AndrewIC

The Anderton Lift also had tram-type controllers in its electrically operated incarnation: https://goo.gl/images/XZyyMA When Vale Royal large lock was pressed back into service a few years back, following the collapse of the bullnose between small lock and sluice, the gates were indeed operated by water turbines. I assume they still are - is the large lock still the one in use, or have they reverted to the small one?

What are the handles lower left that look suspiciously like tram speed controls?

They won't be getting very far, there's still a hole at Melling and a distinct lack of water beyond. I'd be surprised if there was anything much moving at Burscough, unless it was heading for Tarleton.

Not being of the pump out persuasion I wouldn't know, but do a high proportion of boats with pump out toilets also carry self pump out kit? If this is a regular occurrence in one locality then one local with no sense of responsibility sounds more likely than lots of passing boats which all happen to have their own pumps.

Two apposite letters in today's Times.

There is a similar (free) cantilever bridge over the MSC in Warrington, between London Rd and Knutsford Rd swing bridges. I have always understood that the crossing of the MSC at Warburton was free (by statute? as are all other MSC crossings), and the toll is to cross the old bridge, now filled in below, across the former course of the Mersey. It seems the Acts, which pre-date the MSC, enabling the toll bridge were never repealed. See this FOI request: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rixton_warburton_toll_bridge_act And this historical note: https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Warburton_Bridge

When the IWA National was held at Preston Brook (which Wikipedia tells me was 2005), Barnton and Saltersford Tunnels were operated as a single timed entry unit, I think with stewards. Prior to that both tunnels were untimed, and after that Saltersford was left as timed entry. I have a vague recollection that Dutton Stop was operated "straight through" for the National as well. Saltersford could be entertaining, a loud horn and a bright light were de rigeur.

Yes, there is a sign. I don't know why, but I wondered if it was an anti-vandal measure, to stop the bottom gates being opened and the canal drained via the top paddles. The bottom gate paddles were the ones that used to have tubes welded over the spindles and to require special windlasses.

That's probably where the canal water ended up in the first place! Went and had a look at Stanley Locks yesterday evening (no pics, sorry). The main line is 2ft-plus down, the pound below the top lock was almost empty. There was water further down the flight.

On which subject, Companies House shows that the Chugalong Hire Company is now in liquidation

Not this year, been on offspring taxi duty this weekend.

You might perhaps be able to open out the slit (on the right in your second pic) a little with something like a fine hacksaw blade in a padsaw handle, if it isn't already cracked or the thread stripped, and thus be able tighten it up a bit more with the clamping screw. Probably only a temporary fix though. (Dumb question: the hex socket cap clamping screw isn't missing, is it?)

There is some sort of pumping arrangement at Brunswick Lock, not sure whether this is to top up the dock system or for silt clearance. That "pound" runs all the way to Albert Dock.

The back pumps were supposed to be restored as part of the Liverpool Link project. As far as I know they weren't.

Perhaps related to the notice issued earlier today that Ryders Green locks will be locked up from 4pm to 8am daily?

My relatively new 120 has a drain plug with a magnet to collect crud (someone will no doubt be along shortly with a more technical term), so if you do drain with a pump, remove the drain plug after and give the magnet a clean,

Solubility is 96g/l at room temp, density is about 1.2g/cm^3, so that's probably a saturated solution.

Marina: 15p/kWh. Home: 14.68p/kWh.

Properly fitted terminal covers are fine: BSS Requirement 3.1.3 - "All metal parts of battery terminals or connections must be insulated or protected by battery covers or terminal covers." Mine have been like that for years, and passed multiple BSS inspections.

From time to time the question of the morning time limits at and near the BCLM comes up. This is the situation today: On the museum side, within the fenced area the length from the road bridge to the museum arm lift bridge is signposted 48hrs. The shorter length from the arm to the new swing bridge (where the old water point is) is signposted 24hrs. On the facilities block side, the length from the road bridge to the block is signed 48hr, apart from a short length nearest the bridge which is marked "operational mooring" (no workboat there today though). All lengths have rings. Only one boat here today. Outside the fenced area, the towpath side ringed moorings are signposted 48hrs. Empty today. Further towards Factory Locks, the "John the Lock" moorings (which are signposted as such) outside the medical centre have no posted time limit. Three boats there today. HTH Andrew

I would vote for that as well. I've had minor bother from "troublesome kids" at Coseley, nothing too serious but I wouldn't feel comfortable there overnight. The museum (and the separately run Dudley Tunnel and limestone caverns) can in any case be a full and perhaps tiring day out.

IF the breach was caused by the deliberate opening of paddles, is a criminal investigation ongoing?

The recall does include the UK, I've just had two of my house extinguishers replaced as a result. At least some of the extinguishers being recalled are perhaps unlikely to be on boats as they did not have A/B/C ratings on them, but worth checking, obviously. All the replacements are a single model (so even if you register a recalled car or a kitchen type, you get a standard model KS1KG in return), but the replacements are marked EN3 5A 34B C so could be used towards a boat's complement for BSS. Details here: https://www.kiddesafetyeuroperecall.com/, took about a week, prepaid DHL bags to send the recalled ones back in.