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 keep old machines, especially steam engines, in good condition. The club is located at the National Steam Centre. Here, you can find many different types of old machines.
These machines include big steam engines that can move, and smaller ones that stay in one place. There are also diesel engines, tractors, and other cool mobile machines. Besides the machines, the centre has a library, an archive, and a fun miniature railway that goes all around the site.
| Abbreviation | MSTEC |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1963 |
| Type | Not for Profit |
| Legal status | Incorporated |
| Purpose | Steam and industrial heritage preservation |
| Headquarters | 1200 Ferntree Gully Road |
| Location |
|
|
President
|
Dennis Sells |
|
Main organ
|
committee |
|
Staff
|
0 |
|
Volunteers
|
160+ |
| Website | http://www.melbournesteam.com.au |
Contents
Club History
The Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club started in 1963. Since 1986, the club has been at its current home in Scoresby, Victoria. This site is quite large, covering about 6½ hectares (which is like 16 acres).
Before moving to Scoresby, the club was in Wantirna, Victoria. The Scoresby site used to be an empty area. It was once a depot for building a large sewer tunnel. Since the club moved in, they have done a lot of work. They added gardens, planted trees, and built the railway track. They also constructed nine sheds and a toilet block. A man-made lake was also created on the site.
Amazing Machines on Display
The National Steam Centre shows off many engines. These machines are the result of years of hard work by club members. They have collected and fixed up these amazing pieces of history.
The centre has engines owned by the club itself. Also, some members keep their own private engines there. A big goal of the club is to make sure Australia's old steam and industrial machines are saved. This way, future generations can learn about them.
Fun Run Days and Miniature Railway
Many of the engines at the centre are started up and run on the last Sunday of each month. This is a great chance for visitors to see them in action. You can watch many steam and diesel engines running. This includes big steam traction engines, steam rollers, and tractors. They often operate in the central area.
The miniature railway is open every Sunday. It runs from 11 am to 4 pm. However, it might not run if the weather is bad or during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The railway track is 1 kilometre long. It goes around the whole site, passing a lake and museum exhibits. Usually, one train runs at a time. On the last Sunday of each month, you might even see a steam locomotive pulling the train! On other Sundays, a diesel engine is used.
The grounds have nice shaded areas for picnics. There is also a gas barbecue you can use. Entry to the centre is usually free. However, special events might have an entrance fee.
Annual Scoresby Steamfest
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, they might show an engine driving old farm equipment.
Other clubs and groups that love old machines also bring their exhibits. Private collectors and enthusiasts join in too. In recent years, the Steamfest has grown even bigger. It now includes other hobbies and collections. You can see model engineering, crafts, old tools, oil lamps, and mechanical music. It's a great way to see items from long ago!
See Also
- List of steam fairs
