| | A Shirlaw & Co Engine | | | Andrew Shirlaw set up business in the early 1880s as engineer, toolmaker and manufacturer of steam and hand-powered cranes, jacks, winches, hoists and pulleys. Later, in around 1884, he started to produce the Spiels petroleum spirit engine, under licence from Hallesche Machinenfabrik. The Johannes Spiel engine, in 1881, was using flame carrier ignition, similar to that used on the Otto Silent Gas engine as manufactured by Crossley brothers. The horizontal Shirlaw engine came in a variety of sizes. 
The engines must have been relatively successful as the following advertisement of the day shows agents in Sydney and Adelaide (Australia) and Rotterdam. The manufacturer boasting that the running costs are "under one penny per indicated horsepower per hour, more powerful than gas engines." 
Work is almost complete on the base which the engine will be mounted. Several years ago I happen to come across some plate at a local scrap yard. For this project I decided to try using this material rather than wood. The base is made from brass angle and plate, and is held together with around 400 copper rivets.  
We acquired this engine, serial number 57, around 10 years ago in Australia when a friend of ours called and suggested we should contact the owner regarding the purchase of the engine. After several discussions we agreed the sale and the engine came home. The engine will need to have the spirit slides, fuel tank and fuel pump re-manufactured, with these exceptions the engine is reasonably complete. This engine is one of three known to survive. 
Restoration of the engine is currently underway. 
|
|
