Machinery Gallery

Heath Robinson Kitchen 3 of 4

Heath Robinson Does Away with Servants - Patent Applied for by "The Sketch" in the Kitchen. A busy Kitchen, which is a typically Heath Robinson design, with a system of pulleys, levers and machinery allowing just one man to peel and mash potatoes, whisk eggs, roast a chicken, wash the plates, roll pasrty, and toast bread, all at once, sitting down. and still be able to smoke a cigar, and no need for servants. Even the pendulum of the clock serves as a handy turnip peeler. Please note: Credit must appear as Courtesy of the Estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/ILN/Mary Evan"

© Courtesy of the estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library

A simple device for removing a wart

Contrary to the title of this picture, a complicated and convoluted machine to help a sufferer remove a wart from his head. A series of pullies and wheels activated by a lever will eventually succeed in lowering the user with a jolt and successful removing the wart which is precarious tied with thread hanging from a hook above the head. Yikes. Please note: Credit must appear as Courtesy of the Estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/ILN/Mary Evan"

© Courtesy of the estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library

Caterpillar track steam engine by R. Hornsby & Sons

The first and original Caterpillar or walking engine made by R. Hornsby & Sons of Grantham. R. Hornsby & Sons grew into a major manufacturer of agricultural machinery, at their Spittle Gate Works. The firm went on to produce steam engines used to drive threshing machines and other equipment such as traction engines; their portable steam engine was one of their most important products and the market leader. Later a chain-track was added to an oil-engined tractor: the caterpillar track; these were developed and patented by Hornsby's chief engineer (and managing director), David Roberts, from July 1904. These were first used on tractors which served with the British Army towing artillery from 1910, but were later fitted to tanks which were used in the First World War from 1916. In 1909, a development model called the Little Caterpillar was demonstrated to the War Office. The army officers present at the demonstration believed it would frighten the horses!

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection