Dear Trevor,
Thanks for this. These very long runs are supported by AMR plans and sections in the Devon Record Office, the 1867 Bedford Estate Map, and the Tavistock Canal Company committee reports. These however note that the canal tunnel pumping strained the wheel, with the result that one of the intermediate shafts had to be abandoned for a while. Not entirely surprising considering the shaft concerned eventually reached a depth of 350ft, while the other three were no less than 200ft each.
Robert
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Message Received: Jan 14 2006, 05:57 PM
From: "Trevor Dunkerley"
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Re: Flat Rod Runs
Hi Rob,
I spoke with Mitch Warburton today regarding your enquiry above.
In Combe Martin the flat rod runs, servicing 2 shafts, were just under 200m in length, and these were driven by a steam engine.
He is very sceptical that the lengths you have suggested could in any way be driven along their length by a water wheel.
Regarding your earlier question regarding water wheels directly over shafts, he states that this practice was used in the early mines. I am sure a telephone call to him would offer more detail.
Kindest regards,
Trevor
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