A rare Blackstone engine, which originated from the local firm of John A Weir, has found its way to the town of Blue Grass, Iowa, where it has become a 'treasure' for enthusiast Travis Benner.
Travis explained how he came to purchase the rare piece of machinery in December 2005 and with the help of Michael Stamford, from Oxfordshire, was able to trace some of its history.
"It was tested at the factory on the 12th of June, 1928 and sold to a John A. Weir of Ballyroney, Co. Down, Northern Ireland," he explained.
"Weir's were an engineering company commissioned to supply a back-up power supply for a distiller in Belfast. The distiller was using a water wheel for power up to that point, but concerns over the level of the river in a drought, or future increased needs for power necessitated the installation of a back up power supply.
"Weir installed the Blackstone and it sat unused for many years. There is testing data recorded, as workers at the distiller would start the engine and oil the proper bits monthly, but the engine never saw active service," said Travis.
"At some point the company closed and the contents of the business sat undisturbed for a time. Finally, when the machinery was sold at auction, it was purchased by a gentleman who was in contact with the Epping family in Nebraska here in the United States. The Eppings imported the engine and it saw little use before it was purchased by me in December 2005."
Travis lives in a rural agricultural setting near a larger city in Iowa and the engine will be on display later this month at another rally.
Each summer finds them travelling to shows in Iowa and neighbouring states.
"We have been fortunate to meet some truly wonderful people at these shows. There is always a quick hand ready to assist when an engine acts up and refuses to start," he said.
"A couple of close rally friends and I have a friendly wager where we bring an engine to a show that has never run for us, only to see if we can get her to run at the show.
"The pressure is on as the crowd builds!
"The Blackstone made her show debut late in the show season last year. It took that long to locate and receive the cart and pot muffler and make her ready.
"In the states, the Blackstone is quite uncommon. Very few are displayed at different shows across the US.
"We are fortunate to have a few engines that are uncommon to go along with the rest and they are quite fun to get running and share with others," he added.
"We have driven into Canada for an engine and even thousands of miles for others, while some have come from as close as 100 miles away. You never know where you will find the next treasure, and what challenges will come along with the new acquisition!"