Transportation, Railroad Train, Model, Locomotive Piston, Iron, Antique, Early 20th Century

Model Locomotive Steam Engine
Cambridge Botanical Supply Co., Waverly, Massachusetts: Early 20th Century
Cast iron
7.5 inches high, 15.25 inches long
$875

A cut-away model of a reciprocating steam-powered engine for a railroad locomotive. The model simulates steam power by hand-turning a crank handle to engage various rods to operate a piston valve mechanism inside the engine cylinder. Two wheels below the cylinder represent wheels of the train. In the locomotive, the force produced by steam pressure pushed the piston back and forth inside the cylinder creating rotational force to turn its wheels. This type of device would have been used for educational instruction in schools to demonstrate the operation of full-scale railroad engines. This particular example bears the original sellers label of the Cambridge Botanical Supply Company, Waverly, Massachusetts.

Oval label on base: CAMBRIDGE BOTANICAL/ SUPPLY CO./ WAVERLY, MASS.

Condition: Generally very good, fully operational, with the usual overall light wear from intended use. Original label a bit worn with minor chipped losses.