Dreams do come true

[Lee]

I remember going to Rollag as a little kid and being amazed by all the different steam engines. I told myself, one day. Years past and nothing happened. Book after book was purchased, magazine article after article were read. Then by a lucky acquaintance, it happened. I was able to acquire a 1915 65 hp Case. Twice as lucky because I always thought a 65 Case was THE engine. Not the biggest, parts are available, and a butt strap boiler. That and it just looked right.
It is worn, I don't think the boiler is too bad (boiler inspector will have the final say), and the bunkers and drawbar are gone, but it will be a lot of fun to work on.
I am realistic, it will take a few years but hope to have it at Rollag in 2009 or 2010.

[Jerry Christiansen]

Hi Jeff,

I enjoyed talking with you at the meeting. Congratulations on your "new" tractor. I hope you will keep us all up to date with pictures and stories as you work on the engine.

Jerry Christiansen

[40avery]

Please take pictures early and often as you do this project. You need to keep a thread going as you progress. We get many positive comments on threads of restorations and look forward to the posts on yours.

Good luck:picture:

Rick

[M Kerkvliet]

Congratulation on the acquisition Jeff, and by all means... keep us all in the loop! Looking forward to seeing it at Rollag soon!

[Darren Gunderson]

Congratulations Jeff,

That looks like it will be a good project. Please keep us updated as work progresses. I feel very fortunate that I am part of a of a traction engine crew there at Rollag but I too have thought "Some Day". I am hopefull that some day the right engine will come along that I can fix up and take care of for a while. I bet this is an exciting time for you. I know it would be for me.

Darren

[Colin]

Congrats Jeff, nice looking original engine. :thumb: Where abouts did you get it? It looks like something that could have came out of Joe Ryndas yard. The 1915s had 20 inch wheels instead of 22s, and the older brass throttle, other than that they are pretty much the same as the later ones.
About 5-6 years ago now me and a friend started working on 65s at the same time, and had them going for the 03 show season. his is a 15 and ours is a 23 built from parts. our dads bought the stuff but i think we both claimed them as our own:D
-1st pictures is ours out of the shop for the first time, almost done. still in winter, i think we had to move it out for a bit to get something else in.
2nd is testing out Korys new extensions on a 12 bottom plow. we were moving along good at 150 Psi. i got dad to steer as i jumped off to take a few pictures:)
Kory has grates, gears and other parts available. i can get you in touch with him if you like.
Have fun!

[cjmlarson]

Looks like a well kept unit! These are the things in life that really keep the blood pumping in the cold part of the year.Jeff you need to post pictures as you go along,it will be fun to watch your progress.It must feel like christmas, only early!!!! good luck

[Lee]

Happy Halloween. Thanks guys, I will post progress pictures but it will be an ongoing process. I have a lot of questions about fixing it and eventually running it. To start off, do you need to remove the rear rims and gears to have the hubs rebushed (built up?). The rear wheels are worn enough that something needs to be done. Thanks for the help and encouragement.

[cjmlarson]

There is a lot of questions and info that can be answered at Larson welding. With out Jim and his crew , the Russell would still be at a stand still.You should give him a call (Jim)and find out when he would have time to talk about some of the repairs you think you need done.Have your list ready ,and he will tell you what you should look for also.We are so lucky to have that shop and knowledge that close .Plus all the other people out on the hill.I cant even begin to mention all the people that have helped me with all my questions, and or given good advise.Main thing is to have fun!!!

[Colin]

HI Jeff. just thought id check in to see if you've started to work on any parts and pieces now that its turned cold out. :confused:
you had emailed awhile ago so i thought i should finally follow up. i think i lost your old email so if you have any other questions just ask!
heres a picture you should save for when you get to painting. shows ours as we were getting down to doing the draw bar and tanks. Parts that are RED are rear wheels, bull gears, lower cannon bearing and lower links, differential, internediate gear and gear shields. as well as the front wheels an axel. the upper cannon bearing is green, along with the wingsheets, intermediate gear, clutch assembly and pretty well all the other stuff on top.
Have you had the boiler checked out yet, do you know what pressure you will be able to run? you should be able to get someone to bore the rear hubs with out taking the wheels apart.
Last picture is of Andersons 1915 65 and 1910 18Hp portable the windy day before the 2006 Case Expo. i striped both of these engines:thumb:
we were always amazed for the amount of 65s that are in Minesota and surrounding states that theres never been a permanent one at Rollag.

[Lee]

Haven't done anything with the engine ,will have to wait till spring. Have got a few knowledgeable and willing volunteers to help so I ain't too worried. Colin, I loved the photo w/o the bunkers. Really shows a lot of nice details. Thanks again and we will take a lot of pictures when things get going.:thumb: