1999 Reunion of the Pioneer Engineer's Club of Indiana

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Jim Mulford's 40 Case belted to the Baker fan.

On August 6, 7, and 8, 1999, the Pioneer Engineer's Club of Indiana hosted the J. I. Case Collectors at our 51st Reunion at Rushville, Indiana. The show included Case Steam Engines ranging from a 110 HP traction engine to a 6 HP portable engine. The Kramer family of Eaton, Ohio, brought a ten-ton Case steam roller and Charles Simpson of Indianapolis, Indiana, brought a ten-ton Case cross motor tractor roller. Bill Nash brought a highly unusual Case 40 HP engine. This engine, apparently built for export, has a number of parts and boiler fittings quite unlike the other Case steamers at the show.

The Case tractors on display outnumbered all the other brands and included a two cylinder Case 20-40, a 10-20 three wheeler, and several Case cross motor tractors. The Case Collectors set up a fine display of Case literature and related tractor items in the Case tent in the tractor area.

Austin Monk and Carl Tuttle belted the 100 Case steamer into the sawmill for a while and Milford Ash-worth belted the 20-40 Case tractor into the sawmill as well. Someone commented that the 110 did not seem to pull very hard in the mill, but head-sawyer Charles Richards, pointed out that he was sawing as fast as he could and had sawdust piling up on the elevator. While the 1917 two-cylinder Case tractor did not develop as much power as the 110, it did pull the mill with remark able smoothness.

Once again the Greenville Gang brought a power eater, a Baker, and an Advance engine. However, the Case spirit became so strong that John Holp engineered on Bill Nash's 40 and actually enjoyed himself! Several engines took a turn belting into John Corya's 36-inch steel Case threshing machine, while the power eater, dynamometer, and Baker fan remained in operation throughout the whole show.