Brian Stephenson’s and R Oldfield’s
MONITOR STEAM SHIP ENGINES
Brian Stephenson’s and R Oldfield’s
MONITOR STEAM SHIP ENGINES
Most steam engines of the time had vertical pistons, which occupied a lot of space and made them vulnerable to enemy fire because they were partially above the waterline. In contrast, the Monitor's 30-ton, 400 horsepower engine had pistons that moved horizontally, which reduced the height of the engine and allowed it to be mounted below the waterline.
Although a successful fighting ship the Monitor was not stable in rough seas due to its formidable rotating turret and sank in the early hours of January 1, 1863.
The engine was recovered from the Monitor's wreck site in 2001. It is now resting upside-down in an alkaline solution to inhibit corrosion. Over the coming years, conservators will continue to clean and separate the many different pieces of the engine to preserve them properly.
The first model shown at Harrogate in 2014 is by Brian Stephenson to the design of Bob Middleton. It is built without castings, like Bob’s other designs. The second Monitor type engine (with red cylinder covers) is by R Oldfield, also shown at Harrogate in 2014.
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