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Canal Transport Services News - April 2011 |
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At CTS we are currently working on three very
interesting restoration projects.
The first (right) is a riveted iron BCN Day Boat dating from
the early 1900s. We are fitting a new bottom plate and 18"
of hull sides. This boat is often seen at the Black Country
Museum, or with several others behind the BCN Tug
Enterprise.
The second (below left) is a Malcolm Braine boat from the
1970s, which we are reclading the original wooden cabin top.
After a paintjob it will be ready for another 40 years
cruising.
Last but not the least is one of our own, an original Denis
Cooper CTS boat (below right) from the early 70s. A new steel
cabin and a vintage V twin diesel will make this a very characterful little tug. |
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Canal Transport Services News - February 2011 |
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The owners of this new CTS narrowboat think
it's the best semi trad on the canal today. And that's after
months of looking at the second hand market, and other
builders, and not being happy with what they saw.
What is remarkable is that this is our first
semi trad. Basically we have taken all the good bits of the
legendary CTS build, and omitted the bad features often
associated with this type.
The inherent safety of the trad design,
and all day comfort of the steering position is retained,
combined with the more sociable space of the semi trad. The
engine compartment has remained clean and dry despite the
Winter weather thanks to effective drain channels and
ventilation.
Currently being fitted out by MG Boat Fitters and due to
return for paintwork later in the year.
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Canal Transport Services News - December 2010 |
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Work continues on this extraordinary CTS tug.
Shown here before and after grit blasting and
painting, it has many alterations from our standard design
to suit the customer's requirements.
These include modified bow and stern, raised "bar"
handrails, low profile recessed panels, and a hull built
from 8mm side and 15mm base plate.
The hull is built to our original "BCN Square" profile with
a full 6 foot 10 inch base plate.
It will also have a forward mounted engine and hydraulic
drive. |
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Canal Transport Services News - November 2010 |
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We are pleased to report no significant
shortage of water on the summit level of the BCN this year,
despite Chasewater being empty. BW's
water conservation measures, together with the usual British
Summer have kept water levels up very well.
Indeed journey times from Wolverhampton to
Norton Canes have improved since BW's 2 year dredging
programme on the Wyrley and Essington Canal. |
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A recent departure from our usual traditional
narrowboats, this bespoke river boat shows what CTS can do
given a challenge. Shown here after grit blasting in a 2
pack all over "holding system". This
exciting craft will feature side thrusters fore and aft,
forward, rear and remote control steering, and a 80bhp Ford
Puma engine. |
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Canal Transport Services News - September 2010 |
By one of those strange
coincidences, we have two, 2 tone green CTS
paintjobs on the yard at the same time.
A few minor details apart, the main difference
between them is that "Myrmica" on the left was
painted ten years before "Odin" on the right.
We never put a guarantee on our paintwork, and "Myrmica"
has certainly been well cared for, but we are very
pleased with how she still looks today. |
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Canal Transport Services News - July 2010
The biggest news at the moment has to be
the draining of Chasewater reservoir.
Details |
