Well, well, well. Mark has just emailed notifying me that the 1st test prints of the flat wagon he designed have arrived. And they are absolutely brilliant. A true testament to his patience, deducting skills, and design work!
Considering I gave him only a few available reference photos, and even then in dribs and drabs (I still feel a bit guilty about that!), the models he has produced are remarkably close to the prototype indeed!
Here's a reminder of the prototype wagons:
Copyright Esso Petroleum Co.
And now, here are the first photos of the test prints that he has kindly allowed me to post them for all to see. I think you'll agree he's done a great job with them:
As you can all imagine, I am one very happy chap.
Oh, and what's more, he's offered to send the first test print to me to check - for free.
How refreshing to have such an (unnecessarily!) friendly service.
I need a lie-down!
I need a lie-down!
Please don't forget to check his own blog out here, I'm sure he'll post about them soon, too.
Jam.
Nothing to do with wagons (fine as they are) but I do find it interesting how the pipe in the top photo is suspended from an A frame (hangng down) when you'd expect it to be supported from below. I wonder why?
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely no idea unfortunately, Paul.
ReplyDeleteI too wondered why it was done that way. The only reason I can come up with is that all the weight is pulling on the top of the A frame, rather than a mid way support. Thus providing a very strong method for its light weight. Remember this refinery was built on reclaimed salt marsh. I've no idea if that's right or not, but it's my only reasoning!
It might also allow a degree of flexibility in case of subsidence, as you say the place is built on reclaimed land.
ReplyDeleteWell there we go - we've solved it between us!
ReplyDeleteMay I offer another theory? The pipe may well be carrying steam or something else hot. It will therefore expand and contract. Top-hanging simplifies allowing for the pipe expanding and contracting - effectively the pipe becomes a pendulum.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, just when you think you've solved it!
ReplyDeleteThat is a possibility I had not considered.
I can't say what the pipe would have been carrying as it went from the jetty, past the asphalt bag house and onwards to presumably either the distillation/cracking towers, or the storage tanks.