Thursday 19th February

Worklist:
Discuss the gas production building/equipment
Scenery structure repairs
Reformation of water tank steps

Laurence was on grand-daughter-sitting duties so G&S spent a little time discussing other model railway projects, one of which might find its way to Worton Court.

Geoff related the research he had undertaken on the gas production equipment (more anon). It transpired that the two pipes discharging onto the floor were actually cold water supply pipes to the two containers. We assume that the water tank was positioned up on the hill to supply both the gas production equipment and the workshop, a little further along, No supply pipes are visible and so an underground route was assumed to be in John's mind. However, for added interest, it was decided to introduce supply pipes. From the tank, one will run in an insulated timber casing down to the equipment, and then run in lagging, as it feeds to the cylinders. After much thought, a configuration was arrived at that requires very little work to the existing pipework.

Our attention then turned to the tank and the steps up to it. We quickly realised that the steps were completely wrong in size and arrangement, and that new ones were needed. Geoff removed the old ones and set about making new, regular and accurately sized replacements from wood.

A fair bit of work required - side dwarf walls, handrails, landings, infilling underneath etc., but they are much better. A new retaining wall with substantial coping's, will be built around the gasometer.

Stephen set-to fixing the glass fibre hill end panel, which had come loose. This had become important, as housed on the hill is the water tank serving the various buildings. The tank sits across the board joint and is bolted down, when required. Access paths around the tank and ladders etc., will be added.

Geoff had circulated an article on making plaster setts. The article was for a P4 layout and the work was superb. Geoff decided to have a go. It was successful, and said he would happily prepare large areas. However, Stephen was a little sceptical and thought it would be suitable for an area like the stable courtyard, the sweeping roads in the goods shed yard were more suited to rougher surfaces.

Gas production

The principle is that coke is burnt in a container (in the building) and the gasses taken out to the first cylinder where it is cooled by cold water sprays. It then passes into the second chamber, where it is 'scrubbed'. The gases are drawn through these containers by a motorised fan, that is driven by some of the gas. The gas is then relayed back into the other side of the building where it powers an engine (horizontal cylinder), coupled to an electricity generator. Surplus gas is stored in the gas holder.

A similar arrangement.

The electricity generator room would have been a clean area - the pride and joy of the estate. Geoff intends to recreate an appropriate interior, with tiled walls and floor, and good lighting.