The National Historical Machinery Association Rally is held every second year and the next rally will be hosted by Cudgegong Valley Antique Machinery Club and held at the Australian Rural Education Centre in Mudgee from April 14-16, 2023.
The NHMA was formed in 1987 by a small number of clubs with similar interests in collecting, restoring and exhibiting old engines, tractors, machinery and vehicles.
Australian Rural Education Centre general manager Cassandra Stanford said visitors can expect to see the largest collection of antique machinery in Australia on display at the rally.
"There will be static displays as well as the tractor pull, balance beam, grand parade, earthmoving demonstrations, blacksmiths demos, saddler and leather work, children's games and a steam engine hay ride," she said.
Items include tractors, engines, mowers, sewing machines, printing press, dairy equipment and more.
When the event was held in Mudgee in 2013, there were about 10,000 attendees across the three days. Organisers are hoping for similar numbers this year.
"There will be many unique items on display. For the first time in many years, the only genuine 1909 Garrett Showman's Steam Engine Tractor in Australia will be on show," Cassandra said.
Some of the oldest exhibits:
- 1863 Knitting Machine
- 1880 Lester improved scroll saw pedal machine
- 1888 Golding Pearl Press foot treadle
- 1890 Wooden Barreled Washing Machine
- 1905 John Buncle Chaff Cutter
- 1910 Russell Junior Grader
- 1912 Corn Sheller
- 1925 Hupmobile Ute
Steam engines
- 1881 Hornsby Portable Steam Engine 3hp
- 1909 Garrett Showmans Tractor
Engines
- 1887 Otto Crossley gas engine
- 1887 Crossley inverted slide valve 5 man power
- 1906 Hienrici hot air engine
Tractors
- 1915 and 1916 Jelbart tractor
- 1921 Austin tractor - only a couple in Australia
- 1923 Twin City 27-44 tractor
- 1927 Avance tractor - only a few in Australia
- 1925 Cat 2 ton, first Cat Crawler
- 1929 Hart Parr
- Fordson half-trak
Find out more by visiting their Facebook page: 2023 NHMA National Rally.
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