archie57

Thanks for this. We all know that navigation is at the bottom of the priority list for CRT, they seem incapable of maintaining water levels anywhere, clearly they don't appreciate how critical this is. As regards dredging generally they seem to want to use any excuse not to do any, I dare say the budget for the PFC has been spent on the aqueduct railings at Marple (- as well as the locks!). I'm beginning to wonder why we bothered 50 years ago...…….

The stern wasn't cut off, the counter round was removed and the sternpost extended upwards, two new plates fitted to raise the height of the swim, making a not-very-attractive stern end, it has to be said! Close inspection should reveal the boss for the stern tube still present. When it's sister boat "Dory" was rebuilt, these plates were removed and the swim restored, and the stern tube hole used again!

I was thinking along those lines too, but I was wondering what sort of state the lower Peak Forest ( don't think it was ever very good for a deep draught boat!) is in after the lengthy period of closure at Marple and the lack of through traffic - I wonder if billh of this forum could shed some light on this?

The "Dace" I believe...…... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/canal-narrow-boat-project/202588068964?hash=item2f2b309c64:g:eqkAAOSwLKhcVbVg:rk:4:pf:1&frcectupt=true

When BTW started fitting Armstrongs and Petters, they experimented with gear change levers mounted on the footboard, the linkage dropping down and passing under the cabin floor. The Armstrong in the "Foxglove" was so fitted, and the PD2 in the "Bexhill" as I recall.

I have a donkey jacket with "BTW" on the back...…..

Only heard them called that in the Gloucester/Sharpness area, perhaps a west country thing?

I think Jimmy Hewitt is the figure with the white shirt standing on the back end (ie far end of engine room on RHS). it looks like his dad standing in the doorhole. I don't think it broke it's crank in his ownership. though. Steered it myself a few times while at Marple, slow going on those canals!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/POSTCARD-HERTS-WATFORD-GRAND-UNION-CANAL-RP/233073458621?hash=item364442bdbd:g:v9sAAOSwx9lcDB5k:rk:11:pf:0 Louis Powell and Johnnie Best, so I was informed

This will be of interest to one of our forum members, if he hasn't already seen it...…. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-35mm-slide-Boat-regatta-Old-Stop-Lock-Marple-Wharf-Peak-Forest-Canal/264108530465?hash=item3d7e185b21:g:gqsAAOSwG49cJ2qE:rk:13:pf:0

This was only rebuilt in the 1980s, pretty well unaltered until then, sold off fairly soon afterwards. Notable for having had the last Petter PD2 in Waterways ownership.

He does appear in the film, disguised, in long distance shots eg when leaving the lay by, Harry H. bumps the boats before it quickly cuts to Ron steering them round towards Brentford

EX - Manchester ship canal I believe

I believe it is the "Electra" which is the cabin-less hulk at Charity dock...….

… but don't these moorings extend all the way from the Wharf to Lily Pascall's………..