Pertinent facts

Is it really necessary to inform professional engineers how a reciprocating steam engine works?

I have to take PE to task for the description of the River Don Engine on the back page of the April issue. Is it really necessary to inform professional engineers how a reciprocating steam engine works?

I feel certain that readers would be more interested in the pertinent facts about the engine. For example: the engine is a triple-cylinder simple with Joy valvegear capable of full speed reversal in less than two seconds – this is the reason why the engine survived in service until 1978, because it was only then that it became possible to achieve the same function with electric motors”. The engine’s bore and stroke, obligingly displayed on a brass plate on the engine, measure 40” and 48” respectively. There was no mention of birch twigs in the article. Anyone who has actually seen the engine will know all about these, which were grown in plantations by BSC just to feed this mill.

Come along PE! Write in language that your readers appreciate. Leave Janet and John in the primary school.

Andrew Brade, Holme-on-Spalding Moor, York

Next letter: Training path