Steam clock
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2010) |
A steam clock is a
Although they are often styled to appear as 19th-century antiques, steam clocks are a more recent phenomenon inspired by the Gastown steam clock built by Saunders in 1977. One exception is the steam clock built in the 19th century by Birmingham engineer John Inshaw to demonstrate the versatility of steam power.
Steam Clock Tavern
In 1859, the engineer and businessman
Gastown steam clock
Raymond Saunders' first steam clock was built in 1977 at the corner of Cambie and Water streets[2] in Vancouver's Gastown neighbourhood. 49°17′04″N 123°06′32″W / 49.28444°N 123.10889°W,[3][4] It was built to cover a steam grate, part of Vancouver's distributed steam heating system, as a way to harness the steam and a means of masking Central Heat's sidewalk steam vent at the corner of Water Street and Cambie Street."[5] Although the clock is now owned by the City of Vancouver, funding for the project, estimated to be about $58,000 CAD,[6] was provided by contributions from local merchants, property owners, and private donors. Incorporating a steam engine and electric motors, the clock displays the time on four faces and announces the quarter hours with a whistle chime that plays the
The steam engine that originally ran the clock is a Stuart #4 single expansion double acting 1" piston engine.[8] This engine is still visible through the glass sides of the clock. However, owing to the clock's high noise levels and inability to keep accurate time, since 1986 the clock has been powered by an electric motor that was originally intended solely as a back-up system.[9]
In October 2014, the clock was temporarily removed for major repairs by its original builder, and was reinstalled January 2015.[10][11]
The clock appears on the cover of the
Other steam clocks
Indiana State Museum steam clock
The 17–foot–tall
Chelsea Farmers' Market steam clock
The towering and quirky steam clock located at the Chelsea Farmers' Market was constructed in 1984. Although still standing, the clock is no longer in operation.
Jersey waterfront steamboat clock
The Jersey steam clock is a full-scale replica of the centre section of a paddle steamboat named the Ariadne. The clock was commissioned by the Jersey Waterfront Board in 1996, and built by Smith of Derby Group. Although once powered by steam, according to a Jersey government document "the steam workings have been replaced with electrical fittings designed to provide the same functionality including the blowing of 'steam' at the appropriate times of the day."
The clock is sited on the North Quay of the harbour at St Helier, Jersey, and also incorporates a fountain. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the World's largest steam clock.
Berwick steam clock
Located at Berwick, Australia, 38°1′43.74″S 145°20′53.12″E / 38.0288167°S 145.3480889°E. Designed and built by Peter Weare at his own expense, it is a half scale prototype for a larger clock proposed for Melbourne Australia.[14] The clock was dismantled in December 2010 due to vandalism.[15] In December 2011, the City Council agreed to find a new site for the clock.[16]
References
- ^ Upton, Chris. "John Inshaw's Steam Clock". Digital Ladywood. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
- ^ a b
Fodor's (2006). Fodor's Pacific Northwest. Fodor's Travel Publications. pp. 532–. ISBN 978-1-4000-1652-5.
- ISBN 978-1-4473-0574-3.
- ^ "Gastown Steam Clock Proposed Improvements ..." former.vancouver.ca.
- ^ Robertson, Merv (February 25, 1999). "Administrative Report: RTS MP/ 00474". Former Website of the City of Vancouver. City of Vancouver [B.C., Canada]. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^
Dominique Auzias; Jean-Paul Labourdette (2015). Vancouver 2015 (avec cartes, photos + avis des lecteurs). Petit Futé. pp. 108–. ISBN 978-2-7469-8705-0.
- ^
Constance Brissenden (2012). Portrait of Vancouver. Heritage House Publishing Co. pp. 21–. ISBN 978-1-927051-35-1.
- ^ "Geocaching - The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site". www.geocaching.com.
- ^ Stennett, Daryl R. (2011). Behind the Steam: The Inside Story of the Gastown Steam Clock. Pellucid Expressions Publishing.
- ^
"Gastown Steam Clock undergoes repairs". City of Vancouver. City of Vancouver (B.C., Canada). 2014-10-08. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
The mechanical moving parts of the Steam Clock's device for loading the metal balls have worn over the last 37 years and can no longer be reliably maintained. Mechanical failures have been a common occurrence in the past year, and the proposed repairs to the ball loading device will restore reliability to the Steam Clock while maintaining its historical integrity.
- ^ Baker, Paula (2014-11-19). "Gastown landmark steam clock getting an overhaul". Global News. Shaw Media. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ISBN 978-1-310-03563-0.
- ISSN 0899-0328.
- ^ Foster, Tony (8 November 2007). "Berwick steam clock". Retrieved 17 September 2010.
- ^ "Clock's time runs out". September 6, 2011.
- ^ City of Casey, Minutes of the Council Meeting Tuesday 20 December 2011