Fan staging

With the continuing wet/dismal/cold weather, we have moved indoors to start work on the staging for the fan. The purpose of the fan is to keep the cap pointing into wind, so that the sails are properly aligned. Old photographs show the design of the staging, which supported the fan and its associated gearing. We are relying on this evidence, along with a drawing of the mill from the 70s, as there were no physical remains when we started the restoration.

The whole staging will rely on two sturdy beams (the fan 'booms') which will locate in the tail beam of the cap. These then project out of the rear of the cap. We are making the fan booms, and the associated staging, as a separate 'unit' indoors. As with the cap, this will then be taken down and rebuilt on site, prior to the whole lot being lifted on by crane.

Initial laying out of fan booms and joists

Joists housed into the booms, and uprights added, with bracing

The 'axle' for the fan will sit across the top of the two uprights. It is a large fan, 12 feet in diameter; in keeping with such a large cap. We are in the early stages of making this - we may need a bigger workshop!

Sadly, some of the gearing parts which linked the fan to the cap have disappeared over the course of time. So, we have also been welding/fabricating, as well as pattern making for casting of replacement parts.

There will be no more blog posts for a little while, so have a good festive break and check back with us in the New Year for further news!......