Summary

Iron truck or carriage model used as a charging device in the gas works. Perhaps based on the Lea and Philips method (1835) in which the coal was put in an iron cage. Used in the Geelong Gas Works at one time.

Physical Description

Gas retort truck model constructed from ferrous metal and painted. Made from thin pieces of ferrous metal painted black to form an open framed construction with a wheel on each corner and five semi cylindrical cradles on two levels which match with openings on the furnace model. The model is secured to the base by copper wires wrapped around the axels. There are two loose cylindrical components which sit inside the two top cradles. The base is constructed from wood and has been painted black with speckles of white and red throughout. The base is rectangular with bevelled edges and has felt/wool strips on the base to protect contact surfaces.

More Information

  • Collecting Areas

    Engineering

  • Acquisition Information

    Transfer from National Museum of Victoria, 1871

  • Modelmaker

    Geelong Gas Co, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, 1860

  • Inscriptions

    The letter 'T' has been marked in white on the inside of one of the top cradles; the other top cradle features a paper label adhered to the exterior featuring the text 'I.& T. Museum / Melbourne. / 823'.

  • Classification

    Energy technology, Gas power, Model trucks

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    Technology

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Overall Dimensions

    627 mm (Length), 250 mm (Width), 410 mm (Height)
    Note: Dimensions include base on which Gas Retort Truck Model (ST 823) is also mounted.

  • Part Dimensions

    165 mm (Length), 230 mm (Width), 135 mm (Height)
    Dimensions of ST 823 only.

  • Model Scale

    1:12

  • Keywords

    Coal By-Products