The SS Great Britain's Engine

When launched in 1843 Brunel’s ss Great Britain was the world’s largest and fastest ship. Isambard Kingdom Brunel used the leading technologies of the day and the massive 12-knot 1,000 horse power engine was its beating heart. Designed by Thomas Guppy, in collaboration with Brunel, the engine was a development of the triangle engine, the first ‘Vee’ engine, invented by Brunel’s father Marc. The engine seen today is a full-scale working model constructed using modern lightweight materials.