Tractor Model Creates Much Interest

L.K. Wood's Quarter Scale Case Traction Engine next to a large Russell engine, in Lehi, Utah.
L.K.'s Quarter Scale Case Traction Engine

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 Thresher Men's convention at Dearborn, Michigan, on July 28th, 1945 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 L.D.S. mission field with Elders Ellis and Robinson of Lehi, a number of years ago1

Notes…

L. K. Wood built several half and quarter scale steam engins over his lifetime. Also he built 1/8 scale sepeators and steam traction engines that steamed and run under their own power. L. K. Wood was known as one of the best of the scale best model builders.

He had displays at many fairs, parades and threshing bees as well as the Utah State Capitiol in 1947 and was invited by Ford Motor Company to display and attend at the National Thresher Men's Convention at Dearborn, Michigan in July of 1945.

  1. Tractor Model Creates Much Interest, Newspaper Article, July, 1945.