Lighting up Reynolds Museum's own mighty 1911 Nichols & Shepard 30-96 steam traction engine for the first time in the 2017 season.This massive behemoth is affectionately known as "Big Nick" and is one of the most powerful steam tractors operating in Canada today.With a full head of steam on this traction engine delivers a whopping 96 horsepower and roughly 1250ft/lbs of torque at the flywheel from it's two cylinder simple expansion engine, drawbar horsepower is rated at 30.
The steam engine makes use of the famous Stephenson twin eccentric valve gear system to control engine direction and variable steam cutoff.This tractor is fitted with a solid drive pin to bypass the clutch under heavy load, locking the crankshaft directly to the output drive gears when heavy traction work is required such as plowing, this prevents clutch damage due to excessive slippage.A huge thanks must be extended to the Reynolds Alberta Museum for lending out their vintage machinery for our group to gain steam hours towards our heritage steam operators certificates.
Com: Reyn: I was 8 or 9 years old, the old farmer down the road had one of these, he would occasionally take it out and walk around the field. We (my brother) used to ride our bikes instead. he would always ask what are you doing here. I clearly remember he was trying to be rude about it but he was so proud to ask for his pride and joy there and then he was always taking us around the lane. I think I was the only kid who took care of his machine. I don't remember any of the kids there, so I think he also enjoyed our time with that monster. I was 14 or 15 when he died, I remember selling everything ashtrays to farm equipment on the day of the auction and selling it to the farm the next day. I remember the feeling I saw the Ole steam tractor being winched on the deck trailer. It broke my heart that I could never go with her again. My first experience with the death of someone I'm close to.
