I expect many of us have seen this catalog image of a 1918 Schramm compressor outfit, which used two standard hopper-cooled stationary engines linked together (likely made by Domestic, as it appears Schramm never actually produced its own engine); one as the power unit and the other converted to compressor duty. Chris D. Schramm & Son, West Chester, Pennsylvania, apparently did quite a business with these rigs, which were used in all manner of commercial and industrial applications, as one might imagine.
Also shown is an advertisement (date unknown) for a twin-cylinder Associated engine from Associated Manufacturers Co., Waterloo, Iowa. Unlike the Schramm, the Associated engine is actually a tractor engine adapted for stationary duty; both cylinders on the Associated were power producers. I show these two engines to bring up a question, namely; how many such “adapted” engine designs were created and produced, and by what companies? Both engines represent adaptation of a design to a different use than originally intended rather than any innovation of design, and it’s that aspect that catches my attention. I’d very much like to hear from readers with examples of similar schemes, ideally accompanied by high-resolution images so we can share with readers. Editor
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