I last used the Woolwich Ferry around 1990. At no point since then have I needed to do so. However, on my exploitation of the eastern parts of the Thames (at least while still in London), I started out in North Woolwich and needed to get to Woolwich. The foot tunnel was an option but the ferry runs frequently and is free so it was my preferred option. From what I have read, they replaced both ferries relatively recently. One of them has an obvious name – the Dame Vera Lynn. The other one is named Ben Woollacott in honor of a young crewman who lost his life on duty a few years ago. I think that is a nice touch.
The two ferries run at the same time with each loading on opposite sides of the river and then departing at the same time. There is an odd “dance” that they do with one going upstream and one down as they cross each other before then sliding in to the dock to unload and repeat the process. When I boarded the ferry, I didn’t know how this worked so was quite confused as we headed up river. However, it all became clear quite quickly.
The ferries are very maneuverable. They was in which the crews can put them wherever they need to while operating on a river that has some strong currents is quite impressive. They seem to slide into the berths sideways when coming from one direction while they approach the northern side in a more traditional way. If you haven’t heard of a Voith Schneider drive, I suggest you look them up. Very clever stuff.
I made the crossing and got some shots and video while doing so but my interest was now piqued so I ended up spending a little longer on the south bank of the river watching them repeat the process to see how it looked from the outside. A slick operation. As I got off, I saw the holding area for the vehicle traffic that was waiting to board. It seemed that there was a lot more going south to north than in the other direction at that time of day.
My first visit to Exotics@RTC this year was delayed. Early events were canceled for weather reasons and then, when they got going, I was doing other things and couldn’t go. The first time I was able to make it was for the German Day. I have done this day in previous years, and I like the types of vehicles that show up. Yes, there will be a lot of modern Audis and BMWs but there will also be some far older and more interesting vehicles. A Porsche tractor was one of these.
I won’t go into great details about any individual vehicles, not least because I am not very knowledgeable about them. If they are in the center section, my assumption is that it is because they are unusual, rare and expensive but maybe something lesser can sneak in too. I wouldn’t know the difference. Here you go with some images of the various vehicles.
