Crankin' It Up With Brat The Cat

 Maud Powell is a fascinating artist, and was a pioneer in in recorded music who began recording classical violin for Victor in 1904. You can read all about her HERE, and you can purchase copies of her recordings HERE. 

Always Putt-Putt-Puttering Around

Our friend Gary keeps finding fascinating old iron.  This is his latest; a Lockwood-Ash marine engine.  These were popular in the days before outboard motors came along, and they are still popular in Louisiana.


I doubt that Gary will be taking this down the Mississippi, but the Kaskaskia would be smooth sailing, without any barge traffic. A neat feature of these old 2-stroke engines is that they are reversible. The timer sits up front, and has a lever for the operator to use in adjusting the timing, and for changing the direction the engine runs.

OK, OK, But How Much Did He Steal?

This is a self-writing joke: Bazillion admitted he burglarized a building in Dahlgren.

Engine Crank-Ups

Engine show season may be over until Spring, but engine collectors are a hardy bunch and they have their own private little shows during the off season.  This video (by Rob Gill) is from Rob and Bob Gill's Crank-Up last week.  They had a lot of wheels turning, good food, and good times for their engine friends.

Ruger's Auction To Benefit The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance

Take a DEEP breath before you check out this auction; and you will have to put on your big-boy pants before you up the bid.  This Ruger No. 1 Varminter is attracting collectors with deep pockets, leaving us little people in the dust.  But, it's still worth a look.  100% of the proceeds of this auction will go to benefit the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, and the hammer falls mid-day, Wednesday, December 17, 2014.

$4530.00

A Little Visit With The Mailbox Engine

We all piled in the family car today and visited our friend Gary Bahre at his engine shed so we could see first-hand his progress on the 8 HP Bessemer.  We shot several pics, and just a little video.  The cylinder  is out for surgery, and it now has a sleeve installed.  The intake and exhaust ports have to be cut, and the rings have to be fitted, then it will come back to Gary.  He has his parts assembled to build a new rod, and that will be happening soon.  Stay Tuned!  It will run again!

Tuesday Turbo Boost

Heavy Duty!

 Back To The Old Grind!

Not My Victrola: Third Sunday of Advent

Weekend Steam: Let's Hop Across To The Isle Of Man!

November e-Postal Scores Are Up At Danno's Blog!

Danno, the November  host for the Mr. Completely e-Postal contest has posted the scores, and my Mrs. is one of the big winners!  Danno and his son still need to shoot their targets, so he is extending the contest until we restart the Postals next spring.  Click Here to see the scores, and if you haven't entered, Click Here to print your target and read the rules. 

Crankin' It Up With Our Old Buddy Brat

Hoodoo Man is a great dance record from May, 1924.  Brat has been in the doldrums of late, and hasn't danced for us in many weeks.  This record got his attention and he marched back and forth half a dozen times.  The record ended, and I discovered that I hadn't pushed the Record button.  Oh Well.  I changed the needle and cranked up again, and the second time I played this record he acted like the Looney Tunes Singing Frog.  Trust me, he liked this one, and you will, too.