Sims Engines
This is an interesting subject to me at the moment.
I am currently assembling the current Journal for ISSES.
Its main article will be an examination of the physical remains of the Sims
engine at Crofton on the Kennet and Avon Canal together, probably, with some
discussion on other Sims engines.
They were never numerous but were an interesting variation to the Cornish
Engine.
Can anyone on this list advise me of any of the following please?
1) The location and basic details of any known constructed Sims engines?
2) If anyone has ever come across an engraving of James Sims?
3) Although mostly short lived a photograph of one of those engines would be
interesting. It is unlikely that any mining photos exist. However, there
were at least two built for waterworks service (?Coventry and Ipswich). One
of those is thought to have remained in use until c1903 so it is just
possible a photo might exist somewhere. Drawings would be of equal interest.
In addition to the Sims design using tandem cylinders there was an annular
compound variant of the Cornish engine. In that, one cylinder (HP) was
inside the other (LP). A surviving example is that at Cruquius in Holland
where it was one of three employed for drainage duty. This has an LP of 144"
diameter and operated eight beams. It is described in both Barton's Cornish
Beam Engine and Vale's The Harvey's of Hayle. Recently the engine was
altered to permit it to be demonstrated in motion using hydraulic rams. It
is said to be a most impressive site.
Another small annular compound rotative beam engine survives at the Henry
Ford Museum, Dearborn.
A cylinder only, for a small rotative engine employed in a London gasworks,
is held in store by the London Science Museum.
Paul Stephens
IT Manager
DS Smith Corrugated Bristol
DS Smith Corrugated Bristol
First Avenue, Portbury Way,
Portbury, Bristol, BS20 7XR
Tel: +44 (0) 1275 551023 (Direct)
+44 (0) 1275 375311 (Switchboard)
Fax: +44 (0) 1275 374939
This e-mail is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential or privileged information. If you have received in error please notify us immediately and destroy this e-mail and any attachments. In addition you must not disclose, copy, distribute or take any action in reliance on this e-mail or any attachments.
Any views or opinions presented in this e-mail are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. E-mail may be susceptible to data corruption, interception, unauthorised amendment, viruses and delays or the consequences thereof. Accordingly, this e-mail and any attachments are opened at your risk.
DS Smith (UK) Limited, registered in England No. 501594, registered office 4-16 Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RZ
|