Old Power Plant

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roger

roger

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I know many here have already seen this but I thought I would post the link for those who haven't.

For those who appreciate nice architecture and old electrical equipment check out this Old Power Plant

Roger
 
Re: Old Power Plant

i would dismantle for free if I could kep all that scrap CU :D $1.05/ lb. X ........... $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ;)
 
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Makes me home sick. Put that stuff in my Submarine and I'll be happy forever! :D Love the building too.
 
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You should be ashamed Allen. That place should be made into a museum.

In California they're making every other piece of nonsense that nobody cares about into "historical whatnot". That one would actually be worthy.
 
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Originally posted by physis:
You should be ashamed Allen. That place should be made into a museum.

In California they're making every other piece of nonsense that nobody cares about into "historical whatnot". That one would actually be worthy.
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Sam,

Come on down in about six months. The "Old Power Plant" we are replacing here in Vernon, IS being made into a museum. Its not quite a large or the exterior as elegant as the Chester Plant, but it is still has some beautiful old slate switchboards and engines.

For the most part, they've done an excellent job maintaining them; however, the restoration process has already revealed that a lot of what we thought was "black iron" is, in fact, some beautiful brass work that is now already gleaming.

Edit Add: PS this is one of the oldest municipal power plants on the West Coast. Even I think it's worthy of becoming a historical landmark.

[ March 28, 2005, 04:31 PM: Message edited by: rbalex ]
 
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It sounds very much worth seeing. And I've done lots of work with old material such as nickle plated brass and all kinds of other brass, very popular an eon or two ago. It does clean up spectacularly.

:)

Edit: for typos

[ March 28, 2005, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
Re: Old Power Plant

slate switchboards
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Real slate, like the rock? Or something affectionately named?

Edit: darn keyboard keeps mixing the letters up.

[ March 28, 2005, 07:06 PM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
Re: Old Power Plant

Allen, some things, unlike the romex scrap you sweep up after you roughed in a house, have a greater value than a dollar, . :roll:

This building with its grand architecture, earlier electrical equipment, and basic history deserves more than being diminished into beer money.

I am thankfull that some person or people have decided to save the building, and I hope most of the metering, switches, and old gear end up in collections somewhere, not in a scrap yard.
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Roger

[ March 28, 2005, 07:15 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: Old Power Plant

Originally posted by physis:
slate switchboards
Click to expand...
Real slate, like the rock? Or something affectionately named?
...
Click to expand...
Actually a bit of both. Some of the oldest meters are still mounted on the "real thing;" and, until they shut the old plant down, still working. Unfortunately, none of it is "live front" any longer - that went out a long time ago. It was legitimate for safety's sake, but it would have been nice to have a piece or two for the museum.
 
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Yeah, looking at some of the images from Roger's link, that live front stuff on either side of what looks like 2 1/2 feet doesn't look all that people friendly.
 
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Sam, it was a power plant . . . the NEC didn't apply. We know enough to stay away from live parts.

Seriously though, the rules for clearances didn't exist when this plant was built. People just didn't know the hazards that existed back then. Remember, most of the rules in the Code were written because someone had gotten hurt or killed. The same thing happened with the NESC over the years. :D
 
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Don't get me wrong Charlie. That stuff is a different era. That's why some of the old timers that can barely stand up 'll call you cry baby for even suggesting it was dangerous. It was a very different time.
 
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An old coal power plant here in Portland Oregon, was converted to a museum, however not focusing on the electrical aspect of the original design, they ripped out 15 of 16 generators, leaving one for display, but unfortunately ripped out all the old switchboards and interesting stuff. Pretty cool place still though, a big 60 ton celing crane is still in there, (still functioning) thet they used for maintenance of the generators when it was a power plant. The basement has a few original distrubution system parts, but most were damaged durring a flood in 1996. Next time I go there I will remember to take some pics for you guys.

You can read a little bit about it here

[edited to add link]

[ March 28, 2005, 11:11 PM: Message edited by: bensonelectric ]
 
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:eek:I was only kidding guys it is a grand place but in reality they will cover it up with metal stud and drywall ;)
 
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I didn't think you meant it as if you had no regard for the place Allen.
 
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Sam about 20 years ago while working for the New York Transit Authority I ventured into the tunnels of the vast system and happened upon a station that was blocked off in the early 1900`s
There was a rosewood subway car that eventually was sent to a musuem where it was the highlight of thier display.It was grand and i do appreciate the power plant pics.Sorry to all if I have a bad sense of humor.But just imagine the scrap if that place is torn apart and drywalled over :D But then again I am just an old sparky WIRE WIRE WIRE
 
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