Experience Engineering History: Garrett Steam Engine Live at Thornbury This Weekend

This weekend marks a special Heritage Month event in Thornbury, Southland, featuring the rare 118hp Garrett Steam Engine, one of only three left worldwide and the only operational model.
The engine has a storied history of use in diverse industries such as grain and seed processing, gold mining, and sawmilling before being showcased in Thornbury.
Alongside the Garrett Steam Engine, visitors can explore the acclaimed Southland Farming History exhibit and a wide array of displays illustrating the evolution of farming in Southland at the Rural Heritage Centre.

The Thornbury Vintage Tractor & Implement Club has left the best until last in Heritage Month with the opportunity this weekend to see their 118hp superheated Garrett Steam Engine operating. The engine is one of only three remaining in the world and if you want to see one in action then you must come to Thornbury, here in Southland, as the club’s example is the only one in the world that is still operational.

Before finding a home at the centre the engine was used in various industries including grain and seed, gold mining and sawmilling.

The club have had a great response to their facility throughout Heritage Month and those that have visited have been very impressed.

As well as the Garrett Steam Engine the centre houses the recently opened and highly acclaimed Southland Farming History exhibit as well as a treasure trove of our rural history with displays of machinery, trucks, farm machinery, implements and plenty more items that build a picture of the development of farming in Southland.

The centre will be open on both Saturday and Sunday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Admission will be just $10 per adult while under 16’s are free.

As Heritage Month draws to a close the facility will be open going forward on Sunday’s and Public Holiday’s from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

The Rural Heritage Centre which is operated by the Thornbury Vintage Tractor & Implement Club is signposted on State Highway 99 prior to the appropriate turn off onto the Thornbury-Waimatuku Road to reach the Thornbury township.