Wilexa readers occasionally write in to ask a question or pass on a memory. Of course, the Hangar Talk forums are open 24/7, but email can be more personal at times and is always appreciated! Today's entry in the "Demolition Diary" includes two emails (used with permission).
Reader Jon Jamieson writes:
I came across your site today and have a question regarding some of the substations that have been dismantled at the former MDD Long Beach Plant. Do you know what those specific substations served?
The reason I ask is Southern California Edison has the creative knack of naming some of there substations. With over 600 in their system its kinnda neat to have that "fun", there is: Brew Substation (Miller Brewing Company), Galaxy Substation (TRW El Segundo) and Vapor (BOC Gas plant) amongst many others. Just wondering what Turbo and Stress served. I know MDD Long Beach had 4 dedicated industrial subs; Turbo, Boost, Stress and Astro. I know Astro is used for the C-17 program and I believe Boost is still used as well. Just wondered if they named Turbo on a play for words with Turbojet?? Or if Stress feed some "stress" related testing equipment.
Any help would be appreciated in this quest for industrial archaeology.
If any readers can answer his query, a quick email or forum reply would be great. Any takers?
Reader Bob Brent shares this memory:
I was only fishing for information on the DAC plant in Long Beach when I came across your website.
I worked at the General Dynamics Convair division up until its closure in early 1996. It had a similar fate of the DAC plant. I had a chance to visit the DAC plant in the early 90's. I was amazed at the similarities in the design of the two facilities. The one difference in building construction was that the DAC plant had insulation the thickness of the walls. It surely kept the building warm but what I really noticed was the quiet within the building, even while riveting was being done.
Convair's buildings had no insulation, consequently whether in the assembly area with riveting being done or in the machine shops, it was very noisy.
Thanks for writing, Bob. It's hard to imagine a factory being louder than the Douglas Long Beach buildings with riveting going full blast!