The title may sound rather grand for what on the face of it might appear as two pretty mundane events, but for the volunteers involved it represents two more significant steps in our continuing efforts. All photos courtesy of Dan Cross

 

 Almost ready, a decidedly 'cheery looking' group prepare to try the newly overhauled port circulating pump engine. As can be seen the engine has been connected to an air-line for a 'test run'  The milestone? Well this is the first of our overhauled engines to be tested, will it work?  Judging by the faces the 'team' seem confident or maybe not?  Either way as I've said many times before it's a lot fun on the working parties!! Pictured, LtoR (top) Pete Irlam, yours truly, John Deakin, (lower) John Churchill and John Huxley..  did it work, read on!!

 

 

Condenser opened up!

 

Perhaps not since 1922 when Howard Carter opened the tomb of the 'Boy King' Tutankhamen, has such excitement been generated by somebody opening a door!

Well perhaps that's going a little far, but after seven weeks tireless effort by several volunteers, with all ferrules and securing studs removed, the port condenser tube plates were finally removed on Tuesday afternoon. Considering that in our estimation it may have been upwards of fifty years since this last occurred, the interior condition of the condenser proved far better than expected. The photos give a glimpse inside, before cleaning, so if we do discover any 'heiroglyphics' or mummified remains we'll let you know! 

Of course Howard Carter is forever linked with the 'Curse of Tutankhamen' and his single 'tomb'  whereas, we on the other hand are faced with another condenser on which to repeat the whole process!  Legend may tell of 'Daniel Adamson' and the 'Curse of the Condenser'!!

 

Lunch!  A well earned break for all, just to prove we do stop for the occasional bite. Of some concern is the noticeably small chicken leg being consumed by Pete Murray (right foreground) We assume this implies a strict diet, as ordinarily Peter can be usually found tucking into some substantial leg of pork, reminiscent of 'Fred Flintstone' eating a brontosaurus steak!!

 

Volunteer Kevin Lytton looks suitably wary as he faces the 'Curse of the Condenser' Part 2. Works starts on the starboard side!

 

Pete Murray and Graham Dean take another turn at the ferrules, hopefully that light lunch will not have diminished his strength!