SEPTEMBER 1 ISSUE ANSWERS (photo to right): This is a traction engine/tractor. The large lugs on the rear wheels give it that name. This Advance-Rumely, 20 horse-power tractor is owned by Gary Sutherby in Leonard. He collects old steam and gasoline antique tractors. This tractor was made in 1918. Basically it works like an old steam powered locomotive. Wood is placed in the fire box and after 3 hours of heating 500 gallons of water there is finally 175 pounds of pressure per square inch in the boiler to push the 10 inch in diameter piston. While the tractor is working in the fields a second tanker with 500 more gallons of water is standing by to replace the water in the tractor that was boiled away. Lots of fire wood would be necessary to keep the fire going. The PTO on the side of the tractor could power other farm equipment with a very long leather drive belt. Stand back from that moving belt or you could get caught in it. If it unexpectantly runs low on water in the boiler, the whole tractor could explode. A friend of mine said, “Farmers must have done cartwheels in the field when the gasoline Fordson was available.” Yes this tractor does work! This Advance steam tractor, and many others, will be on display 11-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18 at the annual Romeo Barn Tour.