Scienceworks Celebrates Ford Centenary

Scienceworks Celebrates Ford Centenary

Scienceworks will celebrate a significant moment in the history of science and technology – the centenary of the first Model T Ford – with a special vintage machinery day on Sunday 12 October.

The highlight of this special Machines in Action Day will be Museum Victoria’s recently restored Quadricycle. The Quadricycle, which was donated to the Museum in 1970, is a replica of Henry Ford’s first car and was the predecessor of the Model T Ford. The Quadricycle has recently been restored to its former fully operational glory and will feature in a parade of vintage machinery.

Other highlights of the parade include the Cowley Steam Traction Engine, the only working Australian made traction engine in the world. The Cowley Steam Traction engine was acquired by Museum Victoria in 1985 and is one of the most significant surviving relics of the Australian steam age. Other marvellous machines in the parade include the Chamberlain Tractor, the K.L Bulldog Tractor, the Cowley Steam Roller and the McDonald Footpath Roller.

“The Machines in Action Day is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see heritage steam engines and agricultural machinery at work,” explains David Crotty, Museum Victoria’s Engineering Curator. “Our Quadricycle replica is one of the most authentic copies of Henry Ford’s first car, originally built in 1896. The replica hasn’t run in over 30 years and it’s great that we can now put it on show for visitors.”

The first Model T Ford was built for sale in 1908. It was the world’s first low-priced, mass-produced automobile with standard, interchangeable parts. Priced at US$825, it was considered a bargain when compared with other cars, and Ford continued to steadily lower its price, thanks to manufacturing efficiencies.

Throughout the month of October a Model T Ford display will be on show in the Scienceworks foyer. The display will include information about Model T, Museum Victoria’s quadricycle on display as well as images of the history of the Model T Ford.

Each year Scienceworks presents three Machines in Action Days, featuring examples of classic machinery of yesteryear. This year, visitors can also take free train rides on model steam trains provided by the Springvale Live Steamers. Several Model T Ford’s will be on display throughout the day courtesy of the Model T Ford Club.

 

The Machines in Action Day will be from 10am – 4.30pm on Sunday 12 October 2009.

Scienceworks is at 2 Booker Street, Spotswood. Melway 56, B1.

 

Entry to the Machines in Action Day is included in general Scienceworks entry:

Adults $6, children and concession FREE

For further information ph 03 9392 4800 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/Scienceworks