howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#1
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#2
I am pleased to say it all went without a hitch.
It was a big operation transporting the bridge down from Hoo Junction.
Several weeks of hard work was put in by our volunteers and apprentices,getting the site cleared and ready for storing the bridge.
A total of five artic lorries was used and it was with some relief that everything went like clockwork and my thanks go to all involved.
We will now start on the restoration work and are looking for more volunteers to join us with this project.
We are also short of nuts and bolts to rebuild the bridge so if anyone has any ideas, please contact me?
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#3
Yes I will come over and see you this my kind of work ,I might be of some use even if it is just to talk about it on site,I do know where you might get the new bolts etc it might at a small cost I will aske around before I come over on Friday.I have not been over of late because there is not much help I could give but will try again,
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
#4
How about contacting a company like Screwfix (if they do the large size you need) and ask them to donate them to you. Great publicity for both of you and I am sure you could have an advertising board somewhere on the site.
Otherwise complain to Network Rail that they left the nuts and bolts back at the depot.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#5
If the Bridge is that old the right nuts and bolts will be none metric you can still get them if you know where to look ,but the others will be ok but will need washers with them.
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#6
Vic.
I will let them know you are visiting on Friday, I have a funeral so won't be able to make it.
We will need some welding done so even if it is just advice that you can gives us, that would be appreciated, thanks.
Jan, I have just been advised that the old bolts & rivets would not serve the purpose as the bridge would need new nuts & bolts fitted anyway.
So thanks for your advice, I will be looking for sponsor's, for bolts and paint etc.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#7
Will be there some time in the morning
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#8
Gary, for paint try Derek Ward at Envirograph at Barfreston.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#9
Thanks Peter.
I will contact Derek shortly, cheers.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#10
It is a wet day so might be next week now, do not want mud over my car.
and me.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#11
Just to let you know Mr Gary sir.
I have been over this morning taken the photos needed and note down all Steel repairs needed and bolt sizes etc lot of work needs to be done to the bridge before even thinking about painting ,I have left all my contact numbers etc done some small drawing and wrote down notes and order the work needs to be done.I will come over when the work s to start.
I also need to talk to the person who is taking it on before that.
But there is a lot more than the eyes are showing.
Anyway if and when I am needed just phone. Thank you.
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#12
Vic.
Many thanks for your assistance it is much appreciated.
We understand there is a lot of work to do and a plan of action needs to be put in place.
If you could put this plan on paper for me, I would be pleased to meet you in Colonels Café with appropriate others for a chat and a coffee?
All projects need to start somewhere, this one will start with your plan of action.
Thank You.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#13
All in Hand sir I have just come off the phone and mate of mind ex royal Engineer and bridge builder is coming over with me to look on Tuesday morning with the weather is ok,he is the real man to get this job done I have worked under him for many years on bridge work we are very lucky to get hold of him.
If after he has looked on Tuesday this will take off if that be the wish of your committee.
I am so glad I could get hold of him it is a real +.
Its that very well know saying"Its not what you know it is who you know,"
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#14
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#15
Gary if you need a good steel fabricator try Glenn Rolfe at AMS Engineering at Upton Wood, less than a mile from S/well.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#16
There might even be 3 of us now or more I will talking to some of my old mates over the next few days,They are both welders and steel fabricators and I will tell them any services done by them must be for free no payment.:lBut as you know all we need is at this time the old nail guns working and getting back to the steel so we can see what needs to be done in the way of repairs as I said I have the photos and my notes and after Tuesday we will do a working plan and the lie out ,if M Garstin mate would like to help in his time off that will also be agood thing but lets talk on Tuesday first and take it from there.
Guest 705- Registered: 23 Sep 2010
- Posts: 661
#17
If there's any hot riveting to be done or you need a source of Whitworth nuts/bolts -just let me know.
Never give up...
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#18
I know that we could do with Rivets which I have done in the pass but not fit now to do it they have bolts etc coming next week till then I do not know what we will need but your services along side our own will be a very good imput Mr Moffatt but will let you know at some point what is needed but first lets talk to Mr Gary on Tuesday the job will need funding a lot to talk about first even before it all takes off we will get back to you..THANK YOU.
What will be needed is burning gear still a lot old rivets to burnout again we already have the skills to do that and keeping the holes good but It is the burning gear they have not got yet there is a locked place to keep them overnight at one time the whole bridge was rivets apart from the holding down bolts lots of welding to be done .It is a big job and will not done over night but as you know it is my kind of work love doing it but I am not fit to carry out a lot that's needs to be done but there is lots of help about so I look forward to taking this one on along side mates I have worked with over the years. Lets hope it all takes off in the way I hope it does,
Also there is a very old bus that needs a lot done to it. But I am keeping away from that one.
Nice to see so much help coming forward .
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#19
Thanks Guys this is much appreciated.
Of course it will be great to get the bridge back up and serving a purpose at EKR and as Vic say's we have a vintage Trolley Bus that needs love and attention as well.
However, it is just as important to us, to hear real enthusiasm from people like you, from within our own community, who want to come along and make a difference.
Its one thing to keep putting "Community Cohesion" on all funding forms, that's easy but its another thing to see it really happening, in reality.
Community Spirit at its Best.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#20
Vic.
Very sorry I missed you on site the other day, hope all was good?
I have had a couple of enquiries from other's wanting to help you with restoring the bridge.
Could you email me
garyekr@sky.com please?
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"