I'm a pretty new member to the BB, but I've been observing for a while. It's great to see the wealth of knowledge that is accumulated here. I've been around Cats (mostly older) for as long as I can remember. My grandfather had a small collection of antique Caterpillars that the next generation has assumed responsibility for. I've always been interested in this old iron. I would and still do look forward to the last weekend in July and the first weekend in August for The Great Oregon Steamup in Brooks. I loved reading his ACMOC Magazines. However, a mechanic I am not. I can tinker with the best of them, but these machines deserve more. I have a goal to have at least one of our machines in the parade in Brooks within 5 years. I'm looking for someone around Portland, OR to share a little expertise and some "wrench time". If anyone is interested, please let me know. Thanks in advance.

Hey Bruder,

Getting a few guys together to wrench is so much fun. Every Tuesday night my wife puts food out for the "Cat Night Gang." It is an good time for everyone, well except for John, he is a trader. He keeps bringing TD-9's over to work on:rolleyes: . The rest of the guys give him plenty of grief about being a trader.

It sure is great when we drag a locked up machine in and in two-three weeks we get her going. Good luck on your search, it's worth it.

Well I for one wish I lived in CA or that You, (7upuller), were in the Tri State area. Having a few experienced CAT folks to socialize with would sure save me from having some of my "BAD" moments.

Al,

I too can tinker but I am no wrench by any means. I have a great time when Willie, Ponte, DeMartin, and the Machado's (just a few of the gang) come over. They are the ones who are the good wrenches. Then we have 3 guys in thier 80's that bring the knowledge. Wrap that up with this web site for part sources, along with knowledge from Sj, Old Magnet, and Willie, (can't name all 1000 of you guys) and this old cat stuff can go to the next level.