

Original model of William Murdock's Oscillating Cylinder Engine, 1785
This is thought to be an original William Murdoch experimental model of 1785. The model’s cylinder is made of wood, with a simple slide valve and eccentric-driven air pump. It is a very early essay in a small and self-contained engine, which Murdock later returned to with the side-lever or bellcrank engine. Murdock's employers, Boulton and Watt, did not pursue the oscillating engine as a design as they did the bellcrank engine, but it was adopted on a considerable scale for early marine engines during the nineteenth century under the auspices of Joseph Maudslay.
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Science Museum: Energy Hall Gallery
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Details
- Category:
- Motive Power
- Object Number:
- 1894-133
- Materials:
- complete, wood and wrought iron
- Measurements:
-
overall weight:
- type:
- models
- credit:
- Mr. W. Murdock.
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