More blasts from the past. From the Whyler collection, gleaned from old I.G. Zumwalt goodies donated to Chapter 15.
I wonder how many of the sellers are still around?
Posted individual photos btw. Uploading multiples did not work for me. JM
Thanks for posting!
JM - Thanks for the ride down memory lane. As far as I am aware, I may be one of two surviving members of the "Cat Shop" Crew when I worked for I.G. Zumwalt in the mid 70's. I do not believe there is anyone from the Blacksmith, Draper shops either. Sales and Parts all departed. There is one member that was in the Willows store that is still with us as far as I know. cts
You had better have Ray54 or someone with sack needle experience to poke you, to make sure you still have a strong pulse!
Yes, dying breed, the days of brute muscle and working with very little. I read about field mechanics. 1/2 ton pickup truck and only a few hand tools to use. Nowadays, it has to be a shop on wheels and plenty of power tools.
Our former local track man, Ben DuBose shared his story of his first track job. All done with a 20# sledge-o-matic! He was in heaven when he bought his first track press.
Oh JM -- that is one memory I could do without! I.G. Z--- landleveling crew, D7 push Cat. Had to break the track, 16# hammer, long pin and water pump pliers to hold the pin. We took turns swinging that hammer, pin would not budge. (Yes, pin was on the sprocket too, helps as less movement there. Ended up cutting as best we could with torch, x in each end of the pin. Took us all day and that was in the hot summer heat, no shade!
Poke with a sack needle, Thank you for the offer but I will pass! I would not want to injure the multiple layers of scar tissue from the road of educational sessions earned over my lifetime. cts
I am taking a shine to that Kewit rig, wonder if it's still available...