History Archives - Page 21 of 23 - Destination's Journey

31 March 20225 April 2022

Warbirds Over Scone Air Show 2022

Warbirds Over Scone Air Show 2022

Having purchased tickets pre-covid, we were pleased to be finally going to the Warbirds Over Scone 2022. Unfortunately, the wet weather that has plagued the summer in Eastern Australia paid a visit. The Sunday we attended was particularly wet. Constant showers and low cloud cover resulted in no planes taking off, which was understandable. You do not put pilots at risk, just for an air show. Anyway, we did get to see the planes on the ground, even if not flying.

Some planes were able to fly the day before, so people who attended on Saturday saw the warbirds in the sky. The big drawcard this year were three Spitfires, four P-51 Mustangs and four P-40 Kittyhawk fighters. This was a record for an Australian air show, with crowds on Saturday seeing them in the sky all together.

Getting There

Driving the hour from Singleton to Scone was an easy drive, despite the wet weather. Parking at the airport was well organised, with a field opposite the entrance set up for cars.

Tickets

We purchased gold tickets online beforehand, but because of covid the air show was delayed almost two years. With no planes flying due to the weather, the advantage of gold class, which was grandstand seating to get a better view of the flying was not there. Because the planes were directly in front of us, we had a close-up view of them. Unfortunately, there was no undercover seating here, so we spent some time in the general admission area, where we could shelter from the rain.

The Air Show

Walking around the airfield we saw the planes that were on display, with several we had not seen before. This included several of the Spitfires and P-51s.

By midday, the organisers cancelled all flying for the day, but opened the flight line, so that spectators could get up close to the warbirds. We thought this was a great fall-back option and jumped at the opportunity. Being able to get up close to the warbirds and talk to the owners and pilots was a real bonus.

We also spoke to the owner of one of the kubelwagens (a German car from World War Two). It turned out to be a survivor from the Battle of Kursk on the Eastern Front. He was great to talk to and very knowledgeable about its history and historic armour vehicles in general.

So, despite the weather and no flying, we saw some great planes, armoured vehicles and spoke to some interesting people. Not the day we had planned, but still fun.

Curtiss P-40N Warbirds Over Scone — Curtiss P-40N

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

12 March 20225 April 2022

Mittagong Maltings

Mittagong Maltings

Badly damaged by fire in 2016, the Mittagong Maltings is no longer accessible by the public. We discovered this when we visited and found it surrounded by a security fence with “Danger Keep Out Signs”. Now dangerous inside and containing asbestos, the owners have wisely taken site security seriously.

Despite the damage, the owners intend to refurbish the buildings into a multi-use facility, which will be a great use of the historic buildings.

Originally built in 1899 and operated by Tooth and Co. from 1901, the Maltings operated until 1980.

This was a very quick stop, as there is not much to see apart from the burnt out ruins.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

5 March 20225 April 2022

Goulburn Waterworks

Located at Marsden Weir on the Wollondilly River, Goulburn Waterworks is another great attraction to visit in Goulburn. One of four pump-houses built at the same time, the Goulburn Waterworks is the only one with its original pumps. Unfortunately, the other three were sold for scrap

Intending to simply walk around the beautiful building, a volunteer was there, who took us through the interior. Not only is the original pump still there, but it is fully functioning. Lovingly restored and maintained by a group of volunteers, the pump looks brand new.

Built in 1883, the Appleby beam pump moved water from the Wollondilly River to a holding tank where it was around Goulburn. This enabled the town to expand, because previously a consistent water supply was not available. In time, demand outstripped the pump’s capacity newer technology replaced it. Fortunately, it avoided scrapping and we can still see it today.

Located in another section of the building is a Hick Hargreaves horizontal engine. This type of engine was a successor to the beam engine as they are more efficient and able to produce significantly more power on a smaller design. Although not originally part of the waterworks, it was still interesting to see.

The electric pumps that replaced the beam engine remain on site, so we were able to see them as well. Located in a sump, enclosed and painted grey they do not have the elegance of the original.

This was a fun visit, especially as were did not expect to go inside and see the pumping machinery.