IH Tractors on Montana Farm

[Ron Cook]

Well, I can't be outdone!!!! Here is a photo of me with my combo, The Falcons, at the Sioux City Air Force Base Officer's Club. 1959. I am standing, playing the 1947 Gibson ES-150 that is almost larger than I am. It was actually my dad's guitar at the time. I have it still and it still plays as nice as can be. The frets are getting quite worn, however. The Falcons went out of business.

Ron

[updraft]

Being an accumulator of many things, I have some musical instruments buried away, but have no pictures of them to share. I know there is a clarinet (not one that I played in school band), a violin, two autoharps, and I am not sure what else. The grandaddy of them all however is my circa 1885 Boston Chickering concert grand piano. It was given to me when I was a boy because I had and interest in the paino and the lady who owned it could not take it when she moved. I never had lessons so I only played around with it rather than learning how to play it. Sadly, due to a lack of space the paino is currently stored on it's side under a tarp in my garage right in front of the 1937 Case CC3.

Today I took some pictures of what are known in this area as Genesee Oaks. These White Oaks survive in the Genesee River Valley and on high ground near the valley. The average life of these trees is 150 to 300 years and some may have sat quietly while Seneca Indians passed by them. Fortunately these old trees are well respected and stand proudly in many worked fields as well as cattle and horse pastures.

These two pictures were taken in the Town of Geneseo, NY, but for Delta's benefit, many also stand in the town of Av_on, NY. (next town to the North).

To keep an IH tractor in mind, this is a front shot of my IH 340U patiently waiting for a job to do.

[Old Binder Guy]

Ron,

That's a neat old photograph and I'm glad you still have it. I'm envious of your Gibson! Not jealous, just envious. My old Bacon Peerless banjo is suffering some of the same with its frets. They're not too badly worn, like an old plectrum banjo used to have (until I loaned it to a friend). It was badly worn, but a neat old banjo anyway.

Not that I can't be outdone by the extinct Falcons. This was the Moore High School Rythm Aires in 1961. That's my old cheapo Kay electric guitar again...

Music instruments I had in 1962.

This was some of what I had, in the basement, in 1978. I sure miss my pedal steel... Gary

[Ron Cook]

Gary,

Nice instruments all. Even the el-cheapo Kay. It would not be a very good world without instruments and music. I have a pedal steel here. I have not figured out how to run that thing.

Charlie,

That Chickering Grand is a great thing to own. Good for you!!! It would not fit in our house. Well, if you could get it in, it would fit without any furniture in the room. Our piano is a 1958 Acrosonic spinet. We were able to stand it on end to come through the door and around a corner into the livingroom.

Ron

[Old Binder Guy]

Charlie, I hadn't seen your post when I posted my last post in reply to Ron. That was so thoughtful of you to post a picture of an IH tractor! I've spent some time on a 340 Utility and they were a good tractor. I've not seen a "cab" like yours before. That's also neat you have that grand piano. I'd have to move to utilize it so I can understand why it is in the garage with a Case tractor.

Ron, which pedal steel do you have? They are a bugger to play. I'd say they make an accordion "a piece of simplicity" to play, but once you get them figured out a little they "build" fast. I don't read music, but I had some tablature stuff that came with mine to get me going and it grew from there. That tablature showed me some positions and that was the small boost I needed. Mine was a 12 string E-9th (Nashville) tuning with three pedals and four levers. The kid that wanted it and I sold it to has done fantastic with it.

Yesterday, I went to Silver Creek after lunch, to give my 1926 Model T a good washing and cleaning. This Saturday in Helena is the Queen City Car Show. I want to take it to the parade. It is no show car, but driving by at 45 mph, it catches people's eye! I used several buckets of hot water and dish soap to get the "oil scum" off of the engine and firewall, axles and wheels, etc. It still needs done underneath the car, but this was good enough for now. Model Ts seem to spread oil over everything, over time. This is the engine all cleaned.

This was the wool, original pattern interior and carpet after working on it.

She still looks pretty fair for a "farmer restoration." Gary

[FRF]

And you say it ain't a show car. That is one fine ride!!

[updraft]

I second that with a big ditto, Robert.

[Old Binder Guy]

I don't have much to offer tonight. I recently took some pictures up into the rafters of the shed at Silver Creek. I'm storing some things up there for future display in the shop. In the meantime... This first one shows an old wooden rake, wooden pitchfork, calf oxen training yoke and an old wagon jack.

This one is of some eveners, neck yokes, scythe and grain cradle.

This is a picture I took of an old pair of "vise grips" that had been on the homestead, way longer than I could remember. They work and Dad used them frequently, but they are blood blister causing junk, but they'll display fine! Gary

[Delta Dirt]

Been in the background just looking in here on class occasionally via my cell phone----------ya'll been talking about all these fancy musical instruments and sorta made me feel like an outsider. I have played an AM radio before-------but couldn't keep it tuned for very long.

In thinking about the AM radios--------it really wasn't too long ago that you were riding in style if you did have an AM radio in your car or truck. Seems like the first AM/FM radio I had in a pickup was about 1980------and I do remember installing a long distance booster antena for the FM signal---------it was really considered a rare item around here.

Always enjoyed music----------while my taste wanders from time to time. Both the wife and myself are sorta at the stage now where nothing sounds better than pure and uninterupted silence.

And--------really appreciate the calmness associated with "Updraft's" blue sky tree photos; that is after inspecting a large tract of timber and CRP acreage a couple of Saturdays ago via 4-wheeler (in the rain------but at least it was cool). I was following along with a couple of "young bucks" that ran at a little faster pace than this old codger. (couple of more weeks--------and I may be back to normal)

Uhhhhh-------------don't forget the underside of the Model T Professor; looking good on what we can see.

Delta Dirt

Avon, Ms 38723

[Old Binder Guy]

This is those old "vise grips" opened up.

This is a picture of some old (and a couple of newer pieces of) fishing gear (including a Winchester Repeating Arms bamboo rod.), an old hoe, two broad axes, Grandpa Simpson's bucksaw and a couple of post diggers.

With the Case steam engine outside now, and Mike's Farmall M moved to another spot, this shows the building materials that took the Farmall M's spot in the shed. Of course my 1939 Farmall H is setting there, being that invincible IH Tractor on a Montana Farm for this month! Gary

[Old Binder Guy]

Well, Anson!

You are still out there! I don't understand all of this cell phone talk of attending class that way. I didn't know you called me? I'm surmising you have one of those NEW "flip phones" like my TracPhone? It makes phone calls, except inside all of the dead holes in Montana. I don't know if that has something to do with us being barely smaller than California and Texas, but only having a million people? Actually when I started this thread, I think we were still under 700,000 people here? Now both of my daughters have Eyefones or Blueberrys. I guess they also make phone calls and may be will even take pitchers. I've seen them both "brushing the dirt off" of their screens. Anyway, welcome home Anson!

Gary

[Loadstar]

Yesterday, I went to Silver Creek after lunch, to give my 1926 Model T a good washing and cleaning. This Saturday in Helena is the Queen City Car Show. I want to take it to the parade. It is no show car, but driving by at 45 mph, it catches people's eye!

She still looks pretty fair for a "farmer restoration." Gary

Gary, your Model T looks close enough to show quality for me. I wouldn't want a collector car that was restored so fine that I was afraid to have some fun driving it.

Like my old 40 in this pic from today. It is still in it's "working clothes" and is always ready for any little job around the farm like moving a wagon of seed today.

[Roger Byrne]

I figured I'd better report in . . . . it's been a while. Now don't think I haven't been keeping track of things, I check on what's going on here every day, I just haven't had much of anything to add to the conversations. It's good to see that OBG finally found time to give his Coupe a little TLC . . . I think it's probably felt a little neglected with all the work on the Reeves and other distractions. He's definitely got a great looking T and with that Ruckstell 2-speed rearend, I'm sure it's a real go'er too. Say there Gary, maybe I should join you at the car show with one of my Ts? Now if I can average 35MPH and have someone with me so we can drive straight through for the 1200 miles from my place to yours, that's only about 35 hours. Oh, I forgot they won't let me on the interstate at a 35-40MPH so I guess I'd have to use back roads which will add a lot more miles and slow down my average speed. I think I'll pass on the Helena car show this year, maybe another time.

[Old Binder Guy]

Ralph, I hear you about wanting to use something instead of cleaning it. I like work clothes stuff as well. Check out the picture of the Farmall H from my last post. She's no glamour girl. And I know it was refreshing for you to use the old Cockshutt 40 again.

Roger knows I'd rather drive than clean as well. Sometimes you have to pick up your dirty clothes at home and sometimes you have to make the Model T shine.

Yesterday, I spent about three hours on making the brake lights, turn signals, and one headlight work again. I built the brake light setup and the turn signal apparatus myself. I'm not sure if I was too cheap, but likely wanted the challenge of building them. I put those two things on it so others may have a better idea of what I was intending to do, when driving. They weren't mandatory, as it didn't come with them from the factory (as well as seat belts!). Model Ts start slow and stop slower, which other drivers don't always think about when competing with us for roadspace. Anyway, I put a picture of the Model T's "cockpit" on here and the little brass plate between the steering column and the "instrument cluster", below the dash is what I built for the turn signals. I also installed a modern forked type fuse holder (the yellow thing in the picture) between those lights and the ignition power source on the ignition switch. When I saw the fuse was burned out. "EASY FIX ," was the thought from the back of my brain, or lack thereof. I put in a new fuse and still nothing worked. Almost every bulb also burned out. I replaced all bulbs, had to take the switch apart and rewire it (meticulous thinking on my part) and put that all back together. That brass plate that I'd installed... I didn't want to drill any holes in my dash, so I built a "clamp-widget" to hold it under the dash. I saw where that had been bumped and arced with a hot post, causing my problems. Now that switch is wrapped in electrical tape. Then I had a problem with the headlight bulb. It checked out with a multi-meter but I couldn't get continuity through everything, so I spent at least an hour on that headlight. I finally pursuaded a new light bulb to work, without pulling out my hair (Yes, Roger, I don't have the hair to spare. ). Anyway, I finally got those three things working again, but it took more than the "few minutes" my mind first imagined it should take. At least now, I feel safer with that stuff working. I don't want someone hitting "my baby", you know. Gary

[Roger Byrne]

Gary, your Model T is too new and complicated for me. Electric lights, instrument panel, extra shifting levers . . . I like things simple!!

[M Diesel]

Those vice grips look more like a menace than a solution. But until something better came along...

Neat stuff on the turn signal, getting pretty fancy. It would make me feel better too if it was mine.

I know it has been explained before, but could somebody explain the C R B and the lever? (One of these days it will stick, I promise.)

[Roger Byrne]

The three pedals on the floor are the Clutch/high/low, Reverse and Brake. The left C pedal has three functions: press it all the way to the floor and hold it there, that puts you in low gear * hold it at the half-way point and you are in neutral * let it all the way back and you go into high gear. The center pedal R: press it down when the C pedal is in the neutral position and you go in reverse. The B pedal, that's the brake. The lever on the far left is the emergency brake and it has three positions. You pull it all the way back and the emergency brake is engaged and the high speed gears are locked out. Moving it about halfway forward, the emergency brake is released and the left C pedal is still held in the neutral position keeping the transmission form going into high gear. With the lever all the way forward, the C pedal has all three of its functions. It's easier to get used to doing these things than it is to explain it. To go ahead, release the emergency brake to the halfway point. Mash down on the C pedal, you're in low gear and away you go. When you get up to speed, set the emergency brake lever all the way forward and let the C pedal all the way out and you're in high gear. Now to go back in low, just push the C pedal back down and your there . . . let it all the way back out and you're back in high. If you want neutral you can just hold your foot on the C pedal in the middle position. If you want reverse, just push down on the R pedal when the transmission is in neutral . . either by holding the C pedal in neutral with your foot or holding it there with the emergency brake lever in the middle position. These same things apply for the use of the B pedal for stopping, you want the transmission in neutral so you don't kill the engine. I imagine that this is about as clear as the Mississippi river going by Delta Dirt's farm. As long as you have driven a manual transmission vehicle before, the learning of the clutch system on a Model T won't take you very long . . .it's easy to get the hang of it.

Here is a good Web Page that goes into more detail on the operation of a Model T: http://www.barefoots...-beginners.html

[FRF]

No wonder the older folks were good dancers...

[M Diesel]

Well no offense meant towards Delta, but the word smithing is much cleaner than the Mississippi. I'm ready for a solo. Thanks, that cleared up several unknowns for me.

[Delta Dirt]

Man-----------------talkin about confusing. I sure hope we ain't gonna have a test on this Model T shifting.

Looks like Robert S made a good observation there-----------all we need now is the Professor playing the accordian and the "University" (aka Roger) cutting a rug on the dance floor to the tune of the "T-Model Shuffle".

And--------------we've got a local blues muscian named T-Model Ford that could probably fall right in there and set a fast beat. Last account I had of T-Model Ford--------he was still going strong. He is well into his eighties and plays alot of college venues----real lively music. Never have seen T-Model falter------------but did see them have to switch out drummers one night due to the drummer passing out in the middle of a song. Wish I had a video----------but old T-Model never missed a beat with his guitar and vocals while other members of the band drug the seemingly lifeless drummer out of the way and another drummer stepped in and took his place. (sorta appeared that this might not have been the first time for this to happen???)

Reckon it's all in a night's work for the blues circuit. (the beat goes on!!!!)

Delta Dirt

Avon, Ms 38723

[Old Binder Guy]

Gary, your Model T is too new and complicated for me. Electric lights, instrument panel, extra shifting levers . . . I like things simple!!

Roger,

I'd kind of have to agree with you, regarding the non-working electrical lights, huge instrument cluster with gauges, many extra levers to deal with; I understand. I love that 1911 Open Runabout of yours, but can you imagine the stinking, muddy gook inside of your carbide generator you have to clean out after running yours in the dark? Now, that stuff IS YUCKY. Gary

[updraft]

This little clip should mesh right in here. Not new, but always enjoyable. I may like other renditions better, but I like the vidio with this one. Enjoy.

http://youtu.be/MtthjOHUJ1w

[Old Binder Guy]

Charlie,

While I've seen some of that footage, I've not seen this exact video and not with "Lord Mr. Ford" music to go with it. I sang that song at the Moccasin Cabaret Capers program about 45 years ago and couldn't believe how it came back as I heard it, but there is no way I could do that again. Thanks for posting that and making my day! I have to go look at some Model T parts shortly, so I am not posting here today, other than this.

Gary

[Ron Cook]

OBG,

I'll have to get back to you on the steel guitar. It is packed away.......somewhere. It actually is owned by a friend that left for Alaska years ago and hasn't come back to pick it up. One time, I set it up and tried to tune and play it with no great success. Put it away and it is still put away. After some 25 years, I only remember that the case is black. I have a 5 string Gibson RB that belongs to a cousin that has been in the closet here since he and it came home from 'Nam in about '71.  I can't play it very well, but better than that steel!

I also have a Fender Coronado II I bought new in Dec of 1966. Ordered it then and got it about a month later. Traded in my 1962 Fender Jaguar that was just too heavy. I was wanting a Gretch Tennessean, but in those days of a whole world of guitar nuts everywhere, the waiting list was about 6 months long for the Gretch. I should have waited.

I got old and lazy and it is just too much to set up an amplifier and such to play those instruments by myself. So, when the mood grabs me I just pick up an acoustic flattop and strum a little. Currently a Zager, or the old Gibson ES150. But once in awhile with enough liquid refreshment to cloud their better judgement, people have been known to let me play their early 50's Martin D28. Now that is a nice guitar.

I do have a RED TRACTOR project I am working on.

[updraft]

Charlie,

While I've seen some of that footage, I've not seen this exact video and not with "Lord Mr. Ford" music to go with it. I sang that song at the Moccasin Cabaret Capers program about 45 years ago and couldn't believe how it came back as I heard it, but there is no way I could do that again. Thanks for posting that and making my day! I have to go look at some Model T parts shortly, so I am not posting here today, other than this.

Gary

Ron,

That is a nice piece of iron in your picture. I like it.

OBG,

Pleased that Mr. Ford hit the spot. Interesting how good music is timeless.