Passion For Gliders Inspired Unique Collection

Passion For Gliders Inspired Unique Collection Ken Cerra had a passion for World War II equipment, starting with Jeeps, which led to gliders and gear designed for glider delivery. His enthusiasm saved two 1941 Willys, made just before the war began. While 25,000 of the flat-grill Jeeps were built, most were destroyed during the war.  “I found two and had them fully restored and later sold them,” says Cerra. “I started looking into the airborne gliders used during D-Day.” Cerra hoped to locate a cockpit. He was able to find a couple of frames, but not the parts he needed. However, researching gliders introduced him to the equipment they carried into battle. “I searched around the country, getting to know collectors, until I found several pieces,” recalls Cerra. “I found a Case SI tractor in Montana that a farmer got from an Air Force base there. It had the very rare Hough loader with a front bucket on a cable lift mechanism.” The Case SI was a downsized version of a Case SC, featuring different fenders and a distinct front and rear end. Loops on each axle were used to secure the tractor during flight. If it had to be airdropped, a parachute was connected to the loops. “The Case SI with the front loader is very unique,” says Cerra. “Very few were made. Most of the tractors were used to pull a scraper or grader. They were brought in by glider to prepare aircraft runways and do other construction.” Cerra sent the tractor to Dan Peterman, Webster City, Iowa, for restoration. He recalls that the only parts missing were the tub for the back end and some parts for the bucket lift mechanism. When loaded with sand, the tub served as a counterweight for the front bucket. The loader was in tough shape, but Peterson found parts in Kansas. “I did a lot of research and found a collector in Ohio who had one, as well as the engineering prints for it,” says Cerra. “He sent me a copy, and I had an exact replica of the tub made.” Over time, Cerra added a tug tractor found in Indiana and a Clarkair CA-1 bulldozer found in Michigan. He also located and restored a scraper built by LaPlant-Choate and a 220S towed grader manufactured by J.D. Adams & Company. “I had the fun of doing the nationwide search for them, but they were all in horrible condition due to age and use,” recalls Cerra. “I did research into each piece, and then we went through the restoration process.” When all were restored, Cerra donated them to the Heartland Acres Agribition Center and Museum, Independence, Iowa. “I have a farm in Florida where I could have kept them, but who would see them other than myself and a few friends,” says Cerra. “I would rather have the public see and enjoy them.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ken Cerra, 16185 N.W. 46th St., Morriston, Fla. 32668 (bluebluejays@aol.com) or Heartland Acres Agribition Center, 2600 Swan Lake Blvd., Independence, Iowa 50644 (ph 319-332-0123; info@heartlandacresusa.com; www.heartlandacresusa.com).

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