[SEL] Engine Parts - The Gig on the Dig

[Judge Tommy Turner]

I should have added that I think we'll document this effort well, 
photos, etc. as I think it would make a great GEM story.

TT



Judge Tommy Turner wrote:

>Anybody game to hunt for some engine parts?  Here's the "gig on the dig". 
>
>I acquired a 4 HP Springfield Type B that is missing parts.  Here's some 
>background and how this story is believed to have come about.  A man 
>named Hannebaum, from Missouri, worked in the Ohio works of the 
>Springfield Gas Engine shop in the 1890's.  He was quite the engineer 
>and its very possible the Type B Springfield was his design.  He moved 
>back to Missouri, near Springfield, and either brought the patterns with 
>him or possibly engine castings.  A few of the Type B Springfield style 
>engines were built, tagged with the Hannebaum name.  One was a 4 (or 
>believed to be a 4) HP that was installed in a grain elevator in 
>Billings, MO. 
>
>It ran until 1945 when it was removed from service.  It was purchased 
>and taken to a farm a few miles from town when the engine was dismantled 
>and a wedge bolted on the piston to make a woodsplitter.  After being 
>used a few years the engine was set in the fence row where it remained 
>until a few years ago.  One of the family members, now in his 90's. 
>stated that he knew all the parts for the engine were still there on the 
>farm and knows close proximity to where they are located.  I have 
>visited the site and believe him as its sort of like walking back in time. 
>
>Where he believes the parts are located has a large amount of scrap 
>iron, junk, growth, etc and will require some work to pick through, dig, 
>etc.
>
>The parts possible there include the intake and exhaust valve cage, the 
>cross slide mechanism, the ignitor, governor, gas valve and other small 
>parts.  This will be a bit like digging for gold.
>
>Now the question is, are there any folks out there game to make a 
>digging excursion with me?  I have a friend who can bring in a skid 
>steer and he'll spray to kill all the vegetation a couple weeks before 
>the dig could begin.  I think the project, with 5 or 6 folks working, 
>could be completed in a day and a half.  I've got shovels, picks, etc 
>but I would need to access a metal detector to do the job right.
>
>I'd provide the meals, hotel room, and all the fire water needed.  We 
>could gather at my place and then I'd transport everyone down to the 
>site, which is about an 8 hour drive.
>
>Just something to think about.  I'll probably try to do this excursion 
>in mid July.
>
>Tommy Turner
>
>
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