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Post by Clinton Cool on Apr 3, 2020 14:37:42 GMT
Doing swing bridges on my own is a pain. I saw a bloke avoiding half of the pain by using a long pole with boat hook on the end. He tied up on the towpath side after going through then used the pole to close the bridge. I don't have a pole long enough but reckon a length of rope with something to snag the bridge could be thrown across to the same effect. A grappling hook would be ideal but I don't have one. I thought about maybe using a length of wood with some long screws screwed in at 45 degrees but it probably wouldn't be up to the job. Any ideas for something cheap and cheerful that might be lying around?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2020 14:54:47 GMT
A small anchor would do the job if you have one and can throw it far enough. Or you could tie a rope to the bridge as you go through very slowly on the boat... I did some experiments with a clean easy moving swing bridge on the grand Union and found that by looping a rope around the end of the railing I was able to "strap" the bridge closed without getting off the boat, in the direction where the bridge movement was same direction as the boat. Using the boat to pull the bridge closed. Takes practice and care. This bridge (stolen photo, no police about for this sort of crime).  So you could pull it shut if moving towards the camera but going other way you would have to tie the rope then get off boat and pull the bridge back from the bank. |
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Post by Isambard Kingdom Brunel on Apr 3, 2020 15:51:49 GMT
Nappy pin. Also great for landing shopping trolleys.
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Post by quaysider on Apr 3, 2020 18:20:59 GMT
I absolutely HATE swing bridges solo - MORE so on the Leeds and Liverpool Between Bingley and Skipton - 21 of the feckers in one windy day... hell on earth.... The sooner I get off this otherwise lovely canal, the better...
IF we can ever move again that is!
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Post by Trina on Apr 3, 2020 20:50:18 GMT
I just like the idea of grappling...😉
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Post by Clinton Cool on Apr 3, 2020 22:00:12 GMT
Grappling is OK, but difficult to do whilst maintaining social distancing  |
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Post by Trina on Apr 3, 2020 22:24:43 GMT
I'd make sure I was wearing plenty of rubber...😉
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Post by bodger on Apr 4, 2020 7:12:50 GMT
only TB (and Trina) could make swing bridges the stuff of sexual fetish.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2020 7:34:45 GMT
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Post by Clinton Cool on Apr 4, 2020 7:39:38 GMT
They look great. Pity they aren't local, could do with a couple for the gym I'm making in the woods.
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Post by pearley on Apr 4, 2020 7:46:14 GMT
Find Brian Greaves the blacksmith and he'll make you a good one.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2020 7:48:45 GMT
I thought the idea, particularly of the L&L swing bridges, is that they are virtually impossible to do single handed, and barely any easier with a crew of two.
Rather like the weather, or cassette or pump-out, I thought their degree of difficulty was designed-in to gives us all something to talk about.
Rog
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Post by Clinton Cool on Apr 4, 2020 7:49:48 GMT
Find Brian Greaves the blacksmith and he'll make you a good one. Brian did some welding work on my boat last year so my new bike would fit on the boat. Top bloke. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2020 7:52:35 GMT
Another option for a grappling hook would be to find some stout steel rods. A shopping trolley would probably provide these. The flappy bit at the back which folds up and down has some nice rods.
Cut three or four of them. Bend into the right shape then clamp the lot together with jubilee clips. You'd have to arrange a rope attachment as well obviously. Maybe lie the rope down the middle so it clamps up with the jubilees.
Just an idea.
Other rod options are available.
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Post by Trina on Apr 4, 2020 8:42:52 GMT
only TB (and Trina) could make swing bridges the stuff of sexual fetish. Thank you. |
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