T. W. EDWARDS, 310 So. Market Street, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
17552 has an ad under Wanted classified this issue and also sends
along this letter: ‘I am interested in obtaining information on
the Edwards gas engine. I have seen a couple at shows and they have
been two cylinder, hopper-cooled, throttle governed engines of
about 3 HP size. Could any reader tell me if this is the only
engine they made-what years were they in business-and at what
location? I have written several of GEM’s classified
advertisers in trying to buy one, but no luck so far. I would
appreciate any information.’
MR. AND MRS. REINHART LINKERT, 12079 Pilot Knob Road, Apple
Valley, Minnesota 55124 talks through this medium to the readers:
‘We own an old Minneapolis tractor which my husband thinks is a
late 1920’s model. We know it is prior to 1929. Our search so
far has revealed that it is an experimental model that was built at
Hopkins, Minnesota. The original owner picked up the tractor at the
factory and drove it home to Savage, Minnesota.
My husband purchased it in 1950. The tractor has 30-50 stamped
on the front and we have always thought this to be the number
indicating the horsepower. The tractor is still on steel lugs. I
understand that it has a Stearns motor and a Bosch magneto.
We would like to repaint the tractor to its original paint
colors if we identify them. The tractor runs very well and my
husband has used it in antique tractor pulling contests. We
certainly would appreciate hearing from someone.’
MORRIS BLOMGREN, Route 1, Siren, Wisconsin 54872 asks: ‘Does
anyone remember these pictures of the Pioneer tractor threshing and
cutting grain. Also does anyone know the hitch used to pull seven
binders behind one tractor?’
RONALD McALLISTER, 7945 Luann, Saginaw, Michigan 48603 says:
‘I am new to gas engine collecting and enjoy your magazine very
much. Enclosed find picture of a gas engine I recently acquired. I
would like to know what it is and any information concerning it;
especially what type of ignition is used. It appears to have been
originally painted red, flywheels are approxmately 12’ x
21/8‘ and overall length, approximately
24′. Sure would appreciate any possible help.’
RON KILEN, 953 N. Twp. Rd., #73, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 is looking
for some information on a Sheldon engine made by the Sheldon Engine
and Sales Co. of Waterloo, Iowa. It is a 5 HP and the serial number
is 145559. He would like to know the correct color and
approximately when it was manufactured. (Don’t let ’em down
Guys).
A letter comes from KEN DAWSON, 1311 19th Street So., Moorhead,
Minnesota 56560 and he writes: ‘I have a 3 HP John Deere engine
and I’d like to know the answers to some questions. The brass
name tag says John Deere Model E, serial number 236588, 3 HP, 550
RPM. When did John Deere change from the brass name tag on the base
to a serial number tag on the governor cover? Also the engine I
have is igniter and rotary magneto with a throttling governor. I
would like anyone who has one of these engines to write me as the
carburetor is missing and I need an idea as to what it looks like.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.’
ARDYS SHARPE, 1257 River Street, Niagara, Wisconsin 54151 has an
ad in this issue of the magazine under classified. This information
is more explanatory- perhaps you will be able to help- ‘By
means of more information-it seems that there were only a few years
that Ferguson made its own tractor and equipment, and Ford did the
same, and then later they became Massey-Ferguson. Before that they
were Ford Ferguson. So those years might bring about tractors that
might have some considerable historical value. My father bought one
then. It was cared for dearly. He died 20 years ago, but the
tractor has been cared for as something special. Guess it really
is. Mother now is hospitalized and we must dispose of some of the
property. We have had plenty chances to sell it, but I feel that I
should inquire about its historical value as well. I have been
appointed her guardian, and feel that is the proper thing to
do.
I need to know its value-and then proceed to locate those
collectors or persons that might be interested in this. Can you
help me? He suggested that you mention these things so
interestingly in your column. I live in northeast Wisconsin, but
this piece of equipment and implements are at the farm in northwest
Wisconsin- but seems that ground work of inquiry needs to be done
first, and that is why we have turned to you.’ (Please write
Ardys if you can-I don’t know the value-thanks!)
BLAKE MALKAMAKI, 10839 Girdled Road, R. D. 3, Concord, Ohio
44077 has something you might be interested in knowing-‘I have
serial number listings for all 28-50 Hart Parrs. Just send me a
SASE for your year. Also, does anyone have serial number listings
for early Cleveland tractors and cletracs?’
Our next communication comes from JIM RINGSRUD, Box 110, Macks
Inn, Idaho 83433: ‘I sure enjoy reading GEM and the information
is great. I’ve kept all the copies since I started taking it
and every now and then I dig them out and go through them. I’ve
started collecting engines only a short while ago and find it a
very interesting and rewarding hobby. I have met lots of wonderful
people that like engines as well as I do.
I now have found an engine which I was wondering if someone
might be able to help me to better identify it. The name plate has
been torn off the air shroud. This of course, had serial number,
size etc. on it. It is an upright, air-cooled engine. The only
identification is on the flywheel and it has the name New Way
Engine Co., Lansing, Michigan. The bore is 4′ and stroke looks
like 4?’. I haven’t gotten it loose yet. It has a flat
pulley and clutch on drive side of engine. I’ve been told the
governor is a throttling governor. It has the throttle control
right on the end of governor. How do I go about finding out the
size, RPM, age etc.? (We’ll hope one of our readers will be
able to send you that information).
I have other engines as well in various stages of repair. I
would like anyone passing through our area to stop in for some
engine talk, cup of coffee or whatever. We have the Starlite Motel
here at Macks Inn.’ (There’s a nice invitation to you folks
and maybe you’d just want to stay there for the night).
MAX W. BLOOMFIELD, 7202 East Vista Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona
85253 writes: ‘I am a machinery wholesaler and needless to say
an antique machinery buff. We have a Fairbanks & Morse, 1?
horsepower engine in the entrance hall of our home; see picture. I
was out looking at some new machinery today and found the other
units pictured. A Fairbanks & Morse 6 horse with factory air
compressor and a self powered pump jack. Does anyone know the make
of it?
We are in the process of starting a club here for the many area
people and the retired people from all over the U.S., that lived
here in the Valley of the Sun. We also hope through advertizing in
your fine magazine to have an active winter visitor group from all
areas.
Thanks for a wonderful magazine, bringing this group of
wonderful people together. I was born and raised on a farm in
Northern Illinois and have lived here for 10 years. Always either
farming or active in an equipment field.’
Then a P.S. was added: ‘As a footnote to my husband’s
letter, I would like to add my thanks. I also enjoy your magazine
and all of the antique machinery, as you can tell by the engine in
our home.’-signed Myrtle Bloomfield, (It certainly is a
different plant holder) (That’s great when you both can enjoy
the hobby.)
Here’s a tip from LEE W. PEDERSEN, 78 Taft Avenue, Lynbrook,
New York 11563: Anyone who needs gaskets or paint for John Deere
gas engines should check with John Deere. They had the gaskets for
my 1? Hp type ‘E’ and have John Deere green and yellow in
quart & spray cans.
Lastly a big thanks to Dave Cessan and his family for their
hospitality. Mrs. Cessan cooked me a great breakfast the morning of
Hampden Mass. show. After driving four hours the night before, and
waking up at 6:30 am in the cab of my truck on the show site, a
good hot meal was the only thing that could chase the 35 degree
morning chill out of me. (Told ‘ya-GEM folks are like
family).
A letter from a member of our GEM family comes from BOB BRIGGS,
7601-22nd Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140:
My wife and I are starting a new business. It is called
Rainmakers Inc. We had planned all winter to go to every Old Engine
Show in our area and the first one was at Viroqua, Wisconsin. We
took off work on Friday and drove the 220 miles. The last 50 miles
to Viroqua was in a blinding rain storm. It rained over 6 Valley in
6 hours. Saturday morning we got up early and had breakfast then
headed for the show grounds. It started to rain shortly after we
arrived and we finally gave up and headed home. The only
satisfaction we had was showing a man how to and a cantankerous
twin Maytag, buying a starting crank for an IHC and an old pump for
my Monitor.
The next show was at Sandwich, Illinois which is 120 miles from
home. We left home in the rain and arrived in Sandwich in a heavy
overcast sky. Yes, it started to rain and rain and rain shortly
after we got there. We sat in the car for an hour and a half and
watched some of the engines steaming as they rain in the rain. No
problem keeping hoppers filled. I picked up a Fairbanks Morse,
Model Z, Type D between the rain drops.
I wouldn’t mention any other shows to attend because they
might bar me to keep it from raining.
My heart goes out to the people who plan these great shows only
to have the rains come. Now I need some help from your wonderful
readers. I have acquired a Kohler Light Plant. It has a four
cylinder engine with a last patent date of 1920. The tag on the
engine reads, Kohler Power Light, 110 Volts DC at 1,000 RPM, and
the number A 909.I have the engine and generator working fine. The
only thing missing is the automatic start relays (see my ad in
wanted section). Any help someone can give me in restoring this
part of the electrical system would be appreciated. All letters
will be answered.
(Bob, you should have gone to California-with all their drought
out there, maybe you’d have been a hero-just kiddin’).
A note from GLENN KARCH, R.R.2, Haubstadt, Indiana 47639:
‘Several people have asked in the Smoke Ring column for help in
determining the age of Hercules and Economy engines. We have
information to share on these two makes, plus Arco and Jaeger. If
anyone out there has any of the four engines mentioned, where the
age and serial number are known, I would like to hear from them in
order to put together a serial number list to share with anyone who
needs that information.
Next letter comes from STAN WENTWORTH, R.R. #3, Tremont, Indiana
46737, an engine buddy that needs some help: ‘I have a Novo
square hopper enclosed crank engine that I need to know the make
and model of the magneto as it is missing. The nameplate does not
list the horsepower, just the model number and bore and stroke,
Model SU 3 x 4, 1 cylinder.
I have seen two others like my engine, one with an E. K. Wico
and one with an American Bosch rotary. The mount plate on my engine
is shorter than the Bosch plate, so it appears they used another
brand of rotary magneto.
I would also like to know the oil fill level and the horsepower
of this engine. I also need to know the proper shade of red and
green paint for an Oil Pull.
Since I last wrote I have picked up nine more engines, more than
I have time to restore for awhile, it seems. They are housed
however and won’t rot and rust away until I get to them. What
bothers me, is to see an engine lying out in the weather rusting
away. There is a 2? HP Famous, about one half mile from by place
that has been out in a hog lot for forty years. The owner
wouldn’t think of parting with it and wouldn’t think of
covering it up. I don’t blame people for not selling an engine,
but I surely hate to see them let it rust away. The Famous is in
very rough shape now and probably will be unrestorable within ten
years.’ (I’m sure you have alot of folks who feel as you
do, Stan-and when you’re into hobbies as this type, that hurts,
doesn’t it- when they are not cared for, but can’t be
bought). Keep your chin up, maybe one day they’ll sell it to
you).
Here’s a writing from ALBERT E. GALBRAITH, JR., Chief of
Operations, Historic Sites, Minnesota Historical Society, Fort
Snelling Branch (Building 25), St. Paul, Minnesota 55111: ‘I
have just acquired for the collections an engine, model N, serial
number 13855, 1? H.P., 500 RPM, made by the Royal Engine Company of
Saginaw, Michigan. At the present time it appears to be complete
and in good condition, but I have no information on the company,
date of manufacture etc.
The finish (paint) is in poor condition and I would need photos
showing pin striping design etc., in order to accurately restore
it.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.’
(Answer him if you can help, good Buddies-sounds like it might
be for the Museum, doesn’t it?)
Here’s one of our GEM family with a big problem and is
looking to experienced ones to help: DON HANSEN, Russell Mill Road,
Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360 writes: ‘I have just purchased a
very old engine that set in a crate for over 50 years. I took it
all apart and it shows signs of very little use. It has a brass
plate that reads STAR GAS ENGINE manufactured by J and E Homan Co.,
New York City, No. 827.
I has a 5 inch piston and 7? inch stroke, 31 inch flywheels and
a vertical flyball governor. The cylinder is horitzontal
tank-cooled. The head is removable and has 3 valves, one little
intake valve, one large intake valve with two separate seats and
one large regular exhaust valve. The little intake valve is opened
by a push rod that also works the exhaust. It has what looks like a
gasoline carburetor called the Byrne Kingston & Co., Kokomo,
Indiana. It has very low compression with like new rings and
cylinder. It runs very poorly on gasoline. The igniter and low
tension mag are in excellent condition.
Any help on how this engine should run and data about it will be
greatly appreciated.’ (I need say no more-he’s waiting for
your replies).
A happy subscriber writes: ‘Hi! my name is LARRY KRAUSS,
Route 1, Box 22, Napoleon, Ohio 43545. This is my third year of
being a gas engine nut and my second year of getting GEM. I read it
cover to cover and cannot wait to get the next issue. I’m
sending you a picture of a model of a 1906 IHC tractor that I
built. The picture was taken this year at the Wauseon National
Threshers Association Show. It is powered by a 1? HP McCormick
Deering engine. That’s me on the seat.
I also have a small water-cooled engine, ? or ? HP. It has no
nametag on it. Some call it Ideal and some call it a Bluffton-can
someone come up with the right name for it?
I admire your witness in God- keep up the good work and thank
you.’ (Thank you too Larry and Praise the Lord-it’s good to
hear remarks like that-I’m sure there are many folks in GEM
feel the same way-which means we have more in common than just the
GEM).
Sending his picture and description to the Column Readers, the
following: ‘My Chicago Aermotor 5 HP gas engine. Engine has a
5′ bore and 7? stroke. Flywheels are 34’ diameter. It was
completely restored and placed on iron wheels by Mr. Harrold Gaddye
of Bibbrook, Ontario, Canada.
I have heard that Aermotor manufactured an engine on this design
with a 6′ bore and 9′ stroke. If there is such an engine, I
would like to know).’ This came from FLYOD JENNER, 2003
Washington Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420.
TOM STOSKOPF, Waverly, Iowa 50677 recently published a 12 HP
Gray engine, serial Number 121044. He would like to know the age of
this engine and the history of the Gray Motor Co., Detroit. Also
what would be the year of a ‘W’ John Deere stationary
engine, #W 1458.
JOHN FEASTER, Valparaiso, Indiana says the engine pictured
beneath What Is It? in Sept-Oct. 78 issue of GEM page 32 was
manufactured by Mast, Foos and Co. of Springfield, and was used to
power their Buckeye Pneumatic Water Supply System. An advertisement
for this system, with picture, appears bn page 95 of the March 1911
issue of Gas Review.
Here comes an answer from LEROY QUANDT, Ryder, North Dakota
58779 to Gary Tunkierg of Kenosha, Wisconsin referring to the 1978
Sept-Oct. issue of GEM on the Worthington tractor. ‘Beginning
around 1902 there was a company called the International Gas
Company of Cudahy, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee, that built gas
engines that were called Ingeco. In about 1915 this company built a
tractor called the Ingeco. It had a two cylinder opposed engine
with a bore of 6′ and a stroke of T that ran at 750 RPM. This
tractor was rated 10-20 horsepower. The name of the company was
changed to the Worthington Pump and Machinery Company but the
tractor name remained Ingeco Model A 10-20. This model appears to
have remained on the market until about 1920.’
And once again one of our members needs your help as WAYNE L.
FISHER, Reaveley Road, New Hampshire 03449 writes: ‘I must once
again come to the never ending source of information on the subject
of gas engine information. I have recently acquired a Schramm Air
compressor that is in need of considerable tender loving care. What
I need is some information as to the type of ignition that was used
on these units. I have some pictures of smaller ones with a Wico
mag and I also have pictures that appear to use a coil. The unit I
have has about a six inch bore. Any help that anyone could offer on
this subject would be greatly appreciated.’
JIM WATT, 2665 Little Hanaford Road, Centralia, Washington 98531
would like you to identify his engine. It has 5?’ bore, 7H
stroke, 28′ flywheels 3′ wide and lots of parts missing. He
would be glad to hear from anyone who can tell him anything about
this type of engine.
JOHN H. JEPKEMA, Box 100, Hamilton, Colorado 81638 says: ‘I
have a 2 HP Stover gas engine that needs an ignition system. Could
your readers give me information as to what it should be or where
to find it. (John, the best way is to run a classified ad in our
magazine under Wanted).
E. A. Burley, 2121 Albertson Pkwy., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223,
phone 216-928-4572 wants some help: ‘You have been of help
before so I am sending this question. I have a Titan Jr. with
3′ piston, 3?’ stroke, 15′ x 2′ flywheels, round
gas tank, mag and igniter. Is this a ? or 1 HP? (He’s counting
on an answer this time too, Fellas).
That about winds it up for this time-have a beautiful Holiday
season coming up-take time to see all the ‘little things’
in life that are so worthwhile. And for a New-Year’s note
remember-Your character is what God knows you to be. Your
reputation is what men think you are. (ponder on that a bit). Bye
Bye-Merry Christmas and a better year that you’ve ever had.
Love ‘ya!
