How do you find information on a test wind generator built in Vermont in the 1940's?

Answer

Grandpa's Knob wind generator was built in Castleton. It produced 1,000 kilowatts of electricity. but the project ended March 26,1945, when high winds blew off one of the blades. There is a photograph of this windmill on page 38 in "Castleton, Scenes of Yesterday", published by the Castleton Historical Society. It may be purchased by writing to them at P.O.Box 219, Castleton,VT 05735

Answer

I believe that they used wings from a B29 bomber as propellers.

It was built on a mountain top, I believe, near Barre.

I worked with a person years ago who worked on that project.

Answer

National Geographic had an excellent article, an overview, actually, about wind energy circa 1975; they had some amazing photographs of the Grandpa's Knob project, to boot. You might be able to find the article either online or at a library that has been fortunate enough to have the resources to keep such materials on hand in whatever form.

BTW, it seems kind of unlikely that the blades on the wind generator could have been airplane wings, given that each blade weighed something like eight (8!!) tons.

Good luck with your research.

First answer by anonymous. Last edit by ID0000000000. Question popularity: 123 [recommend question]