Big Rider hot air engine from 1881-82

This 6-inch (6.75 in. actual bore size) Rider hot air engine is the earliest example known in running condition. It was purchased new in 1881 or '82 by Marcellus Hartley for his newly acquired property and summer home on "Orange Mountain" (West Orange, NJ), only a short ride away from his home and office in New York City. Hartley, a sporting goods dealer specializing in guns for hunting, was appointed by Lincoln to source arms and munitions for the Union during the US Civil War. After the war Hartley started the first mass production of rifle cartridges at the Union Metallic Cartridge Co. which he founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He later purchased and became president of the Remington Arms Co. of Ilion, NY in 1888. The engine was recovered in 2018 from its original installation in Hartley's former livery stable on the property.

[@anythingoldmechanical]

That must be a dream, to own such a substantial rare engine, in such beautiful condition!

[@ElChokin]

Una maravilla de máquina, saludos amigo.

[@Lechoslowianin]

it's a pity that you don't make motors of this type yourself anymore. I invite you to watch my recent achievements. A few movies backwards

[@KD-lq1sr]

It's amazing that the engine survived so long without anybody demolishing it. Great history. Is that Hartley house still standing?

[@riderericsson]

Unfortunately the house is no longer there (replaced by a modern mansion) but the livery stable (where the engine was) still stands.

[@atver1961]

wow!! very nice....

[@bradarmstrong3952]

Thanks for sharing this video and the accompanying history!

[@marklion315]

Can this be used to generate electricity?

[@riderericsson]

I suppose but would be a very inefficient way of doing so compared to modern stirling engines.

[@wincent969]

@@riderericsson Hi! Can you tell me, where can i find modern stirling engines?

[@riderericsson]

@@wincent969 Most have been discontinued. Perhaps you can contact this company: www.microgen-engine.com/

[@wincent969]

@@riderericsson Thank you very match Rider!