(1) An improved coal-shipping drop now in use by the Tyne Improvement Commissioners for the shipment of Backworth and West Cramlington coals at their No. 4 staithe, Whitehill Point, on the river Tyne, was designed to remedy the difficulty found at other coal-drops in holding ships in position by warps, particularly where loading in rivers or tidal basins, and in adapting the drop system to lofty staithes.

In this drop (Fig. 1, Plate IV.) the waggons may be lowered from almost any height from the staithe-head or railway-level to the ship's deck, or into the hold, upon a cradle A by means of a steep incline B, worked by a counter-balance weight C. F is the main drum and brake-sheave, and G is the balance-pulley. The incline B may be moved, by the two levers D, D, which are worked by a windlass E, out or in from the staithe to suit the position of the hatchway, so that a vessel loading may in all cases be moored alongside the staithe or quay. When not in use, the incline B may be drawn out of the way within the front timbers of the staithe, and the ordinary spouts may be substituted for the shipment of unscreened or small coals. The movable external spout is not shown in the plan.

(2) The drop system of shipment is not suitable for waggons of more than 4 tons carrying capacity. For larger waggons, a crane worked by steam or water-power is better adapted, and the effect of these two methods is identical. Most modern steamers are fitted with hatchways and loose cross beams which will admit of 10½ tons trucks being lowered into the hold, for the prevention of coal-breakage. After a cone of sufficient size has been formed on the bottom of the ship, the strengthening beams across the hatchway can be replaced and the loading completed.

Figs. 2 and 3 (Plate IV.) represent the steam-crane system, with 10½ tons trucks. It will be seen that a staithe is not required, and the trucks are moved to and from the crane cradle by means of capstans and light hempen ropes. The sketches show a coal-shipping crane as used at Ayr, but North-eastern Railway waggons are shown in course of coal-shipment. The waggons used at Ayr are fitted with end-doors, and are different in other respects from those represented in Figs. 2 and 3 (Plate IV.).

About 150 tons of coal an hour may be shipped by the improved drop, and 200 tons an hour by the crane.