The next generation

The fascination with steam is evident in this new generation of enthusiasts watching the River Don plate mill engine at Kelham Island Industrial Museum. This is the largest surviving steam engine in the UK, generating 12,000 horsepower, and was used to roll armour plate for warships at thicknesses up to 18 inches. Steam remained in use for these large rolling jobs for so long due to the speed that the engine could be reversed for another pass of the plate. The engine is still steamed and run daily at the museum and is recommended to anyone with an interest in heavy engineering.