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Everything journalists, producers, and media professionals need to cover the world's largest steam traction engine.
Official Overview
The 150 HP Case Road Locomotive
The 150 HP Case Road Locomotive is the largest steam traction engine ever built — and the only surviving example in the world. Originally manufactured by the J.I. Case Threshing Machine Company in Racine, Wisconsin, only nine of these giants were ever produced. None were known to survive.
In 2006, Kory Anderson of Andover, South Dakota began a 12-year reconstruction project to bring one back to life. Working from original blueprints, hand-cast foundry parts, and the expertise of a dedicated team of craftsmen, machinists, and engineers, Anderson completed the engine in 2018.
The engine weighs 75,000 pounds when loaded, stands over 14 feet tall, and produces 150 horsepower from its massive steam-powered drivetrain. Its public debut at the James Valley Threshing Show in Andover, SD drew national and international media attention — and launched a viral phenomenon that has since accumulated over 200 million views across social media platforms.
Builder & Owner
Kory Anderson
Kory Anderson is a farmer, machinist, and mechanical historian from Andover, South Dakota. Raised on a working farm and trained in precision machining, Anderson has spent his career restoring and operating historic agricultural equipment.
In 2006, Anderson began the most ambitious restoration project in steam traction engine history: rebuilding a 150 HP Case Road Locomotive from scratch. The project required sourcing original blueprints, commissioning custom foundry castings, machining thousands of individual components, and coordinating a team of specialists across multiple states.
The completed engine made its public debut in 2018 and was officially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's largest operational steam traction engine. Anderson continues to operate and exhibit the engine at select events each year, drawing crowds from across North America and around the world.
Technical Specifications
Engine Specifications
Horsepower
150 HP
Loaded Weight
75,000 lbs
Height
14+ feet
Drive Type
Steam Traction
Manufacturer
J.I. Case Threshing Machine Co.
Original Production
Racine, Wisconsin
Units Originally Built
9 Known
Known Survivors (Original)
0
Reconstruction Began
2006
Reconstruction Completed
2018
Reconstruction Duration
12 Years
Guinness World Record
World's Largest Operational Steam Traction Engine
Guinness
World
Record
Guinness World Records
Officially the World's Largest
In 2018, the 150 HP Case Road Locomotive was officially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's largest operational steam traction engine. The certification followed the engine's successful public debut and operational demonstration at the James Valley Threshing Show in Andover, South Dakota.
Official Record
World's Largest Operational Steam Traction Engine
Certification
Certified 2018
Approved Photography
Press Photos
For high-resolution versions and usage rights, submit a media inquiry below.
Downloadable Resource
Official Fact Sheet
A one-page PDF summary of the 150 HP Case Road Locomotive — engine specs, Guinness record, reconstruction timeline, and key facts for broadcast and print use.
Need More Information?
For interview requests, high-resolution photography, broadcast licensing, or media credentials, use the inquiry form. All media requests are reviewed and responded to by the Anderson team.
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