The Big Engine That Could

RIDGEFIELD — Ryan Johnson sounded the horn over the boiler that powers the big, blue Corliss steam engine, Sunday afternoon to signal the crowd: One of the biggest attractions at Alan Schurman’s “Iron Ranch” was about to lumber into motion. Shurman’s property in Ridgefield — home to antique machinery from jet-age bicycles to vintage chain saws to a train caboose — played host for the Iron Ranch Antique Tractor, Engine Show and Flea Market over the weekend, the event’s 24th year of celebrating the machines that helped build the modern world. The Corliss steam engine, named for inventor George Henry Corliss, sits toward the back end of the spread.