Blaen
y Cwm quarry
Further views on the Blaen y Cwm photo gallery page
Looking
down the short exit incline to Blaen y Cwm quarry with Rhiwbach quarry
in the distance. Most quarries despatched their slate down inclines
rather than up so allowing them to use gravity power. However, because
they were below the level of the tramway, this quarry and Rhiwbach were
compelled to use powered inclines, which added to operating costs.
Blaen y Cwm, the smallest quarry served by the tramway closed around 1914. The quarry worked three distinct sites over its lifetime - none of which could be described as successful. The main feature on the site is the slate dressing mill, at the side of which are the remains of a steam boiler. This boiler would have been used to power the incline up to the Rhiwbach Tramway. A number of other structures exist, including several weigh bridgehouse ruins. Few records exist of the tonnages produced here but it was at best a marginal undertaking. See the Photo Gallery Page for some further views of the quarry.
Portable steam engine remains
The most
interesting artifact at the quarry is this old steam boiler. It seems
clear that the scrapman could'nt justify the expense of removing it .
However, all the copper tubes have been removed to leave just the shell.
Blaen y Cwm photo gallery page