The **Cooper Bessemer Type 26 Gas Engine**, first produced in 1934, is a monumental piece of engineering history. With a **26” bore** and a **36” stroke**, this horizontal, **4-stroke engine** was capable of producing **1,600 horsepower** at a relatively low **125 RPM**. This engine's unique design included its "twin tube" structure, where each "tube" contained **two double-acting power pistons**, which were fired on both sides. This innovative feature effectively made it an **8-cylinder engine**, giving it remarkable power and efficiency for its time.
The Type 26, along with other Cooper Bessemer horizontal gas engines, drew heavily from the **industrial steam engine designs** that were prevalent during the early 20th century. These engines were primarily used in **oil and gas industry applications**, powering compressors, pumps, and other heavy-duty machinery.
Notably, this engine runs on **natural gas**, making it one of the earlier examples of fossil fuel-powered engines used in industrial settings. Despite its large size and immense power, it ran at a relatively low RPM, which was a hallmark of these robust and durable engines. Today, the Cooper Bessemer Type 26 is celebrated not only for its engineering ingenuity but also as a testament to the transition from steam power to internal combustion in industrial machinery.
A true **powerhouse** of its era!
