Alton being Launched of the Slip at Ashton Packet Boat Co.

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Ann Marie keeping dry under the counter

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Cabin Strings for FMC Motor Badger

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

King Cotton

Over the last couple of days Brian has managed to make a bit of time to complete a few special orders using cotton line. This is a button for a small woolwich butty elm.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Next Run Sat 23rd to Wed 27th October 2010 - Ashton to Fools Nook to Whaley Bridge to Ashton

Over the next few weeks our schedule will be a little out of kilter whilst we are having maintenance work done on Alton at Ashton Packet Boat Company.

Our Schedule for our next run is as follows:
Sat 23rd Oct - Alton launched off the slip around noon, then heading back along Lower Peak Forest Canal.
Sun 24th Oct - Macclesfield Canal, Marple to Oakgrove.
Mon 25th Oct - Loading at Oakgrove in the morning, then returning towards Marple.
Tues 25th Oct - Upper Peak Forest Canal, Marple to Whaley Bridge & Bugsworth, return.
Wed 26th Oct - Lower Peak Forest Canal, Marple to Ashton Packet Boat Company.

Alton will then remain at Ashton Packet Boat Company for cabin repairs until Thursday 4th November.

Whilst Alton is away from base we will still have supplys of fuel available from our butty St Austell.

Above: Alton on the Dock at Ashton Packet Boat Company

A few Gentle Taps to Straighten the Rudder Stock

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alan heating up the Rudder Stock

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Sacrificial Chine

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Docking October 2010

Alton is currently on the dock for maintenance and blacking at Ashton Packet Boat Company. Roger Lorenz has been down to inspect the hull, George Boyle has been down to check things out & give advice. Paul Dawson wielded his magic with the welder replacing an area of worn chine angle and adding a sacrificial chine at the engine room. Alan has been kept busy with a few jobs including straightening the rudder stock. Whilst Steve Kelly has been slapping on the coal tar and generally being in charge of proceedings.

Alton will be launched back in the water on saturday ready for another coal run to Marple, Macc, Oakgrove & Whaley Bridge before returning to Ashton for Steve to start work on the cabin.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Chine Angle Bottom Being Cut of at Engine Room for Replacement

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

First Coat of Blacking Going On

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

The Winch at Ashton Packet Boat Company

Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals

Alton on the Slip

Yesterday afternoon Alton was side slipped at Ashton for blacking & maintenance.

The job went very smoothly with the Ashton Packet Boat Crew working like a well oiled team. They worked the winch and trolleys with no fuss, everyone knowing their own job. In next to no time Alton was sitting high & dry on the dock.
Renaissance Canal Carrying - keeping carrying on the canals