Allison Engine Testing Stands

Allison Engine Testing Stands are a World War II facility with six open stands and two enclosed brick structures for testing aircraft engines. The design allowed engineers to run motors at maximum power output safely.

The testing facility was built by the American 81st Air Depot Group in 1942 to support Allied military operations in the Pacific. It was part of a larger American military presence in Queensland during the war.

The site shows how American military personnel and local Brisbane workers collaborated daily on aircraft engine maintenance and repairs during wartime. This partnership helped transfer engineering knowledge to the community.

The site is located in TradeCoast Central Heritage Park and can be visited year-round with informational panels and a full-size engine replica on display. The stands are easily accessible and clearly marked for visitors.

Engineers used block-and-tackle systems on monorails to lift engines high enough for propellers to rotate at full speed safely. This simple mechanical method allowed testing at extreme power levels without risking damage.