Nutley Wind Engine
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The Wind Engine and Generator were obtained from Nutley in 2013. They were in many pieces and it was not realised at first that there were two mills rather than just one.
The original 44-foot mast was reduced in size, and the current masts for this and the wind generator were made from it.
The wind engine is a Hercules oil-bath wind engine with an 8-foot diameter fan. Many items were missing and the team of volunteers needed to research and make new parts. A well pump has been acquired and fitted beneath the pump to have it working.
When operating, the turning rotors drive a control rod up and down. Inside the oil bath, the vertical motion is controlled by a wheel running against two rails which form a "U" shape, as shown in the photograph (below, left).
The wind engine is an example of a self-oiling windmill, making it a reliable, low maintenance machine, as it mostly just needs the oil to be checked and topped up annually.
