339. Low-revving, gentle thumping: the Russel Newbery marine diesel engine rally

The Evesham River Festival was held on Saturday July 13th and within it was a gathering of the Russell Newbery Register. I went along to find out why people love these engines so much - and to have a browse around the rest of the festival.
Prior engine videos that might be of interest:
Rusty Newbolt • 128. Classic Narrowboa...
Dual Fuel • 129. Classic Narrowboa...
National Treasure • 130. Classic Narrowboa...
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@hwcinc]

You know you are a reporter. Someone who has a passion and shares it with us making us live in your moment. I don’t know you or your aspirations but you have a wonderful talent to communicate your feelings with others.

[@CruisingTheCut]

That is such a very kind compliment and it means more to me than you can imagine. Thank you.

[@ladygardener100]

David, your a star, we all love you ❤

[@philgray3443]

Yet again, a great video. Very interesting too David. An interesting spectacle occurred at our sailing season opening day a few years back. A Maratimo M60 was in front of a lovely steam launch. The Maratimo had engine failure and in the close confines of the harbour it needed rescuing and RIBs to shepherd it out of danger. Meanwhile the beautiful steam launch gave some hoots and plugged along taking its place in the sail past. There seemed to be a slight smug look from its passengers as they passed the multi million dollar dead fibreglass lump.

[@remb9614]

@@CruisingTheCutit’s very true! I’m sure it gets old talking about boats but you do a wonderful job on these videos!

[@Saluno375]

British man attends local festival is my favourite genre of YT video.

[@Koruvax]

British man says "engine not the problem" while sea horse pedal baot goes past.

[@howardlockhart3615]

Perfect description! Love it.

[@Londonechoes]

😂 Love it

[@Saluno375]

Dragging the scenery with us! What a class bloke

[@jamesboyleii6332]

Wonderful story teller, I imagine.

[@rollandjoeseph]

That was a great line..lol

[@fragilemaileagle]

I love listening to these men speaking their passion. It's clear they not only have a lot of knowledge for these engines, but also a lot of feeling. No better people to be the custodians of such beautiful cultural heritage 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

Well said!

[@lifeisasimulation1671]

Culture, tradition, community, beautiful weather, wonderful people. It's just so refreshing to see this type of content!

[@pedropedroztravels8272]

Great Britain!

[@martincannon1078]

Yes it"s still GREAT and I left it over 50 years ago and have never found that same "je ne sais quoi" here in France. I'll stop to wipe the tear. Bonne soirée chers amis.@@pedropedroztravels8272

[@martincannon1078]

Still Great!@@pedropedroztravels8272

[@Martin-se3ij]

There is a night train in Kenya that goes from Nairobi to Mombassa. The carriages are vintage Victorian and the sleeper cabins have those wonderful space saving fold down sinks in one corner, hiding brass taps and a mug for your toothbrush. Every square inch is worn with age and polishing. The dining car is original Art Deco the tiny wall fans still oscillating as you handle your pitted cutlery and look out at the zebra. Old steam engines "Made in Manchester" can be seen in the sidings but sadly the train was pulled by diesel. Your men are the kings of nostalgia and they bring a comfort of times when life was slower and things were built to last and had some style. A solid, classic cheese sandwich would not have gone amiss on that dining table. Your video is a treasure.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It sounds absolutely wonderful!

[@Transit_Biker]

@@CruisingTheCut there are a few videos around KZbin with steam locomotives running on these lines with these vintage coaches. The locomotive operators take an immense amount of pride in keeping these antique machines running as do the folks who maintain the old cars.

[@WilliamLewismcp]

I love that workshop on the 'Albert'. It is amazing.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

As I often say: 'Another fine report.'

[@rgarlinyc]

Wonderful old boats and their character-full engines! Always a joy to see fine old machines well maintained and still running.

[@rskeyesful]

That Dutch Barge is my idea of a Dream Boat.

[@user-mp2of5gv3z]

What a great community of enthusiasts! Thank you for sharing this story with us

[@ben31tube]

Absolutely lovely that they keep the old engines going. As always, thank you so much for the informative and entertaining video!

[@ianhawkins7387]

superb video great to see historic engines still in use today not just polished up on a stand

[@CruisingTheCut]

Indeed!

[@splatten8597]

Thank you for this! I just sit here smiling!

[@Fercough]

Altrincham. Once again proving it is the epicentre of all that is good. The enthusiasm is a pleasure to see.

[@GWJUK]

Come on the robins

[@Fercough]

Indeed. C'mon the Supers.

[@andrewfyakim525]

I love these old British Diesel engines; the sound, the aroma, the simplicity. I have a 3HP British Seagull outboard that runs great (although it's a bit loud). It too is the epitome of simplicity.... I owned a 1986 Ford Lehman Diesel SP135 on our last boat; had it 28 years and never had a single problem with it. It is still running like new, in the original boat. (38 years old). It has a huge flywheel. Just 'burb' the started, and it springs to life.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Love those old Seagulls!

[@billharris6886]

I love the simplicity, heavy duty construction, and low crankshaft speed of those old engines.

[@garyp8471]

Love the sound of those vintage single cylinder engines grand video.

[@mare2971]

In Germany we have a popular comic character called Werner. He was (and is) "cult". He said "If someones cult, it's my friend Hörni with his Lanz Bulldog. Next picture, changed perspective and you see this tractor with a one-zylinder 10 l Machine doing "Kult, Kult, Kult, Kult". 😂

[@jamesa7506]

Kachug kachug kachug "hold on to ya knickers, we're really movin now!!" Kachug kachug kachug... 😃👍

[@basstutorman]

As one of the 19, I'd like to say thanks David for yet another most excellent professional video.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks indeed! 👍

[@gargoyle67]

Ahhh Mr Laycock now that's a badass name.

[@leslielutz6140]

So special. The engine sound is very relaxing. THAT DUTCH OH MY.

[@for.tax.reasons]

The history is so interesting! Rolls Royce imagine that

[@helenedansereau9255]

Those engines have such a lovely quiet ticking sound. I should think it’s a major incentive for choosing them. Love the green and gold look on some engines. Reminds me of a green tin of Twinings Irish breakfast tea, with its gold cover.

[@Random-rt5ec]

I love how the owners talk about their respective engines with a feeling of pride.

[@davelawrence6777]

Thanks as always for the post

[@deansiracusa3966]

Thanks so much for interviewing these amazing caretakers of some great vintage boats! They’re doing a great job keeping them going, and you’re doing a great job sharing their efforts!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@gadgetfellow]

Love the barge with the workshop, imagine carrying a lathe down there, the RN engine boats are amazing, thank you

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@HorribadHumor]

Always exciting to see content from this channel! Thanks for the upload! Cheers from North Carolina

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@singinchicken]

When I close my eyes and listen to Andrew Alycock, the rally organizer, I totally hear Richard Ayoade! 😂

[@johnb4183]

Another Home Run Dave , super interesting and informative ! Thanks 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

My pleasure!

[@greenspiritarts]

Human beings are so amazing. Human beings living with getting around on water are in a class by themselves. Those doing it with traditional equipment which they pamper and love…well…that’s another universe all together! Thanks for making and sharing this enchanting vlog….. always love the content you create!!! Cheers from the Adirondacks … original home of the Birch Bark canoe! ❤

[@CruisingTheCut]

You are most kind, thanks 🙏

[@Chuck59ish]

Who says all the eccentrics are gone? They're well and alive on the canals.

[@dukebracton6077]

Thank you very much ! It's a joy to see the old boats and especially their owners :)

[@littlechris5656]

And drinking real ale!!! Classic. Brilliant video as usual, loved all these boast especially the peddle powered dragon boat that glided by!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@PCMenten]

It’s good to see the enthusiasm of canal life spreading. That’s good for the future of canal restoration.

[@deborahstockings5665]

Love that idling engine sound. Reminds me a bit of my late father in law’s starting handle club…. So pleased to see that there are still enthusiasts out there keeping these traditional boats running.

[@Gravitatis]

0:24 that dog looks wise beyond his years

[@rheffner3]

Nice video. So cool that these people love their boats and engines. An eccentric group of people for sure.

[@zapfanzapfan]

A coin standing on edge on a running engine is impressive.

[@RobMartin1ds]

A pleasant day out. You sounded wistful seeing that nice cabin….. I have to admit, it did tug at one’s “want” urges….

[@davidwelch6796]

What a great video and so much to talk about. Despite the soot, smoke and oil splash of these old engines they are very 'green'. Engines produce most of their pollution during manufacture, therefore a long lasting engine produces less pollution than modern engines that have a shorter working life. The gentleman who mentioned that the slow running engine rotates his alternator a bit slower than he would like; could this not be solved by altering the ratio of the belt wheels? Finally my compliments on a fine and interesting video, the only possible improvement from my point of view would be if you also covered Armstrong Siddeley diesel engines. I applaud the fraternity of Russell Newbury Register who keep this section of British industrial heritage alive in fine style.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers, I’m not aware of any narrowboats with an Armstrong Siddeley engines (there were none at this event at least) but if anyone knows of any…

[@davidwelch6796]

@@CruisingTheCut I came across one at a gathering of narrowboats adjacent to a car show a few years back but sadly do not have any details of the narrowboat or its owner. These Armstrong Siddeley diesel engines were available in three versions, single, twin and triple cylinders and were used in a variety of applications including agricultural bailers. These days Armstrong Siddeley Motors are mostly remembered for their cars but the largest part of their work was making aircraft engines. In 1958 they amalgamated with the Bristol Aircraft firm to become Bristol Siddeley. They were part of the Hawker Siddeley group of companies which I believe eventually became part of British Aerospace.

[@tomt9543]

Watching this from North Carolina in the states and, as always, enjoying every second of it! The slow, rhythmic plodding of those engines is so relaxing, although the first time I heard one I got stressed out because I thought they couldn’t get it running! Lol Being a workshop junkie, I’ve long thought that I couldn’t live on a narrow boat because of no workshop, but this episode dispels any doubts I had about the possibilities of having one! Not only does this guy have a workshop, he’s actually got a machine shop complete with Warco lathe and a small milling machine! As in the ship in a bottle thing, I wonder if they dismantled the lathe to get it down there, or just built the boat around it!

[@CruisingTheCut]

To be fair, that boat’s so big it wouldn’t fit on many of the canals but for rivers, it’s great.

[@shirleylynch7529]

So interesting. Those men keep their engines so clean. Well seen they have a passion for their engines. Great time had by all on your day out. Thank you for taking us with you.

[@grenvillephillips6998]

The engine names trip off the tongue like the cars featured in Betjeman's Indoor Games Near Newbury!

[@Duskbuild]

That low rev is a wonderful sound.

[@dosrios9517]

Loved the comment. “Real boating and drinking real ale”. Brilliant

[@rosssharp9988]

Hurrah for vintage lumps, I say! Thank you, so much, David,

[@ilox11]

Thank you, David, that was just so interesting to see these old putt-putt engines. After all, these were the motive power of the canals for so many years, putting along slow and steady to get the goods to their markets. There was some variety to them, but they all had some commonality, slow revs but loads of torque. Then you blow us away by showing that workshop. Oh my! Every man's dream of a lathe and a drill press in their workshop. Just how good is that? A large portion of your audience was drooling at the sight of all those wonderful tools and then wondering, how did they get that huge lathe down into that boat? Surely, they must have broken it down into components to get it in there. Or did they open the top and crane it into place? Another item that I loved was the little steam-powered runabouts and tenders. Amazing beasts.

[@nitehawk86]

Real boating and real ale. Sign me up.

[@ceismulcastle]

the "Albert" was impressive 👍

[@daniels2761]

Wonder how the lathe is powered???

[@CruisingTheCut]

Generator on board or shore power hookup I would expect.

[@dexterfitben]

Probably the best narrowboat vlog ever!

[@Saluno375]

I am a man with zero DIY experience and zero eagerness to perform regular home maintenance... and yet I still dream sometimes of refurbishing and living in a large Dutch barge. What is that siren's call of living in your own boat?

[@beckytourian]

I'm binge reading your new book!! Very well written, captures the imagination and makes me dream of canal boating one day : )

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much!!! ☺️

[@2760ade]

I absolutely adore that Dutch barge - my idea of heaven! Did you notice the bar 'optic' on the wall of the second toilet, which I assume delivers shots of hand soap (though I could be wrong!!), brilliant! Great video David, as always.😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, soap dispenser I think!

[@gafrers]

Wonderfully interesting. Engine FTW. Mr. Laycock's passion and knowledge are TOP

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

The gentleman with the low charging alternator may need to look at fitting a custom made smaller pulley to the alternator (to increase the rpm) and also fitting a spring tensioned idler pulley to pull the V belt in on the "long run of belt" side to increase the "wrap" around the pulley thus transferring all the "oomph" possible to the alternator..... as it appears that the V belt runs over only 1/3 the available pulley groove area... and 1/2 would be ideal.... More like the serpentine belt system fitted to modern engines..

[@andrewbarnard667]

I've just done something similar to mine. 1.5 bmc. The belt like you say is only on about 120 degrees at most. Waterpump is now electric and the belt only drives the alternator with about 170 degrees of wrap. It's a low start 120A alternator. It will easily produce 50A at tickover(800rpm). I'm currently fitting another dc dc charger to make use of the rest of its output but switched so it doesn't load it until it's rpm is high enough for good cooling.

[@billody5713]

The alternator already has a smaller twin pulley (2 drive belts) welded on. The problem is that any increase in alternator drive resistance, puts excessive load on the engine (single cylinder - 9hp) a n I would have more battery charge but without propulsion. The engine would stall.

[@thejerseylady1]

You always find such interesting things to tell us about and show us. Sending all the best, Gloria🐂

[@timothygriffin1062]

Excellent video David. I sure enjoyed listening to the RN engines and all of the information.

[@sgit1]

That Dutch barge. . . Icing on a well presented cake.😎

[@art969bones]

My good lord, the I why British culture is so fantastic, I love the work your doing please keep it going your doing a first class job bringing this sort of heritage to the internet 👍🏆👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks, will do!

[@art969bones]

@@CruisingTheCut ❤️

[@francescosturla1375]

Really nice to listen the sound of these old engineering.

[@dougmacgregor5053]

Your still getting better at your work David. Great show yet again.

[@stevegoodwin7138]

Quote “it will last forever “ brought me back to the years of pre made in china if you get my gist

[@bobuncle8704]

I love the classics. The that machine shop is a dream.

[@dreamingflurry2729]

"Stop! Stop!" - "Why?" - "You are dragging my field with you!" SCNR! Nice video once again, thanks David!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks for watching!

[@_instabil]

I've long admired the TV quality of your videos. Now I've just realised that all your protagonists can also tell incredibly elegant and interesting stories. In Germany they call that ‘broadcastable’. Good old Brits!

[@maryjnorwood3962]

Gives me a new appreciation of diesel engines. They actually do have personalities. (Even our old Yanmar 3GM. 😆) Thanks, David! 😎🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CruisingTheCut]

My pleasure!

[@chrisdaniel1339]

I would install a plate style sight glass/sight window on the day tank so there is no more messy stick dipping. I prefer the steam engines, so quiet and powerful

[@deansiracusa3966]

I love the red dragon slowly going by during the interview!

[@user-il6hj8nb2l]

I used the word HEAVEN as a description of last week's video....... after this week I am still happily there..... I love your updates on twiggy too, but more of these boats pls

[@richellen6855]

Mr. Laycock is just a gem!! In fact all the chaps were characters...kinda like their 'lumps', if I am using the correct vernacular.

[@andrewbarnard667]

I can't say i spend countless hours each week trawling through adverts looking for sutch events. But i never see them advertised. Excellent vlog. Keep it up.

[@umbertoyltp]

Heidi would love the company of these boats!

[@nilo70]

Well Done David ! It’s quite Hot now where I live and to watch a Crusing the Cut video is a wonderful thing to see . Cheers From California 😎

[@CruisingTheCut]

That's good to hear!

[@hans2406]

Love the Sound of these old engines.

[@Trevor_Austin]

These engines will certainly last, especially considering the love that is put into their upkeep. These engine’s nemesis is the green movement. These are the people who will ban and outlaw their use and probably their existence and that of every other diesel engined narrow boat.

[@bak9451]

One of my favorite shows. Thank you.

[@stargazer5784]

Low horsepower, high torque. Classic low rpm diesels that could probably yank bollards out of the ground if you forgot to cast off the lines before departing. LOLOL! Many people would be shocked to know that the older semi-tractors seen pulling 40+ ton trailers on the highways, only produce a few hundred horsepower, but over 1000 foot pounds of torque. The old ones had a very narrow power band of between maybe 1000 to 1400 rpms, and they typically had as many as 15 forward speeds so the driver could keep the rpms in the power band on the tachometer, while traveling at both city and highway speeds. Most of them were inline 6 cylinders, so they sounded like they were revving higher than what they actually were. Thx for posting. 👍

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi guys, I absolutely love these old diesel engines. They sound fantastic and they will be around for a long time. I’m not interested in electric boats if they catch fire you’ll never bought them out at least with a diesel engine. You’ve got a bit of a chance anyway, that’s my thought and opinion, and I probably doesn’t count for much, but I just love the sound of them. Keep up the good work always enjoy the videos Cliff from Australia 🇦🇺

[@mellissadalby1402]

Hi David, The Albert Dutch BArge certainly looks to be very homey and comfortable.

[@davidcook380]

Wonderful video David

[@scottgordon1781]

Starting of with a CAMRA guy , one of our old boys was a 'very , very big fan of that back in the early 70 s :-)

[@ladygardener100]

Where does he find these knowledgeable guys who can talk to camera so well, well done all.

[@user-pv4ld1je5x]

Hey David your living my dream. David. Enjoy.❤

[@tobolulo]

Its cities may fall but Britain will always survive on the canals.

[@sma3037]

David, your videos always give me calm and a sense simple happiness. Happy Sunday to you!

[@CruisingTheCut]

That's splendid to hear! Cheers 😀

[@clearprop]

Another superbly prepared, filmed, edited and presented video. Absolutely top quality. 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks! 😀😀

[@susanmarker2164]

Great vlog...wonderful old boats!!Looking so very comfy!.Thanks David!..🤓

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@jontisdall6248]

I have an identical clothes peg arrangement on the choke cable of my Harley. The 'twist and lock' system on the cable wore out years ago and a clothes peg is a perfect substitute. 👍

[@kevinkohler2750]

Just wonderful. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@jessicakellerart4268]

The workshop on the Albert would be an amazing addition to my art studio! As an artist, I'm always looking to expand my artistic vision.

[@andyrbush]

Love the old English interior layouts on board those boats. Great vlog thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@raymaulder7383]

Another great video, thank you. I admire the people who keep the old British engines going.

[@kingjackupeace5844]

This is really impressive. I pray that the younger ones will carry these traditions on! Thank you for this video; so fun and informative!

[@isobelchapman9548]

David, that was a really lovely wee vlog. Thank you so much.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dennislindenpellinge]

Thanks for a nice and interesting video! 😄I wish you a nice summer! Greetings from Finland's southern archipelago. 😎👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you! You too!

[@alexanderscholz8855]

I love the UMPH and a lot of them! Awesome, i learned a new Word, the UMPH!!! I be german speaker, but english english i love it really to listen and i understand it with my little school english. Thanks for the Video and greatings to all! UMPH over HP!!!!!!!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀😀 Probably spelled “Oomph” 😀

[@alexanderscholz8855]

Okay!! OOOOOOMPh, sounds better! Enjoy Weekend

[@user-oi8tg3dq7t]

Hello from the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches. Another nice video and I’ve watched all of them. Please keep it up.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks, will do!

[@jamesc.hoffman7168]

Your posts are very well done. Almost like being there with you. Thanks!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated!