The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

What fuels them and how do you do it? I don't see any gas cap.

AFAIK, it's filled with alcohol that is put into a little burner. Can anyone possibly tell me how long does it run with one filling?

The YouTube video I watched said the machine can run for 12 hours on one fill up.

I must be getting old.....I can't remember if a thread was done before on here regarding these machines .However, as long as it doesn't bore those to see it again.I certainly don't mind answering whatever I can about these machines.Regarding running time.Fuel consumption (methylated spirit) as stated by the manufacturer in various advertisements, would have brought a glint to the eye of any Trades Descriptions Act officer who happened to be around in 1910. It was variously claimed to be 1 pint for 12 hours running.Half a litre for 45 hours and half a pint for 45 hours;and finally,12 hours running on one container filling (which contained ½ pint).
Now, after all that.Most feel that it is 12 hours on 1 pint.I think that all the above are fantasy at best. I run my machine weekly and I find that after four records,the heat within the case is precarious to say the least.The tank is also quite hot to the touch.Which,I think will also cause the alcohol to evaporate even faster out the breather hole in the filler cap.
If anyone is still awake after reading all this......I hope it answers the question...

Thanks for the info... Very interesting stuff

When I posted the Youtube video I was going off of the old promotional literature which gave the 12 hour figure. I've never tested that out for myself, and never intend to!

Hey Rene!!!!!........Do you want a race!!!!!??????...... .I bet mine is faster than yours is. I know we can do it for "pink" slips......I always wanted a pair.However,I should be careful.Knowing you..... you will cheat and use NOS in yours...... .

gramophone78 wrote:Hey Rene!!!!!........Do you want a race!!!!!??????...... .I bet mine is faster than yours is. I know we can do it for "pink" slips......I always wanted a pair.However,I should be careful.Knowing you..... you will cheat and use NOS in yours...... .

Don't try to run it on jet fuel !!

I've had the priviledge of being able to play with one of these and they are amazing. I read not too long ago that the Stirling motor (the name of the hot air motor) is making a comeback in solar energy. One just focuses the suns rays on a modern version of a hot air motor and you can generate electricity all day ........ well, till the sun goes down.

Here's my other Stirling engine-driven antique, one which perhaps is even stranger than putting a hot air motor inside a wooden cabinet -- using heat to cool off:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ1uWHeG_Pw[/youtube]

Well now, that just blows me away!!!!!! .