Amazingly Detailed Half-Scale Combine

Amazingly Detailed Half-Scale Combine COMBINES Marvin Copenbarger has built more than 20 replicas of tractors and farm implements several described in FARM SHOW articles Vol 25 No 5; Vol 45 No 6 “I own a 1964 Deere Model 45 self-propelled combine and decided to build a 1/2 scale model for parades ” Copenbarger says “Just about everything on it is half size to the real one I’ve got in the shed except for a larger operator platform I needed that so I’d have a comfortable place to sit and drive it in parades ” Always looking for authenticity and features that attract attention Copenbarger built a direct cut grain platform for the combine with a scale model reel that turns as he drives the machine The chaff spreader also turns “so that people watching the parade can see something moving ” he says with a laugh The combine measures about 12-ft long and 6-ft tall slightly higher when the discharge auger is extended The small diesel engine that powers it sits on top of the threshing chamber accessible with a small step ladder “If someone wants to get picky they can see that my model has a square back and real ones have a rounded metal chamber ” Copenbarger says “Otherwise everything is pretty much real ” After finishing the combine Copenbarger decided a nice addition would be a truck for hauling the make-believe machine’s grain That led him to fabricate sheet metal and other parts into a 1/2 scale model 1969 C-50 Chevrolet grain truck “It’s painted the authentic 1969 Chevy red color and includes the blue insert bowtie emblem on the hood ” Copenbarger says “It has a 4-ft wide by 6-ft long grain box that raises and lowers with a tiny motor The headlights and clearance lights work and it rides on 12-in wheels with duals in the rear ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Marvin Copenbarger 3100 N 1725 East Rd Mount Auburn Ill 62547

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