Where would we be without the kindness and patience of others? This question swirled around my brain as this issue of Gas Engine Magazine came together.
A few months ago, subscriber Wilbur Taylor sent in a note about an interesting, and easy, change he made to his 1917 6 HP Ingeco Worthington Type W. Wilbur isn’t a fan of throttle-governed engines, so he had the ingenious idea to change the throttle-governed Ingeco into a hit-and-miss using Economy parts. My curiosity was piqued, so I contacted Wilbur to see if he would be willing to write a story explaining what he’d done so other readers could attempt a similar change.
Just a few weeks later, a package from Wilbur arrived in the mail. In addition to the story, there were drawings, photos and memory cards with hours of video and even more digital photos.
But you see, I’m still relatively new to this, especially the technical elements, so Wilbur’s “easy” changes baffled me.
Poor Wilbur had no idea what he had gotten himself into by responding to my inquiry. Over the next month, I called him numerous times, asking for clarification, additional photos and more explanation. I badgered editor-in-chief Richard Backus with questions and help on a daily basis.
I’m sure Wilbur and Richard grew tired of my unending phone calls, questions and requests for more information, but neither of them showed it. If anything, they took additional time to make sure I understood what I was seeing and how it was working. Their patience was incredible, and paid dividends in my gas engine education because I now understand what Wilbur did to his throttle-governed Ingeco to make it into a hit-and-miss engine.
You have to see what Wilbur did to this engine. His story, complete with drawings of his changes, can be found in Throttle Governor to Hit-And-Miss Engine. We also have video of the now hit-and-miss Ingeco in Wilbur Taylor’s Hit-And-Miss Ingeco Type W.
Wilbur and Richard’s patience isn’t anything new to anyone who has spent more than a few minutes around someone who loves antique gas engines. Passion, patience and kindness are paramount during show season, where you make new friends at every turn.
Speaking of shows, this issue will arrive in your mailbox when we are in the thick of show season. So, if you see someone looking at your display, see if they have questions. Explain what they’re seeing; what it was used for; what the pieces and parts are that make the whole. Those of us who are learning greatly appreciate it.
Beth Beavers
Associate Editor
bbeavers@gasenginemagazine.com
