Tiny Tim generator

[listerdiesel]

Just joined the forum, this thread is what hooked me in!

The BSA variant is quite widespread, we came across one in Portland IN, USA at the gas engine and tractor show in August, and have just picked up a pair yesterday to play with.

Pictures of the Portland unit are here:

http://www.stationary-engine.co.uk/P...tland08467.htm
http://www.stationary-engine.co.uk/P...tland08468.htm

That seems to carry a 1960 date tag after the 'BSA' on the label, I have a close-up shot of the label but didn't put it on the website.

We will be looking out for documentation over the next few months, and I'll get some pictures onto the website as we proceed with the restoration. Both look good enough to be repaired and got running.

Peter

[David DeWeese]

I have this unit that I picked up in Montana. From earlier responses in this thread, I guess this OMC of Canada generator would be considered a "Chorehorse". Tag shows it to be a 24-volt unit. Was this a WW2-era unit that was modified, or is this just post war?
The second one was in the shed with the one I have here, but was too heavy for me to pick up, so I guess it got scrapped along with everthing else.
Looking at the photo of the second one, I now see there was also what appears to be a flexible exhaust pipe laying to the left of the unit that I should have picked up also!

[cletrac (RIP)]

Here's a page out of the manual. The manual has several variants with minor differences.

[David DeWeese]

Thanks David for the photo and the reply!
Got the OMC generator running today. Had a stuck valve, but worked it loose and got it to fire and run.
Do you think this a WW2-era generator that was modified for post-war use, or was it built post war? Would like to see more of your manual!
Thanks, David

[David Dunlop]

The chorehorse was built in 6, 12 and 24 volt versions over quite a few decades. There were commercial units built for the rural farm electrification programs in the Canadian prairies in 6 and 12 volt versions as well. These were identical in appearance to the military equivalents, but typically minus the metal guard assembly.

After the war, the Canadian military kept 12 volt radio systems in operation well into the 1960's, the last of it surplused out by 1970. At the same time, they were gradually introducing a vastly smaller quantity of vehicles and signals equipment based on 24 volt systems from the early 1950's onward.

It was probably just as cost effective to order a small quantity of new 24 volt units than have the older equipment reworked.

David

[David DeWeese]

Hello David,
Thank you for the great information on the generator!
The reason I was asking about if it might have been reworked is that when I took the oil bath air breather off to prime it for starting, the original color underneath was a dark chocolate-brown. Resembled what I have seen referred to as "DTB"? There is also a small tag on the unit which reads
"Mod 1".
Still trying to learn about this stuff as my present knowlege wouldn't fill a thimble!
Thanks again, David

[Rob Beale]

I have seen similar units labelled "Iron Horse 4 cycle" wiith 300W output.

Can anyone tell me more: were these used by the military? Without a fram does that make them likely civilian?

What should I look for?

thanks in advance
Rob