Contributed by Ron Gillinder
PRIOR to the introduction of the petrol engine, the work and skill of the Wheelwright was an essential service.
Bullock Teams or Horse-drawn vehicles carrying both passengers and freight needed the servicing of timber wheels to ensure the continuity of the business.
Traversing gravel roads and having to ford creeks and water courses meant that wheels needed regular maintenance. Long spells of dry weather also led to timber shrinkage and a wheel could easily shed its metal tyre.
The evolution of motorised transport and pneumatic tyres has almost eliminated the need for the Wheelwright.
The Glasshouse Mountains district is fortunate to still have the services of one of the remaining few Wheelwrights in Queensland. Most are engaged in the servicing of museum carriages and coaches.
Steve Ralph, Wheelwright and current owner of the Australian Teamsters Hall of Fame, is regularly called upon to service such museum pieces.
Steve has been actively involved in the construction and repair of timber wheels for more than 40 years.
Some may have noticed two of the wheels missing from the Timber Jinker outside the Landsborough Museum.
Under agreement with the Sunshine Coast Council Steve has removed the two wheels and taken them back to his workshop.
The timber hub on one of the wheels had completely collapsed and will require a total rebuild of all timber components.
Despite the Jinker not being used, full time exposure to the external environment has caused the timber to degrade and rot.
Combined with his skill level, Steve’s workshop is well setup to carry out all the necessary work.