The Engine housed in Trencherfield Mill part of the award winning Wigan Pier attraction is mid way through a complete overhaul. To date, Heritage Engineering have carried out a complete strip down of the engine and component parts. Repairs to the key components detailed below are now well underway:

• Corliss valves
• Air pumps
• Flywheel and keys
• Condenser
• Bearings
• Barring Engine

Much of the work is carried out within the Glasgow workshop and foundry of Heritage Engineering and is involving highly specialised engineering techniques.

Planning is also well underway to compliment the engine restoration with an advanced and improved audio-visual presentation. Centre Screen production have been appointed to transform the engine house into a theatrical style setting where stories of the engine’s history and restoration will be projected. Lighting will also be used to create a real sense of atmosphere and create a memorable experience.

The project is also an ideal opportunity for those interested in the technologies, industries and social history that the engine represents to get actively involved and become an engine house volunteer. The volunteer programme enables those interested to actively get involved in promoting, interpreting and cleaning the engine. Support and training will be integral to the volunteer network. For further information please contact Joanne Howdle on 01942 731247.

The engine house continues to be open to the public and engine house demonstrators are on hand to explain the second half of the restoration.

For further information on the engine and Wigan Pier attractions please contact on 01942 323666.

For further information contact Stuart Holden, Project Assistant 01942 828579 or Joanne Howdle, Learning and Curator Manager.