| Archive for Freesteam For collectors and enthusiasts of all steam engines |
| John Chapman |
Murdoch "Flyer"The Murdoch Flyer is a conjectural reconstruction of a road locomotive that might have been built by William Murdoch in Redruth, Cornwall. There exists a tantalising account that Murdoch rode around the Cornish tin mines in a full sized development of the models he'd been making since 1784. If a full sized locomotive was built it would have pre-dated Richard Trevithick's engine of 1801.Obviously there is a fair amount of conjecture in this replica but it is based on a model, made by Murdoch, which survives in Birmingham's science museum. In essence it’s a beam engine on wheels. With “Murdoch Day” fast approaching (Sat June 13th) the Flyer Team, of which I am a member, moved the Flyer from its usual display place in Redruth Market Hall to our workshop. It has passed its boiler inspection and yesterday we gave it a thorough check over and a test run on air. 
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| Spokesmann |
What are the brakes like John? | ||||
| John Chapman |
Fine, as long as it's not moving 
Oak blocks on iron tyres, they work reasonably well but we don't run it on public roads. |
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| Mamod Collector |
Its a looker John, just avoid those steep hills 
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| steamyjim |
WOW! I love it John!
Must get around to seeing this one, there are photos of me on the older non working replica at GDSF at the age of about 7-8
Any chance of getting me a ride on this one?! 
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| silverfoxsteam |
Fascinating. Have you got any photos of the back end, John? Only I can't make out how the beam's pivoted. | ||||
| John Chapman |
The beam is pivoted on a wooden post at the front end. This picture shows it better - 
There are more photos on the Flyer website - http://www.murdochflyer.org/ |
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| Spokesmann |
Nice piece of very strong looking oak(?) | ||||
| avenger |
Great pics John have read much abount this machine but this is the first time of seeing it. | ||||
| silverfoxsteam |
That's a lot clearer - thanks!
Very nice woodwork indeed. |
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| John Chapman |
Murdoch day tomorrow so we have got the flyer on its trailer ready for the off, mustn't forget the chimney  Hoping for decent weather, I'll try and get some photos of it in steam.
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| Spokesmann |
Looks a bit of a monster to steer John! | ||||
| John Chapman |
Actually it's not too bad Mike. I think it's easier than the Trevithick replica. |
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| Spokesmann |
All the weight is on the rear two wheels I suppose! Hope those wooden block brakes work OK. | ||||
| Spokesmann |
Where's it being held John? | ||||
| John Chapman |
Redruth, the Flyer will be steaming in the British Legion Club car park. Its next outing will be the Boconnoc Steam Fair on the weekend of 24th - 26th July http://www.lsvc.org/HOME%20Page.htm. The Boconnoc Estate is near Liskeard, not a million miles from Plymouth
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| newts |
The Boconnoc Estate is near Liskeard,, very picturesque.
Played cricket in the grounds there a few years ago, on the edge of the deer park if i remember correctly
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| Spokesmann |
Might be down for a look John! |
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| silverfoxsteam |
Have a great weekend John - some video would be nice - any chance? |