Just hit it with a 2x4 and it starts right up it
 

Yes, that is exactly how you start the 1910 General Electric DC generator set that is owned by Rough and Tumble in Kinzers, PA

To start the four cylinder gas engine, gas is placed in three of the four cylinders and the other one has a 10 gauge all brass shotgun shell filled with FF blackpowder topped off with a paper wad. Smack the top with a board and it comes right up to speed.

Today was work day and we put the finishing touches on the DC generator. It now powers the ten 500 watt 120VDC lightbulbs running down the building along with the four lights over the generator and the cooling fan for the outside radiator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_BSY68fMwo

Cool video Jeff, thanks for sharing.

Very cool! Remarkably smooth running engine. The 2x4 method is unique but effective. Safety was not first with all of those exposed components such as the flywheel and the generator but operators had common sense. Old school electrical hookups are very cool too!

Awesome vid, Jeff! Thanks for sharing.

And...if you want to knock someone's lights out, just hit 'em with a 2x4. :biggrin2:

Thanks for sharing, Jeff!

Now that right there was pretty damn cool Jeff, thanks for sharing.:beerchug:
Gotta love it when a machine of that vintage can still do what it was designed to do...:beer2:

That is COOL. You guys need to spring for a dead blow hammer for the starter. Maybe to "High Tech". :bigthink: :biggrin2:

Remembering them starting other engines with "cartridges"
one in particular in an old movie "Flight of the phoenix" that I watched as a young man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IACjOvyx5hs :beerchug:

Check a few other video of old equipment from the same source. I'll have to visit when open.

At least you never have to worry about a broken arm from a crank handle kicking back when trying to start. :biggrin2:

Very cool!

Bill