Model Corliss Engine
Coles' Power Models kit
This model of a Corliss Steam Engine was created by one of our volunteers from a set of drawings & rough castings received from Cole's Power Models in 2009, and was finally presented to our museum in May 2024 after 1300 hours of precision machining and assembly.
Note that "Corliss" refers to a steam engine, fitted with rotary valves and with variable valve timing invented and patented in 1849 by US engineer George Henry Corliss. This type of valve gear in a steam engine offered the best thermal efficiency of any type of stationary steam engine until the refinement of the Unaflow steam engine and steam turbine in the 20th century.
Corliss engines were produced and marketed by a number of different manufacturers including the John Ingliss Co. who built our full size engine, and E. Leonard and Sons who built the engine on display at the Reynolds Alberta Museum.
Click here to watch this little guy run!
