Daniel Adamson Progress Report

Dry Dock Work Progress Photographs © Neil Marsden 2006
	A rare visitor to the working parties these days, but most welcome after a long absence, John Griffiths joined us on Tuesday and Wednesday this week and as can be seen got well and truly stuck in! John is the DAPS Archivist and our 'Museum Man' Professionally he is the Curator of Prescot Museum, a professional horologist, engineer and the owner of his own steam launch to name but a few of his many talents. With so many activities taking up his time, we were indeed fortunate to have him give up part of a short 'holiday' to join us. He was soon under the boiler clearing yet more of the concrete from the floor plate/frame joints to allow NDT testing of the steelwork. Undeterred by the lack of a boiler suit John went to it with gusto (or should that read 'Dusto' he was covered in it before he'd finished!)
Steve Lawrinson stands by to assist John Griffiths under the boiler. As mentioned previously Steve is also a professional marine engineer, starting out with Manchester Liners, he has served as Chief Engineer on some of the world's most powerful containerships, has held the position of Superintendent Engineer with a well known UK towing firm and is presently on leave prior to joining as commissioning Chief Engineer a brand new 9000 TEU container ship, under construction in the Far East.

Now to the engine-room where John Huxley and Peter Irlam rebuild the starboard main engine 'air pump'	John re-packs the feed water pump rod/gland (at the forward end of the air pump)	John Huxley beside the air pump link mechanism	John Griffiths, not quite his usual 'sartorially elegant self' (but close!!)
	John Huxley, another of our professional engineers, John started out with Manchester Dry-docks together with lifelong friend Peter Irlam, first going to sea with Blue Star Line, John later served with Cunard where he rose to the rank of Chief Engineer. He later worked as a Superintendent Engineer in the Petro-chemical Industry before retirement. Not content with working on the 'DA' he is shortly to holiday with a group of fellow enthusiasts aboard a Lake Lucerne paddle steamer!
Thursday saw Dan Cross 'fresh from work' join us for yet more, much needed help with the concrete removal. No you've not been linked to a dubious 'S&M' site, this is actually Dan, preparing to attack the concrete! Quite a contrast to John Griffith's less formal attire, but probably a little more effective. Dan still has the face mask, ear defenders and gloves to go. Actually he spent longer getting dressed than he did on the air breaker, but in fairness he was called away to other duties (Okay lunch!)
	Lunch was interrupted by a loud report and a vibration which was felt throughout the ship as the port prop. was freed from the shaft. It took nearly the full capacity of a 60 ton jack to release the prop. which has now been removed to allow the next stage of removing the tail shaft
A general view showing the excellent condition of the hull following the removal of marine growth and a jet wash. Primer has been applied in some exposed areas before a new coat of anti-foul is applied. Some small dark patches may be noted around the hull plates, which denotes the site of NDT sampling, so far the readings obtained are exceptionally good and no previously unknown areas of wasting/wear of the steel has been disclosed.
	Detail views of the port tail shaft following removal of the prop, not bad for a 103 year old!!
	Not to be outdone, our friends on 'Kerne' have been equally busy and as can be seen , she's already beginning to look very tidy indeed.