A couple of classic Atkinsons took centre stage at the recent Golden Oldies Truck, Tractor & Quilt Show in Dubbo
Despite threatening weather and the high price of fuel, there was a good turnout at the Golden Oldies Truck, Tractor & Quilt Show in Dubbo on August 13. It rained most of Friday and the organisers were not only wet, but a bit concerned, though they said they were going ahead no matter what.
The amount of time, effort and money some of these fellows pour into old trucks, then travel to display them, cannot be sneezed at.
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A classic Atkinson at the Golden Oldies Truck Show in Dubbo
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The back trailer for the Rod Pilon Transport 50 year B-double set is now mostly finished. Thanks to the workshop crew who washed the A-trailer for me, so we were able to get the unit to the show.
There were some newer ones of course, some part done and some simply older trucks, but there were also examples of what you can only call a return to glory with hundreds of hours putting them back into showroom condition. One Atkinson was simply magnificent and the even earlier model still hooked up out in the paddock not far behind.
There were some beautiful old cars, a few truck models, stationary engines, roaming tractors and steam monsters, some stalls, food and more.
I had a quick look at the quilts, but I have a pair made for me by the crew at the Stone the Crows Festival and they looked best to me, but of course they have trucks on them and I am a bit biased.
A grand parade, trucks and tractors around the showground ring, raffles and lots of trucks to look at and photograph, plus lots of people to talk to made for a good day all round. The rain held off to after five and we even got some hail at home.
Many had got to Dubbo early and others stayed over on the Saturday night at the showground where the showies normally park up. Congratulations to all the organisers and supporters and participants, it was a good day out.
I had spoken with Bruce Gunter from the Copy Southbound Podcast a few times recently and rang him the week before. I said I was keen to have a coffee and a chat if he was through Dubbo while I was off work. Not only was he coming for the show, he asked if I would have time for a podcast and by the time you read this it should be available.
Doing up old trucks has been a passion for Bruce (and he tells me the nine-year job on Max Keogh’s Kenworth is just about complete). But Bruce had another reason for coming – the next big project, a Brockway.
It’s not a truck name we have ever heard much of in Australia, but something quite old and unique.
Photography: Rod Hannifey