Previously offered by Historic Models and Reproductions

This engine was the first time a triple expansion engine was direct connected to two dynamos and represents a big step forward in mass producing electricity for commercial and home use. The engine was built by the Dickson Manufacturing co. in Scranton PA and the two DC dynamos were built by the Edison Electro co. in Schenectady NY. The engine and dynamos were installed in Edison’s Duane Street generating station Dec 15, 1891.

The three cylinder bores are 18, 27 and 40 inch with a 30 inch stroke developing 650 HP. the dynamo output is 120 V DC from each dynamo. Power was delivered by way of a three wire system with each dynamo feeding one of the wires and a neutral wire to tie the two dynamos together.

The Dickson Manufacturing company has some interesting history also. Started in 1856 by Thomas Dickson in Scranton PA, the company produced stationary engine, blowing engines and steam powered mine cable hoists. There was also a Locomotive division which Dickson is best know for. In 1901, the locomotive division was merged with seven other companies to form the American Locomotive Company and the remaining steam engine operations became Allis-Chalmers.

The model is 1:20 scale which makes a lot of small parts, especially in the dynamos, but that was a trade off between making small parts and still having a manageable model.  -Dennis Howe