Unknown to fbb : mini blog (2) ...

Nelsons Wharf : Nearly Wiped Out

Above is the old map and below is the same area c/o Google Earth.

The "slip" (slipway), at the top of the map, is clearly visible complete with its embedded iron rails to help the ship slip. But, on the roadside just to the north of the rather wet dry dock, are a couple of (possibly) original buildings.

One is the way in to the Doubletree Hilton Hotel (posh). To the left od the porte cochere is a posh house, not part of the hotel and not original, then behind the posh house is the slipway.

Posh House on the left. Above, it is viewed from the footbridge linking one bit of the hotel, across the slip to another, set up in the next-door building.

That  annexe is in the historic Columbia Wharf ...

... amongst other things, once a grain warehouse.

But, if you exit the back door of the hotel reception area, you will find yourself on a walkway to Nelsons Wharf Pier.

As you proceed down the slope, you might be astounded to see one of these:-

It is an Oystercard reader and your oyster or bank card will kindly hand over a significant sum to Transport for London.

You do not have to walk through the hotel, the Thamess Path ...

... will get you there via the river end of the not-dry dock.

But it's quicker via the posh hotel; from the C10 bus stop and ...

... you can enjoy a coffee and bun before you tap and go, fbb would guess an expensive coffee and bun.

But where to; and how?

Ah! The Good Old Days 

Remember Hornby Dublo 

These OO model railways were all metal, a mixture of tinplate and diecast. Even the station was diecast metal.

The colours were garish and unrealistic but, boy were they durable.

Then in the early sixties a new range appeared made of (shh don't tell anyone, they might not notice!!!) plastic. Not only that, but you had to assemble them yourself - they were kits!

But Dublo fans did not need to.panic. the assembly was lust "clip together, no paint or glue. Here is the Goods Shed.

There are still people who collect these.

The collector paid £10 for the kit and a further £10 to have the missing bits 3D printed. Total £22.

In 1963, you would have to pay one pound, seven shillings and six pence)£1.38 in today's "new" money. That figure inflates to £25 today.

The recently bought model seems reasonable value, especially if you note that you can buy a set of goods shed side walls (2 off only) fot much fine gold.

Hulleys Update

from Derbyshire Times web site yesterday evening.

The above was a "live" picture of the incident! Also a view of the blocked yard ...

... actually the blocked covered part of the depot.

Sad, very sad, BUT ...

... as the company enters receivership today, there IS no money! That's why Hulleys is closing today; the company is bereft of cash!

More on replacment services in tomorrow's blog.

  Next "unknown' blog : Thurs 28 Mar