Smoke Rings

(How about it, fellows ?) Also if any of the readers have information or descriptions on hot air engines, please copy it and send it to me to help build up a store of information. This would be greatly appreciated!

In conjunction with my restoration, I have started a register of all hot air engines of any description in Australia. Anyone with a hot air engine is invited to write to me with details of the engine for inclusion in my register. At the present, the register totals 15 confirmed and another 25 I am chasing up for final details.'

JIM TREWARTHA, Box 58, Hazel Green, Wisconsin 53811 has an engine manufactured by the John Lauson Co. of New Holstein, Wisconsin. It is a S/N 1751, 450 RPM and 2 HP. It is missing about everything that could be easily removed. The carburetor is still there. He would like to correspond with anyone who has one or knows about an engine like this one. Also would like to know the age. He is also interested in learning all he can about the Lauson Co. and will answer all letters. Jim adds:

'I have an Allis-Chalmers Model UC tractor, S/N 4564. I need to find the year of mfg. for sure. I think it is a '38 or '39.'

DAVID LINCOLN, 173 Elizabeth Street, Stratford, Ontario, Canada needs some information on the following gas engines and is expecting to hear from you.

1. Waterloo Gasoline Engine Co., Waterloo, Iowa, Type K, S/N 215300, 2 HP, 575 RPM. He is seeking the original color, year of mfg., striping, if any and color. 2. Meco, 2 HP S/N A2558, Manufacturers Engine Co., M.O. USA. Desires original color, striping and color, mag make and location if any and gas tank location. 3. FH? Briggs and Stratton. Information needed as to year of mfg., method of starting as there is no provision for a chain kick start. It has a larger base than most engines he has seen. It has sloped fins on the cylinder, one push rod operated exhaust valve, gas tank is in base measuring 8' wide, 11 ¹/₈' long and 3⁷/₈' deep.

'Here is a picture of my 12 HP Majestic engine. I need to hear from some of your readers as to color, striping and how the name Majestic was written. Any help will be appreciated and I will answer all letters.' This plea comes from ROY HOUGH, 12095 Sunfield Road, Sunfield, Michigan 48890.

While you are answering letters, here come some more questions from HARRY L. COOK, 504 Walton Street, Wilson, North Carolina 27893: 'I would like to know more about an engine I have. It is an Ideal mfg. by Ideal Engine Co. Lansing, Michigan USA S/N 16920, 4 HP, Type M, Speed 375 to 475. When was this engine produced? What was the original paint color and was there any pin striping or not? This engine looks like a Novo engine (vertical) but has an oval hopper. It is all complete and is a hit and miss type engine. I hope to have it running soon.