Box 248, Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871.
I am rather a newcomer to the hobby of restoring early engines,
since my interest in this field was sparked by an article on this
subject in the April 1971 issue of Popular Mechanics. My first act
was to locate and purchase a 1928 Model K Stover 1? HP gas engine
which I immediately set about restoring. Secondly, I found out
about your publication through the assistance of the Henry Ford
Museum, and immediately sent in my subscription. I now look forward
to every issue, and only wish that it were published on a monthly
basis.
I was particularly pleased to read the article on the
September-October issue by Mr. Carleton M. Mull, which outlined the
history of the New Way Motor Company, of Lansing, Michigan,
since my second acquisition was a vertical, air-cooled Model A,
Type O New Way, developing 3-3? HP @ 400 RPM. Serial number is
3051, and brass nameplate indicates it was sold by Stephen B.
Church of Seymour, Conn, and Boston, Mass. I, would appreciate any
information any one might have as to the actual date of manufacture
of this engine. The name-plate gives the patent date as December 4,
1904. It was in excellent condition when I bought it, having been
kept inside all of the time, even when not in use. I have
completely rebuilt it, including new paint and striping, and out
side of connecting up the make and break ignition system to the
spark coil that came with it, it is ready to run.
I have also just purchased a Bull Dog type B-D gas engine made
by the Fair banks Company of New York City, and am about ready to
start restoration on this job. It develops 1? HP @ 400 RPM, having
an igniter type ignition, for which I will have to obtain a spark
coil, since no magneto of any type was built on the engine.
1928 Model ‘K’ Stover, 1? HP @ 500 rpm. Restored by
Willis Stewart.
New Way Model ‘ A’, Type ‘O’, 3-3? HP @ 400 rpm.
Restored by Willis Stewart.
Again, I would appreciate information on the date of manufacture
of this engine, if anyone can help me out.
I have also found two Maytag washing machine engines which
apparently will not require much work to put in good running
condition. They will be good inside projects this winter.
I notice from the correspondence and advertisements in
your magazine, that the majority of interest in this fascinating
hobby seems to be in the Middle Atlantic States and Mid-West, with
very few New Englanders being represented. I Would welcome
correspondence from anyone in the New England Area interested in
Early Engines, Tractors and other mechanical devices, with the idea
of possibly getting together to display our equipment.
Enclosed are black and white glossy photos of the Stover and New
Way Engines, taken from color slides. The Stover is Bright Red with
Gold striping and lettering, and the New Way is bright Green with
Aluminum Cylinder head and Gold striping.
Incidentally, I have discovered an easy way to apply striping to
any old equipment of this type, and if you would like a write up of
it for a future issue, I would be glad to prepare it for you.