Ruston & Proctor Steam Navvy 306
Last month we told you about
the early days of the ‘crane’ from
the Blue Lagoon. This month we
can bring you the story of how it
was recovered and moved away
for restoration as described by
the divers who helped rescue the
navvy.
Part 2 of 3 parts – Recovery
The following is an extract from an article about the
recovery supplied by Bedford Sub Aqua Club
PLUCKING A MAMMOTH
OUT OF A PIT
D. V. Speller of Bedford BS-AC tells how
20 divers, in a half-year campaign of guts and
taut organisation recovered a 42-ton steam
navvy from Arlesey Blue Lagoon
N
ow we could ferry equipment down for the first working dive,
which entailed general cleaning and clearing debris such as
corrugated sheeting and various small items, thus giving us a clear
view of the task ahead.
Next we adapted and made tools to fit the varying nuts and bolts which
had previously been measured under water. In the next four weeks we were
able to dismantle small items on and around the machine, clearing the way
to larger items such as boiler, jib and bucket, which we knew would have to
be removed before any lifting could be considered.
To remove the bucket, which was supporting the jib, we first had to take
the weight of the jib by means of a Diamond T recovery truck. From a
vantage point on top of a bank some 180 feet away, using a winch cable, the
truck hoisted the jib up about six inches enabling the divers to remove the
bracket plates which held the bucket in position.
This was no small feat as the bracket plates weighed in excess of 200
6 |
January 2014
|
lbs each and had to be removed with crowbars and sledge hammers.
Completely exhausted, the first two divers on this job were replaced by two
fresh divers who were able to complete the job just at the end of their air
endurance.
The Diamond T then pulled the jib into a vertical position, enabling a
bulldozer to pull the bucket sideways clear of the jib which was then lowered
on to the bed of the lake. At this stage a TV film unit asked if we could
reconstruct the jib scene so they could take a re-run from different angle.
Our comments to this, I am afraid, are unprintable!
We had previously unbolted the boiler, which alone weighed six tons,
and set chain round the circumference ready for pulling clear of the main
carriage. Once the Diamond T had been shackled to the towing chain it was
a comparatively easy task - but spectacular to see the turbulence on the
surface when the boiler hit the bottom.
With these various items lying close to the main carriage, we now had the
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk