This model traction engine was based on a full-size tractor from J.I. Case & Co. The model was built at a scale of 3/4”:1’. Plans for this working model steam tractor were re-released by Village Press in the form of a spiral bound book. Though this model actually burns alcohol to make steam, it looks like a wood burner due to the large boxes on the rear corners filled with firewood.
One of the first large donations to the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum was the collection of famed model engine builder Rudy Kouhoupt. Rudy’s niece, Susan Alvaro, was kind enough to donate his entire lifetime engine collection for display at the grand opening of the museum in 2006. After retiring as a chemist, Rudy had a second career building engines and writing magazine articles documenting the process. Many people have built his models, but we have the honor of displaying all of his original prototypes. Rudy’s collection includes scale model engines, locomotives, tractors and more. Additionally, thirteen of Rudy’s model steam engines are hooked up to run on compressed air to demonstrate their function.
