Demeterton

[Dennis Maccoy]

Chapman & Willan's Demeterton under construction at John Readhead's West Docks yard in July 1966. Launched in May 1967 Demeterton was lengthened the following year in Amsterdam and, I believe, is still in service in much modified form on the Great Lakes.

[tynebuoy]

According to Miramar the forebody was repalced in 1979. Now called Algoma Navigator.
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/pho ... id=1400447

[magoonigal]

One thing that does strike me................with my very limited experience is the total lack of surface preparation and painting compared to 'more modern times'.

Great to see something that we would not normally have a chance to see.

Thanks for posting them Dennis.

PS Any chance you could re-post a few more of your 'Local' one's on here that you posted on Clydemarine.
I seem to remember a magnificent one in the South Harbour at Blyth, by the Ice-house.....One of the Tugs, I think but could be wrong.

[Dennis Maccoy]

Not just the surface prep Paul - look at the length of the ladder in the second picture. Similar but even longer ladders, used when we were building 250k tankers, used to frighten me to death.

[magoonigal]

Going up the Outside of a Gas Holder did it for me!!

And walking across the top of an empty one was even worse. The Crown Sheeting was normally supported by the pressure of the Gas underneath and not attached to the Crown Framework inside the Holder to allow for expansion.
When the Holder was empty the sheeting used to drop till it hit the frame as you walked over it, very scary for a young lad!

The Guy who had sent you up to take a gas reading from the centre vent valve knew, but he did'nt tell you!

[tynebuoy]

Going up the jibs of cranes in Palmers to grease the rollers while serving my time in the millwrights, no health and safety in those days.

[Whickham]

I was forced to sit in a chair and drink red hot coffee all day. You guys don't understand real industry.

[tynebuoy]

Nothing's changed then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tony Frost]

Stilll going (48 years)http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/685954/title/algoma-navigator/cat/529 with her original ME