Boulton and Watt steam engine

The Whitbread Engine stands as a mechanical marvel with its massive flywheel, beam-arm pivot, and intricate system of levers operating in synchronized motion.

Built in 1785, this engine served at the Whitbread brewery in London for 102 years before its transportation to Australia's Powerhouse Museum in the late 19th century.

The engine represents a fundamental shift in industrial processes, demonstrating the transition from manual and horse-powered labor to mechanical energy in manufacturing.

The engine operates during specific museum demonstrations, powered by the building's central boiler system, allowing visitors to observe its mechanical principles in action.

This steam engine, featuring a 25-inch piston diameter and 6-foot stroke length, generates 35 horsepower and remains the oldest surviving rotative steam engine.

Location: Sydney

GPS coordinates: -33.87790,151.19957

Latest update: March 22, 2025 00:50