Crooker Lombard Steam Loghauler 2-21-2009

Here are a few facts as I know them.
The Late Harry Crooker got this Lombard about 35 years ago in what I believe to be mostly complete but non running. There has been considerable work done to this engine by Harry`s sons Frank and Ted along the way. Some of the work included reverse engineering, casting, and machining a new cylinder head. These boilers have to pass a rigorous inspection and must be maintained to a very high degree. This alone is usually enough to keep a machine from ever running again. Frank and Ted also had some talented helpers, such as David Madaga to get this Lombard operational.
On February 21, 2009 The Crooker`s along with Dave Madaga and other helpers had a showing of the grand tractor, complete and hauling logs.
This is a 1914 Lombard Steam Log Hauler and is #74
There were 83 Lombard steam tractors built that received a number and possibly a few before were built before and after the numbered ones.
Below are some photographs
PLOWMAN

Additional info:

Harry aquired this Lombard from the late Mr. Cormier of Presque Isle, ME. I remember it sitting alongside of US Route One just South of Presque Isle for a number of years before its purchase by Harry. It orginally was used in the Fish River region were it was abandoned.

During the restoration Harry salvaged the compensator gear and some other parts from the former Will Cunliff Lombard located at the Cunliff Depot site in the Allagash. The remains of this machine are still there and is a popular stop for those canoeing the Allagash.

At one time Harry's collection included two gasoline Lombards - an 8 ton Contractors Special as well as a 10 ton tractor (ex-Conner's)powered by a Sterling F series 6 cylinder (5-1/2x6-3/4). Both are now in a private collection.












































































































PHOTO`S FROM PLOWMAN

Here is a link to a local news video report on the tractor:

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=100966&catid=2

The video is nice but you have to bear with the ads and the newslady reporting on the Lumbar tractor

Photo's from another show on 3/19/09

Dave Madaga and the Crooker Lombard.
Dave is a great asset to the Crookers and the Lombard project.



Making steam.
Sorry about it being sidewaze.








Photos from Plowman and friends