Quick Tour around the Chatham Dockyard.

Hello again,
just a few more random images from this famous dockyard.

On arrival you are treated to this magnificent model of a man of war.

I have been told that these miniature guns do actually fire.

Close up of the picture on the wall in the first photograph.

 In No 1 slip old machinery is stored and the dust, rust and cobwebs adorn.

 It was closed for an exhibition but pity was taken on us and Robert and I were allowed to take a couple of pictures ir this magnificent skylighted roof.

 Back on the ground floor, more old machinery caught my eye.

 Moving on HMS Gannet with her rigging now replaced.

 Her reflection in the water was marred by a slight ripple.

 On to the Ropery with its massive long building its internal length is 1135 feet, for the young people 346 meters

 If you need a job in the UK Mr Fiske I am sure you would be welcomed with open arms.

Information on how the rope was produced.

Lastly the most unphotographed machine in the dockyard this 1913 plate rolling machine.
Thanks for looking, Mike

Shiver me Timbers

Hi again.
Had a trip to the Chatham Dockyard with my friend Robert and after a few years I was amazed how the place had been transformed. What was amazing was to see the timbers from HMS Namur which was built in 1756 and was broken up in 1834 and was used to prop up the wheelwrights workshop floor.

 Device used to secure standing rigging on show in the Museum.

Pair of sand timers made of wood glass and twine.

Admiral Sit James Alexander Gordon uniform the officer who laid the timber to rest when he took over command of the dockyard. His uniform now stands guard over the timbers.

His Ceremonial sword next to the Tunic

The timbers under the floor, it also transpired that Jane Austen's brother Charles captained the HMS Namur

Rusty nail laying on the floor.

 You can see the new floor above.

Some of the many timbers placed under the floor to support it and laid there till 1995 when the floor gave way relieving the timbers from the Namur which had a round bow. The ship name was not discovered until 2012. A lottery grant restored the floor and preserved the timbers all 167 of them.

If you haven't been to the dockyard at Chatham, it's well worth a visit. Mike

Quart Into a Pint Pot

Hi again.
still at the Gliding Club I thought about how these unwealdly things are packed away and transported about the countryside. Not knowing a lot about this glider other than it won the world championship in 1965 and I think it is operated by a chap from Poland

Wheel is to aid its immovability on the ground.

Off with the tail.

Unbolt the wings

Pack away by using slings on pulleys to slide then home.

Next the fuselage, note the strap by the wing joints to also guide it in

Little push home.

Lower the tail and that's it, easy yes.

Thanks for looking, Mike

Kent Gliding Club

Hi folks,
last weekend Sue and I went to stay for the weekend at this club in Charring. What a wonderful experience it was as we parked in the van just next to the runway and watched the gliders being pulled into the air.

If you look very closed you can just make out the tether being released by the pilot and the glider at a  rather precarious angle.

Then once released it straightened up and rose under its own stream trying to find some thermals to give it more lift. If unsuccessful it made a loop around the field and landed behind us ready for another attempt.

The glider was towed into the air but this contraption positioned at the end of the runway, see the drum which wound the cable to pull the glider off the ground.

A two man glider getting ready to take off, due to the extra weight other means of towing were used.

Like this machine.

Note the tow line and the rear wheel lifting off the grass.

The launch angle was straighter using the plane, see the line is still attached.

Just a quick insight into the launch process, more to follow with on the ground activities.

Thanks for looking, Mike 

The Big Cat Sanctuary

Hi folks,
sorry for not being around but the computer suffered fro a bout of overheating. Hopefully all will now be ok.
Yesterday Sue treated me to a trip to the Sanctuary for my birthday, you all know the age so I shall say no more. Enjoyed the day although it was a bit hot and the animals headed understandably for the shade. Hope you enjoy the shots I got.

Thanks for looking, Mike

Medway River Festival #2

Hi folks,
As I said a bit of action on the river with these chaps.

That's it, lets slow it down a bit.

Back on the green and chasing this little chap with a blow up hammer for fun.

The Mayor arrived in style, be it a bit late.

Another delight was the tug Kent from the Dockside Marina.

Followed by its partner.

Interrupting the proceedings was Scot Isles on her way down river.

Now this is a bit proactive editing as the air sea rescue helicopter was called away on an operation

which dampened the proceedings. Sue was already agreed to pick me up so I left before the fire-boat demonstration on the river. I knew at home I had some of last years so hear they are.

Note boats with flags have mysteriously appeared on the river.

Up she goes.

The Svitzer Fire Tug in all its glory.

Thanks for looking, all the best Mike