Reflections

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FG Tractor
FG Tractor

Since we have a large number of inquiries this month, ‘A
Brief Word’ will be even more brief than usual.

In late May we made our annual sojourn to the big Swap Meet at
Waukee, Iowa. We thought this event was tremendously large last
year, but found it even larger this season. There were a lot of
engines for sale or trade, along with lots of tractors, parts,
accessories and other items. From the looks of things a lot of
engines changed hands this year.

On May 30 the Reflector attended a small engine show at Seminole
Valley Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although it was of a more or
less local nature, a great many engines were present, along with a
number of tractors and a few steam engines. We are probably guilty
of high treason, but instead of taking a gas engine to this one, we
cleaned up our little freelance steamer and had a great enjoyment
with the commingling smell of coal smoke and steam cylinder oil for
a couple of days. Peer pressure exerted during this little show
has, however, shown us the light, so we will be bringing gas
engines out to future shows (perhaps).

Our first letter begins:

22/8/1 Q. W. M. Wallner, 2039 Laurel Road, Cave
Junction, OR 97523 inquires where one might obtain ignitor parts
for the John Deere Type E engines?

A. Here in the Midwest at least, John Deere
parts are probably the easiest to find of anything. For those not
so fortunate as to have a ready supply of used parts we suggest
contacting some of the regular engine part suppliers, several of
whom advertise regularly in GEM. We are confident they can supply
almost any John Deere E parts you might need.

22/8/2

Jim Paquette, 60 A High St., Uxbridge, MA 01569 forwards a
unique answer to the problem of cranking a large engine that has no
compression release. On hit-and-miss engines, this can be achieved
by holding in the detent lever, but on volume governed engines this
can be a problem to roll the engine past compression.

See the sketches by Mr. Paquette. By drilling a small hole in
the valve rod bracket and inserting a small pin or cotter key, the
engine can be rolled over and at the desired time can be withdrawn
with an attached cord.

22/8/3 Q. I have a 10-20 IHC tractor with a
date of 12-26-29 cast into the frame. Despite the fact that IH did
not change from gray to red until November, 1936 I can find no
trace of gray, only red paint. Abo, it has no brake but instead has
a factory-built cast iron cover over the end of the brake shaft.
The cover does not appear in the parts book. Also did IH build a
10-20 Riceland tractor? Lloyd A. Merchant, 4310 Smith Road,
Dimon-dale, Ml 48821.

A. It is quite possible that your tractor might
have been red right from the factory-in fact, the absence of a
brake suggests this tractor might have been built for some special
application, although we can’t imagine why the brake would have
been eliminated and the shaft covered. We can’t tell you
whether the 10-20 was ever built in a Riceland version. Perhaps
some of our knowledgeable readers might be able to help.

22/8/4 Q. I need information on a two-cylinder,
two-cycle marine engine built by St. Lawrence Engine Co.Ltd.,
Brockville, Ontario, Canada. Information on the ignition system is
especially needed. Dale Wright, 1495 NE I8 Ist St., N. Miami Beach.
FL 33162.

A. We can’t tell you a single thing about
the St. Lawrence engines but hopefully there is someone in this
hobby who might.

22/8/5 Q. Can you tell me the year built for
the following IHC Type M engines; AW61060 and AW8017, also
the  exact color match for the Type M engines. Alfio Sapienza,
55061 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

A. AW61060 was built in (late) 1927 and AW8017
was built in 1925. Getting an exact color match for the green
finish on Type M engines is almost impossible for several reasons.
First of all, even IHC did not maintain a close match throughout
the production run. Implement manufacturers in general seem to have
bought the year’s supply of paint on contract, and it varied
substantially from one year to the next, even when coming from the
same supplier. The usual shade of green is very difficult to match
with colors now available – we have a color chip from a local paint
factory that used to supply this color, but it is somewhat darker
than any IHC green we have seen, so we question whether it is of
the proper shade. We don’t mean to be evasive but we’re not
sure whether the exact color match you refer to is available, given
the circumstances. The closest match we have found is DuPont 7498D
Green.

22/8/6 Q. Can you tell me the correct color for
the I-30 McCormick-Deering and how many were made of the regular
I-30, along with the years built? R. R. Golden, RR 1, Box 88,
Armington, IL, 61721.

A. We assume the I-30 was DuPont 93-27625 gray.
About 5001-30 tractors were built 1930-32 with an HD prefix on the
number. Presumably these were retrofitted from the regular farm
equipment line into industrial models. The I-30 with the IB prefix
was offered from 1931 to 1940 with about 5,000 copies being
built.

22/8/7 Q. Can you tell me the age of a
Duplex-Superior engine, #75127, 4 1/8 bore and 5 inch stroke, speed
500,2 HP, and using a Webster magneto. Mel Jameson, 2550
Silvercreek Drive, Franklin Park, IL 60131.

A. We honestly doubt that Duplex built the
above engine, but suggest that first of all you compare the Webster
magneto bracket number against the list recently published in GEM.
If a crossmatch occurs, that might indicate who actually built the
engine. Large companies often bought their engines though they had
nothing at all to do with its manufacture.

22/8/8 Q. I would like any information, proper
color etc. on my Foos Jr., 1? HP engine, s/n 50306. Ralph L. Smith,
3752 Minerva Lake Road, Columbus, OH 43229.

A. (See photos above of the Foos Jr. engine).
Mr. Smith indicates that he had a question as to the authenticity
of the paint scheme, but we believe the dark green finish, together
with the red lettering and white shadow to be absolutely correct as
it stands. (Sure would be nice if all our photos could be published
in color.)

22/8/9 Q. Would like information on my
Fairbanks-Morse engine, s/ n303761. It 15 a headless engine with a
water hopper, but was wondering if there were other models of this
size? What is the proper color? Chris R. Thyrring, PO Box 7159,
Halcyon, CA 93420.

A. Your engine appears to be of 1918 vintage.
Fairbanks-Morse did offer the 1 Vi HP size in a headless version,
later discontinuing it in favor of a throttle-governed design with
a water cooled head. The closest match we have found is a DuPont
Dulux 9372001 green.

22/8/10 Q. Fred Appleton, PO Box 486, Blowing
Rock, NC 28605 asks: I have a small Nelson Bros, vertical air
cooled engine, valve-in-head design, and ? H.P. Would like to hear
from anyone with photos or diagrams of the Eisemann magneto system,
and need help in getting the carburetor to work. Although most of
these had the Wico flywheel magneto, mine has the Eisemann, and I
have seen a couple others the same way. Would like to hear from
anyone with any information, other owners, etc. or anything at all
in regard to this engine.

22/8/11

I recently found a Cushman Model 2, Type A engine in pieces and
need help getting it back together. Will be happy to hear from
other owners, or someone having information concerning this engine.
Dick Schallau, 601 West 11th St., Spencer, Iowa, 51301.

22/8/12 Q. Can anyone identify this small
garden tractor? There is no nameplate on it. A bicycle wheel serves
as a speed reduction unit with the coaster brake chain drive. It
originally carried a Briggs & Stratum Model N engine. R. D.
Corley, 314 N. Coolidge, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703.

22/8/13 Q. I have a Monarch engine, Model #1,
made by Royal Engine Company, s/n 18308 (See photo). Along with
trying to find the proper Webster bracket, I would like to obtain
any information regarding its age. Also would like to know the year
built for a Fairbanks-Morse engine, s/n 793716. James Wright, PO
Box 141, Brandamore, PA 19316.

A. Our files are completely devoid of
literature on the Monarch engines, but the Fairbanks-Morse engine
you refer to was built in 1936.

22/8/14 Q. Can you tell me the month and year
built for a Farmall F-12, s/n FS41852? Is there a list of Farmall
serial numbers that can be obtained someplace? Bob Coffey, 1201
Longview Drive, Rogers, AR 72756.

A. We can’t tell you the exact month, but
it appears your F-12 was built in late 1936. A compilation of IHC
serial numbers is included in the book 150 Years of International
Harvester authored by the Reflector several years ago.

22/8/15 Q. We have just acquired a John Deere
1? HP ‘E’ engine and would like to know when it was built.
R. K. Brehm, 22 Tyler Road, Lexington, MA 02173.

A. Several months ago a discussion was made
concerning the ways to determine the year built from the serial
number. Since we are not yet sure who is correct in this matter, we
suggest you direct your inquiry to Les Stegh, Corporate Archivist,
Deere & Company, John Deere Road, Moline, Illinois. For anyone
following this advice, please write to Mr. Stegh, DO NOT PHONE HIM.
Ostensibly the Deere people have other things to do during their
workday, and a flurry of phone calls will completely disrupt their
schedule.

22/8/16 Q. Can you identify this engine (see
photos below). I believe it is a Fairbanks-Morse Style T, but have
never seen one with this type of cooling tank. Also I cannot find
the serial number stamped anywhere on the cylinder or head.
Recently I wrote to Fairmont Railway Motors to determine the proper
color for their engines, and they replied that it is Santa Fe Red.
I cannot find this color under DuPont or other companies. Rick
Rohrs, 1125 Broad St., Princeton, NE 68404.

A. Your engine is definitely a Fairbanks-Morse
as you suggest. The auxiliary cooling tank was a simple method of
converting an engine set up for running water cooling into one that
required only occasional replenishment. While not at all common,
Fairbanks-Morse did build some vertical engines using this system.
Try the end of the crankshaft for the serial number. Some of the
early FBM engines also have the date of manufacture stamped on the
end of the crankshaft. Perhaps someone familiar with railroadiana
can fill us in on Santa Fe Red-the color no doubt refers to a color
used by this rail line.

22/8/17 Q. Can anyone tell me the year built
for a Hercules 5 HP engine, s/n 191039? Also for a John Deere 1? HP
engine, s/n 315994? Jesse Spongier, 6184 Lawman, Drayton Plains, MI
48020.

A. So far as we know, no serial number lists
exist for the Hercules line. Regarding the John Deere, kindly refer
to our answer in 22/8/15 above.

22/8/18 Q. Last August 1 purchased a Centaur
Tractor. So far I have not been able to find any information on it.
The tractor is a Model M2, s/n 48644. The data tag

indicates that this tractor was built by LeRoi Company. I would
like to find any information, service data etc., regarding this
tractor. DougMiller, 318E. 650N., West Lafayette, IN 47906.

A. Although we cannot locate precise
information on the M2 tractor, LeRoi Company’s Centaur Division
tested their KV-48 tractor at Nebraska in 1948 under Test No. 402.
This particular model used a LeRoi engine, so indeed the entire
tractor was of their manufacture. Perhaps one of our readers might
have specific information for the M2 model.

22/8/19 Q. Do you have any information on the
Buda engine line from beginning to end of production, also on
Eisemann magnetos? Lester Richey, Box 74, Big Piney, Wyoming,
83113.

A. Our conversations with various people at the
Harvey Works of Allis-Chalmers (formerly operated by Buda)
indicated that the early Buda records had been destroyed some years
ago, with only sketchy information remaining on parts of the later
years. Thus, our answer is negative in this regard. We have very
little data on hand regarding Eisemann magnetos. Here again, when
magneto shops were closing one after the other years ago, the old
manuals were available for virtually nothing, yet how many of us
were wise enough to box them up and take them away!

22/8/20 Q. Can anyone identify the engine in
the photos given below? There are no markings whatever, and the
flywheels, cam, cam gear, follower, rocker arm support, and the
entire assembly are of solid brass. Some approximate dimensions
are: Bore and stroke, 2? x 2? flywheel diameter, 6? x 1? inch face.
Weight, 50 pounds. The entire valve assembly is contained in the
square block on top of the head. I will be most happy to hear from
anyone with any information regarding this engine or how to get it
running again, and will gladly pay for photocopies. Thomas Edward
Gipson, Route 1, Box 48, Decherd, TN 37324.

A. Tom, we think you have come up with a real
‘oddball’ here. Although we have never seen anything quite
like it, perhaps someone out there has, and hopefully you’ll
get it running again.

22/8/21 Q. I’m restoring a 1928
International Truck, Model 54-C which is powered by the same engine
used in the 10-20 McCormick Deering tractors. Can anyone advise the
proper colors for the engine block and its components, likewise the
proper color for the transmission. What is the proper red for the
frame and running gear? Bill Riser, 730 Dallas St., Jackson, MO
63755.

A. Despite a lot of data on various things
built by IHC, the Reflector has never acquired much regarding their
trucks. This, despite the fact that we have always admired the
early IHC truck models. We are hopeful that some of our readers
have done some restoration work on the IHC trucks and will be able
to lend a hand.

22/8/22 Q. Dallas Few, 560 Twilight Trail,
Seville, OH 44273 sends a photo of a small unit made by Pond Garden
Tractor Co., Ravenna, Ohio. We’ve heard that an engineer
dismissed by Pond went to Ford Motor Co. and drew up plans like the
Pond, with Ford building a few of these tractors in the 1930’s.
Another rumor has it that Ford sued Pond for making these tractors
with Ford parts. We’re curious as to who sued who or if any of
these stories are true.

THE NEW FG TRACTOR

A. We always enjoy hearing of the background
details with various farm equipment companies, so if anyone has
information regarding this tractor, kindly let us know.

22/8/23 Q. We have an old Letz burr mill, Model
220, Type A manufactured at Crown Point, Indiana. Right now, we
would like to know the correct color scheme, and have detected some
medium blue enamel. Any information, approximate date built, etc.
will be appreciated. P. Brown, 134 Wexford, Belleville, MI
48111.

A. We believe you are correct on the blue
color, but our recollection is that it also had some orange paint.
In fact, we are certain that the entire mill was blue, except that
the steel hopper and the wood skids were a bright orange
enamel.

22/8/24 Q. Can anyone tell me if the piston of
an’ upright Maytag is the same size as some of the later model
Maytag engines? Mine measures 2 inches in diameter, total length, 2
7/16 inches; wrist pin diameter, 7/16 inch; and distance from top
of wrist pin hole to top of the piston is 11/16 inch. Jared Beck,
Box 178, Ree Heights, SD 57371

22/8/25 Q. I am restoring a single cylinder
engine by Clinton Motor Works, Cincinnati, Ohio. It is rated at 1?
HP @5oo RPM. Can anyone advise approximate date built and the
proper paint color. The engine is incomplete-no magneto or drive is
evident. Any information at all will be appreciated. Wayne
R.Butler, 15 A Rowan Road, Epsom Auckland 3, New Zealand.

A. Although the Reflector has nothing on file
regarding this engine, one of our many readers might be able to
help.

22/8/26 Q. I recently acquired a Nelson Bros. ?
HP air-cooled horizontal engine. According to an advertisement from
Nelson Bros., this engine was designed especially for washing
machines. Designated as the ‘HA’ ‘its specifications
are the same as the (vertical) model VA ? HP’. The fuel and oil
pumps are badly rusted and I need some help in figuring out how to
make them work again. Any information or photocopies will be
greatly appreciated. Rex A. Whiting D.D.S., Box 146, Heber City,
Utah 84032.

A. Both the HA and VA air-cooled models are
rather scarce. We’ve never worked on one so we can’t tell
you how the pumps work, although we know that they used a rather
unique oil pump system along with a pump-operated fuel system.
Whether this was achieved with check valves or ported pump
cylinders we do not know.

22/8/27 Q. See the below photos, one of an old
horsedrawn disc and another of a Planet Jr. walking cultivator. Are
these tools fairly common, and what is the approximate vintage? The
disc has no name, only KK 112 stamped on the seat bracket. Pete Van
Donsel, 4380 N. Overland Rd.,Oneida, WI 54155.

A. S. L. Allen & Co. of Philadelphia
started building garden tools way back in the 1800’s. By the
1890’s the walking cultivators had taken the general form they
would assume for the next fifty years, and were in fact changed
very little for a long time. However, the general design of your
cultivator indicates that it was probably built around the turn of
the century, give or take ten years in either direction. We have no
idea as to the make of the disc you submit, but will comment that a
sizeable number still rest in groves and other out-of-the-way
places.

READERS WRITE

Early IHC Famous Verticals

Ray Rylander, 805 E. San Rafael St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
writes regarding a recent query of his that his vertical Famous has
no water, pump and absolutely no place to mount one. The engine has
no bosses on the crankcase, no special cast crankcase breather, and
no eccentric on the cam gear. Ray’s engine is s/n 2502, making
it a very early engine. Apparently some of the very early verticals
used a rather tall water tank of small diameter so that the water
circulated by thermosyphon action. If anyone can shed further light
on this early cooling method for the Famous Verticals, kindly
contact Mr. Rylander.

22/5/34, R & V governor parts Dick Hamp,
1772 Conrad Ave., San Jose, CA 95124 writes that he had similar
problems with an R & V governor made of pot metal, but found
that Mathew Clarke who advertises in GEM makes a specialty of this
crucial element.

22/5/32 Barco gas jack hammer Dick Hamp, whose
address is above, writes that he has a manual and parts book for
the Barco which he will copy for a nominal fee.

22/5/28 Magneto brushes Michael Bond, 3594 Test
Rd., Richmond, IN 47374 writes: Take an old dry cell battery cut it
open, and remove the carbon electrode in the center. Put it in the
lathe and carefully turn it to the desired shape. Use an X-acto
knife and cut the case in several places to get at the electrode.
Be careful in doing so or the carbon rod will be ruined before you
get to it. After it is machined or fitted, it will run for a long
time, a least I’ve had one in use for the past four years.
(Plain carbon rods are still available at some welding supply
houses, and some electric motor brushes are round-they too can be
refitted to do the job. The Reflector).

22/5/22 NOS part designations. We got several
letters on this one, including the standardized notation as used in
automotive parts. Perhaps it might be well for GEM to adapt these
notations as a part of the regular classified section so that every
buyer knows what every seller is talking about. The classifications
are:

NORS New old replacement stock (A new part made by an
aftermarket supplier). NOS New old stock (A new part made by the
original manufacturer). We might also add in regard to
correspondence:SASE Self-addressed, stamped envelope, preferably
the large size.

22/2/12 Unidentified engine

Carl Zipperle, RR 3, Box 322, Vernon, TX 76384 sends a photo
(see below) of his Union Giant engine which although larger in
physical size, is virtually identical to the one submitted earlier
by Robert Schmauss. The name tag states: Union Foundry and Machine
Co., Ottawa, Kansas. In the background is Mr Zipperle’s 1930
Model A Ford Cabriolet which has been in his family since 1943. It
was parked in the barn in 1951 and in 1986 it was tuned up and
serviced, after which it went on a 230 mile trip, followed by
another 200 mile trip this year.

22/6/24 Witte serial numbers

Quite by coincidence the folks at National Oilwell dropped us a
line noting that they had fallen far behind in responding to
questions of serial numbers on Witte engines. Mr. T. G.

Johnston, Plant Manager at McAlester Works offers his personal
apologies for any delay.

The folks at National Oilwell are very cordial indeed, and on
behalf of all our readers, we at GEM wish to thank them for their
efforts. For the benefit of anyone looking for year-built
information, kindly send the serial number, horsepower, and any
other nameplate data to:

Mr. T. G. Johnston, Plant Manager, National Oilwell, McAlester
Works, PO Box 1328, McAlester, Oklahoma, 74501.

In this same regard, Jim Beau-champ, 27855 W. California,
Lathrup Village, MI 48076 writes that his reply from National
Oilwell revealed that his engine was one of two experimental
engines built, with Jim’s engine being shipped March 25, 1932.
Since only two were built, Jim is curious as to whether the other
one, s/n 92624Y might still be in existence. Should you have it, or
know where it might be, Mr. Beau-champ will be most happy to hear
from you.

MODELMAKER’S CORNER

Only one letter this month, so we assume all you modelmakers are
getting done with your projects in time for this summer’s
shows. We do take note though, that the model Atkinson engine
recently spoken of was published on page 25 of the September, 1985
issue of GEM.

  • Published on Aug 1, 1987
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