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1/6-Scale Case Steam Engine Runs Like The Real Thing
Keith Kerr of Postville, Iowa, always wanted to own a steam engine but he couldn't justify the expense of the real thing. So he decided to build his own 1/6-scale working model, patterned after a 1915 J.I. Case 65 hp steam traction engine.
The engine measures 41 in. long, 15 1/2 in. wide, and 20 1/2 in. high. It
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1/6-Scale Case Steam Engine Runs Like The Real Thing TRACTORS Antiques 27-2-22 Keith Kerr of Postville, Iowa, always wanted to own a steam engine but he couldn't justify the expense of the real thing. So he decided to build his own 1/6-scale working model, patterned after a 1915 J.I. Case 65 hp steam traction engine.
The engine measures 41 in. long, 15 1/2 in. wide, and 20 1/2 in. high. It weighs 225 lbs. and has forward gears and reverse. "The only difference between my scale model and a real engine is that mine is fired by propane instead of wood," says Kerr.
To make the engine, Kerr bought blueprints from Coles' Power Models Inc. (ph 818 762-0272; Website: www.colespowermodels.
com). He used 6-in. seamless tubing with 3/8-in. sidewalls to make the boiler. The firebox is made from 3/8-in. thick cold-rolled plate, 1/4-in. crown sheet. The super heater coil is made from 3/8-in. stainless steel, and the flue sheets from 3/16-in. stainless steel.
Kerr formed the coal bunker and water tank out of a brass sheet. The 8-in. high front wheels were made from well casing, and the 12-in. rear wheels from steel tubing. The wheel hubs were made from broken spindles, with threaded rod used for the spokes.
The flywheel, piston, cylinder, water pump and lugs were all made from purchased castings, machined to fit.
The engine has a cylinder bore of 1 5/8 in. and a 1 3/4-in. stroke. It runs on 50 lbs. of steam pressure, with the boiler holding 2 gal. of water.
"It was fun to build. I didn't keep track of how many hours I spent on it," says Kerr. "I've shown it at many fairs, parades, threshing days and other events. Many people are amazed at the authenticity of the model."
Keith also made a 1/6-scale model of a 1923 Case Hay Press. The baler measures 30 in. long. It makes bales about 2 1/2 in. wide by 3 1/2 in. long by 5 in. high. The bales are tied with 26-gauge wire.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Verta Kerr, 1278 306th St., Postville, Iowa 52162 (ph 563 864-3256; E-mail: ckkerr@netins.
net).
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