Railway Preservation News
http://rypn.org/forums/

Fairbanks-Morse Generator Plant Available for Taking
http://rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=22143
Page 1 of 1

Author:  softwerkslex [ Thu Sep 21, 2006 6:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Fairbanks-Morse Generator Plant Available for Taking

The contact for this is Frank Luecke, at lueckef@msn.com

There is an old powerhouse, built around 1935, on an island just off the
central coast of Georgia. It generated power for a luxury estate on the
island until about the mid-60s when a power line was connected to the
mainland.

The present owner is now planning to convert the building for other uses and
is looking for a new home for the engines, generators and all associated
equipment in the building.

The equipment includes three Fairbanks-Morse diesel engine-generator sets:
two 120 HP, 360 RPM, Model 32 E 12 vertical two-cylinder engines turning
70.4 KW alternators; and one 300 HP, 900 RPM, Model 38F5 ¼ , five-cylinder
opposed-piston engine powering a 250 KVA alternator. All outputs are 2400 V,
60 Hz, 3-phase. The associated hardware includes several 2400V to 240V
transformers, a 5-section control panel, two air compressors and tanks, two
small diesel “day” tanks, coolant pumps and tanks, two mufflers / spark
arrestors, a great quantity of piping and valves, and even most of the
original tools.

We recently visited the island to examine and photograph the powerhouse and
its equipment. Everything appears to be in remarkably good condition, given
its age along with 40-some years of benign neglect. There is surface rust
and other cosmetic degradation, but the functional parts seem to have
minimal damage. The enclosed parts – crankcase, etc. – appear almost new. We
were able to rotate the crankshafts of both of the vertical twins. Lacking
the proper bar, we did not attempt to turn the five cylinder engine, but it
also appears to be in similarly good condition. The means required for
disassembly and moving all seem quite plausible.

We have offered to help find an appropriate home for these old jewels,
preferably in one or more museums or other qualified (e.g. 501-C3)
charitable organizations that will restore, preserve and operate them for
generating power, on public display. Depending on the specific situation,
appreciable assistance may be available to disassemble, move, and restore
this equipment.

If you are interested in obtaining one or more of these generator sets for
your organization, or you know of someone who might be, and/or you can share
your expertise and hands to help them find and move to a good home, please
contact me by return eMail.

Thanks,
Frank Luecke

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/