The Otto, S/N #6033, was found over the internet in late September and early October of this year. The Otto was located at 109 Church St. in Philadelphia. Despite being informed that it would be very difficult to get the engine out in one piece, we were still enthusiastic. After some negotiations and alot of odd pricing exchanges, we finally came to an arrangement. The engine would have to be removed before Friday the 15th of October, 1999. We learned this on October 12th, and left late on the Wednesday night. We arrived in Brookville Pa. at around 6:30am Thursday morning after driving through the night. After getting breakfast and waiting for a short time, our Hired Guns arrived. Phil and Connie Klausz cost alot but are worth the money. After the pleasantries were exchanged aswell as some lumber we were ready to head out on our voyage across Pennsylvania. Looking back on this trip I think it would make a good 3 Stooges film. When we arrived in Philadelphia it took a short time and a trip into New Jersey before we found Church St. From there I'll let the pictures tell the story.
The following are pictures taken before, during and after the removal.
The Otto - The picture sent to us by the previous owner.
Church Street - This is the street, note that the street gets very narrow near the bottom of the picture. .
The Entrance - Between these two cars is where the Otto has to be removed from.
Entrance #2 - The hole under stooge #3 is another view of the entrance.
Entrance #3 - A view down the steps.
Our First Real Look - Our first real life view of the Otto. (Note the help is already hard at work).
Three Heads - Someone once said three heads are always better than one.
There Go The Mains - Here we remove the mains and begin removing the crank and flywheels.
There Go The Flywheels - The flywheels are removed and rolled down a ramp.
Removing The Body - Our two rocket scientists have sucessfully removed the body.
Here's Martha!! - The previous owner with her husband and mason.
More (Un)paid Help - Does room and board count as pay??
Making Another Ramp - Phil constructs a ramp to take the engine out of the building.
Getting Flywheel Ready For Removal - Here goes nothing.
It Works, So Far - The winch is holding, we're good to go.
Oops!! - Someone didn't measure right!!
Finally!! - They came out, but not without a fight!!
There Goes The Body - With the flywheels out, the body was next.
Almost Done!! - The body wasn't easy either!!
Ready To Load One Up!! - Soon we can go home!!
Loading The Flywheels - That ramp broke once!!
Loading The Body - It's alot easier winch stuff on the flat!!
Now To Tie It All Down - Soon We Can Go Home.
It Looks Nicer In The Light - Look at all that paint!!
The Last Stop Before Coolspring - Walmart always did develop good pictures.
Home Sweet Home - Coolspring is like our home away from home.
Look At All That Paint - Someone must have done alot of cleaning.
Ready To Rebuild - Soon we can put the flywheels back in.
Reloading The Flywheels - It doesn't even look easy.
Testing The Temporary Base - Please don't break!!
It Works!! - The base held and the engine ran!!