western lady iv ( RML 526 )

Hello enthusiasts                            We are tony and kim medri, the proud owners of western lady iv,a short post to keep you all informed.In September 2007 we steamed from brixham to Plymouth(SOUTH DOWN QUAY MILL BROOK CORNWALL this is her new home) . During the winter of 2007 major restoration work was undertaken,we had previously removed her aft deck saloon. Her original anchor winch was totally restored,the forty years of deck paint was shot blasted away to reveal her deck planking which was found to be in good condition,from her bow to the tank room the old putty was painstakingly removed and re-corked using silcoflex.Her fly bridge deck totally rebuilt with four new access stairs,the original crew access forward of her funnel removed and replaced with a deck light,her for-deck companionway entrance sealed and glazed ladder removed.In her wheelhouse the original radio operators access hatch removed to make way for stairs,starboard side of wheel house a new chart table was constructed containing nav aids. Her original galley partitions removed.Midships now contains new galley ,bathroom,The bulk head door (once sealed mca passenger ship regs) now restored giving access to her forward compartments,her original forward head (toilet) is now a double berth accessed between her original steel forward gun bearers the deckhead above the bunk contains a clear escape hatch.Frames no6 to no11 have been plated were necessary to arrest lamination,two 1000ltr fresh water tanks fitted into the bilge between frames  no8 and no9. Waste water( black water) is stored in two 1500ltr tanks between frames no13 no14 original sea cocks used for disposal at sea. Lower deck from bulkhead no 2 to forward engine room bulkhead has been replaced using 25ml oak laminate.forward compartments retain original 24 volt lighting complimented by 240 volt. A new engine bed was constructed to accommodate 35kva cat powed generator located in engine room were the asdic generator was originally positioned (port side). Engine room wiring currently being renewed but we retain her original switch gear and shaft greasing system.All aft compartments are yet to get the attention they need. Summer 2007 saw her take many short voyages to familiarize the crew.December has seen the contruction of a floating pontoon around her port bow to enable us to replace her age worn port beam shelf and some hull planking,the work is expected to take until April 2009.We still have a long way to go.As we undertake all the work ourself any enthusiast offering labor would be welcome. Summer 2009 should see her once again patrolling our south coast! My wife kim and i will always welcome visitors aboard.If anybody would like current pics please ask

Thanks for the update Mr&Mrs Medri, sounds like a good job and well done . Best wishes for the future works and I hope things run smoothly for you both.