An Impressive Collection

Something a little bit different here on the Digger Man Blog today, but I’m sure it will be of great interest to many of our readers and followers.

Last week I was out on an assignment in Dorset visiting Holt JCB customers Mark Farwell Plant Hire, I will be reporting on that in more detail in a future edition of Earthmovers Magazine, but during our visit we were invited to take a stroll through Mark’s own personal vintage equipment collection accompanied by Mark’s son Matt.

My biggest regret is that I didn’t film a walkaround video, only capturing a handful of photos of some of the items on display, on the flip side, that’s a great excuse to go back for a longer visit in the future.

This collection features a wide range of vehicles and equipment, most of which have a local connection, from vintage cars and trucks, up to a JCB 3C mk1 and large track type tractors from the likes of Allis Chalmers, International and Fowler.

It was February 2014 when I last visited the Farwell collection, but this time around these items have been moved into a new purpose built shed, which you have to say is a very impressive sight as you enter the building. From my memory I think there are many more items of classic machinery in the collection, which are stored in a different shed under going restoration, in addition to their three steam engines.

You almost get overwhelmed with nostalgia as you walk through the collection, with period signs adorning the walls to add to the atmosphere, not forgetting the nice collection of diecast models in a glass presentation case.

I think I could have easily spent a few hours in there investigating the exhibits in more detail.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Matt for showing us around, and to Mark and the Farwell family for collecting such a wonderful number of exhibits for generations to see in the future.