Stage 2

Sheaving the Rope and Lowering East

As the set gathers speed, the two bankhead shunters use their shunting poles to throw the moving rope onto the rollers, known as 'sheaving' the rope. After passing the chocks the rope gradually returns to the centre of the track.

The hauler driver sends the bell code (2 rings) to Springwell to indicate that the rope train is beginning its descent. The descent takes about 5 minutes so the Springwell Crossing keeper begins preparations for opening the level crossing gates to the set . If the brakeman does not receive a return bell code (5 rings - 2 rings) from Springwell Crossing indicating the gates are open before the set reaches the Quarry occupation crossing - about 2/3rd the way down the incline - the set is brought to a halt. Otherwise it is allowed to run into Springwell Yard and is stopped when the rope distance indicator in the hauler reaches the bottom mark.

The set continues its descent towards Springwell - note in the pictures below the rollers in the centre of the track as the wagons pass Pelaw Main Junction where the passenger route branches off to the Blackham's Hill platform and the Wrekenton extension.


© Peter Norman
Rope train descending East past Pelaw Main Junction


© Peter Norman
Rope train between Pelaw Main Junction and Quarry crossing

The rope train passes over Springwell Crossing and into Springwell yard. The picture below shows the wagons rounding the curve as the Blackham's Hill brakeman brakes them to a halt. Note the vertical rollers on the inside of the curve to guide the rope - also note the passenger train standing at the platform, having been locked out of the section.


© Bowes Railway archive
Wagons rounding the curve in Springwell yard

As soon as the wagons have passed over Springwell Crossing, and the rope has fallen into the rope channel in the centre of the track, the gates can be opened to road traffic even though the rope is still moving.

Once the brakeman has brought the wagons to a standstill he sends the bell code (1 ring) to Springwell to indicate that he has done so.

While stationary in the yard, the set is checked to ensure that it is in a safe condition to be hauled back to Blackham's Hill. Of course, were this operating during NCB days, the set would have been loaded with coal and the rope would have been taken off and put onto the front of a set of 12 empties to be hauled up to Blackhams Hill.

The run down from Blackhams Hill has been about 1200m

 

Stage 1 Haulage Sequence Index Stage 3

This page last updated 25th March 2006