Casgliadau Arlein

Photograph of an opencast machine, called the Ransome & Rapier walking dragline W1800, being dismantled at Maesgwyn opencast site in readiness for transporting to the U.S.A., 1989. Donor can be seen under the machine.

Built on site and commissioned in 1961. Then the largest land machine in Britian capable of moving 10,000 tons of material in a 24 hour shift. Working weight 1800 tons, jib 247 high, 40 cubic yard bucket, maximum gradient 1 in 12. Known locally as the Big Lady. This machine was the world's largest dragline and the largest earthmover to work in Wales.