On this day in 1862, 163 years ago, goods train started polishing the rail top of the 16-mile section of Border Counties Railway south of Riccarton.
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Tunnel construction
Tunnel construction
When you next visit a tunnel, think in four dimensions. Don’t just examine its fabric – wander back to a time before it existed.
In your mind’s eye, picture the scene as men descended on the hillside to set up their encampments: accommodation for humans, stables for horses, magazines for explosives. Over many months – maybe several years – they overcame all that nature could throw at them to drive a conduit for trains. Some wouldn’t see the project come to its fruition; those who did would reap meagre financial rewards. And the passengers it benefited would pass through in seconds without giving the darkness a second glance.
But these were awesome endeavours. How did 19th century engineers create them without the mechanical and technological advantages of the 21st century?