A jet plane, tractors and automobiles
Our 7 March, 2021 club run sounded like the title of a movie – Planes, trains and automobiles, but unlike the movie, the excitement in our club run was what was at each destination, rather than how we got there.
We visited two homes of Bayside Vehicle Restorers Club members, each with quite different pieces to view, but both our hosts were equally generous with their hospitality.
We all met at the club rooms at Carindale, whilst the Austins were light on, Steve and Jen Hayes were in their AOA 2019 award winning 1934 2 door coupe Austin Six and Robert La Roche in his 1955 two door A30, David James brought his beautiful Chrysler (don’t call it a “Valiant” Mark!), we had many members eager to get going for what turned out to be a fabulous day.
First stop – a jet plane
Our first visit was to the Mt Cotton residence of John and Jude Gross. John had a remarkable story to tell about how he designed, built and flew his own ¾ replica jet plane. John had a passion for planes, previously flying gliders and sea planes, but this was a remarkable feat, particularly when John explained the challenges, he had with meeting CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) requirements. The jet plane is a two seater and he’d done about 100 hours in it, but no longer flies. As a two seater, he had many a flight with his lovely wife Jude as his co-pilot, including an exciting fly back from Caloundra when there was cloud cover, lost GPS and fuel was low (it can go through 500 litres an hour at full throttle) – a happy ending once a clear space in the cloud appeared and John could take the jet down for a welcomed landing.
We were all enthralled by John’s explanation and story behind the jet and it was great to be able to view it up close. There was also a photo album to view which had many photos of the build of the jet. For me, I admired the choice of image on the tail, a local artist “Devo” – it’s a favourite of Jude’s. Outside John’s shed was a lovely e-type jag on display that we all admired.
We were then welcomed into John and Jude into their home and on to the back deck for morning tea. Whilst many had BYO’s, we’d put them away as Jude had provided some delicious homemade sausage rolls and a beautifully baked cake, along with cups of tea. During our relaxing morning tea break we notice a number of local visitors, including zebra finches and a hungry goanna. It enjoyed some chicken (not live ones!) and did not seemed bothered by the attention.
For those wanting to know more about John’s jet plane, below is a link to an article in Minijets on John’s plane – the JG-2, and a video where you can view John and the jet in action at the Watts Bridge Festival of Flight, held 28 and 29 August 2010.
Thank you very much John and Jude for your hospitality, information, stories and conversation.
Video of the JG-2 in action is below - Love how John tows his jet with his Jag!
Next stop, tractors, cars and paintings
We then had a short drive to the home of Gary and Leona Tesch in Sheldon. Gary has a fabulous collection of tractors that he’s lovingly restored. Gary is a member of the HCVAQ (Historical Commercial Vehicle Association Qld Inc).
1955 Ferguson TED-20
This tractor came from the property “Braemore” beside the Brisbane River at Toogoolawah. It had been used in the lucerne paddocks on various tasks until more modern machines overtook it.
The previous owners Mr and Mrs Bickers had it stored in a shed for future preservation, and it was complete except for the wheels (these were in use on another Fergie tractor).
It was purchased together with the Ferguson two furrow plough, from “Braemore”. The tractor has been fitted with new oil seals, brake linings, new wheels and tyres (rear). A bit of panel work and a coat of Fergie Grey had her ready for display.
1957 Lanz Bulldog Tractor (Model “H”)
A German tractor, it was acquired, and sat in the shed for 8 years as stalled project in need of engine repairs. Finally, now completed, it is displayed in local events. The engine was rebuilt in 2019 by “Classic Tractor Restorations” at Helidon, with the paint work done by Gary.
The engine is a single cylinder two stroke diesel, with the following specifications:
Bore – 140 mm
Stroke – 170 mm
Displacement – 2.62 litres
Speed continuous – 1050 RPM
Idle speed – 500 RPM
Rated output – 24 HP
1942 McCormick Farmall (Model “H”)
Inside Gary’s shed was a 1942 McCormick Famall. These were manufactured in the USA 1939 – 1953. Gary’s is a 1942 4 cylinder; 159 CID; 26HP.
Whilst Gary did not get this tractor out on the day, he did start it up for us.
In a 2015 survey among tractor collectors in the US, it rated as the number 2 most popular in the video link below (of the top 10!).
Massey Ferguson 148
The Massey Ferguson 148 is a 1970's tractor. It is powered by a 52HP 3cyl Perkins diesel. Gary regularly uses it, and the grey Fergy around the property.
Lister Auto Truck – max load of 1 ton
Gary purchased this Lister autotruck from Mr Jeremy White at a garage sale while at the town of Moore Queensland on 16 December 2006. Jeremey’s father, Fred, had owned the vehicle. The prior owner up until mid 2004 was a Mr John Randall of Port Macquarie NSW. Earlier history is unknown, however, the people at Autotruck Club UK know of it – you can find further information on www.autotruck.org and www.railtruck.org. There is also a FaceBook group.
Unfortunately, as Lister records for Autotrucks were destroyed by fire at Listers in 1983, records where documentation exists, indicate that this vehicle was probably manufactured in 1942/3.
The original Autotruck was a simple three wheeled vehicle with a single wheel at the front, driven by an air cooled J.A. Prestwich (JAP) 600cc petrol engine. Its success prompted the launch two years later of a railway version using the same engine and fuel tank package, but mounted on a four wheels chassis. Like the diesel version, ventilation for the engine and driver was never a problem since the bodywork is noticeable by its complete absence!
J.A.P stands for J.A. Prestwich & Co. Ltd, motor works of Tottenham. Both of these engines used a dry sump oil system with the oil tank being located next to the fuel tank.
AMVCQ member were fortunate to see the autotruck as it has a new home in a museum in Bundaberg. It would have already been taken to its new home, but was delayed due to COVID-19.
Advertising for the Lister auto-truck
Gary also had out for display his restored Renault and Oldsmobile.
Lunch was on Gary and Leona’s front porch. Together with our BYO lunch, Leona had graciously supplied an assortment of sandwiches and tea. We also had the pleasure of a tour of Gary and Leona’s home and all of Leona’s artwork hanging on the walls (not much wall space left!). We also had a quick viewing of their chooks and spotted a local wallaby that was as intrigued in us, as we were in it.
A big thank you to Gary and Leona for welcoming us into their home, sharing their passions and their wonderful hospitality.
