Old Cars, a Muddy Road and Some Incredible Tractors and Road Building Equipment

[t-head]

We are right in the middle of Vermont "Mud Season" now so we thought it was a good time to show old photos of cars and travel on muddy roads taken in 1927 only one year before the Model "A" came out. The photo really puts into perspective what many of our old cars including the Model "A" had to go through when new.

Also found were a pair of fascinating photos and detailed enlargements showing huge early tractors and road building equipment not to be missed.
See it all on The Old Motor.

[roccaas]

Is that Winston Churchill on top of the scraper?

Interesting pics, thanks for posting.

[Patrick L.]

Boy, those were the days ! And we wonder why our axles and frames are a little warped.

[John Stone]

Helped a friend line bore a Big 4 engine a couple years ago. Took 5 bearings and 2 shafts from a Kwik Way LBM. Two people could lift the crankshaft but it was a load. When it ran, it shook the whole building. They also made a 6 cylinder version.

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by roccaas

is that winston churchill on top of the scraper?

Interesting pics, thanks for posting.

lol!!

[Roadster62]

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Thanks John, you made me look at the photo again, I just thought they were Steam Traction Engines. No smoke stacks so they are gas powered, I've never seen early tractors like this. More info is always of interest to me. Bob

Originally Posted by John Stone

Helped a friend line bore a Big 4 engine a couple years ago. Took 5 bearings and 2 shafts from a Kwik Way LBM. Two people could lift the crankshaft but it was a load. When it ran, it shook the whole building. They also made a 6 cylinder version.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by John Stone

Helped a friend line bore a Big 4 engine a couple years ago. Took 5 bearings and 2 shafts from a Kwik Way LBM. Two people could lift the crankshaft but it was a load. When it ran, it shook the whole building. They also made a 6 cylinder version.

Was that the guy that built the engine from scratch?

It's amazing how few were made and how many are still around!

[John Stone]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Was that the guy that built the engine from scratch?

It's amazing how few were made and how many are still around!

The engine for the 6 cylinder was pulled out of a river. Not a lot was able to be used so they fabricated stuff by casting parts and welding it all together. Quite a feat. Prime mover on the project was named Ottaway. The final welding and assembly was done by my friend Jerry Abplanalp. He used to do all my cleaning and surfacing on A blocks but had a stroke last August and is down for the count. Still alive but doesn't even know me when I visit.

There is a big tractor show in Cosby ND in July. That is where the 6 cylinder resides along with a lot more including steam.

[eagle]

The "Oil Pull" tractors replaced the steam engine tractors. I love to hear them run and they can pull! Unbelievable heavy, almost like the steam engine tractors, very slow but unstoppable. If they ever got stuck, really stuck, the only way to get them out was by planking.

[Mafman]

Great pictures. Thanks for sharing!