![]() It was Thomas Savery (1650-1715) who invented the first steam powered device or fire-engine to pump water out of mines his patent issued in 1698 and was to protect his idea for the next 14 years. Britain possessed huge reserves of coal, but the extraction of these required deep mines, and the curse of mines was their tendency to fill up with water. To build an 18th Century ship to sail the world's oceans 2,000 oak trees were needed. Besides the demand for cooking and heating fuel for an ever increasing number of stately mansions, oak trees were also used to build ships. To see pictures,īy the late 17th century, a national shortage of wood had created a lively demand for coal as a substitute fuel. The largest collection of steam-engine model pictures you will find at the website of, pictures of more then 600 models. To protect the model, I have not tried to run it with steam or compressed air but do not see any reason why this model would not run as intended if steam or compressed air would be applied. There is a small piece of wood missing from the base, see pictures #3, 4, 8, and 9. ![]() The un-machined surfaces of the cast parts are painted. Most of the gold is worn off over time as can be clearly seen in the pictures. Fire gilding is a technique used in the 18th and 19th century and was abandoned once the harmfull effects of mercury, which plays a crucial role in the process, was discovered. Originally the brass parts of the mmodel offered here were fire-gilded (see picture #19, around the four colums supporting the beam and right next to the bearing of the crank shaft on the model's side of the flywheel). Reeves Castings, Stuart Live Steam Models, Traplet, and Edgar Westbury. Hains, Home Model Engine Machinist (HMEM), Millhill Supplies Ltd., Polly Engineering, A. Dunham, Cotswold Heritage, Exactus, George Gentry, R.P. It is impossible to find an original model from this period, there are many manufacturers which make modern 1:12 scale copies, such as Coles, P. The four columns of the exhibited steam-engine were ornately braced for stability and not free standing. However, Stothert & Pitt from Bath, exhibited an engine with four column design as late as 1867 at the Universal Exhibit of 1867 in Paris, France. Inbetween, for a short periode of time, around 1830, the beam support was typically effectuated by two triangular side supports for the top bearing block. Plese note that this model still has the four column support for the top bearing block for the beam and is not of the center column type typical for the mid 19th century, or the time after 1840, manufactured by companies like, William Fairbairn, Sanderson of Glasgow, Stuart, and others. This fine model is all original and dates to around 1820. ![]() The frame supported by the four columns holding the shaft of the beam and which provides the anchor point for Watt's “parallel motion” of this model, as well as other parts, are made of cast brass or cast bronze, indicating that this model was manufactured and not a unique model crafted by a skilled machinist. The beam is not connected to the flywheel axis by Watt's “sun and planet” gear typically used in the 18th century (pre 1800), as Pickard's patent on the crankshaft used in steam engines expired in 1799 thereafter there was no need to circumvent his patent any-longer with Watt's more complex “sun and planet” gear. The crankshaft is forged and/or machined of one piece of steel. The flywheel diameter measures 5-1/4 inches, the diameter of the integrated pulley to power machinery by a belt measures 1-3/4 inches. The cylinder has a stroke of 1 inch and a bore of 3/4 of an inch. Including the wood base, the model measures 5 by 10-1/2 by 8-1/2 inches high. The wood base measures 9 by 3-1/4 by 2-1/4 inches, the brass base plate 9-3/16 by 3-5/16 by 1/8 inches. The original purpose of this fine crafted, operational model, incorporating every important invention patented by James Watt, is unknown it is possible that it was a demonstration model for educational institutions. Sold!Ĭlick on any thumbnail picture to download large image! Use browser back-button to go back. ← Home Items for sale same Category items Contact About Leave a commentĮxceedingly rare and early model of a four column rotative James Watt vertical steam engine of the reciprocating beam type with double-action low-pressure single-cylinder, Watt's “parallel motion” linkage, and Watt's centrifugal speed governor.
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