|
|
Post by Mr Stabby on Apr 4, 2018 11:24:46 GMT
Some things on the canal irritate me. Lift bridges are one, and boatyards who insist that some of the diesel they sell me must be for propulsion are another. A third one is hydraulic lock gear, which is heavier and slower to operate.  It also seems to me that it must have been more expensive to install in the first place, and there is more which can potentially go wrong with the mechanism. I assume therefore, that there must be some reason for it to have been installed in the first place. I've also noticed that while one lock may have it, another a few yards away might have the more normal cog-wheel system, so I wonder if anyone can tell me when and why it is used on certain locks? |
|
|
|
Post by JohnV on Apr 4, 2018 11:49:01 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2018 12:06:05 GMT
The granny gear.
I don't know if its true but someone once told me there was a general plan to upgrade paddles to the hydraulic type for "ease of use" but it rapidly became apparent that they are dangerous (not possible to drop in an emergency) slow and also higher maintenance.
So my theory is that the ones left are just "survivors".
I also heard that the lock mechanisms (gates and paddles) were supposed to be operateable by a "fit 13 year old girl". This was some kind of guide to use ability of the system by a wide range of different people.
Whatever that means.
|
|
|
|
Post by bargemast on Apr 4, 2018 13:00:08 GMT
At least it's impossible to be hit by a fast spinning handle, as you need to wind every turn up-or down.
Peter.
|
|
|
|
Post by TonyDunkley on Apr 4, 2018 13:00:29 GMT
I assume therefore, that there must be some reason for it to have been installed in the first place. . . . . . . . . . . . so I wonder if anyone can tell me when and why it is used on certain locks? It was an idiotic idea that some twerp in British Waterways came up with in the 1970's for making 'cruiseway' canal paddle gear easier to work. It was installed on an entirely random basis, unreliable from the start, and unloved by everyone from lock keepers, lengthsmen and professional boatmen to the very people it was meant to benefit. For all that's wrong with hydraulic paddle gear, . . personally speaking I'd be a lot more concerned about the quantity of water that can be seen running out of the locktail wall in the background of that photo. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2018 14:51:33 GMT
Looks like the singles below Grindley Brook.
It's always like shooting the rapids there.
I agree with everyone else, the hydraulic gears are hateful.
Rog
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2018 14:57:05 GMT
I've not actually tried it but I wonder if it is possible to spin these up and down with a decent 14.4v+ drill with a suitable socket attachment and a socket which will slot onto the spindle. Because it is slightly lighter to turn. If it was then you'd have semi automated locks. Maybe crt could put the granny gears on the locks then sell people a rechargeable tool for the job? Money spinning idea  |
|
|
|
Post by TonyDunkley on Apr 4, 2018 15:24:40 GMT
It's always like shooting the rapids there. Rog That's not what really what I was getting at, Rog. The water that's squirting out of the locktail brickwork can only have come from behind the inside (towpath side) chamber wall, and is a sure sign that there are voids behind the wall that are filling up and emptying, through brickwork that's either perished and/or long overdue for pointing up, every time the lock is turned round. If left like that for long enough it ends up with the chamber walls giving way, . . like the recent collapses at Marple and down Aylesbury Arm. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2018 15:48:02 GMT
Is this code for "The Fucking Fucker is Fucking Fucked" ?
|
|
