Historic engine is moved to Baynesfield Estate museum
A rare engine used for pumping water in ships leaves its university home for a country museum.
HISTORY was made today as a rare engine was removed from the UKZN Department of Mechanical Engineering to start its journey to the museum in Baynesfield Estate, near Richmond.
The chairman of the Natal Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club (NVTMC), George Goswell, said the large single-cylinder engine was one of six existing examples in the world, one of five working models, and the only one in South Africa.
The 12-ton engine, made by Mirrlees, Bickerton and Day, Ltd, was shipped from the United Kingdom in 1930 to the Natal Technical College, which became the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The engine was used for the tuition of the mechanical engineering students to conduct load and engine-related tests.
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The university has not used the engine for many decades and has chosen to donate it to a museum, considering its rarity and historic value.
The club has been preparing the Baynesfield Estate site for the past six months.
Goswell said that the volunteer club, which is ‘run on enthusiasm and donations’, has poured 15-cubic metres of concrete into a platform that will accommodate the engine. He further stated that the club is excited by this latest addition to their exhibits.
Lovemore Brothers are assisting the university and the vintage-enthusiasts’ club to dismantle, transport and install the rare engine in its new home. Goswell said that the removal process is a challenging one, which is why they asked the rigging company for assistance. A window was removed to allow the crane access to the machine, in order to hold the flywheel while the engine was divided into transportable sections.
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Goswell added that Baynesfield Estate houses many rare, historically significant tractors, engines and machines. They welcome visitors to attend one of their two annual open days. The public is encouraged to view the relocated engine on the next open day in December.
