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

Jerry's Original "Powerhouse"

"The 'PowerHouse' engine is a long stroke design for medium to low speed operation. By having a long stroke, it is capable driving a load such as a generator or pump at a leisurely pace. It is made from bar stock and was designed to be as easy to build as possible while retaining good looks. The frame and base plate is from aluminum alloy plate. The cylinder, piston and head are of cast iron bar stock; and the flywheel is of mild steel. The engine is air cooled by fan (belt driven or electric), although it will also operate without one. Spark advance/retard is adjustable while the engine is running. The carburetor is an easy to build type with adjustable speed control and an air cleaner. The engine will run an hour or so on 2 ounces of fuel." - Jerry Howell

Jerry's Original "Duplex" Stirling Cycle Engine

"This engine is not a 'vacuum' engine, it is a 'beta' type stirling engine. Beta means that the power piston and the displacer are both working in the same cylinder. This arrangement gives greater power output than the typical two cylinder engine. The reason for this is that the compression ratio can be higher due to less "dead" space inside the engine.

The Duplex Vacuum Company of Chicago, Illinois made this type of engine about 100 years ago. They were widely used in popcorn wagons and to operate dental drills among other applications due to their silent operation and reliability.

A unique feature of the Duplex engines is the oscillating shaft and linkage which produces an interesting motion in operating the displacer." - Jerry

Jerry's Original "Super Fan" (SUPERFAN)

"This fan was designed to be a real workhorse.  Every effort was made to reduce friction to an absolute minimum while at the same time making the unit extremely reliable, maintenance free, quiet and very long lived.  My fan has many hundreds of running hours on it while at shows and in my office during summer months with no maintenance, service or repairs of any kind done, or needed." - Jerry Howell

Jerry's Western Electric Telegraph Key & Sounder

The telegraph was the only long distance instant communication device until radio and other means came along. Railroads were always the largest users of the telegraph and utilized them for more than a century. The railroads would have had a very hard time operating safely and efficiently without them.

The full size plans will allow you to make an exact replica of the key and sounder. The photo above is the "real thing" antique originals. The originals were made in a time when quality was of prime importance and aesthetics ran a close second! These instruments were made of brass and steel, as were all manner of other types of instruments. You will want to make yours of these materials as well.

You can make an operating set, or as non-operating shelf models. Either way, you can make them full size or reduce the size for really neat items to put in your curio cabinet or as a unique desk ornament set.

Jerry's "Millers Falls" Miterbox Saw

This is a 1/6th scale model of a "Millers Falls" miterbox saw that was made in the 1950's. It was a beautifully designed and built tool. The saw frame was cast iron and other parts were machined from solid steel bar stock. Most of the hardware items were nickel plated. Tools with that kind of quality are not made anymore and never will be again.

The model saw frame is milled from solid brass. The saw blade is brass sheet and the rest of the saw is machined from miscellaneous brass bar stock. The saw handle and the material deck is walnut for a nice contrast to the brass.

This model almost looks like jewelry and will look great on your desk, the fireplace mantle or in your curio cabinet. I made this saw as a gift for a friend (George W. Neff) in 1977. How about you making one for that really special carpenter relative or friend of yours?

(Sorry, the pictures were duplicated from old slides from 1977 that are not very good.)

Specifications: Overall Width: 3-3/8", Blade Length: 4-1/8", Overall Height: 1-15/16"

Jerry's Original "Plunket Jr"

"Plunket Jr. is about a 1/2 scale model of the 1/2 H.P. Plunket Jr. engine manufactured by the J.E. Plunket Company of Chicago, Illinois around 1909. It was used to power washing machines, sewing machines and other household chores. It is shown on page 395 of 'American Gasoline Engines Since 1872' by C.H. Wendel." - Jerry Howell