Springwell Bankhead
Wheel Pit

© Dave Hardy
Springwell wheel pit

The pit and the wheel contained within it were used to control the speed on the gravity incline to Springwell Bank Foot.

The haulage rope was wound around the wheel two or three times to provide grip for the rope. The wheel itself is made up of two halves. The rope ran the full length of the incline with a rope coupling on each end. On the bank head the rope was attached to full wagons on the roads on either side of the Kip on alternate runs, the empty wagons arriving on the kip. The rope itself passed under the Kip on its South side en route to the wheel and emerged between the rails on the north side.

Although not operational the wheel and pit have been restored since preservation began. A spare wheel for this pit was also provided. During work to provide our car park, it was decided to place the spare wheel at the entrance to the car park on a plinth.

The wheel, Bank Head and its operation feature in the film "Bowes Line" made shortly before closure.

Read more here........

This page last updated 30 November 2002