Building the last Main Line Railway

Catesby Tunnel and Viaduct: gcrcs75

This view shows the steam crane and navvies working on the construction of Catesby tunnel, Northamptonshire, circa 1897. Note the square buckets with iron straps reinforcing the corners of the bucket. These were loaded at the bottom of the tunnel and hoisted to the surface where they were emptied in to the contractors wagons.

In many cases, these cranes would be fitted with a cab, fashioned by the contractors out of wood and corrugated metal. This photograph is therefore a good opportunity to see the engine in something like its original condition. T. Oliver & Son was the contractor responsible for building this section of the Railway (Contract No.4 Rugby to Woodford).

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