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[NilochParticipant @niloch]

Mill engines

[NilochParticipant @niloch]

It was the heritage weekend two or three weekends ago when many attractions were open free of admission charges. On the way home from the Lake District my wife and I decided to call in here , however we arrived in Bolton at a few minutes to four not realising that the steam museum was about to close.

Despite the shortage of time, we were made to feel thoroughly welcome and I was, more or less, given a guided tour by one of the volunteers including being shown the workshop and on our way passing a familiar face, Alf had helped Fred Dibnah a great deal in his endeavours. It also helped that a launch-tyoe inverted vertical engine bore the same name as my wife.

I found the Robey Cross Compound to be an impressive engine but it too was now stationary, it's white overalled operator going round making sure that everything was as it should be. I jokingly asked whether it was possible to start it up again, at which point the operator glanced quickly at the large pressure gauge and set it running for me. What a thrill! He gave freely of his time as I must have spent twenty minutes talking to him. Mr Neil Carney, thank you very much indeed.

Although, I regarded my donation as significant I daresay it would only have paid for enough gas for the boiler for five minutes or so! With sat/nav I had no difficulty in finding the site but I think the city fathers should erect a few more brown tourist signs for this world class museum. Do visit.

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