what do we have here?

[romantic comedy]

A year ago I took a tour of the SS American Victory berthed in Tampa. She is a museum now.

There was this engine just sitting there, all alone and no sign.

Should be pictures below.

[Ando]

Wow, is that like the first one ever made

[ronstory]

Yes, both Fred and Barney might have actually worked on that one.

[jbsoukup]

is that a utility four?
there is a logo cast into the block that looks like an amalgamation of a U and an F

[Surcouf]

this looks like an electrical engine... abandoned batteries to prove it


more seriously, it is interesting to see what previous version of our A4 looked like

[Administrator]

+1 on the Utility 4, I think. The snippet I read says that many of these were used on lifeboats, which fits with where you found it.

Bill

[Surcouf]

“UF” stands for “Universal Foundry”
(source https://everythingaboutboats.org/universal-motor-co/)

[edwardc]

+1 on the utility 4, although there are differences.

[roadnsky]

more fodder for the UTILITY 4...
found here

[lat 64]

I see a magneto—which does not need a battery eh?
My Atomic 2 has a mag like that.
More argument that it was in a lifeboat.

[ndutton]

My research shows the 'BN1" below the 'UF' on the block indicates it is a Utility Four.

[romantic comedy]

Probably a Utility Four..

There were life boats on the boat but they were off limits.

Wonder what year that engine is. The ship was launched 1945.

[joe_db]

I so want that Cruiser Eight!

[Administrator]

Note the hose running from under the oil cap on the flywheel end back to the flame arrestor.

Bill

[Dave Neptune]

(?)

Bill, that's an early "SPCV" system like on our A-4's.

Dave Neptune