This past weekend I went down to PA to go to the Rough & Tumble Engineers Thresherman's Reunion. My girlfriend has some relatives near R&T's grounds, so she had plenty to keep her occupied, and I got a chance to see the tractors, traction engines, stationary engines, steam engines, heat engines, etc. that R&T has on display . . . If you are interested in the history of the combustion engine, it is definitely worth a visit. Watching steam and antique tractor pulls is also a pretty good time in my opinion, too. (And I got to pick up a Gravely chassis for my diesel conversion project).

While I was down there, I got to meet "Steam Dave" and "Wannadiesel" in person. They are both excellent fellows. Steam Dave gave me a great tour of the R&T grounds from the platform of his 1895 Frick steam traction engine, and a run-down on the basics of steam engine operation.

Wannadiesel was kind enough to come up and meet me where I was staying on Saturday morning, so that we could head down to his place, where he installed a beautiful stainless steel set screw in front of my dowel pin (which was solid, BTW), and was kind enough to let me use his spare turbo gaskets to FINALLY (a year and a half later) install my "new" Hx35 instead of the H1C. (He also humored my anti-seize compound habit . . . )The truck ran happily on the trip home, and now it is time to start adding fuel again . . .

Wannadiesel's truck moves out pretty well, by the way. I've never seen a pyro move so quickly. And if you happen to be following, make sure you don't let him out of sight -- you might come around a corner to find a small OBLITERATING CLOUD OF SOOT in your path.

 

That Dave is an OK guy. Tell him Joel said that.

 

I second or is it now third that motion

And yes he is a give his shirt off his back kind of guy

Michael

 

HAHA. never seize is the best stuff around. it works wonders on everything. It is also great for when you want to take something apart 3 years down the road, the bolts come out like they just went in. it only takes a few extra seconds to use and it well worth it.

Coop

 

I had a good time Saturday, too. Alec's a good guy, except for the not liking turbo noise thing. Got a screw loose or something - probably too much anti-seize.

I expect your pyro to be pushing 1200 degrees soon, Alec.

Thanks for lunch.

 

There is a guy that owns a motorcycle shop in Delaware. He runs a steam tractor his name I Butch Bisector (I know his laast name is spelled wrong sorry Butch). Was he up there by any chance.

 

You realize Wannadiesel's head is now so big he'll have to buy a mega cab.

 

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?

 

[quote]not liking turbo noise /[quote]

It's true -- my turbo has Wannadiesel's silencer ring in it, from his first hx-35. I like to be able to hear the turbo, but just enough to know it is still under the hood . Wannadiesel's not married though, so he should still want his hearing, too .

I didn't meet anyone named Butch, but I know at least one of the fellow's who keeps his engine at R&T is from Delaware -- maybe I have his name on a program or something.

 

I don't think wanna will ever give up his truck- even for a mega cab. Although he did like the ride of the third gens

How could he not like I wish I could have more

Michael