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In 1905 the first of two electric cableway crane networks was installed at the Jarrow yard.
This covered a berth 500ft x 100ft and was supplied by Henderson of Aberdeen and these elliptical-shaped gantries became something of a landmark on the river.
The system was also known as cantilever or trolley cranes, or "Blondins" after Charles Blondin, the French high wire and tightrope walker who had crossed Niagra Falls on a tightrope in 1859.
The second cableway network was erected in about 1912 and covered two berths of 700ft x 75ft.
The system used overhead trolleys, three in the smaller cableway and four in the larger, capable of handling 3tons each which could be traversed across the berth as well as running along its length. This enabled a crane hook to be positioned above any point on the berths. These cranes were unique to Palmers' in the UK.
Above photo of the Jarrow cranes viewed from Willington Quay is courtesy of Janis Blower. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return
London Evening Standard, Thursday, 01/08/1907. CLICK to Expand/BACK to return
Above photo shows the crane hooks in operation. Photo is courtesy of John Bage
Above photo is courtesy of Kevin Blair. CLICK to enlarge/BACK to return
Above view shows the simple steel derricks servicing the berths on the left and the cableways on the berths to the right
Above view shows the two cableway systems. Image is courtesy of John Bage
Above photo is courtesy of John Bage
Above photo is courtesy of John Bage
Shields Daily News, Friday, 01/07/1938
Above photo, showing the demolition of the overhead cranes, is copyright of Tyne & Wear Museums
Sunderland Daily Echo, Wednesday, 27/07/1938 |
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