Sundew (dragline)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sundew was a large electrically powered dragline excavator used in mining operations in Rutland and Northamptonshire in the United Kingdom. Propulsion was via two large moveable feet which could be used to "walk" the dragline forwards and backwards, while directional control was provided by a large circular turntable under the body of the machine.

Built by Ransome and Rapier and named after the 1957 Grand National winner, it began work in a Rutland iron ore quarry belonging to Stuarts and Lloyds that year. At the time of its construction Sundew was the largest walking dragline in the world, weighing 1600 tons. With a reach of 86 metres and a bucket capacity of 27 tons the machine was able to move a substantial amount of material in a relatively short period.

Sundew remained until operations at the quarry ceased in 1974 and plans were devised to relocate the machine to Corby.

Over a nine week period in 1974 Sundew was walked thirteen miles from it's home near the village of Exton in Rutland to a site north of Corby where it continued to work for several years as part of the vast British Steel operation in the town. When British Steel closed down in 1980 Sundew was no longer required, and due to the enormous cost of relocation, stood unused adjacent to the A43 for over a decade.

Sundew was finally dismantled in the 1990s to make way for redevelopment projects.