Working Relics of Construction History

[MikePhua]

Event Overview
In September 2010, the Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA) celebrated its 25th Annual International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Richmond, Rhode Island. This gathering brought together enthusiasts, collectors, and working machines from across the globe, offering a hands-on glimpse into the evolution of earth-moving technologies.
Scope and Attendance
Around 240 vintage machines and trucks, spanning the 20th century, were presented. These included rare pieces ranging from gas- and diesel-powered graders to antique dump trucks. Many weren't just on display—they were actively used to excavate the fairground hillside and repurpose the spoil to improve parking areas. Techniques like hydraulic rock splitting were demonstrated live. Attendance stretched across continents, with participants from the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Terminology and Machinery

• Old Equipment Exposition – A dynamic showcase where historical construction machinery is not just displayed, but operated.
  
• Hydraulic Rock Splitting – A technique using pressurized hydraulic tools to fracture rock, safer than traditional explosive methods.
  
• Spoil Reuse – The pragmatic practice of using excavated material for on-site landscaping or leveling tasks.
  

Historic Machinery Highlights
Visitors witnessed a fascinating array of working relics:

• Horse-drawn graders and cable-operated cranes, illustrating early mechanization.
  
• Diesel-era equipment that powered mid-century construction.
  
• Hit-and-miss engines and antique trucks that hark back to pre-war industrial design.
  The public watched these machines in action—digging, hauling, grading, and rock splitting—demonstrating that many of these venerable devices still deliver performance.
  

Cultural and Educational Significance
HCEA, founded in 1985 and now boasting over 4,300 members across 25 countries, champions the preservation of construction heritage through annual shows and a national museum in Bowling Green, Ohio.  The event underscores how machine design and engineering philosophies have evolved—offering a living classroom for enthusiasts, historians, and engineers alike.
Personal Stories and Local Flair
One striking image from the event captures a classic Autocar dump truck—its cab and bed gleaming—as it’s loaded by a 1956 Bucyrus-Erie 15B backhoe, merging decades-old machinery in modern-day utility.
Imagine walking through the grounds: the air fills with engine clatter, the hiss of hydraulics, and the nostalgic hum of hit-and-miss engines. Nearby, restored graders level fresh spoil while vendors offer memorabilia like vintage manuals and signage. For many, it's not a static exhibit—but a pilgrimage back to the roots of construction technology.
Legacy and Continuing Tradition
The 2010 exposition stands as a testament to the enduring value of working history. It helped build a bridge between generations—where vintage engineering meets hands-on preservation. A decade later, HCEA continues this mission through live events, museum exhibits, and deep archives, including restoration blueprints and manufacturer records dating back to the 1870s.
Closing Reflections
The 2010 HCEA Convention wasn't just a show—it was a celebration of craftsmanship, a tribute to mechanical ingenuity, and a vibrant link to the past. Through live demonstrations and international camaraderie, it reaffirmed the legacy of heavy-equipment engineering and the communities that cherish it.