Model of an American Marine Beam Engine, 1887

01

Artifact Overview

This model made by Max Zwickel of Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1887 represents a typical walking-beam engine used on Hudson River steamboats of that time. "Walking beam" refers to the prominent diamond-shaped rocker arm on top that helped convert the up-and-down motion of the piston into the rotary motion of the flywheel. It took Zwickel five years to complete the model.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Model (Representation)

Date Made

1887

Creator Notes

Built by Max Zwickel at his home in Greenville, New Jersey, in 1887. Rebuilt by Charles B. King in 1931.

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Made In America

Object ID

51.8.10

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Charles B. King.

Material

Metal

Dimensions

Diameter: 2.188 in (Bore)
Length: 5.375 in (Stroke)
Width: 13.75 in
Length: 21 in
Height: 27 in

Model of an American Marine Beam Engine, 1887