We love tractors. Maybe it’s because of their power and usefulness. Plus, miniature versions of tractors make for great toys, like this one of a Case IH model.
But we wanted to see authentic tractors for ourselves, so we visited the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista, California.
It was a scenic place that housed quite a lot of history. For instance, we enjoyed strolling along this miniature railroad track.
This bridge leading up to a farm house at the museum likewise added to the ambiance of the place.
The first exhibit we saw was of this 1954 Tucker Sno-Cat that was part of a trans-Antarctic expedition. While it’s not exactly a tractor, it was nonetheless still interesting to learn about. Besides, it was the transportation of choice for polar explorations back in its day, thanks to its wide track that made heavy lifting possible even in deep snow conditions.
There were other modes of transport on display. This one had a more rustic air to it.
There were still others with character to them, such as this colorful one. The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, after all, seeks to preserve “examples of mechanical ingenuity and crafts associated with the early days of the American farm and rural community,” as its website indicates.
Here’s another view of it from a wider angle, which additonally provides more to see of the other displays at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum.
The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum also had a blacksmith on site. Here is his building.
Here’s another one of us at the blacksmith’s entryway.
Around the blacksmith’s building were more exhibits, as this photo illustrates.
We then found the section of the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum that was devoted to tractors.
We loved exploring all the different varieties on display at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum.
Here’s more offered at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum.
We loved the opportunity to clamber upon them for closer inspection.
Here’s a blue tractor that was great to imagine operating.
This red tractor was a joy as well.
Of course, we tried the other vehicles that were at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, too.
We had so much fun at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, that we made sure to get ourselves some John Deere tractors as toys.
Our fondness for tractors has grown thanks to our visit to the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum. And, it doesn’t hurt any that we also have this John Deere tractor pillow to dream upon.
