Quarter Scale John Deere 1936 MODEL B

My wife Martha may not admit it, but I can detect her interest in the old machines I drag in. At least she delights in the joy I derive from my hobby. While driving through the country she calls my attention to any old machinery she sees. On one occasion as we drove through a small town, she excitedly exclaimed, 'Did you see that?' I glanced in the rear-view mirror to see an old Hardie orchard sprayer sitting no more than 50 feet from the street. I hurried to get out of traffic, turn around and go back to the driveway where the old sprayer sat. A quick examination revealed it to be complete, with good restorable running gear, wooden tank, pump and 2 HP Stover engine. I asked the lady who came to the door if the rig was for sale. She said it was. That it had been in their storage building for years. That they intended to fill the wooden tank and the engine hopper with dirt and make a flower display for the backyard, but just never got around to it.' Now,' she said, 'I want to get the thing out of my way. I'll take $100 for it.' I not only was glad to pay her price, but was proud to rescue the tired old sprayer rig.

Martha and I have been retired for several years. We spend many enjoyable hours driving the back roads, seeing the beautiful countryside, talking with wonderful people and, of course, keeping our eyes out for old machinery. She says that I can spot an old tractor through the cracks of a barn 600 yards away! She finally did convince me, after I knocked over a farmer's mailbox, that I really should watch the road now and then, while driving on the back roads.

The miniature machinery hobby is for all ages. Especially if you are retired and this article sparks a desire in you to build something during that spare time, then go for it! You will be glad you did and your wife will probably love me for it.!