Getting Down & Dirty

Wots down here then ! ! or rather wots not ? .......

the engine for one thing, and if its to go back this has to be done !

this is yukky stuff and ah the smell of diesel......

This is a bit grim .... but not phased at all, its a good chance to redesigne the interior from scratch and hoping I can afford some mod cons ! !

The flash wasnt on ! and you cant see the 4" of water throughout, but can just make out the battery perched above the water with bilge pump clamped to it....

Three days in and I am still moping out the bilges ! the rust is coming off a treat ! ! and pleased to note that there aint any holes in the bottom.... phew!

I think she needs a new fuel tank ! !

Will have some interiors tomorrow, am hoping to pull back the tarpaulin and let in the light.

Travels with Rosie & Jim

Under the motorway, either the M5 or M6, I will have to investigate and update when I find out.
Here we stayed overnight at the Black Country Museum .... no charge and a free pint in the pub ...... how good is that eh ha.

The Main Man

My Jim .... my hero.... the man who put the Jim into Rosie & Jim ...... .
Here he is dressed in style for a gathering of narrowboats at Titford Pools.
Wild Rose is the blue one on the right .. ooops left.....

In the late 80's and early 90's I remember the water level fluctuated considerably and many times when we were out, the level was some 12 or more inches lower than it appears to be now. Anyway Wild Rose, having a very shallow draft, was often able to get to and from places that others with deeper drafts couldn't. Titford pools was one of these times, as Wild Rose and a couple of unladen working boats were the only ones able to get out easily. As its the highest point on the midlands canal system (well thats what I wuz told!) it did seem a bit daft to encourage loads of boats up through the locks when levels were already low !.

This I think is on our way back from Birmingham to Netherton. We often stayed near to Gas Street Basin for New Year, that was when Brindley Place was being developed and all the high cranes had Xmas decs and xmas trees all covered with coloured lights. Pity no pics as it was quite a delight high in the sky. I could put a roast dinner in the cooker when leaving Brum and be doing the gravy coming through the Netherton Tunnel, with yummy nosh all ready on mooring up at Bumble Hole. Blooming marvelous.

I have now worked out how to get my non digital pics on to the site, so more of these to come.

phut phut and away she goes ...

well here it is, the first sounds of the engine.........

and she kept on going........

how good is that eh!!!

A Bit at a Time eh!

well here we go ......at first proper inspection she appears to have weathered well, its probably 15 years since her last coat of paint !

Not sure how effective this wire brush will be though harumph harumph ha ! !

however from first efforts, I think she will brush up a treat ...

next bit next time eh

Isn't the internet brilliant

The engine is new ! ! well new to the Wild Rose at least.

All I know is that it is a Petter 2 cylinder air cooled stationary engine. So with that I logged on and wonderful Google found me lots to delve into and several possible contacts.

The Stationary Engine Company suggested that it is a BA2 ??? and now have a manual on its way from a most helpful Hydrolic Plant Supplies Ltd....and realdiesels.com --> isnt that just brilliant.

Looks like a lot of work, but its lovely and clean and well oiled inside. Starter motor attached and gearbox, variable speed - 900 - 2500 r/min. and provides up to 20hp ? ? well I dont know but am sure somebody does.

Also found out that the fuel pump part number is FAOANO75B0520.............anybody got one ???

marvelous eh!

Crossing my fingers that I have got it right ! !

On the road again

Whats this parked next to me....oh yes its the Wild Rose parked waiting for the transport to arrive.

Drive past at Bumble hole, the drivers were ace.

Chucking a left at the lights to avoid roadworks

Its gonna be a bit tight getting in here......almost took the speed camera ha.

No problem backing her in

She swings into place......

"another 6 inches to the right" shouts the shouting man.......

and down she goes.

The wild Rose has landed ha.......

The work is yet to begin ! ! now where is the wirebrush ! !