Issue 72 Winter 2011/2012

The journal of the Russell Newbery Engine Owners & Enthusiasts Club

Rally News Offshore RNs Ban the Bug! Railway Away Day

www.rnregister.org.uk WHO’S WHO CONTENTS Front cover: nb Kyle on the Severn Estuary [photo Bob Ainsworth]

Back cover: Alvecote Marina Traditional Gathering 2011 [photo © Waterways Images]

3 CHAIRMAN’S CHAT FROM THE EDITOR RUSSELL NEWBERY REGISTER LTD

President: Dr Ian McKim Thompson 4 OBITUARY Judith Dudley Vice Presidents: Lady Carol Stamp, Mrs Susan Gibbs, David Thirlby, David Kay Phillips, Allister Denyer, Graham 5 BITS & PIECES FROM THE OFFICE Pearson Web site: www.rnregister.org.uk TIMBER! Chris Pearce has a scare The Russell Newbery Register is a non profit distributing company limited by guarantee. 6 OFFSHORE RNs Part 1 Founded: 1994 Registered in England No: 346943 Norman Woolley heads for the Medway Officers: Chairman: Norman C Mitchell t: 01452 415420 [email protected] 7 OFFSHORE RNs Part 2 Secretary: Kevin McNiff Brian Jarrett and Bob Ainsworth head for Bristol m: 07866 424988 [email protected] Administration (membership, finance): Rob Davies 8 DEALING WITH THE BUG 55 Noddington Lane, Whittington, Lichfield, Staffs. WS14 John Adams adds “fuel” to the ongoing debate 9PA t/f: 01543 432079 m: 07801 842337 [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Kevin McNiff [email protected] 10 OH WHAT SITES Newsletter Production: Andrew Laycock m: 07870 294580 The search for the 2012 Rally venue Administration (merchandise): Neil Mason Hillcrest, Chapel Lane, Westhumble, Surrey. RH5 6AH 11 RALLY 2012 ANNOUNCEMENTS t: 01306 889073 [email protected] Rally Organiser: Kevin McNiff [email protected] RAILWAY AWAY DAY UPDATE Webmaster: Andrew Laycock [email protected] Unless otherwise noted, Copyright © Russell Newbery Register, 2012 RUSSELL NEWBERY REGISTER PROPERTY LTD For Sale

A non profit distributing company limited by guarantee Green leather reclining swivel chair in good condition Founded 2004 Registered in England No: 5316384 plus matching foot stool. Natural wood plinths. Directors: Stephen Burt, Clive Henderson, Rob Davies £100 or near offer. Buyer to collect from Birmingham Contact Brian Jarrett on 07766 216819

PRM Gearbox Modifications available

Brian Jarrett and Ian Oliver have ordered the 1.5:1 gears for the PRM 160/260. Four spare sets are available now, the cost of a full set consisting 2 pinions and 1 output gear will be £390.00 per set. However it is RN DIESEL ENGINE COMPANY important to stress that they are only suitable for Proprietors: Dave Bixter (m:07812 039110) PRM 160D or 260D and cannot be used on the 160VR. Deborah Bixter (m: 07966 403132) Showroom: RN House, The Locks, Hillmorton, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 4PP t:01788 578661 Contact Ian on 07734 080990 Engineering workshop: 4 Oak House, Royal Oak Way North, Royal Oak Industrial Estate, Daventry NN11 8PQ t: 01327 Next edition 700023 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.russellnewbery.com All contributions for the Spring 2012 edition will Field Engineers: Ian Crompton m: 07831 841108 Richard Milligan m:07973 826260 be gratefully received. Do not worry about format — in true RN fashion the editorial team can cope with [almost] anything!

Copy deadline is 6th April 2012

Corporate Member Send to [email protected] 2 RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 Chairman’s Chat Happy New Year to everyone.

It only seems like last month I was preparing a few words for the last newsletter; doesn’t time fly? Well we seem to have avoided a repeat of last year’s pre Christmas weather but winterising the boat just in case has been sensible.

Christmas this year has been spent afloat. Pauline and I, along with friends, tried a cruise on a ship as opposed to a boat but 21ft waves and 50 mph winds made some of the trip less enjoyable! Had we been cruising the canals at least there would have been a bank to tie to and a pub in easy reach but not on the Atlantic! We will stick to boats in the future.

This spring we shall all be in the CaRT with the new Trust taking over which will be a new experience (we hope). An RNR member trustee would be a feather in our cap would it not? Perhaps the new local teams will be able to address Sadly we will not have Pauline’s No 1 raffle helper with us. some of the real problems such as dredging; assuming The death of Judith Dudley dampened our Christmas and sufficient funds are made available. the cruise prevented us attending her funeral. Let’s make this year a tribute to Judith; John has assured us he will As you read into this newsletter you will find details of the attend the Rally. We all look forward to seeing him. 2012 RNR rally. I look forward to seeing many members at the rally so please get your applications back as soon as possible; perhaps we will have an Olympic turnout! From The Editor What a difference in winter weather! There is For those who knew Judith Dudley, her still a long way yet to go before spring however, untimely death following a brain tumour in and Britain can always be relied upon to keep June leaves us with only memories of what a the worst till last so it isn’t over yet. “good egg” she was. At her funeral on 28th December, so many spoke about the good A big concern is that, as we go to press, the works she was involved in beyond those with Grand Union Canal has been closed on the Russell Newbery. Her good friend Pauline Tring summit due to water shortage “until Mitchell has written her obituary. further notice”. A quick look at the BW reservoir watch web site shows that reserves are Finally, as we approach the change in around 25% full despite reasonable rainfall stewardship of our waterways to the Canal over the last few weeks. Had we succeeded in and River Trust in April, is anyone convinced securing a southern rally site on the GU, I’d be that this will lead to the kind of change we a little worried right now. And just how much need to ensure the future of the inland of the network will be navigable this year; how waterways? BW are remaining in another set will boats get to and from Crick? of clothes and the IWA want to secure all 4 boater representative posts on the Trust. So as We have a superb site for this year’s rally at the French say, “ Alvecote Marina. Initial contact with the Hoping you all have a good owners suggest that we will not be road in 2012 and maybe see some of you at the disappointed .Read more in the article later Rally. along with the journey to find the right venue. As the rally becomes more popular we will have to major on those sites that can accommodate Shortage of space in this issue means holding over the RN us rather than a rotation around the country. blog from David & Deborah at Hillmorton & Daventry. Instead an extended blog next time, with a progress report Offshore journeys are a feature of this on the construction of the new RN powered hire boat. Also newsletter and it just goes to show how the latest instalment is available on the company website. resilient and practical a Russell Newbery engine can be in the right conditions. Brian Jarrett and Norman Woolley supply the stories. RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 3 Obituary: Judith Dudley Many of you will be aware that Judith died on and she was fantastic, laughing and being so brave, then December 14th 2011 at the young age of 62. we saw her again at Hillmorton, when I truly believed she was going to be okay. Judith was one of the kindest people I first met Judith at the Banbury RNR Rally, as she walked I have ever been fortunate enough to meet; big hearted up and down the towpath to the workshops with her blue and always with her wonderful smile. Judith helped me a sun hat on. Judith told me later she had to go to the great deal with the rallies, the ship canal trip she organised workshops to get to meet people and join in, although for us, assisting me with the raffles, which you all gave to some times she had trouble with the subject of the class. so generously. Judith was in Banking so she was excellent Then she found the ukulele; what a great time she had with with money, and also audited the Register's books. that. Mary Nelson and I even bought her a better one for her birthday as she was getting so proficient (I just played If ever I got into a panic, which was frequently, she was C, nails are too long). there to help and calm me down. I miss her so very much.

So from the Banbury rally onwards we spent a lot of time together cruising, always laughing and having a good time. As some of you know, every year at the Rally we had code The funeral was attended by the Register’s President, Dr. words for getting together for a little refreshment! Ian McKim Thompson and members Mary & Ken Nelson, Fortunately for Judith and I, John and Norman got on well Helen and Rob Davies and Sadie & Fred Heritage. Mary so we did our own thing whilst the men sorted out whatever paid tribute to Judith during the service. men sort out. “Judith touched everyone she met - she invented kindness”. I won't dwell on her illness or the rough times she had after [Rob Davies] the operation, I did meet her in Braunston just after her op.

Pictured above, Judith [right] with Pauline on Trevor Magg’s boat Corona on the parade at the Braunston Historic Boat Gathering 2 years ago

Our new RN Showroom and shop is now open. We have a range of RN Spares and service items available from stock together with engines on display and for Sale at Hillmorton. Also at Hillmorton we are able to offer a full range of Boatyard Services including Engine servicing and repairs, Boat blacking@ £6.50 /ft to Register members, Full boat repainting service, Boat building and repairs, Plumbing & electrics, Weld repairs. GBBS Hillmorton Ltd. & Russell Newbery Marine Diesel Engines 01327 700023 / 01788 578 661 mobile 07812 039110 www.russellnewbery.com email. [email protected] 4 RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 Bits and Pieces from the Office Membership Matters Canal & River Trust Council

Membership numbers have shrunk a little more to 235, If you are a boat licence holder you will have received an mainly due to boats being sold and new owners (hopefully) invitation to stand for election to the new Canal and River a little slow in joining. A number of invitations have been Trust Council. There are 4 vacancies in the election for sent out and now await response. There are currently 8 RN private boaters — a very small percentage of the total powered boats listed on Apollo Duck web site, 4 of which council membership of 35! At the suggestion of our are on the Register. (Perhaps Register membership ought President, Dr Ian McKim Thompson, I put an email appeal to be a condition of sale!!) out to see if a member was willing to stand as a Register nominee. Bob Scott put his head over the parapet and we A warm RNR ‘family’ welcome to: quickly gathered the 10 required sponsors from other members. Many thanks to all, particularly Bob. Those who Nick & Margaret Hughes, Huntingdon NB Jasmine have attended our Rallies will know Bob but if you don’t, be assured that he is an excellent candidate and worthy of our Steve Protheroe, Hoddesdon (No boat/engine) support. Your vote will certainly count as clearly there will be a number of candidates and IWA are putting up 4 Chrissie Sheldon, Hoddesdon (No boat/engine) nominations, so competition will be keen. May I remind you that voting opens on 8 February 2012 and closes at 12 Adrian Hambleton, Norton Lees, Sheffield NB Warrior noon on 9 March 2012. Thanks to technology I will be able to vote whilst in New Zealand.

N.B. I am sorry that circulation was limited to members with email but the timescale was very tight and the exercise did not justify the expense of a snail mailshot. If you have an email address but didn’t receive the message, do let me know as your address on the Register may be out of date. New Boat Russell Newbery Register Property Ltd

The February Issue of Waterways World features One of our members has very generously donated their members Dave & Nessa Martin’s new boat, Jaipur. This a loan investment of £1,000 to the Register. A splendid full 5 page review of their Stoke on Trent Boatbuilding gesture for which we are very grateful. 62foot boat complete with a Daventry DM3 (of course!). The engine was one of those which RN Diesels brought back from Canada in 2007 where it had been powering a Admin Office standby generator. Built in 1956, it had done little work but was given the Daventry Works ‘treatment’. Mark Langley, By the time that you read this Helen and I will be in New who carried out the review, was suitably impressed with Zealand on our annual visit to our daughter and family. both its installation and performance under way. Not too Therefore the Office is closed until our return at the end of surprising I think! We hope that Dave and Nessa will bring February. You will already be aware if you have an email it to this year’s Rally so that we can take a closer look. facility.

Timber! Member Chris Pearce had a lucky escape down on the Wey.. On Sunday 9th October I received a phone call to say that an oak tree on our mooring line had passed out and fallen on Barley. Luckily a branch had dug into the river bed and absorbed some of the impact. The only damage was a bent pole rack and abrasions to the grab rails on both sides. Thanks to the prompt action of our Lengthsman who organised the removal of the reachable branches, the tree stayed put. The following morning the Wey Navigation dredger and crew arrived and successfully jacked the tree up just enough to pull Barley out from underneath. They then spent the day cutting the tree up and clearing the Navigation. The boat had been pushed so far down into the water that it was going in through the front well drain holes, but stopped short of the front doors. Had it got past those Nb Barley [Photo: Chas Shaw] Barley would have sunk complete with precious DM2. The trauma this would have caused does not bear “lengthsman”, Chas Shaw and the dredger team, all ended contemplation. Thanks to Emma Goodwin our well. I hope I can come off the Valium soon! RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 5 Offshore RNs 1: Bruin Cruises to the Medway In November 2010 under the heading “Extraneous home by train before our return journey. At the celebration voyages” I described the trip on Bruin up the Severn arrival party she asked one of the other ladies who had Estuary from Bristol to Sharpness Docks and indicated at been on the voyage as to how it went, to which she replied some future date I would write about an equally with great feeling, “Oh it was a white knuckle job!” adventurous trip in 1997 down to the Medway, a somewhat longer journey of some 63 sea miles than the The following morning, on 30th May we all set off towards Severn Estuary transit. I also mentioned that the video I Maidstone up the River Medway to explore this river until took of this trip was nearly shown at one of our Rallies, reassembling above Allington Lock on the Wednesday 11th but Shaun the Sheep videos took precedence, so if there May for the return journey the following morning. This is any interest by those attending the Rally this year at allowed plenty of time for us all to explore the delights of Alvecote Marina, I would be happy to show our adventure the Medway towns and the river itself. Tonbridge is in effect on the screen, but ensure you have your sea sick pills the head of the navigable river, but we did manage to ready as it did get a bit lumpy. navigate around a further mile above Tonbridge where a low bridge prevented further exploration. The voyage was organised by the St. Pancras Cruising Club for a limited number of 12 Narrow Boats, so early Our return trip was to be in two parts, the first to catch the application was necessary. We all assembled in Limehouse Basin, but departure was delayed for 24 hours ebb tide from Allington lock at around 7.00 a.m. on 12th by a bad weather report. The sea conditions dictated that May and moor overnight on a concrete lighter at we needed not more that a force 3 wind scale, so had to Queenborough on the River Swale, roughly a 5 hour journey, it being important to arrive at slack water as the await calmer conditions, therefore on Wednesday the 28th currents there are somewhat fierce. The following morning May we left Limehouse Basin via the Limehouse Cut to we left on the ebb tide with a view to use the flood tide to stay overnight above Bow Locks ready to set off the whisk us up the Thames Estuary to Limehouse, again following morning at 6.15 a.m. For tidal passages timing is timing was important. Overnight on our concrete lighter important, as we were to use the ebb tide to assist us down mooring we all had an impromptu viewing of the trip so far the River Thames Estuary and the flood tide when we that I had recorded on video. I was told the sunsets in that turned into the River Medway on our way up to Allington area are quite stunning, which was certainly the case. Lock where we would return to non-tidal waters. The locks Although the weather was much calmer for the 8-hour trip at Bow could not accommodate all our convoy, which had back to Limehouse, it was not without incident. been reduced from the original 12 boats due to one having engine trouble, so we re assembled at the mouth of the We had no problem at Medway mouth where we passed River Bow prior to setting off in convoy through the mighty the Second World War wreck of the SS Richard Woolwich Tidal Barrier down the Thames Estuary. Montgomery, a sunken ammunition ship, which if it were to blow up would take the Isle of Sheppey with it. [See page What a contrast to boating on the canals, as we sailed 9. Ed.]. The masts are still visible even at high tide, so we downstream in the ever widening expanse of the Thames all kept well clear. Bruin and two other narrow boats were Estuary, meeting large container ships heading upstream leading our convoy back when just above Tilbury Docks we to Shell Haven and Tilbury Docks as well as fishing boats encountered a speeding RNVR vessel going like the and yachts and even a Thames Sailing Barge. Before clappers and sending up an enormous wash. I was on the turning into the River Medway we saw Southend Pier in the stern of Bruin and kept videoing as three enormous rollers distance, not often Narrow Boats are seen off Southend hit us. Fortunately as all three of us were around 60 feet in Pier! I mentioned earlier that we required not more that a length we rode the rollers very well, but were very force 3 wind, but in fact the wind increased to force 4 and concerned that those shorter Narrow Boats in the main most definitely touched force 5, which made it a bit lumpy convoy could get swamped, so we called up Woolwich with waves breaking over the bow, most certainly in the Radio to get them to slow down the offending vessel which case of our boat Bruin. I was amazed how stable Bruin was fortunately they did. My videoing quite clearly showed the when we were beam on to the weather whilst turning into effect of these massive rollers, for as we rode them, one the mouth of the River Medway. minute you viewed the sky over the front cabin, the next minute the trough of the wave, a most unnerving Our fleet all arrived safely around 7.00 p.m. near Tovil experience! Our overnight destination was to be St. Boatyard just below Maidstone, the later arrivals being Katharine’s Haven, whilst the others were headed for welcomed by an American owner of one of the boats Limehouse, so here ended this amazing trip to the River playing the bagpipes. All involved welcomed the bubbly, Medway organised most ably by the St. Pancras Cruising which was opened to celebrate our arrival. I have Club. mentioned before that my wife, Julie, has a greater sense of self preservation than myself, so she arrived by train at Maidstone to join us on our arrival and likewise returned Not content with just going where most of us would NOT, Norman sent us this tale of Festive antics: A few nights ago over the holidays, I was out for a few drinks with some friends and had a few too many beers and some rather nice bourbon. Knowing full well I may have been slightly over the limit, I did something I've never done before - I took a bus home. I arrived back safely and without incident, which was a real surprise since I had never driven a bus before and am not sure where I got this one. 6 RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 Offshore RNs 2: A Bridge Too Far For several years now I have wanted to do the “Severn Estuary Crossing”. Perhaps, it was an excess of ale at our Stourbridge Rally, along with meeting up over a few beers with a like-minded member, Bob Ainsworth (nb Rosina). The plans having been made, we agreed to meet up at Saul junction, on the Sharpness canal, in early August and arrange to make the crossing. We avidly read all the articles that had been published in the waterway magazines, and I obtained, “Safety Guidance For Small Boat Passage of The Severn Estuary”, from the BW office in Gloucester Docks. This document is invaluable if anyone plans to make this passage.

I then started waking just before 5.30 am to listen to the Radio 4 shipping forecast, which took me right back to my sea boating days! Our insurance companies were advised of our intentions, and a one off increased premium of £35 it is necessary to punch the tide for the first 30 minutes or was paid, excess was increased and there was also a so before it turns and takes you with it. stipulation that a pilot must be onboard. The cruise was wonderful; smoother than some trips I’ve We next spoke with the two pilots (£160 each), to identify a had down the Thames. Obviously, going under the two date that we wished to make the journey. Unfortunately, Severn bridges is the highlight of the trip, and the “shoots” the window we chose was full! Evidently, a flotilla from the under the one bridge is fun. Please note there is a small Cotswold Canal Trust had booked those dates for their “island” just through the one bridge and I missed it! [Oh, crossing. It should be borne in mind that there are only 3 really? – Ed.] pilots! Other possible dates were agreed, and we watched the weather. It closed in, and for three weeks we waited. We ploughed on; the pilot pointing out sights of interest on The crossing with narrowboats is only tackled when the the way. At one point, I asked why we were going away wind speed is 3 or less, and preferably not a south westerly from the bridge instead of heading for it. “Let’s check the (the prevailing wind direction in the UK!). Finally, the pilot depth of water. Maybe we can cut the corner,” he said. We saw a one-day window, and we were advised to proceed went over to a buoy, which was leaning at a crazy angle to Sharpness the next day. We were waiting expectantly at against the pull of the current. This showed a depth at that around 11.00am, and ready to enter the lock once the low point of 7.1 meters, “What’s your draft” he said. “3 foot” said bridge was swung for us. I. “In that case, we’ll proceed on our original course as there’s a sand bar over there which is 6.1 meters high.” What excitement there was that morning. The early mist Leaving less water depth than Kyle draws; Oops! You don’t was still on the canal as the bridge swung open and we want to get on a sand bar on a rapidly falling tide. proceeded into the lock. This is no ordinary lock; it will accommodate coastal vessels, and our two tiny I was so glad I had a pilot. He also had a programmed sat narrowboats were swallowed up in its cavernous chamber. nav, marked with all the navigational way marks on his The pilots then boarded, introduced themselves and chart, and kept a close eye on our ETA. The latest you can immediately advised me to remove my centre lines and join enter Portishead lock is 16.15, as a sand bar is exposed them to my bow and stern lines before tying up to the lock across the lock mouth on low tide. Fortunately, our ETA at side. 50 foot of rope! The descent in the lock, with Rosina our present speed was 15.45, as failure to lock in would tied to my side, was very sedate, and it was a long way mean an uncomfortable night anchored out in the Avon down. Then, at 11.30am, the gates opened and the only mouth. thing visible in all directions was WATER, and still an incoming tide. This is the third highest tide in the world and Both Rosina and Kyle made it into Portishead Marina; it was full of yoghurt pots. We were the only two narrowboats, but at £42 per night we were not surprised. The next morning two new pilots (£140 each) arrived to take us across the busy Avon mouth, up the Avon Gorge and under the Clifton Suspension bridge before locking into Bristol floating harbour. Journey’s end for now. Bristol Harbour is beautifully done, but at £31 per night to moor one does not stay long!

In conclusion, we would recommend the trip to anyone. As I said to my sons later, for the cost of the two-day journey I could have had a two-week package holiday in Spain, but it would not have come close to this experience.

RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 7 Dealing with the Diesel Bug After the rally at Stourbridge I felt that the attitude towards 400 litres, about four fill ups at about £8 per fill up. (Force this bugbear was essentially that in the absence of a cheap 4 quote £18.50 inc vat /litre). One thing is certain as soon and easy solution, and with the lack of experience on such as we know that the diesel bug is a real danger to life for things, we should await developments. Fearing the possibil- those who seriously like cruising then the price will go up. ity of being caught napping I decided to explore what the problems were. 3. It is claimed that we can reduce the likelihood of conden- sation by filling our tanks to the top, thus reducing the The basic problem is enhanced by the new regulations for volume of air, if the boat is not used for long periods over the composition of diesel. Any water that gets into our the winter. There might also be support for thinking that tanks will provide with the vegetable oil the right medium provided the boat is regularly used in the winter there might for the growth of bacteria that create a black slime or jelly be less of a risk, because of heat from the engine and from that we know as Diesel Bug and which is claimed to pass internal cabins, and more regular fill-ups. through filters and presumably reduce the ease of flow of the diesel to the RN. I am not aware that the failure mode Removing the Water ever immediately stops the engine but it seems to progres- sively restrict the flow rate of the diesel, eventually severely This is the focus of my research featuring desiccants such reducing engine power. How quickly this occurs is not clear. as silica gel and molecular sieves. I have visited GeeJay The dangers in being unable to control the boat, and the Chemicals of Sandy in Bedfordshire and discussed these colossal costs involved in repatriating a boat with its moor- concepts. ings, draining the tank and cleaning pipe work would at least compromise the relaxed feeling associated with our 1. To remove condensation in the volume of air above boating. the diesel would seem to be the easiest solution, but would mean modifying our boats a little. All the air trapped It would help to learn more about the physical properties of is normally static and not flowing around to somewhere the bug jelly. where we could catch it to dry it. Circulation of air from the · What volume of jelly is created by, say, 1cc of tank through a desiccant in an external receptacle ( Fig water? So far we know nothing about rates of 1/A) and back into the tank would partly solve that problem. propagation and indeed what is its density - does A small 12V DC pump (Fig1/B) in the line would suffice. In it float in diesel? One assumes that it sinks other- a new boat this would be fine but in a fully built one then wise it might not be of any real concern for us for drilling into the tank in two places (inlet and outlet shown some time. on Fig 1) and leaving cutting debris inside might bring other · How long does it take to form and does it do so in problems. (Fig 1/D) shows the traditional tank breather both cold and warm temperatures, possibly at vent which ideally should be capable of holding silica gel. different rates? There is another consideration and that is should one have · When at last year's rally we saw film of it clinging a partly empty tank and suddenly there was a hard frost to the output side of a filter that suggested that it before the tank could be filled, then the condensation was merely a viscous fluid with nothing solid within would have started and we would have to deal with water it to clog up a filter. Did it then stay there because at the bottom of the tank anyway. there was no longer any flow to move it, or was there some attraction to the material of the filter? I was told by the chemist at Geejay Chemicals that the big suppliers of diesel in tankers take care to keep the air Biofuel + Water = Bug We can't in the long run do any- above the diesel dry using something like silica gel. When thing about the biofuel, so our defence is on two fronts: a) we fill up from a local marine supplier, provided the air in make efforts to avoid the presence of water; b) remove the the diesel used to actuate the cut out of the diesel dispens- water. I have been researching possibilities for both actions. er is dry, that should not be a problem. If it is not then the built in dehumidifier above would have to be able to dry the Avoidance air before the next frost.

We can lessen the likelihood of the bug forming in the 2. To remove the water that has fallen to the bottom of diesel tank as a result of condensation by: the tank from condensation on the walls of the tank might prove to be less intrusive and it would be a total protection. 1. Avoiding buying diesel which contains vegetable oil. Last The desiccant involved will have to be a different one to that year large marinas were saying that so far they had found above and is known as a Molecular Sieve. Both have a a reliable source which was clear of the stuff. This is no molecule size and form that is so close to that of the water longer the case locally. They tell me that we all eventually molecule that it attracts water to “come inside” adsorb. It will have to buy the new regulation fuel when present comes in the form of tiny ceramic beads (Fig 2). supplies are exhausted. Geejay Chemicals said that subject to being able to make 2. Using fluids such as Fuel Set which claims to remove an acceptable assembly into the boat then the removal of water from fuel lines and tanks. According to claims on the the water should be effective. bottle there seems hardly anything this fluid does not do, and at a 10ml dose for 40 litres of fuel then that would seem Lady Violet has a standard Colecraft hull and has the more to be a solution, if an expensive one. At a cost of £34 for 1 or less circular stern. Since the boat is ballasted to lie litre at Midland Chandlers 10 doses would accommodate stern-down in the canal the water under the diesel would 8 RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 therefore find this lowest point. This of course would be at I told Geejay Chemicals the volumes of Lady Violet’s tank the back, although because of the varying roll trims of the that might contain air when supposedly full of diesel was boat due to moving weights across the boat, it might not be about 13 litres. If that air was saturated (100% humidity), directly under the tiller bearing but may have moved to port then the 13 litres would only contain 0.25 grams (ccs) of if there was a tilt to port or vice versa. One of those water. The molecular sieve adsorbs 20% w/w so 2 grams directions would be likely to bring it under the fuel filler would be adequate to adsorb the water in the 13 litre facility. So the task is to find a way of getting a desiccant to volume. If the tank was left half empty then the volume of the bottom of the tank. air would increase to 65 litres. That would require 65/13x2=10 grams. The suggestion that I am making to introduce a desiccant into Lady Violet's diesel tank makes use of the fact that if I We are not expecting the air to be at 100% humidity, more bury the desiccant at the bottom of a tube let in via the filler like 60% maximum, so clearly there is much in hand. hole then I can do something to bring the water and the Desiccant prices, depends upon size of pack but most desiccant together, at least whilst moored. While underway expensive would be 3p/gram. then the normal roll movements of the boat will do that sequentially anyway. It is possible to drive out the water from the desiccant after a chosen time by heating it to 320 °C but although that I need to find a length of brass tube of an outside diameter would be an interesting thing to try doing and proving you that will fit snugly into the filler hole (Fig 1/C) and of such a had been successful, it might be a bother. length as would sit on the bottom of the tank whilst still in the filler hole to the top. If the tube was perforated along its The Silica Jell used in the first solution does have a colour length and capped at the bottom end also with perforations change capability to indicate the need to replace it and then I should be able to trap it in situ with desiccant at the indeed it can be dried out at only 100 degrees C. The bottom. Normal filling with a little care, and occasional molecular sieve in the second solution does not have a removal of the desiccant to replenish or dry it out, is colour change and needs to be heated to over 300 degrees possible. If the fixation at the top which prevents the assem- centigrade. bly from sliding along the bottom and totally into the tank was not possible then the filler cap assembly might have to I am sure there are weaknesses in these proposals but at be redesigned - not a big job and something that could be least it might put forward something to focus on. made capable of being fitted into a range of standard filler assemblies.

SS Richard Montgomery Andrew Laycock, one time resident of Southend, provides some background information. The SS Richard Montgomery was an American Liberty ship The Thames naval control, HMS Leigh located at the end built during World War II, one of the 2,710 used to carry of Southend Pier, ordered her to a berth off the north edge cargo during the war. She was built by the St. Johns River of Sheerness middle sands. On 20 August 1944 she Shipbuilding Company in its second year of operations, dragged anchor and ran aground on a sandbank around and was the seventh of the 82 such ships built by that yard. 250 yards from the Medway Approach Channel, in a depth Laid down on 15 March 1943, she was launched 3 months of 24 feet of water. Liberty ships when loaded normally later and completed on 29 July 1943. She carried an official drew 28 feet, however with her load, Richard Montgomery ship number of 243756, and took her name from an Irish- was trimmed to a draught of 31 feet. As the tide fell, she American soldier who was killed during the American War broke her back on the sandbanks, about 1½ miles from the of Independence. Isle of Sheppey and 5 miles from Southend.

In August 1944, she left Hog Island, Philadelphia, loaded Over the next month some of her explosive cargo was with 6,127 tons of munitions. On arrival in the Thames removed. But this stopped after she further broke up, Estuary, she was ordered to anchor while awaiting the making removal too dangerous. So approximately 3,000 formation of a convoy to travel to Cherbourg. tons, including 1,400 tons of TNT remains in the wreck today. If this were to explode it would the equivalent of an earthquake of 4.5 on the Richter scale. RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 9 Oh What “Sites” I Have Seen! Kevin McNiff describes the search for the 2012 Rally net! I turned my sights onto the Kennet & Avon. A new Location. marina has opened up at Foxhangers below the Caen Hill flight, constructed by the same company that built Saul I was very fortunate to take on the job of Rally Organiser Junction Marina. My call to them was warmly received and when we went to Stourbridge as it had been earmarked for it would have been possible to have the rally there but only 2009 before the breach which forced us to go to 8 x 70 foot pontoons were in the marina with at least 6 Shackerstone instead. Like Ellesmere Port, the land based already taken by new moorers. Online mooring on the K&A facilities were just the job and there was enough space to is not possible there, so off we go again. Brian Farrant and moor 60 boats [though depth did provide us with a few Bob Myall then came to my help with two more possible issues!]. Finding a suitable venue for 2012 has been much sites. more of a challenge, as the following will reveal. The locations are in the order scouted. Newbury. On reaching the town wharf, I discovered that the moorings were frequented by many dozens of swans, Rickmansworth. This was our first choice being well in the Canada geese and our own native ducks. This would have south with a good deal of mooring possibilities. When we been a problem in its own right and the Victoria bridge was checked for “bricks and mortar” sites there was nothing noisy. East of there by the boatyard island would have close to the canal, our only other possibility was to put up been suitable with piled edging all the way to Greenham a marquee. The openness of the possible area coupled Lock. The only suitable location for our functions would with far too many overstaying boats brought this option to have been the football club but we would have to use their an end. bar. All in all it “didn’t feel right”.

Wendover Arm. I went to the site and it would have been Hungerford. This would have been a good location with a an ideal venue for mooring boats. From Tringford pumping field nearby for the marquee and a small building with basic station to the end of the arm was in concrete and a depth kitchen facilities for use as a bar. I contacted BW to ask if of 3 feet at the edge. When I contacted the Wendover Arm they would suspend moorings from Hungerford Bridge to Trust they did say that their own festival was now taking the church swing bridge for the duration of the rally place at Boxmoor due to local landowners change of use weekend – they have yet to respond to me! In the end, we of their previous site near the original winding hole. The learned that the field is in use on our weekend so that was Boxmoor Trust would have to give consent to us using their that. site near Hemel Hempstead and negotiations were a little protracted due to us having to use Wendover Trust Droitwich Spa Marina. I had already considered this members to liaise with the trustees. As time went on this location for 2013 and initial contact with the owners was location was also set aside due to the public nature of the positive. We met on site on 13th December and were site which would have needed fencing and security in the impressed with the progress they had made since July same way as the Wendover Festival. Meanwhile I also when the entire canal opened and the site was still a green attempted to contact the local farm owner at Little Tring field. The downside to our negotiations was simply cost. Farm to seek permission to use one of the fields adjacent Even with a small discount, we would have been looking at to the canal arm for our marquee. Unfortunately and £2,200 in mooring fees for 4 nights and 55 boats. Outside despite enclosing a stamped addressed envelope we have on the canal there are no moorings and the 3 Hanbury had no reply. locks were close by, posing a potential log jam of our boats and all the others expected to visit the area. A marquee would have been required and this had been reserved at £140 plus transport. Some of the mooring costs would have had to be passed onto those attending by raising the entry to £40, and the remainder would come from register coffers and the bar profit. All said, this is still a good marina and the visitor fees are no different to any other around the system, but not quite what we were looking to pay.

Alvecote Marina

Two views of the end of the Wendover Arm, a good site! [photos Kevin As announced, Alvecote Marina will be our 2012 location. McNff] There is ample space to accommodate visiting boats and Beale Park. The location had much to offer with off river they hosted a very successful traditional boat gathering last mooring and a large building “The Beale Centre”. On the year. This is going to be a major factor for all future rallies site visit I met with their administration team who would and we can no longer guarantee to run the usual “Midlands- have been most willing to accommodate us but our rally South- Midlands- North” rotation. weekend clashed with their own festival event. Add to that the limitations on the centre use – up to 2300hrs and their Having started on the task of finding the 2012 mooring site own catering and bar staff – made this a no go. back in July/August I am very relieved that the search is now complete! You can imagine I was getting a little concerned that no decision had been made and the Autumn Newsletter had to go to press with no announcement. Time to widen the 10 RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 2012 Rally Announcements This year’s RNR rally is now confirmed for June 8-10 at arrange breakfast c/o the Samuel Barlow where there will Alvecote Marina on the Coventry Canal and your entry form be a range of good food available in the bar downstairs in is enclosed with this newsletter. (Also available on the RNR the public areas each day. web site). With the Natter & Noggin on Thursday evening starting the proceedings I suppose I should really include We are always pleased to have volunteers to help with the this in the rally dates as well! If you are not coming by boat, bar, arranging the seating and tables and general cleaning please contact Rob for a non boat entry form. A full pro- up so please let us know when you arrive (or before) but gramme of events is planned and to help with your choice we won’t need a security patrol as at Stourbridge! of workshops the summary is as follows: Completed entry forms along with your cheque for £30 · Cylinder Heads. What rally would be complete should be sent to Pauline Mitchell at the address shown on without this practical demonstration by Jamie Ma- the form. Experience tells us to remind you to ensure the son [and anyone else who wants to lend a hand!] exact length of your boat is stated and you tell us if you have any special requirements. We are not psychic! · Rag Rugs. Helen Davies will show you how to get started to make your own snug rug for the boat or Narrowcraft, who run both the Boatyard and Marina at conservatory. Alvecote, have kindly offered all Register members a 10% discount for hull blacking, cabin repaint, general · Craft Workshop. Wendy Grattan’s sessions are repairs/servicing, pump out, diesel and gas. Production of always well attended so definitely one not to miss. your membership card will secure your discount.

· Rope Splicing and Whipping. Bob Myall revisits Last year at Stourbridge we managed 59 boats; can we the session he ran last year as “some folk want to better that in 2012? Let’s hope so. See you all in June! go over it again!” Whipping is the new bit.

· Scumbling. Hands on graining!

· And for something completely different, a chance to learn to sing in barbershop style! We thought that Wendy’s Ukulele sessions were so well received that we’d try something different this year. Granted you will need to be able to sing, but that is the only criteria and it is open to everyone be it Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass.

Andrew Laycock will once again provide a range of real ales and wine for the bar sessions. The real ales will come from breweries based inside of the Warwickshire Canal Ring, hopefully including some from a new brewery located next to the tow path in Warwick.

A range of seminars together with entertainment will being The Samuel Barlow Pub and Restaurant at Alvecote finalised in the coming weeks. We may even be able to [photo: Rob Davies]

RNR Railway Away Day Ian McKim Thompson has confirmed details for the away day which will be on Thursday 19th April 2012.

The departure will be from Chester Station at approx. 08.55 taking the train to Llandudno Junction, arriving at 09.48. The train to Blaenau Festiniog leaves Llandudno Junction at approx. 10.34. There is a later train from Chester at 09.23 arriving at Llandudno Junction at 10.11 but this leaves little margin to catch the train at 10.34. At Blaenau Ffestiniog we change to the narrow gauge Festiniog Railway, leaving at 11.50 and arriving at 13.00 at Porthmadog. There is a break at Porthmadog until 14.15 when we change to the Welsh Highland Railway arriving in Caernarfon at 16.50. There is then a short walk to catch the bus to Bangor. The train from Bangor to Chester leaves at 18.09 arriving in Chester at 19.25.

It may be possible to purchase light refreshments on the Festiniog and Welsh Highland Railways and there is a cafe and bar at Porthmadog. I can confirm that the Welsh Railways will be in steam and there are value for money "Round Robin" tickets that allow substantial discounts. Discounts are also available with a Senior Citizen Railcard. Full details will be given to travellers nearer the date. For any- one still wanting to join this trip, please contact Ian on his mobile 07971291296 or by e-mail to [email protected] RNR Newsletter : Winter 2011/2012 11