Help Identifying Steam Tractor

[Denny_D]

I'm wondering if anyone can help me identify the make of the steam tractor in the picture at the following url on my pBase photo gallery:

http://www.pbase.com/denny_d/image/98241137

I took this pic in August 1987 in Middlefield, Ohio, which is in Geauga County and the north eastern part of Ohio.

I scanned the original color print and converted it to black/white for a photo contest. I can post the original color version to my pBase photo gallery if that would help.

Thanks much for your time.

Cheers,

Denny_D
Arizona

[Case Kid]

It's a Minneapolis traction engine. My guess would put it in the 24-28 HP range, but I'm certainly no expert. Perhaps one of the hardcore Minneapolis guys will be able to shed some more light as to the details.

[M Kerkvliet]

Welcome to the WMSTR Forum Denny!

Nice shot of the mystery engine. We have at least 3 hard core Minneapolis guys here, and when they see your post, I am sure you will have an answer.

BTW... If you would like to have your picture included right in your post, I can explain to you how to do that. Just send me a PM and I'll explain it to you.

[Denny_D]

I'd like to thank everyone for helping to identify the "mystery tractor."

Since color combos can help identification, I've uploaded to my photo gallery a color pic of the tractor here:
http://www.pbase.com/denny_d/image/102023541

I've also uploaded a 100% crop (enlargement) of the manufacturer's name plate on the front of the boiler. Maybe that will help. Do I see the word "Minneapolis" in there? Case Kid may have nailed it.
http://www.pbase.com/denny_d/image/102023536

Since I'm a mechanically oriented car, motorcycle and airplane guy, playing with these vintage tractors can be dangerous. I might end up becoming a steam tractor guy, too.

Anyway, thanks for all the help.

Denny_D
Arizona

[oldsmokey]

definetly a minneapolis.... :sad:

[Denny_D]

Thanks, Oldsmokey, for taking an interest and replying.

Anyone care to venture a guess as to the vintage --- late nineteen-hundred teens or early 20s, maybe?

And would anyone care to speculate about horsepower?

I'm a detailed type of guy.

BTW, hope you-all had a great steam convention last fall. Some day I'll have to attend one....and stop missing out.

Cheers from the low Sonoran,

Denny

And don't forget to visit my online photo gallery at: http://www.pbase.com/denny_D
and offer your comments. I’d love a good critique....and to hear your bits of brilliance!

[edin]

Looks like a post-1916 Minneapolis to me, which would place it somewhere between 1916 and 1924, when Minneapolis produced their last steam traction engines. In 1916/1917, Minneapolis made quite a few changes in transitioning from their earlier direct flue engines to their later ones. The top of the steam dome on the boiler of this engine rounded and is not flat like the pre-transition engines. The boiler in this image should have a butt strap joint on the other side of the barrel. I'd venture to guess that it is either a 20 or a 24 HP engine.

Best,

Colt

[ICLIDA]

Looks like a post-1916 Minneapolis to me, which would place it somewhere between 1916 and 1924, when Minneapolis produced their last steam traction engines. In 1916/1917, Minneapolis made quite a few changes in transitioning from their earlier direct flue engines to their later ones. The top of the steam dome on the boiler of this engine rounded and is not flat like the pre-transition engines. The boiler in this image should have a butt strap joint on the other side of the barrel. I'd venture to guess that it is either a 20 or a 24 HP engine.

Best,

Colt

Colt is correct on his discription of this engine. Based on the size of the rear wheels, I would guess that is is not a 20 hp engine but rather a 24 hp.

Tom