William Doxford and Sons Ltd of Sunderland were almost the only British marine engine makers to develop their own successful alternative to the steam engine.
Following 15 years of research at their Pallion works the first engine was fitted to the Yngaren in 1921. This was an opposed two-stroke oil (Diesel) engine.
Oil engines were generally more costly to build and fuel than similarly powered steam engines. However, there were savings to be made in the reduced outlay on the boilers, the number of people required to work in the engine room and in repair costs as they were more reliable. In addition, as oil engines were smaller, extra cargo could be carried.
This is a working model of a three-cylinder Doxford engine. Turning at
90 revolutions per minute it gave an output of 2,200 horsepower, sufficient to propel a ship of 8,000 tons.
By William Doxford and Sons Ltd
On display at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, Launched on Wearside Gallery
www.sunderland.gov.uk
