The Steam Engine Works

Seven working steam engines, 1712 to 1912 — every gauge and motion driven by a live thermodynamic simulation.

A.D. 1712 — The Atmospheric Engine

Newcomen's fire engine: raise steam, tune the injection, and pump a flooded mine with the weight of the air. Enter the hall.

Separate condenser, parallel motion, flyball governor — and a live indicator diagram telling the truth. Enter the hall.

High pressure, no condenser required — and a safety valve you may regret screwing down. Enter the hall.

The governor works the cutoff itself, holding speed within a hair while you drag the mill load about. Enter the hall.

Two cylinders, one push: watch the receiver float between them on the combined indicator diagram. Enter the hall.

Steam one way only, ferocious compression, and compound economy from a single cylinder. Enter the hall.

The Titanic's kind: three cranks at 120°, two floating receivers, and the sea for a condenser. Enter the hall.