Laurence mentions the by-passes that close the bottom gates. These are also installed on the Perry Barr flight, and a couple of years ago we experimented (during times of plentiful water) to see if they worked on the top lock - and they did, very efficiently. I seem to recall waterways world published, as an insert in their magazine a couple of years ago, a contemporary plan of a Perry Barr Lock - so it may be worthwhile checking if they have a copy available of the insert- or could quote the origin.

 

As to coal shutes - a small push tug was manoveuring the 57 tonne pontoon and machinery around - who says you cannot carry on the BCN?

 

Ivan Cane