Stuart Turner 1 HP Generating Set
Engine No. - 8265
Year - 3/7/1939 Type - Air Cooled Twin

Electro-Dynamic Construction Co. Ltd
DC Generator
No. - 81995, 24 Volts, 17Amps, 0.408kW Continuous

This engine appears to be a wartime generating set, believed to be used for charging batteries for radio sets during the war. The set is 99% complete even down to the starting handle. The only parts missing appear to be the fuel tank cap, petrol tap and fuel pipe along with odd nuts and bolts. The whole set is very lightweight in construction and is mounted on a cast aluminium base. The engine and dynamo are mounted on the base in a direct coupled fashion and the whole assembly is encased by a tubular steel frame which forms a protective cage and also makes for easy carrying. The tubular cage also acts as the fuel tank mount and the fuel is strapped to the frame using the original leather straps provided with the set.

We have been informed that the engine has been running within the past 10 years or so and is still free to turn over and is in very good condition. The engine will need a full strip down and clean but no major problems are envisaged. The only repairs that appear to be required are a new exhaust system as the original has corroded and the tubular frame has been cut off the base and will need welding back together.

The engine nameplate is date stamped which is likely to be the test date of the set. The history of the unit is unfortunately unknown but it is believed that these units were very popular in their day yet not many seem to have survived. The engine will be restored in due course and should make an interesting little set. Any history, information or photos of these units would be gratefully received to assist in the restoration.

Stuart 1 HP Engines seen elsewhere:-

Ebay - Interestingly, in July 2004 we spotted a similar fully restored engine on Ebay and for whatever reason the photos of the engine were pulled from Ebay and saved for future reference. Lo and behold, this turns out to be the very same type of engine we have acquired. For the purposes of information and comparison some of the photos are shown below. Unfortunately the outcome of the auction or location/contact of purchaser was lost so if anyone can identify we would be pleased to hear from you. (should the purchaser wish these photos removed from this page we will be happy to oblige as we have no formal permission to use these)

Doune Vintage Rally - Around 1992 we attended the Doune Motor Museum Vintage Rally near Stirling and snapped this engine which at the time we could not identify. Again, this is obviously a nicely restored Stuart 1 HP generator set identical to ours and we would be keen to hear from the owner.