Circa-1904 10 HP Columbus
Made by: Columbus Machine Co., Columbus, Ohio
Year: Circa 1904
Horsepower: 10
Bore: 7-1/2-inch
Stroke: 12-inch
Governing: Hit-and-miss
Founded in 1849, the Columbus Machine Co. introduced a line of high-grade engines sometime prior to 1899. Eventually spanning a range of 3 to 600 HP, the line included twin-cylinder and tandem-double acting designs. Production continued at least into the early 1930s.
Columbus’ single-cylinder horizontal “camstopping” engines embodied a sideshaft design and a unique hit-and-miss governor, which de-clutched and stopped the valve actuating cams to control engine firing, and thus speed. Other features included low-tension make-and-break ignition and a choice of gas or liquid fuel carburetion. Available sizes ranged from 4 to 60 HP.
This particular engine, probably the 132nd 10 HP made, powered a cider mill in Vermont until the early 1980s. It was brought to Coolspring in 1992.
This engine is one of 40 being profiled in a new book about the Coolspring Power Museum soon to be published by Gas Engine Magazine. Full details of this publication are forthcoming.
