Beam engine

[wframe]

During my recent visit to Disneyland I saw this interesting beam steam "locomotive". I was assured by cast member that all the props are authentic mining artifacts. Google doesn't seem to know anything about it. Any one have any idea about an locomotive like this. I thought it looked like an interesting model project. Thanks!

 

[gbritnell]

It sure looks like a prop. First off the beam supports look like they are wood which I doubt would be strong enough to support the torque of the motion. The second thing I see is the cylinder head and packing gland are askew. The third thing is there is no accommodation for any type of parallel link setup. The strange thing is the boiler looks to be functional.
gbritnell

 

[velocette]

Hi
This is as I see this from the photos
A full scale working model it is and would make an excellent scaled down model with a few refinements.
As for being a genuine artifact very questionable.
More like move prop from Disney's Studios.
The frame work appears to be Electric Welded not riveted as would be expected on a machine of this type and vintage.
No pipework from the boiler or visible valve gear or controls.
Eric

 

[bouch]

Its a prop, IMHO. But there are working versions kicking around live steam tracks everywhere.

https://www.discoverlivesteam.com/magazineold/171/index.htm

Unfortunately, Bill Connor died a few years ago, but his engines live on. If you google "Connor beam steam engines", you'll find more than a few links to follow.

 

[Jasonb]

Is that also a genuine pick axe stood against the upright? Big Miners if it is

have a look at Locomotion if you want a beam engine on wheels

 

[wframe]

I won't argue with any of your comments. But I am still fascinated by this little display engine. The pictures are not enough to really work from. I plan to get better pictures the next time we go to Disneyland. Disney's Customer Relations has stonewalled me. First, telling me they have no indormation. And second by say I cannot get off the wait line path to take picture and measurement. (Maybe this would be a case of asking forgiveness is easier than getting permission!)

The idea that it looks like it was made in a mining machine shop, not a production shop makes it of interest to me. The issue of the parallel link is dealt with by pivoting the cylinder at the base, which is kind of like all the little "wobbler" steam engine plans around. The black box with the brass cap with the pressure gauge on it looks to be connected to the front axle; wondering it that could be the valve for the cylinder. Is it possible/practical to have the valving that far from the actual cylinder? But then how would the steam lines get connected to the cylinder that is swaying back and forth as the beam moves. I know we used really thick walled hoses for steam in the milk processing plant we had when I was a kid; could short sections of flexible hose be used to connect the rigid steam pipe to the swaying cylinder?

Lots of questions with no answers. I'll update when/if I ever get some better pictures or information.

 

[velocette]

Reading back through some of my previous replies this post came up. "could short sections of flexible hose be used to connect the rigid steam pipe to the swaying cylinder?"
Use a hollowed piviot as the steam intake with packed gland like that piston rod packing on steam engines.

 

[Apprentice707]

Walt Disney was a "Live Steamer" and had a fascination for all railroads and models so perhaps this is a link to that. The thought of a beam engined locomotive certainly interests me.

Cheers

B

 

[Kenny Broomfield]

Being Disneyland I'm guessing you are talking about the California one? You might want to try contacting someone at the Los Angeles Live Steamers. They have a lot of information on Walt's live steam collection as well as history of the things in the park. Is the pick axe oversize or is is normal size? I would assume oversized.

 

[wframe]

Kenny: Yes, the California Disneyland. Regarding the pick axe handle: as I recall everything looked normal life sized. Thank you for the suggestion about Los Angeles Live Steamers. I have sent them an email. If they provide any information I will be sure to pass it on.