Model of B2133 Crossing -
When I replied to the advertisement in WS 124 for a model maker, I was put in touch with Eric Walker, who asked whether I could make a model of one of the options for the proposed B2133 Crossing by the Onslow Arms. Meeting in the Onslow Arms, we discussed the project and eventually agreed that the model should be in a scale of 2mm to 1 foot (N gauge model railway scale), since in this scale the detail could easily be shown. Even in this small scale the finished model would measure 5 feet by 2 feet. Following this meeting Eric supplied me with detailed plans in the scale together with cross-sections of the projected canal and land.
Having made a baseboard of MDF strengthened with battens of 2 inch by 1 inch whitewood, I made the proposed banks and landscaping formers, of balsa wood, to the outlines of the cross-sections. The next step was to glue tapestry canvas to the formers after screwed-up newspaper had been placed between them. Once the glue was dry I coated the canvas with Tetrion External plaster since this dries rock hard and can be smoothed with coarse sandpaper.
Research into the best colour to use to represent canal water resulted in Acrylic Burnt Umber being used to paint the canal base and the River Lox. Once the paint had dried I applied two thin coats of acrylic varnish which gave the necessary reflective surface. I now had a landscape, canal and river, which looked as though it had snowed. The next stage was to build the bridge from Eric's plans, and since he had said that the real one would be faced in brick I purchased N gauge brick paper to line the model structure. Once the bridge was in place I could make and fix in place the model road and pavement. To the west of the road would be a lock and this was made from the supplied plans to show the two water levels. The existing water level would be lowered by 9 feet to enable the bridge to be built and the new lock would raise the level to the existing level.
The canal sides were to be steel piles covered with brick facing so I used more of the brick paper to line the canal banks to Eric's levels. Above this I painted the plaster with a mud colour. Model railway "grass" mats were used to cover the bare plaster where there were fields or grass to be represented. I used two different kinds of "grass" mats, since there are different kinds of grass in reality, and these were fixed in place with wallpaper paste. The next step was to provide vegetation and this was achieved by using coloured lichen for bushes and hedges. Trees were made from N gauge tree kits.
From the dimensions shown on the plans and from my own photographs I constructed the "Onslow Arms" and the house "Riverview". The model now needed to be brought to life by the addition of people, a bus stop and some cars. The people arrived at home as white metal castings which needed painting, as did the bus stop outside the "Onslow Arms". Having put most of the people in place I felt that the canal needed boats and again these were white metal castings which needed painting. Once I had put a boat in the lock I could fix the remaining figures on the lock sides, the other boat I put in the canal behind the "Onslow Arms" near the new winding hole.
Whilst my wife and I were walking the towpath from Loxwood to Devil's Hole lock we noticed a fisherman on the far bank of the River Lox so I decided to include him in the model as well. The finished model has been inspected by Eric who seemed to be well satisfied, so I hope everybody else will be happy that the model depicts the project accurately.
Peter Beeston
(The model should be at the AGM. Please note that Peter's instructions for things like the various finishes and materials are only indicative. For example, we may not brick-clad the steel piling - Ed)
Santa Cruises -
Another Successful Santa Season!
Over the six days that we operated the 2003 Santa Boat Trips more than 850 passengers enjoyed the special atmosphere of a WAEL Christmas, and I don't mean just the aroma of mulled wine! As usual, in recent years, all but a few of the seats were booked well in advance of the first day, giving the office managers a very busy couple of months. Thanks to their enthusiasm and skills the organisation worked impeccably, and the task of the WAEL representatives welcoming the passengers was easy and straightforward.
Lynn Nash co-ordinated the whole operation and was present every day in a fetching Elf outfit to dispense the wine and mince pies and to ensure that all ran smoothly. She insists the success was a team effort, but the team was inspired by her leadership, well done Lynn!
Those involved can be proud of this achievement, from the suppliers of mince pies and those who decorated the canal banks with creatures and removed them afterwards, to those who manned the sales stand, crewed the boat, worked the lock, or assisted on shore - not forgetting the key figure himself, Mike Anderson. Fanny Lines sourced and wrapped the hundreds of presents needed as well as setting up and dismantling the stand each day. More than 70 individuals that we can identify, and no doubt others in support who we aren't aware of, helped to make it all work, an excellent example of Trust members working together both to raise funds and publicise the restoration.
If you missed the canal side display this year do not despair, as even now, at several sites in the South, washing machines are gurgling and spin dryers whirring to repair the ravages of the winter weather. This is so that a cohort of furry creatures can be stored at a secret location to return refreshed for next year to grace the offside bank at Loxwood!
Some of the display team are shown below in practice for their deployment.
Tony Pratt December 2003
FUN ABOARD THE PETE WYNN -
We have hired the "Pete Wynn" boat twice now and each time we have had a very enjoyable day out. The great advantage is the electric motor, which means that the whole operation is almost completely silent. True, it only has two speeds: slow and very slow, but the Wey & Arun Canal was never meant to be taken too quickly.
Our first expedition was in the week just before the May 2003 aqueduct opening, when two friends from Antwerp were visiting us. We arrived at Loxwood to collect the boat and were given the full tour and handling/safety course. After steering a traditional canal boat on holidays, we found this little boat very different indeed to handle (it easily turns full circle in its own length) and we were grateful to have an experienced crew member on board up to the Brewhurst lock. Here we did everything wrong. I would like to say that I was caught off-guard by the strong current from the water-bypass channel, but I suspect it was sheer incompetence. At the second lock, Baldwin's Knob, we had an audience who followed us all the way to the aqueduct. Just before the aqueduct there was a working party trying to put planks across the canal ready for the official "opening curtain". Much to our amusement we were able to assist them in getting planks from one side to another via the boat.
At the aqueduct itself we tied up on the new railings - which received a shout "we didn't put those railings there for you to use for your ropes!" This was all very good-natured banter and an inspection party of two boys and a dog arrived. At this point we left the boat and walked up to the local pub for lunch. Our return trip was swift and we were asked to moor up by the battery recharging area after Brewhurst lock.
Two friends from Guildford were our next guests on board. As we are all bellringers we had a late start because it was necessary for us to fulfil our Sunday church duties before we could get away - and then we needed to return in time to ring for Evensong. This time the boat was quickly handed over to us and we were soon away to Brewhurst. It was another excellent day with perfect weather and this time we were able to go up to Drungewick lock, but couldn't enter the lock itself because of maintenance work. We stopped here for a picnic before fighting our way back through all the weeds. These were a real nuisance and slowed our progress. We soon learned the procedure for clearing the propeller. What we need is more boats to keep the channel clear. "Pete Wynn" shows no signs of distress when the propeller becomes blocked; he (she?) just goes imperceptibly slower and slower until you notice that elderly people out for a stroll on the towpath are zooming past you.
To anyone who is thinking about hiring the boat, I would really recommend the day out. Supposedly there is only four hours' battery power, but we had no difficulty in cruising the available length of water. It is a remarkably relaxing experience; just remember to pack a thermos of tea and you're all set.
Sally Schupke
Letters to the Editor -
Dear Tim,
I much appreciate the bulletin and consider it most important in keeping the less involved members in touch. A colour scene, especially on the front cover, is a great enhancement to the magazine. In keeping with my view I have made a donation towards the next colour copy.
All the best, Phil Broadley
(Thanks Phil. This letter (well e-mail really) is reminiscent of a letter I wrote to the then Editor, Bill Thomson, published in Jan 1986. His reply included a request for a Wey-South Advertisement Manager - someone we could do with now! Jim Phillips says that another £55 (gift-aided) will cover the cost of a colour edition. Anyone? - Ed)
Dear Tim,
I understand from a contact in BT that if we know a BT employee, he/she can apply for a grant of say £500, towards the cost of our work (building manholes) as part of the B2133 crossing. Regards, Eric Walker
(Could any member who is (or knows) a willing BT employee, contact Eric or Jim Phillips, see inside front cover for contact details - Ed)
Dear Anthony
Just a (belated) follow-up note to repeat how entranced we all were by your talk at the end of November: the idea of a visit/cruise is well worth a go - we'll talk about it at our committee meeting in January.
In commemoration of your talk, a colleague and I walked the next day - a glorious one - the stretch from near Dunsfold village through Sidney Wood to Barberry Bridge. You said so in your talk, but we were impressed to see how much of that stretch had been cleared and was - in varying degrees - in water.
More power to your elbows, all the best, Adrian Bird
(This was sent to Tony Pratt, who does sterling work giving talks, in this case in Liphook. I reproduce it here to underline both the good he does and the attraction of the canal in Sidney Wood, in isolated quiet beauty. I was there recently, hence the photo on he back cover. Go to the Forestry car park near Tickners Heath, go alongside the private drive signed towards Sedgehurst and take the first right after Firtree Copse. - Ed)
Wey-South Editor: Tim Jolly
All communication and copy either by post to:
2 Southdown Close
Roffey
Horsham RH12 4LD
Or email to: tim.jolly@tesco.net
Material published in this bulletin represents the views of the contributors and should not, unless specifically indicated, be assumed to be the policy of the Trust.
|
Next Issue will be published in June. Copy MUST reach the editor by end April please.
|
If at all possible please email copy by attachment in Microsoft Word format. However, typed / WP copy can be scanned and ASCII data on floppy disc is acceptable. Photos particularly welcome.
| 
