Roger Welsch: Humorist, Tractor Restorer

[Scotty370]

Let me apoligise up front if I'm way behind the curve on this! I just had one of Roger's books 'fall into my lap', out of the blue! If you havn't read his work, I strongly suggest it! I'm a John Deere buff, and am trying desperately not to (tax the family budget and) buy a "Johnny Popper" (1947-M) to tinker with! I have his 'Trilogy' that includes "Old Tractors, And The Men Who Love Them". For Vintage Tractor buffs, it's the best way, other than 'Shop-Time' to enjoy yourself! ~Scotty

 

[ScottAR]

If you like those you might also want to try "It's Not The End Of The Earth, But You
Can See It From Here."

Not really tractor related but a really good read featuring all the locals in the tractor books.
I'm temped to get his book on outhouses.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

"Ol' Rog" also is known to do a TV show that airs on RFD-TV. It's called "Postcards From Nebraska".

He's a nut!

Best story I've ever heard is one where he tells of helping a friend to retreive an old tractor from a junk yard. They wire up his trailer to fit the buddy's truck. Down the road they go. It wasn't until they went to turn off the main highway that they realized there was a problem. THey had the electric trailer brakes wired to the turn signal.

And don't miss the book, "A Life With Dogs".

 

[Soundguy]

Yep.. rog is a hoot.. decently nice guy too.

soundguy

 

[flusher]

Yep.. rog is a hoot.. decently nice guy too.

soundguy

Read his tractor book. He really has the hots for Allis Chalmers WCs.

 

[Soundguy]

i've read all his books, and conversed with him via email a few times.. funny guy.. likes orange paint too...

soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

i've read all his books, and conversed with him via email a few times.. funny guy.. likes orange paint too...

soundguy

I had the honor and good fortune to meet Ol Rog at the National Farm Machinery Show a few years back. He was at the "Successful Farming" booth signing autographs and entertaining passers by. He seems like "just an ordinary guy", but he's not so "ordinary". The man is an Anthropology professor at the Univ. of Nebraska (or WAS last time I read about him) A buddy of Roger's, David Mowritz, started Rog off doing an antique iron feature in SF mag. His writing skills and comedic skills made him a standout.

 

[Soundguy]

I've not had the honor to meet him.. just some email and traded some pics. Yep.. I know he's done book opening and tv spots.. knew he was a prof.. just didn't know what subject. I like his easy going yet machine-sarcastic level of writing.. I remember one story he was talking about taking an engine or other assembly apart.. by the time it was apart.. he had broken about half the bolts off.. whoops.. there went another.. etc..

hope he puts another one out soon.. I've still got space in the bookcase

say.. any ford 7XX on your rader anywhere south of ya? I'm looking for another project and a 7xx would fill the gap in my lineup of 5xx-9xx.

you guys getting the rain that we are ( daily and heavy.. 4 " this week )

soundguy

 

[wolc123]

I actually bought an Allis Chalmers because of his books a few years ago (and the price was right). It is a model C and I know he has at least one of them but the WC is certainly his favorite. I like that old C a lot more since getting a good tool to use it on this spring (JD 7.5 ft pull-type disc). I put a good many hours on that combo this season and that old C never missed a beat. Sure is one gutsy little tractor and I can see why he is so fond of the old "orange". I dont even have a battery in my C, but it starts every time with half a turn of the crank handle (as long as it is not too cold out). I am planning on using it to drag out a bunch of logs monday as that trike front is really nice for getting thru the woods.

 

[Ken]

Rogers place is just north of Grand island Nebr. town of Dannebrog. Visit Helens resturant and he probally will come and join in the conversation. If it is about a Allis Chalmers.
becoming famous hasn't mellowed him.
ken