The second installment of this column series covering the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association exposition.

An un-restored but working steam-powered cement mixer. Note the steam-powered backhoe in the background. Manufactured by Keystone Driller Corp. in Beaver Falls, Pa., it probably was the only steam-powered backhoe ever manufactured.


Editor's note: This column is the second in a two-part series on the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association exposition in Kinzers, Pa. The first installment appeared in the October 2006 issue.

A small John Deere hit-and-miss gas engine power unit is being used to power a piston water pump with a flat belt.

It was interesting to watch the old steam shovel operate, as well as the old Mack truck, draglines, bulldozers, Euclid earthmovers and excavators. Much of it was before my time, and some of it brought back old memories of when I owned and operated my D-4 Caterpillar.

I rode my electric scooter around the grounds until the batteries gave out, and I had to retire it to recharge. Everything was so interesting that I continued to walk around until my legs finally gave out. Next time, I'll take a bigger scooter with larger batteries, or take my riding mower with a trailer for Bess.

Could this steam-operated drill be that same rope drill that Brown Brothers Drilling purchased in the '30s?

There were people from new babies to people in their nineties enjoying the displays. I would venture to say there were as many - or more - people attending the Rough and Tumble exposition as attend water well conventions.

They provide free parking and free shuttles - tractor-pulling people-trailers - all the time. As one tractor comes in, another is waiting in line. There seldom is any waiting. There are facilities for motor homes and campers - some displaying and selling their goods - on site. However, I think you do have to provide your own water and electric. There are all kinds of food available for sale at reasonable prices. There are restrooms and port-a-toilets everywhere. I believe the fee to attend only is $7 per person.

This type “B” Erie steam shovel, owned by R. Fleetwood in Chester, Pa., was built by Ball Engine Co., Erie, Pa.

For an enjoyable family outing, be sure to attend one of the several Rough and Tumble expositions. They are presented several times a year, May through October. For more information, visitwww.roughandtumble.org.

Incidentally, I received a letter recently from Brown Brothers Drilling in Nottingham, Pa. It states that in the mid-1930s, Maurice Brown and his brother, Ralph Brown, bought a new Keystone rope drill. It was delivered by railcar to Port Deposit, Md., at a cost of around $3,000. Could the steam-operated drill at Rough and Tumble be that same rope drill? I don't suppose there were a lot of manufactured drills sold back in the '30s in the northeastern part of the United States.
ND

Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association Exposition 2007 Schedule:

Tractor Pull: April 21

Spring Steam up: May 1-12

IH Collectors Spring Show & Pull: May 25-26

Blacksmith Days: June 8-9

John Deere Show: July 20-21

Threshermen's Reunion: August 15-18

A Time of Harvest: October 12-13

Membership Banquet: October 27