If you have been volunteering...…..

There's lots going on around our canals at present and you may be one of the active many contributing to the cause. 

If you would like to share with our many members and the public what it is you and your team are up to, please drop me a few words and the odd picture and I'll be only too happy to post it on the Blog.

Of course our dredgers are fascinating, but so are many other subjects.  Please send a contribution to peter.asquith(at)cotswoldcanals(dot)com

Thank you, Peter

Project 'DNF' - No.5 Refit

With many of the dredger folk circulating around first thing this morning, we had a useful chat on a number of issues, namely the seat mounting and the engine cover design.

Whilst the seat support had been based on the original mechanics, there was a feeling that the position was not optimum and that rotation was not necessary.  The decision was taken to design a support to admiralty rated specifications to better do the job.  A new upstand and seat base support has been fabricated, meeting with the hearty approval of those that will have to ride the machine.

Not only is it more central, but the relationship to the arm rests is now improved.  The view above shows the controls pushed forward ready for exiting the seat.

Elsewhere, we have now painted the tops of the ballast tanks, that was followed with the white painting on all the upstand/trip hazards on the deck and tanks.  Down in the engine room, the various floor supports and fuel protection tube between the tanks have now all been fixed to the floor.  The 3 rung ladder is yet to be secured,

Project 'DNF' - The Fairy has reported!

by: Andrew R.

I've been very busy today on two areas of the canal, but mainly at the depot.
As heavy rain forecast tonight (Tuesdays) and possibly tomorrow I thought this needed doing in dry sunny weather.

I have wired brushed both by hand and mechanical so much my 2 batteries ran out just as I finished.  Below water line was hard, dirty work.

I had to move a tank so I could get to all parts. Therefore moved wooden structure and Heris fencing. I also degreased where there were hydraulic spills.

Then as you can see in photos put black bituminous all over sides of dredger and tanks.  Noticed Arthur (the hydraulics fairy) had changed Ram pipes for Jib/boom.

Note: We need to make a semi circle curved bracket that a block plate can be welded to and then strapped onto ram cylinder.

…...Think I earned a biscuit or two!!

Project 'DNF'  - No.5 Refit.

Sometimes, wonderful things happen when your back is turned.  On arrival at Western Depot today, we found that the hull of the dredger and both of the buoyancy tanks had received a visit from the paint fairies and a covering of black paint applied - a nice surprise.  It was later in the day when we eventually discovered who the fairy was!

The rain overnight was still in its final throws when we unlock the compound this morning.  Everything was very soggy, so not the time to get on and finish the painting of the deck and other odd bits.

Our attention turned to completing the electrics and hydraulics.  The electrics related to mainly the lights around the cab and the horn.  Now that the hydraulic systems could be operated, the final connections to the rotator and clam bucket could be exercised for the first time and checked for polarity of operation.  Since there is a 50/50 chance of getting it right, it comes as no surprise that hose swaps were in order.

Some time was spent testing the rate of movement for the various controls and adjustments were made to the system pressure to optimise their behaviour and match it to the available power from the engine.  There is more to do as the testing continues.  Most of the dredger operators have had their first experience of the new controls - their feedback is essential.

The hose lengths and positions are almost all determined, however, we spotted that there was a problem with the connections to the main boom cylinder when the boom is taken to its lowest point and slewed across.  It potentially fouled a large locating lug in the forward deck.  The pipes will need to be relocated.

Oh, we also have a new single piece floor below the controls, replacing the fragile and much modified crusty old one.

   The seat mounting is not ideal.  We will need to strengthen that. 

The Boat Team

by: Myron

First of all thanks to those who helped at the Volunteer Taster day last Thursday. We managed to bring along both tugs and a hopper. There’s already been a good report on the event on this blog, so I won’t dwell.

I wasn’t around on Monday, but let me see what snippets I’ve been sent.  Seems that when the cat’s away.  With Patricia out of action the Boat Team has been taking full advantage of the idle hoppers, moving then up and down the canal in every conceivable configuration.

Tony reports ‘A long day today. Chris and I took the empty ‘Warp ‘with ‘Goliath’ and the  Davids with ‘Margaret’ took the part loaded ‘Weft’ down through the locks and  to the ‘Ocean.  ‘Margaret’ was pushing but we breasted up ‘Goliath’ just out of devilment to see how it went.  In fact we only got the tug stuck on rubble on the  outside in the approach to Ryeford swing bridge.  The Davids ploughed along way ahead of us and had a leisurely lunch at the Ocean before we arrived! On the return trip we breasted up the hoppers together and towed ahead on a bridle with ‘Goliath’, a technique we haven't tried for some time.  ‘Margaret assisted in pushing ‘Weft’ and we made excellent progress back to the locks with everything under perfect control. 

Definitely a very effective procedure given clear communication between the pulling and pushing elements, our hand signal system definitely comes into  its  own in such situations.’

I believe Monday saw the return of Wookey's engine after its first 20 hour service.

Tuesday saw Goliath out training.  From not having any trainees (we passed them all), we now have two.  We look forward to Chris and Steve’s adventures.

Wednesday and Margaret, Wookey and Weedie were out.  Chris was apparently quite miffed because he got well and truly stuck in the mud.  Don’t worry, it won’t be the last time.  It’s good that we keep as many boats as possible traveling as far as possible.  It’s so important to help keep the channel open.

I’m away now of the next two weeks.  I hope someone has a go at sending a blog in.  Many people follow our exploits with interest.

Project 'DNF' - No.5 Refit

Today's Blog comes to you sponsored by Easy Start!

With more and more fuses finding circuits to connect with and a few more shots of hydraulic oil in the tank, we reached the stage mid morning when it was time to turn the key and fire up the engine for the first time - a major milestone for the project.

Our friendly hydraulics man had connected a couple of pressure gauges to the high pressure and pilot valve feed pipes so that adjustments could be made.  It was then a case of turning the battery isolator on and applying 10 seconds of glow plug pre-heat before engaging the starter.

The engine cranked and within 2 seconds fired up, lifted the exhaust rain cap and ticked over happily.  Simultaneously, the crew were stationed at a safe distance at key locations observing for any leaks, or major concerns.  Very pleasingly only the odd drips from joints which required the attention of a spanner or two.

After a few adjustments to the system pressure, the joysticks were moved for the first time.  Apart from the boom and dipper being set for JCB, not ISO mode and the slew motor heading off the wrong way, it was nothing that swapping a few hoses couldn't fix.  This we half expected.

Some time was then spent exercising the joints and observing the behaviour of the hoses.  We have replaced a fully hosed boom with one containing sections of ridged piping.  In the case of the main boom lift cylinder, a significant change had to be made to prevent it stressing the hose joints.  Otherwise, the remaining hoses were optimised for end to end travel and fixed in place.

Without doubt, the team were delighted with today's progress, nothing serious or unexpected.  We will now require a good spell of testing, sprinkled with a bit of endurance, before the craft can once again be returned to the water. There are a few more small jobs to attend to, together with the big job of finishing the new engine cover.

Note:  Rest assure, no Easy Start was used at all during today's proceedings.  The old Perkins engine had developed a small Easy Start habit in later life.

Project 'DNF' - No.5 Refit

Today's grand ambition was to reach the key stage when the engine could be started for the first time.  Well, as you've probably already guessed, we did not make it, although we got reassuringly close.

During the morning, we treated the engine to both oil and coolant.  Then followed some shunting to get the fuel bowser to a location where diesel could be put into the tanks.  Lastly, it was the hydraulic oil which conspired to prevent an engine start in that there was not enough to confidently charge the system properly, given that most pipes and cylinders were empty.

Never mind, there were plenty of other small jobs to get on with.  Out in the yard, the new engine cover received its panelling.  Some air vents also arrived for installation in each end.  

Back on the boat, we dismantled the exhaust system so that the joint sealant could be applied and the whole lot finally screwed together.  The sealant required 24 hours to cure, so another good reason not to pressurise the pipes too early.

The two ballast tanks had all the detritus cleared off them and duly received a good preparation to the tops in readiness for red oxide paint.  Given the warm sun, two coats of that were applied.  Grey to go on on Wednesday.

The electrics progressed with the connections to the lights and other safety switches getting terminated.  Out on the boom, all the hydraulic joints were checked for tightness, a few were found to be finger tight.  The blobs of red oxide paint were treated to some yellow.  

We have today's great team with us again on Wednesday and sincerely hope to get the rain protection flap to lift at the head of the exhaust stack!