Dennymite; is this a yard sale find? Off to a new home!

[Brian Massey]

While checking out yard sales with my wife, I came across this engine. It's a Dennymite, size unknown, but looks to be in the 29-40 size. I have to admit that I've never heard of this brand, but for a buck I thought "why not?" Any ideas or history?

And the winner is . . . Floyd Carter! I decided to give the Dennymite to someone who might enjoy it rather than me keeping it and just having an "old engine" in a box somewhere. Floyd is going to see if he can get it breathing and snorting again. That would be fun. Floyd has a lot of experience with the old spark plug engines so I thought that would be a good home.

Thanks,

Brian

[Tim Wescott]

I'll give you two bucks, and pay your postage.  Just pop it in the mail before anyone else responds.

[Jim Thomerson]

Here is a link about Reginald Denny.  http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/denny.html

Marilyn Monroe was working in the drone factory and was recognized as someone to use in a promotional photograph. It was the beginning of her career as a glamour girl. There was an article about Denny in Model Aviation several years ago, with the MM photo.

To quote my wife, "That is a nice one.  It is worth just about whatever you can get for it."

[Steve Helmick]

Absolutely! I'll trade you a 6-pack of Oscar Mayer all-beef hotdogs (bun length) for it, with wholewheat buns and matching brown mustard?

Reginald Denny was a Hollywood actor, aviation enthusiast, and hobby shop owner. He was involved with R/C Drone R&D for the US Army Air Corps before WWII. My Dad met him in that scenario, probably at Wright Field or Corum's Ranch (Muroc Dry Lake, aka Edwards AFB in later years). Apparently, the hobby shop (somewhere in LA) went away in the early '60's. I had some links to info on him and the shop, but that all went away in a computer 'event'.  He had the engines made for him, of course. Looks kinda funky, but from what I've read, they ran fairly well, considering.   Steve

[Tim Wescott]

Looks kinda funky, but from what I've read, they ran fairly well, considering.

All model airplane motors from the 30's looked kinda funky.  That's what makes them fun.

[FLOYD CARTER]

The Denny6mite "Airstream" engine is a .56 cu in. Not particularly powerful, about equal to an Ohlsson 60 sideport ,but it weighs more.  I had one about 1950.  I just ran it on the test bench.

Floyd

[W.D. Roland]

Have wing and Cowl from Denny Plane hanging in Dads shop if an one need airfoil traced or.....


David

[Garf]

Dennymite Airstream .57

[AT1984]

Have any idea what the broken piece is?

[Steve Helmick]

The needle valve and spraybar are missing, and it looks like the points housing are at least mostly there, but for the broken off adjustment lever. There are some repro parts made for some of those old critters, but I don't know about the Dennymite. It looks like it would clean up alright, and make a nice hood ornament for the BBQ.  Steve

[Jim Kraft]

I had a Sky Chief 53 that looked very much like a Denymite, and I always figured they were made by the same company. It now belongs to Randy Ryan. He seems to wind up with all my odd ball old engines. Any time you can buy an old sparker for a dollar it is mandatory that you buy it no matter what shape it is in. You might get lucky and get an Orwick, Super Cyke, or Anderson Spitfire. Then I would give you the hot dogs and buns, 2 dollars, and if you lived close, I would mow your lawn five times.

[Brian Massey]

I had a Sky Chief 53 that looked very much like a Denymite, and I always figured they were made by the same company. It now belongs to Randy Ryan. He seems to wind up with all my odd ball old engines. Any time you can buy an old sparker for a dollar it is mandatory that you buy it no matter what shape it is in. You might get lucky and get an Orwick, Super Cyke, or Anderson Spitfire. Then I would give you the hot dogs and buns, 2 dollars, and if you lived close, I would mow your lawn five times.

Jim Kraft, Move to the head of the line!!! So far your's is the best offer!  Although, if Steve would make those buns Sourdough, it'd be close.

And yes, I think the broken lever was for the spark adjustment. No tank/NVA either. HEY, it was a buck! (And it might garner me a few hot dogs  . )

Brian

[AT1984]

I've been checking out vintage engines, lately. Wow...The only thing we had as kids were Cox .049's!

[Bill Gruby]

Dennymite Airstream .57

 Let's bring it home OK? 1938 Dennymite Airstream. .57 cu in. Earlier versions had 9 fins this one has 7. All Dennymites were .57s They were made by 5 different companies all owned or operating thru Denny Industries. #1 O&R  #2 Pacific Airmotive  #3 Western Bargain  #4 Berg  #5 JLS

 "Billy G"

[De Hill]

The Dennymites were mainly used as early race car engines. There was a lot of speed equipment made for them. Ward Hallenberg had a large collection of Dennymites both stock and modified. They were quite the sight to see.

[FLOYD CARTER]

Brian.  Woody Bartelt carries many Dennymite parts, needle valves, tanks, timer parts, gaskets, etc.  Let me know what you need and I can give catalog nrs., prices and an order form.

A fully restored Dennymite would be of interest to collectors.  You could turn a nice profit on E-Bay.

Floyd

floydecarter@gmail.com