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Ironbridge Cooling Towers Spring '17
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<blockquote data-quote="prettyvacant71" data-source="post: 345314" data-attributes="member: 21660"><p><strong><em><span style="font-size: 15px">Some Ironbridge history…</span></em></strong></p><p></p><p>The Ironbridge power stations (also known as the Buildwas power stations) refers to a series of two power stations which have occupied a site on the banks of the River Severn at Buildwas in Shropshire. The Ironbridge B Power Station was operated by E.ON UK but the site is now owned by Uniper. The station stands near the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, where the Industrial Revolution began...ooOooh yeah proper machinery with greasy parts, clanging wheels, spinning cogs, rotating cam shafts and pistons f00k somebody stop me. Originally powered by coal, they were converted to use 100% biomass fuel. Ironbridge B Power Station stopped generating electricity on 20 November 2015, with the decommissioning process expected to continue into 2017. </p><p></p><p></p><p>Construction of the first Ironbridge Power Station (later to become known as Ironbridge A Power Station) began in 1929, and the first phase was completed in 1932. The station officially opened on 13 October 1932. As a result of the increasing demand for electricity after World War II, it was decided by the Central Electricity Generating Board that a new, larger, 1000 MW power station called Ironbridge B, was to be constructed alongside the A Station. The A station was partially closed on 27 October 1980, with the decommissioning of 100 MW of the station's generating capacity. The remainder of the station's capacity ceased generating electricity in 1981 and significant portions of the station were demolished in 1983 prior to being granted listed building status, that’s very naughty indeed!<img src="/main/images/smilies/confusion.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":confusion:" title="Confusion :confusion:" data-shortname=":confusion:" /></p><p></p><p>Construction began in 1963 of Ironbridge B, with the aim to begin generating electricity in the station in 1967. Due to construction delays, some limited industrial action and the implementation of improvements that had been pioneered during the construction of similar stations using the new 500 MW generating units, Ironbridge B didn't begin feeding power into the National Grid until the 11 June 1969 and ceased generating electricity on 20 November 2015 when it reached its 20,000 hours limit of generation under an EU directive, the decommissioning process is expected to continue into 2017. </p><p></p><p></p><p>Project architect Alan Clark worked closely with landscape architect Kenneth Booth, to ensure that the station merged as seamlessly as possible into its natural surroundings. In this respect, the power station is unique amongst British coal-fired stations. When viewed from Ironbridge, the surroundings of the station are hidden by wooded hills. The extremely sexy cooling towers were deliberately constructed using concrete, to which a red pigment had been added, to blend with the colour of the local soil, oh now I do like that, a proper mash up, lap it up. The towers cannot be seen at all from the world-famous landmark, The Iron Bridge. The station's single 205 m (673 ft) high chimney is fifth tallest chimney in the UK. It is the tallest structure in Shropshire. </p><p></p><p></p><p>So impressive were the measures taken to ensure that the power station was an asset to the gorge and not an eyesore, that it was short listed for a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors/The Times conservation award in 1973. [wiki and a bit of me]</p><p></p><p></p><p>After all this thought and consideration has gone into the design and appearance of the Ironbridge site it seems such a cruel fate awaits these gorgeous cooling towers, as demolition is due to start after the completion of the decommissioning phase this year.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><em>So on with a butchers at some lush cooling towers…</em></strong><img src="/main/images/smilies/highly_amused.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":highly_amused:" title="Highly Amused :highly_amused:" data-shortname=":highly_amused:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WssQhS" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226269[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WssQhS" target="_blank">ironbridge 002</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>As I tried to play hide and seek with security (which was like having a gang of Sev’s Michael’s on pharmaceuticals dashing about in pickup’s with the aid of IR cctv I had no chance of getting the shots I wanted) one particular cooling tower decided to play hide and seek with me…I can see you<img src="/main/images/smilies/highly_amused.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":highly_amused:" title="Highly Amused :highly_amused:" data-shortname=":highly_amused:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WssPNq" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226270[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WssPNq" target="_blank">ironbridge 017</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Awww…there you are<img src="/main/images/smilies/witless.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":witless:" title="Witless :witless:" data-shortname=":witless:" /> It was quite a foggy morning and being in a gorge with the river only a few feet away it made the atmosphere rather damp and heavy, hmmm I like it.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRC1q" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226271[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRC1q" target="_blank">ironbridge 023</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>You’re just too big to hide…</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/X4bgZc" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226272[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/X4bgZc" target="_blank">ironbridge 216</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Nice try<img src="/main/images/smilies/witless.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":witless:" title="Witless :witless:" data-shortname=":witless:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5AdW" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226273[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5AdW" target="_blank">ironbridge 244</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>BOOO!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/X4bgcR" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226274[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/X4bgcR" target="_blank">ironbridge 258</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Do you like my hat?</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiHFM" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226275[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiHFM" target="_blank">ironbridge 285</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZw1eu" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226276[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZw1eu" target="_blank">ironbridge 008</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5uum" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226277[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5uum" target="_blank">ironbridge 419</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRBG9" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226278[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRBG9" target="_blank">ironbridge 033</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKpEr" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226279[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKpEr" target="_blank">ironbridge 050</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvYoW" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226280[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvYoW" target="_blank">ironbridge 056</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiQEg" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226281[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiQEg" target="_blank">ironbridge 060</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKp4r" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226282[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKp4r" target="_blank">ironbridge 070</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvXNY" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226283[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvXNY" target="_blank">ironbridge 080</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Pylons feeding from the mothership<img src="/main/images/smilies/loyal.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":loyal:" title="Loyal :loyal:" data-shortname=":loyal:" /> I’ve never seen this before, I doubt I will ever again. It was so quiet I could hear them purring, well it was more of a humming type buzzing sound, like when Frankenstein gets proper charged up<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite9" alt=":eek:" title="Eek! :eek:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":eek:" /> A little bit spooky and surreal, yet I felt like I wanted to go over and hug one<img src="/main/images/smilies/stupid.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":stupid:" title="Stupid :stupid:" data-shortname=":stupid:" /> Then you would of probably heard a deafening crack followed by a massive zap, untold sparks, the roar of hissing and buzzing, shed loads of steam and the stench of pork. Probably a good idea I ignored that thought then.</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKoFc" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226284[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKoFc" target="_blank">ironbridge 087</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKouR" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226285[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKouR" target="_blank">ironbridge 090</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiPvx" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226286[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiPvx" target="_blank">ironbridge 127</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>I want to play hide and seek too<img src="/main/images/smilies/mrgreen.gif" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":mrgreen:" title="Mrgreen :mrgreen:" data-shortname=":mrgreen:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvWSj" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226287[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvWSj" target="_blank">ironbridge 132</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKnVV" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226288[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKnVV" target="_blank">ironbridge 148</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>I don’t know what I’m lookin at…</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5D2b" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226289[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5D2b" target="_blank">ironbridge 151</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Udders<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite5" alt=":confused:" title="Confused :confused:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":confused:" /> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKnz4" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226290[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKnz4" target="_blank">ironbridge 210</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>You can never have enough pipes…and labeled too<img src="/main/images/smilies/encouragement.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":encouragement:" title="Encouragement :encouragement:" data-shortname=":encouragement:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvVyh" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226291[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvVyh" target="_blank">ironbridge 227</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRwcm" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226292[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRwcm" target="_blank">ironbridge 241</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiLe2" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226293[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiLe2" target="_blank">ironbridge 247</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiKMv" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226294[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiKMv" target="_blank">ironbridge 250</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Hello again!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiJVv" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226295[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiJVv" target="_blank">ironbridge 269</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRCcC" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226296[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRCcC" target="_blank">ironbridge 019</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRpUb" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226297[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRpUb" target="_blank">ironbridge 297</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>ok you’re creeping me out now…only jokin<img src="/main/images/smilies/witless.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":witless:" title="Witless :witless:" data-shortname=":witless:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRB7w" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226298[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VLRB7w" target="_blank">ironbridge 047</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiQEg" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226299[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiQEg" target="_blank">ironbridge 060</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiGsz" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226300[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiGsz" target="_blank">ironbridge 307</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>I was in a rush when I took this shot, well trying to hide, so I didn’t have the chance to read any of the various signs by this machine. I liked it but I didn’t know what the hell it was, I do now, hehehe hahaha I’m getting far too excited over this, ok have a guess, go on, don’t be scared…what do you think it is??? It’s not a big deal its just that I’ve never seen one before, it’s shiny and has some pipes so I like it. Don’t tell ‘em DS if you know…</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKknP" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226301[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKknP" target="_blank">ironbridge 310</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Oh yes so finally back to these magnificent four guys<img src="/main/images/smilies/adoration.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":adoration:" title="Adoration :adoration:" data-shortname=":adoration:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/X4bf8M" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226302[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/X4bf8M" target="_blank">ironbridge 320</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>The light was constantly changing as the harsh morning sun burnt through the mist, it made it rather tricky trying to set up a half decent shot and with the added pressure from hearing and seeing sec continuously driving about really didn’t help!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiF1r" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226303[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WRiF1r" target="_blank">ironbridge 347</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvTpC" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226304[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvTpC" target="_blank">ironbridge 357</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Showing some leg<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite6" alt=":cool:" title="Cool :cool:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":cool:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5vRE" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226305[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5vRE" target="_blank">ironbridge 363</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvT8W" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226306[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvT8W" target="_blank">ironbridge 391</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Only one of the four cooling towers had these extra pink legs<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite5" alt=":confused:" title="Confused :confused:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":confused:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKj5D" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226307[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/VPKj5D" target="_blank">ironbridge 413</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvSub" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226308[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WZvSub" target="_blank">ironbridge 434</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>They come alive in the sunlight<img src="/main/images/smilies/triumphant.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":triumphant:" title="Triumphant :triumphant:" data-shortname=":triumphant:" /> Unique to Europe and with the red dye added to complement the local soil, it’s such a shame not even one will be saved<img src="/main/images/smilies/blue.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":blue:" title="Blue :blue:" data-shortname=":blue:" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5tyJ" target="_blank">[ATTACH=full]226309[/ATTACH]</a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/WN5tyJ" target="_blank">ironbridge 438</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/" target="_blank">Pretty Vacant</a>, on Flickr</p><p></p><p>Goodbye my four friends. It was such a sweet but short-lived meeting of your wonderful hyperboloid structures with a negative Gaussian curves<img src="/main/images/smilies/applouse.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":applouse:" title="Applouse :applouse:" data-shortname=":applouse:" /></p><p></p><p>I feel really quite sad now! </p><p></p><p>OK pull meself together…thanks for lookin people…</p><p></p><p>Be lucky, be safe<img src="/main/images/smilies/wink.gif" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":wink:" title="Wink :wink:" data-shortname=":wink:" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="prettyvacant71, post: 345314, member: 21660"] [B][I][SIZE=4]Some Ironbridge history…[/SIZE][/I][/B] The Ironbridge power stations (also known as the Buildwas power stations) refers to a series of two power stations which have occupied a site on the banks of the River Severn at Buildwas in Shropshire. The Ironbridge B Power Station was operated by E.ON UK but the site is now owned by Uniper. The station stands near the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, where the Industrial Revolution began...ooOooh yeah proper machinery with greasy parts, clanging wheels, spinning cogs, rotating cam shafts and pistons f00k somebody stop me. Originally powered by coal, they were converted to use 100% biomass fuel. Ironbridge B Power Station stopped generating electricity on 20 November 2015, with the decommissioning process expected to continue into 2017. Construction of the first Ironbridge Power Station (later to become known as Ironbridge A Power Station) began in 1929, and the first phase was completed in 1932. The station officially opened on 13 October 1932. As a result of the increasing demand for electricity after World War II, it was decided by the Central Electricity Generating Board that a new, larger, 1000 MW power station called Ironbridge B, was to be constructed alongside the A Station. The A station was partially closed on 27 October 1980, with the decommissioning of 100 MW of the station's generating capacity. The remainder of the station's capacity ceased generating electricity in 1981 and significant portions of the station were demolished in 1983 prior to being granted listed building status, that’s very naughty indeed!:confusion: Construction began in 1963 of Ironbridge B, with the aim to begin generating electricity in the station in 1967. Due to construction delays, some limited industrial action and the implementation of improvements that had been pioneered during the construction of similar stations using the new 500 MW generating units, Ironbridge B didn't begin feeding power into the National Grid until the 11 June 1969 and ceased generating electricity on 20 November 2015 when it reached its 20,000 hours limit of generation under an EU directive, the decommissioning process is expected to continue into 2017. Project architect Alan Clark worked closely with landscape architect Kenneth Booth, to ensure that the station merged as seamlessly as possible into its natural surroundings. In this respect, the power station is unique amongst British coal-fired stations. When viewed from Ironbridge, the surroundings of the station are hidden by wooded hills. The extremely sexy cooling towers were deliberately constructed using concrete, to which a red pigment had been added, to blend with the colour of the local soil, oh now I do like that, a proper mash up, lap it up. The towers cannot be seen at all from the world-famous landmark, The Iron Bridge. The station's single 205 m (673 ft) high chimney is fifth tallest chimney in the UK. It is the tallest structure in Shropshire. So impressive were the measures taken to ensure that the power station was an asset to the gorge and not an eyesore, that it was short listed for a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors/The Times conservation award in 1973. [wiki and a bit of me] After all this thought and consideration has gone into the design and appearance of the Ironbridge site it seems such a cruel fate awaits these gorgeous cooling towers, as demolition is due to start after the completion of the decommissioning phase this year. [B][I]So on with a butchers at some lush cooling towers…[/I][/B]:highly_amused: [url=https://flic.kr/p/WssQhS][ATTACH=full]226269[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WssQhS]ironbridge 002[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr As I tried to play hide and seek with security (which was like having a gang of Sev’s Michael’s on pharmaceuticals dashing about in pickup’s with the aid of IR cctv I had no chance of getting the shots I wanted) one particular cooling tower decided to play hide and seek with me…I can see you:highly_amused: [url=https://flic.kr/p/WssPNq][ATTACH=full]226270[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WssPNq]ironbridge 017[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Awww…there you are:witless: It was quite a foggy morning and being in a gorge with the river only a few feet away it made the atmosphere rather damp and heavy, hmmm I like it. [url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRC1q][ATTACH=full]226271[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRC1q]ironbridge 023[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr You’re just too big to hide… [url=https://flic.kr/p/X4bgZc][ATTACH=full]226272[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/X4bgZc]ironbridge 216[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Nice try:witless: [url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5AdW][ATTACH=full]226273[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5AdW]ironbridge 244[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr BOOO! [url=https://flic.kr/p/X4bgcR][ATTACH=full]226274[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/X4bgcR]ironbridge 258[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Do you like my hat? [url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiHFM][ATTACH=full]226275[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiHFM]ironbridge 285[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WZw1eu][ATTACH=full]226276[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WZw1eu]ironbridge 008[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5uum][ATTACH=full]226277[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5uum]ironbridge 419[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRBG9][ATTACH=full]226278[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRBG9]ironbridge 033[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKpEr][ATTACH=full]226279[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKpEr]ironbridge 050[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvYoW][ATTACH=full]226280[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvYoW]ironbridge 056[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiQEg][ATTACH=full]226281[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiQEg]ironbridge 060[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKp4r][ATTACH=full]226282[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKp4r]ironbridge 070[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvXNY][ATTACH=full]226283[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvXNY]ironbridge 080[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Pylons feeding from the mothership:loyal: I’ve never seen this before, I doubt I will ever again. It was so quiet I could hear them purring, well it was more of a humming type buzzing sound, like when Frankenstein gets proper charged up:eek: A little bit spooky and surreal, yet I felt like I wanted to go over and hug one:stupid: Then you would of probably heard a deafening crack followed by a massive zap, untold sparks, the roar of hissing and buzzing, shed loads of steam and the stench of pork. Probably a good idea I ignored that thought then. [url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKoFc][ATTACH=full]226284[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKoFc]ironbridge 087[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKouR][ATTACH=full]226285[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKouR]ironbridge 090[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiPvx][ATTACH=full]226286[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiPvx]ironbridge 127[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr I want to play hide and seek too:mrgreen: [url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvWSj][ATTACH=full]226287[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvWSj]ironbridge 132[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKnVV][ATTACH=full]226288[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKnVV]ironbridge 148[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr I don’t know what I’m lookin at… [url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5D2b][ATTACH=full]226289[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5D2b]ironbridge 151[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Udders:confused: [url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKnz4][ATTACH=full]226290[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKnz4]ironbridge 210[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr You can never have enough pipes…and labeled too:encouragement: [url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvVyh][ATTACH=full]226291[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvVyh]ironbridge 227[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRwcm][ATTACH=full]226292[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRwcm]ironbridge 241[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiLe2][ATTACH=full]226293[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiLe2]ironbridge 247[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiKMv][ATTACH=full]226294[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiKMv]ironbridge 250[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Hello again! [url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiJVv][ATTACH=full]226295[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiJVv]ironbridge 269[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRCcC][ATTACH=full]226296[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRCcC]ironbridge 019[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRpUb][ATTACH=full]226297[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRpUb]ironbridge 297[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr ok you’re creeping me out now…only jokin:witless: [url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRB7w][ATTACH=full]226298[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VLRB7w]ironbridge 047[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiQEg][ATTACH=full]226299[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiQEg]ironbridge 060[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiGsz][ATTACH=full]226300[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiGsz]ironbridge 307[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr I was in a rush when I took this shot, well trying to hide, so I didn’t have the chance to read any of the various signs by this machine. I liked it but I didn’t know what the hell it was, I do now, hehehe hahaha I’m getting far too excited over this, ok have a guess, go on, don’t be scared…what do you think it is??? It’s not a big deal its just that I’ve never seen one before, it’s shiny and has some pipes so I like it. Don’t tell ‘em DS if you know… [url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKknP][ATTACH=full]226301[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKknP]ironbridge 310[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Oh yes so finally back to these magnificent four guys:adoration: [url=https://flic.kr/p/X4bf8M][ATTACH=full]226302[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/X4bf8M]ironbridge 320[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr The light was constantly changing as the harsh morning sun burnt through the mist, it made it rather tricky trying to set up a half decent shot and with the added pressure from hearing and seeing sec continuously driving about really didn’t help! [url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiF1r][ATTACH=full]226303[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WRiF1r]ironbridge 347[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvTpC][ATTACH=full]226304[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvTpC]ironbridge 357[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Showing some leg:cool: [url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5vRE][ATTACH=full]226305[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5vRE]ironbridge 363[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvT8W][ATTACH=full]226306[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvT8W]ironbridge 391[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Only one of the four cooling towers had these extra pink legs:confused: [url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKj5D][ATTACH=full]226307[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/VPKj5D]ironbridge 413[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvSub][ATTACH=full]226308[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WZvSub]ironbridge 434[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr They come alive in the sunlight:triumphant: Unique to Europe and with the red dye added to complement the local soil, it’s such a shame not even one will be saved:blue: [url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5tyJ][ATTACH=full]226309[/ATTACH][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/WN5tyJ]ironbridge 438[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/148069221@N05/]Pretty Vacant[/url], on Flickr Goodbye my four friends. It was such a sweet but short-lived meeting of your wonderful hyperboloid structures with a negative Gaussian curves:applouse: I feel really quite sad now! OK pull meself together…thanks for lookin people… Be lucky, be safe:wink: [/QUOTE]
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