Palmerston North Electric Power Station Inc.

The National Gas Vertical tandem engine at the power station

Two of the three 450 BHP National Vertical Tandem Cylinder gas engines and their 340kVA alternators, during their three decades of occupancy within the power station. They bore the engine serial numbers 385, 386 and 387, although at present there is no floor plan available to indicate which stood where. Probably the photo is taken from the end of the building closest to Engine 216. At this time the present main door did not exist (it was installed to admit the British Polars), and the main sliding door on the Keith Street side of the building was beside Engine 215. (Photo: Power Station Records, PNCC Archives, Palmerston North City Archives)

The old Nationals, which stood between the two present engines, were finally scrapped in late 1954. The only things known to survive from them that remain at the power station include a number of spark plugs, an air pressure guage, a few spanners, and a cylinder liner, upon which is mounted the station's 'homemade' bench grinder. This is near Engine 216 (photo shown below - taken 20/3/2001). Three magnetos are known and are in private collections.  It is possible that the name plates also survive in someone’s collection. A photo exists of a crankcase. Unfortunately, at the time it was on the back of Percy Foot's truck - and he was dismantling these engines. It was, therefore, destined to become scrap.

We would very much like to learn more on these engines if at all possible. Access to any surviving bits that we could photograph for our collection, would also be greatly appreciated.

Last updated: 30/3/2001