On display, next to the ex-P&LE tracks in Pittsburgh


Is a large mystery object.



Can you identify it?

Air or vaccum pump? Could even be a steam engine!

I believe it is an old steam engine that was used back in the old steel mill days of the 'burg.

Could this be a Vesta Long Crosshead Vertical Blowing Engine used to rapidly cool iron in the Bessemer Steel Process? Saw it last year but forgot what the plaque said it was so I had to go looking for the info,

Mike Floetker

Maybe one of those new cellphone towers made to blend in with the area

Seriously, looks like a compresser for air.


Doug

An industial coffee grinder

Steam powered punch press or drop hammer?

Doug and Mike
I think you got it.
I should have taken a photo of the plaque,
But I think it said something about --- the big lung of the Bessemer furnace.

Hey anymore cann't remember what I had for brreakfast when lunch time rolls around
Thank you all for taking a stab at it

It appears that there is a centrifugal governor there, so it would not be a compressor but rather a steam engine. Only a prime mover would have a governor.

It looks like a steam cylinder at the bottom and an air compressor at the top - so maybe it's both.

John

quote:

the big lung of the Bessemer furnace.

Found this picture:
Don't why the picture doesn't show but you can see it at the web site.

at this web site - Mesta Blowing Engine

It is located at Station Square in Pittsburgh PA.

I get spam mail offering to sell this unusual device.

Jack L
Thank you for your help

You are all right. That's exactly what it is. It was made back in the day when steel was made here. If I remember right, it is made up of spare parts. You know, like when you work on your car and have parts left over. Only the parts are bigger and came from a mill. Then the mills closed and no one knew what to do with it so they put it on display. Someone made up a plaque and a story to go along with it. Maybe some day if the steel mills ever make a come back they will use it. Rick