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Building the last Main Line Railway
Newton to the Oxford Canal: gcrcs183
A steam powered navvy, built by Whitaker & Sons of
Leeds, is seen working in a deep cutting near Rugby. The vast majority of steam
excavators used on the construction of the GC's Main Line were Rustons, and of
these many are pictured with the makeshift cabs of wood and corrugated metal
that obscure the view of the machine's engine. This particular example is
therefore a rare exception. Built around 1887, its steam powered racking gear
and piston rod arrangement allowed for a greater control of the depth of cut.
Topham, Jones & Railton was the contractor responsible for building this
section of the Railway (Contract No.3, Aylestone to Rugby).
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