Yes, they were the Field Marshall & they did use a shotgun cartridge, obviously without the shot.
The engine would be primed & arrange to be just after TDC, the cartridge inserted, a cap cover dropped over the firing pin & WAP, away it would go.
Brilliant, I don’t recall ever seeing one failing to start.
A German company Lanz used a hot bulb to atomise the fuel, before starting. A fire would be lit under the bulb if the blow lamp (provided) couldn’t get it hot enough.
Mainly a winter problem.
M

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