Take a quick glance at the exhibitors and attendees at gas engine shows, and it’s easy to think that this is an older person’s hobby. But take a closer look and you’ll find a growing number of younger enthusiasts. You’ll meet them here in Young Iron.
Lisa Bliss, Age 35, Fulton, OH
Q:How long have you been collecting gas engines?
A. I have been collecting them for two years.
Q: What attracted you to the hobby?
A. I was attracted to the hobby for its history, mechanics and the people. I enjoy talking with the longtime collectors and hearing their stories about their engines and the good old days.
Q: Who else in your family collects engines?
A. No one else in my family collects engines.
Q: How many engines do you have in your collection? Any rare or unusual ones?
A. Currently I have five engines in my collection. I have a 1-1/2 hp Fuller, Maytag 92, 5 hp Witte, Briggs Y and a small air-cooled Continental.
Q: What is your favorite engine in your collection and why?
A. The Fuller is my favorite engine because was my first engine and it was a birthday present.
Q:Are you working on any restoration projects?
A. Currently I am working on restoring my Maytag 92, which has turned into a ground up restoration. My next project will be my Briggs Y.
Q: Which shows do you normally attend each year?
A. I have attended Portland [Indiana] and Plain City [Ohio] every year since I have started collecting. I would like to go to Stumptown [Ohio], Mount Pleasant [Iowa] and Coolspring [Pennsylvania].
Q: What are some of the obstacles you’ve come across in the hobby?
A. My biggest obstacles are knowledge and time. I love to talk with people about engines, but sometimes it can feel awkward because I do not know enough about them.
Q:What are your favorite engines in general and why?
A. I do not have a favorite engine because I find them all intriguing.
Q: If money weren’t an issue, what is your dream engine to own?
A. I do not have one specific dream engine because they all have a story that needs to be told. So you never really know your dream engine until you find it.
Young Iron is looking for gas engine collectors, age 35 and younger. If you or someone you know would like to be profiled, please contact us at (800) 682-4704 or editor@gasenginemagazine.com.
