In the forge and smiths' shops a large amount of detail work is done, in units ranging up to 3 tons in weight. The hammers vary up to 15 cwt. power. A considerable amount of die-stamping is done in connection with auxiliary engine forgings, etc. All paddle-wheels are made in this department. The blast for the fires is got from an electrically-driven fan.
The machine shop, which was one of the first constructed with a completely glazed roof, occupies a site on a steep slope, one side being formed by a heavy retaining wall, as shown in the engraving on Plate XLIX., facing page 106. At the level of the top of the wall, which is 25 ft. high, there is the light machine shop, while at the end of the bay and over the annexe situated to the left of the engraving, is the brass-finishing shop. There is a 2-ton hoist between the erecting-shop floor and the galleries, so that no inconvenience, so far as transport is concerned, is involved by this arrangement.
Originally a stream ran down the hill and over the site on which the Works are located, and its waters have for many years been utilised as a source of power. A special 24-in. inward-flow turbine works in the conduit which conveys the water across the site, and this turbine develops continuously 80 horse-power. This serves to drive some of the machines in the boiler works. The turbine runs in parallel with a compound vertical engine, which drives the shafts actuating the groups of small machines in the engine shop. Many of the larger tools, however, are electrically-driven by separate motors, the current being transmitted from the central station already described.
The engravings on Plates XXXIX. and XLIX., facing pages 92 and 106 respectively, illustrate the main machine shop, which has a width of 60 ft., and, with the adjoining bay, accommodates some of the finest marine engineering tools made. Perhaps the best indication of their efficiency is the fact that three weeks suffice for the machining of the parts of a complete set of engines to develop 2000 horse-power. The shops are traversed by five overhead electric cranes, ranging up to 40 tons lifting capacity.
[Illustration: Plate L. VERTICAL PLANING MACHINE.]
[Illustration: MULTIPLE SPINDLE DRILLING MACHINE.]