Archive Issue 127

From Fraser & Chalmers A Fraser & Chalmers aircraft carrier lift in action. This Westland Belvedere HC.1 helicopter has embarked on HMS Albion in 1969, likely on its way home from Singapore. Although Raoul Hafner of Bristol Helicopters originally designed the Belvedere as a naval helicopter, it later served with the RAF – perhaps because it barely fitted onto the Navy’s carriers. HMS Albion’s lifts were 54ft long by 44ft wide (approx. 16.4 x 13.4 metres); the Belvedere was 54ft 4in long, and its rotors were 48ft in diameter. Hence the need to unbolt all the rotor blades plus its anhedral tailplane: even then, it fitted onto the lift with a clearance of only three inches.

From Manchester Ship Canal:  The 250 Ton Crane in regular service on tow in the Manchester Ship Canal. The large ‘Werf Gusto, Schiedam’ (Gusto Yard, Schiedam) builders name board has disappeared from over the deckhouse and extra fendering and lifting tackle has appeared. Two screw tugs are ahead, the nearer is Daniel Adamson, built for the Shropshire Union Canal Company’s Mersey towage service as Ralph Brocklebank and renamed after purchase by the ship canal company. In 1936 it was decided to adapt Daniel Adamson to serve as the ship canal Directors’ launch and for entertaining important visitors and customers. This photograph shows the early alterations which gradually became more sophisticated as time passed and included Art Deco interiors. Initially the maneuverable twin screw tug continued to perform normal towage work until she had become the last steam tug in the company’s fleet and was reserved for passenger work. Reduction in business on the ship canal caused the company to withdraw Daniel Adamson from service in 1984 and on 5th March the diesel tug Victory towed it to Ellesmere Port for preservation at the Boat Museum. However, neglect and decay ensued and in early 2004 the MSC resolved that the tug should be quietly removed from public view and scrapped at Garston. Immediately the plans leaked out there was an outcry which was followed by formation of a preservation society and considerable work on all fronts to fund and restore the vessel to full passenger-carrying standards including the original steam power. More information about the vessel, its restoration and opportunities for hire are at https://www.thedanny.co.uk/  John Ryan collection