Early October saw Cousin M and I trekking to Bismarck for the Kraft vintage tractor auction. As usual, this trip would be another road trip to remember. After driving nearly 900 miles, we were treated to "No room at the Inn" from Dickinson to nearly Jamestown thanks in part to all the Norskies celebrating their heritage at the Host Fest in Minot that week. Finally locating a room in a dive, we soon discovered what appeared to be dried blood on the walls. Being too tired to continue hunting for another room, we agreed to sleep with one eye open at all times. Daylight helped determine that the offending splatter was ketchup which relieved our minds somewhat.
The next day at the auction preview we viewed approximately 60 vintage tractors, 95% of which were running as well as a nice selection of stationary engines. The order of auction would be farm equipment and miscellaneous first, stationary engines second, vintage tractors third and lastly a 1927 Model T fordor sedan and a 78 Corvette. The makings of a long day for sure. We arrived early the next AM only to be held up about three miles from the sale by a coal train which blocked the road for 45 minutes. No need to worry as we were plenty early anyway as our bidder numbers were 1 & 2. We had chosen a couple of B John Deeres (one on steel wheels) as likely "take me homes" as well as a nice R model. I was hot to pick up a stationary engine, but the bidding soon exceeded my budget (alright, I'm cheap), but Cuz won the bid on a nice 1940 model B. Most of the tractors went dirt cheap and I'm sure the owner lost money on quite a few.
I was more than a little interested in the Corvette which had received a frame off restoration but needed a new interior. My lust was tempered by the wife's reminder that the next car I brought home would have to run well enough to get me to divorce court. Fortunately (for me) the Vette was withdrawn from the sale when bidding didn't even cover the cost of the work already done to it. Cuz managed to satisfy his cravings for a T by placing the high bid after the auctioneer worked the crowd over to drive up the price. It was indeed sad to see the tears in the eyes of the owner as we departed, but he can rest assured, the T will be equally loved and cherished in its new home. Loading the T indicated the need for reverse band tightening, but we were able to get it loaded and secured as the sun set. After a brief visit with friends and relatives, we headed west for the coast. We were able to maintain nearly legal limit speeds, but were still treated to plenty of thumbs up from passerbys and lots of interest at fuel stops. Nothing like trailering a nice Model T to get the ladies to wave at two old geezers!
Two weeks later we were once again heading to Bismarck, this time to retrieve the John Deere. Upon arriving in Bismarck, we were unable to fire the B (cranking is done by spinning the flywheel) and finally resorted to towing it. Once loaded and secure, we were treated to a farm friendly cup of coffee (and delicious lemon bars) by our hosts, the Meidingers. Soon we were off and as the trailer tires were at capacity we drove west at more moderate speeds. We were barely able to keep up with the slower semi's, so were passed by most everybody on the Interstate. This time the waves were only from a few old farmers, probably wondering what those two crazy old goats wanted with an old John Deere!
Cuz has his work cut out for this winter, polishing the T and getting the B's fuel and ignition systems back in shape for the coming summer's parades. As for me, it's back to taping the garage ceiling after recovering from truck stop food poisoning and (hopefully) reassembling the 26 T that has been lanquishing in various corners of the shop and storage units. Wish me luck.
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