Burbank in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Huey
The Walt Disney Studios
Photographed By Craig Baker
1. Huey Marker
“Huey”, designed by Walt Disney Productions, bears the distinction of being the first of three Mobile Motor Generators built by the studio. The control unit was built from a full-scale mockup by Disney technicians in 1949.
Being state of the art for its time, Huey generates 300 kilowatts of power and has performed faithfully since entering service 40 years ago. The specially insulated trailer operates so silently it does not disturb sound apparatus or cameras only a few feet away. The sound-proof housing is constructed out of a combination of aluminum, fiberglass, plywood and other sound proofing materials. The motor generator set is mounted on Isamode rubber pads to dampen out vibration.
The generator itself features a unique automatic thermal overload system which will shut the plant down if bearing temperatures climb too high or other components exceed operating limits. The unit is designed for operating on AC voltages of 2300/4000/4600 volts at 50 or 60 cycles.
With its restoration in 1990, Huey remains a shining example of the Walt Disney Studios commitment to technical innovation.
Input power: 2300/4000/4600 volts, 50/60 cycles AC.
Output power: 300 kilowatts at 120/240 volts DC.
Fabricated by: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
Weight: 48,500 pounds.
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Erected 1990 by The Walt Disney Studios.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 34° 9.377′ N, 118° 19.402′ W. Marker is in Burbank, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Buena Vista Street and Alameda Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The studio property is not open to the public. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 S Buena Vista St, Burbank CA 91521, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stage Three (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nitrate Film Vaults (about 600 feet away); Stage Two (about 600 feet away); Stages Four and Five (about 700 feet away); The Fantasia Stage (about 700 feet away); The Shorts Building (about 700 feet away); Stages B and C (about 800 feet away); The T.E.A.M. Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burbank.
Regarding Huey. One can assume the three mobile generators were named Huey, Dewey, and Louie — the nephews of Donald Duck — popular cartoon characters created in 1937 by The Walt Disney Company.
Photographed By Craig Baker
2. Huey
The marker is behind the small ladder at lower right.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 337 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
