1st ade

Ah - right idea but more complex than I'd imagined. I'd thought more an inclined shaft lock where the boat's went down and along than what looks to be more like a floating inclined plane.

Presumably diagonal viewed from the side (there are plenty of other locks which are diagonal viewed from above)? The thing about (say) Falkirk is it's unique; one of a kind. People won't trek in their millions to see the second canal wheel in the UK. One of the nice features (to me, I live near it!) of the proposed Brogborough Whirl on the Bedford MK Canal (http://www.b-mkwaterway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BMK_Press_Release_Waterway-Park-Gets-a-Step-Closer_Dec_2007.pdf top of second page) is it's something totally different - people will come to look at a spiral boat lift just because, er, it's a spiral boat lift.

I've a vague recollection of a vintage car engine which (at least when warm) could be started from nothing by moving the ignition advance lever between the extremities? I assume that at least one cylinder had fuel vapour in it when stationary; racking the advance / retard back and forth fired the spark and turned the crankshaft just enough for the next cylinder to take over.

Not the canal but the adjacent access road (which may affect anyone intending to bring a car to Marple bottom lock for supplies to their boat...) Looks like pedestrians will be prohibited on the non-towpath side but vehicles will be permitted "Under the direction of our Contractor..." Whether that means no vehicles movements outside of working hours I don't know.

I realise that many participants on this forum may be beyond "find out the history of Marple Locks..." but when I had a guided tour of the chamber of Lock 2 in November 2014 during a similar event I found it absolutely fascinating.

You may be right - it had gone today!

Beat me to it...

Towpath blocked by a fallen tree about 50 yards South of Bridge 71 on the Grand Union (Wolverton, Stratford Road bridge) Passable with care on foot by the fit and enthusiastic (and Staffies); forget it with a bike, pushchair or wheelchair! Reported to the CRT 24/7 hotline

will be watching - thanks for the reminder

Thanks - that makes sense. (we noticed earlier in the year staying in a cottage at Fort William that hire craft turned round above Neptune's Staircase but didn't put two and two together) Thanks for the link - I'll save it for next time we holiday that way!

OK - to clarify the question why do Fort Augustus not allow you to use engines when there was no mention that Neptune's Staircase had the same restriction?

Loved the first episode of the new series last night (6th November). As always, a heart warming story of two people who love both each other and canal's But a question. Why are engines not allowed to be used in the locks at Fort Augustus?

Cue heated debate about how close two junctions can get before they become one four-way junction...

Tony Many thanks for assisting my Brother! Greenie awarded as the best I can do from many miles away (a journey you have saved me from having to make) but if I get to meet you, the first drinks are on me.

Ah! You've met Magpie then?

It should drop to the best part of nothing. Even if the batteries are good - losing 2v might well be enough to fail to get the engine turning. With ignition off, use your second favourite big screwdriver (second, as it will have big nick in it soon!) to bridge the big two terminals on the solenoid. Starter should spin but not engaged with the engine. Future progress then depends on: - Still fails to spin, starter bugg**** (but isn't it, or at least the solenoid, newish) Ditto, trouble in the supply. Engine Isolator?? Big fat spark and attempts to turn the engine, pinion stuck in engaged mode Starter spins, so far so good, now contortion yourself to do the same after turning the key to pull the solenoid in! Good luck!

it does that; with depressing regularity!

Nice one - Greenie

When I said "Dip your headlights..."