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Russell Smelser salvages parts to keep windmills turning June 8, 2011
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A part of an old windmill showing the manufacturer's name, Currie of Topeka. Currie was just one of the many windmill manufacturers in the late 1800s that kept water flowing in Kansas.
A tag on Russell Smelser's truck displays his passion for restoring old windmills.
Russell Smelser of McLouth has had a passion for windmills since he was young, and now he salvages old windmills for parts to keep windmills running.
Russell Smelser checks out the gearbox on a salvaged windmill. Smelser stores parts of old windmills on his farm to be used later to restore other windmills.
Windmill parts fill Russell Smelser's property near McLouth. Smelser is one of the few windmill repairmen in the county.
Windmill pumps lie in a stack on Russell Smelser's property near McLouth.
Russell Smelser walks through his property looking through salvaged windmills for the right part.
Windmills were often marked with ink instead of paint because the ink bonds itself into the galvanized metal.
Russell Smelser looks over some old windmills' fan parts hanging on an outbuilding on his property near McLouth. Smelser keeps old windmills running with parts he has salvaged through the years.
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Comments
vinento55 6 years ago
Hi just bought a Currie 6Ft. open head windmill the sail is real good condition the jacking arm are being made by a friend of mine but casting 230 was broken at some point so that needs to replaced and I saw your salvage operation there. I save this one from the scrap pile Do you or do you know of somebody that can help me with this? I have a little piece of property in the sticks in southern cal. with no electrecity and a 500 ft well that cost us a lot of money can you help. Thank You Have a nice day.
Lawrence Morgan 6 years ago
Please see my comment under the video you have prepared on windmills.
There is definitely a need for windmills, today, in the third world.
This is a fascinating piece, not nearly long enough! Lawrence
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