Tractor Model Creates Much Interest
An interesting and unusual entry in the parade during the Lehi Roundup Celebration, one which perhaps was only partly appreciated by the patrons, was the model steam tractor entered by L. O. Peterson Implement Company.
This engine was the creation of L. K. Wood of Mendon, Utah, who brought it here for display. It is a true scale model of a 1904 steam traction engine, complete in every detail, even to the tiny copper oil cans. It is built to a scale of three inches to the foot. This is the same model tractor used on many farms in this area by the older farmers.
Mr. Wood stated that it took him ninety, eight hour days to complete it, casting and machining each of the 2,106 separate parts used in the building (the) model himself. He built the tractor five years ago, when materials were more easily obtainable than they are now. Carrying eighty pounds of steam, the tractor is coal fired, and will develop about one and one-half horsepower. Mr. Wood states that it will pull an automobile on a level road. It will consume about fifty pounds of coal a day, and holds four gallons of water.
Mr. Wood has had several cash offers for his machine, recently turning down one offer of one thousand dollars. He has exhibited it in state and county fairs throughout the intermountain west in the interest of the Case Company. He has also built two smaller models, which he has been invited to display at the national threshermen’s convention at Dearborn, Michigan, on July 28, by the Ford Motor Company.
Mr. Wood is engaged in the building and rebuilding of farm machinery at Mendon, and began his model making as a hobby. He stated that this was his first stop over at Lehi, having only passed through here on the train. He recalled having labored in the LDS mission field with Elders Ellis and Robinson of Lehi, a number of years ago.
