A substantial and impressive Reeves Commander compound steam launch engine.
The Commander was designed by David Paddington as a practical marine steam engine for powering steam launches and is a considerably larger and more substantial engine than the smaller stationary/model steam engines more commonly encountered. It is a two-cylinder compound engine, with high and low pressure cylinders, slide valves and Stephenson reversing valve gear.
This is a well-built example mounted on a substantial wooden base, retaining an attractive traditional finish with green-painted castings, red crank webs and exposed brass/copper pipework. It has clearly seen use and has the appearance of a genuine working launch engine rather than a purely display-built model.
The engine is fitted with a substantial mechanically driven auxiliary pump assembly, comprising twin reciprocating water pumps together with a central air/vacuum pump for the condensing system.
The engine has been tested on compressed air and runs well in one direction. Research into the Reeves Commander suggests that other builders have encountered difficulties with the original design/valve gear arrangement (see ‘The Steamboating Forum’), and examples are known to have been modified to improve their operation. It is therefore being sold on the basis that it mat require investigation/adjustment to achieve satisfactory operation in reverse.
A particularly interesting and increasingly uncommon large Reeves engine, ideal for installation in a suitable steam launch, restoration or as an impressive piece of British model engineering in its own right.
Please study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the description. The engine is sold as pictured.
Weighing around 53kg, this model will be shipped via pallet. International shipping available, please contact me for a quote.
