Volume Six - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - Select Aspects - Reconstruction of Three Tips - 1912 - 17 . . .

The valves to be arranged so as to be worked by chains which may be operated by the tip driver standing on the cradle platform, to enable him to have a clear view of the shute and cradle, and to look into the wagon when at its maximum height when being discharged, and also from a small cabin placed in the front of the tip at high level.

All valve boxes are to be fitted with momentum valves.

The main working valves are to be fitted near the base of the Tip and are to be cased in, leaving ample space inside the casing for the attendant to do any packing or repairs that may be required to the valves.

The valves are to be of approved design, and must be of sufficient size to allow free flow of the water to and from the cylinders. The valves and valve seats which they work upon must be of bronze, of approved mixture, and the pins and eyes at the rod ends must be casehardened. Valve rods which work in compression, must be of solid proportions, and no screw-joints in such parts will be accepted.

The valves of all cylinders are to be fitted with automatic cut-off gear to prevent over travel of the rams.

All pipe connections, both pressure and return, to be made with flange and spigot and faucet joints of the T.V.R. standard patterns, drawings and gauges of which will be supplied.

Pipes three inches diameter and under are to be T.V.R. Standard, wrought-iron pipes having wrought-iron flanges, specifications of which are supplied.

The whole of the engines, cylinders, pipes, valves, etc., are to be thoroughly protected against frost, the cylinders are to be cased in with corrugated iron, supported by suitable framing, and doors provided where necessary, and stoves of approved design are to be fixed near the base so that the casing will form a flue for the stoves.

The Tips are to be fitted with wrought-iron double rung ladders and handrails, to reach from the ground to the top of the tip. Platforms and handrails to be fitted, where required, to enable machinery. pulleys, etc., to be inspected and repaired without risk of injury to the men.