Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club facts for kids

The Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club (MSTEC) is a group of volunteers in Scoresby, Victoria, Australia. They work to save, care for, and fix old machines, especially those from the past that used steam. The club's activities happen at the National Steam Centre. Here, you can find many different types of engines. These include mobile steam engines, stationary steam engines, and diesel engines. There are also tractors and other cool old machines. The centre also has a library, an archive, and a fun miniature railway that goes around the whole place.

Club History

The Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club started in 1963. Since 1986, it has been at its current home in Scoresby, Victoria. This site is quite large, about 6½ hectares (which is like 16 acres). Before moving to Scoresby, the club was in Wantirna, Victoria.

When the club first got the Scoresby land, it was an empty space. It used to be a depot for building a big sewer tunnel. Over the years, the club has worked hard to improve the site. They have planted trees, added landscaping, and built a railway track. They also constructed nine sheds for the machines and a toilet block. Plus, they even made a lake!

What You Can See at the National Steam Centre

The National Steam Centre shows off many amazing engines. These machines are the result of years of collecting and fixing by club members. Some engines belong to the club itself. Other engines are owned by individual members who keep them at the centre.

A special goal of the club is to save Australia's own steam and industrial history. They want to make sure these important machines stay in Australia.

Fun Days and the Miniature Railway

Many of the engines at the centre come to life on the last Sunday of each month. This is a great chance for visitors to see them running! You can watch steam and diesel engines working. Several steam traction engines, steam rollers, and tractors also operate in the main area.

The miniature railway is open every Sunday. It runs from 11 am to 4 pm. However, it closes during bad weather and over the Christmas-New Year holidays. The railway track is 1 kilometer long and goes all around the site. Along the ride, you'll see a lake, cows grazing, and museum exhibits. Usually, one train runs at a time. On the last Sunday of the month, you might even ride a steam locomotive! On other Sundays, a diesel engine pulls the train.

The grounds have nice shaded areas for picnics. There's also a gas barbecue you can use. Entry to the centre is usually free. But, some special events might have a small entrance fee.

Scoresby Steamfest: The Big Annual Event

The club holds a big event every year called the Scoresby Steamfest. It happens on the long weekend in March. During this festival, many of the restored engines are shown off and operated. The club tries to show how these engines were used in the past. For example, you might see them powering old farm tools or factory machines.

Other clubs and groups that love old machines also bring their exhibits. Private collectors and enthusiasts also display their cool items. In recent years, the Scoresby Steamfest has grown even bigger. It now includes many other hobbies and collections. You might see model engineering, crafts, old tools, oil lamps, and mechanical music. It's a fun way to see items from long ago!

See also

• List of steam fairs