Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Archive

Sounds of antique machines fill air at CAMA Spring Power Up

Advertisement

KENT – Steam whistles, horns, clanging engine parts and pistons gyrating were all part of the atmosphere at the Spring Power Up at the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association (CAMA) grounds April 27 to 28.

Chris Destafano of Newtown drives the large tractor powered by 1912 Frick Eclipse engine model 1440 around the grounds at CAMA April 27. Photo by Lynn Mellis Worthington

The weather cooperated for the two-day event, with only a bit of rain on Sunday morning, which was a relief for the volunteers organizing the event. Last year’s rainy weather seemed to coincide with almost every event they hosted.

Children and adults were delighted to ride on Engine No. 5 for the train rides up and down the narrow gauge track.

Engine No. 5 was offering non-stop train rides during the Spring Power Up weekend show at the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association (CAMA) April 27-28. Photo by Lynn Mellis Worthington

CAMA board member Chris Destafano fielded questions from curious visitors about the large tractor he drove around the grounds. It was powered by 1912 Frick Eclipse engine that is 14 horsepower. He filled up the 100-gallon tank of water from a pump next to the sawmill building. It boils the water to a pressure of 100 psi and steam could be seen escaping from the top valve to release the pressure.

Jason and Chase Haas of Plymouth, far right, enjoyed seeing the model trains powered by steam at CAMA spring show April 27. Photo by Lynn Mellis Worthington

Exhibitors displayed their engines in the large field and vendors filled the areas under the trees with items available for purchase.

Inside each of the buildings, engines were whirring and chugging as visitors walked through looking at them.

CAMA is open for the season Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The next event on the schedule is June 8 with the Mining Museum’s mineral show with vendors and the Antique Tractor Pull.

All kinds of steam machines were on display April 27 at the Spring Power Up show at the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association (CAMA) and volunteers were greeting visitors and explaining how the machines work, including in the Industrial Hall. Photo by Lynn Mellis Worthington
Advertisement
Lynn Worthington
Written By

Subscribe

Sign up to receive email updates including a “Dispatch Digest” each week.

*

Upcoming Events

You May Also Like

News From Nearby Towns

SHERMAN—The Sherman Library, 1 Sherman Center, is starting off the new year with a new art show, “Devil in the Details,” drawings by Christina Maschke....

Featured

KENT—The much-discussed implementation traffic safety cameras went down to a resounding defeat Tuesday, Jan. 7, when townspeople voted 391 to 104 against their use....

Local

KENT—Christmas trees can be dropped off at the town garage, 38 Maple St., anytime. Trees should be left near the “fishing pond.” Make sure...

Opinions

To the Editor: I’m writing with one suggested correction to Karen Chase’s otherwise wonderful January “Remembering Civics” column on local government. Thank you, Karen....

Opinions

We are in the midst of football frenzy. The regular season is over, and we are on to the playoffs and ultimately the Super...

Local

KENT—Bobcats among us. Who would have thought that? The Kent Memorial Library will present a special program on bobcats in Connecticut at its annual...

Featured

KENT—The Planning and Zoning Commission is working methodically forward in its consideration of regulations to the growth, manufacture, distribution and sales of cannabis products in...

Schools

NEW BRITAIN—Registration is now open for the 20th annual eesmart student contest, presented by the Energize Connecticut sponsors, Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern...