Craned out on 20th October

The weather forecast was reasonable but we left home in the rain, however by the time we arrived at Beale Park this had stopped. The boiler was first lifted onto its trailer then Consuta was craned up and the hull cleaned thoroughly on the outsides, this always comes up looking smart. I think we must have had about 14 helper/watchers on a nice sunny morning

Once safely on the trailer we set about cleaning those dirty bilges using a generator and a wetvac, see below for why so dirty. There were some minor problems at first, but these were soon sorted and after less than an hours work the bilges under the boiler were beautifully clean - Daboline grey - what great paint it is.

Consuta and boiler were then moved back near the Tithe Barn and sheeted over. Don't ask why not into the barn for the major project work ahead - we hope this problem will be sorted soon.

Two photos:- one shows a group of experts? trying to work out why the generator was going into overload - Eco switch in wrong setting, and the other one shows the present temporary parking place. For more photos of the crane out please look at the Consuta facebook section

We finished work by 1pm then some of us, after a job well done, went for a well earned lunch at the Bull.

Engineer work 13th October

The work carried out was to prepare the boiler for lifting out before Consuta is craned out. This involves disconnecting all the pipework to skin fittings and removing anything to allow clearance for the lift.

Paul discovered that our engine steam silencer had two small holes in the base which had allowed engine steam oil into the bilges. This has made a mess and this leak also explained the frequent lack of water in the ashpan. the silencer drain goes into the ashpan to keep it wet and burn off the oil. Oh dear another dirty bilge wash out ahead. So why did the steel corrode with so much oil; around??

Two photos below show how much higher Consuta rides in the water with the boiler empty. I'm hoping that this will be the normal floatation level with the new boiler (if we've done it right).

Friday 6th October

The weather during later September had been rather fickle so we ran out of options for a supporters out, so instead arranged to steam Consuta on a day when the weather predicted no rain. Friday was the day although with a northerly breeze it was cold. We aimed to get to the Boat House in at Wallingford for a lunch stop they may be go a little further up river before returning to Beale Park. The main purpose of the steaming was to raise steam and blow the boiler empty - always a good idea to do this hot so that any water remaining in the boiler will boil off.

Thirteen people booked for the trip and once we got to Wallingford the sub was out and it was quite warm sitting outside the pub. The food here was considered excellent.

Saturday 19th August

A private party booking by the Berkshire branch of the Cambridge Society. We ran three short one hour trips up and down the river from Beale Park and carried about 24 people on during a lovely day.

Saturday 22nd July

Our intended operation at the Goring and Streatley Regatta had to be cancelled. It was a difficult decision finally made when the forecast for the Saturday was rain showers and the field would be already wet from earlier rain.

Supporters repositional

Tuesday 18th July

This was delightful and quite relaxed trip upriver. We needed to move Consuta to Beale Park in time for the Goring Gap Regatta to be held on Saturday 22nd July, the rally site is just above Cleeve Lock. We only had a few supporters come along for the outing, possibly due to the short notice given about the date,

Crew having a cuppa while raising steam at Charvil.      An Iconic building above Caversham bridge.

Thames Traditional Boat Festival

Friday14th - Sunday 16th July

Consuta was moved down river from Charvil on the Friday, Coal and fenders dropped off at our mooring, then it was up to the museum landing stage to pick up our private party (The Worshipful Company of Plumbers). Friday is always a fairly quiet day at the Traditional boat festival. We set up a small display explaining details of Consuta plywood, right by the mooring pontoon. This attracted quite a lot of interest.

Saturday started off raining so we kept the stern and bow covers on but Mark our engineer decided he would raise steam regardless, so by about 1 o'clock we decided because of requests to have a run round the rally course - ie up to Henley bridge - turn round down and round Temple then back to the mooring; I suppose about 2 -3 miles. This was popular so I think we made another three similar trips - trying to join in the steamboat parade - not sure if we made this though.

Under front cover - What's all this then?          Budding new recruits?

Sunday was a much nicer day and quite warm. We probably made about three trips, then had to set off back for Charvil at about 3:30. After a long wait at Marsh lock with a very helpful lock keeper, the rest of the trip was just perfect. Arrival time was about 5:30pm.

                                  Mike Bell's new steamboat.

Thanks to all our supporters, who helped manage Consuta throughout the weekend - an excellent event.

The Reading Town Regatta

Saturday 24th June

We had agreed to get to the Regatta site on the Dreadnought reach by about 12:00, the rowing course using three lanes is just downriver from the Kennet mouth.

Crew getting ready and raising steam at Charvil.          Launches moored alongside during lunch.

The day was quite windy and much cooler than last week and some very light rain early morning. The regatta course is set as two thirds of the width for racing and one third for the normal river navigation. Travelling up to the start I think the measurements must be from the bank as there are rows of willows hanging over the water reducing the navigation width even more.

The Henley Women's Regatta

Saturday 17th June

This event is a three day event but Consuta only attends on Saturday which is the busiest day. The weather forecast was for 30 degrees and a start of lighting up was made at 7:30am. Consuta was at Temple island on the Henley reach by 10:00am ready for a long hot day.

Getting ready for a race - Alaska in background         Approaching Henley bridge on trip back to Charvil.

The relief crew arrived a just after 2:00pm and the last race was just after 6:00pm. Consuta then returned to Charvil by 8pm, a delightful cruise with lots of boats out enjoying the fine weather. Consuta was packed up by 9:00pm. A very long day for some.

The Beale Park Boat Show

Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th June

Setting up day (Thursday) for the boat show was a busy time. Cygnet to move down to our pitch, the marque and gazebo to be erected, and the mooring pontoon to be serviced and made safe for the public.

Many thanks to all who helped with this vital work. Below are some pictures taken during the four days.

Pre Season Work party News

The boiler inspection carried out on 28th May

David our SBAS inspector, thoroughly check the boiler cold and empty, then after fitting the boiler doors we filled up with water and lit the fire to raise steam.

The steam test with safeties roaring was carried out to the inspectors satisfaction and we were complete by about 2pm. Do you know we didn't even test the engine as there was so much other work that needed to be done for the Lottery grant project.

Re launching Consuta 23rd May

What a lovely day

As usual we only took about an hour to touch up the antifoul then get Consuta lifted back into the water.

This craning always has risks but we certainly manage well on the day.

Thank you to Roy our crane operator.

Also many thanks to all who came along and helped out, even cleaning up our mooring jetty ready for the Boat Show.

Final prep work on Consuta 5rd May

The next major work task will be to help at the re-launch Consuta now arranged for Tuesday morning 23rd May, help always welcome or just come along and watch.

Also if you are interested we are hoping to take delivery of our exhibition unit very soon - if you want to know more about this, please contact me by email

Work on Cygnet and Consuta on 21st April

Despite access difficulties we managed to get quite a bit done, even under supervision.

Part of the morning was used to moved Cygnet's trailer into the tithe barn and get ready to place Cygnet on it. This will involved the purchase of a few items to make Cygnet secure on the trailer.

Moving Cygnet's trailer then untying the two sections of Ulula, a 30ft Saunders hull cut in half?

Well that's the bow bit sorted but what is the best way to move the stern?

It is surprising how much can be done with half a dozen folk lifting

If you are wondering why this early 30ft Saunders hull was cut into two pieces I don't know, but it should provide a useful future exhibit for the museum showing how stitched hulls were made.

Above shows a scratch sustained at the Boat Show last year, a bit of touch up here should cure this.

We've had a lot of trouble finding a paint that will stay on the backhead of the boiler. Lots of different paints have been tried. This time - on the left is an undercoat called Bonda Rust primer and - on the right is an undercoat called Corroless S Rust Treatment Killer Inhibiting Primer, good for 200C. The topcoat will be finished in Hammerite smooth black, over the top to see the results.

Greg S has suggested "Fortress" black satin paint from B&Q has been successful on Gondola's boiler - decisions - decisions, what shall we do?

Obituary

Sad News - Richard Howard died - Saturday 18 March 2017

Richard Howard was Chairman of the Child Beale Trust, this Trust's popular wild life park had been managed by Richard ever since it first opened some 60 years ago.

Richard was a keen ornithologist following in the footsteps of his great Uncle Gilbert Beale and has been the main driving force to help keep the park viable for 60 years; quite a challenge with all the modern options that vie for the attentions of young families.

Richard's other main hobby was model boats; he amassed a collection estimated at over 2000 models, some of these are on display at the park pavilion.

Richard has been a valued friend of the Consuta Trust and a personal friend of mine - we shall greatly miss Richard. Our condolences to all the family.

The funeral was held Wednesday 29th March for the family.

First work party of 2017

March 24th

Never sure how many supporters will be coming along, so pleasantly surprised that we had 10 helpers plus three visitors

First task was to remove all the extra covers placed over Consuta in November. There was now plenty of space in the shed with room to set up the table and chairs inside

 
The photo on the far left show results of a bit of polishing, was this a competition?.

You know I don't think we ever did clean the tubes during the 2016 season, mind you a hard burst on the engine usually does this quite well.

Looking at boiler drawings, and sizing something up - now what's this all about? - more later.

All went reasonably well except one of the boiler feed check shut off cocks was seized and the spindle sheared when applying a little force - oops! So how do we fix this?. However we now have a very nice vice courtesy of Adrian, so only need the work bench?

The Consuta Winter Social

14th February 2017

Yes we did have a Consuta social this year but needed to change the venue at short notice

Twenty Consuta supporters came to the Swan near Pangbourne where we had the use of the whole gallery which overlooks the river; for more about the social look at our facebook page for photos.

Any suggestions for a venue for next year?