Coos Bay Iron works (Oregon)

[5thwheel]

Paul,  From what I can figure out is that they made mostly patterns for the foundry which cast fire hydrants and large scale cast iron pipe fittings.  I did see a couple of patterns for large gears for some kind of machinery so it is possible they might have also taken speciality orders.  I know the owner was trying to get museum status for the building but there were some public safety and structural issues (many of them) that would have to be resolved before that could happen. The building is standing on a (pile) pier system rather than a solid foundation. All that area is bay (sandy) soil. In spite of the foundation the building seems solid and the roofline is straight, no ridge sag. I notice in the inside photos that there are a lot of unpainted braces leading me to believe that at a later date they were added to add strength to the building and roof.  I did not see any signs of roof leak although it was realign raining had at the time we were there. Note even the white building that can be seen in the second photo of the building how straight the roof ridge is even though that building is deteriorating.

Our model engineering club was invited to visit the building but I had no idea of what I was going to have to photograph. I would have taken my good film camera with a better lighting system if I had known.  The building ate up the flash from this little digital camera.

[chester]

I don't know what the area has for snow and ice but the yellow cord that goes up to the roof would be an indication here that ice buildup might be a problem on the eaves of the roof (electric heat tapes). Perhaps the walkway was intended to access that area to remove snow or ice there. Great indoor shots, thanks.

[Ray Dunakin]

Great stuff, thanks for posting!

[Lawton Maner]

Love the wood stove made from 3 oil barrels in one of the interior shots.

[SandiaPaul]

So on a lark I googled Coos Bay Iron works...

http://www.coosbayironworks.com/

They did make logging stuff, and it seems like a lot of it. Great place, again thanks for sharing.

Paul

[5thwheel]

Thanks Paul.  None of that stuff. The patterns and machinery in the loft, donkey engines alongside the building and castings were not there when our group toured through.  Not much was mentioned but making patterns and machining for the foundry, mostly fire hydrants and such. There were a couple of cast stove fronts and fire grates for light metal stoves.  Very interesting.  Sad to hear the fellow died and hope who ever got it now will keep it honest in what it does or made in the past.  It has been some years since I was last down there.

[Ray Dunakin]

Is that a Fordson powering the Coos King donkey shown on this page?

http://www.coosbayironworks.com/CBIWPhotoGallery3.html