{"product_id":"model-patent-coal-cutting-machine-stock-code-8457","title":"Model Firth's patent coal-cutting machine","description":"A finely made model of Firth's coal-cutting machine, possibly commissioned by the company when applying for the patent in 1873.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    The machine was manually propelled underground, drive was by a handwheel connected through bevel gears to the wheels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    The cutting arm, mounted for left or right hand operation, was pneumatically driven by a large centrally mounted cylinder with conventional slide valve, the compressed air generated at the surface by steam engine and piped down to the coal face.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    A handle on the left hand side allowed the operator to raise and lower the blade at the cutting face.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    The six inch gauge track and mount for the cutting arm is of recent manufacture, used to display the model in the previous owner's studio.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    It runs well, if with an alarming action, on air with the cutting arm scything back and forth with a good deal of energy. In full-size it must have been cramped down onto the rails to brace against the powerful cutting forces transmitted back through the arm. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e    Even in those far-off days free from the constraints of Health and Safety, men must have thought twice about being in a confined space with one of these working!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Station Road Steam","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54019800760661,"sku":"8457","price":795.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1023\/0094\/2677\/files\/8457-1.webp?v=1779907378","url":"https:\/\/stationroadsteam.com\/products\/model-patent-coal-cutting-machine-stock-code-8457","provider":"Station Road Steam","version":"1.0","type":"link"}