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.
Q: How long have you been collecting gas engines?
A. I started collecting gas engines in 2007.
Q: What attracted you to the hobby?
A. I was raised into the hobby, because of my father’s interest in engines.
Q: Who else in your family collects engines?
A. My dad and grandpa collect engines. I’m a third generation collector.
Q: How many engines do you have in your collection? Any rare or unusual ones?
A. We have seven engines in the collection, and they are: A model Bessemer; a model Reid; a 12 HP Bessemer; a 1-1/2 HP John Deere E; a 3 HP Jaeger; a 10 HP H.M. Spence; and a 3-1/2 HP H.M. Spence/Hercules Reliable Junior.
Q: What is your favorite in your collection?
A. My favorite engine in the collection is the 12 HP Bessemer, because it has all-original parts, like the clutch pulley, the oiler and the diamond valve.
Q: What projects are you currently working on?
A. We recently had to take the 12 HP Bessemer head off to clean out the water jacket.
Q: Which shows do you normally attend each year? What show haven’t you been to yet that you’d like to see one day?
A. I have been to Rushville [Pioneer Engineers Club of Indiana], Brookville [Franklin County (Indiana) Antique Machinery Show], Portland in Indiana [Tri-State Gas Engine & Tractors Assn.], Greenville in Ohio [Darke County Steam Threshers Assn.] and Renfro Valley, Kentucky [Southeastern Kentucky Antique Gas Engine and Tractor Assn.]. I want to go to Hillbilly Flywheelers in Irvine, Kentucky.
Q: What are some of the biggest obstacles you’ve come across in the hobby?
A. Money and high prices, and not having good connections with the older collectors.
Q: What are your favorite engines in general and why?
A. I like oil field engines because they are big and they can be very different.
Q: If money weren’t an issue, what is your dream engine to own?
A. If money was not an issue, I would want a 55 HP Heer, because it’s different. It has opposing pistons.
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.