Countless stories have been scribed about farm collectors who scratch-build scale models. Tom Brunner has taken that art form to an unparalleled level. While still farming in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, Tom developed an appreciation for farm equipment. His admiration became an inspiration to build precision models. After moving off the farm to Verona, Wisconsin, Tom refined his craft by building 1/5-scale implements powered by pedal tractors.
Tom’s highly crafted models have unique dimensions because they’re operational. “I wanted my models to be like the real thing. I incorporated power in the tractor. Therefore power is provided through the PTO to run the equipment hooked to the tractor,” Tom says.
He continues, “I tried several different forms of power buried in the pedal tractor. They included an electric motor, a windshield wiper motor, and a lawn mower starter. None of these were satisfactory, so I settled on a cordless drill. The drill is buried in the tractor and connected to the PTO. Although the tractor didn’t move across the ground, it provided power to the connected implement,” he says.
Using this concept, Tom has created more than 200 scale model tractors. “Through my employment and building scale models for a number of years, I learned to make nearly all of the working parts. In the early years, I obtained some help to machine the bodywork. But, I soon learned how to make the bodies,” he said.
Tom had a fascination with draft horses and horse-drawn apparatus. Between crafting tractor-powered projects, Tom launched out and built an extensive line of replica equipment drafted by horses.
Gehl History
Gehl company history began in 1859 in a blacksmith’s shop located along the Milwaukee River in West Bend, Wisconsin. The shop developed implements for small farms and was known as the Lucas Foundry. In 1880, the Lucas Foundry created the popular Hexelbank Ensilage Cutter, the forerunner of the forage harvester.
In 1902, John W. Gehl acquired the Lucas Foundry, which was called Silberzahn Manufacturing Co. at that time. Through his acquisition, he became the first Gehl family member to lead the implement company. Four years later, John was joined by three brothers in the ownership. Subsequently, the firm was renamed Gehl Brothers Manufacturing.
During the 1930s, a second generation of the Gehl family assumed control. Gehl Brothers developed innovative agriculture products in the 1940s. This included labor-saving methods of harvesting corn silage with their self-unloading wagons. In 1967, the business name was changed to the Gehl Co.
By 1973, the company’s highly visible skid loader came on the market. As a result of sales growth, a second manufacturing plant was built in Madison, South Dakota. The popularity of the skid loader grew into the expanded construction market that extended beyond the United States.
William D. Gehl became the third generation family member to manage the company in 1992. Under his guidance, the company diversified into multiple markets worldwide. This included the acquisition of Mustang Manufacturing in 1997.
The Gehl Co. has an extensive line of agricultural and industrial equipment, including telescopic handlers, skid and track loaders, compact excavators, all-wheel-steer loaders, articulated loaders and asphalt pavers.
By 2008, Gehl became a wholly owned subsidiary of the French equipment maker, the Manitou Group. Through this relationship, Gehl moved into a state-of-the-art research and design facility in 2009. The development center is next to where the business began 150 years previous in West Bend, Wisconsin.
Gehl Tractor
Gehl first introduced the Model 12-25 tractor in 1916. The tractor operated on a single, 48-inches high and 42-inches wide drum, fitted with cleats for traction. It was powered by a Waukesha four-cylinder engine. As noted by the model number, the tractor was 12hp rated at the drawbar. It was capable of pulling a 3- or 4-bottom plow, depending on soil conditions. The belt pulley rating was 25hp.
The Gehl Co. brochure described the tractor’s appeal, “We maintain that the tractor that will do its work right and can be depended upon at all times is worth its price, therefore reliability has been our watchword, yet our splendid manufacturing facilities enable us to keep the price low, quality considered. Every part is designed to bear its burden and wear just as long as any other part of the tractor, therefore the Gehl will stand up to its work.”
According to one source, there were only 13 Gehl tractors ever built. After 1919, the tractor disappeared from Gehl’s trade listings. One explanation for its demise was the use of the Gehl factory facility to manufacture World War I armaments. There are no known Gehl tractors in existence today.
Gehl Tractor Model
Tom was queried as to his inspiration to build a scale-model Gehl tractor. He replied, “A former Gehl employee gave me pictures of the original tractor and suggested I build a scale model. Using the pictures and information I could find about the tractor, I started building. Fortunately, the company literature gave the dimensions, so I was able to scale down from those measurements.”
Tom started by first building the framework using channel iron. The front axle, wheels and steering came next. Using a 10-inch round tube, Tom constructed the drive wheel. Note that Tom didn’t include the cleats for ease of handling.
The engine housing was then built to contain the cordless drill. Gearing was designed and installed from the power drill to the pulley. The pulley was built with a groove in the center to reduce the chances of the belt slipping off. The operator’s seat and controls are incorporated at the rear. The steering worm was installed at the lower right side of the body and frame. The tractor was finished in the color described by the Gehl employee and then decaled.
Tom noted a major challenge in the building process. “When I first built the tractor I didn’t have a picture of the left side. Eventually, I obtained one from the former employee and discovered my concept was wrong. The front wheels are offset to compensate for the drive system and pulley, so I had to rework those parts.”
With Tom Brunner’s accomplished building skills, the scale model Gehl tractor is finished to perfection.
State Fair Display
In 2009, Tom was honored with an invitation by the Wisconsin State Fair to exhibit his creative work. Tom said, “We were surprised when fair management called and asked if we would set up a display of our operational equipment. At the fair, we created the display 80 feet long by 12 feet wide. It included 50 pieces arranged to operate one piece at a time.
“My wife, Rosemary, was with me for the entire state fair. It was a great experience, as we met many wonderful and curious people. As you’d expect, there were lots of questions. It was nice to hear people say, ‘I could never build something like that.'”
After his many building exploits, Tom is often asked, ‘Which one is your favorite?’ “I try to build each one more detailed than the previous one. So, I’d have to say the last one I built is my favorite,” he said.
Special Note
It has been my privilege to write about Tom Brunner’s unique scratch-built models over the years. I regret to report that since gathering information about the Gehl tractor from Tom and taking the pictures, he has passed on. This story is written as a tribute to Tom Brunner’s
skillful craftsmanship. FC
Freelance writer Fred Hendricks of Mansfield, Ohio, covers a vast array of subjects relating to agriculture. Email Fred at fwhendricks@gmail.com.
