Steam Engine and Combined Thresher and Chaff Cutter

Steam engine and huge, huge agricultural machine which required a 13 man team to function. The steam engine dragged it to where it was used and then provided power to the thresher via a pulley.

[Peter H]

It does illustrate how significant steam was when introduced. Great that this is preserved.

[FBailey]

What an incredible piece of machinery!

[Deborah McGavock]

Interesting to see the name Leiston on the board. Leiston is a small town in Suffolk where huge steam engines were made, and today are restored. Went round it a few years ago and a friend has several of these engines on display at his home nearby.

[Rob Z]

@peadar Thanks Peter - it was an amazing collection - all maintained by volunteers - so good. :)

[Rob Z]

@fbailey Looking back just those 60 odd years really makes you ponder how much things have changed. One man can now do what these teams of men and huge machines were needed for. Sort of makes you feel really old! :)

[Rob Z]

@woofandweft1 That really is eye -opening - makes you realize what a small world it is! I guess that means these monsters were imported from there. They must have turned up in pieces (Earlt IKEA "flat packs!" ) and then been assembled. The farmers who used them seemed to be able to turn their hands to so many jobs. Thanks for the info !! :)

[Ann H. LeFevre]

That is quite the farming invention- it looks huge!

[Rob Z]

@olivetreeann Hi Ann - it sure is huge - and the steam engine in front of it used to haul it around the paddocks. It was all so interesting to see - they had videos of it all working. :)