{"product_id":"mk814-steam-generating-set-stock-code-1995","title":"Mk814 steam generating set","description":"Now this is my kind of machine!    \u003cp\u003eDuring the war, Alco put together a portable steam-powered generating set  designed to be parachute-dropped behind the lines allowing forces on the ground  to recharge their radio batteries. Comprising a portable boiler connected to the  1930's-designed Stuart Turner Sirius engine, many were made and, reputedly,  deployed. They're somewhat scarce now, although we did have one in last year.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eFollowing on from the success of the little \"Firefly\" set, a  larger, purpose-designed unit was built. Stuart Turner supplied a single  cylinder, piston valve engine with the generator end-plates cast in to the  crankcase. This sat in a cradle coupled to the 6 volt generator and included a  variable stroke boiler feed pump.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eThe boiler came in three parts: grate, firebox and horizontal cast-aluminium  barrel. The chimney was again in three parts, telescoping together for transit.  When erected, the top of the chimney stands nearly six feet from the floor. The  boiler is coupled to the engine with colour-coded pipes for steam and exhaust,  there is another pipe terminating in a perforated rose designed to be thrown  into the nearest stream for feed water. Working pressure is 60 psi. There is a  very heavy-duty water gauge, complete with a new spare glass which looks  bullet-proof!\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eThe whole plot is contained in a fitted crate, with everything securely  battened down to survive dropping out of an aeroplane.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eWe believe that 400 of these units were made, with 200 disposed of by the  military on the surplus market after the war - the rest are probably still in  strategic reserve and will be issued to key personnel in the next one. This unit  appears unused other than perhaps a test firing when new. The crate still  contains a pristine handbook - with comprehensive instructions on setting up the  generator - and two tins of oil.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eWe can deliver this worldwide during the hours of darkness by Dakota. Please  bury the parachute on receipt.\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eWeight (crated) approx 100 pounds\u003cbr\u003e  Crate dimensions 28 x 15 x 15 inches\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Station Road Steam","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54009544311125,"sku":"1995","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1023\/0094\/2677\/files\/1995-1.webp?v=1779898194","url":"https:\/\/stationroadsteam.com\/products\/mk814-steam-generating-set-stock-code-1995","provider":"Station Road Steam","version":"1.0","type":"link"}