David J. Vanek, Jr., RR #3, Box 3108, Lewistown, Montana 59457, began restoration of this 1912 Case, 75 HP, serial number 27816, in the autumn of 1987. He completed the work in September of 1990. For the story of his acquisition and restoration of this fine engine.
I purchased the engine on the cover from the Widdifield family near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada in April 1987. It is a 1912 75 HP Case, serial #27816. Restoration began that fall of 1987, and was completed in September 1990.
This engine required new flues, new platform, all plumbing, paint, and a lot of elbow grease. With much advice and guidance from Clyde Corley of Geraldine, Mt., and the help of my father and several friends, this engine is restored to its original beauty, and is state-certified to carry 125 psi in the boiler.
I displayed the engine at the annual Pioneer Power Days Threshing Bee in Lewistown, Mt., in October 1990, and pulled an 8 bottom John Deere plow with no trouble at all. We also threshed and ran a slow race with it and won!
This is my second steam engine restoration, the first being the 1900 M. Rumely 15 horsepower engine, serial number 3587, pictured on the back cover of the January/February 1988 issue of the Iron Men Album.
