Documenting the design of the Doxford engine

Established as a ship builder in 1840, Doxford produced marine diesel engines between 1913 and 1979 and was the last UK builder of two-stroke engines. Its most celebrated design was the opposed piston engine, in which each cylinder housed two pistons and a central combustion chamber.

In Notable points in the design history of the Doxford opposed piston marine oil engine, former Doxford apprentices and marine engineers Rodney Cartridge (who sadly died while researching the book) and John Jordan look at the design of the engine with the aid of a treasure trove of first-person accounts, original documents and photos, including several published originally by The Motorship.

The book will make illuminating and nostalgic reading for more senior engineers who remember working with the iconic engine, or those interested in the history of marine propulsion. All proceeds will go to the Doxford Engine Friends Association to support the upkeep of the last engine to leave the Doxford works, a 58JS3C that was due to be sold for scrap when the business closed in 1979). It is now housed at Beamish Museum in County Durham.

Jordan, now 83 years old, told The Motorship that he began the book with Cartridge in 2011 and nearly abandoned the project after his old colleague and then his wife died. He now hopes the publication will raise vital funds for the maintenance of the engine, which is looked after by a dwindling group of volunteers.

The book is available for £20 plus postage and packaging, with only 200 copies printed. For purchases and enquiries please contact Susan Adamson, secretary of the Doxford Engine Friends Association, on email: susanadamson112@gmail.com