complying with legal requirements brings a new set of dangers. One of these is the requirement to pull over and stop before picking up the phone to answer a call. Doing this safely is not a simple matter. This doesn’t apply to sending a text or making a call. In this case, find a sensible place to park in good time in your normal, safe way. When a call does come in it’s important to consider what is involved in stopping at short notice on a busy road. I’ll start by saying that it’s not recommended. The call or text will wait, and the phone will tell you who it was. It’s therefore not essential that you stop immediately. Waiting for a normal parking place using plenty of signal is the sensible way to do it. Maintain speed and direction while you look in the mirror to ascertain who would be affected by your vehicle braking or slowing unexpectedly. If there’s a solid line of traffic behind, cancel the idea for the time being. When stopping, the choice of place is crucial to your safety and that of other road users. Often you will be where other drivers don’t expect a car to be stopped. If there’s nothing significant close behind, look for a suitable place. The emergency lane of a motorway or major highway is never a suitable place - use a parking or rest area.
Dean Ghioni - Photography by: Auto Chick Photography.
When the decision is made to pull over and stop it needs to be done without slowing or otherwise doing something that confuses other drivers, with plenty of signal and gentle braking, preferably in a lead-in space. A place to pull over should be well ahead. It should be wide and accommodating, allowing your car to get well off the road, at least a couple of metres, and, preferably, more. For obvious reasons, the spot chosen must not be just over a crest in the road. It should have a useable lead-in space so you can avoid severe braking. It should also provide you with a lead-out space to re-join the road. The surface should be firm, and preferably flat. It should be on a straight section of road or the outside of a gentle curve to the right. Stopping on the inside of a curve to the left is extremely dangerous for at least three reasons: • approaching traffic will have less time to see you, • traffic will be closer on the inside of a curve, and • y ou will have less visibility when you want to get going again.
Jeanne Kiddie.
The place chosen to stop should provide other traffic the opportunity to see you, and for you to clearly see any traffic when your call is finished and you want to re-join the road. When re-joining the road be aware that you may be on a loose surface, and the surface may be bumpy. Pick a larger gap than usual to re-enter the traffic so you can accelerate more gently over the poor surface. For those with blue tooth or a hands-free system in the car, despite the fact that it is legal to use your phone while driving, it is still a distraction. If your call is more than brief, or requiring much concentration, stopping safely is the responsible decision. After all – driving is a full-time job.
Casey Johnson.
VINTAGE SPORTS CLUB OF AUSTRALIA
COOTAMUNDRA SPRINTS
SATURDAY 28TH JULY 2018 - COOTAMUNDRA AIRPORT
CRUISE FOR CLINT 2018 HOSTED BY RIVERINA THRASHERS
SUNDAY 29TH JULY 2018 - WAGGA WAGGA
Keeping Junee’s
ROUNDHOUSE MUSEUM on track is a team effort || BY KIEREN L. TILLY
When Fanny worked at the Junee Roundhouse back in the heyday, she had something of a reputation among her colleagues. Fanny wanted things done her way, often leaving workmates behind to start her working day, getting a little off track at times and probably a little temperamental. In her haste one day to get the job done she unfortunately fell into the pit of the roundhouse and with all due respect to our dearly departed Fanny, the only thing that could get her out was in fact the onsite railway crane. Fanny just in case you hadn’t guessed was a shunting tank engine. She lives on in spirit at the Junee Roundhouse Museum not only as a beautiful scale model but also in children’s book form. Written by retired Wagga teacher Noelene Milliken and ably assisted by her partner Ian Gray with regards to images and research, they will be the first to tell you that all the volunteers at the museum had something to do with the publication. “There is no ‘I’ in team,” jokes Noelene. And what a team. Officially referred to as the Regional Heritage Transport Association - Junee Incorporated, this dedicated band of volunteers is probably better known internationally as The Junee Roundhouse Museum. Construction of the Junee Roundhouse commenced in 1942 and was officially opened on Friday 29th September 1947, although it had already been in service since January 1947. When built, the 100-foot turntable was the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and is now exceeded only by the 105foot turntables at Broadmeadow, Thirlmere and Werris Creek. Following the closure of the Junee Roundhouse in 1993, a small group of Junee residents interested in tourism looked at the possibility of starting a museum at the Roundhouse. A local public meeting was called in December 1993 to gauge the town’s feeling about opening
the Roundhouse as a museum. More than 120 people attended that meeting where a committee was formed. Led by Gail Commens, the name, Regional Heritage Transport Association - Junee Incorporated, was adopted. The museum opened to the public in April 1994. And what is the role of the museum? Noelene sees it as a way of connecting now with the past and hopefully educating children for the future. “Trains might not be used as much nowadays as in the past but there’s still opportunity for learning. Children are fascinated by trains. They’re huge and kids want to know things like ‘how does it work?’ and ‘how does it go?’” Noelene said. “There’s a great learning opportunity at a museum like this. This is a hands-on museum where children are invited to explore inside parts of the exhibits. It’s a working museum, a living breathing organisation and the whole purpose is to give people an experience of the past.”
facility and there is always the chance they will see movement in the roundhouse. “Invariably when that happens the tourists like to stay as long as they can to watch. I know that visitors appreciate how knowledgeable our guides are and how accessible the displays are for families with children The children really like to get inside the locomotives.” In closing our conversation Noelene summarises the museum. “You see the team that work on the trains do a fabulous job and a great little group of volunteers keep it all looking good. You can’t place a monetary value on the volunteer work done here. It’s a really interesting place to work, informing people about the history of Australia.” For further information visit The Junee Roundhouse Museum’s website www.roundhousemuseum.com.au.
As Ian sees it, visitors get to see trains from a completely different angle. “When you are standing on a platform you are already halfway up the side of the train. Here you get a whole new appreciation for the size and scale of these machines. Here at the museum you get to see them from the wheels up.” There is no denying the presence of the trains on display, vintage and modern alike they are slumbering, wheeled giants. Both Noelene and Ian have differing roles as volunteers with the organisation. Noelene works as a meeter and greeter in the museum assisting visitors while Ian has a role as guide in the roundhouse but also shoots video stills and compiles DVDs for the organisation. And of the visitors that come to look at the museum what are their reactions to the various displays? Says Noelene, “visitors are really interested in the whys and hows of the building of the roundhouse. They love the fact that it is a working railway YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || 11
DAVID MEIKLEJOHN ON A
“HIGH”-LUX
“I always enjoyed driving things, steering a ute while feeding sheep off the back, whatever truck dad had at the time”
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY
How do you get your hands on a small family farm? Start with a big one!
feeding sheep off the back, whatever truck dad had at the time,” he said.
lights with new LED lights. “They last forever, just set and forget,” he said.
Working as a photojournalist, I’ve been told that rather dark joke by a few of the farmers I have met over the past 20 years.
Speaking about utes, most farms have a ute back or tray back vehicle. David’s mixed farm “Talavera” is no different, and when pressed David suggests the farm’s Toyota Hilux ute is the vehicle that keeps the farm moving. ”We couldn’t farm without it!”
My favourite addition, however, is an aftermarket gear stick knob, a memento of the farm’s previous workhorse, a Holden ute, featuring a sun faded orange more than red, red back spider. I think it refers to a slightly wild streak. That’s confirmed when David tells me his most-want car was the Holden Torana SLR 5000. I knew it! Maybe one day this will be his retirement present to himself.
I find time and time again, among the thousands of farmers and their families I have photographed, is a quiet stoicism, a hopeful expectation if you will, for the best, and also a typically Australian respect for the worst that either Mother Nature or “Huey” upstairs can meter out. The locality of Downside to the north of Wagga needs more rain. The mud on David Meiklejohn’s Hilux ute has dried rusty red which suggests it’s been a while between drinks. The Meiklejohn family have been here since 1920. David’s grandfather George sold the farm to David’s parents Peter and Dorothy and now David runs the property with his family, wife Jennie (the brains behind the River and Wren Markets in Wagga) and children William and Alice. So if we can agree that farming is fraught with disappointment and a struggle sometimes from day to day, why be a farmer at all? “The bottom line is farming is a respectable way of making a living, growing food and fibre, feeding people, clothing people, it’s an amiable profession,” David said. He continued; “Legally you only own the top of it (the land), and you’re a custodian. You have to see yourself as a custodian to be sustainable, obviously that means to be able to continue to be utilised or farmed going into the future. “Farm practice was different when I was growing up, a lot more working a paddock maybe two, three or four times before sowing. Once upon a time there would have been thousands of hours of tractor driving, now with low till there is far less.” It was the way of doing things back in the day that gave David a big opportunity to drive tractors. “I always enjoyed driving things, steering a ute while
“It’s completely versatile, bag of grain for the chooks, feed for sheep, taking stuff to and from town, the main reason we bought this ute was the extra car seats for the kids,” he said. And its best feature? “Reliability over the years, it’s been very reliable.” A 2001 Toyota Hilux turbo diesel, David’s vehicle has 295,000 kilometres on the clock, it was an auction purchase, formerly a Land and Water Department vehicle from Deniliquin. It is a 4WD and although David does not regard himself as a 4WD driver, he appreciates its ability. “You still have to get out and flip the hubs over however when, blessed with rain and things are a little boggy, it will get you out,” he said. “I don’t know that I would describe myself as a Hilux man through and through, however I have a lot of respect for the Toyota’s. Their reliability is helped, I think, by people knowing that they can handle the simple stuff such as oil and filter changes, but anything more serious, well I leave that to the people with experience in their trade. “I need it to start every time and go every time. “If I had to replace this ute I don’t know what I would choose. I have looked at Landcruisers in the past but found they were probably too big for our needs, we don’t pull horse floats, not a lot of heavy towing, a three-litre turbo suits our requirements, but certainly looking at utes that are available in the market they just seem to be getting bigger all the time.” The vehicle is more or less as it was bought, however David has added side mirrors, changed the wheels, custom tool boxes sit under the tray and he recently replaced the tail lights and licence plate
12 || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
Getting a little serious, I asked David if he had any advice for young farmers in terms of operating their own vehicles? “Just to be careful, drive to your abilities and the vehicle’s abilities, just be careful, be a bit conservative, work within your limits,” he said.
FLYING FARMER SOARS ABOVE
DROUGHT WOES More years ago, than I care to recall I came across an image of a Rutan VariEze, an aircraft so distinct in its design, with its propeller at the back of the aircraft and small wings coming out of the fuselage in front of the pilot. It had swept-back main wings behind the cockpit, it was truly out there in terms of looks. To use the correct lingo, a home-built aircraft.
The idea of home-built planes really took off in the 1950’s with articles in Mechanix Illustrated by Paul Poberezny, who championed the idea of building kit planes in your car garage. He went on to found the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1953. Some of you reading this would say “homebuilt aircraft? No way known! Not for me!” “Kit planes are not as dangerous as the media would have you believe,” said Illabo farmer Andrew Hamilton. A pilot with 30 years’ experience, Andrew has been flying his pride and joy, a Vans RV-7, for 10 years, having completed the slow build over five years and completing the job in 2008. “I figured I had more time than money, so I went with the slow build option, meaning that apart from the wing spar, the whole plane was built from scratch by putting all the individual pieces together,” he said. “There were some very early mornings, just myself working away in the shed putting it together.” The Hamilton family have their roots well and truly planted in the soil of “Rose Vale” after five generations. “Over there near the creek was where the first hut was built,” Andrew said. Matthew Hamilton, Andrew’s great, great grandfather started the farm in 1872 supplying meat to the gold fields as an enterprise. The family farm still runs livestock along with cereal cropping on a 50-50 basis. Expecting a somewhat poetic response, I asked Andrew what keeps him getting up every morning and getting the job done? Andrew doesn’t hold back, “Keeping stock alive……we have been feeding now for four months, seven days a week.” I realise the green on the ground is little more
than painted on. And local livestock producers are feeling the drought. Everyone, farmers included, need a break from the harsh realities of life and Andrew’s comes via his aircraft.
“You can be having the worst week, however ten minutes of flying on an afternoon such as this and that time spent in the cockpit is truly invigorating,” he said. Powered by a single Lycoming aircraft engine of approximately 180 horsepower, the Vans RV-7 was designed by Van’s Aircraft, an American kit aircraft manufacturer founded by Richard “Van” VanGrunsven in 1973. Andrew described the aircraft as an entry-level vehicle. It is carburetted and has a non-pitch adjustable propeller and is operated under visual flight rules. For the uninitiated, this means that the aircraft is not flown using instrumentation, so no taking off or flying in fog for example, if you can’t see you, can’t fly. And if “slipping the surly bonds” wasn’t enough for this flying farmer, following his endorsement, Andrew now enjoys “gentleman’s aerobatics”. Said Andrew, “there is a graceful freedom to this sort of flying, it’s almost like an unlimited rollercoaster, you’re not confined to a track, and you can loop or roll, whatever takes your fancy, wherever it takes your fancy”, Andrew is quick to point out that “gentleman’s aerobatics” is a more graceful, low g loading flying as opposed to the extreme high g activity normally associated with aerobatics.
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY
at around $1.80 a litre. Ouch! The aircraft has been around Australia twice, taking part in the Flying Doctors Air Race. Beginning in 1996, the concept was created by members of the Royal Aero Club of WA and the fund raising division of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). Essentially it is not a race, rather a time trial, which provides a considerable flying challenge, conducted in a safe and efficient manner. The aim of the race is to raise funds for the RFDS and to provide an exciting and unique flying holiday for pilots from throughout Australia, New Zealand and overseas. Throughout the race, participants accrue points by correctly estimating the time it will take them to fly from a designated start point to a designated end point during each day’s race leg. They lose points for failure to exactly find and overfly the start and finish points, ensuring that crews of slower aircraft are not disadvantaged. Closer to home though, Andrew is a proud Wagga Aero Club member and enjoys the chance outside of his farming commitments to catch up with fellow club members. Whether it’s Friday afternoon get togethers or the occasional club fly in fly out lunches, it’s a winning combination of good company, good food and the wide blue yonder. No-one who begins the journey of building their own aircraft does so lightly, it takes research, attention to detail and of course the great leveller, almost saint-like patience.
The plane is used to long distance flying, including locations such as Western Australia and Central Queensland, with a full load of Avgas of 160 litres, Four and a half hours flight time might not seem like a lot of time in the air in comparison to time on the road, however considering you are clicking along at approximately 300 kilometres an hour, there is nothing like flying over a traffic jam to improve your day. Oh, and by the way, for those not happy about current unleaded prices, Avgas is currently retailing
Farmers are by nature a patient lot, they must be, crops don’t grow overnight, producing the best quality wool and meat in the world requires months to pass and the time spent hoping for good farming weather is probably best measured in decades. I think it’s a safe bet if family patriarch Matthew Hamilton could see “Rose Vale” today he would be amazed, not only at the changes in technology and farming practices, but equally astonished at the sight of a “newfangled” flying machine doing barrel rolls and loops, over the paddocks he once knew. And equally proud that the “magnificent young man” up there was his great, great grandson Andrew.
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || 13
R.A.M.B.O. ROUND 5 SUNDAY 22ND JULY 2018 WAGGA WAGGA
14 || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
ROUND 5
RAMBO SERIES IN WAGGA || BYJOSEF WINKLER Just like every single year, this race is a race people never forget, fast tracks, good vibes out on the track and smiles everywhere. This year would have to be the best year I’ve had on the bike, my fitness is improving, my legs are feeling stronger and mentally I’m learning to push harder and harder. Each year I’ve raced this round in Wagga, I always do one lap better than the previous year and that was no different this year, six laps last year turned into seven laps this year equalling 52 kilometres with approximately 900 metres of climbing. I smashed records left, right and centre and with my new specialised chisel, it made all the difference! The morning of the race was cold, but thankfully not wet. I had a very strong start to the race leading out on the first fire road, although a three-hour race is not won on the first lap so I backed myself and got into a rhythm. The pace was fast and trying to hold other competitors’ wheels was a challenge, swapping positions throughout the entire time. Having someone on my tail the whole race really pushed me, I didn’t want them to overtake me but, due to the high pace I was concentrating on the trail ahead and not thinking about getting constant nutrients in my body, which really hit me hard with one hour to go. The track isn’t tough in a technical way, it is quite rocky and there are no real breaks between sections, full gas throughout the whole track, this is what tests the body. With such a rocky course my lower back started to ache after about my third lap, yet again another mental challenge to overcome as well as be smart with how I rode the track. This requires a lot of concentration, at one point on my second-last lap I found myself veering off track and zoning in and out, this is from a lack of water and not enough food. With all this going on, I still managed my best race yet, and I felt great 90 percent of the time. To the competitors, you all did so well, and thank you to the volunteers out on the track and within the race centre. Thank you to our club president David Reid and also Donna Martin for traveling from Tumut to help with administration on the day! I’d also like to congratulate the open winner, Tyla Windham, and my main competitor and another local Sebastian Addison, who beat me by one lap. Well done everyone. Until next time, I’ll see you out on the trails. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || 15
N O I T I D E L A T I G I D VIEW THIS EDITION & PAST EDITIONS ONLINE FOR FREE!
Visit our website
www.yourlocalwaggaweekly.com.au
Keeping Junee’s
ROUNDHOUSE MUSEUM on track is a team effort || BY KIEREN L. TILLY When Fanny worked at the Junee Roundhouse back in the heyday, she had something of a reputation among her colleagues.
CRUISE FOR CLINT 2018 HOSTED BY RIVERINA THRASHERS
SUNDAY 29TH JULY 2018 - WAGGA WAGGA
Fanny wanted things done her way, often leaving workmates behind to start her working day, getting a little off track at times and probably a little temperamental. In her haste one day to get the job done she unfortunately fell into the pit of the roundhouse and with all due respect to our dearly departed Fanny, the only thing that could get her out was in fact the onsite railway crane. Fanny just in case you hadn’t guessed was a shunting tank engine. She lives on in spirit at the Junee Roundhouse Museum not only as a beautiful scale model but also in children’s book form. Written by retired Wagga teacher Noelene Milliken and ably assisted by her partner Ian Gray with regards to images and research, they will be the first to tell you that all the volunteers at the museum had something to do with the publication. “There is no ‘I’ in team,” jokes Noelene. And what a team. Officially referred to as the Regional Heritage Transport Association - Junee Incorporated, this dedicated band of volunteers is probably better known internationally as The Junee Roundhouse Museum.
INSID E >>
Construction of the Junee Roundhouse commenced in 1942 and was officially opened on Friday 29th September 1947, although it had already been in service since January 1947. When built, the 100-foot turntable was the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and is now exceeded only by the 105foot turntables at Broadmeadow, Thirlmere and Werris Creek.
P2 C ruise For C lint 2 018
PAGE 3
A FIR COLLIE’S FIERY
ECTIO
FRID AY 10
>>
Following the closure of the Junee Roundhouse in 1993, a small group of Junee residents interested in tourism looked at the possibility of starting a museum at the Roundhouse. A local public meeting was called in December
AUG
UST
1993 to gauge the town’s feeling about opening the Roundhouse as a museum. More than 120 people attended that meeting where a committee was formed. Led by Gail Commens, the name, Regional Heritage Transport Association - Junee Incorporated, was adopted. The museum opened to the public in April 1994. And what is the role of the museum? Noelene sees it as a way of connecting now with the past and hopefully educating children for the future. “Trains might not be used as much nowadays as in the past but there’s still opportunity for learning. Children are fascinated by trains. They’re huge and kids want to know things like ‘how does it work?’ and ‘how does it go?’” Noelene said. “There’s a great learning opportunity at a museum like this. This is a hands-on museum where children are invited to explore inside parts of the exhibits. It’s a working museum, a living breathing organisation and the whole purpose is to give people an experience of the past.”
whys and hows of the building of the roundhouse. They love the fact that it is a working railway facility and there is always the chance they will see movement in the roundhouse. “Invariably when that happens the tourists like to stay as long as they can to watch. I know that visitors appreciate how knowledgeable our guides are and how accessible the displays are for families with children The children really like to get inside the locomotives.” In closing our conversation Noelene summarises the museum. “You see the team that work on the trains do a fabulous job and a great little group of volunteers keep it all looking good. You can’t place a monetary value on the volunteer work done here. It’s a really interesting place to work, informing people about the history of Australia.”
As Ian sees it, visitors get to see trains from a completely different angle. “When you are standing on a platform you are already halfway up the side of the train. Here you get a whole new appreciation for the size and scale of these machines. Here at the museum you get to see them from the wheels up.” There is no denying the presence of the trains on display, vintage and modern alike they are slumbering, wheeled giants. Both Noelene and Ian have differing roles as volunteers with the organisation. Noelene works as a meeter and greeter in the museum assisting visitors while Ian has a role as guide in the roundhouse but also shoots video stills and compiles DVDs for the organisation. And of the visitors that come to look at the museum what are their reactions to the various displays? Says Noelene, “visitors are really interested in the YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 2018 || 11
2018
|| IS SUE 0
13
P11 J unee’s Roun dhou se Mu seum
>>
P13 F ly
ing Fa rmer