Two more ghost towns in Old Henry - Modena, UT and Pioche, NV

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by Ross F-1

I spent a couple days in Milford in '81. It was headed downhill then, I can't imagine it has had any kind of renaissance. Neat old train station there!

Since then Circle Four Farms, a massive hog operation, came to Milford. The farm each year raises and markets 1.2 million hogs — a number that is about 185 times larger than Beaver County's human population. It added a bit to the local economy and population.

[Old Henry]

Here's the story on the failed generator. It was as I first supposed. The engine rebuilder tightened the belt around the generator and pumps too tight which wore down the generator bearing until the armature hit the field coils.





That was the buzzing sound and the burning was the insulation between the armature sections melting and burning off. The heat even warped the armature plates on the brush end. Here's the weird part I'm not sure I understand. The bushing is totally gone one the back end. Why is that?



I'm sure glad I didn't take the time to remove and disassemble the generator while in Ely to replace the brushes. I would have just been frustrated to find out they were fine and there was no fix for the generator on the road. It will have to be totally rebuilt. Wish I could find a new or already rebuilt one instead of having to send this one off. If anyone has any sources please let me know.

P.S. I don't blame my engine rebuilder totally. I knew it was too tight when I got it back from him but didn't take the time to loosen it. I could have done that and maybe prevented the damage.

[B-O-B]

From what I see it wasn't the front bearing that went. Looks like the rear bushing wore out from lack of lube or just plain gave out. I sent you a pm with some info. You CAN rebuild it yourself. Just get your armature rewound & check your fields for ground. Get a couple of new bushings or bearing for the front if it has one. Check some tractor sites for parts as some will interchange. A press & bearing seperator & you are good to go. If you don't have one try a parts house,tractor repair or big truck shop. May need to buy more donuts tho. If the fields check out OK buy some glyptal & spray the daylights out of them if they are grounded it may be just a wire or insulation worn they can also be rewound.
Best of luck & keep him V8ng.

[donald1950]

great pictures especally the B&W. maybe getting the generator professonally rebuilt and restored would solve the fast wearing brushes.....

[Ross F-1]

Prof, I don't know much about '47-era generators, but on 48-52's, you can upgrade the rear backplate to the late-50's 12v generator's steel backplate, which uses one of those new-fangled ball bearings instead of a bushing. Easy and cheap, if that works on yours.

[waterboychuck]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks for the trip. Enjoyed the photos and the story. Glad your sticking to your guns about the generator.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by waterboychuck

Glad your sticking to your guns about the generator.

One more nice thing about sticking with a generator - the WOW factor. Kinda like still being 6 volts. When I tell ooglers I am still 6 volt AND a generator. WOW! they say.

[Barry-ct]

I enjoyed your trip, as always!!

[FLA48]

Love it. Thanks.
I like original also.

[Tinker]

Man I miss the west, or Rockies, living.

I have a rebuilt unit for that year but it makes no sense to send it that far for what I'd need to get out of it.

Keep them coming Craig. Great pictures, hope you save them with the highest resolution possible. A coffee table book might be in order.

[ricklove]

Neat pics!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[wisbangman]

Greetings ! Great photos ! When at Regional meets, I often see guys drive in with an alternator, and swap to generator for the show. They do the same, for the trip back home. You can have Original and dependable, at the same time, you just need to bring wrenchs ! Just an idea, it works for some.

[TJ]

As much as you drive that car I would put in an alternator and keep the hood closed.

[Rusty Junk Ranch]

Your livin' the dream, Iam lucky to get my cars out to the local gas station!

[flatford8]

Thanks for the ride.....Again, at the end of the trip I feel I should be chipping in for gas!!!......Mark

[Mike in AZ]

great story....loved the pics.....thanks for sharing.....Mike

[El Rat]

I liked it...
Very nice keep it going. I totally agree with 6V and generator. You are probably correct with the "too tight" belt. It jacked the back of the aramature up and loaded the brass bushing. The belt doesn't need to be very tight. Re-set it once engine gets warm (loosen). The gen should make 50K no problem...

[Gumpy]

thankyou so much for sharing this I love history and Locomotives!

[Sid the Maineiac]

Thanks again for taking us along for the ride and adventure !! Utah is a beautiful place and very different from my New England. Thanks for the memories !

[al's28/33]

Do a search for member "Tom Wesenberg" on the Model "A" side of this forum, he is an expert with "A" generators especially the early Powerhouse types. He lives in Minnesota and I am sure he can give some advice on your options. Not sure if he would rebuild yours but he should have experience to get you headed in the right direction .... just another option for help!