Gearbox Troubles

Three months after commissioning the Blackstone gearbox failed, luckily sticking in ahead. This warranted a complete removal and strip down.

Parts were sourced from Peter Thompson at Uxbridge and a repair executed. Bob and Laurence worked on this over a period of six days but mention must be made of Brian Davis and Stefan Schulz who both helped with the work and also to Mark Williams who fashioned a special tool needed. Graham Edgson helped source the parts and provide workshop facilities.

Vienna on Tow

System in Blue

Brownhills Canal Festival

A few trial runs but very few problems saw 109 ready for service. Final jobs were to equip the boat so it could be used at rallies and shows to promote the BCN, to this end the boat has a TV which sits in the engine room and plays BCN related films. The first event to be attended was Brownhills waterside show, so 109 and its new lady friend "Vienna" 203 set off and enjoyed a hot weekend in the sun

Returning to NCD the final jobs on hand will be to finish fitting a washing facility in the engine room and to sign write the cabin.

CanalscapeBCN Livery

Over the bank holiday weekend 109 had a livery change. Canalscape is adopting a dark blue and golden yellow livery, reminisint of BW but alterered to suit the boat. The boat is in its final stages of prep before being cruised around the BCN's lesser used waters.

Friends Re-United

Further commisioning runs have been made to shake down 109 before more extensive ventures are made. Some problems showed up which had previously missed our eyes, these have now been rectified and join the long list of repairs which have been attended to.

Friday 22nd may saw Keith Grice on a training run down the arm, put back on board to was "Barney" the black squeeky rat, Barnet's former mascot and now returned to the cabin! Mr Morse the yard cat was not impressed.

Barnet Makes a New Friend - Beauty and the Beast

With repairs to the cabin complete I haven't had much to blog about. So I thought I'd post a photo of Barnet with the other resident working boat at Norton Canes, Sarah's Josher, Vienna.