BBC - A History of the World - Object : Steam Engine Clock Barometer

Clock Barometer By Elkington & Co., silver and copper, 1906-7. Copyright Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery

Hide image caption
Show image caption

The little model engine was the first steam engine ever used in Argentina.Made by the Birmingham firm of Elkington & Co., this clock barometer was presented to the chief engineer of the Buenos Ayres Western Railway company as a retirement gift. With its model steam engines, it represents the world-wide range of engineering activity at the turn of the 19th century.

The story of the little engine is especially interesting. Called 'La Porteña', it was made in England in 1854, destined for the new railways being built in India. However, the train was diverted to help the allied troops in the Crimea, and after the war, it was purchased by the Birmingham engineer, William Bragge. He had just received a commission to build the first railway in Argentina, and shipped the engine to Buenos Ayres, where the first 10 miles of track was opened in 1857. The engine was designed for the wide gauge of the Indian railways, which explains why railways in Argentina still run on the same gauge as those of India and Pakistan.

Comments are closed for this object

Most of the content on A History of the World is created by the contributors, who are the museums and members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the BBC or the British Museum. The BBC is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. In the event that you consider anything on this page to be in breach of the site’s House Rules please Flag This Object.