Rick Wigglesworth of Sofala NSW will be operating a Vernier Steam Traction Engine at the Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair that is just a little unusual.

The Vernier was built by Vernier Engineering in Wollongong NSW and was completed in 1983.

The designer was Mr John Deere who had previously worked for Charles Burrell, the famous builder of steam traction engines in England. Mr Deere had started working for Charles Burrell as the office boy before taking on engineering training and finally emigrating to Australia.

The Vernier was built over a period of nearly twelve years to a modern design; the working pressure of the fully welded boiler is 160psi and the engine is of the twin high design ( two cyclinders of equal diameter) , which provides very lively performance and is driven through a high and low speed gear train. The engine is fully sprung to provide a smooth ride for the 5 1/2 tonne machine. 

The Vernier is a true "one-off" as the design was never replicated.However the drawings and patterns exist and are currently owned by Mr Ken Ainsworth ( of Goulburn Engineering) who worked for Vernier Engineering and helped build the engine in the first instance.

Rick Wigglesworth will be puttng the engine through its paces all weekend both at the rally grounds and around town.  

Come up to Oberon and see this truly remarkable engine.

The Vernier will also be shown at the Hunter Valley Steamfest in April 2010.