Regarding Julie Porter's request (6-21-'11 MMD), I have a Tangley
T-43 calliope which I use, hand-played and in costume, six to eight
times a year in community parades.  It is permanently mounted on
a small 4-wheel trailer, residing in my garage.

The turbine unit is powered by a high-speed "universal" motor (i.e.,
with brushes), similar to a vacuum cleaner motor.  Likewise, the
turbine consists of three fans in cascade (similar in design also to
vacuum cleaners, although larger in diameter -- about 10 inches).

It is powered during parades by an 1800 watt 60 Hz gasoline generator,
apparently without any strain on the generator.  Measurements indicate
that the running current is about 8 amperes at 120 VAC, whether or not
notes are being played (probably due to the spill-valve nature of the
"regulator").  The starting surge is about 25 ampere for about one-half
second.  I've never had a circuit breaker to trip.  It is quite noisy,
but it can't compete in loudness with the calliope's music.

Bill Flynt
Dallas, Texas