Joseph Blumentritt built his first 6 H. P. portable steam engine in the early 1870's. In the early 1870's when he was 20 years old, Joe Blumentritt built for himself his first portable steam engine of 6hp. Joseph built an engine shop on his farm in New Hartford, in Winona County, MN. He made all of his own tools including dies and patterns for the castings.
The Blumentritt engines were double cylinder and built in 6, 12, and 24
H. P. sizes. There were of the return flue style and operated from the side, fired from the front end. They were straight geared, no clutch was used. In order to engage the gearing a pinion was slid over and a square key was inserted. These engines were the first traction engines built west of the Mississippi River.
Information Sources:
- Norbeck, Jack, Encyclopedia of American Steam Traction Engines, Crestline Publishing Inc, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Pg. 84.
- The Steam Tractor Encyclopedia by John F. Spalding & Robert T. Rhode, 2011 pages 111-115