1928 Lombard Model ‘T’ Dump Truck
(Serial No. 4127)
In 1927 the Lombard Tractor & Truck Corporation of Waterville, ME. Developed the Model ‘T’ Lombard tractor for use in construction and roadwork. Weighing 15,900 lbs. and powered by its original Hercules six cylinder YXC-2 motor rated at 87 h.p. The drive train includes a four speed transmission (both forward and in reverse) and a pinion gear final drive. The dump body holds 4-1/2 yards with a mechanical hoist made by Garwood. Only two Lombard model ‘T’s survive.
Sold new to the town of Gorham, Maine on December 11, 1928, it was used for plowing and road maintenance. Eventually it was sold to Ray Starbird for use by his Starbird Lumber Company of Strong, Maine. Then to Bernard Nelson of Rockland before it was purchased by Harry Crooker of Topsham. In August of 1991 it was acquired by Paul and Ray Breton of Vassalboro, Maine who undertook the huge task of restoring it back to operating condition. Thanks to Paul and Ray’s generosity it has been on loan to the Maine Forest & Logging Museum since September 2019 and is frequently demonstrated for our many visitors.
Jean, Paul and Raymond Breton began the extensive restoration of the 1928 Lombard Model ‘T’ dump truck in August 1992 and completed it in 1996. With special thanks to: O’Connor GMC Buick, Augusta, ME.; Gordon Dupont, China, ME; and Maynard Tibbetts, Newport, ME, for their extensive assistance during the engine restoration.
The restoration would not have been a success without the generous contributions of the following (in alphabetical order) individuals and businesses:
Andy Andersen, Windsor, ME.
Bob Barnes, Waterville, ME.
Herbert Beaulieu, N. Vassalboro, ME.
Richard Breton, N. Vassalboro, ME
Burleigh’s Alternator & Starter, Waterville, ME.
Lee Couturier, Winslow, ME.
Charles B. Davis CO., Inc., Waterville, ME.
R.H. Foster, Inc., Waterville, ME.
Webster Fox, Oakland, ME.
Tim Giroux, N. Vassalboro, ME.
John Goodrich, N. Vassalboro, ME.
Francis Joseph, N. Vassalboro, ME.
Kennebec Equipment Rental, Fairfield, ME.
Marden’s Industrial Store, Waterville, ME.
New England Battery & Tire Center, Augusta, ME.
Harry J. Smith Co., Waterville, ME.
Tilcon Warren Inc., Benton Station, ME.
Waterville High School Machine Tool Class of ’93
Donald E. White, Vassalboro, ME.
White & Bradstreet Inc., Augusta, ME.
Many thanks to the following for continued restoration efforts and preservation while residing at the Maine Forest & Logging Museum:
Byron Aubrey, Kenduskeag, ME.
Herbert Crosby, Orono, ME.
Terry Harper, Fort Fairfield, ME.
Chris Rueby, Chili, NY.