About this objectThe Clayton & Shuttleworth is a large compound 8hp steam traction engine, No 44128. Purchased with a grant from the National Cultural Heritage Account in 2005 from the Henry family of Trunkey Creek and moved to the museum, Spring Grove Pavilion, in March 2006. It is of National Significance.
The engine was originally purchased in 1911 by Frederick Rowlands of ‘Werribee’, Waugoola (between Carcoar and Cowra) from Dalgety & Sons. It was used in land clearing and other agricultural activities and then sold, in 1928, by hire purchase to the Henry family of Trunkey Creek. The engine was used primarily for chaff cutting operations for 5months of the year; pulling the chaff cutter behind. The engine was also used at the family sawmill pulling sawn logs on a large timber jinker. Since it was portable it was also used to pull timber and run stamper batteries when required.
This Clayton & Shuttleworth compound 8hp engine is an outstanding example of the kind of steam traction engines that were imported and used for land clearing, powering chaff cutters and mining in Australia. Steam engines of this type powered regional economies, transforming the environment from bush into agricultural land and mining sites, creating tremendous wealth for the regions and the nation. The various uses of the engine in its working life highlight the adaptability of the steam traction engine for a wide range of tasks in rural Australia.
This is the most complete and original example of a Clayton & Shuttleworth traction engine in Australia, so it is a reference example for research in steam engineering history and for conservation and restoration projects on similar engines. The engine shows evidence of its hard-working life and some post manufacture adaptations to enhance its operation and to equip it for other work, such as chaff cutting.
The engine is well provenanced from the time of its original purchase, with documentation including the hire purchase agreement. Mining and agriculture are the two main enterprises in the development and prosperity of central NSW, and this engine is associated with both activities. The significance of the engine is enhanced by its presence in the region where it was used, particularly as the Museum has in its collection one of the stamper batteries powered by the engine. Furthermore within the collection are other traction engines, a timber jinker and chaff cutting equipment which help tell the story of this period in Australian history.
The Clayton & Shuttleworth is an imposing machine and one which engages all visitors, young and old with the joy only a big machine can bring. Its provenance, completeness, relative stable condition and national significance is an added extra.
