Stationary Steam Engine Steam Up

A stationary steam engine steam up as part of a recent visit from the Steam Plough Club to Alan Sparkes' collection of traction engines and vintage vehicles. In the video can be seen: 1. Horizontal Stationary Steam Engine: Built to a classic design around 1870-1890, and preserved in the original paintwork. History unknown until purchased by the present owner in Chester in 2016. 2. ‘True’ Vertical Stationary Steam Engine: The earliest design evolution of the steam engine after the beam engine, retaining its floor mounted upright cylinder. A style of design superseded by about 1870, and very unusual to find in small sizes like this. Originally provided power to a dairy in Norfolk until rescued for preservation and restored by John Jones of Trowbridge. 3. Horizontal Stationary Steam Engine: A small horizontal engine of robust construction, the rather plain style indicating a construction date from around the turn of the century. Unusually for a stationary engine it is fitted with reversing gear. History unknown until purchased by the present owner in the Lake District in 2021. 4. Inverted Vertical Marine Engine: A four column engine, likely for marine use due to the design of the base casting and being fitted with reversing gear. The valve chest cover has ‘Cheltenham College’ cast in to it, so it is believed either to have been an apprentice piece, or an educational engine. History unknown until purchased by the present owner in Somerset in 2017. 5. Banjo Steam Pump: A rotative steam pump for water supply to a large boiler. Make unknown but similar in design to those produced by Frank Pearn and G.A. Mumford. History unknown until purchased by the present owner in Worcester in 2024. 6. Inverted Vertical ‘Pedestal’ Engine: A pedestal engine built around a single main casting. Make unknown, but similar in design to those produced by E.S. Hindley. Fitted with reversing gear, governor and a boiler feed pump. History unknown until purchased by the present owner in Derbyshire in 2024. 7. Horizontal Workshop Engine: A small horizontal engine typical of those used to drive machinery such as lathes and drilling machines in clockmakers workshops and the like. History unknown until purchased by the present owner in Devon in 2023. 8. Reader Enclosed Steam Engine: A high speed engine originally used to power an exhauster in a gas works. Fitted with pumped lubrication and a crankshaft mounted governor. Purchased by the present owner in Lincoln in 2016. All powered with steam provided by Ruston & Proctor 5nhp portable engine No. 51981 of 1917