Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club (Australia)

[Roderick Smith]

MSTEC brings together all facets of the steam hobby, plus industrial oil engines, vintage sewing machines and other specialist groups, on a common site in Scoresby (an outer south-east suburb).
There are activation days on the last Sunday of each month, and a major public rally every March, when all components operate at the same time, with lots of guest equipment.
One feature is steam boats on the lake there.
Go the the MSTEC website, http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mstec/
and chase through for photos of recent rallies.
There are some boat photos there, including a model which seems to be of Echuca-based PS Ranger.

Regards,
Roerick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[paddlesteamerman1]

I had a look at the site - I might just have to get to Scoresby and have a look because it looks really worthwhile.. Especially the stationary steam and IC museum that seems to have engines as far as the eye can see.. I am possibly going to become a member - I have to haggle with Mum and Dad for the money to pay the subsriptions.. Looks good though.. Very good.. Although I could see the similarities from the paddler model to the Ranger - - - - A recommended site if I ever saw one..

[thewharfonline]

A side reference on the model I thought it looked more like PS Eva built in 1891. However it could be many of these little boats...but the boxes and the structural bits of the model looked to me like Eva.

However maybe we're also being slightly selfish. Who said it's a Murray Boat...could it possibly be Golden City or a boat similar to that?

My money is on Eva as Ranger didn't have the wall behind the paddle boxes and at the stage where it would have looked like it would have had a sunken cabin.

[Roderick Smith]

Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club has its annual steam fest over Sat.10-Mon.12.3 (a long weekend in Victoria).
There are usually model boats on the lake for this event.
Go the the MSTEC website, http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mstec/

Goolwa Wooden Boat Festival is on over Sat.10-Mon.12.3 (a long weekend in SA).
IIRC there is no display area for models, but all wooden boats are welcome.
PS Marion voyages from Mannum for this event (passengers to Wellington, then only crew across the lake, then local short cruises).
PS Oscar W (not yet in survey) will be open for inspection.
PS William Randell will be viewable.
Other local PV are banished from the site (metal hulls).
This year the event is being combined with a folk & music festival.
I have Jessie II entered.  Do come up and say hello, and mention PD.
www.woodenboatfestival.com.au
Parking and accommodation will be at a premium.
Patrons are encouraged to stay and or park at Middleton or Port Elliot or Victor Harbor and arrive on one of the extra services on the tourist railway.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor