In reality, this is how they sound when they are working properly: They regulate themselves so they never run too fast. Sound recordist Jim Hawkins captured the audio of Stevens' hit and miss engine.

Before the age of electricity the Wilmes' family could always rely on the hit-and-miss engine to do its job, so they they could do their job of caring for the animals on the farm.

The term ” hit and miss” is a modern description of the “whoosh-whoosh-whoosh-PUTT-whoosh” sound they make as the engine, by design, misses firing.

Sounds of a Hit and Miss Engine Jeff Stevens of Alto, Ga., collects hit and miss engines from before the 1940s. To the untrained ear, the machines sound as if they are unable to start.

Devin Sherriff of Mount Holly Springs restores antique hit-and-miss engines as a hobby. Shown in his shop Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 working on a Redwing hit-and-miss engine.

Greg Olson stands among the working antique "Hit and Miss" engines Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Crow Wing County Fair. For 17 years, Olson has been bringing his collection of antique engines for ...

Mike Stevens traveled back down the Pennsylvania Road to Columbia County and found a place with a collection of unique farm engines that once were everywhere.

In reality, this is how they sound when they are working properly: They regulate themselves so they never run too fast. Sound recordist Jim Hawkins captured the audio of Stevens' hit and miss engine.