front
(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
Contact us for information about using this image.

label levels:

This is a mock up of the valve train components of a World War II (WWII) era Pratt & Whitney Radial Aircraft Engine. Parts Manufacturing Company of Greenfield, Massachusetts, innovated a highly specialized process that was used to apply a special finish of exacting tolerances to these valve train parts. This is an example of the type of innovation for which the small companies of Greenfield were famous. This innovation contributed greatly to Pratt & Whitney's guarantee of "dependable engines." During WWII, employees in the plant worked around the clock to supply the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Plant, 60 miles south in Harford, Connecticut, with trainloads of finished parts.

top of page