Crossley Engine fires up

Local mechanic Brodie Parry is learning the ropes on the Crossley engine with veteran Narromine mechanic Don Burns who has maintained the Crossley Engine since it was installed at Bourke nearly 20 years ago. Photo: TWH

Bourke’s tourist attractions are gearing up as visitors return to the bush, in what is shaping up to be a buoyant season.

The popular Crossley engine has been given a thorough spit and polish and is once again taking pride of place as the main attraction at Bourke’s Wal Mitchell Wharf Precinct.

Mechanic Don Burns from Narromine is the man in charge of the careful servicing of the historic engine. As the man responsible for the original restoration of the Crossley almost 20 years ago Don knows every nut and bolt in the engine. He has been in Bourke for the past couple of weeks making sure the historic exhibit is running smoothly after sitting idle since September last year.

“It just needed a few things replaced and straightened up and is firing up on two cylinders again and it’s great, it’s going really well,” Don said.

“I had to do a bit of work on the conrods, fuel and oil pumps, bearings and just give it a general clean down.

Read more in the printed edition of The Western Herald. Call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!