Blunder Lock progress
Blunder Lock progress
by: Andy P.
Jon P crew brought the remaining stop planks from Newtown Lock and we cut them to size. We could only fit 1 more as the buttresses for the dam now get in the way. Only another 4 or 5 left to cut and fit.
The top gates were adjusted with a new spacer made by Chris P at the depot. The gates did leak very badly around the posts-which could be something to do with the gates being slightly smaller than the others. I believe they are due to be replaced at some point. A bit of infilling we did, might do the trick but time will tell.
Work started on the lower stop plank channels with Bob cutting out the previous groves to both widen and deepen the slot. The battery chisel was then used to slowly cut out the stonework. The battery only lasted 15 mins before it needed a recharge, which was good, as after this time the hands need a rest.
Don’t like to see a dead bike, so, as it had been dragged out past the gates, it was stood up and put on the side stand. It didn’t have a key so we couldn’t start it.
Yet another very wet day for paddling in the mud.
The stop planks were cut to size, handles fitted and numbered. Onsite, the temporary dam fitters, arrived, removed the buttresses and help us lower each stop plank in place
Then, wearing a full immersion suit, the Onsite member bobbed about in the water, to literally un thread the dam, to slowly let water behind the stop planks. A few larger leaks were plugged with sandbags. The dam could not be removed because when it was being lifted the man sank as he didn’t have his feet on the canal bed. A job for the next day with more and taller people.
It was recommended we did not go in front of the stop planks for at least 12 hours to make sure it still held-advice we took
The to-do list is slowly getting completed.
