Difference between revisions of "Spiral Escalator at Holloway Road Station"
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In 1906 a spiral escalator was installed in a vertical shaft at the Holloway Road Station. On paper, it offered an attractive alternative to lifts, stairs, or the less compact conventional (but still relatively novel) escalators. Larger versions had been operating elsewhere. However the Holloway example never went into public serice, and it was removed in 1911. | |||
However, in 1988 the remains of the lower part of the escalator were found discovered at the bottom of the shaft. They were later recovered and removed to London Transport Acton Depot. | |||
Most sources credit [[Jesse Willard Reno]] with its design. However, it is not clear what, if any, involvement he had in the project. The escalator was designed and built by the [[Reno Electric Stairways and Conveyors]]. [[William Henry Aston]], a British engineer and inventor was Managing Director of that company, and he had patented the spiral escalator in 1901. | |||
Aston's patent included the description 'Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors for conveyors having endless load-carriers movable in curved paths in three-dimensionally curved paths'. It was also patented in the USA - see US Patent No. 701,459, dated June 3, 1902 <ref>[https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/ad/ee/66/fcdf85ca6eff04/US701459.pdf] US Patent 701,459, dated June 3, 1902: WILLIAM HENRY ASTON, OF LONDON, ENGLAND. PASSENGER OR GOODS ELEVATOR OR CONVEYER.</ref> | |||
See [https://www.londonreconnections.com/2021/a-deeper-look-at-the-tubes-spiral-escalator/ here]<ref>[https://www.londonreconnections.com/2021/a-deeper-look-at-the-tubes-spiral-escalator/] 'London Recollections' blog: 'A deeper look at the Tube’s Spiral Escalator'</ref> and [https://machorne.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/escalators-inclined-elevators-and-myths/ here]<ref>[https://machorne.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/escalators-inclined-elevators-and-myths/] machorne blog: 'Observations of a Londoner': 'Escalators, inclined elevators and myths'</ref> for fascinating accounts of Reno's elevators, and of the spiral elevator or escalator which was installed at London's Holloway Road underground station (but never used). The spiral elevator was patented by [[William Henry Aston]] and constructed by [[Reno Electric Stairways and Conveyors|Reno Electric Stairways and Conveyors Ltd]], of which Aston was a Director. | |||
Good photos [https://tomhalltravel.com/2010/06/08/more-on-the-holloway-road-spiral-escalator/ here]<ref>[https://tomhalltravel.com/2010/06/08/more-on-the-holloway-road-spiral-escalator/] Blog: Tom Hall: London & Overseas Travel</ref> showing remains of the escalator preserved at the London Transport Acton Depot. | |||
The spiral elevator was a form of continuous escalator taking a spiral path, which allowed for a compact installation compared with a conventional escalator. Unlike typical escalators, the treads were not stepped. | |||
Revision as of 15:11, 6 January 2022
In 1906 a spiral escalator was installed in a vertical shaft at the Holloway Road Station. On paper, it offered an attractive alternative to lifts, stairs, or the less compact conventional (but still relatively novel) escalators. Larger versions had been operating elsewhere. However the Holloway example never went into public serice, and it was removed in 1911.
However, in 1988 the remains of the lower part of the escalator were found discovered at the bottom of the shaft. They were later recovered and removed to London Transport Acton Depot.
Most sources credit Jesse Willard Reno with its design. However, it is not clear what, if any, involvement he had in the project. The escalator was designed and built by the Reno Electric Stairways and Conveyors. William Henry Aston, a British engineer and inventor was Managing Director of that company, and he had patented the spiral escalator in 1901.
Aston's patent included the description 'Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors for conveyors having endless load-carriers movable in curved paths in three-dimensionally curved paths'. It was also patented in the USA - see US Patent No. 701,459, dated June 3, 1902 [1]
See here[2] and here[3] for fascinating accounts of Reno's elevators, and of the spiral elevator or escalator which was installed at London's Holloway Road underground station (but never used). The spiral elevator was patented by William Henry Aston and constructed by Reno Electric Stairways and Conveyors Ltd, of which Aston was a Director.
Good photos here[4] showing remains of the escalator preserved at the London Transport Acton Depot.
The spiral elevator was a form of continuous escalator taking a spiral path, which allowed for a compact installation compared with a conventional escalator. Unlike typical escalators, the treads were not stepped.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ [1] US Patent 701,459, dated June 3, 1902: WILLIAM HENRY ASTON, OF LONDON, ENGLAND. PASSENGER OR GOODS ELEVATOR OR CONVEYER.
- ↑ [2] 'London Recollections' blog: 'A deeper look at the Tube’s Spiral Escalator'
- ↑ [3] machorne blog: 'Observations of a Londoner': 'Escalators, inclined elevators and myths'
- ↑ [4] Blog: Tom Hall: London & Overseas Travel