The Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the construction, will raffle one of its 1:10 scale Otis railroad shovel models will be raffled.

Designed in 1835 and patented in 1839, the Otis steam shovel is the earliest known land-based single-bucket excavator. Originally built for use in railroad construction by the contracting firm in which inventor William S. Otis was a partner, it remained in production in small numbers until the early 1910s. The design concept of a railroad-mounted shovel whose boom swung approximately ninety degrees left and right was continued by several manufacturers into the late 1920s, and its digging action is seen in today’s cable- and hydraulic-operated shovels.

The 1:10 scale model features a swinging boom, extending and retracting dipper stick, rolling wheels, and operational levers, gears, drums and bucket trip, and comes on a section of railroad track for exhibit. It is the first of a series of scale models being produced exclusively for the HCEA, and was introduced at ConExpo-Con/AGG 2011.

The model sells for $4,500, but raffle tickets are available for $5.00 each. All proceeds will go to fund development of additional models of historic equipment. Tickets are available from the HCEA. The drawing will be held Sept. 15, 2012, at the HCEA’s membership banquet in Bowling Green, Ohio, and the winner need not be present.

The HCEA was founded in 1986, and has more than 4,300 members in 25 countries. In addition to its magazine and hosting an annual working exhibition of restored construction equipment, it operates the National Construction Equipment Museum and archives in Bowling Green, Ohio. Individual memberships are $30.00 within the USA and Canada, and $40.00 elsewhere.

For more information, call 419/352-5616 or visit www.hcea.net.

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