The Traction Engine Annex Project
This traction engine is believed to be the only surviving example of around six traction engines built by Cliff & Bunting Pty. Ltd., of North Melbourne (est. 1887) between 1907 and 1912. The single-cylinder two-speed 8 nominal horsepower general purpose steam traction engine with locomotive style multi-tubular boiler. Their Cliff & Bunting traction engine was first exhibited at the Royal Melbourne Show in 1907 and remained on sale until at least 1912.
By the 1920s, the engine had found its way to Inglewood, in central Victoria, where it was used by Alf Leech for contract chaff-cutting and road haulage - pulling loads such as timber houses, machinery and firewood for the local gold mines.
During the 1930s, the engine was acquired by Ernest Jones, who operated a eucalyptus distillery.
A proposed Annex to house the historic Cliff & Bunting Traction Engine recently conserved by Museums Victoria at Scienceworks. It left this site in 2003.
Current at April 2023The Traction Engine project is progressing towards construction, however we need additional funds to cover the 20% recent increases in steel and building industry costs since 2020.
We appreciate and thank the organisations who have contributed to date:
- Inglewood & Districts Community Enterprise Ltd via the Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation
- Inglewood Development & Tourism Committee
- Loddon Shire Community Planning Grants Scheme
- Inglewood Eucy Distillery Museum Inc.
Project milestones:
* Design, Architectural and Engineering work: Completed:
* Planning Permit - Heritage Victoria: Completed
* Planning Permit - Loddon Shire : Completed
* Builder selection - Completed
* Building Permit - Submitted - iteration with surveyor at present
Once the building permit is issued, the project can commence for the first stage to lockup. Final completion is dependent on further grants and fundraising.
Donations over $2 to the museum are tax deductible
Details for a donation. >>here You will receive a Tax Receipt
Cliff & Bunting Traction Engine build c.1912
Early advertising image
Traction Engine when last on site