This English 1.41 cc sideport diesel bears the distinction of having been described by at least one expert as "probably the worst diesel ever made in England"! It was manufactured by the Milford Gauge Company of 5 Village Way East, Rayners Lane, Harrow, Middlesex (in the North-West sector of Greater London), also being offered in kit form. Production appears to have been confined to the years 1947/48.

The engine appeared in three distinct variants. The main image associated with this Gallery entry shows the thind of these variants - the other two are shown in the accompanying images. The Mite was interesting insofar as it was one of the earliest English model diesels to feature a single ball-race at the rear of the crankshaft journal. 

Actual tests of my own examples of the second and third variants of the Mite have conclusively demonstrated that the engine was by no means as bad as its reputation. In fact, both variants handily out-performed the competing Mills 1.3 model. Moreover, both examples are quite well-made where it counts despite having a somewhat "cobbly" extenal appearance. For much more information on the Milford Mite, see my earlier article which may be found on the late Ron Chernich's "Model Engine News" (MEN) web-site.