James Meagher, 4, from Booie, and Lucy Needer, 5, Coolabunia, looked ready to get to work

September 22, 2014

There was everything from draught horses and steam engines, to chaff cutters and Mack trucks at the Kingaroy & District Vintage Machinery Club’s annual rally at the weekend.

The two-day event, at the club’s grounds near Kingaroy Airport, attracted all sorts of machinery from near and far  – more than 100 vintage tractors, 65 stationery engines, classic cars, veteran bikes and four Clydesdale horses.

It also attracted a good crowd which enjoyed tractor sled pulling contests, a huge grand parade plus displays of chaff cutting, corn husking and ploughing (by horse and by tractor).

A large display of stationery engines continued to chuff away all day.

Barry Byrne, from the Toowoomba and District Old Machinery Society, was the voice behind the microphone who kept spectators filled in about what was happening in the arena.

He said he was impressed with the turnout of machinery, especially Steve Hood’s 1910 Case Traction Engine which led out the grand parade (see video, below) and also took a turn at the sled pull.

Barry said he also enjoyed seeing some of the early crawler tractors in action including a 1938 TD35 …”there’s not many of those around”.

A 1922 Waterloo Boy, owned by Albert Brimblecombe from Highfields, also attracted Barry’s praise.

“It’s the green and yellow tractor before John Deere. There’s a lot of history in that,” Barry said.

One of the more modern vehicles in the parade was equally rare.

The bright red “Jack 8” was a specially commissioned topless Jackaroo V8 coupe built in 2002 for Holden but never put into production.

Kingaroy & District Vintage Machinery Club member Russell Dower told southburnett.com.au it had been a very good rally, with lots of visitors from other clubs.

This is the second year the rally has been held at the club’s grounds in Kingaroy, after relocating from Kumbia.

Members have been working hard to develop the area into a purpose-built arena, and this year unveiled a new ablution block in time for the rally.

Peter Needer, from Kallangur, brought his EJ Holden ute to the rally plus a big collection of tools dating back to the horse and buggy days 

Lindsay Smith, Toowoomba, and Albert Brimblecombe, Highfields, with a replica of a horseless buggy that Albert built

Dennis Seng, from Kingaroy, had a collection of veteran bikes; while Bluey Newton, Kingaroy, brought along three tractors
It’s green and yellow … but it’s not a John Deere; this kerosene-powered Waterloo Boy which led out the John Deere contingent in the grand parade was made by the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company which was later brought out by John Deere
Denis Newton, from Nanango, with his 1979 Holden Gemini panelvan
Alan Heilig, from Caboolture, with his 1938 McCormick Deering TD35

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Raw video from the rally:

  • External link: More videos on YouTube

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More Photos From The Rally & Grand Parade