Nile tug's steam engine

At the Universal Exposition in 1867, the Société des Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée showed machines that were mostly destined for the construction of the Suez Canal. Due to its sheer scale, logistic constraints and geographic isolation, this huge project was an opportunity to devise and test specifically designed machines. The series of models shown in 1867 included huge dredgers used for earthmoving and paddle-driven tugs like this. Powered by a 120-horsepower steam engine, this type of vessel had fixed paddle wheels activated by two inclined cylinders driving a single crankshaft. This model was donated to the Musée des Arts et Métiers by the SFCM after the Universal Exposition.