>JD> I'd really like to build one from a 'surplus' VW Diesel engine. 
 >JD> I have a 9KW alternator sitting on the floor, waiting for such 
 >JD> an application. 
 > 
 > How did you happen to come by one of those?
 > 
 > Sitting on the floor?  How big is that thing,  anyhow?
I bought the alternator from Northern 3 or 4 years ago; it's still in the 
box. Price was under $600.00 and they still have it listed in the catalog. 
Two caveats: it runs at 3600 RPM, so you'd probably want to belt-drive it to 
keep the engine speed reasonable, and it only rotates CW as viewed from the 
shaft end. That again indicates belt drive from the rear of the engine, no 
simple gearbox.
It weighs about 80 pounds and is maybe a foot square by 18" long.
I have the VW Diesel engines, too, it's just a matter of getting a round 
it.
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