“I just grew up with old cars and engines and machinery, and steam; I’ve loved it all my life,” owner Phillip Mullins said.

The road locomotive was given a rare day out through the streets of Wagga Wagga as part of a promotion day for car parts business, Supercheap auto services. 

Originally used for chaff cutting in the early 20th Century until the 1960’s by local firm, James Dunn of Wagga Wagga, the road locomotive was relocated to Henty for the next decade until it Mr Mullins purchase it in 2014.

The vintage monster machine isn’t getting an easy ride though, with Mr Mullins using it for towing. 

The 18 tonne steam engine has a deceptively large firebox where wood is burnt to heat up the boiler and produce the steam to drive the engine.

It’s top speed is 17 kilometres per hour and it could well be the only registered road vehicle in Wagga that is impossible to attract a speeding ticket.

It takes brute strength to turn the steering wheel, and on a previous day out, the road locomotive almost ended up into a ditch when it almost didn’t make a corner.

It needs its own shed as it won’t fit into any garage, but Phillip Mullins adores his 1924 Roadie Road locomotive and spends hours tinkering away at the clunking machine.

Judging by the looks many motorists and pedestrians had when it passed through Wagga, the road locomotive might need a few more days out.