Jon Baddeley
Specialist Consultant Collectors, Science & Marine
Lot 54
A MODEL OF A VERTICAL, TWIN TRIPLE EXPANSION, GENERATING ENGINE, built by it's inventor Sir William Wrestler, circa 1885,
22 September 2015, 13:00 BST
London, KnightsbridgeSold for £2,125 inc. premium
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Claire Tole-Moir
Head of Department
A MODEL OF A VERTICAL, TWIN TRIPLE EXPANSION, GENERATING ENGINE, built by it's inventor Sir William Wrestler, circa 1885,
This scientifically important, Patent Exhibition model of a gunmetal high speed, enclosed, twin triple expansion, single acting generating engine is fitted with a main stop valve with continuous chain control, a vertical piston governor valve with spring adjustments and external high speed shaft governor, gland access, crankcase inspection doors and disc flywheel.
The advantage of this particular system was that the steam passed through a central piston valve from one side of the engine to the other and back, and the cranks were set accordingly. Although the cylinders and valve chest, which are cast in one, require the genius of a brilliant pattern maker and foundryman, such skills were completely available to them. Note the incredible complexity of the steam transfer passages and resultant core work.
The nearest equivalents were perhaps the better known engines made by Willans. The system had fewer internal parts than it's Willans cousin.
Simulated glazed brick plinth on wooden base. Finished in grey and red with polished brightwork. 16 1/2 ins (42cm) high x 14 ins (54cm) long
The advantage of this particular system was that the steam passed through a central piston valve from one side of the engine to the other and back, and the cranks were set accordingly. Although the cylinders and valve chest, which are cast in one, require the genius of a brilliant pattern maker and foundryman, such skills were completely available to them. Note the incredible complexity of the steam transfer passages and resultant core work.
The nearest equivalents were perhaps the better known engines made by Willans. The system had fewer internal parts than it's Willans cousin.
Simulated glazed brick plinth on wooden base. Finished in grey and red with polished brightwork. 16 1/2 ins (42cm) high x 14 ins (54cm) long
