What do you guys think of this old steam tractor?

NCL4701

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My father and I attended the 100 Years of Progress show in Carthage and the Threshers Reunion in Denton several times. Both always had quite a few steam tractors and sometimes other steam powered equipment. Denton had a steam shovel running and Carthage had a Stanley Steamer automobile you could ride in for a small fee.

Had the privilege of talking to some of the folks that owned and ran the steam tractors while they were firing them up in the morning for activities in the afternoon. Quite a lot of knowledge, work, skill, and money to keeping one of those operational and running it safely. Machines are impressive and so are the people that keep them moving.

Closest I got to driving one, not close at all, was one of the owners invited my father to the driver’s station. They were both retired engineers talking engineer stuff while I was trying to figure out when the Caterpillar parade started and the tractor guys were at the point of mostly just waiting for the water to get hot. I got to go with him mostly because getting up there was a challenge for him. At least with the one we were on, couldn’t see much of anything with all that stuff right in front of you. I don’t know how they maneuver those things any way other than a straight line unless they have a spotter directing them.

Edit: We saw it running in the plowing demonstration later that afternoon. 2016 in Carthage. I had forgotten it had been that long ago until I went looking for a picture.
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bird dogger

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I've also seen that steam tractor in person. Albeit not pulling that many ganged plows. It's quite a beast!

Kory Anderson built that machine from scratch.....from original factory plans. Lots of Youtube videos on it.

You don't realize the size and undertaking until you've stood by the path as it rolls by!! It's a sight to behold. He's had the tractor to the WMSTR at Rollag, MN where I witnessed it.
 
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skeets

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Every year the The local steam club has a show, I try to go to,, some super impressive pieces of equipment.

 
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bird dogger

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Every year the The local steam club has a show, I try to go to,, some super impressive pieces of equipment.

That looks like a show worth putting on the calendar for a visit!!
 
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skeets

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If you like steam it is a nice show, a shame they only do it once a year. Dad was a machinist, that got his training working for the L&PE RR. He spent a whole day there one time, talking to the old timers about steam. When we got back to the truck,, He said Boy I could make a ton of bucks making stuff for these guys. He passed the following year but at least for a while he was happy ,remembering one of the things he loved
 
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johnjk

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Miami Valley Steam Threshers do a show every July in Plain City OH at Pastime Park. Always 10-12 steamers there. No shovels but they do run a sawmill and a bunch of other belt driven machinery. Each year is a different manufacturer. Last year was IH. Definitely a great day walking around and talking with the owners
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