Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

We're visiting family in Kentucky for the holidays. I came across a Southern Cross IZ-B (8 ft.) in Bowling Green, KY, and had to have it. It looks to be in good condition with almost perfect sheet metal. From the faded writing inside the helmet, it looks like Ken O'Brock put this mill up in April of 2002???..... it's hard to read the date.

I haven't determined what kind of tower it is. Perhaps Challenge? Total height ~28'.

I've never come across a Southern Cross in all of my windmill adventures. Was Ken a distributor?

More pics........


Inside helmet: O'Brock Tail...

Tower pics..... manufacturer not yet identified......Challenge??

Paul,
Ken did sell Southern Cross for awhile. Can't tell you what years. Sending you a pm.
Gregg

Yes he was. Sounds like Gregg probably knows more though.

This mill shares some similarities with Aermotor, particularly the sails and spokes.

The furl/governing assembly is interesting. Really beefy case..... all of the castings are beefy/heavy.

Nice find

I think you pulled a miracle out of your pocket. That thing looks to be in nearly perfect shape. Inside and out. Wow. How did that happen! What a snag!

Tell me I 'm seeing things. Is the tower really painted blue?

Yes, the tower is painted blue. It's a real light coat so fading away quickly as it weathers.

Nice find Paul. Enjoy.