The Bratch Pumping House Steam Engine

A Victorian water pumping station in the village of Wombourne, near Wolverhampton, England, pumps water from a 160 ft deep borehole to a covered reservoir on Goldthorn Hill, from whence it is gravity-fed to the town of Bilston. The pumps were originally powered by a pair of in-line steam-powered engines which fell into disuse. One of those engines, "Victoria", has been lovingly restored by Len Crane and friends. Twice a year, he and the Friends of the Bratch recreate what it was like in the days when the steam engine was working for a living. Steam is now provided by an oil-fired steam boiler, but the sounds, smells and atmosphere of this unique steam engine draw enthusiasts from miles around. This was the scene on 17 June 2007

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Steam
• engines

[regvernon]

I'm glad that you found this video. There is a web site for 'Friends of the Bratch' but I c an't find a date for the next 'in steam' day. I hope that this doesn't mean that 'Health and Safety' has prevented this event from giving pleasure to thousands of steam enthusiasts.

[Hanglands]

Beautiful bit of machinery. A different use to the pumping engines in my part of the country - I hope to get to the summer steam event to see this for myself. Good work. 5*

[regvernon]

What can I say? Thank for the compliment. Watching 'Victoria' working reminds me of what it was like standing on the old Snow Hill Station in Birmingham and feeling the vibration of the big steamers even before they rolled into the station. In the early 60's I commuted to Wolverhampton daily and saw the best of Britiain's steam locomotives. Seeing 'Victoria' in steam at The Bratch is as powerful an experience.

[regvernon]

Thanks. I've been very pleased by the response to this video. I'm still amazed at how many views it has had-now up to 8664. My next video is going to feature 'morris dancing' - when I can get to an event.

[regvernon]

I'm amazed that (as of this moment) 6542 people have watched this piece of movie making. I'm even more amazed at how simple it was to make, using just a 3.2mp Canon Powershot digital camera and Windows Movie Maker. I, too, love the sound of this steam engine. We should all be eternally grateful to Len Crane and his friends for restoring this steam engine to its full glory and keeping alive the engineering traditions which were once commonplace in the Black Country.

[moomoomooism]

could some one tell me where this is please and is the public still allowed to go see it under steam !, thanks.......

[paulbrockenhagen]

I am the eccentric kind of mad scientist who would have this run my fountains and swimming pool!

[steamnut2008]

That is an excellent example of a Corliss-type engine and valve gear.

[justforever96]

Wow 0.0! THat was awesome...best steam engine video I've seen yet! Not that I've seen that many, but they are cool. One more reminder that I think I was born in the wrong era...I don't belong here. I should have been born in like 1885 or something, not 1985. The world sucks these days, seriously.

[07dajones]

how about recording wombourne carnival..

though it won't be as good this year without the floats (decorated lorries)

[07dajones]

amazing... i love going there.. it sounds like a song

i live in wombourne..