Weekend Steam: More UK Steam, Commemorating The End Of The Great War

Merle is finding some good ones for us.  Thank You, Merle!



From the YouTube description: "To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the the end of the First World War and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Great Dorset Steam Fair. A special WW1 Convoy was organised to run from the Tank museum at Bovington to Tarrant Hinton at the Show Ground. This film covers the the convoys journey from Bovington to Blandford Forum."

Roadside Amusements, or Tragedies

Spotted this one in Jefferson County, IL a few years back.  It probably wasn't too far from being a good tractor when it was parked, but they go down the slope pretty fast when left out in the weather.  (Just a tractor picture; no link. It was a long day.)

Old Threshers, Thursday, August 30-Labor Day

Old Threshers is a great place to make memories.  I have always been a steam engine nut, but there are plenty of other nostalgic activities.

Funny Thing: Luke, the guy who made this little homemade tractor saw it on YouTube recently and commented.  We posted this after the 2009 show.  Now he finds out that he is famous! Well, 250 views; a few people have seen it.  He's famous with me! 

Ruger's Auction To Benefit The Light Foundation

Good for Moose and Squirrel, Ruger is offering a Model 77 Magnum Rifle in .375 H&H Magnum this week.  This fine rifle was built in 1992, and it appears as new.  It was returned by a distributor in 1996.  It comes with sling swivels and a set of Ruger rings.  You can't go wrong with this one.  CLICK HERE to read all about it and to place that winning bid.  $1375

Tuesday Torque: Doin' Go-Buggies The Hard Way

Once upon a time you would see the occasional buggy at an engine show.  Some old boy or his grandkids would be putting around with a two-wheeled garden tractor and sulky, or maybe a converted Wheel Horse tractor with an old hit and miss engine.  Now these buggies are controversial at many shows because there are too many of them.  Nowadays most of them are golf carts or modern utility vehicles moving able-bodied folks around.  You do have to watch for them when you go to shows.

I like this one.  It is a big engine that the little 1 1/2 HP John Deere can barely spin, and it embodies the best qualities and sentiments of showing off your engines at a show.  You can hear it coming, too, so it doesn't run you over!  I like that! Many Thanks to Merle for spotting this one for us!

A Righteous Claim To Fame

                                                           
                                                                 Click To Enlarge.

                        Work Like You Want To Be Number One!  Back To The Old Grind!

Teddy In The Hospital

We have had a wild week.  In addition to all of the regular things that we are taking care of, Teddy injured his back this week and his hind quarters were paralyzed.  Our vet did X-rays and nothing was broken, but our vet could not offer the aggressive treatment that Teddy needed.  Our good friend, Michele, who raises Schipperkes, recommended that we go to Veterinary Specialty Services near St. Louis for emergency care.  They did an exam for Teddy, then an MRI to confirm that he had a disc injury, and then they did surgery almost immediately.  Two days later our little friend is progressing nicely and is even walking a bit.  We expect to bring him home near the end of this week.  Michele checked on him today and shot some video for us.  We have hope that Teddy will make a full recovery.

Weekend Steam: African Railroads!

Merle has picked another set of good vids this week.  He is good at finding exotic steam locations!

Magnetos; A Noble Quest

Our Friend, Gary Bahre has the Sears 9 HP Economy engine from Buck's Branch, just above Martin, Kentucky, that we collected some forty years ago.  It is a beautiful engine now, on a new drop-center cart, with a bright paint job, and riding on heavy duty wheels from a Case threshing machine.



The only thing spoiling the restoration for Gary is the magneto setup.  This engine came out in 1920 with a Webster mag and ignitor.  Gary has the ignitor base, but the mag is missing.  It was changed out for a Wico EK mag on a blacksmith-built mount in the '30s or '40's, probably because EKs were easily available due to oil and gas production in Eastern Kentucky. 

This is how his Sears 9 looks now, with a rustic, but whopperjawed and somewhat ugly adaptor to hold the Wico EK.

This is the type of mag that the Sears should have.  It is a pretty little machine in its own right; made of iron, steel, brass, aluminum and copper.  Websters are poetry in motion as they produce the sparks to make these old motors run.  We had a couple phone calls with Gary today, and he is hot on the trail of some good leads.  The chase is a thrill, and bagging the one you want is as good as a thirty point buck.

Ruger's Auction To Benefit The Light Foundation

Ruger isn't making these anymore, so you better make a move on this one.  It is a Stainless, 2 3/4" barrel, .38 Special Speed Six, made in 1983 and stored in its original box in Ruger's vault since then.  This fine little pistol will sell mid-day, August 22, 2018.  CLICK HERE to read all about it and to place your bid.  $805