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The Boss:
Russell Steam Engine Was the Farmer's Workhorse in Steam Era
By Cindy Ladage
The Macoupin County Historical and Agricultural Association's annual Strawberry Festival in Carlinville, Ill., draws a crowd from across the mid-west. People travel hundreds of miles to take in what is billed as a craft, antique and historical tour event. But a tractor show held in conjunction with the festival also draws a big crowd. And Randy Ramseier's Russell steam engine was among the crowd-pleasers there.
Although Massey-Harris was the featured tractor, Randy's Russell stood out with the grandeur that only a steam engine can muster. Randy, who lives at Benld, Ill., said he's been enamored with steam engines ever since the first time his grandfather took him to a steam show as a child.
Two years ago, Randy "bit the bullet" and bought his first steam engine: a 1904 18 hp Russell.
The Russell falls into the orphan tractor category: In Randy Leffingwell's book, "The American Farm Tractor," the author describes orphans as "tractors without parents or offspring."
Randy's Russell seems to fit that profile. Brothers Charles, Nahum and Clement started the CM. Russell Company. Originally carpenters, the Russell brothers made steam traction engines in a full range (6 hp to 150 hp) of sizes. Although successful in the steam engine and threshing industry, the CM. Russell Company did not do as well when the tractor evolution shifted to gas-powered tractors. Although they did produce some gas and kerosene tractors, in March 1927 the Russell Company of Massillion, Ohio, was sold at auction.
A steam engine is nothing if not complex. Randy said his research just began once he purchased the Russell. He studied the operation and care of the steam engine, purchased books and literature, and visited with other owners and operators. Knowing how to operate the engine safely is critical. "It is a potential bomb," he said. "You have to watch the water level, and be very careful!"
Hauling the Russell is an event in itself. Randy said he loads the steam engine on a drop deck lowboy, using a dozer to push it on. Prior to loading, he fills the engine with water, using a hose. Filling the tank is not unlike filling a small swimming pool.
"The machine should be transported with water in the boiler," he said. "The tank holds around 300 gallons, and takes quite a while to fill. With water, the engine weighs 24,000 pounds."
This is no small tractor that fits inside a garage or a carport. Fortunately, Randy has plenty of space. He lives on a 16-acre farm on the edge of Benld, where he runs R&R Machining. He keeps the Russell in his machine shop.