John Tomlinson’s Legacy Lives On

The Olney Heritage Museum is featuring a new exhibit: a hand-crafted, model truck and backhoe designed and built by the late John Tomlinson. His wife, Kim Tomlinson, has graciously donated the models to the museum for all to enjoy.

In 1997, the Tomlinsons were living in Tennessee. John was recovering from major surgery, so with his free time he decided to build a special Christmas gift for his father-in-law, Neil Larimore. Neil was in the dirt hauling business at the time, and the model John designed was a replica of Neil’s truck and backhoe.

The model, a conventional diesel dump truck, has more than 260 pieces and took over 48 hours to build. The backhoe and trailer have over 300 pieces and took at least 100 hours to build.

Operational parts include everything from a pivoting hood, dump action detailed motor, steering, 25 pivot joints and eight working cylinders.

At his death in Dec. 2019, Tomlinson’s career as a skilled craftsman spanned over 50 years of experience in the building industry in and around Young County. He and his wife, Kim, were married over 30 years. She still resides in Olney. You are encouraged to drop by the muse

You are encouraged to drop by the museum to view the new exhibit, and all the many historical items on display. The Olney Heritage Museum is located at 213 E. Main St. and open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For any questions or to schedule a weekend visit please call 940-564-5558.