Hi Lance , I have seen photos of Berts collection and wondered myself what has become of it .
I will put a question on the Aussie vintage truck forum ,and see if any of the guys there have heard anything .
I was told recently by the fellow that lives near by and still keeps an eye on them at times,,, they are still at Berts place safely in sheds,, in Brisbane .. I think the Mrs Theiss is still there. There is talk of them going up to Ipswich to some mesuem.. pete
Lance, any idea as to what there collection is made up of? i am thinking seeing as who they are it would be slightly "larger" iron than your 10,s 15,s 22,s etc?
You have a wonderful day. Best wishes. Deas Plant.
Hi, Gavin84W.
I don't have any idea of the FULL extent of the collection but I am pretty sure that there is an 8R D8 there with the blade from the original 8R D8 that Bert operated when they were doing the Heifer Creek Cutting on the New England Highway during WW2. Apparently, somebody located the blade, a LeTourneau model, down in Victoria somewhere and a group of Bert's friends got together, fitted the blade to another 8R, restored both and presented the unit to Bert for his birthday when he was about 92 or so. I saw the machine at Yatala before it was presented to Bert - looked good.
Hi Gavin 84W , I have pictures somewhere it Took about 6 Years ago, Certainly the D8 that Deas Mentioned and Most of the Gas powered Cats. including a Sixty and a 5 ton Holt , which I think was the last machine to go into that Collection .also some of the gear Thiess Bros used on their projects . I had a book about them many Years ago , Would make a great Story For the Magazine . But I must have loaned it to someone or Misplaced it and can't be Found . The giant Rotary Hoe that they used behind a D8 was still up Bundaberg a few years I have been Told . I have seen Photos of it . All their machines are Nicely stored in Good sheds . LJ
You have a wonderful day. Best wishes. Deas Plant.
Hi, Lance.
Was that book by some chance, "The Thiess Story" By Jane Priest?
Hi Deas , Yes that is the Book I spoke of. I think a great Story could be Made from it . You agree ? LJ
Hi all I have a 75 yrs of Thiess book which has some good pics if their earlier tractors.![]()