Waconia 2016

[skiroule]

Thinking there were a few JD members out there this year so maybe they can also post a few comments. As usual, it was a good time but it just seemed a little quieter this year. Maybe it was the warm weather (2[SUP]nd[/SUP] year in a row) or maybe the lack of lake racing. I suspect that attendance was very close to previous years so it’s probably my imagination. Did get the John Deere out and it was fun to make a few runs up and down the lake and around the grounds.

Bought two pork chops and a Dew but didn’t come home with an armload of parts this year. Couldn’t find a couple of things I really was looking for but I'll find them eventually. Once again the grounds and the lake were in constant vintage sled motion and lots of sleds to look at.

Here’s just a few shots I took late in the day (apologies in advance to Frank for the big photos)

Wish mine looked this nice

Really wish I had one of these

Bearrassler probably recognizes this sled.

Some random shots

 

[gary_in_neenah]

Thanks for posting these as I always enjoy seeing the vintage iron. A couple of observations on my part, I'd never seen the Black Massey before, always the big boxy ones that looked like cartoon snowmobiles. The hood on the Super Stinger was new to me, hadn't seen that before as well as the free air Vikings. The obligatory pic of the Skiroule looks like it just came out of the crate, very nice!

I haven't been to one of these shows in a few years but always enjoy seeing the early machines and the effort that people put in to restoring them.

 

[skiroule]

Yeah Gary, I was surprised by some of the same things, like the free air Vikings. Apparently they built quite a few. Heard both the red Viking and the Skiroule 800 triple run (both with straight pipes). Holy crap were they loud - noticed both guys had ear plugs. Think i would have been terrified to ride that Skiroule, it was running three fuel pumps, one for each carb and he still primed it with a little squirt of gas/oil when he fired it up.

Always interesting talking people there. Talked to the guy with the restored JD Cyclone. Said when John Deere folded up sled operations in Horicon WI, pallet after pallet of parts went in the dumpster: chassis, covers, hoods, you name it - I get pale just thinking about it.

The black Massey really caught my eye as well. Not really familiar with the history but it must have been some kind of Brut - Scorpion - Massey Ferguson arrangement. Saw this pair there. These are the Masseys I remember.

 

[gary_in_neenah]

There ya go Kelly, that's the Ski Whiz I remember. With a face only a mother could love!

And I agree, that Skiroule looks like trouble with 3 of everything, narrow ski stance on leaf springs, maybe a little top heavy... nothing to go wrong there!

Sadly, I imagine a lot of the companies that closed their doors ended up in the dumpster. What a shame...

Thanks again for posting these.

 

[bearrassler]

I really wanted to make it down there this year Kelly but had a few to many things going on up here. How was the turnout for Viking sleds. It would have been fun to put some old Viking clothes on and check out the displays. I do recognize the number 52 sled and if it is the original sled I did a lot of riding with Art on that very sled. Art is a friend and we rode together quite a bit. It looks like the 1972 model. He finished in 11th place in the 1971 race, the highest finish of any Viking. They made quite a few free airs, they were the Vanquisher models.

 

[skiroule]

Believe me, I know how that goes with scheduling. Had every intention of making the EGF show this year and just couldn't get over there. Hopefully next year though.

I would not be surprised if the sled on display in the ballroom is the same sled. Sure had the look of an original, right down to the Standard Oil decals. I thought the Vikings were very well represented around the grounds but then it seems like they always are. Here's a couple of beauties on the lake.

Hoping that within a year or so I can set up a work area that is dedicated to getting these things running, as they seem to keep piling up. Made a deal for this one prior to Waconia but picked it up there. Somewhat unusual sled - 76 Johnson SR. Basically a JX but with slide suspension. From my limited experience it's the only one I've ever seen. Doubt if many were sold - think 76 was the last production year for the JX (and maybe for the whole Johnson line). This one has spark and fires but the gas smells really bad. Electric start actually works. I have a JX that might be a parts machine and maybe I can make something decent out of the two.

Not sure if I should look for a "Kiss My Johnson" decal now.

 

[lenny]

Looks like lots of fun

 

[ezra]

Looks like lots of fun

if u want to go I got a guest room and less than a 30 min ride to Waconia well prob 45 on old iron .