Sir Francis Level Entrance 2011 (photo)· Page 2

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gmarsh2008
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#21

All interesting stuff. I remember that back in the 70's Beamish Museum were interested in removing the engine from Sir Francis Level. They apparently removed several components from the engine. In order to prevent the engine from being removed completely the level was "altered" in order to cause enough of a blockage thus securing the engine and pumps in their rightful place. To have the engine in a museum would enable all to see it but to visit the engine room and see it in its natural environment is truly awsome.

Teigl
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Newbie

14 years ago

#22

That's great that the engine has been left. Reminds me just a little bit of what happened when some folk took the Aveling loco boiler from Cwt-y-Bugail, damaging it in the process, making a mess of the winding house and then making a dubious "replica" from the boiler. The chuckle bros would have done better. I know many disagree with me...sorry....but I would rather things were just left to rust away with dignity, in their original location. But then I'm an old stick in the mud. 🙂

If the phone didn''t ring, it was probably me.

RJV
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#23

A few of us happened to wander by here at the weekend and whilst the work done is obviously of a good quality the general opinion was that far too much had been done with the level now having something of a 'sore thumb' quality about it.

I think the mine & the area around it is a scheduled ancient monument. Given the substantial interference with the archaeological remains how did you manage to get permission to go ahead with the work?

christwigg
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#24

I suppose it will blend in over the years as it weathers and grass grows back on the top.

derrickman
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#25

personally, I like the entrance. I'm happy to think that the skills to do this sort of job are still available.

Mining isn't just old stones.

''the stopes soared beyond the range of our caplamps' - David Bick...... How times change .... oh, I don't know, I've still got a lamp like that.

nij
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

14 years ago

#26

Hi gmarsh2008, thanks for posting this photo, the work on the portal looks brilliant, this type of work should become a government sponsored job for the unemployed. It is years since we were up there but now I have to visit to have a look, so its out with the spaniel and walking boots.
Well done guys. 😉