As I am sure everyone is aware 2026 sees the humble Lister D type celebrate its centenary. There are various celebration events planned around the country throughout the year. I only have one D type, well actually it’s a DK, in my collection and it has not seen the light of day for a couple of years now. It was last at a show in 2023 and has only been out of the shed once since then.
This DK is a bit special as it is part of an original 110v DC direct couple set, supplied new to Priestman Bros of Hull in 1951, where it was used as a back-up generator in their new factory on Somerden Road in Hull. Coming from Hull my dream engine is a Priestman Oil engine, but given only a handful survive worldwide and only 2 of those are in the UK and both in museums, the chances of ever owning one are pretty much none. So, to have an engine which worked in the Priestman factory will have to do.
As its the centenary year it seemed a shame to leave the DK set in the shed, so I have entered it into some shows this year. As it has not run for a couple of years, I decided to take advantage of the recent improvement in the weather and get it out for test run. Once fresh petrol was added the engine fired up first swing and settled down to a nice steady beat. The switch was flicked on the control box and suddenly we were generating electricity. Both light boxes were glowing brightly and the engine exhaust note changed as the load was increased.
I left the engine running for an hour or so, I am sure much to my neighbours displeasure. It’s now safely tucked back away in the shed, awaiting an outing or 2 in the summer months, as I am sure are hundreds if not thousands more Lister D types.
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Country: GB