2C601 Old State Road, Haubstadt, Indiana 47639
Every now and then I talk to someone who expresses an interest
in collecting a certain line or brand of engines. They often ask
about the opportunities. Engines manufactured by the Hercules Gas
Engine Company offer many opportunities. Right now the discussion
will be about only the Economy brand engines that they made.
From 1914 to 1933 there were nine different models, including D,
E, F, FW, G, H, S, N, XK, and JK. During this same time, there were
many different horsepower ratings used, including, 1?, 1?, 2, 2?,
2?, 3, 3?, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 12 and 14. As you can already see,
that will add up to many different engine combinations. To further
complicate things, in the early years there was a choice of low
tension magneto or battery and coil ignition. Also in the early
years there were full base and half base engines, in the three
larger size engines depending on whether the engine was on a cart
or not. Up until 1915 there was also a kerosene hit and miss
version available on most sizes. To further complicate things, up
until 1919 there was also a natural gas, artificial gas and
gasoline combination fuel system available. And finally, again in
the early years, there were tank cooled engines offered. Likely
there are other variables not mentioned here.
All in all, there were likely well over 200 different
combinations and configurations. So what is an aspiring beginning
collector to do? How much money you have to play with may be a
deciding factor for a lot of us. There are several choices. The
first would be anything Economy brand with no specific other goal
in mind. The two most plentiful models are the E and the S, with
the E models being the easiest to collect a set of. That would
include the 1?, 2?, 5, 7, 9, and 12 horse power sizes. You can
select a certain size to collect. You could go for the unusual ones
including the 1? HP model N (there are two variations), natural gas
engines, hit and miss kerosene engines, half base engines, log saw
engines, Elkhart magneto equipped engines, or even a tank cooled.
Most of these will be difficult to find, but if you like a real
challenge, you have got it. Another challenge is to acquire cheap
engines (weathered, broken or parts missing) and join the hunt for
the parts to make an engine from a rather hopeless case. Fair
warning–this kind can get awful expensive at times before you get
done.
When you go Economy engines beyond those built by Hercules, the
choice gets even larger. In 1908 there were four sizes of Waterloo
Economy engines offered by Sears, in addition, there were 29
different model and horse power combinations in the Sparta Economy
engines from 1909 to 1913. To top it all off, Sears offered three
sizes of Stover Economy engines during the 1935 to 1938 period.
For most people, gas engine collections are ever changing. First
you get all excited about certain things, then some of the novelty
wears off and another challenge comes along. It sort of goes like
this. First your effort is to collect. The next step is that of
restoration and exhibiting your work. The first thing you know,
trading becomes fascinating because someone else wants what you
have or you see something you like better.
What matters most is really what kind of goal you want to set
for yourself and what you will be satisfied with. Money, space
available, mechanical ability, and attitude of other family members
also come into play. Does that sound familiar?
Do you want to see a lot of these different Economy engines? If
you do, you’d better head to Evansville, Indiana, June 11, 12,
and 13.
You can reach Glenn Karch via e-mail at:
Glenn.karch@GTE.net.
