The LNER Encyclopedia

I have just replied to a post by Bryan regarding Newsham and an earlier post regarding the location of a snow plough at Blyth. In my post i noted a Tramway on a map running from a NER siding down the backs of three rows of terraced houses. I wonder if this is a similar system to what was used at Ashington for delivering coal and collecting rubbish. If it was does any one know anything about the system and were locos used.

http://communities.northumberland.gov.uk/006635FS.htm

Look on top left hand corner its marked Tramway.

52D wrote:I have just replied to a post by Bryan regarding Newsham and an earlier post regarding the location of a snow plough at Blyth. In my post i noted a Tramway on a map running from a NER siding down the backs of three rows of terraced houses. I wonder if this is a similar system to what was used at Ashington for delivering coal and collecting rubbish. If it was does any one know anything about the system and were locos used.

http://communities.northumberland.gov.uk/006635FS.htm

Look on top left hand corner its marked Tramway.

ithink the trmways where used at night mainly to empty the netties [ a rather smelly job]possibly the wagons /tubs drawn by pit ponys, as they would be pit houses.dont know about delivering coal,i think there is a book on the ashington system which covered a large area

A quick update, the narrow gauge was definitely used for coal delivery and for removing night spoil and rubbish. Two systems seem to have escaped being recorded Blyth and Seaton the other better known system at Ashington has been recorded and photographs exist of it in use.
The person who is updating the Industrial Railway Societys Handbook for Northumberland was unaware of the Blyth & Seaton systems.
Next question any info & pics.

Is this what the tramway would have looked like? I have not seen images of the one at Ashington.

Excellent is that Blyth if it is what street is it, a good find. Im going out soon but will mail you tomorrow.

52D wrote:Excellent is that Blyth if it is what street is it, a good find. Im going out soon but will mail you tomorrow.

i do not think it is blyth it is to hilly [as my driving instructor said the nearest thing to do a hill start in blyth is a bridge over a rail line].and i do not think ashington is much better for hills it looks to me that could be pit tubs as there is a rope haulage cable in in view by the rail lines ,also see the woman just looking out of the backyard,what may identify the location maybe the soil/ash doors as most of them where square most unusual to find them arched.

No it is not Blyth. I do not know where it is. I was just asking if the small tramway at Blyth would have been 'like' the one in this image, i.e. horse drawn tubs at the rear of houses.

The other possibility is Seaton although i havent seen a map of the location.

Sorry i put that observation of NER steam on this posting. Micky NER/L.N.E.R.

It looks like the street itself is on a fair gradient.
To me that would rule out the Blyth area.

hhodgetts wrote:Is this what the tramway would have looked like? I have not seen images of the one at Ashington.

was at shildon to day came across this picture on the wall of hackforths house it was labeled hamsterly village co durham

third-rail wrote:

hhodgetts wrote:Is this what the tramway would have looked like? I have not seen images of the one at Ashington.

was at shildon to day came across this picture on the wall of hackforths house it was labeled hamsterly village co durham

Hi third-rail,
Is the 'hamsterly' picture supposed to be accessible here?

sorry goto hhodgetts quote and the picture attachment with it

Sorry. Misunderstood the meaning somehow. Now can't see how.
Thanks for putting me straight.

Hi guys an update from Ken Hedley former Blyth driver.

Hi George,, This system did exist for the purpose of delivering workmens coal to the mining community of Cowpen Colliery.
It was horse drawn and ran in a circular route the colliery rows
It was removed when the houses were demolished in the 1950s.
I remember it very well as pre 1935 I lived close by and used to play trains on it. Ah happy days.
Ken

Any more anecdotes gratefully received.