SANDBACH is currently in dock at the Ashton Packet Boat Company at Droylsden. The scene is like an old railway yard! SANDBACH is ex LMS. Alongside is the ex LNER maintenance boat JOEL and behind is the oldest canal boat in the country, MARIA, which is ex MS&L (Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway).
Having had a few years on working boats with a bucket and bowl for a shower etc I have decided on a bit of comfort with SANDBACH. The rudimentary shower already fitted has been replaced with a proper job. I am fitting gas so I can have cooking in summer without the stove being lit. I have also removed two small windows in the front deckhead which, in my opinion, spoiled her tug appearance. Being a tug, you can get away with the internal fittings that would spoil a full length unconverted working boat.
What do you mean that Ashton Packet Boatyard is like a an old railway yard? Don't forget it does have it's own narrow gauge railway, engine shed etc. It is just how a real boat yard should be! Looking forward to seeing Sandbach at Easter. PS have you seen that there is a emergency stoppage on the Lower Peak 1st to 15th March. Cheers, Brian
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info about the stoppage but, barring accidents, I intend going the other way to the Port. No point in going UP 16 locks only to lose height again.
ReplyDeleteGeorge
Given the slow progress on the Bollington stoppge we might be also be going to the port via Manchester ourselves!
ReplyDelete