Think I have seen bigger, but that is certainly one serious flywheel, and I suspect that it is attached to one serious steam engine too!
Not sure I can come up with a photo right quick, but I do believe the British had some truly monstrous flywheels on some of their beautiful pumping engines!?!?
Here’s one in Dalton, MN I believe it’s 25’ diameter
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Some friends in IA are moving a Corliss with 15’ flywheel, each half 27,000 pounds
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
I got curious and found a record from the 1994 edition of the Guiness book of records of what was stated as the largest stationary steam engine, a pumping engine made in 1849 to pump water out of flooded land in Holland. No information on the flywheel was given, but the diameter of the piston was 12 feet! That one must have had one whopping big flywheel also.
That Victorian engine is surely impressive, and looks like Nick's son was having a fine time. My only concern is that maybe they need to install a stronger guardrail, as he seemed to already be pushing its limits a bit!