See-Through Collectible Tractors Highlight Tractor Evolution

See-Through Collectible Tractors Highlight Tractor Evolution TRACTORS Made-It-Myself 25-2-43 You've never seen anything like these see-through model tractors that are designed to highlight the evolution of tractors throughout history. The tractors are made of clear acrylic plastic except for one or two components on each tractor, which are made of shiny brass. The brass components are the first-of-the-kind features that made each tractor famous. At the center of the display is a 1/4-scale Allis-Chalmers WD which is a tribute to Nicholaus Otto, who invented the four-stroke cycle engine which is still the basis of most engines today. The four stroke cycle is seen in brass with plugs firing and the valves opening and closing every other stroke. The tractors and the display were made by Everett and Myra Weber of Lima, Ohio, who exhibit at various toy shows around the U.S. A taped narration describing the tractors on display plays continuously. The display starts with what is considered the first tractor ever. It was powered by steam and served as an artillery tractor. It was invented by a Frenchman named Cugnot in 1769. In 1876 G.S. Berry of California built a steam traction engine that had a combine attachment for harvesting grain. It could also pull a 20-bottom plow and was the first tractor to use lights. It also had the first straw-burning steam engine. In 1892, John Froelich of Iowa invented the first gasoline tractor. This one-cylinder engine tractor was much smaller than comparable horsepower steam engines. A year later, in 1893, Charles Stratton of Pennsylvania invented the first tractor with tracks. However, the tractor still steered with its front wheels. A control wheel for each track at the operator's platform would control the tilt of the 12-in. wide tracks by means of chain linkage. This steam tractor was equipped with an undermount engine. In 1906 Albert Gougis of France invented the pto. His tractor had a resemblance to the later Farmall Regular. In 1917 the first starter appeared on a tractor. It was applied to the Moline-Universal Model D in the U.S. Moline had purchased the Universal Tractor Company of Columbus, Ohio, a few years earlier. The Diesel tractor did not make its appearance in the U.S. until 1931 when Caterpillar used a 650 rpm, 4-cyl. Diesel engine for its Diesel 65 Crawler. In 1933 Harry Ferguson of England invented the 3-pt. and hydraulic system which also included draft control. His black tractor looked like a low elongated Fordson. In 1934 John Deere Co. incorporated the hydraulic lift for tractor-mounted machinery such as cultivators. During 1961 Allis-Chalmers incorporated a turbo supercharger for its D-19 tractor. This gave the 6-cyl. engine a 10 to 15 hp boost. Ev and Myra live just six miles from United States Plastic Corp., which has the world's largest assortment of plastics. Their son Ed has a vacuum form machine, so experiments were soon in process. Wood molds were made and the acrylic transformed into tractors. The strength and durability of the acrylic was questioned, so testing of a tractor was done by placing it outside in 20 below zero temperatures overnight. They then took it in their warm house with no breakage resulting. The 1/4-scale Allis-Chalmers WD has all gears operational from the clutch to the drop axles. The belt pulley, pto, lights, fan, generator, switches and power shift wheels are all operational. Also included in the WD is the starter, all control levers and pedals, all gauges, the hand crank, steering gears plus the non-operational hydraulic system and brakes. The model even includes a 1/4-scale operator's manual. The Webers don't sell these tractors privately. However, they say they may sell two models - an Allis-Chalmers WD and a John Deere A - at a farm toy auction this fall. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Weber's Gem Acres, 5750 Sugar Creek Road, Lima, Ohio 45807 (ph 419 643-3024).

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