Balloch Steam Slipway, Historic slipway in Balloch, Scotland
The Balloch Steam Slipway is a boat launch facility at Loch Lomond with an inclined ramp, transport carriage, and a steam-powered winch built from steel and cast iron components. The setup uses a horizontal steam engine to lower or haul boats into the water.
The facility was built in 1902 to serve boat traffic on Loch Lomond and operated for over 80 years before closing in 1989. After extensive restoration in 2006, it was returned to working order and demonstrates the engineering skills of that era.
The machinery demonstrates how Scottish engineers of the early 1900s solved the challenge of moving vessels in and out of a large lake with mechanical ingenuity. The whole system reflects an era when steam power shaped transportation across the region.
The site is accessible on regular open days with guided demonstrations where visitors can watch the winch system in action. The ramp and engine house are located at the water's edge and are easy to reach on foot.
The driving mechanism works through an unconventional ratio: the steam engine requires many complete rotations to turn the main winding drum just once. This unusual gearing reflects the engineers of that time using creative solutions to slow down and control the heavy lifting movements.
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