Description

There are two principle versions, type GS (General Service) and type LS (Light Service). The type GS specifications are shown below.

The type LS specifications are shown below.

Construction

The steam end cylinders, cradle and chest are cast iron with slide valves. The pistons are cast iron with iron rings. The piston rod stuffing boxes and glands for type GS(A) are gunmetal with bronze glands, whilst types GS(B), LS(B) and LS(C) are cast iron with bronze glands below 6" stroke.  The valve rod glands are bronze, whilst the valve gear levers are forged steel carried on cast iron cross stands. The drain cocks are bronze with drip feed oil lubricator on the steam chest.

The liquid end cylinders for types GS(A), GS(B) and LS(B) are cast iron, integral with the steam cylinder for the 3" stroke and separate for all other sizes. The cylinder liners and pistons are bronze. The piston rod stuffing boxes are gunmetal with bronze glands below 6" stroke for types GS(A) and cast iron, bronze bushed for types GS(B), LS(B) and LS(C). The piston rods are bronze with bronze disc valves, seats, guards and springs.  The air cocks are bronze.

Watch video (1.6MB 15s) :Example running on steam at Mill Meece Pumping Station

Collection

There are 5 Worthington Simpson Duplex pumps:

1. Duplex horizontal 3x2x3, No.D18K, 1974, St. Anthonys Tar Plant
2. Duplex horizontal 4½x2¾x4, No.37315, 1930, West Ham Power Station
3. Duplex horizontal 4½x3¾x4, No.5027836, 1950, Greenwich Gas Works
4. Duplex horizontal 5¼x3½x5, No.5205964, 1952, Shellhaven Refinery
5. Duplex horizontal 6x4x6, No.D107H, 1973, St. Anthonys Tar Plant

Size: 3" steam cylinders, 2" pumping cylinders with 3" stroke
Type: General Service A

Purchased new by Thomas Ness as part of the refurbishment of their Wilton Tar Distillation Unit, this pump was supplied with stainless steel rods and valves and a mechanical lubricator. It was one of two crude benzole reflux pumps.

St Anthony's tar plant closed in 1978, ending tar distillation on that site since 1919. During the next few years all pumps and specialist equipment were dismantled and transferred to Caerphilly Tar Plant, a sister works in South Wales, for storage.

This pump was acquired from Caerphilly in 1986, it has been stripped, cleaned, painted and reassembled. It is complete and in working order for running on compressed air. A pump of this size fitted with a lubricator bracket as an integral part of the valve gear casting is unusual.

Prior to restoration in 1986	Restored at Langford Essex

 

Size: 4½" steam cylinders, 2¾" pumping cylinders with 4" stroke
Type: General Service B

This pump predates the Worthington-Simpson alliance at Newark and is plated Worthington Pumping Engine Company London, manufactured in New York USA.

Originally acquired by the North Woolwich Railway museum from West Ham Power Station, when the station closed in the 1960s. Obtained from the museum as surplus to requirements in November 2002.

Partially dismantled and awaiting restoration.

Shortly after collection	Shortly after collection

 

Size: 4½" steam cylinders, 3¾" pumping cylinders with 4" stroke
Type: Light Service B

This pump was purchased by the South Eastern Gas Board for the Metropolitan Gas Works, East Greenwich as part of their new Wilton Tar Distillation Unit for their No. 12 Plant. This pump was supplied with a mechanical lubricator and was one of two crude tar transfer pumps.

East Greenwich coke works and tar plant closed in the early 1970's and the equipment offered for sale prior to site demolition. During the next few months many pumps and specialist equipment was purchased, dismantled and transferred to Caerphilly Tar Plant in South Wales for storage/spares.

The pump was never installed and was acquired from Caerphilly in 1989. It is complete, in storage and awaits restoration.

During removal from Caerphilly tar plant in 1989

 

Size: 5¼" steam cylinders, 3½" pumping cylinders with 5" stroke
Type: General Service B

This pump originated from the Shellhaven Oil Refinery on the Thames Estuary in Essex and was purchased by a former employee following partial closure of the works. The pump was subsequently acquired in 2002 and is now stored awaiting restoration.

Unrestored awaiting restoration	View of steam end
Works plate	View of pumping end

 

Size: 6" steam cylinders, 4" pumping cylinders with 6" stroke
Type: General Service B (Heavy Duty HD)

This pump was purchased new by Thomas Ness as part of the refurbishment of their Wilton Tar Distillation Unit at St Anthony's Tar Plant, Walker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1973. This pump was supplied with a mechanical lubricator and was one of two crude tar transfer pumps.

St Anthony's tar plant closed in 1978, ending tar distillation on that site since 1919. During the next few years all pumps and specialist equipment were dismantled and transferred to Caerphilly Tar Plant, a sister works in South Wales for storage.

The pump was used infrequently for unloading creosote oil and blending bitumen products.

Unfortunately prior to it being acquired from Caerphilly in 1992, it has suffered some frost damage to the pumping end. It is complete, in storage and awaits restoration.

Awaiting resotration, end plates removed to prevent frost damage	Works plate