New member first post, I apoligise but the usual "what is it please" question!

[edwardm]

Hello all, I am a nearly retired engineer with the normal healthy interests in all things historic / steam / vintage / propulsion. Spent 50 years in classic car restoration, new builds, motorsport then aviation as a fabricator welder, but also time served machinist at the beginning of my career.

My only real contact with Listers is my little 1952 BSA motorbike uses a 274 remote bowl Amal, which a guy at a show once told me (correctly or not) that is was also used on some stationary engines.

However I digress (it's me age).

Sadly a relative passed away recently, he was well known in vintage bike circles as a specialist, but started his career as a young country boy who marched into Listers in 1954 asking for an apprentieship as he knew all the parts of an engine and how they worked, they were so impressed by his attitude and knowledge he was granted one.

He then was a toolmaker at a large car firm before setting up his own engineering business with bike competition preperation (BSA specialist) a sideline and passion.

Sadly had been unwell for several years, and hobbies and business went by the wayside, but in his garden he used to cut up timber for his and friend's use, even long after retirement.

I have to clear his shed, and have found a Lister engine which drives a heavy bench saw (unguarded 24 inch blade!), obviously well used and has been sat around for some time now, a well worked unit as shed was full of dust and various cuts of timber.

The shed is also full of junk piled on top, so I was unable to get better photos, I think the engine is mounted on a frame attached to the saw bench, and is exhausted outside.

I just wondered if the knowledgeable members on here could offer an opinion as to which model engine it was just from my poor pictures. I will be back on Sunday to get stuck in, so will be able hopefully be able to see build plates etc.

Have no idea what one of these weighs either, we are all getting on who have been tasked to remove it, what is a ballpark figure please?

Lots of Lister related books and stuff in the house, have not started on that yet, but thought his background may be of interest as an ex employee and time served Lister man.

ATB, Ed

[broncodriver99]

Hello. Welcome.

That could be one of quite a few of the single cylinder models as they were all very similar in appearance. They are generally around 250 lbs. There should be a data tag on the left hand side of the engine on the fuel pump cover door. Looks like a complete engine as well.

There is definitely interest here in any of the documentation. Much of it has been lost to time.

[AdeV]

At a guess, it's either an LR1 or LD1, these were very popular e.g. in cement mixers, probably bench saws as well. Indeed, it may be the original engine to the bench saw... although I'd have no way of knowing how to find that out.

If you can find the serial number (it'll be on a small brass plate riveted to the engine somewhere), that should (if it's readable!) give us the definitive answer.

[cobbadog]

GDay Ed and welcome to the Lister Forum. Sorry to hear of the loss of a mate but his memory looks as if it will live on when this set up is saved from the scrapers. Lister engines are almost bullet proof so with a few checks arou nd it I woulddd be surprised it doesnt start up and run.

Ive now been retired for 3 years here in Oz and need to go back to work for a rest. Hope to hear more on this treasure.

[edwardm]

Thaks cobber,

Have been back today and cleared around the old beast, photos attached, serial reads 9720LD115, 1.5HP At 750rpm.

Sprocket on output, and was a sprocket on the (free running) Saw shaft, so presume chain drive table. Saw was in use, lots of cut well dried wood in the shed, but not used for a few years.

On other forums I frequent, you normally have to contribute 50 posts or thereabouts before getting access to sales, I am unaware of the form on here.

Would prefer it to be kept in use or restored, but a casual look on auction sites shows values can be sub £100 for a non runner, so any thoughts on value of this unit / saw table would be most welcomed by the family.

ATB, Ed

[AdeV]

Have been back today and cleared around the old beast, photos attached, serial reads 9720LD115, 1.5HP At 750rpm.

Cool, so what you have there is an LD1 (they were as common as muck, pretty well bullet-proof as long as they weren't horribly overheated or allowed to run without oil) from 1965.

If the fuel system is still connected up & there's still fuel in the tank, it might be worth giving her a crank to see if she'll fire up. The lever on the top of the valve cover, next to the oil filler cap, is the decompression lever; pushed one way (I'm not sure which way on that engine) it'll hold the exhaust valve open, which gives you, the poor operator, a chance to spin the engine up to a few RPMs. Then, when you're spinning her as hard as you can, push/release the lever and - with a fair wind and just the right amount of pixie dust, she'll pop and bang into life. Or - all to frequently - will puff a few bits of white smoke & gradually wear you out!

On other forums I frequent, you normally have to contribute 50 posts or thereabouts before getting access to sales, I am unaware of the form on here.

No restrictions here - just pop a post in the Lister Market Place board. It's worth noting, though, that this is a fairly low-circulation forum, and many of our members are in the USA, or Australia, and exporting an LD1 is not something that's likely to happen due to cost.

Probably the best place to sell is either FB Marketplace, or fleabay - if you can ascertain that the engine runs first, you'll get a better price.

I'm afraid it's impossible to sensibly estimate a price. It looks like a fantastic saw, but the weight & size will put many people off. I'm also not sure what the rules are regarding having it as an exhibit at a steam fair, for example: I suspect the organisers would take a dim view of a 24 inch blade whirling away with no guards on it!

Best of luck with disposing of it though! I've got a knackered LD1 in bits - IIRC it's a 2hp @ 900rpm version (or thereabouts), but you need to spin it at nearly 900rpm just to get it started!

[edwardm]

Many thanks anyway guys, I will pass on the information and thanks again on behalf of the family.

ATB, ED

[cobbadog]

As already mentioned these engines are popular as many were made. It would be an ideal entry level engine for someone starting off in the hobby as they are easy to maintain  and repair. Definately worth putting some clean fuel in it and trying a start up.
The saw bench should be desirable for those who rally the engines. YES definately would need a guard around the blade and chain if being run here in Oz.
If it does start and run then that gives you a good start for a sale. The bench saw is another item hard to value, not too many on the rally grounds near me so no clue what it would sell for but again if its complete within reason and everything rotates that's a huge bonus. Try to find similar equipment for sale to gain an idea of value. If in a hurry think of a number and list it. Faceache Marketplace seems to be the go to sell stuff here as a first prefference. Also try contatcing  local Engine Club  to see if they or their members have an interest in it.