Documentary references to the DGC man engines are fairly scarce.
There is an article in Tamar Journal (the journal of the friends of
Morwellham):
Le Marchant R, 1989, The Man engine and Devon Great Consols Mine, Tamar
Journal No. 11, pp 7 - 12.
Unfortunately the article is fairly general, mainly comprising a discussion
of the origins of the man engine. Additionally the article does not draw on
contemporary sources - take it with a pinch of salt.
The relevant bit of the article :
"Devon Great Consols Mine was an undertaking of such size and wealth that it
is not surprising that it took advantage of the latest technological
advancements. The directors would no doubt be aware of the glowing reports
of the device, which would "not only repay the costs of installation within
the year, but provide a considerable profit as well" (N.B quote not
referenced - Rick). Two were installed at the mine, one at Wheal Josiah to
a depth of 664 ft (shaft not identified) in the middle of the property, and
one at Wheal Emma - inclined shaft to a depth of 1140 ft, to the east. It is
most likely that they were operated by one of the eleven large waterwheels
in use on the mine - the eight steam engines being used for lesser work."
I am not convinced.
Certainly at Wheal Emma the use of water power was extremely limited. Agnes
Shaft (Wheal Emma) was pumped by one of the "Great Wheels" (a pair of 40' x
12' wheels) at Blanchdown by a fairly long flat rod run; beyond that the
rest of the plant at Emma was steam powered due to a lack of water in the
vicinity. A similar set of circumstances applied at Josiah.
I would be willing to take a sporting bet that both man engines were steam
driven, however until further contemporary evidence appears I think that the
jury is still out.
Rick Stewart
----- Original Message -----
From: "paul richards" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2008 7:33 PM
Subject: Man engines at Devon Great Consols
Dear List
Ref: The above. Can anyone tell me what the driving power was for these
engines, water or steam? Many thanks.
Paul
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