Do you know what it is yet?

[SmartWombat]

It looks recently made/overhauled with new bearing blocks at the end of the shafts.
But it could be steam engine valve gear.
Actually the more I look at it that's what I think it is.
It's three actuators for valves.

I can see two scoggans (got to be a cornish word that!) and there may be one on the far end of the top shaft.
I remember a discussion of these engines and the continuous manual operation needed, to the point where the engine minder's seat was a commode.
The story was that a lazy (but bright) engine minder tied the handles with ropes to make his life esier, and eventually worked out an automatic process to run the engine
I'm not sure I believe that
I'd favour pure economics and the reliability of automation added to the saving of a salary for the engine operator

http://www.cruquiusmuseum.nl/valvegear3d.htm
http://www.cruquiusmuseum.nl/kloswerkhans.jpg

[readingr]

It looks recently made/overhauled with new bearing blocks at the end of the shafts.
But it could be steam engine valve gear.
Actually the more I look at it that's what I think it is.
It's three actuators for valves.

I can see two scoggans (got to be a cornish word that!) and there may be one on the far end of the top shaft.
I remember a discussion of these engines and the continuous manual operation needed, to the point where the engine minder's seat was a commode.
The story was that a lazy (but bright) engine minder tied the handles with ropes to make his life esier, and eventually worked out an automatic process to run the engine
I'm not sure I believe that
I'd favour pure economics and the reliability of automation added to the saving of a salary for the engine operator

http://www.cruquiusmuseum.nl/valvegear3d.htm
http://www.cruquiusmuseum.nl/kloswerkhans.jpg

Paul thanks for the links

This is the scoggans from the Harvey of Hayle 1864 Beam engine at Crofton which is down the road from Hungerford. As you said it can either be operated manually or in automatic mode on this particular engine.

The steam engine is a working engine on Bank Holidays and was built to bring a head of water up to the highest point of the Kenet and Avon Canal which necessitates raising water some 40ft from the highest water table in the area. The engine lifts some 6.5 tons on each stroke. The engine spans 4 floors of the building its in.

Roger