1790s Boat Engine for the Birmingham Canal Co.

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Date:November 1793

Description:Front view and section of 'Boat Engine' for the Birmingham Canal Co., November 1793.

In the 1790s Boulton & Watt made a series of what were then referred to as 'boat engines' for various canal companies. These were pumping engines that were mounted in barges, and the first was supplied to the Birmingham Canal Co. The section shows the large pump on the right, and the compact cylinder with its short piston rod on the left. The engine was sold to the Grand Junction Canal Co. in 1796. Following this engine, Boulton & Watt supplied two 'boat engines' to the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal and one to the Kennet & Avon Canal.

This drawing is part of the Archives of Soho, held at Birmingham City Archives [Ref. MS3147/Portfolio/5/1275b]

Related themes:

Watt, James Paintings, Prints & Drawings Mechanical Engineering Drawings Canals & Barges Boulton, Matthew 1766 - 1800 (Mid-Georgian period & the Industrial Revolution

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Donor ref:MS3147 5 1275b (32/3943)

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