Pictured here at HCEA Canada’s Wheel & Tracks event in June, is a GM Diesel Quad (four 6-71 engines) back-up power unit from the Oshawa Water Plant.
The Lake Ontario freshwater intake pumping station had several power units from the 1960s serving as back-up in case of an electrical outage. Upgrades to the station included a large single generator making most of the existing units redundant.
HCEA Canada was fortunate to be able to add several of the units, including this Quad 6-71, to its vintage equipment roster. A co-ordinated effort by the on-site contractor, Durham Region employees and HCEA Canada volunteers, saw the units relocated to the Simcoe County Museum where our combined fleet calls home.
The Sheehan family (members of HCEA Canada) and the Detroit Diesel experts got the Quad 6-71 and the 16-71 running once again. When it is running, ear protection is required!
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As early as 1939, General Motors had developed the 71 Series of 2-stroke diesel engines to assist in the Second World War effort. Many military landing craft and tugboats were fitted with quads. The 6-71 engines also powered highway trucks, buses and construction equipment with many still in action. The four 6-71 engines pictured here, rated at a total of 522 kW were connected to a single gear box that powered a 3.5 metre diameter De Laval centrifugal lake water intake pump.
The Historical Construction Equipment Association’s next event is the Last Blast on Oct. 19 at the Simcoe County Museum, near Barrie.
To see more than 60 pieces of vintage construction equipment in action be sure to attend. HCEA Canada is a proud Heritage Partner of the Simcoe County Museum. Visit hceacanada.org for updates.
