The BARMERE
Work Continues on the Winch: New Side Plates
The side plates on the original winch took the full brunt of aggressive corrosion attack by
the waters of the Bridgewater, the Mersey, and the Leeds and Liverpool. Half-inch thickness
of steel plate was completely rusted through in places as seen on the photograph below.
A fibre-glass repair in the manner of car body dent infill was briefly considered; but
rejected on the grounds that the area to be filled-in was too large. Biting the bullet,
the winch was stripped down to get the old plates out. The advice of Geoff the welder was
invaluable at this point; rusted-up nuts were readily removed by large Stiltson wrench
after heating with a gas torch to break the binding effect of rust. The anchor chain
roller and gear shafts are mounted in bearing pads which are secured to the side plates
by rivets. Vigorous use of a drill and hack-saw removed the rivets and separated off
the bearing pads from the old plates.
New steel plates were procured; guillotined to the desired shape by Warrington
Fabrications Ltd. The old plates were conveniently used as templates for drilling
holes in the correct positions on the new plates. Cutting the central 4 inch hole for
the main roller shaft necessitated the use of gas burning gear followed by energetic
filing. The use of Hartford Technical College's burning torch and radial arm drill for
the other holes was greatly appreciated. Finally, the bearing pads were riveted into
place. For this job I am indebted to Les Lee, the blacksmith at Ellesmere Port Boat
Museum. Shot blasting and a coat of paint completed this part of the re-build.
George Bruce
Issue 3.11 Index
Contact address: www@scars.demon.co.uk