real time web analytics
Report - - Weardale Steelworks, Co Durham - 8/6/08 | Industrial Sites | 28DaysLater.co.uk

Report - Weardale Steelworks, Co Durham - 8/6/08

Hide this ad by donating or subscribing !

xm657

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Northern Exposure and myself have been working this place out since before last xmas. We spotted it and assumed it was abandoned, only to find when we went for an explore it was very much in use. Our previous recce's had given glimpses of major engineering inside so we decided on on a live infiltration outside office hours.

We dont want the owners to realise we've been in as there's more to see, so this report is non public.

History: Weardale Steel Castings has been making major steel castings since 1864 and is still a massive plant. However it continues as a shadow of it former production levels. All the kit is still here as you'll see but doesn't get used much these days.

In its heyday the site was world renound in castings of Ships rudders, and made anchors, chains and all sorts of very large steel components for such customers as Doxford Shipbuilders in Sunderland. Each of the tools in the plant looked like they belonged to a giant, lathes as big as my house. Hope you enjoy the pictures, I sure enjoyed taking them - engineering porn!

This is a press/mould - the size of the lid is unbelievable, its hinged and a 45 ton crane closes the lid!
Img_3275.jpg

Img_3276.jpg


A crucible for moving and pouring molten steel into a mould
Img_3271.jpg


A furness control panel - notice the red AC Aux power light is on, it was humming away like big electical things do
Img_3269.jpg


Massive vertical lathe, about the size of my house, the turntable is at the bottom and the tool is forced down from above
Img_3289.jpg


Furnace
Img_3299.jpg


Mini maglite for size comparison
Img_3301.jpg


Oh wow! And the wiring to power it was impressive
Img_3303.jpg

Img_3304.jpg


Another 45 ton crane
Img_3305.jpg


Img_3306.jpg


Img_3336.jpg


One of the more derelict areas
Img_3327.jpg


Lovely lighting in the area
Img_3312.jpg


Img_3316.jpg


Outside
Img_3223.jpg


Img_3281.jpg


As we didn't do any external shot heres a photo from an earlier recce with the site operating through the week.
Img_1530.jpg
 

xm657

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Re: Weardale Steelworks, Co Durham - REPORT - 8/6/08

I know this post is pic heavy already, sorry, but just a couple more that I liked...

Big Furness:
Img_3318.jpg


Comedy locker notice - "can the thieving f***ers who continually rob from this locker f*** off and try somewhere else. All the contents are already nicked.
Img_3287.jpg


Another aerial shot
Img_3279.jpg


Northern Exposure is sure to have some better shots to come.
 

Northern Exposure

28DL Full Member
28DL Full Member
Re: Weardale Steelworks, Co Durham - REPORT - 8/6/08

Well, what can I say?? This place is just awesome and I can only say go see it to see for yourself.
Before I get on with the report, I have to say there is other stuff still on this site that maybe just as good, we just didn't have the time.

Initially, the main sheds seemed secure so we took the chance to look around the other buildings.


Xray Control Box

DSC_0007.jpg


Xray room with fine white powered everywhere

DSC_0005.jpg


We soon found a way into the main foundry, I felt so small looking up at the huge machinary. I promise yo this place is big. The pics don't do it justice.

DSC_0014.jpg


First thing first, up this filthy monster

DSC_0029.jpg


The 'headstocks'

DSC_0027.jpg


DSC_0024.jpg


DSC_0026.jpg


Views from the top

DSC_0019.jpg


DSC_0020.jpg


Back down and making our way through the main hall

DSC_0032.jpg


DSC_0033.jpg


DSC_0037.jpg


A huge steel smelter

DSC_0044.jpg


DSC_0046.jpg


Massive electro magnetic crane

DSC_0048.jpg


Furnaces

DSC_0065.jpg


For comparison, a truck and a smelting pot

DSC_0066.jpg


One for Wolfism ;)

DSC_0067.jpg


I have never sen a verticle Lathe before, so anyone in the know, please put some detail to this beast

20ft Dia 4-jaw-chuck

DSC_0080.jpg


One of two cutting tools

DSC_0083.jpg


This thing had a huge ring gear below the top plate. It must have made a right ol' noise when was at ful RPM.


I have never took as many pics before and have really struggled to fit this into a one post report.

Hope you enjoy!
 
Top