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Abbey Pumping Station, Corporation Road, Leicester
Now the Leicester Museum of Science, Industry and Technology, it boasts the largest working beam engines in the
country.
Built between November 1887 and May 1891 to pump the sewage from a city population which had grown by more than
100,000 in 80 years
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There are four Woolf compound beam engines, built by Gimson of Leicester, and used until
1964.
Two have been restored to full working order and restoration of the third is nearing completion.
The engines are in steam about six times a year.
Working speed about 12 rpm. Each flywheel weighs 21 tons and has a 21 foot diameter.
Originally, steam was generated by two Lancashire type boilers per engine. These have been replaced by a single,
more modern, Cochran vertical boiler. |
In early December each year, the museum holds a Christmas Toy and Steam Day, with displays
of steam and stationary engines, fairground organs, a working narrow gauge railway and displays of historic vehicles,
toys and machinery.
A local brass band plays carols on the top floor of the engine house. |
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