Grasshopper Engine

Grasshopper Engine Grasshopper Engine Grasshopper Engine Grasshopper Engine Grasshopper Engine Grasshopper Engine Grasshopper Engine Grasshopper Engine

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London

Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Single cylinder Grasshopper beam engine made in around 1840. Slide valve, speed 20 rpm, power output 5 horsepower.

This engine provided power at an alkali works: the Clyde Wharf Works, of The United Alkali Company, London, from 1840 to 1928.

'Grasshopper' engines get their name from the action of the beam, which moves up and down like the insect's legs. It works on the same principles as a beam engine but was made to fit in smaller factories that needed more compact power units. Steam engine development progressed so quickly that few of these engines survive today.

Details

Category:
Motive Power
Object Number:
Y1973.13
Materials:
cast iron
Measurements:
overall: 1300 mm x 670 mm x 1900 mm,
type:
steam engine
credit:
Gift of Mr J R Platt, on behalf of Thomas Platt and Sons Limited

Parts

Grasshopper engine bracket; original fixing

Grasshopper engine bracket; original fixing, with brass fittings. Has heavy wear on top left corner.

Part of single cylinder Grasshopper beam engine made in around 1840.

Materials:
iron and brass (copper, zinc alloy)
Object Number:
Y1973.13.1
type:
bracket - hardware
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum