Taste of EUROPE

By Staff
Published on October 1, 2008
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Far left: Full-scale replica of a 1/4 HP Otto-Langen atmospheric engine.
Far left: Full-scale replica of a 1/4 HP Otto-Langen atmospheric engine.
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'Left: Otto engine, number 19493, made by Gasmotoren-Fabrik Deutz. '
'Left: Otto engine, number 19493, made by Gasmotoren-Fabrik Deutz. '
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'A inverted vertical engine, of unknown origin, possibly French. '
'A inverted vertical engine, of unknown origin, possibly French. '
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Show flyer.
Show flyer.
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'4 HP Brons engine, number 281, a compression ignition engine. '
'4 HP Brons engine, number 281, a compression ignition engine. '
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'“Le Succes” engine, made by the Japy Brothers and Company, Beaucort, France. '
'“Le Succes” engine, made by the Japy Brothers and Company, Beaucort, France. '
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'A license-built Otto engine, made by Fetu-Difize, Leige, Belgium. '
'A license-built Otto engine, made by Fetu-Difize, Leige, Belgium. '

This spring, I was given a unique chance to
visit the 20th Internationale Stationaire Motoren show in Nuenen,
the Netherlands. Wayne Grenning and I had planned a trip to Europe
on other related business, and we were able to schedule the trip to
coincide with the rally May 11-12. We were not disappointed.

The show grounds, with no permanent buildings, was laid out much
like typical shows in the United States, although campers, tents
and vehicles were notably absent. Pretty much all you found on the
grounds were the exhibits and support equipment.

And what exhibits there were! There were no fewer than four
slide-valve engines, two of which were running. There were several
inverted vertical engines on display, including one that was for
sale in the flea market area. Imagine that in the U.S.! Needless to
say, it sold quickly.

Other high quality exhibits included some amazing models, many
sideshaft engines, and some more familiar names, like
Fairbanks-Morse, “Amanco” (Associated Manufacturers Co.) and
International Harvester. Engines of all shapes, sizes and ages came
from all over the world, including England, France, Hungary and
Germany. There were even a couple engines from Australia. There was
also the flea market area where some of the engines were “te koop”
(for sale). We even met some familiar faces from the states and
Canada.

In addition to our stay at the show, we were able to see some
very excellent private collections, and tour the German and Dutch
countryside, seeking out obsolete technology that still exists.
These included ancient windmill powered factories and a steam
pumping station.

The exhibitors made us feel at home, and we were treated very
kindly by all. It was a very enjoyable experience that I would
recommend to anyone who is traveling to Europe during Whitsun
Weekend, a bank holiday in the Netherlands that is always the
seventh Sunday after Easter.

Many thanks to all who made the trip possible, especially Kees
Fitters, Adrie and Jeanne Oostvogels, and Anton van der Cruijsen,
and all who showed us such a warm welcome.

Contact Woody Sins at 3 Edna Terrace, New Hartford, NY
13413

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