Trevithick's High Pressure Steam Engine and Boiler, c. 1806

Made:
1805-1806 in Bridgnorth
designer:
Richard Trevithick
Trevithick's high pressure steam engine, c 1805. Front view

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Trevithick's high pressure steam engine, c 1805. Front view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Trevithick high pressure stationary engine built by "Hazledine & Co., Bridgnorth", no. 14, c. 1806, with timber staging

Trevithick high pressure stationary engine, three horsepower, c. 1805. In 1802 Richard Trevithick and Andrew Vivian obtained a patent for high-pressure, non-condensing engines. Trevithick went on to develop this particular engine three years afterwards, which used steam pressures of approximately 50 pounds per square inch. It was built by Hazledine & Co of Bridgnorth, Shropshire, who had a reputation for high-quality work. Previously, all steam engines were low pressure machines with a small power output in relation to their size. High pressure engines were more compact than their predecessors, making the application of steam in the form of railway locomotives practicable.

Details

Category:
Motive Power
Object Number:
1926-110
Materials:
cast iron, wrought iron and complete
type:
engines, steam engines and high pressure engines
credit:
British Railways Board Records Office; London, Midland & Scottish Railway

Parts