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.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from (Estate of) Mr Lindsay Adams, Mrs Evelyn Adams, by 11 Sep 2001
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Modelmaker
(Estate of) Mr Lindsay Adams, Langwarrin, Victoria, Australia, 1986
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Inscriptions
On plaque: "MINNIE" / Traction Engine - scale: 1" / Built by / Lindsay Adams ... 1986. / For my dear wife Evelyn.
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Classification
Mechanical engineering, Steam power, Model steam traction engines
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
710 mm (Width), 406 mm (Depth), 380 mm (Height)
Includes stand and cover. Height without cover is 315mm.
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Keywords