Since we are constantly involved in the printing and publishing
business, we’ll share some things with you this month regarding
previously published materials. If you plan to use anything that
has appeared in a book or magazine for a display or some other
presentation, please give a credit line, especially if the
publication is fairly recent. Sometimes the photographs are under
copyright, and failing to ask for permission to use them could lead
to serious legal problems. A credit line might read, ‘Photo
Courtesy of Joe Blow Museum, Anywhere, U.S.A.’ Quotes are
permissible in an article, provided that the original work is
cited. However, if the quotes are extensive, it might be the better
way to secure permission first. Even if there is no copyright
problem, it is no more than right that the original writer be given
credit, if nothing else than as a common courtesy.
As an example, the late Lester L. Roos of Geneseo, Illinois
spent literally hundreds of hours compiling a reasonably accurate
listing of the Stover serial numbers. Even though this listing
first appeared in ‘Power in the Past, Vol. 3: Stover Engine
Works,’ it has appeared several times since then, but with no
credit to Lester or to the book in which it first appeared.. As
many of you know, Lester could well have been called, ‘Mr.
Stover.’ Such was his knowledge of this particular company. In
other words, we believe it no more than right that Lester receive
the credit due. So, please be both considerate and cautious about
plagiarizing the work of others. The great majority of our
fraternity is helpful to a fault, but let’s not take advantage
of their succor and spoil things for everybody. As a footnote, one
publisher now requires that a release be furnished for ALL
photographs supplied to them, regardless of age or source. More
often than not, this material is already in the public domain, and
can be freely used by anyone, but be sure of this before going
ahead. We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at the
Annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa August
29 to September 2. We’ll be representing GEM and the Iron Men
Album again this year. Although we had planned to do a
before-the-fact feature article on a specific tractor at the Mt.
Pleasant show, time got away from us, and so we’ll be doing it
after-the-fact. As usual, we’ll be located in the Gas Engine
Area on the north side of the grounds. Look for the familiar
‘Gas Engine Magazine’ banner, and stop by to say hello.
Our questions this month begin with:
26/9/1 Fairbanks Scales Q. I have a set of
Fairbanks Table Top scales. These are a platform type. There is a
piece missing under the platform. Does anyone know where I might
find parts? Robert Goode, PO Box 5004, Mills River, NC
28742.
A. We don’t know, can anyone help?
26/9/2 A Green IHC LA? Q. During restoration of
my International LA engine, I stripped the paint from the valve
cover and flywheel. The original color on the metal is a dark
green. Is it possible that the early LA engines were painted green?
Please advise. Fred Marshall, 1802 – 16th St., Sumner, WA
98390.
A. We suppose it’s possible, but
haven’t heard of this before. Perhaps someone else has run into
the same situation.
26/9/3 Thieman Tractor Q. I have a Thieman
tractor with a Model A Ford engine. Can anyone advise its proper
color? Also, did it have any decals, and if so, are any available?
Robert E. Zimpel, RR 2, Box 16, McGrath, MN 56350.
A. We believe these tractors were a light red,
but have no information regarding whether decals were ever
used.
26/9/4 Emerson Walking Plow Q. What is the
proper color of an Emerson Walking Plow? Any help will be
appreciated.Nolan Osbak, Box 688, Breton, Alta. T0C 0P0
Canada.
A. We think it was a combination of red and
green, but have no catalog illustration to give the exact layout.
Can anyone help?
26/9/5 Eugene Beckman Archive The Eugene
Beckman Archive, a collection of thousands of items related to
farming and farm machinery, opened May 19 at the State Agricultural
Heritage Museum. This exhibit is operated by the South Dakota State
Historical Society, Brookings, SD 57007-0999. This collection
contains more than 6,000 sales brochures, service manuals, parts
catalogs and instruction books from John Deere. The archive also
includes material on other farm machinery manufacturers.
26/9/6 Standard Engine Q. See the two photos of
a Standard engine that is missing several parts. Can anyone having
information that would help in the restoration please contact me?
Your help will be appreciated. Martin Roland, 3205 Circle Dr
NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.
26/9/7 New Way Engine Q.Dennis E. Spark,
PO Box 19, Goomalling, 6460, West Australia writes that he has
located yet another New Way engine similar to the one shown on page
344 of American Gas Engines It is about 3 HP, with a 19-inch
flywheel. The stroke is 4 1/2 inches.
A. Isn’t it interesting that so many
American-built engines found their way to Australia and New
Zealand!
26/9/8 Tracing History Q. I am trying to trace
the history of three engineering brothers: Henry, Thomas, and Edgar
Butler. They traveled to America in the late 1890s when they were
in their teens and were strongly influenced by American engines.
They possibly studied engineering in America before returning to
England in 1898 to each begin their own engineering company. Henry
traded under the name of Hercules Gas & Oil Engines; Thomas
under the name of Madison Gas & Oil Engines; and Edgar under
the name of Universal Motor Company . As far as I am aware, apart
from their ‘borrowing’ their names of American
counterparts, the brothers had no connections whatever, with
Hercules, Madison, or Universal Motors in the United States.
If anyone can supply any information on the history of either
the Butler brothers or their engines, or any of their engines
existing in American, please contact:Adrian Sanpe, 43 Elms
Ave., Littleover, Derby DE3 6FG England.
26/9/9 Field Type W Engine Q. See the photos of
a Field Type W was built by Field-Brundage Co., Jackson, Michigan.
It is 1? HP, s/n 10576. It looks like the Wolverine pictured on
page 172 of American Gas Engines. However, it also has similarities
to the Racine-Sattley pictured on page 317 of the same book. My
engine is complete except for the ignitor. It appears to have been
a deep green color. Any information will be appreciated. Donald
Z. O’Bier, Star Route, Box 584, Lottsburg, VA 22511.
A. We agree that the Field is a deep green,
probably New Idea Green or even a little darker.
26/9/10 LeRoi Engine Q. I just purchased the
LeRoi engine shown in the photo. It is a one cylinder, s/n 47468.
Can anyone advise the year built, proper colors, etc. Any
information on this engine will be greatly appreciated, including
service data. Don C. Judkins, 31818 Hwy 18, Lucerne Valley, CA
92356.
A. Can anyone be of help?
26/9/11 FBM DieselsJ. Bodnak, 306 Barron,
Petal, MS 39465 writes that information of the large FBM
diesels is available from Colt Industries. Call Mary Wagner at
608/364-8094.
26/9/12 Thanks! to Lloyd Dean, Atwood, IL 61913
for sending along some helpful information to ye olde
Reflector!
26/9/13 Unidentified Q. I need information on
several engines, including the one shown in the photos. It has
‘Sprywheel’ cast into the brass mixer. Also, the year built
on a Fairbanks Y engine, s/n 245383?
Any information would be appreciated on a Leader engine by Field
Force Pump Co., Elmira, New York, plus information is needed on a
Fairmont in the process of restoration. Your help will be
appreciated. Wes Allen, 862 Onstott Rd., Yuba City, CA
95991.
A. We can tell you that the FBM engine was
built about 1918, but beyond that, we appeal to our readers.
26/9/14 Unidentified Q. See the two photos of
an unidentified engine. Casting numbers are as follows: Head, Z3;
Rod, Z7; Cam Gear, Z8, and Main Bearing Caps, Z9. This is a
hit-and-miss engine with a dry head, 3? x 5 inch bore and stroke,
and 17-inch flywheels. I have found traces of light blue paint, and
‘NT’ as the last two letters of what might have been the
name. One person has told me it may have been built and/or sold by
Independent Harvester Co. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Dale Russell, 6033 N. Richmond, Wichita, KS 67204.
A. This may be an Independent, but our files
have absolutely nothing on this brand, so we can’t be of
help.
