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On Fri, 20 Jan 2006 22:05:10 -0000, Chris <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >Dear List > Alasdair Neill wrote ..."Belstone 650m worked by 60ft wheel." >The wheel was actually 70 ft. diameter with 2,000 ft. of 2½" flat-rods. This >wheel was the largest on mainland Britain,but, second largest to Laxey Mines >72½ ft. wheel. Small observation. > >Regards Chris > Hamilton Jenkin's quote that the wheel was 70 ft was based on sources written after the mine closed, & he acknowledges the only contemporary (Mining Journal) source he had found states it was 60 ft. The wheel was made by George Green of Aberystywth, suggesting it may have come second hand from Mid Wales or elsewhere. It was reconstructed about 1889 with a new axle. If anyone has come across other sources which confirm the size please post. It's a long time since I have been there, so I don't know if enpugh remains to measure the length of the wheelpit. Can anyone provide sites of 60-70 ft wheels elsewhere?. Alasdair Neill.