On Saturday, July 5 the Boothbay Railway Village will host a meet of antique engines, tractors and other early mechanical devices in partnership with the Maine Antique Power Association (MAPA). Engine buffs and lovers of all things mechanical will enjoy this opportunity to see “one lungers” and other early gasoline, diesel and steam engines operate and to learn about them first-hand from their passionate owners.
The Museum plans operate some of its most unique engines during the event. The Museum’s Otto Engine is suspected to have been owned by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and studied by engineering students there. It’s a 36 horsepower single cylinder engine that was designed by and named for Nikolaus August Otto (1832-1891.) Otto didn’t invent the internal combustion engine but he did define and implement the four cycles which made the engine commercially viable. It’s an impressive and very big piece of early technology weighing in at 11,000 pounds with a six foot diameter flywheel.
Admission is free for Museum Members and included with Museum Admission for non-members.