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Regardless of how much I try and say, I really have not the words to describe how I actually feel about this, nor do I still understand why I deserve this honor. John @wallfish gave me the RJ model he has been working on for so long, and has so fascinated all of us with its craftsmanship, vision,and dedication. Besides what it means as part of a hobby which is dear to me, as a woodworker for someone to dedicate so much of themselves into such an accomplishment and to then just give it to me, is not only an honor but also a testament to John's character, generosity and unselfishness.It is people like him that restores my faith in humankind. I say this not just because I am the lucky recipient of his generosity, but because those qualities are also evident to everyone that knows him by watching how generous and willing he is always in insisting that everyone uses his creations we know so well, his constant helping of everyone who needs it, and by giving tools to someone who need them such as in the case of Eric @ebinmaine and I am sure many others. Even though I followed closely the thread about the building of it , and I recognized what kind of talent and vision was at work, it is now that I have it in front of me that I realize that all my previous opinions of it were greatly underestimated. The scale, and sheer delicacy of this object defines what is possible by human hands. If one looks at John's hands they do not exactly look like the hands of a surgeon but they can certainly do equal work. I have steady hands but they shake and freeze when just trying to handle this little gem. I have promised John that it will never leave me or my family, and that we will take it back to the show every year that I or my family goes, so it can be displayed on John's table for everyone to enjoy, for something like this is meant to be shared by all and not just tucked away as someone's treasure. Also the first thing next year will be to take a photo of it inside John's hand so that can be displayed here at home with it. So again John from the inner parts of my soul I thank you and I will never forget the kindness and generosity from you, which is right up there with your talent.

I had a great show this past weekend! I didn't bring any parts to sell, or any tractors to ride, but I enjoyed the food and fellowship with my friends that I haven't seen since last year! It was a much needed release from the "real world". Can't wait to do it again next year! I love coming to PA for the show because of the beautiful scenery, mild weather, and amazing food! The pies were on point again this year! I also learned my lesson and brought some home in the cooler for the wife! OK, without further ado, here are my pics. As you can see, i tend to gravitate towards the tractors from the 1960s. This show didn't disappoint!

Easy guys, Johns “ok” but he ain’t no super-hero. All these compliments are gonna go right to his head. Turns out building stuff with toothpicks is super easy, any knucklehead can do it. Case in point: here’s a few of my creations that I was able to do in a fraction of the time it took this Fish guy to complete ONE teeny-tiny tractor First picture is called “Pile-o-Sticks”. It’s a great way to break into the hobby of toothpick building, get your feet wet so to speak. The next picture is an arrow that will guide you thru life by always pointing you in the right (or left) direction. I get choked up when I see my name in toothpicks, can hardly type thru the tears of joy. Next you’ll see an 8 sided stop sign with a simple “S”in the middle ( not enough toothpicks for all the letters of a stop sign) Unfortunately my daughters cat destroyed my creations before I could pick which one of you I deemed worthy of gifting them to.

My wife had a birthday recently and she has been looking at metal roosters to put up next to the outhouse for several years but has had the good judgement to not pay several hundred dollars for one. A few weeks ago I started working on one for her with a frame of #8 galvanized steel wire and skinned with copper (sort of like the statue of liberty). Before I took off for the Big Show the finishing touches were put on it and I spritzed it with salt water to get some patina going. If I must say so I think it came out well. So, if you cant decide what to get someone you may want to build them a copper roster!

These pictures are “the good ones,” nobody wants to see my yard or garage! So, insurance is a joke. They were able to deny us because of a hand written line from a previous agent stating “no sewer backup”. Our septic system is just fine, our sump pump died and the battery backup only lasted so long. Moral of the story: HAVE SEWER BACKUP PROTECTION, EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE A SEWER CONNECTION. We picked up a new heat pump water heater today and I pulled an old 50 gallon (what I’ll call storage tank) out from the back barn. I built the 50 gallon water heater myself from raw components when I worked in the R&D lab. Because we have wood heat, the majority of the heat pump water heater’s “heat” source will still be wood. Cold water will flow into the storage tank, then into the heat pump. Both tanks will receive a side arm heat exchanger from the wood boiler and that loop will feed the coil on top of the furnace as well. The inlet of the storage tank will be teed into the outlet of the heat pump tank via mixing valve to prevent scalding. Additionally, the heat pump will act as an air conditioner and dehumidifier in the summer time. I will have to get a furnace still, but thanks to @WHX24‘s wisdom, it’ll be a high efficiency furnace as well in case I break my leg and can’t toss wood in the boiler. yee haw!

EXACTLY. These were worth much more than money to me to give them away as gifts. My reward is your appreciation for them and the honor you guys feel to receive them. That's about your character not mine. Both of you are the right person for them. Trust me, I'm still an A hole but once in a while it's a nice feeling to do something for others. And don't stop now @Ed Kennell, I enjoy the ribbing and like to dish some out myself you old coot.

@Sparky LMFAO And thanks for getting a clear pic of my bald spot! Had no idea how big it was getting, until now.

@wallfish is a true gentleman, I am honored to know him! For those who are unaware of what the vintage metal piece in the display is, it is the pin that connects the left steering arm to the drag-link on an RJ. John wanted a real RJ part in the presentation and that was the smallest (and most easily reproducible) RJ part we could think of. I pulled it off the RJ that @pullstart bought from me (prior to the sale) and made a replacement so it could be steered.

I like to yank his chain and take shots at John, but these generous acts by the "FISH" has left me speechless and out of ammunition. I am humbled just to know the man.

As mentioned above I can vouch for the generosity of that man. Trina and I had met him once before about 2 years ago and we're impressed with him then. John is a great guy. One should be proud to know him.

Congrats Caz on receiving such a gift! You could see the joy in John’s face when he was talking about giving it away, it was really quite something special! He also gave my girls their own RJ pine hoods and made their day!

You're more than welcome Terry @Vinylguy Dick and I were trying to come up with a way to do something for you to give something back for everything you do. Every year you absorb the expense and time to make and give away banners, trading cards, ect. ect. ect. ect.. You offer supporter discounts and are always willing to make custom decals for everyone as well. You are without a doubt, a huge part of this forum and the entire hobby of Wheel Horse tractors, so we wanted to show our appreciation for your generosity and decal expertise. Since loading you up with fleet D series tractors wasn't going to work, we figured you might have the room on your rig to haul this one home.

Hi all.! Im new to Wheel Horse tractors, but not to old tractors. Especially one axle tractors. Came over this D-200, and it was in quite bad shape. But things is sorted out, engine runs nice, transmission seems ok. (not tested on ground) Hydralic works ok it seems. Right now i'm await a steering gear from USA, and some other bearings and stuff from abroad...😁 Did get a grader blade (homemade, it seems) an Ariens two stage blower, and mowerpan.

I came across this stuff at a closed dealer I thought I would share. Has anyone seen this stuff before??

But on a serious note, Johns a first class stand up guy. All the nice stuff you guys said is true and I’ve seen it firsthand a time or two. He’ll drop whatever he’s doing to help you out at any of the tractor shows he attends and I suspect that goes for everything else he does that not tractor related. Grabbed a couple pics at this years WH show, no idea who’s machine he is working on.

For ultimate efficiency, I believe a goat might be the best for mowing, pig for tilling, chicken for spreading fertilizer and a kid for planting. But it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish

When I was a little kid my grandmother told me a man died in that barn running around looking for a corner to pee.....

I can just hear John, "ah come on guys, it's not that big a deal". But don't mess with the patina. He hates his creations painted....

How lucky we are to have John as a friend. I too will bring mine to the show for him to display. Still speechless VINYLGUY

Single K series 16 or if you want a bit more a Kohler 18 Magnum. i agree with Jim Onan parts are way more expensive. If you want trouble free i would look back to a C series. 400 series and later introduced a lot of electrical stuff that was unnecessary and the cause of much trouble. just look at the 520 listings in the electrical forum.

@Lane Ranger Looking for a couple pieces for our new sickle mower! I marked them from a picture on old topic page of the two items I am wanting! Any one have, there welling to sale or know where to get them please advise! Thanks! P.S. I know why we like red tractors! Because we are all washed my the blood of Jesus!!!

My 855 which I've had for a number of years. I repainted it years ago (2010) and did a quick refresh on the hood and rear fenders this winter since they were showing their age. The deck was a total rebuild with front rust cut out, NOS spindles, gears, bearings and belts installed. It cuts like a dream.

Well picked this up today for parts for the bomb c 161 auto. Couple questions, looks to be a 14hp 1 year only 73? Auto. Smokes like an 80 year old railroad worker, throws perfect rings and all. Trans doesn't make a sound and is STRONG. Are these rare enough to save? A guy at my shop wants to buy it for a mule to move cars with. 2nd the mid mount cultivator which is why i bought all of it, may be home made? No tag, never saw one. Notice it has reversible spoon and rip teeth. Deck has couple holes will pass it on.

Hello, all. After a bit of a search last year I stumbled onto a 7-1311 50" side sickle for my long frame tractors.. after passing up a few short frame variants. Well, as much as I like this thing, I rarely do use it, and it's a bear to mount/dismount. Might have a crack at buying an 854 with a hydro lift here pretty soon. My sickle uses the older foot pedal pto. Seems to me the only difference between the two models is the frame length on the sickle. Looking under mine, the mount 'shaft' can collapse about another 2" or so. I think I may have read somewhere, way back, that the 7-1311 can work on both short and long frames, but the older ones only fit the short? Would anyone happen to know this answer? For the little I use it an 854 would be a bit easier to store than hogging my big E-12 with it all the time. For one, a good excuse to have another roundhood. And two, I think it'd look good mounted up. But overall it would free up the one I actually keep on the job, since it was repowered with a 16hp.

Just more proof it went to right person and I'm so glad you enjoy it. To be honest, I was little nervous about giving it to a professional craftsman and especially one that's an accomplished woodworker. It's my honor to have your blessing of the amateur work I do. It's my opinion that being part of this Wheel Horse community makes people better. For anyone who hasn't been to the big show yet, make a point to put on top of your bucket list! It's an amazing gathering of people, all with a common interest. It's difficult to explain all of the camaraderie there but it's definitely something you will notice quickly.

Hey Caz, @formariz That pin in the base will fit right into a hole in the bottom of the engine to keep the model from moving. Something I didn't show you was you can remove the rear little pin on the snow plow index section and the blade will swivel. I'll build the mounting brackets and lift link for ya and bring it to next years show since I couldn't finish it in time. Keep look'n around on it and you'll keep finding the little details.

This year I spent a little more time than I usually do sitting under the tent with John. He was very happy to give that to Cas. In the flip side Cas was a gift giver himself. All good in the Redsquare world. John is a great guy for sure.

This heat pump will be supported by “a guy” we know. If something goes down, we’ll holler at the engineering team and they’ll send a tech for troubleshooting. We call it a field trial. The 2 by is supported by a piece of 2x3 steel tubing, I needed my beer back

When the tree fell on the garage last year and punched holes in the roof I never called the insurance company.It is covered but by the time I had to deal with their BS the missus and I had the tree removed. I fixed the roof and other damage myself and I didn't have an adjuster jerk to deal with. Kevin,as far as a broken leg keeping you from dealing with wood heat. I think you are resourceful enough to figure a way around even a broke leg, if it meant keeping the girls warm.

I HAVE KNOW JOHN FOR MANY YEARS AND EJOYED EVERY ONE OF THEM. I HAD ONE OF JOHNS TOYS(THE 40+ M.P.H. RAT ROD) JOHN IS ALWAYS THE FIRST TO HELP ANY ONE. RUSS

It is a honor definitely, to get such a beautiful handcrafted Unikat. To follow the build was more than impressive enough. I build as Teenager several Rc Aircrafts, mostly completely in Wood and in this Time most are not Kit‘s while they too expensive, but while some has just a short life while flying, i didn‘t spend later on so much time on them. So i guess i know how much love is in such a detailful Beauty included. i still have few Aircrafts, but they‘re now just kit‘s to save time and go Fly. To get a Gift like that, Say’s all about the Respect he pay‘s to you.

That is "The Round Barn". You'll find it on rt 234 a few miles East of Arendtsville. Very interesting dairy barn with a central silo for easy feeding and milking in it's day. It is now a fruit and craft shop.

You might get lucky and find a 520 with a bad Onan and then you can repower with any of the Kohlers mentioned.What Paul said about the electrical issues on the 3/4/500 series is spot on.They can be a real headache to keep up with.

So...the line for the privy starts to the left of the rooster?

I was so excited to hear John tell Mrs. Pullstart and I that it was in Terry’s possession! Congrats @Vinylguy and well done @wallfish and @953 nut!

right there with you John but you're still one of the nicest ones of those I've ever met. great to see all the camaraderie in companionship being passed around the room here so to speak @Sparky... Those toothpicks man. Awesome stuff. Absolutely awesome stuff.

It’s under warranty... but the “guy” is the manufacturer. We should have all the support we need with that one.

It was 12-14” deep. There is a 1/2 horse (was 1/3 horse) sump pump and a redundant battery backup pump. We will likely get a WiFi connected battery backup now, so it can alert Mrs. if it activates. Someone is always around to check on the house if ever need be. We have good neighbors and family is close by too.

Good to see your getting things back up and running. So will your basement stuff be up on concrete blocks in case the cellar floods again? How deep was the water? I know it isn’t cheap but maybe an automatic transfer switch/ generator setup??

You're not from around here, are you?

I am glad to hear that things are getting back to normal if one can call it that. I am sorry to hear about what happened specially after a happy event. Water can be a devastating force as I well know. Unfortunately as for insurance most of us have always immediately signed on the dotted line feeling good that we are covered against what may happen, but in reality we are not.One has to read the entire policy prior to accepting it, and understand it which is not always easy. One almost has to think like a "Philadelphia Lawyer" in order to see what kind of little hidden tricks they pull. They are in the business of collecting as much as they can in premiums, and to pay as little in damages as what they can get away with.

Slacker! And you call yourself a collector. You could have easily fit AT LEAST 1 more!

My 418-C has made a believer of me, the Kohler opposed twin engine (KT) is strong and dependable; it pushes snow effortlessly.

I've got a 1997 416-8 with 230 hr with the Onan. I am in the process of cleaning up a 1977 C160 with well over 1000 hr. When done putting the C back together the 416-8 will be for sell. I have many weak point, but electrical is the worst, I counted 8 wires on the C and I know at lest 3 can be eliminated and it will run just fine. I stopped counting wires at 18 on the 416 . Also the Onan is kinda like car engines today you need to remove a lot of stuff to check or replace things.

I like my Onans but for anvil toughness and simplicity I vote for the 16 horse Kohler.I have one that has over 1400 hours on it.It was used commercially and received only minimal maintenance.It uses a little oil but still runs like a champ.You could rebuild 2 Kohlers for less than 1 Onan.JMHO.

And ther are no of Terry receiving this awesome gift!?!?!? You are truly an artist 'Fish and obviously not just with a BFH!

Again I'm speechless Thank you

Welcome! Looks like you've been addicted (as we all are) for quite a while! Glad you found this site. It's a great source of people and information.

I got a buddy coming down with some magnets maybe we can have a miracle re-birth ..

Trying to find the words to express my gratitude for one of the most thoughtful gestures I have ever experienced. Have not been this surprised since the day I discovered my high school diploma was actually signed. Was working at our booth when 2 of my favorite support members walked up to show me the pine rj58 that @wallfish was trying to finish up for the show. Wow what an amazing work of art. I was glad he brought it up to show me as we were busy as usual. To my surprise he said no it is a gift for you for all I have done for the hobby and the RedSquare support members. I am speechless. This handcrafted pine rj58 is a gift that I will cherish forever. Thank you @wallfish and @953 nut. You got me good!