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
29 июн 2007
