Steam engine thrills

Yell at Ivan Kemp, "Hey, kid! You're sure dirty!" and he'll reply, "Hey! Thanks!" Kemp is 11 years old and learning about the history, maintenance and operation of antique steam engines as a "go-fer" at the annual Tri-State Antique Engine and Threshers Show in Bird City. Kemp credits steam engine expert and historian Gerald Wright of Bird City for his love and respect of the massive engines. Wright performed his "pyramid stunt" during the three-day show July 30 and 31 and Aug. 1, wowing spectators with the knowledge and control he has of his 65/20 single-cylinder Case steam engine. "You have to know how your machine reacts when you apply the steam to the cylinder to perform this stunt," said master of ceremonies Hal Sager. "There are no brakes on this engine. Gerald just tickles the ground on the far side (of the pyramid), reverses and goes back up and then down the back side." Sager was in awe: "You definitely don't want to drop that 26,000-pound steam engine from 16 inches." Brendon Haack explained the inner workings of a steam engine, and then invited seven-year-old Spencer Rogers of McCook and his grandfather, Maurice Stramel of St. Francis, for a ride.