Fill ‘er Up!
I took this pic while on a bike ride earlier this year. Not every day you see a tractor pulled up to a fuel stop like this. This was more than just an interesting pic for me. It was a warm and fuzzy nostalgic moment.
The tractor was running. I don’t know a lot about engines and how things work but the exhaust from these old tractors has a distinct odor. The odor was one of the first things I noticed. Mmmmmm it took me back more than 30 years to my home and farm in Idaho. Who’d a thunk it that smelling exhaust would be so nice.
Take note that the exhaust comes out of a muffler rising straight up and out of the engine. Back in that day we would often put a tin can over the exhaust when the tractor was off to keep stuff from getting in it. There were also permanent flappers attached that would cover the outlet. When the tractor was off the flapper would fall over the opening. When the engine is running the pressure of the exhaust pushes the flapper open.
This tractor had such a flapper. You might think this is insignificant but it also added to the nostalgia. When the engine is idling there is enough pressure to open the valve but not hold it. The result is that the flapper is constantly opening and closing. Every time the flapper closes there is a little clink as metal strikes metal.
When I arrived at the station the tractor was there idling and I immediately noticed the two things I have just described. The smell and then the clink, clink, clink , clink, clink clink over the top of the idling engine.
It was like a hug from an old friend.
I think my fondness for tractors must have been with me from birth.
Happy Friday Foto Fiesta. I hope to be back at my blog now.
July 17th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Love the pics. Was that you in the older photo? Cute shot!
July 17th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Oh my gosh! Those are fabulous comparisons. Amazing how a certain smell or sound can transport you back in time. Did you have to dig out the “vintage” tractor picture or did you know exactly where it was …
Happy Fx4,
Carrie
July 17th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
That was very educational and quite interesting- as a true city girl,I found it even more fascinating.
Who would imagine seeing a tractor in the busy DC metropolitan area. Nice catch! And the older tractor picture in juxtaposition is a nice touch.
Good post.
July 19th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Looks like home to me, we have been known to drive our tractor(s) to the local stop and rob when we run low on fuel at the barn.
Nice “H” model there. My grandfather had one just like it.
Aaron
July 20th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
although my nostalgic roots w/ tractors don’t run quite as deep as yours, i do have many fond memories of seeing them around the farm and riding around on them. i always loved their smell and the way they sounded. and i remember the flapper deal too. that’s a great pic…also makes me wish we had 7-11 here in TX so i could get a slurpee. good times.