The 1907 Lombard Steam Log Hauler is one of the oldest surviving examples of steam-powered tracked vehicles—an extraordinary piece of Maine’s logging heritage and industrial innovation.
The Long Road Back to Life
Designed and built by the Lombard Traction Engine Company in Waterville, Maine, this machine played a key role in revolutionizing winter timber transport in the North Woods. From its early years hauling logs through the remote forests of northern Maine to its recovery, decades-long dormancy, and ambitious restoration, the story of this Lombard is a testament to endurance, ingenuity, and the dedication of those who preserved it. The timeline below traces its journey from the rugged logging camps of the early 20th century to its current home at the Maine Forest & Logging Museum.
December 1907
Built and Delivered
The Lombard Traction Engine Company of Waterville, Maine, completes construction of a steam-powered log hauler number 38. It is sold to Eastern Manufacturing Company in South Brewer, Maine, for winter logging operations.
Winters 1908 - 1913
Logging Operations in Northern Maine
Lombard No. 38 is used at Russell Brook in Township 9, Range 14 WELS. It hauls sled trains full of logs over iced roads to Chamberlain Lake for six consecutive winters.
March 1913
Abandonment at the Tramway
After six seasons of use, Lombard No. 38 is abandoned at a site known as the Tramway in the Allagash region of northern Maine.
1918
Recovered by John Morrison
John Morrison, a jobber for the St. John Lumber Company, recovers Lombard No. 38 along with two others from the Tramway site. A 30-mile recovery road is constructed for the effort, costing $24,500 — a significant investment at the time.
Winter 1919–1920
Used Near Baker Lake
Back in service, the Lombard No. 38 operates near Baker Lake and along the Upper St. John River during the winter logging season.
Winter 1921–1922
Operation by Edouard Lacroix
Ed Lacroix, a subcontractor working under John Morrison, uses Lombard No. 38 in Township 8, Range 17 WELS near Turner Brook.
Winter 1922–1923
Second Season with Lacroix
Lacroix again operates the Lombard in northern Maine under Morrison's subcontract, showing its continuing reliability in tough terrain.
Winter 1924–1925
Acquired by Lacroix and Used at Knowles Brook
Lacroix acquires Lombard No. 38 outright and uses it at Knowles Brook in Township 10, Range 16 WELS. It would be the Lombard’s final season of active use.
March 1925
Second Abandonment
Following the season, the Lombard is once again abandoned — this time at Knowles Brook, where it remains untouched for over four decades.
1968
Salvaged and Preserved
The long-forgotten Lombard is salvaged by Burt Packard, Oscar Partinen, and Manley Haley. Lombard No. 38 is moved to Packard’s Camps in Willimantic, Maine, preserving it from further deterioration.
July 13, 1984
Purchased by the Maine Forest & Logging Museum
The museum acquires Lombard No. 38 and moves it to the Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Maine, initiating its long journey back to running condition.
1989
Relocation to Museum Grounds
Lombard No. 38 is transported to its permanent home at the Maine Forest & Logging Museum in Bradley, Maine, where restoration planning begins.
1995-1999
Restoration Begins Under Mike White
Mike White leads the early restoration efforts. Major milestones include the removal of asbestos, fabrication and installation of new skis and wood breast, casting of a new smokebox front and door, and fabrication of a new smokestack.
1999-2002
Restoration Progresses Under Bill Lynch
Under the direction of Bill Lynch, restoration continues with the fabrication of new drawbar irons and track pins, repair of the frame rails, and construction of a new cab.
2002-2012
University of Maine Joins the Effort
Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) students from the University of Maine join the project. They cast and machine new cylinders, restore the roller chains, fabricate a new ring gear and gear case, install tracks, and design and install a new boiler.
2012-2014
Final Assembly and Project Leadership Transition
Following the passing of Bill Lynch, Herb Crosby takes the lead. The continued involvement of the MET students continues through senior capstone projects. Final mechanical and structural assembly is completed.
April 2014
Restoration Complete
After decades of dormancy and nearly 20 years of restoration, the 1907 Lombard Log Hauler No. 38 is fully restored to operating condition. It becomes a highlight of the museum’s collection, regularly running and thrilling visitors with its whistle and power.
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