SOOT IN THE FLUES

happy to present them with a Treat so that we do not get any Tricks
— at our new address and could I just reminisce a few thoughts to
you, as I look back over the years.

We never bought Halloween costumes, I always made them and
believe me I am not really good at sewing, usually have to follow a
pattern to the letter, but somehow I did manage to get the idea
across. Over thirty years ago it began when our first born wanted a
rabbit suit for his first Big Night–so I made it and at that time,
masks were limited as to selection so I made the face mask
also–the suit was white and the mask was one you put over your
head and I copied (I’m fair at drawing) the face of a bunny
from a box of cereal, and gave the bunny long pink ears, and gloves
to cover the hands, and so it went in the following years–a pig, a
horse, an elephant, a zebra (created a face for that one as I
bought a tiger mask, painted the yellow stripes white and stapled a
paper cup on the nose to make a long nose-like head and long ears,
and of course, the suit was black and white stripes–that came out
much better than expected.

Then one year it was just an upside down man–try that
sometime–it’s clever–the trousers go on your head with your
arms extended into the legs, or else sticks that you hold. You put
the sweatshirt on up over your feet and pin a mask on the
sweatshirt neck, down between your legs–make it two masks, one on
each side–it’s cute.

Then there was a duck, a Chinese lady, a Fairy princess, a
cowboy, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, an Indian dress, and Indian suit
(which probably was the best one) as I drew Indian masks on one
arm, a Thunderbird on the front of the suit and a mountain goat on
the back and fish on the other sleeve, then sewed all colors of
rick-rack on the items I had drawn.

Then there was a Santa Claus suit and an Uncle Sam and a
Colonial outfit for a man, even made the white wigs such as they
wore with cotton sewed into a ladies stocking to fit over the head.
Then there was the beautiful red satin outfit trimmed in black and
white that was made for one of the P.T.A. plays I was in and it has
come in quite handy for such parties. It has the split skirt up to
the knee, a huge hat, pouch bag such as they carried and a parasol
to match (covered an old umbrella) black mesh stockings–it’s a
beauty.

I guess the worst outfit I made was a Christmas tree–out of
green plastic bags and sewed to look like branches and put on
ornaments– and at the bottom was red brick paper–the idea was
there, but it was really goofy and good for a laugh. Most of the
costumes have been well used with our five children–and the
grandchildren are using some of them. A lot of them have been worn
out, but we still find room in our new address to keep a few.

Thanks for letting me ramble on for awhile–I haven’t done
that in a long time and usually when I get into a column like this
I hear from you folks as it sparks your memory vault of your past
family life and I believe it warms your hearts to look back on the
treasures of your passing years.

And now I must get on to more important writings . . .

Don’t forget to get your information in concerning the 1980
Directory–this important little directory was started six years
ago and is the only guide of its kind as to where shows are held,
by whom, dates, etc. You get a free listing if you advertise or
not–if you need any other information, let us know.

From N. J. HICKOK & SON, Amboy, Minnesota 56010 comes a good
reminder: ‘We want to thank all the engine people that furnish
all the ads and articles that make up the engine book.

Would also like to say that here at Amboy, we had just one
terrific summer and now it’s getting cold and we still have a
lot of engines out in the yard, but we have been so busy. Also, can
I ask that when you engine guys write someone for information,
please send along an addressed envelope which is stamped. Sometimes
we can’t read the address and also those stamps are counting up
and if you S ASE you’re a whole lot more apt to get an answer.
Thank you and have a good winter.’

A letter of information comes from PAT RICKERMAN, Route 1,
Rickerman Road, Galien, Michigan 49113: ‘I have read and
enjoyed The Iron-Men Album for several years, for I have always
been interested in steam engines. That, of course, is why I am
writing this letter.

THE WESTINGHOUSE ROAD OR PLOWING ENGINE.

 Traction engine, with water tank located over the front
part, and provided with  special platform and coal bunkers. It
is an engine of unusual capacity, and is designed for plowing
or road work. When required, the face of drivers may be made
16′ wide. This engine is in complete working order, and with
two barrels of water in the tank, weighs about 10,000 pounds, which
is less than the weight of the average to horse engines in common
use.

I would like to build a ⁵/₈ scale model of
a 15 HP Westinghouse engine. I chose a ⁵/₈
scale as this will allow me to use a ? scale Case 65 engine and
much of the gearing. However, I have little information on the
dimensions of this traction engine, particularly the boiler. Maybe
someone could send me a set of plans or at least the dimensions of
this traction engine. I would be glad to pay for any copying costs
or postage.

Enclosed is a copy of the 15 HP Westinghouse I would like to
build.

In closing, Anna Mae, I would like to respond to one of your
readers who asked about the horsepower of engines and boilers. The
horsepower of engines is calculated by the formula:

H = A x P x T
            
33,000

A = area of the piston (sq. inches)
P = working pressure (lbs. per square inch)
T = piston travel

The piston travel is two times the R.P.M. (if the engine is
double acting), times the stroke of the engine.

As for the horsepower of boilers, this can only be found
accurately by the use of steam tables and several calculations. An
approximate figure can be used in most cases.

For tubular boilers 15 square feet of heating surface
approximately equals one horsepower. In flue and locomotive boilers
12 to 14 square feet of heating surface is approximately equal to
one horsepower. This will give you a very conservative figure in
most cases.’

A letter comes from HASTON L. ST. CLAIR, Rural Route 1, Box
140A, Holden, Missouri 64040: ‘In the Iron Men Album-Magazine
for May-June 1979 on page 25, picture 4, there is shown a model of
Nichols & Shepherd engine with a baby sitting by it. I believe
this is a model engine made by John Offutt, 208 East 43 Street,
North Kansas City, MO 64116.

This is not the first engine John built. His first model was of
a Case when he was a teenager. After finishing the engine and
finding that it would run, he decided he would like to work for
some company who built engines, so he took the model and went to
the Case Company in Kansas City. The superintendent said, ‘We
don’t hire boys, but we would be glad to have you work for us
when you grow up.’ John showed him that his engine would run,
and the superintendent said, ‘You are hired.’

Later, John worked for Nichols & Shepherd and became their
valve man. He did all the valve work that was done in the rebuilt
engines.

In later years he had several inventions and has taught others
in the building of their models.

On his last birthday, June 30, 1979, John was 82. I am proud to
say that John Offutt is one of my good friends.’

WARREN G. WEILER, R.D. 1, Box 48, Morgantown, Pennsylvania 19543
has an inquiry as he writes: ‘I would like to find a poem which
my father would quote at times, when seeing a steam engine or
train. Two of the lines go like this–Harness me tight with our
iron bands–and also — I turn the wheels of machinery. I carry
freight and people across the river and valleys. This poem may have
been in School Readers, approximately 1900.’ (Hope you get your
answer.)

REG CRISP, Box 131, Dell Rapids, South Dakota 57022 would like
to hear from you: ‘Would certainly appreciate if you or some of
your readers could advise the proper colors by number for 1929 Case
and Hart-Parr engines. We see quite a variety of colors on these
tractors and would like to have ours as close to right as
possible.’ (Write him if you know and he’ll be very
grateful.)

This note comes from FRED W. ROBINSON, 1111 11th Street N.W.,
Canton, Ohio 44703: ‘I would like the readers of your
publication to send me notes and memories on the Aultman steam
engines. I’ve been trying to gather a little data on the
company and its equipment. C. Aultman & Co. was a large
employer in Canton 1870-1890 possibly a little later before going
to Mansfield as Aultman & Taylor. Thank you!’

JOHN BERGREEN, 4564 E. San Gabriel, Fresno, California 93726
writes: ‘On page 26 of the Nov-Dec. issue, you show an
unclassified engine at bottom of the page. This is either a 20 or
25 HP cross compound Reeves of the later model which had the flat
spoke rear wheel. The size of the steam chest cover identifies the
cross compound design. Our Reeves was cut down for scrap iron two
weeks before my brother, Art and I, had planned to ship it here to
Fresno from Osage, Saskatchewan.’

Seeking an answer is EDWIN H. BREDEMEIER, Steinauer, Nebraska
68441: ‘Can someone in the IMA or GEM family tell me the age of
my 2-20′ x 36′ Case threshers. Serial numbers 83906 and
88607. Both are complete with Case feeders and Case grain
handlers?’ (There fellows is another hopeful enthusiast
awaiting your letter.)

This letter comes from CARL D. STRAWSER, P.O. Box 12, South
Milford, Indiana 46786: ‘Could any of the Iron Men Album
readers give me any information on a small upright steam engine,
that I own. The words on the frame of it states: James Watson;
Maker 1000 S. First Street.A. The steam cylinder on it is about
3′ bore and 4′ stroke. I would like to hear from someone
who could tell me something about it. Also, is there a book that
can be bought that tells about stationary engines? I have owned
steam engines since I was 13 ? years old–my age now is 83.’
(You will probably hear from some of the readers Carl, and I’ll
bet you’re only old in age, but young in heart– many more
happy years to you.)

We have a letter from BLAKE H. BOARDMAN, 16460 Heather Lane
#204, Middleburg Hts., Ohio 44130: ‘For what it is worth, I
stumbled on an old steam tractor down in Wayne County. It looked
like it wasn’t in too bad shape. The stack had been covered.
After walking around in the weeds, I got this information off the
cylinder – Case A108OC, A10799, A11790 M 1899. Anyone interested,
you take route 250 south out of Wooster till you come to Co. Road
98, west till you come to Co. Road 2 about ? mile till you go
apparently one mile to Peter Hershberger farm.

DENNIS GIBBS, Jasper, Michigan 49248 asks: ‘Could someone
please identify this rig?

A request for help comes from A. TEMPLEMAN, Box 57-A, New
Boston, New Jersey 03070: ‘Please send me any information you
have on a steam engine and boiler of a size and fire tube diameter
to be used with wood or coal fire, in an experiment I am conducting
in powering an automobile. Thanks.’

This interesting letter comes from JUANITA N. BIRD, P.O. Box
157, Liberia, Guanacaste, Coste Rica: ‘Several years ago, you
published a letter I wrote about Pensionado benefits in Costa Rica,
and our planned retirement there. Response was overwhelming. You
helped open the door to a new life, started enduring friendships
and gave us some fine neighbors. We are grateful.

Today, listening to the news . . . gloom, wars, energy crisis,
shrinking dollar, strikes and poor Jimmy Carter, it occurred to me
that your readers would possibly enjoy a second episode in the
‘Saga of the Birds.’ So, here I am, pen in hand.

We moved, bag, baggage, grandmother, teenagers, and all to Costa
Rica more than three years ago. Since that time, we have been
happily settled in Ranchos Maricosta. Our experiences merit writing
a book, for they have not only been exciting, but at times,
hilarious. The only flaw has been our inability to find easily
accessible, registered beach property, which was probably a
blessing in disguise, for it made us look to Colombia (another
democratic republic) in South America, where cost of living is even
less than in Costa Rica.

This picture was taken in 1914. Operator is N Felix  Witt
of Jasper, Michigan, my grandfather, who was the same age then, as
I am now.’  

Here, we found Palmas de Oro (Palms of Gold), a lovely, old
coconut plantation on the Caribbean. To complete a perfect setting,
looking away from the ocean, towering over 19,000 feet in the
background, and snow-capped year ’round, stands majectic Mount
Colombus, part of the Sierra Nevadas.

It may be hard to believe hundreds of green palms, waving in the
ocean breeze, blue sky and ocean, pounding surf and golden sand,
with a snow-capped mountain as a bonus, but it is all there in
Palmas de Oro, situated on the Pan American Highway near Santa
Marta, oldest and most fascinating city in South America.

So now we have two loves, our ranch in Costa Rica, and our beach
in Colombia. We sincerely believe we have discovered a new,
exciting American frontier and are eager to share it with others.
And if you think you are too old for adventure, we are 59 and 63
… both have battled, and so far, have conquered cancer.

You can write us at P.O. Box 157, Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa
Rica and we promise an answer. Please send letters air mail (25?
per ? oz.).

From Latin America, we wish you salud (health), dinero (wealth)
and amor (love).’

In closing I’d like to wish you Happy Holidays and a very
interesting and rewarding New Year–and I’d like to share with
you a poem written by Edgar A. Guest entitled ‘SERMONS WE
SEE’ I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d
rather one should walk with me than merely show the way. The
eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear; Fine
counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear; And the best
of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds, for to see
the good in action is what everybody needs. I can soon learn how to
do it if you’ll let me see it done. I can watch your hands in
action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lectures you
deliver may be very wise and true, But I’d rather get my lesson
by observing what you do. For I may misunderstand you and the high
advice you give, But there’s no misunderstanding how you act,
and how you live. (I took this out of my book called Leaves of Gold
which also states: ‘Sermons We See’ is from the book
‘The Light of Faith’ by Edgar A. Guest.

I thought if we pondered awhile on the above reading–it would
be a good standard to try and live by in 1980–Bye Bye — Love
Ya!