The Baker Ball Hopper

MONITOR

 

 

 

The Engine

The Baker Ball Hopper Monitor is one of the most elegant looking of all antique engines.There were three sizes, the 2hp, 4hp, and 7hp. All were nearly scale models of each other. One difference is, there actually were two versions of the 2 hp model, the short neck, which you see above, and the long neck version which has the timing gear in the center, as do the 4 and 8 hp versions.

The 2 hp has 4" bore, 6" stroke, and 24" flywheels.

This particular engine is owned by Monk Ivicic, a collector in Holland Texas. It was originally used to pump water up a hill, from a creek up to a cotton mill. The water was for a large steam engine which ran the mill arounfd1900.

 

The Model

 

Scaling and developing this kit has been nearly a two year project, but it has been a rewarding and educational experience. The model is made at 3/8 scale of the Baker Ball Hopper engine shown above. Every effort was taken to preserve detail and functionality of the original engine.

The Monitor is a hit-n-miss governed engine, using a pendulum on the flywheel to trip a lever which holds the rocker arm in the up position when the speed is too high. Ignition is by spark plug, and an electronic ignition, while not necessary, is recommended. It will keep the dwell constant for different speeds and point settings.

There is an optional bronze flywheel upgrade available. Bronze is a little heavier than iron, and should allow a longer miss period between hits.

 

Shop Tools

This engine prototype has been machined mpstly in a 9x20 lathe, 8x28 MillDrill, and drill press, with a few exceptions. The Flywheels will require at least a 12" lathe, or could be machined in the mill drill with a rotary table. Boring the crankcase will require a 12" lathe and faceplate.

Some Statistics:

Bore 1.5"

Stroke: 2.25"

Flywheek Dia: 9"

Over All Height 17"

 

The Engine Kit Includes

The Castings (Cast Iron Kit)

Iron: crank case, front flywheel, rear flywheel, connecting rod, piston, head, 2 main bearing caps, water hopper, hopper cover,

crank case access plate, gas tank, mixer, exhaust cage, rocker arm, muffler base, muffler cap, and pulley

Bronze: governor pendulum

 

The Castings (Aluminum Kit)

Iron: front flywheel, rear flywheel, cylinder liner stock

Aluminum: crank case, connecting rod, piston, head, 2 main bearing caps, water hopper, hopper cover,

crank case access plate, gas tank, mixer, exhaust cage, rocker arm, muffler base, muffler cap, and pulley

Bronze: governor pendulum

 

Optional: substute bronze flywheels

 

Either Kit Includes:

TIming Gears 36 tooth 32DP steel pinion, 72 tooth 32DP timng gear, scaled and cast in bronze. Both gears are custom hobbed for Lone Star Engine Works.

Prints Complete set of AutoCad drawings

Accessory Kit: 2 -1/2" pipe caps for gas tank

 

Iron Kit Castings Aluminum Kit Castings

 

Optional Bronze Flywheels