NWE SL1
Contents
Overview
NWE SL1 was a 33 kV double-circuit distribution line running between Stockport and Macclesfield, reportedly distributing power from Stockport power station. Per research from Tom Gloag, the contract was given to General Electric in 1928.
It’s not certain how much of the line remains. There is a short section east of Hazel Grove, Stockport, Manchester, comprising four steel towers and terminating on wood poles at each end; only one circuit is now populated. This short line is suggested to now be only 11 kV, which matches the insulation on the wood poles; photos from 2009 appear to confirm this.
A comment from one Russ Oliver on a Facebook posting notes:
We had a similar arrangement in the Stockport area where a 33 kv overhead distribution network known as the "corporation line" connected Stockport power station to the surrounding areas such as Macclesfield etc. It gradually dissappeared in the early 70,s 80,s and noughties. A small section of it exists in the Torkington area in Hazel Grove operating at 11kv.
The suspension towers are distinctive. The tower peak is wedge-shaped, capped with what one can only presume is an earthwire support. The middle crossarms of both the suspension and tension towers are shorter that the top and bottom crossarms instead of longer. The angle tower design is similar to that of Milliken L134. The line is reportedly threatened by housing development and may be demolished before it is ever photographically documented in good light conditions (the only photos of it were taken under heavy cloud and are in silhouette only).
General data
| Designed for | CEB? |
|---|---|
| Design contractor | Uncertain |
| Height (straight line tower) | ? |
| Voltage | 33 kV |
| Dates back to | ca. 1928 |
| Known conductors | Single |
| Design conductor | ? |
| Circuit count | Double |
Tower forms
No material.
Examples
Out of range.
Tower details
No material.