Hi! Hope you all are having a thrilling year-we are as we just
had a new granddaughter, in Engine Land language, her serial number
is 1-9-79 and a horsepower of 8 lb., 12 oz., Model (yes) a Beauty,
tradename Kortni Lynn Gaffney – oh it’s so good to welcome a
new grandchild-it has been 9 years since our last one arrived. This
little one made her appearance via our daughter, Keli and hubby,
Mike. They’re all doing fine now. (By the way, some of you
realize and some do not, that Keli has taken over most of my duties
this past year. I still take your phone calls and write the column
and keep an eye on the overall picture. I’m sure you’ll
find Keli very efficient in dealing with our Gas Engine
Family.)
Many, many letters beginning with one from GARY R. HARWOOD, 332?
South Main Street, Putnam, Connecticut 06260: ‘I would like to
know the year of my two 3-5 L.A.s. The first one is # LAB6067 with
rocker arm oiler located on end of rocker shaft. The other L.A. has
no tag, but is different from other L.A. in that an oil tube comes
from between the valve pushrods and the oil for rocker arms comes
from this tube which drops oil into a felt strip above rocker arms.
I’d appreciate any help.’
Some information comes from EVERETT McWILLIAMS, R.R. 2, Box 152,
Sheldon, Missouri 64784: ‘To all Smoke Ringers – I read and
enjoy all the old engine restorers accomplishments. In regard to
Harry L. Ritter’s letter about a General engine-I have one I
think is the same engine he referred to-the engine has an aluminum
air shroud with the specifications on a metal plate as follows:
General Engine Co., Franklin Park, Ill. Model (D) Type (21), Check
oil every 5 hours. Change oil every 25 hours. Above 32 degrees-SAE
20 weight- Below 32 degrees SAE 10 weight. Valves intake .009,
exhaust .012 (cold).
My engine is serial 16831. The General Engine was very popular
for a few years after World War II, along with the Iron Horse,
Clinton, Peerless and Lawson in our part of Missouri.’
BYRON CANN, 103 W. 7th Street, Oil City, Pennsylvania 16301
sends us this: ‘In reference to an article on an engine on the
Buckeye Pneumatic Water Supply System by Mast Foos and Co. -find
picture as per ad in July 1909 Gas Power Magazine. This then is an
Erie air-cooled gasoline engine.’
Here’s someone looking for important information: ‘I am
restoring an old potato planter for the Ashburton Preservation
Society. There are several bits missing which I would make if I
knew what they looked like. The machine was made by the O. K.
Champion Potato Machine Co., Hammond, Indiana. It is a model 1909,
but any information about any model would be appreciated. I would
be grateful if anyone who knows anything about these machines would
get in touch with me. This comes from MICHAEL J. HANRAHAN, NO. 2
R.D., Ashburton, New Zealand.’
DOC SCHUSTER, 3535 Glen Oak Drive, Eugene, Oregon sends along
this leter: ‘The following are a few additional remarks
concerning my article on testing igniters in the Nov.-Dec. G.E.M.
1. Four alligator clips are not necessary in the
circuit, of course. Two will do nicely. The diagram was drawn too
hastily. 2. Be careful to avoid electrical shock
hazard or you will light up instead of the neon
tube. 3. This is a very sensitive test for
electrical leakage. 4. The test may be done with
the igniter on the engine if magneto or battery wire to igniter is
first disconnected and igniter points are open. Again,
caution – shock hazard!
Following is a HELP plea: ‘Can someone straighten out a
couple of things on the large older Huber tractors. I have a
picture of a supposedly Super Four 40-62, showing a solid motor
block, as most conventional 4 cylinder motors have. Now, I
wenttolook at a Huber 40-62 and each cylinder has its own water
jacket, but all are topped with one conventional type head. (In
other words, when looking at the motor broadside, you can see
through the motor block to the other side). I certainly would be
grateful for any and all help anyone can give. (Waiting for your
replies is JAMES CONRAD, R.D. 1, Smicksburg, Pennsylvania
16256).
A newcomer asks for help in this writing ‘I am new at this
hobby and need some help. I am rebuilding a Woodpecker engine, S.N.
30208C. All casting numbers begin with B. The engine is a hit and
miss with a Lunkehhimer mixing valve that has a gasoline, kerosene
and water line connected to it. Part of the exhaust goes through a
brass heater between the mixing valve and head. The bore is 8′
and stroke 11′ with 36’ flywheels. I would like to know
age, horsepower, and correct wiring for this engine.
I also have a 4 HP headless Witte, S.N. 57481 and would like to
know the age. Thanks for a great magazine! Write to TOMMY NEWTON,
Route 2, Box 217A, Reidsville, North Carolina 27320.
RICHARD A. RENDER, 504 S. Maize Road, Wichita, Kansas 67209
writes: ‘Pictured is an unidentified gasoline/kerosene engine I
have recently acquired. The brass tag on the water hopper reads
(Engine No. 13227, RPM600, HP 1? x K). There are patches of deep
cherry red paint which may or may not be the original and all
casting marks begin with the letters GE. It utilizes a Wico 27
magneto and a ?’ pipe thread spark plug with an extended reach.
Any information your readers could furnish on make, year and
helpful hints on restoration would be sincerely appreciated. Thank
you!’
A funny, but true story comes from JAMES HAYNIE, Ash Grove,
Missouri 65604: ‘An old German friend of mine who had a lot of
the old country way of speaking had a 1928 Chevrolet, 4 cylinder
auto and when the 1929 Chevies came out with 6 cylinders, he made
this remark (Now, why would I want a 6 cylinder car when 4
cylinders will pull the hill up). He said the word cylinder as if
it was spelled sylinder.’
From JAMES DEKLE, Thomasville, Georgia 31792 some thoughts:
‘The methods of loosening stuck pistons listed in the
July-August G.E.M. terrify me. Water is the best penetrating liquid
for cast iron. Soak the engine several days, tap the piston
occasionally with a hammer and brass bar. Remember, water stuck
’em, water will unstick ’em.
I remember the 80 HP Maytags. Ours ran out of gas while I was
still a small boy. It continued to work, however for several weeks,
due to good lubrication and poor compression (I think you’re
kidding us, Jim). Finally broken up for scrap, the brass rod was
recast into a town bell. Funny thing was when it rang, this bell
still sounded like a Maytag. (I know you’re kiddin!). Love ya!
(We love you too, Jim.)
This one from MORRIS BLOM-GREN, Route 1, Siren, Wisconsin:
‘In the Nov.-Dec. ’78 G.E.M. you showed my pictures of the
Pioneer tractor pulling the grain binders where I asked if anyone
knew the hitch used for such a hook-up. A fellow by the name of
Jack Allen, 4404 E. Harry Street, Wichita, Kansas 67218 sent me a
drawing of a hook-up. I am sending you the drawing and wondering if
the G.E.M. readers might like to see it. I think it is interesting
as I am sure not too many have ever seen this hook-up.’
LARRY MAHAN, 737 Race Lane, R.F.D. 1, Marstons Mills,
Massachusetts 02648 is editor of Seaworthy Dreams Magazine, written
by and for the Amateur Boat Builder. It is published quarterly
(January, April, July and October) $8.00 per year. The main purpose
of this magazine is to communicate and bring needed answers and
inspiration to the amateur builder. Ideas and help put forth by
other amateurs in the form of photos, diagrams, stories and
listings can do this. Whether your material is wood, fiberglass,
steel, ferro cement or other, send in your thoughts, questions,
first hand experiences and problems. Tell us your source of
supplies, reasons for building etc.
Larry has a home constructed boat named, Larinda. It is a
replica of a coastal schooner that was built in Boston about 200
years ago. Larry has an ad in back of this issue for some parts
etc. for a Wolvarine diesel engine. He wants this engine to be used
as an auxiliary for Larinda. He says any leads would be greatly
appreciated and acknowledged. He signed off with ‘Fair winds
and lots of sunshine.’ (I’m sure we probably have some boat
builders in our G.E.M. family. Copies of his magazine are $2.00 for
a single copy – maybe he sends out samples – you could write and
ask.)
A letter from DAVID A. SCOTT, Harmon Heights, Route 2, Stanford,
Kentucky 40484 tells of his interest and also he is hoping to hear
from some of you in Gas Engine Land: ‘I receive and read every
line in the Gas Engine Magazine to see what other members want,
what their troubles are and I enjoy reading this very much. I have
been a member of the Blue Grass Steam and Engine Club in
Harrodsburg, Kentucky for three years now and have been collecting
a few old engines. My latest, of which I would like some
information on, if any of you can help, I would appreciate hearing
from you.
Enclosed is a picture of the engine. The can in front I am using
for the time being as a water cooling tank. It is an upright engine
with a 13?’ x 2′ flywheel with Gray Motor Co., Detroit,
Michigan, No. 02143 on flywheel and No. 19205 on engine. It has
brass gas primer on side and brass water pump and brass ignition
system which is turned by gears of screw type, about size and looks
like gears on old hand ice cream freezer. It takes Model T spark
plug, has a Model T carburetor and I am using a Model T coil and
battery to start.
Hope to hear from some of you Gas Engine Buddies and have a nice
and prosperous 1979.
We hear from a new member of our family, ALLAN J. LEUKUMA, 381
East Highland, Camarillo, California 93010, as he writes: ‘I am
a new subscriber to your magazine and a novice at gas engine
collecting. As soon as I receive my copy of G.E.M. I put every
thing else aside until I’ve read it cover to cover.
Last summer while visiting my parents in Minnesota, I talked my
father into stopping at the Roger’s Threshing Show. At that
point, it was all over-I’d been bitten by the gas engine
bug.
Well, yesterday I managed to get my first engine running.
It’s a make and brake 2 HP Reeves Pulley Co. engine. According
to the nameplate, it was made in Columbus, Indiana. Its speed is
525 RPM and it has the serial number 3646. I’d greatly
appreciate any information anyone can give me about this company or
when this engine was made.
I ran into something that your readers may be interested in. I
sent away for a spark coil which was advertised in your classified
section. Not having received it yet, I started looking around for
something I could use in the meantime. I found an old doorbell
transformer and hooked it up to the low voltage side. It produces a
good spark and works very well.
That’s it for now. I am anxiously awaiting for my next copy
of G.E.M. and for information about my engine. Keep up the good
work!’
DALE C. SCHIEDEL, 5207 Powell, Kansas City, Kansas 66106 says:
‘I have just finished restoring a motor. Most people tell me
that it is an Ottawa air-cooled one. It has
35/8‘bore,35/8‘stroke,
16’ double flywheels with 6 spokes with
17/8‘ face. The number on the end of the
crankshaft is A240. I am interested in knowing how many other of
these engines are around. Also would like information on
age.’
A letter to brighten our spirits comes from CHARLES R. CHASON,
2077 Skifo Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28304: ‘I just
want to write and let you know how much we appreciate the G.E.M.
and all the effort that you put in it. I read the Smoke Rings
column first and read the book from cover to cover, time and time
again. I like most of all the way you give the Lord the honor and
glory, because He makes it all possible. I’d like to wish you
and all the G.E.M. staff a Happy New Year.’ (Thanks
Charles.)
RON WEINER, 4928 Oak Leaf Avenue, Carmichael, California 95608
is grateful as he writes: ‘Many thanks for publishing my last
problem over a year ago. Your magazine is great and much
appreciated by your readers. Would you please help me out with
another request for help?
From all the literature I have gathered in the last two years,
none includes any data on the Standard Twin Garden Tractor #37C2552
made by the Standard Engine Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It
is a walk behind machine, about 6? feet long and 3 feet wide,
wheels (2) are steel, 30′ diameter by 3?’ wide, complete
with spikes and spokes. The engine is 2 cylinder, air-cooled, crank
start, magneto ignition and mounted in front of a clutch and 3
speed gear boxes (2 forward and 1 reverse).
I would also like to thank all who helped me out with a
Fairbanks Morse and Cushman engine. They include Howard Leaders,
Larry Hochstein, Helen Hansen, Lou Chapo, Joe Duncannon and others
from EDGE&TA.’
BLAKE MALKAMAKI, 10839 Girdled Road, Concord, Ohio 44077 is
hoping someone will write him the year of manufacture of a 4 HP
Eclipse engine built by the Myrick Machine Company, Olean, New
York. The serial number is 1709. Also any history of this company
would be appreciated.’
Requesting HELP from the GEM Family is CARROLL G. GUM, Route 2,
Box 125, Camden, West Virginia 26338: ‘Anyone out there that
has a Fairmont engine with a radiator on it, please write me. The
nameplate has this on it (Fairmont Railway Motors Inc., Fairmont,
Minnesota. Type RO, Group C, Engine No. 78654.) Would like to know
the year it was built. What was it used for and what kind of
ignition was used? I found this engine in a swamp. It has a stuck
piston and some parts are missing-sure would like to hear from
someone with an engine like it.’
EDWARD L.WESEMANN,R.R. 1, Box 102, Hampshire, Illinois 60140
tells us: ‘I think I have gotten G.E.M. since you started and I
have saved all of them. Naturally, I collect tractors and gas
engines. Since I retired from the service station business after 31
years, I have had time to go through some of my paper
collections.
I am enclosing a picture of an engine printed on what seems to
be fabric paper. Would be interested to know if anyone could tell
me anything about this engine.’
JAMES HARVEY, R.F.D. 3, Bluffton, Indiana 46714 would like to
correspond with other owners of a 12 HP Banner engine made in
Lansing, Michigan. Information desired is: years made, type of
magneto, type of carburetor and stripping. (Lend a hand fellas and
pen him a note.)
If you can help GERALD J. PESMAN, 1404 S. 5th, Bozeman, Montana
59715, it would be appreciated: ‘I hope you can help me trace
what has happened to the Associated Manufacturers Company of
Waterloo, Iowa. I have one of their single cylinder two-stroke
cycle engines about which I would like some historic and technical
information. Presently the engine has been cleaned, repaired and
runs. It is marked No. 5047,? HP.’
GEORGE BOYER, Smith River, California 95567 writes: ‘I would
like to get in touch with someone through your column, if possible.
His name is Harry Hoffsteder (I’m not sure if the name is
spelled right.) I first learned about old gas engines through this
man when I was about 15 years old. He showed me his Cushman Cub and
started it for me. That was all it took! Ever since then, I’ve
been eating, sleeping and thinking GAS ENGINES. He also had a small
hopper-cooled Gray engine, about 3/4 to 1 HP. I would like to hear
from someone on these. If anyone knows Mr. Hoffsteder and has his
present address, or if he is reading this-I would like to hear from
him.
Mr. Hoffsteder was the shop instructor at the high school in
Cave Junction, Oregon for several years. As a class project, he had
some of his students restore his Cushman. He also has an 8 cycle
Aermotor, 1? HP Z Fairbanks, 1? HP Stover with Olympia milking
machine pump fastened to the end of the connecting rod, and a 1 HP
Sattley made for Montgomery Wards.
My own engines are a 2? HP Fuller & Johnson made in 1915, a
5 HP Ottawa, 2 HP Witte and 2 Eureka air-cooled drag saws, 2 cycle
engines made by Hansen Machine Works, Eureka Works, California
about 80 miles south of here. As far as I know, they were only sold
in Merolicino, Humbolt, Del Monte and Currie counties. Thanks again
for the best magazine I’ve ever read!’
R. G. JACOBY, Route 3, Marengo, Iowa 52301 states: ‘In GEM
Nov.-Dec. 1978, p. 13, Gordon Aebig wants to know when the F-30 was
made. I have a 37 model painted red. It was the first 30 to come on
rubber here. Before 37, they were on steel and painted green. I
don’t remember how long before 1937 they were made. I think the
M and H came in ’41 or ’42 and that was the last of the
30s.’
We welcome this letter from a new member afflicted with
enginitis as he pens: ‘Within the past year, I seem to have
been bitten by the Old Engine Bug. As a recent subscriber, I find
your magazine outstanding-just the right balance of informative
articles, letters, pictures and ads.
We heat our 150 year old farm house with wood, which I cut with
a chain saw. Wanting a faster method of bucking wood, I’ve been
looking for a 5 to 8 HP one lunger to build a sawing machine.
Recently I was fortunate to purchase a factory-made sawing
machine-complete. The entire machine seems to be in good condition,
but is not operable because of a broken rocker arm. My hope is to
restore this unit to new and original condition. Can you or the
readers help me to identify the engine make? And the manufacturer
of the sawing rig?
The only plate on the engine is located on the front top of the
water hopper with this information: Engine number is 31034, RPM
375, HP 7H-can’t imagine what the H following the 7 means. The
engine has traces of red paint, the wagon and wheels show no paint,
just rust. Wico mag. patent date 1920. The seller is this rig
thinks it may have been a Sears Roebuck unit with an Economy
engine. The pulley flywheel has a small hand wheel located in the
center of the pulley-I’m told this is a friction clutch??’
Enclosed see picture(s). (This letter was from HARRY OWEN, Stone
Barn Farm, Crooked Road, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609.)
ARNOLD GRANRUD, 1547 Hwy. 51 N., Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589
needs to hear from you folks: ‘I have been collecting antique
tractors for just a little over a year and find the Gas Engine
Magazine very good reading.
I have just purchased a Delco light, serial number 199206 in
just like-new condition; but I don’t know anything about the
unit. I hope one of the many readers of Smoke Rings, who has a
Delco light or anyone who knows anything about it, like what the
D.C., voltage is, etc. I would appreciate it.’
Another man with problems, and awaiting your help is TOM LAKEN,
4606-85th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53142: ‘After laying off
for a couple of years and working on old cars, I am back to old
engines. The one I am working on now is: Mogul, 2? HP, No. CZ718,
Speed 500, gasoline, motor spirits, kerosene, Int. Harvester. I see
a lot of Int. Harvester literature but none on this model.
My restoration is beautiful but I am lost on the following:
igniter repair, direction of flywheel, setting the governor. Also
would like to know how it ran on ‘Spirits’ or ‘Gas’
and the date of manufacture. Sure would like to hear from anyone
out there.’
RALPH H. RAMSEY, President, E.D.G.E. & T.A. Branch 16,
Springfield, Missouri sends this story to the readers: ‘As a
subscriber to your fine Gas Engine Magazine, and a collector of gas
engines and related items, I have an almost unbelievable adventure
for your readers.
In reading some farm auctions, I spotted one that had a
windcharger. As I already had one, including a Model 20
Atwater-Kent radio, thought I would go see what it might be.
After driving about 25 miles from town, I turned off the highway
onto an old muddy road, almost impassable; as we had just had a
snow. Upon arriving at the farm, I saw an old charger, on a stand
about 30 feet in the air. It had no prop or governor, and the tail
was all rusted off. What a let down!!
As I walked into the barnyard, I met a friend who knew I
collected this type of early day item. He asked if I’d seen the
windcharger. I told him yes, but didn’t think it was
worthwhile. He said, ‘no not that one, it’s the one sitting
on the ground in the yard.’ Well you can guess my surprise when
I saw an Airline, made by Windcharger, serial number 66, including
three glass case batteries. It still had the Montgomery Ward tag,
and the generator was still in the cardboard box.
Needless to say, as the sun was setting and I was headed home,
that old farm road wasn’t nearly as rough or muddy as I had
remembered.
Another man with gas engine fever joins our ranks and needs some
information: ‘I really do enjoy the G.E.M.-haven’t been
interested in rebuilding gas engines until I found a John Deere my
dad used back in the 30s to saw wood. Old memories came back to me
as I helped him and thought it was a shame to ignore her (engine) –
looked like a pile of rust.
I restored it and now it looks and runs like a new one. I caught
the fever! Now, I go to all the shows I can and I want more
engines- strange, isn’t it? (No, just the typical symptoms of
that odd disease.)
I really do enjoy the information articles since they help me so
much. Now I have one I’d like to trade with someone and I will
refund double postage. I found a 6 HP Witte in a junk yard, almost
stripped. I didn’t even know the name and how it worked until I
attended a show in Dillon, South Carolina. I saw one and asked some
questions.
It took about two years and I finally got it together and tried
to crank it with battery etc. since it was made for battery fire. I
could never get it to pop one time. I tried to sell or even give it
away, as I was so disgusted.
I had an old mag that came off a 10 HP Wisconsin engine and was
looking at it and tested it for good fire-I fastened it on the
Witte by placing another gear the same size in the train of gears
on governor so it would rotate right. I started trying to crank it
and it popped one time. I felt a tear of joy run down my cheeks.
After I got the carburetor adjusted-she took off-no one can explain
how I felt unless you’ve had the experience. I would not sell
her for any price now-I love her!
Now, if someone would take the time to tell me a little about a
small Jumbo I am trying to crank. It has a Wico mag but does not
show any fire except when the points are closing-has lots of it on
the ohm meter but no spark. The engine is in time to fire at this
point. I thought the mag fired on the down stroke. Could you help
me get this information? I can’t get it to hit a lick. I’m
not disgusted yet, but will surely appreciate some help- thanks a
lot! (If you can help, write SAM PHILLIPS, c/o Pacific Columbia
Mills, P.O. Box 207, Columbia, South Carolina 29202.)
JAMES REIMSCHIISSEL, R.F.D. 2, Box 359, Spanish Fork, Utah
84660, a new member in our Family writes: ‘I just became
acquainted with G.E.M. I bought my first old tractor, a 10-20
McCormick-Deering in 1967 completely unaware that other people were
interested in old tractors. Since then, I’ve found others like
these old critters too.
I am writing because I need some help on a Twin City tractor
built by Minneapolis Steel and Machine Company. The tractor is a
Model A, 16 HP, tractor number 5556, engine number 8256. There also
appears to be the letters HAP stamped on the engine number plate,
which may help. When was this thing made? The successor, White
Motor Corporation doesn’t have records on it anymore. Also the
carburetor was a Kingston, but what model number and what model
number was the Stewart vacuum tank and what kind of oiler was
used??
In the five years since I bought it, I’ve found a reference
to it in an early automotive encyclopedia, an ad in a farm magazine
and an article in Automotive Industries Magazine for February 14,
1918 which said the TC 16-30 was one of four in a series, the other
being TC 25-45, TC 40-65 and TC 60-90 which R. B. Gray said was
earlier rated 60-110.
I’d be interested in hearing anything anyone could tell me
about this tractor. It would be good to hear from some other Twin
City owners, too.’
GEORGE N. WHISTON, 508 N. Range Street, Oblong, Illinois 62449
sends this: ‘I enjoy reading G.E.M. and only wish it could be
published once a month. I have a Fairmont stationary gas engine
(not a railroad car engine) which is a 4 HP, Type P, No. 9389 Pat.
October 19, 1909, 2 cycle built by Fairmont Machine Company,
Fairmont, Minnesota.
I also have a Christensen 6 HP, Type B, 350 RPM, S.N. 9673. This
engine was made by the Christensen Engineering Company of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I would appreciate hearing from other
Fairmont and Christensen owners.’
Next we hear from GARY WHEELER, 1020 Laurel Avenue, La Marque,
Texas 77568: ‘I recently bought an old gasoline engine from a
farmer. Regretfully, the engine is not complete and I have been
unable to determine what the brand name is, so that I could obtain
parts. On top of the water hopper is a name tag, but it is made out
of aluminum and information is not readable. However, on the side
of the engine I find the trademark and the numbers H75Z. Can you
tell me what brand of engine this is?’ (Gary perhaps someone
can help you with identification but as for parts you would have to
run an ad under Want Ads in the classified section.)
An interesting note from REV. GEORGE GOODWIN, JR., Box A,
Worcester, New York 12197 tells us: ‘I would like to extend my
appreciation to all who wrote regarding my St. George’s and
especially to Lee Hitterly for his help with an identification
plate. Being a preacher, I’ll get a lot of mileage out of an
engine named St. Georges.
I had an nice hot-air engine that I was going to restore for
show, but the ramifications of a preacher showing a
hot-air engine could be more than I could
abide.
Happy Collecting and the Lord Bless You All in the New
Year.’
Another short letter comes from BEN J. KINSENGER, Meyersdale,
Pennsylvania 15552: ‘I enjoy your magazine very much and once a
week would not be too often to get it. Real good results usually
follow from Smoke Rings and ads in Gas Engine Magazine. Keep it up
if in the Lord’s will.
Now, I’m seeking help for information on a 1 HP Mogul,
Serial W 28703 for age and where to locate owner’s manual (see
ads). What did these sell for new and how many were made?
Also would like information on New Hollands for age and etc. Any
help appreciated and letters answered.’
JAY JOHNSON, 6726 Oleander Circle, Roanoke, Virginia 24019
writes: ‘I was wondering if you could help me. I have been to
several shows in North Carolina, one in Denton and one in
Jamestown. There was a man there who had engine carts that he made
from scratch. I got one of them. I had his name but have lost it
somehow and I would like to get another cart and so would another
man.
I was thinking if he gets the G.E.M. he might see my letter and
write me or someone who knows of him, please write! Thanks for any
help.’
DICK RICHESON, 859 Law Street, San Diego, California 92109 would
appreciate any information on an air-cooled 3 HP upright Sattley
engine, #V.F. 26884, sold by Montgomery Ward. The engine is missing
the entire ignition system. I would like to know what type it has
and a diagram of parts. Any help will be appreciated and please
include your phone number with your reply.’
VERN TIETZ, Clarkston, Washington 99403 sends this letter:
‘Just thought I’d write and let you all know another club
has been formed. We are called the Antique Power
Club (simple huh?). We are in the Lewis-Clark Valley in
Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. The two towns are
separated by the Snake River.
We started this club in October of 1978, and so far have 43
members. We feel this is a pretty good start for only four months
of existence. We have already put out our first newsletter and have
had a good response to it.
We have several different kinds of equipment in our club, and
are getting more all the time. We have several gas tractors and
steam traction engines, some old farm equipment, gas engines, of
course, and some scale model steam, gas and hot air engines. All in
all, we feel we are starting of f with a pretty good variety.
We will have our first meet April 26 through 29 at the Asotin
County Fair in Asotin, Washington (just 5 miles from Clarkston). We
are anticipating around 50 pieces of equipment on display. I hope
we haven’t set our hopes too high. I wish to extend a special
invitation to anyone who wishes to attend or display. We will have
another show at the NezPerce County Fair in Lewiston the middle of
September.
We have had great times at our meetings so far. One of our first
meetings everyone brought a piece of equipment to show off. We all
really enjoyed this, it really helped everyone get acquainted, as
we were all pretty much strangers to each other. What better way is
there to get acquainted than talking over antique machinery?
Well, I will close this off for now. I hope some of you fellow
collectors in our area see this and venture over and pay us a visit
sometime.
HERB PERSING, Pittsfield, Pennsylvania 16340 is seeking some
information from one of the veteran gas engine buddies. ‘Have
received your great magazine for a few years now and enjoy it very
much. It always seems to take so long for the next one to come.
The column ‘Smoke Rings’ is a big help to all us engine
nuts. There are so many wonderful people in the restoration of old
engines.
Have recently purchased a 5 HP Galloway in very rough shape.
Would like to know the best way to fix a bad crack in the bore.
It’s about 4′ long and opened up about
1/8‘ Would be glad for any advice on how
to fix it.
A letter seeking help comes from MIKE HALEY, 7167 Haverford,
Mentor, Ohio 44060: ‘Thanks for a great magazine! I need some
help on Fairmount engines. My dad and I own a Fairmount 2 cycle
railroad engine with a big aluminum water hopper for cooling. It
has a name tag on the front that says it is a 8-13 horsepower,
serial number 49475. We know very little about these engines,
except that this can run backwards by moving a lever. This engine
is in bad shape, it is missing a flywheel, and other major parts. I
would like to hear from anyone who owns a Fairmount, or has any
information on them. I would like to know where the exhaust comes
from. I think it comes out of the bottom, but it is hard to tell.
Any help at all would be appreciated.
NORMAN H. PALMER, R.R. 2, Berwick, Nova Scotia BOP 1EO says:
‘Just another G.E.M. reader from Nova Scotia, Canada, probably
some of you have never heard of it. I live in the beautiful
Annapolis Valley and am actively engaged in a mixed farming
operation consisting of dairy, pork, and of course, the apple
industry for which Nova Scotia is famous.
A large number of publications come into our home, but I have to
say I enjoy reading the GEM most of all.
I began collecting engines five years ago, bought my first in
December 1973, a 10 HP Acadia, built in Bridgewater just 50 miles
from here. Now I have 35 gas engines, one single cylinder diesel 16
HP built by DeLavel and two steam engines.
I would like very much to hear from other collectors with this
same ‘fever.’
Another newcomer to collecting writes us: ‘Help! I am now in
collecting old gas engines. I have had this one engine since I was
15 years old. I am 23 now. I do not really know what it is. It
looks like a V 1 cylinder engine. Some people I have talked to say
it is a Maytag and some say it is a Johnson. I have not found any
numbers or a name on it. It is a kick start and has a mixer on
it.
The camshaft runs on a rod like a Kohler engine built today. I
also have a John Deere type E, 1? HP, 600 RPM, Serial number 302951
and a Wisconsin AHH. I would like to know the age of each of these
engines-please help! I am crazy about John Deeres. This comes from
DOUGLAS SATHER, 5200 San Paulo Street, Orlando, Florida 32807.
That’s about it for now and remember It is better to wear
out than rust out……..What you CAN DO you OUGHT TO DO, and what
you OUGHT TO DO, by the help of God DO!
