J. H. Wilson steam excavator

The great majority of steam excavators were Ruston's, and this photograph is one of only two taken by Newton showing another, more rare type. As such it forms an important addition to the archive. The machine in question - a crane navvy, with a steam thrust cylinder in the bucket arm - was built by John H. Wilson of Liverpool, and is more commonly associated with the building of the Manchester Ship Canal. In this instance it is being used to dig a cutting for the railway from Wotton Underwood to Haddenham, part of a section contracted to Louis P. Nott. Navvies assist in the excavation, and earth is towed away in a tipping wagon pulled along a contractor's railway.. Stunning Photo Gifts From Leicestershire County Council Print Store

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Leicestershire County Council :: The Last Main Line :: L3357-L3452