Building the last Main Line Railway

Rugby to Barby: gcrcs1a

Close up of image 'gcrcs1' showing the contractor's wagon used to carry the spoil away from the excavation area. The wagon's chassis was constructed primarily of heavy timber as this was not only robust but provided a much lower centre of gravity because of their weight. This was important as they would be tipped at the weight would help to keep them stabilised. The chassis timbers extender forward at both ends forming the 'dumb' buffers. The wagon wheel nearest the camera has been 'chocked' by the labourers using a metal lever curved at one end in order to stop the wagon moving.

back