Brunel Swivel BridgeBrunel's Other Bridge

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Brunel Swivel Bridge Project Photos June 2014

Brunel Swivel Bridge
Mostly getting the wheel sumps clean so they can drain again. Two wheel sumps now have a satisfying vortex of water. Where it goes who knows!

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Work PHASE A Preparation and Basic Conservation by Volunteers

No experience needed, all equipment provided, and you'll get really involved in helping to save Brunel's Other Bridge.

Contact Maggie Shapland (Maggie.shapland@gmail.com) if you wish to help.

Details of work

Details of progress in 2013

Details of progress in 2014 and working days.

Saturday 21 June 2014

Brunel Swivel Bridge
Mike having another look at the pintle and bearing
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Trying to centre the bearing with a jack
Brunel Swivel Bridge
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The bearing in relationship to the pintle
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Geoff and Mike creating a simple crane structure to lift the heavy wheels
Brunel Swivel Bridge
The first wheel pit was the north east one. Geoff undoing the nuts of the bearings. It was so much easier this time having greased the top bearings last year in very much smaller workspace without the bridge being lifted.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Lifting the wheel with the hoist meant we could lift the caps at the same time. These are quite heavy in their own right. The grease we put on last time on the top caps had done its job. Note the water and debris underneath.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Note the mark on the bearing underneath the shaft indicting lack of grease and how the shaft and bearing are tapered to stop the wheel from running out of line. Shaft and bearing in good condition.
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Closer view of the inside under bearing
Brunel Swivel Bridge
View of the outside bearing
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Time to get the accumulated debris and water out
Brunel Swivel Bridge
As usual, Maggie gets mucky but she was ably helped by Geoff. Two bucketfuls of thick debris mud was retrieved from the pit and in the holes of the wheel using scrapers, trowels and a patent ladle.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Nearing the end. The drain hole is coming into view onto the right hand side. Note the condition of the wheel.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Good view of the hoised wheel and cleaner pit. Next wheel will be the north west wheel seen to the left. That was the one in worst condition.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
We applied compressed air to the drain hole expecting a big shower of mud but the exit was clear. So we poured a bucket of water which vanished with a satisfying vortex.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
We then cleaned the shafts and bearings and reapplied grease ready to lower the wheel and put the caps back on. The wheel now turns beautifully. All in the space of 2 hours.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
We then started on the north west wheel. The outside bearing is the most corroded of all the wheels. The grease we put on last year can be seen.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
The inside shaft
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The bearing clearly shows lack of lubrication
Brunel Swivel Bridge
The wheel is full of gritty mud as is the wheel pit.
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The outside bearing
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The inside bearing.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Another view of the outside shaft
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and the inside shaft
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Martyn and Geoff dissembling the bearing
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the bearing of the east tail wheel. Good condition
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The bearing holder
Brunel Swivel Bridge
normal parallel sided bearing with scroll for grease
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Suitable dirty, Maggie having a rest from the bearings in the lovely sunshine. A good hot bath was needed.
Brunel Swivel Bridge
Mike in supervisory position standing over the proceedings

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