Explore the Engine
1912 45-HP Case
Join us on the journey of this 1912 45-HP Case
It all started in 1912
In 1912, Silver Springs Township of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania purchased a new 15-45-HP Case Steam Traction Engine. This engine came equipped with heavy duty freighting wheels, auxiliary water pump and contractors platform and roof. This engine cost the township approximately $1500 (that’s about $49,000 today)
The engine built roads throughout the township, where it ran stone crushers and pulled road graders and other odd jobs. During its service to the township, the Case was operated by its future owner, Frank Bare.
From Operator to Owner 1922
After a decade with the township, the Case was sold to Frank Bare and began a new chapter of its life on the farm. Frank used the Case for tasks such as threshing, bailing, and shelling corn. Frank also, on several occasions, helped his community by using the engine to help supply steam for schools and factories when the facility boilers went bad. The Case engine was used as an integral tool on the farm until Frank (and the Case) retired in 1960.
And then the fun really began. . .
After retiring, Frank started showing the Case at Steam Shows. The engine was Frank’s pride and joy.
In 1954, Frank and the Case were the featured event in the Centennial Celebration in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The engine was driven by Frank through the middle of Carlisle Square.
Frank was not alone in his love of steam shows and operation. He was joined by his granddaughter, Mrs. Jackey Farners. The two had a strong bond and operated the engine together until Frank’s passing in 1971. At that time the engine was passed down to Jackey.
The Second Life
In 1982, a young steam enthusiast, Dave W, happened upon the Case with Jackey. After several meetings, Jackey and Dave made a deal for $3500, and the Case found its next home for its new era.
Within 2 weeks of the deal, Dave had hauled the Case to the Brocht Family Farm. An estimation of 1,000 man-hours between, Dave, his friends, and Super City Manufacturing saw the Case restored to working order in August 1982.
Dave’s first show with the 1912 45-HP Case was the Jubilee in September of 1982 and it has been on tour ever since…
Award Winning Agency
The 1912 45-HP Case continues to show
Dave still takes his Case engine to steam shows across the country. So if you see them, stop by and say hello!
In 2025, you can expect to see the 1912 45-HP Case at . . .
