Simpson Strickland, A-size Kingdon

Cylinder dimensions: 2-1/2” + 3-1/2” + 4-1/2” + 6 x 3-1/2” stroke.

Simpson Strickland of Dartmouth, UK, manufactured Kingdon’s patented quadruple expansion engine. We found two of these remarkable engines, one in British Columbia, and another in Pennsylvania, each with arts missing—but what one lacked, the other retained! One made September, 1889 and the other March, 1890. Restoration has been slow but enjoyable—and has revealed techniques and materials of a steam age manufacturer. These were made with little -to-none provision for bearing maintenance (crossheads and connecting rods) so we are looking forward to just how quiet/noisy they are in operation. Will report!

Two additional images show how they were originally delivered, with cylinders lagged in oiled teak wood.

Also, we attach an image showing a “section through cylinders” from Simpson Strickland’s 1911 catalog for readers who enjoy a puzzle.