Now THAT's a compressor!

OK shop-hounds, we all like to talk about the size and quality of our air compressors, but I am humbled by what I found on a recent trip to Minnesota and the Soudan Underground Mine. This 100 psi, two-cylinder compressor supplied air for the underground mine continuously for half a century, in volumes enough to probably power every homebuilder in several states simultaneously.

Of course, it predates modern aircraft construction – and while I’d hate to pay the electric bill (that room behind houses a small sub-station), just think of the bragging rights at your next EAA chapter meeting.