Page 3 of 9

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2023 8:15 pm
by CTXmiller
I’d be inclined to say it is 10’ in diameter.

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2023 8:28 pm
by DennisT
Really!!!! That surprises me. You would probably know better than I at this point. I've found no markings so far, but have yet to turn over the head assembly and look under it. I did find one separate bracket with a roller wire-tied to the main case with casting number, "10-AA-16." I suspect it is part of the pull out/brake mechanism. Reading your comment, perhaps the, "10," means 10-foot. When I get the fan home I can lay them all out and that might help.
I do enjoy playing detective on all this.

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 7:40 am
by Wayne
Yes That would be the correct vane stem for your Model 45.

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 11:23 am
by AT-Mills
I have quite a bit of pictures of eclipse style Mills. From what I understand 10 foot was the most common. I have an eclipse part sheet that might be helpful. If you take a measuring tape and measure across the top of the pivot, casting, if it is a 8 1/2 foot it should be about 10 1/2 inches. Once the patent expired on the eclipse style, there were a lot of companies that made identical or close to identical mills. On a sidenote, if you’re going to restore it, I have all the measurements to create the wooden pieces. I’ve been working on a 3-D model to 3-D print. I took the original measurements from the wind power center in Lubbock, Texas.

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 11:58 am
by DennisT
This is good. So it's settled on tailbone i.d. Now I have to look for that permanently factory assembled unit. No sign of it so far where the mill is stored.
AT: thank you for the parts list, although the parts illustrations all look different from my 45. You mention wood pieces, but I didn't think my 45 used any wood. ???????

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:20 pm
by Windcatcher530 Dan
AT Mills are you familiar with the FM wooden eclipse they recently restored in Brimfeild Mass. Really nice job, beautiful mill.

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:29 pm
by AT-Mills
You’re right. I’m working on an older model. Here is the sample picture of what I’m trying re-create in a 8 to 1 scaled 3-D print.

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:36 pm
by AT-Mills
Windcatcher530 Dan, I did not know about the FM wooden eclipse in Brimfield Mass. i’m just 62 miles away., thank you for the info. I may drive over there and take a look.

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:50 pm
by windybob
Dennis, the original Eclipse was the wooden model. As I was saying earlier, F/M was so successful with the Eclipse name, they named their mills Eclipse, because, like they say, "the name sells". You have no wood on yours. You should get the windmill bible book. Loaded with information. Also, your tailbone should closely resemble the Samson Air-Flow tailbone. Not sure if it's a direct interchange, but made similar, with welded joints.

Re: FM Eclipse found today. Model? Worth getting?

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 1:04 pm
by AT-Mills
Windcatcher530 Dan, I found the facebook site for the Brimfield Mass restoration project for the FM wooden eclipse . Thanks again.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069276923438