Conference Paper

Author

McCarthy, M.

Title

The S.S. Xantho Engine: A Unique Engineering Relic

In

Fifth National Conference on Engineering Heritage 1990: Interpreting Engineering Heritage; Preprints of Papers

Imprint

Institution of Engineers, Australia, Western Australian Division, Perth, Western Australia, 1990, pp. 95-98

ISBN/ISSN

0909421234

Url

https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.624576603788029

Abstract

A Horizontal Trunk Engine built by London Marine Engineers, John Penn and Son in 1861 was recovered by the W.A. Maritime Museum in 1985 after 114 years in the wreck of the SS Xantho, Western Australia's first coastal steamer. The engine is remarkably well preserved despite its years in a very hostile marine environment and it has proved to be a significant piece of marine engineering. It is a relic of the Crimean War era, the first mass produced marine engine made, the first to which high pressure steam was applied at sea, and the first 'high' revolution engine applied to the marine-environment. Unchanged by human hand since it was lost in the wreck of the SS Xantho in 1872, the engine is a unique artefact and represents a rare opportunity to study a very significant piece of engineering history. As the propulsion unit from Western Australia's first 'coastal steamer, and a link to its owner Charles Edward Broadhurst a remarkable 19th Century entrepreneur, the engine is of considerable local significance and interest. This paper examines some of the relevant issues related to the engine and its recovery and is allied to that of Dr Ian MacLeod who is responsible for the conservation of the artefact. It is expected that the engine will be placed on display in the coming year.

Related Published resources

isPartOf

• Fifth National Conference on Engineering Heritage 1990: Interpreting Engineering Heritage; Preprints of Papers (Perth, Western Australia: Institution of Engineers, Australia, 1990), 139 pp. https://search.informit.org/doi/book/10.3316/informit.0909421234. Details