National Diesel Engine
- Materials:
- cast iron and brass (copper, zinc alloy)
- Object Number:
- Y1983.7/1
Single-cylinder horizontal four-stroke diesel engine with generator and lighting set, made by the National Gas Engine Co. Ltd, Ashton-under-Lyne, 1928. Poppet valve, compression ignition, speed 210 rpm, power output 90 horsepower.
Large diesel engines like this were in common use by 1928. They began to take over from the steam engine for use in industry. They were ideal for driving electric generators because their steady speed made it possible to produce a steady current. This one generated electricity for a research station in Buxton until 1970.