Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija
Ownership
Public
Owner
Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija
Local / Original ID Number
510:IDR;RS-24
Type of Object
Mine, Transport - other transport, Smelting
Description
Short description
The biaxial locomotive for track width 475 mm has the following characteristics: main DC engine with 3.73 KW (5 HP) power, 400 V voltage, 10.6 A current and 900 RPM. The locomotive has a 5-speed transmission and a handbrake. The locomotive develops a speed from 5 km/h to 10 km/h.
Measures
Length 278 cm, width 118 cm, height 310 cm.
Materials
Cast iron, steel.
Dating
1902
Author / Producer
Siemens & Halske Wien.
Picture attachments
Original use
Steam locomotives for transport in the pit were not used in the Idrija Mercury Mine, due to the open flames and smoke hazard. The mine soon started to strive for implementation of electrical transportation of the pit wagonettes. In 1902, they bought two small electric locomotives for ore transportation from Joseph's Shaft to the ore separation and crushing plant (Bašerija). The locomotive was powered by the electric current supplied from the Pečnik hydroelectric power plant in Spodnja Idrija. The power line had a voltage of 2500 V, however the Bašerija had the installation for converting the alternating current to direct current. The locomotive engine powered both axles through the cogwheel countershaft. Ore transport was held in two working shifts, namely from 4 am to 12 pm and from 12 pm to 8 pm. The driver performed 20 to 25 transports during his shift. After cancelling ore transport by locomotive in 1957, the Mine built the cableway for that purpose.
Present use
The described object is being preserved, secured and presented as an important monument of Idrija technical mining heritage with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the Idrija Municipal Museum collection “Mining machines and devices”. The exhibition of restored mine locomotives where the small electric locomotive is also exhibited opened on 20 June 2000. In addition to the large Siemens & Halske Wien electric locomotive, this is the oldest preserved electric locomotive in Slovenia. Only a few specimens of similar vehicles from the first periods of the railway electrifications are preserved in the specialised mining or railway museums around Europe.
Original location
Idrija town, the smelting plant.
Present location
Joseph's Shaft, canopy under the forge.
STATE OF CONSERVATION
History of conservation:
During the restoration process in the year 2000, all parts of the locomotive were disassembled. The surfaces were cleaned with a sandblasting process and protected with foundation and top paint. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is ensured.
Present state
good
Necessary activities:
Regular seasonal maintenance.
DOCUMENTATION
Addresses / collections / links etc. where further in-depth information is accessible:
- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum;
- Zelenc, Anton. In vendar se giblje: katalog rudniških strojev in naprav. Idrija, Idrija Municipal Museum, 2001;
- Zelenc, Anton. Restavrirani stroji in naprave Rudnika živega srebra Idrija. Ruda: revija Združenja za ohranjanje rudarske dediščine Slovenije, 1-2/2013, p. 16–20;
- Zelenc, Anton. Idrija Municipal Museum: restored mine machines and devices of the Idrija Mercury Mine. Patrimoine de l´industrie, 2004, p. 17–19.