Somewhat Bulky, Steam Engine Is Unique Hobby

By Bonnie Baird Jones
Published on May 1, 1971
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Courtesy of Melvin Kestler, 1339 Evergreen Drive, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.
Courtesy of Melvin Kestler, 1339 Evergreen Drive, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.
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Just like new, this 1915 model Case steam engine complete with threshing machine and water wagon pulled into Twin Falls last week to become a permanent ''resident'' of the community. Making plans to unload the equipment are owner, Melvin Kestler, behind t
Just like new, this 1915 model Case steam engine complete with threshing machine and water wagon pulled into Twin Falls last week to become a permanent ''resident'' of the community. Making plans to unload the equipment are owner, Melvin Kestler, behind t
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Unloading operations at the Twin Falls railroad depot required a heavy crane from the Northwest Crane and Rigging Co., to lift the three items of equipment from the flat bed car. Shipped from Bird City, Kan. to owner Melvin Kestler, Twin Falls, the shipme
Unloading operations at the Twin Falls railroad depot required a heavy crane from the Northwest Crane and Rigging Co., to lift the three items of equipment from the flat bed car. Shipped from Bird City, Kan. to owner Melvin Kestler, Twin Falls, the shipme
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Before restoration began, the steam engine looked like this. Former owner Al Deerk, Lexington, Neb., stands at rear of loading ramp. It took five years of Mr. Kestler's spare time to restore the engine. The boiler, in excellent condition, made the underta
Before restoration began, the steam engine looked like this. Former owner Al Deerk, Lexington, Neb., stands at rear of loading ramp. It took five years of Mr. Kestler's spare time to restore the engine. The boiler, in excellent condition, made the underta
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Steam Engines attract numerous volunteers, and Melvin Kestler said he had lots of free help as well as hired professionals-during the five years he spent restoring the 1915 model Case traction steam engine. Here workers repair and replace some of the p
Steam Engines attract numerous volunteers, and Melvin Kestler said he had lots of free help as well as hired professionals-during the five years he spent restoring the 1915 model Case traction steam engine. Here workers repair and replace some of the p

Times-News Feature Editor

When you have a hobby that weighs 33,740 lbs., it isn’t easy
to find housing for it or to exhibit in shows in various parts of
the country.

Melvin Kestler, 1339 Evergreen Drive, says he does have a few
problems with his hobby, a restored Case steam traction engine of

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