Well, it’s hard to believe that we are now making footsteps
into a New Year-1980-may we make them worthwhile to be followed-I
came across this poem in one of my cookbooks-seems very appropriate
as we look forward to the next twelve months: ‘Dear Father, you
are ushering in another day- untouched and freshly new. So here I
come to ask you, God-if you’ll renew me, too. Forgive the many
errors that I made yesterday-and let me try again, dear God-To
follow in your way-But Father, I am well aware I can’t make it
on my own-So take my hand and hold it tight-For I can’t walk
alone.
And now onto the letters: BILL BEEMAN, 2022 Bel Air Drive,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2C 0W9 is a new subscriber and he writes:
‘Over the past few days while going through a stack of a
friend’s GEM’s looking for sources of parts for a number of
engines, I have reached two conclusions-first, that I should
subscribe to GEM and second, that I must trace down the history of
the BEEMAN garden tractor. Most of you readers will appreciate the
logic of the first decision; perhaps the second deserves the
following explanation:
I have always had an interest in old engines, motorcycles, cars
and boats and have tried whenever possible to develop a detailed
story of the design, manufacture, sale and use of the product by
its successful owners until it reaches my hands and is restored to
the best of my ability. As many of you readers know, this poses a
challenge, wrapped in mystery and threatened by frustration!
In addition there is the background my father passed to me of
his lifetime interest in family history and records leading back to
Captain Daniel Beeman who first landed in Massachusetts from the
ship KING from England and took up residence in Norwich,
Connecticut in 1680. Somewhere I believe, there must be a link
between Captain Daniel, the manufacturer of the tractor and myself.
What a challenge to find that link, locate a tractor and put it to
work!
I would, through your column, seek help and guidance in this
task. Any information regarding the BEEMAN garden tractor,
memorabilia, pictures of the factory and original owners, etc.’
(Please help Bill fill in this background data of a BEEMAN
engine.)
JAY JOHNSON, 6726 Oleander Circle, Roanoke, Virginia 24019 has
this to say: ‘I am in need of more information on an old garden
tractor I just purchased. It is a David Bradley Tr-Trac and has two
wheels in the front, 12′ and only one rear tire, 16′ with a
Wisconsin engine mounted in the middle of the tractor. When you
turn the wheels to the left or right it swivels in the middle.
Serial No. 917-59101. Has anyone seen one or know what year it was
built? Thanks to everyone who has helped me in the past.’
A letter from JANES REIM-SCHISSEL, RFD 2, Box 359, Spanish Fort,
Utah 84660 tells us: ‘Here is something that may be interesting
for some. Many people may know the early McCormick-Deering and
Farmall tractors did not have oil filters as standard equipment.
The oil filter became standard equipment on 10-20 chassis, number
KC 139067 and NT 1372. It is listed as an accessory for tractors
prior to this time. The oil filter is listed as an accessory for
Farmall tractors, serial number T 64392 and below.’
MIKE ZENKO, 2283 Boardwalk Avenue, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301
sends along this letter: ‘I have been interested in antique
engines only two months and have already found most of a F-M Z 1?
HP, less mag and cam assembly and a 1924 and a 1925 LeRoi
engines-one has a water hopper and one has a fan- these engines are
complete, plus 2 -45 year old Briggs and Stratton and a frozen,
complete IH 3 HP engine, no. B38076.
Looking forward to receiving your GEM and meeting many
interesting acquaintances through gas engine collection in years to
come.’ (He says any info or help from readers would be
appreciated.)
A question for you veterans- from JOHN LODER, 4116-268 Avenue
N.E., Redmond, Washington 98052. Phone 206-883-0969. ‘Does
anyone know how to build a rock crusher? I have a 1? HP John Deere
engine, circa 1923 and would like to put it to work with a small
crusher if its possible.
Also, I could use some technical help in restoring a 1940 (?)
John Deere (Orchard) tractor and a 1935 (?) Caterpillar Model 22
Crawler.
Your magazine helped me get the 1? HP running! Thanks!’
TOM ENDERSON, R.R. 1, Jim Falls, Wisconsin 54798 sends this
letter: ‘For the last five years I have been chasing down
Keller engines, as they were manufactured about 15 miles from my
home. I have received some real nice letters from other collectors
who have them, but Alas! -they don’t know any more about them
than I do and I have seen only one ad about Keller engines.
Is there anybody out there in Engine Land who has seen any
literature or ads on Keller engines manufactured by the Bloomer
Machine Works, Bloomer, Wisconsin? Please call or write to the
above address. Phone is 715-382-4431′. (With a little luck
you’ll be getting some letters Tom).
Here’s another one of the readers -sounds like’s come
down with Gas Fever – ‘I have only been collecting old gas
engines for about a year, but have been bitten by the bug. I look
forward to each issue with greater enthusiasm. Also like the color
photos on the recent covers.
I have a couple of questions for your readers – First, a friend
recently purchased an old steam whistle for me at a Swap Meet. I
would like to know what it was used on – it was made by Gabriel
Horn Mfg. Co., Cleveland, Ohio. Pat Date October 24, 1905. It is
brass, 34′ long, 3′ diameter and has 4 different tones,
serial #18414.
Second, I have a 2 HP Fairbanks Morse engine and factory Air
Compressor 3′ X 3?’ vertical. The compressor has a
water-cooled head, but hopper?? or cooling system?? is missing. I
know F.M. Morse compressors on larger HP models were rectangular in
shape, but this one is round. Any information as to what the hopper
and air tank arrangement looked like would be most appreciated.
Also, anyone out there who can help me get Gabriel’s horn
working again, I’m sure Gabriel would appreciate it too! Have a
warm winter! ‘(This is from GARY R. FISHER, 925 Rosewood
Avenue, Camarillo, California 93010).’
JOHN J BONAWENT, 644 E. Katella Avenue, Orange, California 92667
is interested in clubs that might be in the Santa Cruz or San
Francisco Area. (The only clubs we know of in Calif, are South
Shasta Organization Old Time Threshing Bee. Contact G.A. Humann,
R.1, Box 445, Gerber, California 96035. AND Western Antique Power
Associates – Altadena, California. Contact Wm. Baldwin, Box 1561,
Rosemead, California 91770. If there are any others, please let us
know).
A member of the G.E.M. family shares his interest of his engine
with you readers: (This comes from SCOTT L. LAMONTAGNE, 38 Elliot
Street, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747).
Over the summer I acquired a five horsepower, type E, Economy
engine which can be seen in the enclosed photograph. It originally
came from North Carver, Massachusetts. There it was used to power a
water pump which flooded the cranberry bogs. These bogs were
flooded to prevent the plants from freezing during the winter and
it also supplied water for irrigation in the summer months and
harvesting period. The engine later saw service in a sawmill in the
same area.
I am curious as to how old this engine is and who manufactured
it. I know Sears, Roebuck and Company sold them, but who was their
manufacturer?
It is unclear to me who supplied Sears with this engine. From
what I can gather there were four possible manufacturers. These
were Economy Gasoline Engine Works located at Sparta, Michigan;
Hercules Gas Engine Company located at Evansville, Indiana; Jaeger
Gas Engine Company, or Arco Gas Engine Company. I believe it to be
Hercules, but can anyone clear up this dilemma? Does anyone have
the records of that company so that I may find a manufacturing
date? I believe it to be approximately 1922.
The engine is a five horsepower, type E, with hit and miss
ignition. It also has an ignitor powered by a Webster tripolar
oscillator. The name, Economy, is on the water hopper at an angle
instead of the propeller type, and the body of the engine is red
with black pin striping. The engine number is #84769. It has a 425
RPM rating, a bore diameter of 5′ and a stroke of 7? inches.
The flywheels have a diameter of 28 inches.
I would most certainly appreciate any help or information I
could get.
KENNETH W. SMITH, Cram Road, Surry, New Hampshire 03431 calls
for help: ‘I would like to know if any readers have the year of
my 5 HP Witte engine. Serial No. B17406. I would greatly appreciate
any help.’
RICHARD D CURTIS, 302 N. Ridge Street, Cambridge, Illinois
61238, a newcomer writes: ‘I just received the first Gas Engine
Magazine that I subscribed for and the boys and I really enjoy it.
My son, Wilbur, age 15, liked the Sad Little Tractor Part 2 as he
bought and we restored a 1937 B this spring and summer.
As new collectors, we have lots of questions that are probably
‘old hat’ to the veterans.
We now have 2 RC Cases, a CC Case, AC Case and AL Case besides
Wilbur’s John Deere. All are on rubber and we enjoy driving
them around the streets of Cambridge.
The question I have is this – is there anything to paint on the
tires to preserve them and fill up the weather checks? I tried tire
paint, it looks good but didn’t fill the cracks and it is
doubtful if preservative – any help would be appreciated.’
One of our newer members would like some answers as this letter
comes from DAVE BIANCHI, 210 W. Elm, Kent, Ohio 44240: ‘I
recently acquired a Sears Economy gas engine. I was told that it is
a 2 HP model, equipped with a Wico EK mag, all original and running
well. Is there any way of determining the date?? What was the
original colors of the Economy? I thank you in advance.
A PLEA FOR HELP!! From Al Gregoritsch, 3 Iby Street, South
Burlington, Vermont 05401: ‘I’d like to compile a list of
serial numbers and horsepower ratings for Associated engines
manufactured in Waterloo, Iowa. Results of the findings to be sent
to G.E.M. in the future. Please include 1. Serial number of engine?
2. Horsepower rating? 3. Is nameplate on the water hopper or on
rear of base? 4. Does engine have magneto? How many holes in
magneto bracket? 5. Any other information such as known date of
purchase etc. (Well Al – you will probably soon be getting letters
from the Associated fans).
Seeking some data on Cockshutt tractor – this letter comes from
DONNIE ANDERSON, 180 Mangham Road, Griffin, Georgia 30223: ‘I
presently have only a few ‘artifacts’ as I own a restored
Model ‘MC’ John Deere crawler tractor and a Model
‘E’ John Deere engine.
I am planning on trying to get a Cockshutt Model ’30’ or
’40’ tractor. These tractors were manufactured in Canada by
the Cockshutt Plow Company in 1944-45. Several Cockshutts made
their way into the mid western United States during this time.
Additionally, many were sold by the Indiana Farm Bureau Co-op as
Co-op Models ‘E3’ and ‘E4’ (respectively).
I have owners manuals, shop manuals, and parts books, for the
Cockshutt Model ’30’ (Co-op Model E3) which I would be
happy to copy if anyone needs information. If you have any
information on Cockshutt tractors perhaps we could trade some
information.
I again look forward to receiving the Gas Engine
Magazine.’
RICHARD D. CURTIS, 302 N. Ridge, Cambridge, Illinois 61238 would
like to find the year for an (L) Case serial number 41063 and a (C)
Case, serial number 486052. If you know the answers please write
and let richard know – these little items are of utmost importance
to those who are seeking the answers.
From ROY D. HOLLER, 3838 South 80th Street, Franksville,
Wisconsin 53126 comes this letter: ‘I never can wait to get my
hands on the next Gas Engine Magazine. I have a small collection of
gas engines and tractors, but now I need some help. I have just
purchased a few different pieces. They are one Uni Motor garden
tractor, 1 wheel and one Kinkade garden tractor, 1 wheel made by
American Farm Machine Co., Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Also old 2 cylinder air compressor with a large pulley in the
center. This has Milwaukee Air Power Co. stamped on it.
I would like help in finding colors or any material on these.
Any correspondence from other readers regarding these units would
be appreciated.
Is the American Farm Machine Co. still in business?’ (Help
him if you can, Fellas).
WM. GOERTZEN, 1129 Weyand Way, Shafter, California 93263 is in
need of information on B.F. Avery 3-wheel tractor – any dates or
other data will be appreciated.
A second letter from MIKE ZENKO, 2283 Boardwalk Avenue, Green
Bay, Wisconsin 54301 as he asks for more aid: ‘I wrote earlier
for some information on engines and now need some more help.
I’m enclosing a picture of an engine with a Novo brass plate
stating it is a Model KU 3 X 4, No. 26127. It looks like the tag
was put on by someone.
Some of the casting numbers start with S and SU. It has a
Tilotson carburetor and it is painted green with a red gas
tank.
The other engine I would like information on has a Worthington
pump and machinery, Ingeco tag and it is a 6 HP, number 21918
manufactured in Cudahy, Wisconsin.
I’ve only had the bug since August 1979 and have found ten
engines, with a few sold to friends who also have been
bitten.’
MICK ECKART, Worcester, Vermont 05682 sends this request:
‘I’d like some information from the readers who might know
something about my Stearns 1500 watt, 32 volt light plant made in
Rudington, Michigan. I use the thing to charge batteries for my
electric system in my house. It will soon be a part of my
wind-electric system which is also a vintage item. It is a
Parris-Dunn 32 volt unit made in Clarendon, Iowa in the 1930’s,
40’s. I am very interested in pre-REA electric systems. Any
correspondence from any of you fellows out there would be most
appreciated.’
Here is an article with diagrams that will be of interest to
many of you – from GEORGE F KEMPHER, 110 Seventh Street, Emporium,
Pennsylvania 15834: ‘In the Sept. Nov. issue of GEM Mr. H.L.
Ritter asks what the master Vibrator coils were used for without
the high voltage lead.
These coils were used on early cars to excite spark coils
without vibrators.
The car was started with the switch in the battery position,
when started it was moved over to the Mag. side, if not, you soon
had a run down battery which were dry cells at that time.
These coils can be used with any modern car coil or with the
vibrator type coil by screwing the vibrator down tight to prevent
movement. The diagram show? how they were used and how they can be
used with any type jump spark coil. No condenser need be used as it
is in the box with the Master coil.
NORMAN BACHMANN, Route 1, Box 336, Dothan, Alabama 36301 in
recent correspondence writes: ‘I see I’ve already made two
mistakes on this typewriter. Perhaps you can overlook each and
everyone of these mistakes if I explain to you that as of next
Wednesday it will be six weeks to the day since I had major surgery
on both my feet for bunions, and so forth. Our typewriter is atop a
card table and it is at just the right height to slide a
wheel-chair into. I don’t think I’m going to like this
set-up on account of the chair’s arms seem to get in the way of
my own arms.
My reason for requesting the Nov.-Dec, ’79 issue of the Iron
Men Album is that over on page 13 is a picture of LaMoille,
Illinois. Bill Earley married one of my sisters and they have a
farm over near Princeton and they used to live there a few years
ago. We have vacationed a number of times in all three towns.
However, I hasten to add that none of us were born before 1920!
As I so aptly stated to you in my last letter to you a year or
so ago, I am still an arm-chair gas tractor and stationary engine
collector. In the Sept.-October issue of the GEM Mag., Philip A.
Vazzana over on page 15 hit the nail on the head when he stated
‘-that there are no shows to speak of in the South.’
It’s too bad Mississippi is such a far piece from Alabama.
There are no shows in this part of the South either. I discovered
back in the early forties that this part of the country depended on
quite a bit of mule-power on the farms. There were some tractoring
farms, too, but most tractors were of the newer variety.
Did anyone ever make a one-quarter HP stationary engine? Or one
small enough to sit atop a card table and operate from a
wheelchair? Sure would like to own one that size. (Do hope to be
wearing a pair of shoes in the next couple weeks, but would love to
have a one lunger in the small variety). More power to GEM and
IMA!’
L. LINICH, 7 Gibson Creek Road, Oakville, Washington 98568
writes and hopes to gain some help: ‘I recently inherited a
small tractor. The tractor has a Wisconsin air-cooled engine belt
drive to a 3 speed transmission, appears to be a husky truck
differential off of which there appears to be chain drives to the
axles???? As there are no names anywhere on the frame or axles. The
only name appearing is on the front wheel hubs which reads
‘Ground Hog’….???? I realize without a picture or more
information it is hard to identify. It would take much work and TLC
to restore as it must have set outdoors under two huge cedar trees
for years and years.
Well I’m hoping to hear from you.’
Here is a short letter from HENRY WILKS, Route 2 Box 221,
Brinkley, Arkansas 72021: ‘Enclosed is a picture of a
‘Domestic’, side-shaft engine I recently bought. It is 2
horsepower and the serial number is 26451. The magneto is a Wico,
Type PR. It has an extra tag on it that says, ‘Sold by the
Queen City Supply Co., Cincinnati, O.’ Also, it has a water
pump on it that the previous owner told me was used to help
irrigate tobacco. I’m not sure, but I may take the water pump
off.
What I need to know is, when was this engine made, what color is
it supposed to be, and any other information will be
helpful.’
A.L. HEILAND, 15323 C.R. 25A, Anna, Ohio 45302 sends this for
Smoke Rings: ‘This is my first time I have written for
information. I don’t know just how to ask for what I need to
know, but here goes – ‘I recently got a 1 HP Buckeye engine
that was built in Lima, Ohio by the Buckeye Machinery Company. The
brass plate was ripped off and just the rivets and a corner of the
plate is left, no numbers.
I am wondering if anyone out in Gas Engine Land has a picture of
one of these engines as there was no skid or coil box with this
engine. That way I could make these parts as originally put on
these engines.
When I found this engine the piston was rusted fast in the
cylinder. The push rod and roller was nearly eaten up by rust. The
governor arm and latch is also gone. The valves were rusted and the
inlet valve spring was gone, so I hope to make several things, but
I’ve no pattern. I hope to get it running by 1980 Show Time.
Any information will be appreciated.
I have some old machinery such as a 6 HP Huber traction engine,
a model (B) Huber tractor, a 22′ Huber Separator,’ a Frick
hand feed thresher, a 2-roll Rosenthal husker shredder, a Huber
Husker Shredder, a Victor Clover Huller, one each of John Deere,
Continental and Buda power units. Also a John Deere grain binder
and several hit and miss gas engines. All the above are in a good
dry building and in good repair.
I almost forgot to ask if anyone knows what type decal or
picture was on the side of the water-hopper.’
JOHN H. STONE, 674 W. Montecito, Sierra Madre, California 91024
sends a few lines regarding a beautiful Horton Washing Machine:
‘Thanks for putting my note in your Sept-Oct. magazine, so far
I’ve had no replies, but am still hoping.
Now that I’ve got the washing machine in top condition, I am
enclosing a snapshot which I am happy to send. I received a letter
from Westinghouse in Lima, Ohio stating the 50 cycle motor was made
in December 1926, so can assume the washer is about that vintage.
Notice it has a copper tub.
I am also an Edsel buff having 3 beautiful convertibles and 1
two door hard top.
Thanks for your help.’
DON FLUKE, Route 9, Box 332, Idaho Falls, (the Atomic Research
City of the World), Idaho 83401 writes: ‘After reading Smoke
Rings for a year now – an old engine bug has bitten me. Would you
entice some nice ‘ole Saint to help me restore a 6 HP Type
‘T’ FM upright? I need some pictures of the original and
any and all information will be much appreciated and paid for. God
bless!
Our Gas Engine Family is certainly growing and here is a letter
from another newcomer: ‘I’m fairly new to engine collecting
and I surely enjoy the magazine – just wish it were monthly.
I just purchased a Hagan engine Model D, No. 419. It has 42′
flywheels, 7′ bore and 12′ stroke.
The complete igniter assembly is missing (see Want ads). There
is a patent date on the carburetor or mixer, whichever, of
6-23-1903. I want to know the horsepower, speed and year of
manufacture. I also need any information on this engine I can get.
I would like to correspond with anyone else with a Hagan.’
(This was from BILLY O BRITT, R.R. #1, Box 336, Beech Bluff,
Tennessee 38313).
Another request for SMOKE RINGS come from DICK GIBBENS, Route 2,
Box 175, Schriever, Louisiana 70395. He would like to hear from
anyone having any information on gas engines sold by the Gibbens
& Stream Firm around the turn of the century. Dick has a one
cyl. marine engine of 8 HP. The founder was Dick’s
grandfather’s cousin. Please send any information you might
have.
A bit of help comes from DONALD GOODBURN, Lake Crystal,
Minnesota 56055: ‘In answer to H.L. Ritter’s letter on page
15 of Sept-Oct magazine – about No. 1 coil master vibrator. I have
an engine 1? M IHC. That has this coil box on it. It is a dual
engine coil and plug, mag and igniter. I am third owner and the
original owner paid $19 or $21 dollars more for this dual
engine.
Really like your magazine and learn a lot from Smoke Rings and
like your Christian part too – thanks again. See you in
church.’
DALE VOLGAMORE, R.R. #1, Almena, Kansas 67622 tells us: ‘I
see in your last issue I am still getting help on my FB M engine –
wish to thank everyone who responded to request for information
about my FB M and Kohler engines.
Need more help -I have a Hercules built engine, l? HP, 204117E
without a scrap of paint on it. Need the age and a way to tell if
the engine was sold as a Hercules or one of the other names they
manufactured for. Also would like the age of 6 HP Witte headless
36614.
To anyone wanting to clean brass in a hurry, try Naval Jelly and
steel wool – it really works.
Thanks everyone and thanks for this great magazine.’
A picture and letter comes from GEORGE MAITRE, Box 163,
Garnavillo, Iowa 52049: ‘I have a Marine Engine that I need
some help with finding information. The Serial Plate states The
Clinto Lamb Boat and Engine Co. Manufacture Serial # 105M4, 20 HP,
Clinton, Iowa. The engine is in very good condition but missing
some parts. I have listed the parts in this month’s magazine
(see ads), but would like to know if any of your readers can tell
me more about the Company and the Engine. The engine has a great
deal of brass parts. It will be nice when restored. All letters
will be answered with your stamp back.’
A letter and an invitation from PAT FARNSWORTH, 10369 Bigwood
Drive, Boise, Idaho 83709: ‘I have moved to Boise, Idaho and
would like to say Hello to the many friends I have made through the
gas engine shows in the Ohio, Pennsylvania and, of course, my home
State of West Virginia. I operated Pat’s Machine and Engine
Service in Glenville, West Virginia for ten years where I did the
rebuilding of my gas engine collection. I still have my engines and
am interested in getting together for some good conversation with
anyone in the Boise area with this same hobby.’ (So – you Boise
gas engine boys let Pat hear from you -I bet there is quite a few
gas engine enthusiasts there).
Help needed by JAMES W. BOICE, Route 82, Salt Point, New York
12578: ‘I have recently acquired a I.H. vertical 5 HP Engine
Manufactured by International Harvester, Serial No. M 159 K. It
runs very well but there are details I need help with. I would
greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who owns one of these
engines or has any information or literature that includes this
Engine. I would like to find out such details as what the original
water tank looks like so that I can make one that is correct, also
pin striping and style of battery box that was used.
This is a very rare engine and I need all the help I can get
from fellow I.H. collectors. Does anyone have any production
figures for this engine? Also I would like to hear from anyone who
has a 1916 I.H. Auto Wagon. Mine is serial No. 1688.
The following is a Poem written by our son Jimmy Boice Jr. when
he was 7 years old. It is about our 1921 I.H. Titan tractor that we
show at the Dutchess County Fair and our local shows.
He will be 9 years old in December and is already an avid engine
enthusiast and likes to read G.E.M.
‘The Titan’
I’m a wonderful old tractor!
And I know my Manufacture!
International Titan!
I use to have a plow!
But I do not have one now!
International Titan!
I am not very loud!
But I gather a big crowd!
International Titan!
I need a carburetor!
But I’m sure I’ll find one later!
International Titan…..
(Isn’t that great – I think it’s wonderful – one of the
nicest things about the gas engine hobby is that in many cases it
includes the whole family. Jimmy, I think your poem is a great
start in your hobby with gas engines – any more poems?
An informative letter comes from JACK H. MANSKA, 306 Fairfield
Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28303: Ref Page 15 of September
79 Gas Engine Magazine. ‘Mr. Ritter’s Master Vibrator is an
old idea which survived into modern times and had been applied to
airplane engines as late as the mid-fifties. It contains a circuit
interrupter similar to a door bell or buzzer. In application, one
end terminal is hooked to a battery, the other end terminal is
grounded through the Magneto Moveable Breaker Point. The magneto is
of course the high tension type. One terminal of the battery must
be grounded to the magneto case or machine frame. The Vibrator
operates full time during the engine starting process. Current
flows from battery to vibrator to grounded points when points are
closed. When points open, current flows from battery to vibrator
through the low tension side (primary) of the magneto and then to
ground. The Magneto Condenser is used in this circuit and since the
flow is interrupted direct current it energizes the high tension
(secondary) side of the Magneto Coil, producing a continuous spark
just like a Model ‘T’ coil. This is a starting assist, or
booster as it is sometimes called. It operates well at hand crank
or low starting speeds. Battery polarity is critical because at
improper polarity the magneto and battery will oppose each other
and at a certain speed they would equalize and no spark wil be
produced. The system works well on single cylinder or
multi-cylinder engines as the distributor section of the magneto
will deliver the spark to the proper cylinder at the proper
time.’
Perhaps you can help LONNIE GODLEVSKY, Route 1, Homedale, Idaho
83628 as he says: ‘I have a 3 HP Moline engine #51089, 400 RPM
made by the Moline Plow Co. It has a Wizard magneto. Would like to
know year of manufacture?
A friend of mine has a 3? HP Alamo that is a twin to my engine,
even some of the casting numbers are the same. What is the
relationship of these two companies? The Alamo uses a Wico
magneto.’
A lengthy letter with lots of information for some of you comes
from LEONARD J. RAHILLY, 1028? Bement Street, Lansing, Michigan
48912: ‘I just ran across the note from R.G. Jacoby (Nov-Dec 79
issue) about manufacturing dates for the Farmall-30. In the
Agricultural Tractor Tractor 1855-1950, R.B. Gray lists the F-30 as
having been introduced in 1931. Several old tractor parts catalogs
I have, show the F-30 as 1931-37.
Gray does not mention the introduction of the F-20, perhaps
because he considered it to be just an improved Regular Farmall. I
have a 1931 IHC machinery catalog which shows the original Farmall
and the F-30. As nearly as I can tell, the F-20 was first made in
1932. The very first models had the old semi-circular rack steering
gear, but enclosed, early F-30’s were made this way too.
According to Gray, the F-12 was introduced in October 1932. I
have seen a few of the early F-12’s which had a Waukesha
flat-head engine. I don’t know how many Waukesha F-12’s
were made, but I know that the 1932 F-12 had the overhead valve
engine.
Again – according to Gray, the Farmall A, B, H, M series was
introduced in 1939. There definitely was a 1939 production run of
F-14’s and F-20’s, so I presume that the new tractors were
introduced during that year. Incidentally, I learned recently -via
CBS ’60 Minutes’ that Raymond Loewy designed (styled) the
new IHC tractor. He also gave us the U.S. Post Office symbol, of
several beautiful locomotives and the post war Studebaker that was
the first car with ‘modern styling’.
I spent many hours on McCormick-Deering 10-20’s, Farmall
F-12’s, Regulars, F-20’s, A, B, H and M tractors. In the
first few years after the introduction of the new IHC series,
farmers would argue about the merits of the new versus the old.
There isn’t any doubt that the H and M were no match for the
F-20 and F-30. The older tractors used big slow-turning engines
with high torque and great lugging ability. It was very difficult
to stall them no matter how much they were lugged. The H,
especially, relied on a smaller, fast-turning engine and just
didn’t have the moxie in tough going (a hard clay spot in the
field, for example). The other side of the coin is that the H and M
were light years away from the older tractors, in comfort. They had
nice seats, steered fairly easily (and did not kick back), had
mufflers, individual foot brakes, starters and lights as an option,
and with their road gear, could be transported quickly to the
field. The Regular and F-20’s were designed using World War I
technology, when the operation was apparently considered only after
the machinery was dropped into the frame. The rearward-projecting
seat was a see-saw, always rocking up and down. The Regular had a
wicked habit of kicking back through the steering, and the
F-20’s worm gear steering wasn’t immune to that either.
They both were brutish, growling, fire-eating dragons, capable of
doing hard work at good speeds and never seeming to wear out. I
loved them. G.E.M. is fun to read.’
Let me remind you there of a search for John Deere Serial
Numbers. This is being done as a service to all John Deere tractor
collectors. You will find all this information on a Display ad in
this magazine. Be sure to read it carefully and if you can help by
sending in your Model, Serial Number and owner’s name and
address, please write Criswell John Deere Tractor Museum, Box 709,
Lamar, South Carolina 29069.
Wanting information of an engine is the letter from IRAD L.
FRANEY, Box 41, Barstow, California 92311:
‘Can any of you readers tell me anything about the Maclache
gas engine? This is a 3 cyl. horizontal, radial water-cooled engine
of perhaps 10 or 15 HP and probably weighs about 6 or 7 hundred
pounds. The radiator is from a Cadillac of about 1915. The engine
is mounted on a high stand and the crankshaft is connected to and
old car differential under the engine. There is no data plate on
the engine and the name Maclache is cast on top of each cyl., head.
(I’ve never heard of this engine, how about you fellows?)
This engine is high up in the mountains of Death Valley in a
gold mine which has been abandoned many years ago and now could
only be gotten out by helicopter.
If anyone has any information on this engine you may write to me
or Smoke Rings. I would appreciate anything you can tell me about
this engine.
TOM STOSKOPF, Route 2, Waverly, Iowa 50677 sends this: ‘I
would like information or to correspond with anyone about the
following engines manufactured by John Deere Tractor Co., Waterloo,
Iowa. American Boy, Big Chief, Cray, Economy, Gault, Harris,
Hustler, Imperial, Jackson, Lester, Majestic, Overtime, Parks, Ball
Bearing, Penn. Boy, Sandy McManus, Unito, Van Duzen, Weel.’
(You ought to get in touch with CRISWELL John Deere Tractor Museum
mentioned in a few paragraphs before this letter).
C’mon Guys! – Get your pens ready and correspond with JOSEPH
A. CISSEL, Route ,1, Box 8,Melber, Kentucky 42069 as he asks for
some help. ‘I have just purchased a 20 HP F.M. Type ‘Y’
with center injection. Well, the injection nozzle valve tip has
rusted out oversize and is letting my engine flood out before I can
get it started. I am going to have to make a new injection nozzle
valve tip, but I don’t know what size to drill the little hole
in the center of the nozzle valve tip. Maybe one of your readers
can tell me what size to drill the hole? I would like to hear from
other members who have one of these big engines, or have had one.
Any information will be greatly appreciated.
I, too, like all GEM readers, enjoy your magazine and look
forward to each and every issue. I wish it came once a month.
Here’s thanking your readers in advance for their information.
Phone 502-856-3262. (You don’t need pens, Guys, just use your
telephone).
We hear from a G.E.M. reader by the name of JOHN K. KREIDER,
R.D. Box 5, Narvon, Pennsylvania 17555: ‘I’ve been reading
your excellent magazine for about the last three years. I really
appreciate all I have learned from it.
I have been into collecting old engines and farm related items
for about twelve years now. I really appreciate this old machinery.
The people in this hobby are really great too.
I need some information from out there in G.E.M. Land. First of
all, I would like a little bit of history of the Quincy engine and
machinery made at Quincy, Pennsylvania. Any data would be very
helpful.
Secondly, I would like to hear from anyone knowing anything of
the Barry-Zecher pump, which was supposed to have been made in
Lancaster, Pa.
Keep up the great work now with a good publication like this.
(Thanks, we’ll keep doing our best).
Here’s a note from a happy fellow as WAYNE COLE, Box 54,
Page, North Dakota 58064 writes: ‘I asked for information on
the M-M UDLX tractor in the Nov-Dec. issue and I was rewarded
richly. I tried to answer every letter, but in the hurried
atmosphere of sunflower harvest, and our son’s wedding, someone
might have been overlooked and I don’t want that to happen – so
will you let me say THANKS FELLAS!’ (How nice -some folks are
really grateful for efforts put forth for their problems).
That about winds it up for this time and may I leave you with
this thought – You will find as you look back upon your life, that
the moments when you have done things for others-Henry
Drummond.
God Bless Each and Every One of You – Have a Blessed 1980 – Love
Ya!
