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Engine stands out at Thresheree

Symco holds 54th annual event

By Holly Neumann


For Brian Melsness and Lilly Wahl, the 54th annual Union Thresheree is one that they won’t soon forget.

The duo from Osseo drove a 1916 80 Case steam tractor engine that won the Best Restored Traction Engine Award during the event, held July 23-25 in Symco.

Melsness is proud of the recognition.

“I have been around steam engines most of my life,” he said. “I have helped restore and maintain this one and bring them to shows when the owners cannot. I cannot even tell you how many people thanked us for being here.”

“I feel like I am helping to maintain a piece of history that is so easily forgotten,” Wahl said. “This is such an amazing experience and it helps you appreciate where you come from and what you have.”

Restoring the tractor was a five-year-long process, according to Melsness.

“It was a long process,” he said. “It has a new boiler and has been completely gone through from one end to the other.”

These types of restorations are an important part of history, Melsness said.

“It is enjoyable to do this kind of work,” he said. “I want to keep this going so my kids and grandkids can appreciate it. Hopefully, one day they will do the same.”

While the engine is owned by the Gunderson family from Osseo, Melsness owns a one-of-a-kind 1899 Minneapolis tandem compound return flue, the only one in existence running.

“I hope to come back next year with my own engine,” he said. “It has been a great experience and we were treated so well by the organizers of this event. Simply put, it was just amazing.”

Wahl would like to restore her own engine one day.

“This is an awesome hobby,” she said. “Get involved, learn all you can and make memories that you can share with many others.”

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