Shoe Factory Engine

Our original family business was shoemaking and as a result motive power had to be supplied to the factory to power the machinery and provide electricity. A 24 B.H.P National Heavy Oil Engine was employed to provide this power. This engine replaced an earlier town gas engine of unknown make. Unfortunately the National was scrapped many years ago, the engine house now forming part of a goods store for the local council.

Below is a promotional postcard which was recently discovered. This was issued by National to promote the efficiency and reliability of their engines.

It can be seen that the new engine saved £136 per annum in running costs, repaying the initial investment in three years.

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

Engine Spec:-

24 B.H.P National Type CR Cold Start Heavy Oil engine.

9" Bore x 17" Stroke.

Approx 2000 Type CR engines produced between 1923 and 1929.