Matt Parker's "Bill"

Got this email from Matt Parker on July 4, 2017.  Click the youtube link at the bottom to see it run!
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Allen,

Thanks again for helping me to solve my hall sensor problem. Even though it wasn't anything more than a bonehead move on my part, it was you who insisted it was the hall sensor leading to me finding the issue.
The below video is my engine finally taking its first breaths of life. Thanks to your father for a great set of plans which allows folks like me to accomplish these builds. I look forward to the next engine build.

https://youtu.be/HcVUV9TMys4

Thanks again,
Matt Parker

Dana Hall's "Bill"

Got this e-mail from Dana on Nov 12, 2012:

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Hi Allen...

Dana Hall here from Florida...

I hope this letter finds you well...

I just finished working on the "Bill" engine and thought you might like to

see how it came out... A lot of small parts to this engine...

Enclosed are 2 pictures...

...

Take care and looking forward to hearing from you...

Dana

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Dana,

As usual, a beautiful job.  I really like the compact arrangement and woodwork.  Thanks for the photos, and looking forward to seeing your Plunket Jr. (or whatever's next!) when it's finished.

Regards,

Allen

John Laudano's Twin Cylinder "Bill"

I got this e-mail from John on Aug 5, 2012:

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This is the engine I built after being inspired by "Bill". Video: http://youtu.be/KFRBsLZa5sE

"Bill" 4-Cycle Gas Engine built by Reg Miller of St. Thomas, Ontario Canada

"Bill" 4-Cycle Engine built by Paul Wollan of Orange City, FL

"Bill" 4-Cycle Gas Engine built by Jeff Conner of Baldwinsville, NY

Jerry's Original "Bill"

"Advertised by the Downing Engine Works of Des Plains, Illinois in 1906 for $125.00, the 3 horsepower 'Bill' engine is somewhat of an enigma. A patent was issued to William A. Downing for the design but it is not known how many were actually produced, if any. The very simple and attractive engine was probably intended for light duty work such as pumping water, powering a grinding wheel or a small dynamo, etc. A listing for the 'Bill' can be found on page 141 of American Gasoline Engines Since 1872 by C.H. Wendel.

This is an approximate 1/3 scale model of the 1906 'Bill' engine. It runs on propane gas. On liquid fuel, due to the remoteness from the engine, the mixer soon gets cold from liquid fuel vaporization and after that the fuel doesn't vaporize very well which results in ragged operation. A propane demand valve was made for it and running on propane solves that problem. I have to presume that the prototype engine encountered the same problems (it may have ran on illuminating gas), but there was no propane to the rescue back in those days! " - Jerry Howell