Q. How long have you been collecting gas engines?
A. I’ve been collecting for more than three years, starting with a little twin-cylinder Maytag, and I’ve enjoyed every day of it. I’m still looking for a single-cylinder Maytag.
Q. What attracted you to the hobby?
A. My dad owns an early 1900s Desjardin 5 HP. From there I thought it was interesting how the gears work to run the engine. Also, going to tractor shows and learning something different every time.
Q. Who else in your family collects engines?
A. My dad owns four engines: two are lawn ornaments, one is running and the other is waiting for us to put it back together.
Q. What engines do you have in your collection?
A. I own five engines and one tractor. I own a 1929 Nelson Bros. 1-1/2 HP Little Jumbo, a 1941 Fairbanks-Morse Model Z Style D, a 1940s Maytag twin-cylinder and two 1950s air-cooled engines. My tractor is a 1948 Oliver Standard 88.
Q. What is your favorite engine in your collection?
A. They are all special in their own way. But I will say my favorite is my Nelson Bros. (P.S. I do need someone who can weld cast iron!)
Q. What projects are you currently working on?
A. I am working on finding a single-cylinder Maytag to mount on my Gould’s water pump and am also restoring the water pump.
Q. Which shows do you normally attend each year?
A. The show that I attend the most frequently is the Apache Junction show, which is on the second weekend of March. This year our theme was Oliver tractors.
Q. As a young collector, what are some of the obstacles you’ve come across in the hobby?
A. Finding someone to rebuild a magneto is about the only obstacle I have run into!
Q. If money weren’t an issue, what is your dream engine to own?
A. If money wasn’t an issue I would like to own any kind of Reid engine.
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 Associate Editor Beth Beavers: (800) 682-4704 or bbeavers@gasenginemagazine.com.
