Western Sydney Historical Truck Club

Dubbo Truck, Tractor & Machinery Show - 2014

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The 6th Dubbo Antique Truck and Machinery Show Experience....

Set up day was Friday 7 August 2014.  When members of the Western Sydney Historical Truck Club arrived at the showground, late in the afternoon, they were welcomed by organisers and directed to their accommodation, a ground floor unit at the Dubbo Showground Hillton. Armed with the access code to open the tent flap, Brad and company settled in.  It was a luxurious, extra large spread complete with triple bunks, central heating, kitchen facilities with microwave oven and fridge and an alfresco barbecue area on the balcony--- absolutely five star glamping!

On the way to Dubbo, Charley Xerri's Bedford decided to stop at Orange and not go any further. An SOS call was made and Andy Nash took his tiltray back to Orange and picked up the stricken Bedford. This experience boosted Charley's fuel economy, something he could be very happy about.  By the time I arrived on Saturday morning the bush telegraph was buzzing with conflicting stories of the previous night's excitement.

A Police Rescue truck at the entry gate pointed the direction to all the attractions.  There were trucks of all shapes, sizes, colours, capacities and "engine noise ratings".  Trevor Supertrucker's red White was probably the loudest, although a CAT, when cranked up by the owner, gave the White a run for its money.  

All the trucks on show were displayed in the big shed or out in the open area, inside the trotting track. They were evenly spaced apart allowing for easy viewing access. There was certainly a vast age range in the trucks displayed, from the 1920's to the 1980's.
There were also two small trucks on display.  A mini Mack 'Flinstone' semi with drop deck trailer and a Morris Minor 'Mini-Mack' bogie drive prime mover.

For weeks before the show there was a lot of talk about Bruce Brown taking his Diamond Reo to Dubbo. He wouldn't show it to me the week before when I called into see him. I thought this strange as he usually can't wait to tell you. Maybe he was going to pick it up on the way to Dubbo.  Anyway long story short, I got to see Bruce's beloved Diamond Reo at the showground in all its glory. It had the usual signs of everyday wear and tear but all in all it was in good condition!

To one side of the trucks displayed in the open area there was a number of tractors, of varying makes from Chamberlains, Fergusons to McCormack-Deering. There was also a small group of stationary hit and miss engines, some sitting idily and some chuffing away.
What would a truck show be without the usual collection of stalls selling parts, books and manuals, bric-a-brac, food and drink?  The Lions and Roatary Clubs were extremely busy around lunchtime, not to mention the coffee vans.

The ladies weren't forgotten either.  A quilt show was housed in its own pavillion displaying a collection of different patchwork designs and techniques. There were some businesses from surrounding areas selling fabrics and sewing kits as well. The Royal Flying Doctor Service had a aircraft display outside in front of the building while ladies, inside were selling an assortment of bits and pieces to raise very needed funds to keep the Service flying.

Elsewhere there was the St Johns Ambulance tent, staff at the ready when needed and a Road Transport Information B-Double transporter. It was also interesting to note that when a truck reaches the end of its usefull life and perhaps beyond restoration, it can be recycled into something useful like a speedway truck providing excitement, enjoyment and entertainment.  For those with a desire to see Dubbo from the air, a helicopter service provided ten minute flights on call.

This show was very well organised and supported by a great many collectors and enthusiasts of Antique trucks, tractors and machinery. It was also well patronised by the public, particularly families with small children. The sunny weather topped off a wonderful weekend...