Welcome to The PumpHouse!

Fully ready for motorisation, and with a history spanning over 200 years, The PumpHouse showcases the only original functioning beam engine, waterwheel and pump in the region!

Spend a day with us, as our dedicated volunteers share their passion and knowledge about this icon of steam engineering that marked the transition from waterwheel power to steam!

Inside, you'll find...

• working Boulton & Watt beam engine (large flywheel with sun & planet gears, and rocking beam)
  
• observation deck (with stair access via intermediate platform)
• working waterwheel
• openable boiler (easily removable)
• steam piston and water pump (see-through so you can watch their motion)
• miniature model beam engine in glass case (easily removable) 
• workshop (with bench, vice, tool rack and lamp)
• removable roof (with guttering, unique slate tile building technique, exposed wooden beams, hanging lanterns, bird's nest)
• removable wall section (for better viewing and display value - held at bottom by slopes and locked in at the top with Technic lift arms)
• ornate chimney
• ready for motorisation (gears, compartment for battery box, and mount for L motor supplied - no loose parts)
• AND MORE...!

Physical Info

• 48 x 48 baseplate - 41cm/16in (W) x 41cm/16in(L)
• 45 studs high - 36cm/14in (H)
• 4.5kg of LEGO!

Designer's Notes

I've put my heart and soul into this project, combining many loves into one build. Inspired by the hypnotising motion of the beam engine that I first experienced at the Powerhouse museum in Sydney, The PumpHouse is a distillation of the engineering, architecture and natural beauty associated with original pump houses from the Victorian era.

There are still a few working examples of these engines around the world, and many more pump houses remain standing and are commonly used as wedding venues. There is a beautiful example of one near where I live - Walka Waterworks in Maitland NSW.

This design combines elegant Technic motion with System architecture, unique build techniques (I'm particularly happy with the roof which gives the look of slate tiles on top of exposed wooden beams), and asymmetric design. The build is designed to maximise display value, providing something different on all sides, and with many opening and removable parts, The PumpHouse provides many possibilities for play and display!

Thank you for taking the time to look at The PumpHouse. If you've read this far, I sincerely hope I've earned your vote, and if you're interested in following my projects in future, you can find me mainly on Instagram, Facebook, Rebrickable and YouTube - all via @maddadbricks

Happy building!

~Matt