Paul,
It's possible to have a mixture of stroke lengths from one engine. At Wheal
Trewavas in Cornwall the 45-inch engine had a 9-foot stroke indoors but a
mixture of 4, 7 and 8-foot strokes outdoors. This particular arrangement
used horizontal or inclined rods, moved by angle or V bobs, to alter the
length of the stroke at each pump. I have no idea as to why this system was
necessary.
Pete Joseph
-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Smith
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2014 9:28 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Snailbeach
Thanks for your prompt reply, I first visited Snailbeach in the early 70s,
and have been interested in mining history since my teens, the info I
downloaded rung an alarm bell (such a big engines with such a short stroke).
I will return to look further into the measurements hopefully in May, in the
meantime I will continue to search for the truth in other directions.
I have already approached my close friend, Kenneth Brown on the subject, I
have studied many engine house sites with him over many and he taught me to
question things that did not quite ring true. Ken is an acknowledged expect
on beam engines, unfortunately he as no information on this particular
engine (he as now tasked me with reporting back, so now I can't give up the
search for info). Is immediate comment was the stroke of the engine seemed
very short and six inch pumps seemed tiny for such a large mine. The other
point he agreed with was that the beam centres being approximately equal the
strokes would be approx equal.
Is there any indication of where this engine originated, anything in the
mining journal of the time etc
I would of course love a closer look at the engine house in the area, and
perhaps I could contact you to organise this nearer to the time of my visit.
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