I agree as it is a feat of engineering but also suggest the Grey Ferguson (Old Grey Fergie) tractor as it managed to symbolise the farming and food production revolution. Or the original Mini on a similiar basis – performance per pound must have been some of the best ever.
Stephen Napper, Harrogate
I agree this is a favourite considering how important it would have been back then and what it led to, but the sad thing is I only realised its potential after searching for it on Wikipedia! It’s not exactly well advertised in schools as an engineering feat.
Russell Burton, Allentown, US
It would be better to propose items that define eras of innovation such as John Harrison’s chronometer H5 for its leap in exploration and commerce, or Watt’s engines or the Spinning Jenny, which heralded the industrial age, through to things not so obvious such as the Tate Modern building or Battersea power station, both renowned and highly visible items of industrial heritage.
Ian Morris, Texas, US
The Mallard record-breaking steam locomotive marked a significant milestone in railway travel, combining long distance and speed performance to make our country more accessible to the ordinary travelling public. It is a symbolic, breathing example of world-class mechanical engineering.
Peter Barnett, Trowbridge
To me the only answer would be Concorde – it was the greatest.
Simon Donald, Angus
I’d vote for Sir Frank Whittle’s first jet engine. This heralded the jet age, and had a major impact.
Peter Hewson, Eye, Suffolk
Living within a stone’s throw of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, the first iron bridge in the world has got to be a strong contender.
Paul France, Telford
I find the piston and gas turbine aeroengines in the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust collection more impressive, but I would say that having worked in that industry.
Tony Holme, Derby
My favourite piece of industrial heritage is the steam locomotive Talyllyn on the Talyllyn railway at Towyn in North Wales. Built 150 years ago, it has worked the line ever since. You can’t beat a ride behind a steam train!
James Hilton, Cheshire
Would have to go with steam – so much choice – but I’ll pick the newbuild loco Tornado.
Ian Kay, Solihull
I am deeply disappointed. It’s a shame to associate our discipline with something as destructive as war rather than something more constructive, positive and, well, peaceful.
Iggy Pont Lezica, Surrey
I prefer the more in-your-face impressive pieces of engineering. Every time I fly I can see a Concorde – awesome. I remember waiting to take off a few years ago and seeing one coming down the runway towards us to take off downwind, and the phenomenal roar and speed as it passed. Unfortunately it now counts as heritage.
Tim Mitchell, Cheshire
The Antikythera mechanism deserves an honourable mention.
Ian Jenkins, Lichfield
Considering the technology of the time plus the war effort this definitely ranks as one of the best innovations of the era. The whole concept, thought out and implemented from first principles, was a major triumph for engineering and definitely ranks as the number one piece of industrial heritage.
John McFarlane, Glasgow
The Bombe is certainly interesting, but my personal favourite is the Newcomen atmospheric engine on display – and often in steam – at the Black Country Living Museum. For me, it’s fascinating to see one of the first steps on the road to the modern industrialised world preserved and in working order.
Paul Cole, Orsett, Essex
Excellent choice – but also recall the underpinning maths of Turing, and his persecution by the establishment that he gave so much to.
Simon Shaw, Ickenham, Middlesex
Locomotion No 1 – the first steam engine on the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The predecessor of the Rocket, and the first practical mobile engine. The beginning of transport being cheap and quick, and countries becoming smaller overnight.
Elijah Hughes, Bristol
Good choice. But the truth is that this country is just brimming over with fabulous engineering heritage, from any Sturmey Archer bicycle hub to the Concordes dotted around our museums. It’s marvellous.
Stuart Brown, St Andrews, Fife
The contents of the National Railway Museum constitute a more impressive and far-reaching heritage.
Harvey Barker, Hull
Almost impossible to single out one item of industrial heritage. Look in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior) to see the seeds of inventiveness and the need for industrialisation. Surely mechanical power is the key, starting with the steam engine, followed closely by the internal combustion engine.
Barry Durrant, Devon
If we are talking pure mechanical not electro-mechanical, the Babbage engine has my vote.
Paul Lees, Broadstairs