LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
MINI ENGINE A MYSTERY FOR COLLECTOR
I thought some of your readers might be able to help me learn more about this engine. The size is 4 inches long, 2 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide. One source states it may have been a promotional paper weight; another says that it was made by Arcade, with no further information.
-Beth Hobbs, 24226 Johnston Chapel Rd., Bristol, VA 24202; korndog@preferred.com
COULD IT BE A SHARPENER?
I think the tool pictured in the September issue on page 6 is a disc blade sharpener. I used one like it to sharpen individual discs.
MORE UK CHALLENGERS?
I think this 1938 Challenger is the only one left of about 100 of the model sold new in Scotland. My father bought one new. He had four at one time, but they were all sold in the early 1960s. Challengers were typically shipped to the UK without front wheels and axle. Does anyone know of any more Challengers in the UK?
-Ian Robertson, Hilton of Guthrie, Forear Angus, Scotland DD8 2UA
LITTLE ALLIS IS A WONDER
I saw the "One-of-a-Kind" letter in the September issue of Farm Collector, and decided to send a picture of my son's little Allis. It was built from scratch (except for the cut-down grille) by my brother-in-law, Milo Heckt, Sun City, Ariz. The engine is a 4-cylinder. The transmission and differential are from a Ford Pinto, and the rear wheels from a John Deere manure spreader. It has individual rear brakes. This little honey has been in many parades and shows with us, and has been invited back many times! Milo passed away and my sister sold the mini to my son Kevin.
- Veryl Matthiesen, 109 W. 6th St., Jasper, MN 56144
M-M COMBINE INFORMATION NEEDED
We have a Minneapolis-Moline combine, model JR, with a Hercules engine, model 1XB5. It is a 4-cylinder, with a firing order of 1243 and is 3' 1/4" x 4'. A local farmer owned it in 1940. It has iron spokes and rubber tires. We would like to find out as much as possible about it.
-Ken & Jane Cox, 1349 E. 90th N., Belle Plaine, KS 67013; (316) 488-3874; timetrad@hit.net