Kurrajong Radio Museum
20th June 2015
I had organised for everyone to meet at 9:30am at the museum. On the way we passed Peter & Laura who were on the side of the road. They followed us but I lost sight of them at the Nelson turn off. Near Kurmond we heard Truck on the CB and replied. He was not far away and Disco One informed me he was a few cars behind.
We arrived at the museum and was greeted by Ian, the owner. He had Anzac biscuits and was going inside to put the kettle on for morning tea. We waited for everyone to arrive before going to inside. Peter had stopped off at Richmond markets. Hugh and Dagmar were last to arrive. There were six vehicles in the trip’s convey.
Outside was an array of different types of aerials. Going inside it was wall to wall radios and the buzz of Morse keys. We all wondered around for a while and then had some morning tea. There was the Broadcast Control Room and even a room full of AWA equipment. There were radios from the outback, tanks, ships and aircraft. There were car radios, aerial wires with spider webs and even an emergency communications port. You had to yell. I even found a mobile phone. They called them bricks. Ian even had a pair of Playmaster speakers from the 70s.
If you have an old radio that needs repair then maybe Ian can get it working for you. Or you could just donate it to the museum. He has purchased expensive equipment and paid little for it. People just add to his collection.
Ian then gathered us together and spoke to use about the history of radio. He demonstrated some of the early radios and broadcasting equipment. It was interesting to hear about who he knew and who had visited the museum. Ian was very informative. We had our last look before leaving.
After we thanked Ian for showing us his collect of radios, we headed up the hill to Barrowlow picnic ground. I was leading and reminded the group of convoy procedures. Eventually we were on Barrowlow Rd when we came across as vehicle coming towards us. We reached the gate and found it locked, so we decided to try the other entrance at Paterson Ridge Fire Trail. Matt lead us to our new destination and guess what, the gate was locked. Burrowlow was off limits. Now to plan C. We decided to go down to Wheeny Creek. The picnic area is beside the road and should not be locked off. We ended up at Upper Colo Reserve for lunch. The area is in a more sunny location and stayed until late afternoon. We went home via the Putty Rd. and Windsor.
Looking forward to the next trip. See you on the tracks and our next trip.
trips@trax.org.au