The aim of the Murdoch Flyer Project is to enhance community pride in the town of Redruth and help promote tourism by constructing a replica of the first steam driven vehicle to be built in Britain by William Murdoch.
William Murdoch was an innovative engineer and inventor, an employee of the Boulton and Watt manufactory, assigned to install and maintain pumping engines in Cornish tin mines. He lived in Redruth from 1782 to 1798.
There is documentary evidence that during the 1790's, Murdoch constructed a large steam carriage, which became known as the “Flyer”, at the Tuckingmill Brass Foundry, near Redruth. There are no drawings of this steam carriage, so the replica is conjectural, based on the small working model he made in 1784, which is on display at Birmingham museum, and demonstrates that the large version would have worked.
We have the finished replica on display in Market Way in the town centre. We intend to run the “Flyer” to promote Redruth and its heritage at events where there is a high public profile such as local steam rallies and fairs.
We will promote the life and work of William Murdoch and publicise his home, Murdoch House, in Cross Street, Redruth.
We will promote Cornwall and the Kerrier District for its mining heritage and as the birthplace of road and rail transport.
The Murdoch Flyer Project constructed a large static replica of Murdoch`s steam locomotive, in 2000; it stands on the Tolgus roundabout at the entrance to Redruth. This has become a landmark and symbol of the town. It has been featured in books, guide leaflets and in the Redruth town guide. We invite you to come to Redruth to see the locomotive and look around our town.
Members of the team then started research on the working replica in 2001. We built 4" scale prototypes, which underwent trials. These miniatures enabled us to gain experience in building and operating the Murdoch locomotive without incurring the high cost of a full size machine, avoiding expensive mistakes.
We have acquired a considerable quantity of workshop tools and equipment over the past few years and we have a workshop in which we can carry out most engineering operations.
In 2003 we launched a construction fund to raise the money needed to build and operate a full size steam driven locomotive and to construct a coal and water support wagon.
After four years of research, design, building and testing miniature locomotives, the team started construction of the full size steam driven locomotive in 2004. The timber was cut to size, laminated, glued and bolted to form the locomotive chassis. A wood turning lathe was constructed in the workshop to make the column. The wheels and under-carriage were then made. The boiler had to comply with current legislation and safety standards. Nigel Eden`s boiler drawings were examined and approved by Lloyds Register and an order was placed for the boiler to be made by Bell Boilers of Gloucestershire. It was completed and delivered to Redruth at the end of July 2005. A first test firing of the boiler was accomplished in December 2005. Construction of the locomotive is now completed. Our boiler examiner has successfully carried out the thorough examination and steam test. The wheels and some other metal parts have been painted in the Redruth town colour of burgundy.
American ash timber was purchased for a support wagon. Cast brass plaques bearing the names of our major sponsors have been fixed to the sides of the wagon. The wheels, axles and other metal components have also been painted in the Redruth town colour of burgundy.
With construction completed, the full size steam locomotive underwent commissioning trials on 20th May 2007.
The locomotive was a static display at The Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge in June 2007. It was displayed moving under its own steam for the first time in public in Redruth on Murdoch Day, Saturday 16th June 2007. We attracted large crowds of well-wishers. Our display area was in the Royal British Legion car park and we are very grateful to them for their co-operation. Murdoch Flyer Ale was on sale in the town and we appreciate the further help we received from Skinners Brewery of Truro.
In April 2008 the “Flyer” and support wagon went on public display in Market Way, Redruth. We occasionally remove the locomotive for live steam displays.
There has been a marvellous show of community support for this project. We are very grateful to you all for your continued support and we invite new members to join us. You can do so by downloading a form from this website and sending it to us with your subscription to the address given.
We need more help to display the locomotive as marshals and general helpers. Younger people can help us with some of the heavier and more demanding tasks. if you think you can contribute, please contact us.
Our popular compact disc, "The Ballad of William Murdoch", professionally produced by Ed Hamilton, was launched on BBC Radio Cornwall in 2002. We have obtained further stocks of the CD and now have it on special offer at £2.50 each. It was recorded by Fast Buck on Rabbit Records (Fast Buck Music Ltd). More information at www.fastbuck.clara.co.uk/murdoch.htm All the money resulting from sales of the CD is added to our fund and we are very grateful to Ed for his support. The sleeve of the case features pictures of the Flyer, contains a brief history of William Murdoch and gives details of the Flyer project. Copies of the CD make excellent presents and are available (postage extra if applicable) from Keith Dinham. Phone him on 01209 215498.
“The Scot who Lit the World” is the title of a biography of William Murdoch written by Janet Thomson. This excellent paperback, first published in 2003, can be obtained by mail order from Janet Thomson, 5 Circus Place, Dennistoun, Glasgow, G31 2JJ. The price is £6.99 (plus £1.00 postage & packing in UK).
More information at www.williammurdoch.com or email info@williammurdoch.com.
Janet has also produced a DVD lasting 55 minutes on the Story of William Murdoch. This is available from the Project at the address below. Please send a cheque for £10 plus £1 postage and packing.
The Murdoch Flyer Project
94 Albany Road
Redruth
Cornwall
TR15 2HZ
Tel: 01209 212971
