I’ve set up this website to document the process of building the Traction Engine. I’ll be updating it from time to time as significant stages in the project occur.

The kits are supplied month-by-month, although a few months are stage payments for expensive items such as the boiler and the cylinder.

In about 2 1/2 years I should have it finished! Then I can get it insured and registered and be able to irritate drivers by chugging down the public roads at 5mph!

I’m also planning to buy the kit for a bowser (water trailer) which has a seat on it (the traction engine has a seat bolted on the back, but this would be more comfortable).

I also plan to buy the kit for a trailer. I can then fit a seat and take passengers.

I’m painting the bodywork “Plum”, which is one of Burrell’s standard colours (most were “Crimson Lake”, but there are lots of models around with this colour), and the wheels will be red. All the Burrell standard lines will be painted on too.

GENERAL - 1

1/3-scale burrell traction engine

Technical Stuff - ignore this if you’re not interested!

This is what is known as a single crank compound traction engine.

Single Cylinder - The steam goes in one end of the cylinder, then the other, pushing the piston back and forth. The outgoing steam is simply puffed up the chimney.

Double Crank Compound - The steam from the high pressure cylinder is routed to a second cylinder because it still has plenty of oomph left. After this cylinder, it’s exhausted to the chimney. This is obviously far more efficient, using about half the amount of steam.

Single Crank Compound - In 1889, Burrell’s patented this innovation in which both pistons are joined together to a single rod and to a single crank on the crankshaft, making the engine simpler, but with all the benefits of a compound.

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