Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

I wanted to open this subject and see if anyone could contribute. Of metal windmills, how many were painted? We know the early years of Aermotor were painted, then it became optional. My idea is that it was that rusty barn red like the model in Lubbock? Thoughts?

How about the Iron Turbine? It is stated in several places it was originally painted. do you think it was white with red or maroon piping on the edges or what? I see some have been done that way but does anyone know for sure?

I know some more obscure mills like the Lefell were painted but what about others? How about Kirkwood, were they always galvanized? What about other early mills? Anyone got anything to contribute? I like oddball trivia so I am interested. Thanks

My thought on the early wooden mills the gear boxes were painted black and the wood wheels and tailvanes were painted various bright colors. My wood Stover the gear box was black and the wood was green. My one barn find Bell hub had red paint on the gear box.Most oil bath mills were painted and seems each manufacturer had their own color.

Ivan Block told me during WW2 they painted windmills to identify them as being war time windmills. Something to do with the rationing of steel.I once came across an orange Heller-Aller close to me. Posted it and that's when Ivan shared the story.