- Related Articles
- IRON AGE ADS
- Parr for the Course
- IRON AGE ADS
"Every year," Gerry says, "we have a number of people who are really thankful for what we've done, and are so happy. Those people are usually the ones who get really involved, and come back to Rollag to be part of the show. That's the most thrilling part of the school, because Tom and I can look around now and see an awful lot of engineers that are at Rollag that own machinery or run machinery because they've been to our school. That's a good feeling."
For more information on the yearly University of Rollag College of Steam Traction Engineering classes, write:
Tom Hall, Registrar, Box 999, Moorhead, MN 56561.
Bill Vossler lives and works in Minnesota. His most recent book is The Complete Book of Farm Toys and Boxes.
Laws, licenses and steam
Tom Hal! says that the State of Minnesota Division of Boiler Inspection requires that all steam boilers and engines used at shows be operated by licensed steam traction engineers. Until 1980, this meant that one needed a Chief license, Grade "A", which required five years full-time work experience with engines and high pressure boilers. In 1980, the Chief Boiler Inspector established the Steam Traction Engineer License. This license allowed qualified, tested engineers to operate steam traction engines and boilers at steam threshing type shows. This was not to be an occupational boiler license, and thus became known by boiler inspectors as a 'hobby' license, a term still used. Engineers holding the steam traction or 'hobby' license must complete training, have practical experience, and present a legal, signed affidavit before being allowed to take the state written exam. Upon passing the exam, the operator earns the Minnesota Steam Traction Engineer License.
All boilers used in hobby-type steam traction shows in Minnesota must have a current state Division of Boiler Inspection tag and certificate. The Division has been very cooperative in working with the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers' Engine Reunion, WMSTR, and the other shows to keep safety as the main concern.
All boilers are state inspected every other year, and hydro-tested every other inspection. Every boiler and engine operated in Minnesota must have a current certificate of inspection and be operated by a licensed engineer.