Crossness Engines, 2: The Engines; And More

After the introductory and educational phases of the tour, we donned our construction site hats and were led into the engine building itself, which is divided into several floors. The scale of the engines is overwhelming.

Study and master this explanation of how the engines worked...from
boiler to flywheel to arm to pump, etc.; alternatively you may watch
one of several YouTube videos, e.g., this one; definitely on the quiz

Now on the upper floor of the engine building, contemplating the
enormity of it all; two of the massive arms in view

Looking at one of the enormous flywheels and shafts

Now in the central area, all the paint and decor restored from the
opening in 1865; the four engines were named for the queen, the
prince consort, and two of their children

The decor on the columns and elsewhere manifests some great
Victorian humor: leaves and berries from various plants well known
for relieving constipation; and diarrhea

Metropolitan Board of Works

The original 1865 pumps were replaced with three pumps each--
allowing more efficient re-use of steam (see the video); the
original pumps could flush 6 tons of pee and poo per stroke;
even Trump would be impressed

Another of the four great flywheels

To be honest, it was the decor (and novelty) that first attracted us

Crossing

The four great arms weigh some 47+ tons each

Back in one of the education buildings, a map showing the extent
of Basalgette's colossal drainage system

The great man

The tour done, we are walking back by the Thames to Abbey Wood
and the train back to London and Pimlico; where we have encountered
the mother of all blackberry patches

It went on for a mile or more; unfortunately, the berries were guarded
by nettles here and there

In Abbey Wood, more British humor