Jakob Bartlett (12), of Gore, stands behind the wheel of a steam engine which he drove at the Southland Steam Engine Club’s open day on Saturday.
Visitors were able to view steam engines and machines working from the steam era, before electricity, during the weekend at the event at the steam engine club rooms — the former Brydone dairy factory.
Some of the demonstrations included butter-making, cooking in a coal range, threshing oats, baling straw, milking a cow and separating milk.
People could go for a ride on a steam engine or vintage car.
Jakob said he was very lucky to be able to drive the steam engine.
‘‘I really love steam engines. I love it when they puff.’’
He hoped to build a steam engine one day.
Jakob’s mother, Tracey, said her son was in his element.
‘‘Jakob likes anything oldschool. It’s awesome — a great opportunity for the kids.’’
