Blenkinsop rack wheel with two rack rails and two chairs

Made:
1813

Blenkinsop rack wheel with two rack rails and two chairs, 1813

This rail and chairs were cast at the Tyne Iron Works from what are believed to be the original patterns made when equipping the rack line that connected the collieries of Kenton and Coxlodge with the Tyne, laid down in 1813 under the patent of John Blenkinsop. These rack rails enabled light engines to haul heavy trains up steep gradients.

The rails are of the cast-iron fish-bellied form and the chairs are cast with two projections fitting under the end teeth of the rails which are secured by iron keys.

Details

Category:
Railway Infrastructure
Object Number:
1893-186
type:
blenkinsop rack wheel
credit:
John Spencer & Sons

Parts

Replica Blenkinsop Rail Chair

Replica Blenkinsop Rail Chair

Replica Blenkinsop rail chair (possibly cast from an original pattern) mounted on wooden block ,

Measurements:
Block: 108 mm x 279 mm x 305 mm,
Materials:
cast iron and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
1893-186/1
type:
rail chair
Replica Blenkinsop Rail Chair

Replica Blenkinsop Rail Chair

Replica Blenkinsop rail chair (possibly cast from an original pattern) mounted on wooden block ,

Measurements:
metal top section: 121 mm x 229 mm x 121 mm,
Materials:
cast iron and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
1893-186/2
type:
rail chair
Replica Blenkinsop rail

Replica Blenkinsop rail

Replica Blenkinsop rail with six inverted 'U' shaped cogs

Measurements:
overall: 130 mm x 920 mm x 100 mm,
Materials:
Cast iron
Object Number:
1893-186/3
type:
blenkinsop rail
Replica Blenkinsop rail

Replica Blenkinsop rail

Replica Blenkinsop rail with six inverted 'U' shaped cogs

Measurements:
overall: 130 mm x 920 mm x 100 mm,
Materials:
Cast iron
Object Number:
1893-186/4
type:
blenkinsop rail
Blenkinsop rack wheel

Blenkinsop rack wheel

Blenkinsop rack rail wheel

Measurements:
overall: 65 mm, 1040 mm,
Object Number:
1893-186/5
type:
wheel
Replica Blenkinsop Rail Chair

Replica Blenkinsop Rail Chair

Replica Blenkinsop rail chair

Measurements:
1040mm x65mm
Object Number:
1893-186/6
type:
rail chair