Description:Beam of pumping engine for Wheal Chance, Cornwall.
This drawing illustrates a massive timber beam for a single-acting engine with a 63 inch cylinder and 9 foot stroke. Several trees were often used to make one beam for large pumping engines such as this one. Cast iron beams began to replace wooden ones in the late 1790s / early 1800s. Note that one of the parts has been "drawn too short"! [Scale 1 inch to 1 foot]
This drawing is part of the Archives of Soho collection, which is held by Birmingham City Archives [Ref. MS3147/Portfolio/5/1292]