Hi! Is that a school bell I hear in the background?? And a
school bus laboring up the hill? It’s about that time again,
isn’t it? And just where did the summer go? The days go
fleeting by, don’t they? But you know, doesn’t matter if
they go fast or slow, if you’re walking in God’s will, each
day is beautiful.
Shows continuing on into this month and next, and have you
noticed how the interest is growing? We are hearing of more clubs
and organizations all the time – it’s a good hobby for the
shows involve families and in my way of thinking, that in itself is
terrific-and though I may never meet many of you folks that write –
seems like we are so close in relationship, and many of you share
your words of faith with me and I praise the Lord for this for I
try to do all my work ‘as unto the Lord’, and receive many
Blessings, such as your letters.
Well, I must get on with the communications from you wonderful
people; and keep the articles and letters rolling in – also please
don’t forget to get your show dates to me as soon as possible
for next year’s Directory-I’ll sure appreciate it!
MERL BARNES, 7013 Northview, Boise, Idaho 83704 writes: ‘On
page 20 of Mar-Apr. GEM, C. J. Neilson of Minot, North Dakota asks
about a two cycle Detroit engine. I had a Detroit Marine two cycle
vertical. It used a vibrator coil and battery ignition, a ball type
Kingston carburetor and a timer that went either way past center.
It had a brass water pump operated from an eccentric on the
crankshaft. I had this engine running, but it had so much vibration
that I could not use for show or any other purpose, so I sold it to
a man who wanted an engine for decoration for his shop. It did run
either way. One time when I started it, it rant he opposite
way.’ (Sounds interesting – like the engine had a mind of its
own).
GEORGE F. KEMPHER, 110 Seventh Street, Emporium, Pennsylvania
15834 writes: ‘In reply to Mr. Jack Newhouse’s request for
a wiring diagram for a Model T spark coil in the July-August GEM, I
am enclosing one.
The battery polarity is not important on any type spark coil,
neg. or pos. can be connected to either terminal unless a battery
is being charged in the circuits.
I hope this will be of help to Mr. Newhouse or any other engine
collectors who may use this type coil.’
H. L. RITTER, Route 5, Box 127, Fulton, New York 13069 comments:
‘In answer to Jack Newhouse of Ft. Wayne, Indiana July-August
GEM Model ‘T’ coil hook-up.
I would like to find out how to time an Associated magneto.
Also, does an Ottawa have a check valve in gas line?
The only fault I have with G.EM, is they are too far
apart.’
NORVAL O. MORGAREIDGE, 34 Fisher Lane, St. Helens, Oregon 97051:
‘1 am enclosing picture of an engine I found in a junk pile in
Wyoming. It was in very bad condition, but now after many hours of
work and quite a few dollars, it starts and runs very well. There
was no name or mark of any kind on it. It is 3?’ bore and about
5′ stroke, air-cooled. The fins of steel run lengthwise on
cylinder and the vanes bolted to flywheel spokes are supposed to
pull cooling air through. I’m adding an 8′ fan to help
cooling.
The coil box, gas tank and muffler were installed – now no sign
of what the original ones were like. Someone in the past has done
quite a rebuilding job on it, as the timing gears and cam are Ford.
The rocker arm is homemade. The Model T Ford carburetor fits so
well, it must be original. Who made it, where, when, and may I add
why??? It does have a protrusion on back end of the main base
casting, just like a Fairbanks Morse has. Did F-M ever make an
air-cooled like this?
I’m taking this engine and a 2? HP Ottawa, also from
Wyoming, to the Brooks, Oregon Show.
I’ve been a GEM subscriber for almost a year now, in fact,
ever since I found out about it.’
From the Limerick Corner, our writer WALT NIELAND, Route 2,
Carroll, Iowa 51401 sends this bit: ‘A country hick gazed at a
mural – And didn’t know if it was singular or plural You
couldn’t blame him – For he hadn’t a whim – Cause his
background was entirely rural.’
Another one just bit by the engine bug writes us: ‘Just
borrowed my first copy of GEM. Have enjoyed reading it very much. I
am a relative newcomer to the hobby of restoring antique
engines.
At the present time, I have one engine which is a 3 HP Fairbanks
Morse, Model Z, Style C, which I found in a small town scrap yard.
The engine has considerable damage due to scrap being dropped on
it. None of the major castings are broken, but all external small
parts are either missing or broken. I would appreciate any help you
readers could give. I also would like to know what year this model
was made. The serial number is 798852.
I would like to know if there are any antique engine clubs in
the State of Mississippi. (Not that I know of -anybody out there
know – let’s hear from you if you know of any clubs gas or
steam). This letter is from CHARLES H. STRONG, 3137 Eastland Drive,
Pearl, Mississippi 39208.
RON WEINER, 4928 Oak Leaf Ave., Carmichael, California 95608
writes us: ‘After reading my first two issues of GEM and the
retrieval of an engine, the ‘chugger’s disease’ is
getting bad! The most serious sympton is the thirst for
information. Once this engine is restored, the next and most grave
symptom is where do I get another engine???? and so it goes
This engine is a Fairbanks Morse ‘Z’ with two flywheels
22′ diameter, FM magneto #1080, is throttle governed and has
the serial #516068 and a neat looking spark plug cover. The
previous owner believes it is a 2? HP bought in 1927. This I would
like to verify and get all the information I can.’ (So get some
information to him, Guys).
MILTON W. FOX, R.R.#1, Bicknell, Indiana 57512 sends this
appreciative note: ‘Thanks very much for the article ‘HELP
RESEARCH’ in the Sept.-Oct. 1976 issue of G.E.M. I have quite a
lot of information on tractors manufactured my International
Harvester Co. It is a blessing to have so many people out there in
GEM land that help out so much-a hearty thanks to them also.
It’s beginning to be a big job just to file away this
information – without losing some of it. I only wish that I had
more time to put this together in book (or booklet) form.
If I can be of help to anyone on these tractors-it would be a
pleasure for me to be of help. Again, thanks to you Anna Mae and to
the many people out in GEM land.’
A call for help in identifying an engine comes from W. D.
ROWLAND, 4940 Henry Cooper Road, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820: ‘My son
and I recently purchased a side shaft engine in New York State with
no nameplate on it. We wonder if someone out there could tell us
what make and what date it was manufactured.
The side shaft is on the opposite side from what other engines
are. It is enclosed crankcase with brass connecting rod with
counter weights bolted to crankshaft in crankcase. It has one
flywheel and on the other side the crankcase extends out about 12
inches with a place on it for a crank. The engine has intake
chamber on top of cylinder and exhaust chamber on bottom. The
intake and exhaust valves are both operated with brass rocker arms.
It is a governor throttle engine with timing assembly on end of
side shaft, made of brass. A brass lever runs to top of engine to
change the timing. Several fellows who have seen the engine think
it is out of some single cylinder automobile.’
B. J. ADAMS, Wilmington, Vermont 05363 writes: ‘My sons and
I enjoy your magazine very much. We started collecting old engines
only a couple of years ago. Between us and a close friend, we have
6 engines now. Ours are a 2 HP Stover, now running, a 5 HP
Galloway, in process of restoration, and our latest is a 3 HP Model
Z Fairbanks Morse with 32 volt generator which we rescued from a
stone wall, garage and chicken house. The last two engines are
minus the electrical systems. Any information would be much
appreciated.
My brother has a rare 80 HP Superior diesel engine in his
sawmill, like the one in the ad for Old Farm Days, out in Kewaskum,
Wisconsin in August. His Superior was a converted marine engine and
has been running since about 1924.’
SCOTT L. LAMONTAGNE, 38 Elliot Street, North Dartmouth,
Massahusetts 02747 sends this along: ‘I am writing to you to
find out if any of your readers can help me. I have just acquired
an International Harvester 1? HP gas engine C-1930. Many of its
parts are missing. I am 16 years old and just starting out in this
hobby. This area does not seem to have many people collecting these
engines and though I’ve asked around I can’t get any help.
The builder’s plate on the engine has the following information
on it: McCormick-Deering Engine manufactured by International
harvester Co., Chicago, U.S.A., gasoline, patents pending,
horsepower 1? speed 500, number AW81627. Any help would be greatly
appreciated.’ (Here is another young enthusiast we’re so
happy to have the young ones coming into the hobby as that is where
the hobby will eventually be – as they grow older. Isn’t it
wonderful to have a hobby that encompasses all ages? Please write
him).
A 50 H.P. Fairbanks-Morse Semi-diesel running at the Bridgewater
Vol. Fire Co. Steam and Gas Meet. This engine was power for the
Mineral Milling Co. Mineral, Virginia, donated by Mark Eubank,
Gordonsville, Virginia.
RALPH DONALDSON, 10275 Case Road, Brooklyn, Michigan 49230
writes in answer to a letter: ‘In the July-August G.E.M. there
was a request from Jack Newhouse as to how to hook up a Ford Model
‘T’ coil. This sketch should answer his questions. The Ford
magneto produced alternating current so the battery polarity is not
important.’
DARWIN P. RICHARDS, Circle K. Construction Corp., 1125 S.
Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, Pennsylvania 18103 needs some aid
as he tells us: ‘I am starting on the construction of a 24’
sharpie Yawl whose lines and construction details will be taken
from original plans in the U.S. National Museum. This style of boat
was popular in the off shore and Great Lakes fisheries in the
latter half of the 19th century and early 20th.
When gasoline engines became available they were used as
auxiliary power or in many cases the rigging was cut down and the
engine took over as primary power.
I would like to correspond with anyone who would be willing to
aid me in my endeavor. Any information on these engines and the
idea of incorporating one in my plans rather than purchasing a
similar present day engine.’
CAREY K. ATTKISSON, Route 1, Rockville, Virginia 23146 sends
this: ‘I would like to submit the enclosed drawing showing the
correct procedure for connecting a Model T coil to a storage
battery. This is responding to Jack Newhouse’s request.
I wonder if someone can tell me if a Hercules designed to run on
kerosene, will perform properly on gasoline.
Your G.E.M. is so great that in fact a Gas Engine Widow lives
here. ‘(Can’t you get the Missus interested in the engine
hobby too? That would be great!).’
HARVEY WATSON, 123 Harold Street, E. Brewton, Alabama 36426
says: ‘I am a new subscriber and am looking forward to my first
issue of G.E.M. I also have just purchased my first gas engine and
I need some information about it. I would appreciate any help that
anybody can give me. I need to know about what year it was made and
in any other information about it. The nameplate reads (Goold
Shapley & Muir Co., Brantford, Ontario, No. B 1012, 1? HP.)It
has l6 inch flywheels and uses a Wico magneto. It is a hit and
miss, water-cooled engine, bore 3?’ stroke 5 inches.’ (Help
our newcomer, Fellas. We wouldn’t want to discourage a new
enthusiast).
JOHN E. MORRIS, 1341 S. 3rd, Union, Oregon 97883 relates:
‘First off, I want to say how much I enjoy the G.E.M. The color
picture on the July-August issue was a joy to behold. I would like
to correspond with anyone who collects horse-drawn hay mowers and
has information about the different mower and date of manufacture.
(See ad in back).’
H. L. RITTER, Route 5, Box 127, Fulton, New York 13069 says:
‘Hi Smoke Rings and Greasy Hands! At different times, I have
asked for information about different things and have received
several answers and I have answered some. It has made me many
friends (I hope)! Now, I would also like to know how to tell if an
igniter is working without removing it??? Also, does the Ottawa
need a check valve between gas tank and carburetor to keep air from
blowing back in tank?’
BOB BILDEN, Route 3, Box 153, Bagley, Minnesota 56621 tells us:
‘I want you to know how much I appreciate the G.E.M. I have
subscribed since its founding eleven years ago and really look
forward to each issue. My interest in old tractors and gas engines
goes back for more than 38 of my 43 years. Recently a number of
other local enthusiasts and I organized the Lake Itasca Region
Pioneer Farmers, Inc. and are looking forward to our second show
this August. Our first show, highlighted by an old-time tractor
pull, was so encouraging that we went ahead and formally organized
and incorporated.
My son and I have a dozen gas engines, eleven old tractors and
some other old machinery. I am restoring three tractors right now
and need some information which I am hoping other readers can give.
What was the shade of gray used by Minneapolis Moline on their Twin
City tractors in the 1930s? Would like to know the color of
lettering on the front, the color of the stripe under radiator and
around the frame and the color of the radiator cap and ornament on
early (circa 1936) Oliver Standard ’70’ and is there
supposed to be any lettering or Oliver shield on the backs of the
fenders of the same tractor? Finally, I would like to hear from
anyone who has an Avery R-Trac tractor, circa 1938-1939- need to
know shade of yellow and red used on these tractors.’
I think I should insert here -remember fellows, -so many of you
write me to put things in Smoke Rings column – which I am happy to
do – but I cannot print anything that can be bought – that must go
in the classified ads!
RANDY LEWER, RR1, Box 34, New Richland, Minnesota 56072 has
recently purchased a 39-57 tractor with the number 10651 below the
radiator. He would like any information on this tractor as to how
many were made, when, and the cost when new – anything – just get
in touch with Randy.
ROBERT F. THOMPSON, 1225 Cranbrook Avenue, Torrance, California
90503 is anxious to receive information on a Stover Manufacturing
& Engine Co. one cylidner gas engine- How about it Helpers?
We’re always happy to hear from our younger members –
here’s one from WILL CUMMINGS, Bardwell Road, Castalia, Ohio
44824: ‘Hello! Being only 19, I am one of the younger members
of our hobby and I readers.
I have a Gray engine, serial number 1114. The nameplate is not
stamped too clearly and I am not sure if it is a 13 or 18
horsepower. The bore and stroke is roughly 8 x 11, with 40′
flywheels. It is a hit and miss engine. This engine spent many
years under water and is in very poor condition. Most of the small
parts are missing including the mixer, igniter, magneto, governor
and other parts, (see ad section). Although quite a job, I would
like to restore this engine. I need good pictures, or to see
another engine like it. Did it have battery or magneto ignition?
What is the insignia on the side of the hopper? I would also be
interested in knowing any history of the company or when my engine
was built.
Another of my projects is a 1918 Moline Model D #17831. This
too, is a fair-sized project as the reverse cluster gear has the
teeth stripped off it and I have not been able to find another. I
would like to know where the original carburetor and air cleaner
were. Mine is one of the earlier 4 cylinders and I believe it is
different from the later ones. Also, I need detailed dimensions of
the original battery box so I can build another. I believe it was
spring mounted. I would appreciate hearing from anyone and I will
try to answer all letters.
