Beam me up!

The Beam engine in its current location outside of the Engineering & Workshop block at Bedford CollegeA landmark on the site of Bedford College is to be restored by specialists at a museum in Doncaster.
 
The Beam Engine outside the engineering and workshop block will be a familiar sight to students who have attended the College for decades.
 
But the fabric of the engine is beginning to deteriorate and needs specialist attention so it has been decided it should go to a good home.
 
“The Markham Grange Steam Museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting steam engines. This will be a good home for the old engine. Without the help of the engineers who volunteer at Markham, the Beam engine would fall into further disrepair and be lost to all,” explained Chief Executive Ian Pryce.
 
“Bedford College has a great history of engineering over the years. Today we reflect the modern world of engineering with apprenticeship, vocational and professional training courses which lead to work for young people in the UK and overseas.”
 
The Beam engine was built in 1878 and was one of two original steam engines used to pump water at the Charles Wells well in Clapham Road, Bedford until 1959.
 
In 1965 it was moved to Bedford College and used by apprentices of WH Allen and other students of engineering as a source of study. Moving the giant 16ft fly wheel Beam engine will be a feat of engineering in itself. “Again experts are needed to dismantle part of the engine so it can be transported safely,” added Ian.
 
George Dickinson from the museum is one of the volunteers who restore such engines: “We want to keep the engine for future generations of engineers to marvel at the work of the Victorians.”