c. 1885 Westinghouse 10 hp Portable Steam Engine

Display Condition: Restored
Engine: Horizontal, 1-cylinder
Fuel Type: Wood or coal
Bore and Stroke: 177.8 x 177.8 mm (7 x 7 in)
Power: 7.5 kW (10 hp)
Weight: 1995.8 kg (4400 lb)
Original Cost: C $1685 (estimate)

This c. 1885 Westinghouse 10 hp upright portable steam engine is the oldest operational steam engine in Alberta. It was originally used by Albert B. Babb in Cheney, Washington, for sawmill and threshing service. Engines of this type and manufacture were used extensively in the US, South America, and Australia. The engine – and the water tube boiler in particular – bears the marks of the inventive genius of George Westinghouse and the fine craftsmanship of his builders; testimonials reveal that engines like this one were well-engineered, well-built, dependable and economical.

George Westinghouse, the founder of the Westinghouse Company, invented the Westinghouse Farm Engine – a small steam engine with a vertical boiler – in 1865 when he was just 21 years old. They were produced from around 1886 to 1917 when they were superseded by larger, standard farm engines.

Chronology:
1865 - George Westinghouse invents the Westinghouse Farm Engine.
c. 1885 - This steam engine is built in Shenectady, New York and delivered by ship – sailing around the Cape Horn of South America – to a dealer named Mr. Dart (or Darton) of Spokane, Washington.
1886 - This steam engine is purchased by Mr. Babb of Cheney, Washington, from Mr. Dart.
Date unknown - This steam engine is purchased by Chuchill of Plaza, Washington, from Babb's son of Chapman Lake, Washington.
1958 - This steam engine is purchased by Mr. Hellinger of Farmington, Washington from Churchill.
1961 - Stan Reynolds acquires this steam engine from Hellinger.
1985 - This steam engine is added to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum Collection.