Up to Date Store

The Reg Godde Collection

Reg Godde was born at Coolamon, he farmed the property ‘Hazeleigh’ at Berry Jerry. Reg Godde constructed his first model, a steam engine in about 1948 and subsequently went on to build the remainder of the collection through the 1970’s and 1980’s. Each of the models have been scratch built using parts manufactured by Reg or from recycled materials. Reg Godde built this collection without plans, photographs or drawings of any sort. Reg Godde built all of the items on display, including the steam traction engine, oil engine, twin cylinder stationary steam engine, the HV McKay ‘Sunshine’ reaper and binder and a complete chaffcutter. He did not only focus on constructing models of farm machinery and also constructed a working Ferris Wheel and merry-go-round. Models such as his immensely complex steam driven chaffcutter which actually cuts and bags the chaff in exactly the same manner as the larger version of the machine it was based on. The only concession made by Reg was to convert the models to allow them to be driven by compressed air or electricity, rather than by steam for safety reasons. A visit to Reg Godde’s farm became a must do activity during the 1980’s where he had set up his display in a shed on his farm. In 1988, as part of the Nations Bi-Centennial celebrations, Reg was invited to take his display on a national tour. Many more people were able to view the models at the Coolamon Show where Reg would setup his display each year. The intricacy of construction of the models is considerable and an amazing example of the mechanical skills of Reg Godde.