This is a nicely finished model of a steam engine and boiler. It represents a simple twin cylinder engine, a type common in factories in the nineteenth century. The integration of engine and boiler makes it a useful display object, as it demonstrates the necessity for a boiler to supply steam to an engine and of a valve on the boiler to ensure the safety of people working nearby.

Debbie Rudder, Curator, February 2012

The model was probably made by Cecil Albert Batten at 50 Queen Street, Concord, NSW, or by W Lowe, who made B1722, which was donated by Mrs Batten at the same time as this model.

Mr Batten died in November 1968, and his widow, Emily Louise Batten, donated the model to the Museum in December 1968.

Single central flywheel mounted on four pillars above base-mounted cylinders. The cylinders and valve chests are lagged with wood. Stephenson link motion controls the slide valves. Most parts are made of brass or steel. The boiler is a vertical flue type with dead-weight safety valve and twin water-level cocks. The engine and boiler are mounted on a polished wooden stepped base with round wooden feet and a loose glass top.

: 1968

B1723

465 mm

432 mm

230 mm