Putting industry on video - an archive for the future
Hem Heath Winders
Mining History, Compilation No.41
Hem Heath Winders
Mining History, Compilation No.41
Background
In June 1997, shortly before the pithead buildings were demolished, the Shropshire Mines Trust were offered an old steam/compressed air winding engine from the famous Hem Heath colliery near Stoke on Trent. This recording follows the small team from the trust as they dismantle the John Tinsley engine and transfer the massive parts to low loaders.
The engine was restored by the Trust and displayed in operation at steam fairs and rallies. (See compilation No.42: The S.C.M.C. At Onslow Park)
The engine has now been loaned to the Apedale Hertiage Centre, Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme where it can seen in operation on special occasions running on compressed air.
The engine was used to change the conveyor belts in the main production drift. This recording also shows the huge winders for the two shafts at Hem Heath.
Engine & Mine
No.1 (upcast) shaft was 1020m deep and had a Koepe winder at the top of a large tower and a methane extraction plant.
No.2 (downcast) shaft had the much-admired A-frame head gear which was a local landmark for many years. Four cages were wound in the 1039m deep shaft by two separate winders, a Koepe winder on the West side of the headframe by the compressor house and a drum winder on the East side.
The images on this page are taken from the video.