Paul,
The Shropshire Mines Trust manage the site nowadays
http://shropshiremines.org.uk/ there is open access to the Engine house
which is one of four on the site. Others in the area Watsons Engine House
at Tankerville would normally be available but currently works are taking
place to stabilise and rebuilding the dressing floor wall and closed till
works complete, Ladywell Engine House, white Grit and west grits are all
available. You mentioned Pontesford Engine House which is on private land
but as long as you don't disturb livestock the landowner seems amenable,
the other two engine houses at Pontesford as you are no doubt are aware are
now private dwellings.
If you want a look around can easily facilitate Snailbeach buildings etc to
be opened.
Mike
On 8 April 2014 09:28, Paul Smith <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Thanks for your prompt reply, I first visited Snailbeach in the early 70s,
> and have been interested in mining history since my teens, the info I
> downloaded rung an alarm bell (such a big engines with such a short stroke).
> I will return to look further into the measurements hopefully in May, in
> the meantime I will continue to search for the truth in other directions.
>
> I have already approached my close friend, Kenneth Brown on the subject, I
> have studied many engine house sites with him over many and he taught me to
> question things that did not quite ring true. Ken is an acknowledged expect
> on beam engines, unfortunately he as no information on this particular
> engine (he as now tasked me with reporting back, so now I can't give up the
> search for info). Is immediate comment was the stroke of the engine seemed
> very short and six inch pumps seemed tiny for such a large mine. The other
> point he agreed with was that the beam centres being approximately equal
> the strokes would be approx equal.
>
> Is there any indication of where this engine originated, anything in the
> mining journal of the time etc
>
> I would of course love a closer look at the engine house in the area, and
> perhaps I could contact you to organise this nearer to the time of my visit.
>
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