Building the last Main Line Railway

Great Central Bridge and Viaduct: gcrcs67

This photograph shows the section of the girder frame bridge where it meets the girder bridge. The riveter is working next to the steel girder that ran along the centre of the girder bridge providing additional strength. The recessed boxes are designed to receive timber baulks on which the rails will be laid. The use of timber was essential because it provided both a flexible joint as well as a smoother ride. C1896

The complexity of the girder bridges and viaducts on the London Extension is shown to good effect in this picture. It was taken during the construction of the lattice girder viaduct over the LNWR line at Rugby, and shows a riveter at work. The bed of the bridge is littered with nuts, bolts, rivets and tools; and there are various wooden chocks positioned in certain places.

The bridge was made up of three spans, and two of these survive today. The bridge was built by Topham, Jones & Railton - the contractor responsible for the construction of the line between Aylestone and Rugby. In more recent years, the bridge has become known as the 'Birdcage' for obvious reasons. Count the rivets!

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