The Vintage Voice DEADLINE FOR ISSUE 257 WILL BE 30 TH DECEMBER AIMS OF THE CLUB INSURANCE ALL CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary,

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PAGE 1: Aims of the Club PAGE 2: A Note from the Editor Club News PAGE 3:November General Meeting Minutes PAGE 4: What s New Christmas Dinner Function PAGE 5: 1948 Acto Scythe PAGE 6: A Blast From

1 The Vintage Voice Newsletter 256 / December 2017 SYDNEY ANTIQUE MACHINERY CLUB INC. 40A Racecourse Road, Clarendon, NSW, 2756 Please note: There is no General Meeting in December. Please note: There is no Committee Meeting in December. The next Junior Group Meeting is on Friday 17 th February 2018, at 6:30pm. CONTENTS 6. PAGE 1: Aims of the Club PAGE 2: A Note from the Editor Club News PAGE 3:November General Meeting Minutes PAGE 4: What s New Christmas Dinner Function PAGE 5: 1948 Acto Scythe PAGE 6: A Blast From The Past PAGE 7: Events Calendar The Classifieds for Classics DEADLINE FOR ISSUE 257 WILL BE 30 TH DECEMBER All correspondence must be ed to the Editor, Courtney Peters, courtneygracestella@gmail.com by this date to be considered in the next edition. Please note that there is always a need for submissions every month. Please keep them coming. AIMS OF THE CLUB 1. To encourage the restoration, preservation and exhibition of antique machinery, including stationary engines and related machinery, tractors, vehicles, hobbies, models and collectables. 2. To provide opportunities for the interchange of information through regular meetings and publications. 3. To preserve technical data and general information associated with antique machinery, and assist educational institutions and museum organisations wherever possible. 4. To assist other groups with common interest in preserving, restoring and exhibiting the heritage of Australia 5. To extend to other collectors, their friends and all persons interested in antique machinery, the hospitality, privileges and conveniences enjoyed in connection with the Club. INSURANCE SAMCI carries Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance on behalf of ALL members when taking part in events approved by the Club. To ensure you are covered, participation must be recorded. You must enter your name in the attendance book on every occasion you are in the Club Grounds, and when intending to take part in any outside event, you must notify the Events Coordinator or a Committee Member. This insurance does not apply in the use of Club Registered Vehicles. ALL CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary, Sydney Antique Machinery Club Inc., 40A Racecourse Road, Clarendon, NSW 2756 FOR ALL CLUB INFORMATION, GO TO OUR WEBSITE: LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: Sydney Antique Machinery Club MEETING PAGE 8: SAMCI Office Bearers The Vintage Voice SAMC Inc. Newsletter No. 256 December

2 A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR I would like to thank everybody for the positive feedback on my first issue of the Vintage Voice. Having said that, I am always open to both positive and constructive criticism, as after all, this isn t just my newsletter, it s OUR newsletter. If at any stage you have any ideas, or improvements please feel free to let me know. I would like to especially thank Col Grinter the first Newsletter Editor for the Club, for his kind words of wisdom, as well as, Ian Browning and Luke Franks, for their ongoing support during this transition phase. I wanted to share this letter with you all from Col. It reads: G day Courtney, Just received my November issue of The Vintage Voice, it is a very interesting one this month and brings back longlasting memories. What interested me was the item on Page 6; the reprint of the first page of the Club s magazine. I can remember the start of the club quite well. The first meetings were held in an old house owned by The Uniting Church in Quakers Hill. I actually edited the magazine when we first started out, temporarily which ended up being permanent. The edition of the magazine in question came out between meetings and at the next meeting night Tony Marvin made the comment I didn t expect this! I had a large range of material available so the comments and content was not hard to fill. Tony came from England after World War II; he worked for Rustons and came out to this country to work for them. He was retired when he joined the Sydney Antique Machinery Club and was a very skilled person in his trade and knowledgeable as well as being a great conversationalist. Just a thought when I cam back from Temora all those years ago with the idea of starting an antique engine club, I didn t think it would last as long or grow as big as what it has, with sections or groups covering engines, machinery, cars, trucks and collectables etc. I believe it has continued to grow because management and members have worked together to make this club so versatile. The two very important groups are the ladies section, because it makes it a family affair; keep up the good work girls, and a junior group is also very important as they are the future of the club. I am very pleased with the direction that this club has taken, branching into different groups and I enjoy reading the newsletter. Col Grinter CLUB NEWS NO DECEMBER MEETING All members please note there will be no General Meeting in December. NEWSLETTER FORMAT Courtney Peters, one of out Junior Members, has taken on the job of Newsletter Editor. You will have noticed quite a change in format, and I am sure that she would welcome any feedback. She would also like to receive articles on restorations or events that you have been involved in, no matter how presented. The last couple of issues were very short on articles, and I am sure you don t want it filled with my stuff all the time! Ian Browning The newsletter is our means of communicating with the majority of members who do not attend meetings, and as such is the most important way of informing them of our activities. CLUB PLATE REGISTRAR: NEW CLUB PLATE REGISTRAR At the AGM, Austin Vella indicated his wish to step down from this position after some 6 years, Max Endicott came forward and has been accepted into the position. Max is getting up to speed rapidly. He can be contacted on , or by at endfash@bigpond.net.au. For any Club related drive, please advise him in advance by text or . Members who wish to register a new vehicle under the historic or classic vehicle schemes should in the first instance lodge details with Max, who will submit them to the sub-committee for approval. If documentation and photos are provided, this will be done by with little delay, unless there are questions of eligibility. The Club extends it s thanks and appreciation to Austin for the wonderful job he has done, especially during the difficult times of change when the Club adopted the 60-day logbook, changed to Pink Slip inspection, and introduced the Classic Vehicle Scheme. MERCHANDISE FOR SALE At the rally, SAMCI offered for the first time a number of items of merchandise, all with the Club logo. Available are: Pens, LED torches, Lapel badges, Key rings, and Coffee mugs featuring the Fordson tractor, the rally feature. There will be some of each for purchase at Club meetings. TRACTOR TREK Unfortunately, the Tractor Trek planned for 5 November had to be called off due to a very adverse weather forecast. VALE BRUCE MUNRO One of our Club stalwarts, Bruce Munro, was laid to rest on 17 November. He made many contributions to our Club, and was a mentor to many of those in the transport industry. He will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences to Judy and family. The Vintage Voice SAMC Inc. Newsletter No. 256 December

NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING MINUTES Meeting opened at 19:24 hours on 17 th November, 2017 at the Club Shed. Attendance as per the attendance book. Chair: L Franks, Minutes: P Bradshaw.

3 NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING MINUTES Meeting opened at 19:24 hours on 17 th November, 2017 at the Club Shed. Attendance as per the attendance book. Chair: L Franks, Minutes: P Bradshaw. New member Robert Sant was welcomed to the meeting. Minutes of the last Committee Meeting were read. On the motion of Meik Groger to accept the minutes, seconded by Joe Zahra, accepted by all present. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES Thank you certificates by L Franks were displayed and will be forwarded to the nominated companies. Electrical work in the shed has been referred to an electrical company for rectification. Improvements will include; changing the flood lights to LED type and new wiring and fittings to the container. Costs will be confirmed after the initial inspection. The position of Vehicle Registrar has been filled by Max Endicott, who will take over from Austin Vella. Luke Franks thanked Austin for his hard work and dedication to SAMCI over the years as the Vehicle Registrar and all members present also supported the thank you with a round of applause. AED Machine. The Ladies Committee had pledged that any money raised from the Ladies Stall at the rally be put towards the purchase of an AED. Luke Franks mentioned that the Hawkesbury Heartstart Campaign offers subsidies for the purchase of AED s for local community organisations, and he has submitted an application on behalf of SAMCI on 23 October. Newsletter Editor. Courtney Peters has done an excellent job on producing her first newsletter. Luke asked that all SAMCI members to support her and supply articles and photos for the newsletter. Charlie Bartolo suggested that Courtney s name be moved from the bottom of the Office Bearer s List, to a higher position on the list as he felt that this is an important position to hold in the Club. Luke Franks wished Judy Munro and family, his and the Club s deepest sympathies, following Bruce s passing. The Christmas Dinner Function will be held on Saturday 25 November at the Club Shed. Helpers are needed to setup tables and tarpaulins for the event, if you are available please help. Contact Luke Franks for more details. Fuel reimbursement for fuel costs incurred by members. Charlie Bartolo asked for clarification on this matter. Luke Franks stated SAMCI members had decided that fuel costs incurred by members within the Sydney basin, will not be reimbursed as this is deemed as a personal offer by the member to help the club. However, the club will cover trips to country areas if required. Transport of equipment for the Clarendon Classic rally using club member s heavy trucks with large loads will be reimbursed for fuel costs if required. SUB COMMITTEES MAJOR EVENTS: Steve Muscat: M Williamson will need to be contacted to see if he is prepared to continue to contact the various car clubs for the next rally. VEHICLE REGISTRAR: Max Endicott has come forward to take on the position of Club Vehicle Registrar. Thank you to Max for accepting this position. CATERING: Members are requested to bring desserts for the Christmas Dinner Function. LADIES COMMITTEE: Barbara Scanes will be holding a raffle at the Christmas Dinner night and asked for more items to be donated for prizes. GROUNDS: Peter Bradshaw: The grass has been mowed. UPCOMING EVENTS: Ron Irving asked for the Australia Day function at Toongabbie to be sanctioned by SAMCI. This event including travel to and from the event has been sanctioned. GENERAL BUSINESS: David Pagano has accepted inclusion into the Safety Committee. Ian Browning suggested that club members who have or are undertaking restorations give a short talk at General Meetings on the project, or give a report on an event or auction attended. The club needs to include more interesting items at the meetings, rather than just dealing with day-to-day business as present. Reminder of the clearing sale at Pitt Town on 26 November 2017, handouts supplied. Bill Robertson has a walk behind tractor for sale, contact Bill for details. The meeting was closed at 20:23 hours. SPECIAL THANKS TO JOHN HILLS Here is John Hills of Arcadia being presented with the Club s certificate of appreciation by Ian Browning, on behalf of the Sydney Antique Machinery Club, for his work in building the ride trailers. The Vintage Voice SAMC Inc. Newsletter No. 256 December

WHAT S NEW Attention all SAMCI members with

It is suggested that for next years Clarendon

January, 1950 issue of the Power Farming in

2017 CHRISTMAS DINNER FUNCTION Thank you to all

I have heard that it was great night had by all.

the peak season we have had this year, especially

On behalf of the Club, I wish you a very merry

4 WHAT S NEW Attention all SAMCI members with tractors. It is suggested that for next years Clarendon Classic, all tractors should be fitted with the new KUTZ-ALL purpose trust. This will be a new attracter demostrating cutting everything. Safety glasses optional. By HANDUS De SHOUGLL Article excerpt from the January, 1950 issue of the Power Farming in Australia and New Zealand magazine CHRISTMAS DINNER FUNCTION Thank you to all who attended our annual Christmas Dinner Function. I have heard that it was great night had by all. It was a fantastic opportunity to unwind after the peak season we have had this year, especially the best Clarendon Classic yet! On behalf of the Club, I wish you a very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year. I look forward to what 2018 has install for us all! The Vintage Voice SAMC Inc. Newsletter No. 256 December

1948 ACTO SCYTHE A couple of years ago, an unusual machine was donated to Fagan Park Museum.

We already had an Allen Scythe in our Agricultural Museum, and they have in common a sickle bar style cutter.

It is not strictly a lawn mower, but as it was made by one of the leading mower manufacturers, it is of interest to lawn mower collectors. The first Atco Scythe was introduced in 1931.

This arrangement made the Acto Scythe appear similar to the agricultural mowers that were common at the time.

5 1948 ACTO SCYTHE A couple of years ago, an unusual machine was donated to Fagan Park Museum. None of us volunteers had seen one before, but a bit of research revealed it to be a post-world War II Acto Scythe, made in the United Kingdom. We already had an Allen Scythe in our Agricultural Museum, and they have in common a sickle bar style cutter. Like the more common Allen Scythe, the Acto Scythe was designed for cutting long grass, weeds and scrub. It is not strictly a lawn mower, but as it was made by one of the leading mower manufacturers, it is of interest to lawn mower collectors. The first Atco Scythe was introduced in A major difference to the Allen Scythe was that the cutter is mounted on the side of the machine, rather than at the front, with a single driving wheel. This arrangement made the Acto Scythe appear similar to the agricultural mowers that were common at the time. The Atco design ensures that the main body of the machine does not need to pass through the grass that has been cut. However, a major disadvantage for these pedestrian operated machines was that the layout made them lopsided and difficult to control. An improved version of the Acto Scythe was introduced in 1936 and remained in production to the end of the decade. This machine also had a single wheel, and was driven by a 147cc Villiers two stroke engine providing more power than the earlier model s engine. The other major improvement as the introduction of worm drive transmission from the engine to the single-speed gearbox, although belt drive to the cutter was retained. A new model was introduced in 1947 and was very similar to the previous design. New features were the inclusion of the same cone clutch and kick-start mechanisms that can be seen on many of the conventional post-1945 Acto mowers, and chain drive to the cutter bar. After further design changes production continued into the mid-1960 s. Our machine was made in 1948, and by the condition of its working parts, had not seen much use. It is fitted with the Villiers 147cc engine, which was dismantled, finding that new rings were needed, and the high-tension coil in the magneto was open circuit. We had this rewound, a lower cost option (just!), rather than importing a new one from the United Kingdom. The rings were also sourced locally. We needed a new tyre as the old one was perished solid, and surprisingly, we were able to find a 2.5 x 10 tyre and tube at quite a reasonable cost. A new throttle cable was also required, but we were unable to obtain one of the correct length. After disassembly, all parts were cleaned up, painted, and then reassembled. As we had no instruction manual, we were careful to take a lot of photos to ensure we could put it back together. The engine started easily after reassembly, and the machine has been driven numerous times to demonstrate its operation. Acknowledgement is given to the Old Lawn Mower Club of the United Kingdom, for historical information. Photographs from the Fagan Park files. This article wqas earlier published in the Oily Rag. Ian Browning The Vintage Voice SAMC Inc. Newsletter No. 256 December

6 Through each issue of The Vintage Voice I produce, I would like to include a page from a past newsletter. Here is the second issue of the newsletter, featuring its own version of a Blast From The Past, all the way back in 1917 and The Vintage Voice SAMC Inc. Newsletter No. 256 December

EVENTS CALENDAR DATES CLUB, FUNCTION AND CONTACT LOCATION 5 th November SAMCI Tractor Trek from East Kurrajong to Colo. Contact Col Fotheringham for details on 4579 6350.

11 th 12 th November, 2017 New England Antique Machinery Club, Antique Machinery Rally.

2017 Taralga Vintage Farm Field Day Taralga Showground, Walsh Street, Taralga, NSW 2 nd 3 rd December, 2017 Young & District Antique Engine & Tractor Club, Hilltops Heritage Rally.

7 EVENTS CALENDAR DATES CLUB, FUNCTION AND CONTACT LOCATION 5 th November SAMCI Tractor Trek from East Kurrajong to Colo. Contact Col Fotheringham for details on th November, 2017 Friends of Linnwood, The Trevor Thomas Big Bikes Day; All British Day Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Rover, Wolseley, and the Antique & Classic Motor Club. 11 th 12 th November, 2017 New England Antique Machinery Club, Antique Machinery Rally. Contact: Bronwyn Broom Leaving from 11 Blacktown Road, Freemans Reach at 8:00am Linnwood House, 25 Byron Road, Guildford, NSW Armidale Showground, Armidale, NSW 18 th 19 th November, 2017 Taralga Vintage Farm Field Day Taralga Showground, Walsh Street, Taralga, NSW 2 nd 3 rd December, 2017 Young & District Antique Engine & Tractor Club, Hilltops Heritage Rally. Carrington Park, Young, NSW 14 th January, 2018 Cudgegong Valley Antique Machinery Club Inc. and Mid-West Regional Council, 2018 Mudgee Swap Meet. Contact: or Mudgee Showground, Mudgee, NSW 26 th January, 2018 Australiana Pioneer Village, Australia Day, Club display. Australiana Pioneer Village, Wilberforce, NSW 9 th 10 th February, 2018 The Sydney Super Swap Meet Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon, NSW From 6:00am 25 th February, 2018 Macarthur Gardens Retirement Village Event. Vehicle display only. 23 rd March 3 rd April, 2018 Royal Agriculture Society, 2018 Royal Easter Show, Club display. 7 th 8 th April, 2018 Blacktown City Council, Blacktown Show, Club display. Ron Irving THE CLASSIFIEDS FOR CLASSICS Macarthur Gardens Retirement Village, 100 Gilchrist Drive, Campbelltown, NSW 1 Showground Road, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW Blacktown Showground, Richmond Road, Blacktown, NSW FOR SALE: 1964 Howard 2000 tractor, serial no , B&S model 23 AFB engine. Comes with two brand new rear tyres and a large number of original Howard spares. Located at Kenthurst asking price $400. Contact Les Harch OASIS RUNS The Oasis Runs are held on the first Tuesday of each month and the contact is Geoff McHardy who can be reached on or geoff@nisch.org. The Oasis Runs are sanctioned for members. PROUDLY SUPPORTING LITTLE WINGS AUSTRALIA IN 2018 The events in red are those sanctioned by Sydney Antique Machinery Club Inc. Please note: If any member wishes to attend an event not marked as sanctioned, a contact with a Committee Member is all that is necessary to get the event sanctioned. The Vintage Voice SAMC Inc. Newsletter No. 256 December

8 SYDNEY ANTIQUE MACHINERY CLUB INC. OFFICE BEARERS 2017/2018 PRESIDENT: VICE PRESIDENT: TREASURER: CLUB SECRETARY: MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: MINUTE SECRETARY: PUBLIC OFFICER: CLUB PLATE REGISTRAR: MAJOR EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR: CATERING CO-ORDINATORS: CATERING ASSISTANTS: NEWSLETTER EDITOR: ORDINARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS: LADIES SUB-COMMITTEE: JUNIOR GROUP MENTORS: SAFETY COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON: SAFETY OFFICERS: MODEL & HOBBY CHAIRPERSON: VEHICLE ASSESSMENT SUB- COMMITTEE: FIRST AID OFFICERS: CLUB GROUNDS KEEPERS: NEWSLETTER MAIL-OUT: PUBLICITY OFFICER: AUDIT SUB-COMMITTEE: ASSET REGISTER: WEB MASTER/FACEBOOK: PUBLIC ADDRESS: Luke Franks Warwick Fotheringham Margaret Barrett Ian Browning Morrie Barrett Peter Bradshaw Gayle Miller Max Endicott Steven Muscat Steve Brown (Assistant) Tim Brodie Jenny Fotheringham Denise Brown, Gayle Miller, Alison White Courtney Peters Jim Bew Tim Brodie Ray Galdes Ron Irving Steve Sewell Russell White Charlie Vella Barbara Scanes & Gaylene Miller Colleen Soper & Darren Mitchell Ray Galdes Ron Irving & Steve Sewell (Engines), Charlie Vella (Tractors/Tractor Pull), David Pagano & Danny Calleja (Cars/Trucks), Nigel Hely (Steam), Russel Gear & Steve Penza (other i.e. Vendors). Kathy Bartolo Assisted by Henk van Leeuwin Ian Browning, Max Endicott, Warwick Fotheringham & Luke Franks Greg Baulman, Tina Crocker, Tim Brodie, Ray Galdes, Nicole Groger, Trish Groger, Courtney Peters, Mick Drew, Charlie Vella & Brendan Zahra Ian Dillon, Charlie Vella, John Miller & Peter Bradshaw John & Judith-Grace Vella Stephen Gummerson Gaylene Miller, Denise Brown & Barbara Scanes Tim Brodie & Margaret Barrett Tim Brodie Marie Warby or or or or or or Revised The Vintage Voice SAMC Inc. Newsletter No. 256 December

9 The Vintage Voice SAMC Inc. Newsletter No. 256 December

The Vintage Voice. Newsletter 207, Nov, 2013 of the Sydney Antique Machinery Club Inc.

The Vintage Voice. Newsletter 207, Nov, 2013 of the Sydney Antique Machinery Club Inc. The Vintage Voice Newsletter 207, Nov, 2013 of the Sydney Antique Machinery Club Inc. No December Meeting. Next General Meeting 7.30pm, 17 th Jan. 40a Racecourse Road, Clarendon NSW 2756 All correspondence