WETASKIWIN, Alta. – Bill Graham says he is surprised at the lengths and expense people will go to show off their historical construction equipment.
“It’s amazing how far guys will go to restore equipment and show it off,” said Graham, who helped organize the Historical Construction Equipment Association’s show in Wetaskiwin, Alta., on Aug 5-7.
The show is believed to be one of the first held in Canada.
Graham, who owns a road construction company in Edmonton, brought 50 of his own machines to the show.
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It was attended by antique construction equipment buffs from across Canada, the United States and England, many of whom brought their own equipment. When Graham came up with the idea for the show, he had no idea what equipment was out there.
The committee set the date and advertised extensively to draw out restored equipment. Several hundred pieces were on display.
Graham said one of the prizes at the show was a Hornsby steam chain tractor built in Lincoln, England, the only one ever built, but the forerunner of modern equipment.
Machinery buffs Phil and Pat Scarborough of Nottingham, England, built their Canadian holiday around the event.
“I like anything with wheels and tracks,” Phil said.
