Theodolite

1977/017

6 in transit railway theodolite

Description

6 in transit railway theodolite with longitudinal level over the telescope and constructed without an altitude circle. Reading to 10 seconds of arc. Trough compass and other accessories. Bronzed brass. 3-screw levelling head and tribrach.

Used for railway surveying; eg setting out masonry skew-arch bridges.

For the tripod see https://ice-museum-scotland.hw.ac.uk/product/1977-017-1/.

This theodolite was donated to the museum in 1977 by Carfrae & Morrison CE, Edinburgh. For a description of the setting out of a skew arch bridge see Figs 12 & 13 of Thomas Carfrae’s copy of W Davis Haskoll CE’s “Railway Construction for the Use of the Engineer Contractor &c” Atchley & Co London 1857.

A book of instructions for the use of theodolites is in the collection (see https://ice-museum-scotland.hw.ac.uk/product/1998-001/).

Additional information

Acquisition Number

1977/017

Item Type

Short Description

Railway theodolite

Manufactured by

Date of Manufacture

c. 1880

Sub-items

Box and tripod (in Store Room)

Supporting Items

None

Makers Number

None

Marks

Compass marked "ELLIOT BROTHERS/56 STRAND, LONDON."

Dimensions (mm)

300 x 300 x 220

Donor

Date Donated

December 1977

Materials

Bronzed brass

Condition

Good: one bubble glass broken

Display Location