The Titan
Manufacturer: Bovaird & Co.,
Bradford, Pa.
Year: circa 1925
Horsepower: 25
Serial number: S109
Bore: 12-inch
Stroke: 19-inch
Flywheel diameter: 66 inches
It is interesting to note that “Titan” is cast in the
head in large letters, but the nameplate is labeled “The Bovaird.”
History reveals that very few were built and only in the 25 HP
size.
There is a very close similarity between the Titan and the
Superior oil field engine. In fact, some parts interchange. The
Titan’s unique feature is the large eccentric on the sideshaft,
which operates the topside rocker arm that controls the intake and
gas valve. It also has an exhaust-ported cylinder, which is unusual
for a throttle-governed engine. This engine was belted to a band
wheel oil well pumping power that operated about 20 wells. Located
just north of Bradford, and across the Pennsylvania/New York state
line, one could actually see Route 219 and the famous old “Cow
Palace” dance hall.
The engine was brought to the Coolspring Power Museum in the
mid-1970s by John Wilcox and Paul Harvey. That was a cold December
day with about 12 inches of snow on the ground, reaching a high of
8 degrees Fahrenheit in the mid-afternoon. It was restored by
museum member Craig Montgomery, and now runs beautifully.
Contact the Coolspring Power Museum at:
P.O. Box 19, Coolspring, PA 15730;
(814) 849-6883;
coolspring@penn.com
www.coolspringpowermuseum.org
