Birk built this miniature model of the lower beam steam engine from the ship “Eric Nordevall.” He built the engine using plans from a 2008 issue of Home Shop Machinist magazine. In August 1836, the paddlewheel steam boat, Eric Nordevall was launched in Sweden. The boat was towed to Motala Verkstad where the steam engines and paddle wheels were installed. The steam engines were a side lever design, and produced 17 hp each.
Mr. Petersen created a vast array of projects over his lifetime, ranging from miniature engines to hand-cranked animations and more. He built functional miniatures like a 1/3 scale Gatling gun or a 1/4 scale Case steam tractor, but he also built mechanical creations for the fun and enjoyment of his family. When Birk passed away in 2015, his family graciously donated over 150 items from his collection for display at the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, where they are currently on display. We thank the Petersen family for sharing his extensive collection, which demonstrates the broad interests and many talents of Birk Petersen.