GWR Route: The North Warwickshire Line

GWR Route: Stratford on Avon to Hatton

Stratford on Avon Shed: gwrsa1739

View of the water crane adjacent to the coaling stage at Stratford-on-Avon shed in September 1956. The design of these water cranes dated back to July 1903 (GWR drawing No. 2018), The crane had a eight inch diameter horizontal pipe which could be swung over the locomotive’s water tank or tender using the chain attached to the post. The six foot long flexible leather hose at the end of the pipe would then be placed into the water tank, before the handle at the base of the crane was turned to regulate the flow. To prevent the water in the crane’s pipework from freezing a fire grate (popularly referred to as a fire devil) was provided. This had a long stovepipe to direct the heat on to the crane’s pipework.

Robert Ferris

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