A unique cast iron water cart end featuring the Barellan Working Clydesdales horse team has been launched to collectors at the Furphy Festival on October 3.

The Furphy Festival is an integral part of the Good Old Days Festival at Barellan and drew Furphy collectors and enthusiasts from around the country to see the rebarrelling of cylinders and Furphy trains.

Furphy Festival coordinator David Irvin launched a limited-edition cast-iron Barellan water cart end depicting an intricate image of a four-horse team and wagon driven by committee members Bruce Bandy and Allison Prentice.

Named The Barellan Furphy Festival end, it also featured Barellan’s iconic big tennis racquet and a Furphy water cart.

One end has been cast with strong collector interest shown and orders for a further eight.

A local farmer, Mr Irvin steps up every year to introduce new components to the program and has worked for several months on the producing the cast iron end.

“Doing things that are unique in Australia and maybe the world is fantastic,” he said.

“Next year’s challenge is to put pump ends together in a train – that will be a one-off and the first time in history.”

An original photograph of the Barellan Working Clydesdales horse team and wagon was used for the cast iron image.

David’s cousin Peter Irvin helped with the preparation of the lettering, while his daughter Lauren helped sticking the images to the pattern.

The intricate laser cutting was completed by Wagga Engineering & Fabrication and casting by Wagga Iron Foundry.

On display over the festival were five Furphy double water carts pulled by a 99-year-old tractor, originally owned by David’s grandfather.

For the tractor’s centenary in 2027, it will be paraded with spokes on the wheels.

David said the display site was increased this year and took in the rebarelling of two rare 1930 Furphy pump ends by Matthew and Peter Irvin and Michael Thompson.

“A third pump end will be rebarelled before next year’s festival and we will parade a Furphy pump ends in a train,” he said.

“We aim to present the water carts in their natural patina so it looks old and rustic rather than restored.”

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Caption:  Furphy Festival coordinator David Irvin with the newly launched Barellan Furphy Festival cast iron end. Image Kim Woods