August and September are busy months in the oil field engine hobby.
First, the northwest Ohio club at Findlay, Ohio, has decided to feature oil field engines at their show this year. The dates for the Findlay show are Aug. 3-6, 2006. This is normally a rather large show with a good representation from the Oil Field Engine Society. Hopefully, this year with the feature, we can have a record number of the big engines at their show.
Later in August is the big show at Portland, Ind., Aug. 23-27, 2006. This is normally one of the largest gatherings of oil field engines, with an average showing of 50- to 60-plus oil field engines and other types of the 15 HP and larger sort.
With September comes our annual pilgrimage to West Virginia for that state’s Oil and Gas Festival held at Sistersville, W.Va., on Sept. 14-17, 2006. This is a great show for the oil field engine enthusiast. The exhibits are almost exclusively related to oil field engines and the history of oil production in this country up to the present time. Sistersville is an historic town with a storied history of oil production dating well into the early 19th century. The festivities include community events and a parade, as well as the gas engine show held in the community park.
This issue, I thought I would share photos of an engine that attracted my interest with respect to its being unusual for its size rather than make.
The photos are of a 40 HP Type A Reid. In my travels, I have not had the opportunity to often see a Reid this large. The drive cylinder bore is 10-3/4 inches and the charge cylinder bore is 11-1/2 inches. The stroke is 20 inches. Reid records indicate that this engine was shipped in five boxes with a gross shipping weight of 13,156 pounds, and a net weight of 10,400 pounds.
A couple of features to note are the counterweights attached by what look like large U-bolts made for that purpose to the throw of the crankshaft. Also, there is a large webbing cast into the charge cylinder side flywheel serving as what I assume to be a counterweight for the charge cylinder crank throw. I would like to thank Scott Hirshey of Geneva, Ind., for his hospitality in showing us his 40 HP Reid.
I look forward to seeing many of you at one of the shows this season.
Contact Oil Field Engine Society at: 1231 Banta’s Creek Road, Eaton, OH 45320-9701;
oilengine@earthlink.net
www.oilfieldengine.com
