[AJD] The controversy

[Bill Salisbury]

Hi All,

I have been following the email conversations about Two Cylinder and am not sure that I am even qualified to comment, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt.

I have been a member of The Antique Outboard Motor Club for over 40 years and have heard the same type of discussions in our group regarding the "real antiques" and the so-called "classic" engines.  The "real antique" is one which has exposed flywheel, usually a square type gas tank built into the engine which shrouds the flywheel, and all the various mechanisms, levers, knobs, etc, all hanging out in the open.  The "classic" is anything built after 1950, fully shrouded, usually full shift.

There was a time when our club was going through the same type of arguments and discussions.  It became apparent that first and foremost, our interest is a hobby and that is supposed to provide fun for the individual.  The younger guys and gals, grew up with the engines out of the 1950s and '60s and endeared them to the engines they remember and loved so much.  It was a natural for them to collect and enjoy those.  I am a "square tanker" guy who loves the opposed twins and the early opposed fours and who also owns a few of the "classic" engines and enjoy those too.  The only way, it was discovered, to allow the club to grow was to accept the fact that the newer and younger members identify with and enjoy the newer engines and that someday they will be older too and some more advanced types will take their place.

I am a neophyte when it comes to tractors, although I spent many hours driving in wheatland country for my uncle more than 50 years ago.  He had "red tractors" and I know that that is a terrible thing!  I have always wanted a two cylinder JD and am now the proud owner of a nicely restored 420.  It is not just a show tractor.  It does get some light duty around my daughter's farm and always gets washed, dried and polished after each use before going back into its enclosed garage.

I have enjoyed reading the comments and hope that the members will continue with the discussions.  The ultimate success of the group will hinge on accepting the fact that time moves on and adjustments in thinking must do the same or failure is right around the corner.

Cheers!  Bill Salisbury in Virginia