I have hunted all over West Texas trying to find one of these little guys still working! They are either out of service or have been replaced by more modern, larger pumpjacks. I saw this one from a highway near Forsan, Texas then had to turn around and wend my way through a quarter mile of mesquite and prickly pear cactus, expecting it to be off by the time I got there.

This rig could be about 50 years old; it is hard to tell. But they "don't make 'em like this anymore"! It is hardly still "stock" anymore, either. The main pivot bearing, as you can see, has been replaced with some white plastic looking stuff (Teflon? Nylon?). But, if you are into oil well equipment, this is certainly a cute one!

For size perspective, I got myself in the picture by persuading my Dad, who is legally blind, to shoot the picture. He did a good job! I may use him more!

While looking macho by keeping the rig grounded, I began to get nauseous from the fumes. Then I noticed the valve on the black cylinder near the well head was open slightly and I could see the distortion of fumes being emitted. It was two hours before I quit smelling sulfur and hydrocarbons! I suspect venting the gases off this way is illegal but they could claim "vandals" did it since the valve doesn't lock! That sour West Texas crude really stinks!