Blenkinsop rack wheel with two rack rails and two chairs

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.