May-June issue already beginning our second year with Mr. Lestz
at the head of the magazine. With change overs, there are always
new trials and experiences until the ways are changed and readapted
etc. We have had errors, and there will always be those – although
we try very hard to keep things perfect. We thank you for being
patient with us and we can say ‘Things are looking better all
the time!’ We of the staff are getting used to working with
each other, and you folks are tolerant with the snags we ran into
with new address etc. May we look forward to a second and better
year together?
We’ve had quite a few requests for the magazine to come out
monthly -but I wonder really what percentage of people would want
this – it would be much more expensive you know. Drop us a line as
to your feelings on the matter.
I have many letters this issue for the column, so I’ll not
take any more space just ‘gabbing’ — we’ll start off
with a letter from KENNETH W. FISHER, Box 66, Luzerne, Iowa 52257 –
‘First of all, let me tell you how much I enjoy the Gas Engine
Magazine and your article, Smoke Rings (Thanks Ken, I needed that)!
Three years ago I bought a 4 HP K.G. Stover engine, Serial Number
KG 170583. It was a real basket case and I bought it for, believe
it or not, $2.00. I wrote to Lester L. Roos, who as many of you
know has all the Stover Engine Company records and blueprints and
parts. When he looked my engine number up, he found that it was
sold originally to the Amona Society Sawmill at Homestead, Iowa on
March 21, 1927. According to Lester, by all his records, there are
only three such engines known to exist. Of the three, mine is the
oldest. The other engines are owned by C.L. Clark, 4802 Courthouse
Road, Fredricksburg, Virginia 22401 (K.G. 180992) and Kenneth D.
Jones, Route 2, Box 149, Vale, Oregon 97918 (K.G. 207315).
Thanks to much help and consideration on the behalf of Lester
Roos, I have the engine all restored and according to him, as good
as new. It ran at the 1973 Mount Pleasant Show here in Iowa. My
question for your column is: Lester has all the recorded Stovers
listed and I was wondering if anyone out there in Gas Engine Land
had a 4 HP K.G. Stover that was not recorded with Lester? All the
three engines of this type that Lester has recorded are throttle
governor, speed 525 r.p.m.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone else that may have one
that is not recorded. I would like to go on thinking that I have
the rarest one of this type and I guess I can find out if I get no
reply from your running this letter in the column.’
WALLACE TINSLEY, Route 10, Box 176, Anderson, South Carolina
29621 is restoring a Witte Headless 12 HP engine, Model No. 41673
and he would be very happy to hear from someone having an engine of
the same type.
JOHN DAVIDSON, Box 4, Bristol, Wisconsin 53104 would like to
hear from someone who has an Olds ‘Self Contained’ engine,
Type A – with fuel pump. He’ll be looking for you to correspond
with him.
K.G. ROMINE, R.D. 3, Box 905, South Point, Ohio 45680 has a one-
wheeled garden tractor, a Choremaster made by Lodge & Shipley
of Cincinnati, Ohio, Serial Number 48202. He would like information
as to age, etc. Don’t let him down, Guys!
STAN VORGIA, 2913 E. Desert Dove, Phoenix, Arizona 85028 is
anxious to hear from stationary engine fans in Phoenix area,
especially on the Fuller and Johnson engine. (Do hope you will
contact him).
GORDON SMOKE, Otisville, Michigan 48463 would like any
information he can get on an upright 3-3-1/2 HP New Way engine.
Gordon says he enjoys the GEM very much and it has been a lot of
help to him. At present he has 18 engines restored and is now
working on some more machines -so he will be waiting to hear from
you.
W.L. SWOPE, Rural Route, Mechanicsburg, Illinois 62545 is
seeking any data on a Thomas & Smith, Economy Hot-Air Pumping
Engine. He has one that is a Size 5, Serial Number 2234, made in
Chicago, Illinois. He thinks it is complete and would like to
restore it. Any suggestions will be helpful to him.
From one of well-known family members of G.E.M. comes this
question: ‘Can some good Oil Pull expert tell me whether the
over-the-center toggle action clutch release mechanism of one of
the Super Oil Pulls can be adapted to my old Mode7 M. 20-35? I have
found through the help of some good Rumely men readers that the
later design clutch release obviates the continual stress and end
wear when the clutch is disengaged, upon the throwout collar. If
this improvement can be affected, I would surely like to
incorporate it in repairing my dear old girl.’ If you can
answer this question, please write FRANK J. BURRIS, 35640 Avenue F.
Yucaipa, California 92399.
RAY PICHEL, R.D. 1, Hellertown, Pennsylvania 18055 would like to
correspond with anyone with a 4 HP Titan side-shaft engine. Ray is
also interested in a Kenwood side-shaft engine but he says it seems
no one else seems to have one.
From JON SELZLER, Guthrie, Minnesota 56451 comes this letter to
all you folks: ‘Dear Readers – In the last two issues, I had
ads for decals and manuals. Because of difficulties on my part, and
companies, I could not, and cannot provide you with decals
advertised. Also, some who ordered manuals did not receive them for
quite some time. Again developments slowed things down. I did not
myself receive the manuals until February 23, 1974, almost a month
after some of you had ordered. I tried to get them out earlier but
could not. I mailed all orders up to that date on February 25,
1974, 3rd class mail, another mistake. I mailed all orders after
that within a few days of receiving them.
I’m not trying to make excuses for myself, because I had an
obligation and responsibility to fullfill, to all concerned.
I’m only asking that you please forgive me for not making sure
I did my best -I guess I should have done better. I’m very
sorry for the troubles I’ve caused you all and hope you forgive
me, as friendship and trust are important to me.
I have the Maytag manuals on my shelves, as well as the manuals
for the 1-1/2 HP McCormick-Deerings. All future orders will be sent
promptly and 1st class mail. Thank you all. (I’m sure the Folks
understand after such an explanatory letter, Jon. We all have to
learn some things as we go – I feel sure there will not be any more
complaints.)
A question from LOUIS SIEFKER, 319 East Street, Seymour, Indiana
47274 – ‘Does anyone know anything about a Fox gasoline engine
that was made in Covington, Kentucky? My Father had an engine of
this make, a 5 HP and used it for custom sawing of wood. I never
saw anything about these engines in the magazine. I am interested
in more information on this model’ (Well, how about it? Can you
help Louie?).
GENE SMITH, Box 742, Boron, California 93516 tells us that last
year while on vacation he rescued a small Novo from a sad fate in a
junk yard in Idaho. The identification pad cast on the block has
never been stamped. The bore and stroke are 2-3/4′ X 3-1/2′
with a single 10′ flywheel, throttle governor and a suction
type carburetor. Cooling is by a small sheet metal tank bolted to
the head and block. He is restoring 5 other old engines and with a
most unusual valve action. A single rocker arm operates both valves
and is a Marine engine.
DR. WILLIAM C. DEONIER of 2220 Pickettet Cr. Rd., Grants Pass
Oregon 97526 is still seeking information on a ‘Munktels’
tractor made in Sweden – the one he has is a two cylinder- two
cycle diesel with a demand governor, no throttle. It is a little
larger than a John Deere Model D. (Come on Fellas, isn’t there
anyone out there has heard of a ‘Munktels’?)
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE MATTHEWS sent us this informal note with
this request – ‘Please advise all our friends we have made over
the years, our steam, gas and other friends that we will be moving
to Arkansas. Until we get settled our address will be C/O Harold
Matthews, Route 2, St. Joe, Arkansas 72675.
We’ve made so many friends and will miss so very many of
them, also the shows we attended. If anyone is interested in
writing to us, we will answer all letters as it will be very lonely
for us for awhile. My husband is retiring and I have resigned my
job. We hope to be able to attend other shows in that part of the
country and would be happy to hear from anyone about shows around
there. If the gas situation gets better, we hope to come back and
visit in the East. (George and Margaret were from New Jersey and
are the owners of the Brass Twins.) – (Best of luck to them in
their new home site and here’s hoping they get some mail to
ease the loneliness).
MAHLON MOYERS, 11251 S.E. 327th St., Auburn, Washington 98002
writes: ‘In attempting to purchase gasoline check valves -See
Nov.-Dec. 73 issue page 17 Helpful Hints — I find the
N.A.P.A. number is in error. It is printed NAPA 7-023040 and it
should be 7-02340. This information could be of interest to the
other engine buffs.’ – (Thanks Mahlon, I’m sure some of
your buddies will be glad to know this.)
EDDIE GRIMES, 404 East Marshall, Sweet Springs, Missouri 65351
sends us this short letter:
‘Now for information from the experts on old 1-lungers. I
recently acquired an open crank case engine 1-1/2 H.P. There was no
serial number on it and the nameplate simply says; Union Giant,
best by every test 1-1/2 H.P., Manufactured by Union Foundry and
Machine Company, Ottawa, Kansas. It was a basket case but in good
shape.
Does anyone know anything or have any information on this type
of engine? I can’t find any timing marks on it. I has an
ignitor and two exhausts, but the one in the rear has a plug in it.
I took the plug out and it goes direct to the piston.
I would appreciate any information that I could get on this
engine as to how old it is or anything about it.
DAVID E. ANGELL, of Pioneer Gas Engine Association, Inc.
Fairville, New York wanted us to have the report of new officers
for 1974 and their 10th Annual Reunion will be coming up this
year.
The officers are:
President – Kenneth Milliken, 14 Catherine St. Lyons, N.Y.
Vice-President – Grover Swank, R.D. #2 Marion, N.Y.
Secretary – David E. Angell, 7190 Ferstler Rd. Kirkville,
N.Y.
Treasurer – Clara Luteyn, 67 Eddy Ridge Rd. Marion, N.Y.
Directors for next 3 years are:
Mary Johnson – R.D. #2 Steurry’s Rd. Marion, N.Y.
Fred Walton – R.D. #2 Newark, N.Y.
David Shearns – Joy Rd Marion, N.Y.
This year our Reunion is special, as it is our 10th Anniversary.
It will be held on July 26, 27, 28 at the Fireman’s Grounds in
Fairville, New York. We have many souvenirs for sale, ie Equipment
Directories, watch fobs, and memberships for $2.00 just to name a
few.
RICHARD AYRE, R.D. 1, Box 224, Drums, Pennsylvania 18222 is
looking for a friend – Now I’ll explain that a little fuller.
Richard has a FRIEND Motor and a parts list and he is looking for a
friend to correspond with about their Friend engines. Any friends
out there with a Friend?
JAMES HAYSCIL, Route 2, Ash Grove, Missouri 65604 sends these
few thoughts: ‘We may be out of gas but not out of interest in
old gas engines. Would like to see more articles on How To Repair,
Time and Patch up this old junk iron. Would like more information
on all types of mags. Does anyone know what condenser to use in
Wico E.K. mags?’
Shown is a picture of the 25-50 Keck Gonnerman and a WK-40 IH on
my trailer. I hauled them to Nashville to Effingham, Illinois, when
I changed jobs. I built the trailer in April, 1973, from scratch.
It has three axles with electric brakes and 8 ply tires and a 21
foot bed. I put about 10,000 miles on it since then, but still do
not have it finished. I pull it with a 3/4 ton truck with an
automatic transmission, and it does pretty good. Just don’t
pass very many cars on the highway.
A short letter from one of our new subscribers tells us –
‘Last summer I acquired a 1920 1-1/2 HP International Type M.
engine. I have this engine restored. My father gave me a book
written in 1905 titled Gas, Gasoline and Oil Engines by Gardner D.
Hiscox. In the back of this book is a list of builders in the
United States and Canada. From this list I found three companies
from Albion, Michigan which is near where I live and where I work.
These companies are Cook Mfg. Co., Olds & Hous and Lester &
Brundage. If any of you readers could help me find the history of
these companies I would appreciate it very much.’ (There you
are, Men – help our newcomer get his interesting hobby well on the
way if you can). His address is: ROBERT A. DEWEY, 9937 Verona Rd.,
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017.
From GARY ROOKUS, 1266 Whiting, Wyoming, Michigan 49509 comes
this request: ‘I am working on a 6 HP engine that I bought from
an antique dealer for $50.00 this last summer. I have been told
that it is a Faultless gas engine and I would like to hear from
anyone who has a Faultless engine of this size. I need the colors
and size of truck this engine was carried on; the nameplate says
John M. Smythe Mdse. Co., Chicago, Illinois, Serial No. 82758. It
is all there including gas tank.
I enjoy reading your articles very much and hope to be of help
to someone of the readers some day. Anyone is more than welcome to
stop in and see what I have if they are in the area. I started
collecting gas engines about three years ago and now have twenty
three engines. I enjoy this hobby very much and have met some very
wonderful people at the shows around Michigan. I have restored a
few of these engines and am working on the rest.’
Seeking information for his tractor is ALLAN BOWINS, R.R. 1,
Pontypool, Ontario, Canada as he relays this:
‘I have recently purchased a small garden tractor on steel
wheels, This garden tractor seems to have been built by the S.L.
Allen Co. The information on the nameplate states that it is a
Planet Jr. Tractor, patented May 5, 1922. The patent number is
1969023, type H.B. serial number 4900. It is powered by a Briggs
& Stratton B.R. 6 motor.
I am restoring this tractor as it seems to be somewhat
antiquated. I would like some information about the number built
and the year it was first marketed.’
CLARENCE G. LINTZ, Hydro Glen, Freeland, Maryland 21053 asks
that we publish this writing: ‘Many years ago when the Fordson
Tractor was in its heyday, my Father and I were cutting wheat with
a Buckeye Binder pulled by a Fordson tractor. We were working near
a county road when a man stopped and talked to my father. He was
driving a strange looking truck. I was only a boy then and if I am
not dreaming now, the truck was assembled of many of the Fordson
parts. The radiator, fuel tank and engine assembly seem clear. It
could have been experimental and could have been assembled near
Baltimore. Has anyone ever heard of or seen such a truck?’
(Well, there’s one for you to answer – scratch your heads,
Fellows and let him hear from you).
DAVID HUNT, Mount Pleasant, Winterslow, Salisbury, Wiltshire,
England was hoping some of your readers could tell him the ages of
the following engines: Associated Hired Man 2-1/4 HP No. 133464,
Fairbanks Morse Z 1-1/2 HP No. 198230 and Kohler lighting set Type
D. No. 22481.
The following letter is from WILLIAM SCHAUB, 115 West North
College St., Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. It’s about a letter he
received and he wants to share it with you folks –
In reply to the inquiry of Gordon Dukes, Notts, England, on page
19 of Jan.-Feb. ’74 issue GEM regarding a spark plug for his
Fairbanks-Morse engine, The Dayton Area Antique Egnine &
Equipment Association of Dayton, Ohio, sent two Champion A-25
plugs, at no cost to him, as a goodwill gesture.
Following are some highlights from his interesting letter,
received March 25th. Quote: ‘I have only been collecting
engines for about a year, before that I used to attend rallies as
mechanic to my friends vintage tractors. I have the
Fairbanks-Morse, a 1 HP open crank engine made by Geo. Waller &
Son, Stroud, England. Two Lister A 16 vertical engines – one 1926 –
one 1930 and a Ruston Hornsby horizontal engine with 2-1/2′
water pump attached.’
Mr. Dukes said that he was given the GEM address by someone who
had once seen a copy. Quote: ‘As to the Gas Engine Magazine, I
have never seen one but I can vouch for their efficiency as the
response has been staggering. You can imagine my surprise when
letters from all over the U.S. started to arrive almost daily. I
think our postman was rather intrigued as when he came near our
house he held the letters up if they were Air Mail but did not
bother if they are posted in the U.K. I have had letters from
California to Lake Erie, in Canada and the information given and
photo copies of handbooks sent has been fantastic. I never knew
that so many people were interested in old engines and would give
of their experience so readily to a complete stranger who lived in
another country. I could never thank all of you enough.’
In return for the spark plugs sent, Mr. Dukes continues, ‘I
can forward you some colored slides taken at different rallies, for
your monthly meeting. I would like to do this as a small thank you
for your kindness.’ End quote.
ALLEN WALKER, JR, 9616 W. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
53224 has two questions for you friends to answer – ‘I have a
McCormick-Deering 10-20 tractor I am restoring. The I.D. plate with
the serial number is missing so I don’t know the age of my
unit. I found a date cast into the bottom of the frame casting,
(8-16-28). Can you tell me if it is a late 28 or 29? Also, can you
tell me the original color of my tractor?’.
It would be most appreciated if the friends of IRVIN G. HOFFMAN,
R.D. 1, Box 31, Manheim, Pennsylvania 17545 would drop him a note
or card to lift his spirits in the coming months. Even stop in and
see him if possible, perhaps that would be of great help. You see,
March 9, he and his wife were involved in a tragic one car accident
on the way to church. He escaped with bruised legs, but Mrs.
Hoffman died as a result of the accident and he misses her greatly.
He enjoys nothing more than to talk of old times and to receive
mail. This notice came to us through his granddaughter, Barbara
Graham. (Methinks he is very fortunate having such a lovely
granddaughter, as the letter was full of love and concern – please
let Irvin hear from you).
In the March-April issue, page 17, there were two pictures of an
engine from Maynard Peterson who was seeking help with information.
He received the following letter from WM. W. WILLOCK, JR., Route 1,
Box 650, Rolph’s Wharf Road, Chestertown, Maryland 21620:
‘The engine you have in GEM is a Fairmont ‘Hy-Load’
Mod. Rq; 8 to 13 hp., made by Fairmont Railway Motors, Inc.
Fairmont, Minn. 56031. They are still in business, so perhaps
repair parts for this engine are still available.
I did not recognize it at first hanging upside down from the
ceiling as it were, but on turning the magazine over, I could see
what it is -I had one-of-the small RO 5 to 8 hp. size in similar
condition; the New Haven R.R. had junked a lot of obsolete section
cars, and burned them for the metal.
Your engine had a rather large aluminum water hopper, which was
partly filled, enough to cover the cylinder; steam from the water
condensed on the upper walls and transferred its heat to the air
rushing past outside.’
The end of twenty seven days threshing, the fall oe1929. That
was the last I threshed with the McCormick Deering 28 inch
separator as I sold it and bought a John Deere #5 combine. The
Hart-Parr pulled the combine for many years.
We’re sorry the pictures were upside down in the magazine –
too bad these kind of mistakes have to happen – we’ll try
harder not to have this happen again).
DALE L. MARTIN, 2021 153rd Ave. S.E., Bellevue, Washington 98007
needs some help and after reading his letter, perhaps you could
answer his questions
I recently purchased a Fordson tractor through one of the ads in
Gas Engine Magazine. It is a good running machine – at least I
think so, not really knowing how well a 1923 Fordson should
run.
Now, I need some help with the restoration, such as the original
paint colors, and the type and weight of modern oils and greases
suitable for use in such a fine machine. And one last question? Did
Fordson ever use a governor? I have quite a time keeping the engine
at a constant R.P.M. with the hand throttle.
Incidentally: Response to an ad of mine in Gas Engines a year or
so ago brought an overwhelming response and I was able to get all
the parts necessary to restore a John Deere 1-1/2 H.P. engine.
JACK BIELEFELD, 8 South Walnut Street, New Bremen, Ohio 45869
has a little problem. He bought an 800 watt Delco Light Plant and
has already restored it to running condition. But someone stole the
points clean out of the ignition box. Jack cannot find anyone who
knows anything on these points and without them, it won’t run.
What he is really wondering is where do the people who run Delco
plants get their ignition points from or do they know how to make a
set from scratch. He has nothing to go by and would much appreciate
hearing from anybody who could give him some assistance. (Write
him, Guys, you’ll be glad and so will he).
ED DEIS, Gray Horse Farm, 11251 Sherman Road, Chardon, Ohio
44024 is going to start dealing and trading in old engines and
related items as a part-time work. But, besides selling and
trading, he would be happy to pass on information on who has what
for sale (no charge for this, he says). He feels there is a need
for more dealers in engines and parts, etc. and he would appreciate
comments from collectors on how to go about getting started at
this. He is a Board Member of the Historical Engine Society and has
been a collector for many years. He also hopes to make friends, not
enemies with his new venture. (If you could give him a few pointers
in this area, I’m sure he’d be most grateful.)
JAY HOEKSTRA, R.F.D. 1, Box 47, Bigelow, Minnesota 56117 says he
would like the Smoke Ring Readers to help him as you’ll see
from his note: ‘My brother and I own an open crankcase, 1-1/2
HP Fuller and Johnson engine that runs real well. It was made
around 1915. The nameplate states that it was made in Madison,
Wisconsin. I wrote to Madison and the letter was returned stating
that the company was no longer there. Could your readers tell me
where I would write to, to get information on this engine and also
what the original color of it was and if there are decals available
for the engine?’ (Jay didn’t say his age, but I believe the
brothers are perhaps teen-age – please if you know the answers –
help them!).
Another newcomer writes us – ‘I received my first issue of
Gas Engine Magazine – a collection I hope to enjoy. My
father-in-law gave me a Maytag engine and that started my gas
engine hobby. Within two years, I’ve collected a 1918 Economy
truck with a cement mixer, no engine; 1-1/2 HP Hercules, 2-1/2 HP
Jaeger, L.X.-I.H.C., 2 LB – IHC, 3 Maytags, 3 inboard marine, an
outboard marine and one old cement mixer in good shape, on iron
wheels.
While writing this letter I wrote a poem I hope you’ll like
– G.E.M. -The magazine of the land – About the people with a
helping hand -Through grease and oil they toil — To get the
engines to putt and spark — To run from morn til dark — And then
some for everyone. And then he adds ‘I’m not a poet, but my
feet show it — they’re long fellers! (How about that? Sounds
like our newcomer has a lot of humor. Welcome KEN HANBY, 129
Central Avenue, Brack Ex., Wilmington, Delaware 19805.)
Had a complimentary copy of the first issue of the only magazine
of its kind in Australia. It is entitled ‘Antique Engines’
and is published bi-monthly by Schulz Publishing. If you care to
know more of it write: Antique Engines, Private Bag 148, Horsham,
Victoria 3400 Phone Quantong 840279. We understand the publication
is $6.50 per year. It is rather small in pages as they are only
just beginning and it takes time to build up any business. The
issue I received was mostly dealing with gas engines, but they will
be covering all types. We wish you, our fellow competitors, good
luck with your venture – Best Wishes to Leslie C. and Eric A.
Schultz – the editors. (Perhaps you will be hearing from some of
our readers -we hope so).
And now it is time to sign off and hope you all have a wonderful
summer and great vacations – And remember –Despite jets, missiles
and electronic devices, man has still not invented anything that
goes faster than a vacation — (unless its money). Here’s
another – Many a person returns from his vacation broke; while he
was getting away from it all, it was getting away from him. (See, I
told you money goes fast. (No kidding though, get to the Reunions –
the friendships you make are worth their weight in gold. — and the
fun you have makes a stockpile of memories — now doesn’t that
make cents?? Sense).
