Jarrod Beer’s Fowler 1903 traction engine will be at the Echuca Moama Steam Iron and Trade Revival for the first time in eight years.
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After an eight-year absence, a magnificent steam traction engine is making its grand comeback to the Echuca Moama Steam Iron and Trades Revival, courtesy of passionate enthusiast Jarrod Beer.
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The impressive 1903 John Fowler steam traction engine, as heavy as two adult elephants at 13 tonne, journeyed all the way from Leeds, United Kingdom, to Sydney's bustling docks.
“The traction engine, they call it a steam traction engine, was built in 1903, so 122 years ago,” Jarrod said.
Jarrod, who proudly became the engine's custodian in 2002, shared its fascinating historical importance with evident enthusiasm.
“Its general working life was hauling logs, ploughing fields, clearing land, threshing and chaff cutters.
“They helped replace the working horse because working was quite challenging on the horses and the traction engine made jobs a lot easier for the farmers.”
Jarrod’s love for steam engines runs in the family, passed down from his father, Russell Beer, a devoted Campaspe Valley Railway enthusiast.
“We have had it all our lives, we used to come up to the steam rally, before we moved to Echuca.
“In the 1980s, Dad used to bring us up from Melbourne to the steam rally, that’s how we got our interest,” Jarrod said.
Jarrod’s collection includes other notable pieces.
“I've got an American Case steam engine built in 1923 and a Clayton steam engine, a portable steam engine.”
“His involvement with steam power extends beyond land vehicles, having worked part-time on paddle boats since 1992.
The traction engine is currently undergoing rigorous safety certification, with its crucial boiler ticket inspection set for June 2, ensuring it meets all modern standards.
“Mine is actually road registered, I can drive it to the steam rally, it is on rubbers,” he said.
The 1903 traction engine has undergone safety certification, with a crucial boiler ticket inspection scheduled for June 2 to ensure it meets modern standards and road registration.
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