Henry Ford as we’ve seldom seen him

[Rob]

From Ford News clips. This is one of many FMC production films at the National Archives. Ford began filming news shorts that were distributed to theaters around the country, beginning in 1915. Henry Ford cutting down a tree, playing with grandchild(?), plowing with tractor, and arriving at a steam engine in a large enclosed car:


https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ugt06mfslxv8 ... o.mp4?dl=0
Courtesy of National Archives, all rights apply

[KimDobbins]

Here are some pictures of the early Ford tractor powered by a B engine in greenfield village. Not meant to hijack your thread Rob!

[Rob]

Thanks Kim. It’s amazing that Henry Ford kept one of his prototype tractors. Hard to believe he was experimenting with tractor/farm implements at the same time he was ramping up to become the largest auto maker in the world with introduction of the K/N/R/S and designing the Model T. He certainly didn’t sit on his laurels.

[Rich Eagle]

This shows Henry on the tractor. Almay says "Near Dearborn, Michigan, 1908". Getty: "automobile plow." This 1908 photograph.... "New Holland Agriculture "1917: Future partner, Ford, released the Fordson Model F tractor." probably not referring to that one.
Yes, 1908 he would have had many things on his plate.
I really enjoyed those color photos.
Thanks
Rich

[HornsRus]

i wonder what kind of tractor he is siting on in the frist. charley

[Rich Eagle]

This one.

[RichardG]

H I BET THIS WILL MAKE WAVES --- THE ENGINE IN HENRY'S TRACTOR IS A 1910 CADILLAC , THE BIG PROBLEM WITH THOSE ENGINES WAS THE COPPER JACKET AROUND THE CYLINDERS, THEY WOULD LOAD UP WITH LYME FROM THE WATER, THOSE POOR ENGINES RAN VERY HOT, THEY GOT TO WHERE TO REMOVING THE JACKET WOULD MAKE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEAL THEM AGAIN, I FOUND I COULD BOIL EACH ONE OUT WITH ACID THAT YOU USED TO CLEAR THE HOT WATER COIL IN YOUR DOMESTIC BOILER,

[dllr28bl]

Ford's first tractor, as Kim has already stated, has a Model B Ford engine, but it also looks to have a Model K radiator.

Dan

[Rob]

Richard, the prototype tractor HF is operating used a 1905 Ford Model B motor, Model K radiator and front axle. I believe the photo was taken at Ford’s farm, and two Model K can be seen partially tucked into the open front shed in the background.

[RichardG]

MY ERROR, THE OLD EYES ARE PLAYING TRICKS AGAIN, THE CADDY ENGINE LOOKED VERY MUCH LIKE THAT ENGINE, I NEVER SEE A MODEL B ENGINE OF THAT YEAR, MY MEMORY IS OF THE LATER B, WITH FUEL PUMP , I SERVICED A FEW EARLY CADDY'S IN MY DAY AND THEY LOOKED VERY .MUCH LIKE THE FORD, THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING, ON WITH THE BATTLE--KEEP SAFE EVERY ONE. THIS AWFUL MESS WE HAVE FOUND OURSELVES IN IS VERY BAD YES--BUT IF WE KEEP TO OUR SELVES FOR A TIME IT WILL PASS, MY ADVICE TO EVERY ONE IS USE WHAT YOU HAVE SPARINGLY LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT, BECAUSE IT JUST MAY,

[John Page]

The tractor in the two pictures that Rich posted from the clip is one of the early Experimental Henry Ford & Son tractors. There were dozens of these preproduction Experimental Tractors built. This was in the time before Henry bought out his Shareholders. Thus the name Henry Ford & Son. The Ford Motor Company wasn't involved in this venture. The story is well told in a book " FORDSON" 1917. - 1928 PHOTO ARCHIVE , Edited by P.A. Letourneau.

Best regards, John Page, Australia.

HF&Son.jpeg (79.94 KiB) Viewed 4104 times

[Daniel828]

Does anyone know if a replica of the tractor in the museum, has been built? Seems like that would be a cool project