
More T&I Activity around Beamish *Updated*…
In this post we will have a look around the site, and RHEC, at some of the other projects taking place that haven’t been looked at in much detail previously…
Below: The Anderson Shelter… Chris has nearly completed the patchwork quilt making exercise on the main shell, which was painted this morning as additional protection against corrosion once it is buried (due to take place next week). A set of ends now needs to be completed to finish the job. Internally the finish is still the dull galvanized grey as originally supplied. Note the wooden jig to assist in the repairs and enable it to be moved in one-piece.
Below: As well as the larger progress on projects that can be seen, there are countless hours spent preparing smaller components and sub-assemblies. Here Friends volunteer Jim works on one of the horse tram’s iron brackets. Items like this are shot-blasted in the small cabinet we have, or wire brushed, before being repaired/primed/painted ready to be fitted when the time comes. This is our small ‘Repair Shop’, located in a partitioned section of the Machine Shop and where smaller project work is tackled, often centred on cycles or stationary engines.
Below: Another project in the Repair Shop is the restoration of this Bradford-Avon Dragsaw. As can be seen, it is a wooden frame which sits on (and is ratcheted to) a log, the sawing action being derived from the cast links and arms. A simple clutch is fitted and the sawing is started by taking the weight of the arm and blade, engaging the clutch (the engine already running) and allowing the weight of the assembly to enable the reciprocating blade to cut downwards. Timber size is only limited by the length of the blade, and variants with stone cutting blades were also sold. This is a classic case of ‘badge’ engineering. The Bradford Gas Engine Company of Shipley, West Yorkshire produced popular open and closed crank engines of their own, but also supplied anonymous engines to many other manufacturers of plant and implements. Avon is one example, whose dragsaws were fitted with Bradford made engines. Canavon were based in Avonmouth and imported US built mechanical wood saws until wartime restrictions forced them into producing a home-produced alternative. The 2.5hp Bradford engine ran at 500rpm, governed by a simple butterfly valve arrangement, and was fitted with a Wico EK Magneto – the result was a durable, cheap and reliable engine. When mounted on the Canavon frame, the Bradford-Avon dragsaw was the result. This example probably dates from the early 1940s and was purchased from Leicestershire, by me, some years ago. I sold it on, it eventually finding its way to the Bowes Railway. With a sawmill development on the horizon, we then purchased it from the Bowes Railway and brought it back to Beamish (where I had originally operated it). It has been under restoration for around two years now, though Peter (who has carried out the work and is one of the Saturday volunteers) has very nearly completed the process. It is seen here complete with a new fuel tank and in much improved condition. I used to start it by pulling the flywheels over, but since the overhaul the compression is much better and so a starting handle has been made to suit! It has been restored into the colours we obtained it in, though was probably all-over green when first built.
*Updated* Below: On the theme of Bradford made engines, we have purchased this Bradford gas engine, in running order but at the moment converted to run on petrol. Note its similarities to the engine above, though it is larger in size and power. It has been purchased as part of the next Museum development, the Chemist and Photographers, which will be located on the currently empty corner site in the Town. The plan is to have the shop gas-lit, and also awaken some of the dormant gas lights outside on the street. We have two soda plants in store and it is hoped that a working soda plant (complete with Codd bottles and plant) will be a feature, powered by the gas engine. Basically its a means of making fizzy pop and in due course, once Jim Rees has looked into it in more detail, more will be published on this fascinating subject…
Below: On the subject of stationary engines, I had these two Lister Ds, neither of which was operational. They are being stripped as part of the project to enable students and the Young Engineers to study their operational and construction principles. One might be returned to work as part of this, the other acting as spares and an instructional engine.
Below: A lot of detail work is now taking place on R025, whilst the crankshaft is away for grinding. The engine bearers are seen here, refitted to the chassis.
Below: The end is in sight! The painting of the gallopers decks is now nearing completion, along with the work on the rounding boards. A large percentage of the 12 boards is seen here, after attention from David, our painter, and Terry, one of the Friends volunteers, who has put a lot of time into this part of the process and greatly aided other projects by freeing our painter up for these. There are always things to paint, especially outside, so if it is of interest do drop Sarah Jarman, the Volunteer Officer, a line and she can point you in the right direction!
Below: This ex LNER Shand Mason fire extinguisher was recently transferred to us from the National Railway Museum, where it duplicated one already in their collection. Built for use in stations and goods warehouses, this is a larger version of the quite common corridor appliance that had a similar role – essentially that of fire extinguisher for dealing with small/early stage fires. This appliance is in good condition, apart from a broken wheel, and so may be an early candidate for overhaul and placement out on site – as a working (if wet!) exhibit.
Below: The steelwork for the new Colliery Engine Shed is now complete, though I advised there is a delay with the supply of corrugated iron cladding. Brick walls will extend about five feet upwards, to break up what would otherwise be a very plain building. In due course we will fit windows and a public viewing area, though the short term plan was simply to provide more undercover space for the collections.
Below: Samson’s flywheel has been cast – seen here awaiting machining. We have also ordered the axleboxes from the foundry too following the allocation of a small donation towards our work.
Below: The narrow gauge engine shed is seen here, progressing towards completion of the pit. Tram rails will run right through the building, mainly because we have some old BS8 rails to use (we no longer use BS8 on our tramway, favouring Ri59 and 60 where grooved rail is required).. These will be cut to fit the whole length inside the shed, supported on pillars and with the rest of the space filled in and flagged. Thus we will have a much needed inspection pit on the narrow gauge, aiding (hugely!) such things as annual boiler inspections or fitness to run inspections. Once all of the landscaping is completed and siding adjusted to match, this area will once again appear much tidier. The medium term aim is to enable us to open it to the public, as a period area, and a base for Samson. The next phases of the narrow gauge system are being planned and will hopefully take place once the current site works are completed. As fill-in jobs the narrow gauge line and facilities must always take their turn in the queue unfortunately!
Not related to the above post, but do you know if the front set of wheels for the WW1 German gun on display in the Town’s Park still survive, somewhere at Beamish?
Hi Rob, they do – they are just around the corner from it. We have looked at a refurbishment for this a number of times – the crunch is the cost of the wheels (being of heavy composite construction). BAE were going to do the gun, but things on Scotswood Road changes, so it is one of those ‘we will do it when we can’ jobs, though clearly 2016, which will be our big WW1 commemoration, based around the Great North Festival of Transport, would be an opportune time to have it done and tow it with a suitable traction engine (as captured property, obviously!). Paul
Thanks Paul, much appreciated. I’m also a member of the ‘Durham Pals’ living history group, so I’m sure if there was anyway we could help out the group would be interested
I have just recently visited beamish to took an interest in the gas engine in the chemistry shop, I have an identical engine built by the Bradford gas engine company in 1912 it also has a plate which shows the name
E. S. Mchugh & CO NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
I was wondering if you have any information on this company.
Thankyou.