Mount Wilson Engine

My visit to California took me to Larry Evans engine collection, and to his work at the Mount Wilson Observatory. This 50 HP Fairbanks Morse RE styled engine is a monster but is simply fantastic to see running.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Antique
• Engine
• Fairbanks
• Morse
• Mount
• Wilson
• Observatory

[otakenji]

I remember the first time I heard it making it's loud chugging noise. At the time I was in the old TIE (Cooke)dome sleeping away after an all night session running the TIE 24 inch telescope....

Matthew Ota

[spfxdude]

Thanks Matthew for your thoughts. To truely tell the story is always important to have anecdotes like this. I have video of the work room with its belt driven machinery. Do you think I should post that as well?

[northerbrewer]

So many old machines like this one have been scrapped or are static disdplays now.

Nice to see one still running as intended.

[spfxdude]

This is why it is so important that when you see one sitting by the road or derilict, that you let one of the engine clubs in your area know about it. Sadly we are now seeing them lost because the owner thinks he can get top ebay prices for them and then they just sit until he passes. It is a terrible catch 22 for the young enthusuast which puts most of them off.

[41Zman]

That is true. I have a few engines that i was able to get at a decent price but they are getting harder to find and more costly. the kid down the street has a couple him self that i bought for him since he cant afford them.

[douro20]

This is a gas engine which used to provide electrical power to the observatory. The large mass of copper tubing is what carries the lube oil.