Gallery, Projects and General > Neat Stuff

Iron Bridge

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sbwhart:
Hi Chaps

Had a day out in Iron Bridge  yes its a town:- named after the first bridge in the world built from Iron



What I found interesting was they way they joined the parts of the bridge together, they used the same methods as as if they were using wood:- Dove tail and mortice and tenon joints.



They didn't understand the properties of cast iron:- good in compression weak in tension, quite a few of the joints have failed and have been repaired with steel plates and bolts but the bridge is in good nick considering its 230 years old.

Derby was one of the first iron masters to use coke in the iron smelting process (coke made from roasting coal, not the sort you sniff up your nose or drink) he was known as "Iron Mad Derby" there wasn't many things that he wouldn't make from iron.

This is his dining table it weighs over a tone.



And his wardrobe the detail is fantastic.



He even had a coffin cast for himself made from iron.

He and his family made a fortune from making a selling things thats transformed the lives or people.

Pots pans and cooking stove



But his greatest contribution to the industrial age was the casting of the cylinders of some of the world first industrial steam engines.

As well as the bridge the museum have lots of old interesting bits of kit on display.

A foot operated forging hammer





Wheel turning lathe



Workshop driven by line shafting



How this for driving your power hacksaw



They even have a foundry and steam driven rolling mill



Chunks of cast iron, tried to slip some out in my pocket but got stopped at the gate, the fact that I could hardly walk under the weight must have given me away.



Enjoy

Stew

CrewCab:

--- Quote from: sbwhart on September 30, 2009, 05:25:38 PM ---they used the same methods as as if they were using wood:- Dove tail and mortice and tenon joints. 
--- End quote ---

Because it's mechanical properties are similar


--- Quote from: sbwhart on September 30, 2009, 05:25:38 PM ---good in compression weak in tension, 
--- End quote ---

Spot on Stew  :bow: ............... the opposite of mild steel  :thumbup:

as for your day out ............... I'm well impressed, think I might be suggesting a day out to Mrs CC before long, looks brilliant ............. off now to multimap ........  :clap:

Thanks for sharing

CC

bogstandard:
Brings back memories Stew.

When I lived in that area, way back in the last century, my favourite fishing spot was not far upstream from THE BRIDGE.

What you didn't mention Stew, THE BRIDGE was really the start of the industrial revolution. After that was built, everything and anything seemed possible.

http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/about_us/world_heritage_site/


Bogs

Darren:
Thanks for showing that Stew, it's not that far from me. I went there as a child when I lived in Derby but can't remember much now.

Maybe it's time for another visit..... :ddb:

John Stevenson:
First time I went I had to get a B&B because it took me a whole day just to do Blists hill museum and I missed a load at that.

It took me 3 whole days to do all the exhibits on the ticket.

John S.

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