The D.C. & U.

While studying the patents, I noticed some interesting facts. To begin with, the two patents that were registered show slight differences in design. The first patent shows the engine, although a 2-cycle, using an exhaust valve working off of the cross-head. The second patent shows a traditional ported exhaust, which appears to have been the more common of the two. The D.C. & U. cylinder also was built in a rotary steam valve configuration. An old price list is my only evidence to prove that this design once existed.

Last, I noticed an interesting difference from the earlier design of the cylinder. The patent design shows a D.C. & U. patented carburetor. In later designs, and in Tillinghast sales flyers, you can easily notice that the carburetor that was used was one of B.D. Tillinghast's own design, one he used on his Tillinghast gas cylinders.

The attached photo is a 1964 picture of a D. C. & U. This picture was probably taken somewhere near McDonald, Pa., when the engine was most likely pulled from service. The second picture is from a Tillinghast sales flyer.

This has been an interesting and exciting project. Over the next several months, I will continue to do research on two other companies in my hometown of Washington, Pa. Interestingly enough, these other companies were also builders of convertible engines. I would love to hear from anyone who has a convertible engine, and especially anyone that has or knows of a D.C. & U. or Tillinghast engine. Feel free to contact me at the address below. Also, if you have Internet access, be sure to log on to the OFES web site at www.oilfieldengine.com. I will post additional information and pictures of these great convertible engines.

Contact engine enthusiast Bill Tremel at: (724) 484-0311 or e-mail at: bill@tremel.net.