The first model engine advertised by Electronic Developments (Surrey) Ltd., better known simply as E.D., was a simple 2 cc sideport diesel called the E.D. Mk. II. It first appeared on the British market in February 1947. It had actually been preceded by very limited numbers of an unheralded development model which was known simply as the E.D. 2 cc diesel. However, this model was never advertised or distributed nationally, being more of a field test unit.

Despite a few initial design shortcomings which were rectified as they became apparent, the E.D. Mk. II proved to be quite popular, having a steady and dependable if unspectacular performance. The engine seems to have been released in a relatively undeveloped form, since it passed through no fewer than seven distinct variants in 1947 alone before being joined in December 1947 by the somewhat more powerful E.D. Comp Special, which followed the same basic design but featured sub-piston induction and a larger bypass passage among other improvements. The Mk. II carried on through three further variants to survive in production up to December 1951, thus enjoying a production run of almost five years. During that time, some 25,000 examples seem to have been produced - an average of around 100 engines per month, although at the outset the monthly production was much larger. 

The Comp Special version of the E.D. 2 cc model did somewhat better, in large part thanks to its well-deserved and lasting popularity as a model boat powerplant. It remained in production at some level up to mid 1960, long after it had become totally antiquated in design terms. Figures derived from serial numbers suggest that as many as 30,000 examples may have been manufactured over the 13 years of its production life.

A far more focused and detailed survey of the various E.D. 2 cc variants may be found elsewhere on this web-site.