RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 14, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 14, 2016 Don't suppose you saw how the vehicles went on over the speed bumps (and potholes!) on Printworks Road? No I didn't. I was trying to catch one going over the main obstacle at the river bridge but was always too late. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanuts Posted May 14, 2016 Share Posted May 14, 2016 Don't suppose you saw how the vehicles went on over the speed bumps (and potholes!) on Printworks Road? the tarmac humps are long gone and have been replaced with the bolt in rubber ones so they may have been removed for the duration Bro ! the pot holes on the other hand are standard tameside mbc size and growing Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 14, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 14, 2016 The small rubber bumps are still in situ. I went and had a closer look at the main bridge reinforcement works. A view looking east ...and the view looking towards Heyrod The top "BIG" reinforcement is new and just look how thick that steel plate is. It needs to be - the SGT is 200 tonnes! (But I don't know if that's net or gross weight.) The first of the SGTs arrives tomorrow (Sunday the 15th of May) but I might not be there to capture it going over the river. The second SGT is due to arrive on site the following Thursday. Kev. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 14, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 14, 2016 Here are the three loads on Printworks Rd waiting to enter the nationalgrid site. Bringing up the rear is a lorry load of "skidding gear" for use in hydraulically 'shoving' the SGTs and Reactors into their final positions. (It's ironic that this was the lorry that 'skidded' the ramp out of position!) This, and the next few shots, are of the Reactor. Reactor number R295 to be exact. The first lorry, to traverse the route, has a load of bits for a BIG crane they are going to use. This shows the widened (and electric fence removed) entrance into the nationalgrid site. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 14, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 14, 2016 This shows an older SGT, in the foreground, and a much more recent SGT in the background - just in front of the Pylon. The two SGTs, being delivered this week, will be going just in front of the 'shed' that has got all that blue temporary fencing and cones. Just on that fresh new (presumably thick) concrete. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 14, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 14, 2016 These next few shots were (mostly) taken from Bridge #6 nearest the connection point. A Transpennine Express unit heads north at about 8:30 this morning. The shed, where the two new SGTs are going, can be seen to the left the line. This is the view of the site from the train! (I took this yesterday Evening on the 18:15 Huddersfield to Wigan service comprising a leading (and full) 150, and a trailing (and almost empty) 142.) These next two shots show a Class 150 two car unit heading south with a destination of Stalybridge. Incidentally, NetworkRail want ~£600,000 for this bridge to be replaced. Not a problem to the residents to the left but the 5, or so, houses in the right of this picture will be 'cut off'! This is Bridge #6! A couple of decades ago(!) the previous foot bridge was replaced by this one but with an additional extra 4 steps of clearance in preparation for the lines eventual electrification. ...And to finish with, a view of the Pennines from Pennine View! If you know where to look you can just see the morning sun glinting off the river bridge's reinforced decking. Kev. 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 15, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 15, 2016 For those wanting to witness the SGT traversing the river, I have been told that it is due "about eleven". Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 15, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 15, 2016 Well, it arrived about mid day and has taken an hour and a half to travel the full length of Grove Road - in reverse! It was an education watching the whole crew manoeuvre the SGT, Trailer and Tractor units about. ...but, it's still there! It's stuck between the two bridges as it can not get around the sharp bend and get all the axles onto the mats over then second smaller reinforced culvert bridge. So if you still want to see it you have got the rest of the day as they are thinking about sending for another 'mat' which will arrive tomorrow at the earliest. Next Wednesday or Thursday is still the planned day to move the second SGT to Stalybridge. Pictures to follow. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 15, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 15, 2016 They have re-aligned the mats and ramps and got the truck and SGT over it and into the sub-station. I missed it as I had to run Mrs SHMD and Master SHMD to the Cinema. At least I have some time to myself now though. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 22, 2016 Sorry for the delay but this has been the earliest I could compile and edit all the photos I took. Here the SGT nears the end of Huddersfield Rd just before the tricky steep downhill S bends before turning onto Grove Rd via a sharp left-hand hair-pin bend. (The grey lump of transformer weighs 97 tonnes.) And immediately, the SGT decides to turn off down a dead end! It obviously looked more inviting than the main road's tricky downhill route! Back on course and starting the descent. Just a bit further on, going at walking pace, I was fortunate enough to capture this beauty in the same shot... Forgive the diversion, but I am sure that you will agree that zooming in, (to take a closer look), will be well worth it. I mean, just look at those perfect proportions... Kev. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 22, 2016 That's right... ...It's a circa 1930s SHMD street level Sub-Station in near original condition. What a beauty! Anyway, back to the SGT transportation... This view shows the left-hand turn on to Grove Rd. An idea of the gradient is also evident in this shot. The hair-pin turn was way to tight for this trailer even with is all-wheel independent steering. They didn't even attempt it. They just went straight past and reversed onto Grove Rd for the rest of the way. Kev. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 22, 2016 Manoeuvring around parked cars is not a problem... (Don't forget - we are now reversing for the rest of these shots.) On the right, of this shot, is the site of the former Diggle-loop (Micklehurst line) Station of Staley and Millbrook. The line crossed Grove Rd via a brick viaduct with one iron girder span vaulting across the corner of a Mill! All gone now sadly. The Station closed in 1909! Every 15 to 20 years, there are murmurings of wanting to re-open this line again. An inspection is made and the idea is quickely forgotten again. Everything stopped just after the former station and just before the canal bridge. The canal bridge is the first of 5 major obstacles all within 100m of each other. Here, the crew has grouped together to discuss the situation (On top of the river bridge). "You have got to be joking" - in a Birmingham accent and liberally sprinkled with expletives - was heard many times! Eventually things got back on the move... Obstacle #1. These next 3 shots are the SGT negotiating the Canal Bridge - very, VERY slowly! The trailer is amazing with all 80 tires, on 20 independent axles, each of which can turn shapely AND can be extended to change height for the different road conditions encountered. Careful! We don't want any scratches... Kev. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 22, 2016 Obstacle #2. The bridge over the River Tame. This is only 30(ish) feet from the Canal bridge shown previously. This (weak) bridge had the most preparation and, whilst it is narrow, it is a dead straight run. Just look at how much travel each axle has in the vertical direction. Plenty of 'oomph' too judging by the size of those hydraulic rams. No real problems but things, again, were taken real slow. Kev. 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 22, 2016 Obstacle #3. A sharp right-hand 90degree bend corner. (This catches out quite a few boy racers out!) These next two shots show the tractor unit leaving the bridge reinforcements whilst also showing that the Trailer (leading) is almost half way around the corner. Almost around the corner and the next obstacle is the left hand turn just past what is left of that big tree. Kev. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 22, 2016 Obstacles #4 and #5 are so close together that I have to treat them as one But they are : #4 - a tight 90 degree Left-Hand corner, And : #5 - a short section of reinforcing Mats over a Culvert. (The lamp post needs replacing - again!) (Some more evidence of boy-racers (not) going round the bend.) The Tractor unit is still on the straight and the Trailers (leading) wheels are trying to make it onto the ramp - 90 degrees on! Good views of the full extent of the steering capabilities of this trailer Here, you can clearly see that 3 axles will not even make it onto the ramp! Basically, the Matting is too narrow. Kev. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium ColinK Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 22, 2016 I'm glad its not me driving that truck. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwin_m Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 (edited) On the Staley and Millbrook shot, I think you may have captured a LNWR boundary post on the left next to the lamp post. I was involved in one of the 10-yearly inspections that concluded there wasn't a hope of re-opening it, and noted the post somewhere round there. There must be some pretty major advantages to having the feeder station here to justify choosing such an awkward site. Presumably to do with redundancy of supply from all the power lines converging on the former power station site. Awaiting next week's exciting episode after that cliffhanger. I assume it's not still sitting there while they try to work out how to get it across that culvert? Edited May 22, 2016 by Edwin_m Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 22, 2016 They drew forward for a rest, and a reassessment of the situation, between the two sharp 90 degree corners. At this time I had to leave to run a couple of family errands, and so, missed the repositioning and traversing of the Culverts Matting. This final view shows it very near its final position. Some serious "pushing and shoving" will result with it soon in place. I would like to thank all the crews from Allely's Heavy Haulage, the guys from "nationalgrid" and the "Tree Cutters"! All were professional, courteous and helpful. Thanks lads. Kev. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 22, 2016 On the Staley and Millbrook shot, I think you may have captured a LNWR boundary post on the left next to the lamp post. I was involved in one of the 10-yearly inspections that concluded there wasn't a hope of re-opening it, and noted the post somewhere round there. There must be some pretty major advantages to having the feeder station here to justify choosing such an awkward site. Presumably to do with redundancy of supply from all the power lines converging on the former power station site. Awaiting next week's exciting episode after that cliffhanger. I assume it's not still sitting there while they try to work out how to get it across that culvert? No, they were quite keen on not leaving the lorry and load "out in the open" over night. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted May 22, 2016 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 22, 2016 Now for todays update - this time on time! The bridge reinforcements are still in place one week on. Here a local 4x4 owner crosses the construction because, as we all know, road closures specifically don't apply to 4x4 owners! (At least he closed the fencing behind him.) Murphy have done a good job of levelling the Network Rail side of things - although a new fence to replace the 40+ year old fence (that I have known it) would not go a miss. Here you can see that both the second Reactor and SGTs have been delivered. This next view shows that both SGTs, and Reactors, have not only been delivered but have been pushed into their final positions and that the 'oil moats' have been built around them. (To retain the Transformers' Coolant if it should ever leak out.) (Note - All the flash Gordon stuff (insulators, bus bars, lightening spark gaps, etc) still have to be added but Yodel can deliver them seeing as there is plenty of fence to throw them over!) Here is a (poor) shot of the SGTs from the railway foot bridge. Kev. PS. I had a look for the LNWR Boundary Post (with an eye to .. errr preserve it) but I could not find it. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanuts Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 On the Staley and Millbrook shot, I think you may have captured a LNWR boundary post on the left next to the lamp post. I was involved in one of the 10-yearly inspections that concluded there wasn't a hope of re-opening it, and noted the post somewhere round there. There must be some pretty major advantages to having the feeder station here to justify choosing such an awkward site. Presumably to do with redundancy of supply from all the power lines converging on the former power station site. Awaiting next week's exciting episode after that cliffhanger. I assume it's not still sitting there while they try to work out how to get it across that culvert? there are a number of lnwr marker posts along the banks of the canal where it runs parallel to the micklhurst line i believe the lnwr had to purchase the canal as part of the deal to build the line on that side of the valley . the problem around that area is any thing metal not firmly bolted in has been "liberated " by a local for scrap value he was out last summer "rescueing " conveyor from the underground passages with an angle grinder the old lnwr warehouse has been extensivley targeted for this hastening its ever worsening condition Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwin_m Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 The post I referred to was definitely on the east side of the road near the former viaduct in 2010, but it is probably more conspicuous than others so may have gone by now. I had a rare train ride up the valley last week and noted that the roof of the LNWR warehouse has now caved in. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanuts Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 The post I referred to was definitely on the east side of the road near the former viaduct in 2010, but it is probably more conspicuous than others so may have gone by now. I had a rare train ride up the valley last week and noted that the roof of the LNWR warehouse has now caved in. it hasnt caved in yet but its very close now some huge holes and lots of slates falling shame when you look at some of the craftmanship in its construction looking up through one of the loading hatches Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
62613 Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 there are a number of lnwr marker posts along the banks of the canal where it runs parallel to the micklhurst line i believe the lnwr had to purchase the canal as part of the deal to build the line on that side of the valley . the problem around that area is any thing metal not firmly bolted in has been "liberated " by a local for scrap value he was out last summer "rescueing " conveyor from the underground passages with an angle grinder the old lnwr warehouse has been extensivley targeted for this hastening its ever worsening condition The original name for the railway was 'The Huddersfield and Manchester Railway and Canal'; that is, the canal company took powers to build the original line. It was vested in the LNWR on that company's founding in 1845 when it was complete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PenrithBeacon Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 The original name for the railway was 'The Huddersfield and Manchester Railway and Canal'; that is, the canal company took powers to build the original line. It was vested in the LNWR on that company's founding in 1845 when it was complete I thought the LNWR was formed in 1846. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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