If this month’s issue comes to you a couple of days late,
it’s probably the fault of ye olde Reflector. We’ve been in
the finishing stages of our book, American Farm Implements, and we
were so determined to get it done that we delayed the column for a
couple of days. However, we’re most happy to report that the
project is now completed, with over 130,000 words and over 2,100
illustrations. It will be published by Krause Publications at Iola,
Wisconsin, and probably will be released in August or
September.
There were many times during our compilation of the farm
implement book that we wondered if we would ever see light at the
end of the tunnel. For example, we love threshing machines, but it
took several days just to complete this particular section of the
book. We had hoped to include a cross-listing of trade names, but
discovered that’s a project that will take weeks on end, just
to do the keyboarding. Perhaps the next edition?
Ever since returning from the Australian tour, it’s been
virtually non-stop work on this project, so in order to avoid
interruptions, we often left the answering machine take calls, and
have found little time to answer letters etc. Now that the project
is done, perhaps life will assume a bit of normalcy once again.
Speaking of threshing machines, take a look at the engraving of
an early Pitts Twin Fan Rival Thresher from Pitts Agricultural
Works, later known as Buffalo Pitts Company at Buffalo, New York.
This machine was built in several sizes and used two separate fans
to clean the grain.
32/8/1 Chain Saws Q. See the two photos of
chain saws. Photo 1A shows an I.E.L. saw from Industrial
Engineering Ltd., at Vancouver, Canada. It is 5 HP, and s/n F7838.
The saw in 1B was made by Power Machinery Ltd. at Vancouver. Any
information on these saws would be appreciated. Bruce Heppler, Box
523, Covelo, CA 95428.
32/8/2 Monitor Engine Q. I am restoring a
Monitor 6 HP engine that has been in my family since the early part
of the century. My grandfather used it at Kalispell, Montana, to
cut wood that was unloaded by rail for the local homesteaders. Any
help would be appreciated, including the original colors. Warren
Michaelis, 4440 Pleasant Crl Rd, Olympia, WA 98516.
32/8/3 Garden Tractor Q. See the photos of an
antique garden tractor for which I need information. It uses a
Wisconsin AKN motor with a gear reduction, and a hand clutch. The
transmission is a 3-speed Plymouth, and the rear end is believed to
be a narrowed Plymouth, along with Plymouth wheels and hubcaps. The
tractor was painted green with orange wheels. Can anyone provide
any information regarding this tractor? Pat Wiesmore, 1241 Indian
Church Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224.
32/8/4 National Mower Co. Q. See the copy
(32/8/4) from a 1937 brochure of National Mower Company, St. Paul,
Minnesota. I haven’t seen this one anywhere, and thought
someone might be able to provide further information. George
Tincknell, 66291 Mound Rd., Washington, Ml 48095.
32/8/5 Stover CT Engine Q. What is the correct
color scheme for the Stover CT-2 engine? The first layer is red,
maybe a primer, the second layer is a dull green, and the top is
gloss black. Any information would be appreciated. Robert L. Adams,
944 North Ave., Escondido, CA 92026-8555.
A. The green color of the CT engines varies
somewhat, probably because during the Depression they tried to buy
the paint as cheaply as possible. However, DuPont GS188 or Ditzler
44616 seem to be a fair compromise. Not all were striped, but when
used, it was a combination of bright red and gold, dual lines, red
on the outside and gold on the inside.
32/8/6 Marmon Engine Q. See the two photos of a
Marmon automobile air cooled OHV gas engine made in the early
1900s. Marmon also made air cooled V-6 and V-8 engines. If anyone
is aware of any parts or complete engines in any condition, it
would be appreciated. Even if the engine is not for sale, we would
enjoy talking to the owner and documenting the example for others
to enjoy in the Marmon Club. Dave Eberwein, 528 Lambert Lane,
Englewood, Ohio 45322.
32/8/7 Ohlsson & Rice Q. See the two photos
of a 2-cycle engine with a 1 -inch bore and stroke. It was made by
Ohlsson & Rice Inc., 3340 Emery St., Los Angeles 23,
California. Pat. No. 2,838,035. It was belted to a Jacuzzi-Minijet
pump rated @120 gph with a 30 foot head. What is the year and
horsepower? The diaphragms in the carburetor, also Ohlsson &
Rice, are hard. Can anything be done to soften and reuse them? Ray
Gray, 2135 Little Valley Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862
32/8/8 Detroit Engine Q. I have a Detroit
engine similar to the photo 321317a & b, March 1997 GEM. The
engine was imported into Penzance, England, originally and was set
up to run on town gas. Have had it firing a few times, but need
information to get this engine running again. Any help would be
appreciated. William Hewett, Roseanne, Whitegates, St. Dennis, St.
Austell, Cornwall, England PL26 8DT. E-mail HEWETT@AOL.COM.
32/8/9 Centaur Tractor Q. Can anyone provide
the correct color scheme for the Centaur Model KU-22 tractor? It is
the model with the mounted mower. Any information would be
appreciated. Robert E. Zimpel, Rt 2, Box 16, McGrath, MN 56350.
A. We don’t have the Centaur listed in our
Notebook, so we’d also like to know.
32/8/10 Aerothrust Engine Q. See the photos of
an engine I recently purchased. It is s/n 1197 and was built by
Aerothrust Engine Co. at Chicago, Illinois. It is slightly
different than the one pictured on page 14 of American Gas Engines;
this engine was also made at Portland, Indiana. Any information
would be appreciated. Wally Bellows, 3761 N. Lincoln Rd., Las
Vegas, NV89115.
32/8/11 Climax Engines H. Rossow, PO Box 15,
Weston, ID 83286 would like to know more about Climax engines,
specifically a Model KU, Type 37. This is a large engine with a
flat pulley on it, that probably was used to run a big pump or a
sawmill.
32/8/12 IHC Tom Thumb Q. I have a Tom Thumb
engine almost restored, but the insulated timing mounting on the
brass timing lever is gone. I would appreciate a photo or drawing
of the original mounting so I can make one. Dane L. Fuchs, 1700 Ash
Ave., New Salem, ND 58563.
32/8/13 Franklin Valveless Q. See the photo of
a Franklin Valveless engine, size 11 x 12, Type YS, sin 2164. The
last patent date is 1920. Can anyone tell me the approximate year
built, and the correct paint color? Also, can anyone help with the
engine-clutch setup? Joe Dudek, 75 Dudek Road, Jewett City, CT
06351.
32/8/14 Myrick Eclipse Q. J recently purchased
a Myrick Eclipse 4 HP engine, s/n 1458, vertical hot tube style. I
would like to correspond with anyone having one of these engines,
any literature, or other information on Myrick Machine Co., Olean,
New York. I will gladly reimburse the cost of copying and postage.
Paul Gray, 3437 Blue Ball Rd., North East, MD 21901
32/8/15 Witte Engine Q. See the photo of my son
Alex, and my 2 HP Witte engine, s/n B7565. Can you tell me the year
built and the proper color? Last year I saw another Witte of the
same model, but with a cast iron crank fender. In the picture, my
son is pointing to a lug cast on the water hopper. What is its
purpose? Paul C. Van Sickle, 3672 Porterville Hill Rd., East
Aurora, NY 14052.
A. Your engine was made in 1923. Your engine is
dark green, similar to DuPont 5204 Forest Green. The lug is for a
sheet metal crank fender that bolted there and hooked over the
bottom of the crankcase at its back side.
32/8/16 Folding Sawing Machine Q. See the
illustration of a Folding Sawing Machine. We have one of these, and
have since run across another. We thought this might be of interest
to anyone who has run across one of these interesting designs.
Lloyd & Cheryl Jones, Rt J, Box 297, Salmon, ID 83467.
A. In our American Farm Implements book now
awaiting publication, there’ll be a picture of this outfit,
with ours coming from an 1895 German language edition of American
Agriculturist.
32/8/17 F&J pumping engines Q. What might
the vintage be of a trio of Fuller & Johnson pumping engines?
One has a plain flywheel, the other two are fancy. One has s/n
32104, the other 48525, and the last does not have a plate. Is
there anything to the talk that these engines were produced by
someone else? Charles Balyeat, 332 Stephens Loop, Mathis, TX
78368.
A. One is 1913, the second is 1915, and
production went at least to 1932. Several companies in Australia
made the F&J pumper under their own name.
32/8/18 Unidentified Engine Q. See the photos
of an unidentified engine recently acquired. It has no name, no
tag, and the serial number of G J 0606. I could not find it in
American Gas Engines. Any help would be appreciated. Bob Roller,
Box 579, Hythe, Alberta, T0H 2C0 Canada.
A. That’s a Wiscona Pep from Wiscona Pep
Motor Co., a successor to Termaat &. Monahan. Some reports have
it that all these engines were exported, but a few show up in the
U.S., and besides, the Wiscona Pep was advertised in Farm Implement
News among other places. A tank goes on each side of the
hopper.
32/8/19 Ferro Engine Q. See the photos of a 3
HP Ferro marine engine. I would like to thank Mr. Stranko for the
1910, 1911, and 1912 catalog photos. From these, I see this carb
first appearing in 1912. The older ones seem to have the carb fixed
to a twin as on page 171 of American Gas Engines. I’m curious
as to the linkage arrangement wherein the timer is attached to the
top of the choke plate shaft, the bottom of which has a rod working
the throttle. The nameplate is gone, but at least they left the
screws. Does anyone have a rubbing to offer, or operating
procedures? All correspondence answered. Charles Balyeat, 332
Stephens Loop, Mathis. TX 78368.
32/8/20 Powerlite Electric Plant Q. I have
volunteered to restore this Montgomery Ward 115 VAC, 1000 watt
electric plant for the Georgetown, Colorado, Energy Museum. Would
appreciate any information regarding the manufacturer and when
built. An instruction manual or copy would be very much appreciated
for the restoration and the museum display. John E. Martin, 325
Ammons St., Lakewood, CO 80226-1325.
32/8/21 A Titan Engine? Q. Recently I acquired
an IHC engine which I think is a Titan or a Famous. The serial
number is GFVC 15536, and the flywheel is about 15 inches. It is
hopper cooled with a brass connecting rod. It originally had an
igniter, but has been changed to spark plug. I would like to obtain
any information on this engine, and may be contacted at: Joseph A.
Krzemien, 12931 Buffalo Rd., Springville, NY 14141.
A. The VC serial number is for a 1 HP Famous
engine; we don’t know the meaning of the prefix letters. The
engine was made in 1913.
32/8/22 Mustang Tractor Q. See the picture of a
Mustang Riding Tractor made by Quaker Power at Carlstadt, New
Jersey. Any operating or service information on this tractor would
be much appreciated. Alice Holmes, 97 Red Mill Road, Peekskill, NY
10566.
32/8/23 Three Phase Converters David Leon
Montgomery, 2575 Co. Rd. 261, Florence, AL 35633 sends along a
schematic of a setup he has used since 1982 to run three phase
motors on single phase power. The terminal board shown is not
necessary but makes the final results neat. If preferred, a sheet
metal box can be purchased for installation of the components. The
information on the schematic concerning the capacitors and relay
are exactly as they appear on the components in my setup. This unit
supplies power to a mill that has a 2 HP 3 phase motor. Perhaps
another collector can give capacitor and relay values for other
motor sizes.
32/8/24 Charging Set Q. See the photos of a
generator set made in England by Cherry’s (Surrey) Ltd.,
Richmond, Surrey, England. It uses a Burgess Dry type Air Filter
from Hinckley, England. It is a small engine of about 1 horsepower,
probably war surplus, of heavy construction, and painted olive
green. It is missing the gas tank, cylinder shroud, and something
around the generator, perhaps a control panel of some sort. Any
information would be appreciated. Woody Sins, 3 Edna Ter, New
Hartford, NY 13413.
32/8/25 IHC Engine Q. I have an International
Harvester stationary engine, s/n 88251. Can you tell me the
horsepower and the year built? Harold Langbehn, Box 453, Dysart, 1A
52224.
A. Without the prefix letters or the
horsepower, we can’t tell you with certainty, but if it is an
AW prefix, then it is a 1 HP model of 1929. Besides, the production
numbers didn’t get that high on the 3, 6, and 10 HP Type M
engines. We’re guessing a bit, not having seen the engine.
32/8/26 Fuller & Johnson Q. See the photo
of a Fuller & Johnson Model NC ,2 HP engine. Need the original
paint color and trim. The remaining paint appears to be a dark
green. Does anyone know of a source for a manufacturer’s
quality photo or half-tone image of the original engine? Any help
will be appreciated. Steven L. Carter, 6 Vincennes Ct.,
Charlottesville,VA2291l.
A. The F&J green is a dark shade, like New
Idea Green, also comparable to DuPont l 317 or Ditzler 3255.
32/8/27 Massinic Phipps Engine Q. I have a
Massinic Phipps Model C four-cylinder engine, s/n 134 of about 1907
vintage. It was made at Detroit, Michigan. Any information on this
engine would be greatly appreciated. Richard McCarley, 3621 Clime
Rd., Columbus, OH 43228.
32/8/28 Atkinson Differential Engine Q. My name
is Wince Gingery and I represent David ]. Gingery Publishing. We
unite and publish ‘how-to’ books. We recently finished a
manual on how to build a version of the Atkinson Cycle engine, and
we have also had quite a few inquiries about the Atkinson
Differential engine of the 1880s. Can anyone help us find
additional information on this design? Any help will be gratefully
appreciated. Vince Gingery, David J. Gingery Publishing, PO Box 75,
Fordland, MO 65652.
A. There are several early books that discuss
the Atkinson Differential Engine, so finding further information
should not be a large problem. In addition, Vince sent us a copy of
his book, Building the Atkinson Engine. Although some model makers
may not be thrilled with the Gingery design it has some
modern-looking features such as Allen cap screws most model makers
will be able to use this book to their advantage, while picking up
some interesting solutions to common model making problems.
It’s always refreshing to see the history of the gas engine
being preserved, not only by full-sized restorations but by some of
the beautiful models appearing in recent years.
A Closing Word
As many of you know, ye olde Reflector is also a printer besides
being a writer, occasional househusband, lawn care specialist (our
own), weed digger-outer, and numerous other titles. Anyway, one of
our good friends in Michigan took up the wonderful art of wood
engraving several years ago, and does some terrific work. He also
has a great interest in the preservation of old iron, as well as
other parts of our technological past. The suggestion was made that
we collaborate on doing a fine press book on some aspect of the
hobby. He would do the engravings, and we would do the printing of
a small book on fine paper…one of those small press books we hear
about and seldom see. Most of these are rarely printed in an
edition of more than 300 or 400 copies, and the majority of them
usually sell for several times their first cost within months of
being released. Books like this are printed by letterpress, using
hand-set type or possibly Linotype. The paper is usually a
hand-made or an expensive mould-made variety, always expensive, and
of archival quality. Binding is usually farmed out to a specialty
binder, and sometimes even with a slipcase. We’ll have to think
about the idea for awhile, and meanwhile, if any of you would have
any interest at all in a book of this kind, please drop me a line
here at the Reflections column . . . we’ll be happy to hear
from you.
We couldn’t close this month’s issue without including a
1914 advertisement for Bennett’s Tile Ditcher (see below).
Apparently it worked by making multiple passes, carrying out a few
inches of dirt each time. The advertisement notes that one man with
four horses could cut at least one hundred rods of tile ditch in a
day, although it was probably a very long day, and the ditch
wasn’t terribly deep…we don’t know. Okay, okay
already…we know this isn’t a gas engine, it ain’t a
tractor, and ain’t even pulled with a tractor, but we thought
it was a quaint piece of machinery, and hope you’ll share our
view.
The purpose of the Reflections column is to provide a forum for
the exchange of all useful information among subscribers to GEM.
Inquiries or responses should be addressed to: REFLECTIONS, Gas
Engine Magazine, P.O. Box 328, Lancaster, PA 17608-0328.
