How to make a great day better
Share it with a friend! Stacy Lewis rides in the back of the Barn Rod in its first tractor parade at 2021 Badger Steam and Gas, Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Keep tinkering,
Barney Kedrowski, via email
Thanks for sharing, Barney. Friends certainly do make the gas engine hobby more enjoyable! I love the vintage typewriter; I’ve been known to tinker on one of those from time to time in my line of work. However, mine isn’t quite as heavy and loud!
— Editor
Barn discovery
I found this in a relative’s barn. I have tried researching it and found nothing. It was made in Gasport, New York. It looks like a Lauson engine. The model number for the duster is RMPD170. Does anyone have any information on it?
Bill Doolittle, via email
Readers, if you can help out with details on this mysterious barn find, it would be appreciated. Send information my way, and I’ll share it. Good luck, Bill!
— Editor
Elgin half-a-horse info
This is an Elgin half-a-horse. We are looking for any information on this gas engine. Does anyone happen to know any of the following details?
- How old is it?
- Why they were made and what they were used for?
- Are people interested in these kinds of gas engines?
- How much are they worth?
- If anyone has one, where did they get it and how is it used?
- Are there manuals or parts information available?
- Is anyone interested in purchasing it?
Marissa, via email
Shoot me an email with anything you know, and I’ll forward the information along to Marissa. Thanks for writing and sharing the photos!
— Editor
In Response to Marissa’s Letter:
I have owned a couple of these engines. It is a desirable engine for folks who collect small engines. I am not sure of the age, but I believe they date back to the late-teens or early ’20s. The only application I have ever seen is on washing machines. It is unusual to find these engines complete with a switch, carburetor, buzz coil and muffler. This engine appears to be complete, except for the muffler. I have never seen a parts or operating manual for one. If the engine is loose, it would be worth $300 to me. If the engine is frozen, it would be worth $150.
Lawrence Wilson, via email
The Elgin in the photo was commonly used on cream separators, but could be used for any small chores. Many people collect Elgin engines and many Maytag collectors do also. Reason is that Maytag bought Elgin’s patent for a small engine to be used on washing machines. This happened around 1914. Elgin continued to produce other variations that didn’t conflict with the patent they sold. My guess is your engine is mid-’20s. It is a nice original. I don’t know how far it is from me but I’d be interested for around $600.
Alan Donelson, via email
What exactly is a jigger?
Your article about the 1893 jigger gives no explanation as to what this machine is. I would greatly appreciate a brief explanation. I tried the internet and all the information discussed is about alcoholic drinks.
Bob Krupka, via email
jigger."/>Good question, Bob! I had to do a little digging on this one, as my frame of reference was also from bartending! A jigger describes a home-built vehicle created using any frame with axles and powered by a gas engine. They were often utilized around the farm for odd jobs, tasks you would now do with a modern ATV.
— Editor
Cushman truckster reply
In reply to Flywheel Forum 56/2/5 (GEM February/March 2021 issue), Aaron Hochstetler was seeking transmission parts for a 1979 Cushman Truckster. Try the Cushman Club of America for information, they have a website. There should also be a number of other websites related to Cushman scooters and trucksters. Search for those too. Most interest is for the 2-wheel scooters but, quite a few people have trucksters. Someone will have a parts machine, or an old dealer may have some stock parts.
Craig Fiedler, Minnesota
Please send your questions and comments for Flywheel Forum or your contact information for GEM Experts to Gas Engine Magazine, 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609-1265 or email.
