Derek R.

I recall ROMFORD being up for sale no so long ago. Rather a unique conversion to put it gently. That is, if we are talking about the Braithwaite & Kirk ROMFORD, seem to recall it was on a Thames mooring, though I could be wrong. Derek EDIT: Here it was! ROMFORD 281, as in F281

Animal fats are naturally resistant to water - ask a Cow! As to any argument for or against, it's ultimately down to the size of the wallet, what makes you happy, and a desire in preserving an existing piece of history. Check out Chris Collins work HERE. Follow the thread to see stages of development. Impressive stuff.

This is true. We had the pump come on one night at regular intervals and after a search discovered a leak where the bottom boards were bolted up to the chine by the engine. With the boat still in the water, we slackened off a few bolts, hung over the side and reaching below water line stuffed some bitumen soaked rag along the gap. Nipped up the bolts again and stopped the leak. Always kept the bottoms wet though. When we punched a small hole in the bow plating (iron) on the water line breaking thin ice, that got fixed with a nut, bolt and some washers. Holes in a steel or iron bottom are no so easily bodged (sorry - repaired). Though I've heard of some French Peniche methods using rashers of bacon and quick setting cement. Cuisine of some sort maybe. Possibly had the in-laws coming. Edit: Talking of wooden bottoms, looking along our bilge, we could see fungi growing at one point. It was beneath where the stove was situated. Wood brought in for the fire would drop spores which found their way through to the bilges. I don't recall they were growing out from the boards, mostly from the detritus that collected at that point. Gave us food for thought though, and was one of the many reasons why we went for steel. Were I to be in the same situation again, I'd go for new wood.

Henry Cooper v Karl Muller. It's in the text.

John, take a look. http://canalsidecamera.weebly.com/severn-bridge-disaster.html The images and the description tell and show all. (Save the fire and the heartache for those lost).

Whether wood or steel/iron bottoms, there will be a need for any internal fittings to be shifted for access when work is needed. Those who work with wood may claim it is best. likewise for those who work with metal, they both have advantages and disadvantages - all depends on your viewpoint and perhaps experience. One thing I can say from first hand experience, is that after we had the wooden bottoms replaced with steel on YARMOUTH, the boat felt much different. Whilst obtaining much greater strength structurally with a steel cabin and bulkheads, it lost something that is hard to describe: - feeling; warmth; homeliness. It had become a steel box. Would you have steel bookshelves, or wooden ones? Well, that's hardly an analogy, but most would plump for wood of course. Wood can rot, and steel corrodes. Massive contingency plans are always part and parcel of boat ownership, and one reason why I no longer own one. Spend all your dosh on buying, and there may be trouble ahead.

This one? I'm sure Chris won't mind. "I was born in there . ." Not bad at all.

The Chilterns presented a challenge to engineers in their seeking a route to the North from London, and the 'Berkhamsted Gap' was chosen by both the canal and the railway engineers for its least difficult path. About Chiltern stockbrokers I know little, but if I had the alleged wealth they are given, I too would seek a place where no future road, rail or airport be in some developers eye - if you have the money, you have a choice. Pretty hideous view from some of those houses/flats in Brinnington, not unlike that experienced by occupants of terraces into Bristol - IKEA, full-on blue. However, when done right(?), some bridges are positively awesome, and dare I say - beautiful: Though my thoughts towards speed travel are more inline with Mrs. Smelly. It was once well argued that a more economically and reliable service for passenger transport would have been to tarmac the long distance rail routes, and use fleets of coaches on the segregated 'new' roads. There was the additional plus point of HGV's using same. Not a scheme I currently have any details of now, but the argument was well thought out by the proposers. Derek

Talking of sourcing timber for specific applications reminds me of the building of a Curragh as used by St. Brendan on his voyage across the Atlantic (mythical or factual is open to conjecture). The reproduction vessel used by Tim Severin was built to the exact design, using the exact same methods, and some of the timber for it was chosen from the North facing side of a tree, that grew on the North facing hillside to get the hardest (IIRC) piece of timber. A fascinating read, and if Brendan did manage to reach some part of the 'New World' it would make his landfall pre-Columbus. Derek

D.D. Gladwin; 'The Canals of Britain' ISBN 0-7134-0492-2 & 'An Illustrated History of British Waterways' (not the company) ISBN 0-904978-28-1 From conception through to the age of the 'Cruiseway'.

Lets get into trouble. The inexperienced are the quiet ones, learning as they go. The incompetent are the loud ones, spouting all they know. I've often wondered why some 'old folk' have kept quiet about their knowledge and somewhat reluctant to share. On recent visits to Braunston, and having watched some incredible feats of incompetence on some publicly available videos by those who should have 'learnt' more before applying their theories influenced by certain books, and perhaps ignoring practical science, then I begin to understand why many keep shtuum. Me? I know nothing. An era has ended as they all do, and those not willing to engage in the new will drift away keeping their memories sacred, and personal. Cheerio. Derek

Just dug these out from a trip we did in 1988. There was a program on the box about the Lion Salt Works a year or two back. Much talk about a resurrection, but maybe nothing's happened. Yet.

Ah yes - the 'large drop' off switch. I think most of us have been there! What hasn't been said about computers!

. . . So rich!

I know a joke about a talking dog.

Ahah! Back to Mr. H! MAIA? MIRA? PLEIONE? or none of the above.

According to the Fuller's website, T & S Elements DUKE OF YORK was formerly UMBRIEL. Sold to T & S January 1942. UMBRIEL's fate is recorded elsewhere on this forum: http://www.canalworld.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=41199 I'm sure Pete will correct or expand upon same. PS Some images from your collection would be most welcomed by all.

Well, I wasn't going to as critics are ten a penny, but seeking out Mr Malkin's website gives access to other songs he performs, and there is not a lot of difference between any of them. The songs are weak, and with the Charlie Atkins effort - inaccurate, the singing is best passed over. A pub performer with a guitar seeking to tell a story without doing the research. Hope he doesn't give up the day job. There are excellent folk song singers out there, unfortunately Mr. Malkin is not one of them.

Beauty in the making. I often think model aircraft in balsa were far more attractive than the covered and finished model. All that lovely painstakingly put together intricacy. Not quite the same as with PROGRESS, which is looking just as lovely in the 're-making(?)' Pleasure to see it.

Blue tops anyone? See the first item in this list: Boiled Linseed Oil - but you might not like the smell!

Recognising your 'facts' Tim, does not change the fact that the attitude towards using even a well rebuilt boat to break ice to get to and event is a little on the irresponsible side of what might be considered reasonable use, for the benefit of a video display that appeals to those who most likely (in the main) would not risk their own craft in such a way. But the bottom line seems to be if you have the money spend it. I wish I could do the same. Jealousy? No - thrift, amongst other things. But that's maybe just one opinion which will not be shared.

Mutton or Lamb, someone's got the meat! Who is the joke on?

You know, looking at that tractor unit you'd never believe that the transport industry was in difficulties. (So I have often been told by spokespeople). Look at the traction engine world and count the owners involved in heavy haulage. Perhaps there's a barrel to tap Laurence?