Archive the quarterly journal for British industrial and transport history lightmoor press.

Plot

Contents: The Explosive Boats of Irvine Harbour by Alastair Weir, p. 2; The limestone Quarries of Caldon Low: Part One by Basil Jeuda, p. 17; The Story of a Dee Estuary Fishing Boat by Ina Bushell, p. 35; The A – Z of Sailing Craft: L is for Lighter by Edward Paget-Tomlinson, p. 44; Follow Up: Hampton Waterworks by John Alsop, p. 53; The London B Type Omnibus: Part One by Neil Parkhouse, p. 55
From 'The Explosive Boats of Irvine Harbour': This view shows the backloading of explosives on the Lady Dorothy. Even with the improved facilities, it was still a labout intensive business but now less prone to the weather. Great care in handling was required but the dock workers record was good and no vessel was ever lost at Garnock loading this way. The boxes most likely contain dynamite sticks, whilst the barrels on the tram wagon behind almost certainly contain gunpowder. Note the North British Railway gunpowder van beyond, standing on the wagon turntables provided. The purpose of the building behind is not known but it was probably used for storage and offices; it can be seen that, compared with the previous view, it has been extended in the interim but the building does not survive today. Gone too, are the standard gauge tracks, taken up many years ago, although the narrow gauge rails survived until very recently and the engine shed for this system still stands, just off picture to the right. Latterly, explosives were brought to the wharf by road vehicles. Note the main harbour at Irvine in the background.