Traction-Talk - Vernon and Guest horizontal engine

Vernon & Guest horizontal engine

Rescued in 1980, Vernon & Guest horizontal engine, built @ Smethwick. c. 1880/1900.

Service: Driving brickworks machinery, making tiles, artistic pottery etc—from four direct-coupled belt pulleys of varying diameters
The works was established in 1894 by Cash, Massey & Co., and only later taken over by Horace and Fred Mansfield. The engine had, it was said, come second-hand from Sustene's flour mill, c. 1920–1921, a year or so after its destruction by fire. (The Sustene Ltd. cattle feed mill, in Castle Gresley, had indeed been destroyed by explosion and fire on 22nd September 1914.) It was a slide valve mill engine of the most basic type, believed to have been built by Vernon & Guest of Smethwick (this was the name said to have appeared on the plate—stolen), and dated from perhaps the final twenty years of the 19th century. The works closed in 1976, but the engine was said to have stopped work c. 1970. Kilns and drying shed were still more or less intact, but demolition elsewhere had reduced most of the works to ruins. The engine remained, surrounded by much demolished brickwork.

Purchased 5 years ago, much restoration work has been carried out, including a new cross head casting. It is with great sadness we are having to sell this engine before seeing it run.

See 'steam engines page' of this website http://bobmillard8.wix.com/wallis-and-stevens

12 " x 24". Bore and stroke. Flywheel diameter: 7 ft 6 ins 190" long 75" wide.

£ 2500

Private message or call 07530313714