Steam engine, for Henson-Stringfellow model flying machine, with engine stand

Single cylinder vertically mounted steam engine, for Henson-Stringfellow model flying machine, with engine stand incorporating steam supply pipes, designed and constructed by William Samuel Henson and John Frederick Stringfellow, England, 1840-1842

This engine was used in Henson's model that was tested at Bala Down, near Chard, between 1845 and 1847. The engine is single-acting and drove the two propellers by cords running over the grooved pulley. The boiler is missing, but consisted of a series of inverted cones intended to provide a large area for heating. The engine and boiler were intended to be the prototypes for the power unit of the full size aircraft which was expected to produce 25-30 hp (19-22 kW)