John Mayes

By John Lange

I had the opportunity to spend a morning with Don Mayes talking and looking at his model engine collection. I first met Don at the Chaffee County Fair where he displayed a few of his engines. Since taking over as the FRAPA editor I have been wanting to do an article on Don. Partly because I knew his collection would be appreciated by FRAPA members, but mainly because I wanted to see his entire collection in detail and pick his brain on some of his techniques. Being an amateur machinist, I have been awestruck by his outstanding machining and attention to detail. Don’s engines not only look great, but run perfectly. As you look at the pictures, remember Don machined every piece mostly from raw stock material using very few castings. Literally thousands of parts go into the engines in his collection. A little about Don. Don’s Grandfather bought 20 acres on 40th Lane east of Vineland in the mid 20’s. Don was born in Pueblo in 1937 and in 1941 Don and his parents moved in with his grandfather. Don lived there until 1969. In 1955 after high school Don worked on farms in the area and did some construction. He also worked in Rockyford as a mill right. In 1968 Don went to college for Diesel & Hydraulics. 1969 Don started working for Triangle Truck, the International Dealer in Canyon City. In March of 1970 Don started working at Southern Colorado Equipment, a John Deere construction dealer, as a mechanic and was promoted to service manager in 1976. In January of 84 Don met his wife Kay who passed in 2016. Colorado equipment became Colorado Machinery in 1993. Don’s career spanned 29 years full time, and an additional 6 year’s part time. Don retired in 2006. In 1965 Don built his 1st model engine. His tools consisted of a drill press, small lathe, and simple hand tools. This engine was based on plans in popular Mechanics magazine. His models range from his first simple steam engine to his current project, an incredibly complex four cylinder 1/3 scale Offy. The plans for the Offy are actually for a ¼ scale, Don is scaling it up so some of the smaller parts are easier to work on. His shop today is very well equipped. He has a Bridgeport Mill that he modified to have electronic variable speed spindle control and a nice Enco lathe. Don has built steam engines, hit and miss engines, complex gas engines and even a wooden engine. In addition to the following engines, Don has built a J&E Junior, ½ scale John Deere E, ¼ scale Rider Ericsson Hot air pumping engine, and a ½ scale JD model D to name a few. He has also restored a 1937 model D JD, a 1946 model BN JD, and a 1947 Model M JD.