Rare Engines at Portland Show

By Leslie C. Mcmanus
Published on April 3, 2017
article image
Photo by Leslie C. McManus
This 1948 International Super A Industrial was converted to a fire truck tractor by the General Motors Engineering Group for use in a GM plant in Dayton, Ohio. It is owned by Doug and Paul Tieman, Amelia, Ohio.

If you’re interested in rare and unusual engines, the Tri-State Gas Engine & Tractor Assn. show in Portland, Indiana, is the place to be. The 2016 show included a breathtaking exhibit of Kansas City Lightning engines in the ATIS area (see Farm Collector, March 2017), but one-of-a-kind engines filled every corner of the grounds.

Produced for Moline Pump Co.

Paul Frasier, Carleton, Michigan, knew he had a rare engine when a friend gave him a 1903 3 hp Eli engine, but he kept his feet solidly on the ground.

“I knew the cylinder would either make or break the restoration,” he says. “If the inside was cracked, it would have to be sleeved and I’d have to put ports in, and that would have cost too much for me at that time.” As it turned out there was a lot of rust and pits, but no visible cracks.

A 1918 McCormick-Deering motor cultivator owned by Kenneth and Marcella Doherty, Geneva, Ind.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-866-624-9388