Images Dated 15th August 2016

Portable steam engine breakdown. Wheal Rose, Scorrier, Cornwall. About 1910-1920

The image shows a portable steam engine that could have been pulled by horses or a traction engine. However, this example is fitted with an eyed drawbar so it would have been pulled by a traction engine. The engine shown is small and used for driving farm machinery. The funnel is lowered for transit in this image but when erected would stand between 10-12ft high. Judging by the governors housing on the cylinder block this engine is an old example. It would appear that the studs securing the axle boss have pulled out of the sideplate causing the engine to drop on the offside. The wagon to the left of the image is loaded with sawn timber which could mean it was a portable sawmill going from farm to farm

© From the collection of the RIC