Tool - Portable Sleeper Drill, Early 20th century

Historical information

This drill was used in the construction of the Eltham-Hurstbridge Railway extension in 1911. The device was placed over the wooden sleeper to drill holes for the iron spikes which held the rail down.

Significance

Example of tools needed to build railway in early 20th Century in the Diamond Valley.

Physical description

Drill mechanism mounted on wooden frame. Mechanism tilts to enable holes to be drilled vertically (normal) or at angles up to 45 degrees using double hand cranks and gears. A rack can be engaged to raise and lower the mechanism and drill bit. Mechanism appears original. Base frame replaced recently.

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