Steamfest Sunday

We ventured out to Steamfest at Maitland today, checking out the various steam operated vehicles like the lorry above, and this tractor below.  They were so smoky and noisy, and I loved the loud shrill whistles.  The girls found them much too loud, and spent a good deal of time with their hands over their ears!

 There were a whole range of vintage vehicles on display...

Nathan particularly liked this green truck...

 and this one too...

 Lili loved the Clydesdales...

 We wandered over to the Show and Shine car show in Maitland park, where Nathan found his ideal Christmas present...

 or perhaps this one...

 By this time it was well and truly raining on us, so we didn't look for as long as we had planned to at the cars on show, and when we went to browse around the market stalls it was a bit too wet and many had packed up.  After an icecream and a bit of waiting it was time for a ride on a steam train - definitely the highlight of the day!  It was difficult to get a good pic as people were flocking to see the steam engines, but the one below is the 3265 Steam Locomotive, known as "Hunter".

 This impressive locomotive was built in 1901 and was still in service until 1968.

 The photos don't really do the engine justice.  They are very impressive to see and hear.  The sound of a steam engine building speed as it chugs away from the station is really fantastic. This photo below is attempting to capture just how high the black smoke plumed as the engine became ready to pull out.

 The carriages were all class with their timber panelling and curved ceilings.  We rode in a carriage just like the ones on the Hogwarts Express, and I must admit I had the theme music from Harry Potter ringing in my ears as we pulled away :)

 By this time we were glad of a dry spot to sit as we watched the scenery go by while the 3265 steamed along from Maitland to Branxton and back again.  You could hear the engine chugging and see the smoke blowing back from time to time.

Nathan couldn't resist the opportunity to stick his head right out the window when the train stopped briefly at Branxton Station...

Aside from the train ride it only cost us $4 to get in to the rally ground - quite the bargain for a family day out.  We had never been to Steamfest before - not being steam train enthusiasts - but we found you don't need to be an enthusiast to enjoy it,  and all had a great time.  Toot toot!