Bolton Steam Museum - governor of the Kenyon's engine

Image: © Chris Allen Taken: 20 Aug 2011

This is a view from the high pressure side of the platform at crankshaft level (being a member of the society since 1976 and asking nicely got me into this location). I remember this engine in situ at Denby Dale, West Yorkshire and played a small part in its removal. It is a vertical cross compound and a very rare beast indeed. The vintage of this engine is unknown but it was erected at least second hand at Dearneside Mills in about 1900 with the assistance of James Lumb of Elland, a company better known for governor work. The high pressure cylinder has an expansion slide valve with trip motion under governor control. The two eccentrics and their rods operate the high pressure slide valve. The governor is an unusual design with horizontal springs opposing the force generated by the two balls - it was more usual to use a centre weight or vertical spring for this function. The governor also had a compensating device resembling Higginson's regulator with two glass pots containing mercury and linked by a horizontal tube with an adjustable restriction. This view also shows the flywheel hub that is staked onto the shaft and secured with bolts and shrink rings. I do not know how much tension the rings are now generating. It is a typical excellent job of restoration from a rusty wreck.

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