Hi there, My name is Derek Brown from New Zealand. I am deeply associated with a local group called Steam Incorporated. We own & operate 3 steam & 2 diesel locomotives formerly owned by New Zealand Government Railways, (now TranzRail Ltd owned by Wisconsin Central). We take our locomotives and passenger train out for excursions from time to time on the main line. One steam locomotive is a 4-8-4 class Ka # 945. It is a 145 ton oil burner. I have read Dr Robert J Church's book called "Those Daylight 4-8-4's" & find it rather interesting. In the chapter entitled "Development" is some text & photos of a Gyrojet burner, we are very interested in this burner, even though it was patented by SPRR. In order to get some information about the Gyrojet burner I need the following information: Year of patent; name(s) of patentee(s); US Patent Office patent #; availability of drawings. I (we) would be extremely grateful for any help you can give. Have tried all sorts of sites but have had no joy as yet. Have even tried the California State RR Museum. My email address is: djwbrown@paradise.net.nz Steam Incorporated: www.steaminc.org.nz/_content/home.htm Many thanks for your time, Kindest regards, DEREK BROWN
You might want to try "Friends of 4449." They are the keepers of SP GS-4 #4449. The loco is undergoing a major repair in Portland Oregon. They might have drawings or they might be able to read the patent # off of the part you are interested in. Their website is www.4449.com and their point of contact is larrymil@aracnet.com.
