Springwell
Engineering & Fitting Shops

© Dave Hardy
Springwell engineering shop

© Dave Hardy
Fitting shop at Springwell

This section of the stone building contains a variety of lathes and other machines used in the construction or repair work for the railway including the repair of locomotives and wheel turning. The shear-legs inside the courtyard were used to lift wagons so the wheels could be removed. Roof skylights are provided in the east facing roof.

Visitors to this building are usually not aware that Springwell road buts on to the building and in places the building is 5ft below road level. Running down the centre of the shop is a stone covered conduit for the electrical cable runs to the machines.

Along with the Joiners Shop and Blacksmiths Shop this building was used by Locomotion Enterprises during the building of the replica Rocket and Novelty for the 150th anniversary of the Rainhill Trials during the early days of preservation.

This page last updated 30 November 2002