Dear list,
I have a query about a form of underground haulage in use ca. 1900. I have been doing some fieldwork in connection with? a tramway system used to bring silica sand down from the moors at Pwll Byfre to the silica brickworks at Penwyllt, at the head of the Swansea Valley. In 1903 an article was published in the Colliery Guardian (Vol.85) describing a new installation of an endless rope system described as having been in use for some years elsewhere in the underground conveyance of coal.
I refer you to
http://www.swcc.org.uk/aboutswcc/history/penwyllt_village/penwyllt_haulage.pdf
I can understand the principle of the system as described here, so my question is (assuming someone has some knowledge of this kind of system) what were the serious shortcomings, if any, of these cable haulage installations, that would cause the Penwyllt system to have been a dismal failure, to the extent that, within a year I suspect, the whole system was replaced by steam locomotive on the top section of the line, and an electric winder located at the top of the lower section. It may have been the Heywood and Bridge's Patent Clutch that proved to be the big problem, but I think the whole lower section was replaced as well as the upper section, so this is why I put out this query.
You need to read the article fully to appreciate how it was supposed to work.
Peter Burgess
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