26th June 2010

Part 2 of the big lift continued this morning and was completed early this afternoon. Scott from Dowse has done a superb job in completing this major exercises and we have accomplished a great many things.

This second phase focused on moving the machine tools not used in a long time from the dormant Foulbridge workshops to the new RMS facility. These will be wired in during the next few weeks and will enable a shortly to be finalised programme of major works to commence here – as ever, watch this space!

Below: One of the two lathes to be relocated to the new engineering workshop at the RMS.

Below: Placing the HIAB to lift the radial arm drill.

Below: And up it goes – the HIAB can lift 9 tons and is a formidable piece of kit, originally built by Dowse Cranes on a Foden chassis.

Below: In situ, the two lathes.

Below: The radial arm drill, with Rambler to the left. The drill is positioned to enable it to be used to its maximum parameters, with good access for forklifts and plant to the right of the photo… One of its first jobs is likely to be boring various components that the Friends are refurbishing on the horse drawn roadsweeper.