MTFCA Forum

I don't think the man pushing is doing much good in this situation. I don't see a line between the two Ts so I wonder how they got it out.

I don't see a line either. If they were using a chain, it may be sunk in the mud. Just looking and that picture makes my hands and feet cold.

A local farmer’s dream come true. “Hey Buddy, for a couple of bucks I’ll bring down the mules.”

He did get out. If I may go back to February 27, 2012, John Berch said "This was near Ames Iowa photo's dated 1919. The car has Iowa war time license plates that were used from 1916 through 1918. He did finally get out of his fix with the help of a long rope and another car."
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/25 ... 1330560765
There are some more pictures of that incident.
I'm glad you posted this as many did not see the 2012 post or remember it.
Thanks
Rich
The '16 War plate:

Rich, What was a Iowa war plate? How did it differ from earlier and later years?

Thanks for links to those other photos. I was not aware of them.

Bruce

Hi Bruce. "In 1916 an undated plate was introduced in order to save metal during World War I. This plate was used through 1918."
James K. Fox, License Plates of the United States.

I like the driver, looking back to make sure, when he backs up, he won't hit anything. High hopes indeed!



(Ya, I know, he's looking at the other T...)

Meanwhile here in Cedar Rapids Iowa the roads still look the same... but the bike trails are nice.

My take on this is the photo is somewhat staged. The fellow "pushing" on the radiator is wanting to look like he's actually helping rather than just standing around looking helpless ! I would never push on my T's radiator and expect that to help it move, even on dry pavement ! I think the fellow backing up is watching out to make sure he doesn't find the same soft spot in the quagmire that got the other car stuck. From the amount of exhaust his car is spewing, either it's a very cold day (but the mud's not frozen) or he needs a ring job badly, or he's really pouring on the coal ! I'd guess the last one in that heavy mud ! What a great picture !! Lots of good comments.

I'll never complain about our roads again!
Except for the excessive layer of salt they pile on em at the drop of a few tiny snowflakes!

If I saw a road in that condition I don't think I'd try it....not even in my four wheel drive Jeep. I suppose back then they weren't left with many alternatives..

When such roads eventually dried out I bet the deep, hard ruts were another challenge. It would still be possible to high-center the car and be stranded. I don't know if a road grader would do much good....you'd have to plow them first.

Like the other Tim, I won't complain about minor surface irregularities in the roads I travel.

I wonder how long that Model T’s cotton transmission bands lasted in that deep mud!! There’s only so much 20 HP or so can do. But it could be a heavier car might have had a harder time than the lighter Model T getting out of all that mud slop.

I’m thinking that T Touring weighed around 1200lbs considering the tool box, spare and any etc that was in the back seat area.

Not Model T, but the story is still the same !