Classic Alfa Forums

Due to not having enough projects and Kev asking for details of our Winter Projects. We’ve Picked up 2 of these little beauties. One is a 1938 and the other is 1952.
They are Lister D stationary engines commonly used in agriculture from the 1920s. Hand crank to start simple as you can get 4 stroke single cyl OHV 2hp.
You can usually find rows of them chugging along at steam fairs and classic shows.

Have a local Stationary Group based in the next village, there's often a dozen at classic car shows and ploughing matches - there's one that puts out perfect smoke-rings. Love them having come from farming.

Hi Tony. Yes they are very common at classic shows and steam rallies.
We bought these two from a guy in Crewe. He’d bought them for something to do during lockdown. After about 6-12 months of messing he couldn’t get them to run and gave up. we picked them up and within 20 mins of getting them home we had one running like a champ. The other needs a little work but I’m confident I’ll get it sorted.
I Love em and think they’re Ace .

Cages over the rotating bits if you take them to a show?

That’s correct Dave . I have no intention of showing them we have plans for them at home

Keep your rotating bits clear of the rotating bits

alfadave wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 10, 2021 9:19 am

Cages over the rotating bits if you take them to a show?

Not usually - normally the engines are roped off from the public.

Bolt an 240v alternator to it for when lights go out !

That’s All part of the plan John.
The actual system will have solar panels feeding a bank of leisure battery’s. These wIll supply an Invertor. To power the basics in the house.
The Lister will be used to drive a 140 AH alternator just to top the batteries up when the sun doesn’t shine . Still doing basic testing and proof of concept at the moment
Charlotte has extensive experience in control system for the power industry so she’s taking the lead. I just do nuts and bolts

LooLooSud33Spider wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 11, 2021 1:58 pm

The actual system will have solar panels feeding a bank of leisure battery’s. These wIll supply an Invertor. To power the basics in the house.
The Lister will be used to drive a 140 AH alternator just to top the batteries up when the sun doesn’t shine . Still doing basic testing and proof of concept at the moment

That is such a cool idea

Thank Lauren

Have you looked into a solar iboost for your hot water ?

Fitted and one recently and has worked very well. Since found out you may be able to buy a second hand panel then connect it directly to a hot water tank with a 24v immersion heater. No inverter needed, which saves a lot.

The other thing i would like to try is the new hot water tanks that keep the hot water separate form the cold, but cannot recall what they are called at the mo.

Good luck with your system.

My Winter Project will be a "Swing Bin Racer" for my grandson.

For pictures/ footage get googling!

Sounds intriguing Dave .

Saw those at a show a few years back, they did look fun.

Yes, electric cars for kids.....its their future!

swing bin racer

I've got the build manual here.
If anyone is interested, I will post them

Build Manual now gone to a good home.