Weekend Steam

We have sad news for this week's steam report. Steam Traction is no longer going to be published. Reverend Elmer Ritzman began publishing his Farm Album Magazine in the 1940's; four issues a year cost $1.00. With the September-October issue in 1950 he changed the name to The Iron-Men Album Magazine, and charged $1.50 for six issues. Elmer began publishing The Gas Engine Magazine in 1966. Ogden Publications of Topeka, Kansas took over both of these magazines in recent years, but they have decided to drop Steam Traction and publish their steam articles in Farm Collector.

The old timers who wrote articles for the original publications are all gone now, and combining different aspects of antique machinery collecting into one magazine makes a lot of sense. Time marches on. Be sure to check out the links on the Steam Traction website for Farm Collector and Gas Engine Magazine.

Be sure to also check the Engineers and Engines website; E & E is also an excellent publication for old machinery enthusiasts. These magazines are an important forum for collectors and I encourage you to subscribe if you enjoy the hobby.