West
Vale Branch |
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The sheer scale of the plane is impossible to convey effectively, but this sequence of pictures showing the caisson passing gives some idea. Click on a picture to see a larger version (.JPG 30-70k).
The noise of the caisson passing was even more awesome than the counterweight. It was relentless and rhythmic - if you blindfolded someone and stood them where we were to listen to the caisson passing I'm sure that they'd be absolutely petrified. If you would like to listen the caisson passing click here (WARNING: 424k .MP3 file). We then moved to the bottom of the incline where a boat was already heading back down the plane. The first picture gives a good idea of the scale of the whole construction - in the centre of the picture is large blue cargo container. The caisson is entering the picture from the right.
The remaining pictures show the boat arriving at the bottom. A pair of guillotine gates lifted simultaneously keeps the water in the caisson and the canal. The final picture shows the parking place for the family car!
Click here for official Ronquières visitor information (in French). |
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