RECENTLY restored, a Massey Ferguson tractor, affectionately known as 'the little grey Fergie', has taken up residence in front of the Railway Carriage at Clackline.
The carriage was installed some years ago by the Clackline Railway Committee, which no longer operates.
At the time the Lotteries Commission provided funds to buy and erect the carriage.
In recent months it has been painted in traditional green and gold railway colours.
The Progress Association is thankful to Terry Little and the Wundowie Men's Shed, for their enthusiasm and hard work in doing this excellent repair and paint job.
A great community service.
The association determined to complement the reserve area, with the placement of historical agricultural machinery and ensure the area would reflect both the railway and agricultural heritage of Clackline.
The tractor was bought from a local farmer. Its display area roof and cement slab materials were bought with annual allocation money from the Shire of Northam.
A member of the local association built the protective shelter, and Section 95 from the Wooroloo Prison Farm laid the cement slab.
It was an active community day, with morning tea, a barbecue lunch and lots of hard work, conversation, laughter and memories.
The association plans to install more machinery around the carriage to enlarge and enhance the historical precinct.
It is hoped the area will be used for fundraising activities and for community and private events.
Already the railway carriage has been the venue for two successful farmers markets with a percentage of the takings donated to the Cancer Council.
Another market was held on Saturday.
A local couple recently chose the Railway Carriage as the setting for their wedding.
The interior of the carriage is slowly being set up as a railway heritage and local history museum.
The Progress Association welcomes any donations to the museum.
It is hoped it will be open on weekends by next winter/spring, the times of the year when the Clackline Walk Trails attract many visitors to the little township.
At any time of the year, the tractor will attract families and young children.
It is an excellent spot for a morning tea or a picnic break.
The association's next major project is building a gas barbecue and shelter at the Clackline Lion Park.
Funds for this project have come from the Shire of Northam, and work will again be done by association members and the Section 95 workers.
