Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

One-of-a-kind Bathtub D John Deere on display at New Rockford steam show this weekend

The 63rd annual Central North Dakota Steam Threshers Reunion is steaming our way on Sept. 17-19. This year's feature is John Deere, and a special green guest is already generating buzz in the region.

That's right, the famous "Bathtub D" tractor is traveling all the way to New Rockford for the special event. The tractor, discovered in 1992 by a construction crew in Waterloo, Iowa, dates back to the early 20th century when John Deere was looking to improve on its Model "N" version.

The result was a series of experimental tractors that eventually led to the "Waterloo Boy," a two-cylinder, two-speed tractor that remained in production until 1924. It's believed that Bathtub D is one of those experimental tractors, making it truly a one-of-a-kind machine.

However, due to its experimental nature, no drawings or blueprints existed to guide current owner, Dan Thomas, during the restoration process. Instead, Thomas was forced to rely on his knowledge of early 20th century machinery, and the written notes of a long-deceased designer named Louis Witry to assist in the restoration. Witry's notes referred to the experimental machine as the "bathtub tractor," because its main case was bathtub-shaped.

In an article for The John Deere Journal (johndeerejournal.com), Wendell Kelch, who assisted Thomas with the restoration, said "they had to think like an engineer of 100 years ago and focus on the technology of the day."

Using present-day Waterloo Boy parts and their piece-meal method of restoration, Thomas and Kelch brought an obscure, experimental tractor from the 1920s out from under its shroud of mystery for all to see. Bathtub D was on exhibit at the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, from 2017 to 2020, and will be making the 1,100-mile trek from Plain City, Ohio to New Rockford this weekend.

Tractor enthusiasts can watch Bathtub D, and other steam-powered tractors from its era, in operation at the daily parade of engines at 2 p.m. There will also be a "tractor trek" on Thursday, Sept. 16, where tractors will depart from New Rockford en route to Bremen, N.D.

Daily events throughout the weekend include an outdoor flea market, indoor craft show, and sawmill threshing demonstrations.  

For musical entertainment, attendees can enjoy the sounds from special guests Randy Fauth and Greg Hager. Friday night music with Country Cousins and the music jamboree are also options at 6 p.m. on Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday, respectively.

A hearty Threshermen's breakfast will be served daily from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m in the Cook Car, and Eddy County 4-H will be hosting a roast beef dinner on Saturday and Sunday. A variety of food vendors will also be available on the grounds throughout the weekend.

The full schedule of events for the weekend is published on page B4.

 
 
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