New "Iron Maiden" Arrives in Fairbanks
Greetings All -
It's finally here, our 1910 Advance traction engine. This is one of three vehicles we purchased from the LeMay collection in Washington State earlier this summer. Great thanks to Lynden Transport who brought it up to Fairbanks and unloaded it for us. There's Rick in the Driver's Seat! It will be placed outside the Museum as a photo opportunity for our guests and visitors.
A quick background on Traction Engines -
Traction engines, also known as road locomotives, were the predecessors to today's modern farm tractors. These self-propelled steam engines were used to move heavy loads, or serve as power plants for threshing and other farm duties. They were also used in Alaska to power conveyors and other mining support functions, as well as Lumber and Timber cutting.
This particular machine was produced in Battle Creek Michigan in 1910. The Advance Thresher Company sold more than 12,000 steam traction engines between 1881 and 1911, when they were acquired by the M. Rumely Company. The reorganized company continued to make traction engines until 1917.
Height - 130"
Length - 220"
Weight - A lot!
Two questions for our readers: Does anyone know how much this engine weighs? (we do have the big smokestack and bell for it.) Also, does anyone have any history on this engine?
Derik
A quick background on Traction Engines -
Traction engines, also known as road locomotives, were the predecessors to today's modern farm tractors. These self-propelled steam engines were used to move heavy loads, or serve as power plants for threshing and other farm duties. They were also used in Alaska to power conveyors and other mining support functions, as well as Lumber and Timber cutting. This particular machine was produced in Battle Creek Michigan in 1910. The Advance Thresher Company sold more than 12,000 steam traction engines between 1881 and 1911, when they were acquired by the M. Rumely Company. The reorganized company continued to make traction engines until 1917.
Height - 130"
Length - 220"
Weight - A lot!
Two questions for our readers: Does anyone know how much this engine weighs? (we do have the big smokestack and bell for it.) Also, does anyone have any history on this engine?
Derik