ECC generator

Many years ago, I found this right on top of the scrap metal skip at the Council Tip. It was just waiting for me, a gift! I think I gave the man £5, or maybe less. According to the brass label attached, it was made by the Enfield Cycle Company in 1943, with a WD serial number. It is a 4-stroke petrol, 50cc, driving an alternator with a huge plate rectifier to give an output of 20 volts DC. I believe it was made to be dropped in its own cage and probably a canvas cover by parachute behind the lines for charging radio batteries. The pulley was missing; The original was about 1" wide. The wiring was wrongly connected. The key-way on the shaft was worn, and I had to machine it and make a stepped key. The other major jobs were to cut a new exhaust valve seat, and the cam followers were missing. I made new ones from a high tensile bolt turned on the lathe. The original armoured HT cable sleeve and spark plug were discarded because they were shorting out. Spark is supplied by magneto. It usually starts on the fourth pull.

Cracking little thing, lots of work to get it up and running again too, very rewarding taking something out a skip and getting it going.

Chris

Thanks, Chris. A view of the alternator end. The bracket on the left is holding an ex-army number plate light, added for effect.

Its a shame it doesnt have its original frame that it sat in with a canvas cover, several companies made them during the war, it was designed by Edgar T Westbury, there is a youtube video here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_g6RiB0RVQ

Maryalice

Nice unit and what a rectifier!

Alan

Actually, one has just turned up on e-bay-uk, issue number 165135415546. It is very sad, unfortunately. I have taken a screen-shot, and maybe one day make a frame.

Just watched the video, Maryalice, thank you. Excellent.