Engine factory for more than a hundred years at Rubbestadneset.
The first motor was made in Rubbestadneset in 1903. It was a glow head engine that was two horsepower. Later, the engines developed from 6 horses, 12 horses 20 horses and 40 hp 50 hp and 60 hp.
All of these engines were one cylinder. Another name for these engines is semi-diesel.
These first Wichmann engines are known to be robust, reliable and durable.
Thus, during this period, they were widely used in the rescue boats on the Norwegian coast.
I have also heard from an informed person that at one time all the lifeboats on the Norwegian coast were equipped with the Wichmann engine.
Eventually, Wichmann started production of engines with multiple cylinders, and the number of horsepowers increased.
Wichmann produced two-stroke diesel engines and was widely used in fishing boats, ferries and coastguards. The latest diesel that was produced at Rubbestadneset had an effect of up to 5000 HP.
At most, over 500 people were employed on the Wichmann engine factory.
At the end of the 20th century, Wichmann was incorporated into the Wärtsila Group, and the latest engine type that was produced was called Wärtsila 28C.
The engine production has now ended. Gear and propeller systems are now being produced.
Furthermore, service and maintenance is an essential part of the operation at Rubbestadneset.
This is now under the auspices of the LOS marine.
The image series shows how it looks in the factory area today.
The last picture is of the Wichmann forge, which is a motor museum where many of the former Wichmann engines are on display.
Motor-qualified people keep these alike, and when visiting tourists and other interested parties, the engines start up.
Then one can hear the distinctive sound of these old engines.
Veterans who have used such engines as this are good sounds.
I attach a link that allows you to hear the sounds of old Wichmann engine where the old 40 Hp semi-diesel with one cylinder is used on a boat manoeuvring in a narrow harbour.
Link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBOJ779LtBM
If you like the sound of this Wichmann semi-diesel I am sure You will find more of them on the internet.
Otherwise, there is a large-scale development at Rubbestadneset, where a large dry dock will be built, and a research and development centre will also be completed in the industrial area.
Very interesting! And great photos, dear @Siggjo . I like ships in General.
Honestly, as a child I dreamed of becoming a sailor :-)
But my parents did not allow me to realize my dream (
I Love the sea and the water element...
European engines in general are so durable and reliable @siggjo the kind of work that they do is really impeccable in quality.
It was nice to hear that the engines have such recognition for quality and durability @Cryptopie
The key word is reliability! Perhaps this is the best quality of the engine and its manufacturer. I traveled on different cars, powerful and not very, but, I always gave priority to reliability and ease of maintenance.
Thank you, my dear friend @Siggjo, for the excellent photos and this fascinating excursion into the past and present of this wonderful factory.
When people are in danger, all means to save them are good, but it’s good to know that these tools are reliable and will not let you down at the last minute.
Wichmann engines had an excellent reputation @Barski
And in some areas in Western Norway, they were almost dominant among fishers for a period.
Have you heard the engine sound on the link?
The link also shows how an old boat manoeuvred in a narrow harbour.
The sound is interesting, I wanted to record it, turn it on at full volume in my Renault, and slowly drive past the traffic police, opening the windows of the car. It will be interesting to me to look at their eyes))) The low speed of the engine makes it possible to maneuver excellently in difficult places.
Here is another link to Wichmann sound @Barski
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMiEFwKRfTY