The Buck's Branch Sears Is Done!

Gary got our baby running today on the new mag!  Photo Credit: Gary Bahre

Model T: 110 Year Anniversary

The Model T was introduced by Ford on October 1, 1908. They made more than 15,000,000 by the time production ended in 1927. This video shows some of the engineering that went into the T, and a bit about driving it. Model Ts are fun cars to play with, but the two wheel brakes, slow highway speed, and splash oil system make them a poor choice for highway touring in today's high speed, congested world. Restoring one will hone your mechanical skills, and they make a good family project.

Ten years ago we posted Dyke's Ford Supplement on this blog in celebration of the centennial of the Model T. The link is provided below. You can click on each image and then save it for reference, just in case a vintage Ford is in your plans.

TrueBlueSam Dyke's Ford Supplement

Weekend Steam: Big Boy Restoration Update!

This project is slated to be operational in May, 2019!  Merle spotted this video, and it has lots of good information and pictures.  Thank You, Merle!

Froggies

Susan and I both saw cute little tree frogs while we were outside enjoying the beautiful late summer weather.  Who does not love seeing a tree frog?

Teddy Dog On The Underwater Treadmill

Teddy was paralyzed by a herniated disc when we took him to Veterinary Specialty Services in Manchester, Missouri. They did a quick assessment, recommended an MRI to make a diagnosis, and after confirmation of the problem they took him directly to surgery. That was on August 23, 2018. He responded well to surgery and had motor activity in his legs the next day. Less than four weeks later you can see how well he is walking during his physical therapy treatment on the treadmill. The good doctors at VSS and the physical therapy at Healing Paws have saved Teddy's life.

Ruger's Auction To Benefit Honored American Veterans Afield

Ruger is offering one of their vintage 10/22s this week.  This one has a laminate stock and it was made in 1988.  Thirty years ago Ruger was using a flush magazine release, so you will probably want to replace that when you upgrade your trigger.  Add a scope and you have the perfect varmint rifle to use around your compound. CLICK HERE to read the full description and to place that winning bid.  This fine little rifle will sell mid-day, September 19, 2018.  $520

The Night Will Soon Be Longer Than The Day

The sun is almost in the middle of the road at rising and setting.  We will soon be going into Dark Time.

Tuesday Torque: Reminder Of An Old Friend

An old friend, Ernie Werner, located this tractor south of St. Louis and asked his friend Cliff to go with him to retrieve it. Cliff took one look at it and tried to convince Ernie to forget about it. It was sitting clear down in the dirt, there was no paint, and the spokes in the rear wheels were rusted in two where they were buried. They winched it onto their trailer and the owner told them to stop at his house on the way out. He had all the wheel lugs but one in a crate. Ernie cast one lug out of brass to complete the set. Ernie was a good friend to many of the engine collectors in Illinois and Missouri, and we sure do miss him.

Olney FFA Forestry Team Takes First At State!

The Olney FFA Forestry Team did well at Carbondale.  They took first place by a very comfortable margin, and three of the five team members were in the top ten out of 72 individuals who competed on 16 forestry teams.  The top scoring individual is one of the Olney students!  They can go on to the national contest at the annual FFA Convention in October, in Indianapolis. Congratulations!

Photo Credit: Jamie Vandyke

Busy Engines Are Happy Engines

Back To The Old Grind!