Author Topic: Douglas engine?  (Read 7547 times)

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Offline Jan

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Douglas engine?
« on: 03 May 2008 at 20:43 »
I came across this engine on a swapmeet today. Anyone out there with information?

regards
Jan


« Last Edit: 03 May 2008 at 22:16 by Dave »

Offline tommy

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Re: Douglas engine?
« Reply #1 on: 04 May 2008 at 01:46 »
Looks like a Generator set to me.
Has the starting handle/cranking shaft at the front.
Doug will be able to tell you the year/model no doubt.
The sun looks good over there at the moment. Seems a little early?
I rode through your country in June once and got great weather.

Cheers!

Tom
 

Offline Doug

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Re: Douglas engine?
« Reply #2 on: 04 May 2008 at 01:53 »
Jan,

This is a little generator engine from about the 1914 to Great War time period, based on the 2-3/4hp Douglas engine. Used to power Marconi radio sets. There would be two cylindrical fuel tanks above the engine and a electrical gage of some sorts for the Marconi set. I have also seen pictures of an identical unit made by Bosh, though they probably stopped paying the license when the war broke out! It looked just like the Dougie unit, except it had Bosh in raised letters on the crankcase. They are cute little engines, but rarely found complete with chassis, all the kit, and generator attached. Presumably most were stripped down to provide stationary power for other machinery.

-Doug

Offline cardan

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Re: Douglas engine?
« Reply #3 on: 04 May 2008 at 22:09 »
There's some irony in the "Bosch" copy. Note that this (British) one has dipensed with the Bosch magneto and is wearing something English: perhaps Thompson Bennett?
Leon

Offline Alan

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Re: Douglas engine?
« Reply #4 on: 05 May 2008 at 01:25 »
Doug mentioned the 2 little fuel tanks...a few years ago I found a complete and virtually untouched unit made during WW1 for the Royal Aus Navy...this was the subject of an article in the LDMCC mag even down to the wording on the Instruction Plate...Now owned by an enthusiast in Victoria, but I'm sure some club member who keeps old copies of the mag could help out..

Offline Alan

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Re: Douglas engine?
« Reply #5 on: 08 May 2008 at 06:48 »
Found some pictures, hopefully these will help..









« Last Edit: 08 May 2008 at 07:47 by Dave »