Hi! to all our wonderful Gas Engine Family. I know many of you
are really having a good time at the shows and reunions-now
don’t you all forget to encourage your friends in this hobby
and we’ll be happy to have them in the GEM Family, also. And
don’t forget those little tidbit stories, or unusual or funny
happenings, that occur when good folks with one hobby in mind get
together-you send them along to me and we’ll try and write
’em up in the Smoke Rings-now onto the communications that you
all so anxiously await.
Well, for openers, I just wanted to tell you we had a delightful
visit with MRS. JEAN WILSON, 604 Pinkston Drive, Moweaqua, Illinois
62550 and son Chad. When she had called me to stop around she said
she was also bringing her father, Leland Branyan and wife,
Millie, along. You see, Jean is doing a history of the
Branyan genealogy and stopped to get any material she
might find here. When she called she said her father had another
reason to visit, too- guess-he takes the Magazine for many years
and just was happy to stop by. So glad you Folks came for a
visit-our short chat turned into a 3-hour get together, and thanks
to Jean we are finding out quite a bit about the
Branyans-an interesting hobby-Jean says you think you are
getting a hold on the hobby, but after awhile it gets hold of you
and you can’t stop-she looks toward the future to putting her
information in a book. Sign us up, Jean, we’ll take one!
Our first notice comes from BLAKE MALKAMAKI, 10839 Girdled Road,
Painesville, Ohio 44077: ‘I just purchased a 10-ton American
Motor Road Roller, built by the Austin Mfg. Co. in Chicago,
Illinois. This roller has a one cylinder engine with 10?’ bore
and 18′ stroke. I would like to know if anyone could supply me
with drawings or photographs of the linkage between the igniter and
the sideshaft. I would like to correspond with anyone who owns such
a roller.’ (Any pals out there with a roller like Blake has-
he’ll be watching the mails for your answer).
TOM GIBBONS, 10558 N. Elyria Road, West Salem, Ohio 44287 sends
this: ‘Sure could use some help from the ‘Old Iron
Gang’. I have an Ottawa log saw, single flywheel and would
guess it’s from 1? to 2? HP. The only thing on the nameplate is
Ottawa Log Saw #ES1070. It has a spark plug in a plate where an
igniter could go, but I don’t see any evidence of anything to
trip an igniter or for timing a coil for the plug. What should it
have?
I also need details or drawing of how the spindles were mounted
to pivot the wheels. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again for a swell magazine on such a fun hobby!’
A fairly new member of G.E.M. Family writes and needs help with
his engines. ERNEST T. WEMER, Route 2, Box 256, Millstadt, Illinois
62260 says: ‘I am a new subscriber to your magazine having just
received my third issue. Have read each one from cover to cover and
find them very informative and interesting.
‘As a boy I had quite some experiences with hit and miss
engines. We had a 5 HP Economy engine that was used to pump water
from a pond to the greenhouses that my father operated. This engine
was also used to saw firewood for our wood stoves and iron kettles
at butchering time, as well as for the copper kettle used in making
apple butter.
‘Another Economy was on a concrete mixer, I would guess
about a 1? HP which saw a lot of use and wear as the sand and
cement dust played havoc to the open crankshaft and connecting rod.
I later combined parts from the original engine and one just like
it to further power the concrete mixer, as well as a dirt conveyor,
which was built by myself and my brother and was used to replace
dirt in the greenhouses. This engine was also subject to a lot of
dirt and dust being located under the belt conveyor. It was
replaced by a F.M. enclosed engine and I do not remember the model.
Of course, all these engines died and eventually were sold for
scrap, as was the case a lot of places.
‘I was always interested in engines and seemed at times to
be able to get them started when others had trouble.
‘I have acquired within the last two years two Johnson
Ultimotors and a Twin Maytag as well as Lausons, B & S,
Clintons, Kohlers. Also very recently acquired a jack hammer
powered by a gasoline engines.
‘I am interested in hearing from some of you out there on
the Johnson Utilimotor-2 cycle kick start-as well as the jack
hammer. It has a crankshaft and flywheel, is 2 cycle but is missing
any plate or manufacturer’s name.
‘I also have an air-cooled upright cast iron engine about
the size of a B & S ‘Y’ with a kick start that engages
a gear on the camshaft. It has a plate which says Model E2, HP 5/8,
RPM 1750, S.N. E2H 15882. The H in the serial is stamped very
lightly; why, I don’t know.
‘This engine has no points or mag in the flywheel. It has a
3′ diameter with a 1′ face pulley-like part threaded that
holds the flywheel on the crank. This part has three rubber
bushings in its side as if it was a flexible joint to drive the
load, direct coupled. Points are on opposite ends of crankshaft in
a cast iron removable housing about 2?’ in diameter, Condenser
is mounted outside of this housing. A wire tail also comes out of
this housing which I feel could have been to a battery. Engine has
internal governor. Carb is a mixer type, no bowl, and has knurled
needle valve adjustment on top. Spark plug sets at about 15° angle
over exhaust pipe. Exhaust pipe and carb are secured in block with
set screws. Any information on these engines would be
appreciated.
‘Oh yes, I had some experience in the service during
WW2 with a Barco Jack hammer. This one had no crank or flywheel. I
believe it had a spring-loaded piston. It operated on gas-oil
mixture. Thank you for your Smoke Rings feature.’
Another member of G.E.M. has been with us only a few months and
would like to have some letters with information on his interests
in the engine hobby: ‘I have always admired old engines and
have finally acquired a couple of them,’ says TED
O’DONNELL, 1415 Hamilton Road, Victoria, B.C. Canada V8R
2Y2.
‘First, I am restoring an old 21′ motor boat circa
1905-1910. It has a Cushman marine 1 cylinder engine in it, coupled
to a reversible pitch propeller. I have stripped the engine down
and there are no identification markings on it, other than on the
carburetor which states Cushman Motor Co., Lincoln, Nebraska U.S.A.
Pat. July 17, 1905. It is a 2 cycle water-cooled with pump operated
off the crankshaft. The flywheel is 14′ in diameter and 2?’
width. Cylinder head is 10′ in height outside 6′ dia.
outside, bore 4′ inside dia. and 9′ in depth inside. Piston
height 4?’. Piston connecting rod, bronze, 7?’ from center
of piston wrist pin to center of crankshaft bearing, 1′ wide
and 5/8′ thick. It has no serial numbers and was painted a dark
green originally. I think it is about 4 HP. I would like to hear
from anyone with information.
‘The other engine I have is a very small 4 cycle Briggs
& Stratton. There are no serial numbers on it. There are
Patents Numbers 1133053-1169179 AND 1147038-1263694 and the name-
Briggs & Stratton on the polished aluminum magneto flywheel
8’ in dia. It also has a brass Briggs & Stratton
lubrication plate on the engine casing recommending Mobil Gargoyle
Artie oil for winter and Mobil Gargoyle ‘A’ for summer. It
is a rope start and the bore is 2?’ and the stroke about
4?’. It has a cast flywheel on the opposite end of the magneto
flywheel. It is air-cooled with the head cooling fins at an angle
of about 45°. The spark plug is an AC:7 Comm. It has external valve
springs with external push rod. It was originally painted red.
‘If anyone can help me identify these engines, year of make,
model etc. it would be greatly appreciated. I really enjoy your
magazine and can hardly wait for the next issue.’
GLENN PALMER, 105 S. Washington, Centralia, Washington 98531
bought an old (1950s) Aden’s rototiller. The person he bought
it from said it was running until a couple of years ago, when his
elderly father-in-law thought he could improve it by fixing the
magneto. He took it apart and tried to put it back together, but it
didn’t work after that. Nobody seems to be able to help fix the
magneto. Glenn would appreciate hearing from you if you can offer
any suggestions.
Next communication is from MARK A. SHULAW, 10 State Route 103,
Bluffton, Ohio 45817 as he says:
‘I recently bought a single cylinder hopper-cooled engine
and I haven’t been having any luck finding information on the
engine. All I know about the engine is what is on the name tags.
The Delaval Separator Company H.P. W1? Type F, Speed 525, Number
40925. Alpha Disco New York, Chicago. The engine is equipped with a
Wico EK type magneto. The flywheels are the solid disk type with a
diameter of 16’.
‘I would also like to know why the engine is equipped with
two spark plugs. Only one plug at a time can be used. One plug is
in the side of the cylinder and the other is on the head.
‘Any information possible on the engine and the company who
manufactured and distributed the engine will be greatly
appreciated.’ (If you know the answer, Fellas, please let him
know).
Seeking help from his friends comes this request from LEWIS P.
PELLETIER, I, Route 2, Box 4900, Waterville, Maine 04901: ‘I
have acquired an antique gas engine which I’m interested in
restoring. I am a member of the Maine Antique Power Assn. Inc. and
would like to obtain as much information as possible.
‘This engine is a single, horizontal cylinder with two large
flywheels, which was designed to operate on natural city gas. It
has a make and break type ignition. The nameplate data reads: The
Otto Gas Engine Works, Philadelphia, Pas. No. 5105, Speed 340 RPM,
HP 3.5.
‘My main objective is to properly restore this engine to
running condition as it was originally designed.’
GEORGE L. CADDICK, 307 Royal Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47715
needs help as he is writing a history of Hercules, in Evansville,
Indiana. And he says as we all know, one of their products was the
Hercules gas engine. He would be happy for any information
regarding the company, its engines or other products. He’ll be
looking for your letters.
‘I have a Cletrac Crawler tractor, Model AG, S.N. 18782. It
has a Hercules engine, Model OOC, S.N. 225297. What I would like to
know is what year it was built and I would like to correspond with
anyone who has one. I will answer all letters.’
BILL WALLNER, 2039 Laurel Road, Cave Junction, Oregon 97525
chats with us and gives you something to think about: ‘I just
want to drop you a few lines. I really enjoy G.E.M. very much. I
believe it is one of the best magazines for old engine and tractor
restorers. It has a great outreach. There are a lot of good people
out there. We need the knowledge of each other to get some of these
old irons running and to look like they just came from the
showroom. God Bless each one of them.
But, I can’t understand what is wrong with some of them. I
think some are selfish or they don’t realize the feelings of
other people. It gets to me. I have answered articles, as writers
beg people out in Engine Land for help. I have written a fist of
letters, gotten pictures for them and part book pictures, and where
they could get parts or whatever they wanted. I never got an answer
from them. You wonder if they got your letter or not. But, I guess
the world is made up of all kinds of people. (True Bill, but this
surprises me. I know many of the folks that receive answers send a
letter of thanks or recognition back to the sender. Please Fellows,
when someone goes to the trouble this fellow did, let him hear from
you.)
‘Say, I would like to know when Fairbanks Morse first
started making the Eclipse 1 HP pump engine. My serial numbers are
small #A3,668. The F.M. engines serial lists do not go that low, at
least, my list doesn’t. I would also appreciate knowing the
year my engine was made.’
‘Enclosed is a picture of a 5 HP Fairbanks Morse, Type N, I
think. Is there anyone who can help me with information?’ asks
LYLE SCHULTZ, R.R. 1, Box 105, Fountain, Minnesota 55935.
CRAIG PHILLIPS, 110 Ida Street, Allegan, Michigan 49010 needs
the help of our friends out in Engine Land as he tells us: ‘I
am presently restoring a general ‘GG’ made by the Cleveland
Tractor Co. between 1939 and 1941. I need help as there must not
have been a lot of them in my area -we haven’t seen too many at
the local shows or collections. The tractor was converted to a
Chevy engine a few years back, but they didn’t chop up the
tractor to do so. We have the original engine and it’s knocked
apart on the bench at this time. Also, we need the color of the
paint for the tractor.
‘I would like to contact anyone who has a Craig tractor made
by the Craig Tractor Co. in Cleveland, Ohio between 1919-1921. It
is pictured in C. H. Wendel’s wonderful book, Encyclopedia
of American Farm Tractors on page 79.
‘Want to say you folks write a wonderful magazine-don’t
know what I would do without it.’
‘We would like to know who invented the Electric Motor-what
day, month and year and where? Also the same for the gasoline 4
cycle engine,’ writes GEORGE L. JACOBS, 708 Knapp Street, Wolf
Point, Montana 59201. (Anybody out there know?)
From DAVE KREITLER, 506 Nevada, Libby, Montana 59923 comes the
following: ‘Thought you might be interested in seeing a picture
of my 1917 Titan now that it’s fully restored. I purchased the
tractor last fall from C. A. Harsch of Spokane, after taking a
bottle of aspirin tablets and two hours of haggling. The
exhaust system is not original but wanted to get it in the
air so as not to have the exhaust in the face. Also the color
is not original but they looked so drab painted a battleship gray.
It took a prize in our Logger Days Parade last summer- beat out
only by a 1912 Case steam engine which took first and was deserved.
The owner, Ed Lewis of Libby purchased it as a pile of junk and
spent two years restoring it. It’s the first steamer to ever go
down the streets of Libby.
Keep up the good work. GEM is still the most popular magazine in
this family!’
‘I have a question for your Smoke Rings and hope someone can
help me,’ writes MONROE YODER, R.R. 1, Box 536, Shipshewana,
Indiana 46565. ‘I would like to restore an old lawn mower and
roller that I got this past summer. I would like to know color and
year it was made. Tag on mower says Coldwell Lawnmower Co., No.
M22017 made in Newburgh, New York. Tag on engine reads: Red Wing
Thorabred Motor No. 2138D, HP 10. The engine is 4 cyl. and runs
counter clockwise.’ (Watch your mail, Monroe, someone out there
probably has your answer.)
Keep your pens out and help a newcomer to the G.E.M. family as
JAMES N. OSTER, 4 Julia Avenue, Chicopee, Massachusetts 01020
writes: ‘I am a very new person to the hobby of old gas
engines. I obtained my first engine very recently. I am in need of
much information and hope you may be able to assist me.
‘I was told that my engine is a Hercules. There is no name
on this engine that tells me this. There is a plate on the top that
states Engine No. 241221, 550 RPM, 1? E HP. This engine has a
Webster Tri-Polar Oscillator mag with information as Type M-l and
No. G 89328 on it. It has no spark plug. Engine has been repainted
so I would need to know more information to complete a restoration
of it. What is the make of this engine, is it a Hercules? What
color should it be? What about pin striping? other details? What
year was this engine made?
‘I would be very appreciative of any information on this
engine, literature, etc..’
A missive comes from STANLEY CROSS, Box 44 R.R., Lamar, Nebraska
69035 and he begins: ‘First thing I would like to thank all the
great guys who answered my questions a few magazines back. Also
I’ll thank them ahead of time for the ones who are able to help
me now.
‘I have gained several engines in the last year. My first
question is one on an International S.N. LAA18682, 1? -2?. This
engine has an extra cooling tank clamped on top. It appears to be
original. Would like to know if this engine was made for something
particular. Another addition, the latest, is a Cushman Cub, S.N.
A9974, Model R 20,3 HP. I am interested in the manufacturing date,
color and type of breather. It now has a small oil bath type
breather with no trace of oil in it.
‘I also have an old Continental engine that came out on the
Gleaner Baldwin combine. It’s a Model W9-992-2 with a number of
Pats, from 1-1909-2-1921. Numbers on the head are W9A 500, 2-22-29.
My question is, were these engines possibly used on tractors, cars
or trucks and if so what kind? I would be interested in putting
something together, as it is in running condition.
‘Something that may be interesting to a lot of people is
information on a Maytag car. I just recently was told about these
but the only thing the person knew was it was a two cylinder,
air-cooled touring car with leather upholstery I have three
Maytags. This would be an interesting article if you could find
more information. (Anybody have this info?)
‘Another of those ‘what is it’? engines was bought
last fall. It uses the rope starter and cranks in the opposite
direction as is common. The numbers on the I.D. plate are 211
E147855. Numbers on the gear case are LM215 and LM212 on the
crankcase. It has Wico ignition No. FW2119 and a Carter carb Model
N. I doubt if it is real old but am curious about the maker. It
appears to have been light green originally. See picture. The
cylinder is slanted. Thank you much and all keep up the good work
on a great magazine.’
A newcomer to the family sends his first communication as TOM
JUDSON, 1000 Colony North Drive, Austin, Texas 78758 writes:
‘Having been in the GEM family long enough to accumulate three
issues, I have found the courage to write. First, I want to tell
you how much enjoyment your magazine brings me; and second, would
like to know if you might find some information on an engine that
is setting out in my workshop.
‘I took the little engine to a Gas-Up sponsored by the Texas
Antique Gas Engine and Tractor Association the other day and no one
had seen one just like it. There was a little 1 HP Stover setting
about 10 feet away and it seemed about the same size as mine.
Several fellows said mine was a two-cycle engine off a railroad
handcar and that it would run clockwise and counter-clockwise. It
seemed to be the only engine at the show with a copper gas tank
bolted with a hole through the middle, on top of the engine. And it
had a sliding base to allow the belt to be set at the proper
pulling tension.
‘There are two brass plates attached to the water hopper on
the horizontal cylinder. One plate says ‘Built by Fairmont
Machine Co., Type P, No. 6692, 4 HP, Speed-blank-‘ and on the
other plate says ‘Pat. Oct. 19, 1909.’ If anyone could
help, I’d really appreciate it.’
The following letter explains its message very well and may
interest more of you than expected: LEROY KLEIN, John Deere
Two-Cylinder Club, PO Box 3164, Minot, North Dakota sends this:
‘Just a few lines to bring all GEM readers up to date on the
activities of our John Deere Two-Cylinder Tractor Club.
‘First off, to make one correction on the article that was
published in January/February issue of GEM. Membership in our Club
is not restricted to just John Deere Two-Cylinder Owners. We have
other members, who just have a sincere interest in John Deeres.
‘The year 1981 drew to a close with a total of 151 members
from 20 different states and 3 Canadian provinces being represented
in our club. So far in 1982, we have gained 2 additional states in
our club.
‘Registration for 1982 is moving along at an almost
unbelievable pace, with a total of 63 renewals and new members
already on our list.’
RICH HOWARD, Hysham, Montana 59038 needs help in identifying his
gas engine. The brass tag is complete but lists only ‘Engine
No. 89142, 375 RPM, HP 7E’-no name, or manufacturer, connecting
rod Atlas 656 only part no. on engine. The belt pulley and clutch
assembly has ‘Edgemont Machine Company, Dayton, Ohio patented
No. 1.’ He rather thinks this is the manufacturer of the belt
pulley and clutch. Can anyone tell him anything about the
carburetion on this engine? Please help him out!
Fellows, I want to remind you that if you’re looking for
your letter and it hasn’t been in, maybe it is extra hard to
decipher, or you have asked for many parts or items instead of
information. Remember, this column is only a medium for information
and related stories or events that may have happened to you or
yours concerning the engine hobby. We love to hear from you, for
that is what makes this column so interesting to many of you. So
keep writing, but if you have something to sell or you want certain
parts, please use our ad departments in the back of the magazine.
Many folks have found them to be quite helpful.
Next writing comes from PRINCE E. STEVENS, ‘Engine
Acres’ Route 1A, Box 550, Gardiner, Maine 04345 and he tells
us: ‘Enclosed are pictures of a start to finish winter project
of a 1930 4-wheel drive Massey-Harris General Purpose Farm Tractor.
The body of frame is actually a gray color. Other than a lot of
scraping, a valve job and a few bearings throughout the tractor, it
was done in less than three months. It runs beautifully with the
flip of the crank. Until last fall, the tractor had not been run
for approximately 25 years. It is magneto fired.
‘I have been collecting engines for ten years and have been
enjoying the G.E.M. magazine for nearly that long.’ (These are
good before and after pictures, take a look Folks!)
J. C. PETERS, 103 N. Euclid, East Peoria, Illinois 61611 would
like to know if anyone could tell him the year and color of the two
engines he has. One is a Massey-Harris gasoline engine, 1? HP, 600
RPM and the S. N. is MHA 45802. The other engine is a United
gasoline engine, Type A, 2? HP, S.N. 153629. He would appreciate
hearing from you on this and any other information you may
know.
‘Here is something for Smoke Rings for all those that need
new carburetor floats for their tractors. I made one for my A.C.
20-35 out of BALSA wood and put three coats of shellac on it and it
works just fine. Balsa wood is much lighter than cork, easier to
whittle out and it is available in many thicknesses and widths, in
most hobby shops.’ (This info comes from ARTHUR H. ANDERSON,
25275 Ipava Avenue, Lakeville, Minnesota 55044.)
‘HELP!’ calls ALLEN BROKAW, 3623 Co. Rd. 24, Cardington,
Ohio ‘43315: ‘I’m writing in hopes someone can give me
some much needed information. I need the address of the Zenith
Carburetor Company. Also would like to know how many Johnson
Utilimotors are still alive? Were they made by the same company
that makes outboard motors?
‘In the tractor line, I’d like to know what years Massey
Harris 101 Juniors were built.’
‘This letter comes from an enthusiast with a slightly red
face. You printed my article, Old Iron Euphoria in the
May-June G.E.M. and I have to admit that I was thinking one thing
and wrote down another for that article. The engine is not a
Fairbanks-Morse-it is a Freeport 4 HP 850 RPM #YB22900. This
doesn’t make all that much difference to the article, but it
would be interesting to see if anyone out there takes a good look
and calls me on the identity!
‘Needless to say, I will proofread any material I send in
from now on. Thank you for a very interesting magazine.’ This
came from JACK E. REICH, Route 1, Box 109-B, Chelan, Washington
98816.
Another one awaiting your assistance is NORMAN ANDERSON, 323
South 8 Street, Livingston, Montana 59047: ‘I am a retired John
Deere mechanic-been doing that kind of work since I was 16 years
old-am now 70 and still work some at a local dealer. I need a
little help.
I would like to know about what year an Economy gas engine, S.N.
13670, improved Model 4 HP was made. I restored it and it is in
good running order. Also, I have another engine which I do not know
the make of. Could it be an IHC? The cylinder head has a Parts No.
GE4507 on it. All parts numbers start with GE. It has disk
flywheels, two of them. It has one exhaust valve in the block and
intake valve in the head. It is self-oiling. The gas tank is cast
in the engine, S.N. 1340, RPM 775. Hp says 1?-2 J.K.
Sure enjoy your magazine and hope someone can help me. This
engine runs real smooth!’
Returning from a six month’s holiday in Australia, JOE
THOMAS, 5 Minett Avenue, Rushwick, Worcester WR2 5T0 writes: ‘I
spent most of my vacation looking at vintage tractors and
stationary engines of which there are thousands.
‘Several copies of your excellent magazine awaited me
and in the Jan-Feb issue you have an article on the
Emerson-Brantingham Big 4 Tractor. There seem to be 16 in existence
in your country. Now I can add one more in Australia. It was in a
scrap yard in Echuea, Victoria in March 1976 when I first saw it
and is still there in March 1982 with much more junk piled around
it. Enclosed is a photo taken in 1976, also a photo of a tractor
standing next to it. Can any of your readers tell me what make it
is?’
‘I have just purchased at auction a nearly complete Jaegar
open crank gas engine. The number plate is missing so the only
information I can get is that the flywheels are 18′ diameter
with 1?’ rims and the piston is 3?’ diameter. Cast on the
crank are the numbers 155 and 7H.
‘I wonder if anyone in the United States could let me know
of what type or model the engine is and any information that would
help me to restore it. I think it will be quite a rare engine this
side of the Atlantic.’ (Write to JOHN ELLAMS, 26 Ridgstor Road,
Woolton, Liverpool, L25 6 D.Q., Merseyside, ENGLAND.)
Giving a tip to the GEM readers, this man sends this: ‘I
purchased one of your magazines (Jul-Aug 1981) and I really like
it. I do have one comment-on the inside front cover, John
Keim’s letter-if you fill the cylinder up with diesel fuel
first-to get all the air out-and put just a little pressure on it,
the fuel will work its way enough through the cracks between the
piston and cylinder wall and will flush the rust out. Be careful,
though, so it won’t blow up in your face and don’t use very
much pressure at all. Drain all the fuel out before you pump it
full of grease.’ (Thanks for the tip DANIEL BEOLLSTORFF, R.R.
1, Box 16, Cook, Nebraska 68329. Hope you join our G.E.M.
family.)
HALE MATTOON, Chelsea, Vermont 05038 writes: ‘I have been a
reader of your magazine for many years and its just great to see a
good magazine get better.
‘I’m hoping some dedicated OLDS collector will tell me
the approximate date of manufacture of a certain engine. It is an
Olds self-contained gasoline engine, #8342, 5A-HP, manufactured by
Olds Gasoline Engine Works, Lansing, Michigan. This particular Olds
is tank-cooled, very large heavy bronze rocker arm, floor mount pot
type muffler, fuel pump and pre-heater type carburetor. I certainly
would appreciate hearing from anyone in regards to this type of
OLDS.
‘Anyone traveling through Vermont, please stop by for a
little engine looking and talking, you will be most welcome!’
(Nuff said, and take Hale up on his invitation, you’ll probably
both enjoy it very much.)
‘Have enjoyed every issue of G.E.M. that I have been
receiving now for nearly a year. Smoke Rings gets my attention
first, because it is informative and is very interesting reading.
Where else can you get expert advice and challenging questions
about all engines?’ asks CHARLES S. BATSON, 104 Maywood Drive,
Petal, Mississippi 39465.
He continues: ‘I have a number of old gasoline engines that
I have restored and need some help in identifying them. This engine
has a Webster Tri-Polar oscillator, Type K-26 for make and break
ignition. The nameplate atop the water hopper reads: Engine No.
79810, RPM 450, HP 2? E. The bore is 4′ and stroke is 6′.
Any help in naming this engine will be appreciated. Thanks again
for a good magazine that takes us oldtimers back.’
I understand Michael Rogers, of Durham, N. C, an energetic and
enthusiastic young gas collector and restorer, stopped in to see
the Lancaster staff of GEM with his parents and sister. The Rogers
family was vacationing in Penna. Dutchland. Michael shows great
promise of being one of our top gas engine people.
‘Hi! I’m enclosing a picture of my model Samson Iron
Horse and a cart it pulls’, says MERL BARNES, 7013 Northview,
Boise, Idaho 83704. ‘The children are six of our twelve
grandchildren. The tractor is about ? size. It has a Briggs and
Stratton washing machine engine in it. The tractor drives with
lines like a team of horses. It stops, backs or steers.
‘There is one real one that I know of and it has been shown
on the West Coast. It has a four cylinder Chevrolet engine. They
were built in 1919 and 1920, but don’t know how much
longer.’ (Doesn’t that look like a lot of fun, kids? When I
first looked at it, I didn’t realize the little engine was
pulling a cart. I think that is great! And with twelve
grandchildren, I’ll bet it isn’t idle long!)
‘I have been a subscriber to your newsey and fascinating
magazine about two years and I love every page of it,’ says
EDWARD K. ROYRE, 3334 Western, Mattoon, Illinois 61938, phone
217-235-0955. AND he has a QUESTION: ‘I have started collecting
John Deere tractors and would be interested in joining a J.D.
Tractor Club. This way I could enjoy my hobby even more.’
MERLIE K. LEWIS, Box 88, Jasper, Arkansas 72641 writes and calls
me ‘Dear Ms. Annie May’- that’s a new one-but
nevertheless, Merlie sends this little item and picture as he
states: ‘This is our 3HP Fairbanks Morse engine mounted on a
large rock in our front yard. I found this engine by the cotton gin
in Waco, Texas. It is rusted together and has not run since
1942.
‘I don’t know what we would do without the GEM Magazine.
I think it is the most entertainment for us old engine
collectors.’ (Merlie also tells us he is working on a 5 HP
Economy and will send us that pix when it is restored.)
HERCULES and ALAMO collectors-take note!-RICHARD P. WARE, Route
2, Box 159, Reidsville, North Carolina 27320 writes: ‘I would
like to know the year Hercules manufactured Engine #371922, HP 2S,
600 RPM, open crankcase, hit and miss.
‘I would also like to know the year Alamo Blue Line engine
#19974, HP 2, RPM unkown, when manufactured, open crankcase hit and
miss. Also if someone could tell me or sketch a picture as to how
the original pin striping looked on the Alamo. Did the engine have
decals or a name painted on it?
‘I’ve only been ‘tinkerin’ with putt putts about
a year and really have a ball. I really enjoy GEM, too! Thanks GUYS
and GEM!’
‘I have been a subscriber for only a year and find the
magazine to be most interesting and informative and enjoy it much.
I’ve gotten the bug to restore an old engine that my Dad gave
me several years ago, but I need information’, says HAROLD
BLOCK, 7730 Hygiene Road, Longmont, Colorado 80501. ‘The engine
I have is a Hercules, No. 153410, HP 5 ED; a kerosene model and was
a dark green color. Flywheels are 2?’ wide and 28′ in
diameter. I would like to know the year this engine was built and
what the paint color was called and what the decal scheme was if
they were used. All help will be appreciated!’
‘From this enclosure, I need to know the make, year, model
and color of this engine. The only numbers are AL15656 stamped on
top of the water jacket, 296AL cast on governor lever, 80AL cast on
heavy cast muffler. Thank you for your help’, says HARRY
BUTLER, 3237 W. Northview, Phoenix, Arizona 85021. Phone
602-841-1117.
‘I’m counting on your readers to get the information I
need’, says RICHARD LEHR, 4007 Second Street, Baltimore,
Maryland 21225: ‘ I have recently acquired a 5 HP Fairbanks –
NOT Fairbanks-Morse-Bulldog Type BD, 375 RPM, S.N. B20780 with a
Wico Series ‘C’ rotary magneto. I hope that someone can
tell me the original manufacturer, year built, color paint number
and striping for the engine.
‘Several months ago I asked for info on a Jaeger 2 HP engine
and would like to thank all the readers for their prompt response.
For those of you who inquire it seems that the Rustoleum Royal Blue
paint is the closest to the original. Thanks!’
BUZZ STETLER, 2436 Cherokee Road, Stockton, California writes:
‘I have just purchased a small Flame Licker. It has 3?’
flywheels, ?’bore, base is 3?’ X 5?’, 5′ high,
patent 1900. It is in bad shape. Does anyone out in Engine Land
have or know anything about this engine?’ (Don’t know if
Flame Licker is the name or just what Buzz called it-anyone have
any idea on this find?)
Fairly new to the GEM Family RANDY MacDOWALL, 9350 Valley Bend,
San Antonio, Texas 78250 writes: ‘I am very excited with your
publication and anxiously await each new edition. My Great Uncle
passed away a few years ago and willed me his father’s 1904
International Harvester Famous Vertical, 3 HP, 360 RPM. I built an
igniter coil and attached a 12 volt battery and got it running for
last Christmas Eve! Needless to say, I am now hopelessly addicted
to finding and restoring old stationary engines.
‘I was recently given an old engine from my wife’s Great
Uncle. It has been locked and covered in an old barn many years.
The engine will take little time to restore. The problem is that I
know nothing about this engine. I am enclosing a very rough sketch.
The nameplate on the side of the head says Detroit Engine Works,
Detroit, Michigan. Could anyone possibly send me information or
directions as to helping me find more out about this
‘Oldy’?’
In closing would like to leave you with this thought-He
that’s content hath enough. He that complains has too
much.-Love Ya! GEMuinely
