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Chooch 09-19-2003 09:23:06 65.171.85.139 121150 Report to Moderator	I have been following this board for a year or so and occasionally stumble across a post which mentions someone's current occupation. While I would guess we all have some roots either in farming, construction or machinery manufacturing, sales, etc.., I wonder to what occupation we have migrated. I believe I recall seeing that John T is an engineer. I come from a small family grain and produce farm. Although we quit grain farming in the '80's, my dad and brothers continue the produce farm. Since leaving the farm, I have spent 4 years in the Air Force and the last 15 years in the surveying and civil engineering arena. I have a B.S. in civil engineering and am currently a Registered Land Surveyor. Besides myself, my dad and two brothers continue collecting green "gold". Our collection currently totals somewhere around 25, many of which are still used on the produce farm. [Reply]   [No Email]
Jim Jones 09-23-2003 11:59:05 209.105.185.74 121606 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   I grew up on a dairy farm in central New York---We had 2 farmals and a oliver--- today I own and operate a auto repair shop in central NY---2 years ago I got my first deere--47A ---restored it and we tractor pull it in the summer.   [Reply]   [No Email]
G-MAN 09-22-2003 10:45:04 67.52.48.10 121461 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   I'm a JD Service Technician working for a large dealer in east-central Nebraska. I also help and work on the family farm in southeast Nebraska when time allows.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Tim Wagoner 09-14-2006 15:28:34 75.117.192.23 216400 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, other in reply to Indydirtfarmer, 09-22-2003 04:17:09   It's a small world, my family lives in Big Clifty, KY (Grayson County). We live on 11 acres, but dream of owning more land to be able to pass down to our family. We have four boys ages 10years-10months. So, do you know of any good land thats reasonable in Grayson County 100 plus acres? If so would love for you to e-mail me. Thanks!   [Reply]   [Send Email]
Handsome Jim 09-21-2003 10:45:31 66.140.214.81 121349 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Both my grandpas were farmers, one in the hills the other in the bottoms. When Mom and Dad got married and Dad came home from the Marines, both operations were combined. Dad's dad owned John Deeres from the early thirties on. Mom's dad owned a Fordson, but always preferred mules and draft horses. Dad always farmed almost exclusively with JDs but occasionally would buy and fix up a IH A or B and use it for light chores. I remember Dad, Grandpa, and uncle farming with a B, A, and a G but was to small to drive on of those. I started out on a '57 620. and the newest thing I ever farmed with was a '72 4620. in between we owned a 60 and 50 to a couple of 4020s , a 5020 and a 3020. Dad always had Hi lifts his first being a 440 couple of 450Bs a 455E and the last was a 455G. Although we still own the farm, we haven't farmed for years now and Dad is gone but Mom has kept Dads tractors A MT, two 1020s a 950 and a 1010. We don't need that many, but when they come in handy, we're glad we got them. As far as my work history. I've been a truck driver for thirty years now. Practically the only job I've ever had since high school. The farmer who rent the farm also exclusivly uses JDs but his lineup is from a different world than what my family farmed in.HJ   [Reply]   [No Email]
Frank in WV 09-20-2003 08:31:06 208.50.94.134 121266 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Nice topic. I have always been interested in tractors and equipment. My father farmed with Deere until the 1950's when the farm was strip mined. He then swithced over to being an operating engineer which is where I get my fondness for equipment. They kept the old B and that is what I learned on. He now has another B and a 60 which he uses to keep the farm from growing up. I have a 48 A that I am restoring that sat for 20 years along side the road. I also own a 1020 diesel which I purchased from my wifes grandfather upon his unfortunating passing. I work for a local water department analyzing the water and have a degree in Biology.   [Reply]   [No Email]
JDDan 09-19-2003 23:50:32 136.2.1.101 121249 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Grew up on a dairy farm in NW Mo. during the late 50's & early 60's. First JD I can remember dad having was a 50 "A". He traded it off and got a 57 "620". I put my self through school with it and an old AC round bailer in the early 70's. Did custom bailing for 3 summers to earn school money. Never wanted to see another tractor and bailer again. After graduating with a BS in animal science I got married and moved to town. Never gave green another thought. No money in the AG field so went to work for Ford Mtr. Co. 16 years ago. Have since bought property and needed something to mow with. Found a decent 54 "60" with a wide fromt end. After that I got the fever. Have since pulled a 46 "B" out of the junk and restored it. Most recently finished a 46 "GM" and am now trying to complete a 1950 "A". Cant wait to get it done and take it to my dads place and get his picture on it with my restored Model 55 3-14" plow. Might even be able to talk him into taking it for a few rounds. Who knows may even end up with one of thoes old AC round bailers again one of these days.   [Reply]   [No Email]
37D 09-19-2003 21:44:19 206.72.15.49 121245 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Guess I'm the REAL "oddball" here. I grew up on a grain & livestock farm in central Iowa, & after farming 40yrs on my maternal grandparents farm,(which the bank & I now own) I'm back on the home place where I was raised. Started farming on my own at age 19 in 1959 & am still at it. Have about 15 or so 2cyl tractors I plan on restoring if I live long enough to retire! They range from a 35A,to a 56'60, & include A's B's,& D's both styled & unstyled, a styled G"(almost like the one I started with) a 40u, etc, etc. Learned how to plow at 9 or 10 yrs old on a "29D with 2-16s. I don't have any new equiptment, but get along very well with a 7520, 4620, & a turbocharged 4010 that I bought at an auction in 1967.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Doc 09-19-2003 21:29:30 209.191.195.137 121243 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Great topic! I grew up in Albert Lea, Minnesota. My dad was a fireman for 30 years for the city of Albert Lea, and just retired in June. My mom was a wonderful homemaker. I received my undergraduate degrees (Biology and Chemistry) from Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN in 1993, where I met my wife. I graduated from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. After receiving my DVM degree, I spent about 3.5 years working with dairy cattle in the Amery, Wisconsin area. Now, I am mainly a small animal practitioner back in Bemidji. I grew up driving a 1937 John Deere A at our cabin, which my dad purchased in 1975. We still use it every day we spend at the cabin near Itasca State Park (Mississippi headwaters). Since I helped my dad put his 1937 B back together after restoration about 5 years ago, I really got bit by the green collection bug. Since then, I have purchased a 1942 H, a 1943 A (since sold), a 1955 70 Gas, and a 1953 60. We owned a 1960 430 at one time also, but sold it when we still were in Wisconsin. This hobby is such an important part of my life, a real stress reducer. I could tinker on these old machines all day and never get tired of it. However, I still have a fair amount of student loans, so I mostly tinker (instead of restore) at this point. My son Paul, who will be 5 next week is already fully engrossed with John Deere fever, and it is something I look forward to working with my kids for the rest of my life. My beautiful wife of 10 years and I have been blessed with 3 wonderfully healthy children (2 girls and a boy), and we thank God every day for the life we live. Even my wife enjoys the old 2 cylinders, because she sees the fun I have with them. Thank you for all of you guys' help, I've been partaking in this forum for about 2 years now. Doc (Tom)   [Reply]   [Send Email]
Ralph 09-19-2003 21:19:16 63.156.24.45 121241 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Parents sent me to college after one year of working on their 200 a dairy farm. Ended up teaching chemistry after an advanced degree. Better advising might have sent me to a mechanical engineering school. A whim sent me to a college teaching interview and an excellent career. A, AR, D, 820, couple of plows, 953, etc.   [Reply]   [No Email]
520-LP 09-19-2003 20:32:45 209.142.171.162 121236 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   I was raised on a hill side farm in east TN. When I was born in 1951 my father had a 39B and a 36D.In 1957 he traded the B in on a solid green 420C[which I still have]in 64 he bought a 51G [which I am trying to restore]. Shortly after getting out of high school in 69 dad passed away and I took over the farm raising cattle and tobacco.I currently farm with two 2355's and pull and trade on two cylinder tractors.I have 2-unstyled G'S, 1-unstyled A,5-styled A's,2-styled G's, 2-520-LP's,1-730-LP,the 420c,and my son has 2-styled B's   [Reply]   [Send Email]
DaveH 50 09-19-2003 20:23:13 65.17.140.150 121232 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   I was raised on a 5 acre "farm". We did our own tillage work with an old Allis WC and a Farmall H. Dad had a friend do the planting and combining. Raised all our own meat - chickens, hogs, beef, and even goat. Also always had milk goats around. Would go out to dad's friend's place just so that I could run his Deere 4000 diesel. That was one sweet machine. Helped all my neighbors with any farm work that might get me a buck or a chance to run their tractors - especially the guy to our east that had a 720 diesel. Went to collage one year and hated every minute of it. Went to work in a factory for two years and drove truck for a short spell. Worked for a plumber for 7 years. He sold out his business so I struck out on my own. Been a self-employed plumber now for 11 years. Learned most of my mechanical abillities from my dad and the school of hard knocks. I guess fixing things kind of runs in the family. Dad was a maintainance man at Fruehauf for 27 years and has been one at Dana now for about 10. He also ran a welding/repair shop on the side for 20 years. Currently have a 1955 40U and a 1954 50. Hope to add some more in the near future. Dave   [Reply]   [No Email]
Tony in KS 09-19-2003 19:31:25 205.188.209.43 121226 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   I am 34 years old with three children. I have watched my 40 sit out for more than 10 years. I was bitten by the green bug in March of this year and have not been the same since. I am currently spending all of my free time away from my progranning job and family working on my baby. I forsee many more JD tractors in my future. This board as well as Wayne in TN have been a great help! I look forward to many more discussions with a lot of you...I hope someday that I will be able to give advice instead of taking it. Thank you all.   [Reply]   [No Email]
MIKE HANLEY 09-19-2003 17:45:16 209.206.211.240 121211 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Raised on a 250 acre dairy farm at East Troy Wisc. At the ripe old age of 15, I went to southeast of Cody Wyoming and went cowboying on cattle ranchs. Also rode 3 years bareback bronk at the rodeos. 1961, enlisted in the Air Force and was a airevac medic. After laying in a Air Force Hospital for a year was given full medical retirement in 1968. Been to the operatining room 18 times. Missing a few parts. Veterans Adm picked up the tap for a formal education at the U of Wisc Col of AG. 1974 went playing cops and robbers for the county. In those days you worked at the pleasure of the Sheriff. No schooling, no physicals. (couln't have passed one any way) Sheriff and 6 Deputies. The only thing the county owened was the badge. Drove our own cars and got paid mileage. We had to do everything. I was incharge of Warrants and Fugitives. Now retired from that. The ranch is a mile long and 3/4 of a mile wide in the coulee country of western Wisc. Raise polled Herefords cattle. Have hay and pasture. No crops. Bought the ranch in 1974 the same year I became a Deputy. We have 4 saddle horses. Getting ready to turn things over to son Pat. Chore tractor is a 630 we got in 1976. Main tractor is a 730D we got in 1978. Back up 730D we got maybe 8 years ago. Have a 430 crawler with a 90 loader, PTO and 3 PT. Also drive a 1946 WILLIS CJ-2A JEEP.   [Reply]   [No Email]
John51 09-19-2003 17:44:56 141.151.230.66 121210 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   I grew up on a small farm in northcentral Pa in the 50s and have been driving J.D. as long as I can remember. A hand clutch was workable for a small kid, driving a B in low gear while dad picked rocks. So I've farmed all my life, but I teach school to pay the bills. 31 years of teaching history now, but I'm going to retire and do a little more farming. Still have that 51 B I learned on, along with a 530, 60, 730, 2520, 4000, and 4020.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Bob Smith 09-19-2003 17:39:11 65.238.89.103 121208 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Didn't grow up on a farm but was always looking for ways to be around it.The earlest recollection I have of wanting to farm was sneaking out of bed on Christmas Eve and finding a toy farm set under the tree! Sit there in the dark and played with that thing for what seemed like all night! That was untill I knocked over the elevator and it started whirling away! I high tailed it back to bed scared to death I'd been caught! Mom never said anything to me but I sure she knew! Hung out at my uncles and cousins farms every chance I get! Then when I started Welding and Fabrication In high school found out my teacher had a working farm and we struck up a friendship that has lasted for over 28 years! He has a very large collection of 58 Two Cylinder John Derees, not all of them run and not all of them are restored but were working on that I'm kind of cheif wrench twister on both the old and modern equipment and help out with field work. I work at a steel company as a Maintenance Crew Lead and have been there for 26 years,I like all types and colors of tractors and have to say there's not much more thrill than hearing an old tractor start up for the frist time after you have rebuilt it from a pile of rust! Thanks for letting me share. Bob Smith Ohio   [Reply]   [No Email]
440Sam 09-19-2003 16:22:08 64.12.96.138 121190 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Clooch, Like you I am a Civil Engineer by education, Licensed Civil & Mining Engineer and also a Licensed Land Surveyor in Kentucky. I was in the Navy Civil Corps for four years and currently self employed. As far as farming I was raised on a small tobacco (burley) farm we also raised Quarter Horses. Currently the farm is being developed into a residental subdivision. Our tractors include: 430S, 830(3cyl), 2030, 440ICD and a MF203. I have daughter that manages a 900+acre thoroughbred horse farm near Lexington, KY. We also enjoy our old Land Rover (1972 Series III)and Jeeps (1971 CJ5 & 1976 CJ5).   [Reply]   [No Email]
Hans 09-19-2003 16:19:19 24.209.84.114 121189 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Although, I don't really help to many people on this board, I do get a lot of help from people on the board! :) I'm 21 now. My grandfather had a small farm and I spent a lot of time there when I was younger. I started driving the '48 B when I was 11 and that's when I got bit by the bug. Of course a typically 11 year old doesn't have the money or knowledge to do a restoration, but I knew that someday I wanted to do it. I started working as a computer technician when I was 17 and now have several Microsoft certifications. I am pursuing my Associates Degree in Computer Network Management. My grandfather was recently put into an assisted living facility and I was given his house, land, and tractors. Last year I got the '48 B all painted up with new decals, but have decided this year to do some work on the engine. Hopefully it's done this fall! Thanks everyone for all of the help you've given me!   [Reply]   [No Email]
Loren 09-19-2003 19:09:30 206.228.213.138 121224 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, other in reply to MarkinIN, 09-19-2003 16:13:09   Interesting path, Mark. I too started in southern Missouri (Ava) and then parents moved our family to Indiana (Noblesville area). However, my nomadic moves didn't stop. Uncle Sam took me to Alaska. After the service I finished college in Fairbanks and then moved back to Indiana. That time to the Ft. Wayne and Warsaw area. From there to Toledo and now in North Carolina.   [Reply]   [No Email]
David* 09-19-2003 15:22:25 65.128.120.132 121179 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Worked for a United States Steel 39 yrs, raise Belted Galloway cows, refurbish John Deere tractors, just retired from USS Sept 11 03 so will devote more time refurbishing ole deeres.   [Reply]   [No Email]
KrisA 09-19-2003 13:55:02 24.74.10.217 121169 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   I got bit by the bug real early. My first 22 years of life were spent growing up on the Cedar River right accross from the John Deere Foundary in Waterloo, Ia. This is where the 2 cylinders were manfactured till they moved the plant out to the North east site. I have pictures of me and my grandfather when I was just 1 or 2 years of age riding on his '46 A, which he still has. I went to the University of Northern Iowa and got my BA in MIS. While in school had a 2 year internship at the Northeast site in the IT dept. there. After graduation I moved myself, my '51 B and my brothers '51 A down to North Carolina. Since then we have added 9 other tractors to our collection. I still work in the IT industry and love it very much, but I often catch myself wishing for the day I can get back to the homeland and see the green machines earning a living in the heartland. I don't get much time to play with my tractors right now, but my time will come. I look forward to every moment that I can spend working on them. It seems to calm my nerves. That is all for me. I am 24 years of age. KrisA NC   [Reply]   [No Email]
SamV 09-19-2003 12:44:59 206.80.158.73 121160 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Chooch, Group, I have always thought about this subject too. It is really interesting to see the different backgrounds of the group. My background comes from living next door to the farmer which had IH all my childhood, I was best friends with one if their sons. So I kinda grew up on the farm. I graduated with an acconting degree in 91 and am now going back for my MBA. I got the green bug when I got married and had to mow over 2 acres of grass each week.... I will be honest I looked at all the brands and ended up with my 46 B which was not running and needing lots of TLC. I like a challenge..... After over $4000.00 of parts I had my first popper.. I really got carried away on that project.... But it is all worth it each week when I sit on it and mow. Now I am currently working on a real project with my 37 B that was rescued from a flower garden as a lawn ornament.... I know how dumb is that.... Well...... Remember we are all in it for fun... SamV in western PA   [Reply]   [No Email]
Steve - IN 09-20-2003 13:18:51 12.222.30.13 121279 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, other in reply to SamV, 09-19-2003 12:44:59   Sam, Sorry, but after you get your MBA, you'll have to sell the JD's and get a BMW to fit the stereotype. My MBA was minted over 30 years ago. Suppose it's worthless at this point - but did show me thru some fast times in the electronics business. Jumped out with with they call a golden parachute so now at a relatively young age, I can pass judgement on other companies by buying, selling, or shorting their shares then diverting some of the proceeds into the acquistion, care, and feeding of sold old tractors -- no German cars involved. Good luck on getting that degree, going for the top, and then enjoying old tractors and goofing off for the rest of your life.   [Reply]   [No Email]
jason r 09-19-2003 12:16:36 192.43.65.245 121159 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   i am the odd-ball here. i grew up in the country but not on a farm. my dad had a jd lawn tractor from the time i was 4. i got the deere bug then and always had toys around the house. i graduated high school in 1993 got a history degree in 1997 and am currently one of 2 gaphic designers at deere's world hq in moline. i have been there for a couple years and anything you have seen printed with jd on it i have worked on. i got my first jd b in 1999 and have had a bundle since then. i love farm tractors and machinery since i was little so i thought why not have some when i'm a big kid too. someday i'd like to have a small farm and use my tractors the way they were intended to.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Chooch 09-19-2003 12:54:48 65.171.87.140 121162 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, other in reply to John T, 09-19-2003 12:11:25   John T Although I am originally from Rockport, IN, my company is located in Washington, Indiana and routinely completes boundary surveys in Loogootee. Looks like we share some of the same stomping grounds. If you get to Washington, feel free to stop by. Landmark Surveying 15 N.E. 3rd Street Chooch   [Reply]   [No Email]
popper dick 09-19-2003 12:03:46 208.17.99.96 121157 Report to Moderator	Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, others in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 09:23:06   Chooch, I grew up on the farm in southwest Michigan, 200 acres with a 1950 and a 1947 JD B's. Moved to California when I was 16, finished school, worked 30 years for Hughes Aircaft Company and retired. Now I live in the Ozark hills of Arkansas and have a 1950 model B and a 1958 620. You can take the boy off the farm but you can't take the farm out of the boy. Dick   [Reply]   [No Email]
NWMO_Jim 09-19-2003 14:45:59 65.164.202.71 121176 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, other in reply to popper dick, 09-19-2003 12:03:46   I also grew up on a small farm in the Ozark hills of Arkansas (Fayetteville, and my parents later moved to Winslow), though my dad never had a tractor. We used our horse for the little plowing that was done. I'm currently a general surgeon in NW Missouri, and have a small farm. I have a 69 4020 with a 148 loader that I purchased at a retirement auction last week. It's a lot more tractor that I need, but I was able to get it for a great price.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Texas Bob 09-19-2003 16:52:07 209.210.73.144 121196 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, o in reply to Wayne in Tn., 09-19-2003 11:56:01   I just read your comments. You are still a young man. I am much older than you. My father was born in the Oklahoma territory and my grandfather owned the first tractor in that county just east of Shawnee, Ok. My grandfather never farmed with horses after they moved to north of Dodge City, Kansas in 1915. My father and his 4 brothers were all big wheat farmers and ranchers. My Fathers first tractor was a 1919 40-80 Avery. He put in his first wheat crop when he was 9 years old. I spent many hours in my Uncles Machine shop and working for them running many tractors. Most were red, not green, I personally liked the green tractors, but I was not the one buying them. My health has also failed, but that happens with age, you and I can pass on a blessing to a young child. Pass on the them what you know and have learned from life. That is something that they may never hear from anyone else. May you enjoy every day, Bob   [Reply]   [No Email]
Chooch 09-19-2003 13:04:34 65.171.87.140 121163 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in TN, o in reply to Wayne in Tn., 09-19-2003 11:56:01   No disappointment here. Most of my knowledge has been gained through experience. I figure that college was just the admission fee to a new career. By the way, my dad is partial to dubuques. Collection contains 2 M's,MT,40S,40T,40C,420S& 430S. We also have a 1010 and 900HC among others.   [Reply]   [No Email]
tom 09-20-2003 20:18:10 216.190.71.224 121308 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wa in reply to Chooch, 09-20-2003 14:29:25   Chooch, If you started late, then I am really behind the 8-ball. We were only going to have one child, but I was going for a drake, and ended up with two hens. However, I would not trade them for the world or all the green-machines, but, I will get them on that MT real soon...good luck with yours !!   [Reply]   [No Email]
Wayne in Tn. 09-19-2003 15:33:54 64.7.225.237 121180 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wayne in T in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 13:04:34   Chooch, that is a fine collection of Dubuques, I have three at the present, a 420T wide front, a 40T widefront allfuel, and a 420TLP. As to higher education, I taught myself mostly. Starting at age 13, I went to Sears and purchased a welding machine, and went to praticing. Bought my first Harley at age 14. Over the years I have taught myself to screenprint, went on to head maint. man over 5 plants, learning 3phase 440 volt wiring, overhead beam and hoist installation, to complete plant setup. Learned mechanics and body work on old Corvettes and Camaros. Then at age 56, taught myself what I know about a computer. (Was no such thing as a PC when I was in school) Now with my broken down health, I enjoy restoring an old Dubuque every now and then.   [Reply]   [No Email]
JB 09-19-2003 20:52:01 24.157.143.220 121239 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney, Wa in reply to Chooch, 09-19-2003 17:24:14   Grew up on family farm in eastern Ontario Canada that has been in the family since it was first settled in 1821. Had dairy and beef cattle. Maple sugar bush and a 300 acre wood lot. My dads first tractor was Farmall A in 1944, then a C in 49, a Super C in 52(learned to drive on SC), added Ford 8N in 55, replaced Ford with JD 420U, SC with IH 300U, 300U with IH B414D, JD 420U with IH 434D, now have IH 454D, 495D, 684D but still have JD disk harrow, corn harvester and forage blower. I am old enough to have remembered threshing machines, corn & grain binders, etc. Also spent the summer of 1967 at a cousins 3000 acre grain farm in Alberta. He had big IHs 660s, 906, 1256 , MF and JD combines. My dad was a very good farm mechanic and I learned a lot from him. I went to college and receive a degree in electronics. Still am working for the same IT company 33 years later. My dad is gone but my younger brother still farms. I help out in spring with planting and harvesting in the fall and assist with any major mechanical repairs. My foundess JD memories is when dad and I would work in the wood lot every winter during Saturdays and school breaks. The wood lot was 7 miles from the farm. We would leave the JD 420U at the wood lot most of the winter, parked under a spruce tree. Sometimes when it was -30 F and it would not start we would put gas in an old hub cap and set it a blaze under the oil pan of the JD. Leave gas burn for 10 minutes and the JD would start every time. Still a farmer at heart and am always welcome at my brother's farm. JB   [Reply]   [No Email]
Gr8Bald1 09-20-2003 10:23:51 198.26.123.37 121270 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Just Curious?? Clooney in reply to JB, 09-19-2003 20:52:01   I grew up out in the country near Terre Haute, Indiana. My Dad didn't farm but most of my friends had dads that did. My best friend's Dad always had 2 or 3 2-cylinder Deeres around. You cannot expose a boy to the sound of a 2-cylinder Deere hunkered down working and not expect him to catch the "bug". Similarly, you can't expose a boy to military aircraft without giving him that "bug". Next week, I'll go over 17 years being active duty Air Force, having been a B-52 Bomb-Nav technician (avionics) about the entire time. I'm currently stationed at Barksdale AFB near Shreveport, LA. I have a jigsaw puzzle of a 1951 John Deere B in my shop that's actual size. With the help of one of my Air Force buddies and some of the "Usual Suspects" here on this forum, I hope to have it going pop-pop again in a couple of months. (Speaking of usual suspects, if you haven't used F-I-T's electroysis set-up, you don't know what you're missing. Thanks, Frank!)   [Reply]   [No Email]