Light Plant Engines

     These engines were built for use with Western Electric lighting equipment.  Most were sold under the Western Electric name but complete outfits were available from Fuller & Johnson starting around 1919.  Engines equipped with a magneto were used for direct lighting purposes only, those without used electricity from the storage batteries they charged for ignition.  As with many engines manufactured in the day, the Wico EK magneto became available in 1924 for direct lighting units.  Light plants were still available in 1931 and presumably available right up until the end of engine production 1933.  The 8M and 15M direct lighting units were available in both 32V and 110V.  The air cooled kerosene burning light plant engine itself featured a unique splash oil system that was kept filled by a small oil pump.  Both Titan and National batteries were available in 80 to 315 ampere hour sizes.  

Direct lighting unit No. 8M with 32V, 23 amp generator.

Unit No. 15B for use with storage batteries.

Unit No. 15 with 16 storage batteries all hooked up and operational.  Note the belt to the far right of the photo.

850 watt  35-40 volt unit No. 8B

34 volt  37 amperes No. 15M direct lighting unit.

No. 35 semi portable unit on left, No. 35 stationary on right.  The two cylinder model AB engine is driving a 3 1/2 KW  110 volt DC generator.