Great Northern baggage cart tug restored

Columbia Falls resident Dan Tombrink has a passion for old things, especially tractors. A recent addition to his collection is a 1951 Clarktor CT-21 towing tractor.

The tractor was used for many years as a tug hauling baggage carts for Great Northern Railroad passenger trains at the Whitefish Depot before ending its career at East Glacier with Amtrak.

Tombrink first noticed the tractor at a rodeo arena near Valier, where it was used to groom the riding grounds. On a subsequent trip, he stopped for a closer look, discovered what it was and decided to buy the tug for restoration.

Tombrink began the restoration in late 2013 and completed the work in early 2014, investing about $3,500. Original parts were used except for a deck plate, front fenders, decals and lettering, which were fabricated.

Clarktor manufactured 106 of the CT-21 tractors. They were powered by a Chrysler 217-cubic inch six-cylinder engine, with a towing capacity of 47 tons and a top forward speed of 12.75 mph.

Tombrink has already kicked off his next project — another Clarktor towing tractor. The CM-33 was originally shipped to Spokane, Wash. on June 24, 1948 for use by the Great Northern. It was last used by the railroad as a snowplow at Belton.

Tombrink also acquired the snowplow blade The engine has been rebuilt, re-installed and is now running. The remainder of the restoration work will be undertaken by Tombrink’s nephew.