RAB

https://thelincolnite.co.uk/?p=273342 Caught fire this afternoon. (Tues 10th) To say it was not in the best condition beforehand would have been a gross understatement! Moored opposite official morings on way out of Lincoln (westward). Noticed it a week or so ago, tied to a tree. Hopefully no one aboard.

Was going to take the scenic walk to the Badger Inn Just off the Middlewich branch of the Shroppie, but decided my wellies weren’t high enough (path and bridge slightly flooded!)

Agree with Ditchcrawler. Things may have changed but in the past we looked at propane gas detection for a Gas Turbine start system. In the end we didn’t fit any detectors but had to increase ventilation times to ensure we met the hazardous area requirements, because the detectors were prone to poisoning. We also looked at IR detectors (We used them for Natural Gas detection), but can’t remember why they wouldn’t work for us, sorry! As previously said, things may have changed.

Surely not????

Total speculation but looking at the current pictures and also the video, which shows the water cascading over the concrete side wall which runs down the side of the spill way. The pictures show this wall has been undermined. Could this have been caused by the flow over the wall that then eroded back under the concrete slabs. As I said speculation until full investigation, but no inspections would have picked this potential design flaw. Possibly compounded, as previously stated, as the overflow wasn't even causing the overtopping of the side wall???

Apologies, not seen the graphs. Use to work overlooking the river between stamp end and the Brayford. At times of high rain fall operation of the sluice would vary the water level by 2 + feet quite often during the day, so wasn't sure if it was just this or not. I'll take your experience as the current situation being erratic though. If it wasn't raining and clothes had dried from yesterday I'd go down and take some pictures!

A note on Stamp end. When I went past on Monday there were 5 workmen at the sluice (inside the access area). Not sure what they were planning to do (chatting at the time!), but can't help wondering if this may have something to do with the alleged erratic behaviour?

Not totally sure of the vagaries associated with tank explosions and flash point / auto ignition temperatures except to say in my old industry I can remember 2 or 3 explosions associated with vented oil tanks where people were killed or seriously injured due to explosions. Non involved a direct flame and one was definitely due to external welding. Baring in mind, if I remember correctly Vg46 oil has a flash point of around 200 deg C, well above diesel. I personally would not weld a diesel tank without purging it with an inert gas, but if a yard is happy to do it (many do), then so be it. I would leave the boat with them and wander off, out the way!!!!!!!

Apologise as not exactly sure where this is except friend who posted photo yesterday said they and three other boats had to reverse though 3 locks and 1 mile before they could wind to head the other way. Near Fradley junction is all I know.

Used the water point a few months ago. Chap (builder, not Cart), had no issues with us using point. Not sure what the long term plans for the tap are? Perhaps the new owners have other ideas to cart? Guess it depends on where the water meter is!

Your a braver man than me....besides its a lot easier with a happy(ish) crew ?

Two questions as heading down the Trent & Mersey and considering a small detour for an overnight mooring, - is the swing bridge between Tixall Wide and Great Hayward Junction normally left open or closed (sometimes farm ones are open)? Just wondering as crew will be cooking by then, and I need to prepare for an ear bashing!! - is there usually plenty of room to moor along Tixall Wide? Wouldn't want to have to wind and tell the crew they have to do the bridge again, both ears bashed! As always many thanks, in anticipation.

Fundamental error by me not checking planned closures! Many thanks Richard T, plus all other replies. Looks like I will just have to use all my charm and persuade the better half that all those locks arn't as bad as they look, might be able to convince her to actually helm!

Firstly thanks to those who replied to my question as to which way round to do the Black County Ring. We still haven't decided yet, but due to timings / stops we're potentially looking at Clockwise. If we go Clockwise, is it OK to moor overnight between the Farmers Bridge and Aston Lock Flights? Looking at Google maps towards Farmers Bridge locks seems OK ish, and close to some pubs food etc. (but not a single moored boat on the photos?). As always looking forward to your pearls of wisdom.

Thanks for you replies, all good food for thought.

Advice required please. Have a two week trip coming up leaving from Stone 2/3 June. Considering heading south and then doing the Black Counties Ring (we have lots of time so not needing to rush). Once we get to Great Hayward Junction what are the views on the best way round the ring, clockwise or anti-clockwise (any consideration to hire fleet bases, places to stop / not stop etc)? There are just two of us, although trying to persuade some friends to join us to help with a flight or two (suspect not guaranteed!). apologies if there is a previous thread, I though there was but couldn't find it.

Boats being moved out. I know we knock CaRT sometimes, but they said Friday would be the start, so well done, Credit where it's due ( sure someone will find a reason to be negative!)

Once again "speedypete202" many thanks for keeping us updated and all your efforts on the night, including your txt/call informing me before we travelled to meet our poor shareboat. Fingers crossed they re-float all the trapped boats soon.

Our share boat is one of those in the pictures. Chester trip this weekend is off! waiting to see what the plans are, hopefully stop planks and pump re-filling. Can't see how they can get a crane anywhere near most of the boats. If I hear of the plans I'll post an update.

Planning trip to Chester and was wondering about mooring near the Shady Oak , possibly a few jars (would be rude not to!), or ploughing on to Chester for the night. Has anyone been recently? I know their evening opening hrs are limited, but is the beer / food ok?

If I've been informed correctly CART have taken back the Middlewich Narrowboat premises, not 100% sure what this means but presumably they were rented from CART. Not sure what will happen to the offside moorings (believe mooring access?)

Congratulations both the journey and the thread. Best wishes to all on the forum & many happy canal miles for next year.

Salterhebble top lock (27), last lock before Sowerby Bridge on the Calder& Hebble is one of the shortest. Canal plan has advice on going through. Think it will be very tight, but sure others will advise with more details Y/N/?