The Science Museum
London
Click on pictures to enlarge
The plan was to visit the Science Museum and photograph some of the world heritage class collection of stationary steam engines. In the event the long awaited refurbishment of the stationary steam engine collection turned out to be about six months behind schedule and all that was visible was a hallfull of shrouded shapes.
Being a world class technology museum there was plenty to occupy me and here and there were a few stationary engines to enjoy. Sadly the modern standards of labelling ensured that there was plenty of information for the average educationally challenged nine year old but not much for the rest of us.
The actual engine is quite interesting
One would like to know more.
There was also a nice little six column tank bed beam engine
And a steam hammer
Not to mention various locomotives,rollers etc.
Not quite stationary steam engines were represented by Colonel Cody's Aeroplane engine and the original engine from the steamer Comet.
Steam turbines are represented by a small parsons turbine driving a generator.
There are an enormous number of exquisite models in the museum. One should not be missed, James Watt's developmental model for the separate condenser, a seminal moment in steam power.
To Stationary Steam Engines Websites Website