Summary

Single-cylinder two-speed steam traction engine model, scale 1:12. Model depicts a general purpose traction engine used for agricultural work or road haulage, as built by J. Fowler & Co. of Leeds, & other English manufacturers.

The model is called "Minnie" and was based on a design published in the model engineer. It was built by Lindsay Adams in 1986, using some commercially available castings. Boiler fabrication, machining and assembly were all performed by Mr Adams, who had served an apprenticeship with Jaques Bros.in Richmond during the 1930s, before joining the navy and later operating his own business, Newlyne Engineering, in Springvale.

Bore x stroke 5/8-inch x 1-inch; flywheel 4«-inch dia. X 5/8-inch; rear wheels 6-inch dia. X 1«-inch; front wheels 4-inch dia. X 3/4-inch

Physical Description

Model of a steam engine with tall red chimney and large, red wheels. The model has been mounted onto a wooden board and is covered in a (removable) perspex cover. With metal plaque.

Significance

This finely executed model depicts a standard 6 or 7-horsepower single- cylinder two-speed steam traction engine of typical English design. Such engines were widely employed in Victoria historically. Whilst built to a design published in the "model engineer" using some commercial castings, the model is finished to a high presentation standard with a polished copper boiler and chimney.

The model has another interesting connection in that its builder, Lindsay Adams (1919-1997), served his apprenticeship with Jaques Bros. in Richmond. Later he joined the Royal Australian Navy and worked as an engineer on the corvette class during the Second World War, before going on to establish his own engineering business, Newlyn Engineering, at Springvale. There he spent much of his time repairing tractors for local farmers & market gardeners. Mr Adams built about 7 steam engine models after he retired, including this one that he and the family generally regarded as his finest.

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