Tuesday Tonnage: WMSTR Steam Hammer

I should have asked questions, but this is the first steam hammer that I have seen, and I could not think intelligently.  Merle has helped, since he has experience around machines like this, and he says it is probably less than a ten ton hammer.  Thanks, Merle!



This baby shakes the ground when it comes down. The steam hammer is located by the Montana Boiler on the show grounds at Rollag, Minnesota.

We Love Corn, So...

...we shuck it, shell it, shred it, grind it, and on and on.  We couldn't live without it!

Back To The Old Grind! Gas Engine area at the Rollag MN show.

Coffee Break's Over; Back On Your Heads!

Rollag was a great getaway, and I walked five miles every day on the showgrounds, according to my phone, which keeps track of that.  As I neared home, Susan called me to let me know that the roofers were going to be at the farm in the morning to start ripping off the old shingles, and that I needed to cut branches and a few trees to improve access around the house.  The phone says that cutting and dragging brush caused me to walk six miles!  I'm feeling it! I am reminded of the poor fellow who is choosing where he will stay in purgatory, and picks a place where everyone is enjoying a cup of coffee.  No sooner than he picks his fate and Coffee Break's Over!

The roof is done, and I have ash trees to take down now, because of emerald ash borer, but that is going to wait because we are digging out a downspout drain pipe that is plugged. 

Many Things To Share From Rollag

There are buildings full of many wonderful things at the Western Minnesota Threshers Reunion.  This brief video is from the Hot Air Engine Shed.

Weekend Steam: Steam In The West Highlands

This makes me want to visit Scotland!  Another great pick by Merle!  Thank You, Merle!

Fun Times At Rollag

We had a grate time at Rollag! (Grates are sitting on the platform of a Minneapolis.) I walked five miles every day around the grounds and did not see everything.

One of the engines of interest is this Advance straw burner.  The firebox is set up differently than wood and coal burners, with a brick arch to keep the fuel from being pulled too quickly out the flues.  I never saw any of these in Iowa, where coal and wood could be had easily.  You have to really be on your toes to fire with straw, but that is what they did in the early days of agriculture on the plains.

While looking at the straw burner I noticed this sign.  I had been hearing rumors about Women of Steam, and Women Teaching Women About Steam at Rollag.  Someone said they even publish a calendar.

The Queen contest is for real, but I don't know how the winner is chosen.  Probably involves shoveling coal or filling grease cups!

And, Here is Lilly, the Queen of Steam at Rollag this year.  How often do you see work boots, overalls and a tiara?

Many Thanks to John In Philly for the link in his comment to an article about Women Of Steam.

Why Wait For The Weekend?! Kory Anderson's Case 150 At Rollag

I'm home from Rollag and just beginning to review my photos and video.  I gathered up the clips from the Case 150 and assembled a video to review the highlight of the Rollag show. Click the icon in the lower right corner to bring it up to full screen.



Here are the numbers from the Prony Brake. They were running a new belt that was not heavy enough for this engine, and at 171 HP it was slipping.

Ruger's Auction; A Double!

Ruger is offering two firearms from their vault for sale this week!  The Single-Six in .17 HMR will benefit the USA Shooting team, and the PC9 Carbine will benefit the Light Foundation.  Click on the photos to go to the links to read all about these guns and to place your bid.  Both firearms will sell mid-day, Wednesday, September 3, 2019

                                                                                    $633

                                                                               $705                         

Tuesday Torque: I Went To A Show!

I went to Rollag with friends and saw many wonderful things, and loaded up several SD cards. This 3 HP Gade is one of hundreds of engines running in the gas engine area.

Give It A Rest

                                                                  No Work Today!