Gee, it doesn’t seem like Spring already, but here it is,
and ye olde Reflector, for one, is anxious to start some engine
projects. Fortunately, most of our engines are sitting on concrete
floors, making it easy to move them around. Seems like heavy iron
gets heavier as we get older!
As usual, we pass along our annual admonishment to work and play
safely. Having always worked around the construction business, we
have seen more than a few situations where people were injured when
it could likely have been avoided, and the same holds true for our
hobby. If our warning keeps just one finger from being mashed,
we’ll consider it a major accomplishment!
Plans are moving ahead for our tour to Australia next February
and March. By the time this copy is in your hands (about mid-April)
we should have a tentative itinerary and some pricing. We sent out
some information to past clients awhile back and have had lots of
interest in the tour already. Once we get some definite information
to pass on, you will see an advertisement right here in
GEM. Our hope is to see some ‘iron’ almost every
day of the tour. Of course we’ll have to blend in some other
activities as well, or many of the interested fellows will be going
alone-need we say more?
It is our sad duty to report that our friend and editor at
Krause Publications has passed away. Mr. Jon Brecka, who edited two
of my books, and was working on my Standard Catalog of American
Farm Tractors, was dreadfully injured in mid-December when he
was broadsided by another vehicle on an icy road. Despite his
severe injuries, Jon survived the accident and several hours of
surgery. However, in mid-February a massive infection set in, and
death followed. This creates quite a void for ye olde Reflector,
since Jon and I worked very well together, particularly on the book
now in process. Our sympathies to Jon’s family and to his
colleagues at Krause Publications.
Our first query this month is:
35/5/1 Paint Colors
Donald Hentges, 45719 – 263rd St., Humboldt, SD 57035 needs the
paint colors for a Novo KU engine and for an IHC Mogul engine. We
have DuPont 29609 Olive Green for the Mogul, but we don’t have
a color match for the later style Novo engines, only the vertical
Type S models. Can anyone supply the correct color for the late
style Novo engines?
35/5/2 Case Automobile
Kent Ponton, 2116 Malabar Lakes Dr. NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 sends
along an old photo of a Case car. Note that it has white sidewall
tires and right-hand steering. Also note the man sitting on the
back end of the car, with a turtle-neck sweater and a Case Eagle!
Could this have been owned by the Case family, or perhaps by a Case
dealer?
35/5/3 Early Stover Decal Q. On page 21 of
Power in the Past, Volume 3, Stover, there is a picture of a pre-
1920 Stover logo on an engine .Do you have any idea of the correct
colors? I have someone who can make decals from pictures, and the
original colors would be nice. Any help would be appreciated. Bob
Naske. E-mail: boblynda@telenet.net.
A.We have only seen one engine that had the
early style Stover decal, and our recollection is that it was blue
and silver. Does anyone have one of these engines with the old
style logo?
35/5/4 Liliput Engine
Carl L. Hill, 331 Holland St., Shillington, PA 19607 sends along
a nice photo of a Liliput engine made in Germany. It is a small
engine and has a 2 x 3 inch bore and stroke, an 11? inch flywheel,
Bosch magneto, and a total length of 17 inches. Can anyone provide
any information on this engine?
35/5/5 Bay State Engine Q. See the photo of a
Bay State 2? HP engine, Type DH, s/n 22105. It was sold by Bacon
Taplin Co., Springfield, Massachusetts. Any information on this
engine would be appreciated. Also I would like the correct colors
for the Witte engines and for the Flying Dutchman sold by Moline
Plow Co. Ray LeClair, PO Box389, Winchendon,MA 01475.
A. The Witte is very close to DuPont 5204
Forest Green, and the Flying Dutchman is maroon, similar to DuPont
RS491.
35/5/6 Log Saw Dimensions
Richard Hubbard, 85 Lynnrich Drive, Thomaston, CT 06787 has a 5
HP Ottawa log saw with the Swinging Frame Limb Attachment. He needs
the dimensions to build the wood buck pieces that bolt on the
wheel. He also needs the correct color, and we have it listed as
green, similar to DuPont 51197. Rich also has a Coldwell power
mower for which he needs more information and the correct color. We
have neither of these, so perhaps someone can be of help.
35/5/7 Log Saw Information Needed
Lloyd Stunkel, W11145 Midway Rd., Kennon, WI 54537 has a drag
saw from R. R. Howell &. Co. at Minneapolis. He needs to make
some new parts and would like to hear from anyone who can help.
35/5/8 Mystery Engine
Several people responded to the photo sent in by Jerry Bandy
that appeared in the March 2000 issue (page 4, query 35/3/12). It
is a Paradox, made by Paradox Gas Engine Company, Hart ford, Conn.
The engine was patented under No. 662,181 of November 20, 1900.
We got additional information on this engine over the phone in
GEM’s office. Bill Starkey of Starbolt Engine Supplies
told us these engines, made in the early ‘teens, were sold as
toys. The flywheels are 3? inches in diameter with a 3 inch base.
The overall height of the engine was 5 inches tall. Bill also
advised us that the engine in 35/3/13 was an Ideal model V lawn
mower engine.
35/5/9 Gas Producers
William H. Tannewitz and William Petrie (email:
billt@mail.escapees.com) write that they recently came across an ad
for a Weber Gas Engine and Suction Gas Producer. The ad goes on to
state: ‘One pound of charcoal, one horsepower, one hour.’
We would suggest something like Gas, Gasoline & Oil Engines by
Hiscox or something on that order. It’s out of print, but we
don’t know of anything at present that has this sort of
information.
35/5/10 Correction
On page 2 of the March 2000 GEM, we incorrectly gave the address
of Harold L. Edwards as Warren, Indiana, when it should have been
Warsaw, Indiana. Our apologies.
35/5/11 Bell Prime Mover Q. See the photos of
the engine from a Bell Prime Mover, Model 343, s/n 626, built by
Bell Aircraft Corporation, Niagara Falls, New York. The word
Perlite 03-343-012 is on the flywheel housing. It is a one-cylinder
two-cycle model with Fairbanks-Morse ignition. Can anyone provide
further information? (See photos 11 A, 11B, and 11C.) Herb Mann,
2588 W. C.R.250 S., Warsaw, IN 46580.
35/5/12 Engine Restoring Problems Q. Randy
Haschemeyer, RR 2, Box 167, Camp Point, IL 62320 writes that he is
new to the hobby. He has recently purchased a couple of engines,
one of which is very rusty as well as in need of new babbitt
bearings. Having read about sandblasting and bead blasting, he
would like to hear ideas from readers of what is the best way to do
this. Also, he’d like to hear from people who know about
pouring babbitt bearings.
A. For ye olde Reflector, the idea of getting a
sandblaster used to occur, but it doesn’t anymore. We finally
figured that for just an occasional piece, it was cheaper to take
it to someone who did this work and let them do it. However, the
casting has to be primed right away, or on a humid day it will be
starting to rust by evening. Disassemble the engine, removing
magnetos, mixers, and things you don’t want spoiled by the
sand. Plug the cylinder with rags. Tape over bolt studs etc. with
duct tape. Pouring babbitt bearings is rather fun, and we have
discussed this in previous issues, both in this column and in
general magazine articles.
35/5/13 Perkins-Work well Connection?
Michael A. Shaffer, 9071 S. CR 425W, Knightstown, IN 46148 sends
along two photos of Perkins engines. In 13A is shown an engine
having a cast brass nameplate, and 13B shows an engine with raised
lettering in the hopper. These 1 HP engines were made by Perkins
Windmill Co., Mishawaka, Indiana. It is also said that these
engines were sold under the Work well name, but were made in the
Perkins factory. Can anyone provide further information on this
connection? Michael would also like to hear from other owners of
these engines. You may also contact him at: lveach@nltc.net.
35/5/14 Fairbanks-Morse
Larry W. Boughman, 1038 Willow Trail, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
writes that he has a 6 HP Fairbanks-Morse Type Z engine and needs
further information. He would also like to know whether
sandblasting is acceptable before repainting, and where he might
find the serial number. The Type Z engines usually have the serial
number stamped on a boss atop the cylinder, or sometimes on top of
the cylinder head. Rarely, it is found on the end of the
crankshaft. The correct color is DuPont 72001 Dark Green.
Sandblasting has its good and bad points. The engine has to be
disassembled, and particularly, things like the babbitt bearings
and any machined surfaces have to be protected, or serious damage
will result. Cleaning out all the sand after blasting is time
consuming too. Usually, we think it is a toss up, unless the engine
is badly rusted.
35/5/15 Waterloo Vapor Cooled
Mac McNaughton, 895 Fairview Rd., Huntingdon, Quebec J0S 1H0
Canada has a Waterloo Vapor Cooled engine for which he needs any
information he can find, also the original blower that was used for
cooling. If you can be of help, please contact him.
35/5/16 Clinton Engines
J. Max Koone, 723 Flynn Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139 comments on
35/2/15 from the February GEM: Clinton is not and has
never been associated with another engine manufacturer. They still
supply engines and parts for their own engines. Power Products is
part of Power Products-Lauson Division of Tecumseh.
35/5/17 Nordberg Engines
Bob Blase, Great Bend, Kansas (email: blase@greatbend.net) notes
the recent comments about Nordberg engines. Bob tells us that he
has seen one used in the oil field as a starter motor for bigger
flywheel engines. It’s nice to know that some of these
engines are still around!
35/5/18 Further Information
Eugene Alt, 1720 Heron Avenue, Audubon, IA 50025 notes that he
hadn’t received any response to his query of 35/3/4 (March 2000
GEM). He also sends his e-mail, which is
altesa@netins.net. As happens sometimes, he also includes his phone
number. However, due to privacy considerations, we set up the
policy about 15 years ago of not including phone numbers within the
Reflections column. The laws regarding communications are always
changing, and for us to inadvertently include a phone number where
it wasn’t wanted, or worse yet, make a typographical error,
with someone else getting the calls, could be a costly issue. We
hope everyone understands our rationale!
35/5/19 15-30 Governor Q. Roy Thomas, 9289
Miller Creek Rd., Missoula, MT 59803 sends a photo of the governor
on his 1927 model 15-30 McCormick-Deering tractor, saying, ‘I
looked in the standard governor housing and the weights are
missing. A member of our club believes this was called the Red
River Special option and was sold as a package with the Nichols
& Shepard thresher. Any comments would be appreciated.’
A. Yours is a Pickering governor conversion for
the 15-30. As a kid, there were several 15-30 tractors around, and
some of them had the conversion, some not. The original IHC
governor was notoriously slow on the draw.. . I know about that,
having owned a couple of them myself. However, the Pickering was
snappy and everything was there all at once. I saw a couple of them
on sawmills years ago, and putting on the Pickering was a big help.
Otherwise, by the time the IHC governor took hold, it was way too
late. Nichols &. Shepard may have sold this as part of a
package too, I don’t remember.
35/5/20 Gladden Products
Alfred G. Brejcha Jr., RR 2, Box 12, Western, NE 68464 has a
Gladden one-cylinder, 5 HP engine with a 2 ? x 3 inch bore and
stroke. He would like to know when they were built, how long they
were made, and if they were built for a special application. If you
can be of help, please contact Mr. Brejcha.
CHAMPION V SPARK PLUGS FOR MODEL ENGINES
Modelmakers Corner
Caldwell Industries Question
John M. Edgerton, 2 7 Loon Lake Rd., Bigfork, MT 59911 has an
open column launch engine sold by Caldwell Industries. He needs to
know how to make the valve timing mechanism and is hoping that
someone might have some drawings of same. His letter to them was
returned, so he assumes they are no longer in business. If you can
be of help, please contact John at the above address.
Paul Hunter, 3270 Old Darlington Road, Darlington, PA 16115
sends along a photo of his Odds &. Ends engine, designed by
Philip Duclos. The engine has a 1 x 1.375 inch bore and stroke, and
was completed in 1999. All parts were shop made except for the
spark plug and the oiler. Paul is a self-taught machinist (like
most of us) and also has a nice collection of engines and tractors.
Our compliments on a nice looking model!
Spark Plugs for Model Engines
The 1930s and 1940s were the heyday of the model spark ignition
gasoline engine. During this time model engines of this type were
used extensively in model airplanes, boats and model race cars.
Toward the end of the 1940s the glow plug made its appearance.
This proved to be a major change in the operation of model engines.
The glow plug was smaller, completely did away with ignition
points, coil, condenser and battery on board. The troubles
associated with these items, along with the wiring, were also
eliminated.
The glow plug simply contained a fine filament wire which, when
1? volts was applied to it, glowed, not unlike that in a toaster.
The engine was then given a spin and as soon as it started, the
battery was disconnected and the heat of ignition of the
fast-running engine kept the wire hot. Obviously, this would not
fire a slow-running model hit and miss engine. If, however, a
battery was kept hooked to the glow plug a slow running engine
would operate. This is a continuous drain on a small and short
lived battery.
There is a considerable tendency for the spark plug in a
slow-running engine to foul with carbon, especially when run for
short periods and therefore, lower temperatures. It’s a good
idea to keep a spare plug on hand. Changing the plug in an engine
that is balky can often times bring wondrous results.
Champion, A-C, Auto-Lite and Blue Crown were some of the major
brands. Some sizes can still be purchased at hobby supply shops.
The V-2 is currently the most popular size and is used in my model
Economy engine. The V size is used in the model Atkinson Cycle
engine. Joe M. Tochtrop, 2028 McAllister Street, San Francisco,
California 94118.
A Closing Word
We continue our series on lathes this issue with an illustration
of the Hamilton lathe as shown in the June 1898 issue of
Machinery magazine. By this time, machinists were finding
out that constant use of the lead screw would make it wear more
quickly, and when it came time to cut threads, they would no longer
be as accurate as before. Note that at the left of the lathe is a
pair of cone pulleys, thus providing variable speeds to the feed
rod at the bottom. The lead screw is used only for cutting threads,
and a sizable stack of loose gears was also included with the
lathe. Note also that the overhead drive with its cone pulley is
equipped with two clutch pulleys. This was to provide forward or
reverse motion to the spindle, since one clutch was driven by a
straight belt, and the other with a crossed belt. Change gear boxes
began coming into the scene during the 1880s but were not
especially popular until after 1900. In fact, many machinists
looked at the quick change box as an expensive toy for which they
had no need.
A surprising number of these old lathes are still in existence.
We’d bet that if a poll was taken among our readers, we would
find all kinds of lathes that are near or past the century mark,
and still in use! It is also of interest that any repair shop of
1900 having a lathe like this one was considered to be a point of
interest in the community! I recall hearing old timers telling
about when one of my great-uncles got a lathe in our little town
about the turn of the century, it created quite a stir. For some
years, it was the only lathe in the area. Otherwise, the only
alternative was to go to a large machine shop about 14 miles away.
Either by taking the local train (and then lugging the piece to and
from the depot) or taking a team and buggy was the only way of
getting there until automobiles came along, and in our community
the first one of those didn’t come until 1910. By the way, that
first automobile in our town was one of those high-wheelers from
International Harvester Company.
One should also keep in mind that the lathe is the only machine
that can reproduce itself. Suitable attachments might be needed to
make it happen, but the bottom line is that no other machine tool
can do that. We’ll have more next month!