Steam power in the field - Somerset, Virginia 

Not too many people walked back to the field where the tractors were plowing, which gave me an unobstructed view of the action. This is pretty much the way I imagine plowing with steam looked 100 years ago. It was my favorite part of the day.

This engine was one of my favorites. It is beautifully restored and the bold graphics on the water tanks caught my eye immediately.

The Somerset Steam and Gas Association holds a steam school every year to train people interested in operating a steam engine. For a lucky few, the knowledge is passed down from generation to generation

Operating a steam engine of any type is not a job to be taken lightly. As steam technology advanced and boiler pressures increased to provide more power, the skill of the operator at managing the engine was essential for safe and efficient use of the tractor.

The tractor on the left is providing power for the sawmill which is located in this shed. A large flat belt transfers the power from the tractor to the saw. This type of work was typical of the tasks assigned to steam tractors, and in some cases, tractors became permanent fixtures in small sawmills.