Turtle Creek Models Inc. is a manufacturer of limited edition scale model antique gasoline engines.  Jim VanHeeren and his wife Patricia are in charge of the engine division of this company. An article detailing the company and Jim and Patricia's work can be found in the "Toy Farmer" magazine, February 2006 issue.  They measure all parts of a real engine and enter those measurements in the computer. Then rubber molds are made and the parts are spin-cast from zinc.  Jim has to fine hone each piece with sanders,  drill presses and Dremels.  The engine is then painted with auto body paint. 

     Turtle Creek has made four types of gas engines. They include a Stover Model K, Gade, John Deere and a Root & Vandervoort. 

     I have #185 of a very limited edition of 200 of the Root & Vandevoort.  The 6" long model weighs 1 lb and 7 oz.  The beautiful auto paint finish is detailed by fine decals indicating the R&V Triumph Line of engines.  It has copper wire for the fuel line, a red cap for the fuel cap, brass colored grease cups, oiler, water petcock, fuel primer and name plate on the front of the water hopper.  The exhaust rod is steel rod, the crank, arm and gears are nicely detailed steel.  The 3" flywheels turn freely.  The wooden skids tell the model, manufacturer, # in the sequence of the limited edition and the fact that it was made to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Root & Vandervoort.

     Root & Vandervoort came into being in 1900 in Moline, Illinois. The demand for gasoline engines was solid and almost from its start, R&V sold its engine line through John Deere implement dealers. This amicable relationship lasted till 1918 when Deere came out with its own engine and R&V decided to go into the automobile business. During their years of production Root and Vandervoort offered a variety of horizontal and vertical engines. They maintained a policy standard of superior quality and appearance. The green base finish coupled with black and gold striping and elaborate stencils made for a handsome yet fully reliable engine.

   The Turtle Creek model of the Root & Vandervoort Triumph 6 horsepower engine does the real engine justice. It is suberbly hand finished. Jim and Patricia VanHeeren should be proud.