The Werry motorcycle was produced in 1927. The engine was designed by an Australian named W. C. Werry; it was built by William Beardmore and Co of Glasgow.
This machine was a one-off built up as a test bed for an unusual flat-twin two-stroke engine, set along the frame. It was based on the uniflow principle, where the two pistons faced one another in a common cylinder with a crankshaftand crankcase for each at the outer cylinder rods. The cranks were linked so as to rotate in unison and the Werry did this by each driving a primary chain to a special clutch with two sprockets, one chain muchlonger than the other. The engine was 248cc and the rear crankcase drove up to a Lucas magneto, while the front one drove a Pilgrim oil pump. That motor, and a Sturmey-Archer gearbox were fitted into Chater-Lea cycle parts. It is reported that the machine attempted to break one of the 250cc world records at Brooklands, in some style, but that it crashed at about 90mph (145kmh).
It was rebuilt many years later as an example of innovative, although not unique, design.
A company which is being formed in London with a capital of £300,000 has purchased the engine invented by Mr. Werry, a Victorian. Mr. Werry has reserved the Australian rights for an Australian company.
The present Werry Engine Syndicate, which has a capital of £10,000, is arranging to construct a big steamship engine, and also an express locomotive and engines for aeroplanes, motorcars, and motorcycles, as well as marine motor engines.
The Werry engine was invented by Mr. W. Werry, who, before leaving for England, was an engine-driver at a Bendigo mine. The original interests in the patent were held by a company, largely composed of Bendigo citizens, and, altogether, they subscribed about £5,000, in the effort to demonstrate the capabillities of the engine in England.
Mr. Werry proceeded to England about 16 years ago, to superintend the trials, and at intervals the Bendigo directors went to England to watch the interests of the company. About seven years ago the British Admiralty had a Werry engine placed in a pinnace, and, though it developed high speed, the test was not regarded as altogether satisfactory. Subsequently Mr. Werry secured the patent rights for an approved type of engine. It was stated some years ago that experiments were being conducted with the Werry engine in aircraft. The improved Werry engine occupies very little space, and is capable of developing great power.
Courtesy Trove NLA
Sources: Graces Guide; trove.nla.gov.au
