Fairmont Model 59 Series C-4 (1944)
-
owned by the Austin Steam Train Association
-
being restored by volunteer John Mandell
(what it should look like when completed.)
![](59%20series%20C.jpg)
From 1936-1949, there were only 362 of the model 59-C motorcar built,
compared to approximately 10,000 of the more popular M19 and 6,000 M-9 motorcars
during about the same period.
The original Fairmont manufacturer's Certificate
(click to enlarge)
![](cert-min-PD.jpg)
Some Fairmont 59 documents
The BEFORE pictures:
![](car-2.JPG)
![](frame.JPG)
Current Progress snapshots
Sept, 2006
Dog house & wood pieces designed. After completion, all wood will be
replaced with the "real thing" (Oak, Fir, yellow pine),
according to Fairmont documentation. The engine is next! (Better
photos anticipated!)
![](Status%209-2006%20008%20(Small).jpg)
Aug, 2006
Assembly, parts painted, engine not completed:
![](F-59%20init%20assy%20006.jpg)
Brake rigging:
Belt drive components:
![](F-59%20init%20assy%20008.jpg)
Feb, 2006:
Trial assembly, parts primed:
![](F59%20assembly%20001.jpg)
Feb, 2006:
Belt tensioner:
![](F59%20assembly%20003.jpg)
CURRENT STATUS
(April, 2008) ENGINE:
All engine parts are now in hand and just awaiting time to be reassembled.
Stay tuned!
- completely disassembled & cleaned. Major components look fine. Piston
pressed out. Piston & cylinder will do as is. Head studs had
to be machined out (it actually fit on my milling machine)
- Crank journal is rusted but has been built up & reground by a local
crankshaft shop
- Timer & C5 carburetor kindly refurbished by Carey Boney (THANKS).
- New crankshaft ball bearings provided by Charles Norris (Columbus, GA)- THANKS!
- For Fairmont fans: the connecting rod is the older, steel variety and
wrist pin is 3/4" - all OK.
I would really like to get some better connecting rod bolts (PN A1398)
- All other new or NOS engine parts have been acquired (rings, ring seals,
studs, gaskets, C5 carb, etc.)
- Ed Kelly's Z Clinic (Jollyville, TX) has been generous to provide a bead
blasting cabinet.
- I bought a "rebuilt" ROC engine (eBay), so I do have a backup propulsion
plan and/or parts.
- Water hopper refurbished: 2 bullet holes patched, 18 broken bolts machined
out (phew!)
- Condenser need some work - I got a newer condenser to use.
- Gas tank has been replaced (thanks, Les King!)
- Engine test stand completed
Frame & rolling parts:
- Lot's of documenting & clean up work
- "Working frame" made of Popular to keep entire assembly together.
(Final frame will be white oak, once I know where all the holes need
to be).
- Axles are straight, wheels OK
- Axle bearings are not perfect but will do, I think!
- Brake parts (outside the frame) had to all be fabricated. New brake shoes
from Les King.
- Belt tensioner was re-fabricated - it's a bit unique, I think.
- Topside frame completed, using as many original steel parts as possible.
- Wood pieces designed and temporary pieces fitted. New wood parts will be
made from drawings.
- Seat top designed - will use slats instead of masonite
- Les King had the correct ("rosebud") timer & throttle handles
- Richard Balzen has donated some 14" fenders that can be cleaned up & used
- Don Neale has donated parts for the knife switch and that has been rebuilt
& completed
- Acquired (ebay) a Fairmont lantern like one that was originally delivered
with the motorcar
Will build replica No. 6 batteries using labels provided by Dennis Hallworth
- Have decided on "Safety Yellow" from Rustoleum as the color (comments
welcome!)
CREDITS (folks who have
been a big help!):
- Ed Kelly - Z-Clinic (Austin, TX) (sand/bead
blast equipment)
- Carey Boney - Carburetor help and moral
support
- Bruce Pierce - Buzz coil help & advice
- Charles Norris (Columbus GA) - bearings
- Daren Doss - lots of technical &
documentation help
- Richard Balzen - fender donation
- Les King - lots of help & parts!
- Don Neale - critical parts for knife switch
on the console
- Dennis Hallworth - provided
labels for
the replica batteries
Below are the remaining items I am currently
searching for.
(Contributions to this project are made
to the Austin Steam Train Association and are tax-deductible. ASTA
will provide a letter confirming the donation.)
![](contact%20graphic.JPG)