Dunbar Popcorn Wagon No. 2 Steam Engine

Dunbar No. 2 Steam Engine

Dunbar Steam Engine No. 2 Picture from Dunbar Sales Catalogs

"This style of engine is used on our No. 2 Wagon, and is built on new lines, the cylinder being stationary, fitted with a rocker valve, which is moved by an eccentric on the main shaft. The connecting rod or drive arm, is divided on one end, and connects on the cross head. The bearings are all large to lessen the wear, and are adjustable. This engine is also fitted with a lubricator for oiling the cylinder. The bright parts are all nickel plated, and it is mounted on a handsomely decorated japanned bed plate 20 inches long. It is about 1/4 horse power. Price of the No. 2 Engine alone, $30.00." From the Dunbar Sales Catalogs

Dunbar No. 2 Steam Engine
by Bruce Wm. Anderson

The No. 2 Dunbar Steam Engine, pictured below, was the economy version for those who couldn't afford the No. 1 Engine. This engine used an oscillating valve and a wishbone connecting rod. No governor was offered on this engine and it had a simplified needle valve metered lubricator. Interestingly it has a small mass 6 spoke fly wheel , while the No. 1 Engine has a 5 spoke fly wheel. Both of these fly wheels have the same diameter. Its purchase price was $30, $20 less than a No. 1 Engine and it only produced 1/4 horsepower as compared to the 1/2 horsepower of the No. 1 Steam Engine. Because of the lack of power this engine could only be used on the smallest machines. We feel few of these engines were produced as they are very rare (only 4 known to exist at this time). We know that Dunbar produced at least 39 No. 2 wagons (click here for info on Dunbar's No. 2 Popcorn Wagon) that used the No. 2 engine and that 2 replacement No. 2 engines were also sold.