The Tay Bridge disaster (1/2)

Free learning from The Open University http://www.open.ac.uk/openlearn/science-maths-technology/engineering-and-tech...

---

Open University professor, David Swinten reveals there was a violent storm on the evening of the bridge collapsing, while Eleanor Simpson shares a personal story about the tragedy.

(Part 1 of 2)

---

Forensic Engineering - The Tay Bridge Disaster on OpenLearn http://www.open.ac.uk/openlearn/whats-on/ou-on-the-bbc-forensic-engineering-t...

Study 'Engineering the future' with the OU http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/t173.htm

Explore qualifications in Engineering and Technology with the OU http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/engineering-and-technology/index.htm

---

Category:

Education

Tags:

• forensic engineering
• Tay Bridge
• train disaster
• derailment
• David Swinten
• open university
• ou_t173

[nacho1560]

@JamesandSpike One man in the signal box saw what he thought was fire come from the train and then blackness and he rightly deduced it had gone down. The station itself would have been a good bit further back and I very much doubt anyone could see the bridge clearly from there. But, we all have our own opinions.

[JamesandSpike]

@nacho1560 yes she would, because they had gas powered lights/lightbulbs in the carriages and the engine had it's firebox alight.

[nacho1560]

A more up to date book about the disaster is The Bridge Is Down by Andre Gren, and gives a fascinating account of the last train crossing the bridge. Prebble's book is still the original masterpiece, though.

[nacho1560]

Not being a spoilsport but the lady would not see the train cross the bridge from the last station at St Fort. Not doubting her story but feel she's embelleshing it a bit as all good storytellers do.

[TheAnneRobinson]

The forth rail bridge's cousin :(

[cogidubnus1953]

The best book I've read on this is "The High Girders" by a guy called (I think) Prebble.

[burnside994]

This storm, and the subsequent railway disaster was described vividly in A.J Cronin's first novel "Hatters Castle" where the young hero, who is to marry the tyrant James Brodie's daughter Mary ( pregnant out of wedlock), boards the fateful train and perishes with all the other passengers.A.J Cronin wrote many memorable novels, some made into films, including" The Citadel", "The Stars Look Down"and " The Keys of the Kingdom". If you haven't read themthere is a treat in store for you. Randal

[deadletterbox24]

no, the book you want is called the high girders by john prebbles,it tells the whole story from conception through the planning, building running and the collapse then goes on to the aftermath,it is the best factual book i have ever read . it may be out of print, if it is try ebay

[kfsryakunt09]

after this the sue of cast iron was completly banned or banished......happend before near chester but not as fatal

[pocketjohnson]

@capodicino - indeed Rolt's classic book and great read despite the subject matter