Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija
Ownership
Public
Owner
Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija
Local / Original ID Number
510:IDR;RS-25
Type of Object
Mine, Transport - other transport, Smelting
Description
Short description
Single-cylinder petrol-powered locomotive (no. 3) has an internal combustion engine. The engine power of this locomotive’s engine is 3.73 W and 7.46 W (5 HP and 10 HP) and its driving speed is 5 to 8 km/h. The main parts of the locomotive are: an engine, a magnetic ignition device, a chimney, cogwheel countershaft and a chain, housing and a pair of axles with steel wheels.
Measures
Length 336.5 cm, width 86 cm, height 183 cm, weight 3,500 kg.
Materials
Steel
Dating
1916
Author / Producer
DEUTZ Werke, Mannheim, Germany.
Picture attachments
Original use
For performing maintenance works of non-electrified tracks outside the mine, the Mine Administration bought three petrol-powered engines (two in 1912 and one in 1916). The described locomotive, for the 500 mm wide track, served to transport ore in the smelting plant. It was made according to the influence of classic steam locomotive constructions. It was equipped with a magnetic ignition device. The engine powered a pair of axles through cogwheel countershaft. Such a structure contributed to the rigid and undependable operation and to difficulties with starting up the engine. The engine was cooled with water, positioned in the engine shell, which was boiling during operation and the steam came out through the chimney. If too much water evaporated during the operation, the cooling water was poured in through the chimney. The locomotive operated for approximately 40 years, which was a peculiar record for such vehicle.
Present use
The described object is being preserved, secured and presented as an important monument of Idrija technical mining heritage with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the Idrija Municipal Museum collection “Mining machines and devices”. The exhibition of restored mine locomotives has been open since 20 June 2000 on. Within the exhibition, the described locomotive is also on display. The Deutz factory produced thousands of identical or similar locomotives as the one preserved in Idrija. However, only a few of the authentic specimens of the oldest locomotives, are preserved. The one from Idrija is one of them. They can still be found in specialised museums, mainly in Germany and in some private collections.
During the restoration process in the year 2000, all parts of the locomotive were disassembled. The surfaces were cleaned with a sandblasting process and protected with foundation and top paint. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is ensured.
Present state
good
Necessary activities:
During the restoration process in the year 2000, all parts of the locomotive were disassembled. The surfaces were cleaned with a sandblasting process and protected with foundation and top paint. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is ensured.
DOCUMENTATION
Addresses / collections / links etc. where further in-depth information is accessible:
- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum;
- Zelenc, Anton. In vendar se giblje: katalog rudniških strojev in naprav. Idrija, Idrija Municipal Museum, 2001;
- Zelenc, Anton. Restavrirani stroji in naprave Rudnika živega srebra Idrija. Ruda: revija Združenja za
ohranjanje rudarske dediščine Slovenije, 1-2/2013, p. 16–20;
- Zelenc, Anton.Idrija municipal museum: restored mine machines and devices of the Idrija Mercury Mine ercury Mine. Patrimoine de l´industrie, 2004, p. 17–19.