NEW ZEALAND ENGINE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21258, 11 August 1932, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND ENGINE

HIGH EXPECTATIONS EXPERT'S FAVOURABLE REPORT f LONDON, Aug. 9 Professor F. J. Davies, of King's School of Engineering, London, reporting upon the plans of the oil engine designed by the Edlin-Stewart Engineering Company of New Zealand, Limited, says he expects the engine to give service in high speed, stationary, and road and rail transport, with adaptation comparable to the success achieved by the Junkers Aircraft Company's design, which Professor Davies takes as a basis for comparison. The Edlin-Stewart engine is chiefly interesting for its simplicity and remarkable freedom from vibration throughout its speed range. It differs from most other Diesel engiues in that there are two , pistons in each cylinder, which, when forced apart by the explosion of the gases, transmit their power through a system of cranks to a common crank-shaft. The engine is also unusual in that it is of the sleeve-valve type. The cylinder design results in a remarkable power output from a comparatively email and compact unit. The engine also has a special typo of fuel injector. It was invented by Mr. G. S. Edlin, formerly of Hamilton, who commenced experiments in 1914. and Mr. H. H. Stewart, of Auckland, who joined -Mr. Edlin in 1926. In (he early stages, the inventors made a wooden model with which to experiment, and later a company was formed to exploit the'new motor. Mr. C. F. Bennett is chairman of directors. Tho engine will operate. either on petrol or crude oil, and a petrol model was taken to the United States in 1930. Engineers were impressed by the possibilities of tho new design, and the motor Was thoroughly tested by Chrysler experts. It was decided, however, to build a Diesel model locally under tho supervision of the company's engineers, as there wero further patents pending and developmental work overseas was extremely costly. The D rsel was made by the Auckland engineering firm of Johnson and Sons, cud, after being exhibited locally for a period, it was taken to England late last year. \ arious prominent engineers in jEn*'land and the United States have expressed the opinion that the Edlin-Stewart design is a definite advance. At present the Diesel i s in England,where Professor Davies, of the King's School of Engineering, London, and the technical experts of tho Salmson Engineering Company, Lirnitfd, are working on. a commercial engine based on the EdlinStewart principle. Production under royalty will be begun shortly by two prominent firms who specialise in singlecylinder motors, while the multi-cylinder type will be developed later.