5951 Queens Drive Lincoln, Nebraska 68516
As the length of the yardstick indicates, the late Gene
Bush’s John Deere ‘D’ model is just over three feet
long. The engine is now on display at the Nebraska State Historical
Society, in Lincoln.
The people who have attended the many gas engine meets at
Waverly, Nebraska, near Lincoln, will be sure to recognize the
built-to-scale 1925 John Deere model ‘D’ tractor in the
picture. The model D was constructed by the late R. E. (Gene)
Bush.
Gene was the owner/operator of CM Products of Lincoln. He had
many gas engines along with his model D scale model that he showed
at meets.
The model D has a Coldwell antique two cylinder engine, a fully
operating radiator for cooling made from a car heater, plus a
transaxle from a John Deere riding lawn mower tractor for gear
change.
Gene’s outstanding ability and talent show he completely
constructed the wheels, front axle, rolling hitch drawbar, and
clutch mechanism.
The tractor was dwarfed by the Oil Pulls, regular size tractors
and machinery in the parade of power at Waverly, but Gene would
start his little D John Deere and proudly walk behind it, turning
heads in amazement when it went by operating on its own power.
After Gene passed away his wife, Dorothy was concerned about the
little tractor’s future. After contemplating she decided to let
many people enjoy the product of Gene’s hands and relate
themselves to the era when the antique D was made.
Mrs. Dorothy Bush donated the tractor to the Nebraska State
Historical Society in Lincoln for display, where it will be enjoyed
by all who come to see it.
I can only praise Gene on having known him and having had him as
a friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.