About twenty-five years ago, shortly before GEM made its initial
appearance (1966), the Reflector and several other collectors were
visiting about the need for and the possibility of a magazine
devoted exclusively to gas engines and tractors. This impromptu
symposium was of the general opinion that the idea probably would
never get off the ground, ostensibly because there simply
wouldn’t be enough material to keep going for more than a few
years- after that, it would just be repetition of past writings! A
lot has changed since then, and GEM is about to enter its
twenty-fifth year of publication with no end of material in sight.
In fact, it seems that for every question that’s answered, half
a dozen new ones pop up. We haven’t talked with the GEM editors
about this, but we presume they will be planning some special
things for their twenty-fifth anniversary. Hopefully, this will be
the biggest year ever for GEM!
Incidentally, when looking back at those times of a quarter
century back, this writer well remembers buying a very nice
Galloway 9 HP engine at an auction for $32, then worrying all the
way home about having given too much-it didn’t seem possible to
add the cost of painting and restoring to the auction price, and
ever expect to come out on the deal. Then too, the Reflector’s
first engine back in 1960 was a 6 HP John Deere, complete with
clutch pulley and factory trucks for a whopping five dollar bill!
Times sure have changed!
Quite a number of readers have responded to our plea for
materials on J. I. Case Company, along with numerous offers to loan
us a copy of the book, Machines of Plenty. We wish to advise that
we now have our own copy of this title, and we certainly thank
everyone who volunteered the use of their book.
The research phase of our projected J. I. Case book is moving
along quite well, but of course, additional materials are quite
welcome, especially original photos of the steam engines. The
company has little of this material left. Normal attrition, several
cleanouts ove the years, and other factors have left the Case
Archives with little of the original material, so we
understand.
We begin this month with some queries from:
24/10/1 Yuba and other things Q. In photo 1-A
an engine is shown in the background. What make is it? It is
located in Mexico, but the engine is mine. The Mexicans say that it
is Chinese or Japanese, or maybe even German. Any ideas?
Photos 1-B and 1-C illustrate an Attwell Chain Tread Tractor
built by G & L Machine Works, Seattle, Washington. Does anyone
have any information on this outfit?
Photo 1-D shows an International 1-9 tractor, s/n 1GB9617. High
gear will really give you a thrill!!!
In photos 1-E and 1-F is illustrated a 1917 Yuba Ball-Tread
Tractor. Submitted by E. R. Trumble, Port Hueneme Rigging, 1231
Mercantile Street, Unit E, Oxnard, California 93030.
In addition to the photos shown here, Mr. Trumble sent along
several photos of a Murray Corliss steam engine, but unfortunately
these were too dark to reproduce in the magazine. Also included was
a huge packet of materials for the files, including a photocopy of
the operator’s manual for the Model 20/35 Yuba Ball Tread
Oversize Tractor, copies of Caterpillar materials, and several
other items. We note that one of the current construction magazines
forwarded by Mr. Trumble includes an advertisement by C-C
Distributing Company, (503) 224-3623. This company advertises an
inventory of over $1 million in Hercules engine parts dating back
to 1937. Before getting the cart ahead of the horse, we presume
this to be the Hercules at Canton, Ohio-not the Hercules at
Evansville, Indiana.
Thanks to Mr. Trumble for all his help!
24/10/2 Novo 2-cylinder engine Q. I have a
2-cylinder Novo upright with the square hopper, Model FU, 3 x 4.
The original gas tank is gone, and I would appreciate hearing from
someone who might have the proper dimensions. Dean C. Barr, PO
Box 307, Hiddenite, North Carolina 28636.
24/10/3 Early Ford Tractor Q. I own a tractor;
it is a two-owner tractor according to the fellow I purchased it
from. He told about this being a 1909 Ford tractor. In the)an.-Feb.
1974 GEM is a tractor with everything in the picture just like
mine. It has no magneto ignition but uses dry cells and a coil.
There are no gear case covers. All the other literature we can find
shows the B model, and always starts out with a location of 26th
and University Avenue, Minneapolis. There are references to a
foreclosure and new start before 1915 which was while they were in
South Dakota. My tractor could or could not have been assembled in
Minneapolis-One reference refers to an Anoka, Minnesota address for
awhile. When was the first one built? Any information at all will
be appreciated. Roland V. Spenst, Alsen, North Dakota
58311.
A. In the Encyclopedia of American Farm
Tractors the Ford tractor is illustrated and described on page 118.
Although the original company was incorporated in South Dakota,
this was probably done for a favorable tax advantage, and does not
at all imply that any tractors were actually manufactured in that
state. If you need detailed information, somewhat more than that
contained in the above referenced title, we suggest contacting the
Division of Archives and Manuscripts, Minnesota Historical Society,
St. Paul, Minnesota. They may be able to provide the specific data
you need.
24/10/4 Bessemer engine Q. I recently acquired
a Bessemer 2 HP engine. It teas complete and needed only minor
repair. Now that it is running, I have a question:
This engine has an oil cup for the rod and cylinder. When the
engine is running at 325 rpm and the rod oiler set at about 8 drops
per minute, it smokes a lot without the cylinder oiler being on at
all. I have checked the piston and cylinder and they seem to have
plenty of oil, and the plug gets oily. Inside the crankcase is
quite oily.
Lately I have heard several people worrying about using unleaded
gas in their antique engines. Fifty years ago, these old engines
were run on white gas, which of course was unleaded. The lead was
added later to reduce preignition knock in high compression
engines. All in all, I can’t see any problem in using unleaded
gas. Bill Worthy, Box 226, Karnack, Texas 75661.
A. If the inside of the crankcase is very oily,
as you describe, then is it coming from the oil supply to the crank
pin? Obviously, the engine is getting oil from someplace in order
for the crankcase to get this way. Perhaps this oil is then going
on up past the rings and burns. Thus, the piston might be getting
enough oil, but what about the wrist pin? It almost has to get its
oil from the sight feed oiler, passing through a hole in the side
of a piston and eventually migrating into the wrist. From the
bottom side however, without a definite splash system, the poor old
wrist pin is going to suffer horribly. We don’t know about your
engine specifically, and sure don’t want to take the
responsibility if something goes wrong, but might we suggest
replacing the bottom compression ring with an oil control ring?
That would wipe the cylinder wall of the excess oil from below,
while still permitting the use of the sight feed oiler. Perhaps
some other Bessemer owners have experienced the same problem and
might offer us their solution.
24/10/5 Wood engine Q. I have a Wood engine
that I would like to know more about. Here are the details as
listed on the plate: The Wood, Model D, No. B5950, Type F. Patents:
Dec. 6 – 04, Mar. 2 – 09, Nov. 5 – 07, Apr. 13 – 09, Jan. 21 – 08,
Apr. 20 – 08, Feb. 11 – 08, ]un. 15 – 09, Jan. 11 – 10. HP 4, SAE,
Speed 800. Walter A. Wood M & RM Co., Hos-sick Falls, New York
U.S.A. Any information at all on this engine will be greatly
appreciated. Alistair G. Forteath, 54 Main Street, New Elgin,
Morayshire, IY30 3 BH Scotland.
A. You raise an interesting question,
especially since we were previously unaware of any engines coming
from the above company. Should you be able to forward some photos
of the engine, this would be a tremendous help in its
identification. Despite the numerous patent dates cited, a search
given only the date can be rather tedious, especially when we have
no photographs that might tend to show us exactly what to look for.
Perhaps some of our readers might have heard of this engine or
might be able to help our overseas correspondent.
24/10/6 What Is It? Q. Can anyone identify the
device shown in the adjacent photo? Rich Howard, Hysham,
Montana 59038.
A. It is an air pump, like that used in garages
and service stations in the early days of the automobile. (I’ll
bet it was great fun pumping up those 70 psi balloon tires with
this rig!!).
24/10/7 Farmall Cub Q. What is the year built
for a Farmall Cub, s/n 71835? David K. Gibbs, 7560 Byron Place,
Clayton Missouri 63105.
A. Your tractor was built in 1949.
24/10/8 Independent Harvester engine Arthur
Biagi, Rt 1, Box 147-B, Odin, Illinois 62870 would like to hear
from anyone with information on a 2 HP, Type C engine from
Independent Harvester Company, Piano, Illinois.
24/10/9 Oliver 70 tractor J. P. Jude, 4-5th
Avenue South, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379 is restoring a 1940
model Oliver 70 tractor, and would appreciate hearing from those
who might have pertinent information on same.
24/10/10 Pincor mower Q. I have the engine off
a Pincor Power Mower. The engine tag is from Pioneer Gen-E-Motor
Corporation, Chicago, Illinois. Can anyone supply information on
this engine, and are there any parts available? W. R. Terry, 4701
Subert, St. Louis, Missouri 63123.
24/10/11 IHC colors Q. When did IHC change over
from gray to red? Wally Oftedahl, 133-22nd Ave. So., So. Paul,
Minnesota 55075.
A. The change was officially made in the fall
of 1936, although it appears that a few might have been finished in
red paint prior to that time.
24/10/12 Witte colors Q. What is the proper
color for the 1923 Witte engine line? Also where can 1 obtain Witte
decals? Allen C. Gruver, 221 Buck Heights Road, Quarryville,
Pennsylvania 17566.
A. We have a listing of DuPont Dulux 93-5800
Green as being comparable. To our knowledge, Witte did not use
decals, at least not to any extent.
24/10/13 Power Products engine Q. What 15 the
year built of a Power Products engine, Model 1000, s/n 81659 W33? I
have contacted Tecumseh in Grafton, Wisconsin and they are unable
to find it listed in their records. Mel Davidson, 32003 SE 40,
Fall City, Washington 98024.
24/10/14 Delco Model 750 Q. I am restoring a
Delco Full-Automatic Model 750 with the individual 6-volt starter,
and very much need to find a complete wiring diagram for same.
Clarence G. Lintz, 20301 Gore Mill Road, Freeland, Maryland
21053.
24/10/15 John Deere Plow Co. Q. Ina 1913
catalog of Ohio silo fillers and feed cutters manufactured by the
Silver Manufacturing Company of Salem, Ohio, it clearly states that
this equipment was marketed by John Deere Plow Company. I do not
recollect having heard of this particular partnership before, and
wonder whether its existence is common knowledge. Does anyone have
historical information on Silver Mfg. Company? Jerald S.
Carveth, 262 Warwick, St. Paul Minnesota 55105.
A. The Deere-Silver arrangement was not at all
uncommon. To our knowledge, this was not a partnership, but was
merely a contractual arrangement whereby Deere sold the Silver
line, just as they also sold the New Way engine line, the R & V
engine line, and numerous other non-conflicting product lines. At
this point in time (1913), Deere was not a full-line company-they
had no tractors, they had no engines, and they had no threshers.
Thus, in addition to their own products, the company served as a
jobbing house for other products that helped fill out their overall
line. The practice was quite common in fact, as for instance,
International Harvester selling the Buffalo-Pitts threshers.
24/10/16 Some questions Q. As a new subscriber,
I would like to have information on the following:Cushman Cub,
Model R30, 4 HP, s/n A78479Briggs & Stratton, Model FH, s/n
102600.My questions are standard, so far as age, availability of
manuals, paint colors, etc. All replies will be greatly
appreciated. Bob Hitchcock, PO Box 1543, Overton, Nevada
89040.
24/10/17 McCormick-Deering 15-30 Q. An
excellent recently purchased McCormick-Deering 15-30 of 1930 was
converted to rubber with fronts welded to separate rims. Tapered
cups and bearings are IH 132-D series whereas purchased 34-inch
steel wheels have straight parts both numbered IH 3190. Hub and
spindle diameters are definitely different. Which is correct for a
1930? Any information in this regard will be greatly appreciated.
Paul Vergon, 21021 Heavenly Dr., PO Box 279, Soulsbyville,
California 95372.
24/10/18 What Is It? Q. See photo 18 for an
engine which we have not been able to identify. It is finished in
red, and the tag gives the engine number 25-JK 12935, 2?-3? HP; a
smaller tag has the numbers 8-29-30, and all part numbers have the
prefix ‘G.E.’ As a new collector, I would like to know more
about the engine, and the instructions and operating manual for
same. Also, what was the last year of the John Deere two-cylinder
tractors? David & Lucille Mozol, Rt. 9, Box 35, Pine Ridge,
Arkansas 71966.
A. We believe your engine is a Hercules built
at Evansville, Indiana. Recent issues of GEM, and perhaps this
issue, advertise a new historical book on Hercules, and this book
might be very helpful to you. We are curious about what appears to
be a date plate attached to the engine. Perhaps some of those who
have done extensive research on Hercules might find this data
useful.
Deere & Company abandoned the two-cylinder engine design in
1960, having built this style of tractor much longer than any other
company in the industry.
24/10/19 Minneapolis steam engine records Q. In
the April 1987 issue it is mentioned that serial number lists are
still in existence for the Minneapolis steam engines. Do the
original shipping records still exist, giving the name of the
purchaser and/or the shipping location? I am trying to find the
serial number of the engine purchased by my grandpa in 1923 or
1924. Carol Santhuff, Box G, Eminence, Missouri 65466.
A. We believe that these records still exist.
Try contacting the Division of Archives and Manuscripts, Minnesota
Historical Society, St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. John Wickre in that
department might be able to tell you if they have custody of the
records or if they are in the care of someone else.
24/10/20 Some questions Q. I recently purchased
an IHC LA, 1?-2? HP engine, s/n LAA 18213. It appears to have been
gray with a red flywheel. If this is correct, can you advise the
proper paint numbers? I also have a Fairbanks-Morse ZC engine, 3
HP, s/n 872000. Were the trucks a different color than the engine?
Was any striping used on the engine? George H. Crawford, 811
Center Point Road, NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.
A. Your 1936 model LA engine might well have
had the gray/red combination, and these would be standard colors,
IHC Red, and the gray would be comparable to DuPont 6923 or 98620
gray. The FMB engine is a 1945 model, and so far as we know, the
entire engine and trucks were green-there was no striping or
lettering used.
24/10/21 Cleveland Tractor Q. I have a
Cleveland General Tractor, s/n GG-3FA206, using a Hercules IXA3
engine, s/n 668877. What was the year built, the proper paint
scheme, and where might I find decals? Also, what is the proper
shade of gray for a 1938 Case RC tractor? I have been told that
they were a little different color than the other Case tractors of
that period. Any help will be much appreciated. Dana E.
Tuckness, PO Box 83, Brogan, Oregon 97903.
A. According to the engine number, your tractor
was built between 1939 and 1942, but we are unable to give you a
specific manufacturing date. Neither can we furnish the proper
color scheme information. Hopefully, other Cleveland General owners
will come to your aid. DuPont lists their 24938 gray as comparable
to J. I. Case gray, but we have no other data regarding the correct
shade.
24/10/22 Serial numbers Q. What is the year
built of a John Deere Type E, 1? HP engine, s/n 302952? and for a
McCormick-Deering 1? HP engine, s/n AW66670? Don Padgett, RR 2,
Box 166, Rising Sun, Indiana 47040.
A. The John Deere serial list is on page 9 of
the September, 1985 issue of GEM. Your McCormick-Deering was built
in 1928.
READERS WRITE
Clark W. Colby, RD 1, Box 199A, Greensburg, PA 15601 forwards
information on several recent questions:
24/4/10 Wico Type R Magneto If Mr. Wiese’s
magneto is a Wico Type R, I believe Type EK coil will not work-at
least some of the R style magnetos employed no breaker points,
condenser, or primary circuit, depending instead only on the rapid
magnetic flux change to induce a high voltage in the single-winding
series coils. Parts for this magneto should be available from a
number of vendors advertising in GEM, or at the shows.
24/4/13 Easy engine Regarding Mr.
Holzauer’s Easy engine, I believe most collectors would
consider this engine both rare and unique. The Easy Company must
have been mavericks to market such an engine when most other small
manufacturers were using Briggs & Stratton engines. Unique
features for a small air cooled engine include the undermounted
design, hit-and-miss governing, and the aforementioned brass
flywheel.
24/4/21 Open-Flame Ignition With regard to Mr.
Reed’s interest in open-flame ignition systems, it is noted
that several such systems were produced between the early
1870’s and the late 1880’s, with one described by Barnett
in 1838. Early manufacturers using open-flame or ‘igniting
valve’ systems included Hugon, Otto & Langen, Clerk,
Crossley, and others. Almost all employed some sort of sliding
block to convey the flame to the combustion chamber. Some designs
also incorporated the intake valve function in the ‘slide’
design.
Most designs consisted of a small burner within the slide, fed
either from an external gas source or para-sitically from the
explosive charge. The ignition cycle begins when the slide burner
communicates with and ignites from a continuously burning external
pilot flame. The slide, driven by a connecting rod and crank at the
end of the crankshaft, then moves to allow communication of the
slide burner flame with the combustion chamber, causing ignition of
the charge. As would be expected, this extinguishes the slide
burner. However, each time the slide returns to its starting
position, the slide burner communicates with the external pilot and
relights.
By 1885, electric and hot tube ignition systems had been
sufficiently developed to displace the more troublesome flame
ignition systems.
Mr. Reed is invited to visit the Coolspring Power Museum to
learn about the two Crossley slide valve, flame ignition engines
which we operate on a regular basis. In fact, at our show this past
June 16-18, there were three such engines on display and operating,
the most interesting of which was a beautiful Crossley-Otto
inverted style, diplayed by Chris Eby of Lancaster, Pa.
If there is sufficient interest in the subject, the museum may
write a more extensive article on flame ignition in the future.
24/5/10 Unidentified engine Regarding Mr.
White’s unidentified engine, which appears to have been
designed perhaps in Europe, I suggest that the engine markings read
‘Pat App’d For Nov. 2, ’07.’ and not ‘No. 2
& 7.’ It isn’t much, but it might be a start in
identifying the designer. It would be interesting to know whether
the fasteners are U.S. Standard, U. S. Blacksmith, British, or
Metric.
24/6/8 Acme-Jones engine Regarding Mr.
Teige’s Acme-Jones engine, I believe that it was made by S. M.
Jones of Toledo, Ohio and possibly sold by Jarecki Supply Co. of
Erie, Pa., a large supplier of oil field equipment. If this is a
typical Jones engine, it is of single valve design, that is, there
is only one valve communicating with the combustion chamber. The
pendulum governor actually operates only a small fuel admission
valve, as I remember. An example of this rare engine can be studied
at the Coolspring Power Museum in Coolspring, Pa. I believe the
original finish was either black or a very dark gray.
24/6/17 Sieverkropp Regarding the unusual
Sieverkropp engine, it’s worth mentioning here that the
vertical model design embodied a single connecting rod, a single
long wrist pin, spanning two double-ended pistons and twin
cylinders, topped by a single combustion chamber and spark plug.
The mechanism provided the lucky (?) owner with a two-stroke cycle
engine having an oil-filled segregated crank-case, supposedly to
cut down on wear and maintenance. The end likely didn’t justify
the means.
24/6/24 Unidentified engine Regarding Mr.
Edey’s unknown engine, the letters ATAS on the forged
crankshaft are believed to be a trademark of the forge shop or
crankshaft supplier, as I have seen the same trademark on the
crankshafts of various engines. From the side view only, this
appears to be a Nelson Bros. engine.
24/6/27A Unidentified engine The engine
pictured is a Nelson Bros.
Many thanks to Mr. Colby for his efforts in writing the above
responses. As you may know, Clark writes on behalf of the
Coolspring Power Museum, Cool-spring, Pennsylvania 15730.
24/7/2 Kermath engine Ray C. Robley, 211 Laurel
Road, Linthicum Hts., MD 21090 writes that he has a Kermath
‘Sea Pup’ 5 HP single cylinder engine. It is a 4-cyde with
magneto ignition. Like the query of Mr. Barnes in the above noted
caption, Mr. Robley is looking specifically for information on his
Sea Pup. If you can be of help, drop Ray a line.
Junkers Diesel Engines Several times in recent
months, the Reflector has asked for information on a Junkers
opposed piston diesel. A number of people have responded, but we
have yet to find an instruction manual or parts book for this
engine. See Photos RW-1 and RW-2 from John Degen, 12 Dovas Path,
South-hampton, NY 11968. John writes that he has had the Junkers
shown in these photos for several years, and decided to send along
some photos to show that there might be another one around.
John’s engine appears to be quite similar to the one we
own.
A CORRECTION
In a recent issue we ran a query concerning an unusual wagon
jack. Apparently we got the two addresses crossed, so if you have
any information on this query, contact Tom Harrell, 525 200 N.,
Huntington, Indiana 46750.
24/8/34 Unidentified This is a Fairbanks-Morse
Jack Junior, one horsepower engine. It was a forerunner of the
later ‘Z’ headless model. Notable by their absence from the
pictured engine are the ignitor and trip arm/pivot, as well as the
mixer and its related piping and controls. The Jack Junior is well
worth the effort, as they are quite scarce. Fritz Ackermann, Box
305, Bellville, OH 44813.
24/7/18 Unidentified Engine The engine pictured
has quite a few similarities to the 3 HP Maynard sold by Charles
Williams Stores of New York City. I believe the Maynard engine was
also built by Nelson Bros. If I am correct, the Pittsburgh Pump Co.
3 HP engine should have a bore of 4Vi inches, with a 6 inch stroke,
21 inch flywheels, and a crank diameter of 1 9/16 inches. Paul
Towne, 26 Riched Lane, Uncasville, CT 06382.
Unidentified Tractor In the June, 1989 GEM it
was suggested that I send in photos of an unidentified crawler
tractor. See Photos RW-3 and RW-4, illustrating this unit. As is
evident, the engine is gone, and there is no nameplate or any other
markings to indicate the make and model of the tractor. Once an
identification is made, then perhaps we can begin looking for the
needed parts.
On another front, I don’t know if you can appreciate the
horror and cold chills when 1 opened the July, 1989 GEM and on page
24 were pictures of engines carrying big blue ribbons. Not that
they did not deserve them, but rather than that, our hobby is
heading down the primrose path.
Back in the late 1930’s the automobile clubs used to be the
same way, but as time progressed, winning became very important to
many members until today, the average member does not stand a
chance. Some people are spending $50,000 and more to have a car
restored by professionals. When you are competing, friendships
become scarce, and people with more money than ability can take
over the hobby. I hope we continue to give plaques to all
exhibitors to show something for our efforts, but please, no
judging of engines and tractors. J. A. Blair, 415 Timothy Avenue,
Norfolk, VA 23505.
If the Reflector might put in a nickel’s worth on the
subject, we also are of the opinion that ‘engine judging’
is an idea whose time has not yet come, and personally we hope that
it never comes. We tend to agree with Mr. Blair in that Human
nature seems to dictate that when we begin competing with each
other, friendships take a leave of absence. We have said it before,
and we’ll say it again-our hobby is notable in that we have
traditionally welcomed all comers to our shows, whether it’s a
young chap with a Briggs & Stratton or the senior with a highly
polished Springfield sideshaft. This is one of the things that sets
the gas engine and tractor fraternity apart from the majority of
hobbies. Thus, weaskour fraternity to be cautious in the matter of
judging competitions. Although these activities can, and probably
do, provide well-deserved recognition to certain individuals, we
must be aware of possible negative factors as well. ‘Nuff
said.
24/7/19 Oil Coolants In the winter of 1941 I
was hitchhiking in Indiana when a Model A Ford stopped for me. Upon
entering the vehicle, an intense fuel oil odor made me hold my
breath momentarily. The driver was very friendly, and I finally
asked whether he had accidentally spilled some fuel, to which he
answered that it was his antifreeze! He went on, ‘At 12 cents a
gallon, it sure beats Prestone, and all I have to replace in the
spring are the two radiator hoses.’ World War II began shortly
thereafter, and I well remember how we all scrounged for antifreeze
for the duration. These I remember: Prestone-hard to get and very
expensive; wood alcohol-very volatile; glycerine-expensive; calcium
chloride-very corrosive; grain alcohol-for radiators?? Today, using
fuel oil as a coolant would probably put the Environmental
Protection Agency into a genuine tizzy. Haven’t we made great
progress in the last fifty years! Joseph L. Lisaius, 116 Orton Rd.,
W. Caldwell, New Jersey 07006.
A Comment on Shows Recently the Reflector
discussed the matter of operating shows, specific requirements of
shows, and the like. The following letter has no name with it, not
because of the writer’s fault, but because ye olde Reflector
absentmindedly threw away the envelope before jotting it down.
Because of the message however, we are including it herewith, even
though we want everyone to know that so-called anonymous letters
are not published. Our apologies to the sender for our own blunder.
Many in charge of shows have certain ideas by which the show should
be conducted and the reasons are supported by their personal
experience. However, not all of us have had the same experiences.
Quite likely, we have had diverse experiences for which other
solutions might be the answer.
I have yet to see a questionnaire at any show I have attended.
If they are to grow and prosper, I think this might be an excellent
way to get some input from the exhibitors and visitors alike.
For visitors, a questionnaire might include information such as
hometown and state, number in their party, how they learned about
the show, attractiveness of site, convenience of parking, exhibit
layout, sanitary facilities, food service, and the like. I would
suggest this might be a way we could help to improve our shows,
because sometimes we don’t see the things that others see. In
my work position, the most important question was, ‘Who are and
who should be the customers for my products?’ The same idea
carried over to the operation of a show might be very helpful. By
the way, one way to encourage visitors and/or exhibitors to fill
out a card like this might be to have a drawing at the end of the
show, and perhaps give the winner a year’s subscription to
GEM!
24/7 Webster Magnetos On page 14 of the July,
1989 GEM, Richard Hamp mentions the process of ‘wiping
magnets.’ What does this term mean, and how is it done? Also,
when magnets have been demagnetized by improper placement or
because they were put on the charger wrong, how can this problem be
properly corrected? Virgil I. Lilly, 58 Pulaski Ave., Radford,
Virginia 24141.
24/8/23 Dan Patch In response to this question,
I am a collector of anything related to Dan Patch. Dan Patch was a
world famous pacing horse. He was born in Oxford, Indiana in 1896
and owned by Dan Messner. He won all his races and never lost a
race in his life. He was sold to a Mr. Sturgis in 1901 for $20,000.
M. W. Savage had been following Dan’s career and purchased him
December 1902 for $60,000. Mr. Savage was a self-made millionaire.
In 1903 he started the International Stock Food Co. Dan’s name
was used on a lot of the products. Around 1912, M.W. Savage
Factories was formed. This was a mail order catalog company.
Dan’s name was used on engines, children’s toys, livestock
products, farm equipment, and many other items, even automobiles.
M.W. Savage had a huge horse breeding farm in Savage, Minnesota,
south of Minneapolis. People came to tour the farm and see Dan.
Dan had become so fast no one would race against him. He put on
exhibition races with two running horses to urge him on. He loved
to perform and hated another horse in front of him. On September 8,
1906 Dan paced the mile in a record of 1:55 at the Minnesota State
Fair in front of 90,000 people. Dan toured the country in a private
boxcar until his retirement in 1910. He died in 1916 and Mr. Savage
died 32 hours after learning of Dan’s death. Dan’s record
of 1:55 wasn’t equaled until 1938 by Billy Direct and
wasn’t beaten until 1960 by Adios Butler. Dazzle Patch was
Dan’s most promising son, but he was injured and could no
longer race. His name was used on numerous items. After
Savage’s and Dan’s deaths the International 1:55 farm was
sold in 1919.The Savage mail order company was run by the family
and failed at the end of 1934. Bonnie Conrad, 8637 W. Earll Dr.,
Phoenix, Arizona 85037.
24/4/1 IHC Red In the July issue are some
comments about the odd IHC colors. I am curious as to why IHC
painted some of their equipment what appears to have been a dull
orange, rather than the standard IHC Red. Is there a color to match
it? Glen Gerlach, Rt 6, Box 293, Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694.
We can’t provide a definite answer to this question, but
might we hazard a guess that the true IHC Red was of necessity
changed to something else, due to the requirements of the War
Years. Even though Mr. Gerlach’s tractor is a 1947 model, it
seems entirely possible that the odd color was a carryover from
this period. Can any of our IHC researchers provide an answer?
MODELMAKER’S CORNER
We have received a letter from Mr. William Cloutier, 404 South
Huron Ave., Harbor Beach, MI 48441, noting that he had sent in some
photos for use in this section. If they have not thus far appeared,
we probably never received them, and the fault could run from the
Postal Service to an error at the Stemgas offices or the
Reflector’s office. At any rate, when these things happen, and
they occasionally do, please bear with us.
Bob Carr, 14754 You Bet Road, Grass Valley, California 95945
sends along three photos, No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 illustrating a
scale model Fuller & Johnson Type N engine he has recently
completed. Photo 1 shows the castings as received. Photo 2 shows
the parts and sub-assemblies prior to final assembly, and Photo 3
illustrates the completed model. The castings and drawings were
purchased in 1986 from Ed Chick of Winona, Minnesota.
This model has a 17/8 x 21/8 inch bore and stroke, and uses 9
inch flywheels. It runs hour after hour at 350 rpm. I machined the
crankshafts from a solid block of steel, cut my own gears, and the
governor parts, carburetor, and igniter were all made from scraps
under the bench. The challenge of machining, finishing, and even
the striping of the model provided much pleasure and
satisfaction.
A CLOSING WORD
Frequently we encounter major problems in engine restoration-
things like cracked flywheel spokes, badly scored cylinder walls,
and similar problems. As we go into the fall, and more of you have
the time to send us articles regarding your methods of handling
unique problems, send us your articles and ideas so we can share
them with all our readers. Don’t worry about the
diction-that’s our job here at GEM. Just let us know the
solutions you have found to those basket case situations!.
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 17603.
