on February 17! Congratulations!!
Brent's Grandfather is Ed Troudt, next older sibling to William Troudt.
Newspaper article 11-29-1972 The Lincoln Star about Nelson Man Gives Up Trains for Steam Car.
THIS ARTICLE HAS A PICTURE OF ED TROUDT.
At a springly age 75, Ed Troudt has switched toys. He's gone from Kiddie-ride trains to a steam automobile.
His latest building project, the reworking of an old jet pump as the nucleus of his envisioned power plant is only in its first stage. But folks who know the old machinist are giving odds his car will have a full head of steam by spring.
"I'm making this my endeavor for the winter." said the soft-spoken Nelson native. "Mother scolds me for working when I don't have to, but I say a man's better off at this than sitting around all the time."
Ed's lifelong affair with steam became the real talk of the town about 15 years ago when he began operating a kiddie railroad in his yard. Thousands shared his glee before the owner sold to a South Dakota firm and tore up the outfit's 600 feet of track.
The train's steam locomotice had been the proudest handiwork from an unusual hobby-business. Eight other of his trains, mostly gasoline models are now hauling passengers in Nebraska, South Dakota, North Carolina, Oregon, Idaho and Colorado.
One of the $2500 gasoline units was recently given to the Child Evangelism Fellowship for its summer camp at Louisville. Another is carefully stored in Ed's garage for future parades and other appearances.
"I've hauled thousands of kids through the years." reflected the oldster. "Guess I gave too many free rides though to make any money at it."
Although this is his first attempt at a steam auto, the retired blacksmith-machinist is confident of success. He has serviced steamers of virtually every size and has been licensed to do precide code boiler work.
Plans for the vehicle call for a size capable of hauling five passengers. Ed has yet to locate a suitable chassis but has his eye on "a set of real sporty wire wheels."
A devout member of the Oak Community Church, Troudt has supplied that congregation's pulpit on several occasions as well as other in the area. His willingness to preach exemplifies the strong convictions he shares with all who enter his shop.
"I've always tried to put the Lord first.! he said. "even ahead of steam engines.""
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