Today I mostly drove a Traction engine

[Fastmongrel]

Went to the Chipping Steam Fair and helped out a buddy with his steamer. 12 tons and flat out at 15mph. Everybody gives you respect on the road ☺️
IMG_20220528_115708626_HDR.jpg IMG_20220528_115802551_HDR.jpg

[Fastmongrel]

It has been pointed out by a picky female that I didn't spend the whole day driving a traction engine but actually spent most of the day gossiping eating ice cream and drinking beer.

Women always got to drag you back to reality

[6]

That thing is rad.

What exactly is it?

[tian647]

It's a steam engine - the original agricultural tractors.

My Pop plays with those, part of an 'old threshers' club that pool their historic resources -- he runs the sawmill which is sometimes powered by a steam engine like this, although usually just from an old Farmall with a belt-drive.

[bones]

That is awesome!
Did you get the thing 'balls out' during your adventure?

Most of the members around here know I own some prewar antique cars so I love old machinery like what you drove.
That thing is an awesome beast.

[Fastmongrel]

According to Gibson the owner it's capable of 15mph but that would be terrifying and unless you were on an empty runway it wouldn't end well. It's got a parking brake but it doesn't work on the move the only way to stop is to put it in reverse and cross your fingers.

[Fastmongrel]

That thing is rad.

What exactly is it?

It's a Traction engine or Road locomotive used for hauling heavy loads or acting as a power source for machinery like a stone breaking mill.

Case were a big manufacturer of steam machines.

https://youtu.be/EVxByLO_6cA