A tractor without a running motor and covered in rust was transformed into a replica of a "Spirit of '76" patriotic bicentennial-edition tractor by FFA members from Octorara Junior Senior-High School. The students won two awards for their efforts as part of a restoration competition held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January.

Students who restored the tractor under the guidance of FFA adviser Ryan King were Gabe Kreider, Hector Vergara, Lisandro Esquivel-Lopez, Grant Umble, Scott Danby and Jackson Ranck. The young men are members of the school's Mechanical Systems Technology program.

King explained that Lisandro found the 1973 Case 446 tractor on sale on Facebook Marketplace. "We were searching for this particular model," King explained. "In 1976, there were four tractor companies that made special paint editions of the tractor. Steiger Tractor made these tractors for the bicentennial, but this was too big of tractor for us, so as we were doing research, (we learned) that Case made a 446 that had this paint scheme. We had to find this particular model."

King transported the tractor via trailer from New York after paying the $200 asking price. "It was in bad shape," said Scott.

Students worked together to assess the tractor's condition and then planned the restoration process, assigning roles based on each member's strengths.

"The first thing we did was look at the condition of the tractor overall. We had to figure what our goals were and what was needed," said Lisandro. "Our first day was tearing apart the tractor and checking details. We divided and started conquering what we had to do. There were two groups. Me, Gabe and Hector worked on the engine. Jackson, Scott and Grant worked on the body panels."

"When we first brought it in, the levers were ceased up, and it was missing parts. Gabe found a parts tractor that was cheaper than buying parts (online)," King noted. "Jackson was doing some research and got in contact with a dealership that specializes in these old Case tractors from out in Wisconsin. In talking with them, we got some parts from there as well. It is really difficult to find parts for this vintage of tractor."

Following the mechanical work, the tractor was painted red, white and blue with stars and stripes.

"For the painting, we looked at a bunch of pictures of the original one," said Jackson. "We painted it all white first, and then we (used) stencils for the blue and red and the white stars. We put clear coat on top to make it shine."

"We put some pearl flakes in there so you can see it glitter in the light," added Scott.

After restoring the tractor, the students entered it into the competition. "The theme of the Farm Show was the 250th anniversary of the country; that's why we tried to find a stars and stripes tractor," said King. "There are six individual prizes that you could win. We won two of them. The team had to present a 15-minute presentation about the tractor, and the team won best presentation. We also won most improved tractor."

He noted that this year is the first time that Lisandro and Gabe, who are both seniors, placed at the tractor restoration competition. "This is their third year doing this, and this year they were intent on getting a prize," he said.

"This is what me and Gabe have been chasing for a while," said Lisandro.

The tractor is now in full running order and is on display in the main hallway at the school. "Jackson wants to run it in the Solanco Parade. Outback Toys in Lititz wants us to bring it up to display it the spring when the Ertl Company is releasing a model of this tractor," King noted.

The tractor is also scheduled to be on display during Parkesburg 250th anniversary events and other semiquincentennial parades, re-creating the way the tractor was originally featured. "Case only made eight of (the tractors) for a parade in Racine, Wis. They made eight floats with these tractors pulling them," King noted. "(The students) want to re-create a float to pull it."

"This is not one of the original eight; it is a replica. They have only found six of them. There are two out there and no one knows where," King added. "It was fun doing research on the tractor and get it running. It came out great."

To view a video of the tractor restoration and the final reveal, visit http://www.youtube.com and search for "Octorara FFA Tractor 2025-2026." More information is available at http://www.facebook.com/FFAOctorara.