Building the last Main Line Railway

Newton to the Oxford Canal: gcrcs183

Taken in 1896, this photograph is a fine opportunity to see a steam navvy built by Whitaker & Sons of Leeds, seen here at work in a 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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