In a message dated 10/12/2003 1:03:52 PM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
> I've had an enquiry at Killhope lead mining museum about aerial tramways,
> and I wonder if anyone on the list can help. Martin Wells wrote:
> "I am writing a mining history on the aerial tramways in North America.
> Some were built by two English concerns - Ropeways and Breco.
> I have a few files on the UK installations: coal mines in Devon and Wales.
> Some iron mines in mid-England and a large Bleichert tram at Billingham ICI
> works. Do you know of any more in England. Was there any in Keswick?
> England supplied many to the world, including a 40 mile one in Columbia and
> parts for an 80 mile one in Gabon. Breco built a large installation in BC
> too, though US makers predominated".
> Can anyone supply more information?
> Ian
>
Hi Ian,
As for the American scene, may I suggest the book " Riding The High Wire" by
Robert Trennert at the University of Arizona. The first English design and
built tramway to hit the American mainland appears to have been of the Charles
Hodgson (Wire Tramway Company Ltd) design in the White Pine District of western
Nevada at the Treasure Hill property. Due its design flaws, it was not a
success and Andrew Halladie ( Scotsman) of San Francisco seized upon Hodgson's
failure to grab the Western market. The Hodgson and Halladie designs were of the
monocable deign which was eventually superseded by the bi-cable Bleichert
design.
The Colorado School of Mines website at <A HREF="http://www.mines.edu/library/ropeway/photos1.htm">--Ropeway Slides 1-25</A> may be of some
interest.
Cordially,
Jim Besleme
Columbia, Missouri
|