I spent last Saturday up in the country with my Grandpa and Dad at the
'Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society Crank Up.' Basically it is a bunch of blokes (and a few ladies too) who bring there restored stationary engines out for show. These engines were once the power stations for farms, mills, factories, pumps and amusement parks. Now days most are left to rust, however the lucky ones get snapped up by collectors and enjoy a life of oil, fresh paint and love. To most this might sound a little odd, however to these boys (and myself) this is a brilliant way to spend a weekend. The sun was shining, the motors were running (most of the time), the sausages were burning and everybody was having a bloody good time. Watching my Grandpa act like a school boy with his Engine Club mates was a great laugh. A lot of these boys are pushing 80 and they ran around this place joking and laughing like they were 16 again (but don't tell there wives!)
There is something about the sound of a 100 year old engine that is kind of calming, except for the bloke with the coin stamper, that was abusively loud! I have subsequently given my self a mission to join these blokes at the next 'Crank Up' in september (the start of the season), so stay tuned to see the progress of a pretty unique engine build.
I got the old Canon out as always and captured a bit of the atmosphere. You might even see some of these in the next YVMPS Club Magazine! So keep your eyes out.
Nick Found
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