Sunday, September 20, 2026

Weekend Steam III: Yesteryears At Old Threshers!

 Here's a collection of photos we have from Midwest Old Threshers at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa from the 1950s into the early 2000s. If you have followed this blog for a while you will recognize many of the pictures.

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Under Pressure!

 Cooler weather should be moving in next week and we will push ahead with this sycamore project. Hickory and black oak trees also await!

One Of My Favoritest Trees! Kentucky Coffee Tree

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Country Sun

 We never tire of sunrise and sunset. It's a new show every time. This thunderhead near St. Louis provided a little crepuscular ray action the other day.



Case 150, Southwest Missouri, This Weekend!


Who is ready for the 64th Annual Steam-O-Rama?!

We are hosting the J.I. Case Heritage Foundation EXPO and Kory Anderson's 150HP Case Steam Engine - the largest steam traction engine in the world!

Kory will be giving rides and demonstrations with the engine at 11AM all four days! Thursday-Saturday, join him in the Stark Steam Engine Motel at 2:30 PM for a discussion about the 150.

For more info, please visit our website: steamorama.com

Southwest Missouri Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association Branch 16

Whinrey Homestead

Address: 6065 St Hwy O, Ash Grove, MO 65604 / I-44 exit 58 (Halltown exit)

Admission: $10 per person; 12 and under free with adult supervision; $25 season's pass good for all 4 days!

 

Monday, September 14, 2026

Tuesday Torque: Coolspring Power Museum

Merle picked a Must-See for engine lovers. Coolspring Power Museum is a collection that will overwhelm your senses. There is more history than you can imagine, and you should look up videos online to get a sample, then plan your trip to Pennsylvania. Thanks, Merle!

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Makin' Little Ones Out Of Big Ones

 There are a few pieces from up high that I can pick up, but nearly all of this sycamore has to be handled by the loader. Rolling those big chunks around on the splitter is enough of a challenge for this old man! The moisture is checking out around 50%, and you can see free water come out when the wedge digs in. This will take a few days.

                                          Back To The Old Grind!

Weekend Steam II: U.P. 844 Highballing!

 After all the excitement about Big Boy 4014 this year, we need to remember Number 844, the only steam locomotive that was never retired, and also run by Union Pacific. According to an interview with Ed Dickens, the 844 needs some work done on it, but steam locos are known for their high maintenance demands, and I am sure U.P. will be featuring 844 again. It is a beast of an engine!  Many thanks to Merle for this!