Sundew (dragline)
| W1400 "Sundew" | |
|---|---|
Corby Steelworks at the same time as Sundew prior to being scrapped. | |
| Type | Dragline excavator |
| Manufacturer | Ransomes & Rapier |
| Production | 1957 |
| Length | 86 metres (282 ft) |
| Weight | 1,675 long tons (1,702 t) |
| Propulsion | 2x hydraulically driven walker feet |
| Speed | 0.1 mph or 0.16 km/h |
| Blade capacity | 27 long tons (27 t) |
Sundew was a large electrically powered
.Built by Ransomes & Rapier and named after the winning horse of the 1957 Grand National, it began work in a Rutland iron ore quarry belonging to the United Steel Companies (Ore Mining Branch) that year. At the time of its construction Sundew was the largest walking dragline in the world, weighing 1,675 long tons (1,702 t). With a reach of 86 metres (282 ft) and a bucket capacity of 27 long tons (27 t) the machine was able to move a substantial amount of material in a relatively short period.[1]
Propulsion was via two large movable feet which could be used to "walk" the dragline forwards and backwards, while directional control was provided by a large circular turntable under the body of the machine.
Sundew remained until operations at the quarry ceased in 1974 and plans were then devised to relocate the machine to a recently opened
As part of a major restructuring of British Steel in the late 1970s
References
- ^ [1] Quarry; 19 March 2020
- ^ "Story of quarry giant to be told" Rutland Times; 5 October 2014
- ISBN 0-9506723-5-1.
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