Old engine buff’s will be fascinated to see the Iluka Museum’s ‘plunge’ 2024 display to be held on Saturday April 13 from 9am till 3pm. The working display will feature several small vintage marine engines.

In the early part of the 1900s these small engines, the first available on the market, replaced the need for sail and manpower in small fishing vessels used by fishermen in Iluka and the lower reaches of the Clarence River.

These engines have now become very rare, many having been used for so many years then thrown overboard or used as anchors after letting their owners down just once too often. 

After a call-out to the Clarence community, the Iluka Museum received several small engine donations. Two CLAE engines were donated by John O’Connell in memory of his late father Brian O’Connell and a cute little single cylinder Vinco engine was donated by Eric Bale, who also donated many spare parts, bits and pieces.

A rare 1935 Simplex 5 hp engine, donated by Iluka resident Bob Swan, was in great need of work, but with the rust cut out and Brett Tyrie’s expertise in steel welding, with a bit more help from Deano, another Iluka welder …. it is now a work of art and takes pride of place in our collection.  

We are still looking for an early Chapman and Invincible engine to add to our collection.