Main Hall
2008
Main Exhibition Hall
The main block-built exhibition hall houses a number of large machines. In 2007 the museum arranged to take full command of the Culverwell engine, which had been on loan for some years from the former Bristol Industrial Museum. Thanks to the laying-in of a steamline across the yard from the Marshall boiler, most of the pumps on display in the hall are actually running, thus fulfilling one of the group's long-term plans.
At the far end of the hall is a work-shop area. This is gradually being cleared, in preparation for moving the Culverwell into the remaining space. The work-shop facility is likely to be re-created in the old Coltman boiler-house, once that item has been removed. One of the pumps that had been stored for many years in Burrowbridge has been brought into the hall. It is a hand-pump, almost certainly the oldest item on site, thought to have been made in the earlier part of the 19th century.
This is a Waller engine, with a diesel-powered Crossley on its left, partly out of the picture.
A Vertical Tangye engine (left) and an Easton & Johnson (right).
A Greenwood and Batley steam turbine, originally used for pumping gas from the retorts at Bridgwater Gas Works. The power box shown right was used to load the turbine generator set next to it.
Bellis and Morcom engine (left) and a hoist (right). The hoist is home-made, using a single cylinder engine thought to be from a steam launch.
Ram Pumps; one is a simple type, the other compound.
© Westonzoyland Engine Trust 2008