Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

I recently saw a windmill with Fairbury 7 SPCL stenciled on the vane. Is there a #7 Special model Fairbury? I can find no mention of that. Or does the SPCL mean something else? I've attached a picture, so lovely against the blue sky!

The did make a special, but I’m unsure what is different about it. I see a special mentioned, but unsure if it is a 7 special or 7b special

From what I gather from the books, the #7 B special is a bit different from the #7 B in that is has straight cut gears, instead of the regular gears used in the #7, #7 a, and the # 7 aa. The first reference I see for the Special is 1935. It was made in the 30s and 40s. The same bearings as the # 7 B, which were Timkens for the mainshaft, and Babbitt for the large gear shaft. I have several Fairbury mills, but have not been inside them. I would certainly think of a "special" to be relatively rare.

Thank you both!

Hi WindyBob -
Any thoughts on what Fairbury was trying to accomplish by using straight-cut gears instead of helical in the Special?

I would think it was much cheaper to make, especially during the depression years. Competition was fierce back then.

That is an excellent thought!

I like you already. LOL

They may not even be cut gears, just maybe cast without the machining.

I'v never had an excellent thought , i just leave that to the professional's !

Oh Mike, just think how much smarter you are now after learning Dempster heads. Don't be too hard on yourself.