Throughout
the last few years of boat ownership. I have been taking a number of
photographs around the canals and rivers system. Obviously the subject
would vary depending on where we were and what we were doing. The
photographic images are taken using a Canon 550d DSLR (Digital Single
Lens Reflex) which is my camera of choice. I use Coral Paintshop Pro X8
photo editing software for adding the logo and creating a smaller
thumbnail image.
There is no particular theme, other than most of my photography is waterways inspired. It's whatever that caught my attention at the time. So I thought I might include a few of my photographs into the blog.
Many of the locks on the French canals are automated, though there are quite a few manual ones. Some of the older locks are still awaiting retoration provide an intresting comparison with some of our british counterparts.
The above mechanisim was used to open a central gate paddle. The long lever arm (which resembles a points lever in a signal box) is used to open a gate paddle. The mechanisim has not been maintained for many years and yet was still light in operation. You can reverse the process and lower the paddle to adjust the flow . In an emergency the bar with a loop (above the wheel) can be lifted to release the mechanism and allow the paddle to fall.
The construction of the gate is essentially a box created from U channel and constructed of steel sections (rivited together) Faced with heavy guage planking which can easily be changed. The gate construction plate is dated 1932 and was last used in 1954. Note no ballence beam - as the gates are mechanically wound open and shut, though the mechanisim could not be seen as it is hidden behind the gate.
History: The Canal d'Orléans connects the Loire River at Orléans with the Canal du Loing and the Canal de Briare. The canal was begun in 1676. This was completed in 1692 with a length of 74 km and with 27 locks. In 1921, it was extended 5 km from Combleux to Orléans. The canal service was terminated in 1954. The canal would accomodate boats up to 100 feet (30 Mtr)in length and 16 feet (5 Mtr) beam.
There is no particular theme, other than most of my photography is waterways inspired. It's whatever that caught my attention at the time. So I thought I might include a few of my photographs into the blog.
Many of the locks on the French canals are automated, though there are quite a few manual ones. Some of the older locks are still awaiting retoration provide an intresting comparison with some of our british counterparts.
 |
| Looking almost like a clockwork mechanism. |
The above mechanisim was used to open a central gate paddle. The long lever arm (which resembles a points lever in a signal box) is used to open a gate paddle. The mechanisim has not been maintained for many years and yet was still light in operation. You can reverse the process and lower the paddle to adjust the flow . In an emergency the bar with a loop (above the wheel) can be lifted to release the mechanism and allow the paddle to fall.
 |
| Rivited Steel Construction. |
The construction of the gate is essentially a box created from U channel and constructed of steel sections (rivited together) Faced with heavy guage planking which can easily be changed. The gate construction plate is dated 1932 and was last used in 1954. Note no ballence beam - as the gates are mechanically wound open and shut, though the mechanisim could not be seen as it is hidden behind the gate.
History: The Canal d'Orléans connects the Loire River at Orléans with the Canal du Loing and the Canal de Briare. The canal was begun in 1676. This was completed in 1692 with a length of 74 km and with 27 locks. In 1921, it was extended 5 km from Combleux to Orléans. The canal service was terminated in 1954. The canal would accomodate boats up to 100 feet (30 Mtr)in length and 16 feet (5 Mtr) beam.
Though the canal is disused today, it is still kept in a good state of repair with its tow path being used as a cycle trail. There is a limited amount of restoration taking place. Along the towpath, you will see some of the original locks and gates. Lock 1 in Orléans has been restored. As have locks 4 (Pont-aux-Moines) and 5 (Donnery). Locks No. 24 through 28 have also been restored and are in currently in use.
I take photographs for my own personal pleasure. Whilst I reserve copyright ownership of the photographic image. You are free to use the image for your own purposes as long as the logo is not removed and you give credit to where the photograph came from. The image provided on the blog is a thumbnail of the original photographic image.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please put your name to your comment. Comments without a name may automatically be treated as spam and might not be included.
If you do not wish your comment to be published say so in your comment. If you have a tip or sensitive information you’d prefer to share anonymously, you may do so. I will delete the comment after reading.