Steam ploughing engine

Steam ploughing engine, with duplex steam cylinder, of a typical design of the period 1900 (model)

Details

Category:
Agricultural Engineering
Object Number:
1947-240
type:
engines
credit:
Whitmore, F.L.

Parts

Scale model of Steam ploughing engine, with duplex steam cylinder, of a typical design of the period 1900

Model of Steam ploughing engine, with duplex steam cylinder

Scale model of Steam ploughing engine, with duplex steam cylinder, of a typical design of the period 1900

More

Scale model of a steam ploughing engine, with duplex steam cylinder, of a typical design of the period 1900

This type of engine was designed to work with a similar one at the opposite side of the field, in contrast to the single engine system each engine in turn gave a direct pull whilst the other, paying out the slack rope, moved along to its next working position. This method of cultivation had achieved a wide reputation by the 1860's.

The engines could also be used to drive a threshing machine or for pumping or sawing etc. Disadvantages were the time required to raise steam and the liability of the heavy engines to get bogged down when the ground was soft.

By 1920 the steam engine was being superseded by the lightweight petrol-driven tractor, developed during the first decade of the 20th century and introduced in large numbers during the 1914-18 war.

Measurements:
overall: 345 mm x 550 mm x 220 mm, 16 kg
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) , iron , metal (unknown) and paint
Object Number:
1947-240/1
type:
model and steam ploughing engine
Wooden display case for model of steam ploughing engine

Wooden display case for model of steam ploughing engine

Wooden display case for model of steam ploughing engine.

Measurements:
overall: 65 mm x 710 mm x 325 mm, 16 kg
Materials:
wood (unidentified) and metal (unknown)
Object Number:
1947-240/3
type:
case - container
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum