I am researching the operation of Spencer type lime kilns for a fine scale model railway based on Beswicks Limeworks at Brierlow in about 1950, which is intended for public exhibition. We would like our model to realistically depict the operation of a typical lime kiln at that time.

Fortunately I do have some persoinal experience having worked on mixed feed dolomite kilns operated by the Steetley Company in the 1960s. These were at Cadeby near Doncaster and Coxhoe in Co. Durham. These shaft kilns produced hard fired dolomitic lime for fettling the hearths of open hearth steel furnaces. The kilns were fired with alternating layers of dolomite and coke at the top.

We do have some photographs of the Spencer Kilns at Beswicks and elsewhere, and we know that the coal was fired into the middle of the kiln shaft rather than at the top, and that was much more efficient and produced a better lime. We understand that the Spencer kilns were fired with small coal. What we do not know is how this coal was introduced into the kiln. Reference has been found to a device called a coal projector but we have no idea what this was. It could be a pulverised fuel firing system, a screw feed, or whatever.

Does anybody know? Any photographs of Spencer type kilns would be much appreciated.

Louis Heath
Clay Cross Model Railway Society.