The Bowes Railway Museum sits at the top of Leam Lane near Springwell - The Bowes Railway, built by George Stephenson in 1826, is the world's only preserved operational standard gauge cable railway system. It was built to transport coal from Durham pits to boats on the River Tyne. Only part of the system now remains.
The remaining hauler at Blackham's Hill on the Bowes system is, in effect, two haulage engines in one as it sits at the summit of two inclines. Originally in 1826, Mount Moor (later Black Fell) colliery was the end of the line. Full wagons were drawn up from Black Fell to Blackham's Hill using a single rope. Empties were let down to Black Fell on the same rope. At the summit, the second (Springwell) rope was used to lower the full wagons down to Springwell and to draw up the empties from Springwell under power to Blackhams Hill. This system remained essentially unaltered until the railway was abandoned by the NCB in 1974. This is the system that is now demonstrated on selected open days.
The only place in the world where rope haulage can be seen on a standard gauge railway system, Bowes Railway is a preserved colliery railway. On operating days, steam train rides are given to the hauler house for rope haulage demonstrations, but the fine examples of Victorian workshops and machinery can be seen during the week for free. Very often free guided tours are available.
No comments:
Post a Comment