Category: Engineering

Vlog 327: The Stream in the Sky

Posted on March 24, 2024March 26, 2024 by David Johns

At 220 years old, the world-famous Pontcysyllte aqueduct in north Wales is doing very well for its age but it does need a lot of care and maintenance. Every 20 years it’s drained of water for a full inspection and I’ve been along to see what the Canal & River Trust’s engineers have found this time around.

Vlog 326: Spaghetti Hoops

Posted on March 17, 2024 by David Johns

This is a follow-on from the previous video where I began to strip out the carpeting and wiring from my boat refurbishment project, named Twiggy.

Vlog 325: Wire in the hole!

Posted on March 8, 2024March 8, 2024 by David Johns

I take the first steps towards refurbishing Twiggy!

Vlog 323: Cupboard Love

Posted on February 6, 2024February 24, 2024 by David Johns

I thought it worth getting on with something so as to get the ball rolling on the refurbishment of Twiggy, my Microplus 600 cabin cruiser.

Vlog 322: Make It So

Posted on January 16, 2024February 24, 2024 by David Johns

In May 2022, I published a video about a narrowboat being built for a couple who had specific mobility and agility requirements following illness. This is a follow-up video to see how they’ve been getting on with it since launch.

Vlog 319: Lemony Snippets

Posted on December 10, 2023February 24, 2024 by David Johns

At last! Here’s the much-anticipated and very detailed tour of my 1975 Microplus 600 called “Twiggy” including all the many things I need to fix or intend to change and improve.

Vlog 313: Hip-Hip Hoo Wrey!

Posted on October 13, 2023February 24, 2024 by David Johns

It’s 18 months since I sold my canal boat, “Wreyland”, but I’ve just been back to see what the new owner has done with it – and it’s had quite the makeover!

Vlog 312: Peace in a Pod

Posted on October 1, 2023February 24, 2024 by David Johns

I was kindly invited aboard NB Tranquility to see its one-of-a-kind (on the canals) electric propulsion system as well as the many other technical features of this intriguing boat.

Vlog 310: Routemasters

Posted on September 8, 2023February 24, 2024 by David Johns

In 2019, I made a video about the restoration of the Lichfield canal, which had been ongoing for several decades, powered largely by volunteers and donations. So many people asked me for an update that I’ve now gone back to see what’s changed and whether the pandemic brought things to a halt.

Vlog 307: Reservoir Vlogs

Posted on August 11, 2023February 24, 2024 by David Johns

In July 2019, Toddbrook reservoir nearly breached which would have flooded the town of Whaley Bridge. Today, repairs and reconstruction are well underway so I went along to have a look.