[Another image identification]

Taken from the old main line looking down onto the Netherton Tunnel line, but the opposite way to the tunnel

[Brass Chimney Chain Links]

Red band? !!

[New strapping posts at Stoke Bruerne top lock]

I thought that the weighing machine came from the Glamorganshire Canal in Cardiff, close to the castle

[What would be the original throttle on a big Northwich be?]

The "Comet" was I believe paired with the "Branksome" at one point, in the captaincy of, I think, George Aldridge

[What would be the original throttle on a big Northwich be?]

Think this is Sampson Rd. rather than Tyseley

[FMC Ferret Update]

I once bought a converted blue top boat with just such a funnel and pipe arrangement, put there for the convenience of the previous owner!

[Any clues?]

It's being towed from the stud, running blocks not being used - no tension in rope

[Congratulations crt]

This is nothing! - once took a week to go from Lapworth to Kings Norton (we were loaded at the time)

[Lister SR2 service and fuel leak finding]

Have you checked the fuel lift pump diaphragm (-assuming it has one fitted) - fuel can leak past this if damaged/split

[Why so much water going down the Audlem flight?]

Just to stir things up a bit, why should we be shutting the gates behind us on these locks if there's no-one about when it's running over the weirs like this 24/7?!

[BW livery]

Also I believe that the "British Waterways" lettering was at one point done by transfer, with its RHS shading, hence the "flat" piece on the arc of the "Waterways" part which can be seen on pictures of lots of different boats - if all that makes sense!

[BW livery]

I think that John Edwards original document was in fact a spec. issued to Jones of Brentford when the River boats were built

[What would be the original throttle on a big Northwich be?]

I dare say you're right Pete - my guess of 10 years is only 25 years out! (I put it down to old age - perhaps I need putting down!)

[What would be the original throttle on a big Northwich be?]

Yes - installed at a guess 10 years ago

[What would be the original throttle on a big Northwich be?]

The "Yeoford" had a speedwheel when it had it's last engine in - a PD2

[What would be the original throttle on a big Northwich be?]

Old boaters used to talk about travelling at "Full cable rate" - there's a clue for you!

[BW livery]

As regards Bulls Bridge fleet, yellow lines 3 inches ish, bear in mind "Registered at" lettering has to be 2 inches. Also southern shading light green and black, to the right hand side, northern shading is LHS

[Marple boaters recommended pub]

The parents of the landlord of the "Ring o' bells" (Ron and Jean Singleton) used to keep the "Navigation" on Stockport Rd, and looked after/tolerated/put up with Peak Forest Canal Society volunteers on a regular basis - 45+ years ago!

[Oldest metal gates in place - Tyrley?]

I was told, when I worked (briefly) in the Engineers office at MSC Head Office (Ship Canal House) that they had spare gates for every lock kept in case of any mishap

[Huntley Film Archive, 1950's Canals]

 

For a smart pair of boats, watch this: 71/2 mins in

[Huntley Film Archive, 1950's Canals]

The film you want to see is "The Boat People" of 1956, starring genuine boaters - and in colour too!

[Hose]

You're quite right Pete - I wasn't meaning that it was never done in the S.E. fleet, but the tidier boat chaps didn't do it!

[Hose]

I was once told off by one of the Bulls Bridge elite for rolling my tippet down behind the headlight - said it was northern practice and that it should be "lapped" (ie folded) up inside the top cloth!

[Can anyone identify this motor?]

It lost the deck beam and "rising" pieces of the sides when rebuilt at Gloucester in 1973. Legend has it that the portholes were still shining from Ernie Humphries' polishing efforts as it was craned off the lorry for butchery.

[Press release: Extra funding for canals from players of People’s Postcode Lottery]

Won't be dredging.....