2004 Hartford Fair Photos
Loading up some of the fleet for the Fair. Again Joe was able to borrow the semi tractor and trailer from his employer for hauling duties. The W-9 looks pretty spiffy in this shot--good thing this isn't a close up!
At right is our line up for the 2004 Fair. The Cub is peering out from between its protectors, the 460 and Super M. L~R: F-20, 460, Cub Lo-Boy, Super M, W-9, 400 and Fred's H. The F-30 is on site but not in this photo.
At left is the Baker Test Fan. This merciless beast is wanted throughout the county for killing tractors. It's amazing how much of a load this contraption can put on a tractor. This fan was built by the Baker Traction Engine Company to test load their Baker steam traction engines. It is rated for 100 HP.
At left, Andi at the wheel of the 460 during the Parade. She's gonna get a butt-chewing for riding that clutch pedal again! The 460's chassis is starting to shed paint and needs redone. The rather aged tires got a spiffin' prior to the Fair with some Miller Tire Company tire paint. That stuff works great!
At left, Mike on the F-30 is towing Gary Shannon's Reid Stationary Engine during the Parade.
Right: Dean and Sam on the F-20 during the Parade towing the Old Oak Farm Farmall trailer that Mike and Bill restored. Jake is one of the kids in the trailer; I've got no idea who the others are!
What's right with this picture? Bill is towing a Puller to the scales for the OSTPA event at the Fair.
At right, I am getting instructions from Chuck Wilson prior to the start of the Pull. Chuck is 100% LOLATC, and he makes sure we get our due recognition by having a few of us assemble in front of the grandstand during the National Anthem.
At left is Fred Graham's nicely finished M. This tractor belonged to Dad, and we sold it to Fred shortly after Dad died. The red/white placard on the channel frame reads "BIG RED BOB OLD OAK FARM. That is a touching tribute to the Old Man. Fred insisted he park the M with our line up. Cool.
At right is Bill on his immaculate 400. He is finally reaping the rewards of 11 months of heartache, headaches, and $$$ in getting this tractor rebuilt and restored. Bill experienced no mechanical problems with the 400 during Fair Week, so we now think the tractor no longer hates him.
Fred on his H during the Parade. Our tractor habit would be hurting for sure if it weren't for Fred's selfless donation of time and skill in getting us and our toys hauled around.
Nancy and Dean's son, Peter, with the Cub Lo-boy. He wants to graduate to the H next year, but it needs work.
A pic of the wagon Bill and Mike dolled up for the Fair. Mike laid out the block IH logo so if any overhead shots of the Fair were taken, the photographer was sure to get an eyeful. The Farmall and International plates are the old ones from Bill's 400.
The annual post Parade group photo op featuring the usual suspects. Where are Joe and Andi?
Faired-out and bummed-out. The Fair comes to an end, and Bill's 400 is the last piece to go home. The 400 is an appropriate backdrop for this photo. Bill left last year's Fair vowing to get his 400 in perfect condition and indeed he did for this year.