August 2021 Birth of a Dream By Paul Harvey
CPM has three very wonderful German Diesel engines: the
Augsburg, the Benz, and the Graz. All are from the early 1900s. Hmmm, what
better to do with them the erect a classic German powerhouse! Now the
fun begins. What should that building look like? Gosh, that’s going to
be a big job. Discussions, advice, searching for photos, and so much
more. So, it is coming together. That dream is becoming reality! These vintage powerhouse structures were absolutely beautiful,
their details complementing the equipment inside. The buildings and the
engines were in perfect harmony with each other. They were always a
pleasant addition to any setting. Typically, the outside walls were red
brick with arched windows and doors. The roofs were always red tile. Floors were a characteristic black and white tile arranged in
interesting patterns. The walls displayed a glazed tile wainscoting and
illumination was provided by carbon arc fixtures to brighten every nook
of the building. Wherever located, these installations were well
accepted. Industry complemented the environment.
The image above is one architect’s rendition of the
building’s appearance. CPM’s building will be very similar and will complement
the environment just as the originals did. Hmm? Wonder what will be inside? So, let’s have a look! First engine is the Augsburg, donated to the museum. Wow! Built in Augsburg, Germany, in 1903, it is the oldest operating
Diesel engine in the world. It is 12 hp and air-blast injection, coupled
to a Siemens dynamo. This engine once provided power to the elevator on the island of
Helgoland. In the 1920s it was acquired by Henry Ford for his museum. When auctioned off then, it went through several owners before being
donated to CPM. It started the dream. It will live again!
The second engine is a 12 hp Graz, built in Graz,
Austria, in 1904 under the Augsburg patents. It drove a dynamo that
produced electricity for a monastery and hospital in that city. In a
private collection since 1983, it will live again in CPM. Exciting!
The final engine is a 12 hp Benz that represents about
15 years of German Diesel evolution. Interestingly, it drove a crude oil
pump near Lodi, Ohio. Although not air-blast injection, it is a
significant addition to the building.
As with any significant addition to CPM, much planning needed
to be done and a site had to be chosen for the new building. Wow, what a job! Look here and
look there, and measure everything. Consideration had to be given to
what was already buried, such as gas and water lines, as well as
proximity to access these utilities. So finally, last fall we chose this site.
Great! The white lines depict a building either 30 feet long or 40 feet
long. The final decision was a building 30 feet wide and 40 feet long. So
now, lengthy discussions began with our contractor to choose a design both
for the exterior and interior and to choose the materials to be used. All was
decided and drawings were made. Construction started this spring!
May 24, 2021, was the big day when the excavator moved-in
and the dream began. After waiting so long, reality happened. Hmmm! Looks like long-planned and wonderful things are now here.
So, let’s time-travel back about 100 years to take a peek
at a couple of vintage installations. The MAN engine rooms were
meticulous and beautiful. Impressive! Look at the mounting levels, the
floor details, the lighting, as well as all the interior details. Yep,
our plan includes the crane. These structures were esthetically pleasing
and complemented their surroundings. My dream is to have the CPM venture do
the same.
The original carbon arc lights posed a problem as very
few are available. So, the solution was to create our own! The
glass globes are available commercially. Easy. Then, with the help of
many others, a typical base was created and will be molded from a
special plastic resin. Add an LED bulb and we are all set.
Work proceeded well, with the footer being poured and the
Augsburg foundation nearing completion. I really enjoyed the colorful
concrete mixer!
But many other tasks need to be done in conjunction
with the main project. Soon, a water well will be drilled to supply the
cold water for the compressor intercoolers for the air blast engines. As
a sideline, the well will be available for a small restroom in the
future. Also, an elevated steel tank is being restored to provide the
circulating cooling water. Then, a concrete sump tank and pump will be
installed to complete the water circulation. All is arranged and will
happen soon. All in my dream!
Here are four architect’s conceptions of the appearance
of our powerhouse. It is an exciting dream, and it is becoming a
reality. Wow! A world-class exhibit at CPM.
As I write, the photo above shows the current progress, and more is
coming every day! So good to live here and witness the construction. So much happening, but my dream powerhouse is becoming a
reality! I hope you have enjoyed this visit to the MAN Powerhouse as
much as I have writing it for you. Come take a look and help me make a
dream come true. More to come! |
Text Copyright © by Coolspring Power Museum |