Inchgarvie cantilever, three-fourths full height

"Photograph of the Inchgarvie cantilever, three-fourths full height. Here is Inchgarvie cantilever at about three-fourths of its full height, taken from the windgauge situated on the upper part of the old Castle. Three months have elapsed since the last picture of the superstructure of this point was secured, much progress is here visible. A large portion of the temporary work in the lower parts having been removed, the joints formed by vertical ties and lower member may be seen to advantage. The completion of horizontal girders work above rail level shows progress that has been made, though at present there are no signs of the internal viaduct. The bottom members projecting over the water are here represented as far out as they were carried without external support, as are also the cages used for purpose of riveting. The lower half of struts between columns are now supporting each other, the temporary girders previously represented holding them apart having been removed, but only to play another role in connection with these same struts at a higher level, for whereas they were originally in compression they are now in tension. This is another of the views by which the enormous proportions of the structure may be readily realised, for notwithstanding that the picture covers the whole of the paper it is some minutes before a single man can be found, though a little patience will prove the presence of many dozens." Transcription from: Philip Phillips, 'The Forth Railway Bridge', Edinburgh, 1890.

[Shelfmark RB.l.229, Image 30 of 40]