THE Hand Tool Preservation Society of WA’s (HTPSWA) Yester Year Tool Show on the weekend in the Old Midland Railways Pattern Shop was a huge success with almost 2000 people in attendance.

Hand tool heritage buffs viewed tools of bygone years from a diverse range of trades, including traditional coach building tools, sets of plane, shaves, chisels, braces, spanners, measuring items, saws and axes.

The ladies of the past were represented with displays of irons, mini sewing machines and kitchenalia.

HTPSWA president Kim Mitchell said many of the public brought along tools to be identified, or inquire about their history, as well as some that were donated.

“Interest for the public was high from both young and old, especially the working displays. The ‘timeline of tools’ allowed people to see the development of tools over the past centuries and the various materials that were used to make them,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The practical wood working area which allowed children to learn tool skills was also extremely popular.”

The Old Midland Railway Boiler Room and Powerhouse will be open to the public again on Saturday, May 11 from 9am to 1pm and an open day hosted by the Machinery Preservation Club on May 18 during the same times, along with a winter tool sales hosted by the HTPSWA.