St Marys Cranks & Tinkerers

St Marys Cranks & Tinkerers Museum of interesting things - 'I tinker, therefore I am.' (Henry Hoke)
[Also open by appointment.] Ian Summers, after his submission was accepted.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

[Please note - if you can't make it during opening hours, please contact us to make an appointment; we are happy to oblige where possible!]

The St Marys Cranks and Tinkerers Museum showcases locally sourced railway and mining memorabilia as well as many other historical and interesting artifacts, including a wide range of ephemera and unique items. These exhibits are made avail

able to the public due to the desire of the owners to share their collection with the general community. There is also a local history section featuring photographs of the area in times past, which is on loan from the St Patricks Head Historical Society. The original railway station building was made available thanks to Break O'Day Council, after submissions were invited from the community for possible uses. The building was formally leased to the successful applicant, i.e. Ian (otherwise known as Chief Crank and Tinkerer) is a retired teacher, and volunteers his time to host visitors and look after the collection, which he co-owns with his wife, Rita. Entry to the museum is by donation, which helps to cover running costs, as this is an unfunded operation. Your donations also help to provide tea and coffee to local volunteers. Books on local history and other publications are available for purchase on behalf of the authors. Items on display are NOT for sale. Please note - A small number of items in the collection have been donated or lent by members of the public. Ian and Rita are very grateful for these, and undertake to look after them as best they can. If anyone would like their items to be returned, this will be done as promptly as possible. An inventory has been made of all donated items.

A very satisfying result! Video by Rita from progress photos taken over some months.
16/06/2026

A very satisfying result! Video by Rita from progress photos taken over some months.

‘I was visited in the Cranks & Tinkerers Museum in St Mary’s, Tasma...

A start on the cosmetic part of the 1953 Ferguson TEA20. After some electrical, carburettor and minor hydraulics mainten...
18/04/2026

A start on the cosmetic part of the 1953 Ferguson TEA20. After some electrical, carburettor and minor hydraulics maintenance, it has done two years’ work, so time for a spruce-up! This time includes new bonnet hinge bolts, removing filler and dents from the panel below the grille, and finally paint in as close to Ferguson grey as I could get; Dulux epoxy Shadow Pewter, for those among you who collect paint names….. [photos by Rita]

Another completed ship! Photos by Ian; video by Rita.
09/03/2026

Another completed ship! Photos by Ian; video by Rita.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Built by the American Optical Company for Herr Edvard Liesegang, the plate camera in the museum’s collection has taken a...
09/02/2026

Built by the American Optical Company for Herr Edvard Liesegang, the plate camera in the museum’s collection has taken a first spring back to life after over a century of dismantled hibernation. Restored some years ago, we have been working with a tentative date of 1862, but thanks to research by Phillip Biggs of The Examiner, this is likely to advance a bit. Under the hands of photographer Stephen Sadler, these two test shots have emerged, serving as a starting point for perfecting settings and adjustments; needless to say, I am thrilled to bits!

At 1:50 pm, today, January 6th, the Charles W Morgan was completed. I’m not thrilled to bits about all of it, but still,...
06/01/2026

At 1:50 pm, today, January 6th, the Charles W Morgan was completed. I’m not thrilled to bits about all of it, but still, it’s pretty good. Delivery date is March 4th, so she will wait here till then.

A model of the nuclear-powered NS Savannah; on display at the museum. Typical of the ‘strange’ mix of items on show, con...
31/12/2025

A model of the nuclear-powered NS Savannah; on display at the museum. Typical of the ‘strange’ mix of items on show, continuing into 2026!. Open 10-4 (Mon-Fri) or by appointment.

A bit shocked to find that the last posting for this vessel was April! Although I’ve been under par since soon after the...
17/12/2025

A bit shocked to find that the last posting for this vessel was April! Although I’ve been under par since soon after then, progress has been made: the name is now revealed, but her destination remains quiet until March next year. I have to finish the lifts ( four out of eighteen to go); all the braces; finish the anchor gear; complete what’s left to do on the three whaleboats; one flag, and we’re done. It’s a bit of a multi- task; it is a commercial kit, but elderly, sitting in the sun with no lid on the box. Most of the paperwork was present, but all the 1.5 mm ply parts had gone like cornflakes, and were unusable. The deadline approaches, but the last week or two has seen a great leap forwards; great to experience after the long haul of mast supports and foot ropes.

After too long a break, we begin museum photos again! This is a letter opener, made from the deck planking of HMS Iron D...
02/12/2025

After too long a break, we begin museum photos again! This is a letter opener, made from the deck planking of HMS Iron Duke- launched 1912, and scrapped 1946-48.

Banjo and tractor - what more could you ask for? [Photos by Rita]
23/10/2025

Banjo and tractor - what more could you ask for? [Photos by Rita]

Address

St Marys Railway Station, Esk Main Road
Saint Marys, TAS
7215

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+61417648845

Website

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