1929 Caterpillar

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The 1929 Caterpillar

Purchased in 1929, the Two Ton Caterpillar was used to tow a variety of equipment, including the Steamers, during it’s active service. These jobs were previously done by horses, who were soon put into a well deserved retirement upon the Caterpillar’s purchase. The Caterpillar was used by the Dawson City Fire Department until the early 1960s.

The Caterpillar is still in working condition and, with a little persuasion, will start up without a problem!

1929 Caterpillar in action

Re-acquisition and restoration

Upon retirement from the Fire Department, the Caterpillar was put to work at various mining operations in the region. It  last worked in a gold mine at Last Chance Creek to haul pipe and supplies.

In 1995, it was located and re-acquired by the Museum. Purchased from Ian Bremner, and restored by Tony Hanulik, the 1929 Caterpillar has been showcased in the firefighters museum ever since.

Deputy Chief Taylor drives the pre-restoration Caterpillar
Deputy Chief Taylor drives the pre-restoration Caterpillar – Summer 1995
Our Master Mechanic Eric Blatter inspects the newly restored Caterpillar - June 1997
Our master mechanic Eric Blattler inspects the newly restored Caterpillar – June 1997

Getting the Caterpillar out from where it had been left took a good bit of team work.