On July 3 we returned from a visit to England, along with 46
other engine and tractor enthusiasts. Two days after arriving, we
went to the Tatton Park 1000 Engine Rally, spending a whole day
there, and having a wonderful time. The Bamford engines were
featured this year, and indeed, there were a great many Bamfords on
hand. In addition, there were many other makes represented, but
unlike American shows, there was but a single John Deere 1 HP
engine, and only a scattering of IHC and Fairbanks-Morse models.
Lister, Ruston, Bamford, and many other engines of British origin
were well represented, along with the Amanco. The latter is
virtually the same as our Associated engine.
There was also a very nice tractor exhibit; it included many
British makes, but also a sizable number of American-made tractors.
There were examples from IHC, Case, Deere, Hart-Parr and others.
Quite a stock of used parts and related items was also available,
and the afternoon auction drew a large crowd.
In addition to the objects of our attention though, the
hospitality of all the folks at the Tatton Park show was beyond
anyone’s expectations. Their hospitality tent was a popular
meeting place where one could sit down, have a cup of tea, and get
rejuvenated for another tour of the grounds. We’ll have photos
and further descriptions of this and other shows as time and space
permits.
At Kilmarnock, Scotland, we met many engine and tractor
collectors when John Caldwell and family hosted our group for a
most enjoyable evening. A nicely restored steam engine met us at
the driveway, and as we got off the coach, a Scottish bagpiper
serenaded us. Then it was off into John’s pasture where dozens
of collectors in the area set up a mini-show (actually a rather
sizable exhibit), just for our benefit! Dozens of engines and
tractors were on display. For this writer, it was a special treat
to see a 1 HP Evinrude Oil Engine. It carried s/n 1102, while the
one we have in our collection is s/n 1082, just twenty digits
earlier. So far as we have determined, these are the only two
remaining examples of the 1 HP model.
After looking over the exhibits, along with much lively
conversation, we adjourned to a huge grain storage building,
formerly a barn, where we were treated to a sumptuous feast. During
dinner, we were entertained with live music from a musical trio
that seemed very professional to us, but maintained that they were
only amateurs. Various presentations followed, with everyone in our
group being given a nice remembrance of our visit. Especially
touching to this writer was a lifetime membership in the Ayrshire
Vintage Engine & Tractor Club.
The Railway Museum at York was another visit of special
significance; this huge exhibit houses dozens and dozens of
locomotives and related equipment. One could spend a couple of days
there, but our time was rather limited, so only about a half a day
was available.
The Blist’s Hill Open Air Museum at Ironbridge was another
interesting display, and during July and August, they operate their
wrought iron furnaces, one of the few wrought iron operations left
in the world. Since this is a volunteer group, they operate the
furnaces only on the weekends, and unfortunately, we were there in
mid-week.
The Open Air Museum at Beamish was also quite impressive, and
included a wide variety of exhibits portraying all phases of
British life. The colliery, or coal mine, was especially
interesting.
Aside from mechanical things, mid-June is the perfect time for
vivid flower displays. Poppies grow wild in some places, and there
are few sights comparable to twenty acres or more of vivid red
flowers. The rhododendrons were especially nice this year, as well
as the rose gardens. Few sights are more beautiful than flax in
bloom, and the gardens all over England are the envy of gardeners
everywhere.
We made many new friends, and re-acquainted ourselves with many
old friends. Squeezing two weeks’ worth of enjoyment into a few
paragraphs is quite difficult, and only skims the surface, but
we’re confident that the folks who joined us in our most recent
Wade Farm Tours journey through England, Scotland, and Wales will
agree that it was a most enjoyable experience. For the GEM readers
in the UK, our thanks for making our journey a memorable
experience!
While on our recent tour, several folks asked us about our
forthcoming article on pouring babbitt bearings. We’re still
working on it, and still have to do some photography to illustrate
the article. What with being on holiday, the daily work routine,
and of course, writing this monthly column, it’s been difficult
to get the article finished.
It’s hard for this writer to get comfortably seated at the
computer when we can look out the window and see the beautiful
outdoors. Perhaps we should relocate the computer someplace where
there are no windows.
Be sure to look at the Modelmaker’s Corner in this issue for
some IHC engines made from scratch by an Australian collector.
In visiting with various collectors while on tour, the consensus
seems to be that most of the British engine makers sold too much
iron for too little money. That’s why Associated Mfrs., Stover,
and others could make engines, ship them overseas, pay the duty,
and all the other expenses, and still beat the British engines on
price. On the one hand, the British engines were built to last
virtually forever, but on the other hand, this made the engines
very heavy.
It’s also worthy of note that engine and tractor collecting
has become extremely popular in England. It was not at all uncommon
to see a temporary sign posted along the roadside advertising a
local rally. There are also a number of fine magazines being
published in the UK. Engine prices? They’re cheaper here!
Once again, we’re pleased to tell you that we’ll be
representing GEM at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion at Mt.
Pleasant, Iowa, this year. We’ll be set up in our usual place
next to the gas engine exhibits.
Our queries this month begin with:
31/9/1 Mellenbruch Writes Mr. J. Otis
Mellenbruch, Route 5, Box 126, Rye, CO 81069 writes that getting
news coverage of the shows is very helpful. It helps to get
visitors to the shows, and this alone is the payment that most
folks receive for all their work in finding, restoring, preserving,
and showing their engines. We heartily agree, and also might add
that it truly is a shot in the arm to get a nice compliment for our
work.
31/9/2 Pouring Bearings Etc. Edwin H.
Bredemeier, Route 1, Box 18, Steinauer, NE 68441 writes: When I was
learning the plumbing trade, one of the first rules was to never
stand above a ladle of hot lead, especially when sweating, because
a drop of sweat or water in the ladle would explode in my face. I
wonder how many people know that a drop of water will expand 1400
to 1600 times in volume.
Regarding Case magnetos: they were made by Slick Electric Co. in
Chicago. Where can one find the big coil? The magneto was a good
hot one 30 or 40 years ago, but the coil gave out. Can a person
take a common six-volt car coil and wire it into a magneto in lieu
of the original coil?
A. We presume you suggest disconnecting the
coil itself, and using the breaker points only in connection with
the coil and condenser. Technically at least, it would probably
work, especially given the fact that a few ignition systems used a
dual arrangement for starting by means of a battery and coil, and
then switching over to the magneto.
31/9/3 Samsco Engines Lester Bowman, 2440
Thomas St., Ceres, CA 95307 writes regarding the ‘Samsco’
engines reputedly built by Samson Iron Works at Stockton,
California. Lester has a lot of information on Samson engines but
has never found anything like SAMSCO and raises the question of
accuracy in this regard.
A. The question results from a listing that has
been recently published in this regard. In checking our own
listings within the book, Gas Engine Trademarks, we find nothing on
SAMSCO. Perhaps someone can advise the source of this particular
tradename, such as an advertisement or company literature.
31/9/4 Nelson Bros. Q. I have a
5/8 HP Nelson Bros. Air-cooled engine, Model
XB, s/n 61429. It has a flyball governor in the crankcase, and the
cast base is both the oil sump and the gasoline tank. It is missing
the carb, timing gears, and ignition system. I would like to hear
from other owners that might help me with correspondence,
dimensions, photos, or whatever might help me restore this engine.
Bob Beute, 4848 Dellview Ct., Hudsonville, MI 49426.
31/9/5 Evinrude Motors Q. On page 319 of
American Gas Engines is pictured the 1903 Evinrude Motors from
Motor Car Power & Equipment Co., not to be confused with later
launch/marine motors made by Ole Evinrude. I am looking for any
information, brochures, or other owners of these engines. Any help
will be appreciated. George Albright, 209 SE 15th Ave., Ocala, FL
34471.
31/9/6 Roto-Hoe Q. I recently bought a
Roto-Hoe, Model 148H, s/n 98382. It is powered by a Lauson
one-cylinder engine. Does anyone have any information, operators
manual, or literature that might be of help? All replies
appreciated. Charles Horak, 3556 Cleveland St NE, Minneapolis, MN
55418.
31/9/7 Witte Information Needed Q. Can you give
me the year built of the following Witte engines?
6 HP s/n 93090; log saw 102034; 2 HP #82488; 1 HP #B41173; 12 HP
Oil-well #42325.
Bernard Reece, 231 E. Whittier, Kansas City, MO 64119.
A. They are, in order: 1932, 1944, 1928, 1927.
We have no numbers for the last item listed.
31/9/8 Mity Kat Tractor Q. Does anyone have
information on the Mity Kat Tractor Corporation? The last address I
have is 211 Corporation Way, Medford, Mass., and that was in the
early 1960s. I am about to start restoration of one of their 1-ton
crawler bulldozers made in the mid-1950s. Can anyone tell me more
about these tractors, or suggest where I might find some parts,
especially track bushings? Malcolm B. Phinney, PO Box 118, West
Wareham, MA 02576.
A. If all else fails, there may be some other
bushings that would work, or in a worst case scenario, the only
alternative might be to build up the worn parts and remake the
bushings.
31/9/9 David Bradley Tractor Q. What is the
correct color scheme for the David Bradley riding tractor? Also
would like to know the correct color for the 15-30
McCormick-Deering tractor. I am sure it was once green when it was
new. Some time ago you printed a page on tractor colors. Could you
tell me in which issue it was printed? Danny Fann, RR 2, Box
246A,Tamaroa, IL 62888.
A. The issue to which you refer was the
December 1990 GEM. However, since that time, many revisions and
additions have taken place. To that end, ye olde Reflector
published a little book entitled Wendel’s Notebook several
years ago. Now in its third edition, this little handbook is
available through GEM.
We would suggest that your McCormick-Deering was originally
gray, rather than green. David Bradley colors seem difficult to
match, but several different schemes appear in the latest edition
of the Notebook.
31/9/10 Witte Engine Q. When was a 5 HP Witte
engine, s/n B3741 built? Any information would be appreciated. Bill
Gamer, PO Box 926, Cleveland, TN 37364-0926.
A. Your engine was made in 1923.
31/9/11 Information Needed Q. What is the year
built of a Witte engine, s/n B14065?
Also, what is the color scheme for a Nelson Bros. Little Jumbo,
and was there any striping or decals? Bill Tremel, 111 Church Rd.,
Eighty Four, PA 15330.
A. The Witte was made in 1924. The Little Jumbo
is DuPont 2015 Green. On page 72 of our book, Gas Engine
Trademarks, appears a trademark drawing for the Little Jumbo.
However, we’re not sure that it was used on all the engines, or
what the color scheme might have been. Perhaps someone has
reproduced this decal or might be doing so.
31/9/12 Delco Light Plant Q. Allan Chertok, 359
North Road, Bedford, MA 01730 sends along a most interesting letter
concerning his Delco plant, similar to their Model 752. In part, he
notes that his unit is similar to the 752 but does not have the
preheater and throttle and choke controls. However, a
distinguishing feature is a swing-mount auxiliary 6-volt starter
motor with a rubber-rimmed drive wheel that engages a v-groove in
the flywheel rim. The suggestion has been made that this feature
might have been offered to users who did not need the 32 volt
battery bank that would otherwise be available to run the generator
as a starter motor. Mr. Chertok’s unit is finished with brick
red paint, beneath which is a hard black enamel which seems to have
been the original factory finish. Mr. Chertok would be grateful for
any Delco Light historical information and especially data
particular to the unit he is working on. Tips on rebuilding and
sources of parts would also be most welcome. If anyone can be of
help, kindly contact Mr. Chertok at the above address.
31/9/13 Universal Grant Q. See the photos of a
Universal Grant countershaft assembly that I just rebuilt. By
shifting the lever, it shifts the belt on the fast and loose
pulleys, acting as a clutch. I’m very interested in old-time
power transmission and flat belt pulley drive systems. It would be
nice if someone interested in this subject would write an article
for GEM. William L. Rogers, Independence Lane, Hannacroix, NY
12087.
31/9/14 Wheel Rims Several people wrote to say
that blank wheel rims, per query 31/7/28, are available from M.E.
Miller Tire Co., 17386 State Hwy. 2, Wauseon, OH 43567.
31/9/15 Unidentified Engine Q. See the two
photos of an unidentified engine. There is no tag, but the s/n is
11618. It shows some maroon paint over some kind of orange. The cam
to move the pushrod is on the left end of the timing gear shaft,
with the gear on the right end of the shaft, looking from the rear.
Any help would be appreciated. William D. Miller, 2915 W. Hilltop
Ct., Anderson, IN 46013.
A. At first glance, we thought it might have
been a Stover, but that was quickly ruled out. Photo B also leads
to the conclusion that this was a pump jack engine. Can anyone
help?
31/9/16 McCormick-Deering Q. Stan Gileave, 4834
Mile High Drive, Prow, VT 84604 needs help with a 15-30
McCormick-Deering tractor, s/n TG58935. This is a 1927 model. He is
especially looking for a source for replacement tin and other
parts.
31/9/17 Oliver 60 Row Crop Kent Zobel, Rt. 1,
Box 35A, Monroe, NE 68647 recently acquired an Oliver 60 Row Crop,
s/n 610449KD. He would like to correspond with people that have
information and experience with such a tractor for help in
restoration. If you can be of help, kindly contact Mr. Zobel at the
above address.
31/9/18 Helpful Information J. Max Koone, Route
5, Box 32, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 sends along some important
addresses that may be of help to GEM readers:
Clinton Engines Corp., Clark & Maple Streets, Maquoketa,
Iowa 52060.
Cushman Club of America, PO Box 661, Union Springs, AL
36089.
Gibson Tractor Club, 4200 Winwood Ct., Floyd Knobs, IN
47119.
David Bradley Newsletter, 206 Knob Creek Lane, York, PA
17402.
Mr. Koone also asks regarding a Witte engine, s/n 37026. It was
built in 1918.
31/9/19 Ford Tractors Q. How can I decipher a
somewhat doubtful (due to damage to the identification plate)
serial number on a 1975 Ford tractor? With all the mergers, etc.,
no one here seems to know. Any information would be appreciated.
Leo Wilenius, 8728 River Rd., Angora, MN 55703-8336.
31/9/20 Information Needed Q. Can you please
supply information on the following engines: Stover CT’-A, s/n
TA274626; Fuller & Johnson 1, s/n 167682; Ideal Vertical, 2,
18025; Witte Type F (?), no tag. Joseph L. Betz, 3581 Falmouth
Drive, Library, PA 15129.
A. They are, in order, 1941, 1928, no
information. Due to the jumble used on Witte numbers, it’s
quite difficult to establish a date without the number, as they are
not always consecutive.
31/9/21 Massey-Harris Engine Q. I just
purchased a Massey-Harris Type 2, 3 HP engine in mint condition. It
is s/n 3K3216. All the part numbers have an AA prefix and there are
two ID marks, one on the block and one on the hopper. Now the
interesting part. The crank guard is the same as shown on the Type
1. It is an open style crank guard, not enclosed as shown on the
Type 2, page 293 of American Gas Engines. Any information about
this engine would be most appreciated. R. Pichel, 4260 Lower Saucon
Road, Hellertown, PA 18055.
31/9/22 Unidentified Engine Q. See the photos
of an engine of two-cycle design. It has a 3-inch piston, 15 inch
flywheel, gravity feed carburetor, and gas tank. Overall engine
height is 21 inches, with a five inch diameter dry head. There are
no casting numbers. I can see original green paint with yellow
pinstripes.
There are no visible parts for timing the ignition, however, a
spark plug can be seen. There is a rectangular plate of 1 x 2
dimensions that is bolted onto the cylinder and extends into the
combustion chamber about an inch, that could be used for an
ignitor. If you have any information on this engine, please contact
Don Oberholtzer, 603 South Main St., Columbiana, OH 44408.
Don also sends along the following poem:
STATED ANOTHER WAY
Well I bought a little engine, it was cute as it could be
Though I didn’t know what kind it was it fascinated me.
So I asked a lot of engine folks frequently
And the bottom line is no one knows, including me
So I wrote to ‘GEM’ Reflections to issue out a plea
If anyone knows what I bought, please contact me
I love this little engine though it doesn’t even hiss
I’d love it even more if I could hear it hit and miss.
31/9/23 GMC Q. See the photo of my 1953 GMC
Army Surplus 6 x 6 with an original Pitman crane mounted on the
bed. (Model 80). I am looking for a gear box that powers the
hydraulic pump and two winches. Perhaps someone can help me locate
a gear box. All help will be appreciated. Richard Tamburo, 15661
MoseleyRoad, Madison, OH 44057.
31/9/24 Wiring Diagrams Gus Simms, 25 N. Front
St., Mountaintop, PA 18707 writes that he is attempting to compile
a book of wiring diagrams for antique generators and light plants.
If anyone has any they would like to share for this project, kindly
contact Mr. Simms at the above address.
31/9/25 Briggs & Stratton In response to
your earlier comments on Briggs & Stratton, the engine pictured
in your recent column is a Type P engine built in the 1920-25
period by B & S., It was rated at 1 HP and used a 2 inch bore
and stroke. They were used on mowers and garden tractors.
In the history of B & S engines published a few years ago,
and also in the book, The Legend of B & S by Jeffery L.
Bodengen, there are pictures of the Model P engine used on a 1924
Star garden tractor made by National Mfg. & Engineering Co.,
also a reel-type mower made by Progressive Products Co.,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
See the photos of a restored Model P, s/n 1980. The only thing
missing is the fan which helps cool the engine. Patrick C. Zeller,
RR 1, Box 34, Paxico, KS 66526.
31/9/26 Please Respond! Several folks have
written to say that they have responded to various queries, but
never got a return response, such as ‘Thanks for your help, it
was appreciated!’ Kindly look after this when folks respond to
your queries.
31/9/27 Information Needed Q. I have a
Stover engine, 5 HP, s/n TD242030 and an IHC engine, 1 HP Type M,
s/n A69015. Can you tell me when these engines were built? Harold
L. Mathieu, RR 2, Box 279, Chassell, MI 49916.
A. The Stover was made in 1937; the IHC in
1920.
31/9/28 Unidentified Tool Q. See the two photos
of an apparatus that was found in an old buggy shop in Alabama. On
one side is marked, Marion Machine & Tool Company, and on the
other side is Marion, Ind., Reynolds Pat., Nov. 1868. Can anyone
tell us what it is? D.S. Quarterman, 6431 Quarterman Rd., Hahira,
GA 31632.
31/9/29 M-H Type 3 Engine Q. I am looking for
information on a Massey-Harris Type 3, 1 HP engine. It has one
flywheel integral with magneto on crankshaft. John H. Harding, 92
Baden CR NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1N3 Canada.
31/9/30 The Tractor Show In the April issue,
31/4/1 there was a comment about a television program called The
Tractor Show. Several folks have inquired about the program, and
others have tried calling the phone numbers listed, but no
response. Can anyone provide further information?
31/9/31 Witte Engine Q. What is the year built
of a Witte engine, about 8 HP, and with a number on the end of the
crank that looks to be #2310? Randy Ackley, 21321 County X, Cadott,
WI 54727.
A. We have no Witte numbers prior to 5747 of
1911.
31/9/32 Gebr. Eicher Tractor Q. I have a Gebr.
Eicher tractor made in West Germany in 1965. It is a two-cylinder
air-cooled diesel, Model 3705. I need any information I can find on
this tractor, including a manual, and also if there is a dealer or
parts source for these tractors. Wilbur L. Wilson, 15494 Wheeler
Road, Lagrange, OH 44050.
31/9/33 Information Needed Q. I need years
built and paint colors for the following tractors: Best 2-Ton
Crawler, s/n 73093; IHC Titan 10-20, s/n TVI1694; Caterpillar D-2,
5V3312. Ed Bruce, PO Box 340, McArthur, CA 96056-0340.
A. The 2-Ton was built between 1925 and 1928;
the Titan in 1918, and the D-2 in 1949. We’re not 100% sure,
but we believe the Best was gray with red or black trim. The gray
we have listed is DuPont G9721. The Titan we have listed with 98626
or 6923 DuPont Gray, with red wheels and inside offenders in DuPont
44150 IHC Red. There are several yellows listed for the
Caterpillar, with Cat Yellow being DuPont 77804. All this, and much
more information, is contained in the third edition of our
Notebook, available from GEM.
31/9/34 United States Marine Q. I would like
some information on an engine I am installing in a 14-foot boat. It
is a United States Marine Engine, Model B.M.-1, s/n 97981, and
built by United States Motor Corporation. I have found out it
started in 1927. Any information would be greatly appreciated. R.
Strom, Box 308, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0, Canada.
31/9/35 Pioneer Carburetor Q. I am in need of a
carburetor rebuild kit for a Pioneer Chain Saw, Model S620, s/n
212800. This saw is unique in that the carb pumps the fuel up into
an inverted sediment bowl. The carburetor was made by Tillotson.
Any information would be appreciated. Wayne Mamer, 1207 Fairlane,
Valparaiso, IN 46383.
31/9/36 Linn Tractor Q. Recently our
organization, the Muskoka Pioneer Power Association, has been
offered a Linn tractor. Research has begun, as we want to acquire
as much history as possible before beginning restoration. In the
March 1986 GEM you had an article on this tractor, and it is an
excellent start. Can you tell me if the photo on page 14 of that
issue might have been taken in Canada? It shows seven loads of logs
being pulled by a Linn. Any information on the Linn would be
greatly appreciated. Barbara Dawson, 6 Cormack Cres., Bracebridge,
Ontario P1L 1R3 Canada.
A. The Linn is a most unusual design, and if
anyone can provide information on it, kindly do so. Our article of
a decade ago included everything pertinent that we could find on
the Linn tractor.
Readers Write
31/6/7 Wiscona Pep The engine cited above is a
Wiscona Pep made by Termaat & Monahan of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It
was sold in England as the Lion by the Lion Engine Company, as was
the Alamo. There should be another tank on the other side of the
hopper. It was the same as the tank that was still there, but I
don’t know if it was for fuel or for water. Dennis E. Spark, PO
Box 19, Goomalling, 6460, West Australia.
Collis & Piersen Engines Ken Robison, 20531
Black Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95030, writes to say: We have two
Piersens, both restored and running. The earliest ad we’ve
found is July 1917 from Piersen Telegraph Transmitter Co., Topeka,
Kansas. By September 1919 this had become the Piersen Company,
still at Topeka. In 1921 the firm reappears as Collis Company,
Clinton, Iowa, with obviously the same engine.
At the time, E.B. Cushman was working for Bean Spray Pump
Company, but did some moonlighting and got a patent on the cooling
system design in 1922.
Ed. Note: Ken Robison is now 85 years old, and has studied
the Cushman, Collis, Bean, Piersen connection for many years. Even
after his years of intensive research, many questions still
remain.
31/5/4 Model Engine Regarding the Model
engines, Gerald B. Lombard, 5120 Belcrest Ave., Bakersfield, CA
93309-4705, writes in part:
Edward P. Fitzgerald, Emmanuel B. Thumma and William H. Moss
incorporated the Garrett Engine, Boiler & Machine Works on
January 31, 1895. The corporate seal of the company had a gas
engine engraved in its center.
Model Gas Engine Co. was organized October 11, 1900 to
manufacture and sell gas engines and other machinery. Edward H.
Myers was the attorney for this corporation as well as for the
Garrett concern. Model may have started as early as 1895, but did
not incorporate until 1900. In November of that year the company
moved from Garrett to Auburn. In April 1904 Model filed for
bankruptcy. Edward A. Myers, a shareholder, organized another
company called Model Gas Engine Works, acquired the assets of the
bankrupt company and continued the business.
Lost or ignored is what happened to Warren E. White, inventor of
the engine.
31/5/14 General Engine Mr. Lombard (see address
above) also comments regarding the General: For consideration of
the General engine we need to fast-forward about 30 years and move
a few hundred feet south on Wayne Street in Auburn to the
headquarters of the Cord Corporation, makers of Auburn, Cord and
Duesenberg automobiles. When Model Gas Engine Works moved to Peru
in 1906, its buildings were eventually leased to Auburn Automobile
Co. The company finally closed when the last Duesenberg was
assembled in 1937.
As the Cord operation crumbled, Dallas Winslow, who made a
career of buying inventories of defunct manufacturers, took over.
Starting with the Patterson automobile in 1922, Winslow went on to
stock parts for 25 discontinued makes, including the Auburn, Cord,
Duesenberg, Hupmobile and others. Also included were inventories
from Ideal Power Lawn Mower Co., General Engine, Mast Foos &
Co., McKenna Brass & Mfg. Co., and Nelson Bros. Co.
The old building has survived intact and is now the
Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum.
31/5/36 Monitor Clothes Washer The Monitor
Aerator clothes washer was simply an apartment washer in the
Monitor appliance line. It was advertised as having a revolutionary
turbine principle that ‘washes a full size laundry faster and
cleaner than most washers that cost three times as much.’ This
washer was sold as a ‘complete three unit laundry (washer,
steam iron and steel ironing board) for $89 in 1946 and $99 in
1947. The earliest ad that I have for it is 1946, and it was still
advertised in 1947.
31/7/7 Universal Motor Regarding this one,
Richard A. Day Jr., RR 2, Box 44, Leonardtown, MD 20650 writes a
very informative letter:
This engine-generator unit started out in 1947 when Universal
cut a deal with Briggs & Stratton to cast up the B & S
Model N with a water cooled head and cylinder. Universal part
number for the head was NPW-102, and the cylinder no. was NPW101.
You will also find the Universal foundry logo on these parts. All
the engine parts are Briggs &. Stratton. The crank is B & S
no. C1141. The water pump was JABSCO pump ‘AL’; the
generators were all bolt-up, and compatible for 12, 24, or 32
volts, and about 750 watts. The engines ran very quietly and were
very reliable. The jacket cooling water was discharged down the
exhaust line for cooling purposes. These generators were in
production from at lease 1947 to 1961.
For those engines used in salt water, the engine water jackets
will crack if allowed to dry out. Fresh water cooled units did not
have this problem. The carburetor had a drain tub to pick up any
excess fuel when starting and an automotive chock operated off the
exhaust pipe heater. There was a backfire trap to meet marine
regulations.
The generator acted as a cranking motor when one wanted to start
the engine.
It is unfortunate that this well-designed little unit is no
longer available for many low-power generator requirements.
The difference between the air-cooled ‘N’ and the
water-cooled ‘N’ as far as noise is truly remarkable.
Nothing is more irritating on a boat than a noisy generator, but
with these units, you hardly noticed.
Modelmakers Corner
As noted at the beginning of this column, Reg Ingold, 37 Seaham
Street, Holmesville 2286 Australia sends along two photos of his
latest creations. Both were built from scratch with no castings or
plans. All the dimensions were taken from full-sized engines, with
the models being built at half scale. The flywheels were machined
from solid steel discs, and the remainder was fabricated.
The Tom Thumb model uses high tension ignition, using a CM6
plug, and the Titan model is low tension, just like the original.
Both run well and start easily. When shown along with their
full-size counterparts (as shown in the two photos, MM-1 and MM-2),
they make a good display.
A Closing Word
Tractor enthusiasts, especially the Fordson tractor collectors,
missed the show of a lifetime it they didn’t attend the Fordson
500 event held in England in late June. A major goal of the event
was to have 500 or more Fordson tractors assembled on the same show
grounds, with the idea then being to make an entry into the
Guinness Book of World Records. Well, the numbers were double the
original projections, with the official judges coming up with a
total of 1,002 Fordson tractors. The earliest one was a 1917 model
built in the United States.
Our recent tour spent the better part of a day at this event,
and even those who are not Fordson aficionados were highly
impressed! The show was well organized, and along with the Fordson
display itself, there were many vendors of parts, books, magazines
and other items. There was also a huge (and very interesting) craft
fair held in conjunction with the show. Along with the stock models
there were numerous attachments, conversions, and other modified
tractors. In fact, there was even a two-cylinder diesel Fordsonit
had been converted, using a two-cylinder opposed piston engine of
French manufacture, although the engine was an obvious takeoff of
the Junkers opposed piston design. Unless the organizers can be
again persuaded to put on a huge event such as this one, it’s
not likely that over 1,000 Fordson tractors will ever again be
congregated in a single place.
If you’re so inclined, you can easily spend a week or more
in Lincolnshire, one of the major farming areas of England. There
are numerous fine collections, including one that consists
primarily of dozens of crawler tractors, specializing in
Caterpillar.
Unlike many areas of the United States where rust decay of
equipment parked in the ‘big shed’ (outdoors) is not
particularly serious, the climate of England raises havoc,
especially with sheet metal components. Thus, some of our friends
in England dub this malady as the ‘steel moth’ because of
the rapid onset of holes rusted through the metal.
While at the Tatton Park Rally we saw a small Piker engine,
built by Stover in the United States. For reasons unknown, the
Stover engines, thousands of them, were shipped primarily to France
and Great Britain, and perhaps at the wishes of the jobber, by the
name of Pilter, they took the latter name. Curiously though, there
are very few Pilter engines on deck at the shows, as compared to
the Amanco (Associated) engines which seem to be rather common.
The summer is sliding past us at breakneck speed, and we hope
you’re having an enjoyable time with your ‘old iron.’
And at this point, we’re calling it quits, adios, auf
Wiedersehen, and cheerio for this month!
