chris potter wrote: > I still carry a hefty crowbar in the locker, sometimes it is the only > way to gently ease open a top gate when the bottom gates leak badly, > the alternative is to waste lots of water. I learnt this trick from a > BWB lengthman many years ago.CKP
The reason that the near on impossible (due to leakage) top gates on the HNC suffered from failing balance beams is due to the fact that BW staff at the time told you to "assist" with the boat. There were some occasions where the boat over "assisted". After around 4 hours of lock "working" (we won't go into that) the only way we could crack the top gates of Harlam Hill Lock on the Ancholme was to use a hydraulic "wedgey" between the mitre post collars (which were strengthened and set back), then a scaffold pole. This is a trick I learn't from the Motor Trade :-) The replica "balance beam" steel poles, with knobs on were as good as useless to assist opening. -- Neil Arlidge Barge Maurice A / NB Earnest TNC http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/tour.html
