Industrial Railways | Littleboro's Histrory

INDUSTRIAL RAILWAYS in the LITTLEBOROUGH AREA

There were a number of ‘Narrow Gauge’ or ‘Light Railways’ in the Littleborough Area or which few traces can be found unless looked for. They were also referred to as Tramways, not to be confused with street trams and tramways.

Blackstone Edge Reservoir Improvement Works Tramway

In 1929 the Rochdale and Oldham Water Works completed the rebuilding and improvements to the ex Rochdale Canal company reservoirs on Blackstone Edge. The work included improvements to the reservoirs as well as much improved drainage channels feeding water from across large parts of the moors into the reservoirs. The works relied on an extensive networks of narrow gauge railways which linked quarries and cement plants to work sites as shown on the enclosed plan right. Trains mainly consisted of tipping wagons but there were also 18 foot long bogie wagons which were hauled by steam and diesel locomotives. See pictures below bottom.

The light railway crossed over and ran alongside the ex Blackstone Edge Turnpike and the Blackstone Edge Reservoir just east of The White House as pictured below - top

Aqueduct Works in the Longden End Clough

Oldham Corporation, which took over Blackstone Edge Reservoir provided an aqueduct (or large pipe) to link it to Piethorn Reservoirs via a Filtration Plant in Longden End Clough. After filtration, the water was pumped through aqueduct and tunnel into the Piethorn Valley. During the works an overhead cable way and narrow gauge tramway were used. It is unknown if locomotives were employed but some of the rails remain in situ (2026) but heavily rusted.

Railway in Sladen Valley

A short narrow gauge railway linked the canal near Rock Nook up the valley to near a Coal Mine next to the embankment of the Blackstone Edge Turnpike. It provided coal for the mills and Tetlow's Pipe Works

Tannery

There was a narrow gauge tramway at the Tannery which connected the works to the Company's 'Sewage Works'. It had a small locomotive with part of a Ford car body as the cab - pictured right.

Starring Pottery and Coal Mine

There was an extensive network serving the Pottery, its stock yard and the colliery with its clay weathering tips. It is assumed that movements were by man or horsepower.