Steam Traction Engines?

Mark (PA) · Post by **Mark (PA)** » Wed. Oct. 03, 2012 9:49 pm

Assuming this topic falls under hobbies!

I have been for some time now searching for a steam traction engine.
Always had an interest in older tractors (own 4 Gassers from the 40's and 50's)

Just wondering if anybody here gets to play with a Steam Traction engine or has restored one/owns one themselves.

With PA having a rich heritage in Steam Engine production (Frick and Peerless in Waynesboro etc) I would have thought there would be a fair amount of them still turn out some smoke out there!

Just wondering more than anything!
Post some pictures if you have one!

I of course will keep looking, i'm sure i'll run across one eventually.

EarthWindandFire · Post by **EarthWindandFire** » Thu. Oct. 04, 2012 8:39 am

I have seen and read many good forums about steam and other interesting things like low-speed diesels, for example the lister.

Maybe connecting with a group of exhibitors at a fair or antique engine show would be best.

AA130FIREMAN · Post by **AA130FIREMAN** » Thu. Oct. 04, 2012 12:27 pm

In Kintzers pa. their is a musuem called rough and tumble, they had their threshermans reunion the beginning of august. That's a good place to check out, and they have a steam school if you want to learn and use the traction engines on the grounds. I LOVE the friday night steam games, slow race and a spark show to get the people running for cover.

steamup · Post by **steamup** » Thu. Oct. 04, 2012 1:02 pm

These things are not for the faint of heart or the light wallet. They are beasts that are expensive to own and operate.

They can be very dangerous if poorly maintained:

http://www.farmcollector.com/steam-engines/traged ... ounds.aspx

Here is a good website: http://www.smokstak.com/

If you want a hobby engine, look for a scale model of one. There are a few suppliers around that sell parts and occasionally you can pick a used one up.

Here is a good web site for models;

http://www.discoverlivesteam.com/forsale/non-railroad.html

I would look up events and go to shows. Join a club or organization that does live steam events. Sometimes you can find used equipment reasonable if you get to know people.

samhill · Post by **samhill** » Thu. Oct. 04, 2012 5:17 pm

I used to work for a friend of mine who had (I believe) the largest collection in the states anyway. Got to drive & operate a few & worked on others. After the accident in Ohio & the fact that Willis was getting up in years I heard that he disbanded the group & was selling off some of his engines. Great fun while it lasted but an awful lot of work.
http://steamtraction.farmcollector.com/steam-engi ... beach.aspx

Post by **franco b** » Thu. Oct. 04, 2012 7:07 pm

From the antique machinery meet in Kent CT.

SMITTY · Post by **SMITTY** » Thu. Oct. 04, 2012 7:17 pm

steamup wrote:These things are not for the faint of heart or the light wallet. They are beasts that are expensive to own and operate. ......

If not for that, I'd be SOOO into this! One of the first things I'd do if I ever won the lotto would be to own one of these marvels of engineering.

It's nice to dream.

EarthWindandFire · Post by **EarthWindandFire** » Thu. Oct. 04, 2012 8:22 pm

Speaking of the lotto and steam, if I won the lottery I would restore and run a Union Pacific 4884 Big Boy locomotive. Choo Choo!!

AA130FIREMAN · Post by **AA130FIREMAN** » Thu. Oct. 04, 2012 11:34 pm

steamup wrote:These things are not for the faint of heart or the light wallet. They are beasts that are expensive to own and operate.

Their for a minute I didn't know if you were talking about steam engines or women !!!!!

oros35 · Post by **oros35** » Fri. Oct. 05, 2012 8:22 am

I would Love to have one! Seriously went looking, then reality hit, the budget won't allow (and I doubt it ever will)

Moving and operating costs are one thing, but just the purchase price of a functional one is off the chart. Even small ones are often in the $30K range.

I hope someday I come across one that I can affold to purchase. I'll keep on the lookout.

We used to have several come to our antique equipment club show, but they haven't come in years. Just to expensive to transport and operate. (Beaver Valley Equipment and Crafts Association)

SMITTY · Post by **SMITTY** » Fri. Oct. 05, 2012 9:22 am

About 8 years ago I figured I could build, or buy a small steam engine & boiler setup to run a generator, so I could burn whatever I had on hand to generate power here.

Even the PARTS for one are expensive!

Guess it won't be happening in my lifetime unless I create the parts myself ...

EarthWindandFire · Post by **EarthWindandFire** » Fri. Oct. 05, 2012 10:33 am

Smitty, you should look into a Lister or Listeroid low speed diesel. The Listeroid is the Indian version of the English made engine. Much poorer quality, but still better than a chinese made generator from a box store.

In fact, a small Lister-Petter diesel engine is for sale on CL up in western mass. The guy is asking $ 450 dollars.

Rick 386 · Post by **Rick 386** » Fri. Oct. 05, 2012 1:58 pm

Mark (PA) wrote:Assuming this topic falls under hobbies!

I have been for some time now searching for a steam traction engine.
Always had an interest in older tractors (own 4 Gassers from the 40's and 50's)

Just wondering if anybody here gets to play with a Steam Traction engine or has restored one/owns one themselves.

With PA having a rich heritage in Steam Engine production (Frick and Peerless in Waynesboro etc) I would have thought there would be a fair amount of them still turn out some smoke out there!

Just wondering more than anything!
Post some pictures if you have one!

I of course will keep looking, i'm sure i'll run across one eventually.

Mark,

There is a partial Frick Engine for sale tomorrow.

Just listed in today's local paper.

Here is the auction info. http://www.auctionzip.com/Listings/1558289.html

They even have a picture gallery that shows the tractor in its present condition. Looks like it is missing the front plate but gives you a good look at the tubes.....

Rick

Steam Traction Engines?

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