doratheexplorer

Remember a few years ago when CRT were going to get rid of the bridge keepers on the G&S? Replace them with a system where you had an app on your phone or tablet and operated the bridge automatically? Or if not too technologically minded, you phoned a central office where they did it remotely? Or did I dream that? Or below Upper Lode, unless you like climbing.

You shouldn't have any reason to get up the wall, but in case of emergency there are steps set into the wall in one place. Of course, if you're hanging on a chain and your engine catches fire, you might have difficulty manoeuvring your boat to the steps.

I've found it: PRESSURE SWITCH - cuts in at 1.0bar (15psi) - cuts out at 1.7bar (25psi) So my accumulator should be at 12psi and my expansion vessel at 28psi

I don't have the spec sheet. What do you mean by a pressure gauge? Like the thing on the bike pump? Where would that go?

How do I find out the pump cut-in/cut-out pressure?

Yes. I use a bicycle pump and pressure gauge every six months or so. I can't remember what pressure mine should be though, it says on the side. Something like 1.7bar?

If the river is high enough to be able to step straight off, I'd rather not be on it on a narrowboat.

I simple terms, what's the difference between an expansion vessel and an accumulator? I have two of these things that look very similar. One is next to my calorifier, one is next to my clean water pump.

There are signs telling you not to use the ladders.

I don't understand this. First, you mean below Gloucester Lock. Second, you will be pointing downstream so this is a perfect example of what Mike was saying.

There I was feeling all left out with no volocky experiences to report (I usually do my boat moves from about 3pm onwards so they've all gone home by the time I start). But I few days ago I was faced with the Tardebigge flight so decided I ought to set off first thing. About 7 locks in, two friendly looking old men appeared, wearing their volocky uniforms. Took me all the way up the rest of the flight. I was so grateful! They were really helpful and no patronising comments, just good chat and even told me some interesting things about the flight. Trouble is I'm now not sure if any of the things were true, since when we got to the top lock, I commented on how deep it is. "Yes he said, deepest on the network". "Deepest on the the flight?" I enquired. "No, deepest on the network" he insisted. I tried to point out the various locks which are deeper - Tuel Lane, Bath, Etruria, all those huge ones near Manchester. But he just wouldn't have it. I still liked them both though and went up the flight in record time (for me). Edited to add: when they first arrived, the first thing they said was "would you like any help?"

Are you saying my encouraging smiles don't count as a contribution? They ARE rather dazzling!