A British book, Stationary Engines for the Enthusiast, contains
a wealth of information which travels with ease across the
Atlantic, and can prove an asset to any American or Canadian
collector.
David Edgington and Charles Hudson are the compilers and
editors. David is editor of ‘Stationary Engine’ magazine,
published in England and avidly read by 4,000 subscribers and
friends. Charles has many years of experience with engines and
motors.
Charles L. Cawood, in the foreword, pays tribute to the two for
their accomplishments in the engine field, and says something about
engine enthusiasts which is as true on this side of the ocean as on
his’they are all as nutty as a fruitcake, including me, and
they are some of the nicest people I have ever met’.
Nobody else that we know of, within the many publications we see
each year, has devoted an entire book to British stationary gas
engines. There are quite a few books on tractors, and some treat
stationary engines as part of the total picture, but none
concentrates on these engines.
More than 200 photographs illustrate the book, and most show
engines in their oldtime locations or service positions. Some of
the engines are small; others are huge. Diagrams help present the
facts in relation to history.
The book credits the Otto Silent engine for reversing the
balance between steam and gas, and bringing an economical source of
power to those who earlier could not afford to ‘buy or run an
expensive steam engine.’
Separate chapters are devoted to great names in British
stationary engine history. The first of these is Lister; the next
is Petter. Next comes Ruston & Hornsby, followed by Crossley,
and the the National Gas &. Oil Engine Co. Ltd.
Ensuing chapters discuss Gardner, Tangyes Limited, Wolsely, and
the ‘four best-known B’sBradford, Blackstone, Bentall and
Bamford.’ Small-Power Engines is a chapter devoted to
‘possibly the most interesting type of engine in the
‘heyday’ period of the stationary engine.’ Large Power
Engines also rate a separate chapter, and along with all these are
discussions of numerous topics of interest to collectors.
Any person who seriously wishes to learn more about engines will
want this book.
