Lots of plans are made since the Hercules has, despite a
decrease in the number of events, a busy year ahead. Besides the
bi-annual boiler survey, a thorough drydocking must be scheduled as
well.
In addition there are plans to give the Hercules a somewhat
different appearance. The bow and the air-vent pipes do require
renovation.
To be continued ....
February
Placing the bow's wavebreaker ("nose") is not a simple "one
minute" job. This goes step by step since it cannot be placed in one
piece. Actually it must be constructed part by part like, extending the
bow keel, cutting away the old head bollard, adjusting angle profile,
hammering it, shortening it, bending it to a right angle, drilling
holes, riveting, fabricating and adjusting steelplates, shaping it,
drilling more holes, riveting more, fabricating washer, drilling holes,
riveting, forge an anchor davit, forge an eye on it, pulling an arc in
it, adjusting the height etc. etc... The various steps can be viewed
here.
March
The drydocking itself was quite an undertaking. See
photo's. The inspector of "Register Holland" was attending after
waiting a whole morning. The dock master was taking various measures
ensuring that the supports should be put at the right places. The
pressure of the boiler was released in the meantime and most of the
water evaporated. At the end this (lack of steam) was causing quite
some pushing and pulling to position the Hercules in the right position
straight in front of the slipway.
Luckily there was a little bit of steam remaining so that the
capstan could do its work. That made the difference!
April
On request of a number of modellers, the original line plan
was lifted out of the archives and scanned. The drawings can be
downloaded
here in 2 parts.
Again the boiler did pass its surveys this month. Once the
safety valves have been hot tested, the sailing season can begin!
May
The new wave breaker is progressing steadilly. Originally the
Hercules did have a rated up stem, but the Danish Navy did have more
trouble because of it than advantage and cut it off. With a lot of turn
this way and that, comparing with the ss Furie and looking to old
designs, the ss Hercules is recovered in her meant appearance.
June
Great news! The foundation has found a good boiler
with all the trimmings for Heibok 4.
By the end of the summer, the
boiler of the heibok "Brielle" shall come to Schiedam. The boiler is a
standing "Field" boiler from 1959 and has 15 square meters of heating
surface.
Working pressure is 8,5 bar. As if there is not enough work to do!
But all eyes shine, because this is a new challenge ...
The boiler of the Hercules has been brought back under steam
and tested.
Even the compass has, thanks to Jan Visser of the Dockyard V,
received another report of approval.
July
Riveting of a new wave breaker, anno 2009...
August
Preparations are made to get the new steam boiler to the
Heibok 4.
The underdeck frames have been re-riveted, the deck is tidy
and put in the tar. And then everything is ready for Boiler No. 2. This
must be transported on a low bed trailer by road from Dordrecht.
Unfortunately it turnes out that the crane brakes down. To be continued!
September
The new steam boiler has arrived! On steam pile driver
clip 1 (not to mention clip 2!) shows how the first pile was driven
to the ferry house at the Burg. de Jonghkade in Maassluis (thanks to
'steamrammer'). The first instructions for use: the two long poles are
to
guide the block, another long pole is the hind leg of the tripod
(scaffolding).
And the short wood? Thats for the stove .....
October
Once again the Hercules did attend the Furieade in Maassluis.
On the way back two boats in tow, one with a broken clutch.
November
Unfortunately for the children in Vlaardingen this year was a
rain out entry. But the fun was no less. With very enthusiastic people
on board it nevertheless became a successful entry.
In Schiedam the tribute was for Packet Boat 12 this year. The
Hercules could join in the parade on the New Waterway and especially
let hereselve heard!
December
In the beginning of the month, before snow fell from the sky,
there has been hard work to provide a bollard for the new wave breaker.
There are many exciting things for the foundation to happen
in the new
year. But more about that next year ....
For now a fine new year and a good,
healthy and resounding 2010!
