1910 Nichols and Shepard 30-98 Steam Traction Engine
Display Condition: Conserved, running
Engine: Horizontal, 2-cylinder
Fuel Type: Wood or coal
Bore and Stroke: 200.7 x 279.4 mm (7.875 x 11 in)
Power: Boiler - 22.4 kW (30 hp); Belt - 73.1 kW (98 hp)
Transmission: 1 forward, 1 reverse, Stephenson reverse valve gear
Weight: 18,144 kg (40,000 lb)
Original Cost: C $4000 est
This black 1910 Nichols & Shepard 30-98 steam traction engine was designed as a plowing engine for the Western prairies. It has a double simple engine; that is, two separate steam engines connected to a common crankshaft. As the largest steam engine manufactured by Nichols & Shepard - nicknamed "Big Nick" - it is capable of pulling a twelve-bottom plow or running a large threshing machine.
John Nichols opened a blacksmith shop in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1848 and specialized in various farm implements. He built his first threshing machine in 1852. In the 1850s, he partnered with David Shepard to manufacture farm and mill machinery and steam engines, thus establishing Nichols, Shepard & Company. The company obtained a number of patents for advances in threshing technology – including the first vibrator-style separator – and improvements in steam traction engine technology.
Nichols & Shepard engines were known for their substantial boilers, which incorporated the thickest boiler plate used in traction engine construction. They steamed easily and had ample steam capacity. When gas traction engines were first introduced, Nichols & Shepard insisted that they were just a passing fad, but in December of 1911 they manufactured their own gas traction engine.
Chronology:
1848 - John Nichols opens a blacksmith shop in Battle Creek, Michigan.
c. 1850s - Nichols partners with David Shepard; together they establish the Nichols & Shepard Company.
1910 - This 30-98 is manufactured in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Date unknown - This 30-98 is used by Mr. Johnson. near Simmie SK.
1957 - Stan Reynolds acquires this 30-98 from Johnson.
1985 - This 30-98 is added to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum Collection.
