Congrats to Glen and crew for putting this awesome machine together, it's been fun following along with the build. Can't wait to see it fully assembled and in shiny new paint! Well done everybody.

Hey Team,

Thank you... It's an exciting journey and way to cool tractor. There are so many people that have contributed towards this tractor that I can't take credit, well only a small part. Ed Akin had a dream and I said we should do it. A few people at different times in life have told me that a dream or idea was to far fetched and wouldn't happen. I shake my head NO to that negative thinking... It gives me drive and energy to prove them wrong. I got serious and talked to Ed showing my desire to make his dream a reality. He thought I was crazy too, but guided me to the realization that if we were to be successful, we needed a major player to join us... Peterson Tractor. Knowing that all three originals were Peterson Builds, it only made sense. I called and set up a meeting with Duane Doyle the driving force at Peterson Tractor now. We all liked the idea and came to a gentlemans agreement. Ed provided the tractors and stripped them down to the frames and cases. I trucked the major components. I had the Engines rebuilt. Peterson assembled. Ed took the role of getting the major parts. This turned out to be a major task. So many changes to cases, transmissions, gearing, that trying to get matching components became such a challenge. Peterson had so many people working getting to the end result that it was mind boggling. One mechanic, Phil Robbins went up and beyond. Such a talented guy. He was on Littlefield's team in his spare time rebuilding Tanks too. I have become friends with Phil, but don't tell him, I don't want him to know... Hahaha... Duane and his Team have done such a great job. I would get calls from Phil asking for stuff outside the system. I would supply, round stock, brass, pipe, lights, cable, seats... And Ed probably dismantled a dozen Cats to get enough parts. It's been a cool journey, but I just want to make it perfectly clear that it's been a Team Effort and Peterson has taken the lead. It wouldn't have gotten done without Peterson Tractor. As always, the Success is driven by Team Effort...
Thanks Everyone
Glen

Congratulations Glen, Ed, Duane, Phil and the whole team! What a milestone!

I hadn't thought about starting both main engines before. It doesn't seem like pony start for the left engine would be feasible. With the hood and sheet metal in there, I don't think you could reach the levers. At the time the originals were built, I think direct electric start was available, but not very common. Do you know if the originals used electric start for both engines, pony for both or one of each?

I think you mentioned before that maybe the originals didn't have the inner drive connection, so starting one engine with the other might not have been an option. I guess push start would still work, if necessary.

Very nice work. I'm looking forward to seeing it in person.

Pete.

Hey Team,

Well... We are rounding the corner and full steam ahead on the last straight away... The Siamese got Painted Today... Again.... Tomorrow Steve and I will Team up with Phil and some more Peterson guys. We need to install floor decks, fuel tanks, seats, hoods, grills, and dozer blade. We will be real close by end of day tomorrow. It's being shipped out Thursday...
I'll post pictures soon...
Glen

Thank you Glen.

"7upuller" wrote:

Hey Team,

Well... We are rounding the corner and full steam ahead on the last straight away... The Siamese got Painted Today... Again.... Tomorrow Steve and I will Team up with Phil and some more Peterson guys. We need to install floor decks, fuel tanks, seats, hoods, grills, and dozer blade. We will be real close by end of day tomorrow. It's being shipped out Thursday...
I'll post pictures soon...
Glen

Great. Looking forward to seeing the completely assembled pictures. Your team has done a great job not only recreating but also creating history.

Hey OldIronHabit,

Thank you for your comments. We worked really hard today. We are going for it all day tomorrow too. Inch by Inch. There is so much paint on this tractor that things don't fit anymore.... Hahahaha

The paint still looks wet with how nice of a glossy finish they got out of it.
This whole job is nothing less than impressive.

I'm just gonna say it: If seeing that tractor doesn't make you smile, then you don't have a soul. Period

Bad@ss Glen and crew!

BP