Thomas Glenister Company - Davey, Paxman steam engine

Image: © Chris Allen Taken: 3 Nov 1990

This furniture company was notable for having one of the last working stationary steam engines in the country and equally notable for denying enthusiasts access to it. The company ceased trading in 1990 and Mr Glenister then allowed a sizable group of enthusiasts in, when nothing was working, in exchange for a donation to his church. This was my only visit inside the works but I had seen this engine running through a window while stood on a colleague's shoulders. This is a horizontal tandem compound with Lentz valve gear, built by Davey, Paxman of Colchester, No. 18581 of 1914, installed second hand in 1927. The cylinders are 10.5" & 17" x 18". It ran at 212 revolutions per minute and developed 220 horsepower. The flywheel is 7' diameter and sits next to a shaft mounted alternator. The hand wheel on the high pressure cylinder is the engine's stop valve (never a start valve). The big cylindrical structure on the wall is a steam water separator to help keep water out of the engine (a good idea). This machine is in store, dismantled in Somerset. I hope that it does get re-erected one day.

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