Tribute to a marine engineering classic

For those with an engineering bent, John William Jordan and John Rodney Cartridge have put together this large, glossy, historical work on the Doxford engine, a key part of Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage.

As a treasure trove of original images, diagrams and first-person accounts, the book traces the research, development and manufacturing processes of Doxford, which was founded as a shipbuilder in 1840 and produced marine oil engines from 1913. Surviving the Great Depression, which took a heavy toll on the city’s industry, Doxford continued producing the engines until 1979.

The book includes background on the company, its facilities, and the personalities who worked there; plus, of course, a great deal of detail on Doxford’s most famous design, the opposed piston engine. Jordan and Cartridge share extensive stories on tests, tweaks and redesigns that took place during the development of Doxford engines.

Though not a technical work per se, lovers of detail and those with a deep interest in Sunderland’s industrial history will certainly be satisfied.

Notable Points in the Design History of the Doxford Opposed Piston Marine Oil Engine
By John William Jordan and John Rodney Cartridge
Self-published by WM Doxford and Sons Ltd, £25
Limited edition (available in the Nautilus Bookshop)