Derek R.

This page http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/ldvan.htm says 2.2L for the diesel, though I've seen an Ambulance version with a claimed 2.5L. If you have an engine number, you may get some more exact information from a specialist club - or perhaps Neil will come along and confirm one way or the other. Derek

Bit like elbow grease then . . .

So, is there a run THIS year, or not?

One of the claimed advantages of the FG cab, was that the door when opened barely extended over the roadway, claiming to make it safer for both driver and passing traffic, hence the nick name 'threepenny bit' shaped cab - all angles. Not in the Fire appliance of course, but more here: http://ccmv.fotopic.net/c856845.html Not so sure about a petrol engine being 'adapted' to become a diesel though as someone mentioned. They'd need a stronger block and head, along with flywheel and crank I wouldn't doubt. As Seamus Ennis might have said "I might be wrong, but I very much doubt it" Who? Derek

Thames Conservancy launches were also fitted with Thorneycroft, though I cannot say which ones. Yarmouth had an ex-FX4 2.2 which I believe went under the marinised name of 'Commodore', and is still giving sterling service in Kalamaki. Derek

Didn't the Fosters live aboard 1511 for a time?

The 'Anoraksii', a tribe that evolved from a cross between the Duck tailed ex US Parka, or Parkaii and the Cagoule, the latter finally dying out when they lost all their note pads from pulling the garment over their heads. Where were we . . . Ah! Archie Meads. That's another one re-named then.

Legging boards. It may not have been the same all over the system, as some boards were just a single plank that went right across. But individual boards, such as the ones used in 'Painted Boats', had a forged hook at the innermost end that engaged in an iron 'eye' in the centre or thereabouts of the foredeck. Watch Pa as he engages them at the entrance to Blisworth, and after they leave where he takes them off, the hook is fairly well seen as he drops the board on the top plank. They would be stowed somewhere in the front of the hold when not in use. How wide is your 'wide' tunnel? If it was wider than Blisworth or Braunston, then likely it would have a towpath, and for the two mentioned - that's what the boards were for - to allow you to be extended out over the side to reach the walls. If you met a boat coming the other way, timing was all important - roll back off the board and heave it out the way - pass the other boat - and re-engage (only a guess, but what else?). Legging of the cabin top against the roof was done in some places, but depended on how loaded the boat might have been. Shafts were used in Worsley with staples in the roof to catch hold of with a hook. Derek Here you go - name that tunnel!

Middle Northwich Taurus, Bm 1594 GU gauging 12519. I see there are flags at the back too - tied to the cabin and engine room bulkheads. So, buses got sticky tape on the windows, and Taurus got a metal plate!! I wonder if the rolled up items (tents?) were being laid over ammunitions to prevent any stray shrapnel or shells from causing an explosion. Interesting shots - Derek

I think the simplest answer is that red stands for danger (and they probably were red), just as a red disc was displayed on tanker barges carrying flammables. Seem to recall pictures of the gunpowder barges going up the Lee having something similar. And as Alnwick says, the military do like their flags. Bet they didn't bang'em about on those trips. Derek

Oi! 'Op it! Wrong shed. That was Dalraddy. Right shed.

Apply to your County Council with regard to a search of some sort for title deeds to planned and aborted navigations through your land. You might also like to contact David Sharpe who has written a paragraph here: http://www.lhcrt.org.uk/cbw37.htm I have no connection nor knowledge of that society nor its persons, and this is only from a quick Google search headed 'canal through land'. Hope it helps.

Interesting thought, but I feel that is all it can be. If you fancy coughing up for a bit of canal building resurrection of former Acts passed before Parliament, you will not only find most of them under housing estates, ring roads and motorways which in the process of planning would almost certainly have caused any prior unused Acts to be repealed or made null and void by some means - but also the little problem of raising the finance necessary - the very same problem that stopped their construction in the first place! A great many canals were projected at one time, and many failed the test of perceived viability therefore not gaining the necessary Acts. But that's another matter. Try BW Archives at Gloucester, I would think they would be a fair bet for more info. Derek

Well, there's something in that. China was building brand new steam loco's into the 1980's I believe, they are no shorter on knowledge than those who built in Glasgow or Swindon. Doubtless any lower quality work would be down to a tight fisted importer not wanting to pay the 'going' rate. If we moan about not being able to buy the quality we once did - put it down to the buyer - who wants a low price for everything. Add the differential in labour costs between the UK and Middle and Far East, and with enough shipped in bulk, the shipping costs can be kept down creating a market place in which home produce cannot compete on price - end of home supply. Got a bucket on the boat put together with rivets, and a handle formed from solid bar, might have been a Fire bucket at some time. That was dredged out the cut. Battered and bent, hammered and straightened - solid gold. Derek

Sweet the simple pleasures! The shed my dad bought back around 1953 (3'x4') is still doing sterling service, though having been shifted 3 times. Only replacement is the base which I knocked up from second hand timber 25yrs ago. Creosoted now and then - the real stuff, some left over from better days - and brings back many childhood memories for me. I can well imagine a Granddad with his pipe, though my strongest memories are of sitting in it on a rainy day hearing the rain patter on the roof, the door just ajar, and painting Sea shells different colours from a tin box. Derek

Sounds like a teacher seeking tuition.

There was a helmet with horns found in the Thames near Greenwich, but more likely to have been a ceremonial piece of headgear than regular wear. Like the Romans, the ornate headgear was not worn in battle as they provided too much of a handhold, something a little more practical would have been worn. There is a very good series on the 'Celts' (a word of Greek origin) viewable here in three parts. They were a race of people sharing a common language that occupied much of the land that ranges between Turkey, right across and up to the Shetland Isles. Their remnants now exist in Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, with some remarkable reconstructions of an early town in what is now Germany. Derek

Bowler hats in the workplace were usually worn by a company official or foreman, at least around the forties and maybe into the fifties. Back during the 20's possibly, an 'on site' ganger might have worn one, but I doubt he would be getting 'stuck in' with the Flat caps. We had a Beadle on our housing estate as a kid who wore a company dark brown suit and Bowler with brass badge on it. Quite smart, and a bloody terror to us kids. Strayed off the Woolwich a bit ennit? Derek

Welcome to the madhouse. I wouldn't think it a huge gaff, and of course you can call it what you like, but as it's a copy of a Star class and as Astraea is known to have been cut up (pictures in a forum thread somewhere), it's a bit like stepping on someone's grave in a Churchyard with a family member present. I'd be inclined not to. Though having said that, it's a nice enough name to want to. Derek

You can watch Eric Sykes playing a 'Skipper' in 'The Bargee'. (Complete with signal flags, though most used fingers). Get yourself a copy of Alan Faulkner's 'The George & The Mary', little A5 softcover. Depicts the history (a brief one) of the G.U.C.C.C. Ltd. All the boat names, type, and builder are listed in the back, though you will need someone with the knowledge to point out the differences from the cut side. Derek

There's a retired gent by the name of John (Tug) Wilson at Cassio, whose Father used to keep horses for towing barges up from Brentford to Dickinson's at Croxley. John also worked with his Father for some time before the carrying ended and he went into the roofing trade. I'll wager he might know one or two things, I think he must have been born in the late 1920's. Next time I'm that way I'll look him up and ask. Derek

Pay no attention Jeanette, you are welcome here.

The various references to "Uxbridge", both the place and the boat in Mr. Faulkners book tell little more about the boat other than show a nice photo of the wide beam motor boat 'Uxbridge' leaving Cowley Lock heading North. There seems to be more information in the picture credit than in any section of the text as a whole, though at this moment I have not gone through the whole book! The photo shows a loaded, wheel steered motor with a crew of two (visible), "Registered Port of London" on the back of the engine room/cabin bulkhead, 'Uxbridge - London' on the rear quarters, two gents on the lockside wearing important hats, a smart car circa 1920's parked on the towpath, many double telegraph poles on the left hand side looking North, very few trees in view,those that are with no leaves - winter, and generally gives the impression of some directors observing an early passage of the boat. Undated. Quote:- . . Here the motor barge Uxbridge, owned by British Portland Cement Manufacturers Limited. leaves the lock heading Northwards, probably bound for the companies works at Harefield. National Waterways Museum Derek

I'd go for Niger too, and whilst a former French colony, many boats were named after the owners names using a combination of a few letter from each. Some strange names would appear like Jaju - Jaques & Julliet. Niger - Nicholas & Gertrude? Who knows! Derek

This opens up a whole avenue of questions as to who your Grandfather was, where he built barges and who for (if not himself of course), and what were the circumstances surrounding the photo and the location. Perhaps that might be your Father with his arm against the stem post! However, whilst I'm certain other members would be fascinated in knowing all this - especially if it related to historic vessels over here, and a rare photo of one which is in the shot - it does intrude into your family ties and origins into which I am sure no-one wishes to delve with any disrespect, and which I am sure are private and may not be willingly shared as fascinating as it appears right now. It's an interesting link all the same, but will be up to you if you decide to share. Regards - Derek