Past & Present: Traction Engines and Threshers Roundup Includes a Return-Flue Case

By Steam Traction Staff
Published on August 25, 2009
1 / 2
Bob Crowell, Batesville, Ind., mans the Steam Traction, Farm Collector and Gas Engine Magazine booth tables at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2007.
Bob Crowell, Batesville, Ind., mans the Steam Traction, Farm Collector and Gas Engine Magazine booth tables at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2007.
2 / 2
Provencher Photo #1: A return flue Case, built before 1900, powering a thresher with an extended drive rod shaft.
Provencher Photo #1: A return flue Case, built before 1900, powering a thresher with an extended drive rod shaft.

IDENTIFYING AN ENGINE

Charles Provencher Jr., P.O. Box 81589, Cleveland, OH 44181; (724) 654-6066, has some interesting questions this issue.

Charles writes:

I am writing to comment about Harris Photo #1 (Steam Traction, Fall 2007, page 8). This photo shows a traction engine powering a threshing machine by means of a PTO device instead of a belt. It might be of interest to know that in the book This was Wheat Farming by Kirby Brumfield, published in 1968, there is also a photo (page 95) showing a traction engine powering a thresher by a PTO rod, not a belt. The caption states the photo (no date given) was taken in Pendleton, Ore., and the engine is a Case return-flue, not mentioning if it was a straw burner. To my 80-year-old eyeballs, there are similarities in the two engines. Perhaps some young, sharp-eyed staffer should do a comparison and give their opinion. The results might help identify the engine shown in the magazine.

In the “110 HP Case” article by Bill Vossler (Steam Traction, Fall 2007, page 18), it was stated that good firing technique was to put “black on black.” Did the author really mean to say that? When I first learned to fire boilers in September 1949, I was always told to put “black on white.” That is put the fresh coal on the hot spots on the grate to prevent them from becoming too thin. So, I am wondering if I correctly understand the author’s meaning, not to criticize, just to comment.

I still fire, but now, not for pay, just hobby fun.

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