Steam engine

In the middle of the tram hall at Bergen's Technical Museum stands an impressive piece of Norwegian engineering – a triple expansion steam engine of around 300 horsepower, built at Skiensfjorden Mechanical College. The machine is a prime example of good craftsmanship, but was never used on a boat due to a lack of documentation on the materials it was made from.

Instead, the machine took on an educational life: first as a demonstration object at the mechanical engineering school in Rosenbergsgaten, later as an exhibit at the school on Vestre Strømkai. In 1990, it was taken over by the Veteran Ships Association Fjordabåten and placed in the tram hall as part of the association's exhibition.

The goal has always been to get the machine operational, but work was put on hold for over 20 years due to structural challenges. Only when the roof was repaired could a suitable steam boiler be installed. Now the dream is finally coming true: The machine has received steam, and is running again – to the great delight of the public – on selected Sundays throughout the year.