Goldsmith May 2017

[Steamcar]

There is always something interesting on show at these rallies.

This time there were 3 Cowley rollers on show.

I will start with a picture of each. I have a bunch of detail shots if there is interest.

[doug.meller]

Are those replacement rear rolls on the first picture? They don't look like the other two and seem fairly thin, and possibly made of rolled angle rings with an outside band but I could be mistaken.
Thanks,
Doug

[Steamcar]

I can not tell you the answer. I know the 3 machines are not identical. They may have been made like that or it might relate to the amount of work done or how extensive the restoration was. The spoke pattern on the wheels you mention is different as well.
Perhaps the thicker wheels were needed to cope with the single central T ring.

Here are a few more pics that make an interesting comparison.

[Steamcar]

Another first at this rally was the sight of the Kelly Traction Engine running.
It has been there for as long as I can remember and would be dragged out of storage each rally to sit in some forgotten corner out of the way. It is in a very sad state quietly waiting its turn to be re born.
Someone decided this was to much to bear and even though restoration is still a dream someone has put steam into the engine and got the old girl working.
I have climbed over this engine many times as it shares many features with the Cliff and Bunting who were the agents in Melbourne.

Was great to see it on song.

[John W]

It is fascination to look at the Cowley Roller's motion and see the similarities to UK based makers.

They have taken bits from several and blended them into a very useful looking product.

Ballarat must have been a tremendous centre of manufacturing industry.

[Steamcar]

Originally Posted by John W

It is fascination to look at the Cowley Roller's motion and see the similarities to UK based makers.

They have taken bits from several and blended them into a very useful looking product.

Ballarat must have been a tremendous centre of manufacturing industry.

You are correct. Ballarat was indeed a manufacturing hub which started out because of the Gold rush and the need to build and maintain all the associated equipment.

There is still manufacturing there today but there was once much more.

Ronaldson Tippet was there as was Jelbart and many more.

See here - https://bih.federation.edu.au/index.php/Foundries

[Steamcar]

The final lot of pics is of a Ruston Portable.
This interesting machine spent its first life as a normal portable.
It was eventually retired and had a sleep.
It was then restored and modified for fitting into a new build Murry River Paddle steamer. The William Randell.
This did a lot of miles and was eventually sold as a paddle steamer that could be either steam or diesel.

See second add here - http://www.slimpage.com.au/pbnold/reports/sep2011.html

The new owner chose diesel but the engine was saved by the current owners who restored it again and put back most of the missing bits which they were able to trace.

This was its first show.

Note it still retains the reversing valve gear fitted for paddle steamer duty.









The final picture shows the "FUN " that was had retrieving the engine from the boat.
It had to be pitched at just the right angle to come out.
A credit to all involved in getting it, finding the missing bits and putting humpty back together again.