'Electric Engine'

[Stepney 2,325]

For some time, I have always become quite .. annoyed, by the use of the term 'gas motor' or 'electric engine'. 

An engine being 'a machine which converts linear force into motion'. A motor being defined as 'a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy'.

However, in the case of this Empire B-33, it's better related to a solenoid engine.. but .. it's not a solenoid. 
So, what we have here is a 1929 Empire B-33 'electro-magnetic engine'. The model ran from 1929-1931. So far as I can find. 
It was mainly intended to sit and run in the store front window, driving the toy accessories of the day. It wouldn't require the attention of the steam engines. 
There is a 110v AC to 28v step down transformer in the 'boiler'. A set of breaker points just behind the dummy valve gear trigger 4 electromagnets inside the 'bedplate'. A rocker in there is then connected to the main rod and a hinge, simply being pulled back and forth. 
So.. an 'electric engine' indeed? No 'electrical' part on this machine rotates. Simply an iron plate on a hinge. To the crankpin and a set of breaker points. 

It flies on main current. Tamed it down with a Variac. Hoping it'll run alright with a few of my accessories at show time. I usually run a pair of Empire steam engines at the tractor show. But seen way too many people crossing over the rope fences and don't want to know what will happen when inevitably someone gets burnt.. 

 

I suppose I'm looking way too deep into this. Was able to get it going with little trouble. It's something else to see and also to smell.. the burning ozone reminds me fondly of a classic Lionel train set. 

 

 

[Wheel Horse 3D 3,795]

Very cool!

[roadapples 6,983]

Going through Wheeld Vehicle Mechanic School, if you called an engine a motor, you would be doing push ups...

[ranger 1,750]

One thing that I’ve often wondered is, why are the likes of “Google”, etc called, Search ‘Engines’? And if you attach an engine to something it’s becomes, ‘Motorised’? 🤔

[ebinmaine 67,500]

17 minutes ago, ranger said:

One thing that I’ve often wondered is, why are the likes of “Google”, etc called, Search ‘Engines’? And if you attach an engine to something it’s becomes, ‘Motorised’? 🤔

Well played Sir. 

 

 

6 hours ago, Stepney said:

suppose I'm looking way too deep into this.

I don't think you are. 

I agree. 

Mixing the terms drives me nuts as well even though I occasionally do so. 

 

The fact that you have enough forethought to consider the possibilities of folks at shows is good. 

 

To reduce the likelihood of injury and keep your sanity while still displaying super cool stuff is a win win win.

 

Excellent find Sir.  

[Pullstart 62,881]

2 hours ago, ranger said:

One thing that I’ve often wondered is, why are the likes of “Google”, etc called, Search ‘Engines’? And if you attach an engine to something it’s becomes, ‘Motorised’? 🤔

I had that conversation with Rylee the other day...  we were on a trains to trails trail doing our 6K.  Some kids brought wheeled things.  Bikes, push scooters, etc.  no skates or rollerblades.  One family had their kids outfitted with electric scooters.  We came up with all the things we could simply ride for 6k with no energy.  The scooters were motorized, her dirt bike is enginized.  It’s a non-motorized trail and there are no motors on the dirt bike, not even the starter.

[squonk 41,118]

Sir Jackie Stewart calls them "Motorcars" 

[ranger 1,750]

34 minutes ago, squonk said:

Sir Jackie Stewart calls them "Motorcars" 

It shows how forward thinking he was, looking to the future when all transportation would be electric! Having said that, doesn’t the USA have a Department of ‘Motor’ Vehicles? Not forgetting a ‘Motor’ Cycle industry.

[squonk 41,118]

Detroit is "Motor City"

 

  

 

 

 

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,297]

Not to be off topic @pullstartHow could you be talking to Rylee when we know you were huffing and puffing try to catch your breathe to finish the course. he he

[Pullstart 62,881]

11 hours ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said:

Not to be off topic @pullstartHow could you be talking to Rylee when we know you were huffing and puffing try to catch your breathe to finish the course. he he

Believe it or not, I’m pretty decent at getting my heart rate up and holding a conversation.  “How did you stab yourself again, sir?”  

[RandyLittrell 3,877]

You'll never convince a whole generation of nascar lovers it ain't a motor!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Randy