Issue # 4: Oliver 99 - 1/2 Pint

If you attend many shows, you’ve probably noticed more and more small scale tractors and implements showing up. Some of these are very highly detailed. New to the shows this year is a one half scale Oliver 99 that was built last winter.

This particular model was built by Shawn Beauprez and Jeff Wagner out of Colorado. The chassis began with a Cub Cadet frame. In order to fit the scale of the 99, it had to be stretched 10 inches.

The starting point of the project was the radiator tank, which is actually off of a full-scale 99. The unit is powered by a 12 horse Kohler engine and has a hydrostat transmission. Original Oliver gauges were used and all the sheet metal was fabricated by Jeff.

Shawn estimates that they have about 500 man hours in the machine. Shawn’s father, Mike, wanted something to ride around on at the shows and now he’s got it. The 99 is quite an attention getter and a lot easier to haul than the big one.

These little machines are becoming so popular that one show is going to feature them next year. Penfield, IL, the location of the 2003 HPOCA summer show and the current home of Hart-Parr No. 3 will be featuring miniatures at their 2005 show July 7-10. So if you want to be part of a unique display of invention and fabrication, throw your tractor in the back of the pickup and head to Penfield.

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