'Tumbling Tommy' Scoop

A bush-repaired 'Tumbling Tommy' scoop, used to excavate dams and tanks, or to construct irrigation ditches. The scoop could be operated by one man driving two draught horses, with another loading and tipping it. In some cases a skilled operator could do both tasks. The handles were easily broken and were often replaced with makeshift handles cut from the branch of a tree. This scoop belonged to Horace Balcomb who used it on the family farm at Toogong to make and clean out dams.

Loan courtesy Harold Balcomb