History will be made in Maitland this weekend when the 30th anniversary Maitland Toyota Hunter Valley Steamfest hits the rails.
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The festival of steam has gained international recognition and attracts visitors from England, the US, New Zealand and Japan.
Maitland Steam and Antique Machinery Association president Peter Garnham is confident the milestone event will inject hundreds of thousands of dollars into the region’s economy.
He says the highlight will be Sunday’s great race, a world-first event when, for the first time in Steamfest history, four steam engines will pit their strength against four tiger moth planes racing from Hanbury Junction in Newcastle to Maitland Railway Station.
Mr Garnham said it was a privilege to have the editor of the UK’s Old Glory magazine, Colin Tyson, in town for the event, which had been five years in the planning.
“We really have to thank the Joint Coal Board, ARTC, the mines and Pacific National who have worked to help bring this to fruition,” he said.
